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To most, Mount Shibotai's devastating eruption was a footnote in Tian history. To the shadow-bound wayangs who settled the jagged crater in Minata, the volcano was the reason they inhabited Golarion at all. In their de facto capitol Inahiyi, the wayangs host an annual festival to commemorate the catastrophe that brought them into this world and forced them to ally with their neighbors against a common threat. On especially auspicious anniversaries, the wayangs invite foreigners to contribute to the ceremony, and the Pathfinder Society has negotiated the privilege of having its agents observe the sacred ceremonies as these outside participants. This is no mere anthropological opportunity, though, and the PCs may be all that stands between their world and an unspeakable evil.
Play by Post Pathfinder Society CORE campaign session of 8-14 - To Seal the Shadow
Reserving 2 or 3 spots for New Players ; so will recruit on my own variation of First Come First Served:
- FCFS for 2 or 3 among the New Players who might sign up
- FCFS for 2 or 3 among the "Veteran" Players who might sign up
- 1 GM pick for the 6th player (either to give the spot to some New Player who arrives late, or someone I have played with and give the slot to...)
All this under the condition that 6 people or more do sign up!
Looking for people who will:
• post every day (please don't sign up unless you can keep up with that pace, barring unforeseen problems)
• roleplay (offering meaningful interactions with the group)
• communicate (warn if you will be busy, to allow another player or me to bot you)
• abide by the PAIZO "Don't be a jerk" rule
• have fun!
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For the new Society members who just finished their training, or as a reminder of those history-geography classes the veterans took a while back, here are some basics about the Pathfinder world (nothing needed for this adventure, simply for your curiosity):
Golarion
Golarion is the third planet of eleven orbiting a yellow sun in the far reaches of the Material Plane.
Golarion's crater-scarred moon, Somal, fills its night sky.
Its nearest planetary neighbors, Castrovel the Green World and Akiton the Red Planet (second and fourth from the sun, respectively), are easily visible as colored stars.
Due to its innately hospitable and life-sustaining environment compared to other worlds, presumably the work of the gods, astronomers sometimes refer to Golarion as "the Child".
Astronomers on other planets, however, often refer to Golarion as "the Cage" in reference to its cosmic role as the prison of the mad god Rovagug, who lies bound at the world's core.
Inner Sea region
The Inner Sea region refers to the continent of Avistan and the northern third of the continent of Garund, both of which surround the Inner Sea.
At the heart of this region is the City at the Center of the World: Absalom.
The Inner Sea region is also the center for trade in this part of Golarion, and has therefore been the staging area for countless, terrible wars over the past ten millennia.
Absalom
For more than 4,000 years, Absalom (pronounced AB-sah-lahm) has been the City at the Center of the World, a metropolis-sized showcase of the greatest treasures in all Golarion.
The importance and influence of Absalom upon the Inner Sea and the whole of Golarion can not be overstated.
The city holds a key strategic position for both commercial and military endeavors in the region.
It is also where the Pathfinder's Society's Grand Lodge is located (the centre of the Society's activities).
Avistan
Avistan (pronounced AV-ihs-tan) is a continent on the world of Golarion.
One of the most heavily-settled areas on the planet, Avistan possesses as many varied cultures and environments as any other continent in the world and an ancient history stretching back tens of thousands of years.
The continent is home to once-great empires like Cheliax and Taldor, rising powers like Andoran and Molthune, and the ancient ruins of Thassilon in the wild frontier of Varisia
An inhabitant of Avistan is known as an Avistani.
Garund
Garund (pronounced gah-ROOND) is a Golarion continent located south of Avistan, across the Inner Sea.
At one time, central Garund was the heart of civilisation in the hemisphere. It was a major territory of the cyclopes, who once ruled all of Golarion.
Today, there are also some highly developed nations including Osirion, Katapesh, and Holomog.
Now, much of the continent is uncharted and uncivilised, but numerous ancient ruins await bold explorers, so, despite the civilizations along the outer edges of the landmass, it remains a dangerous and wild place.
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Meanwhile, on the "other side" of Golarion:
Tian Xa
Tian Xia (pronounced TEE-yawn-shaw) is the continent geographically farthest from Avistan, and lies across the Embaral Ocean.
Often referred to as the Dragon Empires, Tian Xia is most easily accessed by the residents of Avistan via the dangerous land route over Golarion's northernmost continent, the icy Crown of the World.
Tian Xa has acted as a cradle of civilization for nearly 7,000 years, and in that time has boasted three continent-spanning empires, the most recent of which, Lung Wa, ruled up until a century ago.
Mainland Tian Xia today has many different sovereign nations, many of which have experienced a cultural renaissance since the fall of Lung Wa.
Dtang Ma
Conquered by Imperial Lung Wa only 20 years before its ultimate collapse, Dtang Ma is a nation in southern Tian Xia.
The country is ruled by a feudal confederation of powerful sorcerers, their leader - the " kamraten" - currently being one Khemkhaeng, who sits in the capital city of Ramparassad.
Ramparassad
Ramparassad is the traditional capital of Dtang Ma, home to its ruling "kamraten" and his Cinnamon Throne.
Ramparassad is inland, located at the foot of the active volcano Pho-Yim in the eastern Kullan Dei mountains.
With over 75,000 inhabitants, Ramparassad is the nation's largest city.
Minata
Minata, also known as the Wandering Isles or the Minata Archipelago, is the massive archipelago located on the far southeastern edge of the continent of Tian Xia.
It is home to the Tian ethnicity called the Tian-Sing.
The Minatans have no capital city, nor any central government or ruler.
These vary by island, each being run by many local warlords, captains, and chieftains.
Mount Shibotai
Mount Shibotai is a volcano in the Minatan region of Tian Xia.
It erupted in -2476 AR covering the continent in ash, darkening the skies for months and forming a ring of islands at the northern end of the Minatan archipelago.
Inhabitants feared it might herald a repeat of the catastrophes that caused the Age of Ashes almost 3,000 years before.
___________
Note:
Absalom Reckoning or AR is the most commonly used calendar in Avistan and Garund, and possibly in all of Golarion.
It takes its beginning from the date of the founding of Absalom.
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How you got to Tian Xa, being born here, through long hard travel, or simply stepping into a Society teleportation circle, is a tale for some other day.
Today's tale is that you are in Goka, in the Petal District, in the Lantern Lodge, at the lacquered table of Venture-Captain Amara Li, as the graceful and poised lady executes a tea ceremony... with perfection.
While you wait in silence, all six seated in a half moon facing her, you reflect upon various matters as your mind wanders...
Goka is a vital port city that rivals Absalom in size and diversity, and serves as a gateway to Tian Xia for travelers from the west.
...and your eyes dart from one incredibly rare and beautiful item on display to another yet even daintier.
Once the tea has been prepared, and you each are handed your porcelain cup of the hot beverage, Amara looks at each of you: "Pray tell me more about you, who honor me by answering my humble request".
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A tall, male human stands up, puts his hands together and gives a polite bow towards Amara. "Venture-Captain, it is such an honor to be of service. I am Mao Asaka of the Bachuan District. Practitioner of the Lazy Serpent technique. I have come here as fast as I could upon hearing of your summons. My fists, and Irori's fists as well, are at your bidding." He gives one more bow and returns to his seat.
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Wylka stays seated and smells the aroma of the tea before sipping it. "A fine tea, Venture-Captain. While out on the road doing Society's mission, one thing I always look forward to when getting home is a nice cup of tea. I am Wylka Forth, faithful servant of Shelyn."
Wylka is wearing Scale Mail of a strange metallic blue creature and a silver necklace showing Shelyn's symbol prominently hanging from his neck. Leaning against his chair is a Glaive that shows signs of frequent use.
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The young halfling lass caresses her cup, tracing the patterns in the glaze. At least I'm not going first, I hate being in the spotlight. Her eyes still wandering to the various curios around the room, lingering on those that might be small enough to palm.
Suddenly she shakes her head, her shoulder length auburn hair momentarily flying in every direction. Not here Claudia, have some respect. She looks up at the statuesque woman serving the tea.
Thank you Madame Li. I am Claudia Darkmantle, humble archivist, it is an honor to be invited here to drink your tea and admire your collection. She bows her head.
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Tolinath is rather tall for his races typical norms. He wears basic garb in browns and black. Affixed to his back is a Large Dawrven Waraxe that he must wield with two hands in order to get any use out of it.
Tolinath graciously accepts the cup smelling the aroma of the teaz leaves as they steep. While patiently waiting for Amara Li to drink first he introduces himself. "Aye.. umm.. yes thank you Venture Captain. I am Tolinath Bronzebeard of clan Bronzebeard, Battlerager Mercury class. Your lodge her is quite grand and I admire the detail within which you have selected each item on display here. Many of me clan would love the chance at a view of many items on display here." Bowing towards the Venture Captain he continues "As with my fellow pathfinders here I have come to assist in your endeavors. What, pray tell, be the reason fur your call for aid?"
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A nervous looking halfling takes a seat in front of the table. As he picks up the teacup with one trembling hand his other fiddles with a lock of his short, bright crimson hair. Before he takes a sip he sets the cup back down and scratches violently at the dry and scaly skin on his face. Hexagonal flakes of skin drift down to mar the floor.
Realizing that he's making a mess of the Venture-Captain's office, he pulls his hands to his lap, takes a short nervous breath- and gets interrupted by Claudia. As she speaks, he grabs a hold of the teacup again and successfully takes a long sip of the hot liquid. Once she's done he takes a slightly calmer breath and speaks.
"Eh. Uh. Hello. I-" His breath catches in his throat, but before he can continue with his awkward introduction, words begin spilling out of his mouth. He smoothly recites the following.
"Cazlin's father had four sons.
The youngest was named West, the oldest, East.
The two middle children were born on the same day, one year apart.
One of those two was called South.
What was the name of the last son?"
As soon as he's done, he withdraws into himself, even more nervous and embarrassed than before. A whispered "Uh, s-sorry, n-nevermind." is directed straight at the floor.
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Amara Li bows to Mao, in turn: "So very grateful for your service".
Mao's tea smells of ginger, a stimulant, to spur on self-perfection.
Whereas Wylka's tea smells of chrysanthemum: "I am happy your Goddess, known to us, here in Tian, as the Lady of Chrysanthemums, could spare you", Amara says, before turning to Claudia: "We also have papers here at the Lantern Lodge, if you wish to look through them upon returning".
Then, turning to the second Halfling, Amara smiles: "My dear, oh your father's son,
I am Amara Li, and to say the least,
Though I know not if you were born the year before or the one after,
Nor if some call you North when they lose their bearings,
I wish to welcome you... Cazlin".
Having sipped her own tea, Amara looks at Red: "It would be an honor to have the Bronzebeards come see my collection. But, as you are one to go straight to the point, I will not waste precious time, but say this: I would be pleased if you could travel to Ramparassad, capital of Dtang Ma, some 4,000 miles to the East-South-East", and, turning to Cazlin, she adds: "Though this has nothing to do with your brethren.
There, you will meet Old Pak, a loyal Pathfinder operating on my behalf, and he will divulge all the reasons for our call for aid, as well as answer your questions".
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Cazlin quivers in alternating waves of embarrassed discomfort and relief that the Venture Captain is playing along. He nods hurriedly half a dozen times after she gets his name correct, all while simultaneously trying to sip at his tea. The maneuver ends up spilling drops of tea all over his leather cuirass.
In response to Amara's comments to Red, Cazlin murmurs "F-far..."
"A healthy halfling hardly handles a hefty hike of a hundred hundred hectares..." The words slip out before Cazlin can clamp his jaw shut and cast nervous glances at everyone else in the room.
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Amara stands back up, her silk gown falling elegantly in place.
She turns and pushes a silk screen to the side, revealing a room in which a pair - a man and a woman - are painting symbols on the floor.
"Amara Li would never have thee walk and be weary, especially after tea: teleportation is the key", says Amara, before clapping her hands in delight.
"Maybe you should remain here, Master Cazlin? Are you seeking apprenticeship?"
She then looks to all of you: "If you wish to eat, refresh, bathe, or otherwise prepare yourselves before gathering your belongings, please do so, my humble abode is your house. We can gather for your speedy transport to Ramparassad when you are ready".
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"Very kind of you to offer shelter and other necessities for us Venture-Captain. I am truly grateful for your generosity. If you would all excuse me for a while, I shall be in the lobby, meditating to be better prepared for the task that we will undertake." He gives a bow to everyone before taking his leave.
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Cazlin hesitates for a moment at Amara's offer, its clear that he's weighing apprenticeship in his mind. Eventually he shakes his head and says "I-I'll go."
After finishing his tea, he bows to the Venture Captain, picks up his gear from where he left it at the door and takes a tour through the lantern lodge. When he comes across each of his future party members on his walk around, he gives them a small smile and wave, but refrains from saying anything. He seems far more relaxed when he doesn't need to speak.
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Amara sends a servant to collect the vials for you, while another servant accompanies you to a smith, with a note for him to fit the armor out for you on the spot, and not make you wait.
Seeing the druid-ess arrive, Amara greets her: "Welcome, Senna Faerhana!"
As you watch the preparations, you see that the two people preparing are actually covering the drawings of the 5 foot radius circle with valuable amber dust, worth 1,000 gp.
The dust seems to be soaked up, and is nearly not visible.
You see that the magic circle itself is subtle and nearly impossible to notice, and that the markings seem to be traced to keep people from activating it accidentally.
Those who know something about arcane casting understand that this must be a Teleportation Circle, one of the highest level spells... meaning that one of the two simple people here are some level 17 or higher Wizard, or the equivalent!
Soon the two "helpers" are finished, and the female one weaves arcane words of power for some ten minutes, while her companion bows to Amara Li.
Amara tells you: "When you are ready, take the first steps of your mission. Have no fear arriving off target, this spell does not allow this. You will simply walk into the circle once it is activated... and appear outside Pak's shop. You have some hours before the circle closes, so no rush".
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Mao follows Wylka's lead and steps into the teleportation circle. Upon arriving at the destination, he stands wobbly for a bit and steadies himself. He smiles at Wylka. "I am sorry. Teleportation is not my most comfortable type of transportation. I may need some time getting used to this type of magic."
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As Wylka, Mao, and then Senna and her animal companion, step into the circle, they disappear from view.
A thought goes through your mind: No fear arriving off target she said, really?!
As your mind tries to understand how you could have been teleported in such a dangerous position, and how to react-- you land with a thud, your companions piling up in a heap with you.
Looking around you see you are in a courtyard, where a couple Tian workers drop their shovels and run away in fear, screaming for help.
It seems you arrived where you were supposed to, in a secluded, fenced in, yard, behind some building... except that these workers had dug a big hole just at your arrival point, and, given the smell on your clothes, they were here to repair something with the sewage pipes.
Sigh!
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Wylka wrinkles his nose, "Ugh... what a bad way to start things."
He carefully untangles himself from the others as he climbs out of the pit, attempting not to dirty is cloths too much. "We should wait for the others to show up and laugh as they fall into the pit, while waiting for guards or something to show up from all those worker's screaming."
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"Yes Claudia, Well..." swallowing hard Tolinath walks up the circle apprehensively. "I guess there is no time like the present." Tugging on the armor straps ensuring his newly acquired breastplate is secured. Mindlessly tracing the Tian Ispired silver filigree depicting a battle of a dwarf in Ceremonial armor standing up against many oddly demonic looking creatures.
Stepping through the circle Tolinath finds him self right outsides Pak's Shop. He goes to speak but stops suddenly and runs to the alley way grasping his mouth. A loud Blarrghh can be heard from the alley way. Tolinath walks out from the alley wiping his mouth saying "Tha poor cat didn't see it coming." rubbing a couple of fresh feline claw marks on his hands "Do nah worry I cleaned'im up. Teleportation never really goes over well with me." Tolinath stands next to the three who passed the threshold earlier nodding towards Wylka "Laddie do ya mind carrying this for me? I do nah mind if you be need'n it too. Its a bit embarasin' but the command word is 'Duckie' me cousin thoug' it be hilarious... last time I take'im along for purchasin wands."
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Cazlin slings his bow over his shoulder, nods seriously at Claudia's comment, and steps forward to be teleported. He waves his thanks to the mages that put the circle together as he disappears.
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The spell reforms him at his destination and he drops to the ground with a yelp! He scrambles to his feet and draws his morningstar. As soon as its clear that the cries for help are not from his allies, he stows the weapon and climbs out of the hole.
He shakes dirt and debris off his gear and out of his hair while reciting,
"My name is one of senses few,
I carry bread and perfume to you.
Able to make the stoutest retch,
Sometimes you'll find me in a ditch."
Cazlin comes to a sudden realization and slaps a hand over his mouth.
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As Claudia, Cazlin and Red enter the circle, everything around them disappears and-- they are in midair, and falling.
The same thought goes through your minds: No fear arriving off target she said, really?!
As your mind tries to understand how you could have been teleported in such a dangerous position, and how to react-- you land with a thud, piling up on your companions who are in a heap beneath you.
Looking around you see you are in a courtyard, where a couple Tian workers have obviously dropped their shovels before running away in fear, screaming for help.
You arrived where you were supposed to, in a secluded, fenced in, yard, behind some building... except that the workers had dug a big hole just at your arrival point, and, given the smell on your clothes, and those on your friends around you, they were here to repair something with the sewage pipes.
Mist starts to shake its shaggy coat, sending stinky water all over.
As you all clean up, by mundane means of water - and there is nice clean rain falling from the sky - or arcane prestidigitation, you realize you are in the humidity-laced capital of Ramparassad: Dtang Ma.
A dismal downpour of rain accompanies your arrival, and you smell the scent of thick tobacco on the air.
You are in the back yard of a shop, and an old Tian man exits the back door, with the two workers pointing at you.
"I am so sorry", Pak says in common, pulling from his long pipe. "I am Old Pak, and my pipes are backed up. Oh, no, not this one, those", he points to the hole. "They are clogged up, and... well, you are not here for plumbing problems. Come on in, come on in..."
He invites you into “Pak’s Tobacco and Spice”.
Inside, Old Pak moves behind the counter of the otherwise closed shop, enjoying another pull from his long pipe.
A small, pale figure with multiple tattoos and piercings is waiting inside, wandering among the rows of collected masks opposite the entrance.
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Though she attempts to twist in the air, the short distance and still disentangling companions below make Claudia's entrance less than graceful.
"Pfaw! What a stink."
She quickly scrambles out of the excavation and attempts to scrub herself clean in the rain. Once moderately less foul she follows the old man inside.
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Wylka follows Old Pak into his shop, he sneezes a little bit as his nose adjusts to the various strong smells caused by the tobacco and spices.
"The hole was a bit of a surprise but it looks like no harm was done. So tell me Old Pak, what can we assist you with." Wanting to hear directly from Old Pak the mission.
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Being use to foul smells Tolinath pulls himself out of the pit quickly brushing of what he can from his body he walks in to the shop.
Breathing in a deep breath he exclaims "Ah master Pak you have quite the establishment. Many o good smells be waften through me nose, and" taking in another deep inhale "Is that a strong Dwarven brand I smell? After me pathfinder duties I'll be looking for a few bags ta be takin home." although he addresses Old Pak Tolinath eyes the pale skinned Wayang flitting about the shop warily.
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Cazlin shakes the water out of his hair and clothes and steps inside the shop. He nods along Wylka's statement and steps in to shake the old man's hand.
When he spots the strange looking individual wandering the shop, he manages a "Uh, who?" directed at Old Pak. He points discreetly at the strange person, in case the shop's owner was not aware of them.
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"It truly is an honor to meet you Master Pak. We are here to assist you with whatever it is you need assisting." He gives a bow and looks around the shop. "Might I also add that you have a fine establishment here." He then turns his attention to the figure with tattoos. Ah, and what do we have here?
Well. Must be a friend of Master Pak. Nothing more
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From behind the counter, Old Pak shakes Cazlin’s hand, and bows to Wylka: ”Fine Pathfinders, eager to assist!”, before nodding to Mao: ”But the honor all mine, all mine!”
He looks around the shop, with pride in his eyes: ”It is a fine establishment, but thank you for noticing. And”, turning to Red, ”I am quite sure I have some leaf that would befit your fine dwarven palate!”
You hear whisting coming from a little room behind him. Old Pak glances over his shoulder: ”The tea is already boiling and should be ready soon! So, greetings, Pathfinders. I am glad you could make it”.
Following Cazlin’s discreet pointing, Old Pak nods to the pale figure: ”My guest here, is Harjandi, who joins us from the usually reclusive Minatan city of Inahiyi with a request for aid. It’s rare for the wayangs of that region to venture out of their homeland, and I’ve decided to hear her message; and based on your prompt arrival, it seems you have too!”
The wayang woman nods, turning from her tour of the masks, and moving forward, to kneel down before Mist, and hold her hand out, while looking at each of you in turn: “Though Inahiyi has few visitors, we have heard tales of the great Pathfinder Society and their interest in and respect for history and ritual”. Like Pak, she addresses you in Common: ”My city holds an annual festival to commemorate its founding, which was also when we came to friendly terms with the locals of Minata. The celebration includes ceremonial reenactments of our dealings with those ancient humans, roles that my fellow wayangs usually don masks and costumes to portray”. She smiles as she looks back up at all the masks on Pak’s wall, before going on with her story: ”Approximately every half a century, however, the festival falls on the autumnal equinox and tradition requires that outsiders participate”.
Standing back up, she waves her hands at you: “The celebration is only a few days away, and if you accompany me back home, we will be happy to compensate you for your time. You’ll also have the esteem of being among the very few outsiders to witness our rituals. And, of course, you will be treated as guests of honor at the festival”.
Puffing on his pipe, Old Pak adds: ”Not to mention the possibility of strengthening ties between the Society and Inahiyi!”. He suddenly coughs, as he is startled by the sound of the boiling kettle whistling and chokes on the last inhalation from his pipe.
“Tea’s ready!”
As you all gather for tea, Claudia eagerly shares what she knows of all things mentioned: ”Wayangs are short humanoids who are usually gaunt and have large noses. Well, I mean no offense! And though their skin is often a muted gray, many wayangs ritually bleach their skin and wear many piercings. As a species, wayangs originated on the Shadow Plane, but they were trapped on the Material Plane millennia ago when their portals home closed unexpectedly”
Harjandi nods her agreement as Claudia goes on: ”Though it is one of the
most populous settlements of the archipelago nation of Minata, Inahiyi has very little contact with the rest of the world. The settlement is located on the ring of islands known as the Shibobekas, which were once the immense volcano Mount Shibotai. The islands are now inhabited by various tribes of wayangs, with Inahiyi being their de facto capital”.
Caudia suddenly lowers her voice, and looks around, the shadows of the masks casting eery figures on the walls: ”The wayangs of Inahiyi settled their city to keep watch over a shadowy presence they believe dwells within the remains of the volcano. History states that wayangs came to this location near the end of Tian Xia’s Age of Ashes to attempt to return to the Shadow Plane, but accidentally unleashed powerful, evil entities instead. With the help of a few Minatan heroes, they trapped one of the creatures and are now devoted to maintaining its prison”.
Harjandi is very impressed, and nods: ”Such a scholar! Please, if you have any questions?”
Old Pak pours more jasmin tea for whoever finishes their cup.
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"Sorry, didn't mean to ramble on so much. It's amazing what you can find in the stacks! Why, just the other day I found a text describing how...um" Claudia trails off, suddenly looking a little sheepish and takes a sip of her tea.
She resumes more calmly, "There I go again, sorry."
She proceeds to attempt to hide behind her teacup.
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"I have only met one other wayang but I have always been interested in your people's history. I did notice the mask on the walls, when we reach Inahiyi, I would very much like to see more art created by your people if time permits."
Onto a dark subject, Wylka ask "This ceremony we will take part in, does it have to do with the prison of this evil entity?"
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Senna finishes her tea and places her cup on the table for Old Pak to pour some more. She has only heard legends of the Wayangs and listens intently as Claudia speaks.
Senna swipes a lock of forest green hair from her face and looks to Harjandi and asks ”What is our role in the festivities as guests of honor?”
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Cazlin stares with interest as Claudia recites her knowledge regarding the ritual. He looks particularly alarmed when she ends by mentioning powerful, evil entities trapped in a prison that needs to be maintained. He starts to glance more worriedly at the masks hanging around the shop.
For a moment he wavers about as if he wants to ask questions. As he struggles, he nods with Wylka and Senna's comments, until he eventually settles down to watch Harjandi's response to their questioning. Once their own questions are done he manages to pull himself together enough to ask his question.
"Evil... r-real?" Squeezing out the words is obviously a nervous struggle for him, but the end result is a little vague. He follows it up with "Or... story?" After stringing the four words together he draws back with embarrassment.
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For the benefit of all the audience, Harjandi addresses you all in Common as sits forward her hands gripping the edge of her stool: ”Let me tell you something about our people. We wayangs are creatures of the Shadow Plane, who traveled to the Material Plane via several portals during the Age of Darkness. The dark shadows cast by clouds of debris in the air stabilized these otherwise tenuous passages. As the skies cleared, these portals collapsed under oppressive sunlight, and we wayangs found ourselves stranded”.
Pak nods, and, seeming rattled, pulls a flask out and takes a nip from it: you smell fermented rice liquor: ”Most of them carved out a new life on the Material Plane, gradually adapting to long-term residency, while watching for some means of returning home. That opportunity arrived during the Age of Destiny”. He shivers, and takes a long swig of his alcohol.
Harjandi nods: ”Which was the tail end of the Age of Ashes, according to Tian Xia’s Imperial Calendar, and the opportunity in question was the eruption of Mount Shibotai, a volcano in the archipelago nation of Minata”.
Pak empties the saké, to the last drop, from his ceramic flask: ”Ash blanketed Tian Xia in a short-lived reprise of the Age of Darkness. Leaping on this chance, the wayangs braved the shattered remains of northern Minata to reopen dormant portals to the Shadow Plane. As the passages reactivated, the wayangs found not a way home, but instead, terrible presences waiting on the other side”.
Harjandi looks at Cazlin, and then Wylka: ”Terrible presences that were real! But we managed to sever the conduits in time to avert total catastrophe, but not quickly enough to prevent several powerful entities from slipping through. We captured one of these dark creatures and bound it in the rapidly flooding crater that was once Mount Shibotai—the former mountain now the center of a circle of islands that would become known as the Shibobekas. So, the celebrations are important to the history of our people, so, yes, it is a story. As for the rituals, they are said to involve real binding, and thus the Evil is real too”.
Pak is shaking his flask, trying in vain to get another drop out: ”Real story.”.
Turning to Wylka, Harjandi says: ”You will have the opportunity to meet many wayangs, and the art we created. The festival is nothing strenuous: there is a mock fight, a debate, and a feast accompanied by a shadow-puppet play, one of our art forms. These are vents that we hold every year. Anything you need for these rituals will be provided, including masks”.
Meanwhile, Pak is looking around. His eyes are a little glazed, and he seems to be trying to spot Claudia, wondering where she went…
Turning to Senna, Harjandi pursues: ”Every fifty years the outsiders play the parts of ancient Minatans, specific figures from the actual historical events, that you will enact by wearing stylized masks that match the personality of that figure. The first event, a mock gladiatorial combat, represents the early clashes between wayangs and native Minatans. The second event is a verbal duel, representing diplomatic negotiations between wayangs and Minatans. And the final event is a large feast, complete with elaborate dancing and the shadow-puppet play”.
Standing up, Pak finally spots Claudia, and seems relieved: ”The wayangs’ Minatan neighbors assisted in the binding, despite their early reservations in assisting the mysterious shadowkin. And you will represent these people”.
Harjandi smiles to Cazlin: ”Story. But you will also help us reinforce the powerful ritual magic that binds the shadowy beast: real”.
Harjandi then sands.: ”So, shall we set sail for the islands?”
Old Pak chimes in: ”Just try not to be too disruptive, and do foster good relations with the locals. Any information you can bring back about their culture—and this festival in particular— will help the Society properly catalog the information for future use by field agents”.
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Mao gives a nod and smiles at Tolinath. "They did say there will be a large feast. I look forward to that one as well," he chuckles. "This is exciting and we are really glad to help you as much as we can. We'll do our best to become good guests of your festival." He gives Harjandi and Pak a polite bow. "We thank you for all the pertinent information you have provided.
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From Cazlin's expression, he goes from trepidation to fear to sympathy as Harjandi and Old Pak explain the history behind the ritual. Once the explanation is complete he looks to the wayang with determination. He steps over, grasps her hand and nods intently while holding it in both of his hands.
"W-will help!" He pushes the words out with difficulty and locks eyes for her for only a couple of seconds before pulling away with fresh embarrassment. He bows to Pak after Mao's act of politeness and adds a nervous smile.
As the rest of the group confirms their intentions and asks any further questions, Cazlin checks over his gear in preparation for the trip by boat. He makes sure his bow is well wrapped to protect it from the elements. As he works he quietly chants, words flowing steadily from his lips.
"Who else but shadows to bind the dark,
Where else but shadows to hide the chain,
How else but shadows to mask the mark,
What else but shadows to still remain."
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Claudia takes a moment to build up the courage to re-enter the discussion. "Um, I know I should know more, but what reservations did the native Minatans have with the Wayang when they appeared? Was it simple xenophobia and territoriality?" She sips the last of the tea in her cup. "It's best to research the motivations of the characters in we are to effectively play the part."
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Shaking Cazlin’s hand, with emotion, Harjandi answers Claudia: ”I will explain in detail when we show you the masks and explain how to prepare. We will tell you of the heroes then”.
You leave the old man’s “Pak’s Tobacco and Spice” shop, and follow Harjandi down through the streets of Ramparassad towards the harbor.
It is raining. A steady downpour.
There are people everywhere, moving down the muddy streets - with planks laid out to avoid getting too dirty - or entering and exiting the low houses, made of wood,
Red’s nose often picks the fine scent of food, mainly the skewered meat that is grilled over charcoal. Buying one, he is surprised to taste that it is sweet and sour at the same time, having been marinated in cane sugar and vinegar. The vendor then adds a dollop of creamy peanut sauce. Very nice.
More and more people as you come closer to the harbor, which is bustling with activity: coolies bearing bales on their backs, and hand drawn carts, all loading or unloading the many ships.
Yours is the Spider’s Silk, a trading ship that Harjandi chartered, thus it carries no other passengers nor goods. And it is obvious she must have paid well, for no one complains about being able to transport more for better money.
The crew is mostly human, and they seem wary of the wayang.
You set out, and sail away from Ramparassad, heading north, on a splendid voyage, that takes you through an archipelago of countless islands: lush jungle-like forests covering small rocks, places where layered fields of rice or tobacco have been carved into the hillsides… and, everywhere, colorful birds chirping away.
As you move north, the rain abates, and the sun then comes out.
After spending a night on the ship, and then sailing some more, you reach Inahiyi in the early afternoon.
As you approach, you see that it is a town of over 6,000 wayangs, and all of them must be out and about and in the middle of bustling preparation.
When the Spider’s Silk docks, you spot dark gray and black banners on every street corner and stretched between the buildings.
Stalls are erected all over, their occupants hawking clothes and masks and food, but also special wares and services, such as piercings and skin bleaching it seems.
Strange paper lanterns that seem to shed darkness hang in most windows.
Despite these obvious festive decorations, the mood of the town is a strange mix of somber and cheerful: you seen realize the streets are absent the cries of merriment or jaunty music that you might expect during such a celebration.
Exiting onto the dock, you are met by a wayang wearing an elaborate hat and a nose ring connected to an earring with a length of silver chain.
”Greetings, greetings, I am Mayor Farzhan! Oh, I am but a worm facing such illustrious and grandiose heroes! How was your trip? Are you hungry? You must be thirsty! How excited are you about the festival? Have you been sleeping well? What can I get you? Do you want something?”
Harjandi raises her hand: ”Mister Mayor, our guests need some time to settle in before they are bombarded with questions and requests, even such kind ones as yours”.
”Oh my, oh my, yes, yes, yes, correct indeed”, says Mayor Farzhan, as he turns back to you again: ”I am sorry. Do you forgive me? Did I speak to much? Should I wait before asking questions? How long? When should I start?”.
An impatient wave from Harjandi.
The Mayor bobs his head: ”Yes, right, cut it short Farhan! So, well, you have all been given rooms in a boarding house, run by a woman named Unelda, Is that satisfactory? Would you prefer a different place? Our beds are too small for you”, looking at the two Halflings and the Gnome, ”Well, not all of you. Oh my, oh my, we had not been told there would be a wolf. Does it bite? What is it’s name? Can I pet it?”
”FARZHAN!”, Harjandi barks. And the Mayor shuts his mouth. Harjandi smiles apologetically at you: ”Welcome to Inahiyi, Do you wish to go to your lodgings and wash up and then have some refreshments?”.
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Mao puts his hands together and bows towards Mayor Farzhan. "Good day to you Mayor."
He straightens up and gives the mayor a firm and friendly handshake. "I am Mao Asaka of the Bachuan District. We are delighted to be here in Inahiyi. This place is just remarkable. I personally am looking forward to participating in the festival."
At this point he looks at the weary faces of his companions. "Forgive us, honorable one. But we have traveled from afar and need some rest. Please excuse us while we settle in for a while."