Your team is summoned to the Magnimar Lodge in Varisia.
As you wait, rain patters outside the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s study.
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Pyra looks out at the rain, thinking of her hot and dry homeland...
Wearing blue and gold colored clothes, in honor of her goddess Sarenrae, over her full plate, and carrying three scimitars stuck in her sash, Pyra is a young Kelesh woman who greatly resembles her cousin Kyra, the rather famous cleric.
The one thing that stands out, is that Pyra has some white war-paint covering her forehead. Some sort of Kellid tribal mark.
Pyra bows to her companions: "Well met, fellow Pathfinders. May the Dawnflower smile upon you".
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D'lack is clearly of mwangi heritage. He has a backpack full of explorer's gear and wears red robes with golden stripes and dragon patterns.
His round beardless face is regal and his golden eyes proof of an ancient heritage.
Cold, this is so cold... How I miss my homeland and Natanbu. Sometimes being a Pathfinder is difficult and need to make some sacrifices.
Nice meeting you Pyra, I'm D'lack Firestar.
With the grace of his race Lem walks into the room."Well met, fellow pathfinders. I am Lem, Lem the fabolous. And no worries."
The rain that has been falling over Magnimar for the past few days seems to have picked up in intensity today as you wait in Heidmarch manor's opulent briefing room for Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch and Dark Archive leader Zarta Dralneen to finish discussing matters with a tall blond man who looks from one to the other with thinly-veiled distrust.
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Beorin doesn't look dressed for battle with his vestments over his shoulders nor does he has the grace that the others have.
"Greeting by the Forge Father's grace, I am pleased to meet you all. I am Beorin Boulderstep, servant of Torag."
However his warhammer is more then enough to deter most with his intricate carvings over its head and the fact that the dwarf looks to be carrying a fair amount of battle scars as well.
Rain patters outside the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s study in Magnimar. Zarta Dralneen, leader of the Dark Archive, also waits nearby with a glass of red wine in her hand and a thoughtful look on her face.
“Greetings, Pathfinders,” the venture-captain begins.
“We have an important mission for you inside Cheliax. Several days ago, we received word that the Hellknights of the Order of the Gate issued a call for aid at the Menador Gap. Apparently Chelish forces are spread thin these days. Imagine their surprise when we volunteered to help.”
“As I’m sure you know,” Zarta cuts in, “the Society has enjoyed few opportunities to explore Cheliax since the shuttering of the Delvehaven lodge in Westcrown decades ago. Luckily, we still had a Pathfinder agent in the country, an eccentric man by the name of Olandil. He has been gathering and protecting Pathfinder Society records and creating a journal of historically valuable sites within Cheliax that remain unexplored. For years, an embargo trapped Olandil in the port town of Pezzack, but a group of your fellow agents recently arranged for his escape. As it happens, one of the sites in Olandil’s journal lies close to the Menador Gap. Called The Temple of the Sky, this site supposedly contains a host of magical pillars that hold ancient knowledge. I’m sure you’ll agree that such knowledge is best kept safe within the Dark Archives, which is why we would like you to obtain a transcription of each pillar.
“Equally important to recovering these tablets,” Zarta continues, “is your mission to aid the Hellknights in securing the Menador Mountains. The details are vague, but we are told that the diviners of their order determined that a chaotic catastrophe is brewing somewhere in the peaks, and we suspect orcs are involved. Pathfinders, myself included, have come into conflict with Hellknights in the past, but they are still useful allies who share a number of our goals. Helping eliminate the threat will strengthen our alliance and ensure Hellknight aid in the future.”
The venture-captain adds, “I have arranged for a teleport spell to take you directly to the Hellknight expedition. Hellknights are not known for their patience. Please make your necessary preparations and return here as soon as possible.”
Lem just shakes his head."Aid Hellknights. Well the days give for sure strange bedfellows! Well get the Tablets and aid Hellknights. Sounds like ther usual little hickups!"
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Pyra frowns, for she is not sure what exactly the Hellknights are, nor does she know about Menador Gaps, Pezzack Ports and such... and she sure does not care for eccentric Pathfinders.
However, if the Dawnflower and the Silver Crusade need her Faith and Scimitars for this mission, then she will help find any old useless pillar that needs to be found, though why one would want an old pillar she knows not.
Pyra bows deep: "We shall root out the Orcs, push the Chaos away, and bring the pillars back".
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"Is there a priority to which mission do we accomplish? It seems to me that both missions can be done together or are they not linked to each other?" begins Beorin.
"Also what can we expect from these hellknights? It would also help to tell us who and what they are. I confess having heard of them only of today."
Venture-captain Heidmarch replies to D'lack's question. "We do not know much of the location except that it is at the foot of the area of concern to the Hellknights. We have been told that they will be waiting for our agents there."
Zarta raises an eyebrow as she glides towards Pyra. "Yes, rooting out orcs shouldn't prove too difficult, especially to big, strong Pathfinder agents" she adds with a furtive smile, placing her hand on the paladin's arm.
Turning her attention to D'lack and Beorin. "Please do try to play nice with the Hellknights. Ultimate loyalty such as theirs can be an asset in the long run." she comments with a playful smirk.
Regarding Hellknights...
You may also recall some information while you provision for the trip.
Lem ponders for a long while Using Lore master for Knowledge Geography for a 25.
"I do not know much about Hellknights, apart from scary types in thick armor, I do know that the Menador Gap and especially Menador Keep are a chockepoint for trade, heavely taxed by the chelish. They do try to keep the trade routes clean, but it ain´t easy and there are many dangers. Also the orcs rise and cause ruckus!"
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"Hellknights are not to be trifled with. They have very strict edicts and allow no wiggle room. While they aren't all necessarily evil, the do respect and admire the structures of devils in hell for their strict laws and adherence. They are a knightly order that values law above all... it is that "above all" that usually bothers me."
The two women have no other information to share beyond that already provided.
We encourage you to make any last minute purchases then report back for teleportation to the meeting site.
***
As venture-captain Heidmarch nods to a late arriving agent holding both a scroll and wand who looks less like a field agent and more like a merchant and a waiting longcoat-wearing tiefling with red skin and neatly braided hair, Zatra Dralneen laughs. "Now that my dearest agent Lebeda has arrived, I believe that we can finally get you to your location to complete both parts of the mission."
The agent, having provisioned you with the minor items you desire, leaves you to your business as the tiefling wordlessly motions you towards the center of the room, where he ensures you all grab onto him.
"Alright chameks. Ah certainly hope you're ready for this" he drawls with a cocky smile. And with a flash, the lodge disappears and you find yourself in a small clearing in the middle of a field of boulders and hoary trees.
In the not-to-far distance both to the west and the east, a series of high peaks rise, blocking your view. To the north, the ground slants sharply upward and leads into mountainous peaks of jagged rocks.
Roiling black clouds are gathered behind the peaks all around, but rather than a storm, the region echoes with hushed quiet.
The tiefling bows with a self-satisfied smile before casting another spell and disappearing from sight. From your right, the clicking of mail and plate warns you that you aren't alone.
Ten hellknights in plate or red robes emerge from the ambush they were laying. One of them, a hint of raven black hair sticking out from her mask approaches you.
"Pathfinders" she says in a piercing voice in a manner of greetings. "My name is Signifer Karva and I am in charge of this expedition. The Order of the Gate doesn’t often work with your organization. Under different circumstances, we could have even been enemies. But today that is not so—we share the common purpose of restoring order to this region. Know that at my command, my Hellknights will sacrifice their lives to accomplish this mission, and I expect no less from you.
If you truly wish to return home safely, obey my commands and heed your duties" she finishes, giving each and every one of you a good hard look (or so you think).
Lem walks forward and bows.
"And you can expect no less. It is my honor to aid you in this worthy task. It is often misunderstanding that makes people enemys, when in the end they do share a common goal! Please, do us the honor and guide us, as you are the one in charge at the moment, and we are mere experts sent to be at your service!"
Adjusting the straps of his backpack, and making sure his flute is in its sheath, Lem is ready for the next part!
Signifier Karva nods, her face hidden behind the swirling vortex of her mask. However, her body language seems to soften slightly, as does that of the remaining Hell knights who assembled in rows of three facing towards the mountains.
"Excellent. I would have you fight diligently against the agents of chaos, heed my commands and stay true to your word, Pathfinder; in this existence one can only hope for the latter" she replies a little less dryly than you would otherwise have expected.
"We head into the mountains, a two-day march from here to Severed Hand controlled lands. We believe that their little tribe is working in concert with some planar beast or undead creature. Our diviners received disturbing visions of orcs screaming out in pain as strange runes were carved into their skin, piles of skulls collapsing as mounds of wriggling worms burrowed their way up through them. Worse yet is the taint of chaos that seeped through these visions, growing ever-stronger. That is what we were sent to investigate" she finishes grimly.
"Any further questions?" she asks in a tone that gives off no malice nor impatience.
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Pyra bows her head respectfully: "Only that if some of you worship Deities of Evil, can you refrain from overtly showing such signs. We are united, here, by order and Law, and I will protect you, my Allies, with my life, and, with you, I will seek out and destroy these Orcs, Undead, and Chaotic beings, that might even be some spawn of the Rough Beast. Yet I am nothing but a sworn servant of the Dawnflower, and thus have vowed to not abide evil, so...".
Lem takes out a pen and paper and scribles the words hastily down."Ooh, that sounds promising. It has a nice certain martial ring to it, indeed!"
Signifier Karva turns to D'lack “The Severed Hand tribe lives deep in the mountains, roughly a two-day march from here. Our patrols seldom come out this far, so we will be in untamed wilderness for most of the expedition. There is a small peak called Gozreh’s Fork near the edge of the tribe’s territory that offers a good view of the region. We will head there first to get a grasp of where things stand in the mountains.“
Signifier Karva then faces Lem and Pyra “We are a Hellknight order focused on the pursuit of knowledge, both infernal and arcane. Our signifers outnumber our rank-and-file knights—an anomaly among the Hellknight orders— and we operate from nearby Citadel Enferac. Other Hellknight orders fear and respect our power, and you should as well. Signifier Rutilia can elaborate on our destination”
Another female steps forward, but in arcane robes, addresses Beorin.
“The source of the chaos is unknown, but we suspect it’s an incursion of planar beasts or undead working in league with a tribe of orcs called the Severed Hand. Our diviners received troubling visions of scarred orcs covered with strange runes, piles of heaped skulls, and swarms of wriggling worms. Worse still, the diviners sense that the chaotic taint is growing stronger. They sent us to investigate.”
All told, besides Signifier Karva, there are 3 heavily armed warriors in the group, 3 priests and 3 arcane to round out the ten.
There is a pause as the Hellknight Commander looks over your group.
The moment stretches, uncomfortably.
Enough chatter for now, time is wasting. We can discuss differences in theologies while we travel.
The Hellknight turns towards her troops. "HELLKNIGHTS! LOOSE FORMATION. MARCH!"
At her word, the Hellknights adopts a spaced out formation and begin marching forward, to the western climb.
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D'lack takes his backpack and follows the Hellknights.
So cold here, why was I at the Grand Lodge when they ask agents to get so farther north!
Seeing that some of them seems to be arcanists he tries to open conversation with them hoping to get along and make this trip worthwhile.
What arcanes did you like? Myself I'm more in the evocation style. My heritage gives me the ability to burn things better.
Adjusting the strap on his shoulder, Lem falls into the marching group. After a few miles he takes out his flute and rather quitly stats with a spirit lifting marching tune.
A Hellknight marching besides Beorin and Pyra chuckles, a rich earthy baritone. He slows his pace to walk aside Pyra. "I'm Manius Tetrakis. You should call me Hellknight Tetrakis when Signifier Karva isn't pretending not to pay attention, but otherwise you can call me Manius. So, why did you two join your Society of Pathfinders?"
A few paces behind, another Hellknight, wearing considerably less armor puts itself in stride with Taerel. "I'm Signifier Rulla Abendekis" she says in a soft voice, "and I am quite excited at the prospect of seeing how you deal with threats... Pathfinder ...??" she asks hesitantly, realizing that she does not know Taerel's name.
Another Hellknight approaches D'lack and Lem and says in a snarky tone of voice: "Watch as she begins trying to explain planar interactions to your companion. Soon she'll have him bored to tears, unless he's just as much of a bookworm as she is.
I'm Signifier Abraxia by the way, humble servant of Abadar the Gold-Fisted; may we all aspire to the peace of Aktun" she offers by way of introduction. "Have you ever worked with Hellknights before?"
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Taerel bows his head slightly, and replies "You may call me Taerel. I am, indeed, a Pathfinder, although that title does mean different things to different people. I believe in strength coupled with intelligent though as the best combination to solve problems such as these. Strength alone can often cause more trouble. "
"So tell me more of what it means to be a Signifier. I must admit, I have little previous exposure to Cheliax or the order of Hellknights. I do, however, hope to one day be a knight myself."
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Beorin combs his finger through his beard as he considers the Hellknight's question.
"Greetings Hellknight Manius Tetrakis, you could say that I joined the Pathfinders as a way of continuing my Clan's Tradition as we have had several notable adventurers from our clan, scattered as we are around the world. You could say that the Society ha its perks as I get to see obsure places and learn knowledge about this world we live in. As sure as the finished work from Torag's Forge, one will never ceased to be amazed at what we can find."
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I've never really understood planes... My magic cames from my blood, I've never have need to study it. A blessing and a curse. Anyway, nice meeting you Signifer Abraxa.
To answer your question I've never meet a Hellknight before, even if I know there is some in Sargava.
Can you tell me more about your ways? I've heard your worship the Law above else and your are all evil worshippers. But as you follows Abadar I don't think this statement his really true now.
Lem bows to Signifier Abraxia.
"Oh, I never had the pleasure. I have heard many a story, but I fear many people are intimidated by your presence. I have worked quite a few times with followers of your faith. And what do you do here, a follower of the god of civilization in such uncivilized lands?"
Lem blows a pure note."I do so hope the people know that they life safe, because of your dedication!" Lem´s words are meant utterly sincere.
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Very interested in Beorin's tale, Pyra listens intently, before turning towards the Hellknight. "Well met Manius, Hellknight Tetrakis. I am Pyra, and my family worships and serves Sarenrae. Thus I followed in their steps, and, upon becoming a Paladin of the Dawnflower, entered the Silver Crusade, which made me a Pathfinder. We strive to do Good...".
Taerel's marching companion states simply. "What is a signifer you ask? Well, a signifer is a Hellknight who specializes in the use of arcane or divine magic. Nothing more nor less. Like you say, strength alone cannot solve all problems.”
As a light, irritating rain begins to worm it's way through the tree cover, Abraxia replies to Lem. "Our organization's role, and the Keeper of the First Vault, may be similar to yours. Although I've heard that your organization was perhaps involved in the flareup in Pezzak last year. I admire the deft touch that must have been employed to get in and out while accomplishing whatever it is that was accomplished.
Turning to D'lack with a light chuckle, Abraxia adds ...should the Society have been involved of course. Might I ask why you do not use your bloodline spells to aid in our ascent? It is a minor slope, but still..."
Manius stifles a chuckle at Pyra's comment "Fighting for order is always at the forefront of any of my thoughts, and I'm entirely whole" he comments playfully. "But like I said master Beorin, family tradition drives me." continues the Hellknight. "My mother's side of the family fled Galt for Pezzack during the troubles, being artists and all that nonsense. When they arrived, my granduncle was immediately put into the service of the Order of the Gate. Then my aunt and then I. The firstborns are given to the cause of Order. My cousins and I like to joke that our ancestor must have made a vow to Asmodeus and the other gods."
Signifier Karva seems distract as she slows down to take a better look at something. "Only the end results Pathfinder..." She stops, her attention not on Pyra but on a younger tree, it's trunk under a foot in diameter. It stands out not just to Signifier Karva but to all the Hellknights, who stop and immediately put their hands on their swords, or ready themselves. The tree is gnarled and ugly; with several unnatural protrusions each shaped like a spindly, writhing limb, jutting out, sap slowly dripping from it.
Another Hellknight steps up next to the head Signifier, shield up to aid her superior. And after a tense moment she lets out "I think we're on the right track girls" a remark that prompts some of the knights to chuckle nervously.
The terrain quickly grows rugged as the expedition continues and the rain falls.
The Hellknights form an orderly column through the mountains, but Signifer Karva is content to let your group march in whatever configuration you see fit. She calls for brief breaks in the march exactly once every hour to allow people to adjust their packs or sit down for a moment.
During one break, Taerel notices one Hellknight occupy herself by engraving her armor with infernal script of names of significant demons the Order of the Gate has slain.
Pyra and Beorin overhear the three divine Signifiers memorizing the laws and codes of the Order of the Gate and reciting these codes or have esoteric discussions about the finer points of the law.
You recall a bit of Chelish history and law regarding House Thrune and the rule of Law you think is relevant to their discussion
If Lem is allowed to listen too.