The sleepy town of Dustpawn sits near the Drumish border, in Isger. Spared the worst of the Goblinblood Wars and largely ignored by both the Isgeri king Hedvend VI and the bandits who ravage the country, it now faces a new threat... or at least, that is what you have been lead to believe by Dalviss Crenn. His invitation encouraged you to travel "with due haste" to Dustpawn and meet with him at his tavern, the Mineshaft. He hinted vaguely that he suspects the "falling star" which recently fell near Dustpawn is no falling star at all...
You encounter few threats on the road to Dustpawn, which winds through the rugged foothills and sparse forests of the region. The small town, which formerly relied on mining, is nestled amongst these hills; goats roam far and wide, and the goatherds eye travelers suspiciously, for Dustpawn lies a full seven miles from any major river or road.
Those unfamiliar with the town find that the townsfolk are willing to point them towards the Mineshaft, but are otherwise reluctant to gossip. You find the Mineshaft near the center of the small town.
Dalviss Crenn reacts warmly as you enter, bidding you to wait until "the others" have arrived to hear what he has to say. He urges you to share your own story to pass the time. There are no townsfolk at the Mineshaft today, and Dalviss shrugs off any comments by stating "times are tough." As you talk, Dalviss's sour-faced housekeeper Nalan Hossler serves you drinks and bland, overcooked food (free of charge). Dalviss listens intently to your stories and his face brightens as each new traveler arrives, but you can't help but notice that he appears tired and worn, as if he has not been sleeping.
As the two brothers enter the inn, Dalviss takes note that one has a book in hand and seems to be engrossed in reading. Even as the one brother greets the innkeeper, the other wanders over and sits at a table, his eyes never leaving the pages of his book.
After 5 more minutes of reading, the Oread looks up from his book, glances at the room and mutters,"Chug, when did we arrive here? And where is here?... OH! We've finally arrived at Dustpawn! Not really what I was expecting, but the inn here seems nice enough. Have you ordered us some honeycakes and bloodsausage?"
Yes brother, I was just getting to that. Tell me again, did you want an ale, or a porter?
Texillium Johansson strides into the Mineshaft, nods to the housekeeper, and hangs his rifle and sword on the back of a chair before sitting down.
"It's been a while, Crenn. How's business?"
On hearing Dalviss's reply, Tex grunts. "Well, we've both been through tougher times. I see you've invited some other friends. Care to introduce us?"
A handsome man, brown hair curling around almond eyes, grins easily as he enters, revealing pearly white teeth. Despite being covered with dust, his clothes are fine, embroidered with roses in a motif that continues on his many travel pouches.
He doffs his tri-cornered hat, the white feather bobbing merrily, and gives an elaborate flourish.
" 'Ello, mes amis! Let us be 'appy, for Aurelian 'as arrived and you no longer 'ave anyzing to worry about. Let us be about finding what ees going on wiz zis falling star you say you 'ave seen."
Chug elbows his brother, nods in Aurelian's direction, and whispers "Taldane?"
Chug elbows his brother, nods in Aurelian's direction, and whispers "Taldane?"
"A porter, Brother." Glancing over at the newcomer, Chagh grimaces. "Most likely Taldane, though he could just be daft."
Catching just a snippet of their conversation, Aurelian genially shakes his head at the brothers.
"No, no, I am from ze glorious land of Galt, once 'ome to ze most beautiful of vineyards."
Turning to Chagh, "but aren't the people of Galt mostly of Taldane origin?"
The Mineshaft's front door swings open revealing a strange man well into his thirties. Though apparently human, the left side of his face is completely covered in dragon scales, and his reptilian eyes add to the bizarre countenance. He stroll inside looking at Dalviss' cress guests, and his walk exudes some sort of palpable pride, despite his simple peasant clothes covered by a beat-up armored kilt. Spotting Dalviss in the back of the tavern, he raises his hand to greet the innkepper, and walks up to the crowded table.
When he sits down in front of the Oread twins, the air fills with the stench of goats. Not wanting to interrupt the affected Galtan that currently holds the twins' attention, he looks away and signals for Nalan to approach. He then leans over and speaks in her ear. "Milk and meat, please. Not too cooked."
After the housekeeper walks away, the man joins his hands and rests them on the table, listening to the conversation but staring in a different direction.
A rough-looking dwarf in fine (if mud-caked) mithril plate barges in. A bear clad in studded leather follows close behind. The bear leaves a few muddy prints on the floor, and the dwarf glares at him and grumbles in Dwarven "Sir Kumador! Manners!" upon which the bear rises up to his hind legs, walks up to a chair and sits down, resting his paws in his lap.
Kumador approaches Dalviss, shakes his hand and gives him a hearty slap on the back. "Dalviss, dear friend, don't you be looking so dour. You should not worry, Hathor and Kumador are here!"
Heavy metal footfalls accompany Genevar's entrance into the Mineshaft. She sweeps her helmet off her head and tucks it under her head as she pushes open the door, revealing a surprisingly young, round-faced dwarven woman. The beads in her braided hair shimmer in the flickering light and jangle together as she takes in the room.
Did Dalvis summon up every adventurer he knows?! Her brown eyes widen a little in surprise, but she grins and waves one hand to the innkeeper before making her unsubtle way to a table by the door. Her golden-etched armor is in immaculate condition, as is the round metal shield on her back emblazoned with a rearing griffon. She stands by her chair and begins loosening her gauntlets to be able to hold a mug, and requests a warm drink from the housekeeper. It was a bother to be in a tavern in full armor, but her length of travel demanded it.
"My brothers are cross with you for interrupting my visit home, Dalviss." Genevar says warmly, though she feels a pang of regret for having left. She nods to the other gentlemen in the room, pleased to see another dwarf and, perhaps, others sharing her faith.
A young woman with short blonde hair enters the tavern, wearing grey robes over a chain shirt, with a shield strapped to her back. At her side, an exquisitely-made rapier hangs. She looks around the room, then spots what is obviously a very large adventuring party and makes her way toward the others.
"I bid you good morrow, fellow travelers. I am Karlia Riftbane, but you may call me as those who know me best do, 'Sender'."
She looks around the group, spots Dalvis and says "I assume you are Mr. Crenn? Pleased to meet you in person. I hear some kind of rock has fallen from the sky?"
While waiting for the rest of the group, Karlia strikes up conversation with several others. It is quickly apparent that she believes her purpose on Golarion is to rid it of the influence of outsiders, no matter their creed or origin.
Aurelian grins as the two women walk into the bar.
Ah, zat ees more like it. Greetings," he says, with another bow, "We are most glad zat you are joining us. I am Aurelian Fache, and zese are my new companions, 'oose names I do not yet know."
Nalan scurries about, doing her best to serve everyone food and drinks as quickly as they arrive. Everything seems normal at the inn... except for the lack of regular customers.
Dalviss waits until everyone is seated and fed, then addresses the party. "Well, this is everyone. Thank you again for agreeing to help me. All you know so far is that a star recently fell near Dustpawn. Fortunately, it seems no one has located the fallen star yet, but not for lack of trying. The situation has changed somewhat, however. We've had several unfortunate events since the night of the meteor. At first it was just livestock going missing, but since then tempers have been rising and violence escalating among the townsfolk. Some of those who've gone searching for the impact site have disappeared, including one of my own employees, a woman named Leeara. And then there are the four strangers who came to town claiming to be Drumish inspectors, but who I suspect are looking for the fallen star as well. I'm starting to think the thing that crashed that night in the southern hills brought something to Dustpawn. Something bad!"
"Any of these livestock disappear recently? I may be able to pick up a trail."
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"If something from another world is here, especially something nefarious, I am honor-bound to remove it from our world."
Karlia looks around at her colleagues.
"I believe the skill sets of myself and my colleagues will be more than a match for anything that could have arrived via star."
Genevar sat awkwardly in her chair due to the armor and cut a glance at the chatty woman, Sender.
"Or anything that's using it to as a cover for mischief. Events like this make folk panic, and then things really start coming apart." Genevar couldn't even fathom something hitching a ride on the star. Preposterous! Fodder for stories and things for scientists to squabble about. An omen, though, maybe, and even if it wasn't, people who believed it was could be dangers all on their own.
She took a leisurely drink from her warm mug and waited while questions went around. "Where are these Drumish folk?" That had piqued her curiosity. She wasn't sure she'd have much sway with her countrymen, but perhaps she could validate their legitimacy. Or lack thereof.
After making eye contact with his brother to make sure his back was covered, Chug stands, surveys the group and fixes his eyes on the woman calling herself "Sender."
"Am I to understand that your stated purpose is the destruction of those considered outsiders, like my brother and myself?"
"You have deep ties to this plane, just as creatures like myself do. My mission in this world is to remove the influences of those who would spread their ill-concieved notions of "good" and "evil" in this world. The element which flows in your veins is just as important for this world as the heat of fire, or the passion of love. I hope I did not offend you or your brother in any way."
Karlia bows deeply to Chug and his brother.
Dagaroth speaks for the first time since arriving. "Why do you assume all things out of this world mean harm? I've had visions of the stars, and they warned me of impending danger. Someone out there is on our side." He looks up and scratches the scales on his face.
Again looking to his brother to confirm their mutual intent before speaking to Karlia, Chug nods his head towards the lady and says, "Very well, we accept that explanation, and we would be honored to travel by your side."
"Relax, brother. I believe Karlia's ire is aimed at those seeking to shape our world into the image of another. You and I were born of this world and are inherently part of it. Karlia takes the term "Outsider" quite literally, meaning a being not of this world. So those born here are certainly not her targets. Isn't that correct, Karlia?"
As the last words leave his mouth, Chagh lowers his head, giving Karlia a meaningful gaze over his spectacles.
"That is correct. Thank you for understanding. I should have been more clear from the start."
"Well, now zat zat's ees 'andled, what should we do? Shall we go see if we can find zis falling star, mes amis?"
"Well, I'm glad we didn't decide to kill each other. Now where can we start looking for a trail?"
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The dwarf is listening to the conversation quietly, and finally, when he gets a chance to speak, he asks: "So what do you figure we ought to do? Track the fools that went looking for the star and find out what it really is? Or where would you prefer us to start, Dalviss?"
I presume that one of you has such skills? How may I be of assistance?
"I can track, but if we find anyone at the other end, someone else should handle the talking."
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Chagh, who appears too engrossed in his book to be paying attention to the conversation, mutters to himself,"Well, unless it is a dwarf, Chug and I probably shouldn't be doing the talking."
"We'll follow you, then" Dagaroth says looking at Tex. "About the talking... well, let's see how things play out." He stands up and walks to the door, waiting for the rest of the party to come.
"I don't mind talking to anyone that needs talking to," Genevar rolls her shoulders and gets to her feet. "I just wonder if we shouldn't be asking around town a bit before running down any trails."
She still wanted to talk to the Drumish, herself, but this lot seemed pretty ready for action. Regardless of any misgivings, she thought she might should tag along just to make sure there weren't some miscommunications anywhere.
"I am 'appy to talk to anyone zat needs talking to," Aurelian says with a smile.
"Asking around town, it is not ze worst idea ever."
Or we could investigate the livestock disappearing? Anyways, I definitely think you talky talky types need to put your skills to use, before we go directly out to find whatever fell from the sky. The more we know, the better prepared we can be before we get there.
"We should see what additional information we can discern from the local populace before heading out to the site. I believe speaking with the Drumish "inspectors" might be a good idea as well"
Hmm it seems we have some very restless individuals. I will have to be careful lest Chug and I get swept away in a wave of hasty decisions. Thankfully we have some of our dwarven brethren with us to reign in the quick to action individuals.
Dalviss nods along as the group discusses a plan, and adds "you might check Leeara's room for clues as to her whereabouts. I already looked, but I might have missed something. Leeara has always been the inquisitive sort, but I'd never suspect that she'd leave without any sort of warning at all. As for the goats, a few go missing every day. You might be able to find some tracks if you went looking, though I'm sure the goatherds have tried already."
Around town, most of the townsfolk you approach are reluctant to talk, their unfriendly behavior bordering on rudeness. However, one or two are more willing, and from them you learn that (despite popular rumors) nobody has found the crash site yet. People are beginning to suspect that Dalviss's theory that the crash site is further south (rather than west) might actually be correct. (Dalviss explains that he saw the "meteor" slow its descent and change trajectory in mid-fall, which is one of the main reasons he suspects it to be something other than a meteor.) When you ask about Leera, most townsfolk don't know anything, but one person says that they saw someone who looked an awful lot like Leeara running around on all fours near the Grackle riverbank. The Grackle, a tributary of the Conerica River, flows relatively close to Dustpawn.
Inspecting Leeara's room, you find that she left most of her personal belongings behind, including a journal draped over the arm of a chair. The journal seems to be her own personal recipe book.
"I agree. Let's split up and canvass the town separately, then meet back here in a few hours to discuss our next move."
Tex examines the journal warily, and flips through a few pages.
"From what I understand of women, many keep a 'dummy' journal to throw people off the scent of the real one. If you don't mind, Crenn, I'd like to search more thoroughly through her room, and if anyone is skilled in ciphers (or cooking, for that matter), I'd recommend checking the recipe book for secrets."
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"I am from Galt. Of course we know of cooking and ze women's secrets, so I'm sure I will be able to find anyzing she might 'ave secreted away in zere," Aurelian says as he holds out his hand for the recipe book.
He starts flipping pages quickly, looking to see if the simply barmaid might have left any type of code for him to discover.
"Why in ze world would you use cheese like zat?" he mutters to himself, clearly distracted by the recipes themselves.
Genevar agrees to the plan to divide up to gather information and then meet back up. It'd keep people from charging off half-cocked and allow them to gather their bearings a bit more before investigating... well, Abadar-only-knows-what. She still suspected someone was using the meteor crash as an excuse to get up to some nefarious deeds, but stolen goats were a bit... well... beneath calling up a party of this caliber.
"I'm going to track down the inspectors and make sure that's really what they are. See if they know anything." She looks to the Oread brothers. "Would you two like to come with me?" She usually traveled as a bodyguard; it'd be nice to having companionship on even footing for a change of pace.
Absolutely, and it will give us a chance to get several questions answered. You're not the first dwarf we've known that follows Abadar, nor are you the first member of his Order of Paladins we've met, but you are the first dwarf Paladin of Abadar we've met. We thought we had met one once before, but in fact he was an Inquisitor, questioning our own devotion. Obviously we respect our Lord's decision to have an Order of Paladins, but we don't fully understand it, as there is no order of evil knights to balance it out. It seems that your need to combat evil could get in the way of supporting lawful trade and civilization, with them as competing imperatives. How do you balance these conflicting mandates of conscience, and how has your status affected your standing among the Dwarves?
Hearing Aurelian's comment about cheese, he peaks over the Galtan's shoulder and reads the recipe. "It's goat cheese. That's how you are supposed to eat it." His hoarse voice sounds almost mechanical.
He looks around the room and spots the door to Leaara's bedroom. While Tex asks Crenn for permission to enter, Dagaroth wanders into the chamber unceremoniously and starts searching the place.
Karlia, eavesdropping on the conversation of Chug and Genevar, chimes in.
"I agree with... Chug, was it? The balance of those who worship Abadar seems to be shifted precariously in one direction. Although, I doubt a god of such esteemed balance would allow such a situation to continue. Perhaps there is a band of Antipaladins of Abadar out in the world of which you are not aware?"
Genevar raises a brow at the sudden turn in conversation.
"Is a philosophical debate on the reason for my service somehow relevant to what's erupting here in town?" She pulls her gauntlets back on and fastens them. "I was Called into the service of Abadar. It's not up to me to decide why he Called me, it is only up to me to embrace his intentions for me or to not. Like leading a horse to honey is better than vinegar," wait, she didn't have that exactly right--how did that go? "Well... anyway, I've not felt my purpose at a crossroads with Abadar. I've guarded his vaults and his Justicars well, and whatever would want to disrupt either aren't inclined to be either lawful or good."
She finishes putting on her gauntlets and puts her hands on her hips. "And I'm one paladin. What influence can I have on trade? I'm just one bird in a stream. He has his clergy to regulate all that in the way he deems best. In places where civilization is breaking down, however, where laws are crumbling and anarchy rises, evil is always quick to follow, even if it's evil that's fallen. And, me, I think a bulwark of good and order in those times is a lot more use than a money-bought mercenary or a dedicated judge." She thumps her fist off her breastplate with a dull clank. "And that's where I come in."
"As for my standing..." She shrugs. "There's nothing to affect. I was born in Peddlegate to parents who spent much of their lives on the surface; I'm Drumish as much as Dwarven."
She peers at Karlia after her question for a long moment, wheels clanking in her head as she tries to compose a correct response. "If I'm not aware of them," she puzzles, "then how could I possibly know?"
She grabs her helm and tucks it under her arm, ready to get to work--assuming her background passes her temporary companions' sudden concern.
Putting a finger on the page he was reading and closing the book, Chagh turns to Genevar and Chug. He adjusts his glasses, puts his hands behind his back and begins to pace. His voice takes on a professotorial tone.
Genevar we are all butterflies creating ripples in the waters of life. Every action, no matter how small, is felt by the rest of the world. Abadar has chosen his servant well, for your dedicated pursuit of good ensures lawful trade is completed.
Chug, the paladin/anti-paladin argument is a weak one. Balance does not require symmetry. Much like the waters I mentioned earlier, balance ebbs and flows over time. As it flows, Abadar calls out to those whom he requires to maintain the flow of balance.
Of course one can be a proponent of an ethos without rabid pursuit. Take you and I, brother. Although our lives do not focus on questions of morality, most of our actions would adhere to what many consider good. We prefer to accomplish our goals using traditionally moral methods rather than traditionally "evil" methods. This doesn't mean we are rigidly neutral, always seeking to "balance the scales of morality". Our friend Genevar believes a pursuit of good serves both the law and balance. Abadar must also agree with her, else he would not imbue her with his gifts, which I assure you he has.
Genevar, my brother meant no disrespect. He merely was seeking to make conversation and was honestly intrigued because you are indeed the first dwarven paladin of Abadar we have encountered in our travels. My brother and I have a great fondness of our brethren dwarves."
"No offense taken, sir. I was just worried something was amiss," Genevar smiles to Chagh. He phrased philosophy better than she ever could; she knew what she felt and knew sensible action, but elaborating on the abstracts of ethos were a little beyond her. "I'm happy to converse and hear other points of view, though I fear there are others better equipped to argue dogma. Nonetheless, I am just used to making conversation that begins along the lines of 'Greetings, how are you, what brings you to town', and so on." She chuckles.
She then thinks for a moment and nods. "You're right, though, I've met few other dwarves of Abadar, and fewer still other paladins. I'd not thought of it till now. I can't imagine he calls many to service. Too many paladins might just upset the balance we were talking about, yeah?"
Chagh chuckles heartily.
"Indeed! Well said, here, here!"
Ahh I do miss the company of dwarves. This should be an invigorating expedition.
"Well, now that we have dispersed with the pleasantries, let us be on our way. I believe garnering information from the local populace was on the order. And we also were going to see if we could find those drumish explorers."
Chagh removes his finger from his book, marking his place with a very long piece of stone that appears to have been smoothed and planed very thinly. He pulls an oblong leather case from his pocket and puts his reading glasses into the case. He pulls out another case, this one made of stone, and pulls out a pair of strange looking glasses with ruby red lenses.
"Lady Genever, do you mind if Chug and I accompany you in finding the Drumish men?
Chug, speaking a bit sheepishly states, "indeed, it was never my intent to offend, merely to query and to learn. As my brother has so eloquently stated, and I so humbly agree, your gifts are manifest, and derived from our Lord Abadar, that one cannot question his wisdom in granting them. I look forward to our time together, and rest assured I am not nearly as practiced at spouting dogma as some, and do not choose to proselytize either, not that such would be necessary with you, of course.. Glancing around to the rest of the group, Chug offers, "while it is my preference to stay in the company of my brother, I will accompany some others if it is your desire to split the party at this time. I would naturally advise against dividing ourselves, but I will support the community's decisions in this."
Delving into his pockets, Chug offers, "somewhere around here I have some saltwater taffy that is so near to perfect, that I am certain that one would not be surprised to learn it actually came from the Vault. Would anyone like some should I find it?" He continues searching into his haversack.
"3rd pocket on the top, brother, and of course you know I will gladly partake of some taffy!