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The renowned Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch strides into her study at the Magnimar lodge. Her eyes scan the space with habitual vigilance, honed by years of successful adventuring. Satisfied that there’s nothing amiss, she stands behind her desk, and turns her blade-like attention to the party before her.
“The Pathfinder Society has long been interested in the First World—the otherworldly realm of the fey. By all accounts the fey homeland is dangerous, bizarre, and entirely unpredictable. It’s the very type of place sane people avoid, and Pathfinders flock toward.
“Countless expeditions and research teams have been dispatched over the years to investigate regions where the boundaries between the First World and our own Plane grow threadbare. Sanos Forest, which lies to the east of this very lodge, is one such place. The Pathfinder Society’s latest research party is currently stationed there, under the capable direction of the druid Ignizi Dinnelletter.
“Dinnelletter doesn’t normally work well with others, but this time she’s got several newly recruited Pathfinders assisting her. We thought it prudent that she pass on some of her best practices, just in case. After all, we Pathfinders are not known for our longevity. Dinnelletter is entirely selfsufficient, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for her five trainees. Consequently, Ignizi’s station needs to be resupplied periodically, something the Magnimar lodge has taken responsibility for. You lot have been chosen to make the next supply run to Sanos Forest, and will leave first thing in the morning. It’s not a glamorous detail, but the fey forest never lacks for intrigue, and I’m sure you’ll make the most of it.
“Your mission is simple: Deliver a pack horse loaded with supplies to Dinnelletter’s cottage in Sanos. I don’t expect any problems, but you never know with the fey. If Ignizi needs any additional help, please assist her in any way possible. And do try to be patient. Ignizi can be a handful.”
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Standing tall and surveying the room at the others in it, a broad-shouldered man in Tian-styled armor speaks up. His voice is deep, almost unnaturally so. "Sarion Minos, Paladin of Sarenrae." he says. He wears a visored helmet with horns, the visor is raised at the moment and what is visible of his face is monstruous. Green scales and bright yellow eyes and oddly shaped, slightly red teeth present the monster side, but the calm radiating from him and the openness in his eyes put you at ease if you let them. "If I might ask, what is Ms. Dinnelletter's area of study? And what has she been working on lately?"
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Sheila Heidmarch smiles as you inquire more. “Ignizi is originally from Whistledown, the gnome settlement just to the east of Sanos Forest. She joined the Pathfinders as a young gnome, and was a very capable adventurer in her day—a little difficult to work with, but effective. As she grew older, she returned to her homeland to study the First World’s influence on the Material Plane, eventually becoming the preeminent researcher in the field. She still looks young and wide-eyed, but don’t be fooled. She knows how to get what she wants.
“As for what she is working on lately, that’s a question I’m keen to learn the answer to myself. Ignizi’s reputation affords her something of a carte blanche when it comes to matters of First World research and we won’t know exactly what she’s up to until she has finally concluded her work. Knowing Ignizi, though, it will likely mean trouble.”
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A broad smile cracks Sarion's features. He bows to Kyra. "Dawnflower be praised!" he says. "I am gratified that the two arms of the Everlight are brought together to take this mission! We Stand Together!" He turns back to Sheila, standing taller and more determined. "Are there any dangers in this area that we need to be aware of?" he asks.
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Ajax had just returned from a successful endeavor at the Blakros wedding where Kyra, Reiko, Lirianne, Merisiel, and Hayato had accompanied him. Ajax listens to the mission requested by the Venture-Captain and tries to not let himself get distracted by her charisma.
Why not give the group a bunch of handy haversacks or a bag of holding. It would be a lot less conspicous than a horse!
Ajax had learned that it was futile to ask for gear that should be provided, but his hope sprung eternal
"Wouldn't it be safer to let us carry the goods in a bag of holding or in a couple of handy haversacks?"
Awaiting whatever clever response that amounted to 'we ain't giving you crap,' Ajax nodded at Kyra,
"Great to see you again Kyra, I look forward to working with you again."
Ajax hoped he would have a moment to talk with Kyra about her spell selection. A student of spellcraft himself, Ajax knew that having the right spell could be the difference between success and failure.
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“Dinnelletter’s shopping list is always a little eccentric, but not so eccentric as to contain those items. It consists mostly of alchemical supplies and food—nothing worth stealing. If you run into any trouble on the road, it won’t be because of the cargo and we like to keep it that way, so no. No bag of holding. Look at it as an opportunity to strengthen your souls and backs both at the same time!”
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An elven man with light-green hair has sat quietly during the briefing, listening intently. His body is adorned only a simple robe of greens and browns and a longbow of oak and of elven make.
"This campsite... you said it was a regular station of visit. Is there a predetermined route, or are we to find our own?"
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Venture Captain Heidmarch laughs, “Yes! Directions are most helpful when trying to cross the wilds. I should have said at the beginning, nonetheless. You’ll be provided with instructions that detail the route. The journey is quite simple, mainly just following a distinctive stream until you reach the valley that Ignizi’s settled.”
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Sarion laughs. "Nothing is ever simple in the service of the Society. We may encounter beasts or monsters or corrupt humanoids. We may certainly encounter the Fey, and all the stories say they are unpredictable. Does any of you have any lore about them? he says. "And then if we are satisfied with what we have learned, allow me to say that as the shield and sword of the Dawnflower, I am your shield and sword. My companions are as my own flesh and I will defend you with my life! We stand together!"
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"The complexities to which the masked Ten blindly send us this day will surely encompass such foes. Since you offer your shield, know you will have a bow of the Eastern Kyonin Winds to your aid. Should your enemies need new wounds, do not hesitate to speak up." Xathalial adds with far less passion than his outsider companion as he keeps his grim demeanor.
Noticing his new ally is quite the empowered speaker, he then addresses the group. "Speaking of foes, I may desire a favour of which I do not know at the moment, hopefully one that requires neither bow or blade. And know that should any of you need MY aid, I offer it in full."
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The talk of bows and aid and speaking caught Ajax's attention as he was still trying to remember what he knew about Santos Forest.
Turning to Xathalial and Sarion, "Well met. I am very happy to be working with those of your skills and abilities. I too may require the eloquence of one as graced as yourself Sarion. And like Xath, (may I call you Xath for short), offer my own skills in trade."
Now, addressing Xath directly, "If we do encounter Fey, I was thinking, perhaps we should buy some cold iron arrows and some cold iron blanch. I have recently been using thistle arrows. Useful tools against casters as they cause continued bleeding for a short time....
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"You may call me whatever you wish; I understand the names of non-humans are often too complex for friendly dialogue," Xathalial replies to the Garundi's question.
After the suggestion, Xathalial's face sours a little as he responds. "I understand you mean well, Ajax, but you must understand; My path is that of an Iroran of the Kyonin Eastern Winds monastery. To rely on others so heavily in a matter that is the focus of my path is... distracting. I use only arrows of my own make, but please understand that I do not merely ignore your words or their meaning; they simply would lead me astray from my path."
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The read that does not bend, breaks
Ajax shrugs, but his recent experience at the Blakros matrimony taught him that the easiest way into a man's house is not always through the front door. "Far be it from me to impose my views on to others. I can understand the desire to rely on arrows of your own making. But I can tell you that fey are largely resistant to normal weapons and I have encountered a demon who was nearly immune. If you will not accept arrows from me, then be sure to purchase cold iron arrowheads for you arrows."
Ajax seems content to let the matter drop.
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Xathalial nods to Ajax. "I thank you for understanding. If you wish, I would be happy to detail my current regiment for the a monk of my level; 'The Trial of 100 Arrows'." He then glances at the office around him and admits, "It would most likely be a more fitting tale for a hopefully-boring supply trip."
@Kyra: "Of course. Just say the word, and my arrows will be stayed."
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"I am blessed to be able to use my gifts for the betterment of all. I will aid you in any way my conscience and abilities will allow." he says, growing more serious. "I hope I can expect no less of you all."
"And you say Cold Iron is the choice for battling the Fey? I am afraid my funds are limited at the moment." he says, then bangs a fist on the masterfully crafted armor he is wearing. "I spent all I had on this. The better to shield myself and my allies from harm. I will depend on my arm and on my faith to overcome any evils we encounter."
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Your party marches east along the Dry Way—the trade road along the northern bank of the mighty Yondabakari River toward Korvosa—for several days. Soon, you spot a distinctive stream, which their instructions indicate they should follow north into Sanos Forest. Once in the woods, all signs of humanoid activity abate. Midway through the first day in the forest, you approach a small vale where they catch a whiff of rotting meat, find several bear tracks, and notice the forest has suddenly gone quiet. According to their instructions, you should be within half a mile of the cottage where Ignizi Dinnelletter lives.
When Ignizi’s cottage comes into view, the you find it besieged by forest creatures. Several owlbears clumsily slam themselves against the cottage, which creaks under the weight of the impacts. The PCs can hear cries of alarm filter out from inside the cottage. The windows and doors appear boarded up and reinforced.
K. Relgion, K. Engineering, Init. please.
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Upon hearing the ruckus, Ajax withdrew his bow and used his Gravity Bow wand and then stored the wand in his belt. Ajax had seen an Owlbear before. Once as an animated skeleton and once while he was defending a small village in Tien. In a low voice he whispers to the group,
"Their hide is tough like scale mail and they are as strong as most barbarians not raging. No faster than a Commoner, but don't let them grab you. Keep them moving. We should focus our attacks."
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MAP
As you begin to move in, you note the owlbear seems quite disinterested on it's surroundings, begin entirely focused on the screams of terror coming from the gooey center inside of the crunchy shell of the cottage. . .
Kyra
--> Xathalial, Ajax, Owlbear, Sarion, Kyra
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Xathalial's arrow bites deep into the owl bear's flesh. One of Ajax's arrows shatters on impact with the beast while the other buries itself in the door just above the creature's head. Gasps and screams from inside grow louder, and a high pitched voice rings out, "Do your best foul demons! You shall not pass!"
The owlbear turns its attention on the source of its injury, looking back at you with a cold dead stare, it lumbers with deceptive speed towards the group, and attempts to slam its entire weight into the paladin!
The owlbear's weight and power don't cause the paladin to budge from his place, the massive claws simply skitter off the fine mithril armor.
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Ajax was impressed with the group's showing so far. If they could continue their luck, things might go fairly smoothly. Equally interesting was the Zen Monk's technique. Ajax had never seen it. The monk's ability to fire quickly in the face of the owlbear without leaving himself vulnerable was impressive.
Ajax had not mastered such a technique and decided to put a little space between himself and the owlbear. Taking a step back, Ajax fired two quick shots again.
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Sarion's scimitar glances of the beasts unusually tough hide, but Kyra's blade manages to slice through the creatures defenses.
Both of Xanthaliels arrows shatter as they strike the owlbear again, failing to pierce the defenses. Ajax has better luck, and his first arrow penetrates.
The owl bear glares at the paladin with cold eyes, and attacks!
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Taken off guard by the blast of holy light, the owlbear crumples to the ground. the corpse decaying very rapidly.
There is a moment of calm. One of the boards reinforcing a cottage window is pried open from the inside, and the heavily wrinkled face of a purple-haired gnome woman pokes out of the window. Once she spots the party, she worms her way headfirst out the window, despite a chorus of protests from inside the cottage. Eventually the tiny old gnome wriggles through the gap, landing deftly on her rear end. She bounds to her feet and addresses the party in a rapid-fire voice, “Finally! I was getting thirsty in there. Did you bring any wine? Bloody owlbears. You’d think they’d know better than to trifle with me! Is that my packhorse? I’ll settle for grog, if you have it.”
The dishevelled gnome climbs directly over the rotten corpse of the owlbear and starts rummaging through the packhorse’s saddlebags. Meanwhile, a shocked group of young Pathfinders emerge from the cottage, surveying the carnage with horror. “Been like this for a week, you know. Nothing but undead and southeastern winds. Wretched awful smell. And me without my astrolabe. You should hear these youngsters whinge and complain. One little undead horde and they go all to pot. By the Eldest, I’m thirsty. I’d drink a flask of ink at this point! Bloody zombos did drag off one of the youngsters, though. You should hear them complain: ‘Oooh, we’re all about to die! Oh my, what’s-her-face was abducted by zombos! Oh, I don’t want to be eaten.’ Blah blah blah! And they call themselves Pathfinders!”
“Aha!” The gnome triumphantly holds up a bottle of dark red wine. She whirls around, addressing the assembled group, “You youngsters, burn these carcasses. Bloody awful stink. You lot with the weapons, unpack this horse, build a nice fire, and pull some turnips from the garden. Then come have a drink and tell me how fat Sheila’s gotten.”
With that, the renowned researcher Ignizi Dinnelletter scuttles back into the cottage, uncorking her newly acquired wine along the way.
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"They are whiners, like I said. 'Ouch! It hurts when I have to harvest poison oak. I am all itchy. Our friend is getting eaten alive.' You would think it was them being flayed. Meh! If you ask them if they are in harms way, they will just complain on and on about getting kidnapped and eaten by the undead hordes that have set upon our research facility. I suggest gathering turnips and meeting us for dinner when you are done. I need more wine."
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"Can do," Xathalial notes to Shiela's "friend" as he tries to salvage 2 of his arrowheads.
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During the turnip-gathering team-building exercise, Xathalial directs a comment towards the group. "Friends, that task I desired to asked of you back in Magnimar is a simple one, yet not one within my skillset. Torch has informed me that Aspis activity has been on the upscale in the area, and that asking the individuals here may somehow turn up a few clues. I will try my damnest, but don't have much faith in my skill of wordcraft. Unless you have your own agenda here tonight, I hope to direct the conversation that direction and will accept any assistance in the matter."
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As an FYI, I looked at the Fast Zombie template in the PRD and the "slam attack" is the special attack. So a fast zombie doesn't get two slams, just the one on a full round action. I only point that out in case we run into them again :)
Ajax and Xath's seem to share thoughts as Ajax also attempts to recover the arrows of his that missed...
...and recovers three of them.
Before the owlbear is burned, Ajax takes some time to study the animal so that he will know it if he encounters it again. Half speaking to himself,
"This is the third owlbear I've run into and two of them were of the Undead variety. What it is with these things?"
Hoping to make a good impression, Ajax introduces himself to Ignizi and the other Pathfinders. Per Ignizi's request, Ajax starts a fire and pulls the turnips
When Xathalial asks for assistance, Ajax chimes in, but away from the others, "My task is to convince at least one of Ignizi's researchers to visit to Magnimar. I will do my best to find out who is most amenable to such a visit"
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"Thank you Kyra, and thanks to Sarenrae for her aid." Sarion says. He joins the others in unpacking the supplies, and to the others he nods his assent. "So long as it does not violate my conscience I will help you in any way I can. To that end, I must ask if there are any other details about these tasks that you can share with me so that my conscience can be satisfied that I will not be inadvertently serving some fell purpose? And so that I am not asking this unfairly, I will let you all know that my task involves locating and identifying any Thassilonian influence on this area, such as old ruins, and especially rune magic." he says.
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"The only details I have of my task is that a Silver Agent of the Aspis is acting out of a local area, but we are not sure exactly which one. The Shadow Lodge believes those who have lived in nearby towns recently may know something and a number of these acolytes here have been residents of those villages in recent history."
Xathalial looks at Sarion for his next set of comments. "From my experiences, the Aspis are no more than the average criminal, with no more benevolence than a hired thug. Preemptively knocking them down a peg before they can act again isn't something I don't consider 'a fell purpose.' Beyond that, I have no further information."
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Ajax listens in and speaks in soft voice so none outside of the immediate group will hear, "Xath, do you think one of the Pathfinders here may be acting as a spy? As for my own mission, I believe my superiors think a visit to Magnimar will enhance the city's image in the eyes of said researchers and word will spread. I perceive nothing nefarious."
Turning to Sarion, "Alas, I cannot read magic or comprehend ancient languages, but Kyra could use Detect Magic and if she can remember Read Magic or Comprehend Languages, that might prove useful."
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Over a dinner of turnip soup, the researchers reconfirm that one of their party was dragged off by the undead several days ago and hasn’t been seen since. Ignizi asks that you attempt to rescue the youngster and eliminate the undead incursion.
"I need her back desperately. She is essential to my research here! There is something crazy about that girl, she has a real way with fungus.”
She indicates that her friend, Riddywipple—who lives in a hollow log a day’s march north—can likely help. Ignizi says that Riddywipple knows Sanos inside and out and will be an excellent guide. She suggests you stay the night in the cottage and depart first thing in the morning.