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A tall, lean man with a thick mop of brown hair enters the room. He looks around and notices an elf sitting at one of the tables. He strides over, extends his hand, and says confidently:
"Well met! Darius Marel's the name. It looks like we'll be working together on this little venture. This will be my first jaunt for the Society, and I'm itching for a little excitement."
Darius takes a seat across from the elf and kicks up his feet, waiting for the others to arrive.
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Bayani raises an eyebrow as he stares at the extended hand, and just as Darius is about to withdraw it, he recalls, Oh yes, this is how they do it in Avistan, rather than bowing. He takes the human's hand awkwardly, but attempts to give a genuine smile. "Bayani Nishu, a pleasure to meet you," he says with a pronounced Tien accent.
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Horatius enters the room giving it a quick sweep with his eyes. Tall and broad of shoulder he's dressed in simple but functional traveling clothes. Seeing the two men seated he walks over and introduces himself offering his hand to each in turn.
"Greetings, I am Horatius Lartius it is good to meet you. Have you also been summoned for this mission to investigate fell druidic magics?"
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Horatius nods at the elfs statement.
"Are you from Tian-Min? I had the honor of serving with one of your country women in my last task. A sorceress by the name of Sunohana Yukie. As for the mission I do not know much myself but what I've heard is most disturbing. It seems some druids may have fallen to dark magics and are twisting people into beasts. I hope we will learn more soon."
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Theor strolls into the room casually, taking in everything he can. He notices the others and cross to meet them. He is of average height and build with dusty brown hair, you notice he is reasonably young. He smiles and waves at everyone "Well met my fellow Pathfinders! Seems like we've been called for a little bit of adventure eh? I'm Theor by the way." He nods briefly to denote his introduction.
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"Glad to make your acquaintance Bayani."
Darius greets each of the other Pathfinders in turn, facing each and nodding in their direction.
"Horatius, Theor, it's a pleasure. I was sadly uninformed with respect to our assignment as well. It sounds like a real mess, though. Dark magic is a nasty business. Still, it's high time I saw some action! Absalom has a lot to offer, but I'm ready for a little change of scenery. There wouldn't happen to be any fair ladies among our companions in this venture?"
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Bayani says, without an audible hint of sarcasm in his voice, "I do not think the Pathfinder Society has a track record of simply throwing a number of novices together with rumors and no instructions and seeing what they do. A venture-captain, or at least a venture-lieutenant, will be along shortly, I am sure."
A servant knocks on the door, and informs you all that you are expected in fifteen minutes in the office of Venture-Captain Brackett.
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"A wise insight, sir elf. While we have a moment, perhaps we should share a bit about our particular specialties. For instance, in a fight I prefer to work in conjunction with a companion so that we might attack said foe from opposing sides. I am very good at striking an enemy's weak points while his attention is divided."[/b}
[b] "Beyond that, I have been called a 'smooth talker'. Cayden knows it's helped me out of more than one sticky predicament... Which reminds me - I have also picked some ability at moving quietly and opening locks without a key."
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Theor puffs up and throws his shoulders back to look all heroic "That's a great idea! Well for me I know caves and dungeons pretty well. I grew up around some dwarven ruins and spent a lot of time there. I also know how to be sneaky when it calls for it. I'm ok with a bow but I prefer to be up close, but not right in an enemy's face."
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A dark skinned woman enters the room. She moves with a grace that can only be practiced, and wears clothing and jewels fit for a royal court.
"Good evening gentlemen. My name is Kumari Azar."
Kumari gives the group a small curtsy.
"I have been told I will be joining you on this expedition. I also hear we are expected before the Venture Captain in none too long."
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As Kumari enters the room, Darius rises to his feet. After she finishes introducing himself, he makes an elegant bow and says:
"It certainly is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of a lady of such obvious refinement. My name is Darius Marel, and I look forward to sharing your company on this assignment."
He then turns to Horatius, Bayani, and Theor.
"Gentleman, I am glad to hear that you all possess strong martial skill. I too will endeavor to defend the party against our foes, and lend my blade where it will be most effective."
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So he bows to her, but to me he sticks out his hand? I will never understand these Avistani barbarians... muses Bayani silently. He stands as well, and gives a courtly bow in finest Tien tradition, and says, "Bayani Nishu. It is good to see that we will have the power of the divine with us as well."
He glances around. "I see that we are five, and among us are those of the sword and bow, one of the book, and one of the cloth. This would appear to be a complete company for a mission. To the Venture-Captain go we now?"
You arrive and are let into the room where you where supposed to meet.
As soon as everyone has taken a seat, a man walks in carrying a great stone slab.
With a thump, Venture-Captain Brackett sets the rounded granite stone on his desk. The stone is polished smooth and veined with shallow carvings reminiscent of constellations. He looks each of you in the eye, before he starts talking.
“This is a lorestone, from the depths of the Verduran Forest. It’s rumored to hold all of the secrets of the druids of that ancient wood. Just over two years ago, a group of Pathfinders recovered this stone for us. We’re not much closer to cracking its secrets than we were on the day those agents put it into our hands, but we have gleaned one interesting bit of knowledge.”
“The lorestone tells of a lengthy ritual using an artifact called the Atavistic Splinter, a piece of charred bark touched by Gozreh himself. The ritual transforms humanoids into bestial creatures with preternatural resilience. We could use something with this kind of power for the upcoming Ruby Phoenix Tournament in Goka, so we need you to recover the Atavistic Splinter for us. “
“We believe the artifact is near the gnome town of Wispil, deep in the Verduran Forest. A Pathfinder operative there—a gnome herbalist named Falbin—was investigating increased lycanthrope activity south of Wispil. Falbin discovered that a sinister cabal of druids in a compound called Briar Henge is using the Atavistic Splinter to perform the ritual, probably to drive out the local loggers, but he couldn’t recover the Atavistic Splinter from the druids by himself.”
“Go to Wispil and contact Falbin there. He will provide you with directions to Briar Henge and recent intelligence regarding the situation around Wispil. Then use this information to infiltrate Briar Henge and acquire the Atavistic Splinter.”
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From the discussion - some background on Dex: Dex is a somewhat surly, speaks his mind kind of character. He is clearly not the face of any party, preferring more clandestine paths to getting what he wants. He's no Robin Hood, he's clearly out for personal gain, but if he sees things woefully out of balance he's likely to step in and assist, even if it isn't apparent that there is anything in it for him.
He's dressed in dark, almost black leather, with dark blue, almost midnight colored shirt, cloak and pants. He tends to find a place in the shadows and likes to observe what's going on before calculating his next move. He is very comfortable with his rapier but prefers the timing and accuracy that his bow affords him.
Dex enters the room just before the VC enters ...
He rushes in, conscious that he is pushing the limits of tardiness, and purses his lips in slight apology as he scans the room, nodding to each as he meets their eyes. His eyes widen as he spots Kumari, "Ahh, a pleasure to see you again, what fortune to be working together on another assignment.
He looks about the room and breifly states, "I'm Dex, specialist in stealth, the clandestine arts and archery, good to meet you all."
... and then the VC walks in ...
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Theor gleams with joy over his first mission, but after listening to the Vanture-Captain, his eyebrows raise with questions. Waiting for the Venture-Captain to finish Theor chimes in "Sir, thank you for this chance to server the Society. I did have a few questions from what you spoke of. First off, how are we to get the the forest, if I recall it is some ways from here? Secondly, do you have any more information about these creatures that we might end up having to deal with, are there any specific preparations we should make?"
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Bayani snorts in quiet amusement as he hears the questions being asked. "It would be wise to examine your assumptions. The Venture-Captain never said these were lycanthropes, only that they were discovered while investigating reports of lycanthrope activity, so we do not know that they are vulnerable to silver." Bayani then waits to see if Captain Brackett will expand upon that point.
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Bayani seems to realize he was un-diplomatic before.
"To be sure, carrying silvered and cold iron darts and bolts is always a good idea, and when finances allow, swords and daggers of the same. One never knows. Indeed, if the archers present need such items, I can purchase a quiver of cold iron arrows, or a few silver ones, though I would of course ask for the remainder back when we are parted."
"Yes Mr Hannover, you will have a few hours to get ready for your departure. I have made arrangements for your transportation to Wispil. You will travel overland to Bellis, then take the riverboat to get across the Sellen River, and undertake a hike overland along old and new logging trails due east. If you follow this route, it should take you directly to Wispil. If my files are correct sir Garess is from those regions?"
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"I thank you for your service to the society, sir Garess. I regret to inform you though I have no idea what people, organisations or creatures you will face. This is why you should be prepared to face anything, as you have been trained by the Society."
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"If there are no more questions..." the Captain says silently, and mentions with his hand you are expected to leave, [b]"you can make your final preparations with one of my people.
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Darius get a far-away look in his eyes for a moment and a big smile crosses his face.
"It'll be good to see old Bellis again. You see, friends, my father's farm is only four miles from town. He grows the sweetest corn you ever tasted! Even though I felt the need to stretch my legs for awhile, I've often thought about returning to the old dirt patch one day when I'm ready to settle down."
"As far as special items are concerned, I've heard stories connecting driuds and the fey folk. I've got a cold iron sword just in case. It still works fine against everyone else, too."
"I think my equipment is all in order, so I'm ready to go when you are."
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Horatius excuses himself after the briefing to go and get his gear as well as to stock up on a few items. Only recently returned from his last task he'd not had time to visit the local outfitter and so took the opportunity to make use of his recently acquired funds.
Walking beneath a wooden sign engraved with the picture of a man struggling with a humorous number of bags and packs, Horatius is greeted by the warbling of the shops door alarm as he enters. Making his way to the counter in the back of the store he greets the shopkeeper in a familiar way before proceeding back to where the weapons are kept. This portion of the shop is laid out around an open area set aside to allow patrons to test the weight and balance of their potential purchases. Surrounding most of this area are dozens of weapons racks holding a myriad of weapons of all description. The wall in the back of the area holds weapons of finer quality including some of a magical nature.
Horatius moves through, glancing about as he does so. After a moment he reaches the back wall and considers for a bit. Making his choice he steps up a few stairs, strategically placed to allow easy access to weapons higher on the wall, and takes down a massive great sword. Looking it over more closely he admires the simple, elegant design which takes nothing away from the masterful craftsmanship that clearly went into the blade. Decorated only with a complex northern knot pattern etched within the circular pummel and leaf like flares at the ends of the cross guard the sword speaks to functionality over all other considerations.
Stepping away from the wall with sword in hand the paladin is about to head back to the counter when he recalls the words of his new companions. Looking back to the racks he picks up a short sword which reflects light almost like a mirror. Nodding to himself as he feels the balance of the weapon he makes his way back to the shopkeeper.
Placing the weapons and some other items on the counter he talks a bit with the shopkeeper as his bill is totalled. The warble of the door opening draws his attention to a group entering the shop lead by a large boisterous Ulfen man with a mane of brown hair. Smiling despite himself he greets the bard and speaks for a few minutes. When asked what he will be naming his new blade he responds in a friendly tone "Olik you are far too sentimental about the tools of our trade." before wishing him well and leaving the shop to catch up with his new party.
It's a good thing this guy hasn't stolen Tam's bow ;)
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Not having the ease of talking with strangers to allow himself to gather information, nor the training in the geography or history of this area to research more, Bayani will simply purchase a whetstone from a merchant for a couple coppers, and spend his time while travelling (not while walking, of course, but while riding the boat and camping, honing his rapier and dagger, and offers to hone any other person's nonmagical blades, arrows or bolts.
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Darius spends a fair amount of time telling his companions stories of his life.
"I still remember the time thieves stole my sister's locket. It was much more expedient to liberate it myself than to approach the authorities. I managed to sneak into their hideaway and open the chest holding their loot. On the way out, though, one of the blighters spotted me. He was quick-witted too, becuase he soon shouted 'Stop! Thief!' and had the watch hot on my tail. Still, it was quite fun explaining things when they did catch me. A few little embellishments can occasionally smooth things right along."
He tries to gather information from any locals they encounter on the way.
He speaks with Bayani:
"Thank you offering to sharpen our weapons. Would you be so kind as to see to this?" He hands Bayani a shortsword made of cold iron.
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Horatius spends most of the journey making himself useful to those they travel with. At times this means taking watch, at others pulling lines or carrying gear. When not engaged in some manual activity he does his best to get to know his new companions. He gratefully accepts the elfs kind offer presenting his new greatsword. Impressed by the forethought and selflessness of his actions Horatius makes it a point to sit with the Bayani as he works talking to him about local customs and inquiring about his homeland.
The paladin enjoys Dariuses stories for the comradary they help to inspire though the contents often cause him to shake his head a bit.
"Though it may well be more expedient at times to take matters into your own hands in the end such a course only hurts the community as a whole. Take your example. In trying to reclaim your sisters locket you might well have been imprisoned. Then the thieves would have been loose, a good man would have gone to jail and we would not have had the chance to meet you." Horatius tries not to sound as if he is chiding what seems a good hearted, if impulsive young man.
When they begin to travel through the forest Horatius takes time to enjoy the green natural beauty all about them. Breathing in the earthy forest air he is reminded of his childhood home and the small shrine to Erastil where he first took his vows. His morning prayers and martial exercises seem especially potent in such natural surroundings and Horatius senses that Erastils eye is upon this mission.
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Bayani does not tend naturally to conversation. In a short time, though, the goodwill of Horatius helps him cautiously open up, and he describes his childhood hunts through the shadowed forests of Minata with the reclusive Wayang.
Like Horatius, Bayani drinks in the woodlands air like a man dying of thirst. His elven instincts lead him to dance through the trees, hiding in the shadows as the group continues, just to practice his stealth and speed.
At night, or while on the boat, he hums (out of tune) to himself as he meditatively works on the blade he's chosen to sharpen at that time.
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Theor spends most of the trip chatting with the others, potentially to the point of excess. Being used to being alone and exploring he finds it a welcome change of pace to have 'companions' to travel with. Still being young he is awed by many of the different sites on the trip, having only recently joined the society and takes every opportunity to tell the nearest person about the new experience and possibly try and relate it to something he is used to. He thanks Bayani for the offer but declines the assistance, not wanting to seem needy.
Once they arrive at the forest Theor will watch for any signs of irregularity and try his best to lead the party in the right direction.
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While walking Kumari feels fairly ridiculous. She hates wearing her more simple travelling garb and the dust of the road. Additionally, she is such a small woman that the pack she carrys is nearly 1/3 her size. She will tend to be a little gruff and is clearly burdened by her pack. If offered help she will surely accept though she is too proud to ask.
On the boat, she clearly enjoys the open air, sunshine, not having to carry anything, and is quite talkative with anyone including the crew. She will likely dance for entertainment after dinner.
Whatever environment she is in, she awakes before dawn to recite prayers to The Dawnflower as the sun clears the horizon. You don't need to spend too much time with her to notice the ankh tatoo she habitually keeps hidden on her left forearm. She is certainly not showy about her faith.
re: Darius's story - "Do not give too much credence to what Horatius says. I think it is quite noble of you to have stood up for your sister. If we all left the good work for someone else, none of it would be done, and the law is often more trouble than it is worth."
re: Bayani's blade sharpening - "Thank you for the offer, but I keep my own blade quite sharp." She will join him for lite conversation and work on her own blade whenever it needs honing. She carries a fine mithril dagger.
Theor
Bayani
Horatius
Darius
Kumari:
As you dance, the crew on the river boat certainly appreciates it. After two nights life on board of the vessel stops for half an hour so everyone can see the exotic woman do her special dance.
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Horatius:
One night while on the boat and you find yourself on deck, stretching your legs, you can see a stag standing on the side, staring back at you. Just before you drift out of sight, you can see it turn around, and several female and/or smaller ones are standing behind it.
You are filled with a feeling of amazement.
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Bayani:
When you hum out of tune, one of the people on the boat sets next to you and starts giving you very tiny instructions to a simple boat song.
"Keep it simple my friend. The joy of life is in the simple things..."
After about half an hour you figure it out, and he walks away to continue his job as you find yourself having difficutly getting the simple song out of your head.
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Theor:
When making the final trek, you come across a hunting party on their way to try and find a boar. You recognize one of them as you've seen him before in Brevoy, many years ago, as he was kind of an 'idol'. You find yourself helping him by pointing to a fresh pair of boar tracks you found the day before, and are rewarded by a half-smile and a pat on the back.
"Thanks lad. May your blade strike true, and your arrow fly straight."
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Kumari:
You get a lot of help from the people on your way. They acknowledge the path that Theor said was a good one, and together you actually manage to skimm a few hours of of your trip.
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re: Bayani's blade sharpening - "Thank you for the offer, but I keep my own blade quite sharp." She will join him for lite conversation and work on her own blade whenever it needs honing. She carries a fine mithril dagger.
Bayani asks Kumari, once he's grown a little more comfortable with her, about her people and culture. "I've heard there is a Kelish tradition of dancing in battle with a scimitar. I'm a dancer myself, though I tend to dance for my own expression rather than for others. I've wondered if learning more of that sort of battle dancing would be a benefit to me. There is an elvish style of dancing in battle as well, but it is far more defensive than I wish to be."
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When Bayani speaks of his childhood, Darius listens with great interest. He is as eager to hear the tales of others as he is to share his own.
Kumari's dancing interests him greatly as well, but despite his bravado he is inwardly a bit shy. He finds himself blushing at some of her movements. Still, he is impressed with her grace and skill.
As Bayani and Kumari speak of sword dancing, he decides to share another story:
"This talk of dancing in battle reminds me of my visit to the Thunderdog clan. You see, years a go a dear friend of mine found himself beset by fits of rage. He would act as though possessed, and become nearly like and animal in his fury. Not far away there lived a nomadic tribe known for their somewhat wild ways. We heard stories about how their people could control their rage, and channel it at will to more useful purposes."
"So it was that we set off for their camp. At first, the Thunderdogs were a bit suspicious of us, but I broke the ice eventually. They agreed to take my friend in, and teach him their ways. They believed their powers came from the spirits of wolves, which gave them the ability to strike their foes like thunder (hence the clan name). In battle, they could move with great swiftness and grace, almost as if dancing."
"The men and women both possessed great skill in battle, but were far less polished in the ways of civilized people. This made me something of a curiosity to the women of the clan. I soon became the target of affection of several of their number. The next thing I knew..."
Suddenly Darius catches himself and his face flushes a deep red.
"My apologies, Sister Azar, I nearly shared quite an inappropriate tale. I shall strive to be more careful when in the presence of a fine lady such as yourself."