This is the PFS campaign Honor's Echo
You are all approached in the Flaxseed lodge by a man in his early twenties. He is well dressed, but his clothes look like the fashions of nobility past and his eyes hide a story of loss that you cannot read.
He approaches each of you directly and asks if you would help him in a mission of great importance to his family, handing you an envelope
Traveller,
You are here in this lodge because you seek fortune or fame. Whichever, I can help you achieve both. In return, I ask that you travel to the Rusting Nail Inn at Cassomir on the Western Coast of the Tandak Plains. I have left further instructions.
Help me right this terrible wrong.
Yours in gratitude,
Remaio Alcasti
With nothing else to do, you travel to the port of Cassomir and locate the Inn. You notice that you are not alone, and amongst the other travellers in the Inn you notice four others reading what look to be letters.
You approach the bar and show the man the note from Remaio. He hands you a mug of ale and bundle of letters, wax sealed.
Ale's on the house. Courtesy of Remaio. You aren't the only one to get the letters he says, nodding to the others. You might want to introduce yourself.
The barman goes about tending the other customers but says If you're new in these parts, I can tell you a little about Taldor. 'Tis a place with a history broader than many a sword I tell you.
Over a mug of ale and some pork crackling he tells you that the mighty empire of Taldor once stretched from the Arcadian Ocean to the border of the Padishah Empire of Kelesh. Aroden himself was said to walk among the people of Taldor, and his religion, a shining beacon unto the world, radiated outward from Taldor’s gilded capital of Oppara. Taldor’s ancient Armies of Exploration established footholds for the empire throughout Golarion, and during the Shining Crusade, its mighty phalanxes marched for thousands of miles to beat back the Whispering Tyrant and imprison him in Gallowspire. Yet despite these legacies, modern Taldor is a stunted remnant of its old glory, a declining empire that seems destined for little more than a footnote in the ultimate annals of history unless something can bedone to reverse its fate.
invasion against its declining neighbor in 4079. Sensing an opportunity, many of Taldor’s western provinces declared their independence in what was called the EvenTongued Conquest—a war on two fronts that the empire could not handle. Taldor repelled the Qadiran forces, butit never regained its lost lands
You open the first of the letters. It reads
In the aftermath of the Eventongued Conquest, foul emperors of Taldor sought scapegoats to bear the shame of their defeat. They stripped my family of their title and lands to condemn their failures in the two campaigns. The Alcasti have faded to obscurity since but I seek to rectify this, with your help.
My many-times Grandmother Countess Honaria Alcasti was an influential commander during the campaigns before and immediately following the Even-Tongued Conquest, yet all her skill could not
make up for the shortage of supplies, and her career came to an ignoble end. When she dared to critique the crown’s strategies, the emperor sentenced her family to life as
common people.
I long to exonerate her name and noble title. If I
can gather the right evidence and present it in Oppara,
I am certain to succeed. Please, follow these leads and help me restore honor to the Alcasti name.
Yours, Remaio
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A rather shaggy looking Ulfen takes the ale from the barkeep, drinks it deep as if his thirst could not be quenched with many ales, ale washes over his white bread, which is big and bushy. His long white hair is pulled back in a ponytail, but most of it is hanging loosely in his face. His blue eyes are piercing, and though the hair color implies old age, his face says he's somewhat younger.
Ahh.. The Ulfen says wiping his face with his sleeve.
The inheritor be with ya, I'm Tholl, Tholl Sjogunsson.
He wears well worn lamellar leather and a long sword at his hip, and despite the weather he looks like he's dressed for the cold, with varies furs adorning the fringes of the armor. He wears an iron holy symbol of Iomedae around his neck on a chain.
Tholl reviews the letters, Well my vote is visiting the man's cousin. Let's see what we can find out from the papers about this Countess Honaria. Either that or visit the church about the bust.
He smooths his beard out a bit. Now who all yeh be?
A little later he is sure to ask the barkeep about Taldor.
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What looks like a small potted plant stirs and reshapes itself into a humanoid figure before retrieving a large axe and backpack from nearby. "They call me Angry Magic Flower," he says as he shakes a bit of dirt from his head and holds out a hand. "Pleased to meet you!"
After looking through the letters, Angry Magic Flower agrees with Tholl. "I'm also very interested in this sword," she says thoughtfully.
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I like your name, Tholl tells Angry Magic Flower.
When messengers came to his village and told of the unthinkable horrors of the Worldwound and how all men must band together to stop the demons or the world would be overrun in time. Tholl answered the call, he felt a mix of wanderlust and responsibility, and a desire to save the world. It wasn't for altruistic reasons though, he wanted to be a legend! The folly of youth. So he left the Realm of the Mammoth Lords and traveled with a band of fighters into the Worldwound.
They joined many others from all over the Inner Sea, men and elves and dwarves, half-orcs, and halflings. The were loosely organized into a company, a vanguard, and launched an attack on a great host of demons. Flying into a great rage, he began to sing a song to inspire himself, he noticed it bolstered those around him too. It was the height of elation. But moments later he lay in a pool of his own blood, torn and battered by demon claws. Clinging to life, he remained still as he could as the battle raged on around him. He dropped into a long sleep. All was black.
Then he awoke. A tall, blonde-headed, dashing young knight in shinning armor knelt beside him with a confident smile. There you are, your light yet shines. Lay still man, as the demons dealt you a grievous wound. But Iomedae has saved you this day. I'm Boswick Bumbleberry and I'm at your service.
At my service Tholl thinks back smiling. It was at that very moment that he pledged himself to the service of the young knight, and by extension to the Silver Crusade, the Pathfinder Society, and even to the great Inheritor herself. For years he carried the man's gear, lit his fires in the wilderness, sang him my songs by the campfires. Attended him in the cities of the world, in solemn tomes, and even further than that to places most people could only dream of.
But Boswick always knew he would need to forge his own path one day. Tholl, I'm taking a break. I'm going to devout myself to what the church is doing her in Absalom. I think it's time for you to make your own story. The now older knight told his loyal servant. And so it was it was time to write the next chapter, his own chapter.
Tholl reflects on all these things as he looks at the other assembled Pathfinders. A sense of camaraderie and pride. Still in all his days with Boswick, he had never seen an ally so interesting as a walking, talking plant man!
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Aylanna joins the others, a singer, songwriter, and swift shooter. I've spent enough time playing the mere entertainer, it's time to make a real mark on the world. This Pathfinder Society seems just the way to do that...
She greets the other Pathfinders and asks. "This is my first task for the Society. Are all of you new as well?"
After reviewing the documents, the sword seems as good a place to start as any.
We’ll get started tomorrow folks - currently going for the family sword. In the meantime, enjoy the ale! You may purchase any additional equipment from the town this evening if you wish.
After a solid night’s rest you travel by boat south to the port of Zimar and then on by carriage to the fortress city of Omash, on the eastern border of Qadira. It is a hot, dry dustbowl south of the Jalrune River (Map of location added).
You arrive around midday and the guards at the city’s main gates direct you to the Ghazali family manor.
The luxurious estate lies on the outskirts of Omash, outside of the fortress-city’s towering walls. Instead, the property uses its own walls for protection. You see a sandstone wall decorated with geometric mosaics that surrounds the opulent Ghazali manor. Through the brass front gates, white cobblestone paths wind through a garden of flowering cacti and acacia trees to the manor’s entrance.
A pair of guards clad in polished armor flanks the heavy wooden door to the residence. As you approach, one of the guards steps across you and looks across the group.
Something I can help you with travellers? We get few walking plants and witches in these parts so you'll forgive my curiosity
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Alina smiles sweetly at the guard. "Do not worry good sir. I am not a "witch" like you would see here in Qadira. I have heard tales of your Ashiftah battle witches drifting through enemy ranks and honestly I would be terrified to meet one. I myself am simply a humble Varisian fortune teller."
"Would you be so kind as to let us pass so that we could meet with the Matriarch?"
The guard laughs at Alina. Ha! A fortune teller! I met one once, out on the Tandak plains but she never told me I'd spend my days coughing on sand.
He turns to Garsita and Angry Magic Tree Yes I know where you can find her. Follow me, all of you. But remember, I'm watching.
He leads you to Lady Ghazali’s study. The domed ceiling of this grand room soars above red and white tiles whose pattern resembles roses in bloom. Between the mahogany bookshelves that line the chamber, suits of armor stand at attention. An empty weapon rack faces the doorway.
Arajida al-Fakhiri, Lady Ghazali, a middle-aged Keleshite woman, sits alone with her head in her hands.
I wasn't expecting visitors but you are welcome to the Ghazali Manor, she says, but her pleasantries fall flat, and as she raises her head to look at you you can see that her eyes are bloodshot and wet with tears.
She says to the guard Thank you Ortha. I will be fine. Please return to your post. . The guard leaves, eyeing each of you suspiciously.
When he has gone, Lady Ghazali wipes away a tear and says How can I help you? As you can see, I'm not in much of a state for visitors
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Aylanna tries to make a smoothe introduction with the Lady who is apparently in some distress.
"Lady Ghazali, apologies that we have come at an inopportune time. We come not for ourselves, but on behalf of another though... We seek to acquire a sword in your possession, for it would go a long way toward restoring the honor of the family that once bore it. We have this record here to prove our client's authenticity..." Aylanna shows the Lady the records the party received earlier. "Would you be willing to part with the sword? Perhaps in consideration we could provide assistance with whatever distresses you, should it be in our power?"
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Tholl hopes the original record of the sword’s transfer to Honaria as a reward for her services to the Church and the Empire provided with Alcasti's note will help sway her.
As Aylanna said thanks for seeing us. We've recently come into the employee of Remaio Alcasti. He's sent us here to inquire about the sword of his ancestors that he feels is now in your possession. Tholl further explains, but may have come across to gruffly.
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Unsure as to how used to foreigners the woman might be, Alina formally greets her. "Greetings Mistress Ghazali, daughter of Fakhiri. I apologize for the intrusion but it is necessary. My companions have made a request of you, and I would like to explain it further. We are but simple travelers, here without a local patron. We do serve the lodge of Pathfinders, and in order to increase the honor of that society we wish to ask a boon of you." Alina gestures to the letter from Remaio pertaining to the sword. "Ser Remaio Alcasti is attempting to redeem the honor of his family by retrieving relics originally owned by his matriarch. I am sure as a member of Qadiran society that you understand how important it is to honor the maternal line. His research has shown that her sword may have fallen into your hands and we wish to know if we can return it to him."
She then softens a bit in her demeanor. "I understand that trade and business is of the utmost importance, but I also noticed that you seem to be in some distress. I do not wish to pry into your personal matters without your permission, but is there something we might do to help? No matter what your decision pertaining to the sword, it would benefit the influence and honor of our patron if we would be allowed to assist you. I myself am a follower of Desna, but the Qadiran priests of Sarenrae have the daily observance of healing a stranger in her name, and I wish to honor your traditions by offering to heal your pain if possible."
Lady Ghazali looks at Remaio's letter briefly then hands in back to Aylanna. Yes, it is true that I own the sword. But I cannot give it to you, even if I wanted to.
She turns to Alinna. Your knowledge of Qadira is impressive child and your offer of healing is kind but I wonder if you and your friends would extend that offer to helping me a little beyond prayer to Sarenrae?
She nods to the empty weapon rack, dabbing her eyes with the cloth from Angry Magic Tree. The sword was there, a beautiful decorative sword it is too. Alas, I woke this morning to find that my son, Aayef has taken the sword. Aayef is such a dreamer. He begged to be allowed to train at one of the war academies in the city, but I couldn’t bear the thought. I’m afraid he ran off on his own to slay some imaginary dragon—and found himself a real one. Please, I beg of you, bring him back and the sword will be yours.
She stands and walks gracefully across the tiles toward the window. The guards and I, we searched for him this morning but he had covered his tracks well. I fear we may have made your task harder with our meddling. There is a small hole in the manor walls, and Aayef may have slipped out that way. I would start there. Please. Go now, and bring me back my son.
You agree to help and make your way to the manor walls, searching for clues as to Aayef’s actions. The guard shouts over from his post We’ve already searched there. Think you know better? Pah!
You begin your search…
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Tholl calls out Not really, but we have to start somewhere! Attempting to deliver a friendly tone.
Look here! A bright blue piece of fabric, it looks like it has been hastily buried in the sand by the hole in the wall. Tholl wonders about it. What can it mean that it was buried? Tore off as he was going through the hole and tried to hide it as he exited? Why not just take it with him. It doesn't make a lot of sense to the Ulfen.
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Alina isn't very good at any of this tracking stuff, but she searches hard with Tholl hoping to help out in some way or another.
"It does seem like a bad way to cover your tracks as opposed to just taking it. Maybe the wind covered it up or someone else was following him and accidentally stepped on it?"
Alas, there are no vines on this wall that Angry Magic Tree can converse with for Lady Ghazali is a keen gardener and the ancient brickwork of the Manor walls would not tolerate an invasion of Ivy. However, Tholl's experience spots the blue fabric and from that, you spot a set of tracks, not yet blown over by the Qadira wind-swept desert. They are spaced far apart, as if someone was running.
Aayef ’s trail leads three miles east and the sun beats down on you mercilessly for the journey.
Angry Magic Tree leads the group into the desert, hoping to find a cactus or two but instead stumbles across a chunk of twisted deadwood resting atop a pile of ashes in the lee of a fallen stone column. Cinders surrounding the driftwood suggest a recent fire.
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As they arrive at the driftwood, Alina sits for a minute, takes a swallow from her waterskin and looks around.
"Whoever tried to make a fire here wasn't very skilled in the task. I assume it was Aayef, I hope he is ok." She stands and walks over to the half-buried pack. "There is this as well. It has some anti-toxin and a broken compass in it. There's also a tindertwig, so it probably wasn't owned by the one who made the firepit or they would have used it."
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Tholl follows Alina example and takes a pull from his waterskin. Yes, this desert heat is quite something. Despite it Tholl still wears his furs.
Your right Garsita. I wonder if the boy was kidnapped, I mean why bury the cloth? Why set this fire? None of this adds up.
Tholl gives the whole area a good look around, trying to see if any tracks go off in a different direction.
Aylanna’s thoughts are pierced by a scream that comes from the South-East. As a group, you instinctively follow the sound and see some Steps ascend to a smooth stone dais. A cracked stone shrine stands before the eastern wall. Bones and other detritus litter the floor around the altar.
You identify carvings of Sarenrae on the altar. The bones in this area also appear to be the remains of the giant scorpion’s previous meals.
On the altar you see a young boy, clearly petrified for his life being attacked by a giant scorpion, it’s sting stabbing at sand as it tries to pierce the boys’s skin and subdue him to feast upon.
The boy sees you Hee…Helllllppppp! he cries, his voice carried away by the desert sands.
Tholl readies himself for battle whilst Angry Magic Tree swings at the Scorpion boosted by the presence of Tholl’s flag, but his Greataxe just misses the carapace of the scorpion and ploughs harmlessly into the sand.
The scorpion is distracted by the attack and tuns to see who the threat is and doesn’t notice Alina silently chanting under her breath. but the scorpion seems immune to Alina's witchcraft and her words are lost to the desert. Meanwhile, Garsita swings hard and her glaive strikes true, landing a blow on the pincer of the scorpion which scuttles back, pincers smashing together in pain and anger.
It ignores Aayef briefly and scuttles to Angry Magic Tree, kicking up plumes of sand
Aayef screams in terror but manages to compose himself enough to strike at the scorpions tail as it looms ominously above Angry Magic Tree He struggles to lift the sword over his head, as he aims it at the scorpion’s stinger
Aayaf yells in triumph and shock as he carves into the scorpion which hisses in pain and spins in the sand.
Angry lashes out at the scorpion and his dagger finds a soft spot between the scorpions carapace, flames dancing from the tip and scorching the skin. It releases Angry and thrashes in pain.
Garsita sees the scorpion release Angry and launches an attack but the scorpion scuttles out of the way just in time to see Garsita strike desert sand. Tholl is equally unfortunate as the scorpion sees him coming.
Tholl looks surprised as the scorpion begins to thrash in pain in the sand anyway, as if stuck. At a distance, Alina chants a hex that strikes at the primeval brain of the scorpion.
The scorpion, dripping thick red blood onto the sand, scuttles away from Angry's hot blade and turns his attention to Tholl
The scorpion swipes across Tholl's abdomen with his claw leaving a gaping wound! It tries to grab Tholl
Aylanna's first arrow goes wide and the second narrowly misses the head of the giant scorpion but also buries itself harmlessly in Qadira sand.
Aayef moves in close to the scorpion and swings the sword over his shoulder. The sun glints off the steel and flashed across the body of the scorpion as, inspired by the sight of Tholl's flag, he aims to cleave the claw that isn't holidng Tholl
but the sword is heavy and he can't control it as it crashes into desert rock.
AMT
Alina
Tholl grappled
Garsita
Scorpion
Aylanna
Aayef