|
You have been invited to the Starrise Spire, the Pathfinder Lodge in the Mendevian city of city of Nerosyan - just outside the World Wound. The invite was ambiguous, as they so often are.
You arrive at the lodge to quite the hubbub. The place is swarming with pathfinders, from across the world! This is likely one of the largest gatherings of pathfinder agents that you have ever witnessed. Awaiting the arrival of Jorsal of Lauterbury, Venture-Captain of the lodge, (and hopefully some explanation!) you approach a group of five other agents.
|
A Tien woman in ostentatious red noble garb pushes her way into the Spire, sighing as she rubs shoulders with a sullen half-orc and nearly has her knees knocked out from under her as a gnome weaves through the doorway at the same time as her.
A paper is in her hand, rendezvous details contained therein. Matching up the information with that on the board a little ways in, she finds herself a table-- thankfully reserved-- and has a seat.
Two pistols rest on her hips, one in a cavalry holster, while a light, curved blade finds its sheath at the small of her back.
|
Conney walks in. An half-orc, sure, but not like one you are used to seeing. Thin, certainly, almost frail looking, probably, he doesn't look like he has ever had a decent meal. Tattoos on the right side of his face descend down his neck and you can make out the end (or possibly start) on his right hand. Nothing specific, just an intricate design.
His belt has a multitude of pouches and vials attached to it and his backpack tinkles with the sound of glass items bumping into each other. He looks appreciatively at the pistols on Lady Vulpina, gives her a slight nod, and otherwise stays silent.
|
As you all enter the meeting room, you are met by an unusual sight indeed. A dwarf in heavy armor sits in the corner with an axe and shield at his side. Not so unusual some might say. However this particular dwarf's hair and armor are black as night and streaked with blue. Embossed on his chest piece is a stylistic sword before a crescent moon. While also blue, they seem to shine with an inner light and appear almost white. After blinking, another look reveals no such inner light although the design itself is quite striking. To further the rarity of such a sight - the heavily armed and armored dwarf is reading a book! He meets each newcomers eyes and offers a grunted "Alrik" before returning his attention to the thick bound book in his hands. His attention barely wavers from it until the Venture Captain enters.
|
Suddenly enters an human in light armor with a small shield covering his left arm. He's carrying a long bow and a quiver is attached around his hips.
Hi, I'm Wenjeff.
If you have a look through the window, you can notice a flying creature which bears the wings, forelegs, and head of a great raptor bird and the tail and body of a magnificent horse. When Wenjeff notices that you're looking at the hippogriff he says: Oh, it's Harpocrates, my companion.
|
A young Chelaxian woman, her skin bronzed from many summers spent in the seaside sun, joins you. A darkwoood longbow is slung over her shoulder and she wears smooth rectangular plates of darkened leather wrapped around her torso and shoulders. She nods to the other bowman.
"Is this where we meet the Venture Captain? I am Denaria."
|
|
The apparent noblewoman smiles at her new companions and offers a polite wave. "I am pleased to make your acquaintances," she says. "You may address me as 'my Lady Vulpina,' or simply 'my Lady' if time is of the essence." Her tone is familiar and friendly, and she seems happy to engage in learning more about her companions.
"So we've two archers, an... alchemist, if I'm spotting that correctly? I've known few to wear so many bottles unless they plan to fight with them. Then we have a kinsman--"
"...and I feel little doubt in assuming that Alrik here is handy with that axe."
"It seems to me that the Society did a fair job composing our group. The only thing we're missing is the Venture Captain, who I suppose should be along shortly."
“Fellow Pathfinders, I am Jorsal of Lauterbury, Venture-Captain of Nerosyan. I welcome you to the Starrise Spire and bid you to find a seat and speak with the other guests. Once everyone is comfortably seated, I will get to the point of this great gathering.”
|
|
A well-built holy warrior of Iomedae, well into his fifties, approaches you and points you toward a table. "You look like a suitable group. Over here, kiddos." You follow his ornate platemail-garbed form to the table and sit. He pulls out a large map from his bag, spreading it out on the table. "Gives me the shivers, being this close to the Wound. Fiends are such evil little buggers. The Worldwound is an unnatural blight on the world! Believed to be a rift into the Abyss, this gateway from Golarion opened shortly after the death of Aroden." The man hits the table with his armored fist. "The name is Sir Osbert Deloray, by the way."
"Our forefathers fought! A great crusade was built up from the weakened church of Aroden and followers of the goddess Iomedae. Since that time, Mendev has engaged in four crusades against the demonic threat. A series of specialized artifacts keeps the demons of the Worldwound at bay. Thank goodness, right? Known as wardstones, these artifacts are layered in runes that ward away demons. Powered by regular acts of faith, wardstones dot the border between Mendev and the Worldwound, keeping the demons from crossing in great numbers. And that's why we can sit here in safety today!" The man leans back in his chair, pleased with himself.
Nerosyan is divided into several districts, though the local crusaders often group smaller districts together. The four amalgamated districts include the
Egelsee District to the southeast, Confluence District to the southwest, Woundward District to the northwest, and Battle District to the northeast. Considered the heart of Nerosyan, the Cruciform Cathedral is the center of Iomedaean worship in the city. Acting as a tactical command center, the cathedral allows crusaders to quickly move about the city via the interior walls that section off the city.
The Pathfinder Society maintains a strong working relationship with the crusaders of Mendev. An extensive treaty exists between the nation and the Society, giving the Society the right to operate in the region, but requiring Pathfinders to defend Mendevian cities and participate in crusades. Pathfinder activities in Nerosyan operate out of the Starrise Spire, which is led by Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury. Jorsal is a pious man and a skilled combatant; he’s believed to have made no fewer than 50
missions into the Worldwound in search of artifacts for the Society.
The Worldwound is infested with demons. Evil and destructive creatures, demons are native to the Abyss, though they can be summoned by means of magic. Many of the demons within the Worldwound emerged from the rift at the center of the region. The demonic hosts are kept somewhat in line by powerful overlords known as demon lords. The exact number of demon lords is unknown, but many such creatures are revered on Golarion. Each demon lord has a portfolio, similar to that of a deity; however, most demon lords lack many of the powers a true god possesses.
|
|
The tien monk looks a little surprised, "I'm unused to so many people speaking my native language since I left Tian-Xia. Questions never asked never receive answers, why learn the dialect of my Tian-Xia?" he asks curiously.
"Because it is difficult to learn" Conney says quickly as the VC begins to speak. He jumps slightly when Sir Osbert slams his fist down unexpectedly. About to ask a question, he closes his mouth from being startled, waiting for more from the knight.
|
|
The man looks to Vulpina and chuckles. "Ha! Those who play with gunpowder are never afraid to get burned! No, lass, I doubt that will be our mission today. A crusade takes a lot more resources than just the Pathfinders!" He shakes his head. "The foolish confidence of the young. Now, you know that the Worldwound is infested with demons. Evil and destructive creatures, demons are native to the Abyss, though they can be summoned by means of magic. Many of the demons within the Worldwound emerged from the rift at the center of the region." Again, he begins pointing to the map with hurried gestures. "The demonic hosts are kept somewhat in line by powerful overlords known as demon lords. The exact number of demon lords is unknown, but many such creatures are revered on Golarion. Each demon lord has a portfolio, similar to that of a deity; however, most demon lords lack many of the powers a true god possesses." He crosses himself and utters a quick prayer to Iomedae.
He turns to the quieter ones and nods. "So, have any of you been to this region before?" He squints at Wenjeff. "You can thank the goddess for that! The Cruciform Cathedral is the center of Iomedaean worship in the city. And lots of blokes consider it the heart of Nerosyan! The heart! Acting as a tactical command center, the cathedral allows crusaders to quickly move about the city via the interior walls that section off the city."
|
|
"Never been? Oh, it's a beautiful city! Lookee here." He pulls out yet another map, this time of the city. "Nerosyan is divided into several districts, though the local crusaders often group smaller districts together. The four amalgamated districts include the Egelsee District to the southeast, Confluence District to the southwest, Woundward District to the northwest, and Battle District to the northeast." He points as he goes, cardinally and then to the map. " As for why we're here, your guess is as good as mine! I just hope Venture-Captain Thurl isn't a part of it. Jorsal is a good man, and a competent leader. Can't say so much for the dwarf."
|
|
Lady Vulpina looks over the map. "I do wonder, how fares the fight? I must admit to some surprise that a city of this size would stand this close to the Wound. Although it does bear resemblance to a large fort... or four large, triangular forts, perhaps," she chuckles. "And would you recommend any specialized equipment if we are to be working in this area? My blade and pistol have served me well, but I have heard of creatures that shrug off steel as if it were talc."
“Pathfinders, please get settled. I’d like to start in a few minutes.”
|
|
The rugged crusader laughs again, reaching into his bag. He pulls out a shortsword, removing it from it’s sheath. ”This little lady has collected a lot of demon essence over the years. Cold Iron. That’s the way with these demons. Cold iron cuts right through to their evil souls. I mean, sure, some of the more experienced adventurers prefer weapons blessed by a good god, but me? I prefer good old cold iron.”. He whips out a cleaning cloth and works to shine the blade. ”As for the elemental stuff, I know less about that. I know they resist a lot of them. Some spells just seem to wash right over them. I saw a wizard one time. Threw a fireball. A HUGE fireball!”. He stands up, backing away from the table to gesture with his arms how big the spell was. ’Hit the demon lord straight in the face. And he walked right out! Not even a scratch! That’s why I never went to magic school. The blade, you can trust!”. He smiles at those of you with openly worn weapons.
”As for our proximity to the Wound, I venture that was the church’s idea.” He raises his fingers, as if quoting someone. ”The closer you are to evil, the closer you are to vanquishing it.”
|
Yajima chimes in about trusting the blade, "When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem becomes a nail. The only difference is how hard you swing." he then shakes his head, "Strength comes from within, anything can be your hammer if you're strong enough to swing it, even yourself. Magic though...why trust a spell when you could trust your own body?"
|
|
Sir Osbert looks at you in fake shock. "Take my baby? When we are so close to the demons? No, no. I trust no shield enough to let go of this girl." He pauses and looks towards the front. "Better run off fast and grab your gear, I think we'll be starting soon." He nods towards the door. "There were a bunch of merchants out front. They tend to congregate around the lodge during meetings. Lots of coin flowing in and out of these walls today."
“Welcome one and all, to the city of Nerosyan. I am Jorsal, Venture-Captain of Starrise Spire. I know you all have questions about why you’ve been sent here, and I intend to spend the evening answering those questions".
“I shall start by telling you why the Society has sent so many skilled agents to Mendev. Intrepid agents recently uncovered information that points to a startling find in the old nation of Sarkoris, now known as the Worldwound. These agents have discovered that a dwarven Sky Citadel, one of the rarest sites on the planet, rests within the Worldwound. It is known to us as Jormurdun.
“It is the will of the Decemvirate that we should come together and find the exact site of thi—”
The speech is interrupted by a distant explosion and the sounding of war horns!
|
|
At the sound of the war horns and the distant explosion, the room bursts into chaotic conversations! The most senior pathfinders immediately take control of the situation, wandering throughout the room and dispatching groups. Jorsal hops down and listens to an aid whisper in his ear. Then he himself approaches your table. “My friends, it appears the city is under attack by a force of demons from the Worldwound! How such a thing is possible, I do not yet know, but I do know that this attack cannot stand. Our treaty with the crusaders of Mendev binds us to join the battle. Give me some time to rally our agents as best I can, and in the meantime I trust you to pick where your skills can best be put to use. Go forth into Nerosyan or hasten to the skirmishes outside its walls, and aid where you can. I shall summon you again when I know how to best combat this enemy.” He turns back before riding off, adding, “Keep an eye out for Venture-Captain Thurl. If he is not already helping, ensure that he’s not pinned down.”
The knight of Iomedae looks to the map he has most recently laid out. ”Alright, group. I need to rejoin some of my comrades and go assist with the effort. For yourselves, decide where you will go. The Battle District, Confluence District, Egelsee District, Woundward District, or the Outer District. “ (The outer district is the areas just outside the walls.) He stands up, leaving his maps with you, and runs off. ”Be well!”
|
|
You head out to the Egelsee district, working your way through the busy streets. Along the way you pass a crusader. He calls out to you, "PATHFINDERS! We are fending off a demonic assault! Like we've never seen! The healers of the Cruciform Cathedral run low on medical supplies. Go to them!" He runs towards the wall, a holy scream on his lips.
A few minutes later, you approach the grand church, the Cruciform Cathedral, where you are approached by a human nun. "Hello, I am Sister Amira. Iomedae's light on you this day. Are you here to help or in need of aid?" When you confirm, she continues. "Friends, this surprise attack by the servants of darkness has struck deeper than you know. Hundreds of wounded seek shelter here in the Cruciform, but our supplies are quickly dwindling; we never imagined the demons would penetrate the city walls in such a profound manner. As a result, I must ask a favor."
She moves to the holy alter and reaches down into a secret compartment below it, pulling out a sack. “Our fastest supplier of medical goods is a man in Pilgrim’s Rest named Zuka. He runs a local inn called the Sovereign’s Rest, and also has a small warehouse out back. The man is far from pious and prefers to be addressed as Sovereign, but he is our only option in such times of need. I can provide you with some money to pay for his latest shipment of medical goods, but the less you have to pay, the better. Sadly, for a man so well connected, he is unlikely to help out of the goodness of his heart.” She opens the sack to reveal a bundle of gems and coins.
You estimate this stash to be worth just over 4000 GP.
She gives you the directions to the building and pauses before sending you off. "Uh, any questions before you leave?"