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Gameplay thread for a retrocon table of siege of diamond city please post brief intros as you gather in Neroysan . You are in the dining area and are seated (or about to be seated) At a table. Venture captain Josiah of Lauterbury has welcomed you to the Lodge which is a tower set into the walls of Neroysan a crusader city close to the worldwound. A large gathering of pathfinders are all expecting a major announcement
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A tall human male pauses at the entrance, making note of the crush as he adjusts his smart military jacket. This is more like it. Not so creepy with all these Pathfinders.
As he takes a chair he nods politely to his neighbours, ”Hell of a lodge...” he pauses a second and then shakes his head, ”that pun was most definitely not deliberate.”
”I’m Seldiir, Sable Company attaché to the Society.” He offers his hand to anyone who responds or meets his eye.
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A diminutive, very scrawny halfling with very plain looks enters the lodge, his beady little eyes picking Seldiir and Mahalak from the rest of the crowd immediately. There's a constant smile about him that's a little disconcerting.
He approaches the two humans, extending his right hand.
"Me name's Riltar. Pleased to join ye. This is goin' to be fun."
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A fairly typical Ulfen man stomps into the room. He is clad in crimson scales and his shield bears a crest with a sword crossed over an angel's wing. He almost seems at peace as he smirks looking over all the agents and crusaders.
This one is closer...much closer to home and more my style...what did that messenger say the others looked like?
After finding and approaching the group he gives his shield a good smack.
"Elris Kayne, local priest of Ragathiel but don't expect any sermons. We spread our word on the battlefield." he extends a hand for the others to shake and for him to test their strength.
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"Pleased to go on adventures with you too, Riltar. I'm Mahalak of the Moon Clan, and this is my companion, Mavenee." He shakes the hand of the halfling.
As Elris introduces himself, Mahalak goes over and shakes the man's hand as well. "That's one strong grip you got there. My name's Mahalak, and this is Mavenee," he gestures towards the panther. "I'm sure we'll move mountains on the battlefield. May the blood of our enemies flow from our swords and arrows." Mavenee gives a soft growl towards Mahalak. "Oh, and teeth of course."
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"I'll be honest with ye gents - me sword trainin's not complete yet. I apprenticed fer me magic skill long enough - or more specifically, managed to spy enough while serving as a slave in Cheliax. But due to me small size and weak frame, I've taken fencing lessons from some noble lady in Pitax. I'm afraid her time is expensive though, so I'm planning to serve a few missions in the Society to pay for the rest. Until the trainin's over, I'm handy enough with a crossbow and can land one or two grease spells per day ta help ye frontliners."
“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.”
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Elris nods at the firm grip of Seldiir that matches his own.
"Ah Ragathiel, my General of Vengeance! Earned his place among the Lords of the Empyrean through his battle with the bastard devils of Hell. Might not be many devils here but plenty of demons to cut down!" Elris beams at the thought of battle.
He turns to Riltar and claps him on the back.
"Nothing to worry about. Battles aren't won only by the blade! Plus that leaves more room for me at the front, hah."
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A colorful figure sidles up to the table, his appearance markedly different to the several well-armed and armored warriors at the table. If the Ulfen and the Shoanti's looks speak of a harsh life on the verge of the wilds, this figure's appearance speaks of a world of comfort, luxury, and hedonism. He is a slight figure but dressed in silks in a dozen rainbow hues, and his 'armor' is clearly more ceremonial than anything, shiny strips of laquered and painted paper just as colorful as his clothing. His face has been heavily made-up as well, with rainbow hues that bring to mind a feathered serpent, or the suggestion of scales. Completing the impression of something serpentine is the fact that the man's eyes are yellow, with slitted vertical pupils.
"How true! That not all battles are won with steel. Greetings, friends," the man says in smooth tones, as he sinks languidly into a chair. "Ramakanti, late of Vudra. My. Quite the menagerie, are we not? Impressive armaments and beasts. I wonder what task needs so much force? No doubt we will be told."
If beverages grace the tables, the colorful figure will grasp the bottle and fill a glass. "May I serve anyone a glass?"
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Well into his fifties, a well-built holy warrior of Iomedae garbed in ornate platemail approaches your table carrying a bunch of map cases.
"Ah it is good to hear a bunch of pathfinders already discussing tactics. I can see why Jorsal sent for you." He starts to pull out a map and stops. "Forgive me I am Sir Osbert Deloray and I have been tasked with making sure you are up to speed on this fair city and its surroundings" He then finishes pulling out the map and plonks it on your table. "So pathfinders what do you already know?
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Knowledge (Engineering or Geography)
Result of 10+
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.
15+
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.
20+
The following are important Towers for Nerosyan’s defense.
Battle Tower: The northernmost point of the city is
the most likely to weather an assault by land. Earthen
revetments surround three layers of nested towers, making
the tower the most heavily fortified site in Mendev.
Confluence Tower: Confluence Tower is geared
towards defending Nerosyan from attacks across the two
rivers that meet at its base. The tower has held its own
through several riparian attacks from Dread Barges and
other Abyssal craft that periodically swarm up from the
Sarkora River. At its base is the Crusader’s Quay, a set of
military wharves that offer shelter for the small crusader
navy in ingenious covered slips.
Egelsee Tower: Located at the eastern point of the
Nerosyan diamond, Egelsee tower serves a second
purpose as a rapid-response staging area for Nerosyan’s
cavalry, which can ride out at a moment’s notice through
special large-scale sally ports built into its outer walls.
Woundward Tower: Almost completely surrounded
by the West Sellen river, the Woundward Tower defends
the city against aerial assaults. The tower bristles
with spyglasses that scan the skies, as well as the most
advanced siege engines and the best archers in Nerosyan.
The city’s wardstone is housed in this tower, as close to the
border as possible.
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The appearance of the Worldwound came at a turbulent
time in history,
Knowledge history
15+
world. Believed to be a rift into the Abyss, this gateway
from Golarion opened shortly after the death of Aroden.
20+
the First Mendevian Crusade in 4622 AR. This 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.
25+
of the Worldwound at bay. 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.
30+
magic, demonic or otherwise, from working across their
borders. Despite this incredible ability, the wardstones
don’t hinder such magic from working within the
confined areas.
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You may already know something about Pathfinder
Society politics in the Mendev region.
Knowledge (Local or Nobility)
15+
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.
20+
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.
25+
operations in the area, there is a second venture-captain
in Nerosyan who’s in charge or a second lodge—a nononsense
dwarf by the name of Thurl. Covered in tattoos
and piercings, Thurl operates undercover as the leader
of a mercenary company, and he handles far fewer noble
missions for the Society than does his colleague.
30+
Venture-Captain Thurl has not been entirely honest in
his dealings with the Decemvirate. A group of Pathfinders
who recently finished a mission in Numeria were then
sent to review the work of the dwarf and his agents, but
those Pathfinders have not been heard from in months.
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Knowledge (Planes or Religion)
10+
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.
20+
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.
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Rama listens to Seldiir's expert break-down of the city's layout with interest, whilst lounging back in the utilitarian chair as if it were a comfortable divan instead.
"Well, you're practically a military tactician, aren't you," Ramakanti says with a slow smile. "Very informative. So we've all these towers, thrusting up heroically against the sky, bastions of the city's defense, each with their primary form of attack to guard against... Interesting. Thank you, Seldiir. Riltar, is it-- might I have a moment?"
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Osbert nods "Glad to see the newcomers here know their stuff as well as their weapons"
A female female half-elf In Hide armour approaches the table with a plump dire badger in tow."Dont let Osbert bore you with his maps the worldwound just looks different from any map when you get out hunting demons they can arrive out of nowhere despite those wardstones. Cold iron works better but any weapon can work with enough rage behind it. Are you going to let them into your little armoury Osbert?
"That armoury is for defending the city in event of attack as you well know Sheloa and keep that animal away from my maps" replies Osbert
Sheloa's eyes flash as she responds "Foamy is well behaved and more than useful in a battle. As.." she stops short a pained look on her face. She recovers. "Watch your backs pathfinders it is tough in the world wound and dont rely on help from Thurls mercenaries" Foamy grunts and nuzzles her leg and she rubs his belly in return
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"Cold iron?" Ramakanti echoes with brows raised. "Perhaps I should get some crossbow bolts of that material, then. Helpful to know..."
He smiles at the exchange between Osbert and Sheloa, looking amused. "We shall be sure to heed your advice, Lady Sheloa. Sir Osbert, how soon will the briefing from the Venture Captains commence, do you know? Have I time to run to the quartermaster's and obtain these fabled cold iron bolts?"
“Pathfinders, please get settled. I’d like to start in a few minutes.”
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”Ah Jorsal. He has led at least 50 expeditions into the worldwound to retrieve items of interest to the society and largely thanks to his efforts Queen Galfrey has permitted us to use this tower as a base. Provided of course we do our duty if the city is ever attacked. There is an extensive treaty set out to that effect. Of course the worldwound opened shortly after the death of Aroden and Mendev has formed from the weakened church of Aroden and followers of the goddess Iomedae and has led several crusades to close the worldwound or at least curtail its influence” says sir osbert
Sheloa is more interested in Mavanee and Firewing and offers a hand for them to inspect in turn
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"Thank you for sharing your knowledge in handling demons. I will make the necessary preparations for us to gain the advantage against these foul creatures." He mutters a few incoherent words to Mavenee as she inspects Sheloa's hand. "These are allies Mavenee. I trust that they will treat us well," he translates to the group.
“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!
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Rama's hand snaps up at the sound of the horns, and he stands in a fluid motion from the table, setting the wine flagon down precisely.
"Perhaps the time for talk has passed.... Riltar? A word?"
The Vudrani bends to gaze into the halfling's eyes, his own eyes intensely golden and glittering. "You say your training is not complete... but that actually makes you perfect for my purposes. Will you consent to a little game, Riltar of Cheliax? We will make jest at our enemies' expense. What say you?"
Ramakanti smiles conspiratorially.