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After the chronicler realizes that his weird fanfiction about horror movie icons of another world at another time are less important than the recording of the ventures of some brave individuals who dared to stand against the odds.
He begins writing...
After the Blakros Family acquired some relics without permission from the Twinhorn Tribes, an infiltration of their museum began. The museum, run by one Nigel Aldain, was powered by all mannerisms of traps and exhibits that were able to defend the museum; but it did too well. As the museum was damaged and destroyed, a demon broke loose and wreaked more havoc.
If not for the intervention of the Pathfinder Society, Nigel Aldain would have no museum to clean up at all. Since he interrupted the grand feast that was being held, he was left to clean up afterwards. No one likes Nigel anyways, so it was fitting justice.
The Pathfinders allied themselves with the Twinhorn to return to the site of an ancient ritual where an angellic being known as Ivvora battled an powerful evil known as Eshimka. The traditions around this site prevented the return of Eshimka into the world of Golarian, but due to the delays caused by the museum and orc hordes, the Solstice was almost upon the site and a near cataclysmic event almost happened. It was decided to seek out the relics of Ivvora and attempt to destroy the threat, Eshimka, once and for all.
The Pathfinders and Twinhorn traveled into the lands of Kobolds and Dragons and faced many threats and battles. Chasing Kobolds into their caves, subduing dragons, and even finding the frozen remains of Ivvora. She issued to Medda Twinhorn to seek the remains of her weapon to be ready to face the threat Eshimka once and for all.
Our tale begins as a group of Pathfinders gathered together on the trail to the Fangwood...
At this time, you may all introduce yourselves to each other.
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"I recognize that the threat is dire", a huge man booms as he surveys the frozen landscape. "But I am proud to be on this quest along the boldest heroes to serve within the Pathfinders' ranks. Together, we will find these relics and destroy this Eshimka for good."
Thunderhoof is a brawny shoanti warrior. Like most of his kin, the huge man looks to have been bred for war, standing over two meters tall at the collar with dark leathery skin offset by brightly colored tribal tattoos. His head and face are shaven in the typical Shoanti fashion but the shadow of dark coarse stubble is visible across is jawline. His features are square and lean which complement his muscular physique and add to his rugged good looks. Those that study him closely note specks of violet starlight in his eyes - a telltale sign of celestial heritage.
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The soft crisping sound of snow could be heard as he stepped up next to Thunderhoof. Dressed in what seemed to be an expensive outfit the young man appeared to be at ease in the cold and a warm smile greeted Thunderhoof and the others once they would arrive. "Sarenrae has brought us here and I am sure that she will guide us on a path that will show the demise of Eshimka..." With that he fell silent again as he waited, small whisps of air could be seen to escape from his nostrils as he exhaled.
Grimaldus is your average trader, dressed in fine clothing to show his wealth and he didn't mind flaunting it. On his side a scimitar was placed and on his back a large shield with a symbol of Sarenrae adorned on it. Even on his clothing small hints of the godess were shown as they were interwoven in it. His features were calm and serene although the beard showed some hints of grey in it.
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"Yes, once more to finish, terminate and end what we have started. A fitting way to fulfill, complete, and accomplish my duties to the Society. "
Though he was dressed gaudily in lairs of clothes, the tengu didn't seem to care much for the cold, as he often hide the tip of his beak behind his cloak whenever a cold wind blew. It drew attention to the (obviously) fake Fu Manchu mustache attached to either side.
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A puny little gnome with a spring in his step comes bounding up. His outfit can only be described as outrageously loud, and he appears to be covered in bling, from overlarge pinky rings to a chest full of gaudy gold necklaces sporting a wide variety of images and logos, the most prominent of which is a symbol of the Blackros Museum. He is wearing a mask that appears expensive and surprisingly elegant compared to the rest of his outfit. There is a key sprouting from the forehead of the mask.
He doffs the mask with blackened withered hands, and underneath you see his face bears a tattoo of the mask as well. He has strange slitted eyes that seem to carry a permanent glint of mischief.
In a high-pitched voice he says, "Greetings, fellow Pathfinders. I am Trade Prince Charlie Robert McGee Blackros, and it is your pleasure to meet me. First and foremost, let me be quite clear about this: any illegal activity allegedly committed by someone from the Blackros Museum was definitely NOT done at the direction of--nor with the blessings of--the Blackros family. Any such acts, if they even did occur, were done solely at the discretion of the individuals themselves, and they solely bear any responsibility and liability for their actions." He pauses, and waggles his eyebrows. "Now, that being said, the Blackros family does recognize a long and fruitful relationship between the Pathfinder Society and the Blackros family, so we decided to send the very embodiment of this union. That would be me." He dons his mask again.
"Adventurer, Trade Prince, Black Sheep of every family he's ever belonged to...and adherent of the great goddess Brigh--MayHerMachinationsNeverCease. Most important, I am a Gee-nome of highest standing, and I look forward to putting my magics, knowledge and negative energy toward completing this quest. Hopefully, at a nice profit."
He looks down at his outfit and says, "I suppose I should put away my professional attire and put on something...more appropriate."
He rips the sleeves off his silk shirt, and suddenly, he's wearing a simple traveler's outfit, though the mask of Brigh remains. He reaches into his haversack without even looking and pulls out a buckler bearing the symbol of Brigh and straps it on. Then he pulls out a nicely made cestus, which he slides on to the same arm.
He finally seems to notice all the snow, and he casually starts casting burning hands a few times to melt the snow in an area away from any trees. Then he gestures to the tengu to join him in the soggy but snow free area.
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upon the arrival of the little gnome and his introduction a mere smile caressed his features before a slight bow was given to the gnome. "Ahhh, another Trade Prince, some must be lucky to be in such estimeed presence..." Turning his head to the others a smile touched his lips for the briefest of moments before a whisp of air slipped from his lips before he spoke once more "Forgive me for not introducing myself, normally I have someone to do so for me, but the urgency of this mission and the location I decided to not have him tag along... I am Trade Prince Grimaldus Skillganon..."
Watching the gnome clearing some space a small shake of his head could be seen as he moved towards the cleared area and took in the rest of the Pathfinder "Pleasure to meet you all, Sarenrae will look after you and may her healing ensure your safety..." Turning towards the Gnome for a brief moment he smiled "May Brigh guide you and provide you with wisdom Trade Prince..."
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"Trade Prince Grimanus Skulldragon?... Never heard of ya."
The gnome stands there imperiously for a beat or two before a high pitch cackle rings through the glade.
"Kidding...kidding. Well met, my fellow Prince. Nice to be working with a fellow who understands it takes a few coins to be successful as a Pathfinder. Have you thought about marrying into the Blackros family? After all, we Pathfinders keep collecting rarities and placing them in the Museum. What better way to hold onto our illgott-- I mean hard-earned rare and valuable treasures that should be cherished by all? Not to mention potentially getting your hands on the stuff the rest of these suckers collect..." He sticks out a withered hand and offers a feeble handshake. The blackened skin on his hand feels crinkly and crisp.
"Speaking of bringing stuff along from the Blackros Museum, did I remember to grab Fossilblight this time? Any of you any good with heavy picks? I'd be willing to loan it out to you, as long as you promise to return it at the end of the adventure. They'd get a little ticked off if I didn't come back with it." He looks expectantly at the Shaonti warrior, the Tengu Slayer, and the human cavalier to see if any of them might be interested.
As he stamps his feet to keep warm, he looks about until he sees a sizable stone. He starts blasting it with firebolts until he feels the heat radiating off of it, then he stands on top of it.
"Ahhh, that's better.
Then he turns to the tengu slayer. "Did you say your name was Chak? I was chatting with a pathfinder in the Grand Lodge a few weeks ago. He mentioned how you and he and a few other agents had done some good work in Katapesh. Something about rescuing some folks and proving yourselves by surviving the traps and monsters in this manor. What was his name again? A retired comedian out of Qadira... Oh yes, how could I forget. Lathlo the Flatulent
Sounds like you managed to succeed despite the pomposity of the twit you were sent to rescue. A pleasure to be working with you.
You wouldn't happen to know the way to this Fangwood? And just how flammable are the trees there?
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"Hello everyone,"states a ratfolk as he makes his way to the group. "Ikit is the name and studying magic is my game." You notice the emblem of the Scarab Sages on his buckler. Occasionally, you also notice he scratches the back of his head from time to time.
"I can enhance for a short time weapons. So if I tap your weapon with my rapier do not get concerned."
"Too be honest when the Diamond Sage asked for me to help out the Blakros family again I was hoping it would be another chance to do more research in some libraries but I do love too travel. Its partly the reason I joined the society."
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Rubbing his fingers over the bridge of his nose he let go of a sigh before shaking the hand of Charlie. "I have never considered marrying into the Blackross family, I might have to look into it..." He grimaced for a moment as he regarded the pick for a brief moment before shaking his head before patting the scimitar at his side "I am fine, Dawn will strike true and pass judghement on my enemies..." Turning his head he regarded Ikit for a moment before nodding at him "Pleased to meet you..." pausing for a moment he spoke "Should you get inflicted with the feeling of throwing up or any of that sorts, let me know and I will let that feeling pass so you can fight on unhindered..."
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The long journey south from the slopes of the Tusk Mountains to the edge of Fangwood took several weeks, during which many of the Twinhorns and Pathfinders exchanged ancestral stories and tales of daring adventures to pass the time on the relatively uneventful trek. By the time the Fangwood rises ahead in the brisk morning air, both groups are eager to confront whatever lies ahead.
Medda addresses the crowd gathered before her. “South of here lies a battlefield where the paladin Ivvora risked her life in a daring ploy to help her battalion defeat an undead horde. For her selflessness, Ivvora earned a token of Vildeis’s favor: the dagger she used to deal a terrible blow to Eshimka! For all the crusaders’ heroism, I can sense an undead taint lingered here, and that stretch of the Fangwood has expanded in the centuries since to absorb it. It is now our turn to earn Vildeis’s blessing, risking ourselves to end this threat so that in turn we might slay Eshimka once and for all.
“The terrain favors small groups over larger formations, so we shall divide into smaller groups to navigate the forest and identify the corruption’s heart. May Ivvora’s example guide us to victory!” With that, Medda and her phantom Anok turn and enter the Fangwood, followed by Pathfinder and Twinhorn teams that fan out behind her.
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Brambles grow wild throughout the edge of the wood where a thick canopy of trees begins to filter out sunlight, turning day into night. The overgrown plant life forbids easy access deeper into the forest and fills the air with the sickly-sweet smell of decay.
Reflex DC20 or Fortitude DC23, as the plants and wild life seem to cling onto you and attempt to deliver their poison into you!
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"You'd think the Society could spring for a little teleportation once in a while. To think what I've spent repairing equipment just from the wear and tear of travel over the years..." Charlie clears his throat then speaks a little louder. "I don't suppose we could just burn a path through?"
He rises up to all 2 feet and 9 inches of his height and tries to peer through the gloomy tangle. "Nevermind. Even I don't have that much fire."
Charlie takes a few minutes to really study the wilderness thoroughly, looking for the path of least resistance.
Finally, he just shrugs at the futility of it all and starts making his way as carefully as he can.
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Sighing with frustration he made his way into the overgrown forest, agreeing under his breath with the solution of the gnome, the veins got a perfect grasp on him as he seemed to barge through it all. "This overgrown forest patch should indeed by torched to the ground..." Clear frustration could be heard in his voice as he carved a path through the undergrowth, his clothes immaculate as he came out of it.
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Most of you manage to clear through the brambles without any issues. Unfortunately, Chak appears to have fallen ill to the effects of the brambles and shrubs.
The forest floor is blanketed with eerie dark flowers that paint the otherwise lightless woods with their purple incandescence. Disorienting paths cut through the trees, forward-facing paths seem to lead back to where they started, and retracing one’s steps leads to unfamiliar terrain. Glowing eyes glare hungrily from within the impenetrable thickets where the vines slowly curl around anyone who gets too close.
Chak Yuen Chen, Ikit, and Trade Prince Charlie Robert McGee Thronfiddle Blackros see the threat before everyone else do, and provide a warning to everyone! "Incredibly large spiders are approaching!"
Battlefield Conditions: Dim Light, Living Fauna
Grimaldus Skillganon(-0,Fine)
Thunderhoof(-0,Fine)
Trade Prince Charlie Robert McGee Thronfiddle Blackros(-0,Fine)
Red Spider(-0,Fine)
Chak Yuen Chen(-0,Sickened)
Ikit(-0,Fine)
Blue Spider(-0,Fine)
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"Hi, giant spiders! What a grand start to our epic adventure. Show our opponents that the Pathfinder Society fears no vermin no matter the size!"
The hulking shoanti's words are punctuated by a wordless rhythmic chant that starts the blood racing and heart pounding.
+4 strength (morale)
+4 constitution (morale)
+4 strength (enhancement)
+3 will saves (morale)
-1 armor class
Access to savage dirty trick (DC 24)
Access to lesser celestial blood
no spellcasting
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Charlie suppresses a shudder as the chant passes over him. What a horrid sound. Could really mess up my spellcasting...
Metamagic rod in hand, Charlie unleashes an Empowered Ectoplasmic Fireball between the gargantuan spiders, then retreats a bit.
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A short man, approximately 5'6" and 30 years old, rides unto the battlefield atop a magnificent white horse with a silver-grey mane in chain barding adorned in the same colors and lion motifs as those worn by the cavalier. The knight is wearing gleaming mithral armor covered in an opened resplendent uniform coat bearing leonine figures, clearly identifying his knightly order. Without the armor and coat, he would be the kind of man no one looks at twice, but those with a warrior's eye can clearly see that his posture speaks of an harmonious blend of strength, balance and stamina.
After a few moments the short knight spots the group of Pathfinders and their spider attackers. He lowers his lance and spurs his horse into a charge!
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Seeing the spiders he inhales the air for a moment before drawing his scimitar and readying his shield, saying a quick prayer to Sarenrae those around him could feel the power of her guiding them as they are bestowed with Bless.
Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.
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Battlefield Conditions: Dim Light, Living Fauna
Grimaldus Skillganon(-0,Fine)
Thunderhoof(-0,Fine)
Trade Prince Charlie Robert McGee Thronfiddle Blackros(-0,Fine)
Red Spider(-81,Fine)
Chak Yuen Chen(-0,Sickened)
Ikit(-0,Fine)
Chaine(-0,Sickened)
Blue Spider(-81,Fine)
The spider attempts to trample everyone in its path!
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Battlefield Conditions: Dim Light, Living Fauna
Grimaldus Skillganon(-0,Fine)
Thunderhoof(-0,Fine)
Trade Prince Charlie Robert McGee Thronfiddle Blackros(-45,Fine)
Red Spider(-152,Dead)
Chak Yuen Chen(-45,Sickened)
Ikit(-45,Fine)
Chaine(-0,Sickened)
Blue Spider(-128,Fine)
The spider attempts to trample Chak and Thunderhoof...
Chak's attack alone is not enough to stop it.
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Battlefield Conditions: Dim Light, Living Fauna
Grimaldus Skillganon(-0,Fine)
Thunderhoof(-41,Fine)
Trade Prince Charlie Robert McGee Thronfiddle Blackros(-45,Fine)
Red Spider(-152,Dead)
Chak Yuen Chen(-86,Sickened)
Ikit(-45,Fine)
Chaine(-0,Sickened)
Blue Spider(-147,Staggered)
Grimaldus misses, but Thunderhoof's punch deals some steady damage to the spider!
It manages to finish it's trample on him, before falling over and laying still.
Most of the party is battered and bruised badly. Some recovery time would be recommended before continuing.
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The forest opens to a small clearing that is free of the dark flowers that seem to permeate the rest of the landscape. A ring of tall grey trees circles the clearing, their branches reaching toward each other to form a ceiling of black leaves.
A chorus of whispering voices echoes within the clearing as countless faces form out of tree bark only to meld back in, flowing from tree to tree. Three of the faces remain in place and speak out in unison. “Who wanders these forlorn paths? Do you seek to join us? Join us!”
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Making his way with the rest of the group he will let Sarenrae's power flow through them to comfort their souls and knit their wounds.
Frowning for a moment at the creatures as they move through the forest he contemplates on answering. "We are but weary travellers, making our way on a journey and meaning no harm nor do we have any intention of joining..." he was at the ready but given time would hopefully use his diplomatic sskills to get them through this without causing a scene or go straight for compbat.
[ooc]if possible to cast a enhanced diplo before
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The spirits of the forest require special checks in order to influence to join your side against the corruption of the forest.
You all have:
• One Investigation Check to identify a Spirit and whats special about it (Likes or Dislikes).
• One Infleunce Check to try and influence a Spirit.
The spirits are-
Joker - This spirit acts as though it doesn’t care what happens and thinks everything is a joke, but it is actually worried about the other spirits and any other victims the blight might entrap.
Agressive - This spirit acts aggressively, but it is trying to hide that it’s actually afraid of what Mother Bloodleaf might do to the spirits if they provide assistance to the Pathfinders.
Calm - This spirit maintains a calm appearance, but it inwardly seethes rage towards the blight and Mother Bloodleaf.
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Thunderhoof learnes that the calm spirit likes tactics that demonstrate power, or hearing how you plan on ripping out Mother Bloodleaf's heart like a Mortal Kombat Fatality descriptions of how you will vanquish the blight and make Bloodleaf pay. Don't bother him with methods of reason or logic, because that just annoys him.
"PPPPBBBBBBBBBBT!" The Joker spirit gives Ikit the raspberry.
Ikit learns nothing of the joker spirit, unfortunately.
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Charlie uses a charge of his wand of infernal healing to fully restore himself.
Before he approaches the angry spirit, CHarlie fixes his makeup (casts Tap Inner Beauty and uses his wand of Honeyed Tongue) and then tries to reassure it. "Indeed, we are with the Pathfinder Society, and we travel the world, seeking knowledge and aiding those who struggle against evil. Do you have any suggestions on how we may find this Mother Bloodleaf and perhaps eradicate her blight?"
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The Joker? I remember him from last year when I came around here... although back then he went by the name of Punny... let's see if he can now laugh at slapstick humor...
Chaine activates his Sleeves of Many Garments to change his clothing to that of a full jester's outfit, complete with funny hat with bells at the end.
Then he stands on Silvermane's saddle while directing the horse to run laps around the clearing.
"Punny? is that you? do you only laugh at bad jokes or have you widened your repertoire to physical comedy?"
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Thunderhoof watches the spirits closely for a handful of minutes while his companions interact with them. It quickly becomes clear that the spirits are doing the same to all of them. There is curiosity in the eyes of their observers but also... intrigue. It's clear that at least some of the spirits have an appreciation for the mortal form.
"We are not just of the Pathfinder Society. We are their mighty champions!" the brawny skald announces in a booming bass. "We have come here on behalf of our allies on a grand quest to right an ancient wrong. Many opponents have risen to challenge us but they have all been soundly defeated. All that would interfere with our quest will be broken before us - including this Mother Bloodleaf. These very fists just struck down a monstrous spider the size of a linnorm!"
The big man flexes, putting his thickly muscled and sparsely armored form on full display.