While staying at the Starrise Spire, the Pathfinder Lodge, in Nerosyan, you been called to a meeting.
"Greetings Pathfinders!" This salutation comes from Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury, a powerfully built Garundi man with keen eyes and a calming demeanor. "Over the last several months, I have been working on the Society's behalf to assist a group of Sarkorian refugees in preparing for the long trek from Iobaria back to their homeland. With the Worldwound closed, these Sarkorians may just be able to make a new life for themselves in the lands of their ancestors."
Jorsal bites his lip for a moment as he mulls something over in his head before speaking once more. "I've just received a letter from a young woman named Nelket, the leader and god caller of the Sarkorians in Mishkar. She's a capable woman, particularly with that god of hers, a massive, feathered bear called Dolok Darkfur, at her side. The letter is badly smudged and damaged. Unfortunately, a bird delivered the message, so there was no one to ask for further detals. As far as I can tell, it sounds like they're having some kind of problem with forest goblins from the Iobarian woodlands trying to burn the town down. But there's only so much I can tell from this blackened paper. Once you've read Nelket's letter, I'll be sending you on to Mishkar with all haste. We've made a promise to see these people back to their homeland, and I don't intend to break it."
He hands over a letter.
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"Quintus Lexius Voralius, of the Exchange, at your service. May I look at the letter?" A man says, in a flat and somewhat unpleasant voice. The speaker is clad in dark-hued full plate armor, with the helmet removed to reveal a head with dark hair and an unimpressive face of typical Chelish features. Around the man's neck hangs a pentagram, the holy symbol of Asmodeus.
The man, Quintus, reaches out to take the letter and starts reading.
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"Greetings one and all! It is I, Tanto Kawaterru!" With a flourish, the lightly armoured foxlike figure strides into the room, fashionably late for the briefing.
Half a dozen pointy daggers arranged around his waist, the amber-eyed kitsune flicks his tail up before taking his place with the others, reaching out to take his turn perusing the letter.
"I have to ask. This bear thing...with feathers you say? Ah, is this for real, or is this one of those imaginary friend kind of deals? Just so we know how to react once we meet with this Nelket. If it is real, ah...I assume that it's friendly?"
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Nia is a sickly, grey outsider with sunken eyes, green and blue hair, and a crooked smile. Her voice croaks out, barely vocalizing, but strangely loud. "The name's Nia. I'm approached by spirits daily, and have learned some of their ways. Allow me to be useful as a healer, trap disabler, and caller of ancient gifts."
She doesn't care much for the letter, allowing somebody else to read it. Shes watched too many things she's touched die, so she doesn't want that to happen to the already messed up letter.
"As to the goblins, they can be pests wherever they show up, which is nearly everywhere, but the Farheavens clan is currently protected by their deity Dolok Darkfur. It's surprising that goblins would pose much of a threat.
Dolok is perhaps not a god as they're most commonly thought of; Dolok Darkfur walks among his people at the behest of the god caller Nelket. He takes the form of a massive feathered bear and I'm given to understand he's quite formidable. He gave a few of your fellow pathfinders some trouble about a year back, but he's become a fast ally of the Society in the time since. His knowledge of Sarkoris is unrivaled by any other creature know of."
Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury pulls out a chest and opens it. Pulling out six potions, he states,"these will help protecting you from fire and I have been able to acquire two weeks of trail rations for each of you. If you need any other supplies Nerosyan should be quite capable of having what you need. Return back in an hour, my arrangements to get you to Mishkar should be here by then."
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Tanto also accepts one of the potions and a share of rations, securing them in his pack. "Terrible business up there with that whole Worldwound situation. I hear that when it erupted in old Sarkoris, many Sarkorian tribes and families were driven from their homes and forced to seek refuge or build new lives in neighboring countries and territories. Many apparently settled in Iobaria. Rough place from all accounts. You know the type of place...largely untamed wilderness filled with cyclops ruins, fierce centaur clans and strange plagues. Throw in fire-crazed forest goblins and it sounds like a great place for a relaxing vacation!"
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"Their god walks among them?!?" The half-orc's first words since the group mustered burst out of his mouth with fervent glee. "See, Magdh," he seems to be addressing the air around the Pathfinders, or perhaps the sky, "The Armenian Man said it was so! You can do the same! Walk beside The Armenian Man and we will bring fate's destiny to all in the face of your radiant beauty."
He looks a little disappointed when nothing in the room changes. "Well, okay then. The Armenian Man can do it alone, too, as we've always done." He nods at the Venture-Captain and other Pathfinders as he notices the eyes that have all drifted to him after this outburst. "Let's go free these goblins from their need to burn these poor peoples' homes!"
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Quintus furrows his eyebrows as he reads the letter. "Smudged, yes. So the forest is on fire, perhaps spreading to Mishkar. Goblins are somehow involved. They ask for help to - and I quote - contain the threat to the region."
He passes the letter to Conney, and considers the situation for a moment. "When she writes threat, I wonder whether she refers to the fire or goblins. Or both? I do hope it is the goblins, as I believe we are far better off dealing with them."
He then gives a little nod to each of the Pathfinder in a way of greeting, although the one given to The Armenian Man is accompanied by a roll of eyes.
An hour later, Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury returns with an elderly human male. "This is Kitvoud Narori. He was the only wizard, I could find in the short time frame that has some knowledge of Mishkar so he should be able to teleport you there but due to his age and health conditions will not be able to stay with you."
"Gather around. Looks like there are six of you. Good, let's do two groups of three." explains Kitvoud as he pulls out a scroll.
"Alright, you three get ready," states the wizard as he points to Nia, Quintus and The Armenian Man. As he reads the incantation off the scroll the four vanish.
Kitvoud returns shortly later, coughing and wheezing. His voice more raspy states "everyone else front and center." Once more he pulls out another scroll and reads off the incantation.
Conney, Tsuk, and Tanto join the other three moments later.
Kitvoud bows briefly while coughing, "Sorry, I'm not as spry as I once was. He pulls out another scroll but forces out, "For victory, for the heart" before teleporting away.
Rolling clouds of smoke from a massive forest fire darken the sky and dim the sun's light. Utter chaos reigns as humans and goblins dart back and forth between the fire and a town, carrying buckets of water to douse buildings or staking fire breaks to keep the massive conflagration from spreading into town. The signs of recent battle mar the buildings and many of those fighting the conflagration bear the marks of conflict in the form of bloody bandages or pained limps. Across a large field from the village's southern edge, a hastily erected encampment bustles with the clopping hooves of numerous centaurs.
As you gather your bearings, a pair of centaurs gallop from the encampment towards you. Stopping about fifty feet away from the party one yells out, "Filthy forest burners you will not drive us away from our homes." You notice as they raise their clubs, they have bandages as well.
Bold characters may go.
Nia
Quintus
Tsuk
Conney
Centaurs
The Armenian Man
Tanto
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"I am afraid you are mistaken. We have just arrived here, to answer the plea to help put out the fires. Now, if you just put those clubs away, and I am happy to show you the letter asking for help. And then we can discuss how to best start resolving the situation."
Quintus steps to the front, not drawing his weapon to appear less aggressive. But in the interest of self-preservation, he keeps his shield ready nonetheless.
The centaurs seem to listen as Quintus talks to them. They eye Nia with her crossbow out. They still seem agitated and gingerly approach with their clubs still at a ready position.
RD 1.
Nia- readying
Quintus
Tsuk- delaying
Conney- delaying
Centaurs
The Armenian Man
Tanto
RD 2
Nia- readying
Quintus
Tsuk- delaying
Conney- delaying
The centaurs listen as Nia and Tanto continue explaining the group's intentions. The two nod before backing up and galloping back to the encampment.
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"The power of word, Miss Shadowthorne. The power of words..."
Quintus relaxes slightly as the centaurs gallop away. He stays still a moment, trying to make sense of the chaos around them.
"I suppose we should search this Melket, and find out what exactly is going on. Let me know if you see any feathered bears - she should be close by, then." Quintus says, and starts leading the group towards the town.
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The Armenian Man had been watching the exchange with heightened curiousity; would their fate today be combat or something else? Well, not a fight, at least not now.
"Fate brought us here; fate will see us through safely... or not! Quintas is right; we need to seek Melket, and find where else this story takes us!"
He follows as Quintas leads the way, eyes open and searching for any sign of this walking god.
As you walking into Mishkar, you notice the town is a frenzy of activity. You spot humans and goblins scurry back and forth through out the edge of the town. Many are throwing buckets of water on smoldering embers or wooden buildings with others hurriedly dig trenches.
A massive bear with a mantel of rainbow-colored feathers approaches. "Who goes there? Not centaurs, clearly. Are you the Pathfinders Nelket send for? Dragbog, you'll want to fetch the mistress."
A stocky goblin dressed in armor made from the bones of what appears to be a dragon steps out from behind the great beast and dashes into the town. Dolok watches the goblin for a bit before turning back to you. "Neklet will be here shortly. Dragbog is too desperate to stay on our good side to tarry. It's best you hear what happened directly from Nelket. In the meantime, I don't suppose I could convince you to help us finish securing the perimeter?"
As he finishes speaking, he swings his head from side to side looking at the humans and goblins scrambling around.
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Quintus stares at the talking feathered bear in slight disbelief, and then notices the goblin scurrying around.
Right, one of those days...
"Yes," he says finally, "we are the Pathfinders, and wish to talk to Nelket." He speaks calmy, trying to ignore the fact he is talking to bear with a feather mantle.
"I have no particular interest in menial labor, but I suppose it preferable to burning to death. We shall help you."
He then turns to his Pathfinder team mates. "For the moment it looks like we are not to fight the goblins. Most curious - I hope the situation clears once we talk to Nelket. Help out with the fires the best you can, I have absolutely no idea what to do. I just wish I've known about this yesterday, and I would have prayed the gift of water from Asmodeus..."
And then he turns, and proceeds to clear out the combustibles.
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The Armenian Man nods and listens to the talking bear. Talking bear!!! The grin on his face couldn't be larger, despite the chaos around them. When they are asked to aid, he sits down, ignorant of the looks he gets when he doesn't jump to action. He pulls a deck of cards out of his bag and prays to Magdh for strong sight, then begins drawing cards and laying them out, studying them and then lifting his head to scan the scene around him.
He begins calling out orders based on what he sees. "No, don't worry about that. There's a natural break, it won't spread much from there. But look out over there; I see great danger, maybe a tree ready to fall, or a flaming animal about to burst out of the woods. I see great risk for the houses near the woods there!"
Once he's learned what he can from his cards, he joins the labor force, leading the efforts towards the risks he's identified.
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Shaking his head in disbelief at the talking bear, the talking fox grabs a bucket and gets to work helping the goblins. "Hold that ladder steady down there, my little green friend...don't grin like that, either. It's making me nervous. Just because I'm working with you here, doesn't mean that I trust you."
Tanto helps with the dousing of buildings...
Under the direction of the Amenian Man and Conneys the party is able find trouble spots. You work with the villagers and the goblins for about fifteen minutes when you see he bear-god waives you back. As you return, you spot Dragbog return with a human female.
"Have the Pathfinders come to rescue the Farheavens one again? Honestly, if the circumstances weren't what they are I'd feel bad about bothering you all again so soon!" Nelket's face curves in a wry smile as she gets each of you.
"I can see from your expressions that you're curious about what's going on here. Let me fill in the details for you. About two weeks ago, we woke up to fire on the horizon and goblins practically on our doorsteps. At first, we thought it was a raid, but when Dolok roared and came to our defense, the goblins dropped everything they were carrying and started groveling on their bellies!""
Nelket smirks and glances at an embarrassed-looking Dragbog before continuing. "Dragbog here informed us that he's the chieftain of these goblins, the Dragonskull Tribe, and that they were fleeing from fire, undead monsters and some very angry centaurs. As you can see, the bit about the centaurs is quite true. Perhaps, I should let Dragbog tell you the rest in his own words." She then nudges the nervous goblin towards the party.
"We Dragonskulls live in the red trees for a long time. Build our homes from dragon bones, hide beneath the ground when centaurs come. Red trees burn too good, but Dragonskulls know how fire works." The little goblin thrusts his narrow chest out proudly at this. "But...something bad happened. We burn sick trees around village like every year to keep fires small, but old stone in town catch fire too! We run until Redpine horse-lady stop us and say we burn down their village too! So we run again until fire get too close. Dragonskulls set small fire to eat food so big fire not follow, then big bear invited us here." The goblin finishes his story proudly, clearly impressed at his own "masterfully" constructive narrative.
Dolok Darkfur huffs a husky laugh in response to the goblin's tale. "True enough as it goes. I thought the little rascals were the ones spreading the flames at first, until I noticed they were actually containing the larger fire. They've been industrious enough around the town the last few days, though I worry about the attention they're drawing from those centaurs."
Nelket pulls out a small purse and hands it to the party. "Thank you for helping out. Would it be possible for you to escort Dragbog back into the forest and find the "burning stone." Hopefully, you can figure out what is going on in the forest."
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"I believe that's within our skill set." Nalaia says as she bows gracefully TO THE BEAR, and nods to both the female and the goblin. "To think I thought we'd be goblins slaying today, and now we're going to be following it. Today's just full of surprises, and..." Her voice takes on many tones, one of a Mwangi man, one of an Andorran, and one of a Tian, on top of her own, "...WE LIKE SURPRISES! Hey, no. Go away. This is my body." As she begins shouting at herself, the voices slowly dissipate until the last word is in her regular voice. "Sorry about that. My communing with the spirits gets a little odd sometimes."
It's at this point you notice a small white rabbit poking out of her cloak. She tucks it in a bit further and says, "Where to, Dragbog?"
"We need to travel back to the Dragonskull village inside the forest. Its about two days away." States the goblin as he checks his pouches. I should be good to leave when you are ready.
"She is leader of the centaurs over there," replies Dragbog while pointing to the encampment.
As the party heads out into the Finadar Forest, Dragbog pipes up, "without the fire it would only be a few days. But we will have to be careful and move around the flames."
As you travel through the forest, Dragbog does his best to lead you around most of the harsh smoke of the forest fire that burns your throat if breathed to long.
Weary after first day's trek, Dragbog finds a suitable resting spot.
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"I have to admin, Dragbog, it looks like your kind really knows how to deal with fire." Quintus says, surprised that the goblin was neither exaggerating nor lying.
By the end of the day, Quintus is glad to have the opportunity to rest. Breathing the smoke all day has been rough, but it doesn't have greater effect on the cleric. Perhaps all that fire and brimstone of Asmodean worship has build up some tolerance for smoke.
"I suppose we will want some sort of watch routine throughout the night?" He asks, not truly comfortable in sleeping next to a goblin in a burning forest.