Please Dot and Delete. Feel free to introduce, cooordinate, and prepare in Discussion tab while we wait for official beginning of Event.
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Geirahöð Bjornsdottiris a massive woman, with hard muscles and strong arms. She has a lightly tanned skin and very long hair in the colour of deep red wine with many braids, and usually wears an earthen coloured leather breeches and a sandstone coloured Tunic. She has an ugly scar on her forehead
In battle she is armored in a breastplate and a darkwood shield with the crest of a griffon, and carries a Falcatta as her main weapon.
Her voice is a raspy alt.
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A rather pale, but stunningly handsome half-orc donning fine but unkempt (and perhaps slightly torn on the ends) clothing stands before you. He acts politely most times but has an unusual air about him seemingly having a conversation with himself at times and walks with a slight limp.
He bears no weapons on him and travels lightly with a small haversack. Other than that, he dons a magical amulet and belt.
"Greetings fellow Pathfinders, friends! What do we owe this occasion towards? More artefact hunting I hope!" Brayne ask rather enthusiastically.
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In the library, the half-orc in the chair by the fireplace does not look up from his book when the big clock in the Pathfinder lodge's library strikes the hour. The book has a lurid dustjacket, covered with splashes of deep red. As the last chime peals, his eyes widen, and he quickly turns the page, his usual grim expression replaced by one of worry.
Only those who know him well would recognize the difference. The young Pathfinder's blue-green face is marred by deep scars, the worst of which stretch from near each ear almost to the corners of his mouth. His ruined cheeks twist every attempt at a smile into a menacing grimace, so he doesn't smile often.
His clothes are stained and ill-fitting; like many half-orcs, he is considerably taller than most full humans, but so thin as to be almost scrawny. There is a stack of scholarly treatises on the small table next to his chair, with an open journal at the top of the stack along with an inkpen and a quickly-drying open bottle of ink, but he has been engrossed in the book with the red cover for the last couple of hours. The title on the red book's spine is STEPS UPON THE SANGUINE STAIR.
The clock chimes again at the half hour. Garduk shifts in his chair and turns another page.
Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something? He shrugs to himself and turns another page. Probably isn't anything important.
The summons with a gold-embossed Glyph of the Open Road magically appeared from the Decemvirate came several days ago to each of you individually. "Meet at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar. Venture Captain Canayven Heidmarch will brief on the latest mission. There are interesting things afoot in the City of Monuments, but we have trust in your ability to explore, report, and cooperate to the best advantage of the Society." the note read.
Within hours your found yourselves on whatever means of transport best suited you and now you stand in a well-appointed study in the Heidmarch Manor, awaiting the VC who is running a bit behind.
There in the study, you begin to greet one another and learn the unique skills and abilities each has. Many of you have spent time in Heidmarch Manor before, but to some it may be a new venue.
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Kulga is a heavily muscled dwarf woman with a seemingly perpetual scowl on her face. She dresses in old-fashioned finery beneath her armor, but on inspection it's clearly threadbare, though she wears a simply crafted signet ring that is obviously new. She nods brusquely and introduces herself as her new teammates approach. Her scowl softens slightly when she sees Garduk and Brayne already at the briefing.
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A women of fair complexion and delicate features strides into the room. Her dress swirls and swishes about as she makes her way into the room. Her fiery red hair frames her angelic face that bears a happy smile of greeting to you all. "Lovely to see you all."
Valtyra delicately takes a seat on a tall backed plush chair. She folds her hands in her lap after setting a well used etched leather tome down on a side table. "So does anyone know why we have been gathered together?"
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The assembled Pathfinders hear running footsteps approach the doorway from the hall and continue past. After a moment, the footsteps stop, then begin again, returning to the entrance of the room where they are waiting for the briefing. Garduk bursts through the door, notices the others watching him, and his blue-green face turns greener. He bends and puts his hands on his knees, trying to slow his breathing.
"Got here early," gasp "so I thought I'd spend" gasp "some time in the Heidmarchs' library." gasp "For research. Must've lost track of time."
He straightens up, coughing to cover his embarrassment. "Did I miss anything? Ah, hello, Kulga, Brayne. Glad to be working with you again."
Oh, good. That went well.
Garduk has just arrived, out of breath, when the door opens to the study, and a man with a iron-grey, but short-trimmed beard enters. His dark eyes look you up and down and a frown creases his mouth.
"I am was waiting until my wife, Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch arrived, but she is detained briefly on Society business. Perhaps you will join my in the dining room for brunch while we wait?"
The tall, lean man leads the way through the Magnimar Lodge until you are all seated at a long dining table. Canayven sits at one end, and the other end is empty, set for the missing VC. In between you eat a fine meal of bacon, hotcakes with honey, fruit, and cream.
Just as the meal is finishing, the sound of footsteps echoes down the hallway outside of Heidmarch Manor’s dining room. Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch sets down his fork and rises from his chair by the hearth. The stern Venture-Captain’s eyes brighten a bit
as he says, "Sheila's footsteps."
Moments later, the door to the dining room swings open, and Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch enters the room, taking a seat at the head of the table opposite the hearth. Canayven pours her a cup of hot tea as he addresses her, "Welcome back. The Pathfinder agents you requested have been fed and are ready for their briefing."
"Splendid," Sheila replies as she sets a folded piece of parchment down on the table. She smiles and gracefully takes a small sip of the steaming tea, savoring the flavor. "Thank you, Canayven. And Pathfinders, thank you all for coming to Magnimar on such short notice. I’ve specifically requested your presence here because I believe that you’re uniquely suited to helping the city of Magnimar with a problem that seems to be spreading in recent weeks. As you’re likely aware, Magnimar is known across the Inner Sea region as the City of Monuments for the dozens of monuments within city itself and the surrounding region. These monuments are well known for their sacred properties—performing any number of respectful acts at their bases provides a pilgrim with a minor boon. Adventurers and mystery cultists by the droves make pilgrimages to Magnimar for a chance to experience the touch of the divine. But recently, something appears to have changed with several of these structures."
A friend of mine in the Varisian Council, one of Magnimar’s governing bodies, has alerted me that several key monuments -- namely, the Mistress of Angels in Ordellia, the Founder’s Flame in Naos, and the Cenotaph in the Capital District -- have all been sites of strange supernatural occurrences ranging from eerie wailing and spectral lights to magical conflagrations. Lord-Mayor Grobaras appointed a sleuth specializing in the supernatural, a man named Theodorus Ichonvarde, to investigate. However, my contact reports that Ichonvarde’s attempts have borne little fruit thus far, and the council has accused Theodorus of badgering Varisian witnesses. Moreover, several innocents have been harmed in the occurrences at the Founder’s Flame. The implication that
someone -- or something -- has tampered with Magnimar’s legacy leads me to believe that this is a case best suited to our interests and your abilities."
Sheila picks up the folded piece of parchment next to her teacup, "I’ve secured an official writ from the Varisian Council to grant you legal permission to investigate. If you’re willing to help Magnimar, I can also lend you some supplies."
Canayven adds, "Davorge. If anyone would know what’s been going in the district of Ordellia, it’d be him. He’s a mystery cultist. He’s also an expert in supernatural matters, particularly those tied to Ordellia. Look for him in the tavern next to the Rose and Rake Theatre. He eats lunch there often. If he’s not there when you arrive, you might find someone who knows where to find him."
As its moniker implies, Magnimar is home to dozens of monuments typically erected to honor Magnimarian deities, folk heroes, and historic events. Most monuments can grant a unique boon to those who pray before them.
Regarding the Cenotaph
Regarding the Founder's Flame
Regarding the Mistress of Angels
seen Ordellia’s ghost, who has a reputation for helping the meek and persecuted throughout the Ordellia District.
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Brayne's face lights up at the sound of the supernatural, and he listens intently to Heidmarch's comments. Excitingly, the half-orc questions the Venture Captain, "Ah, of course, the rumours surrounding these monuments are very peculiar to begin with, but this will be extremely interesting. And what of Theodorus? What is of him now? Should we not seek him to obtain what he already knows? What occurrences do you mean when you say flounders flame?"
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Valtyra purses her lips and taps her chin delicately with a finger while pondering what has been verbally laid out before them. "You are quite correct we should speak with Theodorus Ichonvarde if we are able. That is provided that the council hasn't already run him out of the city."
"Do you know what type of supernatural occurrences occurred at each of the monuments? Knowing that might help us narrow down what we are looking for during our investigation."
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Garduk sits through the brunch in awkward silence, terrified of using the wrong fork or accidentally setting something on fire. Only when he sees Canayven pick up a strip of bacon with his fingers does he relax enough to eat some of the meal.
Whatever tension has eased by the time the brunch ends returns with a vengeance with the arrival of Lady Heidmarch. The young half-orc hastily swallows the last bit of toast he had in his mouth when she enters the room and stands until she motions the Pathfinders to take their seats.
After listening to her explanation of the problem with the monuments, though, he begins to feel as though he may not be in the wrong place after all.
This sounds like a problem of magic. I can do this.
Thinking over what he has read recently about the monuments, Garduk pulls a thick volume from his haversack and begins quickly flipping between several pages previously marked with strips of cloth.
Garduk conceals his surprise at Brayne inexplicably having more information at hand - and faster - as best he can, which is not very well.
"Hrm. Fine, let's talk to the cultist. How many people were injured at the Founders' Flame? How badly? Was it all at once, or have there been more than one magical conflagration? Any idea what the mystery cultist is going to want in exchange for his help? What kind of badgering did this Ichonvarde do? Are we going to have trouble with the Varisian community because he poisoned the well already? And ..."
Garduk uncharacteristically cuts off the flow of his questions before he has asked everything he could think of.
Shut up shut up oh gods she's terrifying why did you open your mouth?
"And what of Theodorus? What is of him now? Should we not seek him to obtain what he already knows?"
Sheila ponders the question a moment before responding. "I have heard of Ichonvarde before. He's closed several cases attributed to occult phenomena over the past few months, and in so doing earned the trust fo the lord-mayor. Whether or not you choose to work with Theodorus is up to your discretion... and his willingness, I suppose. Regardless, it would be unwise to antagonize him."
What occurrences do you mean when you say flounders flame?"
.[/ooc]
Sheila furrows her brow as she speaks. "Like all the monuments, it is some sort of supernatural haunting. Bouts of supernatural activity and ghostly wailing coming from the Cenotaph have been reported, but frankly, no one is quite sure what's going on."
"How far will the Council's writ extend?"
VC Heidmarch nods, as if expecting your question. "You've been deputized by the Varisian Council, and that will be enough to earn at least a measure of cooperation from the average citizen. That being said, the lord-mayor has officially cast his lot with Theodorus, and as a result there's the possibility that some authorities might not recognize you as an official legal presence in the matter."
"Well does the cultist owns the lodge, or are we expected to pay hi,. r offer him some service?"
"You mean Davorge?" asks Canayven, puzzled by what you mean. "No he doesn't own the Rose and Rake, just dines there frequently. I don't think you'll have to pay him in coin, but he may ask you for something nonetheless. He is a bit of an odd duck, that one."
"What kind of badgering did this Ichonvarde do? Are we going to have trouble with the Varisian community because he poisoned the well already? "
"The Varisian Council protects the rights and traditions of native Varisian people. It seems Ichonvarde may have issues with those peoples. And the Council will want to know that neither he, nor anyone else, is blaming Varisians unjustly for what is transpiring. The Council knows, however, that it is ultimately in no one's best interest to allow these dangerous events to continue."
Since it seems you will accept the mission, Sheila opens a drawer on a nearby cupboard and withdraws several items. "I explained before we could help you with some gear for this investigation. Here is what we can offer, take what you will. If you are successful, I will consider these items part of your compensation."
The gear includes: a potion of cure moderate wounds per Pathfinder, two potions of protection from evil, three oils of magic weapon, and a wand of lesser restoration with seven charges remaining.
She also hands you the Varisian Council's Writ of Authority which reads: "A DECREE BY THE VARISIAN COUNCIL AND ITS RIGHT AND HONORABLE SPEAKER, HASTOFF MARAMEZ. To the Honorable Lady Sheila Heidmarch, Venture-Captain of the Pathfinder Society: Whereas, by this Council's commission, under the seal of Magnimar bearing this day's date, the 26 of Rova in the year 4718, by Absalom Reckoning and the 110th year since the Founding, do the appoint and charge Lady Sheila Heidmarch as Executor of the Council's law and do authorize her and require her to go forth, with any deputies she shall see fit to appoint, and investigate the occult happenings of Magnimar's monuments or any structure or property deemed associated with these occurrences. Lady Heidmarch and her deputies shall possess the full force and authority to act in this manner, including and limited to the following: search any monument or public property housing a monument, to questis on witnesses who are amenable to serving their fair city, and to detain any persons found to be engaged in the defilement of our city'beloved legacy. Signed and warranted this day by Remeria Callinova, Leader of the Council."
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Danicka Raburnus was a meek, waif of a woman, slender and scrawny, with bony limbs and freckled cheeks. Her hair was mousy brown, worn long and loose, messy more often than not. She wore simple spectacles over her dull brown eyes and clutched a fancy looking broom in her ink-stained fingers. She wore an odd, floppy hat on her head and her clothes were plain and poor-quality. The poor thing obviously had no head for fashion.
She was clearly nervous. Her body shook like a leaf in the wind, and her eyes looked at her own feet more often than at anything.
Danicka stuttered nervously in the Heidmarch's presence, "D-d-Dan-icka Raburnus reporting in..." she squeaked.
Oh, how embarrassing! She was an experienced agent! She had to make a good impression. How could they trust her if she couldn't even speak to them? Working up her courage as they explained the situation, she thought of what she knew of her hometown of Magnimar...
Danicka opens her mouth to explain a few things only to find everyone else has already beat her to it. She blushes brightly and squeaks out a meek "Thank you."
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Brayne openly welcomes the timid looking woman with a corteous bow. "Welcome to the merry band! I am Brayne of the Ugawa Highlands, and the rest...." He pauses, looking at every individual. "..of you will have to introduce yourself as we fill her in along the way! There is much to learn at Magnimar!"
"Shall we seek out Theodorus, it might be wise to learn what he knows before we get our heels into the mud!"
As Brayne speaks to Danicka a vicious looking dog with a blood-stained maw and an absurd pink bow around his neck steps out from behind the scrawny mage. He growls low in his throat and steps between Danicka and the other Pathfinders, snapping his jaws.
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Danicka's eyes widen in terror. She quickly throws her arms around the dog's neck. "No!" she shrieks. "They're not for eating! Please, no more eating people." It sounds more like she's begging the dog to listen, rather than giving it commands. Whatever the case, she seems genuinely terrified her dog will attempt to devour you.
After a moment the dog calms slightly. Danicka let's out a sigh of relief and stands back up. "I need to warn all of you not to touch me or Prickles here. He's very protective of me."With a nod of her head she pales. "Please don't forget."
"I really have no idea where Theodorus is," says Canayven with some surprise, considering you rejected his suggestion for an initial lead. "His purview as investigator for the Lord-Mayor may take him to any of the monuments sites in Magnimar, not just the ones where strange things have been happening. Good luck finding him, I suppose, though I think Davorge may offer you more initially. He is found at the inn near the Rose and Rake Theatre in Ordellia, which is on the far side of Magnimar."
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I've faced down less intimidating demons than this pair. Who decided it would be all right for venture captains to marry each other, anyway?
"Errr, Brayne, what about the mystery cultist? This Davorge person might be more willing to talk to us up front. Ichonvarde isn't likely to be willing to help until we show him that we're closer than he is to solving the puzzle."
Garduk steps back from Prickles, then eyes the creature approvingly. Interesting idea, just keeping a guard animal around all the time instead of summoning one only when you really need it.
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As the Pathfinders near their destination, Garduk pulls out his wand of mage armor and activates it. A pale white glow shimmers at his feet, then rises up his body until it reaches the top of his head and winks out. He will tap Brayne with the wand as well, and offers the wand to Valtyra and - very cautiously - Danicka.
"Hrm. If you'd like to borrow my wand to cast wizard's armor on yourselves - or on, er, Prickles - you're welcome to it."
Garduk also takes a few moments to cast False Life on himself.
After casting his protections, Garduk flips through his spellbook as they wait at an intersection for a troop of Hellknights to march by and replaces False Life with Glitterdust in his memory.
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Danicka smiles sweetly at Garduk. "Oh! Thank you so much. But I have my own." She blushes brightly, pulls out her own wand of mage armour, but refrains from using it at the moment, instead tucking it back into the folds of her robe.
She and Prickles walk at the back of the group, at least a few paces away from other people at all times.
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Valtyra follows along listening to conversation occurring amongst the others as they travel the streets of Magnimar. Such a lively bunch.
Valtyra graciously takes the preferred wand and uses it upon herself even if it is unlikely to be needed yet. Better prepared than dead. she thought recalling the mantra of one of her early childhood instructors.
Although Ordellia lies on the other side of the City of Monuments from Heidmarch Manor, it is a relatively simple matter to find the Rose and Rake Theatre, which is popular among the locals. The theater is a large, open-air playhouse which frequently hosts town hall meetings and other large gatherings in addition to traveling shows. A small tavern stands in the wake of the larger structure, it is well-kept and the sign shows a picture of a rose and small garden rake, though does not sport any words.
Inside you the tavern is clean inside, and the dashing waitstaff wear slick, trimmed uniforms and bustle about like busy bees. When you enter, a man in the back, dressed in a flowing tunic and trousers both with silver embroidery, waves flamboyantly at you. As you approach, he introduces himself as Davorge, a mystic cultist of the empyreal lord Ashava, mistress of the moon, dancing, and wayward spirits.
"I am so glad to meet you,Pathfinders. Lord Heidmarch said you may be dropping in today." he says in a cheerful way. He seems to move and speak in an almost melodic rhythm as if constantly dancing. "But before we get down to 'brass tacks' I'd like to hear if you know any ghost stories worth telling. I'll buy you a drink if you impress me!"
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"Hrm. A ghost story? But we're... right. A ghost story. There were those unquiet spirits in the forge fire recently." Garduk shudders. "That's a painful memory - I mean, what I remember most was the agonizing pain of the... Right, that would be the end. Or would the end be at the beginning? Anyway, there were unquiet spirits of dwarven priests of Torag. We -- Brayne, Kulga, maybe one of you would be better at this."
Garduk stutters to a stop, knowing that he is going to mix it up - storytelling is not his strength.
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"But of course Garduk, I am always down for a good story... In fact, I recall my very first ghost encounter as clear as day!" Brayne goes off tangent from Garduk's introduction, leans forward from his seat, deepens his voice, and tells a totally different tale. "When I was a child, before I moved to the highlands, I attended a prep school down at Taldor. Rumours had it, the girl's restroom was haunted, the said restroom doors are grilled and chained barring from people from using it today. Girls always came out crying, said they saw an evil spirit in the mirror, and even felt sharp pains on their forearm. But the worst was when one girl left the shouting in the ancient druidic language! She had the strength 10 men! As in, it took 10 male teachers to hold her down!"
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Geirahöd looks down and replies.
"This did not happen to me, but to a friend of mine. She was investigating a prison in Ustalav. It was indeed a horrible place, full of the worst scum you can imagine. But, and I could not believe the story myself, it was guarded by the ghost of the wive of the warden! They had to bring the spirits of all the murderers and rapists to rest, before the ghost could move forward to walk before pharasmas throne."
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"EEEEEK!" Danicka shrieks in terror at the ghost stories. Pale, wide-eyed, and breathing heavily, she looks like she might faint.
Oh my! I'm never going to the bathroom again! And the... Oh! Stop thinking about it! Stop thinking about it! Stop thinking about it!
Don't faint... don't faint... don't faint..."
She begins to fan herself with her hand.
Prickles seems unconcerned with his meek pet's shrieking.
Still, he remains alert for anything coming too close...
Still moving with a strange cadence, Davorge orders drinks all around, asking pertinent questions about your stories, and seemingly enjoying them fully.
"So, Lord Heidmarch told me you might be coming, but he didn't say exactly why. How can I, a humble servant of Ashava, help you today?"
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"Well sir, we've been tasked with investigating the unusual happenings at the following monuments, the Mistress of Angels in Ordellia, the Founder’s Flame in Naos, and the Cenotaph in the Capital District. Apparently they have all been sites of strange supernatural occurrences such as eerie wailing, spectral lights, and magical conflagrations. We do realize that we are following in the footsteps of another investigator..." Valtyra looks at her notes for a brief moment before continuing. "One, Theodorus Ichonvarde, who had been hired by the Varisian Council. Apparently he has rubbed people around the city the wrong way during his investigation and thus we have been given rein to continue where he left off."
"Lord Heidmarch informed us that you are a mystery cultist and an expert in supernatural matters, particularly those tied to Ordellia. Lord Heidarch believed that you might be able to clue us in as to what has been occuring within the district of Ordellia. That is why we have come to you Davorge."