Kallie considers what entities might be Malice, Apathy and the Destroyer.
"We have a lead, yes. But why aren't we telling Ryli???" she asks wildly.
Croq--normally quite cocksure--is fidgeting with her drum, clearly shaken.
At one point, she shifts into her half-elven form (looking, perhaps, like she hopes it will shed the wrongness of the situation) and then switches quickly back to her crocodilian form.
Finally, she clutches her sister's arm tightly (squeezing a bit harder than she means to).
At a break in the conversation she asks "OK, we have a lead on Hook Mountain. I guess that's something, right? Is anyone on that yet?
"There are so many booky people here, right? Does anyone know anything about Malice and Apathy and The Destroyer?"
"Mozamer's battle plans involved pulling resources from a place known as the Forges of Wrath. Given the origins of the Roderic's Cove portal, we suspect that the Forges are inside Hook Mountain. We... currently do not have anyone investigating Hook Mountain," Shiela answers. "Hmm... Would you be willing to resume your mother's work, Croquelle?"
"We have a lead, yes. But why aren't we telling Ryli???" she asks wildly.
There's a long pause at Kallie's question.
"Jeevika told us that Earthmother Ryli retired after Karzoug's demise. Her Outriders continued helping out Varisia in her stead, though many of them retired after Alaznist's first defeat," Sheila explains gently. "However, I see your point, Kallie. Given the circumstances, would Ryli be willing to return to the field?"
Kallie glares at Sheila for asking the question. "Years ago, when I expressed interest in wanting to be an adventurer, she tried to dissuade me. She told me a story about her one true regret from when she was a Ranger. They got taken in by a story from a sword that promised to find a great weapon against Karzoug. But that sword led them into the depths of a volcano and nearly killed them. She tried to end it there, but I pressed her. She'd almost died lots of times, and she died more times than most, so that wasn't it. No, she finally said that the trap released the energy that freed Alaznist."
Kallie looks more sure of herself than ever. "No, Ryli would want to know this. We have to tell her."
"Mozamer's battle plans involved pulling resources from a place known as the Forges of Wrath. Given the origins of the Roderic's Cove portal, we suspect that the Forges are inside Hook Mountain. We... currently do not have anyone investigating Hook Mountain," Shiela answers. "Hmm... Would you be willing to resume your mother's work, Croquelle?"
"Of course we will resume her work! Don't speak like she's dead, we don't even know for sure what happened." Aurealia nods at Kallie. "Yes, I agree, Ryli should know."
"...Wait, Hook Mountain?" Galatea says. "I thought Mozamer stumbled out of Hollow Mountain."
There's another long pause.
"You would be correct, Galatea," Shiela says with a nervous chuckle. "My apologies. It's late, and I'm a little overwhelmed by these recent developments. Yes, I meant Hollow Mountain."
Kallie glares at Sheila for asking the question. "Years ago, when I expressed interest in wanting to be an adventurer, she tried to dissuade me. She told me a story about her one true regret from when she was a Ranger. They got taken in by a story from a sword that promised to find a great weapon against Karzoug. But that sword led them into the depths of a volcano and nearly killed them. She tried to end it there, but I pressed her. She'd almost died lots of times, and she died more times than most, so that wasn't it. No, she finally said that the trap released the energy that freed Alaznist."
Kallie looks more sure of herself than ever. "No, Ryli would want to know this. We have to tell her."
"Hollow Mountain is actually that very same place, Kallie," Koriah says. "And we'll be sure to contact the Earthmother as soon as possible. I agree with you; at this point, we need all the help we can get."
***
"So what is the lead? I assume it's more than it simply being Mokmurian's lair?"
"So what is the lead? I assume it's more than it simply being Mokmurian's lair?"
"Besides Mozamer originating from there, there are signs that other Thassilonian sects might be poking around Hollow Mountain. As much as we often think of the Runelords as one group, most of them were also bitter rivals. Investigating Hollow Mountain might lead to some clue about Sorshen or Xanderghul," Shiela explains.
Meanwhile, apathy is more of a conscious, active decision not to act. There's often a nuanced motive or reason behind someone's apathy. For example, envy is often a fuel for an individual's apathy.
You believe that Alaznist might be trying to recruit someone powerful who has become largely apathetic to the current state of the world.
Given what you already know, Alaznist might be trying to recruit someone powerful who is known for their malice.
However, you also recall reading an interesting poem - "The Destroyer of Worlds" - from Ciara's notes on the way to Roderic's Cove. In short, some Thassilonian-era Norn once philosophized that one day an entity would be born who would eventually bring about the Apocalypse. Normally, you would dismiss this as just nonsense, but given the poem's original time of creation... perhaps Alaznist has discovered something about "The Destroyer of Worlds"?
"Do we actually have some way for them to locate these Forges of Wrath or those other Thassilonian sects? Hollow Mountain is one giant maze. Pardon the cliché, but it would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack," Sabriyya asks.
"Kelhuud," Koriah says. Turning to you, she explains who this man is. "Kelhuud is a ranger who lives on Rivenrake Island, where Hollow Mountain is situated. A few years ago, he was part of a Pathfinder expedition where half their numbers perished. Poor Kelhuud was so shaken that he has refused to leave Rivenrake Island since. However, he remains something of an ally of ours, and it appears that he has become very knowledgeable about the layout of Hook Mountain. As such, Kelhuud will probably know at least where to look for the Forges, and he will likely have seen those Thassilonian agents."
The Sihedron Council answers any other questions you might have. For his part, after making some inquiries of his own, Argor declares that he will do what he can to take over where Jeevika, Shalelu, and the other missing Heroes left off. Eventually, with it being so late at night, it eventually becomes clear that you all should get some rest. You likely have a big day ahead of you tomorrow after all. You spend the night at the Kailani estate.
At breakfast the following morning, Yulia Rockne gathers you all.
"I would like you all to meet someone. Well, actually, Kallie, I believe you might already know him..." the Silver Sentinel says. With that said, she gestures for someone to enter the room. "Everyone, this is my uncle Rognar Steelborn. With Cai'nan and Krodha gone, it occurred to me that you might need some additional wilderness and melee expertise. As Kallie is likely aware, Uncle Rognar was a former Outrider. Thus, I think he could be of great assistance during your expedition to Hollow Mountain."
Heavy footfalls precede the arrival of a small mountain of a man. The large Ulfen holds a thick chunk of bacon in his hand as he rounds the corner and steps through the doorframe, ducking so as to not hit his head. He stands over six and a half feet tall, and his body seems to be composed of nothing but muscle. A well groomed beard adorns his face, and his hair is well kept as well. On his left wrist is an fancy armring of entwined gold and silver strands, and on his right are about six more of less elaborate design.
”So,” he says, his voice tinged with a Northman’s accent, ”these are the women you want me to protect, hmmm? And where is the Little Squirt, hmmm?”
Light hoofs clack on the floor excitedly as Kallie races from around the corner and past her companions.
"Rognar!!! It is you!!" the small centauress exclaims in relief and delight as she skids to a halt in front of him.
Rognar looks Kallie up and down, in a bit of confusion, but a pleased grin paints itself on his face as he studies her features. ”Well well well! Look what we have here...you look like you have matured quite nicely, Pipsqueek. But,” he narrows his eyes as he looks closer at your face, ”I don’t think this is all from your bloodline. You’ve been meddling with magic, haven’t ya girl?”
Kallie reaches up and twirls a lock of her hair which is now a deep shade of burgundy. "You know I don't just meddle, Rog," she says with a sultry look and an arch of her back that puts her chest on prominent display. "But I did have a little mishap. I'll have to tell you about it sometime. Over drinks? Or the blood of our enemies?"
Rognar scoffs and chuckles at Kallie’s comment. ”Blood of your enemies! Look at Little Miss Bad Ass over here,” he says teasingly as he walks past her. As he passes, he slaps her haunch firmly.
He then looks over the rest of you and asks ”Well? Just who might your friends be?” he asks as he folds his arms across his chest.
Jaya's full expression is shadowed by her spectacles, but her mouth is a thin line as she responds.
"I'm Jaya Farwynd, Master Steelborn, but it seems there are some misapprehensions that need correcting. We are requesting your aid as a guide, and yes, as a warrior when needed. That does not mean your task is to protect us."
Rognar quirks his head briefly, and his lips curl into a cocky smile. ”Truly? You a band of Shield Maidens, then? Daughters of the valkyries themselves, come to herald my reunion with my father on the battlefield?”
"Shield Maidens? No, but Croq fights with all of King Estrid's fury. Aurealia's change-magic can easily grow her strength to match yours, and with no need to hide out in a Spirit Lodge when the moon turns.
"But since I assume any Ulfen warrior worth the name knows of the dangers that come with underestimating strangers with strange gifts, should I just likewise assume you're trying to get my goat?"
Rognar listens to Jaya’s speech silently. When she finishes, he smirks and winks at her. ”That depends. Are you wanting your goat to be got?”
He chuckles a moment before turning to the others. ”So, you two are the fighters then?”
Aurealia takes in the bacon wielding giant casually. She rolls her eyes when Kallie starts flirting immediately, but still thinks to herself, He is rather large...
When Jaya describes them and Rognar inquires as to their skills, she answers, "I am an arcanist, but one who focuses on melee combat. My spells enhance my strength, speed, endurance and reach, among other things. Then I use polearms to fight. I'm sure you'll have a chance to see us in action before long. We've survived plenty before you were around, and it seems like now we're taking on all the evil in Avistan to boot - so I hope your bite matches your bark, Rognar."
Kallie rears slightly in shock at the slap, then she narrows her eyes at Rognar. "Bad horse," she says pointedly.
Rognar seems unimpressed for the bulk of Aurealia’s explanation of her combat style. When she questions his own abilities and bravado, he smiles as he steps over to her and asks ”That your way of asking for a little show and tell, missy?”
Aurealia finds herself annoyed by this sudden injection of manhood into their dynamic. Cai'nan had been male, but the beta kind. This guy clearly needed hi ego shrunk to match his intellect. "No, it is not. It was a warning about taking a cavalier attitude towards the dangers arrayed against us. We have more important things to do than to indulge your toxic masculinity right now. We must prepare for our journey to Hollow Mountain and depart with all haste."
Croq feels a bit of her own braggadocio rising in her when Rognar introduces himself...but then feels it deflate as she thinks of her mom.
In an unusually tired voice she says, "Hey. I'm Croq. Nice swagger. I'm a fan of blustery, cocksure heroics and rushing headlong into glorious battle myself. Only--"--She bites her crocodilian lip--"Only our mom"--she nods at Aurealia--"seems like she could've been fracking killed by a Gods-damned runelord, so I'm not feeling it right now." As she speaks, her anger at the whole situation rises in her voice.
Turning to the rest, she says, "Are we ready to head to Rivenrake Island? I've refilled my back of jerky and my bag's still packed so I'm good to go."
Rognar’s countenance grew more focused as Croq made her introduction. The fire of vengeance. This one seems made of sterner stuff at least.
”If running off unprepared is your thing, then by all means go on ahead. But the other ladies have the right of it,” he says before having a seat, the chair groaning in protest as he leans forward onto his knees. ”You have to gather all the information before you attack your enemy. Learn their strengths and weaknesses if you can. The terrain. Their leaders. Their customs. Anything you can bend to your advantage. So, what have you got so far?” he asks as he lays an arm across the back of Kallie’s horse half, running his fingers absentmindedly through her hair as if it were an everyday thing.
Kallie doesn't seem bothered by the familiar contact by Rognar. In fact, she leans a little closer to better facilitate it.
"We don't have a whole lot to go on, unfortunately. Best that we find Ma-- I mean, Ryli. I'm pretty sure she mentioned she communicated with the nature surrounding the mountain. If anyone knows the terrain, it'll be her."
"Well, we aren't attacking anyone right now to start with. This is, in fact, how we're gathering that information. There's a significant corner of scholarship devoted to the strengths and weaknesses of our preeminent enemies and their customs, but what we're most likely to face in the short term are their minions.
"Geographically speaking, we're most likely to be facing off against Alaznist's followers if it comes to battle. That means a fair amount of evocation is likely when we face spellcasters; however, we've seen that many of the currently active Thassilonian cults seem to rely heavily on lightly armed and armored skirmishers - annoying for my own purposes, but at least it's simpler for more prosaic methods to dispense with them, and simple tricks
"Aside from humanoid support, we can reasonably expect sinspawn, who aren't meaningfully distinct from cultists except for their hideous appearance and resistance to Kallie's wiles, and since we're going up against a Runelord of Wrath, likely fiends as well. Most probably demons or qlippoths.
"Do you have anything to contribute, as our guide?"
”Heh,” Rognar chuckles at the comment of “Kallie’s wiles” and gives her hair a playful tug after.
”Yeah, none of that bothers me one bit. As for what to contribute, well, I have no doubt I can find this Kelhuud or whatever Yulia mentioned to me. But we gotta get to the island first. And get whatever other supplies we need. Magical healing and the like. And food. And ale or mead. Some tents to keep the elements off us. That sort of thing,” he says as he stands, assuming a shopping trip was in order.
When you ask about Ryli, Sheila assures you that the druid has been contacted. They are expecting her soon. It appears that Jeevika's Sending never reached her, so Ryli needs some time to get ready. In the meantime, the Council gets to work finding some transportation to Rivenrake Island for you.
"I have some good news!" Audrahni announces later that morning. "I just ran into Sursha; The Forgiven Queen docked in Magnimar yesterday. I spoke with her and Captain Farwynd about our... situation, and they've agreed to take us to Rivenrake Island."
"...Well, that's convenient," Galatea murmurs. She is seated at a table, which is covered with papers. "Say, does anyone know anything about a Hira Doss or a Forsaken Mezzanine? I've been reviewing the assassin's paperwork all morning, and those two names keep appearing."
You're drawing a blank on the Forsaken Mezzanine.
Rognar grunts. ”Yeah. I know that b++&%,” he says gruffly. ”She is part of some bird cult. You know, the one with the big ass, colorful feathers? She fights with one of those long hammers with a point on one end. I didn’t get a good line on her cause of her lackeys, but I had plans for dealing with her half-elven ass.”
Kallie visibly relaxes once she hears that Ryli has been contacted.
She speaks up after Rognar reports on Hira Doss. "Well, the Forsaken Mezzanine is just a layer, or level, of Hollow Mountain. We can ask Ryli what she remembers of it, since it was a place she visited."
"So it sounds like Hira made an alliance with the Treerazers and that she's currently hiding in this Forsaken Mezzanine..." Galatea concludes.
Kallie visibly relaxes once she hears that Ryli has been contacted.
She speaks up after Rognar reports on Hira Doss. "Well, the Forsaken Mezzanine is just a layer, or level, of Hollow Mountain. We can ask Ryli what she remembers of it, since it was a place she visited."
"That's a good idea, Kallie. I think Mom has a Wand of Sending with a few charges left in her office. I'll go contact Ryli and see what she knows..." Galatea says after getting the papers organized.
About half an hour later, Gali returns with her findings.
"According to what Ryli heard from Eugeni, the Forsaken Mezzanine was the heart of Alaznist's bureaucracy. She remembers it being like a giant library and clerk's office. At the time, the place was completely empty of danger; the Rangers encountered nothing there," Galatea explains.
"Speaking of Ryli, she said to go ahead and investigate Hollow Mountain. When she explained to the other Thunderhoof leaders why she needed to leave, they actually wanted to help; they very much remember all the suffering Karzoug's giants caused them. As such, Ryli's a little busy right now."
After a quick lunch, you are depart from the Kailani estate and make your way to the docks. Sure enough, The Forgiven Queen awaits you. She looks about ready to sail.
"Aurealia, one moment please!" Ariel (who decided to accompany you incognito) says. She quickly hands you a slip of paper. "My apologies for the delay, but I never got a chance to thank you for saving me from those assassins. Without your keen perception, I most likely would have perished back in Sandpoint."
Looking at the paper, you see that it's basically a fancy I.O.U.
"...I was unable to think of a good reward, so... please get back to me when you have something in mind," the princess explains. "I am unsure if I could procure something as major as your new cloak, but something such as a few scrolls for your spellbook (plus the copying materials) would be within my power to obtain."
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She speaks up after Rognar reports on Hira Doss. "Well, the Forsaken Mezzanine is just a layer, or level, of Hollow Mountain. We can ask Ryli what she remembers of it, since it was a place she visited."
"I'm pretty sure the Conclave on Proper Adventuring Terminology recently ruled that layers of dungeons are, by no means and in no circumstances, to be referred to as levels.
"I read about it in a report in one of Argor's bathrooms."
After a quick lunch, you are depart from the Kailani estate and make your way to the docks. Sure enough, The Forgiven Queen awaits you. She looks about ready to sail.
"Aurealia, one moment please!" Ariel (who decided to accompany you incognito) says. She quickly hands you a slip of paper. "My apologies for the delay, but I never got a chance to thank you for saving me from those assassins. Without your keen perception, I most likely would have perished back in Sandpoint."
Looking at the paper, you see that it's basically a fancy I.O.U.
"...I was unable to think of a good reward, so... please get back to me when you have something in mind," the princess explains. "I am unsure if I could procure something as major as your new cloak, but something such as a few scrolls for your spellbook (plus the copying materials) would be within my power to obtain."
Aurealia blushes as she takes the paper. "Wow, Ariel. Thanks! You didn't have to do this. It was my pleasure to be of help." She smiles. "I don't want to disrespect your gesture though. If I think of something you could help with I will let you know. In the meantime just wish us good luck in Hollow Mountain."
Aurealia blushes as she takes the paper. "Wow, Ariel. Thanks! You didn't have to do this. It was my pleasure to be of help." She smiles. "I don't want to disrespect your gesture though. If I think of something you could help with I will let you know. In the meantime just wish us good luck in Hollow Mountain."
"Very well. I wish you good luck, Aurealia!" Ariel says with a grin.
Before leaving, Galatea also exchanges goodbyes with her sister. It appears that Ariel will once again be watching Silvie while Gali is away. Galatea appears to feel rather guilty about this.
"Good to see you all again! Well, in your case Mr. Steelborn, it's a pleasure to meet you," Sursha greets. "I'll be overseeing the voyage this time, so I'll try to get us to Rivenrake Island in a timely manner. Wendy apologizes for her absence. Her migraines started acting up again."
That night at dinner, you learn from Sursha that you aren't the only expedition who has gone to Rivenrake Island recently. Several days ago, a ship called the Lordim Racer took a small party of brutes to Old Man's Launch, the small beach where you plan to land as per Ryli's suggestion. Upon arriving on Rivenrake Island via skiff, the goons promptly murdered the two sailors who had transported them there. Facing a possible mutiny if she tried to retrieve them, the captain of the Lordim Racer made the difficult decision to leave the bodies and skiff behind.
As for the second group, Sursha knows much less about them. She recalls that they were well-dressed. They hired a vessel called the Frijaya to get them close to the island and then departed for it via their own magical Folding Boat. No one knows where exactly they landed.
The Forgiven Queen makes what should be a roughly four day journey in just two. At this point, you conclude that something is definitely up with this strange ship. Regardless, given recent events, its speed definitely works in your favor.
Sursha anchors the ship half a mile from the southern shore. From there, you take the vessel's skiff to Old Man's Launch (according to legend, the beach got its name because a hermit tried to setup shop here... only to be torn to pieces by a pack of wolves. Other stories say fiendish hounds). You actually find another vessel waiting there... along with a pair of rotting corpses that appear to be about a week old.
Galatea nudges them with her shovel before moving to bury the bodies. As she does, you get a good chance to investigate the immediate area. It appears that the murderers already picked the area clean of valuables. Surrounding Old Man's Launch is nothing but thick wilderness. There is also a recently used fire pit there as well.
"It's not great news that we are preceded by murderers and a group with enough resources to have access to a magical boat. Those are probably both guaranteed to be trouble. The ones with the boat might be with this Hira person?"
Rognar relished being on the open sea again. It was a part of his Ulfen heritage he hadn’t partaken in in some time. After enjoying the breeze a bit, and noting the speed the vessel sailed, he made his way to the captain and asked out of curiosity what they had done to the boat to make it so fast.
Eventually he heads over to Kallie and leans against the rail of the ship. ”Alright pipsqueek. Out with it. What’d you do to yourself, and does yer mama know?”
__________
Rognar disembarked the boat and waded ashore through the shallows. Once there he looked around their landing site and assessed it for any potential spots for people to wait in ambush before looking for tracks inland. He then turned to the fire pit and knelt down beside it, holding a hand over the coals to test for heat.
When Rognar joins her looking out at the waves, her tail tosses animatedly while she thinks of a way to explain it. "Well, first off, I didn't do this to myself. It was an old ruin in Eurythnia that I was exploring with some companions. It didn't go well. There were some deaths, though I lucked out and ended up with a top half that resembles Sorshen, Runelord of Lust. It's better than being a puddle of goo, though don't mention that to Galatea. She lost someone close to her in that delve."
She falls silent for a moment as she considers Rognar's other question. "No. I haven't been back to the herd since."
==================
Kallie sits on her magic carpet and flies, preferring a magical means of flight over a mundane boat. She hovers over the beach, then rises up into the air to get a better look around.
"OK, so let's find Kelhuud, so that he can help us find the Mezzanine...or at least an entrance into Hollow Mountain."
Thinking of her mother's legendary expertise at tracking--and trying to remember the lessons Shalelu had repeatedly given her as a child--Croq starts looking for where the murderers tracks go.
For a moment she's sure she's onto something! "Look, this one's tracks are large, and reptilian."...And moments later realizes she's walking in a circle, tracking herself.
Yeah. Sorry mom. Nothing personal, but I don't think tracks are ever gonna be my thing.
Rognar relished being on the open sea again. It was a part of his Ulfen heritage he hadn’t partaken in in some time. After enjoying the breeze a bit, and noting the speed the vessel sailed, he made his way to the captain and asked out of curiosity what they had done to the boat to make it so fast.
Sursha is happy to explain what she knows about The Forgiven Queen.
"From what I've gathered, it's several mundane and magical things working together, though I've only discovered a handful of them. For the former, the ship's general build is uniquely efficient, and the sails are the best I've seen at capturing wind. For the latter, The Forgiven Queen always seems to find the right ocean currents. I'm not sure how; she just does."
To the west of the abandoned skiff, you discover a footpath. It is about five feet wide and follows the steep slopes of the island. The path appears to go deep into the forest in the direction of the ominous Hollow Mountain itself...
Aurealia nods at her sister. "I think if we light a fire here Kelhuud will know we've arrived."
She looks at Rognar. "Care to get one going?"
He grunts out a small chuckle. ”She ain’t gonna be happy about it,” he replies.
__________
”The coals are cold. And it’s obviously a signal fire of some kind. But it’s seen use. Must not be the bastards we are against. Has to be what your folk use to signal for Kelhuud. We can light ‘er up and let him come on out, but the smoke will surely let the other pricks know we are here and where. So if we light it, the smart play will be for most of ya to hide until we see who comes sniffing around first,” Rognar says.
"We're certain the pit's use is that specific, as opposed to being used for other uses of light and heat while camping? Wouldn't that have been brought up if it were some sort of accustomed signal? As you say, Master Rognar, a smoke signal isn't remotely subtle, regardless of whom you intend to be its recipient."
"It's protocol for Pathfinders to use a signal fire for this type of mission. That's why I am fairly certain its use is Kelhuud specific. Also, no one in the other two teams used it when they came before us, meaning they were in a hurry and not wanting to camp or aware of Pathfinder protocol." Then she shrugs, pointing at the murdered corpses. "Finally, who cares if they see it? They are probably in the mountain already, and if not and they come to us, we don't have to find them before we kill them."