The Fleetfoot Message Service pages notify each of you that your presence is requested in one of Skyreach's many meeting halls. The halflings are apologetic but not quite obsequious, offering assistance in dressing and preparing for the briefing. Barret finds his page actually useful in donning his armor. Once the Pathfinders are prepared, they are helpfully guided to the briefing room.
After a brief wait, Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng’s appearance is surprising only due to his unfamiliar accomplice, a burly man dressed in full Isgeri military trappings. “Pardon the intrusion,” Drandle says as he juggles the numerous scrolls and writing materials precariously balanced in his arms, “but I have a request that is of utmost importance to ask of all you. I’m afraid we have something of a situation on our hands."
The scrolls are unceremoniously dumped on the long table, Dreng scrambling to stop a few that begin to unroll along the length of the surface as he continues. It is perhaps well known among the Pathfinder Society that trade is vital to our organization. Not for any monetary gain, of course, but because we rely heavily on overland caravan routes and trading lanes at sea to get important documents, treasures, and personnel from central Avistan to the Inner Sea. When such materials are of particular import, we have even been known to use more illicit modes of transportation, such as caravans operated by the Sczarni organized crime syndicate."
One scroll in particular has escaped the aged Venture Captain, the end falling off the far side of the table.
Dreng begins to wind the parchment back into place, having to raise his hands high to keep the end from collecting even more dirt from the floor.
“It appears that a number of such Sczarni caravans, carrying important cargo for delivery to the Pathfinder Society, have recently begun to go missing along their more discreet trade routes from Cheliax to Druma, a little-known path that runs through the Chitterwood in Isger. Of Of course, the route along the Conerica River would be viable for more legitimate operations, but oftentimes we can’t afford to be forestalled with matters such as customs, tariffs, and inspectors, especially when such hindrances could also potentially result in the arrest of our business partners. Alas, I digress."
The Isgeri man furrows his brow slightly, slight exasperation evident on his face.
Finally, the scrolls appear to be in order.
“I have agreed to work with the local Sczarni leader, Guaril Karela, in order to reclaim the caravan route through Isger’s Chitterwood. That’s where you come in. I have made all the arrangements necessary to ship you to Isger in the morning, where you’ll meet the caravan you are tasked with escorting through the goblinoid-infested woods. In the meantime, I have summoned the honored Isgeri war hero Gaspar Desime to help answer any questions you might have about your upcoming visit to the Chitterwood. Guaril Karela is also available and can answer any questions you have about the caravan you’ll be guarding, though I believe he is currently stationed at his shop in the Docks district.”
Gaspar turns from the Venture Captain to the party as Dreng attempts unsuccessfully to clean the ink from his robes before it stains.
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A little gnome with a youthful face and starkly white hair enters the meeting hall. As he scans the already present members you note that his demeanor is very peaceful and still, devoid of much expression. While he doesn't smile as he speaks he does tend to put others at ease (at least outside of certain situations...)
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Arin cocks one eyebrow in curiosity as Drandle casually explains all of this in front of Gaspar. He looks to the warrior. So, I take it you're not really okay with this Sczarni operation in your lands. How much are you willing to work with them, for the good of these routes?
Turning back to Dreng, I presume that while escorting the caravan we're to also collect information about the groups attacking them recently? Are we to establish that this is in fact the work of local goblins?
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"It's unlikely that just some goblins would be able to cause this much disruption." Vayon helps Drendle Drang with the scrolls. He seems very comfortable around the delicate papers and handles them expertly. He is a bit short for an elf but is otherwise pretty average as elves go. He keeps himself well groomed and dressed. He carries a staff adorned with arcane sigils that, he says, aid him in focusing his magical ability. "I suspect that something else has moved in along that route."
Dreng raises an eyebrow after hearing Arin.
"The Sczarni operation are an integral part of the Pathfinder Society missions across Golarion! Guaril can tell you more!"
Gaspar fixes his stare on Arin, clearly appraising him.
"I would not be surprised if you encountered not only goblins but also hobgoblin or bugbear. I hear the city of Logas can still maintain a steady supply of fresh goblin heads for the pikes surrounding their walls, so there are apparently plenty of goblinoids to still be found.” He waves a hand dismissively.
Gaspar also nods to Vayon.
"Yes, Isger is currently besieged by numerous threats—the undead roam the lands to the north and south of my beloved homeland, while bandits prey on the weak throughout the countryside. What's worse, the Chitterwood itself is still the home to the scattered remains of goblinoid armies, left over from the Goblinblood Wars. If only for your sake, I hope it's merely bandits behind the caravan attacks."
"You will probably face nothing more than bandits, probably relying on the harrowing stories surrounding the Chitterwood to deceive and waylay travelers. Do not be surprised, though, if you encounter a hobgoblin or bugbear. I hear the city of Logas can still maintain a steady supply of fresh goblin heads for the pikes surrounding their walls, so there are apparently plenty of goblinoids to still be found."
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Giovanni Stellaluce wears a smart tweed coat and various jeweled rings. He wears small-frame glasses and adjusts them as he listens to VC Dreng and Gaspar.
He looks up after he's given the mission some thought. He removes his glasses, folds them, and places them in his inside coat pocket. So an escort mission against various and innumerable enemies. Sounds typical for you, Venture-Captain. Giovanni offers a smirk. I can't believe he sent us on that goose-chase for a bottle of wine that one time.
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A bright peach colored gnome scoots into the room, already chattering with excitement. "Oh! Hi Arin! Good to see you again! Hi everybody else! I'm Pai! Nice to meet you! What's going on? Did I miss anything? Sorry I'm late. There were some kids trying to catch a cat in a bag, and I just knew they were up to no good, so I had to stop them, at least long enough for the cat to get away. But it had to get a few swipes in at the boys first. Boy, that was fun to watch!" Finally stopping for breath, she realizes that she has been babbling and promptly clamps her mouth shut to allow others a chance to get a word in edgewise.
Undead? Oh, boy. That'll be fun. Not. Pai thinks back to all the undead she's encountered recently. She's not a fan, but at least she knows how to handle herself. The Society's training has certainly been useful.
Not really knowing what questions to ask and really, really wanting to seem more useful and knowledgeable than the bubbly airhead many people think she is at first, Pai scrapes her mind to come up with something, anything practical to ask.
"So, what sort of weather should we expect there at this time of year? And what's the geography like? Any rivers? Bridges? Common ambush points?" Right? We might need winter coats or swimsuits or something, right? Oooh, I wish I was better at thinking up questions before a mission!
Dreng looks at Pai and smiles.
"I think the weather is not much different than here. Geography is not my specialty but we can give you a map of the area."
He thinks for a moment.
"Some of you might recall your studies of the Goblinblood Wars. Not quite 2 decades ago, the goblinoids of the Chitterwood banded together and attacked the nation of Isger from within its own borders.
The horde was so great a threat that Andoran, Cheliax, and Druma sent assistance in the form of a regiment of Eagle Knights, small order of Hellknights, and a contingent of Mercenary Legionnaires respectively. This unlikely alliance was forced to put much of the Chitterwood to the torch in order to quell the goblin offensive."
Gaspar Demise nods and continues, "I was leading the forces of Isger alongside their neighboring allies, although not quite so prominently as the Isgeri's attitude suggests. Since the end of the war, Isger has struggled to recover from the large expenditure of wealth and manpower."
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You only think you barely catch a glimpse of Arin smiling as he acknowledges Pai.
It's good to see you again Pai. That was quite a journey into the tapestry we had.
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Arin concurs with Vayon.
Yes, it seems best that we head out and put our additional detail questions to Guaril, when we meet him.
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"Greetings" A shorter figure in heavy armor walks into the meeting place. The figure collapses the hood of his armor revealing a bird like head covered in a mixture of black and dark purple feathers, except for a bunch in the middle, which are white and in the shape of a hand. "I am Pazacku, The Shining knight of Shiziru. So, I have heard we have been summoned to deal with a group of goblins?"
A few minutes later a younger tengu comes in, "Sir, Tono is out of control. He keeps going after dogs, he won't eat the rats."
"Ori, if you wish to become a knight one day, you must be able to feed a mount. No go."
The tengu looks back to the group. "Sorry about that. That is Ori, my squire."
The party get to know each other some more and is excused as Venture Captain Dreng thanks their esteemed guest for traveling and offering his insight.
It is not a difficult walk down to the docks nor particularly taxing to locate The Pickled Imp.
Karela’s curio store seems dark and cramped, regardless of the time of day. The dirty windows block most outside light, leaving the inside of the store permanently encased in shadow. Rows upon rows of shelves filled with knickknacks, baubles, and trinkets—all of varying levels of quality and authenticity— run the length of the store, leaving little room for people to move about.
From somewhere behind the shelves, a voice rings out.
"Welcome to The Pickled Imp! At this hour, yer almost certainly thieves or Pathfinders. Some might ask what the difference is, but old Uncle Guaril knows..." he says with a sly smile.
As you make your way further into the cramped shop, Guaril straightens from behind the counter, stroking his thin mustache and looking at Vayon.
"Highsummer, hmmm ... I see they sent some solid magical muscle to me this time. Half a briefing, ya received already I heard!"
He leans his elbows on the grimy wood.
"At least you know about our problems on the caravans. I'm asking you to pull a little guard duty, and when you get attacked, track down where the bastards are coming from. Deal with them so they don't come around no more, if you catch my drift."
He pulls his thumb across his throat to emphasize.
"You get to Logas, there'll be a cousin waiting to take you to the caravan. His name is Kazrin, and once he hooks you up, the crew will take you through the Chitterwood."
His smirk was slightly sinister in the dim light.
"I'll do my best to answer better than ol' Drengy, but do understand my clients value their privacy."
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"So guard the caravan and bring the robbers to justice. But, I do not think killing is necessary, as long as they no longer bother your caravans correct." Pazacku says catching the meaning of Guaril's gesture. "So, I am guessing we will not know what we are guarding? and why others are wanting it so badly?"
Guaril smiles at Pazacku.
"Well as long as you get the results, I don't much care if these bandits join up with the crusade against the Worldwound or whatever you are feeling. I just need my caravans to get through nice and clean."
Guaril shrugs nonchalantly.
"As for why they're attacking us, I imagine it has to do with my clients valuable goods and the lack of lawful retribution. Of course I cannot share any details. Feel free to ask the caravan crew more questions at yer next campfire jubilee."
Guaril cackles.
"Really? You are going on a tour in the woods and don't know what you should take with you?!?"
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Pai's normally animated face turns stony at Guaril's mockery. I know what to bring to the woods GENERALLY, but I wanted to know if there are special circumstances here. Geez! You don't have to be a jerk about it. I'm not stupid. And I'm not buying anything from you, you mean ol'...something.
Resolving to keep her mouth shut, she glares angrily at Guaril (without realizing it) for the rest of their time in the shop.
Guaril comes over to you and goes to down to Pai.
”You gnomes are great! I have to admit that these bandits have been active only recently so that it is only now such a nuisance but I had to involve the society! And as I said before we do not know what all of this is about so that I can give you no further details. But in our business, we try not to leave much to chance. Our routes are normally well prepared, including secret watering points and hidden campsites. The caravan is most vulnerable while on the move. If you can secure the caravan at one of these safe points, Jandri and his crew should be able to defend it in your absence should you have to investigate leads!“
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The door to the room bursts open seemingly of its own accord. A few seconds later, a gust of wind leads a weathered tanned man into the room. The gust of wind seemingly reverses direction and leaves the room pulling closed the doors behind it. The man, almost completely devoid of muscle but with skin taut and glowing with health, doesn’t seem to notice but just greets the group cordially. Glancing around the table, his eyes open wider at the sight of Pai. He offers a nod of respect to a kindred soul.
”Greetings.. I’m known as Peregryne. Yes.... like the bird. And equally affiliated with the wild outdoors and wide open spaces.”
Peregryne offers a grin all around.
[b]”This is my sort of mission. Out and about in the wild, enjoying nature! Let’s go![“/b]
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He offers a nod of respect to a kindred soul.
”Greetings.. I’m known as Peregryne. Yes.... like the bird. And equally affiliated with the wild outdoors and wide open spaces.”
Pai's eyes jerk open wide with a start as she realizes that she's in the presence of another real live kineticist--and an aerokineticist at that! Practically vibrating with excitement, she bursts into a blast of chattering: "Oh my gosh! You're like me! I've never met anyone like me! Oh! We've got to compare notes! Oh! I'm Pai, by the way! Pleased to meet you!"
If you can secure the caravan at one of these safe points, Jandri and his crew should be able to defend it in your absence should you have to investigate leads!“
Mostly mollified by Guaril's overture, Pai's angry glare shifts to one of fierce determination. "Oh, you bet we will. Trust me. There's more to us than meets the eye."
Guaril smiles.
"Certainly a decisive crew here. You will only have one wagon to worry about. We do not normally make use of long wagon trains as those are too difficult to protect and too easily noticed."
Karela offers each of you a colorful Varisian scarf.
"The scarf will help my informant at Logas to spot you, so you should be sure to wear it when you finally arrive in Isger. If you don't slow the caravan down, the journey through the Chitterwood should take just over a week. Report back to me as soon as possible after you solved this puzzle!"
DEPARTURE INTO THE CHITTERWOOD
Uncle Guaril bids you good luck as you depart The Pickled Imp.
Despite the late hour, there are plenty of shops still open for any last minute purchases before your ship departs Absalom. As day breaks, you yawn your way aboard and can finally crash in a hammock for much delayed sleep.
The journey between Absalom and Isger takes several weeks, first by sea and then by land, until finally ending in front of the gates of the Isgeri city of Logas.
The Goblinblood Wars may be over, but the goblinoid threat still lingers, as is made apparent by the rows of fresh goblinoid corpses that hang from pikes along the city’s walls. Every now and then, seemingly at random, a trebuchet from behind the city walls hurls a huge boulder into the forest.
The market is bustling as you make your way between the stalls. While not the size of your home base, Logas it is still a sizeable city that threatens to swallow you up and set you adrift. Fortune favors you however, as a Varisian man with tousled hair leans on a wooden stall and speaks as you pass.
"Friends, where did you get such fine cloth? My cousin owns a scarf just like it!"
He introduces himself as Kazrin, and when his fingers reach his lips it is clear that he does not want any introductions to happen now.
He starts leading you through the market and towards the southern gate of the city.
As you are leaving the city, he only says that he will introduce you to his friends, although you notice he does not mention specifics while still near the city and silence follows again.
After several miles of walking, you come across a single wagon hitched to a single horse.
Two women are waiting, the elder in the driver seat and the younger standing by, hand on the hilt of a longsword.
"And here we are, friends!"
Kazrin announces with a wide grin.
"Our caravan mistress, Jandri, shall lead on, and Alik is here to provide further security. She doesn't say much, so I'll be saying enough for both of us."
A small face peaks out of the covered back of the wagon, a single halfling offering a wave of greeting to you all.
"And we have one guest riding along, Camon the halfling. If any of you can't keep up with the wagon, feel free to ride along inside."
The Sczarni wait for you all to load up as needed before beginning the ride further away from Logas.
Jandri looks at Vayon. Then she looks at the halfling. Then she looks back at you all.
"No." she says.
The halfling does not seem to be an adventurer or guard by his looks Vayon would assume. Maybe he is just a traveler.
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"A passenger? Odd. What's he running from? And why? ... What'd he do? Is he dangerous?" Clambering aboard the wagon, Pai's demeanor us unusually subdued, not that anyone who hadn't spent time with her would notice. She introduces herself to the halfling as she settles herself across from him. "Hello. I'm Pai. How do you prefer to be addressed?"
After his response, she glances around the wagon nonchalantly, eyes never lingering on anything so as to avoid appearing too nosy, then directs her gaze forward.
She doesn't like being cooped up inside the wagon where she can't see what's going on outside or help keep watch, but her short little legs would certainly not be able to keep up for long if she tried to walk alongside it. Poking her head out of the cloth flap, she inquires: "Hi, Jandri. Is there room for my skinny little rump on the seat out here? I want to be able to help keep an eye on things without slowing us down."
Kazrin's talking is just nervous chatter.
Camron keeps looking around as if expecting something to jump out of the shadows, but seems to have a smile constantly on his face all the while.
Camron just smiles when Pai addresses him.
"Hi, ehh, just Camron. Might be better to lay low ... and not talk much. We don't want to attract attention, right?"
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Giovanni's words lead to everybody getting ready so that the caravan can start moving.
Jandri and Alik say little throughout the day, only speaking when they need to issue an order. Kazrin more than makes up for his companions' somberness, though, telling numerous jokes and the occasional Varisian legend as the caravan winds through the woods.
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At the beginning of the day, Peregryne strikes a meditation pose. The winds that constantly surrond him increase in strength. With a grunt, he stands and moves to chat with their fellow travellers to try and get a read on their intentions. Feeling he has done so accurately, he passes on the information to the rest of team quietly out of earshot.
"Kazrin seems fine... maybe just a little nervous but Camron... he's running a bit scared for real. He feel like he's expecting someone or something and not a friendly face at that."
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Suddenly, Pai recalls something Peregryn mentioned earlier. It was such a good idea, so she goes ahead and activates her Enveloping Winds. Tiny arcs of electricity skitter sparsely over her form, then intensify slightly. She glances at Camron and gives him a half-smiling shrug, then goes back to staring out of the back of the wagon, alert for trouble.
Being in the back of the wagon Pai notices that Jandri, Alik, and Kazrin are transporting all manner of goods in their wagon.
Besides the supplies needed to survive - food, water, tents, bedrolls, and two potions of cure light wounds - the wagon also carries numerous insidious devices that can serve as defensive traps when the caravan stops to make camp.
The caravan contains various goods the Sczarni plan to sell to the merchants of Druma once they get there, including bolts of expensive cloth, several pounds of narcotics (including a few flasks of shiver and even a live dream spider), a collection of antique longswords, a dozen bottles of aged brandy, and numerous bags of spices.
Camron is a little nervous.
"I ... I ... ehhh ... well ... sometimes ... but that is none of your business!" he says with some distrust in his voice.
Pazacku involves the crew in discussions over the next days and learns that Alik, the only other guard besides Kazrin, is in fact not only the youngest of the crew but new to this job.
She does not fully trust non Sczarni, especially non-Varisians and says little throughout the journey. She does, however, show a particular animosity toward Chelish supporters and, as a result, focuses primarily on protecting the caravan's halfling passenger throughout their journey.
You also believe that Camon is a slave that was freed recently- probably one of the chelish anti-slavery networks orchestrated his freedom and passage east with the Sczarni caravan. You hear after a while that he hopes to reach Andoran or Druma and seek his fortune there-or at least a modest living bereft of thralldom.
Jandri, the driver, is a sullen, middle-aged woman. She only seems to show any kindness to her horse, Anka. Jandri replies to questions using only one-word answers whenever possible.
Kazrin, on the other hand, is friendly and talkative, and is always willing to share a drink at the end of the day. Kazrin has worked with Jandri for years and reckons that the driver must be an incredibly wise woman, and he admires her for her composure and willingness to speak only when she must.