Wardens of the Reborn Forge
Your party has received the following letter.
I would like to request an audience with you to obtain your services. Please come to the Brass Guild in Alkenstar. The matter is delicate and I can't trust going to local authorities. Your renown proceeds you and I think you are the right person to aid me in investigating the suspicious malfunctioning of the Brass Guardians, my clockwork creations that are used to patrol Alkenstar.
Eliza Baratella
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Putting aside his trusty kazoo and horn, Philton rereads the letter, now in an environment he could digest this information he Looks down at the unexpected appeal trying to recall what he knows of the details (if anything) from Eliza’s request? Maybe she meant this letter to my brother ‘Phioltone’…
Who is Eliza Baratella?
Brass Guild in Alkenstar - What is the Brass Guild and Where is Alkenstar?
Local authorities – Corrupt government?
Brass Guardians, clockwork creations – I don’t know where to begin?
I wonder who else received this request. I’ll enquire around…
Putting aside his trusty kazoo and horn, Philton rereads the letter, now in an environment he could digest this information he Looks down at the unexpected appeal trying to recall what he knows of the details (if anything) from Eliza’s request? Maybe she meant this letter to my brother ‘Phioltone’…
Where/what is Alkenstar?
Alkenstar is a city-state in the Manawastes.
Who is Eliza Baratella?
Eliza Baratella is a minister on the Alkenstar Parliament and Guildmaster of the Guild of Brass.
What is the Brass Guild
The Brass Guild is a guild of artificers.
Local authorities – Corrupt government?
Maybe?
Brass Guardians, clockwork creations – I don’t know where to begin?
Probably constructs of some sort?
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Looking up from his desk filled with Taldor senatorial paperwork, Maxxuud Setty-Hawthorne noticed his trusty herald at the door.
“What have you got there Percy? A letter for me? Bring it here boy!”
Reading the letter, Maxxuud pondered the aid requested from Eliza Baratella...
Had he had political dealings with Eliza before?
Is she a trustworthy person?
What did he know about the local authorities and their lack of trustworthiness?
How much did he know about the Brass Guardians?
Knowledge Nobility: +19
All other knowledges: +15
Well this is going to be more exciting than the blasted paperwork, Maxxuud thinks. I best go find Tyranyx and start to investigate this request. And see if any of my other pathfinder friends have also received this call.
Gather Information (Diplomacy): +33
“Percy! We are leaving. Get my things”
Had he had political dealings with Eliza before?
Is she a trustworthy person?
What did he know about the local authorities and their lack of trustworthiness?
How much did he know about the Brass Guardians?
If your character has never been to Alkenstar, you'd be able to get the same information I gave to Philton.
Maxxuud does find out a certain Philton Grack has been approached as well!
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Finding out that the noteworthy Philton Grack has also been contacted, Maxxuud seeks him out at the local Pathfinder lodge...
"Greetings Philton. I trust you are doing well. I hear that you have received the same missive from Eliza Baratella as I have. Sounds like this lady needs our help to seek vengeance on those that are tampering with the brass guardians. A noble cause indeed. I will lead our quest with the duty that it deserves."
"Come, we must find Tyranyx. If I have been contacted them my loyal companion has surely been asked too. Once we have done some preparations, she can teleport us to Alkenstar. I have no desire to cross the inner sea on a boat."
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Venture Captain Brotil, the dwarf cleric of Irori, finishes reading the missive that had been delivered to him at his bakery in Absalom. Wiping the flour from his hands he takes off his apron, then grabs a bag of buns before leaving the shop in the capable hands of his assistants and making his way to the Grand Lodge to gather together his adventuring gear and make some enquiries as to what he might expect from a visit to Alkenstar (Diplomacy +9) and if any other Pathfinders were contacted about this mission.
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Hearing VC Brotil enquiring about Eliza, Maxxuud approaches the dwarf with open arms...
"Great to meet you Brotil. A please to overhear that yoi have been tasked with the same quest as Philton and myself. A grand adventure indeed this is shaping up to be. And with an adventuring companion such as yourself, our dining will be excellent."
Maxxuud pulls out some goggles from his backpack,the lenses mostly opaque. Partially doing the goggles with the lenses on his for head, he looks very pleased with himself.
"I am already have some preparations so that we can look the part in Alkenstar. But we should certainly head to the high street to get an outfit appropriate for social interaction with the Alkenstar Government."
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"Agreed, Sir Maxxuud... There are a couple of loose ends I'd like to tie up. Nothing important you understand before we head to Alkenstar..."
Looking at the map of the inner sea...
"The journey is long by boat... I suggest we arrange passage as Teleport is not an option; I agree we must dress for the occasion... Pesky Pathfinders aren't always welcome... Especially those with carmine skin!".
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Tyranyx looks up at the recently arrived messenger. “On the table please” she instructs whilst finishing up an intricate Shelyn tribute shoulder piece. \
After seeing her customer off with the usual after care instructions, mending cantrip and some salve, she settled down to read her post.
“Hmmm, Alkenstar”, she mutters as she scans the letter from Eliza Baratella.
Tyranyx wanders over to her map of Golarion and makes a note of the location.
Scanning her many notes, she cross references Brass and guild, but only finds information regarding the City of Brass and a brief piece on firearms.
“That’s no good”, waving her hands she imbues herself with heightened awareness and investigative mind and writes down a few pertinent questions.
Notes
Construct guardians, what are they made from, who controls them, can they be fixed.? (Arcana 28)
What do we know about Eliza? (Nobility 17)
What’s the fastest way to Alkenstar? Teleport?
Hastily packing up a few essentials, Tyranyx grabs her travel cloak, closes up and makes her way to the local pathfinder lodge.
“With any luck”, she thinks, “Maxx has already started making plans, and if not, we can soon sort something”…
Notes
Construct guardians, what are they made from, who controls them, can they be fixed.? (Arcana 28)
What do we know about Eliza? (Nobility 17)
Brass guardians are made from Brass by the Brass Guild, which is led by Guildmaster Eliza Baratella.
What’s the fastest way to Alkenstar? Teleport?
Teleporting to a well known port* and then booking passage on a boat would be the safest thing.
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Arriving at the Pathfinder Lodge, Tyranyx spots Maxxuud and makes her way over to him.
With barley more than a nod in his direction, she begins, “Teleporting all that way is too risky, the closest I’ve been is the Mwangi Expanse”
Casting her eye over the others in the lodge Tyranyx continues, “I can teleport us and perhaps Brotil could windwalk us the rest of the way so we can expedite our travels”
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"I'm sure Tyranyx has quite the capability and resolve to be able to transport us all to Nex, I very much like the mounted aspect to our travels".
Looking behind Maxxuud, Philton gestures to stocky human male, who is laden with a full backpack... "May I introduce my assistant? My porter 'Carlos', He doesn't speak; luckily..." Carlos nods... "I used to have three, but these humans are quite disposable or shall I say fickle!".
Shall we postpone the teleportation till tomorrow say mid-morning as I believe that would give us ample time to purchase our necessary equipment and allow us coffee".
"Before coffee, I'm up and walkin around but I'm not awake".
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After acknowledging Tyranyx's arrival, Maxxuud surveys his companions, briefly looking each in the eye followed by an approving nod.
"A fine party we have for an adventure to a far away land. May Ragathiel bless our journey."
Maxxuud turns to Philton.
"I do not agree with your opinion on my race but I am sure you have your reasons for your prejudice. Perhaps your time in the company of Tyranyx and I will change your mind."
"Your plan for tomorrow morning is sound. We shall meet back here tomorrow morning to resume our travels. I recommend you all make suitable arrangements and preparations."
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“I’m not so much prejudice; I’ve just noticed over the years their, when I say their I mean assistants and their disposable nature, no longevity to their allegiances and always looking out for what is next… I much prefer the slower pace of life these days… I hope to be proven wrong Maxxuud, my last human travelling companion was an ex-aspis consortium agent, but we aren’t here to talk about the past; to the future and to Alkenstar…”
“Have this cracked vibrant purple prism ioun stone it has the ability to liberating command”. Philton reaches into the air and relocates the ioun stone; now holding this ioun stone out to Maxxuud as a symbol of unity… "Coffee?"
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Maxxuud takes the ioun stone, thanking the tiefling for his generosity.
"Indeed, coffee could be nice. Or something stronger if the mood takes it. Perhaps you can serenade us with some music if it takes your fancy. I might even sing some rousing lyrics to get us in the mood for our upcoming adventure."
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"I'm not that type of Bard, I would consider myself a seeker of truth... I have the ability to arouse your heart but it would be with my Kazoo of Doom... As you can see, I have Three Reasons to Live and that plays a mighty tune for the heavier situations..."
After some more inquiries you asertain that there are mages from Nex that offer teleportation services to Quantium. From there you can book passage on a ship and travel up the Ustradi River to Alkenstar. This seems the safest way, as hitting a dead magic pocket while airwalking 60 miles an hour seems unhealthy.
After a long and arduous journey, you arrive in the Clockwork City. You find the atmosphere as tense with fear and suspicion as it is full of smog. You easily find out that in recent months, the city’s Brass Guardians have been going haywire and attacking Alkenstarians without provocation. When you go to meet Eliza at the Brass Guild, where she and her fellow engineers manufacture and maintain the city’s regiment of clockwork watchmen. Eliza, while a minister on the Alkenstar Parliament, isn’t above getting her hands dirty; when you arrive, she’s busy tinkering on a partially disassembled Brass Guardian. She wipes her oily hand on her apron and reaches out for a firm handshake in greeting.
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Maxxuud steps forward, shaking her hand in return.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance minister Baratella. As I am sure you know, I am Maxxuud Setty-Hawthorne and these are my companions, Tyranyx, Brotil and Philton."
He gestures to his companions as he mentions their names.
"We have come on Alkenstar on your bequest. I see you are not only a formidable politician but you also know your way around these marvelous contraptions. Would you like to discuss matters here, or have you somewhere more private you would like go to?"
Eliza leads you to a small office.
“Thank you all for coming. I apologize for not being completely forthcoming with information in my invitation, but I'm suspicious of correspondences being monitored.”
“Whoever’s behind this plot is powerful—likely someone in the government who sees me or my creations as a threat. But I can’t go around flinging accusations of sabotage and treason without evidence, nor do I know if I can trust the authorities here to investigate. You, on the other hand, are neutral parties.”
“I’ve got a good sense of where you can start looking. When the first Brass Guardians started raging in the streets, we looked closely at their serial numbers to determine where they’d come from. In every case, the clockworks had originally been positioned in the city’s western quarters, closest to the Karggat Hills. I sent Arvanor, my assistant, to follow a series of tracks left by a guardian leaving the city’s western gates. Those tracks led north and west into the Karggat Hills, and into a mine some fifty miles away. Arvanor reported back that he was headed into the mines to investigate further, and no one has heard from him since. That was two months ago. And since then, the Brass Guardians’ attacks have only increased in frequency and intensity.”
“I have secured transportation for you on the guild’s private airship, under the pretense that you are trapsmiths we’ve hired to help protect our facilities in Martel. You won’t go to Martel, however; instead, the pilot has been instructed to take you directly to the Karggat Mine. Please find out who’s behind this sabotage of the Brass Guardians and bring me evidence to put an end to the plot. The guild and I have significant resources with which to reward you, and time is of the essence.”
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"This sounds like a serious problem. Most concerning indeed..."
Maxxuud scratches his chin, thoughtfully.
"Do you have a picture of this Arvanor, so we can recognise him if we find him in the mine?"
"Between us, do you have anyone from the government that you suspect of this crime?"
"What are the abilities of these brass guardians and do they have any weaknesses? I have a feeling that we may have to fight some in the mine and, from your work outside, you seem an expert."
"How far away is this mine, by airship?"
"We are in the mana wastes. Does magic work here? And if so, are there any restrictions about what magic works? And if not, is there any way to make magic work?"
"Do you have a map of these mines? Or any idea of their inhabitants?"
"This sounds like a serious problem. Most concerning indeed..."
Maxxuud scratches his chin, thoughtfully.
"Do you have a picture of this Arvanor, so we can recognise him if we find him in the mine?"
"I don't have a picture of him here, but I think his parents came from Jalmeray, so his complexion is quite dark."
"Between us, do you have anyone from the government that you suspect of this crime?"
"Even if I had a suspicion it would be unethical to tell you. I would like you to perform the investigation without prejudice."
"What are the abilities of these brass guardians and do they have any weaknesses? I have a feeling that we may have to fight some in the mine and, from your work outside, you seem an expert."
"They are vulnerable to electricity and their metal bodies are hard to damage."
"How far away is this mine, by airship?"
"It depends a bit on the winds, but it should be around 8 hours."
"We are in the mana wastes. Does magic work here? And if so, are there any restrictions about what magic works? And if not, is there any way to make magic work?"
"The mountain range is outside Arkenstar's stable pocket of anti-magic. Although there might be some anti-magic zones there, it's probably the primal magic that will be your biggest concern. As I understand it powerful spellcasters like you should be able to focus your magic and prevent primal mishaps."
"Do you have a map of these mines? Or any idea of their inhabitants?"
Sorry, I don't have a map and no idea about any inhabitants.
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“This truly is case for a detective… Why thank you for allowing us the opportunity to investigate this… I echo Maxxuud’s questions…”
Getting out his notepad and an inkpen from his belt pouch, he opens this notepad to a fresh page writing the main bullet points of Eliza’s concerns in the Daemonic script…
“Whoever it is may try to contrive a perfect alibi, and it's their perfect alibi that's gonna hang ‘em…”
“These tracks you mentioned, tell us about them…”
“These tracks you mentioned, tell us about them…”
"I've told everything I know about the tracks already."
You travel to the skydocks and board the skyship. The skyship is a technical marvel and your journey west is quite uneventful, and you can spend the 8-hour trip preparing spells and such.
As you converse with the ship’s pilot and engineer, who steer the vessel and keep its steampowered engine running, respectively they tell you that the Karggat Mine was barricaded shut years ago, and their reopening coincides with an unusual spree of earthquakes in the region.
During the journey, the weather begins to grow violent. By the time the airship reaches the mine’s entrance, a full-fledged primal magic storm is less than a mile away. Fearing for his vessel (and having only been paid to take you one-way), the airship’s pilot drops you off and quickly departs to the south, headed for the safety of Martel’s airship docks.
The turbulent winds sweeping through the Karggat Hills are causing no shortage of havoc on the airship above as it makes its ascent away from the rocky landscape south toward Martel. However, on the ground in front of the mine shaft, the wind fades to a strong breeze. The pitchblack tunnel descending into the abandoned Karggat Mine howls sporadically, thanks to the Mana Wastes’ unpredictable air currents, and the gunmetal-gray clouds above indicate a tempestuous storm in the making.
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"Gather together everyone, I have something to say..." With a quick note from his horn Philton begins to embolden his allies...
"Pathfinders, when we work together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. A true Pathfinder has the confidence to stand together, the courage to make tough decisions together, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. We do not set out to be leaders, but we become one by the equality of our actions and the integrity of the Society’s intent..."
As you enter the mine you see the dank walls of this dark mine drip with condensation. Mine cart tracks from the tunnel entrance continue to the north. A wooden sign promises lower levels in the tracks’ direction. To the east, several abandoned mine carts lie strewn around the dirt, some tipped over. In an alcove to the west stands a sizable but nondescript shrine half-buried in loose stone, a heavy sheet of black soot covering the steps leading up to its weathered altar. To the south of the shrine stands a rickety wooden door.
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Philton casts Arcane Concordance, "By the sounds of the creation we begin one word for every note".
A shimmering, blue and gold radiance surrounds Philton; allowing him and his arcane ally to manipulate the essence ofextending their arcane magics...
Continuing casting "By the sounds of creation I grant you moral courage to take action" Philton instils great bravery and morale upon his allies as he casts Heroism on the all three of his allies and himself.
Philton then begins to walk gingerly over to the alter looking for traps along the way, Philton talks over the message "Maxxuud would you be happy to accompany me? I think I would like to investigate the door and then the altar".
Philon examines the wooden door and discovers it's jammed, but it can probably be opened with a bit of force.
Maxxuud puts his shoulder against the door and forces it open.
The furniture in the revealed sizable living quarters has mostly rotted, but the thick wool curtain in the western corner and the furry beast hide taking up most of the floor remain in better condition. A flat portion of the northwestern wall appears to have served as a writing surface, and it bears numerous names as well as dates.
Upon the wall here the names of those miners who perished throughout the course of their toil, while the other columns depict the approximate location of their death within the mines and the dates on which they died. The records are remarkably complete, save for the names of three miners—Dyjas, Emori, and Issig—whose death locations are all described as “Abandoned eastern mining tunnel, upper level” and whose dates of death have been left blank.
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"Intriguing... I surmise that whatever is located in the eastern mining tunnel maybe where we should head... If this covert operation that we are to uncover has a secret lair no better than to keep people out than with a bit of old fashioned superstition..." Philton makes a note in his notepad about the names of the missing miners...
"Tyranyx is there anything magical with in the area? I would look myself but I'm more interested in making sure we do not accidentally cause a cave in..."
"Maxxuud if we are quite finished here can I use your help to potentially uncover some of this altar... Such a good display of strength back there..."
"Brotil, from a Dwarven perspective are these mines human in construction, I'm not sure about the names of the fallen and lost; I suppose they could be any race? Do you have any thought of which deity should be worshipped by the miners... Hopefully not Zyphus!"
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"I felt that an extra special display of strength was befitting for our entry into this mine of mystery. Our first move in our vengeful crusade to right the wrongs that were done to those poor townsfolk murdered by out of control constructs."
"How very bizzare that the dates have been left blank. A good suggestion Philton. Yes, we shall head to the Eastern mining complex. I am happy to help you look around and uncover anything. "
"Before we continue, let me check this room for the scourge of evil! I will check for magic afterwards if Tyranyx has not already done so. "
Maxxuud's eyes sheen over with a mixture of crimson and gold, his shield glowing faintly with the same colour as he methodically scans the room, starting with the wall containing the names.
Do you have any thought of which deity should be worshipped by the miners... Hopefully not Zyphus!"
A quick look at the altar reveals that it isn't tied to a specific religion. The non-denominational shrine was probably used by miners to offer prayers to their respective deities before venturing deeper into the mine.
Maxxuud's eyes sheen over with a mixture of crimson and gold, his shield glowing faintly with the same colour as he methodically scans the room, starting with the wall containing the names.
Failure
Maxxuud forgets to concentrate and his detection triggers a primal magic event!
A massive wave of negative energy washes over the party!
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"By Ragathiel's wings, that hurt. I am terribly sorry friends, I forgot to concentrate in the primal magic field. Brotil, are you able to heal us by channelling your god? I fear that our wands of cure light wounds will just trigger more events. I have some magical healing myself but I would prefer to save it for smiting our enemies."
"Now to try that again.... "
Maxxuud concentrates this time on keeping the primal magic at bay. Once again his eyes sheen crimson and gold as he scans the room for evil"
"By Ragathiel's wings, that hurt. I am terribly sorry friends, I forgot to concentrate in the primal magic field. Brotil, are you able to heal us by channelling your god? I fear that our wands of cure light wounds will just trigger more events. I have some magical healing myself but I would prefer to save it for smiting our enemies."
"Now to try that again.... "
Maxxuud concentrates this time on keeping the primal magic at bay. Once again his eyes sheen crimson and gold as he scans the room for evil"
[dice=concentration]1d20+20
Unless anyone brought along something emitting an evil aura, there's no evil to be detected here.
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"Not a problem Maxxuud, at least we know how serious the effects can be... Lets consider this a learning curve... Imagine if in a more critical situation this could have been fatal..."
Pulling out a wand from his belt pouch... Shall we see if wands are okay to use? "I'm happy to use seventeen charges from my Wand of Brother's Healing Brotil and Tyranyx, though I've not sure if you Maxxuud would want any?"
"Not a problem Maxxuud, at least we know how serious the effects can be... Lets consider this a learning curve... Imagine if in a more critical situation this could have been fatal..."
Pulling out a wand from his belt pouch... Shall we see if wands are okay to use? "I'm happy to use seventeen charges from my Wand of Brother's Healing Brotil and Tyranyx, though I've not sure if you Maxxuud would want any?"
Failure
The wand fizzles and sparks land on the floor. The earth animates and starts attacking Philton!
for
You easily kill the small earth elemental before it can attack again.
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Tyranyx takes Philtons wand and proceeds to cast infernal healing on everybody except Maxxuud, concentrating carefully on the job at hand.
Once she has finished making use of the wand, Tyranyx concentrates her detect magic spell on the surrounding area.
With a small wave of a hand, silvery slivers of light move about the location, and will glow red when magic is present.
"Philton, have a look around for anything we can use."
"Don't do anything stupid", she says in her usual abrupt manner.