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You all start out in the dwarven trading town of Davarn in the Five Kings Mountains. The town hosts its Spring Festival every year to celebrate the spring thaw that opens the mountain passes into Druma and Andoran. You have arrived to attend the Spring Festival—which features many strange wares from across the dwarven nation.
Davarn’s Spring Festival is especially known for its tournament, the Spring Muddle, which attracts competitors from neighboring human and dwarven communities. The competitors vie for a prize of gold and magic items.
As a group, you all have been approached by a local merchant named Lukher Stinnison, and he has offered to sponsor you to compete in the Muddle. He sees it as a way to get some "advertising" for his business--buying and selling minor magical goods. (Luhker sonsors a team every year.) It is also an opportunity for the Pathfinder Society to make inroads with the local communities.
The highlight of every Spring Festival is the Spring Muddle, where dozens of teams composed of everyone from children to professional athletes compete in challenges of combat, skill, and speed. It all culminates in a final trial, affectionately called Spinebreaker Mountain.
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- Where on Golarion (1)
- Where on Golarion (2)
- Artist's rendering of the town of Davarn
- General map of the town of Davarn
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"Hello, fellow Muddlers!" says a huge Shoanti man. He carries a massive hammer, the studs on one end made of glistening cold iron and on the other plain steel. He wears a feathered eagle cloak that shimmers with mithril threading.
"I am Kelvor the Burnt, Vision-Seeker of the Shundar tribe of the Shoanti people," he says by way of introduction. His face is burned and scarred, so badly that it is hard to look at. But over the top of the ravaged skin is a single tattoo in red and black. Strangely, somehow, it gives Kelvor's horrible face a determined and visionary attitude.
"Yes, my childhood Burn-Run in the Varisia Cinderlands was none too helpful to my beautiful face. But, heh heh, perhaps we can use my face to our advantage. I shall scream at the other teams in the Muddle and frighten them off, eh?"
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Well met. A lithe female elf says. She wears typical elven chainmail and carries a staff with a head of interwoven snakes. One darker then the other. Her hair is silver in color except for a few strands of red. "I am Manaria of the Clan Moonsilver."
She takes a moment to look over the scarred face of the Shaonti. "Well it is a bit unsettling. But after working with the likes of Grandmaster Torch, it is not too bad."
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A wayang covered in a dark cowl and cloak stares intently into your eyes as each one of you introduces yourself as if trying to peer into your very soul.
After you've had your turns, he sniffs the air before speaking in a deliberate yet somewhat muffled voice.
"Spring is supposed to be a time of renewed life, but the stench of death hangs in the air. The rats are biding their time. But on whom rests the stink of the grave? Ask me not. I am only Bhuukka, her prophet. It is is for her to determine the time when things shall be revealed."
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A bright haired gnome with a flute sticking out of his backpack approaches the party. "Hi Turen Buckleswagger here..." he turns to Bhuukka with a big smile, "Why so glum..I bet you need a joke...with all these dwarves around that reminds me...Why are dwarves always so sensible and reliable?" He waits a bit..."Anyone!?!? Because they're so down to earth. Ha ha" He slaps his side..."That always gets me!"
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When the winter's cold releases the Five Kings Mountains and the spring rains wash away the snows that blanket the area, the residents of Davarn celebrate the return of songbirds and trade caravans with their annual Spring Festival. The event occurs a full week after the spring equinox to celebrate Davarn’s official reopening along trade routes to Druma, Isger, and Andoran.
Colorful banners decorate the public square surrounding the city reservoir, and the surface doors are thrown wide to flush out the stagnant winter air and replace it with mountain breezes and the smell of freshly baked pies and roasted meats. Traveling performers set up their stages to entertain the young and old alike with puppet shows, music, and death-defying stunts. Davarn's residents built temporary stalls to display their finest handicrafts, worked metals, and raw materials mined deeper in the cave systems beyond the town.
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Bhuukka: Kn. Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
- The town has sent out engineering teams before the event to clear and repair any road damage caused during the winter months.
- Your local sponsor, Lukher Stinnison, is related to the hero Delbera Axebringer. (He is the grandson of Delbera Axebringer's sister.)
- While he usually provides quality merchandise, a few questionable business deals and his overbearing charm have earned him a reputation as a huckster.
- Hoping to combat this image, Lukher sponsors a team in the Spring Muddle every year.
- Two centuries ago, an unassuming dwarven acolyte put hammer to steel and touched the divine. The faith of Torag stirred something deep in the heart of young Delbera Axebringer, and after weeks spent at her anvil with no food and little rest, she had forged an axe of unparalleled beauty and elegance that shimmered as if swathed in flame. Stunned by her encounter with her god and driven by her youthful confidence, Delbera ventured to the surface world, brandishing the faith of Torag to protect others. Despite her family’s objections and her unease over her own obligations, Delbera Axebringer soon found like-minded souls in the Rising Blades adventuring band, and together they saved countless lives from the cruel whims of fate. The entire time, she continued to pour her magic and faith into her beloved weapon, Firebrand.
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While wondering around he gathers information on the area.
- Lukher Stinnison's previous team flaked out on him at the last moment. They simply didn't show up!
- The Spring Muddle's defending champions are the "Davarn Chokers."
- When the Davarn Chokers compete, they are fan favorites. There are often loud cheers of: "Chokers! Chokers!"
- The Davarn Chokers are all locals and friends, and train for this tournament in their free time. They're all strong and resourceful athletes who love the semiannual competition.
- Qualifying rounds include contests of swordplay, axe throwing, smithing, swimming, and footraces.
- The final contest is called "Spinebreaker Mountain." It's an obstacle course.
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A young Kelesh man in full plate and with a shield clearly emblazoned with a symbol of Sarenrae listens to the information Turen has gathered.
"Do all the teams have names? Sounds like we need to come up with one for ourselves. Unless someone needs a lawyer or camel whisperer, these sound like physical challenges that I'm only modestly suited for, and even then only if I remove all of my armor. I'm sure Sarenrae will be happy to provide her guidance to whomever of us is competing at the moment."
"By the way, I am Parkhtu Akhen-Amun of Katheer. You may have heard of my older adopted brother, the tiefling Pathfinder Menkhtu Akhen-Amun, a demon-hating divine hunter who participated in many battles in the Worldwound a few years ago. After listening to some of his tales about the horrors of war I went more toward a protective and healing focus rather than offensive power, but no less ready to be a Pathfinder and make House Akhen-Amun proud."
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- Lukher Stinnison's previous team flaked out on him at the last moment. They simply didn't show up!
"They didn't show up, or were more forcibly removed from the competition? Maybe these Chokers are more than just a name."
- Qualifying rounds include contests of swordplay, axe throwing, smithing, swimming, and footraces.
- The final contest is called "Spinebreaker Mountain." It's an obstacle course.
"Do we know any of the rules for these games, especially as related to magical assistance? We may want to prepare the right spells," looking at Manaria, the non-spontaneous caster, "or invest in some scrolls or even a wand, if it's legal for the competition. I'm tempted to get a wand of longstrider anyway, I'm tired of not being able to keep up with the front line when they start suffering wounds. However, you can only cast it on yourself, so unless you can trick it I can't apply it to you."
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A young garundi half-elf steps forward, "Sorry! I think I'm a little late to the party." The half-elf dresses in robes of distinct contrasting colours, black and white. If this wasn't a clear sign of a follower of Nethys, the holy symbol he wears around his neck would be a sure sign of it. Hanging out of the pockets of his robes are an array of magical wand and rods.
"Forgive me! I have no introduced myself, but I did overhear the discussions. I am Anji, and err.. I like magic? Oh and this is Terra, my companion, she... does not like conversations, but is real reliable when push comes to shove. So did we say magic was allowed part of the competition? If so, Terra and I hear have a few tricks up our sleeves."
Alongside him, a taller than the average humanoid, golden skinned, dark haired woman stands. Her cloak and armor(?) are earthly in colour and she carries a single item, a magically enhanced longsword.
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Before the contests start, Bhuukka decides to try and see if it is possible to spy on some of the other teams.
Nothing super-interesting here. Some occasional, mostly-frinedly trash talk. In almost every case, people recognize that this is a community event, not a war. Occasionally, tempers may flare; but these are resolved pretty quickly without incident or injury.
__________- Lukher Stinnison's previous team flaked out on him at the last moment. They simply didn't show up!"They didn't show up, or were more forcibly removed from the competition? Maybe these Chokers are more than just a name."
No no. You've conflated names. The Chokers are your opponents. They're also last year's winner. They're here.
Lukher Stinnison's previous team flaked out. That why he hired you. To replace the missing team members.
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"Do we know any of the rules for these games, especially as related to magical assistance? We may want to prepare the right spells," looking at Manaria, the non-spontaneous caster, "or invest in some scrolls or even a wand, if it's legal for the competition. I'm tempted to get a wand of longstrider anyway, I'm tired of not being able to keep up with the front line when they start suffering wounds. However, you can only cast it on yourself, so unless you can trick it I can't apply it to you."
The use of magic is acceptable, so long as that magic aids or enhances competitors’ abilities, rather than circumvents the challenges. A competitor may transform herself into a monkey to better handle some of the obstacles, for example, but could not simply teleport to the peak. Any form of teleportation or flight immediately disqualifies a competitor.
__________Sounds good! :)
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- Lukher Stinnison's previous team flaked out on him at the last moment. They simply didn't show up!"They didn't show up, or were more forcibly removed from the competition? Maybe these Chokers are more than just a name."No no. You've conflated names. The Chokers are your opponents. They're also last year's winner. They're here.
Lukher Stinnison's previous team flaked out. That why he hired you. To replace the missing team members.
"Anyone have any thoughts on a suitable team name? Or does Lukher already have one for us?"
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Anji, and his eidolon for the matter, look terribly confused at the joke. "Err.. I can't say I'm a fan of jokes. But if you have good sharing of the arcane, I'd be happy to partake in the discussion."
"So, when do the festivities begin? Terra and I here can be pretty versatile when it comes to self improvements."
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The use of magic is acceptable, so long as that magic aids or enhances competitors’ abilities, rather than circumvents the challenges. A competitor may transform herself into a monkey to better handle some of the obstacles, for example, but could not simply teleport to the peak. Any form of teleportation or flight immediately disqualifies a competitor.
"Well, they wouldn't want to make it too easy on us now"
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The locals seem to have difficulty understanding Parktu. However, with Anji's help, you discover that nobody seems to have seen the previous team since right before they were supposed to show up for this year's events.
When you bring up the possibility of foul play, most of the people you talk to are incredulous. Though they're a good team, the Chokers don't win every year. They play hard and play to win, but they've never cheated. (At least, they've never been caught cheating.)
There are other teams who are still in the competition that are thought to be just as good as (or better than) Lukher's previous team.
Seemingly unrelated to the Muddle, you discover that there are reports of other residents who haven't been seen for a short while (up to a few hours). This is usually shrugged off with "I guess they must be at the other side of the festival grounds."
However, a small handful of folks are growing concerned. "It's not like Eustus to miss the pie eating contest! I hope he didn't overeat and get sick, again. Let me know if you run into him, OK? And please tell him that I'll be at the BBQ station."
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Turen turns to one of the townsfolk. "Where was Eustus seen last?"
"I seen 'im near tha pie eatin' contest. Was all in a fit cuz he said he fergot his lucky teeth! He wuz gonna git home ta fetch 'em right quick afore the contest started. He don't live too far--just ta tha edge o' town."
__________"What kinda of BBQ do they have?"
Sweet BBQ pork
Spicy BBQ pork
Mustard BBQ pork
Dip-style BBQ pork
Smokey BBQ pork
Creamy BBQ pork
Tangy BBQ beef
Sweet BBQ beef
Spicy BBQ beef
Mustard BBQ beef
Dip-style BBQ beef
Smokey BBQ beef
Creamy BBQ beef
Tangy BBQ ankheg
Sweet BBQ ankheg
Spicy BBQ ankheg
Mustard BBQ ankheg
Dip-style BBQ ankheg
Smokey BBQ ankheg
Creamy BBQ ankheg
... and the festival patron continues on, ad nauseum, like Bubba in Forest Gump.
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"Never understand human consumption of the flesh of other creatures." She then remembers she is the only elf kin in the group and thinks better of her usual rant. "To each their own I guess. I just hope they have other option then 'burnt flesh'"
Yes! There are plenty of other options including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
There's also a vendor touting the wonders of "juicing." But he doesn't have a lot of business; people seem to be put off by his odd behavior.
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The qualifying rounds of the Muddle are contests of swordplay, axe throwing, smithing, swimming, and footraces. Your individual PCs are free to compete in any of the contests. You may choose to compete in all of them if you wish. You may also partake in non-qualifying activities such as: pie eating contest, chili cook-off, or storytelling.
To participate in a particular contest, please post:
Contest Name:
Desired Skill or Attack:
Roll:
RP:
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"I think I should enter the axe throwing contest, if only because of my small experience with the axe," suggests Kelvor. He eyes the footrace entry table and all of the racers waiting to run.
He remembers his own footrace. His hand brushes his burnt face unconsciously, recalling the flames chasing him, like a fellow racer, determined to overtake him and win. Kelvor remembers what it was like when the flames won the race, eating up the ground with terrible speed, leaving nothing in their wake.
"Yes, axes, I think." He picks up an axe and the anger hits him, anger at himself for shying from the footface, for letting his memories get the best of him. His face boils red with rage, knowing what his fellow Shoanti would think of him.
Contest Name: axe throwing
Desired Attack: Axe, raging
Roll:
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"PATHETIC! PATHETIC!" shouts Kelvor when he sees the poor throw of his greataxe. He stomps over to the racing table.
he screams at the dwarven race manager.
He waits, pacing back and forth, until the race starts. His mind burning burning burning, his rage like a trance of fire and flame and anger. His brain stops and his heart pumps furiously. There is no thought, just emotion. His vision narrows at the race course until...
Contest Name: footraces
Desired Skill or Attack: his base speed is 40ft. Strength is 20 (+5). His Enlightened Ambassador boon allows him an extra 10ft of movement for a single round. So... 50ft for six seconds.
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Tired from his race, the young Shoanti man looks about, sweating and hot. He spies a body of water, with various bathers in it.
Yes, a wonderful swim, that is what I need to ease the tension, he thinks to himself.
He slips into the water and turns onto his back, floating. There is a loud bang and cheering about him and lots of splashing from the other bathers, but he ignores it. He starts a slow, lazy backstroke, enjoying himself.
Contest name: swimming
Desired Skill: Swim
Roll:
Contest Name: Swimming
Desired Skill or Attack: Swim Speed 30ft
Roll: Level 2 spell discharged (Evolution Surge to give Terra swim speed 30ft)
RP: As Anji places his hand on his companion, the beautiful dark skinned Azata being begins a transformation seeing her hands and feet (she's barefeet) become webbed.
She sighs. "There's probably better use of our time than competitive charades." But nonetheless participates as it does not defy her believes and would please her master.
She jumps into the water, and bluntly swims forward as the competition starts.