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You have received a letter with the symbol of the Grand Lodge on a wax seal. You burst the seal open, and begin to read...
Pathfinders,
I have recently uncovered a series of notes that I believe hold critical truths about the origins of the Pathfinder Society and the founding of the Decemvirate. A gnome Pathfinder by the name of Eylysia was well-known at that time and was held in high esteem until an assassination attempt on members of the Decemvirate organized by Eylysia led to her ejection from the Society.
These notes I have found indicate there may be quite a bit more to Eylysia’s story than we previously realized. The most legible of Eylysia’s notes reference a “speaking artifact” purportedly lying beneath a “false rider.” Descriptions drawn from recent visions suggest the “speaking artifact” originated in Varisia. I suspect it is related to the Shoanti, a people well-known both for their oral traditions and horsemanship.
It seems Eylysia suspected that the noted explorer, Montlarion Jeggare, had glimpsed this “speaking artifact”. I have secured passage for you, so head to the Jeggare Museum in Korvosa, where Montlarion’s ancestor, Mercival Jeggare, serves as curator. Once there, see if you can locate this “speaking artifact”. I await your findings.
Sincerely,
Kreighton Shaine
Time to pack up your belongings, and gather to meet your new team for the next few weeks. Perhaps it is best to introduce yourself.
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After his last mission concluded, Pastor Roland took an extended vacation to study the great library in heaven itself. It was amazing, but after a few weeks, he started feeling that familiar itch, and asked for transport back to Golarion. Soon after, he received the current missive, and quickly packed his gear and set out.
Not appearing much different than most warriors, the noticeable difference was that the Pastor has a large, iron bound book slung over his back. It was larger in size than most wizards’ Spell books with quite a few scratches on the cover.
The man set out to the museum in Korvosa, ready to get started.
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The white-haired elf wrapped in a sigiled cloak looks around the room. He pulls out a parchment and scans it again. This seems to be the correct place. Still, why would they send a novice such as myself? Maybe to gain a better appreciation of The Pathfinders. That must be it.
He looks to the other members of the team. "Well met. I am called Kelleran, but in a pinch, Kell will do just fine."
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Yakari runs as he arrives at the meeting point. The teenager has a piece of paper in his hand and seems to struggle to read it as he runs.
"Any Kreighton Shaine in here? I'm Yakari!!!" he asks, yelling and searching frantically.
He's vested in a brand new chainshirt but doesn't seem very at ease in it. Yakari has a slovenly style. He whistles and a big roc goes down from the sky, and perchs itself at the top of a sign in the street .
The runes running along his arms and cheeks depict easily Yakari as belonging to a shoanti tribe. He looks at Roland and Kelleran with a grin.
"A pinch? Punches are best suited, I believe!" the shoanti teen shouts as Kell finishes his sentence, throwing his head back as he lets out a high-pitched laugh.
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What happens next indeed, Pathfinders. You make your way to the paid caravan, and begin a trek that will take you from Absalom by boat to the land of Varisia, where the city of Korvosa resides.
The trip takes a fair amount of time; long enough that you all get acquainted to each other.
Perhaps you have heard something of Fort Korvosa, or the Shoanti, or even the Montlarion Jeggare.
Fort Korvosa was constructed by Chelish marines under the command of Field Marshal Jakthion Korvosa. Once completed, it served as a defensive position from which settlers and explorers would enter Varisia. Korvosa has since become a major cosmopolitan city. Imps, otyughs, and shrew flies pose concerns for unsuspecting visitors.
Near the conclusion of the Everwar, Field Marshal Korvosa led a band of soldiers from Cheliax into Varsia. They met fierce resistance from Shoanti tribes . As Korvosa’s troops wore down, relief came by way of the gentleman explorer, Montlarion Jeggare. Leading an expedition up the river now bearing his name, Jeggare delivered transport and supplies to Korvosa’s beleaguered soldiers.
Dozens of Pathfinders followed in the wake of Cheliax’s armies during the Everwar. Where the army went, Pathfinders could readily study sites previously disallowed by local groups. The Pathfinders plundered numerous abandoned sites. The lack of Society oversight from distant Varisia left few to question such methodologies.
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Galdur knows Fort Korvosa was constructed by Chelish marines under the command of Field Marshal Jakthion Korvosa. Once completed, it served as a defensive position from which settlers and explorers would enter Varisia. Korvosa has since become a major cosmopolitan city. Imps, otyughs, and shrew flies pose concerns for unsuspecting visitors.
He shares this information with everyone.
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You arrive to the museum at Fort Korvosa. Upon entering the doors, you see a portly man adorned in a frock coat and ruffled blouse greet you.
“Welcome to my museum Pathfinders! I am Mercival Jeggare, the head curator.” The scholarly figure gestures toward a grand entryway dotted with displays of weapons, artwork, and fossilized remains. “Come in, come in! Always a pleasure to host members of the Society. I assume this is in regards to the missive I received from Mr. Shane?”
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Yakari thinks back about what he heard about the region and adds something.
"Yeah but have you heard that near the conclusion of the Everwar, Field Marshal Korvosa led a band of soldiers from Cheliax into Varsia. They met fierce resistance from Shoanti tribes (or “quahs”), like mine. As Korvosa’s troops wore down, relief came by way of the gentleman explorer, Montlarion Jeggare. Leading an expedition up the river now bearing his name, Jeggare delivered transport and supplies to Korvosa’s beleaguered soldiers." says the young man, smirking.
Looking at the museum, he squints his eyes and sighs.
"I don't like much the closed houses. But okay, let's go."
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"Of course, if you will just follow me, I can take you to where we have the speaking artifact." He directs you all to the largest gallery containing Shoanti artifacts.
Skylights illuminate this gallery. Exhibits displayed within decorative alcoves include several wooden totems and tools. More wood-carved pieces rest within a raised exhibition area to the north.
A massive glass-walled case dominates the center of the gallery and holds three bound volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles. To the south, a table bears two metal chests as another holds two wooden reliefs.
Suddenly, a cascade of wood dust heralds the fall of an enormous glass skylight before it shatters upon the marbled floor.
"Good heavens!" Mercival cries out as he points upwards. Swarms of hungry shrew flies have eaten the lattice supports, and are now heading in to eat the relics on display!
"Quickly, you must hold them off! I will get help!" Mercival then runs off further into the museum.
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Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: None
Active Penalties: None
Yakari(-0,Fine)
Red Swarm(-0,Fine)
Roland(-0,Fine)
Kelleran(-0,Fine)
Galdur(-0,Fine)
Forescare(-0,Fine)
William(-0,Fine)
Blue Swarm(-0,Fine)
Locust Swarm
N Fine Vermin (Swarm)
Thousands upon thousands of locusts dance and drone in a dark and ravenous cloud.
The swarms are looking to eat the exhibits! Reinforcements will come in time, but you must act quick!
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Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: None
Active Penalties: None
Yakari(-2,Fortitude DC12)
Red Swarm(-0,Fine)
Roland(-0,Fine)
Kelleran(-0,Fine)
Galdur(-0,Fine)
Forescare(-0,Fine)
William(-0,Fine)
Blue Swarm(-0,Fine)
Locust Swarm
N Fine Vermin (Swarm)
Thousands upon thousands of locusts dance and drone in a dark and ravenous cloud.
Kelleran runs over to a relic and grabs it.
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Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: None
Active Penalties: None
Red Swarm(-4,Fine)
Yakari(-2,Fine)
Roland(-0,Fine)
Kelleran(-0,Fine)
Galdur(-0,Fine)
Forescare(-0,Fine)
William(-0,Fine)
Blue Swarm(-0,Fine)
The swarm that is washed with flames appears to have resisted some of the effects. The acid flask chews deeply into it. The swarms go for the nearest unattended relics. While the swarms gnaw and chew, the relics appear to be holding up for the time being.
Kelleran grabs another relic.
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Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: None
Active Penalties: None
Red Swarm(-6,Fine)
Yakari(-2,Fine)
Roland(-0,Fine)
Kelleran(-0,Fine)
Galdur(-0,Fine)
Forescare(-0,Fine)
William(-0,Fine)
Blue Swarm(-0,Fine)
The swarms fly up to people and begin chewing and biting.
The relics that William has seems to be taking damage finally.
The relics that Kelleran and Roland are carrying take damage also, but not as much.
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Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: None
Active Penalties: None
Red Swarm(-6,Fine)
Yakari(-2,Fine)
Roland(-3,Fine)
Kelleran(-3,Fine)
Galdur(-0,Fine)
Forescare(-0,Fine)
William(-5,Fine)
Blue Swarm(-0,Fine)
You pathfinders are finding it particularly easy to carry these relics. They only weigh a single pound each!
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"Oh no, get off! Will says as he runs out of the swarm. "I'm out of hands how do get more relics" he looks around, and then notices the big pointy mental circle on his back "I have an Idea." He then sets the relics down draws out the shield and puts the relics on it like a tray.