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Dotty
The nights have gotten colder, and in the morning the frost clings to the ground for a few hours until the chilled sun can warm it. In the South, winter would still be months away, but up here it comes early and stays for most of the rest of the year.
Fort Enterprise is little more than a tall wooden palisade surrounding two dozen rough-made buildings that house a small regiment of soldiers, along with a single lodging and tavern, and a merchant that handles everything from camping equipment to weapons to imported food. Most of the people who live here are prospectors and trappers who make their living in the dangerous wilderness surrounding the fort.
In the center of the settlement is a large square and a well, and next to the well is a large pole where people advertise their wares or jobs. Since most of Fort Enterprise's inhabitants can't read, however, a small side business has sprung up interpreting the hastily scribbled notes to interested parties. The current person occupying this job is "Smelly Pete", a old, wizened man with a single tooth and large spectacles, who reads advertisements for a single iron penny.
Pulling his fir lined cloak closer to stave off the cold, Bernum adjusts his armour beneath to sit more comfortably. His breath slightly mists the air before him and he scowls...not for the first time, at the early arrival of winter in this northern holding.
"Back home it would still be warm and sunny and the serfs would just be starting to bring in the wheat."
Speaking to no one in particular, he sighs and makes his way across the square to see if any new news has been posted on the board.
"Morning Pete. Anything new?", he says while trying to ignore the man's pungent body odour.
Buster pulls himself off the tavern floor, and finishes the last bit of grog he was sipping before he passed out. He walks outside and bristles a bit a the cold, he finds a horse trough with some water to splash in his face.
I'd kill for a red bull and vodka, right now, he thinks to himself before ambling over to the square to see Bernum and Smelly Pete.
"Hey, Bernie. Petey. Whats the new?
Smelly Pete smiles a lone-tooth grin at both Bernum and Buster. "Morning, morning, gents, and what a chilly morning it is. We'll have snow before the end of the ten-day to be sure! We've got some good notes today if you cross my palm with iron. A bargain price to be sure, just a single penny for you gents, call it an early Winter special!"
Even though he can read the postings himself, Bernum sees the paying of Pete to read them out as a form of charity, and almost every morning he gives the poor fellow a penny to tell him the local news.
"Here you are Pete. So what do we have today? Something good I hope!"
He turns as Buster calls out to them. He winces at the nickname the dwarf uses and for the hundredth time wonders where the fellow comes from. His speech and mannerisms always seem weird to the cleric.
Good morning Master Buster...and I will remind you AGAIN to please call me Brother Bernum, or simply Bernum...please."
Buster, never being one for decorum, enjoys depriving Bernum of his need for propriety. A simple joy, but one he is ever grateful for in this cold world.
"Sure, Bro. Whatever ya need. And a good morning to you too. So Pete, what's happening in our little corner of paradise?". He tosses a penny to the smelly beggar as well. He has a soft spot for the crazies and the deprived, and won't discount what an honest man works for.
Pete pockets the pennies quick as a mouse and smiles his toothless smile while he hops excitedly from one foot to the other.
"Oh, there's a very good one doday!" he exclaims, his mouth having some difficulty with hard dental sounds like "tee". He rushes toward the posting pillar, pointing at an elaborate paper notice, written in a large and ornate font. It clearly states: "All good martial men of prowess are called to the governor's mansion to be commissioned in Lord Krofax's service. Experience a plus. Rich compensation commensurate with experience. Excellent travel opportunity."
Pete reads out the notice with obvious enthusiasm and pride in his work, then stares expectantly at you.
"Ohh, sounds like its about to get interesting around here. Hey, Pete you've been here awhile. What can you tell us about Old Krofax?
Buster tosses one more penny to Pete, for his troubles.
Peter looks around to see who might be listening and waits until two passing soldiers are well out of earshot before answering.
"He's a piece of work, dat one," he whispers conspiratorially. "Dey say he was a local dribal chiefdain years ago. When de Sorcerer-King's army showed up he bend de knee righ' quick, dough. Never one do miss an opportunity, dad Krofax."
Finishing up her morning preparations (she prepares a shield spell for the day), Faelana packs up and leaves her room at the inn. She approached Bernum and Buster at about the time Pete was talking about the job, but waited to interject until now. "Good morning," she says to the group in a characteristically deliberate tone. "While Krofax doesn't exactly sound like a paragon of righteousness, I think it may be wise to take what jobs we can."
She opens her pouch and grabs the last gold coin that remains in there. Shrugging, she proffers it to Pete. "Thanks for the quality information, Pete."
Pete's eyes grow wide as he sees the golden coin. "Erm, really? For me? Das a lod of cheese."
Huh. So he's an a$$hole with authority, not stupid enough to die for pride, and possibly business savvy. Hmn, at least he doesn't sound stupid.
"Morning, sunshine", he says to Faelana. "Can't say I ever met a righteous politician, but met plenty of well paying corrupt ones..."
As Buster digest what Pete said, he rolls his eyes as Faelana wastes money and makes poor Pete an easy target for a mugging. He takes a quick look around to see who else has seen.
He turns back to Pete and with a light sarcastic tone he says, "Well, since she's being so generous Petey boy, can you tell us a little more about this gig Korfax is hiring out for? I mean if it has travel opportunities, I do hope its for somewhere nice. Maybe somewhere with a warm beach and cheap ale."
Bernum also frowns at the gross display of wealth shown to the poor man. He holds back from saying anything as fae are a strange and flighty race.
"The Church would be very interested in this "commission", as this is the first time I have heard of it! I am sure Prior-Captain Waylan would be interested."
Pete shrugs at Buster's question. "I know a well-dressed party lefd Enderprise a week or so ago. Don' know if dey were on de same mission, dough. Bud once you dalk to the Gov, come dalk to me. I been here a long dime and I know everybody."
Pete gives Buster a theatrical wink then bows low to Faelana. "Thank you fair lady. Dis iz most generous!"
Faelana winces at her foolishness but doesn't reply to Pete's gratitude. We didn't have beggars in Iadara, I need to get used to the way humans handle their destitute.
"While I don't know what to think of you assessment of politicians, Buster, I'd hope we get more than a bench and ale from the man," she says, unsure what to think of the dwarf. While she hadn't met many back on Golarion, she was pretty sure Buster was the oddest she had ever met.
Buster waves to Pete as he leaves and turns to the crew.
"Well I got nothing better to do, wanna go check in with the "Governor"?, He says with a bit of enthusiasm. He then looks to Bernum, "Or do you got to check in with your captain first"
Pete waves a fond farewell as you make your way to the fortified manor home of Governor Krofax. It is a squat, grayish affair located across from Fort Enterprise's main gates and, as always, is guarded by a small squad of brutish soldiers.
"You must be here for the summons," one of them grunts as you approach. "Wait here, I'll let the vizier know you're here."
"OHHH, a 'vizier'," he says in a mocking tone, "I guess we must be on our best behaviors and all that.'.
He finds a portion of the wall to lean against and post up till the Vizier arrives.
Bernum glances over at the dwarf, a sour look on his face.
"Do you take nothing seriously?"
Turning to the guard, he gives a slight bow.
"Thank you for your assistance."
Buster turns to Bernum with a bright smile on his face.
"No. No I don't."
Then he takes a moment, and thinks about it.
"Well. I've taken a sandwich very seriously. It was incredible piece of artistry that made men cry and women weep. So when I stole it from a small child, I was quite proud of myself of such a job well done." he says with a straight face
Now, the sandwich was made by his grandfather, a fantastic restauranteur. It was quite the talk of the town for several years. The child he stole it from was his older brother, or as he knew him, that massive prick. So not only was he proud to get one over his brother with the heist he pulled, but that's when he discovered his affinity for crime and deception.
You wait at the front gates for about ten minutes, upon which the guard returns and commands you inside. You move in to find yourself in a large entrance hall lined with crude wooden statues made to look like nymphs or some other type of fictional faerie. Many doors and hallway lead off this room and quite a few guards sit on stools around a table playing at dice. They look up at you as you pass by, and one of them even snickers as he rattles the cup.
From there you are taken to the manor house's grand hall, which looks to have been used for festivities of some kind last night, as servants are moving about cleaning up spilled food and drink, and straightening chairs and benches.
On the far side of the room is a small well made table at which sit Governor Krofax and a strange-looking man dressed in multi-colored robes who seems to be wearing a beehive on his head. The second man's eyes are not natural, but are large and black like that of an insect, and actual bees can be seen flying in and out of the man's beehive hat. The two men are studying a piece of paper and discussing it, while six well-dressed soldiers stand at parade rest behind the table.
Governor Krofax motions you to come over with one of his meaty hands and gestures to one of the guards who wanders off into a side room and hauls back a somewhat disheveled man with black hair wearing the clothes of a forester. The man is in leg irons and almost has to skip to keep up with the pace of the soldier escorting him, who command him to stand before the table with you.
Once everyone is in place, Krofax and the bee-man inspect you with undisguised mixed emotions, and the governor launches into a speech which you dare not interrupt.
"Welcome, citizens of Mur. My name is Governor Krofax, and you have been chosen to on a mission of the utmost importance for his majesty, the Sorcerer-King Syantides himself.
The fabulous Nul Rod (an anti-magical artifact of mythic proportions), long kept safely locked away in his Tower Impregnable, has been taken by one of Syantides’ sons, the gallant Prince Eyraen.
Unable to master the mystic arts and doomed to obscurity in the shadows of his nine (confirmed) siblings, the Prince dedicated himself to mastering the arts of war and became a mighty fighting-man and prominent explorer. While outfitting himself for an expedition, Eyraen discovered the Nul Rod among his father’s substantial treasure hoard and appropriated the relic for use on a suicidal errand into the unfathomable Underworld.
At some point in their delve, the Prince’s party met with a terrible fate from which only a single porter escaped. This young man, his hair prematurely white from terror, was able to offer very little in the way of coherent testimony before breaking free of his restraints and throwing himself into Stonespear River. The authorities found a rough map from the expedition in the youth’s tattered sack, along with a small golden idol depicting a little-known godling, Shaggath-Ka the Worm Sultan. Former associates of the Prince confirmed that Eyraen had long a terrible vengeance upon the Worm Sultan, to whom one of the Prince’s most ardent lovers was sacrificed in an unspeakable rite.
According to the map, Shaggath-Ka’s realm lies somewhere beneath our feet. Just yesterday, the local captain attempted to plumb these depths with a sizable force of soldiers. A half-insane survivor, before renouncing his citizenship and disappearing into the night, reported that the war band attracted so much attention they were drawn into a series of nonstop battles. The captain and his remaining stalwarts fell in an encounter with a singular horror that the surviving man-at-arms was either unable or unwilling to describe. We hope that a smaller expedition, proceeding stealthily and choosing their battles wisely (this cannot be overemphasized), might have a better chance of success. The section of the Underworld visited by the Prince’s party was at least partially pacified, and many horrors were destroyed. Certainly, whatever wiped out the party remains at large, but with care, planning, and stealth, the Nul Rod may still be recoverable. The further opportunity to reclaim any treasures procured by the Prince before fate overtook him should not be ignored.
The entrance to the Underworld used by the Prince lies but a few hours’ travel into the nearby wilderness. But, with perpetual internecine wars raging on all fronts, most of the greatest heroes in the Sorcerer-King’s service are dead, occupied, or very far away.
As nominal subjects of the Sorcerer-King, you are therefore officially compelled into service. However," Krofax says twiddling this thumbs, "there shall no doubt be a princely reward for your efforts, to be determined in a face-to-face meeting with Syantides (a rare privilege indeed), should you succeed.
With only scant clues to follow, an incomplete map of Eyraen’s expedition, and a few loaner magic items, your group must find the prince, dead or alive, and return with the relic. Do you have any questions?"
"Yea. I have a q.q..question", Hawk said rather pronouncedly, almost interrupting his speech.
"How do you expect me to do that in these?", he said with a wry smile pointing to his leg irons.
Hawk was itching to get out of these chains. Two weeks was too long being locked up for beating up one of Krofax's guards for making fun of his speech impediment. I mean it's not like he killed the guard, it was just a few broken ribs and fractured skull. Besides, it was Lord Krofax himself who commissioned the Ranger's guild to provide someone as a "tracker" into the underworld. And provide they did, a "Ranger-in-training" of only 3 months unbeknownst to Krofax and his henchmen... It was a suicide mission and they didn't hesitate to call on Hawk for his first assignment.
Governor Krofax rolls his eyes and gestures for someone to take off Hawk's leg irons and a guard quickly complies.
Standing up from rubbing his sore ankles, Hawk glances over at the other 3 'chosen' ones for a moment waiting for an answer and then clears his throat, "And what does this r-rod look like?"
It is at this point that the strange bee-man speaks up.
"It is the length of your lower arm, from the elbow to the tips of your fingers, and made of a matte black metal," he intones in a strange monotone. "It is octagonal and there are Beetlese characters on one end, and it seems heavier than it ought to be."
As he speaks, a worker bee alights on the index finger of his left hand. With no fear he plays with it for several seconds by passing it between his fingers before it flies off again.
"I will speak to Prior-Captain Waylan about this, but I am sure he will see the importance of this mission."
Governor Krofax nods at Bernum's comment in a noncommittal way. "Yes, yes, of course." He then gestures to another guard who brings over a large sack which is carefully placed on the large table.
The bee-man, who you guess must be his advisor, Galandigrius, opens the bag and carefully takes out several strange-looking objects that he places on the table before you. Once they are all arranged, he describes each of them.
"This weapon is the Holy Sword of Demolition, dedicated to Pazziola, the god of vengeful self-sacrifice. Her priestesses have enchanted it so that if the goddess' name is spoken backwards, it will spectacularly self-destruct in short order."
"Next are 20 Arrows of Seeking. They are enchanted to find their target, but you still have to get them pretty close for them to be effective."
"Another single arrow here has a more powerful version of the same enchantment as the previous ones, and also illuminates the target with magical light, making him an easy target."
"These six jars contain healing salves made by the Penitent Sisters of Xochiotl. They are quite useful and quite pungent."
"This is a potion of invisibility. I hope you can understand what it does."
"Thse ancient charms were created by the Chaste Sons of Peloo, and contain several powerful protective runes that ward the wearer from the forces of Chaos."
"These are Stone Cloaks (. They cause the wearer to blend in with any stone background, and offer minor protections against those tinged with Primordial Chaos."
"This wand contains a magical spell known as magical projectiles. It is not fully charged."
"This battle axe is enchanted to chop the emergent effects of any spell in half, nullifying it. I believe it has limited uses."
"This magical scroll contains the power of three spells: fireball, charm monster, and membranous inconvenience."
"Finally we have one dozen each red and blue Anti-Chaos Pills. They are to be consumed when directly exposed to the effects of Primordial Chaos."
Galandigrius catches his breath after finishing with the last description. He then continues.
"These items are presented as a down-payment on your eventual reward, and may be divided among you as you see fit. The guards confiscated them from nearby noblesse and a few retired adventurers in exchange for being excused from service in the current matter."
"The only caveat is that in exchange for these items, each of you will be marked with an invisible, magical tattoo on your forehead. Should you in any way be derelict in your duties vis-a-vis the Governor, the invisible marks will begin glowing a bright red, acting as a beacon for every bounty hunter, trooper, and assassin in the service of the Sorcerer-King."
Buster listens to the long drawn out description of the bounty. At first it doesn't sound so bad, but delving in blind to follow a fool hearty prince into the abyss sounds a little iffy. If there wasn't the potential of exploring this section of the underworld for a way home, he'd say it was down right stupid.
Especially meeting this Sorcerers-King meeting. Seeing how he and his advisors are part bug now, I'd hate to see what the king looks like.
However, Buster does light up when he hears about the magic item. Magic gear was always excellent even in his world. BUT...
They want to tag us! Ugh, this seems like a bad idea. However, when will he be well geared enough to go into the Underworld. Goddammit.
"Okay, so main point is retrieve the fancy rod. Is there any extra bonus for bringing the Prince back in one piece?"
"And what do the Red and Blue pills do specifically? Is there a reason they are direct colors?
Listening intently to the list of treasures and initially in awe that they would be granted such a bounty as a down-payment, Faelana's expression darkens at the mention of the branding. She waits in anticipation for the answer to Buster's question, amazed the drunkard came up with a good one.
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Governor Krofax nods at Buster's question. "You're wise to ask it, Mr. Dwarf. Word is that the Sorcerer-King doesn't care what condition his son is in, so it's dealer's choice. My guess is if you bring him back dead and His Demonic Majesty isn't done with him, he'll bring him back to life before he kills him."
Galandigrius speaks up at Buster's second question. "I don't believe the color makes a difference, although I am not completely sure since this izzz not my area of expertise."
Dugal was caught by surprise by the dwarf’s astute question and reminds himself, Never judge a book by its cover. He subtlety took a closer look at the adventurers assembled and shrewdly concluded, ain’t going to find a better lot to throw in with.
He hesitated a second longer and stepped up, wringing his hands, trying to appear nervous, ”Mm-my lord Governor, excuse me ...” he bowed his head, took a deep breath and blurted out, ”... if you don’t be minding and me being a loyal citizen of Mur and all that. I’d like to volunteer to accompany these fine adventurers.”
He shuffles in place while he eyes the treasures placed before the group, ”be the only right thing to do my lord.”
Governor Krofax lifts an eyebrow as the guard steps forward. "Erm, yes, if you like, but you won't be paid while on this mission. Make sure you stop by the paymaster for your final wages and talk to your captain to let him know."
The assassin quickly bowed to hide the grin on his face, "As you wish my lord." He arose straight faced and asked while rubbing his chin, "One question my lord... in reference to these magical items..umm what do you mean by.. 'derelict in your duties vis-a-vis the Governor?"
Buster takes a long hesitant look at the rest of the subject "payment" that this job offers, before watching a strange guard join this mission. Being short enough, he sees the weird smile that crosses the guards face as he hears that he's getting a final paycheck. One eyebrow raises on his face.
Hmmmm, crazy or crafty?
He turns back to the Governor and the Vizier, "Question, what did that fool that threw himself in the river actually say. I know it might be nonsense, but if there is something in there that might help, I'd love to hear it."
"Also, do you have any maps to cross reference with what he brought back?
The bee-vizier speaks up at Dugal's question. "Dereliction means that if I ever scry on you and find you somewhere other than in the Underworld, on the way there, or dead, you will pay the price. Is that clear?"
Governor Krofax then answers Buster's questions.
"The man was mumbling something about the slugmen traders and about how they have the best stuff. Didn't make any sense to me."
At the mention of the map, Governor Krofax turns around the paper he and the vizier had been studying.
"Here is the map that was brought back. You're welcome to take it with you."
Dugal slowly stepped up to the table and leaned over to examine the map. He shook his head and thought, Expendable.
After a few moments scrutinizing the map he looked up and asked, ”it seems like there be a lot bodies down there, how can we tell which one be the prince? What he be looking like? Any distinguishing marks or such my lord?”
The vizier nods and intones several harsh phrases in High Beetlese while waving about a bone-white wand that he draws from a pocket. A few moments later an image appears of a youngish man in full plate armor carrying a scimitar and a heraldic wyrm on his helmet.
"I believe this is the mozzzt recent image of Prince Eyrean."
"Well it all sounds good...let me speak to the Prior-Captain and get his take on things. Perhaps he will be able to allow some of our holy items to be used in this very important mission. I know a magical weapon that I could wield would be welcome!"
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Templar walks over to the tempory chapterhouse to speak with his superior.
Hawk walks up to the table with a look half-caught between disgust and desperation. He peers at Galandigrius and points to his forehead. After the mark is placed, he grabs 10 arrows of seeking from the table and nods at the tall guard with the thick, dark beard. Pausing for a moment to steady his shaking hand he then takes one charm, one cloak, a jar of salve, 2 blue pills, and 2 red pills.
'What in the underworld am I doing?' he mumbles shaking his head.
Turning back to the group of now four, Hawk says matter-a-factually "When ye are all d-d-done with your business, I"ll be waiting at the tavern" looking at each one of them in the eye.
With that, Hawk bows to the Governor, turns and walks out the room with a hurried stride.
Ugh, Buster thinks to himself as he examines the map. This looks like a Childs attempt at a map, but this being all that's provided, it's better than nothing. He watches as the guard grabs the map as he follows the ranger to Galandigrius.
"So is that like a permanent brand, or will it come off once we return with the prince?
Dugal studied the image of the prince for a few seconds before he made his way to the table covered with the magical wares.
With an intense gaze he scrutinized the gear before making his selections. Like the ranger he chose one charm, one cloak, a jar of salve, 2 blue pills, and 2 red pills. He considered the pile a moment longer, pocketed the potion of invisibility, and to his own surprise he reached down and picked up the sword, might come in handy. He like the feel of the blade in his hand and muttered, ”nice”
Satisfied with his choices he moved forward, like man heading for his own execution, to receive his mark. ”I’ll meet you all at the tavern but I must first stop by and see the paymaster.”
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After Buster hears the explanation from the Vizie, and gets brandedr. He goes to the loot table.
In for a penny..., he then whips out his sack and scoops up everything left on the table. He then head to the tavern for lunch.
After you have received your magical marks and gathered the magical items from the table but before the Governor excuses you, he mentions one more thing.
"I have hired a local guide who is familiar with the surroundings and the specific entrance to the Underworld to guide you there. His name is Oothu, a former local tribesman and now a sergeant of the guard. He will meet you at the tavern. He has been paid to accompany you into the Underworld, but you may also wish to hire additional help from the usual band of rogues, I mean adventurers that can be found there."
Governor Krofax then implores you to be quick and dismisses you.
The assassin eventually received his pay from the sullen paymaster who reluctantly counted the coin out like it was his own money. Dugal stopped by his bunk, got his gear and put the rest of his affairs in order without incident.
Laden for his journey Dougal entered the tavern looking for his new found companions and this Sergeant Oothu.
Those of you who have had dealings with the guard are familiar with Sergeant Oothu, and are glad that someone of his work ethic is along for your journey.
Oothu, who is already waiting for you in the tavern is a solemn ex-hill tribe barbarian, whose people (the Zao) have been living in the wildlands south of Fort Enterprise for centuries. He sits at a table near the back of the bar, sharpening a spear point near the fire. A tall man, he looks like he was carved from the massive ironwood trees of the area, and never betrays even the slightest hint of emotion. He is dressed in chainmail and his wyrm-adorned helmet sits on the table next to him. He looks up as you enter and nods once before returning to his previous task.