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Your group takes a boat from Absalom up the Iseld river in Cheliax, transfer to a caravan after reaching the Conerica Straits, and finally arrive in Elidir, the capital of Isger. Your contact is a human woman named Karla Wesver, a fellow Pathfinder from Isger and a member of the Horizon Hunters. You meet her at the White Stag Inn, a large and bustling inn on the Conerica River. Traders rub shoulders with merchants and river bargemen as furs and goods are exchanged.
A woman sporting an intricate braid and a well‑worn travel outfit waits at the door of the inn. Upon seeing your group, she waves you over and greets each of you with a firm handshake before leading everyone to a booth in the corner of the taproom.
“Ah, good. You made it. I’m Karla Wesver. Welcome to Elidir, and welcome to the White Stag. It used to be that we Pathfinders had a bit of a strained relationship with the Chelaxian government. It still isn’t all sunshine and roses, but with the opportunity before us, we can now move about in public without fear of conflict or reprisal.”
“As you may know, Isger is still a vassal state of Cheliax. The Chelaxians have bled Isger dry for years, but the increased demand for goods like Chelaxian brandy and other luxury items in Molthune and beyond has resulted in Cheliax finally getting off its ass and investing some resources in Isger. Normally these goods go through Druma to reach Molthune, but Druma has been raising import taxes. Cheliax issued an open bounty to explorers the world over: establish a new trail through the Menador Mountains between Isger and Molthune, suitable for pack animals to traverse. So, this presents a rather rare opportunity for us to find a way through the Menador Mountains into Molthune. Calisro Benarry, leader of the Horizon Hunters faction, has a special interest in this bounty. She is hoping you will take this challenge with gusto. She sent a package ahead for you.”
Karla pats a large brown paper package on the bench next to her before handing over a letter.
She continues once you have read the letter, “All good then? I’ve arranged for a river barge to take you out to the Menador Mountains and packed some provisions for the journey. Not all of the food you’ll need for the journey, mind—carrying all of that would be too heavy, and likely to attract unwanted attention from the wildlife. You’ll want to forage along the way if you can. My friend Jasikah Marten will be waiting for you in Canorate. She will help you file your paperwork with the Chelaxian officials, and she’ll also have a warm and comfy bed ready for you.”
Your group can purchase additional supplies in Elidir before they depart.
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Mingxia, a woman of obvious Tien descent bows respectfully after being introduced to Karla Wesver.
"I receive your welcome warmly Ms Wesver. I am Mingxia Shen. I admit this will be a challenging endeavor for me. I am a representative of the Eternal Bloom, a troupe of dancers and acrobats who perform to the honor of The Lady of Chrysanthemums. I have been lent to the service of the Pathfinder Society to help make connections across the world for the benefit of our troupe."
"Despite the fact that I am used to traveling in well-stocked caravans with ample amenities, I could not let the opportunity to discover new paths to better relations pass by. Still perhaps the grace of a dancer and the strength of an acrobat will be of some use traversing the rough landscape."
As a dancer, Mingxia does not wear armor, but a light, loose outfit that permits better movement. Around her neck is a hand-painted, wooden holy symbol of Shelyn. She carries her deities favored weapon, the glaive from which multi-colored feathers are tethered by leather cords to the far and of the haft. As she moves her weapon in certain ways, the cords spin and dance in the air creating swaths of color.
Mingxia decides to call on her contacts in the school of Swords to gain access to a lesser leaper’s elixir.
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A small goblin dressed in a mismash of ramshackle furs and leather grins at Mingxia and Karla Wesver. He shows a mouthful of sharp pointy teeth. "Hi! I Raznik. I can help find way. Raznik usually hunt in forests, but mountains be ok too. Just lots of big rocks. Maybe we find birds to eat! But it be cold up there. And snow crash no good."
He pauses a bit and looks like he's thinking hard, his little brain working. "Menador...Mountains? Oh...orcs live there. Shattered Fang tribe, I think. Raznik heard about them. Maybe mean." The goblin looks worried for a second, before his wide toothy grin returns. "We can give them gin to go away! Then set them on fire!" He giggles and dances at the thought.
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Sitting across from you smiles a slender but tall man in brown robes. His sea blue eyes dart between those present, as if he doesn't want to miss a moment. His possessions are functional, but presentable for a meal at the inn. At his side is a 5 foot staff, etched like a flowing wind on one side, and like jagged lightning on the other.
"Thank you for meeting us, Karla" he postures, moving his frame forward with enthusiasm. "It is an honour to serve Mrs Benarry, and the society. As in my confirmation oath I promise that we will succeed in this mission." He turns to the other agents, and continues "I have not yet heard of your exploits Mingxia and Raznik, but by the end of this I would like to. Do you have any of your chronicles I may study before we leave? My name is Teneb, and I will serve you with my life."
After Raznik mentions the Shattered Fangs, Teneb sits back against the chair and thinks. "Natives to the mountains can mean many things. Karla do you know if they trade with Canorate or Elidir's local government?"
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Mirtha is a gnome with flame colored hair and intense red eyes. She is wearing black robes and a wooden symbol of Sarenrae that has been painted bright red. She frequently reaches up to her neck to run her fingers over the figurine of the goddess. Despite looking meticulously clean, there is a strange sulfuric odor wafting from her clothes and hair.
"I am Mirtha Darklight, acolyte of the Dawnflower. I will be pleased to share the blessings of her Eternal Light, as long as none of you veer too far from the the path of righteousness."
"I do not fear the cold of the mountains, because I will have the light of Sarenrae will keep me warm."
"We can give them gin to go away! Then set them on fire!"
Mirtha smiles eerily as she mutters under her breath, "Yes...We will purge all who oppose us with fire."
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The dwarven woman in the group is most easily recognized by her mass of unruly blonde hair, held back by a simple band. Her outfit of leathers and hide is practical and a bit worn, but obviously well-cared for. The blonde dwarf still seems rather young for a dwarf, probably less than four or five decades old, and brimming with energy. She listens attentively, first to Karla Wesver and then to her new companions.
"Really nice to meet all of you," she starts talking. "I'm Lux, Fairforge. I'm from Mendev, and spent my years in support of the army, up until recently. You know, fighting against the Worldwound. I wasn't in the front lines, or any of that," she holds up her hands in defense, "but I did all sorts of other things. There's always plenty of work in the army. This is my first mission for the Society, though. I've studied hard, especially with Master Westyr, and I'm really excited to be out in the field again!" She seems to realize she's rambling and diverts her energy to Calisro Benarry's letter. She points at it, and immediately starts talking again. "See, this is why I like Calisro so much. She's not afraid to get creative, and to trust us to do likewise!" She beams a wide smile.
Lux then comes back to Mirtha's comment. "If it's just orcs we're going to meet, I'm not sure we need to do a lot of 'purging'... Maybe we can just steer clear of them, or make some friends along the way. Right?" At this point, her attention is drawn by the coyote lying under her chair, looking for some attention. "Oh, this is Ozul. I found him in Sarkoris, when he was just a little pup. Raised him all by myself. And Urwal said that he's not even fully grown yet. He could-" Lux realizes she's rambling again, and promptly shuts her mouth, embarrassed. "Er, that's probably enough from me. Karla, how long do you think we'll be underway? And do you know how we could deal with the threat of avalanches, especially this time of year?"
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"I am Conso Ghezzo of Varisia," says a half-orc man. He's quite tall and solidly built. Add in all the gear on his person and he makes for large presence. He's unexpectedly soft-spoken, however.
He searches the faces of everyone after introducing himself as if looking for something.
"I come here by way of the Gravelands."
When the goblin mentions orcs, he frowns. "Yes, Shaddered Fang," he confirms, revealing a slight accent or lisp, it's hard to tell which at the volume he speaks without hearing more. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to be particularly verbose.
After Lux finishes, he adds, "Yes, the weadher will be a challenge. The supplies are welcome."
He continues to watch everyone with a focused, alert expression.
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Mingxia bows and introduces herself to Karla
The goblin Raznik grins at Mingxia and Karla with his mouthful of sharp point teeth.
Teneb greets his fellow pathfinders and gives his oath to complete the mission. He asks if the Shattered Fang orcs trade with Canorate or Elidir.
Karla shugs, ” Not that I’m aware of, but they might want to if a trade route opens up.”
Gnome with flame-colored hair Mirtha introduces herself as an acolyte of the Dawnflower.
A blonde-haired dwarven lass with a coyote animal companion, Lucretia introduces herself and Ozul with a rambling introduction asking Karla about how long the mission will take.
Karla smiles ” Take the time need to do a though job, remember you are scouting a path that will be a new trade route. As for the threat of avalanches, my advice is don’t get caught in one. “
The last to introduce himself is Conso a soft-spoken half-orc fighter that uses few words.
Karla looks around at the group, ” Iff there are no more questions, I’ll leave you to your business. Good luck!”
The trip up the branch of the Conerica river is uneventful. The roads alongside the river called the Conerica Straights are well‑patrolled by Isger’s army, supported with auxiliary troops from Cheliax.
Once the river becomes too narrow for the barge to easily traverse, you group disembark and continue on foot. Following the river is still the easiest way forward, as it has carved a relatively flat swath of land out of the hills.
After three days of travel, you spot a campfire just as dusk begins to fall. The river flooding during spring snowmelts has kept the terrain relatively free from large growth. No trees or bushes obscure the view.
You know that Cheliax has issued an open bounty to explorers the world over to establish a new trail through the Menador Mountains between Isger and Molthune. This could be another group of explorers.
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During the voyage up the Conerica Straight, Teneb can quite often be seen sketching the surroundings. From trees, to small fauna, to constellations in the evenings. There's a real curiosity behind his eyes, and gusto to his movements.
"Is it always this green in Avistan?" Teneb muses, hoping that the riverboat Captain knows more.
Putting on a brave face, but clearly a little out of his element, Teneb turns to Lux. "Do you see the smoke? It could be Soldiers who knows this area." His voice is soft, as if he's unsure of his assessment. "I'm more used to traversing on the dunes of Alamein, so I'll follow your lead."
Teneb has his Staff out, which he uses as much for travelling as fighting. He is ready to Investigate or Search on request.
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"It is good to see that there chose to send some individuals with who are experts at surviving in the wilderness. I'm more at home in a courtroom or a lecture hall than in the rough wilderness, but Sarenrae in her glorious wisdom has chosen to test me."
Despite her claim that Sarenrae will provide her all the warmth she needs, Mirtha takes one of the sets of fur lined coats, mittens and boots that are sized for small folk.
"We should approach this camp, and learn what type of folks are going to be traveling in these mountains with us. Perhaps they will be good company or have news to share, and as they are likely to be fellow competitors, we will get a better idea of who else is after this prize."
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Raznik seems to enjoy the travels and is captivated by the idea of fish in the river. You see him repeatedly trying to catch or spear some fish and twice the little goblin is successful, bringing back a hearty meal. Other times he is able to find small winter melons, and once he shoots a muskrat.
When they spot the campsite, Raznik squints at the distant fire. "Maybe. Maybe they nice." As you continue to debate, you suddenly realize the goblin is gone.
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Seeing Mirtha make a quick decision, Teneb begins talking to the Gnome as he falls in step with her. "Mirtha, Sarenrae will bless you like Nethys blesses me. We will find a way through the mountains." as he is walking lock step, Teneb mutters something under his breath. From his face you can see he is concentrating on something.
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"It could be an ambush. Seems unlikely someone would just leave a campfire burning, unless there was a very good reason. Maybe the orcs in the area were here. Is anyone here able to locate tracks? Raznik perhaps you or I should sneak... Hopefully he had the same idea. I'll look around. Maybe I'll find him."
Mingxia decides to scout for trouble as they head towards the camp.
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Before departing, Lux checks Calisro's care package and her own equipment. She make a quick run for errands to purchase a climbing kit. On the first few days of the trek, Lux proves herself true to her word: She's had experience in a wide variety of skills, and is practical enough to apply them in the field: navigating, foraging, setting up camp, etc.
She eagerly engages with Teneth on his question regarding the Avistan fauna. "Well, yes and no. I guess some parts are really lush and temperate in climate. Others can be as harsh as the desert, or varying with the seasons. It's one of the main reasons I joined up with the Sociery, actually, to see all the splendor that the world holds." She tries to take a sneak peek at his drawings, and (if allowed) will quiz him at length about what he's seeing and drawing.
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The sight of the campfire ahead has Lux on alert, but she's not overly wary. She finds herself agreeing wih Mirtha. "It's probably good company, maybe fellow explorers like you said." For Mingxia, she adds "It's getting late in the day, so maybe they set up camp already with a fire for cooking and warmth. Doesn't seem unreasonable. Laying in ambush with a fire going would be really odd, though." She then notices the goblin of their group missing. "Oh dear, he's not going to do anything rash, is he?" She tries to push for a quick resolution. "IF Mingxia and Raznik are going to scout for trouble, maybe the rest of us could approach and announce ourselves. That might prevent any misunderstandings. And we'll still have two of us in hiding for when things go wrong. Agreed?"
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When Quizzed about drawings
At first Teneb keeps his drawings to himself, but if Lux pries at all, he opens up. "Oh, they're nothing, really. The school where I'm from taught us to create and populate the world. To only destroy means losing control of your senses. They say it's to be like Nethys himself, but I sort of think it just makes sense. If everyone only tore things down we wouldn't have anything left. If we only built whatever came into our head, the world would be cluttered." He gestures to his staff "I have been trained to end life, the least I can do is remember the battles to show of the danger of evil."
Realising he has gone on a bit, with Lux listening, he ducks out of his soliliquy "Anyhow! I drew Ozul earlier. Here you go, you can keep it if you'd like" and Teneb hands over a sketch of Ozul resting peacefully atop a coiled rope as a dog bed.
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Conso keeps to himself mostly on the first few days of travel. He keeps his equipment and person neat and orderly, checking his gear on a regular basis as if part of some sort of personal ritual. He seems to apply the same level of attention to his surroundings and his companions as well. When there's discussion of fauna or other natural phenomenon he seems to follow the conversation closely. Despite his quiet, his expression is usually neutral and he doesn't seem upset or overly troubled.
He finally breaks his silence after Lux's flurry of words. "If fings go wrong. I would be willing to approach dem wif you, but et es possible my presence will place dem on edge."
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Teneb makes sketches of the surroundings as the group travels. The half-elf looks to Lux for what to do.
Mirtha suggests approaching the camp and learning what type of folks thies are. The gnome starts to approach the camp with open hands.
Raznik practices his fishing technique along the way. When he sees the campfire he sneaks around to the other side as Mirtha approaches in the open.
Tebeb falls in step with the Gnome as he mutters under his breath.
Mingxia worries that it could be an ambush, and decides to sneak around with Raznik.
At the sight of a campfire ahead, Lux is alert she thinks it would be an odd ambush setup. She joins Mirtha and Tebeb in an open friendly approach.
Conso keeps to himself mostly. At sight of the campfire the half-orc is willing to go with the open approach group, but warns his presences may not be welcome.
As the two groups approach the campfire, both are able to clearly see that five people have set up camp here. All five people in the camp are busy with food preparation and setting up the camp for the night. None of them are keeping watch.
There are three young men and two young women in the camp. They wear practical outfits, well-suited for the rough terrain, but the outfits and the gear all look very new.
As Mirtha, Tebeb, Mingxia and Conso openly approach you make it almost to the campfire before the five in the camp notice you as you call out. They are startled for a moment, but since your group has approached in a friendly manner, they calm down quickly, but remain wary. They have no clue about Raznik and Mingxia are sneaking about the far side of camp.
One of the young men with an unruly mop of red hair and dressed in an expensive greatcoat dyed scarlet steps forward flamboyantly, ”Yes, Well met, I am Amyas Charthagnion. You gave us a bit of a start there, we didn’t expect anyone else to be out this far. Let me introduce my companions Jasper Caperinas” Point to they youngest of the five. He then points to a young woman with a family crest prominently displayed on a brooch pinning her cloak together “This is Savevi Tilernos. There is also Leoni Ciucci and Dacian Julistarc” He points to a young lady and a cocky looking young man with an expensive and well-crafted bow slung over his shoulder. Continuing he asks ”If I may be so bold to ask who we have the pleasure of meeting out here in the wilds?”
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Mirtha confidently strides up to the group of young nobles and extends her hand upwards for any who may chose to shake it. Her holy symbol rests prominently against her chest, the bright red standing out against the dull gray of her winter cloak.
"Greetings, young lords. We are members of the Pathfinder Society and hail from all parts of the world. I am Mirtha Darklight and I hail from Cheliax originally." Mirtha introduces Lux, Corso and Tebeb to the travelers, giving them each a chance to introduce themselves.
As she exchanges pleasantries with the nobles, she examines their gear and general demeanor to get an idea of their motives and capabilities.
These people don't seem like bandits, but devils often go about in sheep's clothing.
"What brings you out to this barren wilderness? Are you gentlemen and women on a hunting trip, perhaps?"
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Conso approaches with the group, alert to the strangers' reactions. When they do not seem to show a direct response to his presence, he relaxes slightly and introduces himself. "Conso Ghezzo of Varisia." His eyes hall upon the group's gear and his eyebrows raise slightly, but he waits and listens as Teneb and Mirtha address the group.
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Mingxia stays hidden outside the camp.
Mirtha confidently strides up and shakes hands introducing herself and the group as Pathfinders and asks what they are doing out here.
Jasper’s eyes flash excitedly, ”Pathfinders! How awesome to meet you guys. There are a few of my family members who owe their lives to the Pathfinder Society when the city was besieged by fiends.”
Leonie takes a dimmer view, ”I’ve heard quite a bit about the Pathfinder Society, very little of it good.”
Amyas speaks up, ”Yes we are looking to explore the regen and claim the bounty for establishing a new trail through Menador Mountains. It’s the first step to making a name for ourselves by accomplishing our own great deeds, beyond just being noble sons and daughters of Chelaxian!”
Raznik stays quiet and out of sight while pointing to the yummy cuts of lamb being cooked.
Introducing himself, Tebeb asks Dacian about the well-crafted bow.
Dacian leaps at the opportunity to talk about archery, ”Oh my bow, Yes it is a beauty I’ve had it custom made by the finest craftsmen in Chelaxian. I’m going to be a world class archer, I’ve already won some family archery contests.
Tebeb notes the newness of the group’s equipment and asks about their experience.
Amyas speaks up, [b]”Yes our gear may be new, but I consider myself a skilled outdoorsman. I often go hunting near my family estate. Jasper and Leonie are skilled trackers and navigators. Dacian is a skilled archer and Sarevi loves mountain climbing.”
Dacian seems to chafe as Amyas takes the lead in the conversation.
Conso gives a short introduction and lets the others speak.
The young nobles offer to share their dinner and camp in exchange for heroic stories or a bit of knowledge.
Jasper Caperinas - He is the youngest of the five. Excited about meeting pathfinders.
He is willing to talk about tracking , identifying scat of predators, and showing off his book on identifying footprints.
Sarevi Tilernos - She wears her family crest prominently displayed as a brooch pinning her cloak together. Crest is a purple shield covered and surrounded in blades. She appears melancholy.
Amyas Charthagnion - Flamboyant young man with an unruly mop of red hair. He has a calm demeanor and is the group's de facto leader. He is dressed in an expensive greatcoat dyed scarlet and carrying high quality hiking gear.
Leonie Ciucci - she is stand-offish and withdrawn around strangers. Dim view of Pathfinder Society. She’s willing to show off her compass and map kit.
Dacian Julistarc - He is Cocky and aloof. He has an expensive and well-crafted bow.
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Lux approaches along with the others. She has a small momento to observe as Mirtha makes the round of introduction. Somewhat confused but what she sees, she bows her head in acknowledgement at Mirtha's introduction. "Lux Fairforge, of Mendev. Nice to meet fellow travelers on the road." Ozul stays at her heel, curious but relaxed.
She readily agrees with the Chelaxians' offer to share their fire. "Perfect! We've had a long day on the road and I think we would have been due to make camp any moment ourselves. Some company would be nice, wouldn't it? And I'm sure we'll have some food and stories to share, to pass the evening."
She takes a look back and to the sides, not sure where her fellows went. "We had two more of our group, they were out scouting. I'll see if we can get them to join." Lux puts two fingers to her mouth and produces a sharp and quite loud whistle. "That should hopefully get their attention. she yells for good measure.
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Something in the young Jasper draws Lux to him and she makes sure to seek him out near the fire. She'd like to draw him out with some questions, hoping to get a feel for his expertise in traversing the wilderness. "So, how has your trip been so far? Easy going in this terrain? Encountered anything scary yet?" Ozul rests at her feet, and she gently scratches him as she talks. "This is Ozul. You don't have to be afraid of him. He's used to being around people."
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Conso continues to further relax as the strangers do not seem to react one way or the other to his presence. He eventually makes his way over to Sarevi. Lot of nice gear you've god here. He drops his backpack and unhooks his own rope, starts making knots in it. Have you seen dis one? It's called a..."
He also tries to recall if he's seen her brooch.
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Raznik just stands and wanders in from the perimeter, startling several of the group. "Hi! I Raznik! You got food to eat? I hungry."
He wanders up to Leonie, unperturbed about her standing away from the others. "He say you tracker? Oh, you got map! Good, good. Maps like magic. See where you go before you get there. Can I see map?" He points to a spot on the map. "See dis? That's up ahead up there!" He points up towards a bluff. "It show you where steep part is. Oh, here! I bet that animal trail where food can be caught. Maybe get a nice skunk!" He grins with a mouthful of sharp teeth.
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Teneb knows that he's not the greatest archer, but he feels he has a rapport with Dacian. He offers his staff out and says "I've won 1st in my class fighting with this. If you're so good, show me how you hunt with it. We can get catch a few hares for dinner."
Teneb will try to use his (limited) understanding of the Isgerian wilderness to give Dacian pointers.
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Lucretia accepts the young nobles’ offer and calls in the two scouting pathfinders. She finds a moment to talk with young Jasper getting a feel for his skill at traversing the wilderness. He eagerly shows her his book on identifying footprints and boasts about his swimming skill, but on a whole he seems he is not experienced enough for the exploration task.
Continuing to relax around the strangers, Conso speaks with Sarevi showing her some rope knots. He doesn't recognize her family crest. Sarevi is appreciative of his sharing of his knowledge as it turns out the knots she has used were the wrong type and could have been dangerous in certain situations. She tells him ”You remind me of my sister, a Knight of Ozem. She was always offering help. This trip is my attempt to honor her adventurous spirit. She was slain when the Whispering Tyrant destroyed the former nation of Lastwall. “
Mingxia enters the camp a short time after Lux called out.
Raznik stands and walks right into camp. The unexpected sight of a Goblin startles the young nobles for a moment, but then they relax when the Pathfinders seem to accept his presence as one of their own. He wanders up to Leonie asking her about her map. Leonie seems uncertain, ”Well if you insist, remember it for reading not eating. You do know how to read maps?” Raznik points out areas on the map where it is likely animal trails and food can be found smiling pleasantly with his mouthful of sharp teeth. Leonie makes a face ” A skunk? I think you are pulling my leg. I’ve didn’t realized pathfinders were so inclusive in races and willing to help all, you are not like the tales I have heard.” She seems to have warmed up to the group.
Teneb continues to speak with Dacian exchanging stories about how he won 1st in his class fighting and offers to hunt hares with the young man. Unfortunately Teneb fails to connect with the lad who seems put off by a half-elf comparing his stick fighting with the fine art of archery.
The campside dinner of lamb, rice and beans are shared around the group as more stores are swapped.
It is clear to the young nobles from the discussion with experienced adventures that they may be out of their depth and that if they continue may even be in real danger, they start to discuss the possibility of turning back as the sunsets.
Jasper Caperinas - He is the youngest of the five. Excited about meeting pathfinders.
He is willing to talk about tracking , identifying scat of predators, and showing off his book on identifying footprints.
Sarevi Tilernos - She wears her family crest prominently displayed as a brooch pinning her cloak together. Crest is a purple shield covered and surrounded in blades. She appears melancholy.
Amyas Charthagnion - Flamboyant young man with an unruly mop of red hair. He has a calm demeanor and is the group's de facto leader. He is dressed in an expensive greatcoat dyed scarlet and carrying high quality hiking gear.
Leonie Ciucci - she is stand-offish and withdrawn around strangers. Dim view of Pathfinder Society. She’s willing to show off her compass and map kit.
Dacian Julistarc - He is Cocky and aloof. He has an expensive and well-crafted bow.
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Mingxia examines Amyas' gear. It clearly hasn't seen much use.
"That gear looks... new. Have you done much exploring, before? I haven't myself. I'm much more used to traveling in a well-stocked caravan. But my friends helped me make a list."
Mingxia pulls out the supply manifest that she saved and notices quite a few things lacking.
"I see you have some hiking gear, but have you thought about more dangerous terrain? Tools for dealing with ice near the summits or rain and mud in the valleys? I'd hate to see you put yourself and your friends into a situation you cannot recover from."
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Realizing that she is out of her depth in the woods and that these nobles certainly have more survival skills then herself, she will help out with cooking the food for the night and setting up camp while talking with the nobles about their families and their studies. As a Chelexian, she has met many nobles who were products of their boarding schools and feels comfortable with these types of people.
Noting that Leonie seems to have a negative opinion of the Pathfinder Society, she tries to talk to her in particular to see where this negative feeling comes from.
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"Oooh, shiny!" Raznik sees Dacian's bow and runs over to admire it. "Can I see? Can I see? You is archer? Me too!" He holds up a well worn shortbow proudly.
"What you like shoot? Rabbits good, birds too. Tasty. But mountains have big cats too. They like rabbits and birds. If'en you steal rabbit from them, they chase you instead." He scrunches up his face. "They a lot tougher than rabbit to shoot."
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Conso is touched by Sarevi's comparison. You honor me. The Knighs of Ozem will always be remembered for deir great service to dis realm. And you honor your sister by remembering her. I have recently been on a mission in the Grav—Uh, region of Lasdwall. Your sister mus' have been very brave.
Later, Conso will join Raznik and Dacian in their conversation about archery. He smiles at the goblin's description of hunting big cats. Indeed. Wise words. One mus' choose deir prey carefully. Always good to prepare more dan you fink necessary. Don' 'ake on more dan you can handle.
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Mingxia speaks with Amyas about his gear and how to use it properly giving him several useful hints on how to survive in the wilds. Amyas listens but keeps trying to deflect the conversation to about his hunting adventures near his family’s estate.
Mirtha decides to help out with the cooking and camp chores. She tries to speak with Leonie about what she's heard about Pathfinders. Mirtha seems to be warming to the group, ”Well for the longest time Chelaxian band Pathfinders calling them murdering hobos and treasure looters. It’s only recently that Pathfinder Society has been allowed in Chelaxian. You are the first Pathfinders I have met and you are nothing like the old old stories.”
Teneb remains quiet and aloof reflecting on his interaction with Dacian.
Raznik bounces over to admire Dacian’s bow asking to see the bow. Dacian is torn between wanting to show off his bow and the disdain of letting a goblin see it. Raznik shows off his common shortbow and speaks about hunting rabbits, birds and big cats. Dacian listens to raznik for a short bit before making an excuse to be elsewhere.
Conso thanks Sarevi for honoring him by comparing him to her departed sister. Later he joins in on the conversation about archery between Dacin and Raznik, he seems to have taken the wise words to heart.
Eventually night comes and both groups settle down. The night passes without event and in the morning the young nobles decide that they are out of their depth and are going to return home.
Amyas speaks for the group ” We didn’t realize how dangerous this journey would be. We would like to offer you the notes, maps, charts and research he have collected so far and wish you the best of luck.” The items consist of purchased maps and charts that , though incomplete, cover much of the territory and indicatelikelypasses for a sustainable route.
You have made a lasting positive impression on the young nobles toward the Pathfinder Society and the Horizon Hunters faction. Both parties go their own ways in the morning.
After traveling through the foothills for a few days, your group reaches the feet of the mountains. The lower reaches are covered in dense pine forest and traversing the steep terrain becomes increasingly difficult. Still your journey is unremarkable until you come across a swift-flowing mountain stream where the dense forest opens up to a gently sloping clearing, cut across by a brook.
The sky is suddenly filled with a flock of back angry ravens as they swarm from the trees disturbed by your presence.
Average initiative 27 . Them birds are fast
Teneb:
Raznik:
Lux:
Mirtha:
Mingxia:
Raven Swarm Black:
Raven Swarm Red:
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Lux occasionally looks up to see whether the group gets along well with the other party, but is soon thoroughly engrossed in a conversation with young Jasper. She tells him all about what she knows of animals and animal tracks, happy to guide another young enthusiast in the path of nature.
Satisfied after an evening of making friends, Lux makes sure she's pulling her weight in guard duty (efficiently distributing shifts among their number if no one else does so), and wakes very well the next morning, feeling quite in her element outdoors.
--
As their group pushes further on, Lux pays close attention to the environment, trying to spot clues that will have her guide the group and find a suitable route for the trade caravan. If she finds anyone who'll listen, she'll talk about the things she sees and how they remind her of previous experiences, either at home in Mendev or of her training in the Society.
--
"Peace!" Lux curses when they are suddenly swarmed by the ravens. She silently chides herself for not paying attention and is too slow to react promptly.
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Mingxia scouts as the group moves
Mirtha keeps an eye out for danger.
Lux uses her understanding of nature to chart an easy path.
Raznik scouts in front keeping to the shadows as the attempts to be unseen.
Teneb walks with his staff ready
Conso keeps an eye to the area ahead for danger.
The ravens take to the sky squawking loudly as they beat their wings furiously. Catching the intruders off guard the quick ravens swoop down upon the perceived threat.
The black ravens descend upon Lux, Teneb, Mingxia, and Mirtha scratching them with beaks and claws.
The second swarm fly at Conso and Raznik engulfing them in a cloud of feathers, noise, and sharp claws.
Raven Perception DC20 > Raznik stealth 13
Black Raven: Move, Move, swarm
plus Reflex save DC17 vs persistent bleed 1
Red Raven: Move, Move, swarm
plus Reflex save DC17 vs persistent bleed 1
Teneb: +3 dam (bleed 1 ?)
Raznik: +4 dam (bleed 1 ?)
Lux: +3 dam (bleed 1 ?)
Mirtha: +3 dam (bleed 1 ?)
Mingxia: +3 dam (bleed 1 ?)
Conso: +4 dam (bleed 1 ?)
Raven Swarm Black:
Raven Swarm Red:
Rules for Administering First Aid to stop bleeding {link} just in case they are needed.
Rules for Persistent Damage {link}
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Focussing on taking in the smells of the Isgerian flowers, and the sounds of the stream, he only has a split second to react to the 40-odd Ravens flocking towards the group.
"By Nethys' grace, you are animals, not beasts. Harm only those who
aim to bring you pain."
flocking around the group, the ravens peck and scratch at Teneb. He's unused to being attacked by swarms, as in the deserts of Garund birds are carrion feeders."Aagh!"Teneb yells as the ravens flock around his newfound friends."Ravens are a pest in Sothis, but not like this!"
Teneb raises his staff in an upward motion, beginning to swirl it back and forth in a figure of eight pattern. Despite the confusion, he is moving in a controlled fashion, hoping to push the birds.
- Action 1:
- Action 2: Start casting Cry of Destruction to ideally hit both raven swarms, but only if Conso/Raznik/Lux consents to being in cone
- Action 3: Cry of Destruction goes off