Faction: Envoy's Alliance
Advanced/Other: Team Player(OOO)
Boon 1: Promotional Service Award
Boon 2: Skillful Mentor
Boon 3: Society Connections (3)
Slotless: Wayfinder + Engraved Wayfinder
Weapon
Hearing Klatzu mention that one of the teams that ran last year is called Without Trace or Fail, Coptidel suddenly remembers: "Oh, yes! I heard about them. They finished last. I hope they do not do better this year, so at least we will not be last if we do not win!"
You shuffle on outside, where Dran'Thil is rubbing his arms to keep warm, his beard having turned white from the frost.
And, all together, you head to the sleighs that are to take you to the race area.
You make your way to the north side of Iceferry, with only a snowy landscape ahead.
Here, you see nearly three dozen people moving around. A couple dozen of these people seem to be the competitors from the other five teams competing in the Balgirdtrek.
Two bright, open-topped sleighs wait along the side of the last street of the town, the sleighs are adorned with ribbons and cedar boughs.
The driver of the second sleigh hops down, waving your group over: "There you are, Pathfinders. Come on, come on!"{/b]
As you approach, he instructs you: [b]"Move to the rear of the cart, please."
And he kindly assists with boarding the sleigh, for any who are not used to climbing into such a vehicle.
You climb in, and, inside, see that two groups of competitors sit, anxious for the sleighs to get moving.
At the far end of the cart, several Ulfen rangers and a cleric glower, sighing before mumbling to one another.
Slyvia shivers a bit despite being wrapped up.
Getting in the cart Sylvia looks to their Ulfen travelling companions. and says "Hi.i.i. Sylvia here."
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Frogger wants to know more about the terrain around here. Maybe the rangers would know. They seems woodsy. He'll sit next to them with Sylvia.
"Hello there. You can call me Frogger. I see you're rangers. I too am nature-bound. Perhaps we can share stories about the flora and fauna around here as I'm not as familiar."
One of the ranger types at the end glances back at Frogger, glowering.
"I don't have to call you anything.
Perhaps we can share stories. Perhaps not.
You know stories about the Balgirdtrek?"
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Frogger is taken aback but his bluntness, but will continue.
"I know not much about Balgirdtrek except that it is a 200 mile journey honoring the deeds of Balgird Bluetongue."
He takes a second to recollect his thoughts. "Where I come from, snow is but a myth. This is my first time seeing it. However, the Pathfinder Society has given me the tools that will help me succeed. And in fact, I think our team will do well. May the best team win."
The ranger dangles his hand out of the sleigh, touching the snow: "I never touched a myth before!"
His companions laugh... and they all go back to talking together.
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The elf follows the instructions and set himself where he's asked to.
He says to the other team:
Yes, it's funny, isn't it? We are coming from far away. But we have knowledge that some don't possess. In this case yours is more useful. It would be fair to speak to us to exchange knowledge. What we can tell could be useful to you some day.
The group glances back at Fin-Thir, one of them calling out: "One day, maybe! Not today..."
They laugh.
Huddled up in between you and the group you are currently talking - or not talking - with, is another team.
Two Ulfen couples, holding hands as you move along the snow, the sleigh pulled by a team of dogs that look like Mahki.
There is a man and his wife, and a man and his husband. All Ulfen humans it seems.
They are busy talking together, but you see they do notice the interaction-- though they do not take sides or intervene.
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"Hail! Klatzu also compete Balgirdtrek! Klatzu excited for honest competition! Divine conflict is biggest among Gorumite principles! May best team win!"
Klatzu laughs loudly before continuing, his voice slowly becoming more serious. "Of course, things be different if team cheat. Then Gorum would kill team mercilessly by own hand! But no one here do that! Klatzu tell! What a shameful cheat in face of eternal spiritual damnation by Gorum? Klatzu not know anyone dumb enough to try that. All seem very smart." Klatzu knows the people here are definitely smart enough to picked up his veiled threat, which is his intent. Klatzu will then sit up straight while grinning casually, trying to see more clearly out the side of the vehicle.
The other teams look at Klatzu--
--then look away.
The sleighs pull up to the starting area, which is a big place just to the North of Kalsgard, and is bustling with activity.
Merchants and traders hoping to support the race have set up stalls and carts to sell supplies and equipment to the teams.
A portly man waves some grilled meat at Klatzu: 'Hey, Gob-Gob, 1 copper for a nice Osirion kebab!"
You and all the other competitors are greeted by cheers and applause as the sleighs pull up to the starting area.
The man then realizes who you are, and tosses the meat towards Klatzu: "Free for you champion!"
You all get out of the sleighs, as people clap and comment.
As each team disembarks from the sleigh, they are introduced to the crowd by the drivers of the sleighs.
As the group of three Ulfen rangers and their companion, who were sitting the farthest from you, get out, you hear:
The crowd goes wild: "Yaaaay!"
Then come the two couples:
The crowd claps just as hard!
As you all are about to get out-- the driver of your sleigh asks you:
"Hey, what's the name of your team?"
You look at one another--
In the meantime, the other sleigh has teams getting out.
You see four burly Ulfen, two men and two women, that everybody seems to love!
And they high five and fist bump the crowd.
You see this is the Varki team.
A Varki man and a woman - who look alike - and a third Varki that you are not of the gender. And a male Half-Orc.
The crowd seems to not know them, but cheers them warmly!
A female bard jumps out, and starts noting things on some paper, recording the moment.
Then two squires jump out, one female halfling, who is also recording things on paper! - and a strong male human who gives his hand to help an aging woman out--
The crowd goes totally crazy, leaping in the air, and casting hurrahs and bravos!
--as Faergrim Axebindes, who names is chanted, steps out.
The driver nudges you: "Hurry up with that name! Time to get out!"
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Sylvia gulps down the elixir as the naming announcement goes by.
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The driver nudges you: "Hurry up with that name! Time to get out!"
Klatzu stumbles up, rubbing his stomach, and, wiping grease from his mouth, he grins: "Osirian kebab very good!"
A beat-- as the driver remains speechless... but then, without batting an eyelid:
The crowd goes wild, and are soon chanting: "OKay-VeeGee! OKay-VeeGee!"
"So, you are the Kebabs?"
A short bald Ulfen man hands you a ledger to sign--
--and gives you a race pack.
Opening it, you find:
• three minor healing potions
• a single climbing kit
• vouchers for lodging in Frostgarten
• flint and steel
• a signal whistle
• and a list of supplies you should procure before the race begins
As short-baldie waddles away, you hear him call back to you:
"All the supplies are important, otherwise why'd we write 'em down?
But, please be wise, and have at least the first three items before the race begins!"
And he leaves, humming: "Osirian Kebab Verrrrrrryyyy Gooooood!"
You the meat vendor who fed Klatzu, totally swamped by customers: "The original Osirion kebab, only here, come and get it!"
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Frogger, who's from the Mwangi Expanse, had to travel through Osirion to get to Absolom. He's had his fair share of authentic Osirioni kebabs. Seeing the man sell them, he'll want to have a sample.
Frogger also wants to make sure he has adequate winter clothes for the journey. Maybe an extra set just in case. He'll try to find a tent as well. Frogger already has a set of healing tools and 50 feet of rope. He'll ask around to see where the best place to buy winter clothes and a tent would be.
Revering nature (particularly the flora), Frogger is a bit hesitant to buy a hatchet. Will not buy one.
Syliva is definitely stocking up on winter clothes, especially gloves, those always seem to get lost.
Additionally Sylvia will ask around, try and get a sense of what challenges have taken place in prior years.
Frogger has a taste-- well, that is not really authentic kebab, that is not even kebab at all.
Which would explain why the man does not have a fire going!
No, this seems to be dried and smoked reindeer meat.
Yes, that is it: this is reindeer jerky.
Frogger asks around-- and gets answers:
"- Oh, Olaf The North Face has the best winter clothes!
- NO! Ulfen Goose is the warmest, he's over there.
- Ha! I only shop with Westpak..."
In the end, Frogger just goes with an old lady, who seems to make her own wares, and is calm and kind and gives him a normal price.
Her winter clothes are well made, with nice fur.
And she has a solid seal skin tent.
Syliva finds a young Varki man, who seems to be quite inventive, and is trying to sell his clothes, but no one purchases them because they do not have the traditional cut... but Sylvia actually feels they are quite fashionable, and maybe a tad avant-guard.
Plus, they have a nice lining of silver fox inside the gloves.
She then starts asking around, feeling warm in her clothes--
Sylvia starts asking around, feeling warm in her clothes and hears that the trials vary a lot from from year to year--
"- The bear-cub stealing was funny
- One-Eyed Lars didn't find it funny!
- But he won!
- But he was called Handsome Lars at the time!"
--but there are some favorites that return frequently.
You’ll have to cross the Whitegold River about halfway through the race, for sure.
That task in and of itself has long been used as one of the trials.
In general, the trials will test your strength, wits or will in some way related to the journey of Balgird.
---***---
Dran'Thil finds a Dwarven merchant with specially fitted clothes.
The tailor feels the Barbarian's muscles: "My, aren't we a strong one?
I'll have to let it out a bit."
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The dwarf fortunately found a Dwarven merchant. Smiling, he answers him:
I'm the strongest of the family, but my brothers are strong too, you know. I think I'm not the only strong man you encounter here anyway, am I?
Then he continues to talk to the guy.
I'm here for the race with some companions. It seems to be a great challenge but also a great public enthusiasm behind.
"No, I've seen other strong ones, but you seem a little... on edge? And probably don't know your strength when you get upset. So I'll give your biceps some room for that..
Oh, yes, it's a great challenge. And that's why the people love it.
I mean, the Balgirdtrek is tough stuff.
First, you must complete the course within four days
If you’re any later than that, the officials will send out parties to retrieve you and you’ll be officially disqualified. And the public can be part of those rescue teams, so that's exciting."
The tailor looks up at Dran'Thil.
"Please do your best to avoid getting lost out there. I wouldn't want my furs to go to waste!
Second, you are not allowed to do anything to injure your competitors, though this should of course go without saying. But the audience loves this, because then it is a test of brawn and brain. Not some bar brawl.
Third, don’t try to bypass any of the checkpoints, and I mean they are there not only for the trials, but to make sure that you and your team are well enough to continue on."
He finishes adjusting the cold weather gear.
"Nice!
Of course, you’re welcome to advance as far as you can in a day, but the officials don’t want anyone traveling after dark.
If you find yourself at a checkpoint near sunset, they may ask you to stay.
I’d heed their advice. It’s easy enough for some of the more dangerous things that stalk the tundra to slip by the rangers patrolling the trails under the cover of darkness.”
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On edge??? Oh do you mean the fact that the spirits inspire me? That's a great chance for me. You must pay attention to the spirits. You never know...
Well I'm used to live in the wilderness. I hope it will be an enough background to experiment this one.
Thank you for your advice. We are not here to cheat anyway.
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Klatzu quickly checks his pack for the gear before realizing he left his crafting tools at home. Turning beet red, he will hurriedly find a vendor willing to sell a repair kit and/or blacksmithing tools. How Klatzu say Master Craftsman if leave craft at lodge! Klatzu need fix immediate!
If Klatzu can pick up a hatchet from the establishment as well, he'll cover that too. Otherwise he'll get winter clothes from the aforementioned old lady before spending any remaining time trying to emblazon the side of our sled with our team name, in full.
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Coptidel actually meet with the contestants. He is truthful. They are pathfinders, Chroniclers of all that exist in Golarion and they have ben sent to document the event from the inside and maybe to not be disqualified. He doesn't ask for tip or try to retrieve tip because that would be dishonorable. He just listens what the contestants are saying.
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Frogger will talk to the Varki team Fangs of the Remorhaz, in particular the half-orc.
"Congrats on your new linnorm king, Nankou. I hear this is your first time competing in the race. It's ours too."
"I would love to learn more about your new linnorm king and talk about the race. Are you excited for it?"
The tailor bids Dran'Thil the best of lucks.
Klatzu picks up his repair kit, blacksmithing tool, hatchet, and winter clothes, and starts hacking away at the sled--
--when the driver comes running back: "What're you doing, by Gorum's Scrotum?!"
Everybody around is laughing.
"This is not your sled... the race is down ON FOOT!"
Then he sees Coptidel's hireling coming over with a saw and a hammer.
You walk. With feet!"
And he tries to put his foot in the hireling's butt.
"Away with you all, champions or not, I'm not having you break my ride!"
Klatzu, shoved away from the sled goes to
Fin-Thir goes to meet the officials and talk with him, accompanied by Sylvia.
Which contestants does Coptidel want to meet first?
Frogger goes to see the Half-Orc of the Varki team Fangs of the Remorhaz
Does Dran-Thil wish to talk to anyone?
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Fin-Thir goes over to speak with the race officials, soon joined by Sylvia.
As some of the people preparing to go set up the checkpoints are talking, Fin-Thir listens--
"No, you're thinking about the Skinchangers, the former team of lycanthropes that almost won the Balgirdtrek many years ago, but miscalculated the phases of the moon and had to be rescued after stumbling through the forest in the middle of the night without any torches! Ha ha!"
But seeing how non-Nature-like Sylvia is, one short Ulfen guy, with an arm missing, pulls her to the side: "That is funny, but useless. Listen, lady, when camping at night, it is best to store one’s food in a shallow hole beneath your bedroll, as storing it anywhere else is sure to attract animals that will steal it away. See my arm! I know--", he says, waving a stump.
Coptidel goes to see the people surrounding the Faergim Axebinder--
--of the Wyrding Wayfinders.
She is talking about how she plans to surmount most of the trials herself, relying on support from her squires "only in the most dire situations".
You see that one squire, as well as the skald woman accompanying them, are both writing down everything she says.
But they have no time to speak to the elf-- yet.
Frogger struts up to the Half-Orc of the Varki team Fangs of the Remorhaz.
They clap him on the back, and hand him fermented snow-berry juice-- pure liquor!
cough cough
He shares the jug with them, and soon finds out the Varki team was chosen directly by Nankou to compete.
The twin hunters are the man, Marbin Slickhide, some hunter, and his twin sister, Ylva Tunnelwalker, another hunter.
Then there is Runa Frostleaf, an agender human druid, and Olin Tuskbinder mthe ale half-orc ranger.
They are very friendly toward you as a team, Frogger understands, because they are apprehensive of the Ulfen teams.
Also, they are well prepared, and excited to be a part of the race.
Olin Tuskbinder tells Frogger: "Oh, the first trial this year will be linked to Balgird getting some dragon egg. We have to scale a pole and retrieve an object-- and not break it.
Anyhow, beware of the weather tomorrow, when my right tusk aches, it's gonna be--"
, say the other three.
"Yes, fog. And, remember, there is fresh snow, so take short fast strides to not sink in deep!"
As their comrades wander off, do Klatzu and Dran-Thil go talk to some other group in particular?
Dran'Thil talks with people, but only hears stories he fines funny - about the Ulfen Barbarian who left ahead of everyone going so fast... in the wrong direction! - but that are totally useless for what is to com.
You may see who you talk to or keep on trying to see other groups -
Bluetongue’s Brawlers ; Two Houses ; Without Trace or Fail - in the next hour .