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You have each received a summons from Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss, requesting your presence at the Vodavani Lodge in Caliphas . The streets of Caliphas are bustling with activity due to an influx of refugees from the former nation of Lastwall. When you enter the Vodavani Lodge, you are met with a cacophony rising from dozens of Pathfinders discussing missions, sharing documents, and gathering
supplies for their quests.
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Farathorn calmly walks through the streets of Caliphas, stopping once or twice on his way to help people whenever he can, like helping to carry some heavy boxes or giving some of his own water to people that needs it.
After reaching the Vodavani Lodge and sees the level of chaos and cacophony there, he jumps aside and takes a moment to look for his own mission, picking the letter summoning him and reading the name of Evni Zongnoss again, trying to memorize it. While he is doing that, he hears a female Gnome asking if anyone has been summoned by the same Venture-Captain as him, so Farathorn introduces himself to her:
"Hi Frik, my name is Farathorn, nice to meet you" says while trying to smile. "I think we have been both summoned by Venture-Captain Evni."
A harried gnome clad in a blue turban and matching robe decorated with golden crescent moons and butterflies scurries through the crowded Vodavani Lodge, delegating tasks to various Pathfinders. When she spots the newcomers, she issues a warm smile. “Ah, thank you for coming. Gather around over here, please.”
Evni motions over to a nearby table upon which rests a parchment map stuck with miniature flag partly obscuring the label “Lastwall.”
“Apologies for the out-of-date cartography, but it’s the best we can do at this time. The re-emergence of Tar-Baphon dealt a devastating blow to the Society, so we’ve been scrambling to consolidate resources. The Society is focusing on missions into the Gravelands for two reasons: to track down the whereabouts of Pathfinder agents who went missing when the undead hordes struck, and to recover the fragments of history and culture that yet survive. I believe you all should have received a letter from me containing your assigned destination.”
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Vinny enters the Vodavani Lodge, looking a bit dusty from the hustle and bustle in the street. She brushes her clothes off as best she can while managing her backpack, and looks around for Venture Captain Evni. Seeing her with two other Pathfinders at a map-covered table, Vinny heads their way and sets her bag down before giving a small wave.
"Hello everyone! My name is Vinny, my apologies for my lateness."
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The crowd parts like sheafs of wheat before wind. Often with surprised yelps or outraged curses.
It is only when the cause gets close that it becomes evident that it is a gnome. A gnome who doesn't seem to know what the words "excuse me" mean and who pushes and shoves his way through the tumult with no care of whether who and what he's pushing an shoving is bigger than him.
There is a wild, predatory look to his features that matches his white hair.
"I see you started early," he says, flicking away the tiny bone he's been chewing on with one hand while tossing his letter down on the table.
"Ladies," he says, flashing a broad grin at the two female gnomes.
"So this is one of them rescue missions? Well, I guess I'll get to pound some undead at least. I suppose the books are just as important as the people?"
Evni responds, "Sadly, 'rescue' might be too optimistic..."
Evni points to a flag in the southeast portion of Lastwall.
“Goldenflame was an idyllic place surrounding a college sponsored and supported by the church of Iomedae. Fortunately, most of the town was able to evacuate swiftly, but we know that some residents stayed behind out of a sense of civic duty to defend their home against evil."
"Goldenflame College is known for its documentation of the history of both southeastern Lastwall and the activities of the church of Iomedae in the region, as well as its collection of invaluable local curiosities accrued over time. Those relics and stories—if they can be recovered, then Lastwall can live on."
Evni excuses herself and shortly returns with a bundle of paper.
“These dossiers contain information on all known Pathfinder agents in the region surrounding Goldenflame. Although we must hold out hope, I cannot truthfully say I am optimistic. Nevertheless, closure is important, and we can properly mourn for their loss and celebrate their lives if we know their fates. Perhaps these documents could be of some use to you in this quest. I’ve also completed and signed travel documentation stating your reasons for being in the Gravelands. Present this document to the border crossing, and you can then be on your way.”
Evni walks over to a nearby bench to a relatively massive pack, where she begins sorting through its contents. She pulls out a bundle of sacks.
“Here. These are for you to transport any items or—” she bows her head “—remains you might find. I know it is a sad and gruesome task, but retrieving those fallen Pathfinders would bring closure to their loved ones.”
Evni then closes the pack and shoulders it.
“I’m also heading into the Gravelands myself. May Desna guide us all on our journeys. Hopefully we can find what we seek. Do you have any questions for me before we all depart?”
Frik and Faerinaa know:
Goldenflame’s chapel functioned as a religious institution and the town hall, so historical records concerning its citizens and events were stored there.
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When other two members of the party join the meeting, Farathorn salutes them by raising a hand, while still paying attention to Evni Zongnoss. As the Venture-Captain continues to explain the mission more and more, Farathorn's facial expression becomes increasingly serious, and somewhat angry.
He then pays attention to the full dossier of members missing from the Pathfinder Society, reading their names and backgrounds, and trying to imagine the kind of disaster the rise of Tar-Baphon has been for so many people. When Evni reaches a bundle of sacks to him, Farathorn takes them with his two hands, while answering:
"As a Iomedae Paladin, I swear an oath that I will do everything on my hands to recover those documents. Many people died protecting them, may their memory be remembered through their acts." says, while shortly after the last words of Evni adds. "I will also make everything I can to discover what has happened with the missing Pathfinder Agents. May Iomedae guard our steps and keep us on the right path."
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A thin half elven woman with dark hair in rugged black and dark green clothing slips quietly up to the group, snagging one of the sheets of paper as she waves a greeting. "Hello everyone! I'm Faerinaa, former thief, scoundrel and ne're do well. I'll be your scout, general trouble shooter and aspiring cleric of Sarenrae for our mission. I'm looking forward to working with all of you!"
"Ah." A look of sadness, then determination crosses her face as she flips through the dossiers. "We'll find them, or their remains." Faerinaa turns the sheets over, checking to make sure she had read all the names. "I never met Gibb, but I'm glad she found the saving grace of the Dawnflower. The Puddles was a hard place to grow up without a family." She gives a wry smile as she places the dossier back on the table. "I should know, I wasted most of my life there."
Faerinaa turns serious as she surveys the map. "Hm. Well, Goldenflame's chapel would have functioned as the town hall, so should contain the records concerning its citizens and major events. We should make sure to check there to see if anything remains. Evni, do you know anything about what we might encounter on the journey between here and Goldenflame? Undead, wasteland, bandits, other?"
Evni meets Faerinaa's question with a look of warning and says:
“Tar-Baphon’s legions are constantly patrolling and are mighty indeed, so I recommend avoiding fights with those troops. Try to identify the paths the undead patrols normally take and travel elsewhere. Covering your tracks would be wise as well. Although I would like you to be as thorough as you can in your investigation, do keep in mind that spending too much time in the Gravelands increases your likelihood of being found, so don’t linger.”
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"May Desna guide us all," Cherbo replies to Evni, receiving the last sack.
It was not immediately apparent when the gnome had arrived, lurking at the edge of the conversation. To say he had suddenly appeared from nowhere would be to give him far too much credit, but it was unsettling enough to think he'd gone unnoticed for more than a couple minutes. Mostly nondescript, his beard and clothes bear the occasional trinket in the shape of a unfamiliar creature or strange symbol. He turns to face the group and, perhaps noticing an odd look, immediately speaks again.
"Oh! Name's Cherbo. Scholar of the occult. Tends to follow me about, figured I might as well study it." He salutes Farathorn across the table and extends a hand in greeting to Vinny, the closest party member. His bright eyes and kind smile focus on the rest in turn, sharing a nod or a wink in greeting.
"Hopefully, this goes better than my last encounter with the undead..." He thinks to lighten the mood a bit as he lifts and shoulders his pack, but decides against it. "You know what? Another time."
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"Oof. Well, they sound unpleasant." Faerinaa makes a face as she takes one of the sacks and secures it on her back. "I haven't really had a lot of experience out in the wild. I've been out of Absalom a handful of times, not really experienced with covering tracks. Pretty good at sneaking and generally being where people aren't though. Do we have any intelligence on the paths these legions might be taking, or is this something we're going to need to figure out in the field?"
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Hi Farathorn, nice to met you too. Yes we have been summoned by I think we have been both summoned by Venture-Captain Evni
Frik and Permafrost joins the group. Permafrost lays down while Frik finds a chair to stand on so she can see and hear better. She gasps at hearing we may have to transport the remains of dead Pathfinders! I agree with Faerinaa, that the Goldenflame's chapel will have the towns records of its citizens and major events. She shutters at the prospect of running into Tar-Baphon's legions. The Gravelands sounds like it will be full of undead things! But I do enjoy finding new creatures to learn about and record them in my journal
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Vinny shakes Cherbo's hand warmly. "Hello! Occult scholar, huh? Sounds fascinating." She takes her sack from Evni as well and blinks a bit at Cherbo's undead comment. "I don't really mind fighting undead. Depends on the kind of course, but they do tend to be...flammable," she says as she pats her bag. "Flammable things are my specialty!"
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Zabu takes a bag and slings it on his back. Otherwise, he keeps his arms crossed over his chest and alternates scowls and feral grins during the briefing and questions.
"The only downside 'bout fightin' undead is that you ain't really killin' 'em," he says.
"Go to Goldenflame, find as much Pathfinder stuff - whether paper, goods or remains - as we can and haul it all back. And don't get killed in the process. That's 'bout all I need to hear, unless the rest of you like talkin' more than gettin' things done."
Evni turns to Faerinaa first:
"Unfortunately we don't have a lot of information regarding the legion's patrol paths. We simply can't afford or risk the manpower to do so. Just be as cautious and observant as you can."
She then raises a clarifying finger in response to Zabu's comment:
"More specifically, be on the lookout for any religious texts and historical records -- hopefully the troops of Tar-Baphon have overlooked them. You might also find items of cultural or religious significance: things that Goldenflame could be remembered by."
"If that is all, I suggest you be on your way. It is still early in the day, and it is a few hours' travel to get to Goldenflame."
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As more people joins the group, Farathorn take some time to salute them, and also he kneels to pet Frik's companion, Permafros, if possible.
He pays attention to the conversation the rest of the group has with Evni, and after hearing the last answer to Faerinaa's question, Farathorn adds: "I will try to remember as much legion's patrol paths as possible in case we run into any of them. That seems like useful information for the future too."
He waits briefly to see if anyone else wants to add more to the conversation. If not, following the Venture-Captain advice, starts to prepare his equipment with a look of readiness and determination in his face. He then asks the rest of the party: "Are you ready? Shall we start our travel to Goldenflame, or is there anything left to do?"
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Faerinaa nods. "I'm ready. If its only a few hours away, that's closer than I feared it would be. We should get a move on and try to get there while we've still got plenty of daylight."
Faerinaa settles her pack, adjusts the rapier at her hip and checks her crossbow. "Let's see what we can save, shall we?"
You depart Caliphas , passing through a heavily fortified Ustalavic border crossing staffed by Knights of Lastwall, one of whom examines the documentation Evni provided you with, and then waves you through.
The day is clear and bright, but the landscape is desolate and quiet, the gently rolling hills devoid of life. As Evni indicated, Goldenflame is a few hours’ travel southwest of Caliphas by foot. Time is of the essence, as the longer you spend in the Gravelands the more certain it is you will be found by Tar-Baphon's legions...
After some time, you come across a large, steep rise which blocks the most direct path through the area. The road diverts around it.
Hill Setup Check: DC 17 Scouting Lore or Survival check, or DC 19 Perception check to find an efficient path up the hill.
Hill Regular Check: DC 15 Athletics check to power up and over the hill
Hill Hustle Activity: Hustle around the hill, following the road.
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On his way to Goldenflame, Farathorn observes quietly and with great respect all the devastation caused by the undead lich and his legions. He pays attention to the effects of his destruction and evil, and prays internally to Iomedae for courage and strength to cope with the challenges he and the party will face.
Farathorn looks at the steep hill, and after thinking a little bit what is his best course of action, he tries to follow Faerinaa's directions to climb the hill. He tries to keep an eye on the rest of the party, stopping to help them whenever they need, while also trying to remain alert of potential enemies from Tar-Baphon's legions.
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Zabu grins and shakes his head as Cherbo taps out early on.
He watches Faerinaa spotting all the places where he would have done things a different way...the right way.
But when he goes up the hill, he does follow her path, moving past the struggling Vinny and Frik as he does so.
When he gets to the top of the hill, he turns around, sits on the crest and watches the others struggle up with more than a little humor.
The party continues without event for another half hour or so, but as you come across a bend in the road you see a massive patrol of undead troops approaching. They seem not to have noticed the group yet, which is fortunate. This patrol is practically battalion-sized, and a small group of Pathfinders would be no match for such a volume of undead.
Undead Troops Setup Check: A single PC can attempt a DC 17 Deception check to divert the undeads' attention elsewhere while the rest of the group passes by.
Undead Troops Regular Check: Attempt a DC 15 Stealth check to quietly skirt by the undead troops.
Undead Troops Hustle: Avoid notice by simply moving quickly before the undead troops can scrutinize the area.
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After seeing a massive patrol of undead troops, Farathorn considers for a moment giving them a good fight, but sooner he realices they are deeply outnumbered, and this would be a suicide. If only I could fight them on a more balanced combat, I wouldn't doubt for even a second trying to kill them thinks to himself, while quickly looking for the best alternative given the situation.
"This seems to be a situation of stealth, and I'm no good at that. I will move faster and meet with you again after we have surpassed this damn obstacle" quickly says the half-orc, while preparing to move before the enemy troops move and scrutinize the area.
Farathorn sets off at a fast jog to outpace the troops before the group can come into view. However, he sets a bit too ambitious a pace for himself and is quite winded at the end of the effort
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"Hold up! Give me two minutes." Cherbo steps to the side and takes off his pack, propping it against a tree. He puts up his hood and slips off into the brush. Moments later, the rest of the party hears a muffled growl followed quickly a scout's horn.
Cherbo returns to the trail silently a few seconds later, slightly winded by a quick sprint back.
"Okay, now we go," he says in a low voice, pointing around the other side of the approaching undead, "that way... and avoid one scout instead of the entire patrol." He picks up his pack and quietly crosses the road, pausing briefly to look back and place one finger across his lips before continuing.
With the help of Cherbo's distraction, everyone manages to pass the horde without any scouts noticing.
As you near where you believe Goldenflame should be, one last obstacle bars the way - heavy, prickly undergrowth and tall grasses have grown up over the road.
Undergrowth Setup Check: If a PC succeeds at a DC 17 Nature or Survival check, they can identify areas where the undergrowth isn't as thick granting the other PCs a +2 to their checks.
Undergrowth Check: A PC who succeeds at a melee attack roll against AC 15 using a weapon that deals slashing damage can hack their way through. Alternatively, a PC who succeeds at a DC 14 Acrobatics check can nimbly maneuver through the narrow spaces.
Undergrowth Hustle: A PC who Hustles can circumvent the road to avoid the brambles and vines.
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"I'm not very sure of the path you have chosen, Zabu..." sighs Farathorn, before adding "But honestly, I wouldn't have done it better, so nothing to complain about."
Farathorn draws his sword and says "Let me make this path easier to walk, atleast" and starts making an effort in opening a way through. If he succeeds, he will then try to help other members and make sure no one is left behind.
The party slogs through the undergrowth, eventually making it through but not without some effort. Still, all in all the party managed a brisk pace to what remains of Goldenflame, and you see the buildings come into view as you follow the gently descending path into town.
You see a figure in the distance run over the crest of a short hill.
A zombie horse lurks near the fountain in the center of the square, walking erratically. You also spot zombie shamblers listlessly wandering around dead hedges and rotted walls.