You have all received a letter from Venture-Vaptain Zongnoss, requesting your assistance.
I hope this letter finds you well. The Pathfinder Society has found itself in dire need of agents in the Gravelands region, so I am requesting your help for a
mission. My home lodge in Vigil is, shall we say, inaccessible at the present
time, so please meet me in Caliphas at my temporary headquarters in the
Vodavani Lodge and present this letter to me upon arrival.
Destination: Goldenflame
Thank you for your assistance,
Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss
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. At the center of it all, 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 “Apologies for the out-of-date cartography, but it’s the best we can do at this time.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.”
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.”"
Home: Iadara, Kyonin
Ancestry: Elf
Background: The youngest in a family of wealthy museum curators, Ardyl Loralin embraced her family’s legacy, devoting all her time reading about different cultures and regions all across Golarion. This childlike curiosity and passion led her to join the Pathfinder Society, believing that the Society could help her discover the rarest and most unusual treasures the world has ever known. A devout adherent of Findeladlara, the elven goddess of art, Ardyl seeks out ever more glorious finds. Through her adventures, she has developed keen scouting senses and a sure shot with the bow, and despite her somewhat spoiled attitude, she is not one to be underestimated.
Bryrigar Hassen
Home: Tymon
Ancestry: Half-orc
Background: Bryrigar Hassen was raised by the arena, becoming a powerful gladiator at a young age in his birth city-state of Tymon, striking fear into the hearts of foes with his rage and his mighty punches. Yet his interest in the arena waned, as few could muster even the most minimal challenge for him. This did not go unnoticed, and eventually Bryrigar was recruited by the secret Pathfinder Society lodge in Tymon. Bryrigar now journeys across Golarion looking for ever more glorious challenges, in accordance with his Gorumite values.
Clement Marten
Home: Oppara, Taldor
Ancestry: Human
Background: A minor noble from Taldor, Clement Marten grew up in the shadow of the higher-ranked nobility that control Taldor. Wanting to escape the stagnation and lack of social mobility, Clement joined the Pathfinder Society to explore the world and experience all it has to offer. Always over the top, Clement is known to appreciate the finery associated with the Taldan party scene, dressing in the finest clothing and enjoying the most decadent food and drink every town has to offer. Having taken dueling classes as a youth, Clement employs his rapier with a deft and sure hand.
Dargim Margrenstrom
Home: Highhelm, Five Kings Mountains
Ancestry: Dwarf
Background: Eking out a threadbare existence in Highhelm was not how Dargrim Margenstrom thought his life would go. He found a new opportunity to use his adept command over alchemy and the forge with the Pathfinder Society, and he now fights foes with alchemical fire and frost vial alike, creates sturdy and sharp weaponry, and enjoys pints of ale with the eclectic folk he meet on adventures. Although he rarely returns home, he carries it with him in the form of a warhammer stylized to appear as that of the Father of Creation, Torag.
Gibb Potsmasher
Home: Absalom
Ancestry: Goblin
Background: Formerly a mischievous orphan terrorizing the streets of the Puddles district in Absalom with her pyrotechnic prowess, Gibb has become somewhat respectable as a wizard in the Pathfinder Society. Taken in by priests of a temple of Sarenrae in Absalom, Gibb learned that even she could be forgiven for her transgressions and vowed to use her talents for good. On recommendations from the church, Gibb joined the Pathfinder Society, where she is known as a rambunctious yet highly skilled wizard in her own right.
Kailli Thimbleberry
Home: Absalom
Ancestry: Gnome
Background: Regarded as unfocused and undisciplined in school, the rambunctious Kailli Thimbleberry found herself in music, donning loud outfits and putting on jaunty fiddle performances to the delight and annoyance of visitors to the Merchant’s Quarter in Absalom. Wanting to discover stages the world around, Kailli took up with the Pathfinder Society in the hopes of gaining troves of adoring fans. She enjoys visiting large cities, particularly urban centers in which her deity Shelyn is worshipped, where she can aim to impress even the most discerning listeners.
Larraz Virtanne
Home: Katapesh, Katapesh
Ancestry: Half-orc
Background: Despite his parents’ best efforts, Larraz Virtanne had no intention of pursuing secondary education, preferring to further his connection with animals and practice his druidic magic. Shortly after his graduation from a small private academy in Katapesh, Larraz joined the Pathfinder Society, eager to adventure the world and see what wonders nature had to offer. An adherent of the Wind and the Waves, Larraz honors Gozreh by traveling with a horse partner, Desert Wind, and wearing a tattoo of a dripping leaf, the religious symbol of the faith.
Osprey Pierces the Tide
Home: Urglin, Varisia
Ancestry: Human
Background: The warrior-diplomat Osprey Pierces the Tide of the Shriikirri-Quah was tasked to facilitate relations with the orcs of Urglin. When necessary, Osprey Pierces the Tide’s fists become mighty weapons, and orcs who have seen his combat prowess certainly factor that into negotiations. Osprey Pierces the Tide joined the Pathfinder Society in hopes of furthering diplomatic relations between the Shoanti and the rest of the Inner Sea region. Osprey Pierces the Tide prefers to live modestly and travel lightly, preferring freedom from material triviality.
Raelyn Mumblewort
Home: Yanmass, Taldor
Ancestry: Halfling
Background: Playing the trade routes of Yanmass can be competitive indeed, and the self-made Raelyn Mumblewort dealt with the best of them. She dreamed of exploring the world in search of all manner of finery and strange trinkets, and the Pathfinder Society was just the group to throw her lot in with. Sporting a religious symbol in the shape of a key, Raelyn calls upon her deity Abadar to guide her business dealings and bless her spells when she is required to fight.
Zinno Dark Hook
Home: Absalom
Ancestry: Goblin
Background: The brash former Captain Zinno Dark Hook was captured in an ill-fated attempt to commandeer a slaver ship, after which they were shipped to Misery Row in Absalom. After escaping in a fortuitous moment, Zinno found the Grand Lodge, where they set about finding a new crew for their pirate adventures. Zinno has found a love for landbased adventuring, but they still sport their signature eye patch and wooden boot, and they honor Besmara the Pirate Queen by carrying a ragged skull-and-crossbones pennant. In combat, Zinno prefers to rely on tricks, diverting foes’ attention and making sneaky strikes with their dogslicer.
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The Shoanti man, dressed in well-worn chainmail with an armored skirt, listens silently at Evni's explanation of their mission. He's bald as is normal for a Shoanti, but shows less tattoos than expected. He's squat and muscular and wield two items of note: One is a katana in a beautifully decorated scabbard, the other is a simple steel shield outfitted with a pair of steel shield pikes in the form of a bull's horns.
The field-commissioned Pathfinder hasn't spent any time in Absalom yet and isn't familiar with any of the others on his team. Before diving into the details of the mission, he draws himself tall in front of the others and introduces himself.
"I am Joah Stalking Bull," he proclaims in clipped sentences.
I am Shoanti, I am Moon clan.
I am a knight of Lastwall.
I am champion of Shizuru: Tian-Min sun Goddess." He looks pained at this statement.
I am a hunter. Of the Whispering way. Of knowledge to stop the Whispering Tyrant.
I am Pathfinder.
I am Stalking Bull." He makes a fist and presses it to his heart.
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With that ceremony complete and after listening to any others who may want to introduce himself, Stalking Bull turns back to Evni and her dossiers. "These are many people. Not all of them will be alive," he states as a simple fact. He runs through the list. "What are your instructions for these people? They come back here, or stay if they wish?" He thinks for a moment. "What of other people we meet? They will not make it back here safely, not without help." He looks at the map and one additional question occurs to him. "What do we know of the road to Goldenflame? What opposition will we face?"
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A stocky, broad shouldered human with stark white hair, nods in agreement with Stalking Bull's assessment. He wears half-plate armor with a skirt of chain and furs, and carries a broadsword on his back. When he speaks, it is with a thick Skald accent. He periodically plucks a chipmunk from his shoulder and hands it to a Gnome nearby. Well met Stalking Bull. I am Avulstein formerly of Irrisen. There is a high likelihood most have perished already. We'll be lucky if they haven't turned. If we are to return with their remains, we will likely need a cart to transport bodies. Avulstein adds in an equally matter of fact tone. He contemplates for a moment before continuing. Normally I have no qualms about taking people against their will, but being fellow Pathfinders, if they appear to be of sound mind and wish to remain, I would not want to take them by force. He then hands the chipmunk back to the Gnome one last time and asks him, What are your thoughts, Frenix?
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A small gnome with brightly colored blue hair with a violin in his hand stands next to Avulstein. A chipmunk is seen going from my shoulder to Avulstein in a playful manner. Why don't you like Trix, she just likes sitting on your shoulder Avulstein, can see much more than on mine. The gnome let's out a chuckle. I will go where Avulstein goes, so if he is in then I am also. He smiles and gives Avulstein a nudge. I know Stalking Bull is right, it's not going to be pretty but it's a noble cause. Even if it's just to help a few people it would be worth it.
"It's incredibly unlikely you'll find anyone still alive," Evni says. "But if you do, then help them however they need help, Whether that's getting them out, keeping them safe if they want to stay, or knocking them out and dragging them home if they don't seem in their right minds. As for a cart, I'm afraid the Society is stretched thin right now, particularly in these parts. You'll have to make do with what you have and what you can find."
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Stalking bull takes stock of his fellows on this grim mission. "Well met," he greets them with a nod. He eyes Frenix's chipmunk for a moment. "Is he your totem animal?" It seems like a weak animal to him, but somehow fitting for a gnome.
The Shoanti has no further questions and seems satisfied with the company the Society has chosen for this mission. "I barely made it out alive. Many of us weren't so lucky," he says as he briefly puts a hand on the katana at his side. "If we can rescue some, good. If we retrieve the knowledge they died protecting, also worth the risk." He stands up and checks his gear, ready for departure. "To Goldenflame. I've heard of the place. Have some suggestions on where to start, when we get there."
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Nah, Trix isn't a totem animal he is just my little buddy, but he really like Avulstein, probably because he is so much taller than me. He also holds my things for me if I need him to. You see the gnome briefly hand the chipmunk his Violin he has been holding the whole time, he rummages through his bag to check things. As he grabs his Violin back from Trix, Yup I'm good to go, Come on Avulstein let's go!
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Hey guys, I just remembered something about the place we're going.
Goldenflame's historical records concerning its citizens and events are stored in the chapel, and the college contained a fantastic statue of Iomedae’s servitor Jingh, and many regarded it as the college’s most valuable possession.
Let's get a move on! If there's a college I might be able to get a few formulas for my book.
You depart Caliphas early in the day, passing through a heavily fortified Ustalavic border crossing staffed by Knights of Lastwall, one of whom examines your documentation 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. Goldenflame is a few hours’ travel southwest of Caliphas by foot according to Evni's map.
Shortly into your journey, you come upon a very steep rise that blocks the most direct path, and the road diverts around it.
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Stalking Bull is silent as they cross the desolate lands that used to be Lastwall, the only sound he makes is the ringing of his armored skirt to the beat of his step. His demeanor is grim. "We should pace ourselves," the Shoanti remarks when they come upon the steep incline. "Might face worse before this is done." Despite his armor, he seems like he won't have trouble powering up the rise. His set jaw makes it seem like he would move through the hill if it were necessary.
While Avulstein and Tsubodai have trouble getting over the hill, Stalking Bull is able to not only climb over himself, but also pull them with him while Sparky and Frenix run to catch up.
As you continue along your course, you crest a much less steep hill to see a horde of undead shambling along near the trail. There are significantly too many to fight, but fortunately, they haven't noticed you yet.
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"No good, Tsubodai," Stalking Bull says as he shakes his head. "I relish a fight. I do. But throwing our lives away does not bring honor." He checks that his gear is fastened properly while assessing his options.
"Useless trying to sneak past," he says and barks a wry laugh. "They don't call me Stalking Bull for nothing." He then joins Avulstein and Tsubodai in hustling past the horde.
While Frenix's distraction doesn't seem to work, the rest of the party are still able to get by them without drawing attention, allowing Frenix to catch up shortly after.
As the party draws closer to town, they're met with a large amount of heavy, prickly undergrowth and tall grasses that have grown over the road.
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Stalking Bull looks at the undergrowth and weighs his options. He watches Avulstein hack at the prickly plants with a bastard sword and puts a hand on the katana at his side. "No. Just no..." His bulk leaves his chance of slipping past very slim. "I will find a good spot to cross," he says finally. "Unless someone finds a better one."