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“After the sweltering heat of Nagajor, some might consider
the coolness of these tunnels delightful, but we have little time
to rest,” Venture-Captain Amara Li begins, addressing a sizeable caravan of Pathfinder agents, laborers, and nagaji guides. “By my calculations, we are now about two thousand feet below the surface, which places us in
Nar-Voth. Welcome to the Darklands, Pathfinders. We’ll establish
a base camp here.”
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An average sized tengu (just over four feet tall) has been scouting ahead of the caravan. He wears dark, nondescript clothing but a flashy tricorner hat with a brown feather tucked into the band.
As with any Pathfinder, he travels armed, a bow on his back and a mace at his hip. But his most noticeable weapon is a sword almost as long as he is tall with a curved blade strapped to his back.
He moves with rapid, sharp, precise movements and moves a lot, his gaze darting from one speaker to the next and around the caverns looking for danger, his whole head following his eyes so his dark yellow beak is constantly aimed in different directions.
When he meets each person, he bows low at the waist so that his torso is parallel to the ground. He places one hand over his chest and holds the other out perpendicular from his body.
"Pardon me, Madame Li, but why did we come here, again?"
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"Never thought I'd be back here so soon. Smells familiar even on the other side of the map," a dark-haired dwarf rumbles as he he acknowledges Venture-Captain Li.
Ogren has served as a guide for much of the trip. "Tell me where you need to go, and I'll get you there," being a common refrain. While swapping tales of your exploits, you've learned that he specializes in underground locales.
As is typical of him, the dwarf is well-equipped at the gathering. A shovel and a mining pick are strapped to his pack alongside more common adventuring gear.
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With a proper courtly bow, Greetings again Captain Li. Would you prefer me to direct those setting up the camp or begin immediately to begin the magical preparations?
While more than a bit pompous, Malaika does genuinely care about his fellow agents. Howeve, he is generally no help at manual labor. Plus he doesn't like to get his fine clothing soiled.
"Hoot!" A medium sized Owlbear sticks his head out of a tent and begins sniffing around.
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"Yeah, yeah, I know you're hungry." A tiefling slips out of the tent and scrambles up to the Owlbear before grabbing the back of his head at just the right spot. "I salted some meat yesterday, calm down Ilvan." She digs a claw into her sack and pulls out a steak by the nails. Ilvan happily digs in as she wipes her claws clean.
"Good morning world. I'm Swayaah. We're not burning to a crisp, so that's nice." She grins to her fellow agents. "Hey Kawhen. Nice bow. Ogren, you're from around here, right? Malaika, are you gonna supervise again or actually help? More supervision? Okay, good job." She yawns, puts her earthbreaker away and proceeds to help set up camp.
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Somewhere nearer the back of the caravan is an elf in immaculate white physician's garb. In addition to his haversack and a brace of what appear to be traditional Elven weapons in rather non-traditional design, he carries a large, heavy-looking black bag.
His gaunt, ashen-colored face, delicate straw-blonde hair, and eyes like the walls of some ancient glacier are striking enough, but even beneath that there is something...unnatural about him.
He says nothing as of yet, but serenely observes his surroundings as he begins setting up a place for himself.
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“According to our Master of Spells, Sorryna Westyr we have fifteen
days before they transport Round Mountain back to the Material
Plane. In that time, we must locate the mountain’s original
location, explore and document the site, convince anyone who
might be residing in the area to evacuate, and evacuate ourselves.
“Unfortunately, we do not know the exact location of the
original site. Most of the surface access tunnels that led there
collapsed under their own weight once Hao Jin carved out
Round Mountain. However, we have managed to piece together
folklore from up above—mostly stories to frighten children—and
purchased information about various smuggling and trade routes
between the surface and the Diguo-Dashu. Thus, based on the
intelligence available, I am certain that a large cavern known as
the Old Rat’s Stolen Heart is the site of Round Mountain’s return.
The name is clearly a reference to the goddess Lao Shu Po and the
supposed heartbreak the remaining ratfolk experienced after their
defeat. According to our informants, though, the cavern has an
easier nickname—the Broken Ticker. This is our only opportunity
to explore the Broken Ticker before the return of Round Mountain
destroys potentially half a millennium of Darklands history.
“We plan to send a small team down each of the secondary
and tertiary tunnels that may lead to the large cavern that was
once Round Mountain. Remember, this is not a competition. Good
cooperation and communication between the teams may be vital
to the success of this mission. I shall brief each team individually,
but, if there are any questions for the greater group, now is the
time to ask.”
Can you tell us more about your informants?
most of them. There is, unsurprisingly, a market for goods
that one can only find on the surface—crops, lumber, meat,
and other farm goods. Our associate, Trade-Prince Aaqir
al’Hakam, has suggested that you consider adopting the guise
of traders and merchants. He has also kindly donated several
samples of his organization’s wares to complement such an
approach. I’ll have packages apportioned to you during your
individual team briefings, but you are in no way beholden to
follow our associate’s suggestions.”
Is the cavern inhabited?
Diguo-Dashu maintain at least some presence within the
Old Rat’s Stolen Heart. If the rumors prove true, the cavern
now links all three layers of the Darklands—Nar-Voth,
Sekamina, and Orv. If so, the Old Rat’s Stolen Heart could be
an incredibly valuable location here in the Darklands. I would
expect that somebody must have exploited the opportunity
in the intervening centuries. Any inhabitants likely speak
Undercommon and potentially Tien.”
How would you approach exploring and documenting
the site?
tried to assemble diverse teams for this mission, with
skills and knowledge covering a broad range of disciplines
and applicable in multiple situations—archaeologists,
anthropologists, historians, engineers, botanists, alchemists,
translators, and warriors. Each of you has your own approach
and I trust in the expertise you all bring to this endeavor.”
What sort of dangers can we expect?
the ratfolk of Diguo-Dashu. Based on our intelligence,
they might be used to dealing with individuals from the
surface, and you might be able to resolve any encounters
with them peacefully. You might also encounter dangerous
local flora and fauna, but if the cavern is indeed inhabited
by an organized group or society, they likely have measures
in place to handle the wildlife. You might also encounter
representatives of any of the other civilizations and
city-states of the Darklands. Some might be hostile. Finally,
there are of course the dangers common to exploring cave
networks deep beneath the surface—poor air quality, toxic
gases, darkness, sudden drops, and cave-ins. If you haven’t
already, I suggest you talk to our quartermaster about
outfitting yourselves for underground exploration.”
[b]How do you expect us to communicate with other teams?
“Some teams will have access to magical means that can allow
them to communicate with me or the other teams. I also
have a small supply of various scrolls that can allow a team
to communicate directly with our base camp; I can then relay
information to the other teams from here. I plan to dole out
these supplies during the individual team briefings.”
KNOWLEDGE (DUNGEONEERING, GEOGRAPHY,
OR HISTORY)
The PCs may know more about the history of this region of
the Darklands and central Tian Xia above it.
15+:
the Darklands beneath Tian Xia are not inhabited by drow,
duergar, or darkfolk, nor was there any dwarven Quest for Sky.
Instead, below Tian Xia, one can expect to find ratfolk, oni,
and, if truly unfortunate, underworld dragons.
20+:
ratfolk invasion of Lung Wa, Imperial citizens soon discovered
that the wells and natural springs in the surrounding areas ran
dry. In capturing Round Mountain, Hao Jin had inadvertently
disrupted the passage of underground water. This has created
localized flooding and “cold walks”—Darklands slang for
tunnels that terminate in a river or water-filled cavern.
KNOWLEDGE (RELIGION)
The PCs may know more about Lao Shu Po, the primary
goddess of the Diguo-Dashu empire.
15+:
Po, the goddess of night, thieves, and rats. Her holy symbols
typically take the form of a curled and emaciated rat.
20+:
a simple rat until she fed on the corpse of the moon god
Tsukiyo and absorbed some of his divine power. When
Tsukiyo returned to life and banished his killer—his brother
Fumeiyoshi—from heaven, Lao Shu Po stole Fumeiyoshi’s
portfolio and become the goddess of night.
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Ogren turns to address the group with what he knows about the region. "You might be thinking that you know what to expect from Nar Voth given what we're used to seeing under Avistan. Well, it's all different here. The funny dark-skinned elves and the Droskar-loving traitors never made it out this far. Too bad...can't kill them if they aren't here. Not much of any dwarves either."
"Instead, we'll find ratfolk, some of the Tian-style demons and if we take a wrong turn we could run into Underworld dragons. Keep an eye open and your wits about."
"This region is also prone to flooding. Turns out that if some fancy sorcerer moves a mountain worth of rock out from underfoot it causes all kinds of problems. Underground rivers are going all the wrong ways now and haven't had enough time to sort themselves out yet. Might run into some flooded caverns. Be ready for a swim."
"As far as this plan about posing as merchants goes, it sounds fine enough to me, but I've always been thumbs when it comes to deal-making and such. My cousin Torgas would've fit right in. I can still pose as a guide though. Not much pretending."
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Hmm... I suppose I should also get some supplies.
If we wish to travel as merchants, I can easily pose as a healer accompanying the group to cure ailments in return for payment. I bargain well. I should also be able to communicate (magically if necessary) with nearly any sentient creature we encounter.
The most difficult portion may be to get anyone to believe they have to move because a mounting is going to come back underground. I doubt I would believe anyone telling me such. How long do we have before the event?
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Amara Li Li also hands over Trade-Prince Aaqir
al’Hakam’s donated trade goods, which the party can use in
negotiations with the ratfolk dwelling in the Old Rat’s Stolen
Heart. These include a handy haversack and efficient quiver.
The Exchange has stuffed the haversack with 80 pounds of
coffee beans, an ornate coffee pot, grinder, cups, and carefully
written preparation instructions for each type of bean.
These trade goods represent a total value of 2,500 gp. The
quiver contains several samples of lumber and woodwork,
including 60 masterwork arrows, two masterwork composite
longbows, and a masterwork darkwood longspear.
After a days travel through the Darklands, the tunnel terminates.
The trader’s route comes to an abrupt end as it exits some distance
up a massive, slightly concave wall overlooking an inky darkness.
A guardhouse, partially carved out of the tunnel wall, stands
alongside the lip of the tunnel’s exit. A massive mechanism of
wood, ropes, and pulleys stands just beyond the exit.
Two ratfolk soldiers guard the way. They shout.
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Dr. Vitruvian reaches deep into his big black bag, and gingerly pulls out what looks like a small, desiccated, somewhat lamprey-like fish, dusted with faintly glittering bluish-gold powder. He proffers it to Malaika.
"Here, try this; put it snugly, maw-first, into your ear, and you will begin to understand their speech."
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Malaika looks at Vitruvian's offering somewhat dubiously. Then with a shrug, he puts it into his ear.
Since they speak common he responds in common, I am Malaika de'Morcaine. These are some of my associates and guards. We offer goods and healing services at reasonable rates to those with discerning tastes. May we interest you in our selections? Or do you know of others who might be interested?
They're rats... but big! Big rats!
Ilvan is practically drooling.
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The ratfolk chuckle at the 2 gold. Two other guards come up and are taken back at the sight of the pet.
"Watch that thing!" They sweat and look nervous.
The main ratfolk guard looks at the 2 gold again and says. "Guess you'll have to wait for the office to open. I can't let you through without a permit!"
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The ratfolk nod at Malaika. "OK boss...no problem. Head on in!"
The ratfolk open the doors which leads to an elevator. Ratfolk pull the levers and ropes. You descend a mile downward.
significant portion of the structure if needed.
The small town resting in the cavern’s central cradle shimmers with
the fires of industry, the softer lights of kitchen stoves, and other
conveniences. Sign posts dotted around the town welcome visitors
and provide directions in Tien, Undercommon, and pictograms
indicating points of interest, including bronze-etched placards with
directions to the governor’s offices.
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"That was easy." Swayaah keeps Ilvan held by the scruff of his neck so he doesn't run off and try to eat a rat.
"Wow. It's... nice." Swayaah steps off the elevator and marvels at the view. "Yeah, we need to scope the place. Malaika, you're the face. I'm better at reading people then talking to them."
"Also I can't speak Tien or Undercommon, so keep translating."
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Maudril considers that the rats were.. well.. greedy but then laughs at the whole thing and says four gold seemed alot for a couple of guards but glad we are past and in the city now. Let's make sure to stop a couple of places perhaps a merchants house or a bazaar to check goods and costs. Things any merchant might do, eh?
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Dr. Vitruvian remains almost impossibly still on the ride downward, his gaze seemingly fixed on the structure of the lift itself, and his mouth moving only enough to speak in an ominously soft voice: "Do you see them? This entire apparatus we now ride in has been rigged - there, there's another one! - it's been rigged several times over to collapse upon itself. I wager one of those guards up there could do it all by himself, if he needed...if he wished...."
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As you pass the guards one of them says. "You should head to Governor Bai's office first!"
- - -
Talking to people around a bazaar you learn from an older ratfolk
"Oh our Governor, Governor Zho Bai
serves as the local chief administrative officer, ensuring that
our government supports the smooth running of buinesses and agriculture within the Big Ticker. She's, a ratfolk in her middle years, and is confident and competent. Her stance on governance considers the well-being of citizens as a positive by-product (though not the primary purpose) of
an efficiently run local government. My grandson Hen works in her office as a clerk!"
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"Her stance on governance considers the well-being of citizens as a positive by-product (though not the primary purpose) of
an efficiently run local government."
The Elven physician's expression becomes one of faint puzzlement.
"What, then, IS an efficiently-run local government's primary purpose...?"
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Governor Bai invites the party to her office, once she has word that they have arrived. A bright eyed female ratfolk sit behind desk.
"Oh that's wonderful. Are you preparing an article on our town?" She smiles. "I'm surprised that that you would consider my
small cavern worthy of a Chronicle!" She folds her paws. "I promise to
make arrangements so that the PCs can explore the
Big Ticker, allowing any merchants among you to sample wares
and observe production quality and capacity. You can also talk to our military and use the town library! Whatever you need to show our town in the Chronicles!"
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Well met Governor Bai. My name is Malaika of clan de'Morcaine. It is good that you have time to meet with us.
To begin, yes your community will definitely be mentioned in the chronicles. I only wish there was more time to do so in proper fashion. I am truly sorry to inform you that there is an imminent emergency threatening you and your people.
The saga of how you rose to the occasion and help save your people will be forever recorded in the chronicles of the Pathfinders.
You are aware, of course, how this great cavern came into existence. Back in historical times the powerful sorceress Hao Jin transported a portion of the mountain's interior to another demi-plane of existence. The Pathfinders have learned that the magics involved were not as permanent as everyone had assumed. And they are weakening! In a short time, the interior of the mountain will return to its original location. Crushing anything and anyone still here.
In answer to that, the Pathfinders have mobilized all who could arrive in time to help you evacuate to safety. We don't want to create a panicked stampede, however, time is of the essence to prevent loss of life.
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Ogren watched, satisfied, as Malaika and Maudril negotiated with the governor. Ably, in his view, though there was no telling what the ratfolk would think of it. This was quite the bit of unwanted news they were delivering.
He watched by the sideline. His hands were meant for digging through stone and his eyes for finding the clearest path. His mouth had never done him much good. That time in Belkzen still burned at him...
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Zho Bai initially waves off tales of an impending
cataclysm. "I think you should talk about that with the local priests about such foolish matters." She rubs her chin. " I won't consider evacuating the Big Ticker without some tangible
evidence to support the your claims. Or an extremely
well-considered and presented argument from you" She rubs her chin again and looks thoughtfully at the party.
"Oh and I suggests that you think twice before approaching
the eastern segment of the cavern floor, as a sizeable
force of clockwork soldiers from Pan Majang have
besieged one of the large entrances into the cavern. I can reassure you that the Diguo-Dashu military is more than capable of holding the
cavern entrance and should soon drive the horrors back.
Why do you refer to this cavern as the Big Ticker?
“Officially, we know this cavern as Old Rat’s Stolen Heart.
As time passed, and as we developed the cavern further, it
began to at least figuratively resemble an actual heart of sorts.
The construction of the elevators coupled with this town’s founding as a trade post cemented the metaphor. I believe the
name refers to the noise of large scale construction projects
and the constant up-and-down of our elevators.”
Who or what are the haunted clockworks of Pan Majang?
“Cleverly built but mindless constructs. You have nothing to
fear; our soldiers can easily outwit the things. I am certain
that our soldiers will soon break the
siege along our eastern border.”