Going to start this mission on asking that you all integrate your Downtime results into the Backstory.
Venture-Captain Holgarin Smine has requested your presence at his lodge in the "gladiator city" of Tymon, located in the River Kingdoms, to investigate rumors surrounding the "Re-emergence of the 'Mosquito Witch'" in the southwestern town of Shimmerford. After meeting with you personally, you will travel by carriage to the "tourist town" that has built a bit of a sideshow economy out of travelers and thrill-seekers who, in normal times, constitute a steady flow of capital through the otherwise unremarkable settlement.
Before we start, I'd like you incorporate your Downtime rolls to into answering two (2) questions below, as a means of introducing your character to this story. Please include this connection in your first post:
Q) What does your character look like? How do they move? What is their most interesting feature? Why?
Q) Where is your character traveling from in order to get to Tymon (in the River Kingdoms)? Describe their journey.
Q) What is one rumor - positive or negative, true or false - that has been spread about your character? How do they feel about it?
Q) Why has Holgarin Smine chosen your character to deploy here to uncover these rumors? What do they bring to the table?
Q) What is one fear - rational or irrational - that plagues you? How did you acquire this phobia? How do you keep it under control?
Finally, if you'd like to roll a Recall Knowledge (Occultism) check, I can supply your character with some background knowledge they may or may not possess about the rumors they are being called in to Investigate.
We begin!
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Emmanuel Holysmith spends his time en route to Holgarin Smine playing his lute, making up witty one-liners, and practicing his quips. This blonde human enjoys talking to everyone and charming as many people as he can with his wit.
At least that's what he thinks. Many find him a bit annoying and tip him enough to make him go away. Oh well. Some claim he's a vampire hunter and he has to insist he is one in training. The "Mosquito Witch" rumor fascinates him. Maybe there really is a vampire out here, threatening lives and draining blood. Smine's missive asked him to be polite (he's always polite) and use his communication skills to talk to the residents of Shimmerford.
"Sup everyone." Manny waves a hello to his fellow Pathfinders. "We're off to Shimmerford next. I wonder what's out there? I did ask some of the neighboring villagers. This one guy never looked up from his books but he seemed to know so much!"
"Kappa, good to see you again, man!" Manny gives a quick sidehug. "Hopefully your broom can come back and help us sweep away any danger that comes up, eh?"
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Kappa misses his farming village and the fields and gardens he tended, but since arriving in Absalom he has been able to make a living tending the gardens of the the Grand Lodge and occasionally lending himself out for farm work.
Kappa is a Song'o halfling and one of the first tribes to leave the Laughing Jungle to settle in the more developed areas surrounding Eleder. As a Song'o halfling, he follows the tradition of painting elaborate swirling symbols of blue pigments on his skin each morning when he rises. He has has dark skin that's been weather beaten, callused hands and light blue eyes that sparkle with a gentle intelligence. Kappa wears his hair in long knotted braids and like most halflings, chooses to walk barefoot.
Despite his rugged appearance and callused hands, Kappa is a skilled wizard who has trained with the halcyon mages of the Magaambayan and widely knowledgable about a variety of creatures. Kappa was particularly excited to learn about this mission as he enjoys folk stories, rustic small town folks and relishes the opportunity to escape the crowded city of Absalom, which often leaves him feeling anxious and claustrophobic.
Kappa greets Emmanuel back, "Ya, I'm not sure if I will be using da' broom again or not. Did you bring ya' lute with again?"
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Endra spent many long months in the cold North, after her coming of age, scouting and tracking the movement of goblins for her elven settlement in Hoarwood forest in Irrisen. She'd ranged the breadth of her nearby wilderness much earlier in life, but these were the first times she scouted on her own.
Because of the smoothness of this transition her elders suggest that maybe she range a bit wider, and see more of the world. A pathfinder group had just passed through and she visited their recruitment tent. Within the day she was headed Southeast by foot, joining up with random caravans when available. She bided her time crafting bows for caravan drivers, make a handful of copper along the way.
She arrives at Tymon, wide-eyed and unsuspecting of the world, ready to do good with the society.
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Into the lodge darts a lithe, young elven woman with a fur-lined cloak, heavier than one expects in these parts. She has a pack over one shoulder and a longbow over the other and they both drop down in a fluid motion as she discards the thick coat, as if squarely completing the transition from a much colder place. Underneath is nondescript hide and breeches of earthy tones. Her complexion is overly pale, even for an elf. Most interestingly, an intricate pattern of tattoos can now be seen reaching from her forearms to just where her hands meet her wrists. Sleeves hide where they begin. Her blond hair is always tied back and out of her way.
She moves very deliberately and swiftly, while her at-rest stance is of someone about to break into a sprint. She's always "on her toes."
Her elders, who might have some connections with the society despite not letting on the specific of their past adventures, might have passed along a recommendation that Holgarin would get a high-spirited archer with a wondrous curiosity for magic for his "witch hunt."
Greetings! I'm Endra. Holgarin sent for me to join a mission. Pardon my appearance, I've traveled a long distance!
She looks at those already assembled and nods in greeting.
Q) What is one rumor - positive or negative, true or false - that has been spread about your character? How do they feel about it?
Q) What is one fear - rational or irrational - that plagues you? How did you acquire this phobia? How do you keep it under control?
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Brayka has been travelling with a stage fighting troupe from Absalom up through the Shining Kingdoms to Trymon. He has performed often along the way, with many a staged battle shout and booming laugh. His moves are exaggerated for the audience, but the strength behind them is real. Often in the show he will boost more acrobatic members into the air. His breastplate is clean and functional with the drinking mug of Cayden Cailean broadly painted in yellow on his shield and chest piece. At a distance, he is recognizable by his missing left ear.
Brayka was having issues in Absalom “fitting in.” He would often sneak out of the city late in the day, returning only at dawn the next morning. Amongst the Pathfinders, he has been rumored to aid wolves in preying on the communities around Absalom. Brayka publicly laughs this off but privately despairs at these whispers. The Chapter Master of Absalom decided that the best thing for Brayka would be to pack him off to a far away mission. Venture Captain Smine has been advised that he should watch Brayka to see if he truly fits the Pathfinder mold.
Brayka relies on his Diplomacy to Gather Information, looking for broad rumors about this “mosquito witch.”
Arriving at Trynon, Brayka parts company with the troupe and makes his way to the gathering. Upon sighting Endra, he stops and stares, expressionless, for a span that becomes uncomfortable. He finally shakes himself and unlimbers his deep, Osirani-accented common:
“Apologies, lady, you remind me of someone else. She was a light moment in dark days. I was rude just now.”
He then proceeds to exchange pleasantries and introductions with the rest.
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"Kappa, my lute is right here." He pulls out his instrument and laughs. "How was the farm? Reminds me of cousin Jo's farm. Turnips, corn and carrots are her domain."
"Howdy Endra. Good to see you here. I'm Emmanuel Holysmith, you can call me Manny. Nice bow." Very athletic. Tribal tattoos. Longbow. She can provide some ranged support for sure. Hopefully she's a tracker. I need to get some advice on that. Manny ponders the best way to ask her for tracking tips when he realizes she's staring at a goblin.
Manny breaks out his lute to break the tension.
"Pathfinders unite!"
"Manny! Kappa! Endra!"
"Aaaaaaand..." he points at the goblin, waiting for him to add his name to the chorus.
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<laughing at Endra’s joke, relieved>“Frost giants, no, not yet at least. If there was one behind you, we should trade places! Have you seen any in your travels?”
<As Emmanuel sings, Brayka harmonizes in>
”Brayka!” raps his gauntlet rhythmically against his steel shield in time to Emmanuel’s playing
“Manny, we sound good, maybe we work together after this assignment? Have you played accompaniment for a sparring troupe?”
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After Nikebei last mission that ended up in deep forests with resonance of ancient races and the evil they left behind, the little halfling was glad to return to civilization in Tymon. From all his 3 foot stature, the sorcerer in his midnight blue cape and hood has been busy enjoying himself and getting acquainted with some dubious folks. Even helping one or two escape the vengeful retribution of the odd gladiator, after their partner had been .... somewhat indiscreet.
He looks down at his oversized feet, shod in nice leather boots and smiles a wide smile. He plods along with a jaunty stride, happy in his world. He taps his portly stomach, filled with the fruits of the world, juicy steaks and sweet cakes, the crumbs seem to stick to his unhaired chin and cheeks. He talks and tells stories that are even sometimes true.
He arrives and with a cheery wave to Holgarin Smine, "Ahh, Captain how glad I am to be at your service. I mean, if anyone can get to discover truth of rumours, or to start some more, well that's why you called me. Oh and look, I'm late as usual. Well, did you say Shimmerford, witches oooh! Scary!" He moves to the table and starts to talk a few cakes and a pitcher of juice, "Just what I like."
His robe of midnight blue shimmers and the outline of strange alien tentacles catches the light. At odds with his bouncy persona, the robe seems to want to stay in the shadows, it covers little in the way of weapons, just a simple dagger is sheathed and hanging from his belt.
He laughs, "I never been mistaken for a frost giant, maybe just an icicle!" He takes a moment to see a friendly face, well if not friendly at least more his level, then another. Turning to the other halfling his ice blue eyes widen "A brother, so glad to have a brother to make the expedition fun." Then looking at the goblin he takes a step back, "You're not one of those chemialcal, are you. One of my best friends did that, til he made the mistake of setting fire to his fathers hair. Not a pretty sight."
"And big folk too, oh this will be fun!"
Occult
Smine walks in!
Soot-smudged, the dwarf is dressed in a leather apron.
As he does, his face furls into a faint frown. You get the impression that music - or Manny's music in the very least - offends his senses. But in a moment, he shrugs it off. The dwarf gestures brusquely to a table within the kitchen, his hands wiped passably clean of the ash and grease of his trade. An assortment of bread, cheese, and cider has been set out on the table for refreshments, as is a bizarre doll made of dried wheat stalks.
“Hope the journey went well.” Smine greets. “Dangerous these days. More dangerous further west, so suppose I shouldn’t complain.” His short sentences almost matching the staccato cadence of the forges below. “Won’t waste your time. Ever heard of the Mosquito Witch?” Smine grins and leans across the table, picking up the grotesque doll. Beady, painted red eyes and a needle-like snout is barely visible through shaggy wheat-stalk hair, and six handless arms are clutched to the doll’s chest. “Local legend. Ugly thing. People claim it lives near a town out here called Shimmerford. Hunters have been trying to catch it for over fifty years. No one has managed to. Villagers sell the failed hunters dolls and souvenirs instead. Fun for all.” He frowns and sets the doll down. “Not now, though. Mosquitoes and bloodseekers started plaguing the villagers. Killing livestock. Swarming people outside. Getting into food. Been happening for a year or so. People are starting to leave the town entirely. They blame the Mosquito Witch. I don’t. Doesn’t matter. It’s a problem either way. You’re going to stop it.”
This Mosquito Witch was originally spotted almost 60 years ago in a forested location now known as Witchtop Hill. Most of the witnesses were teenagers.
This Mosquito Witch was originally spotted almost 60 years ago in a forested location now known as Witchtop Hill. Most of the witnesses were teenagers. Shimmerford’s Mosquito Witch-based dolls, which they sell to tourists, come from a legend that the witch herself is obsessed with little dolls. The tourist dolls are usually made of wheat stalks, but the witch herself supposedly prefers intricate paper dolls.
This Mosquito Witch was originally spotted almost 60 years ago in a forested location now known as Witchtop Hill. Most of the witnesses were teenagers.
The din of ringing steel and the simmering heat of the forge makes Smine’s Weaponworks easy to find, beyond even its sterling reputation and its well painted sign. An open sliding door leads into a work area filled with apprentices, each toiling to fuel the ceaseless demands for weapons to feed the city’s famed Arena of Aroden. One of the workers, a grim-faced halfling woman barely taller than her own anvil, flashes a smile and points to a narrow staircase at the back of the smithy. Climbing the stairs provides a small respite from the din and the heat, with hanging bowls of cloves and aromatic bark making a heroic, if futile, effort to cover the smell of coal and sweat. The Pathfinder Lodge above the smithy resembles an adventurer’s boarding house, providing an excellent cover for the comings and goings of the Society’s agents.
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"Hey, man in blue. Good to see you!" Manny gives another side hug to Nikebei, if he'll allow it. "Name's Manny. I hope you're doing well."
Manny smiles as Smine enters and tries to shake his hand if possible. "Sup Venture Captain. It might be a rumor or it might be real. We'll figure out what's going on."
"60 years ago, some teenagers said they saw the Mosquito Witch in the forests in an area called Witchtop Hill. That's what I heard. Then again, you know teenagers. One time me and this nice lady were... uh... looking for some privacy, so we said there were vampires in this one part of the forest and we stayed there the entire night to clear them out."
"In reality she never showed up and it rained all night, but it was a good plan!"
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"Howdy Endra. Good to see you here. I'm Emmanuel Holysmith, you can call me Manny. Nice bow."
Yeda looks down at the bow that she's absent-mindedly slung back over her shoulder after shedding the winter coat. Hi! Thank you, it's honestly a fairly standard bow, but it does the job.
<laughing at Endra’s joke, relieved>“Frost giants, no, not yet at least. If there was one behind you, we should trade places! Have you seen any in your travels?”
Thankfully no! Endra replies, laughing and looking down at the ground, making it obvious that she knows she's not ready to any time soon.
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Later at the briefing...
Endra furrows her little brow, thinking on what's she's heard. Is this the first time a plague like this has occurred in the area? I'm guessing not in the memory of the people who live there, or they perhaps wouldn't be so quick to blame it on the mythical figure. But, people do forget and favor the wondrous in their tales, so worth asking...
She looks at the VC expectantly.
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Q) What does your character look like? How do they move? What is their most interesting feature? Why?
Q) What is one fear - rational or irrational - that plagues you? How did you acquire this phobia? How do you keep it under control?
Oscre is a plucky gnome with vibrant red hair and dweeby goggles. His most notable features are his conical hat, a shape matched by the shell of his familiar Snuffles, a hermit-crab like creature with large eyes that retrieves alchemical reagents for his master from within his shell. His most potent fear is that he won't be able to pay off his student loans from his summer alchemy intensive, which is why he joined the Pathfinder Society in the first place--to supplement his crafting and mercantile business. He recently made a killing crafting barrel-bombs of alchemist fire for River Kingdom revolutionaries, which put him in the neighborhood to answer Smine's call to adventure.
The gnome crosses his arms. "No more dangerous than cooking up bombs for rebels, I'd think! Hunting legends, eh? What do the locals say about this witch?"
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<laughing at Nikebei's . . . joke? Brayka is not sure but figures he can always choose to be offended later.>"I take enough risks in my day job, no need for more."
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<After the VC answers Endra's and Oscre's questions, Brayka furrows his brows>"Venture Captain, is there anything (or anyone) that links the pests and the creature other than speculation? Is there anyone that has even seen the creature recently? So far we have a doll and a tragedy, but nothing to connect them other than village rumor."
Smine obliges.
Is this the first time a plague like this has occurred in the area? I'm guessing not in the memory of the people who live there, or they perhaps wouldn't be so quick to blame it on the mythical figure. But, people do forget and favor the wondrous in their tales, so worth asking...
"Probably not. But people are talking this time. Leaving. Seems more serious"
The gnome crosses his arms. "No more dangerous than cooking up bombs for rebels, I'd think! Hunting legends, eh? What do the locals say about this witch?"
“Looks like this.” Smine wiggles the wheat-stalk doll. “Missing the wings, though folks disagree about that piece. People claimed to see it a while back. Some claim they saw it more recently. No one’s proved it. No one’s caught it. No one’s sure what it is. Would be exciting if we found out.” Smine smiles wryly. “Don’t expect us to.”
"Venture Captain, is there anything (or anyone) that links the pests and the creature other than speculation? Is there anyone that has even seen the creature recently? So far we have a doll and a tragedy, but nothing to connect them other than village rumor."
“No real link. Been fifty years since people spotted the witch. Plenty of time to do something like this. It hasn’t. Just sticks to the forest, scares people, gives omens. Doesn’t send things into the town. Maybe something riled it up. More likely it’s a Ghlaunder worshipper. Something similar, anyway. Probably heard stories about the witch. Took advantage of them to cause trouble.”
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Brayka is not happy with the explanations but figures this is part of his role in the PFS. He waits for the others to finish with questions.
"Thank you, master Smine, I hope you are wrong about the presence of the Gossamer King's minions."
He helps load the wagon, including other's gear if they need it, then sits at the rear so he can be first out in an emergency.
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Kappa nods when he sees the doll. "I heard people like t' make little dolls like them. I suppose I can hold onto it." Kappa helps out with loading up the wagon, eager for the journey to start.
"I read that everything started on someplace called Witchtop Hill. I think it might be something to look into. Maybe after we talk to the locals."
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"Yeah, Witchtop Hill. I wonder what's out there... I'm out of ideas. I think we can head on out to Shimmerford." Manny waves to Smine. "Catch you later, captain!"
Manny is soon on the wagon, strumming his lute and playing music from his favorite songs.
He soon learns not many words rhyme with "orange".
With a days ride, and no incidents, you arrive in Shimmerford. You disembark, and are greeted by a gnome wearing an apron with several sets of scissors affixed. Out of sheer excitement, she forgets to formally introduce herself as she walks you to her shop.
“Oh, thank goodness! Oh, thank goodness! You actually came! Smine actually sent someone! You must be them, right? No one comes here a-anymore unless they’re planning to help! Do you want to talk inside? My house is mostly mosquito-free! Can I get you anything? My beet juice is also mostly mosquito-free! Would you like to sit down? A fresh haircut, maybe? Oh, thank goodness you’re here!”
As you walk, she swats mosquitos with a trained reflex, while your eyes and ears are periodically assaulted. Nikebei accidentally swallows one! Her "shop" is small in every sense of the word. PCs over 5 feet tall must duck their heads to walk inside (where there are fewer mosquitos!), and somehow squeeze inside a 10-ft x 10-ft space, crowded further by a shelf full of cutting and combing instruments, a large chair inconveniently places in the center of the room, and a couple buckets. You imagine she sleeps in the attic nook above the single room of the first floor, wondering it to barely fit a person as even of her small stature without being incredibly snug.
...
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Unused to the flies and buzzing insects, Nikebei opens his mouth to talk and ... in it goes. He looks around, seeing if anyone noticedb, then crunches on the insect and swallows. "Hmmm", I wonder if there are more tasty treats to be had.
"Beetjuice, that sounds lovely ..... is it a delicacy ... hhhmmmm I'll try it." Nikebei sounds excited about having a post lunch snack.
"So who's been most affected by this ... weakness in the tourist trade? Surely there are some 'tourists' that come by this way?"
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Brayka spends the ride trying to help Manny rhyme with orange in other languages and comes up with "friturange," the look of eternal love that can only be shared between undead with rotted eyes.
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In Galia's house, Brayka waits for the answer to Nikebei's question, then chips in:
"Good lady, your name before I accept your beet juice? And could I have a pinch of salt in it? Then we can sit, drink and I'd like to know what you can tell us about this plague and your Mosquito Witch?"
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Mostly... Endra mutters to herself and frowns as the qualifier is repeatedly applied in the little gnome's speech.
Endra quickly corrects her disposition and replies Maybe just a very small glass, thank you! She smiles warmly and checks it for mosquitos.
After receiving it she remarks You must be quite cozy in here! Less space to remove mosquitos from!
She then settles in comfortable to transition to an obvious, but friendly business-like mode.
So, we have a lot of questions about the sightings of this "mosquito witch" and the happenings around town of late. I understand no-one's been able to catch it. Has anybody been hurt by it?
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"This is probably easier in Sylvan. This one pixie told me there are maybe 20 different words that translate to 'orange'. Manny laughs and keeps playing.
Shimmerford has a lot of bugs. Way more than Manny expected. "Wow, these guys are everywhere. Keep your mouths shut unless you want a mouthful of buzzkill."
This gnome takes them to her shop. "Beet juice? Yes. Haircut? Sure, why not. What's popular around here? Give me that." Manny looks around for a chair to sit on, but it's hard with the crowded space."[/b]
"Anyway, uh... I forgot your name. So embarrassing. I'll start over. I'm Emmanuel Holysmith, but people call me Manny. Why are people leaving? Have you heard or seen anything recently? Maybe a newcomer to town, besides the usual hunter? Maybe a large group of bloodsuckers, flying unnaturally through the sky?"
Manny looks around for a chair to sit on, but it's hard with the crowded space.
Galia indicates the central chair, and gets to work, talking and answering questions as she cuts. "Now don't move!"
"So who's been most affected by this ... weakness in the tourist trade? Surely there are some 'tourists' that come by this way?"
"What been going on lately deary has been affecting everyone. People who have lived here for generations are packing up. Especially those - like your t-truly - that cater to those 'tourists' - you think anyone in this town wants a haircut for than once a Month?" on this last word, her scissor slips; she looks down, looks as Nikebei with an "oops" look in her face...
"Good lady, your name before I accept your beet juice? And could I have a pinch of salt in it? Then we can sit, drink and I'd like to know what you can tell us about this plague and your Mosquito Witch?"
"Oh how silly of me! I am called Galia" a gentle curtsy "Longtime resident here, me" before adding “W-well, you probably noticed the mosquitoes. There’ve been a lot of bloodseekers, too. Those are mosquitoes that are as big as your heads! The little ones are bad enough, but the big ones have been driving people out of the town. One even carried off poor Mrs. McClairby’s cat, and some of them killed all of Mr. Rujat’s prize cattle. It’s been really, really, really awful around here!”
Galia asks Manny to sit a bit, while she pours two regular cups of beet juice, on salted cup, and one half-cup, as well as one for herself, and with a "Sláinte" throws her's back quickly before getting back to cutting. Endra's is the only that has a couple drowned mosquitos in it!
So, we have a lot of questions about the sightings of this "mosquito witch" and the happenings around town of late. I understand no-one's been able to catch it. Has anybody been hurt by it?
“No one knows anything for sure about the Mosquito Witch! It’s a thing that shows up outside of town sometimes, b-but I’ve never heard of it causing this much harm! And only recently! I even think the little dolls people make of it are k-kind of cute. We used to throw a festival every year for it. Anna always made the best witchbread for the festival…” carried away in some gossip, her scissors slip again; Galia uses the word "Oops" like the word "and" between two complete sentences as a result...
Why are people leaving? Have you heard or seen anything recently? Maybe a newcomer to town, besides the usual hunter? Maybe a large group of bloodsuckers, flying unnaturally through the sky?"
“Oh yeah - you’re not the only people that have come here looking for the witch. Most of the monster hunters gave up after the first couple adventurers were found w-without any blood, but there’s been a whole bunch of new people lately! Two of them showed up some weeks ago, a brown-haired human dressed all in white, and this half-elf woman with beautiful silky black hair and gold armor over this amazing red dress! Neither of them talked to me, though—they just went into the woods and never came back. I think they spoke to some of the other townsfolk, though! And this week, another two visitors showed up! There’s this really professional looking human woman with a white dog, and this nervous human man staying at the inn who really needs a shave and a trim. M-maybe you can find them if you look around.” Galia starts rubbing a strange bubble-fizzy substance into Manny's hair...
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Manny hops on the chair and gets a cut. Who knows what style Shimmerford uses? Hopefully the locals will love it. And more newcomers, nice. Maybe they can team up and find this witch. Or something.
Manny ponders for a bit. Bloodless victims, but they didn't rise as spawn the next day. And they wouldn't capture cats and cattle. This can't be the work of vampires, right?
"We should definitely talk to these newcomers if we can. They might know something, or give us more info on out of town."
"Hey Galia, what are the most interesting places in town? You know, besides here of course?" Manny relaxes some more as his scalp gets fizzy.
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Brayka waits for Galia’s answers, then asks:
“Galia, were any of these recent visitors part of a larger organization? Also, the beet juice is exquisite. Manny, <wince> you are a true team player.” Brayka makes haircut motions to the rest of the team and pulls a face.
“If all are agreed, I’d suggest we check into the inn after this and talk to this nervous fellow.”
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Oscre's normal salesman's charm is damped somewhat by his constant swatting of mosquitos, although Snuffles helps some by plucking them out of the air with his snippers and stuffing them into his concealed mouth. "Nice to meet you Galia. Any locals who might know more about this legend? Survivors of the last sighting, or folks who know the lay of the land?"
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Interesting, found without blood. So there have been some folks harmed, even if adventurers from out of town. Do you know which townsfolk the lady in the red dress talked to before heading into the woods?
"That I don't hunny - I sure wasn't following her around!" She looks to see how Endra is enjoying her beet juice...
"Hey Galia, what are the most interesting places in town? You know, besides here of course?" Manny relaxes some more as his scalp gets fizzy.
"Why - here in this seat of course! I'll set you up real good..." Almost violently, she kicks a switch in the Chair and it slams back, with Manny soon falling in reverse, his head landing right into a bucket she had just a moment ago moved to the exact spot with her foot: DUNK...
“Galia, were any of these recent visitors part of a larger organization? Also, the beet juice is exquisite. Manny, <wince> you are a true team player.” Brayka makes haircut motions to the rest of the team and pulls a face.
“Oh! Um. Yeah! Yeah! About that... um. So there was a Ghlaunder cultist who we found lived a little ways out in the woods! But when we found him the others got a teensy-tiny wee bit mad, and um... k-killed him. And then whacked him into pieces. And then burned his house to the ground with his body in it, and then salted the ground where the ashes were. But, um. The mosquitoes and bloodseekers didn’t leave. So I guess... it actually wasn’t him? I… I feel kind of bad about it now.” The rest of the party can hear Manny gurgling...
"Nice to meet you Galia. Any locals who might know more about this legend? Survivors of the last sighting, or folks who know the lay of the land?"
"Um, let me see. Mr. Albi’s daughter ran off with the traveling postman, and there was a big fuss about Mr. Vernon’s rooster getting out to harass Mrs. Favam’s ducks. I don’t think any of that would have caused this, though. Even Ms. Lyons d-didn’t seem to think anything was wrong, until the mosquitoes showed up.” Galia kicks the switch again, this time in the reverse direction, and the Chair snaps back into full and upright, whiplashing Manny - and his head - out from the bucket of water, and back to sitting "normally" in his chair, gasping back at the air he had been momentarily deprived from.
"Oh, so some tourists have been coming here, have you seen any recently in this place. And they must be staying somewhere, unless they are day trippers.?"
"Probably at the Inn? I don't suppose hunny." And with that, she wipes Manny's head down with a towl, and produces a mirror for him to take in his new look!
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Shape
1 > Spike
2 > Row
3 > Sphere
4 > V-shaped
5 > Flat
6 > Wave
Number
1 > One
2 > Couple
3 > Few
4 > Several
5 > Lots
6 > Tons
Color
1 > Black
2 > Pink
3 > Green
4 > White
5 > Violet
6 > Matching Eye Color
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1 - Galia's House
2 - Brewery
3 - Private Residence
4 - Private Residence
5 - Tanner
6 - Inn
7 - Private Residence
8 - Smithy
9 - Bakery
10 - Shrine
11 - Farm
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"Some beet juice would be excellent. Are the beets grown here in the village?"
Kappa is comfortable in the cramped hut, being used to the low ceilings of small folk dwellings, but feels sorry for his larger companions.
"I've seen worse mosquitoes in the Laughing Jungle, but not in places where people would settle. Were you joking about mosquitoes carrying a cat away? A mosquito swarm can drain an oxen dry, or so I've heard; but no amount of mosquitoes could actually carry something as large as a cat away. Do you if anyone has seen anything large than an insect around?"
Kappa looks horrified as Galia describes the town murdering a lone cultist. "That is terrible, Galia. It is a good thing we came along to investigate. We will get to the bottom of what is happening and hopefully no one else will have to get hurt."
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"The mirror... get me... the mirror!" Manny coughs some water from his mouth and holds his hand out from the side. He snatches the item from Galia and takes a look at his new visage.
Wave. Lots. Pink.
"Not too bad, actually." Manny calms down and keeps a pensive look. "Galia, you're a genius! This really exposes my cheekbones. And the pink stripe goes well with my pendant. Er, how much do I owe you, anyway?" He takes a swig of (hopefully insect free) Beet Juice.
"Galia, you're always welcome to hang out with me and the crew. Once we solve this mystery I'll play a concert at the inn. Speaking of which, we should check that place out for clues!"
Galia - who is keenly aware of her brilliance - none-the-less graciously accepts the praise and expresses gratitude at the promises made to her - including to throw a concert at her shack if all goes to plan! - and as the PCs depart, refills any beet juices, cleans up her floor of Manny's chopped locks and pink dye, and bids them luck.
The PCs head for the tallest building in the village - The Whitefish and Stag Inn - but are interrupted by a terrible sound! The bark of an Angry Hellhound!:
A shaggy dog with cream-white fur bolts down the town streets, scattering the clouds of mosquitoes hovering above the ground. A woman’s voice follows after the dog: “Peaches! Peachy! Get back here!” A Tian woman in simple traveling clothes sprints into view a few moments later, stopping to stand by the dog. “Sorry about that,” the woman says, as the dog whines for attention. “I didn’t think there was anything out here but insects, or I would have kept a closer eye on him. My name’s Haru Kwon. What brings you to Shimmerford? It’s not exactly a popular destination right now.”
...
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"Twice the size, just as awesome." Manny continues to strut. Either he didn't understand Oscre's comment or he chose to ignore the particulars. You're not sure.
Manny raises a magical shield and whirls towards the source of the noise- only to see an adorable dog barking a cloud of buzzkills away. And his owner is nice, too.
"Sup, Haru Kwon. I'm Emmanuel Holysmith. But you can call me Manny." He smiles. "There are a lot of mosquitoes out here, and we're going to find out why."
He subtly adjusts some of his pink locks as he moves up for a handshake. "And what about you and Peaches? Here to confirm rumors of the Mosquito Witch? Maybe we could team up?"
As the woman warms up to Manny, It soon becomes apparent that she has a lot to share:
“You may call me Dr. Kwon. I’m a bit of a traveling scholar, though I have a lot of work to do to
make a name for myself in that field. I’ve been traveling around the River Kingdoms, recording the local legends and customs. For obvious reasons, Shimmerford was high on my list to visit. I may have gotten more than I bargained for. The only thing I’ve heard about this "Mosquito Witch" is from the townsfolk. It’s a little contradictory, isn’t it? Some people seem to think it’s a hag, others a demon, others a priest of Ghlaunder, and others a ghost. If you’re planning to go looking for it, I’d bring cold iron along—that would help you against demons and hags—and fire to help burn away swarms of insects. And if it turns out the witch is a ghost, run and hide! Your weapons won’t do a thing against spirits, and I doubt you’ll have enough holy water to chase it away.”
Although it is too short to really do so, "Peaches" starts sniffing up at Manny's head...
...
Dr. Kwon is omitting something pertinent from her account...
...
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Brayka is always more comfortable with animals than people, so he sidles up to Peaches and holds out a hand for sniffing. "Good boy, good boy aren't you?" He tries to Make an Impression on Peaches, moving to pet him if Peaches is OK with that. He examines the dog, it's not normal for a dog to bark like a Hellhound.
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"Doctor Kwon: Medicine Woman?"
"Doctor Kwon: PI!"
"No no, Doctor Kwon knows!"
Manny is so busy workshopping a play name he gets wrapped up in himself (again) and misses an important detail.
"Cold Iron and Fire. Wish I brought some of that. I'd love to trade stories with ya. Maybe we can share a glass of beet juice at the inn. Or maybe you want juice with a bit more punch?" Manny laughs.
"Peaches" is more than okay with being petted - he seems to greatly enjoy it! - Brayka speculates that it was just his Mind Playing Tricks on him that he thought he heard a Hellhound... Strange!
...
You are unsure what kind of dog this is, except to say that it is definitely not from around here.
But, you realize that it's breed could be identified with an Recall Knowledge (Occult) check, and are free to communicate this fact to your fellow companions.
...
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Kappa tries to size up the woman and the dog. He reaches into his pockets and pulls out a bit of dried apple to give to the dog.
"Quite a fine dog you have here! Halflings have an affinity for dogs, you may know. We're small enough to even ride some of the larger breeds." Kappa reaches under the dog's jaw to scratch at their chin.
"Sound advice, although cold iron has gotten too expensive for most adventurers to afford nowadays. Fire is a good idea, though and something we could manage I'm sure. Since you're here to study the local legends, I'm sure you've been to Witchtop Hill. Is it hard to reach? We're probably going to head there soon unless we can kick up some better leads talking to the local townsfolk."
Could "Peaches" be even friendlier!?! - he bows his head that Kappa may mount him - Dr. Kwon, though busy politely brushing off Manny's new-haircut-emboldened advances, nods assent - and scoops the halfling onto his back. Kappa takes to riding like a fish to water as the two run in circles around their master, and Kappa finds that a simple Command would be enough to alert "Peaches" to stop...
The dog is a Sapsali breed, from Hwanggot, a Nation in Eastern Tian Xia, that is rumored to be able to dispel evil spirits.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kwon swivels her neck to answer "I'm not sure Witchtop Hill is the best place to head to next - rumors are rumors after all - but I suppose we'll see..." Dr. Kwon begins to excuse herself, and unless a PC makes a rash move to hold her attention, she calls to "Peaches" (who disembarks Kappa gently, if Kappa has not already done so himself), and comes running at her command...
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As Kappa rides Peaches, Brayka turns aside to Oscre. “If it comes to fire, is that something you might provide? Those vials <juts his chin at Oscre’s bandolier> seem volatile.”
—————
As Dr. Kwon prepares to go, Brayka grimaces, then heaves a sigh. He would rather not have to make this request, but the good of the village may depend on it. “Dr. Kwon, a moment please, you’ve said we would have no recourse against ghosts. Yet, Peaches is a breed rumored to dispel spirits. I must ask, would you accompany us with Peaches on our search for the mosquito witch? I would act to keep you both safe. It would aid this town. Finally, think of the opportunity to observe a local legend directly! Your reputation might be assured after such an encounter!”
Dr. Kwon politely declines Manny's repeated / Brayka's sudden request, citing some "people" she has to "meet up with" to "discuss various things" and is off.
...
He is a haggard man with dark messy hair, stubble sparsely forming a goatee, and gaunt cheeks...
...turning a paper doll over in his hands...
...the sweat from his skin starting to cause the paper to melt into something horrific looking!
...
...
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The elf jumps at the sudden approach of the dog. For a moment they remind her of the hunting dogs in her homeland, which you never want to be on the opposite end of! Endra takes several moments to calm back down as Manny proceeds to chat her up. Her awareness only returns to fullness as her explanation concludes.
She holds out her hand for the dog to nuzzle it (she doesn't actually have a problem with them when not started by an odd bark), and follow's on Manny's noting of the potentially useful weapon materials with a question. So, Dr. Kwon, do you know of any place around here where we can perhaps stock up on cold iron? But as she's asking it the groups attention is taken by the halfling riding around on the dog, as if a miniature rodeo has erupted to momentarily take their attention from the mosquito-infested drabness of this place.
Endra frowns and steps inside the Inn. Well, we really ran her off suggesting that we'd drag her into the wilderness to dispel spirits for us...
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In the Whitefish and Stag
Endra remains where she first stood on entering, calling across the room to the haggard man.
Hello there good sir, sorry to distract you from that... paper doll. Where is everyone?