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You find yourself settling into a corner booth in the Whale’s Belly, a rough drinking hall in Magnimar surrounded by the usual assortment of dockworkers and laborers.
“I’ve finished the arrangements,” declares the already seated Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry as she clasps a mug in one hand and motions to the open seats around the table. She lowers her voice to avoid being overheard. “On the way north I was telling you about some Thassilonian ruins that just resurfaced, and it’s time to tell you the whole story. There’s an island called Flintyreach a few hundred miles northwest of here, and thanks to all of the giants, the only folk with the guts to live there are half-orcs. Averaka’s the largest half-orc town the world’s ever seen, so as you might imagine,” she notes, gesturing at her green skin, “that we get along pretty nicely."
She downs the remaining contents of her mug without effort. “One of their scouts spotted fresh ruins recently, and the plan had been to have you along as we checked it out. The trouble is that the trek north took a lot longer than I’d hoped, and I’m past due to get back south to Garund and the Gloomspires. The long and short of it is that the Thassilonian site’s all yours now, if you’re still interested. I’ve secured a ship to take you there in good time, and I’ll finish up a letter to introduce you to the Averakans in just a bit.”
Benarry leans in over the table and smiles broadly. “There’s some better news, though. For about ten years, Chief Gorgnak has ruled the local giants. It sounds like one of his underlings has rebelled and started capturing Gorgnak’s cronies to work for her, and the chief is right pissed. My Averakan pal in Magnimar let me know that our half-orc kin are planning a big assault to strike the giants while they’re squabbling, and you can use that chaos to slip through contested territory, check out the ruins, and make sure that anything you can’t explore or bring back isn’t likely to fall into the trolls’ hands before we can send a bigger team to finish the job."
Nodding to a passing waitress, Benarry points to her mug. “Once the Grinning Pixie is sufficiently re-provisioned, I’m sailing south as fast as I can. That gives us a little while to talk if you have questions.”
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The just-shy of 3 foot tall Puurrupup struggles back to the table with a pint of ale in both arms, which he manages with great effort to push into the table before jumping up onto his chair.
"Adventure! As leader of this mission, I should know a bit of what we are doing. I don't know much about Thaselong, do you think we might find some fiends there? It is always good to slay fiends, fiends are very bad."
"The giants might get in our way while we are slaying fiends, do you know much about them? Do they worship fiends?"
When you first met Purruupup he will have explained his sacred duty as a fiend-keeper, and how he performs his job of gradually weakening a fiend by siphoning its energy each day in a ritual, and that using this energy is a good act. He will have invited you to participate in this ceremony every morning that you are travelling together in order to gain a bit of profane power
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A small, grippli shaped, airy creature armoured in an elaborate breastplate emblazoned with Taldon Lions blows into the room. Swooping over to the bar he orders a large glass of brandy and then joins the group. He places a small statue of a dinosaur on the table as he settles into his seat.
He nods to Puurupup and then turns to the Captain. This sounds like a mighty quest indeed Captain. A chance to battle giants is not to be missed! He grins widely and begins to gesture, the brandy apparently having an effect on the small creature. Together I, Sir Miguel de Saaveda, and my trusy steed Panza, shall rout these miscreants so that they may never again trouble the noble and good people of Flintyreach. These half orcs are both noble and good yes? It matters not, I am sure they are. Who is this "pal" of yours with whom we shall most undoubtedly join forces with! Are they perhaps a maiden in need of resuce?
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You already heard that one of the new agents that will join you is a Dwarven archer and devout follower of Erastil.
When the Dwarven colleague joins you, you can see that he wears no armor.
He is well groomed and has a slightly arrogant and distant behavior.
--
After the VC ended her speech, Almaas seems to be in the mood for a lecture.
”Almaas is my name Venture-Captain Benarry! I think that you made clear what is at stake here!"
He looks at his fellow Pathfinders, especially the two grippli.
"I want you all to behave and be civil as this is a Society mission in wild lands!"
He looks at all of you like a father that teaches his children.
"For once, I hope that you have listened to the preaching of followers of Erastil in your communities! It is always important to feel a spark of family, community, and duty in your hearts! I will help you with that!“
You clearly notice that Almaas can really go on one’s nerves with his preaching.
A young and well heeled nobleman of the Tullian bloodline enters the room.
He looks around at the commoners lining the pub and heads quickly to the corner where mission brief is about to begin.
"May I introduce Lord Xilt Sphinx and his companion Tzleztor."
The herald then gracefully exits the bar.
A Mephit flies in. He is grinning and looking at the others.
"Fashionably late as usual. I hope that we did not miss anything too important?"
"Master, master. I remember some information about our mission!"
The elemental creature squeals in delight.
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A young Half-Orc Wizard walks in just behind his familiar. He nods at Almass in recognition and he greets the Venture-Captain in the Orcish language.
"Yes. It should be an interesting adventure. I am not much of a diplomat but at least I know the languages involved (Orc and Giant) so we should not be at a complete loss."
"You must forgive Tzleztor. He tends to be excitable at times. I will retire for a moment to reflect on what I might know about the mission ahead."
Xilt finds a quiet spot to review his spell book. He quickly prepares (Fast Study, 1 minute) two spells in succession and then casts then to help him better understand the road ahead.
(Heightned Awareness and Page Bound Epiphany are cast)
Knowledge-History Take 10 is 32, Knowledge-Local Take 10 is 26.
Xilt then explains what he knows about the mission at hand.
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Dusting the street off his legs, Endrin glowers outside and grumbles "I see that time is of no value to you young master, but it is to me! Next time, sooner." Grimacing at the return statement and gesture, Endrin waves his hand dismissively at the unseen driver and then looks around the Inn for his meeting. Spying the Venture Captain and realizing he's a bit late, he moves to join his fellow Agents.
A young Taldan soldier fully armored and armed, Endrin has to carefully thread his way between the patrons to avoid spilling their drinks or jostling their companions. His gear is neat, but well travelled and worn, the markings of a Taldan Phalanx regiment fading over time.
Quietly stepping into the circle and nodding the Venture Captain, Endrin allows the others to speak and then follows Xilt's explanation.
Clearing his throat, he bows slightly. "Companions, I am Agent Endrin of Manar. This seems like a notable adventure and opportunity for a bit of diplomacy and I look forward to the travelling together..." and nodding to Sir Miquel, "especially you my Taldoran veteran in arms. May I suggest a visit with the three Councilors on our arrival? I recently had the displeasure to stumble across a Thassilonian time vault and it's not an experience I'd like to repeat and Councilor Suota may be able to warn us in what we are to encounter."
Turning back to the Venture Captain, Endrin nods respectfully. "Venture Captain, anything we should know about approaching the Councilors? Have they had favorable relations with the Society?"
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The Venture Captain listens with interest to your back and forth as she waits for her next round. When it arrives, she samples it quickly for taste, before returning to the conversation at hand.
"The giants are... well, giants. So anything is possible regarding their allegiances, fiends included. They are quite easily swayed by displays of raw power after all. As for fair maidens - you may be disappointed, Sir Miguel. But that is not to say the council of Averaka is anything but esteemed. My "pal" is none other than Bravok, your typical Desnan wanderer that travels widely to spread the word about Averaka. You see, we half-orcs aren’t all bloodlust and carnage like the rumor mill would suggest, and Bravok’s a fine ambassador of all of our better qualities. Then there is Kalla - who is in charge of the guards and patrols, with a decorated past working for the one and only White Estrid. And lastly - Suota Iron-Tongue guides our lore, arts, and culture, helping define us not as half-breeds but as a true people. They may be stubborn at times, but there are few people I respect more. Apart from personal relationships with me, I don't believe they have had any formal dealings with the Society. But I am an impeccable example of our worth, no?”
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Almaas does not smile when the VC 'jokes'.
"That was not funny. I do not distaste or in any way have prejudices against half-orcs. I judge every man and woman based on their worth to a community. And your friends seem to have invested all their knowledge and power to the cause of building and growing a town which I not only approve but truly respect! May Erastil shine on them and destroy all those that want to harm this community ... " and suddenly you see rage in his eyes.
"... and should one of these giants dare to attack us, then I will pierce their eyes with my arrows and slay them!"
He tries to regain his composure.
"What is this Gloomspire you were talking about?"
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"The Gloomspires?" The half-orc mariner's eyes brighten. "Why, they’re strange towers that rise from the sea down by the Eye and are only navigable at certain times of the year. I have some magical assistance to make it easier, but it’s tricky enough that I can’t miss this window to find them. I can't wait for the Society to finish plunderin' its hidden bounty.”
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"Averaka sounds like a fun place" Purrupup nods amiably as he talks, even more than usual thanks to consuming so much ale. He greets each new arriving Pathfinder agent with great circumstance, bowing from his standing position on the chair.
"Hello to my new friends and fellow pathfinder agents!"
When he sees Tzleztor he looks very suspicious and narrows his eyes toward them, which is very obvious when your eyes take up so much of your head.
"Are you a fiend? You look a bit like a fiend, no offence."
Being almost completely ignorant of Thassilon and Flintyreach, he listens eagerly to Xilt's explanation, and to Calisro's.
"Underwater-water ruins maybe do you think? Oh dear. I am not so good in the water. Perhaps I should buy some magic scrolls to help?"
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Stretching his arms and finishing his beer, Endrin smiles to the group. "I like the energy Almaas, let's get cracking north."
Laughing quietly at Puurrupup's observations, he gestures with a flourish. "If we find ourselves needing extended underwater time, I can provide water breathing to you companions."
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"Then I guess it is time to get your ship booked. Best of luck to ya'."
You make good time to Averaka on the ship that the Venture-Captain hired, and several half-orc longshoremen hail the vessel as it approaches the town’s docks—most of which are crowded with fishing boats and more fearsome craft.
Disembarking, several half-orc porters move up the gangplank to unload the ship - nodding and smiling at Xilt as they pass. An older half-orc with a missing eye and tusk ambles over to greet you.
"Welcome to Averaka. You sail from Varisia, I see." He eyes the lot of you and steps close to Almaas "What business does your party have on our little island, master dwarf?"
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As they arrive in Averaka Miguel comes up on deck. He places the small dinosaur statue onto the wooden boards and whispers a word of power. The statue quickly grows into a massive growling dinosaur. Migel strokes the side of his snout whispering quietly to him. He then flies up into the saddle, draws his banner mounted lance and croaks a shout of defiance at the island.
With the gangplank loaded the two of them stomp down onto the dock. Looking at the figure who greeted them he calls out, We are here to consult with your Council on the question of Giants. Kindly point us in the right direction sir!
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An older half-orc with a missing eye and tusk ambles over to greet you.
"Welcome to Averaka. You sail from Varisia, I see." He eyes the lot of you and steps close to Almaas "What business does your party have on our little island, master dwarf?"
Almaas does not show any emotions but looks deep into the man’s eyes.
If he has the feeling that there are no hidden motives, he speaks.
“I am no master. My companion explained our primary objective. But I am also here to see what you and your fellow citizens have built. To see the wonder that hard work and dedication can create ... a strong community bound by a common purpose. Averaka is truly blessed and I hope that you have followers of Erastil that cherish the life you have built!“ Almaas says with true appreciation.
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"It's me you want to talk to, I'm the leader of this band of heroes!"
Purrupup bounces up and down next to Almaas and the huge dinosaur, trying to lift his right arm up as high as possible with his left. When he finally manages to draw the man's eye away from the dinosaur, he clears his throat and takes off his hat.
"We have travelled far to meet you and your kin good sir, and we wish to do as my fellow Grippli there said", he points almost vertically up to the saddle on the dinosaur.
Maybe we shouldn't be talking about the ruins to every passer-by that asks us. Save that for the council maybe
"I am Puurrupup of the Kaava lands, fiend-keeper of the Grippli and leader of this group of adventurers." He introduces everyone with appropriate pomp and circumstance, stopping only to jump up and down when the man's attention wanders.
"Who might you be, may I ask?"
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The half-orc nods in agreement with Almaas' explanation, then listens to the two gripplis as well. Though slightly startled by the dinosaur's sudden appearance, you notice he tries to peer around Panza's considerable frame as if expecting another, more familiar, face.
"Ah, I should have recognized the eccentricities of the Pathfinder Society. You have come much sooner than expected, but welcomed nonetheless. I am Korvaak, elder of the longshoreman's guild and I can show you the way to the meeting hall. I'm sure the council will be most excited to see you and discuss the issue of giants." His eyes widen to emphasize the final word.
Following your guide, you proceed down the utilitarian streets of Averaka just behind the quickly travelling word that "Pathfinders" are in town.
Averaka’s residents are diverse, representing the tastes of orc-blooded migrants from at least a dozen nations. Most are as rowdy and brash as expected, emboldened by living in a community that celebrates their heritage rather than fearing it. Several dozen humans and dwarves labor amicably alongside their green-skinned neighbors, and several groups of half-orc children busily practice mathematics and reading well worn books on the stoops of their houses.
"Where is Benarry?" One of the locals shouts as you pass by a tavern, bustling with mid-day patrons. Before you can even answer, it is quickly followed by drunken grumbling and complaints that their favorite Pathfinder did not even bother to visit as she had promised the last time she was in town. "Stop running her ragged, let her have some shore leave, huh?"
"Don't mind them. Calisro is a bit of a local hero, they are just disappointed not to see her shining face among yours." Korvaak whispers as you walk.
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In a matter of minutes, your group reaches a stout wooden longhouse, and Korvaak opens the doors proudly to admit his guests inside.
A warm, smoky haze permeates this broad hall, where three half-orcs lean over a table covered in a map and painted wooden tokens. To the left stands a pensive woman in simple clothing with a book hanging from her belt and a leather satchel brimming with paintbrushes at her feet. To the right towers a man wearing a blue and white robe, smiling slightly and touching a butterfly-shaped amulet as he ponders the situation. In the center is a battle-hardened warrior who grips the table as she looms over the map, as if she were a predator gazing at unsuspecting prey.
Korvaak clears his throat. "Councilors! The Pathfinder Society contingent has arrived." He nods and welcomes you in before exiting without ado.
The man in colored robes approaches. "Pathfinders, eh? I suppose you've got your wayfinders at the ready to prove the point. Judging from the unique make-up of your party, how could you not be Society. Welcome to our town. I suppose Calisro has informed you of our... situation. Of our impending attack on the inland giant trib---"
The warrior woman bruskly interrupts, banging her fist on the table. "Wait Bravok! If these are Pathfinders, where is Captain Benarry? Why does she send these...replacements."
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Almaas looks around and nods.
”I can completely understand your misstrust! It is your duty to this community to protect it from anybody who is a threat! And we could be a threat! But we are not! The venture captain unfortunately had to take her ship to an area that I do not know but that she called the Gloomspires. I hope that you will find us very capable to fulfill the goals we share!“ Almaas says slowly.
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Xilt fortifies himself and his familiar magically before bedtime every night casting several defensive enchantments.
He also provides some protection to his familiar right before departing the ship (Mage Armor).
At the meeting Xilt seems a bit out of place. He attempts to aid the Grippli with his argument.
Tzleztor attempts to bolster Puurrupup's claim that they are the right people for the job.
"I promise you we can deal with the giants one way or another."
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Uness restrained or advised against it Miguel has ridden Panza into the meeting chamber.
Greetings noble Councillors. Regrettably Captain Benrry has had to sail south on most pressing business but can assure you that we are more than capable of handling a few troublesome giants for you. They shall fall before us like wheat before the scythe! Once they are dealt with we would then hope to explore these most exciting ruins we have been hearing about.
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Kalla Tusk-Breaker stands slack jawed as the group explains the beloved Captain's absence. After a pause to consider, she finally nods in agreement.
“Hmm. So it is. As you know, we invited Benarry to join us in our attack on the giants, but I trust her judgement. Chief Gorgnak has lost control of some of his tribe to another giant, and he is spending so much attention trying to reclaim command that he has left himself undefended here and here.” Councilor Kalla fiercely prods the table, causing several of the nearby tokens to bounce. “In the meantime, several of his other giants have driven off our scouts to the west and diverted or dammed the Little Thunder. It’s our main source of fresh water, but our cisterns are still full enough that I’m not worried."
She looks up to soak in your interest.
“That’s where you come in. While I lead our forces around the north, you can check the river and see what mischief the giants have caused at the river. Our attack should prevent any reinforcements from arriving, so once you’re done at the river, you should meet minimal opposition in exploring the ruins. Familiarize yourself with our plan, and we shall make ready to set out at dusk.”
Councilor Iron-Tongue loudly clears her throat, and Kalla scowls for a moment before adding, “The scout who reported the ruins never returned. He sent a messenger bird back to us with the general location, but we have not heard from him since. Hagal is cunning, but deep in hostile territory.”
With that said, Kalla opens her arms wide to the miniatures on the table. "But I am sure you have experience in large scale battles, please review our plans here and let us know your thoughts before we prepare to strike."
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Although he's unaware that he does this, Puurrupup often mirrors the behaviours of others he interacts with, an expression of his natural (and supernatural) charm.
He is taken with Kalla Tusk-Breaker, and begins mirroring her movements. Pacing as he talks with a wide stance, punctuating his shouted words with stabbing motions and wearing a perpetual frown.
"We will show these giants what it means to mess with the people of Averaka! They say they appreciate strength?! We will show them strength! They have cut off your water, we will cut off their HEADS!"
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Leaning over the maps, Endrin carefully considers the land and force dispositions. "Councilors, I am not the most diplomatic nor the most eloquent of my companions, but I have served my time as foot soldier in Taldan's Phalanx. May I suggest that we consider some 'realignments' to the plan? Besides, I tire easily if I have to do too much of this."
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Lucifer approaches Councilor Suota Iron-Tongue and smiles up at her, "My companions know more about military strategies than I but I'm more curious about the ruins. Were they created by the Giants or perhaps Orcs. Or another race. I'm curious because I pride myself on the number of languages I know." He begins to count off the languages he knows on his hands, using the appropriate word from each language when counting.
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Miguel flies down to join Puurrupup and review Councillor Tusk-Breakers plans. He spends a few minutes examining the local geography oulined on the maps and starts making a number of small amendments. You need to reinforce here, here and here. Create a line of supply points along this ridge and deploy your light infantry through this valley. The low shrub will give them enough cover to avoid the notice of the giants. Giants fare poorly on these sorts of shingle slopes, deploy your archers and slingers there.
He pauses and looks up, Oh how I wish I could join you in the main assault. It shall truly be a glorious battle full of chances for valour, sacrifice and glory...
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The Councilors listen with great interest to all of your ideas and notions. Kalla is fully engaged with Puurrupup's rising bravado until being brought back to reality by Miguel's extensive list of battle details and Endrin's helpful display. Bravok is effectively swayed by Almaas, Tzleztor and Xilt's attention. Suota is intrigued by Lucifer's thoughtful query and vows to get back to him on that.
Daylight spills in through the main door as an elven woman slips into the building. Despite wearing loose garments better suited for desert travel, she seems unperturbed by the cold. A gleaming holy symbol of Irori hangs from her waist. “Ah, Dhiara,” declares Councilor Bravok. “We were not expecting you for several hours. How did you—“
“I ran,” the elf states matter-of-factly. “These islands have an austere beauty, but with giants on the move, there was no time for dawdling. Have I arrived in time to assist?”
“Of course,” Bravok replies. “Pathfinders, may I introduce Dhiara, paragon of Tar Kuata and most recently Scourge of Tanglebriar. She arrived unexpectedly with the intention of aiding our battle, and we are proud to have her.”
The elf momentarily scowls. “Titles encourage complacency by dwelling on the past, dear Bravok. We must prepare for the trials ahead.”
She smoothly settles in to the planning area and joins the conversations.
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Dhiara: Diplomacy, Knowledge [religion], Knowledge [geography]
Battle Plan: Knowledge [geography], Profession [soldier], Martial weapon attack (using base attack bonus plus the higher of
Intelligence or Wisdom modifiers)
Kalla Tusk-Breaker: Intimidate, Survival, Sense Motive
Bravok: Diplomacy, Perform [oratory], Knowledge [religion]
Suota Iron-Tongue: Knowledge [local], Knowledge [history], Linguistics
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Xilt and Tzleztor join the conversation with Suota Iron-Tongue. They begin a discussion involving both the Orc and Giant tongues searching for the possibility of an ancient precursor proto-language that the two might have shared. They then switch to the topic of local customs that are shared between the two races.
(Total Linguistics of 21)
(Total K-Local of 18)
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Puurrupup approaches Bravok.
"Councillor Bravok, what you've accomplished here is very impressive. I only heard of Averaka this recently, but Calisro spoke with such wonder and praise that I knew there must be a great diplomat there, and I can see that is you!"
"In this coming battle I know that your warriors will need your guidance, your inspiration. Armed with that they will have little need for underhanded tactics, for their bravery will surely see them through"
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Miguel takes a few minutes to chat some more with Councillor Kalla to make sure that she has grasped the key amendments he has suggested to their battle preparations.
Satisfied, he gives a short, clipped bow, clicking his heels together as he does so and then floats on over to Dhiara.
Greetings Lady, I had not thought to find someone from my own lands so very far from home in this bleak northern expanse. It is a pleasure to meet you. Your presence brings an unexpected flower of civilisation into a cold, hard land.
He continues to rain down flattery on her, there may also be a spontaneously produced poem celebrating her grace, poise and skill. It will be awful in every conceivable way but Miguel simply does not notice.
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Endrin stands back and appreciates the efforts of his companions. well it’ll be hard to top this lot old boy as the arcana arts are not needed today.
Hoping that his efforts are appreciated, Endrin begins to drill in his martial forms, focusing on precision and weaving his spellstrike hand strikes in a fluid motion around his scimitar lunges.
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The conversations continue. Suota spends considerable time with Xilt and Tzleztor, and seems quite fond of the fellow half-orcs studious demeanor. Lucifer finds it hard to crack into their connection, and fares no better with Kalla.
Almaas' initial foray with Dhiara seems to go nowhere as he is too focused on the matter at hand to discuss her travels, but with a shiver up his spine and a quick wink from Puurrupup, he persists, and she relents to entertain his harmless question.
"Through my travels, I have gathered a reliable family of allies throughout the known lands. They know my capabilities and of my desire to test myself against the evils of the world. One of those allies is here in this room. Therefore, so am I." She nods and smiles at Bravok.
Sir Miguel and Puurrupup ably finish up their attempts at flattery and Councilor Kalla steps forward as Endrin practices alone in the background. "Very well then. It seems we have surrounded ourselves with able and gracious warriors and wizards from the Grand Lodge and beyond. Now, let us prepare our forces for the fight. You have travelled far. I encourage you all to get some rest before we leave at dusk tonight."