A sailboat takes you across the Iseld RIver in Chileax, and you quickly join a caravan after reaching the Conerica Straits, After a bumpy, wet ride you finally arrive in the Isger capital, Elidir. Traders and merchants move around the town, bartering for fur and other goods. Directions lead you to the White Stag Inn.
|
You see a giant orc meander into the building. She has an awkward time fitting through the door and precariously tries to sit down at the nearest table. After ordering a drink she takes a long sip and says,"Well. Looks like I'm the first here. Shouldn't be too hard for people find me. I stick out like a sore thumb."
|
Nuvian Von Stien walks into the door with his pet bat sitting on his shoulder.
He leans his Trident against the wall, and scans to clientele.
Nuvian notices an Orc who appears to be a fellow pathfinder. Orcs are not exactly his favorite species on Golarion, but he will try to be amiable nonetheless.
Nuvian walks over to Lynn and clears his throat and flashes her a nervous half smile.
Greetings Pathfinder, for most call me Nuvian, and my associate is called Umber.
Nuvian offers Umber a small piece of dried apple.
For I am a student of Life, but more to the point I'm highly educated in many matters. I'm also handy with a Trident for those times when talk is least important.
Are you also a student of life giant orc? Or are you perhaps hobgoblin?
|
|
" I'm an orc. Well part orc, part demon. I come from a long line of demon hunters. Heard about what the society has done in the past and well I decided to join," she says while showing her webbed hands.
" I'm pretty well rounded though it depends more on what they want. Can't be haunted in an orderly manner now can we. All of you just have to talk at once," she says while weirdly looking at the ceiling in an annoyed manner.
Upon seeing the bat she just stares very intently and after a while she smiles and adds," So cute... I promise to protect you
|
A swarthy looking half-orc makes his way into the White Stag Inn. Leathers with metal bits run across his body and a rapier hangs sheathed at one side while large dark red war drum hangs from the other. War paint covers his whole face, a bone white background on which pitch black lines seem to spring forward. With a bit of focusing and from the correct angle, one can almost make out tall trees rising from the lakes of his eyes and casting their shadows down the rest of his face.
Ra'Sta makes his way to the table where the orc and other humanoids await. "Greetings friends! They call me Ra'Sta Fa'rian and you may as well. I'm looking forward to marching with the lot of you."
As Lynn expected, it isn't too long before other patrons begin to keep their distance from you. Whether out of fear, prejudice or awe, it doesn't take long for the Pathfinders to find their own space. A human woman with an intricate braid and a well-worn outfit waves you over.
“Ah, good. You made it. I’m Karla Wesver. Welcome to Elidir, and welcome to the White Stag. It used to be that we Pathfinders had a bit of a strained relationship with the Chelaxian government. It still isn’t all sunshine and roses, but with the opportunity before us, we can now move about in public without fear of conflict or reprisal.
“A quick geopolitical lesson: Isger is still a vassal state of Cheliax. The Chelaxians have bled Isger dry for years, but the increased demand for goods like Chelaxian brandy and other luxury items in Molthune and beyond has resulted in Cheliax finally getting off its ass and investing some resources in Isger. Normally these goods go through Druma to reach Molthune, but Druma has been raising import taxes. Cheliax issued an open bounty to explorers the world over: establish a new trail through the Menador Mountains between Isger and Molthune, suitable for pack animals to traverse. So, this presents a rather rare opportunity for us to find a way through the Menador Mountains into Molthune. Calisro Benarry, leader of the Horizon Hunters faction, has a special interest in this bounty. She is hoping you will take to this challenge with gusto. She sent a package ahead for you.”
Karla pats a large brown paper package, the size of a basket. She then hands you a letter.
Now go out there and make us Horizon Hunters proud. And jealous!
“All good then? I’ve arranged for a river barge to take you out to the Menador Mountains and packed some provisions for the journey. Not all of the food you’ll need for the journey, mind—carrying all of that would be too heavy, and likely to attract unwanted attention from the wildlife. You’ll want to forage along the way, if you can. My friend Jasikah Marten will be waiting for you in Canorate. She will help you file your paperwork with the Chelaxian officials, and she’ll also have a warm and comfy bed ready for you.”
|
|
Nuvian takes in all of the information and weighs it carefully.
Hmm. Is there a particular way we must document a path through the mountains?
Mountains...how are we on climbing gear pathfinders? Finding a good path for pack animals may require us to move through some difficult terrain in the process.
"Snow. Cold. Wind. Lots of it. You should at least get some cold weather gear before you leave town, or you'll freeze to death out there." Karla takes another drink. "Camping gear, climbing gear and a good eye for food will help."
"No particular notes are needed, just remember a caravan needs to be able to travel through. Keep an eye for paths to clear, safe resting areas, and wandering marauders."
"When all else fails, that bottle of Ulgur Gin is flammable and packs a real punch. But it's only 1 bottle, so be careful." Her eyes scan across the room as she pushes away jealous looks from the bar patrons.
You may know about the Menador Mountains.
You may also know about the rigors of surviving the wilderness.
|
|
"So something to keep warm, something for climbing, and something for camping. Sounds like quite the march indeed. I'll go procure some. Anyone care to join me?" Ra'Sta responds. He makes his way to the door of the inn, stopping to see who joins him before heading for the nearest market.
The Menador Mountains are home to orcs of the Shattered Fang tribe.
Avalanches and cold weather hazards are common, and most routes are effectively one way.
The Menador Mountains are home to orcs of the Shattered Fang tribe.
The Menador Mountains carry snow at their peaks year‑round, but at lower altitudes partially melted snow can become unstable, posing an avalanche risk.
"Sounds like you have a plan. May the gods keep you warm." She takes a long sip from her mug and relaxes as the liquid warms her up. "That's good stuff. Barkeep, another one."
Karla Wesver wishes you all good luck and you make your way out of town. A chilly breeze blows past as the town shrinks upon the horizon. The bright sun does little to alleviate the cold climate.
You make your way through the mountains. It’s quiet besides the sounds of birds chirping. You catch the sight of a wolf, guarding several rabbits. It bares its teeth at you, but it quickly runs away with its food. You hear the sounds of howling in the distance.
Three days pass without any trouble. At dusk you begin to see the red glow of fire and smoke from a campsite. You can tell three men and two women are setting up camp and preparing food. Their gear is appropriate for the cold weather, but it’s relatively new.
The humans look amongst themselves, then back to you. Their poses soften, and they breathe a sigh of relief. ”Alright, alright, let’s introduce ourselves, shall we? I’m Jasper Caperinas. These two gentlemen are Amyas Charthagnion and Dacian Julistarc. And I am honored to be in the presence of two wonderful women: Sarevi Tilernos and Leonie Ciucci.” He bows mockingly at his four allies. Some smile while others roll their eyes.
”Bounties?” Jasper gawks at you all before composing himself. One of the women in her back scoffs. "Oh no, not us. We're just hiking out here. Uh... I'll bring you over to Amyas, he set this whole trip up."
Amyas straightens out his red hair as you approach. A hand emerges from his scarlet-dyed sleeve. Armyas Charthagnion, at your service. I’m the leader of this group. I’m an expert at the outdoors. Hiking, tenting, hunting- I’ve done it all. I know how my friends think, how prey think, and I solve problems. Go ahead- ask me anything!”
|
Tonraq puts his hand on his chest. "Well met. I am Tonraq, this is Oogi. We are seeking a path through the mountains as well, representing the Pathfinder Society."
He looks over the Chelaxians' gear. "New equipment. Very nice. Looks like lots of climbing gear. How will you manage the snows as they fall below the tree line? Climate makes this place prone to avalanches. You also have a lot of cured meat. Common lure for predators, especially wolves. Do you hunt the wolves here at your camp? Is that why you have all this bait laid around your tents? Very bold strategy."
"Lures... er... yes. Lures. Cured meat." Aymas coughs. "We were hoping to protect. The er, people." His confidence turns briefly to worry but back bravado rises again. "Maybe we don't need to bait too much, though. Er, Jasper. Entertain our guests for a bit. I'll get Leonie out of her tent- whenever she's upset she retreats there like it's a pillow fort."
Aymas nudges Jasper forward, who is all too eager to speak to Tonraq. ”Are… all of you Pathfinders? My uncle, he told me about some of your exploits. Imagine my surprise when Pathfinders came to my family estate to protect them from fiends. I’m already preparing myself for similar situations, but I could always use a few pointers.” He smiles a smile clearly practiced in front of a mirror before turning to his backpack and pulling out a journal.
”I’m quite the accomplished swimmer, see?” He flips to a journal entry of his victory in an Absalom swimming contest, along with a rubbing of some kind of medal. ”Also, I’ve read several books on identifying footprints. I’ve put checkmarks next to all of the creatures I’ve found- it’s wonderful!”
|
|
Tonraq smiles warmly. "This looks good, you are well read Jasper. You'll need more than just footprints out here, though. Take this gray wolf. The track shows it's around, but if you see a track you should look for scat. You can track the wolf's movement, scope out its territory, find out whether it's eaten recently, and what. If the droppings are runny, watch out for poison plants. If the droppings are small and hard, walk against the tracks — that means it's hungry."
|
|
Lynn's eyes just start growing bigger and bigger at Jasper's words. "Seriously, are you confident you'll be safe in this area. Im not going to lie I have no clue about wilderness survival but I do know about getting in over your head. As my mother always said you got to work your way from a quasit before you can fight a pit fiend.," she says with a bit of a confused and concerned tone in her voice.
After sitting there contemplating her words for a second she adds,"Not sure which end of the fiend spectrum this area represents. Im hoping not pit fiend."
"Huh, more than wolves than prints... Like the cured meat you mentioned, right?" Jasper takes a closer look at the prints. "Maybe we're in pretty deep. It won't be the first time Pathfinders saved me." He scratches his head.
"Our families bicker a lot, but we've been always been close friends. What better way to get away from our family fighting and bond than a trip through the mountains? At least that was Aymas's original idea."
"Well, I know Aymas is having second thoughts about making the trip. Maybe Sarevi, Dacian or Leonie would change their mind?"
”The Julistarc never miss their Mark!” This human stands up straight and approaches Tonraw, trying to tower over him but failing. ”I win every archery contest we’ve started in with Aymas, I’ve shot things further away than he could see.” He pulls out his longbow. ”My mother helped me make this- she participated in a few battles herself, for the honor of our house. What have you done to defend yours?” Dacian grins.
Tonraq continues his explanation. Wolves don't just stand at 100 paces waiting to get shot. They hide, they distract. They gang up. With each sentence Dacian shrinks, and shrinks and shrinks. He mumbles. "You think so? I thought I could just shoot the predators if they got close, but... hmm." He spins around towards the blazing campfire. "Hey Aymas!"
The Chileaxian nobles look to each other. Look at the fire, look at you, and look at the mountain sky. The wind howls in the distance.
”You know, everyone.” Aymas looks to his friends. ”These Pathfinders have brought me valuable insight. We may need to return home to further prepare ourselves for this journey- clearly we need more practice!” He declares.
Jasper approaches and hands you his handbook about the trails used here. You are able to learn more about the lay of the land, and you even notice a possibly sustainable route.
Dacian shrugs. ”Well, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the night here, eh? Campfire’s warm, plenty of game to catch, and enough food to last for the night. Let’s enjoy ourselves, eh?” The Chilexians cheer and invite you to party the night away (or at least set up camp.)
|
|
"It takes strength to accept your weaknesses young nobles. This can be a lesson well learned for you all." says Ra'Sta
He makes his way over to Tonraq with a wide smile on his face. "You are an excellent practitioner of your craft friend. I'm glad to have you with us. What would be your advice on handling the orc tribe up in the mountains?"
|
|
”The wilds are proud and mighty. Better to respect them than to try and rule them. You are wise for your decision. Thank you for these notes. Travel safe, young pups.”
The Erutaki scrunches up his face in response to Ra’Sta’s question. ”You are kind. I’m not sure how to handle any orcs, though. I’m a dog person...or more a bear person...than a people person. I know how to listen to nature, not so much the folks who live off nature. We’ll cross that river if we come to it, I suppose.”
|
|
"That's obviously why I came. Can't really handle snow or the mountains but orcs. Orcs I can handle. Im sure we can figure out how to parley with them," Lynn says kind of smugly.
After a while Lynn sheepishly looks at Tonraq and asks him,"Can you help me with my tend. I'm still not sure which poles go where."
The sun rises, camp is broken up and you enjoy a quick breakfast. As you pack up, Jasper waves to you. ”It was an honor to meet you Pathfinders, in the flesh. I’ll have another harrowing tale to tell when I get back home. Good bye!”
The nobles begin to turn back towards Isger, and soon it is just you again.