|
The adventure will begin in the city of Korvosa in southeastern Varisia, a land just north of Nidal. There, you have been told to meet Venture-Captain Sir Canayven Heidmarch in a run-down shop in Thief Camp, an informal district just outside the city itself. You gather with your fellow adventurers, waiting for the Venture-Captain to arrive.
|
|
Igor arrives with his faithful travelling companion Tiny Pebble. The wizard and the earth elemental peruse the curios within the run-down shop. He takes the time to sell a scarf purchased from a previous adventure and uses the proceeds to buy a waterproof bag. He carefully places his spell book within the pristine bag and then secures the bundle in his backpack. With his purchase complete they wait patiently for the Venture-Captain to appear.
Tiny Pebble chats in Terran with his master. He informs Igor that he will inform him when the heavy-footed humanoid creatures are nearby.
|
There could be little more contrast between Igor and the woman who enters the room after him. A half-orc, tall even for her race, with bones woven into her full plate stands with her back towards a wall and leans a gigantic, shining hammer against the wall. She has a jovial smile on her face that does not match her intimidating appearance as she looks at the goods, but her razor-sharp teeth could probably turn that smile menacing in a moment.
"I am Elbesamiya dy Bulaka," she says tentatively, hoping that she is not interrupting something important, "though I prefer just 'Elby' unless we are trying to impress some nobles."
|
As if on cue, following Elbesamiya's comments on nobles, Zzorn rides into Thief Camp proudly atop an equally proud-looking male pegasus, puffing his chest and inhaling a deep breath, taking in all the glory and history of the place. Run-down is just another way to say 'rich in history', he reminded himself, petting his steed, which upon closer inspection appeared to have a broken left wing.
After dismounting, he turns to Igor and Elbesamiya, extending his hand to shake theirs and then proceeding to greet the other Pathfinders present at the designated waiting area.
"You must be the famous Igor Ivantoe and Elbesamiya dy Bulaka yes? I am pleased to finally meet you. Your reputations precede you and the tales do not paint the complete picture of your full stature Sir and Madame, if I may say so. Pathfinder Agents: well met. I am Visbaron Zzorn Eilif from Falling River in Taldor, and I've heard much about you all. It will be my honor to assist you in this mission," says the Ulfen man, just before seating himself with everyone. You can all tell he's straining to remain quiet, but that any invitation to speak more would probably open a floodgate...
|
A few seconds after Zzorn sits down, the door opens again and another half orc walks through. He ducks to not hit the doorframe with his bald, tattoo'd head. WIth one of his canines partially broken and a few scars on his face, he seems like the guy that got beaten every day as a child. Against a rock. A sharp one. Anyway ... he wears a a fur coat from what seems like a bear, and the bindings are covered with a fox pelt. Under that, a simple robe, with what seems like mithral shining from underneath the neck.
"Hello.", he nods at everyone in the room. "My name is Malik. You wait for Heidmarch here?", he quickly looks at everyone, but when asking the question, he locks eyes with Zzorn. "I saw you riding into town. I think there's something with your horse?"
|
A tiefling with fine reddish scales and two tiny horns protruding from his forehead swings the door open wide, making the little alert bell chime excitedly. An exotic longbow is slung over his back and a large curved sword swings at his hip. Puffing on a large cigar, He strides confidently through the shop to where the group gathers. He pulls the cigar out of his mouth with a long and thin prehensile tail to address those present.
Greetings, fellow Pathfinders. Name's Paxal.
He puts the cigar back into his mouth and takes a couple puffs.
Interesting. Sir Heidmarch sent my group on our last mission. It was a rescue mission. No fatalities.
He says, holding the cigar between his teeth and speaking out of the corner of his mouth.
Good to see a fine group of seasoned Pathfinders here.
He says with a devilish grin as he looks up and down at his new companions, impressed by what he sees.
I wonder where Sir Heidmarch will be sending us.
|
|
Zzorn nods and greets both Malik and Paxal. Answering Malik, he says, as he enters the store with the others, "Ah yes, this fine steed here is a noble pegasus, not a horse Master Rimeclan. Legend has it that it survived a battle of epic proportions ages ago, but it was heavily injured, and the warrior riding him did not have the heart to end its suffering on the battlefield with the other injured animals... a wizard present turned the dying creature to stone and weaved enchantments into it to let that warrior call it to life three times per week. Various arcanists in Taldor told me that there may be rites and magical processes in existence that may be able to repair that broken wing of his when it is animated thusly. For now though, I should let it rest; we have had a long journey."
With that, Zzorn utters what seems a nonsensical word, and the full-grown pegasus turns into a small, pocket-sized alabaster statue of a tiny pegasus... with a broken wing. He places the figurine gently in his backpack, almost with deference, and wraps it in soft cotton rags.
|
|
Igor normally ignores as much as is socially acceptable all the back and forth banter before the meetings smiling and nodding all the while. His attention is piqued not by the pegasus which in itself is not entirely unusual in these parts but in how a broken figurine of wondrous power could continue to function at all.
"That is a curious piece of magic if I do say so myself. Typically such creatures are healed when they are transmuted back into their statue form. Where exactly did you find it?"
|
A tall woman who is surprisingly light in her feet walks in the door.
Greetings, I am Notos Cyd. I look forward to adventuring with you all. I have been away from the Society for several years, so it will be interesting to get back into it.
You might notice that the lamps and candles act a little strangely as she walks by. The Flame Dancer Archetype gives her some interesting powers relating to fire.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"That is a curious piece of magic if I do say so myself. Typically such creatures are healed when they are transmuted back into their statue form. Where exactly did you find it?"
Zzorn interrupts his careful packing of the magic figurine of an alabaster pegasus with a golden bridle and pulls it back out for the wizard to see. "Mage Ivantoe, I recovered this rare piece of arcana in Andoran during a fact-finding mission. Over six centuries ago, the Even-Tongued Conquest- a war on two fronts that the empire could not handle - saw numerous failures for imperial Taldor, including the secession of Andoran. Countess Honaria Alcasti was among those that the Emperor punished for the war’s outcome. After the crown stripped the decorated veteran of her lands and titles, her cousin Jonorus settled in the upstart nation. Jonorus severed all ties to Taldor but kept a collection of Alcasti family heirlooms, including some of Honaria’s correspondences and her personal journal. Vereena, the last of the Andoren Alcasti line, curated an amateur museum of sorts in the family homestead. Unfortunately, a band of kobolds believing themselves to be Eagle Knights attacked the farm before we got there... although I was unable to have a firsthand account of the item's history by Lady Vereena, it is my belief at this time, based on the journals recovered, that this was Countess Honaria Alcasti's noble steed! after this adventure, may I impose on your precious time to have you study the item? I'd like to hear your theories on how to get the steed restored to its full glory. If time does not allow, perhaps you can instead provide a referral to some of your fellow arcane scholars and colleagues?"
================================
Zzorn nods at the new arrival. "Greetings to you as well, Notos Cyd! we will try to ease your return to employment and make this adventure as safe as we can for you. Stay behind me in battle: I will watch out for you, while you watch my broad, well-shouldered back! HAHAHAHAHAAHAH!!!"
|
|
Paxal cocks an eyebrow after Zzorn's description of his magical steed.
Really?
He says in a tone of disbelief.
That is incredible! A magic steed. And it fits in your pocket when not in use! Haha!
The history behind it is truly remarkable. You've got quite the special item there.
He gives Zzorn a wink of admiration.
|
|
As you are admiring the magical trinket, the Venture-Captain strides into the now cramped shop. With a silent nod to the proprietor, he leads you into a back room accessed by a locked door, to which he conveniently has a key.
“Thank you all for joining me on short notice, I'll cut right to the chase. The Blakroses are among the oldest and most influential families in Absalom,” Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch begins, wasting no time. “We’ve built a good relationship with them, but in doing so we’ve inherited a few of their enemies, namely a shadowy group of power-mongers who call themselves the Onyx Alliance. The Blakroses recently contacted the Society with intelligence about the Onyx Alliance’s movements, and it seems they’re set on breaking into a particularly ancient barrow mound in northern Nidal. Normally, we wouldn’t worry too much about amateur tomb robbers in such a dangerous area, but apparently they’re prepared to recover a potent relic from inside. They’ve some plot to use whatever this ancient talisman is against that Blakros family—and probably against us as well."
He laughs slightly. “It’s rare that we get a promising lead in Nidal, and the prospect of earning more good will with the Blakroses is even better. The barrows are thought to contain graves dating all the way back to the Age of Darkness, and the Society has very little information about the mysterious ‘horselord’ ancestors of the modern Nidalese people."
Raising an eyebrow, he smiles. “Luckily we have contacts within the Whispered Song, a group of Desna worshipers who work against the local government in Nidal. Agents of the Whispered Song have been tracking the Onyx Alliance, and believe these grave robbers are close to discovering the entrance of a tomb they call the Cairn of Shadows. If we move quickly, we should be able to get you into Nidal and in touch with the Whispered Song in time to catch up with the Onyx Alliance and prevent them from acquiring this relic. And if you can learn something about the ancient tribal people of Nidal in the process, so much the better.”
Canayven leans in, his expression becoming even more serious. “Nidal is a perilous destination and one where we’re not welcome. I don’t mind some subtle heroics, but I’d refrain from any particularly overt displays of gallantry if you want to come back alive. If you attract too much attention in Nidal, there’s no chance we’ll be able to help if you’re captured, or worse."
“I know a member of the Whispered Song who frequents the Broken Cup, a rather morose tavern in Nisroch. He should know how to lead you to where in the Onyx Alliance is searching for the Cairn of Shadows. He’s also prepared to help you avoid tangling with the local authorities. I can get you on a ship there in an hour, after which I leave you to meet with him with all haste. From there, I’m trusting your resourcefulness. Explore, report, cooperate, and secure whatever treasure the Onyx Alliance is after. The risk is significant, but so is the danger if the Onyx Alliance acquires what they’re looking for.”
"Now I did promise the owner we'd get out of here real quick but are there any questions I can answer before we scurry like rats?"
The Onyx Alliance retaliated during the Grand Convocation of the Pathfinder Society in 4712, but the Pathfinders were able to defeat the fetchlingled invasion. Ever since, the Onyx Alliance has licked its wounds, rebuilt its holdings, and sought a new advantage.
|
|
"Alas, dear Venture-Captain, I know nothing of Nidal and their people. Could you please provide details on their local language, customs and type of attire they favor? anything that would help us not stick out like sore thumbs would be much appreciated kind Sir," asks Zzorn. Taking pen and paper out, he jots down several notes when the Venture-Captain answers.
After the VC and his fellow Pathfinders have completed his description of the Nidalese folks, Zzorn then stands and addresses the gathering, "Now, the Blakros Family, however, I do know a few things about. A very wily family of smugglers who have taken relics and heirlooms up and down the coast from Taldor to Qadira. Marrying their daughters is one of their favorite pastimes, so they have stockpiled quite an array of noble titles throughout the centuries. They've had a lot of dealings with the Shadow Plane folks in the past as well, until it blew up in their face and the Society. That mess was resolved in 4712, but I hear they still have spies in the so called Shadow Absalom- which I'll henceforth call 'The Upside Down' in case anyone is clever enough to listen to us when we get to Nidal, by the way - and these Blakros 'shadow spies' planted throughout the Onyx Alliance is who they got their information from. Dear Venture-Captain, we're probably going to run the risk of fighting or injuring some of these shadow spies if we end up crossing swords with the Onyx Alliance. Are there any call signs or trinkets or secret hand signals which the Blakros relayed to the Society so that we can recognize these spies from the bad guys?"
|
|
"Just how gallant is too gallant,", Elby asks hopefully. "I may not look it, but I'm a fair hand at taking people alive. I don't exactly want to leave a trail of bodies, but is it okay to knock a bunch of people down as long as they get back up?"
She ponders a moment. "Oh, and any intelligence you have on the Onyx Alliance would be helpful, of course."
|
|
Igor nods at Zzorn's summary as he is somewhat familiar with the Blakros family and has visited their fantastic museum. The wizard's earlier studies also included ancient history so he briefly describes what he has learned.
"The horselord tribes many of which have worshipped the Midnight Lord have buried their dead in the Barrowmoor. Exploring these ruins are forbidden and clearly they are trapped and cursed as well. They even say that the rooms shift. How interesting."
The wizard answers the Paladin's question.
"The entire nation is under the control of the Midnight Lord and his undead minions for the most part. I would consider any heroics not involving our immediate mission and this party to be an extremely dangerous idea."
"Do you have anything to add to that Venture-Captain Canayven?"
|
|
The Upside Down. That is clever.
Paxal nods to Zzorn.
-------------------
"That sure is a lot of knowledge to take in. At least these guys know their history."
He thinks to himself after hearing the others relay the history they know.
The Shadow Realm. Ancient tombs with undead and shifting rooms?
Lovely.
He adds sarcastically.
I may need to stock up on some adventuring gear for this excursion.
|
|
@GM Do we have time to shop a little on our way to the ship? I would like to pick up some first level scrolls, and some Holy Water if I can. Also, I changed my Icon away from the one currently on the Map presentation.
Do we think these Onyx Alliance agents have made "arrangements" with the local government officials? Particularly to deal with meddlesome outsiders, like us?
|
|
"Well, Zzorn, you are in for a treat then. Nidal is a land chained in shadow. They bound themselves in fealty to Zon-Kuthon, and they have lived with the consequences ever since. Attire is drab and muted, strictly functional except for nobles in their court, who tend to push the boundaries of decadence and propriety. Common and Varisian are spoken. Although Shadowtongue is prevalent among a healthy portion of the population who deal with creatures of the sort."
The Venture-Captain considers the paladin's query. “Intelligence on the Onyx? Well, the Blakros family used to have an alliance with the Onyx Alliance, which was terminated under circumstances not so favorable to the Alliance. Oh - and the Pathfinder Society assisted the Blakros family in that matter, earning the Onyx Alliance’s enmity. As to whether they are fully engaged with the local government, I have no proof but it would not surprise me.”
To Igor's statement, Canayven tries and fails to stifle an incredulous laugh. "Aye, if you attract attention in Nisroch? Normally, I'd say let cooler heads prevail and try to uphold the dignity and reputation of the Society... but there... I would recommend running and hiding. Get out of the city quickly! You don’t want to call what passes for law in the place down on your heads.”
He pulls a out a slip of paper. "If there are no more questions, here are the details of the ship I have requested and it will leave from Dock 94 in the morning. Remember - when you get to Nisroch, find my contact first. His name is Golbrier Frosh. He's a bit of a skittish sort of man, but given that he works for Desna in the joy-hating nation of Nidal, his true bravery cannot be questioned.”
-----------------------------------
The boat is a non-descript merchant ship and leaves early the next day. The voyage to Nisroch proves fortuitously uneventful, and the ship docks in the evening at the Portside district of the city after the captain pays a considerable harbor fee. The city is a dreary place constructed of wood and slate, and one of the region’s common downpours makes it feel even more oppressive.
|
|
Igor will purchase from his existing funds the following:
Spring Loaded Wrist Sheath - 5 gold piece
Scarf (drab) - 1 silver piece
If we are tracking food he will eat well in the morning and pack up a dogie bag to last him the next couple of days from the ship's stores.
Igor's appearance is already nondescript with his well used but meticulously clean artisan outfit combined with his mild and unassuming mannerisms.
|
|
Hide our wayfinders?
He asks Notos as he watches her place hers away in her pack.
Ah. Good idea.
Paxal tucks his wayfinder on the twine around his neck underneath his shirt.
------------------------------
Paxal looks around at the dreary city of Nisroch.
Sure isn't anything like Absalom.
He says quietly.
I suppose we should find this Mister Frosh...
He says as he pulls the hood of his cloak up over his head.
...and get outta this rain.
He spits the soggy stump of his cigar out of his mouth.
|
|
Igor nods to Paxal disliking the rain intensely. However unlike his waterlogged companion the drops of rain that do fall on the wizard are deflected away or are almost instantly dried up as if by magic (Prestidigitation). Despite this fact all of the wizard's delicate scrolls are packed away in his waterproof bag which is closed tightly in his leather backpack.
"I agree. Such inclement weather is unpleasant not to mention that we have a job to do so we might as well get started."
Igor double checks his pristine dagger which he uses merely as a light source and to open mail but never in combat. He then points to the earth elemental at his side.
"This is Tiny Pebble. As good as any in a tight spot and the friendliest elemental I have ever encountered."
The elemental seems to enjoy the rhythm of the falling rain as it bounces off of his stony exterior. The pile of rocks cracks a wide smile at the group and he begins to speak in a fashion.
|
|
I don't know what your little friend is saying, Igor, but he does seem friendly.
Paxal leans down and gives the elemental a friendly grin.
Greetings, little one. It's always good to have another friend along.
He says with a wink.
Paxal turns to the group.
Shall we find a tavern with a warm hearth in this dreary town? I'm unsure of how to find this contact. Would it be wise to ask where the temple of Desna is? I'm concerned that a bunch of strangers like us might draw unwanted attention if we go asking about.
|
|
Before hopping on the boat, Zzorn takes the Venture-Captain aside and hands him a bag of gold, "As promised kind Sir. Thank you for arranging the delivery! this might come in handy on the way out of Nidal if we are successful at finding the relic..."
During the sea voyage, he offers any Pathfinder to place their Wayfinder in his newly purchased Pathfinder Pouch, "Come now, Paxal! you have to try it. This magic pouch has arrived straight from Absalom via the good Venture-Captain. If your Wayfinder disappears or is destroyed, well, that would grant you an immediate audience with the Master of Spells, as these things are guaranteed to work! a cheap price of admission if you come to think of it! now, I'm sure its certificate of authenticity is in there somewhere..."
================================
Zorn snacks on nuts, berries, oranges and bananas in the morning. Later on, he does a few hours of calisthenics, his muscles swelling and glittering in sweat from the exertion. Bare chested under the sun, he talks to every sailor, asking about their story and where they're from, and seems to go out of his way to eat way to eat way too much bread at regular intervals during the day. He also has several pints of water during his exercises, and he tops the afternoon with a supper of vegetables, fish and other seafood, washing it down with some Fort Indros Ale.
===============================
Approaching Nidal he sees the weather change and decides to put his clothes on again, donning his armor before the boat reaches the dock.
"That was a nice, peaceful boat ride now was it? very refreshing! So the Venture-Captain said 'drab and muted, strictly functional' yes? let's see what I can do here..." says Zzorn, twisting his ring three turns and uttering a few command words, his appearance changes to that of average-looking dock worker from Nisroch. "I'll be your porter today, dear nobles and rich travelers! may I suggest you also change your appearances within the limits of your capacity? if disguise and trickery isn't your forte, perhaps we can start with a brief visit to a general store to buy each of you some local plain clothes before we head to the Broken Cup tavern to meet Golbrier?"
After the ship is tied up, Zzorn follows the rest of the Pathfinders out of his cabin in his disguised appearance, crossing the gangplank and appearing to be carrying luggage in each hands - in reality, his buckler and falcion concealed by a clever illusion...
|
|
I'd feel better if I kept my wayfinder on my person. Thank you for the offer, Zzorn
He tells Zzorn as he waves his hand in refusal.
Never know when I'll need it to use its magic within. Instead of light, this here wayfinder has mage hand. Useful if I'm ever disarmed.
------------------------------
I think I should be alright blending in with this plain brown cloak.
He rubs the fabric of his cloak of resistance.
|
|
Paxal, we were told to meet at a tavern named the Broken Cup and speaking names like the D one you just mentioned may attract attention.
Notos is probably enjoying the rainstorm.
Rain and storms have their own beauty, just different from the sunny days most people profess to enjoy.
Assuming her shopping was successful, she would have passed a scroll of Obscuring Mist to Igor. And be wearing the non-descript Artisan's outfit, definitely flying below the radar (whatever that is)
If it would help Igor locate the tavern, Notos is +9 Knowledge (local) and so would auto-assist on a check.
|
|
"Notos is right: good thing we were still on the boat at the time, but now that we've stepped out into Nisroch proper, let's avoid that D word yes? or anything about religion really... feel free to call me Ggorn by the way... it will help me stay in character and will avoid countless explanations if somehow someone recognizes my real name here..."
|
|
Even in the increasing rain, the group can easily find their way to the Broken Cup, a tavern in the Southbank district that caters to common folk.
There is nothing bright or cheerful about the Broken Cup. The walls are worn gray and the furniture drab brown. There are few lights, the brightest sitting by the stairs that presumable lead to rooms upstairs. There is no boisterous singing, no contagious laughter, and no real sign that the tavern even welcomes new customers. Those who linger here mostly mind their food and themselves, going out of their ways not to make eye contact. The only excitement at the moment is a mysterious woman celebrating with herself at the bar and those nearby strangers who reluctantly listen.
|
|
Paxal's lip curls upward in a devilish grin when he sees the attractive woman celebrating by herself.
"Niiiice."
I'm going to check out what's going on over there.
He whispers to his companions.
He casually walks up to the bar close --but not too close-- to the woman. He sticks up a finger to get the barkeep's attention and quietly orders a drink.
One ale. And a shot of Fireball, if you got it, on the side.
He turns a pointy ear towards the woman to listen.
|
|
Zzo.. Ggorn shakes his head upon seeing Paxal immediately bolt for the bar. Biting his lower lip, he does not break out of his porter role and remains on the tavern's porch outside, merely inquiring to the Pathfinders in front of him, "Shall I bring your luggage upstairs, ladies and gentlemen?"
Zzorn mentally activates his subtle mask while waiting for the answer from his 'lords and ladies' scanning the thoughts of all patrons at the tavern and scanning through the wooden walls beyond to hone in on the thoughts of Golbrier.
|
|
Ggorn, we may tarry here for a moment before we arrange for our rooms.
I would like to see if there is a table available where we might sit and subtly listen to the woman at the bar. I would like to know if she is bragging about something, and if she is, does it indicate she thinks she will soon have more to brag about? I will make a separate check to Sense Motive the crowd if necessary, but are they at all supportive of her, or just here because they have to be?
If asked by a server:
Ale please, and what food is available tonight?
|
|
Elby does not do subtle very well, but drab she can at least manage. She dons a greyish-brown greatcoat that conceals her armor and makes her look like another half-orc tough. The hammer is a bit more of an issue - even if she wanted to make it look worn, it wouldn't work - but a spattering of mud from the docks hopefully makes it look like a poor-quality weapon at first glance.
|
|
Igor scans the room looking for anything of interest.
(His take 10 on Perception is 32)
He is not at all hungry having eaten his full on the ship before leaving. He approaches Notos. He keeps his voice very low and his tone is mild.
"There will be time to rest latter but perhaps not here."
@Zzorn - Using magic is noticeable and anything requiring a save will be considered offensive. I urge you to reconsider this action and not draw any attention to yourself or the party with your theatrics.
|
|
Malik's clothes are nothing fancy to begin with, and his appearance is not one of a noble line. He will purchase some clothing more fitting of a local plebean, and add some some manacles to flesh out the look. Once he is done with shopping he comes to the ship and meets up with the party.
"Right. Who will be my master for the next few days? I have some experience with being locked up. I'll play my part.
The local weather is not an issue for the Malik. As a matter of fact, it seems the half orc enjoys the drops of rain on his shaven head. As he moves with the pathfinder, the chains from his half-closed manacles keep ringing as he slowly moves onward, feinting an injured leg.
When the pathfinders apprach the Broken Cup, he moves closer to the group, and humbly speaks to them: "Master, will you require my help inside or should I wait in the stables to be summoned?"
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Moving closer to the conversation, you clearly hear the woman boast "...and then he just slumped like a sack of potatoes and the old boy Golbrier was mine. At least until the morning when I turn him over for my bounty." She laughs heartily and takes a swig but the others around her merely smile politely. She grimaces.
|
|
|
|
The rest of the group finds a table close enough to overhear any conversations at the bar. The woman in question notices your arrival then twinges, as if she is fighting off a sudden headache.
|
|
Zzo.. Ggorn shuts down his subdermal magic mask with the flicker of a thought, suddenly worried. He joins his 'employers', luggage in hand. Making his way there, he eyes the crowd to see if someone is openly gagged here.
When he gets near his 'employers' table, he inquires with a soft voice, "Do you wish for your luggage to be brought to your room, ladies and gentlemen?" and as befitting a day laborer, he sits at a different table next to them. As he sits, he leans over towards Igor and whispers to him, "Someone is gagged in this building, probably upstairs, and is having a hard time breathing..."
|
|
Igor nods to Zzorn suitably impressed with the latest discovery. He whispers back to him and relays what he knows to Notos.
"Very nice information there. We should head up as soon as we can."
Speaking to Notos also very quietly.
"Speak to the woman celebrating. See what you can find out and then we can head upstairs."
@GM Erich - Is the exterior of the building made out of stone, brick or wood? I am just asking in reference to my familiar and his earth glide ability.