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A young, thin, yet fit looking half-elf sits cross legged on a patch of grass in the garden. He has wild brown wavy hair that covers his pointed ears, and a close kept beard and mustache. His face shows a weariness beyond his years. He wears weather beaten and rough-spun clothes that cover light armor beneath it and carries a light shield emblazoned with a long sword; which stands out due to it's fine polish, compared to more natural look of the rest of his attire. He wears a long sword and dagger at his hip, which he has neatly tucked behind himself as he sits on the ground.
Assuming tea is brought to the group, the young half elf accepts it graciously. Thank you.
Hello, I'm Carrick, a follower of the Inheritor. I'm glad to meet you all. Venture Captain Li, thank you for this opportunity. As you may remember I had a chance to join one of your missions in the jungles of Dtang Ma, a few year back. I was anxious to explore more of your beautiful land. But I felt duty bound to join the campaign to the Solstice Scar, so I returned to the Inner Sea. So needless to say I long to return to Tian Xia.
He takes a sip of tea. The tale you tell is intriguing indeed. I've encountered hauntings before and they nearly all result from some terrible tragedy. My feeling is there is an equally sad tale at play here. Often undoing some wrong or finishing some undone action puts the restless spirits to eternal sleep. So we shall see.
He looks up at the others with a warm smile, eager to hear there stories.
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"Darren Lars," came a suitably gravel-filled voice from the robust, scarred man sitting by the door.. "And like Carrick, I also met you in Tian Xia. Goka, to be exact. Been a while."
Darren is a large, tanned man in shining armor. Scars lined his skin where you could see, worn with pride and accentuated with tattoos. Across his lap was an impeccably made Earthbreaker, the only imperfections being stains from repeated use and late cleanings. One of his hands held the hammer's haft while his other two shined the head to the point where light shined off of it.
Sure enough, as you look twice, you notice that the man had two right arms. One at the shoulder like a normal person, one one about six inches below that one. It didn't seem to bother him, and he didn't seem bothered by anyone staring.
"Manifestations. Hauntings," Darren repeated with a scowl. "What do the locals say about what's going on in the house? Legends, or things seen from a distance."
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Amara Li beckons towards Pathfinders as they communicate.
She them politely answeres.
Haunting and manifestations, right. The noblewoman who lived in Hinojai prior to its haunting has been linked to an organization called the Way of the Kirin, which the Pathfinder Society also has an interest in.
I am grateful for your previous work, Carrik. It may become handy to anyone of you know some local traditions, cultural nuances or at least lnaguage.
Amara Li then gazes at 2 oter pathfinders expecting their introduction and possible questions.
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Garduk wanders up to join the group, late as usual. The scrawny half-orc wears traveling clothes that fit him poorly. He wears no armor, but carries a haversack slung over one shoulder. A billy club, dagger, several pouches, and a couple of wands dangle from a thick leather belt wrapped twice around his thin frame. A crossbow hangs beneath his cloak; it is weathered and looks poorly maintained, but doesn't seem to have gotten much actual use. A slim book with a lurid red cover sticks out of one pocket.
His face is disfigured, with thick scars running from his ears to the corners of his mouth that twist his expression into a grimace even when he attempts to smile.
He does not attempt to smile now.
"I am Garduk the... well, just Garduk," he growls by way of introduction to the other Pathfinders. "Student of the outer planes and the arcane." He pauses a moment, then adds. "Mostly self-taught." His accent is an odd mix of flavors, mostly northern, but with a touch of something aggressively inhuman.
He bows to the venture captain and growls a few words in Tien before taking a seat.
"你好，老板。 很高兴见到你。 我期待着了解我的下一份工作。"
I hope this isn't going to be as terrifying as my last mission. Garduk accepts tea with a grunt and scowls into the cup as he listens to the venture officer's briefing. Haunts and ghosts? That sounds simple enough. There must be a catch.
As Li nears the end of her remarks, the half-orc jerks in his seat, spilling tea on his leg.
"Finally, remember your mission is to discover what happened at Hinojai, not burn it to the ground."
"Ma'am, I explained that months ago in my report to Lady Heidmarch. The damage to that old mansion was unavoidable... Oh. Hrmm. You just meant that as a general warning to the group? Never mind. Sorry for the interruption."
The half-orc sits in embarrassed silence for a few more minutes, listening to the others' introductions and questions, before breaking in again.
"So why send us halfway around the world to investigate a haunted house? Don't get me wrong, I like to travel - all those weeks on a ship gives me lots of time to read - and I enjoy seeing new places, but there are plenty of haunted houses around the Inner Sea. What is the Society's interest in Hinojai? Is there anyone there who we should meet before going into the haunted house? Is there anything else we need to worry about, besides not burning things down, not upsetting the locals, and not getting our souls eaten by whatever is haunting the house? And what can you tell us about the Way of the Kirin?"
I'd better take some notes on her answers. Garduk whips an ink-stained, acid-burned notebook and pen out of his haversack. Assuming she has any.
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Amara Li takes time and does not hurry, instead her servants help you with table and bring spicy tea to te fresh air.
Captain Li answers to Garduk
... following with some more information later.
I have heard about incident in Magnimar. I hope lady Heidmarch and her lodge is fine now? As for Way of Kirin - it is enigmatic but potentially powerful organisation in the ex Dragon Empire region. We need allies there. And this Hinojai estate connected with Way of Kirin. We need to grow our reputation and awarness. Also you may find some artifacts in there. Or clues. , - Amara Li makes a pause giving Garduk oportunity to write and take a sip of tea herself
You may communicate with citisens, maybe gathering some rumors, but in general I do not see a reason of gathering info in the town. Although you are experienced agents and I have faith in your wisdom.
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Unveiling his deep cloak, Dhastrach reveals his charcoal black skin. Furthermore to deviate himself from the dwarven norm, he lacks all hair. No beard, no brows, no hair. He moves about with a stern, almost stone-like facial expression. His armor of choice, a typical full plate armor accompanied with a buckler, is almost always donned, keeping his other scars hidden from view.
His face, as previously described, is entirely black as night. On closer inspection one might see deep scarring on his skin, as if he had had his entire skin burned to crisp. How he still walks on this land borderlines a miracle.
"Greetings to all fellow agents," Dhastrach declares in a nonchalant yet not uncaring tone, his voice excessively deep and raspy, "I go by the name of Dhastrach Orisialis. You may have heard of my name in some opus' I've procured on my voyages, such as Taldor — A Hideous Affliction — The Story of Decadence and Genetic Degeneration and Your Little Stronghold — 101 Common Errors in Designing. No? Regardless, I hope we will have a fruitful journey together." He doesn't even break a smile, keeping his frozen frown.
"Tian Xia," he mutters with his deep, raspy voice, "home to those whose native language I have yet to study with my long years. I do inquire you, Garduk, to teach me once we are not obliged by our society's missives."
"You are on the right track there, Carrick. Most hauntings are manifestations of perpetual, strong emotions left behind by those have died in dramatic circumstances. There are methods of purposefully establishing hauntings to turn away unwanted eyes from the site. Perhaps it is merely guarding some object of power. But all this is mere speculation, hopefully illuminated by local knowledge once we arrive."
"But I am getting ahead of myself. I have a humble servant of Nethys, the uncaring. In my case, though, I am to believe there has been put some effort in my wellbeing by my patron. Reasons are left in the shadow, and I am to forever search my reason to exist. Joining the society to travel and seek more knowledge of magic and all things wondrous seemed to be in favor of my deity. I am well suited to provide healing and protection. Dying isn't pleasant and tends to hurt a lot, and I don't necessarily wish it upon anyone else."
Dhastrach gracefully declines the offer to have some tea. He likes his drinks cold.
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Amara Li tries to remember someting after Dhastrach's speech, waves with a fan few ties to adjust her hair then say thoughtfully
- I opened this book twice due to my interest to empires life cycle. As for the Hinojai - your travel is long, but thats part of Pathfinders routine - and an opportunity to contemplate, think or researh. I wish you wisdom and comfortable ship, the White Petal will expect you tomorrow morning on usual pier.
Amara Li bows you after standing and departs.
You may prepare to journey. You ship is quick and comfortable, but anyway it will take a few weeks to get to Hinojai. Waht will you do abroad?
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Dhastrach doesn't mind long voyages by sea, and will gladly stay secluded during the entire trip. He doesn't object to intermittent queries, and has a tendency to offer to advice and wise words to those who seek them. But he is all about knowledge, so exchanging tidbits of history, arcana, or pretty much anything gather his attention.
While on the ship, Dhastrach contemplates a platinum ring in his hands. "To one whose life is most deserving of protection," he mumbles to himself, but loud enough for other Pathfinders to hear, "I offer this ring for the duration of our mission. With this I can provide ample abjuration magic to protect from injury."
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Carrick doesn't spend much time doing any one thing aboard the ship. He's active finding as many different things to try as possible. Learning some navigation and knot tying from the crew. Taking turns cleaning the ship, turns out he really enjoys swabbing the deck. he spends time practicing his material skills, studying maps of Tian Xia, reading the 11 Acts of Iomedae and praying, bothering Garduk for Tian language lessons, he even helps the cook fix a meal or too. Somehow he always seems helpful and never underfoot.
One night at dinner, the subject of the Silver Crusade comes up and Carrick has a chances to tell a bit of his story.
Well I was raised in Absalom by two devout followers of Iomedae. Father was a cleric for the Inheritor. So I was raised in the church. I grew up hanging around the Seventh Church. Like some little urchin, I always seemed to get into trouble. Mischief you know, nothing to bad, I was always curious and liked to try new things and that seemed to lead to trouble. My father would always say, "instead of making me lose more of my hair why not study the 11 acts" by that time he was mostly bald anyway. Back then I couldn't stand to read that holy book. He says with a laugh.
So when I was 12, they let me join the Tempering Hall. I think they hoped I would develop some discipline. He grins.
I still found my share of trouble, but I did show promise, so when I turned 15, I was squired to another promising Paladin who was training at the Tempering Hall, Boswick Bumbleberry. While I was always ruddy and dirty Boswick was the perfect Iomedaen. Armor always perfectly polished, able to recite the Acts and apply them to any situation. Sounds annoying but Boswick is a great guy, and that kind of devotion is sort of infectious. I began to take the faith seriously at last. He looks thoughtful as he continues.
Now, Boswick had begun to make a name for himself with the Pathfinder Society. He began to rise the ranks of the Silver Crusade, and gain notability in the Society. He's a Venture Captain now himself, but still as humble as the day I met him. But anyway, I joined Boswick on many adventures all over Golarion, places like the Worldwound, Varisa, a couple journeys into the Hao Jin Tapestry, once we went back in time, even found ourselves on a comet racing through the sky. Boswick always keep me safe, and my eyes were opened to what the world is like. It made me take seriously the work of the Silver Crusade. Then Boswick slowed down his adventuring and began doing more administrative work, so I began to sow my own path.
He sits back and seems a little lost in thought, as if remembering the old days.
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You are sailing to the east for weeks before Dragon Empire finally reached and few more days to get it to Minkai.
Even being dwarf Dhastrach someow find his peace during a long trip. But probably he is a it odd so nowone accept his gift yet.
While Carrik glaldy shares his faith and stories with others. Surely his fellowship with a Venture Captain should bring some proper experience and expectations from co-agents.
Soon you have a need to proceed by foot to Nagura a bit higher from the coastline.
Nagura is a small but active town at the crossroads of three major highways. It serves as a hub for transportation and the distribution of lumber, rice, and other foodstuffs between several smaller villages and two larger cities. Besides numerous residences, the town offers accommodation for merchants and travelers, a general store, and a number of cottage industries such as pottery and weaving. Smoke wafts in the sky from the chimney’s of active ceramic kilns, while the street is filled with the scents and sounds of vendors selling both raw and cooked food items from booths. To the west of town, a large residence for government officials sits empty and waiting, reserved for the local samurai or the representative of the regency. To the east are a number of shrines to various gods, separated from the rest of town by a
bright red torii gate.
You arrive to the town at early evening when shades become long and air fresh. All the town consist around 350 folks. Soon you realise everyone here know each other likely.
What will you do?
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Dhastrach listens attentatively to Carrick's backstory.
"Your upbringing geared you towards the faith, it seems. From an outside perspective it doesn't seem like a free choice to join the ranks and end up as a charismatic leader's henchman. Given any other circumstance in your youth would you had a whole different story. I fear you are easy to assume leadership to others and follow them without any consideration." The dwarf comments with a neutral tone that can easily be taken as a scolding, or perhaps a direct insult, even.
"It is mayhaps advisable to always consider your actions and emotions, whether they are your own or merely a projection of others."
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Finally reaching the shores and promptly continuing their journey to Nagura, Dhastrach gets his journal ready. He notes the surroundings and the town's significance. "If one would ever decide to build a straighter road between the larger cities, this town of Nagura would wither and cease to exist. Or, at least, become a much smaller rural, agricultural village. I don't see much other reason than to be a hub, and that's not a recipe for longevity." Dhastrach writes down his remarks, his upcoming book about geographical economics.
The dwarf turns to the group, and clears his throat as if that would have a positive effect on his voice. "We are to find lodging for the night, and start our investigations slowly. Our journey did take weeks, and the haunted mansion is not going anywhere. Before we even speak of this Hinojai, we should make acquaintance with the locals. People tend to be much more forthcoming when accustomed. Besides, I doubt these people have a grasp of the Taldan language. Tian, perhaps." He looks at Garduk.
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On the boat, Darren seems reserved. He stays as near the center of the ship as he can, facing one direction, and busying himself cleaning his weapon and armor. It's with a different determination than he did in the Venture Captain's office. Never a bluffing man, it becomes clear to anyone spending any time with him that he's trying not to get seasick. Maintaining his gear, barely sleeping, and assuring everyone that he's fine seems to be his way to keep himself from sicking up.
Once he has his feet planted firmly on the ground, Darren is right as rain. He listens to Dhastrach's words and nods. "I don't speak the language, but finding lodging sounds like a fine idea. Likely find some individuals who would be the sort to go near the mansion when they were younger. They'd have a different line of information than those who studied, but if we're going to stop for the night, we might as well work towards our goal."
As the group finds out how small the town was, Darren will cover his right side with his cloak. They already had enough to talk about with a group of heavily armed foreigners coming to their sleepy home, don't want to scare them with a three armed man amongst them.
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Pathfinders finally reach Nagura after a good talks and a bit fatigue uphills path. Your shoes covered with dust.
YOu realise that poeople staring at your group and obviously discuss your appearence.
Anyway you can surely spend some time with books and you memories or try to talk to people. Doing so requires not only Diplomacy, but also ability to speak at least Tian, or better Minkai.
You can easily find a small Kami’s Whisper inn, but it even does not provid night rest spots, just some warmth, food and drinks.
Anyway you may recover some knowledge:
Regarding Hinojai...
around the same time as many unsolved murders and atrocities associated with the manor began, approximately 90 years ago.
And regarding Way of Kirin...
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Once the Pathfinders arrive in Nagura, Garduk asks a few pointed questions of the locals, checks his Pathfinder Chronicles, and tells the rest of the party what he learns about Hinojai and the Way of the Kirin.
“Hrmmm.” When the party gathers at Kami’s Whisper for their evening meal, Garduk reviews his notes of his investigations. “All right, let’s start with Hinojai, the haunted house. It was original owned by an aristocrat named Minasako Himiju. She disappeared about 90 years ago, when the murders and other atrocities associated with the manor started.”
The lanky half-orc snorts. “Does anybody think that sounds like a coincidence? No? Me neither. This Himiju was supposed to be a decent sort, for a noblewoman, but it remains to be seen whether she was a victim or a victimizer.”
He turns back to his notes. “Hinojai is abandoned. Shadowy figures have been seen on the property, but only from a distance, and they have never been identified. Despite being unoccupied for all these years, the manor has remained in fair condition.”
Glancing out the window to check the weather, he continues reading. “Since Himiju disappeared, the worst supernatural events at Hinojai happen when a mysterious fog descends from the house. No one who goes into that fog is ever seen again.” He looks at each of the other Pathfinders. “So that’s our safety warning, people. Don’t go to the mansion when it’s foggy. Or befogged.” He jots down another note, reminding himself to purchase a scroll of gust of wind before they go to Hinojai, and does so as soon as possible after they leave the inn.
Garduk turns to his notes about the organization that they are also supposed to investigate. “Amara Li also wants us to look into the Way of the Kirin, and said that Minasako Himiju was involved with it. The word is that the Way of the Kirin was dedicated to fairness for common people and to opposing political corruption.” He shrugs. “Good government types, whatever.”
He turns another page in his notebook. “Ah, here we go. This is the good part. When the empire of Lung Wa fell a century ago, there was a strong backlash against the Way of the Kirin, and the exploitation and corruption the Way had held at bay ran rampant throughout the Successor States. Hinojai remained a bastion of the Way’s ideals, since it was safely in Minkai, but without the power of her network to support her, Minasako’s influence in the area began to wane. After a year or two, Himiju could represent the Way in name only, as she no longer had any means to enforce its doctrines. The Hinojai manor eventually fell into disrepair and Minasako disappeared, but no body was ever found.”
“Once we’re done eating, we need to find someplace to spend the night. Unless you all want to try to sleep in the haunted mansion. Heh heh.”
Garduk forces an anxious chuckle and waits for the others to laugh at his little joke.
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Young black haired maid runs the Kami's Whisper. She introduce herself as Ateji and serve some simple meal for you. She is interested in your talking but seems as she understands not much.
Meanwhile Garduk leads a brainstorm to better understand situation and how to prepare for it.
If there is no place for you to sleep, Ateji ready to leave you in her inn for a night. Here are no proper beds, but you may use benches, tables and some hay. In exchange for some coins and self-cleaning in the morning.
You can ask local folks about night staying.
Or make a camping somewhere in the woods - usual thing for most Pathfinders...
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Carrick gives a laugh at Garduk when he mentions sleeping in the manor. No I think it best we camp outside the manor, maybe watch it from afar, and see if we spot any of this fog. Carrick weighs in with his opinion on where to sleep.
He smiles and nods at Ateji after the the meal, trying to let her know he enjoyed in. Carrick enjoys the simplicity of the Tian food, never one to prefer richer fair.
He continues, Garduk nice job in finding all this out. I appreciate your gift for language. I guess the only thing left is to get to the investigation. So shall we find a place to sleep not far from the manor and then enter at first light? He presses his position.
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"Won't be the first time any of us slept on the ground," Darren said slowly. "But inside is still better. Thanks for checking all your notes on that."
Darren mulled over what was said, leaning back in his chair and staring at the ceiling. "I'm with Carrick. Outside for the night, then see what we can dig up in the morning, as long as there's no fog. If there are any traces of the Way of the Kirin, that mansion is our best bet."
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Dhastrach snorts. "All this knowledge was readily available within the chronicles? How was our dear venture-captain Amara Li not on par with this?" He seems almost angry, although his facial expression doesn't give that away.
"While written word is superior to the word of the street, not all is written. These people might have more up to date information about what is going on around the mansion."
"And it is my possession the power to survey the mansion and its surroundings from afar. I would prefer to approach this mission with extensive investigation."
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Pathfinders discuss plans and borrow into the history of Hinojai manor.
Ateji smiling enigmatically when you look at her, probably slightly understanding you Common language. Seems like she's getting anxious as evening darkness fall to the town. She closes windows and ask if you decide to stay or leave soon.
You are not really high in mountains, and season is warm enough to camp outside, if you have proper gear.
The night is full of birdsongsbut as you getting closer to the mansion, their voices become quiet.
If you look at te manor from afar, you can see 2-store building with terrace. Fog is alreadyy surrounding the manor, but it's not thick.
How approaching size look?
Meandering stone steps, overgrown with vegetation in places, climb the slope of a hill underneath sheltering trees. On the final landing before the mansion itself is a freestanding moon gate—a circular stone gate that opens between the trees. The surface of the landing itself is stone and decorated with a sundial fashioned from colored tiles. The sundial’s blade rises two feet from the landing like a shark fin pointed toward the moon gate. Beyond the gate, a final set of stairs ascends to the house.
How are you going to spend night? How far from the mansion? Will there be guard shifts?
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Dhastrach sees no point in advancing during the night, as he and Garduk are likely the only persons to naturally see in pitch black darkness. He votes for resting indoors and approach the mansion early in the morning, just like Suussmaar.
Performing an eldritch ritual temporarily granted you power, but it also attracted the attention of some creature from beyond the stars. The haunting certainty that the someone is watching you leaves you paranoid, and whenever you are confused and roll to determine your behavior in a given round, add 5 to the result. In addition, whenever you sleep, there is a 20% chance that the alien entity attempts to contact you and torments your dreams with terrifying visions, as per the spell nightmare (DC 17). If you are a sorcerer with the aberrant bloodline, you ignore these effects and instead gain an additional daily use of your acidic ray bloodline ability. You may cross this boon off your Chronicle sheet if you are the target of a heal spell while under the effects of nondetection.
During his morning prayers, he wishes his deity for spells more suitable for mansion spelunking. He prepares spells he doesn't intend to use himself, and afterwards casts multiple spells on Darren Lars. Dhastrach insists Darren wears the platinum ring as well.
"Keep close to me and don't run off on your own. The shielding spell will cease to function once you dwell outside 40 feet of my location."
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Carrick is fine with either staying at the inn or outside a couple miles from the manor. In the end, he will acquiesce to the parties wishes. If they do stay outside, Carrick volunteers to keep the first watch.
Once at the manor, Carrick will definitely want to get a look at the Sundial and Moongate.
As he approaches, he will move as stealthily as possible. He'll try to get a sense whether anything else has moved around the area. Once up to the sundial he'll give a good look around.
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Garduk votes to stay at the inn overnight. “Hrm. I grew up living in tents. I prefer a bed indoors when I can get one.”
Before Ateji leaves for the night, Garduk asks her in Tien what she knows about the mansion, and if she knows anyone who has ever tried to go inside.
In the morning, he prepares his standard spells (as on his profile page in the Statblock spoiler). Garduk casts mage armor and false life on himself, then spends 2 points from his arcane reservoir to replace those spells with magic missile and see invisibility.
Once he has finished preparing his spells, he checks to make sure his wands of shield and infernal healing are firmly set in his spring-loaded wrist sheaths.
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"Sleeping in the inn is fine," Darren says in response to those who voiced complaints against sleeping close to the mansion.
Once the group arrive at the manor, he nods at Dhastrach's words. "Forty feet. I appreciate the help, and I'll try not to run off."
After drinking his Strength Mutagen, Darren does tentatively approach the manor, giving Dhastrach an easy pace to keep up. His eyes glance around the grounds looking for any footprints not belonging to the group, as well as anything out of the ordinary at the ordinary haunted mansion.
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I asume you decide to spend night within the inn. Before leaving Ateji answered Garduk:
Those who go inside likely will never return. Nagura has spirits and ancestors ghosts. And sometimes they can harm people especially if you are going to fogs or spend night outside. We have respect to spirits so they usually do not harm us, but may harm travalers who do not follow local traditions. ...
You night rest is far from perfect in many conditions. YOu are having bad sticky dreams where you lost in the fog trying to find a good place for toilet things.
Anyway you wake up ready for action. Some Pathfinders pray, study books or otherwise bringn some magic.
Soon you find you way outside. In order to reach , where Garduk and Dhastrach want to approach from, you need to spend some additional time or find a way to climb up. Moreover - there is a strange fog at this area, so would you really like to approach from this side?
Carrik, Darren and Sussmaar found some outdoor steps not far from moongate but it is not a trail. Someone has been here 2-3 days ago, but possibly rain made everything unclear.
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Sussmaar casts defending bones on himself.
(7 hours duration DR 5/bludgeoning for 35 damage.)
He then moves to the building and tries to climb to the outer walkway.
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As for this area part of team approach...
This side of the mansion’s grounds is taken up by a neglected and overgrown garden. A shallow muddy pond has formed in the middle of the unattended rock garden, whose boulders are nearly swallowed up by uncut grass and plants that went wild long ago. A sprawling patch of wild vegetables and herbs has overgrow the small rectangular section of what was once tilled earth to the north; beyond that the hillside drops down
sharply away from the mansion.
Sun is not high, water nearby and low ground provides large fog area here restricts vision and even sound partially as if voices stuck in the fog.
Sussmaar sees from his position as if the fog is moving towards him... very slowly, but a bit supernaturally. Anyway through the fog the warpreist barely able to see dead animals - mostly decayed remains of birds, squirrels and rabbits.
Garduk can feel the same as fog slowly approach. THere is no wind or bird song you could hear.
What will you do?
UPD: Sussamaar actions gives us a hint to stay keen.
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Avanguard-scouting team steps inside the fog and partially blured to the eyes of Dhastrach. An then fog around Suussmaar and Darren becomes especially thick.
You both start feel anxiety
And then something heavy press at your lungs.
***
Round 1! The bold may act!
Darren Staggered
The monster
Suusmaar Staggered
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Dhastrach the only one who realise all the possbily dangerous of this not-even-creature. It is mostly a natural phenomenon called Hungry Fog.
It is gaseous ooze , which mist is toxic and carry negative energy essense. Being not quick, this thing is dangerous as it highly sustainable. Unless in stormy weather... strong enough wind can blow it away or even disperse for some time.
Both scouts are staggered. Suusmaar withdraw from fog
Carrick and Garduk inspects the place and was able to find some outdoor steps not far from moongate but it is not a trail. Someone has been here 2-3 days ago, but rainy days and heavy overgrowth made everything unclear.
You've just heard how Darren and Sussmaar yell.
***
Round 1! The bold may act!
Darren
Suusmaar
Carrick
Garduk
Hungry Fog
Dhastrach
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“Hrmmm,” Garduk growls. “Sounds like the other part of the group is in trouble, Carrick. Somebody probably ought to get over there and help them.”
The half-orc looks around, then back at the heavily-armored paladin, and sighs.
“Ah, Hells, Abaddon, and the Abyss. Somebody is us, isn’t it? Crud.”
Garduk begins moving uphill through the overgrown garden to see what’s going on.
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Darren shakes his head as he pulls his Earthbreaker from his back. It had... some physical form at least, and that was enough for him to be able to hit it.
Winding up, he attempted to swing at the mist enveloping him. It certainly wouldn't be the strangest thing he's attacked in the Pathfinder Society.
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Garduk looks up the hill in the direction of the shouting and growls. “Hrmmm. Sounds like the other part of the group is in trouble, Carrick. Somebody probably ought to get over there and help them.”
The half-orc looks around, then back at the heavily-armored paladin, and sighs.
“Ah, Hells, Abaddon, and the Abyss. Somebody is us, isn’t it? Crud.”
Garduk turns away from the Moongate, starts to step back, and disappears from the path. He reappears in an instant well past the top of the hill. When he sees the hungry fog, he pulls a scroll of gust of wind from his handy haversack.
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Darren is taking his stand and swing with a hammer towards one of vapor which gives a momentum of deadly skull to warrior. Something smashed and new wave of pain unleash at Darren staggering him and producing more fear and hallucinations...
Hungry fog slowly detroys Darrens skin and lungs.
Garduk jumps through dimenssion to the garden to see whats happening and prepare a scroll.
Suussmaar repositions and Dhastrach just get some words to describe what he sees.
Carrick rushes at the stairs, shortly stumbles and then his steps become slow as he see...
Six ghostly figures appear on the landing behind you. Apparitions of a woman and two small children huddle together, flanked by spectral armored figures with drawn blades. A robed and hooded woman stands apart from the others pointing down the stairs. The children sob as their mother pleads to some unseen person to hurry. The hooded figure calls out sharply:
-You’re too late. It is sundown. Their lives areforfeit!
Despair, futility, and the feeling of being tricked wash over any witnesses standing on the staircase as the spectral soldiers raise their blades and fall upon the family.
Each witness is targeted with the waves of fatigue spell as the apparitions fade away.
Round 1-2! The bold may act!
Darren
Suusmaar
Carrick
Garduk
Hungry Fog
Haunt
Dhastrach
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As he reaches the top of the stairs the ghostly vision plays. Carrick suddenly has the desire to lay down for a rest after the apparition fade.
Whoa! He closes his eyes and tries to keep his balance for a split second. Opening them again. He pushes himself along the walkway, rounds the corner and moves to just shy of an opening in the wall.
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Dhastrach certainly doesn't appreciate the damage Darren redirects, but he is content that this is precisely the reason to cast these abjuration spells; to keep the fighters standing for longer.
Thinking that even an incorporeal ooze can be hurt with a magic weapon, he draws his enchanted warhammer and launches it from his hand from afar.