You begin assembled inside the Grand Lodge’s central hub structure of Skyreach awaiting to meet with the three Deans of the Pathfinder Society in one of the tower’s many meeting chambers.
Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine is the first to arrive, a male elf garbed in fine red robes with gold embroidery. He acknowledges your attendance with a nod and sits quietly at the head of the table. The second to enter is an oread woman with snow-white hair and a cluster of multicolored aeon stones orbiting her head. Laden with books, the Master of Spells smiles at Trig and Unzgrin and takes her place at the far side of the table. Finally, a bald human male with a bushy beard curses to himself as the wide array of weapons along his back gets caught in the doorframe.
"Marcos..." Kreighton says with the slightest of hisses.
"It's fine it's fine!" smiles the Master of Swords, who adjusts himself to enter sideways and half-jogs to join his colleagues. After a few seconds of awkwardly trying to seat himself with his panoply of back-mounted weapons, he pushes his chair in and stands behind it with a wide, if apologetic, grin.
“Regrets for the sudden nature of this meeting. I’ll try to be brief.” Kreighton begins. “One of our most enthusiastic Pathfinder initiates, a fungus leshy by the name of Rain in Cloudy Day, was recently approved for his Confirmation. I believe most of you were Field Commissioned, so to summarize, a Confirmation is a mission we send initiates on as a final test before recognizing them as full Pathfinder agents. Rain proposed a solo mission to the nearby nation of Taldor to search for some ruins in a swamp near the city of Cassomir. While many Confirmations are attempted as a group activity, we felt this was standard fare for a solo mission, being so close to Taldor's second largest city, but now we fear we may have errored in our judgment. Rain hasn’t reported back, and it’s been a week since his expected check-in.”
Sorrina Westyr extends a hand. “This is where you come in. Even though Rain in Cloudy Day is still an initiate, the Pathfinder Society doesn’t leave its own behind. And since most of you haven’t done your own Confirmation, this would be an excellent opportunity to experience what it's like doing archaeology in the field. We’ll provide a stipend of gold for you to book your passage to Cassomir, and from there, you’ll need to find out what happened to Rain.”
The Master of Swords, Marcos Farabellus, chimes in with a chuckle and an exuberant flex of his biceps. “Exactly what my associates have said! Find a boat, head to Cassomir, enjoy a bit of the city’s livelier elements if you want, and then head into the swamps to find our missing initiate. Of course, if you find little Rain alive and well... then you can really prove yourselves by helping him discover those ruins and finish his own Confirmation!”
Kreighton Shaine, tapping his temple with his forefinger, lowers his hand and steeples his fingers together. "Do you have any questions?"
Unzgrin knows that, although Cassomir is the second-largest city in Taldor, its people mostly live in squalor. With widespread poverty, the port city also faces a major crime problem. Con artists or desperate citizens seeking to eke out another few weeks of living often take advantage of foreigners who don’t realize how desperate things are within the city.
Trig has heard that, when straying off the main paths in the Blackwood Swamp, it’s easy to stumble upon a patch of flammable gas clouds or quicksand. Travelers seeking to journey into the swamp should bring a trained wilderness expert, or at least have some plans in place to avoid drowning in mires or quicksand.
The archaeologist is enthusiastic for the mission.
“And you should be!" Kreighton exclaims with an err of pride. “Rain uncovered evidence of ruins in Taldor’s Blackwood Swamp, just north of Cassomir, that may date back to the time of the ancient Azlanti Empire. The Azlanti civilization effectively ended when a swarm of meteors descended on our planet in an event known as Earthfall. These ruins were likely built by Azlanti who survived the event, and are possibly 6,000 years old, or older. Truly fascinating potential if accurate.”
And how much do we get for the journey to Cassomir, to hire people for digging, to buy material for the excavation and for the camp and so on?
“Right,” Ambrus says as he struggles to pull a coinpurse out of his backpack. Once he hands it over, you count twenty-four gold pieces inside. “Use this to arrange travel to Cassomir, lodging once you arrive, and any leftovers for acquiring information on Rain in Cloudy Day. Maybe hire a guide, but you lot are probably more skilled than most at finding your way through the wilderness. Part of your mission is to see how you manage a stipend, though, so don't go using this for personal expenditures.”
Sorrina adds, “When we're finished here, you can head down to the Docks district and charter yourselves a boat for the trip to Cassomir. You won't have to worry about the return trip. The Society has already chartered the return journey for you—a precaution in case you find Rain in Cloudy day injured or otherwise in need of immediate extraction.”
And what do you suspect it comes upon Rain in Cloudy day?
Sorrina furrows her brow. “Uncertain. We know Rain chartered a vessel from here to the port of Cassomir. He was to check in at the Three-Legged Frog, an inn in the city’s Imperial Naval Shipyards district. From there, he was going to have a guide lead him into the adjacent Blackwood Swamp to start searching for the ruins. We haven’t heard back since he left.”
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The Azlanti empire! What for a coincidence. I just wrote my thesis about the Azlanti empire. More precisely I wanted to show how they trained red ants to increase grain crop production. It was very interesting.
Further: Well so we have 6 gold pieces per person for the trip to Cassomir and then the stay there. Well in the swamp I think the inn will be less expensive.
Finally to the others: Do you have other questions?
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Kiroh looks at the bag of coins with wide eyes, more money than he's ever seen before. Looks like the Society is worth the near-death experiences. He nods slowly, cautious of the leaving one big city for another, more dangerous, big city. "Did Rain show any particular skills during training? Is there anything else you think we should know before we depart?" He pats his bag, the two glass vials of alchemist weaponry clinking softly.
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Trig taps the big guy on the shoulder, ”You should pack better, glass shouldn’t be clinking in there.” He turns to the masters of their schools, ”So uh, why are all of you here? Is this a usual thing, a briefing from the three school leaders? Not that I mind, really, but it seems odd.
He picks at the hem of his coal black outfit. As he moves, silky bits of black cloth flitter about off all parts. He mumbles to his allies, ”I was going for a shadow theme, but I’m not sure I nailed it. This mission came up to quick. But, at least Unzy was free to join us again. Heck, we haven’t even been on a date since the last mission.”
"Did Rain show any particular skills during training?"
Sorrina smiles and her eyes brighten. “Rain in Cloudy Day, or, Rain as he’s sometimes called, might just be an initiate, but his enthusiasm and kind spirit are unmatched. He hails from the forests of the newly independent nation of Ravounel. After some travelling abroad, he heard tales of our Society and decided to come train here at the Grand Lodge. He picked up the Azlanti language early on in his studies and is especially skilled at recognizing Azlanti symbols and context. We have high hopes for his career!”
”So uh, why are all of you here? Is this a usual thing, a briefing from the three school leaders? Not that I mind, really, but it seems odd.
"Excellent observation," Kreighton remarks. "Typically a fully vested Pathfinder agent, such as yourselves, would be receiving a formal briefing from a Venture Captain, or perhaps one of the internal Faction heads, or would simply meet up with a contact who sought out the Society's assistance. But as the Deans in charge of training Initiates here at the Grand Lodge, as well as overseeing their Confirmations, the responsibility of finding out what happened to Rain falls upon our shoulders."
"Is there anything else you think we should know before we depart?"
"I think that about sums it up!" the Master of Swords proudly beams. "Here, you can take these as well. Always good to be prepared!"
He tosses a minor healing potion to Chupko and another to Kiroh, while Sorrina hands an everburning torch to Trig, and Kreighton hands Quetzhal a beautifully sculpted wayfinder .
"We all wish you a safe journey and a happy reunion with Rain in Cloudy Day."
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Kiroh nods at the information, taking it all in. Gotta ask Trig for packing advice. Wouldn't want a firebomb breaking out in my sack. After the school leaders depart, he asks around on the various methods of travel to Cassomir. "A life is on the line, we can't be walking there. But I suppose we have been asked to mind the costs as well. Let us see what the options are."
"A life is on the line, ey?" asks an aging dwarf with salt-encrusted breeches who smells of cheap cigar smoke. "You're in luck! I got tha fastest ship in tha harbor," he gestures back to a rickety-looking vessel of questionable quality, with the name The Opportune emblazoned in peeling, sun-bleached paint. "Name's Oderon Payne. CAPTAIN Oderon Payne! If you need travel between any of the Inner Sea ports, I'm your pi- Captain! I gots the lowest costs this side of Avistan! Just one gold per passenger."
He unfurls a weathered map. "Looks about 230 miles from here to there. But that's a straight shot. What I do is ride the ol' Wind and the Waves for maximum vel-o-ci-ty. Always hard to say exactly how long but if speed is whatcha want, she's your ship!"
His cigar breath is a constant companion during your conversation.
"Plus, I provide two square meals a day. One room with comfortable bunks. And hey, I see you gots a Missus there," he says gesturing to Unzgrin. "You sign up with me, and her passage is free of charge!"
Both Quetzhal and Trig recognize the "Wind and the Waves" as a reference to the dual-natured deity Gozreh.
Chupko believes the captain is likely boasting about the capabilities of his ship.
Chupko asks around and after about 2 hours, finds two more possibilities:
The Mimosa is a powerful sailing vessel advertised as being constructed in the dockyards of Detmer in the nation of Druma, a popular locale for cruise vessels and luxury yachts. Captain Javinda, a chatty Kellid woman, sits you down to a light brunch to demonstrate her love of fine catering. "Not only will my staff attend to your every need, you'll find the polished whitewood decks to not contain so much as a single splinter. Your four-day trip will be comfortable and relaxing, individual rooms with maid service, and nightly social events where you can rub elbows with other wealthy patrons from across the Inner Sea. The rate is a mere five gold per passenger."
The champagne she offers during her presentation is adorned with fresh raspberries.
And sitting just out of sight behind the Mimosa is an Ulfen sailing vessel named the Powerful Hector. Captain Eduard Tabrin confirms the claims of Captain Javinda. "Ayup. She's probably got the fastest ship here in the docks. Mine ain't as fast, and you won't be gettin' no fancy parties, but I offer three solid meals a day, shared lodging, and a capable crew. Regularly takes six days to get to Cassomir, and it'll only cost you twenty five silver."
The captain collects your 10 gold, and there are no incidents delaying your 6 day travel to Cassomir. The nights are filled with the lively singing of sailors and your days are spent occasionally lending a hand, magical or otherwise.
Following your voyage by sea you arrive during the afternoon at the bustling port city of Cassomir, emerging into the Imperial Naval Shipyards district. You don’t lose much time locating the Three-Legged Frog inn, notable for its sign swaying in the wind depicting a frog standing on its two hind legs while drool from its mouth acts as a third leg to keep the frog’s balance.
Inside the inn you are greeted by a generous halfling woman introducing herself as Aganis Downard. ”We love out of towners! And you’re just in time! Our suite just became available. Perfect for recovering from any voyage at sea. It’s five gold per night per guest, but we offer a hot bath, an alchemically enhanced dinner and brunch service, and fresh down bedding. Or if you’re just looking for a quick room for the night, we have plenty of our regular rooms available as well, for just twenty-five silver per guest. What brings you into town?”
”Hmm. Don’t recognize the name. But then my husband Roland and I alternate shifts. You might want to check back this evening with him.”
From what Kiroh can piece together, Rain in Cloudy Day showed up late due to bad weather and had to pay increased costs at the inn as a result. During his first night, someone stole his provisions and the pack mule that he’d stabled at the Three-Legged Frog. No one else has seen him since he went to meet his guide.
Chupko learns that Rain in Cloudy Day had scheduled a local guide for assistance, but the guide failed to show up. He reported the incident to the local guard, who are currently investigating the matter. They tell you that Rain then set off into the Blackwood Swamp without any support and minimal supplies, even after warning him that setting off alone was an unwise decision, as dangerous creatures live in the swamp.
Your search around town for your own guide reveals three individuals:
Rags, an unhoused tiefling, offers to lead you to the swamp for the minimal cost of 1 silver.
Toldek, a peg-legged dwarf, offers to pick up Rain's trail for the cost of 5 silver, but he won't go into the swamp with you. He taps his peg-leg as if that is the only explanation he needs to give.
Tanariel, an elf hunter, offers to adventure with you into the swamp as a skilled tracker , for the understandable sum of 1 gold per day.
You learn of a small hostel near the Three-Legged Frog that offers the barest of accommodations for the minor sum of 1 gold per guest. It is already crowded, somewhat noisy, and smells of unwashed bedding.
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Kiroh shakes his head as he is once again bested while searching for clues. Gotta work on my people skills. He eyes the hostel, intrigued. "Well, it seems the Three-Legged Frog isn't that safe either, given Rain's experience. Perhaps we should just take the cheapest option?"
When looking over the guide, Kiroh shrugs. "I may follow the Forest, but I'm not so good at the outdoors. Are you all?"
When you return to the Three-Legged Frog you find Roland behind the counter, who collects your 10 gold pieces and hands you the room keys.
"I remember Rain! Chipper little fella. Planned to spend two days explorin' the outer edge of the nearby swamplands. Didn't think he was gonna go any deeper, but after he set off, never saw him again. Such a likeable guy. I even paid to have word sent back to your Society that he was missin'. Glad they sent someone to look for him."
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Trig nods, "Agreed, it is too dangerous to go at night and could miss obvious tracks. It's been at least a week as well, so likely a few more hours won't matter to the outcome, which hopefully ends well. We have had good success rescuing lost explorers." He winks at Unzgrin.
Your night goes by uneventfully and you awake fully rested to the smell of eel sausage, crescent shaped biscuits and coffee.
After departing Cassomir you begin your investigation of the adjacent Blackwood Swamp by travelling north, where you quickly encounter the boggy wetland, but Quetzhal easily locates the only likely point of entry that Rain could have used: a game trail slightly elevated above the water level.
After about a half-day's worth of exploration you come to the end of the game trail, where Quetzhal detects a dangerous patch of swampy quicksand.
The Tengu tries to aid as well
You all thoroughly disrupt the surface of the quicksand enough that it will pose no further problems for future passersby. However, it doesn't appear that this particular patch of quicksand was entirely natural, as two swamp oozes emerge to assault you!
Chupko
Kiroh
Trig
Quetzhal
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