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A stout red bearded dwarf, wearing more armor than seems entirely reasobable grumbles "At least they found me some dwarves this time, rarely see any of y'all on missions these days."
In addition to his weighty full plate Orin has an old tattered steel shield with the symbol of Last Wall still barely visible in the center. Possibly being held together more by magic than tensile strength at this point.
Several picks hang from his belt as well, although clearly designed more for killing than mining.
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The camp buzzes with energy. Pathfinders hurry around the makeshift camp unpacking supplies, making repairs, and scribing scrolls.
The atmosphere is excited but tinged with trepidation. Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal from Nirmathas takes the lead, ensuring everyone has an assignment and is working on it. A religious symbol of Alseta — goddess of doorways, portals, thresholds, and transitions — hangs from her neck, showing two faces in profile.
You are among the highest-ranking field agents on site. As you get to work on making preparations for the final push into the jungle, it's time to introduce yourself (or get reacquainted with old friends).
Verdant Wheel faction leader Urwal lays on the ground, making marks on a scroll that stretches over 10 feet long. “This is our supplies list. Everything from rations to ammunition to the mounts needed to transport it all with us. We need to ensure that we know where everything is. I’m not letting anyone try to forage while we’re traveling.”
Envoy’s Alliance faction leader Fola Barun directs a group of Pathfinders who are carefully blending magic and ingredients inside glass vials. “Come help us ensure that everyone is well supplied for this journey.”
Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen scrutinizes a map as his loyal dog, Mahki, lies by his feet. Mahki barks to alert Torrsen to approaching Pathfinders. He says, "I’m verifying all of our maps against what we can see from here. Landmarks can easily change. Why don’t you see if you can find any discrepancies?”
Horizon Hunters faction leader Calisro Benarry waves the group over. “Some of the newer Pathfinders seem a little nervous about this mission. Can you cheer them up a bit? This is exciting, after all!”
Venture-Captain Khoumrock Blackthane ensures that groups of smiths and carpenters accompanying the Pathfinders have everything they need. “A lot of this gear got damaged on the voyage over. We need to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape.”
Radiant Oath faction leader Valais Durant oversees a small army of Pathfinders poring over books and scrolls. A few use magical methods to absorb information even faster. “Oh good, you’re here to help. I was able to get these reference materials from local institutions. There’s information on local plants, animals, and fey that I couldn’t get at home. We’re about to face a lot of dangers. Choose your favorite topic and start reading.”
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A tall man with flowers in his chestnut hair stands in the middle of the camp, surrounded by a veritable swarm of songbirds, squirrels, rabbits, and other woodland creatures. He chatters away at them with a wide, open smile, only frowning occasionally as he scolds the grumpy-looking hedgehog perched on his shoulder. "Now now, Sir Pricklebottom, that's not a nice thing to say about Elinnor. Let's try to be nice to our new friends, alright?" Eventually he wanders off to help one of the faction leaders
"...and I believe in you!" he finishes, smiling widely at a group of junior agents.
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Orin and Thulgrun jump right in with the rest of the Blacksmiths as the dwarves repair some of the Pathfinders dented and damaged equipment. While it may not be 100% it is at least useable and may save a life or two. [ooc]Success on Repairs. As thanks Venture-Captain Khoumrock Blackthane hands each of you a bit of spare ammunition.
Prince Charming moves about the camp with Sir Pricklebottom to help with morale a bit. The hedgehog does wonders as he gathers quite the crowd. The neophyte Pathfinders are in much better spirits for the journey ahead and can lend you a hand.
Dran'Thor - Awaiting confirmation
Dranald
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Orin spends some time helping count Urwal's supplies. Hardtac may not be great but it's better than an empty stomach.
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Hoping to find better luck with Fola Barun and the magical supplies Orin shares his knowledge fighting off undead in the ruins around Lastwall.
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Orin nods to Bjersig, greeting him with an opening hand from his chin, one of the few Hand Signs Orin feels confident in. He then gets down to business scrutinizing the maps for inconsistencies rather than make any small talk.
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Being a dour and grumpy Dwarf Orin leaves the field of Morale to others more talented.
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Research should be Nature, Society, Survival
Always better to know as much as possible before heading into danger Orin does his best to absorb as much research as possible.
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Charming waves farewell to Calisrio and heads over to where Urwal works. "Alright, it's time to count everyone! One, two, three..."
Next he finds Fola and claps delightedly. "Oh yes! One moment while I find some help!" He sings a short vocalise, and from the woods rats and spiders begin to swarm - as well as a handful of racoons. "They have such nimble little hands," the man beams proudly.
"And then we'll need some people who can fly. What do you think?" Charming holds the map from Bjersig and shows it to the flock of songbirds buzzing around his head.
He waves cheerfully at Khoumrock, but the soggy dwarf waves him onward before any of the woodland creatures (or Charming himself) can injure themselves with a hammer.
Charming happily accepts a picture book from Valais and finds a comfortable seat to read it out loud to his crowd of friends. "Alright, this book is called Mortimer's Massive Book of Fey. That's quite a long title, isn't it? Let's see what's on this page..."
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Orin and Prince Charming don't do much better at the inventory as they grab ahold of Dranald's lists and continue to make the numbers off by one space.
The pair fair a bit better at magical supplies as Prince Charming sorts through the wands, separating the healing wads from the wands of grim tendrils. Making very careful to steer clear of the more knowledgeable Pathfinders pouring liquids and magic into the glass vials. Barun and her team make an abundance of materials.
Prince Charming has a far better view of the map at the front of the crowd as Orin looks it over at a weird angle, unable to orient himself in the right direction. Torren is a bit impressed and hands a copy of the survey map over to you.
Orin absolutely excels at researching all of the possibilities ahead as Prince Charming brings the dwarf another stack of books. The background information helps the PCs readily identify threats during the journey.
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Thulgrun helps Urwal organize supplies, grumbling that a dwarf would never let things get into such disarray.
He then helps Fola Barun with the sorting of magical supplies, to make sure the Pathifnders have the best that they can get.
He will then work with Bjersig to verify the maps, afraid that the non-dwarves have messed up the landmarks.
Finally, he helps Valais with the research all the while grumbling about books.
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The group continues to help all around the camp as Thulgrun gets pulled aside by Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen momentarily. He speaks of sending Thulgrun over to another team to help out but just then a few more recruits teleport into the camp.
Dranald makes some sense of the inventory as he straightens out the sheets and boxes just as the Pathfinders prepare to depart. Each of you receives a moderate elixir of life, as Urwal finds that the Society packed in excess for the potentially dangerous mission.
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Everyone gathers around a makeshift stage as the sun starts to slip below the horizon. Pathfinders whisper to each other in anticipation.
Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal addresses the group. “Pathfinders, our expedition begins tomorrow. We have a day’s travel to reach the site where we will find the Door of Seasons. The founders of our Society may have been unable to reach the realm that lies beyond this magical gateway, but we have something they lacked.” The Venture-Captain holds a verdant crown aloft. “This is the Perennial Crown, an artifact that will serve as the key to opening the door. I hope that Alseta will bless us as we find this doorway to a new place. From what we’ve been able to gather, there’s a demiplane on the other side. The demiplane and the crown alike are closely tied to the Thorned Monarch, Qxal, an evil fey who once terrorized this region. The Pathfinders who recovered this crown faced steep opposition from the Monarch, and I have no doubt they will defend the Door of Seasons even more fiercely. Be wary any fey you see along the way; they are likely to be working for Qxal. Stay in groups of four or more for safety and help each other. Make any final preparations that you require and get a good night’s sleep; your next few nights will be on the trail. We leave an hour after dawn.”
Day breaks, and the excitement around the camp is too high to allow any Pathfinder to oversleep. Agents perform morning rituals, eat breakfast, and take a final look through maps and plans. Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal gathers everyone together one last time. “I know that we’ve prepared well. We’re going to stop this Thorned Monarch. I have a small gift for each of you: a signal whistle with an engraving of the Perennial Crown. Use it to signal your fellow Pathfinders if you need help. And now, into the wilderness!”
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Fola Barun examines maps and charts spread across a long crate of supplies, pointing out areas of note to the assembled Pathfinders. Her concentration is broken, however, as an excited husky appears by her side. The husky sniffs the maps and the Pathfinder alike before running off with an excited bark as a harried gnome rushes to catch up. “Mahki, heel!” calls a deep voice. With a reluctant grumble, the dog trots to the side of Bjersig Torrsen, striding over to join the briefing. “Apologies, Fola,” the dashing half-orc signs; the gnome translates his words into spoken Common. “Mahki is just excited to be somewhere new.” Barun rolls up the map and turns to greet him, signing and speaking, “Quite all right, Bjersig, we were just wrapping up. I have one more piece of advice for them.”
Fola addresses the group, “As the most experienced agents here, you’ll be facing the greatest threats. I’m counting on you to look out for your fellow agents. But don’t rush in so fast you get in over your own heads. You are role models now, and others are watching you to learn what it takes to become a rising star.”
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Bjersig Torrsen pores over a map spread neatly upon a crate, pen in hand. With a few quick strokes, he makes a correction, then rolls up the map. “Qxal has changed things in an effort to throw us off course. We must make our own adjustments to counter. Let’s go ahead to chart a new course. Keep your eyes open, though; the fey are sure to have set a few surprises for us.”
The first obstacle in your path appears to be a thick undergrowth where previously there were clear paths. Bjersig Torrsen sighs, "We need to find find a better path or clear a route through this brush."
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Used to the stinging sensation that Sir Pricklebottom causes you are able to find a path through the spined brush with Thulgrun clearing the path ahead.
Just past the brush Dran'Thor catches the scent of a dangerous gas in the region. Bjersig Torrsen puts a rag over his mouth. "Hold your breath for a bit."
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Dran'Thor helps the others recognize the vents in the ground where the gasses are emerging from as the group very carefully winds their ways successfully past them. Orin gives the all clear as the group finally made it safely through. Just on the other side you find yourselves traversing the edges of a large ledge as a gust of powerful wind whips through.
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Orin and Thulgrun shows the group to flatten themselves against the side of the ledge so as to avoid the majority of the high winds. The rest of the group nearly gets blown off the edge but hang on tight.
“They say that nature speaks, if we pay attention.” Torrsen says as a group of reptilian creatures slowly approaches. “Go find out what it has to say, would you?”
Four very large monitor lizards rest atop a hill, three have colorful frills about their necks. The larger of the lizards stares down, its tongue flickering in and out of its mouth. "And who might you tasty morsels be? Should we eat them, like the others?" The lizards begin to stir.
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"Oh hello friends!" Charming grins widely at the lizards. "We're just passing through, trying to find a door. Have you seen a door? Oh, what a lovely frill you have..."
"...and when we're done, Sir Pricklebottom and I can sing you another song!" he finally concludes, motioning towards the grumpy hedgehog on his shoulder who begrudgingly produces a tiny tambourine. "And we can all sing together! Here's how it goes..."