The powerful nation of Cheliax has posted a public bounty that would richly reward the first team of explorers to chart a viable route across the Menador Mountains, linking the nations of Isger and Molthune (all to bypass the economic powerhouse of Druma, which has recently imposed higher taxes on key goods crossing its borders). Yet the Menador Mountains are an imposing obstacle, replete with steep slopes, snowy peaks, and territorial orcs. Even so, there are no finer explorers than the Pathfinders, and the Society has dispatched a team to collect the prize. Are the PCs ready to not only explore the foreboding mountains but also to compete with the rival teams and local inhabitants?
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A handsome halfling enters into the room. He has black hair and there is both a sling on one of his hips as well as a pair ofstarkives on the other. He is dressed in leather armor. He greets everyone with a big smile My name is Gavin. Gavin Sureshot, student of the arcane and pretty good with a sling and other thrown things, especially when things are bigger than I am. That is a lot of things too! he says with a laugh. What is there to eat around here? he asks
A sailboat takes you across the Iseld RIver in Chileax, and you quickly join a caravan after reaching the Conerica Straits, After a bumpy, wet ride you finally arrive in the Isger capital, Elidir. Traders and merchants move around the town, bartering for fur and other goods. Directions lead you to the White Stag Inn. A human woman with an intricate braid and a well-worn outfit waves you over.
"Plenty of rabbit stew with some warm ale." She takes a sip.
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A tall elf in dark clothing, wearing a mask and bristling with daggers walks in.
Travelling North, finding new routes through the mountains, is this preparation for returning home?
Oh yes, the rest of the group I am supposed to meet. Valais Durant sent me to help with a task Calisro needs doing? That stew looks pretty good, but perhaps a little extra seasoning might make it even better?
He pulls out a bag of herbs, adds a few to his stew and offers some to Gavin.
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Oh, just a couple of aromatics for flavor. Sage, Basil, that sort of thing. Nothing harmful I assure you.
Tavin looks slightly offended at the question.
Yes, yes, we have to understand that not everyone appreciates the power of herbs. To learn how the Society works, one must tolerate all sorts. he mutters seemingly to himself.
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The huddled pile of Tian clothes nearby suddenly moves. Revealing that sulking within them is a Ysoki with ashen-grey fur, and blood-red eyes. Something about him screams wrong when looking at him, even if you cannot tell what. His gaze will sweep across the group slowly and methodically. He will look at the woman offering stew.
"... I will partake... but leave the vegetables in the pot for others who may actually consume them..." His voice raspy but somehow hauntingly melodious at the same time. Like wind moving through old trees just right.
He will look back at the group and say simply, "You may call me Edogawa Rannpou, or Edogawa, or Rannpou, or even Rat for all I care... I make only one request, and hold you to it. No matter how much peril I may appear to be in... Do not attempt to heal me... You are as likely to kill me as cure me in your attempts. In return, you have access to my knowledge and expertise. Understood?"
Despite the obvious Tian Xia influence in his clothing and equipment (of which consists mostly of a strangely complex crossbow, and various vials) he shows no hint of an accent. Suggesting he has been away form his homeland for a very long time.
A well-dressed goblin wearing a navy three piece suit gets up for a bar stool, intrigued at the unusual yet direct request. He carries a black briefcase, the contents bulging and clearly testing the strength of the latch. He makes his way over to Edogawa, adjusts his tie, and offers his business card. "Flunk Wright, Esquire. If you find yourself in need of legal help - perhaps a suit against one of these dreaded, unwanted healers? - I'm your guy."
He looks over at Tavin and Gavin, and also offers them cards. "And the offer is extended to you two, as well." Everyone gets a card. Very business-like.
Yet the small hint of fire red which occasionally sparks from deep within Flunk's eyes seem to hint that there might just be more to the lawyer-goblin.
“Ah, good. All of you made it. I’m Karla Wesver. Welcome to Elidir, and welcome to the White Stag. It used to be that we Pathfinders had a bit of a strained relationship with the Chelaxian government. It still isn’t all sunshine and roses, but with the opportunity before us, we can now move about in public without fear of conflict or reprisal.
“A quick geopolitical lesson: Isger is still a vassal state of Cheliax. The Chelaxians have bled Isger dry for years, but the increased demand for goods like Chelaxian brandy and other luxury items in Molthune and beyond has resulted in Cheliax finally getting off its ass and investing some resources in Isger. Normally these goods go through Druma to reach Molthune, but Druma has been raising import taxes. Cheliax issued an open bounty to explorers the world over: establish a new trail through the Menador Mountains between Isger and Molthune, suitable for pack animals to traverse. So, this presents a rather rare opportunity for us to find a way through the Menador Mountains into Molthune. Calisro Benarry, leader of the Horizon Hunters faction, has a special interest in this bounty. She is hoping you will take to this challenge with gusto. She sent a package ahead for you.”
Karla pats a large brown paper package, the size of a basket. She then hands you a letter.
Now go out there and make us Horizon Hunters proud. And jealous!
“All good then? I’ve arranged for a river barge to take you out to the Menador Mountains and packed some provisions for the journey. Not all of the food you’ll need for the journey, mind—carrying all of that would be too heavy, and likely to attract unwanted attention from the wildlife. You’ll want to forage along the way, if you can. My friend Jasikah Marten will be waiting for you in Canorate. She will help you file your paperwork with the Chelaxian officials, and she’ll also have a warm and comfy bed ready for you.”
"Say, Karla, what can you tell us of the dangers of the Menador? I'd heard of orc tribes, but what else can we expect?" Flunk asks, pulling an overcoat out of the paper package and throwing it over his suit jacket.
"Jasikah is a halfling, a bit shorter than you, Gavin. Huge mass of blonde hair peeking out from her hood. For better or worse, she never left Chileax. As long as you aren't noble, she's your best friend." Karla takes another sip of stew. "Oh, and if you're a slaver, you're her favorite target."
"As for dangers? Well, it's cold out there. You brought winter gear, right? Best to buy it now; the nights are ice cold. Natural predators, lack of food, avalanches, you name it." She leans towards the fireplace. "I'll be fine, though. Don't know about you though, hehe."
You may know more about the Menador Mountains.
You may also know about the rigors of surviving the wilderness.
"Cold weather. Of course," Flunk pulls his stylish overcoat tight, buttoning it up. "Benarry did provide us with some gear, but is it enough?" He digs through the large package
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Edogawa will sort through his clothing and pull out two vials full of a swirling blue liquid. He clutches them carefully, as though they are nearly irreplaceable. "I have two days worth of defense, for myself, from extreme cold in these vials... But I do not have time, nor resources, to make more for myself, or others. So let us hope we are not long in cold weather."
He'll scowl for a bit, before adding. "If it looks necessary, I may be willing to part with one..."
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Showing up late, a small woman appears before the group disperses to make purchases. "I'm so sorry that I'm late. A funeral took longer than expected..." she offers without explanation.
She waves at the group and introduces herself. "Hi, I'm a new recruit to the Pathfinder Society! My formal name is Guide to the Beyond, but please call me Guide. I shall be the one to protect you from death... hopefully! " she adds, clearly trying to add some levity.
She is wearing flowing robes with two silver holy symbols hanging from her neck: a pyramid with four wings rising from the apex and a stylized black dog head. She carries the standard Pathfinder pack strapped to her back.
Avalanches and cold weather hazards are common, and most routes are effectively one way.
Edogawa notices the backpack contains enough winter clothing for each of you.
"Looks like she made sure they were the right size. Kinda creepy." Karla burps. "Any other questions? I can answer?"
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We may have to deal with avalanches at the lower elevations, due to melting snow making things unstable. Be careful where you walk in the snow fields.
Karla, what are the temperatures in the mountains like? Will we need precautions in addition to the Winter clothing?
Remember, don't heal the small, furry member of the party. he says to himself.
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Guide looks around and tries to identify who Tavin is speaking about when she sees the small shifting mass, garbed in black. "Why can't we... oh, a ratfolk dhampir! That's my first time meeting one!" she says excitedly. "I shall make sure to prepare the appropriate 'healing' for you!" she adds, face scrunching up as she adds the requirement for Harm to her mental checklist for the next morning.
"As for the mission... what exactly do we need to do? Is it just mapping the trail? Do we need to negotiate with these orcs? This is my first time doing something like this!" she asks to Karla.
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Guide looks at the halfling and her face brightens as he inquires as to her patrons. "Ah, these would be the glorious gods of death: Imot and Anubis!" she states proudly. "They are the harbingers of death and arbiters of your soul upon death. I provide the valuable service of ensuring appropriate arrival before them for all individuals who cross my path! Sometimes, people need to leave the mortal coil. Sometimes, they don't. I strive to help facilitate both types of people, though I am more fluent in the latter at the moment, but I promise that I am working on that!"
"Do you have a god to which you pray?" Guide asks to Gavin.
After their conversation, Guide reserves the fur-lined clothes that were earmarked for her and adds them to her pack.
"Eventually, caravans will travel through the area. If you can make any make shift bridges, or mark places to rest and water the horses, everyone will appreciate that. The engineers will build more permanent solutions once they get there."
"Temperatures are cold, real cold. You're on top of a snowy mountain with ice cold winds. The orcs figured out how to live there. Most of them will hate your guts but you might a few tribes willing to grant safe passage. I'll let you figure out those details."
Karla Wesver wishes you all good luck and you make your way out of town. A chilly breeze blows past as the town shrinks upon the horizon. The bright sun does little to alleviate the cold climate.
You make your way through the mountains. It’s quiet besides the sounds of birds chirping. You catch the sight of a wolf, guarding several rabbits. It bares its teeth at you, but it quickly runs away with its food. You hear the sounds of howling in the distance.
Three days pass without any trouble. At dusk you begin to see the red glow of fire and smoke from a campsite. You can tell three men and two women are setting up camp and preparing food. Their gear is appropriate for the cold weather, but it’s relatively new.
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Edogawa will state, "These paths over the mountains are treacherous, and often only one way, due to both avalanches, and cold. So, Tavin, expect to be really cold at some point during this trip..." he will eye Guide carefully, "... As you recognize what I am, I won't stop you from your preparations... However, I generally tend to my own needs." he will rustle the various vials and tinctures in his clothing.
Before departing, Flunk offers his business card to Guide. "Always the possibility of something going horribly wrong at a funeral. I'm reminded of my late cousin Blount, whose heart condition often made it appear as though he wasn't living, he'd be so still at times. That... was an interesting wake," he winks.
On the way there, Flunk also shares what he recalls about the orcs. "Despite a well‑earned reputation for ferocity, the Shattered Fang orcs are also known for keeping oaths they have sworn on their ancestors. If one can earn such an oath from a member of the tribe, they can be reliably negotiated with."
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Guide takes the card and nods to both Edogawa and Flunk. "Oh, I don't mind in the least! I can see that you aren't due in the Boneyard for at least two weeks, but your fates are fuzzy. Perhaps my preparation will keep you in the Material Plane, if not, then shall Anubis guide you faithfully." she offers straightforwardly.
"Chaldira. I'm not sure that I've met a Chaldiran before. Do you find that your luck is higher than others? Your fate doesn't seem to be any different..." she says as she looks intently at Gavin, almost seeming like she is looking through him. "Perhaps you ascribe to her philosophy on war, or maybe you resonate with her halfling nature?"
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Seeing a grouping of individuals setting up camp, Guide brightens visibly. "Ah, another group of people! And not the mean orcs that Flunk talked about." she says chipperly.
"Hail, fellow brethren of the Material Plane! Are you passing through these mountains as well?" Guide calls out to the five people. "May we join your party! I have some rations that could use warming."
As the Guide to the Beyond introduces herself, the humans look amongst themselves, then back to her. Their poses soften, and they breathe a sigh of relief. ”Alright, alright, let’s introduce ourselves, shall we? I’m Jasper Caperinas. These two gentlemen are Amyas Charthagnion and Dacian Julistarc. And I am honored to be in the presence of two wonderful women: Sarevi Tilernos and Leonie Ciucci.” He bows mockingly at his four allies. Some smile while others roll their eyes.
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Guide, seeing the group offer solace in the wintery conditions, approaches amicably. "My name is Guide! We are on a journey through these mountains like you!" she says with a polite wave as she sits next to Leonie Ciucci.
"Why are you guys out here, Leonie? That is a such a great name! Is it a family name?" she asks, peppering the woman with questions. "This cold is so unbearable without a fire at night! I'm glad you guys have one set up. Are you heading to Cheliax?"
Flunk takes a look around the campsite, looking for, as always, potential clients. He pauses only to take notice of the fire itself, a mischievous laugh rising up out of him.
Flunk approaches Sarevi Tilernos, just because. He offers a handshake and - you guessed it - a card. "Flunk Wright, Esquire. Good evening. What brings you to the mountains?"
Leonie looks at Guide, a bit confused. ”Hmpf. We just came from Chileax.” She keeps her eyes on you as she reaches into her backpack. ”This compass and this map of the area are pretty new. Bought the map off of a local cartographer. I learned a lot about tracking animals when I was young and it became my hobby.” She admires the new compass, finally taking her eyes off of you. ”I have to admit. I’m happy Amyas talked us out here.”
Flunk takes the chance to speak to the other woman. Sarevi sits back down on a makeshift bench, staring at the campfire. You notice the brooch on her shoulder- a purple shield surrounded by blades. ”Tilernos family crest.” She doesn’t even look up at you, instead looking at the ground. ”My sister always said I should go on an adventure. All day in the manse dulls action and romance, she said... I hope she was right. I’m so cold.”
She wanders through her memories. ”The Knights of Ozem. They sent someone to tell us about Everri. She was guarding Lastwall when that Tyrant came about. The Silencing Tyrant or something. They said she was caught in the first wave.” Sarevi goes quiet. ”Maybe I’ll do something to honor her name. I dunno.” Sarevi keeps staring at the campfire.
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Quickly picking up a trend amongst the individuals present. Edogawa will approach Jasper. "I may not have much experience with this area. But I do know that the paths ahead are frozen and dangerous... Tell me, have you ever tested your equipment in a controlled environment? Ensured you have a full understanding of how it works? Have your companions?"
"Tested the... hmm. You know, I never did test my gear. I think Amyas had vouched for the equipment. If we were swimming this would be easy."
”I’m quite the accomplished swimmer, see?” He flips to a journal entry of his victory in an Absalom swimming contest, along with a rubbing of some kind of medal. ”Also, I’ve read several books on identifying footprints. I’ve put checkmarks next to all of the creatures I’ve found- it’s wonderful!”
"Huh, I never thought about that. Like you could look for bits of fur lying around? Maybe a claw or nail that broke off?" Jasper thinks for a bit. "Wow, that's... a great idea." He writes more down.
"It is indeed quite cold, but at least you are well prepared. I do see some room for improvement, though." Flunk remarks with a glance at Sarevi's gear. He looks to the rest of the party, "Might any of you know how she can tie better knots?"
Not really knowing his way around gear or knots or any such things, Flunk moves on to talk to Amyas Charthagnion.
Edogawa reaches deep into his training and advises Sarevi on not just knots, but also where to use rope in the first place. How to estimate the correct length of rope. "Y-you know a lot about rope, huh?" Sarevi looks up. "Everri knew a lot about silk, she'd always talk about the best ropes she could find." Sarevi smirks. "I always wondered why she wanted so much rope."
Edogawa talks to Leonie for a bit about the maps. She seems to squirm uncomfortably on the bench for a bit. "You've got a point. Maybe I am reading these contours wrong. Aymas was so confident- AYMAS!" She bolts up and stares at him.
”Admit it Aymas. We’re in way over our heads. And these people saved us from doing something stupid.” She turns to you, scanning the group. ”I… I’m sorry for doubting you.” She hands her map to you. ”You all need this more than we do right now.”
The Chileaxian nobles look to each other. Look at the fire, look at you, and look at the mountain sky. The wind howls in the distance.
”You know, everyone.” Aymas looks to his friends. ”These people have brought me valuable insight. We may need to return home to further prepare ourselves for this journey- clearly we need more practice!” He declares.
Jasper approaches and hands you his handbook about the trails used here. You are able to learn more about the lay of the land, and you even notice a possibly sustainable route.
Dacian shrugs. ”Well, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the night here, eh? Campfire’s warm, plenty of game to catch, and enough food to last for the night. Let’s enjoy ourselves, eh?” The Chilexians cheer and invite you to party the night away (or at least set up camp.)
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Guide cheerfully responds as she sees the group interacting with these lonesome travelers. "Leonie, I am so glad that you have found a hobby! Hobbies are fantastic! What are your favorite parts about tracking, hiking, and mountaineering? I am relatively new with this as well. I attended a monastery in the mountains, but it is certainly not my area of expertise!"
Guide will recount her tale of travelling through the mountains to leave her monastery to join the Pathfinder Society, regaling her with the narrow miss with a mountain goat herd (which she wanted to pet), the subsistence on roots and berries and the sounds of winds whipping against the cave openings at night. "The pitfalls of the land are great! I had to patch up my mentor three times! One, a twisted ankle on some loose rock. Two, vomiting and diarrhea from poisonous berries and, three,... mountain goat headbutt into a broken rib!" she mutters as she attempts to cover up something.
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After being offered a place by the fire, Guide will arrange her bedroll for maximum fire efficiency. "Huzzah! I love a good campfire!" she declares as she takes a piece of roasted rabbit and stewed potatoes for some warm nourishment.
"Are you guys heading back to Canorate tomorrow? We could travel together!" she adds joyously with a little rabbit oil trailing down her chin.
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Edogawa sets up his camping equipment farthest from the fire, and shows little further interest in discussion. But his whiskers will twitch when Guide mentions going back to Canorate. "I am sorry Guide... but we have a short time-table for our own mission... These individuals, while not quite prepared for the rigors ahead of them, are clearly talented and skilled enough to get back to Canorate safely. And they will learn from this experience..."
He will look over in the direction of each of them in term, "One day, I expect it will be you all teaching me something new..."
He then resumes his ruminations, as though he said nothing out of sorts.
"Well, unlike the Pathfinder Society v. Aram Zey, that went off without a hitch," Flunk nods, standing before the campfire. "And yet, I find myself enamored with this fire..."
FIRE! YES, FIRE!
Clearing his throat abruptly, Flunk walks over and takes a seat next to the halfling and elf. "Say, Gavin, and .. Tavin?" He snickers. "A fun coincidence. How about a game of cards?"