Soraya has mixed feeling about the whole affair. She can't help but feel a little disappointed when she very quickly discovers the priest if not her replacement. But the man's message doesn't sit quite right with her either.
She wonders how it would be possible for one who claims such pacifistic habits can wander safely through the notably dangerous places he claims to travel. On one hand he claims to have the information due to rumors, making him surprisingly well sourced for an itinerant traveler. Then she claims to have come to know of all this from dreams delivered to him from Sarenrae. It's not a particularly consistent account.
But, there's no particular reason to confront the priest over his credentials or message or how he can be so sure of the source of dreams. Soraya is aware there are plenty of half-educated priests doing good work on the fringes and frontiers. Faith is after all enough.
She is also self-aware enough to realize she may have soured on the priest some because he is not who she wanted him to be.
She does think he can question one thing without being rude though.
"Brother Priest, you have mentioned learning the things you have from both rumors and divinatory dreams. Please tell us which aspects of your message originated from which source?"
The old priest nods and takes a moment to think them over. Offering, "I have heard rumors in my travels. Rumors of gnoll tribes gathering on the far slopes of Pale Mountain, tribes united under one banner—the sign of the Carrion King!"
He takes a deep breath and points out, "As my visions would entail the fall of the Carrion King’s death would mean that the gnoll tribes would stand down—a war could be averted. Glimpses of carnage for the gnolls but peace for Kelmarane."
He takes a long pull on his ale to finish it and then adds, "Then more rumors of the House of the Beast and its location, though I had no visions on that topic."
He nods approvingly at those who offer up to take on the trial. Soon he waves and walks off leaving the task to the volunteers.
"I will venture to the Pale Mountain with you. We shall see this House of the Beast and what gnolls have gathered." He states in agreement with the others, touching the handle of his greatsword. Then he continues pointing out some logistics, "Shall we gather supplies for the trip and be ready to leave by the morning. Finding a map, a guide, or something in between would be helpful. Otherwise we need to decide which way to take: The Hammerfalls, Bronze Hook, or some other way?"
Confirms that the Brazen Peaks are not completely mapped out, the location of the House of the Beast is not a secret. Yet reaching the location might prove some difficulty, for the ruins are in a relatively remote, and relatively dangerous region.
The northwestern highlands of Katapesh form a
natural barrier between the nation’s heartland
and its neighbors, Osirion to the north and the
Mwangi Expanse to the west. The Brazen Peaks also
cut Katapesh off from much of the western rainfall
that makes the Mwangi Expanse so lush, trapping it in
mountain lakes and on snow-capped peaks only to run
down deep-cut canyons during the spring thaw and cross
the dry plains and grasslands.
The highlands are a wilder place than the great cities
of the coast, a frontier land inhabited by hardy folk who
subsist off the land, often near life-giving sources of water.
It is also a region filled with untamed wilderness and
savage creatures, not the least of which are barbaric tribes
of gnolls dwelling in the peaks.
of the Brazen Peaks was once along a caravan route from
Ipeq to Solku in the south, and earned a healthy living
ferrying goods and passengers across the Pale River,
charging tolls for the use of the Hook Ford Bridge. As
the trade route has fallen into disuse, so too have Bronze
Hook’s fortunes slid. The town subsists off of what little trade trickles along the old road, but desperate times call
for desperate measures, so Bronze Hook increasingly asks
no questions about “trade” passing through the town or
across (or along) the river. This includes slavers of various
sorts and their miserable cargoes, exotic creatures, and
things coming out of the Bronze Peaks. The constabulary is
hard-pressed to keep order in town whenever a substantial
number of visitors passes through, bringing with them
coin and opportunities to drink and brawl in the local
taprooms. That the authorities are often on the take and
more likely to be found starting brawls than breaking
them up doesn’t help, either.
snow high in the Brazen Peaks, cascade down from the
mountains, roaring over tall cliffs and foaming through
tiers of rapids down toward the Pale River, where the
swirling white waters calm somewhat before flowing past
Kelmarane and the open plains. The distant roaring of
the falls is audible day and night in the nearby passes and
canyons, and the rapids are all but impossible to navigate
by boat, except for extremely small and nimble craft; even
then, frequent portages are necessary to avoid the falls and
jagged rocks able to rend hulls and flesh with equal ease.
The largest of the falls is known as the Anvil, near the
river’s headwaters deep in the mountains, cascading over a
plunge more than 150 feet to a broad pool below. Long ago,
the rock-face behind and around the Anvil was riddled
with natural caves worn by millennia of water, expanded
and enlarged by dwarven stonemasons. The Hammerfall
community of dwarves has not been heard from in well
over a century, making them all but legend to the shorter-
lived races of the highlands. Many tales try to explain their
fate, whether falling to a mysterious ailment or dying upon
the blades of cruel gnolls. Perhaps they delved too deep,
and struck something other than a vein of ore, running
afoul of the dangers of the Darklands.
The Halls of Hammerfall have remained lost and sealed
for generations, and no one can claim to have found them or
their treasures. In their cups, old dwarves of Katapesh speak
wistfully of the wonders of the Hammerfall workshops,
with waterwheel-driven forges and gates, of the rich veins
in the roots of the mountains. They also mourn their loss
and relate tales of how the dying dwarves built their own
cunning tombs in the depths of the rock, filling them with
mechanical traps and defenses, so the savage humanoids
of the peaks would never defile them. From time to time, a
daring prospector brags of maps showing a hidden trail or
secret entrance, or even claims to have been there and back,
perhaps with a small bauble to prove the tale, but if anyone
has truly found the old dwarven halls or learned their fate,
they have successfully kept it to themselves.
Hook Ford: Although the Pale River’s flow past the foothills of the Brazen Peaks is nowhere near as vigorous as the cascades and rapids upstream, it remains cold and deep, with few places to ford or cross it. Hook Ford, near the town of Bronze Hook, is the only shallow point across the river for miles, situated in an area where the river slows
as it winds out across the plains westward. Tolls levied on
caravans crossing north-south along the old trade route
once brought significant wealth to the nearby town, but
those monies have since dried up as the old trade route
has fallen into disuse. The watchtower guarding the ford
remains, though, and the shallows still see occasional
use by travelers making their way through the highlands.
Dasharn, the veteran guardsman who has watched over
the ford for over 40 years, still maintains his post. An
honorable but perpetually bored man, he thoroughly
questions anyone who would make use of “his” ford.
|
"The intel on this seems particularly sketchy. It smells more of a political assassination than noble task at first look. But if you are all game to go, it would be foolish not to document what we can find during the trip."
"It will be an arduous trip, probably need climbing and cold weather gear as we try to work through the mountains. We'll have to work with only what we can carry, as we'll be unlikely to stick to trails where a mule could go, unless we WANT to fight as many gnolls as possible? He doesn't sound like he thinks that's really an option.
The priest's answer doesn't do much to convince Soraya of his claims, but she doesn't have an solid reason to disbelieve him.
It may turn out to be nothing, however it doesn't seem wise to ignore what he's saying out of hand. It might be nice to visit the mountains anyway.
Soraya had been curious about the Brazen Peaks since arriving since they were the most familiar looking feature in the region to her. She had asked plenty of questions, and so knew something of them already.
"As you said Auso. We should be prepared for cold weather and perhaps storms. Probably two weeks or so of food that we will need to carry in."
"It's also said there are caves lower of the slopes below the Maw and to the south. They're supposed to be haunted by demons. Sounds interesting."
”Lord Aukan’s presence is reassuring. If I were to see him fight a dragon then I would pity the wyrm. Given that there are multiple routes, would it make sense for Lord Aukan to lead militia one way while we go another? This would ensure that, should one path prove to be especially perilous, or if it should be blocked, then the other might still arrive in time. If our group goes via the caves, then if nothing else we can determine whether a real threat exists there.” Sendi offered. She didn’t really believe in these visions, and saw this as a way to ensure some good came out of the expedition.
"I think it may be better to remain together. If stealth fails us, we could be facing a far greater mob of the beasts than we did here in Kelmarane, and I for one would want Aukan's sword with me in that scenario. As for a route, the Hammerfalls would ensure that at least we would not run dry on our way."
Balan then turns to the goliath, "Will you provide rations for the journey, or should we buy our own here at the market before tomorrow morning?"
"I could lead a secondary group if needed. I wasn't expecting... well I suppose I should have expected to be put in leadership. I am fine with either case." He replies to Sendi without much thought in it, then thinks better on his word choice.
He answers Balan simply, "I would buy my own. I am bringing wondermeal rations, not the tastiest meal but covers it for most of the time. I will have a big meal before I leave and at any waypoints. Spare rations are always better than none. Plus food can sometimes help with problems that other objects might not help."
---
Once he is alone, or with others heading to the store, he finds the local trading store. There he orders another 40 wondermeal portions, 8 lengths of 50 feet of silk rope, 10 pitons, two climber's kits, and a chronicler's kit.
In response to Victrix Almah has an answer, using her lovely honeyed tongue, "With most of our protectors away, and only with the guards. I am sure the locals will rally to my aid in building fortifications. You don't need to worry about such things. Prepare yourself for this journey, should it prove to be so dangerous a reward will await you when you return."
The next morning:
You find a magical red rock, in a black velvet bag, it would have been on your handle. A note inside was signed only, 'Your brother'. The note also says, "Keep it close, keep it safe, may Irori watch over you on your travels."
Sendi woke and saw the red vellum envelope slipped under her door. She picked it up, and carefully opened it, so that the envelope might not be ripped. She read the note and regarded the feather. She did not quite trust it, for who was this mysterious benefactor? She placed the feather and the letter aside, and went about her morning routine. Once done, she exited her room and sought out Soraya. For all she knew, her old master had sent a cursed item to her.
"Greetings, sister." She said, with a slight bow as a way of greetings. "I received a letter from a mysterious benefactor, along with a feather which I believe to be magical. Might I impose on you to examine it, before I wear it? I am not of mind to wear any magical item sent to me from an unnamed source."
The night before, after it was decided they would follow the 'sketchy intel', as Auso had perfectly put it, provided by this stranger for unknown reasons, Throrgar returned to the battle market, his notes, and a few extra drinks.
He did not trust the man, and he had no sense of duty to fight against gnolls, or this 'Carrion King' - but he did respect and trusted the people that decided to get involved in the endeavor. Coupled with his own curiosity, that was all the motivation he needed.
With a decent brandy by his side, he started on the list of equipment they might need... "Rope, pythons, grappling hooks, cold weather clothing, blankets, bedrolls..."
Soraya puts aside her strange parcel to answer the door. She finds Sendi there with what is apparently precisely the same parcel.
"Good morning Sendi. It's beyond coincidence that you're here. Come in, I have something to show you."
Soraya gets her own feather, wrapper, and message so they can compare the two.
"I can't imagine who the sender might be. This isn't a large or populous place. Anyone who would be inclined to send these, and the message does tend to imply they are somehow enchanted, would have quite a bit of money and think kindly enough of us to gift us these. But if so, it seems they would be someone we know, so why not include their name?"
"It makes me uneasy as well. I'll check them both that the same time."
After a magical request to Sarenrae to guide her effort, Soraya initiates a simple orison to check for magical auras.
"Kē yasamā jādū cha."
Then she concentrates, trying to determine the nature of any aura she might detect.
After being satisfied with his list, Throrgar packed his things and left the Battle Market to grab some rest.
Rope (1gp)
Heatstones (20gp)
Bedroll (o,1gp)
Blanket (0,5gp)
Outfit, Cold-Weather (8gp)
Outfit, Hot Weather (already owned by Throrgar)
Kit, Climber’s (80gp)
Map of the region
Compass (10gp)
Field survival guide (20gp)
Crowbar (2gp)
masterwork survival kit (50gp)
Rations (Wandermeal for 1 week? 1cp each)
Grappling Arrows (1gp)
Grappling Hooks (1gp)
------------------------------
Throrgar will take some time to try and understand the magic of the feather.
|
|
The young Pathfinder goes to the market with Aukan.
"Are you sure you want that much wandermeal? Laying in a good supply of rations in case we need to depend on them, I understand, but if we have to subsist on what we carry, that stuff will start to hurt. With normal dried rations, as long as you can get enough water into your system, you'll stay healthy for far longer. Not my gut, though, so . . .."
He nods as he sees the collection of tools Aukan selected. Frowning a little as he looked at the stack of rope. I really hope we don't need anywhere near that much each. Should my 100' feet be good enough?
As he goes through the shop, Auso collects roughly 20 pounds of dried foods: hard cheese, hard sausage, jerky, nuts, crackers, berries, and some other dried fruit. He also picks up some additional basic spices to supplement any real cooking they get to do on the trail. As well as that pesky cold weather gear he really hopes not to need.
He takes the note and reads it. How did she get this here? It looks like her handwriting, so she must have been involved, but . . .? Must be nice to have the resources of a major lodge at hand. Only then does he pick up the deep red prism, rolling it over in his hand, noting the crack, but excited to have it anyway. Only one place for it, then, really. He pulls the wayfinder she had lent him out of a pouch, and installs the cracked magenta prism ioun stone into it.
Then he transfers the note into his Chronicler's kit for safekeeping, and moves spices into the box, before adding it to his cooking kit.
Total - 137 gp, 1 sp
Balan reads the note, puts the bag into a side pocket in his pack. Thank you, brother. Hopefully I'll be able to meet you soon.
Arriving at the battle market, Balan quickly scans the crowd and quickly spots Auso and Aukan speaking at the end of a row of stalls. As he joins their party, the monk remarks, "Aukan, did I spot you reading a book at Almah's yesterday?"
After a magical request to Sarenrae to guide her effort, Soraya initiates a simple orison to check for magical auras.
"Kē yasamā jādū cha."
Then she concentrates, trying to determine the nature of any aura she might detect.
The first try fails but casting guidance again you can try to identify the other feather.
You learn that it has protective properties but nothing else.
It is a magical wondrous item. A Lucky Feather which gives you a +1d6 on a failed save once per day. One curse: only the follower of Sarenrae can use it. Also you know that the creator has to be a priest of Sarenrae.
Soraya tries the other feather since her results weren't great the first time around.
He nods and shoves Auso lightly, saying, "I use it regularly to keep me regular. Trust me it helps. Though a golaith's body might handle it better!" Then he winks at Auso.
"Yes Balan! I can read, I am not a barbarian! Though the one I was looking at was talking about a fighting style. Similar to my dragon style, they called it tiger style. Though it involved claws." He replies having fun at Balan's expense, but you can tell he is just joking around. Then he relays his notes on the book.
As Victrix joins the boys he lets them interact first. After Auso asks his question, he yells and punching an arm into the air, He then cringes a bit seeing the folks in the stalls pale at his outburst. He smiles and waves the offered hand. Moving along and hoping the others follow. "So to Almah's mansion? Did someone get where we were meeting?"
Felliped has an extra copy and lets you borrow it Balan. Though only until your copy of Unbinding the Fetters arrives.
Balan thanks Felliped before carefully stowing the sacred text in his satchel.
At the market, Balan replies in kind to Aukan. "Glad to hear it. The wit is like the claw, or the blade, best when it is regularly sharpened." After the goliath's outburst, he replies "Seems like a good idea to me. The sooner find the others, the sooner we can be on our way."
Confident that the flower was protective and not cursed, Sendi added it to the front of her shirt. Whomever sent it would see it and might well reveal him or herself. She went out to buy some cold weather clothing, so that she would be ready for when they headed out into the wilderness.
"I can't find anything suggesting the feathers are harmful, just some mildly protective qualities. I do wish I knew who sent them..."
Soraya puts hers on as well.
Soraya does buy some warm weather clothing. While she's not very concerned about the climate, higher elevations are what she's used to, she isn't used to spending whole days and nights out. She also picks up extra food and a second container for water.
Throrgar adds the feather to his Necklace of Charms and joins the others - "Seems to be attuned to one's faith, so it will not work for me. I shall carry it nonetheless" - he shrugs.
Wearing her own, Sendi said ”If that is true, then should it work for you, I shall be the first to celebrate.”
Throrgar smiled - "I do not think I can be converted Sendi"
”Oh, of course not.” Sendi said, with a radiant smile. She gently put a hand on his shoulder, and looking him in the eyes said ”The strong and proud never are. Your faith is for you to find, and you alone.”
The banter likely continues in the market as the group heads over to Almah's mansion. There you can see likely the rest of your party. As any logistics get settled before the group heads out.
"To clarify, we are all going to head along the desert to the South of the Pale Mountain. There we will look for the passage to the mountain." He asks the group.
"Not me," says Balan. "I'm mostly concerned with making sure we surprise the gnolls, not the other way around."
"Okay so we have at least four days within the desert, or at least lowlands next to the mountains. Everyone ready, shall we set out?" He asks obvious eager to get this traveling started.
As you set out from Kelmarane you see that many of the population step out of their houses and wave to you as you leave.
Almah and a small gathering and her guards are even now starting to put together some posts to make a wall. Though you know the future holds moving rocks.
---
The desert is actually kind to you, nothing dangerous sprouts its head as you venture to the Pale Mountain. Though the desert continues to try you.
"I know we are investigating a potential concern for the region, so time may be of the essence" - Throrgar comments to the others as they travel - "But I believe we have much to gain in foraging and hunting as we go" - he suggests.
"I know next to nothing about ourdoor survival." Sendi said. "So I defer to the experts. And besides. The scenery is worth taking the time to admire."
"I am not an expert either" - Throrgar nods at Sendi and Auso - "But I did read something about it in this manual I purchased recently, so we can give it a try"
"Soraya can you not create water?" He asks but even with that he wouldn't mind hunting on the way.
-----
Aukan would competitively hunt against each of you. Pointing out the differences in size of the catch of the day and would lord it over the group if he is the one to bring home the best catch.
On the first, fourth, and ninth day you likely hear about it the most.
For the most part he is an easy going fighter. He is intrigued with mechanical and magical devices but did not have the aptitude to learn a class that would help him. Instead he has always tinkered with things and learned how they work that way... for some crazy outcomes. Luckily for the group he hasn't found anything new yet.
-----
With his greatsword in hand he continues to lead the group forward...
Desert, desert, and more desert. Either the scorching sands or the scrublands that offer no shade, the sun finds you as you travel. Most of you prepared for this and with those capable survivalist's you find the essential water and occasional food.
Once you are South of the Pale Mountain you look back at the map and the markers to see where this cave would begin. You see the hooked arc of rock and head towards it.
Aukan would competitively hunt against each of you. Pointing out the differences in size of the catch of the day and would lord it over the group if he is the one to bring home the best catch.
On the first, fourth, and ninth day you likely hear about it the most.
Throrgar really has no patience for Aukan's constant braggard attitude - he ponders whether to point that out or not, but eventually remains silent about it.
Over the course of the trip, Aukan's antics go from amusing to irritating as Balan realizes that that goliath's lording his hunting skill over the others isn't just a joke.
Balan takes the time hunting to try getting to know the half-orc better.
These are to aid Throrgar, of allowable.
"I say we go around - whatever it is, this is probably their territory" - Throrgar pointed out.
Balan shifts the straps on his pack. "Agreed, Throrgar. Though fighting something that lives in the sand sounds fun, we're here to deal with the gnolls."