The rain lets up for a little, yet its cold sourness remains and the overcast sky shows no effort towards cheering the mood. When Osprey assigned you this venture to Taldor’s wine country, he said the region was pleasant.
As usual, his words were misleading.
The coast was pleasant, the mires surrounding the Railford Distillery are not.
“This mission is easy,” he said, “All you need to do is travel to Railford, find the son of Iodon Railford and convince him to let the Pathfinders use part of his distillery as a lodge. We have finances, we can protect him, and if nothing else we can help him honor the work of his father, who after all, was one of us.”
The path to Railford is hardly an easy one to follow, especially after the spring thaw waters turn the thick clay soil to slough. Only a few crudely scarred trees denote the secluded route as it winds through the syrupy mire of flooded vineyards and vague remnants of rotten trellis with grapevines choked out by pervasive briars and heavy blankets of peat.
|
Relgar stirs a little uneasily on his mount. The gnome's valuable scrolls were placed into the relative safety of Shaggy's waterproof saddle bags at the merest prospect of rain. That being the case does not mean that Relgar appreciates getting wet, not in the least. The sorcerer shakes out and adjusts his oversized blue arcane hat which sparkles with silly silver stars.
To break the mood a little his familiar Gregor smiles a toothy grin at his master from one of his many pockets.
"Enjoying the rain are you?"
He turns to eye his companions.
"I hope that one of you are good in the woods and following this washed out trail?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Shaggy wags his tail and looks with anticipation at the prospect of trotting in the mud. The muscular and loyal wolfhound barks up at his master indicating his approval of his current situation.
"Woof, woof."
|
I think I can hadle that...nice to see you again, Relgar. And you too, Shaggy. I don't have any treats right now, boy...but after this how about a nice steak....hmm? Petro days as he strides up beside the gnome and pats him on the shoulder. He then bends down to scratch behind Shaggy's ears.
Place looks like a ghost town...the halfelf says as he scans the area.
Shaggy perks up at the sight and scent of Petro and gives him a good lick in proper canine fashion.
As you trudge sinking step after sinking step through the mire, hoping to spot the markers that confirm you're still on the right path, your mind drifts back to just after Osprey's briefing. A scroll had been secretly slipped into your backpack . . .
I require the procuring of a rare and pungent swamp root. There are only a few regions in which this plant grows wild, though quite conveniently, it is native to the very region to which you are being sent. The name of the root is ygrat, though it is sometimes known as Crone’s Tongue. Vintners mash the root into an oily paste
used for seasoning wine casks. The locals should know where it’s found, however I need it to be fresh. It has … useful properties that should server our evenings well.
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
Railford possesses secrets of distilling pungent and rare spirits. While these putrid western beverages provide little interest to us, the trade princes believe the distilling techniques used to create these spirits could prove invaluable in the production of tinctures, perfumes, and the preservation of spices, herbs, and other items. We require that you learn all you can about these processes from Becher Railford and forward your findings to us. Let Becher know we are sincere in our desire to bargain with him and if he shows interest, we may even consider sponsoring him for a bit, provided he can build us some of his devices and teach us how to use them.
Sincerely,
Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri
It has come to my attention that a battalion of Eagle Knights has gone rogue, likely driven mad by some entropy lurking beneath Droskar’s Crag. While the sad fates of errant do-gooders rarely concern me, there are rumors that one of the survivors remains relatively sane, but has split from the rogue battalion and now lives in relative secrecy in Taldor, at Railford, trying to drink the horrors from his mind. I only need this information confirmed. It is imperative that he remain unaware that we know of his existence.
Sincerely,
Captain Colson Maldris
I am quite close with the family of a former associate of the late Iodun Railford, an accomplished wizard and fellow Pathfinder named Abta Nuatha. Abta disappeared almost a decade ago without a word. The family attempted several times to contact Iodun for further information, however he never gave a reply and upon Railford’s death, the family was forced to employ a seer to determine their son’s whereabouts, who found nothing. If he lives, he must be brought immediately before the pharaoh. If he died, it is of utmost importance that he receives a proper burial so that his soul may carry over to the land of the dead.
Respectfully,
Amenopheus, The Sapphire Sage
|
|
A serious-looking creature as much monkey as man enters the room. He is covered in greyish-brown fur from head to toe, and a tail peeks out from his clothing. He wears only a skirt embroidered with images of birds - mostly black, but one silver - flying over a mountain, held up by a white rope belt. The sword at his hip gleams, and you wonder if it has ever tasted blood or is just an affectation. Bowing slightly to each fellow agent, he says, "My greetings to you all, and good fortune upon our journey. My name is Nisek, and I am a practitioner of ancient martial arts. Although new to the Society, I am sure my strength will be an asset to this group." He then takes a seat to listen to Osprey's words.
Nisek follows the path, keeping to the trees whenever possible tand hitching up his clothing when not. It is clear he may have formal combat training, but little practical experience. He looks around for any indication that they are not walking in circles.
|
Kurik tries hard to keep up with the pace of the ranger and the riding dog, but with heavy armor, a greatsword and an also heavy backpack it's not that easy. The tall, heavy armored man with brown hair has a holy symbol of Sarenrae hanging around his neck, showing his devotion to the Dawnflower.
"I was not trained for tracking... Relgar, is it? My name is Kurik, paladin of Sarenrae, at your service. I'm not an expert on many things, but I am skilled in using my sword to defend my comrades and making our enemies cry. Pietro here knows that already - it's nice to see you again, mate!"
He offers Pietro a fistbump. Afterwards, he turns back to the gnome.
"Pietro and I (and a few others) were looking for VC Dreng's bottle at the Wounded Wisp together - and you know how these seemingly 'easy' missions go. On that day I learned it's always a good idea to have a few alchemical weapons at hand... Well, what else can I do besides fighting? I can provide some healing - I have a wand of CLW - and also make some small talk. But some people seem to find me a bit intimidating. Must be my height..."
He shrugs, then looks at the dog.
"On the other hand, most animals do like me. May I?"
After getting consent from Relgar, Kurik offers Shaggy a few treats.
"Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy? You are, Shaggy!"
Kurik has no idea where he is going. But he trusts Pietro, so (for this mission) he follows the Ranger - wherever he may lead him.
|
The Shoanti man had been mostly quiet. He'd introduced himself at the Grand Lodge before the party set out with his name, Jon Rooi, and little more than a polite greeting.
Now that the Pathfinder were out in the elements, he seems to have more to say. "This is nothing like the Varisian plains of my home--we know how to combat drought, not floods!" he points out with smile. "But we also know how to--how should I say--deal with what life presents. When you travel with your home in your bags and on your animals, you persevere through whatever life presents you with. Today, we get rain. Today, we deal with rain."
The markers you spot indicate you're headed in the right direction. But as you approach Railford, the rain starts again and all darkens. The creepers and overgrowth do little to help the situation, blocking some of the rain but casting strange twisting shadows.
Ahead, you see flickering light--it must be a campfire.
[spoiler=Petro]Yep, Grand Lodge gets the Osirion faction mission. The original Season Zero factions were nation-based, and there are rules on how to convert modern factions to them.[/ooc]
|
|
A grey-furred witchwolf wearing scale mail and a heavy steel shield with Iomedae's symbol watches quietly as Osprey briefs the team. "Stefan Mariano, warpriest of Iomedae. You say we should offer protection to Railford. Who does he need protection from?" he asks.
********************************************************************
Stefan has no problems spotting the markers pointing towards Railford. He looks up at the darkening skies with some concern. "We should find shelter quickly. It looks like it is about to rain."
At the sight of the fire he shouts towards the others while pointing to the fire. "There! A campfire! Let us get out of this rain!"
Stefan's excited shout is answered by the sound of barking dogs from the direction of the campfire. An instant later, the battle-cry of "Intruders" rings out!
Initiative (Round 1)
Relgar
Petro
Humans
Nisek
Dogs
Stefan
Kurik
Jon Rooi
Bold should go!
|
|
Relgar checks out the locals but does not recognise who they might be. He does hear Petro's warning so he knows that they are probably up to no good.
@GM Jhaeman - Does drizzle impact actual fire spells like Burning Hands or Produce Flame? My character does have some other options but this is really important considering his tight focus and will influence the actions that he might take in the combat.
I have no idea if this will be relevant (as my character did fail his knowledge check) but he does have the following boon: Beheading the Serpent (All Aspis agents and hirelings are at -1 to hit, damage, saves and skill checks).
Petro lets an arrow fly, but the distance, darkness, and mists see it disappear harmlessly.
|
|
Relgar attempts to guide Shaggy forward with only his knees.
Relgar takes a position behind Petro (using him as cover) and conjures a ball of fire in his left hand (Produce Flame).
With no one to attack Shaggy takes a defensive posture (Full Defence, his current AC is 17 not including any possible cover bonus).
A shout of "Sic 'em! I said, Sic 'em!" is followed by that of dogs barking wildly. Then, an arrow thunks into the ground some distance away from the Pathfinders.
Initiative (Round 1)
Relgar
Petro
Humans
Nisek
Dogs
Stefan
Kurik
Jon Rooi
Bold should go!
One of the dogs just howls, (not understanding its master's instructions), but the other one races into the muck toward you!
Initiative (Round 1)
Relgar
Petro
Humans
Nisek
Dogs
Stefan
Kurik
Jon Rooi
Bold should go!
It is evening, and therefore Dim light more than 30’ away from the camp fire (imposes 20% miss chance). You are on flat but mucky ground which is considered to be difficult terrain (each square costs double movement. It is currently drizzling (-2 on ranged weapon attacks, -2 on Perception checks, 50% of unprotected flames being extinguished). There are mire mists rising from the ground (provides concealment—a 20% miss chance and an opportunity for Stealth—to anything more than 10’ away).
|
|
Jon moves up to Kurik and implants a trick in the man that creates a mirror image when he gets attacked.
Mesmeric Mirror: An illusory image appears near the subject to throw off attackers. The mesmerist can trigger this trick when the subject is attacked or becomes the target of a spell that requires an attack roll. One duplicate of the subject appears, and the attacker must determine randomly which it hits (as mirror image). For every 5 class levels the mesmerist possesses, one additional image appears, to a maximum of five images at 20th level. Each image lasts for 1 minute per mesmerist level or until destroyed. This is an illusion (figment) effect.
As Kurik advances with his greatsword, Jon Rooi keeps pace ands lends aid with some mental misdirection.
Initiative (Round 2)
Relgar
Petro
Humans
Nisek
Dogs
Stefan
Kurik
Jon Rooi
Bold should go!
It is evening, and therefore Dim light more than 30’ away from the camp fire (imposes 20% miss chance). You are on flat but mucky ground which is considered to be difficult terrain (each square costs double movement. It is currently drizzling (-2 on ranged weapon attacks, -2 on Perception checks, 50% of unprotected flames being extinguished). There are mire mists rising from the ground (provides concealment—a 20% miss chance and an opportunity for Stealth—to anything more than 10’ away).
|
|
Relgar continues to move around with his mount attempting to direct Shaggy with his knees. The dog and gnome team move behind the monkey-monk.
As the fire continues to burn in his left hand a wand slides out of his spring-loaded wrist sheath into his right hand and he speaks a word of power and waits for a monster to appear.
Shaggy keeps up his defensive posture (Full Defence - current AC is 17).
@GM Jhaeman - Activating a wand does not require concentration so he should be able to use it without a problem as Shaggy moves.
Relgar's wand glows with arcane energy as a monstrous form begins to take shape nearby. Meanwhile, Petro tries to launch an arrow but it's defective and snaps in half as he goes to nock it.
At the campsite, one of the men cruelly kicks the confused dog. "I said attack, darn you!" He then picks up a bow. The other guard tries to nock an arrow but the rain causes it to slip from his fingers!
Initiative (Round 2)
Relgar
Petro
Humans
Nisek
Dogs
Stefan
Kurik
Jon Rooi
Bold should go!
It is evening, and therefore Dim light more than 30’ away from the camp fire (imposes 20% miss chance). You are on flat but mucky ground which is considered to be difficult terrain (each square costs double movement. It is currently drizzling (-2 on ranged weapon attacks, -2 on Perception checks, 50% of unprotected flames being extinguished). There are mire mists rising from the ground (provides concealment—a 20% miss chance and an opportunity for Stealth—to anything more than 10’ away).
One of the dogs starts racing toward Petro, while the other one gets close enough to lunge at Nisek but the vanara leaps to the side!
Initiative (Round 2)
Relgar
Petro
Humans
Nisek
Dogs
Stefan
Kurik
Jon Rooi
Bold should go!
It is evening, and therefore Dim light more than 30’ away from the camp fire (imposes 20% miss chance). You are on flat but mucky ground which is considered to be difficult terrain (each square costs double movement. It is currently drizzling (-2 on ranged weapon attacks, -2 on Perception checks, 50% of unprotected flames being extinguished). There are mire mists rising from the ground (provides concealment—a 20% miss chance and an opportunity for Stealth—to anything more than 10’ away).
|
|
Kurik's eyes narrow at the sight of animal cruelty. He moves forward as quick as he can, but the terrain makes that very difficult...
The paladin then presents his holy symbol, raises his voice and shouts:
"I'm a paladin of the Dawnflower, so halt your attacks right now!"
Kurik's shout rings out, but the reply isn't what he hoped: "Filthy cultist! Go back to Qadira!" one of them shouts back. Meanwhile, Stefan scuffles with one of the dogs but can't land a solid blow.
Jon Rooi watches carefully to make sure no one is sneaking up on the party!
Initiative (Round 3)
Relgar
Petro
Humans
Nisek
Dogs
Stefan
Kurik
Jon Rooi
Bold should go!
It is evening, and therefore Dim light more than 30’ away from the camp fire (imposes 20% miss chance). You are on flat but mucky ground which is considered to be difficult terrain (each square costs double movement. It is currently drizzling (-2 on ranged weapon attacks, -2 on Perception checks, 50% of unprotected flames being extinguished). There are mire mists rising from the ground (provides concealment—a 20% miss chance and an opportunity for Stealth—to anything more than 10’ away).
A celestial eagle finally appears and glides (5' step) towards the dog (yellow) before attacking.
The avian lashes out against the dog for some animal on animal action.
|
|
Relgar nods as his eagle lashes out. He attempts to reposition himself but his lack of experience comes to haunt him.
In order not to burn his mount with his free but fiery left hand he puts his wand away in a handy pocket and grabs Shaggy with his now free right hand for balance. Sylvester then sighs and attempts to throw a ball of fire at one of the men (red).
The cries of an eagle rise up above the sounds of battle as it plunges towards one of the dogs, inflicting a deep gash with a razor sharp talon. The dog yelps in pain before Petro finishes it off with an arrow.