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"Hmm. Looks like they were trying to sell the research to someone, but the buyer was not identified." Jiggo states. "I'm not certain if Aspis planned all along to sell it or they were just taking advantage of the situation. We were able to knock out some of them, so you can question them when they wake up."
Kreighton nods. “Given the current situation, we best allow the Grand Princess to send some guards to arrest the ones you left living.”
He quickly finds one of the more senior guards and tells them about the prisoners then he gathers all of you for a trip to the castle.
While he is out of the room, one of the researchers from Ustalov, a gnome with multi-colored hair, comes in to thank you for the return of their material. They have already confirmed it is intact and complete.
It is a short walk from the academy to the castle. There the servants get everyone organized and there is a short wait until you are all allowed into the court chamber. The princess is already seated on her throne.
As all are gathered the Grand Princess speaks. “Thank you everyone for coming.”
“We now have definitive proof that the Pathfinder Society is acting in good faith and did not steal the research so precious to us in these precarious times. They have returned with the documentation and have defeated the thieves in question. I ask us all to use this event to forge us together into a cooperative force.”
“Officially we are dropping all charges against the Pathfinder Society and release Kreighton Shaine as he is accused of no further wrongdoing. We also wish to thank the Pathfinders present for working with us to put a swift and equitable end to this concern.”
“Thank you to all of the research teams in attendance, and may you continue to enjoy the festivities for the next few days.”
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Kreighton asks “Now, was there anything to report away from the Grand Princess before we go to the castle.”
"Truth be told, things got a bit messy down there Captain, that Najid had no problems throwing her minions into a Meat Grinder, make sure anyone you send wears rubber boots. Ruthless, and she really seemed to have an issue with you personally." He shrugs, knowing things did get messy, but Meat Wagon performed better than ever, and that's what counts in the end.
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Stitch remains quiet for Jiggo's moment for the stage manager, nodding solemnly.
Having traversed a new portal in the Maze of the Open Road, your group convenes around the massive hearth fire in the center of the fledgling Port Valen lodge. Joining you are Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen, his dog Mahki, his scribe/ interpreter Lirall, and Rahaksenwe, a representative serving on the local coalition known as the Shore Council.
Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen’s oversized gestures convey his excitement. “Welcome to the far side of the map! I don’t know what I was expecting to find here, but it sure wasn’t the hospitality that the locals have shown us. I mean, just look at this new lodge! It’s like we never left home!
“Speaking of leaving home, we’ve worked alongside Rahaksenwe and other Port Valen leaders to link this lodge to the Maze of the Open Road. They helped us set up the portal so that future Pathfinders won’t need to cross monster-infested waters to get here like we had to. That help wasn’t free, though.”
Rahaksenwe nods and explains, “The portal could not have been completed without the blessing of Viltydus, the fey guardian who guides travelers through the Forest of Trials. Viltydus has a keen eye for heroic potential, and their one condition for building and maintaining the portal is that Pathfinder agents must assist them regularly to foster greatness in this region. That’s why you’re here: to hold up your end of that bargain.”
Torrsen jumps back in. “So, wash up, get what you need from the quartermaster, and follow the footpath just outside the town gate right to the stump at the edge of the forest. Viltydus will meet you there—somehow, they can always sense when Pathfinders are on the way! Any questions?”
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Bella hops and skips along the Maze of the Open Road, arms locked with her sister Khiari. The Maze is similar yet different enough from the Rose Witch's Garden. For one thing, Khiari is flummoxed every time she tries to climb over the Maze only to slow down about 15 feet above the ground and stops. To keep her distracted from the unnatural limitations, Bella challenges her to dance offs, or identifying flora along the way. Bella spends some time practicing her new magical abilities. Minor as they are it is fascinating to feel her fey blood flare up before she conjures brief protection for Khiari.
"Honorable Viltydus has helped us. It is only fair we return the favor." Bella curtsies just in time as the briefing begins. "Sidare, given name Bella. This is my sister, Khiari." The satyr waves.
"We shall look for a Scroll of Heroism from the Quartermaster. I can use it now. Finally."
She turns to the rest of the group. "My apologies for the sudden absence. Sidare Manor has had an ongoing debate and sister and I had to weigh in."
"The Rose Witch is going to work on bringing dad back. She doesn't think he's dead yet. Fey blood at hard work." Khiari grins. "But now we have to find ingredients." Khiari can barely keep her excitement in check.
"Anyway, is Roark here?" Her enthusiasm wanes a bit.
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"Oh, well met! You must be the Pathfinders I was sent to meet. Some tall tengu called Roark Thunderbird said he couldn't meet up with you and send me instead. I am Quickblade Trueshot, warpriest of Nivi Rhombodazzle, at your service!"
Quickblade is a tall man with tanned skin, showing signs of a life in the outdoors. Unlike the regular equipment of a holy man, he carries a long polearm strapped to his back...
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Stitch rumbles in on Meat Wagon, some newly mounted steel plates around the buckboard seem to provide some lesser cover for the goblin shaped Dwarf. Meat Wagon also seems to have gotten a bit of a bath.
"I'm here." He announces, looking around a bit "Where ever here is." Not having ever been to this part of the world before, its possible though he's picked up some tidbits along the way.
"What exactly did you mean by Foster Greatness? Sounds pretty vague..." Stitch asks while rolling into the line for soup.
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"Oh, I thought you were that bird brained Roark for some reason." Stitch rubs his eyes, only succeeding in smearing more grease in soot around the rims of his goggles and the bridge of his green nose.
"I'm Stitch and this magnificent being of conveyance and weed mulching power is Meat Wagon." Who responds with their own toot of thick black smoke from each of the array of chrome exhaust tubes encircling the wagon.
Last year, a Pathfinder expedition crossed the ocean to the seaside Arcadian town of Port Valen, a waystation on the path to Valenhall, and established a new lodge in the former feasting hall of King Sveinn Blood-Eagle—where this meeting is taking place.
Last year, a Pathfinder expedition crossed the ocean to the seaside Arcadian town of Port Valen, a waystation on the path to Valenhall, and established a new lodge in the former feasting hall of King Sveinn Blood-Eagle—where this meeting is taking place.
The Ulfen immigrants and native Mahwek people harbor deep suspicion of each other. This mutual distrust makes local politics especially fraught. Ulfen Pathfinders should proceed with caution.
Stitch rumbles in on Meat Wagon, some newly mounted steel plates around the buckboard seem to provide some lesser cover for the goblin shaped Dwarf. Meat Wagon also seems to have gotten a bit of a bath.
"I'm here." He announces, looking around a bit "Where ever here is." Not having ever been to this part of the world before, its possible though he's picked up some tidbits along the way.
"What exactly did you mean by Foster Greatness? Sounds pretty vague..." Stitch asks while rolling into the line for soup.
Bjersig smiles at the goblin's befuddlement and signs a response. "The Maze of the Open Road can cause one to be a bit disoriented. It's not exactly natural to travel thousands of miles in an hour or so. You are in the city of Port Valen, on the northern edge of the continent of Arcadia."
Rahaksenwe speaks up. "As a fey Viltydus sometimes has a way with words, 'fostering greatness' being but a sample. They are a crossroads guardian, a fey created to serve a primal purpose. Viltydus is duty-bound to help travelers who are called to Valenhall safely navigate the Forest of Trials. For some reason known only to them, the presence of heroes facilitates this task. Hence their requirement that members of the Society occaionally visit to prove themselves. Around here, we deeply respect Viltydus’s work. They have been a mentor and protective spirit for generations of us."
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"Port Valen is on the way to Valenhall." Bella thinks. "I do remember the time the Ulfen diplomat spoke about when she mentioned the Mahwek interference." Bella rolls her eyes. "The Ulfen immigrated to the region and the Mahwek are native. If you are of Ulfen descent, be sensitive to local politics here."
Khiari clicks her hooves. "Yeah, this is supposedly on the way to Valenhall. A place where legendary Ulfen warriors get to rest in paradise. Might be real, might be a metaphor. But this is the former feasting hall of King Sveinn Blood-Eagle." Khiari waves her hands to indicate the room everyone is in. "See? I did my research. I'm more than a cute face." She grins.
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"Roark was right about his adventuring party. You all seem to be an interesting lot!
Quickblade bows to Clover. "[b]I hear you make the best soups! Heard that you had a spicy-sour one last week?" He holds out a bowl and ladles some soup into it, enjoying the smell of the fresh herbs ingredients. "Lovely! Warms the bones!"
"You must be Stitch! I read the reports Roark wrote in the last Chronicle. Looking forward to our adventure together!"
"Bella and Khiari! I've heard of you as well! My! It's like meeting an all-star cast! Hang on, where's Professor Bun Bun? I was looking forward to meeting him as well."
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“Don’t let him fool you, Meat Wagon mulches other things — very messily.”
"Some weeds are taller and juicier than others." Stitch gives Vardarel a knowing glance.
"Bun Bun is probably still trying to give an uninvited lecture, we weren't waiting around for him to finish."
Stitch listens to the answer he receives about just what they are expected to do to appease the Fey, and isn't surprised by the continued vagueness. "I guess we find out at the stump."
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Bjersig signs again. "Well then, if you've no more questions I suggest you get started. The path to the stump is just outside the town gate. Don't forget to visit the quartermaster on the way out."
Once outside the city gates it is a short trip to the edge of the forest where a lithe Mahwek individual stands atop a giant stump, their average height magnified by an awesome presence of personality. Their fingers, lips, ears, eyebrows, and nostrils are richly adorned with dozens of rings, each one made of a different material and etched with varying pictograms and sigils. They speak with a voice like wind in the canopy. “The portal already beckons souls destined for greatness! Welcome, Pathfinders, to the Forest of Trials, a noteworthy juncture in your travels across this vast, beautiful world and a far cry from the Kitharodian Academy I should think.”
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"It wasn't anything I did I swear!" He slaps Meat Wagon's dashboard, half in annoyance and half with pride. "People made choices, and they turned out to be the wrong ones. We all know researchers and Princess's like a good gossip." He shrugs, trying to downplay the event.
"I'm sure they just mean the forest looks so much more beautiful than the city with the Academy." He bluffs. If anyone know Stitch, he's a city man.
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Bella curtsies and Khiari takes a bow. "Greetings. Viltydus, I presume? I am Sidare, given name Bella. This is my younger sister Khiari."
Khiari nods. "By about 7 seconds. Anyway, we heard about the Symposium and what happened there. Good thing we didn't go, those thieves probably would have clobbered us a few times over." She shrugs, knowing Bella's pride won't allow her to admit she had the same concern. "Anyway, we're here reporting for duty."
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"Greetings, Viltydus!" Clover curseys. "I loved my time at the Symposium, but hated that bad actors decided to blame US for their ill-deeds. But we found them out and recovered the missing research. Oh, and I got so many requests for soup and coffee!"
Then Clover pauses. "Speaking of soup... would you like some hot soup? I have some ready right now."
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Viltydus speaks to each Pathfinder in turn.
To Varadel-"Word of Tommy's misdeeds would need to travel from Oppara most swiftly in order to reach my ears before your visit. The Maze allowed you to outrun any news from so far off. Do not fret Vardarel, the dwarf did nothing untoward at the symposium."
To Stitch-"Oh my apologies. You prefer to go by Stitch don't you? It shan't happen again."
To Bella-"Indeed I am the one called Viltydus. I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Bella."
To Khiara-"I'm sure you both would have handled yourselves admirably, Khiara. I am pleased that you were able to find some time away from your investigation to visit me. It can be a terrible thing to lose a parent. I wish you luck in your search."
To Clover-"Ah Clover's famous soup. I would be delighted to sample this delicacy. How are your parents adjusting to life outside of the Tapestry?"
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Stitch looks side to side a bit taken aback by the statement but moves past it quickly "See, nothing untoward." He concurs.
"So we've been asked to speak to you about fulfilling the need for fostering greatness. What exactly does that mean.." Stitch asks again, hoping for a better answer but expecting not so much.
"I am so very glad you asked, Stitch." Viltydus gestures to the forest behind them. "Within this forest lies the path to glory. You may not know this but the journey to Valenhall begins right here at this very stump and leads deep into the depths of the woods before you. Heroes, great and small have passed here through the ages. You are here to help others strive for such a noble goal, or recover from their efforts to reach it. Your days as leading actors lie ahead, but today you perform in the ensemble."
"You need the entire crew to make a play." Khiari cracks her knuckles. "Where do we go first?"
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"I can have Meat Wagon here mow that Path to Glory for you, a well manicured path makes it easier to follow for the future heroes you're looking to find in the area." Stitch double thumps on Meat's dashboard and the familiar WHIRRRR of well oiled blades starts to hum, sending sticks and leaves into the face of the distracted Quickblade.
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To Khiari-"Ha! That's the spirit. I love your enthusiasm."
To Vardarel-"You misunderstand me. There are no heroes currently seeking Valenhall. I merely wish to test the mettle of my new neighbors per our agreement."
To Stitch-They merely frown and shake their head disapprovingly.
To Clover-"Indeed. My forest does not need a groundskeeper, and as I said other than yourselves there are no heroes in the area to be held back. Unless..." They pause for a moment and stare towards Port Valen. They tap their chin with a finger and mumble to themselves while lost in contemplation.
"Yes, yes that is a thought isn't it? Hmm..." The Fey speaks up, clearly having made some sort of decision."Very well. Come with me Pathfinders. I have your first task in mind."
Viltydus sets a brisk pace as they lead the pathfinders into the city eventually stopping before a two-story structure with some children playing outside. They wave at the fey and who smiles and returns the gesture. “Pathfinders, this school is my favorite place in town." The fey beams as they point to the school's entrance. "The potential that radiates from this building is stunning. Many of these young people will become crafters or sailors or scholars, but some will become true heroes. One particular student with real talent and tenacity has caught my attention. I task you to inspire this individual to realize their destiny as an adventurer!”
"Inside is a young half-orc tinkerer, just settling into her newly chosen name. She loves technology and is particularly intrigued by the Arcadian beast gunner culture. I would like you to convince her to focus on her field of interest and use her learning to pursue a heroic career, perhaps even as a Pathfinder initiate." At this point the doors open and dozens of students rush out, free of their onerous studies for the day. Viltydus points out one of the students. "There she is. That's Imara. I shall await the results of your task back at my stump. Good luck pathfinders." Without waiting for a reply the few turns and heads back towards the forest.
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Having already deposited a cup of hot soup with Viltydus, Clover and Mr. Potbelly clang up to the new student.
"I don't know about you, but I can't do serious discussions on an empty stomach. Would everyone like some hot and sour soup?" Clover ladles out soup mugs for everyone, and offers some to Imara. "I'm Clover, and we're all adventurers from the Pathfinder Society. Traveling around and helping people is my dream job."
Imara's face lights up at the mention of beast guns. "Beast guns are great! They were first created over 10,000 years ago here in Arcadia. That makes them the oldest firearms on Golarion! Even older than star guns! They're made in a complex ritual that requires the carcass of a monster and magical taxidermy to create a gun from the monster's remains. Almost any strange monster can be used and all the guns are unique in some way. They..." She stops and frowns. "Hey! Wait a minute who are you guys anyway? You said you were Pathfinders? I know what this is. I bet Vildydus put you up to this, didn't he? He keeps talking about greatness and wants me to be some sort of hero like in the stories. Well I think he's full of beans. I don't want to be some homeless adventurer going around killing people willy-nilly like some kind of homicidal drifter. You guys can just get lost. Go rob a grave or something." She turns to leave.
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Vardarel tells her that she has the wrong idea about adventuring. He mentions having once been tasked to return the star gun Hatahasi to Whiirii. Adventures can take many forms.
He then discusses some of the creatures he has encountered on his adventures.
“Wouldn’t it be an adventure to learn about creatures from the other continents?”
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Stitch fact checks the kid's claims about local famous firearms.
"Ya, I bet I could make one of those guns, or maybe help YOU with the details. My nimwit brother is a gun junky too, and I mean a VERIFIED GUN JUNKY." Stitch introduces himself to Imara.
"Being a Pathfinder isn't just about killing monsters and saving some Princess... You join a Society, and gain access to loads and loads of research, experts in things you didn't even know existed." He starts to prattle on but cuts himself short.
Not MY research but some decent stuff anyhow.
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Bella maintains her composure when she's called a murderous hobo, blaming Imara's ignorance but admiring her honesty.
"Honesty brought me to the Pathfinder Society in the first place. I have much to learn about the world. For example, the ability to quickly improvise and put things together."
Bella quickly takes some of the spare gears and constructs them into a tower half her height. "If you hide in your home- which ours is quite elaborate, thank you- the world will move on without you. There is so much more to learn about your Beast Guns. Why not travel around the world and help people in the meantime?"
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"Would a murder hobo be traveling around with a pot of soup?!" Clover sits down. "Do we get into fights? Sometimes. There are some mean people out there. On our last mission, we were at a scholar's symposium where some bandits stole all the scholarly research - including ours - and blamed us for it to try to blacken our names. We found out who they were, and retrieved our research, and yes, we fought them. But we don't rob innocents. More often, we're the ones defending them and helping them out."
Imara looks at the pathfinders with skepticism. "Well...Maybe you guys are okay after all. Tell you what. I'll show you the automated firing range that I invented. Come on." She leads the group to a secluded spot off-campus where a group of straw-filled targets stand. "Hold on. Lemme set them up properly and you can give them a try." She goes to each target and loads a crossbow bolt into a slot on the side. She then carefully counts her steps to a spot 50 feet from the targets and marks the grass.
"Okay that should be about 50 feet. Show me what you got. Don't miss or the target shoots back. Of course if you don't feel up to the task I do accept bribes. 150 gold should do it. I'll be sure to lie to Viltydus and say that I'm really inspired." She grins.