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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...