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Bella claps. "Excellent shot, Mister Gumshoe." She stows her mace. "And you are quiet adept at evading troublesome magic and disabling runes. I must admit, I'm jealous."
Khari has a sly grin. "Jealous? Or interested?" She raises her eyebrows suggestively, earning an annoyed look from Bella.
"Khari, his wife would be quite embarrassed by your remark."
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"Hey hey, right in the ole kisser.. or fang face.. or stinger slinger.. " Stitch rolls Meat Wagon in for a closer look, and to grind the corpse into the stone floor.. "Just in case, maybe they rise from the dead."
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"Looks like our job is over then. Back to the city right? Safe from all these flies and mud maybe?"
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Khiari sashays up to Roark. "Have you thought of a grass skirt? I know a few faeries who can make one." She shakes her hips. "I bet you could wrap it around your tail. I prefer to keep mine out, but you do you."
Eager to get back to something resembling civilization, you return to the Tskikha Enclave and give a full report of everything you saw and learned and did to Chief Thakik. She and the other iruxi are pleased and invite you to spend one last night with them in celebration.
"You've eliminated what could have turned into a grave threat to our home here, Pathfinders," the chief smiles. "The least we can do is offer you our finest hospitality before you return home. Let us celebrate!"
The rest of the evening consists of good food and good company and you wake the next morning with your wounds healed and your minds refreshed. To your surprise, you get an escort of iruxi back to Cassomir and thus the return trip goes without incident.
Back at the Three-Legged Frog inn, you're even further surprised to see Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the Pathfinder Society, waiting for you. She fusses over Rain for a bit as she listens to your story; once you are through she explains that she's arranged ship transport back to Absalom. Once there, you return to the Grand Lodge for your debriefing with the three deans in the same meeting room your mission began.
"Well done!" exclaims Kreighton Shaine as he finishes reviewing the various chronicles assembled about the recent adventure in Taldor. "This is truly a marvelous find, and one that could well shape the lives of many Pathfinders in the future. Well done indeed!"
Sorrina Westyr gives a brief nod of her head, her circlet of floating aeon stones dipping in unison. "Though there were some stumbles early on, it appears that everything has worked out in the end. Not only did Rain complete his Confirmation, but each of you also assisted in ensuring his safety and completing the mission. One of the Society’s three main tenets is to cooperate, and I can think of no better example than the results of this mission."
Marcos Farabellus slaps a meaty arm onto Rain in Cloudy Day’s cap, producing a distinct squelching sound from the leshy’s head. "Absolutely! Now, we just need to keep this little fungal boy from getting too excited now that he’s a Pathfinder!"
Both Kreighton and Sorrina immediately turn to their peer with stern expressions. Marcos chuckles and hunches slightly before continuing sheepishly, "Oh, yeah. I guess I kind of blurted it out...but congratulations, you’re all now recognized as Pathfinder field agents. Congratulations!"
Kreighton Shaine gives each of you a wayfinder in recognition of your deeds and new rank in the Society while Rain in Cloudy Day is overcome with excitement and pride, offering all of you squishy hugs. As you depart the meeting room, Sorrina Westyr casually adds, "By the way, we will be looking to establish a new base camp near the ruins of Nacar-Azen - all thanks to your efforts. I've already heard whispers of several faction leaders who are interested in exploring the site. Can I call upon you once more in the future regarding these whispers?"
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Bella holds her wayfinder with a mix of curiosity, confusion and awe. It's not remotely as extravagant as it should be. You'd think such an incredible organization would spare more for their agents.
Still, it is an accomplishment. And Khiari seems all to interested in the bone necklace the iruxi gave her. They said she can use it to contact her ancestors, when the time is right. Perhaps another chance to see Father again.
For now, Bella offers a simple bow. "We are honored to accept this... wayfinder. Thank you for all of your aid. May our cooperation take us to glory."
The recent discovery of Azlanti ruins beneath the monster-infested Blackwood Swamp has provided the factions’ leaders with the perfect opportunity to try a new strategy: developing joint operations in which new agents gain not only much-needed field experience, but also a deeper understanding of each faction’s role and how to better work together in times of need. The discovery of these ruins, thanks to the brave Pathfinder agents, helped fellow initiate Rain in Cloudy Day become a full-fledged Pathfinder field agent.
Few weeks passed and the agents received a letter from Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin:
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Pathfinders,
The recent discovery of ancient Azlanti ruins beneath the Blackwood Swamp, outside the port city of Cassomir in Taldor, has caught the Society’s attention, thanks to you. Leaders of the Society’s internal factions have already sent word that they need help with a variety of missions. Since you’re all newer members of the Pathfinder Society, it makes sense for you to go again and gain some much-needed field experience. You can also learn more about the factions and their primary
interests.
I suggest you begin by speaking with Fola Barun, leader of the Envoy’s Alliance. She has been working to find local allies and this seems like a wise first step. Otherwise, use your own judgement, of course, and seek out the faction leaders in any order you wish.
I know there is much to remember as new Pathfinder Society agents, so here is a reminder: Gorm Greathammer is the leader of the Grand Archive, a faction dedicated to finding and preserving knowledge. Calisro Benarry leads the Horizon Hunters in their efforts to explore new places. Eando Kline is the leader of the Vigilant Seal and is deeply dedicated to finding and containing dangerous items and artifacts. I am sure each of them will have something important for you to undertake.
Explore, Report, Cooperate!
—Ambrus Valsin, Venture-Captain of the Grand Lodge
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After reading the missive, soon enough the agents find themselves arriving at the Pathfinder field base in the Blackwood Swamp. Good thing, Fola Barun of the Envoy’s Alliance, the half-elf faction leader finds and approach them. "I assume you are the Pathfinder agents sent by Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin? I am Fola Barun, faction leader of Envoy's Alliance. What are your names, by the way?" she asks them, showing a warm and welcoming smile.
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"Back in these swamps again, and I thought we did a good enough job last time to get some work somewhere drier." Stitch scratches another bug bite on his neck as Meat Wagon rumbles through the soft ground towards the encampment.
"Glad you get to see the fun we got going on here this time Fran. Nicole would have wanted it that way." I bet its her fault we're back here.. hrm.. smells fishy.
As Fola approaches Stitch straightens up a bit, not too much, but is definitely on slightly better behavior "Hi Fola, I'm Stitch Steeltoe, I've seen you speaking at the last Envoy meeting." He slowly climbs down off Meat and gives a light handshake and nod.
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Bella and Khiari spend the time recording and investigating their father's death. It's a far way from Galt, but distance is meaning little to the First World. Khiari knows a few shortcuts, and they are glad to see their Mother Crissy.
It isn't long until Bella receives another missive. Crissy kisses her children on the cheek and wishes them good luck. "Goodbye, Mother! We'll return with many gifts!"
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"Greetings, Fola Braun. I am Bella Sidare." She bows. "This is my sister Khiari." Khiari waves energetically.
"We are glad to be Pathfinders. I suppose I am technically the Pathfinder. But that does not matter."
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A tall gaudily dressed tengu enters the tent. He bows rather dramatically to Fola and winks at her. Taking her hand, he lightly touches it to his beak in a resemblance of a kiss.
"Ah! Well met, Fola! Roark Thunderbird at your service. What may we do to help you today?"
Raising his head to look at Fran, he winks at her...
"Ah! Fran! We missed you last time. Glad you could join us this time. Bella and Khiari! Our paths cross again! More dancing in our future? And you... my tail still hasn't recovered..."
Although Roark seems to hold a grudge against Stitch, he does acknowledge that Stitch did save his life. Meat Wagon also has gotten them out of many jams in the past...
"Ah, Fran!" Khiari breaks formation and hops in front the human and her kitty. "We haven't met in weeks! My sister was so upset we were on a cheap barge when we could have sailed in luxury." Khiari rolls her eyes and giggles.
"So what have you been doing? Bella and I did a bunch of investigation. You'd be amazed how loose people get after the first few drinks."
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Bella traces a hand across her collarbone. "You are a skilled Medic, despite your... riskier methods. Mister Thunderbird, we should study the finer points of dance routines. There was one maneuver I found fascinating. Your feathers deflect sunlight in just the right manner. Perhaps I can shine my dress accordingly."
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"More dancing? I'd love to," Fran smiles at the tengu. "It's always f-fun to dance with you...and, um, dance in general..." she adds, suddenly looking a little flustered. In fact, she seems relieved when Khiari commands her attention.
"Khiari, hi! I heard a little about what you all got up to, but, um, I didn't know you traveled on a barge. I mean, I'm sure it wasn't all that comfortable but at least you got to Taldor in one piece, right?"
To the eidolon's question, the young woman simply shrugs. "Um, research at the Grand Lodge, mostly. The downtime was nice but, um, like I said, it's nice to be out on the road again. I missed working with everyone..."
Having introduced themselves and let them have a nice chitchat, Fola chimes in to remind them of the mission at hand. "It is nice to see that are all close to one another. Anyway, it is good you have come. Members of the Envoy’s Alliance faction seek cooperation as our primary way to further the goals of the Pathfinder Society. This means cooperation within our own ranks, but also with allies and potential allies throughout the world. Seeing the camaraderie you already now have, the task I have for you would be easy in terms of cooperation." she says, not minding the tension that might erupt between Stitch and Roark.
“One of our recruits recently established contact with a remote iruxi enclave in the Blackwood Swamp, called the Tskikha enclave. I would like to help grow that relationship. According to rumor, they recently had some sort of trouble. This is where you come in."
“I want you to go to the Tskikha enclave and meet with their leader, Chief Thakik. Tell her that you wish to aid them in whatever way you can. Your primary mission is to build trust and prove that Pathfinders are worthy allies. I learned that you made contact with them from your previous mission of rescuing Rain so for sure they will recognize you when you return to them.”
Fola pauses a moment and her face fills with concern. “If you’re asked to undertake dangers on behalf of the Tskikha, please be careful. While alliances are important, the safety of our agents is worth more to me. Too many Pathfinders have been lost heedlessly charging into danger."
“What questions do you have?”
Fola answers Fran. “I’ve told you all I know of this specific enclave. I can speak more generally about the typical traditions of iruxi in this region of the world. Their faith tends toward animism, and their leaders are frequently shamans who maintain contact with ancient spirits of the tribe. They are slow to anger, but quick to suspicion of outsiders. In that way, they’re similar to the people I grew up with.” She continues. "You may not be asking but I come from the village of Jalnuth in the Mwangi Expanse. I served my community as a leader and envoy until the Pathfinders came to us to fulfill a bargain we struck with a venture-captain named Sharrowsmith. Their skill at defeating an evil force invading our lands impressed me enough that I decided to learn more. Eventually, I joined.”
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"Ah, we are returning to Chief Thakik? Excellent. I must prepare a gift for them. Sister, we should purchase a necklace or a ring of some kind." She looks inquisitive.
She falls quiet when Fola Braun explains her calling to the Society. She looks at her sister and fiddles with her belt. Perhaps she had been too self-absorbed.
Khiari begins practicing some of the Tskikha enclave dances she learned. "Oh! We'll help them however we can. Unless it's too much, I guess. They are so fun!" She pretty giddy. "Fran, there's this cool move they do with their tails where they sweep it under their legs while skipping forward it's so much fun. I had to use a rope around my waist and swing it before leaping it!" She rambles on.
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Stitch breaks away from Roark's ridiculous grudge and listens to Fola, nodding a bit at her backstory "Last I heard my brother was in the Mwangii, something about Songo's?" He shrugs his shoulders, obviously not caring TOO much about the situation to know many details.
"We can get back to the swamps of Taldor and help those guys out. Last time the trip would've been much faster if that barge captain would just let me help fix that junker.."
"Tails sweeping under their legs? That sounds fun indeed. Might as well impress Chief Thakik and her tribe that you can do it too, well, with ropes. Anyway, f you have no more questions, I will send you off now. I wish you all success in the mission." Fola Barun tells them before the agents take their leave.
The agents begin their travel and the trip from base camp to the enclave takes only 30 minutes. Upon arrival, past a ring of sharpened stakes stands a cluster of low mounds that rise above the rest of the swamp. Smoke curls from holes in the top of each mound. A few iruxi curiously peer out from behind flaps in the entrances.
One of the villagers recognizes them and directs them to the largest mound, where they find Chief Thakik and her best scout, Kazuuk. Kazuuk‘s allies trust his judgement and the elders rely on his insight into matters of safety.
An imposing iruxi woman sits atop a throne crafted from the bones of several swamp animals. “It is nice to see you again! How is Rain? Excellent to know that they have sent you here again." Chief Thakik welcomes the agents.
“Through you, you have helped us during your mission to rescue Rain. But I seek more evidence that a long-term association with the Pathfinder Society is in my tribe’s best interest as well. For that, I would like you to perform a task. There is a hill nearby, topped with an ancient structure. It’s of little interest to us, but two days ago, a scout of our enclave, Igix, disappeared near there. We were about to send Kazuuk,” the chief points to another iruxi, which the agents sure will recognize, “to see what he can learn. But with you here, we can test again the quality of the Pathfinders, yes?
“Accompany Kazuuk to the ruin and learn what happened to our scout. Overcome any trouble you find. Kazuuk will see what you are capable of. Impress him, and you will have my trust. If you have questions you can ask them directly to Kazuuk” she tells the agents before dismissing them.
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Bella knows when to keep quiet and simply bows to give her proper respects. "Thank you for offering us this opportunity to prove our selves." She hooks her arm with Khiari before she can pull out the length of rope. "Not in front of the chief. At least, not yet."
"Kazuuk. What can you tell us about this hill? Are there any hazardous terrain we need to look out for?"
“Probably humanmade. Very old. They’ve been here longer than our tribe. I suppose they’re probably filled with trouble. Aren’t most ancient ruins that way? As for dangers, the swamp holds many dangers, for sure. It could be something as like a hungry alligator or a group of human thieves. What I know is that Igix didn’t get lost. He is too skilled for that." Kazuuk answers Bella. "You know what, I'm excited to see you all and am happy to have you to help with the trouble on the hill," he tells them although he doesn’t seem overly concerned about it.
"Nothing that I can remember. We don't usually seek those places so we don't have any idea what might be lurking there. Until one of our scouts goes missing, it is needed to look for our missing scout and get a chance to search the place for any dangers as well." Kazuuk answers Fran.
"I don't think so, the last time you entered ruins, it isn't flooded or submerged. I assume the same to the area our missing scout got close with." Kazuuk assures Stitch.
"Now we are it, why don't you show me something that can impress me? I believe the Society has trained you well before you all ventured out for the missions." Kazuuk tells the agents. "Let's use the time as we travel to show what you've got. If I am impressed, I will report it well to Chief Thakik."
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"Of course, Kazuuk." Bella bows. "I'm certain you recall some of the details of our previous visit. We cleared some of the ruins, and encountered a strange skeletal creature in the image of a snake."
Khiari catches on and begins to slither her torso as she walks through the room. Bella continues her story. "The snake tried to distract us with a strange motion-" Khiari begins to shake herself like the skeleton. "My sister was briefly struck witless." Khiari frowns at the mistruth and hip checks Bella without prompt.
"As you can imagine, it would have ambushed us in our distracted state." Bella recovers her posture just in time for Khiari's follow up bump. "But with teamwork and perseverance, we were able to overcome our foe."
Bella quickly cartwheels as Khiari approaches her space. It isn't as sleek as she hoped for. "These are the qualities of Pathfinders. We succeeded once, and we'll succeed again."
She sidesteps and catches Khiari's shoulder. "Sister, you can stop playing the part of the aggressor." Khiari sticks out her tongue before loosening up.
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Stitch rides along atop Meat Wagon, its thick black smoke churning out into the damp air. "Guiding us again Kazuuk, I'm not sure if that's a punishment for you or a gift for us!" He chuckles and coughs at the same time as a blast of soot hits him in the face.
"But if you want us to impress you I can help fix anything you got that needs a bit of repair, or maybe you have an old wound that just won't heal up good?" Stitch hops down and gets to work.
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Aware that she's the only one who hasn't already made Kazuuk's acquaintance, Fran smiles and gives the iruxi a polite bow. "U-um, by the way, it's n-nice to meet you, Kazuuk. My friends (and the reports) told me a lot about you and Chief Thakik and the rest of your enclave. We'll do our very best to find Igix and bring him back safely. Won't we, Mister Midnight?"
As the group travels, Fran listens to Bella's retelling of the events that happened earlier. When the tale is finished, Fran remarks, "You know, those ruins were built by remnants of the ancient Azlanti Empire. I don't know all of the details, but, um, if I remember right, they were actually raised up to power by creatures that live below the waves..."
"...and those same creatures brought them low by conjuring the Starstone and causing Earthfall. It's...you see, the power it would take to *do* something like that is almost more than I can really comprehend. So much power...and so much dark magic, too. You don't bring about such things without very wicked deeds and rituals."
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Roark attempts to reenact the final battle with the monster snek while exploring the ruins with Rain. He dances as a means to reenact his thrusts and parries, as well as the actions of the group. He ends the performance with an show of his agility by performing an acrobatic display.
Roark lands on his feet and winks at Fran and Mister Midnight.
"Hmpf. Showoff." Khiari smiles as Roark takes control of the dance floor.
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Bella tries to impress Kazuuk by recalling their previous mission where they rescued Rain and helped him with his Confirmation as Pathfinder agent. "Yes, yes, I recall that! It is brave of you all to help Rain explore the ruins he eagerly discovered." Bella continues her story while Khiari makes it realistic, acting as the tantalizing snake of the story. Bella even performs some acrobatics, but it does not help much with the story. Nonetheless, it entertains Kazuuk. "Impressive! I have not heard that details, perhaps I was drunk the moment you were here last time."
As for Stitch, he impresses the iruxi scout with his words, assuring that he can heal and repair both living and construct. "For the living, I will certaining believe you. For the repair, I am not sure if you are really good at it." he tells Stitch while looking at his work on repairing something.
Meanwhile, Fran shows her well-behaved manner to Kazuuk and assures him to help with the mission. "Oww, how cute is Mr. Midnight!" the scout is liking the cat familiar. "It is nice to know that they have shared with you what happened last time. I hope you also learned many things about us!" Kazuuk tells her enthusiastically. Fran even tells her knowledge about the ruins, which makes the scout impressed. "Such details. Others would not mind remembering it! And it is true, wicked things do not bring us anything good." Kazuuk tells her in agreement.
Finally,but not the least, Roark enjoins Bella story and Khiari's acting with his dance and acrobatic stunts. Kazuuk thinks the tengu has done it better than what Bella did. He claps his hands together as the swashbuckler makes a perfect landing from those vigorous stunts, making the story believable and impressive. "Whoa! You really have nice moves there, and the routines, you must teach me that!" Kazuuk tells Roark.
"Well, after everything you have shown me, I am truly impressed." Kazuuk finally tells them his thoughts. "With all that I have learned from you, I assure you that I will tell Chief Thakik what you are really capable of." he adds to tell them with a wink.
Their travel continues and after two hours for Kazuuk to lead them, they finally arrive at the ruins. They can see that a cracked structure, coated with creeping tendrils of moss and lichen, rises from the swamps atop a low hill ahead. The air is still here as if waiting for a breath of wind. Even the usually noisy cries of animals fall silent close to the building. A set of broad stairs facing southeast lead up into the darkness.
Three of the esteemed adventurers easily noticed movements near the ruins. They find themselves with some humanoid figures and some, are those plants? Even Kazuuk tells them something. "That's him! But what happened to him?" he exclaims as he points to one of the standing humanoid figures .
➤ Stitch (AC 16)
➤ Roark (AC 19)
➤ Fran (AC 15 w Mage Armor)
Thrall A (Brown)
Thrall B (Black)
Thrall C (White)
Bella (AC 19)
⠀⠀Khiari (AC 18)
Creep 1 (Red)
Creep 2 (Blue)