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Kalderaan enters the town at dusk, weary from his travels and covered in days of road dust. He's used to being outdoors and it doesn't bother him. The stares and hushed comments from those he passes beg to differ.
"A bath may be in order Boris." offers the ranger to his companion. If you'd call a bear a 'companion'. Boris glances at Kalderaan and grunts. "I meant me, not you. I'm sure you are as clean as you are going to get, my friend."
The ranger makes his way to a modest inn and requests a room and a bath. "Might as well get this over with." he states generally, mustering the will to enter 'civilization' once more.
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A coppery and gold kobold bursts into the room. He pauses to look around at the attention he's drawn and tries to stand up straight to his full height of just over 3 feet. He sniffs and makes a face at the stench that fills the room. Ew, mammal sweat.
Glancing around, he spots the well-traveled half-orc with the bear. The kobold gives the bear a toothy grin and wanders over, quickly losing his full height and walking with a bit of a hunch. "Well, you are a mighty one! The Dragon sees your power and welcomes you. I am surprised to find you in this confining area, but perhaps these people are more enlightened than I give them credit for." He speaks to the bear, hardly giving the half-orc a look. The kobold bows to the bear and motions to himself. "I am called Rhaegal, but also The Dragon."
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"Hello!" a human with copper-red hair enters, waving a greeting to Rhaegal and Kalderaan. His eyes alight on Boris, and he drops his staff to the ground as approaches the bear and sits on his knees. "Does he know any tricks?" he asks hopefully.
"I'm a fire mage, myself, but I love all the circus animals." Reylar demonstrates with a small produce flame.
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Kalderann sizes up the newcomers, visibly uncomfortable within the confines of a building while surrounded by others.
"Greetings Master Dragon. I am known as Kalderaan." offers the half-orc after clearing his throat. Not sure what to do or say next, the ranger looks around until the human speaks.
With a glare, the ranger responds. "Boris is no more a circus animal than you are." It comes out fiercer and more protective than intended.
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Rhaegal looks horrified at Kalderaan's implication. "Of course not! Boris is a mighty hunter! I mean, not as mighty as a dragon, but he should never be anyone's slave!" He hisses at the thought.
"The natural world should be free to do as it wills. Sometimes that is violent and harsh, but never without purpose and growth. I cannot say the same for these walls and towns people seem so fond of." He looks around and shakes his head. "Give me a good swamp or forest of pines or even a seashore any day."
The kobold turns to Reylar. "A Fire mage, you said? Impressive. Fire is a most fickle and powerful element. I can breathe many types of elements and fire can be tricky sometimes. But it seems important to learn how to be a mighty dragon." The small kobold roars with diminutive power.
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A dwarven man with hair just a couple shades darker than Reylar's opens the door. He scowls at the group. Or maybe just the room. Or maybe at life in general.
The expression makes his already small eyes almost completely disappear. Before entering, he spits to the side outside the building.
His hair is clearly receding though his beard is thick, long and braided carefully. The weapons on his ancestors -waraxe and clan dagger - are across his back and at his hip.
His clothing is as weathered and travel worn as Kalderaan's and on the dirty scale he comes in somewhere between the bear and the half-orc.
He goes to the bar and holds up one finger to indicate his order then exchanges a coin for a full mug before joining the group.
He gives a nod in greeting and takes a drink.
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"That you care so much for Boris speaks well of you, Kalderaan. I'm glad to have met you both." Reylar steps back and mimes pulling a card from a deck and holding it to his forehead, "And I should have known. In the Harrow, the bear represents a force that cannot be tamed."
To Rhaegal he nods, "Fire can be a lot of things. Scary to most, but it can also bring light and love and joy." sizing the kobold up, he adds, "I think you'll be an amazing dragon someday."
Reylar waves at the newcomer, "Hello, what's your name? I'm Reylar and this is Kalderaan, Boris, and Rhaegal." he says nodding to each in turn.
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Leptus arrives late, he always seems to arrive late, his gear is weathered as is his skin, beyond the large horned owl on his shoulder the other remarkable thing are the two odd swords, both with long hilts one over his shoulder and the other tucked into his belt.
As he steps into the inn he scans the patrons and reaches into his jacket to pulls out a wayfinder to "identify" himself.
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Kalderaan nods at Relar, accepting his position and accepting a mutually understood truce.
Looking at the new arrivals, the ranger tries for a toothy grin. Not sure how it is perceived considering the sizable tusks and scarring on his face.
"It seems the outdoors is coming in, eh?" he jokes, looking a bit a bit pleased with is attempt at small talk.
The Woodsedge Lodge in Galt is busier than usual. You're not sure of the exact details, just that the summons called for urgency.
The bartender washes another mug and lines up mugs (and bowls) of fresh water. "Drink up, sounds like it's almost time." She hands a mug of something stronger to Ulfgar.
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An elderly elf with pockets bulging with various lab instruments totters up to the bar, orders something fizzy, and joins the others. Though he is unmistakably elven, his clothes and manner have something rather, well, goblin about them. "Wonder what they've called us for this time..." he mutters, "bound to be trouble, seems like there's always trouble..." As he sips his drink he hefts the flagon, almost as if he is contemplating how far he could throw it.
"Oh! Where's me manners? Ye'd think by now I'da be getting the hang o' them but I surely ain't. Evindal Mog's the name, the least student o' the great Mogmurch, or all the Mogmurchs I should say, since I bin around awhile an' I seen plenty o' 'em. Now there was a master there was! They taught me plenty, yes indeed, 'specially 'bout blowin' things up. Now it's just a matter o' practicing all what he taught me, they taught me I mean. Here's to hoping that whatever trouble lies ahead some of it kin git itself blowed up!" He raises his flagon with these last words, downs his drink and belches with satisfaction.
Pathfinders hustle about the grounds of Woodsedge Lodge, checking in, mustering in units, unloading and delivering supplies, cooking, and socializing. The atmosphere is tense but excited. The Maze of the Open Road is a place of legend that few Pathfinders have had the honor of traversing. Once dangerous, the Maze was recently repaired by Eliza Petulengro of the Decemvirate, and news that the Maze is once again malfunctioning has led to intense speculation among the gathering Pathfinders. Cutting through chaos and gossip alike, Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau takes the lead, ensuring everyone gathers in their assigned units and tends to their duties.
Verdant Wheel faction leader Urwal walks amid the gathered Pathfinders. He checks each person’s face before shaking his head and moving on to the next. “There are Pathfinders unaccounted for. Although the upcoming mission will be dangerous, Galt is not a land it would do to get lost in. Find our wayward companions and bring them here so no one gets left behind.”
Horizon Hunters faction leader Calisro Benarry clutches at her stomach as it grumbles loudly. “Just in time! I’m starving! Go lend the Lodge’s serving staff a hand so everyone can have a proper meal before this mission gets underway. We can’t set out on an empty stomach!”
Ashasar stands outside a magnificent hedge maze, examining it with interest. “This is the fabled Maze of the Open Road. Our divinations indicate the maze’s misalignment is due to an outside source beyond the maze and not a problem with the maze itself. Still, I prefer to conduct a second assessment to ensure nothing’s changed. I’d like you to assist by gathering magical readings—just don’t enter the maze!”
Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau proffers a long list of names. “I’ve organized all the Pathfinders into teams of between four and six agents. Take this list and help everyone gather in their assigned units.”
Head Initiate Janira Gavix smiles and waves as soon as she locks eyes with you, then hurries over to say hello. “Do you have a second to lend me a hand? I brought along a few dozen newly graduated Pathfinders, but they’re worried about the upcoming mission. I know they’re ready for this, but the scale of it all is setting them on edge. Could you talk to the rookies? Some conversation and encouragement will help settle their nerves.”
Vigilant Seal faction leader Eando Kline sifts through crates and wagons, divvying gear up into piles. “Help me sort this equipment according to the supply list, then deliver it to the assembling teams. We need to ensure everyone is well equipped for the upcoming mission.”
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Kalderaan hears faction leader Urwal's plea to find missing Pathfinders. Having successfully wrapped up the supply issue, Kalderaan heads out to pick up any trails of those unaccounted for, hoping to reach them before any danger befalls them.
Following that, Kalderaan listens to faction leader Benarry. While not an accomplished cook, the ranger does have a few tricks up his sleeve to find proper ingredients to turn simple fare into a delicacy.
Lining up for the next mission, Kalderaan listens to Ashasar speak about the Maze. Magic is elusive, but Nature is not. Eliminating what is real and possible just might help.
Venture Captain Jirneau makes a request to help muster people. Using his keen senses, Kalderaan and Boris help with organizing where people should be.
Lastly, Kaldeaan heeds the words of Head Initiate Gavix. She asks the grizzled ranger to give a pep talk. He nods and begins. "Don't die." he states, clearly uncomfortable with the task of talking to a crowd of strangers. He'd rather battle an owlbear!
Kalderaan hears faction leader Urwal's plea to find missing Pathfinders. Having successfully wrapped up the supply issue, Kalderaan heads out to pick up any trails of those unaccounted for, hoping to reach them before any danger befalls them.
Following that, Kalderaan listens to faction leader Benarry. While not an accomplished cook, the ranger does have a few tricks up his sleeve to find proper ingredients to turn simple fare into a delicacy.
Lining up for the next mission, Kalderaan listens to Ashasar speak about the Maze. Magic is elusive, but Nature is not. Eliminating what is real and possible just might help.
Venture Captain Jirneau makes a request to help muster people. Using his keen senses, Kalderaan and Boris help with organizing where people should be.
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As things get moving, Ulfgar scowls then downs his drink and gets up to set to work.
First he goes out to find Urwal's lost sheep (Escort) -
Then, he tries to feed a hungry half-orc (Last Meal) -
He doesn't know much about magic but he knows a thing or two about nature (Magical Investigations) -
Then, he takes a list, squints at it then goes around poking people before crooking his finger to have them follow him to get folks together (Mustering) -
As Janira seeks his help, he just scowls, shakes his head, spits then gives the newcomers a nod (Reassurance) -
Finally, he helps organize the (Supplies) -
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Realizing there are some names missing from his list of Pathfinders, Reylar seeks out Master Urwal.
Pathfinders found and mustered into teams, he moves on to speak with Ashasar about the Maze itself. "A magic maze? That's amazing."
While wandering around outside the maze, Reylar spots Eando Kline moving boxes. That sounds like more fun.
But while he finishes a stack of crates, Janira approaches with new recruits that are feeling worried.
"I'm always happy to talk! We are Pathfinders and we are going in prepared. I'm sure we will succeed!" He does a backflip and casts produce flame above their heads.
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Leptus first goes to meet with faction leader Benarry, "Heh, luck is with you I have a couple cony that Bupo snagged just outside of town that will his the spot.
He listens to faction leader Urwal, "The woods of Galt are closer to the first world then the ones I am use to. I'll need to be cautious."
Leptus walks up to the edge of the maze and opens his third eye, his 'warder' sense to the maze.
VC Jirneau list is exactly the tool the Nirmathi Ranger needs to find the rest of his team.
He removes his heavy jacket and follows faction leader Kline's directions on where to move the equipment.
Leptus remembers his days running with the Rangers of Nirmathas, and how scared he was of the grizzled veterans. with that in mind he moves among the rookies, asking them questions and actually listening. "..I've never seen boots laced that why where did you learn that? ..what are you using as a water shield on your cloak?"
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When Rhaegal hears Benarry is hungry, he goes out in search of "dragon spices" to make a fiery stew.
The Dragon looks for signs from the natural world to indicate what might have twisted the maze beyond its normal configuration.
Rhaegal examines the list from Jirneau. He roars at the Pathfinders as he stalks them. "Get to your temporary tribes! You need to learn them like your clutchmates. You will depend on them!"
Rhaegal bows to Janira. "I would be honored to speak to the hatchlings." He shows the young recruits with tales of how mighty dragons are and the wisdom of Mighty Jadirahx, who was willing to trust Pathfinders with her life and still guides him.
Rhaegal picks through the equipment, noting what non-dragons might need to survive in the wilds.
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After Evindal takes care of meal preparation, he sets to work on the other tasks.
First, he looks around to see if any pathfinders have gotten lost amidst the hubbub...
Then he examines the maze. From the outside...
Afterwards he helps VC Jirneau get the pathfinders organized into teams...
He can always spare a moment to lend a hand to Mme. Janira...
Though he is probably better suited to assist with the logistics...
... perhaps not, actually.
Ulfgar helps Escort the lost Pathfinders through the wilderness of Galt's forests.
Evindal finds joy in cooking a Last Meal for Captain Benarry. The only explosion he gets to see is a gout of dragon smoke from her burp. It will do for now.
Rhaegal investigates the primal aspects of the Maze of the Open Road. It is an interdimensional pathway used to quickly access other planes of existence. The Pathfinder Society was able to gain some control over it and recently founded the Open Road Lodge. The roads were realigned but the destination is unclear.
Reylar carefully picks Pathfinders from the crowd and Muster them into organized squads.
Leptus uses some Tough Love to Reassure the newbie Pathfinders of their upcoming success. Already they can see some of the newcomers standing tall.
Kalderaan quickly sorts through the Supplies. Eando Kline comes by, sees the neatly organized piles and smiles. "Incredible, I didn't expect you to make that much progress so quickly!"
The Venture-Captains thank you for your efforts and give some tokens of gratitude.
- Each of you receive a >lesser healing potion< from Urwal as thanks for their efforts.
- Evindal's cooking is so good, Captain Benarry makes sure everyone gets to try it out. Each of you gain a +1 circumstance bonus on your next Fortitude saving throw.
- Mustering the Pathfinders instills a lingering sense of responsibility for your fellow agents. Each of you gain a +1 circumstance bonus on your next Will saving throw.
- The Reassured Pathfinders thank you and are willing to help you in a time of need. Once during the adventure, you can receive a +1 circumstance bonus to one skill check or attack roll, representing a rookie Pathfinder succeeding at a check to Aid you. You must decide to use this benefit before rolling.
Your excellent Magical Investigation earns you a reward from Ashasar. He asks you to choose ONE item from this list:
- a >bloodseeker beak<
- a >feather step stone<
- a 2nd-level scroll of >burning hands<
- or a scroll of >restoration<
Eando Kline notes there are enough Supplies to choose TWO items from this list:
- lesser antidote
- lesser antiplague
- lesser cheetah’s elixir
- lesser eagle eye elixir
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Ulfgar knows that the smallest edge can often make the difference between life and death and that only a fool turns away freely offered supplies.
He nods his thanks as he takes the potion from Urwal, a bloodseeker beak from Ashasar and an antidote and antiplague from Kline.
He also gives a thumbs up to Evindal after tasting his cooking and claps Reylar on the back as he gets everyone organized.
The new Pathfinders just get a roll of his eyes and a scowl before he goes about his business.
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Reylar nods his thanks to Ulfgar as the dwarf escorts the missing Pathfinders into camp. Every Pathfinder is an important member of their team
After a tasty meal, the fire mage collects his supplies from the Venture-Captains and faction leaders. Best to be prepared
"As a troupe, our strengths lie primarily with primal forces and combat ability. Let's take stock of our resources. I've got a few elixirs that may come in handy."
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Kalderaan thanks each person as he receives his gift, making note of the appreciation to aid in victory.
He takes the potion from Urwal, a Scroll of Burning Hands from Ashasar, and an antidote and antiplague from Kline.
Those that provided special services, Kalderaan will carve an animal from a very small block of wood to show his gratitude.
After receiving the burning hands scroll, he will present it to Reylar. "I hope you can use this."
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A hush falls over the gathered Pathfinders as Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau ascends a podium erected outside the entrance to the Maze of the Open Road. “Welcome to Woodsedge, Pathfinders! Thank you for coming. As many of you know, the Maze of the Open Road is an interdimensional pathway built long ago by Forest King Narven Feathereyes as a gift for the Society. Time was not kind to the maze, but thanks to the efforts of Eliza Petulengro and other Pathfinders, it was repaired.
“Recently, the maze’s paths realigned and now all point to a single location. Our investigations indicate this isn’t a problem with the Maze of the Open Road but an outside source—a beacon—that’s attracting the paths. The maze is of critical importance to many missions and must remain available. Our mission is to fix this strange anomaly.
“We traverse the Maze of the Open Road to an unknown destination. Although this is an exciting opportunity to explore new horizons, our mission is not exploration. Our mission is to find the beacon and sever its connection to the Maze of the Open Road. Prepare yourselves! We leave shortly.”
After a few minutes to allow for any last-second preparations, Venture-Captain Jirneau leads the assembled Pathfinders into the Maze of the Open Road. ”Stay close, we won’t be here long.”
Armeline guides the Pathfinders through the maze with confidence, while Eando Kline, faction leader of the Vigilant Seal, takes the rear, ensuring no Pathfinders get left behind. Armeline hesitates only a moment before plunging through a shimmering portal, out of the Maze and into the unknown.
Following her lead, the Pathfinders arrive in a large stone chamber with red stone walls and polished tan floor tiles, lit by a luminous arch rising from a central raised platform. The chamber has three side chambers and one exit. “Fan out, Pathfinders!” Venture-Captain Armeline orders. “Secure the area.”
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Evindal happily accepts the supplies offered by the venture captains. The Mogmurchs weren't never so generous! These pathfinders ain't seem half-bad...
He stows the lesser healing potion where he can reach it easily and offers the scroll of burning hands to "We can take turns setting things on fire!" His eyes gleam as he says this.
Finally, he takes two lesser eagle eye elixirs from Eando Kline, remarking that, Me eyes ain't what they used to be. Getting old ain't fer the young, that's fer sure."
...
Hearing their mission, Evindal smiles grimly. So ye want us t' wander around in a magical maze t' find somethin' what ye ain't know nothin' about. Sure. Cain't imagine anything could possibly go wrong..." With that, Evindal follows along with the sort of foolhardy and cynical confidence that is perhaps unique to members of the pathfinder society.
Religion
Society
Arcana/Religion
Pick 3
The Pathfinders emerge into some kind of chamber inside long abandoned ancient ruins. This entry chamber has four major features of note.
This side chamber contains a fountain that pours water into a large stone washing basin. The water is clean, clear, and tastes metallic.
Three rows of wooden hooks protrude from the stone walls in a line around the perimeter of this side chamber, one row at 3 feet above the ground, one at 5, and one at 9. A black wood bench is in the chamber’s center.
The arch in the chamber’s center is 15 feet wide, 25 feet tall, and constructed of a luminous crystal that sheds bright light.
The fourth room's entrance to this ovoid chamber is only partially blocked by a circular stone door, which slides in and out of the wall. The red stone chamber is completely curved, with no angles or hard edges anywhere. The chamber is empty.
Ulfgar checks the side rooms, finding nothing out of the ordinary (at least compared to what he saw before.)
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Pointing to the fountain in the side chamber, Evindal observes, "This looks to be some sort of ablution chamber - one would use it to ritually wash before entering a sacred space. Perhaps we should make use of it ourselves?" Unless anyone objects he sniffs it to make sure it is clean and unpoisoned and then washes himself in the fountain. "Whew, I haven't done THAT in awhile!"
Looking at the next chamber, Evindal comments, "A dressing chamber, I believe. It looks like five different creatures made use of it, running from Small to Large in size. Hope they're friendly..."
Ulfgar watches Reylar and Rhaegal talk about a disappearing box, but he can still see it. They're pointing at it.
"Ah, there you are." Eando Kline enters the hallway, hand on the hilt of his longsword. "Come."
The chamber’s massive exit door is made of pitch-black stone. On the other side of the door (the side that faces the next room), there are six faintly glowing glyphs. Outside the chamber’s exit, you see numerous branching halls and passages split in 5 ways before leading to darkness.
As soon as you step outside the chamber, everything feels light and weightless. You could leap over buildings in a single bound, and your arrows can reach across fields to reach their target.
"There are many branching roads. I need you to explore as many as you can today. Some scouts returned and gave me some information."
- A. One of the paths seems to be guarded by some kind of construct. You'll have to clear the way.
- B. Some of the Pathfinders were cut off and got lost when the Maze began to malfunction. Some of the scouts said they saw a pair run down this road. Please find them.
- C. Pools of magic were found at the end of this path. I need you to secure them from any threats so we may analyze their nature.
- D. There is an ancient library down this road. We need to know its contents.
- E. Ascending stairs lead to a room we know is important, but copper statues guard the way.
"I don't care what order you complete these in. We need them done today, but take some time to rest and treat your wounds. You can't do much if you're dead."