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Approaching the Woodsedge Lodge in Galt, Dr. Lazarus encourages Chauncy Gladstone, the usual driver of his cart. "A little further my dear boy, we're nearly there. I can see it, just there up ahead. We'd have arrived hours ago, but for your little issue with the map. Still you somehow made decent time." The halfling driver ignores the jab. He's grown quite used to the Doctor's pompous personality. Lazarus pauses ever-so-briefly before continuing, "Please hurry. My fellow agents are no doubt waiting for me. I daresay they must be worried I may not make it at all." Chauncey rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath, "Worried you won't make it? Or ...hopeful?" The hafling driver follows the path to the lodge.
When the driver finally stops the cart, a middle-aged elf emerges and heads inside. Smartly dressed and clad in studded leather armor, Dr. Lazarus carries a brandy snifter in one hand with a bag of books slung over the other shoulder. Once inside, when he sees others guzzling ale from mugs, he savors a refined sip of his brandy from his snifter, mumbling something about "...civilized drinking..."
With an air of superiority that is almost certainly undeserved, he cautiously approaches the group. "Yes, yes. Greetings. Thanks for wating. I'm Dr. Lazarus. You may call me Lazarus or simply Doctor."
Dr. Lazarus pauses momentarily before taking the floor. "I'm a renowned forensics professor at the University of Osirion. You may have heard of me." After getting blank stares (which he's come to expect), he continues, "Well, no matter. While somewhat skilled at healing..." he pats his healer's toolkit on his bandolier, "... I joined the Pathfinders to hone my investigative skills. That's how I make my living, you see. Relying on my books, uncovering clues, solving mysteries."
When he steps forward, those nearby can see an elven curve blade sheathed over his back, with a hammer strapped at his waist. Upon close inspection, the hammer has the name Grabthar inscribed beneath a returning rune. The well-built scholar adds, "I can handle myself in battle if needed." He takes another sip of brandy.
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Inside the grand hall, leaning somewhat drunkenly against a massive stuffed owlbear labeled as 'Beaky III', is a large ulfen woman wearing heavy armor with a shield slug across her back and a sword and hammer at her hip. Unsurprisingly she holds a mug of ale in her hand. She snorts in distain at the newcomer's comment about 'civilized drinking' and loudly introduces herself.
"Ha! I never have met an elf that can handle drink properly." She quickly downs the contents of her mug and examines the doctor up and down. "So...A professional snoop huh? Well it takes all kinds. That's what my Amma Nanni always said anyways. I'm Astrid Gertasdottir, shield maiden. I'm stealthier than moonlight and fiercer than a summer storm. I've killed more men than winter and drunk enough ale to sink an armada. I've ridden dinosaurs and frightened a demon lord back into hell." She glances at his hammer and punches Doctor Lazarus good-naturedly on the arm. "Ha! I've got one of those too. Handy backup." She nods approvingly and refills her mug with ale from her waterskin.
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A short shadowy cloaked figure makes its way quietly to the Woodsedge Lodge in Galt in the wake of a rumbling cart with a boisterous Elf urging the driver to hurry.
Watching the Elf enter the building from a point of cover, the Gnome waits a moment before emerging from cover. Gone are the dark colors replaced by a vibrant lime-colored business suit and equally vibrant purple hair. He walks through the door like a person who has done so every day nodding as he passes a trio of people chatting about the weather.
Turning the corner into an empty hallway, the Gnome’s clothes change to resemble blue work overalls his hair taking on an orange color as he quietly heads deeper into the lodge heading towards the sound of a gathering.
Passing through the entranceway into the meeting room, you see a four-foot-tall gnome with strawberry-colored hair wearing a fine yellow explorer's suit sporting a rapier at his hip and an assortment of other light weapons. He smiles charmingly at the elf and Ulfen woman, ” Greetings and salutations. You can call me Gib, I’m a skill specialist and medic If it comes to a fight I prefer to be flanking. I do hope the mission will be particularly exciting given the number of pathfinders called up."
The gnome snags a mug from the bar of some dark brown brew. He takes a swig swirling it around on his tongue to explore the flavor of the concoction as his hair slowly changes color to match the drink starting from the roots and spreading to the ends. ”Ah! Not bad.” Gib raise his mug to the shield maiden in salute ”That is quite a list of accomplishments.”
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A far less focused and more distraught figure enters the Woodsedge Lodge. He looks about the room with a look that gives the impression he is expecting a furious rebuking. His is a youthful clean-shaven half-elf garundi saddled with a packs containing a number of tomes, texts, and parchment. The hammer, longbow, and wayfinder mark him as not just one of the scholars hired on.
Looking around the room he relaxes himself and adjusts his gear to a more comfortable position as he joins others around the stuffed owlbear. As he closes it is clear some expense has been spent on his clothing at it isn't marred by the wear and tear one would expect of weeks of field work.
"Ah, wo-wonderful to see to you again Doctor Lazarus. I wasn't expecting an opportunity to be able to work with you again." The half-elf clearly doing his best to be deferential to Lazarus. Turning to the others he relaxes only slightly as he introduces himself, "I'm Natesh Dawnseeker. It has been a while since my last field mission, but I'm hopeful my training I've been doing between my studies will prove myself useful here."
"My focus is on the application of arcane magics, both theoretical and practical, in resolving field research and expediting martial conflicts. I'm also have been doing my best to better prepare myself to avoid the more violent and devastating blows from adversaries."
Natesh rubs some phantom aches as he continues, "I like to think I'll be better prepared today, but your accomplishments Astrid far outstrip my own. I'm looking forward to studying under you."
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As normal, Lizzo arrived to the Woodsedge Lodge several hours early. Climbing into the large oak tree across the street, he activates his elven cloak and vanishes into the foliage. He spends the next few hours observing the towns patrons with his trusty spyglass, with an eye open for any bulging purses that may be accidentally dropped.
Hearing the commotion from long away, Lizzo recognizes a familiar voice as the wagon approaches. There's no way he'll forget that haughty tone from a previous adventure. Seeing the Doctor enter the lodge, he drops down and follows.
The door to the lodge swings open, and you see a broad shouldered seven foot tall blue and green Iruxi warrior. Wearing mundane leather armor and shoeless, you are drawn to the massive longbow strapped across his back and the razor sharp claws at his side.
Walking up to the group he says, "Greeting Dr. Lazarus, it's good to see a familiar face on this mission." To the rest he offers, "I'm Lizzo, mercenary for hire, and fellow pathfinder. When you need something dead, I'm your lizard. They'll never see what hit them."
He grabs a glass of golden mead and big jar of pickled eggs from the bar, before settling in with the group.
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 at the sight of the PCs, 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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Seeing the bits of divination at the entrance to the maze, Natesh approaches comfortably as the draws some of his books to hand and notes Ashasar's request. Natesh's resolve weakens a small amount as Ashasar gives the firm warning about entering the maze. "I'll won't venture in. I would never hear the end of it if I got lost in this maze just after arriving here."
"If I ever made it out." Natesh tries to calm himself with meditation as he focuses and examining the magical auras emitting from the verdant maze.
Ashasar looks over Natesh’s notes and nods his head. “This is consistent with the other observations teams have made. Thank you.”
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Natesh is fairly capable across a number of disciplines, but more often than not he is relying on his common knowledge he has acquired over the years.
Natesh is not entirely confident in his cooking skill, but he does have a few recipes common Sothis as he works to check the inventory of the kitchen.
"Alright everyone, there are a lot of people here, but if we just get through attendance and organization, this will go far more smoothly."
Natesh isn't particularly persuasive or helpful as he isn't able to organize any of the groups very well.
More hear than other places Natesh tries to leverage his youthful strength to manage supplies as he quickly tries to go through and organize the batches of gear according to various eclectic rules and procedures of the Pathfinder Society.
At this point Natesh is running himself ragged and is exhausted himself as he tries to support the various leaders trying to organize this monumental effort.
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Natesh is very easily distracted as he jumps easily at the lurking shadows rather than actual threats at times. Still he does his best to help locate approaching trouble.
Feeling especially tense as the trepidation due to the upcoming mission, Natesh isn't the most reassuring voice as he stammers as he tries to talk too much, so he instead relies on providing a supporting voice to an likely far more confident ally.
Calisro seems satisfied with the organization Nate’s brings to the kitchen along with a few different recipe ideas.
There are just so many different agents, Natesh finds themselves falling slightly behind as she tries to muster the people.
Natesh feels overwhelmed by the supply task.
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With the orders given by Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau, Gib puts down his ale and joins the other pathfinders making preparations.
Escort:
Answering Urwal’s call to help find the missing Pathfinders, Gib joins the search party as they look high and low in Galt especially the pubs.
Mustering
Returning from the search, VC Armeline hands Gib a list of names to help gather in assigned units. The gnome rolls his eyes as he climbs onto a box to look through the crowd of faces spotting the ones that match the names.
Reassurance
Entering the barracks tents to sneak some rest, Gibs is waved over by the Initiate Head Gavix asked to give some encouragement to the rookies. The spry Gnome nods with a wink, taking the group of rookies under his wing and to the beer tent, he starts telling the noobies stories of heroic pathfinders deeds pausing only long enough to drink his ale.
Aid checks
Gib gladly gives advice on how others should get their work done on preparing the gathered game and how best not to get cursed by investigating magic. The Gnome quickly slips away before seeing the result of his help.
Last Meal
Magical Investigations
Waiting to see what others do before attempting to aid or roll on Supplies
While regaling the rookies with a tale of pathfinders getting limbs ripped off by zombie bruts, Gib realizes their pale faces are not reflecting the reassurance he was hoping for, he quickly changes the story for a more acceptable one where the pathfinders beat the foes, complete the mission and still have all their limbs.
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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.”
The shield maiden eyes the iruxi suspiciously."Urwal are you feeling well? You're not speaking nonsense about the stars or speaking in ridiculous riddles. That's not at all like you. Well don't worry about your lost little lambs. I'll find them."
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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!”
Astrid stomps away, muttering. "Do I look like some sort of serving wench..."
She looks around the room and grins evilly as her eyes fall upon a haggard looking middle-aged ulfen man.
The man grumbles but complies, heading to the kitchen.
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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!”
"Ha! That's easy enough." She unconsciously rubs the locket around her neck. Okay Amma. Let's see if I learned my lessons properly.
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Head Initiate Janira Gavix smiles and waves at the sight of the PCs, 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.”
"Ha! So they want a bedtime story huh?" Astrid grins and begins regaling the junior pathfinders with wildly exaggerated tales of her exploits.
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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.”
Astrid grabs large handfuls of heavy equipment and begins distributing it.
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Escort
Always interested in scouting the local countryside, Lizzo joins the search using his keen eyes and a high vantage point.
Last Meal
To show his gratitude to the head of his faction, he prepares an Iruxi delicacy with ingredients collected on the scouting mission. Crispy grubs with a crunchy shell on the outside, and bursting with juicy flavor on the inside. Delicious.
But in hindsight maybe grubs weren’t the best ingredient to showcase.
Mustering
A giant lizard normally get’s everyone’s attention, making it easier to spot several faces on the list.
Supplies
”Save the heavy crates for me!”
His attempt at showing off for Astrid backfires, and he feels a muscle strain in his back as he tries to reposition one she moved.
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Dr. Lazarus greets the others as they enter the lodge. "Natesh, my dear boy!" He claps the half-elf on the shoulder. "If I recall correctly (as I so often do), we last met in the Mwangi Jungle." He rifles through one of his many color-coded binders and pulls out a picture of a black gargoyle and shows it to the wizard. "Fond memories, eh, my boy?" He grins and turns to Lizzo. "And you, my old friend. Still drinking the mead, I see?" He nods to Astrid. "Most impressive, my dear lady. All that ale? Enough to sink a ship, you say?" Holding up his brandy snifter, he says, "I don't doubt it! Though I personally find it more enjoyable to savor my libation ... one sip at a time." Finally, he addresses the colorful gnome and his changing clothes. "Gib, you say? Nice job with your wardrobe." Speaking of himself in the third person, he adds, "The good Doctor is always pleased to meet someone who also values the art of medicine. I look forward to comparing notes one evening, my young lad." He clinks glasses with the gnome.
He lifts his brandy snifter in a toast, and says to the group, "We'll no doubt make a fine team. Especially since most of us had the foresight to bring our own drinks!" He takes a long, slow sip.
When tasks are mentioned, Dr. Lazarus carefully packs up his brandy, and sets to help out.
Escort
When Urval mentions lost Pathfinders in Galt, Lazarus jumps forward and helps search with his new companion, Gib. The 2 healers search with their keen eyesight.
Last Meal
After Benarry mentions the helping serve meals, Lazurus is happy to help. After glancing at the various ancestries and heritages in the mess hall, he moves in to take control. "The strix family at Table 1 is allergic to venison. The druids at Table 3 prefer a vegetarian diet." He sighs at the incompetence. "I'll handle it."
Magical Investigations
The Doctor looks in awe, while standing outside the hedge maze. Turning to Ashasar, "So it's really magical?" When Ashasar doesn't seem to know him, he quickly says, "I'm Dr. Lazarus, from the Universtiy of Osirion. I'm not only a renowned forensics professor..." He can't help adding, "...where you may have heard of me. But I'm also a student of the arts." Dr. Lazarus casts Detect Magic and tries to gather readings.
Mustering
Lazarus quickly takes charge of organizing the groups. "Best to organize by region first, then allies. You there, from the Mwangi Expanse? Over here. Please ... no complaining. Trust the good Doctor."
Reassurance
Lazarus takes Natesh's lead and attempts to talk to the new recruits. It's not his strong suit, though he has exceedingly many. Together, they decide to encourage the group, "While you can only dream of being as knowledgeable and resourceful as Natesh and myself, what you can be is prepared. These books I carry? You too can be well-read. These binders of notes? You too can be diligent about creating quality reports." He pauses and adds, "As I always say: Little things will help you achieve big things." He watches with pride as a single recruit pulls out a writing pad.
Supplies
Finally, Dr. Lazarus makes his way to the supply cart, and he lends a hand to Eando Kline, using his knowledge about ancestries and heritages to make the most logical groupings. He boldly assures the faction leader, "You're in good hands. The Doctor is in." He continues organizing piles in the most logical way.
Urwal Is pleased by the efforts that Gib with Natesh’s assistance, Lizzo and Dr. Lazarus put in on locating any missing agents. You even manage to find Astrid.
Urwal gives each of you a moderate healing potion as thanks for your efforts.
Calisro Benarry Is pleased by the additional efforts of Astrid’s man Holmgeir, and Dr. Lazarus’s efforts in getting everyone fed. Although Gib tried to help Holmgeir, it really didn’t speed anything up.
You eventually get your own meals and find them to be nourishing with enough food to fill you.
Astrid is not able to get any conclusive divinations even with Gibbs’s help. Dr. Lazarus has similar issues. Fortunately Natesh had already succeeded with her observations.
Gib and Lizzo are able to help organize and get the various Pathfinder agents into the teams that Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau assigned.
Meeting their fellow Pathfinders instills your group with a lingering sense of responsibility for their fellow agents.
Astrid impresses a number of the rookie agents with her stories. After an initial setback, Gib also manages to reassure many of them.
Eando is pleased with the way that Astrid and Dr. Lazarus work together, the one hauling the equipment while the other is figuring out how best to organize it.
Lizzo is able to find a patch of unusual plants at the edge of the maze that he realizes is channeling magical energy. Ashasar Is surprised and delighted when this is pointed out. He has others check for more of the plants.
Ashasar gives each of you two items from the following list:
murderer's knot,
swift block cabochon,
scroll of fly,
4th-level scroll of restoration.
Although Lizzo wasn’t successful in calming any of the novices, others were.
You believe your efforts here will help everyone be more successful in the coming mission.
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Natesh nods affirmatively to Lazarus and the depiction of the gargoyle. "That is right, in that region. A far less painful mission than many. At least for myself. Hopefully I can say the same for this one!"
The revealation of the flora channeling magical energy catches Natesh off guard, "Excellent work Lizzo! I had not expected the plant life itself. Your attention to detail easily outstrips my own."
Looking at the supplies, Natesh asks his fellows, "Is anyone capable of using this restorative scroll? It would be useful, but it isn't a style of magic I'm practiced."
Natesh does take one of the scrolls of fly, but looks to his allies for whomever might be able to use other the offensive or defensive tools.
Gib helps Dr. Lazarus with the supplies by rushing to move the crates as soon as he indicates what is needed.
Eando Kline is pleased enough with the work that he offers each of you your choice of the following alchemical supplies:
moderate antidote
moderate antiplague
moderate cheetah's elixir
moderate eagle eye elixir
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Natesh nods affirmatively to Lazarus and the depiction of the gargoyle. "That is right, in that region. A far less painful mission than many. At least for myself. Hopefully I can say the same for this one!"
The revealation of the flora channeling magical energy catches Natesh off guard, "Excellent work Lizzo! I had not expected the plant life itself. Your attention to detail easily outstrips my own."
Looking at the supplies, Natesh asks his fellows, "Is anyone capable of using this restorative scroll? It would be useful, but it isn't a style of magic I'm practiced."
Natesh does take one of the scrolls of fly, but looks to his allies for whomever might be able to use other the offensive or defensive tools.
Astrid looks over the scroll of restoration. "Hmm...It doesn't look too complicated..."
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At the maze, studying one of his favorite reference books, Hedges or Shrubberies: A Distinction, Dr. Lazarus looks up just as Lizzo spies the unusual plants. "Well done, my boy! I got caught up in this riveting material, and I fear I wasn't much help to Ashasar here." The Doctor offers the tome to anyone who wishes to brush up. Finding no takers, he stows the book and walks with Lizzo to their next task.
At the Supply cart, Lazarus nods to Gib appreciatively, "Yes, yes, that's it lad. Careful! Don't mix the Cat's Eye Elixir with the Cheetah Elixir. Yes, yes, in the dwarven pile. There you go." He continues sorting.
When the group is choosing items for their upcoming task, Dr. Lazarus nods to Natesh, "Yes, my dear boy. This Restoration spell could prove vital." Turning to Astrid, he agrees, "Madam, like you, I've studied enough magic to have good luck in figuring most things out. Perhaps we each take such a scroll, just in case."
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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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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 first side chamber contains a fountain that pours water into a large stone washing basin. The water is clean, clear, and tastes metallic.
The second side chamber has three rows of wooden hooks protruding from the stone walls in a line around the perimeter. The bottom row is 3 feet above the ground, the middle at 5, and the top at 9. A black wood bench is in the chamber's center.
The entrance to the third 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's massive exit door is made of pitch-black stone.
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Natesh just finishes some final gear selections as the joins his companions in acquiring a restorative scroll in case of emergency.
Holding his longbow at hand as he examines the chamber with a look of wariness of potential danger behind each shadow. His lack of focus sees his eyes darting every which way of the room. He looks toward the arch before taking a hesitant step back and examining the side rooms.
To the second chamber with hooks lining the walls Natesh notes, "that was a dressing chamber for worshipers of varying heights including some much larger than us."
"This place seems to be a holy place, but I can't tell whom it might be devoted to, if anyone. We may want to commence some cleansing ritual ourselves. I much not rather draw the ire of a powerful being. Especially one who might have helped create that arch."