The Master of Spells Aram Zey waits in a deep subbasement of the Grand Lodge, where he scowls as another group of Pathfinder agents walks into a door-sized tapestry of intricately woven but badly frayed cloth. As the last agent’s foot disappears into the Hao Jin Tapestry, Aram Zey snaps a quick order for his assistants to reconfigure the tapestry for Kyonin before turning his eyes—weary and bloodshot from long hours of work—to you.
“Pathfinders, let’s keep this brief. That was the seventeenth group it has been my grueling duty to send through the tapestry today, and words cannot express my inordinate pleasure at understanding there will be an eighteenth,” he growls through the gritted teeth of a forced smile. “Nonetheless, this mission is an important one, and the society has few others who are cut out to handle the task.” He pauses to take several deep breaths, which do much to alleviate his sour mood.
“One of my colleagues, Venture-Captain Varian Jeggare, spent a good deal of time in Kyonin, and in doing so he performed a considerable service for Queen Telandia Edasseril. She owes him a commensurate favour in return, and he was gracious enough to use it for the society’s benefit. Jeggare is busy elsewhere, so he cannot deliver the message himself. Instead he wrote out a formal request and letter of introduction for all of you. It seems he thinks you would represent the society well in playing messenger,” Zey explains before adding under his breath, “and to his credit I can imagine worse ambassadors."
“As you can see, the letter is sealed, and it should remain so until you meet General Theila Tenasi and give it to her. In effect, it requests that she provide the Pathfinder Society a contingent of rangers specialised in hunting demons to assist us as we make our way to Jormurdun within the Worldwound. So, that’s your mission: Go to Kyonin, meet with the general, and make sure the elves don’t back out of this favour. We have a contact in Greengold who can secure you quick passage back to Absalom or anywhere else you need to go afterward. You’ll be taking the Tapestry to reach Kyonin, and Kreighton Shaine has already contacted the elves to let them know to expect you. Any questions?”
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“He thinks you would represent the society well in playing messenger.”
"I’m not sure I’ve met VC Jeggare."
Gervase scratches the top of her head. "Though he might know me from some of my capers in the Pathfinder Chronicles, such as:
❧ 'Today we Kill, and
❧ 'Boomy & Soddy’s Summertime Smile Factory.'
The tall, mousey-haired woman, wearing a mithral breastplate over a black multi-pouched explorer’s outfit curtseys like she’s weighed down by the dozens of silver blanched cold iron arrows she bears.
“Hi, mates! I’m Gervase Goldhawkë, fighting sailor and junior officer in the Andoran Naval Reserve. If we’re travelling through Kyonin’s Abyssal-tainted woods, I’m not taking any chances. I’ve packed oils of align weapon and a few holy arrows.”
“The only question I have for you, Master of Spells is, how many folk know we’re coming? What is the likelihood we’re traipsing into an ambush?”
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Standing at the back of the team in simple leathers with a rapier at her side, the petite half-elf takes notes in a neat script. She watches each of the Pathfinders to assess their abilities and what they bring to the team.
I've read most of the Chronicles, but not heard of Ms. Goldhawkë before. But she makes a good point about being prepared.
At the mention of delivering the letter to General Tenasi, Amy briefly touches the brim of her unusual Leipstadt-style hat as she recalls...
"Amestra Veen," she introduces herself to the group. "Call me Amy if you want. I don't mind carrying the letter. I'll only unseal it in the presence of the General and only read it aloud to her then. Just like the summons we used to have to serve on elves when I worked the Constabulary in Erages," she says in reference to her time on the force in the half-elven ghetto of Kyonin.
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A short Andoran man stands with his hands lightly clasped behinds his back. Despite the relaxed manner, it's obvious he has a military bearing. He carries a quiver, but no bow that you can see. "Good. We need more to answer the call to the Worldwound. Before I saw it myself, I couldn't comprehend how bad it was. But I've seen whole contingents of men devoured by demons. It still gives me nightmares. A specialized force of elven demon-hunters could go a long way." He nods grimly.
Turning to the rest of the group, he bows his head towards them. "Pardon my manners. I'm Captain Kargen Hapspring, Eagle Knight and Hunter of Erastil." The way he says the word 'Hunter' seems to imply a special meaning to it. You notice his sleeves are rolled back some and an arrow-shaped tattoo peeks out on his forearm. He gives Gervase a smirk and a wink. "Nice of the Navy to show up."
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"Nina Brightspark," announces a gnome with strawberry-blonde hair and bright green eyes. Dressed in a sparkling chain shirt she carries a lance of adamantine slung across her back, along with her pack and an assortment of other weapons. Also notable is a small wooden holy symbol around her neck, depicting an angelic ankh. Sitting beside her is a rather large...fire cat? Except that it sports leathery black wings and has only a small stub for a tail. "This is my friend Inky," she continues, gesturing to the fire cat. "We're a team out on the battlefield and we ride for the glory of Sarenrae! Er, and the Pathfinder Society too, of course. And it's about time that we got some help with the Worldwound campaign!"
"'Traipsing into an ambush', Agent Goldhawkë?" Aram Zey looks exasperated (even more so than usual). He sighs again. "Have you never traveled by Tapestry portal? Why do you think we wanted this artifact? We use its interdimensional weave to stitch one point in... oh why do I even bother? No. No is the answer. Because the Tapestry will insert you into Kyonin in the vicinity of General Tenasi's border fortress."
"As for backing out of the deal, Incandescence, elves have a tendency to change their mind about things. You may need to convince the General that upholding VC Jeggare's deal is in her and Kyonin's interests."
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Amestra smiles at Zey's exasperation. This is gonna be interesting. Gervase reminds me a little of Eadie. Just something about her... She shakes her head, settles the glasses back onto her nose and continues taking notes.
"There's a reason elves are often stereotyped as being flighty, Inky. Because they are," Amestra says matter-of-factly without looking up from her notebook. There's no hint of prejudice in her tone as she continues. "I'm not trying to be speciest. In their defense, their long lives mean that things change in ways us short-lived can't really appreciate or understand. So they change their minds, but they're playing a long game. Verrryyy long," she concludes finally looking up.
"Captain... Zey," she corrects herself to avoid confusion with their own Captain Hapspring. "You said there's a contact in Greengold. Who is it, and what are their instructions or limitations in providing assistance?"
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Entering just in time to catch the end of the briefing and hear the conversation start to turn to a discussion of the flightiness and fickless of elves, is a stunningingly beautiful female of the species in question. With shimmering violet eyes and long, flowing brown hair, she looks young for her race, perhaps in her mid hundreds. The confident looking girl wears a shiny, very well-fitted and fashionably low-cut sparkling silver armor and a fine purple cloak. An extremely sharp looking scimitar is sheathed at her hip. She also sports some impressive jewellery, including a dark black amulet that seems to cling to the skin above her breasts and a jewelled band that she wears on her head.
"Don't mind me. I might think this stereotyping of my kin to be somewhat racist and narrowminded...but if you're right, I'm likely to change my mind before long and be best of friends with you all. Not all of our opinions change at the drop of a hat, though. For example I've always thought Master Zey here was a grumpy old sod...and I can assure you I have no intention of changing my mind on that subject."
The elf's mouth curls up in the faintest hint of a wry grin as she delivers her 'greeting', before she turns to Nina and Inky and it broadens into a warm smile that lights up her already radiant face. "Hello there, you two! Nice to see some familiar faces for this mission. Have you heard from any of the others that we travelled with last time?" She then turns back to the rest of the group. "Oh, I'm Marquise Thoriel Liltamael, by the way. Sounds like a reasonably straightforward mission...but who am I kidding? I'm sure trouble will manage to find us somehow."
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"Nice of the Navy to show up."
“First, I believe.”
Gervase touches Kargen’s shoulder and laughs like they’re old friends. “But seriously, fellow follower of All-fawns’ Father, I have been told my archery is adequate rather than outstanding.”
“If any of the weapons or aids I bear are better in your hands, I shall gladly share them to ensure our survival.”
“Perhaps our first time in combat will help us make that call?”
"'Traipsing into an ambush', Agent Goldhawkë ..? No. No is the answer."
Gervase places a mental tick mark beside a short list. That’s a definite YES, then.
The woman smiles broadly at “Amy, Nina, Inky and Thoriel. So pleased to make your acquaintance. Please call me Gervase and excuse my paranoia.”
“Demon hunting brings something out in me that I don’t experience with devils or undead, say. Fortunately, I haven't developed a nervous tick yet.”
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"Nice of the Navy to show up."“First, I believe.”
Kargen laughs at Gervase's comment. "Fair. My punctuality has dropped since I left the actual ranks." He nods at her suggestion to share items. "I'll do what I can. I might have some things you can help with too. If it is called for, of course. The Venture-Captain assures us that this will be a simple diplomatic envoy..." He gives her a knowing look.
Kargen turns to see a beautiful Marquise enter and he stands with a his mouth open for several seconds before realizing it and shutting it with a click of his teeth. He bows his head towards her. "My lady. A pleasure to meet you. An elven noblewoman arguing for our cause should help capture their attention."
The archer eyes Inky a bit with her leathery wings and fire radiating from it. When Inky speaks, his eyes widen. "She...she talks. Well, hello Inky, and Nina. And to you Amy. Let's hope this is a simple task for laying out our case and addressing the previous agreements. We are collecting on a favor, after all."
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“I can assure you I hold my father in the greatest esteem, Hunter.”
With difficulty, Gervase pulls a miniature antlered bow on a chain from beneath her combat-vest to hang atop her breastplate. “I have no siblings, and my mother died when I was two.”
“Apparently I cried a lot, but truthfully I don’t remember her.”
His sleeves are rolled back some and an arrow-shaped tattoo peeks out on his forearm.
“You know one thing I’ve found to help break the ice is a tattoo discussion.”
She *winks* “Though of course, it could just be a sailor thing.”
The archer goes to pull down the sleeve of her battle blouse to expose the top of her left shoulder, before realizing there is no chance the heavy material will stretch sufficiently to permit this.
“Ugh! You’ll just have to take my word for it that I earned an Ekujae Elven tattoo as a midshipman in the Mwangi.”
“It has a strange tentacled shape, which the Master of Swords swears has a mathematical dimension to it.”
“Now I’m sure the Marquise and Amestra have tattoos. And it goes without saying someone named Inky must have at least one, right?”
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"Yeah, something like that," Inky answers with a rumbling chuckle. As she does, an arcane rune flares to life on her brow and you see a similar one do the same on Nina's forehead, though they're both somewhat obscured by fur and hair respectively.
"A literal symbol of the bond I share with Nina. You ever meet another summoner - and I mean a real summoner, not some wizard with a conjuration fetish - they'll have one too and so will their eidolon. That's how you can tell they're the real deal."
Noting Kargen's uneasy gaze, Inky smirks slightly and makes a show of stretching her wings and yawning to show off her sharp teeth.
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Damn! She's ... just ... wow! Amestra stammers mentally as the Marquise walks in. She then quickly hides her own ogling with a chuckle at Kargen's open discomfiture.
"But, yeah, I do hope we can be friends," she adds with a genuine smile and a slight blush. "And you're certainly right about Master Zey."
Turning to Gervase's question of tattoos, Amestra nods. "Only one. And very new in fact." She proceeds to roll up the cuff of her left sleeve, exposing a simple design composed of a pair of open eyes looped and connected by an Infinity sign. "The Sleepless Agency finally accepted me as a Detective."
"I'd love to get a good look at that Ekujae tattoo, Gervase. If there's a mathematical puzzle in it, I want to be the one to solve it."
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"And you're certainly right about Master Zey."
"I'm. Standing. Right. Here." Aram Zey fumes at Amy and Thoriel. "Is it any wonder elves have the reputation they do? I question the Ten's wisdom in seeking Kyonin's aid, I really do."
The Master of Spells adjusts his robe and huffs. "You can be sure that your insolence will be noted in my report. Now, please tell me that you came fully supplied and equipped? Yes?"
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“Yeah, of course, VC Zey.”
Gervase *rolls* her eyes before spotting an Initiate wearing cream knee-breeches, a blue coat and tricorne hat coming down the stairs carrying an arrow fletched with crimson feathers.
She pops two fingers in her mouth and lets out an ear-piercing
“Is that for Lieutenant Goldhawkë, Miss? Thankee, you’re just in time! Now where do I make my mark?”
"I'd love to get a good look at that Ekujae tattoo, Gervase. If there's a mathematical puzzle in it, I want to be the one to solve it."
“It’s more of a pattern than puzzle, Amy. But as you insist.”
Gervase secretly looks pleased that she has an excuse to unburden herself, and to incorporate the new arrow into her arsenal at her leisure.
After unhinging her mithral breastplate, leaving it propped over one shoulder, the ranger loosens a few buttons at her collar and lowers her sleeve at the shoulder sufficiently to reveal the elven tattoo.
“There’s a story behind how I got it. The Master of Swords tried to explain the equation(s)? driving the pattern allow it to repeat itself to infinity, given enough time. But honestly, I don’t have the foggiest what he meant.”
“Perhaps VC Zey can explain it?”
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Thoriel takes the looks she attracts from Kargen and Amestra in stride, as one who is very used to, and perhaps expects, to be admired in such a way.
"My lady. A pleasure to meet you. An elven noblewoman arguing for our cause should help capture their attention."
"Ha! Well aren't you the gentleman!" She smiles at Kargen, a cheeky twinkle in her violet eyes. "...but no need for that. My 'title' is more for show than anything. I'm not of noble birth, just picked it up somewhere along the way. If you have it, may as well flaunt it...even if just for fun."
She then turns to Amestra and responds in her native tongue:
As the conversation turns to tattoos, Thoriel just smirks. "Hmm, I'm afraid I'll leave it up to your speculation whether I have have one of those...and if so where it might be." She does seem impressed by Gervase's body art, however. "Oooh! That's gorgeous! It's almost like it dances across your skin!"
"I'm. Standing. Right. Here." Aram Zey fumes at Amy and Thoriel. "Is it any wonder elves have the reputation they do? I question the Ten's wisdom in seeking Kyonin's aid, I really do."
She barely acknowledges Zey's ill-tempered grumblings, not even looking up from the tattoo. "Oh, sorry. Are you? Be a dear and let us know when you're ready to send us on our way then will you? I'll have a look now and make sure I've got everything I need then...thanks so much for worrying about us, you're simply too sweet!"
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Amestra smiles back to Thoriel at the elven woman's words. "So not an elven noble. Do you mind if I carry and read the letter, then?"
"Ooh, a fractal! As a tattoo!" Amestra gushes as she sees Gervase's art. "By Maghd, how deep does the design go? she mutters in awe as she pulls out a magnifying glass to examine the swirls. She gently strokes the skin to get a sense of the design. "I've never seen anything like this on skin. Is it magical? she continues even as she switches out for her notebook and starts sketching the pattern on a blank page.
When Aram Zey begins getting even grumpier than normal, she stops drawing and smiles at Gervase, thanking her for sharing the tattoo.
"Yes, sir. Sorry," she says to Zey. Not!
"But, sir, you didn't answer my earlier question about our contact in Greengold," she gently reminds the VC. While she waits for the answer, she runs her fingers down the bandolier that crosses her small-breasted chest, checking the items stored there to confirm that she does indeed have that oil of bless weapon already.
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The beautiful blue haired gnome wearing heavy spiked plate mail armor and bearing a greatsword and lucene hammer introduces herself as Quiella Hollysharp of clan Durgil. Her reindeer, wearing barding with a lance strapped to it, she introduces as Túrin.
She watches idly as her companions discuss themselves. Then she addresses Aram Zey, saying "I think we are the right group for this mission. If the General needs an additional favor from us before aiding us, shall we give her what she asks, or insist that she honor her previous agreement without adornment?"
"Negotiate as you see fit, Agent Hollysharp" Zey says wearily. "Just get us those rangers."
"Our contact in Greengold is a wine merchant named Dollix. Has a shop there, several warehouses, not difficult to find her."
Zey activates the magic of the Tapestry and the next instant you are all sucked in. Suddenly up is down and day is night, and it feels as if you're being turned inside out. And then, you're all standing next to a vine trellis on a wooden walkway that appears to have grown just so rather than been shaped by carpenters' tools.
Six elves wearing full plate armour as smooth as pearl silently observe your arrival before escorting you into an elegant keep of artfully styled wood and stone. Up several flights of steps, the elves signal that they have reached their destination, knock, and open the doors to admit you to General Tenasi’s chambers.
Tenasi's spacious room provides a panoramic view of the surrounding woodlands. General Tenasi, an elven woman with chestnut brown hair and wearing a gleaming breastplate over fine teal clothing, nods and invites you to enter:
“As outsiders in Kyonin, I would appreciate your contemplating the rarity of your positions. As a general in charge of these lands’ defence, I expect you to appreciate the gravity of mine. This conversation would not be possible were it not for the letter in your possession.”
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"Ooh, a fractal! As a tattoo!"
“Yeah, fractal! Pretty sure that was the term VC Farabellus used.”
“By Maghd, how deep does the design go?”
Gervase chuckles as she whispers behind an upraised palm. “Pretty sure it’s skin deep.”
“I've never seen anything like this on skin. Is it magical?”
“You know I’ve never considered that possibility.”
Taken aback, the ranger cocks her head to the side. “The group that administered it displayed no overt arcane power. But they were Ekujae, emotions were high at the time, and it took ages to do. At one point I think I passed out.”
“It really frickin’ hurt.”
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Kargen rolls up his sleeve fully as the group shows off tattoos. He examines Gervase's and Amy's tattoos with admiration. He shows his arrow tattoo on his forearm. "Mine's nothing so fancy. Just a simple marker of Old Deadeye. Something I got when I devoted myself to the Church. An interesting choice given that sometimes it would be better for me if it's not seen. But it can be easy to pass it off too. Lots of people get all sorts of markings in all sorts of places." He glances at the Marquise, then blushes a bit.
As they arrive, Kargen takes note of the arms and armor of the elven guards. Throughout the keep, he looks for signs of the famed elven archers, eager to size up their skill.
Kargen gives General Tenasi an Andoran salute more out of respect than duty. "It is an honor to meet you, ma'am. I'm Captain Kargen Hapspring, and yes, we do have a letter for you." He turns to Amestra and waits for her to conduct the ceremony.
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“I understand the first rule in diplomacy when you are the home team is to impress your guests with your presence and surroundings.”
Gervase smiles warmly, once General Tenasi has had the chance to read the Pathfinder's missive. “Impress them not quite to the point of intimidation.”
“But I’m no diplomat -- just a simple sailor. Like you, General, killing my leader’s enemies is my profession. But of course in doing so there are rules to be followed, honor to be maintained and promises to keep.”
The ranger looks out over the forest vista from Theila Tenasi’s window.
“I honor you, your position and the responsibility you have to defend this beautiful country. As such, I am certain someone of your gravitas would never reconsider their promise to an ally.”
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Amestra feels her feet pulled out from under her and suddenly she's back in Kyonin for the first time since she left, all those years ago.
She removes her hat and checks her clothing to make sure everything looks in order as they walk under the watchful eyes of the elven guards. She knows better than to try to make small talk with them. Even if she were a full-blood, they wouldn't respond.
"General, it is an honor to return to my homeland, though it be under these circumstances," she begins before switching to Elven.
"I am Amestra Veen, Investigator Second Class of the Erages Constabulary. We have been tasked to present this letter to you, for your consideration and action. I especially do fully appreciate the difficult position you are in, and hope that this can be resolved to everyone's benefit."
She steps forward and withdraws the letter, presenting both the front addressing and the seal on the back. If the General makes a move to take and examine the seal, she of course allows it. But if not, once the general indicates that she's satisfied, Amestra opens the letter and reads it....
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Falling back on her own training Nina quietly waits while those more versed in matters of diplomacy make their introductions and present the missive they've been tasked to deliver.
Anyone watching closely might even notice the little gnome give her eidolon companion a swift poke in the ribs every time the creature opens its mouth to interject something.
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The general simply nods to Amy, and Amy reads the letter.
"Most Honorable General Tenasi,
As you may have been informed, soon after making your acquaintance at the Midsummer Masquerade, I enjoyed the privilege of performing a service to the Viridian Crown. Her Majesty’s generous tokens of appreciation included her counselors’ intimation that you might aid me in an urgent endeavour.
When the demon horde breached the wardstones surrounding the Worldwound, the nations of the Inner Sea region responded with unprecedented unity. Both the Kyonin rangers and the Pathfinder Society have provided support to the latest Mendevian Crusade in an effort to halt the invasion and to repair the breach.
The Worldwound horde is not, however, the only emerging concern. A long-lost dwarven Sky Citadel has recently reappeared. Within its ancient chambers lie millennia of previously unobtainable history. While the Pathfinder Society has already devised plans for a campaign to explore the Sky Citadel, the citadel remains within the region of the Worldwound. No warriors in Avistan can boast the experience of your rangers, who have fought with such valour against the demonic forces of the Witchbole. If you can spare but a score of these peerless fiend-slayers, your assistance would be long remembered not only by the Society but by one whom Queen Telandia has favoured with her gratitude.
Hopeful of your assistance, I present the bearers of this message as capable Pathfinders and beseech you to aid their endeavour.
Count Varian Jeggare"
The general frowns as Amy reads. "You would dare ask me to forfeit every defence against the demons for the sake of a treasure-hunt?!" she fumes. "You are plunderers, plain and simple."
She shakes her head. "But my Queen made a bargain, and it is not for me to gainsay Her Majesty.
News of the Wardstones’ failure reached the Witchbole as quickly as it did Iadara, and the demons have renewed their attacks with greater ferocity,” General Tenasi explains. “I recalled the Uprooters, but one group has not returned, has not responded, and by all evidence has been lost. I signed the order to discontinue attempts to locate them, for we do not have the resources to commit even a scout to the task.
As a result, none of my battle plans account for these thirteen lost rangers or their commander Lanverel. Were you to find and rescue them, I would assign them to assist you in reaching the Sky Citadel—after ample recovery time, of course.”
General Tenasi answers. "“We have their last known location, which was near Thorngate at a feature called Mount Armiya, a rocky hill on the border of Tanglebriar. It, like all aiudara in and near Tanglebriar, is shut down to avoid demon exploitation, but I shall have a wizard transport you to Mount Armiya. Any tracks the Uprooters made should originate from there, and any arrows fired could provide clues as to which direction the Uprooters went.”
"Lanverel is an experienced commander. If he's been captured or slain, any surviving members of his unit know to go to ground. Their last known location is not far from Kethalia, a ruined settlement. There is still a cache of cold iron there according to my records, making it an ideal defensive position to hold."
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Kargen is stunned when the letter is read aloud. He nods at the elven General. "General Tenasi, I'm equally surprised by this specific request. I don't know of any task greater than that of combating the Worldwound. However, it is possible that this Dwarven citadel holds weapons or magic that can help us. At the very least, we can't risk allow it to fall into demonic hands." He shakes his head, obviously not quite convinced of his own words.
"You position is understandable, and we will do our best to find Lanverel and the Uprooters. Even if they only help us clear the area of the citadel, killing demons is killing demons and we would be honored to return them to your count of soldiers too."
"Did the Uprooters have a mission near Mount Armiya? Perhaps something they are still attempting to finish?"
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Amestra finishes reading the letter and hands it to the General's aide-de-campe for their official files. She bows in a basic Elven courtly manner as she steps back into the group.
"General, I am still a citizen of Kyonin, though my work with the Pathfinders and others has kept me away for many years. It's my duty and my honor to help find this Uprooter team, and I think you'll find that we can be more than just plunderers," she says with an expansive wave of her arm to encompass the team. "Though I must admit the request would seem to paint us in that light."
She pauses as she considers what the others have asked.
"I presume that you've tried scrying for the team, so what is it that prevents divination from working?"
"And how will we know them when we find them?"
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"I assure you, general, I am a servant of Erastil, and indeed of all the pantheon of good deities... I am a Pathfinder second. Few of my compatriots, past or present, meet the description of 'Plunderer'." She offers the general a bow to close out the subject.
"I am happy to help find and retrieve your men. I hope that we can find them well."
"The Uprooters had no specific mission beyond their standard operations, which is to say that their incursion into Tanglebriar is a part of our efforts to contain the corruption and defend against Treerazor's depredations.
Scrying is useless on the Tanglebriar. Even the lowliest demons possess tremendous cunning and are capable of sophisticated misdirection. One cannot trust anything that one sees through a scrying sensor. The only way to confirm a fact is in person.
It is reasonable to assume that any elf in Tanglebriar who does not appear corrupt or insane is an Uprooter. More specifically, the Uprooter emblem is an inverted black tree, roots aimed skyward, against a brown background. Most wear a clasp of the insignia on their cloaks.”
Appearing somewhat mollified after your ready agreement to help, and your sympathetic acceptance of her criticism, General Tenasi adds "I will grant you access to our supplies if you wish to purchase any equipment, such as cold iron weapons. Once you're ready, I will summon my wizards and have you teleported."
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Amestra flips through her notebook as the team heads out to the armory. Unfortunately, it seems that she's missing the pages on the history and geography of Kyonin.
But she quickly recites what she knows about demons, Treerazor, and the eldritch rituals that can turn normal creatures into demons.
It's enough to make your eyes water.
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“Uprooters. Don’t you think that’s a terrible name, Nina?”
Gervase sits down to compare notes with Amestra, but quickly finds the Detective has her own limited knowledge covered.
The ranger is scratching like she’s about to break out in hives by the time she’s finished reading.
“Preventing captured folks being turned into demons sounds like a priority.”
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"Everyone get some cold iron if you don't already have it. And if you do, get more." Kargen tells the group.
Then he fishes two scrolls of abundant ammunition from his pack. "Hey Navy, maybe you can use these. Or help me use them."
Kargen goes to the Elven quartermaster to buy another couple of bundles of cold iron arrows and 2 scrolls of align weapon. He also pulls a bowstave out of his magical quiver and carefully prepares it for battle.
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“I’ve found my ammo loadout too specialized for abundant ammo to work, but I do have a suggestion, Kargen.”
Gervase draws one of her cold iron arrows and presents the head gleaming with silver motes.
“Too many times I’ve been told I’m going demon hunting, and then a devil or vampire shows up. So now I blanch my cold iron arrows with silver (for cheap!) and I’m ready for anything.”
“If you can’t afford the 20 gold to do all your cold iron arrows, the Navy is happy to oblige.” *wink*
“I have three ways to get align weapon on my ammo. I can’t cast the spell and want to remain independent. I can’t afford another oil, but hopefully three doses is enough.”
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Thoriel keeps to herself during the briefing with the Kyonin elves, seeing that Ameestra and the other more diplomatic members of the group have things under control.
Having grown up on the streets of Absalom, not amongst others of her kind, the young elf feels a little uneasy, and can't help but notice looks of pity and disdain from the elves in the keep. She suddenly feels a tinge of sadness and regret that she hasn't felt for some time, one that she has done her best to suppress and forget by seeking out and focussing on joy in the present.
Grateful for the chance at some shopping therapy, even if somewhat mundane, Thoriel joins the others at the quartermasters, picking up a couple of oils of align weapon as well.
"Since demons are tricksy, do you have any way we can tell any Uprooters we find that we're allies and not enemies?"
"You'll have to rely on your wits and good sense" General Tenasi responds. "You assuaged my concerns, I'm sure you'll do the same if and when you find Lanverel's squad."
"Now if you're all ready, I'll summon my wizards."
The teleportation spell deposits you on the southern edge of a wooded hill with numerous rocky outcroppings, one of which juts out nearby. A shallow but swift-moving stream hugs the contour of the rocky spur like a castle moat that separates the ascent from the twisted landscape that begins about 60 feet to the south. . There, in a span of several dozen feet, the pristine wilderness transforms into Tanglebriar, a mass of pus-weeping trees, serrated bark, twisted nettles, and growling clouds of gnats.
Atop the rocky spur stand six elves, their bows at the ready. But before you can parley with them, a colossal creature crashes out of the Tanglebriar! A segmented, centipede-like creature, its maw looks big enough to swallow a mammoth in a single bite...
Pet
Pet
Combat round 1
Thoriel
Amy
Gervase
Kargen
elves
colossus
Nina + Inky
Quiella + Turin
The bold may act!
You face a Briarborn Juggernaut, a species of corrupted vermin twisted by abyssal taint.
DC27
DC32
DC37
DC42
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Amestra orients herself to the situation. Elves on the hill, harried, suspicious and trigger happy. A giant centipedal horror in the woods. She draws her rapier and pushes a little magic through the scarf and into it.
As the elves reply, she takes what they say and combines it with what she knows about ...
... Briarborn Juggernauts.
She takes a quick breath, and launches into her briefing.
"It's a Brianrborn Juggernaut, a species of corrupted vermin twisted by abyssal taint. It is not an outsider - it's a mindless vermin."
"Although it's not native to the Abyss, it has some demonic resistances overcome by holy weapons, as we expected."
"That thing is so huge that it destroys life simply by trampling everything in its path. Its bite carries a powerful venom that stiffens the limbs and it can use its abyssal taint to do additional harm to those of good heart."
She pauses to see if anything else comes to her but quickly decides that's all she knows about them.
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With a furtive glance up towards the elves to see how they react, Thoriel springs into action.
After quickly applying one of her newly purchased oils to her blade, the magus magically enhances her speed and leaps over the stream. Agilely skirting its banks, she circles around the creature as if partaking in some strange aggressive dance. Perhaps she can provide an extra target and avoid the whole group getting trampled as one under its massive bulk.