Your aid has been requested by the Pathfinder Society to lands far from Absalom. Your directions including guided through the Maze of the Open Road so that you may be sent toward the town of Port Valen on the continent of Arcadia. The request was scarce on particular details, but indicated that your abilities would be needed to do work to maintain the Pathfinder Society's presence within Port Valen.
As you exit the portal from the Maze, you can see Port Valen before you all. It is a small, but still bustling port town. Outside of those working at the Pathfinder Society Lodge, there are a multitude of people of both Ulfen and Mahwek, a people native to Arcadia.
For the moment your deeper examination is cut short as you are guided toward the warmer interior of a lodge, a long building with a large hearth at the center. The attendant excuses themselves briefly to notify the Venture-Captain of your arrival.
You don't need to wait long as right after you seek the half-orc Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen along side his white and black furred dog Mahki. Those of you more familiar with him likely already know his scribe and interpreter Lirall, a gnome who strides with a jovial bounce with her bright hair mostly hidden away by the hood of her furred cloak.
You may not recognize is the Mahwek woman that walks along side Bjersig. Her earthen hued furs matching more of the style of dress of many within the port town. As introductions are given, Bjersig introduces her as Rahakenswe, a representative of the local Shore Council.
Bjersig signs along with his speech, his movement are emphatic and exuberant as he clearly is filled with boundless excitement. "It is only through the generosity of the Shore Council that we were even able to establish ourselves here. We want to make certain we return this favor whenever we are able."
With a gesture from Lirall, the Venture-Captain cuts himself off as he refocuses on the task at hand, but his bounding motions still demonstrating his delight. "Those are matters settled and let me be the firs to welcome you to the far side of the map! I don't know what I was expecting to find here, but it sure wasn't the hospitality that the locals have shown us. I mean, just look at this new lodge! It's like we never left home!"
He takes a moment to emphasize his appreciation for the building, a large well crafted hall full of furnishings, food, and care put into it. After the moment he continues, "Speaking of leaving home, we've worked alongside Rahaksenwe and other Port Valen leaders to link this lodge to the Maze of the Open Road. They helped us set up the portal so that future Pathfinders won't need to cross monster-infested waters to get here like we had to. That help wasn't free, though."
Rahaksenwe nods as she holds herself with pride in how much respect the Venture-Captain have given the efforts of Port Valen. She speaks with a firm town as she explains, "the portal could not have been completed without the blessing of Viltydus, the fey guardian who guides travelers through the Forest of Trials. Viltydus has a keen eye for heroic potential, and their one condition for building and maintaining the portal is that Pathfinder agents must assist them regularly to foster greatness in this region. That's why you’re here: to hold up your end of that bargain."
Eager to get started, Torrsen jumps back in. "So, wash up, get what you need from the quartermaster, and follow the footpath just outside the town gate right to the stump at the edge of the forest. Viltydus will meet you there—somehow, they can always sense when Pathfinders are on the way! Any questions?"
Rahaksenwe takes on KaLang's question, their voice speaking in a measured tone one might offer a highly honored elder or leader in respect to Viltydus despite them not being present. "Viltydus is a crossroads guardian, a fey created to serve a primal purpose. Theirs is to help travelers who are called to Valenhall safely navigate the Forest of Trials."
"Around here, we deeply respect Viltydus's work. They have been a mentor and protective spirit for generations of us. A number of us have thrived only because their guidance and protection."
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"Hi! Welcome! I'm Salaish. Nice to meet you. --Ooo! Arfsnarf! Does she get to have her clacky rock fortune rolled too?"
"Clacky Rock? Vat is zis clacky rock?"
Arfsnarf perks up at the mention and struts over to Zhamie, extracting his small die.
This clacky rock foretells something about your near future in this mission. Behold!
He drops it on the ground in front of her.
See how it clacks as it reveals your fortune!
Verily, it clacks along the ground until it rolls to a stop at your feet.
He squints at it, stroking his chin with his little claws.
Hmm not bad, not bad. Even number is good. Result not so bad that you need wagon full of healing potions. I think you see success if you work hard at this mission. It may not come easy, but it come successful in the end!
He flashes his toothy grin before stowing the clacky rock.
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Back in the briefing...
Hmm, fey are sometimes tricksy. Is Viltydus going to make us do embarrassing things to hold our promise? I don't deal well with humiliation... okay okay, guardian fey does sound kind of nice. More serious question: when portal was made, did we agree on how big tasks can be? Or how long they can take? We maybe be in fey realm for years?
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A small canine humanoid clad in plate mail in a traveler's chair with a rose emblazoned on the spiked wheels enters the room. A large axe that glows faintly is strapped to the back of the chair. He cheerfully offers a paw to each of the other Pathfinders, expressing joy to the many familiar faces. To Zhamie, he says, "Hello, I'm Ra'uf. They usually send me in when they need muscle, but I am pretty good at getting Agents out of all types of bad situations."
He asks for a chance to roll the clacky rock again.
The shoony listens to the briefing. Long on promises, short on details. But at least this time, he got to the end of it before someone invaded, which was a nice change. "Forest of Trials? Any idea what trials we would have to face there? This feels like the sort of invitation that leads to 'and the Pathfinders had to overcome many labors to fulfill the creature's whimsy'."
Hmm, fey are sometimes tricksy. Is Viltydus going to make us do embarrassing things to hold our promise? I don't deal well with humiliation... okay okay, guardian fey does sound kind of nice. More serious question: when portal was made, did we agree on how big tasks can be? Or how long they can take? We maybe be in fey realm for years?
Rahaksenwe shakes her head without hesitation as she answers, "they would not insult you or your efforts like that."
"Viltydus will provide details once you meet with them. They care deeply about legendary explores, so your tasks won't be chopping wood or other mundane work."
The Venture-Captain comments himself on the arrangement saying, "the Society would have been far more reluctant to broker this arrangement on those conditions. Even then the conditions are broad and have seen a variety of requests already. Viltydus has already tasked other groups of Pathfinders immediately after the agreement was made and those groups had satisfied within a few weeks. It has been a wonder to go through the notes from previous groups and I'm looking forward to seeing your report as well!"
Rahaksenwe nods affirming the comments of KaLang and Salaish as she continues, "as to the scale of the task, given the talent and abilities of the Pathfinders that have come before you, I doubt you didn't have the skills to handle whatever Viltydus needs."
The shoony listens to the briefing. Long on promises, short on details. But at least this time, he got to the end of it before someone invaded, which was a nice change. "Forest of Trials? Any idea what trials we would have to face there? This feels like the sort of invitation that leads to 'and the Pathfinders had to overcome many labors to fulfill the creature's whimsy'."
Bjersig excitement is far above common as they speak about the Forest of Trials, a kind of delight that is familiar for some Pathfinders speaking of the most ancient or mysterious of legends at the edges of the known maps. "The Forest of Trials is the passage to the legendary Valenhall. It is known to challenge those who seek to pass through it. It is warded as well as dangerous. Despite our time here we still know very little about it!"
Rahaksenwe remains calm as they add, "it is true that the Forest is dangerous. Those who are not called to Valenhall treat the Forest with respect and caution. If you were tasked with entering, I would not expect your path to take you deep within."
Some of you have already heard of Valenhall and Port Valen prior to your arrival here.
The Forest of Trials is just west of Port Valen and is the next natural barrier in the path of those who pursue the call to Valenhall. The forest is treacherous, populated by monsters and masked from divinations. The crossroads guardian Viltydus has lived there since before Port Valen's founding. This fey has a primal purpose to guide great heroes through the wood toward Valenhall, a mission they pursue with compassion and zeal. They've been known to offer guidance to those who don't seek Valenhall but who nevertheless deserve favor.
The Forest of Trials is just west of Port Valen and is the next natural barrier in the path of those who pursue the call to Valenhall. The forest is treacherous, populated by monsters and masked from divinations. The crossroads guardian Viltydus has lived there since before Port Valen's founding. This fey has a primal purpose to guide great heroes through the wood toward Valenhall, a mission they pursue with compassion and zeal. They've been known to offer guidance to those who don't seek Valenhall but who nevertheless deserve favor.
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"Hmm... I think I remember reading a bit about this, actually." She conjures a lute and begins to strum as she speaks. "From the stories I have heard, Valenhall is a legendary warrior's paradise glorified in Ulfen fables, able to be found only by those beckoned to it by a mythical call. Scholars disagree as to whether it's a real place or an aspirational metaphor, a mystery that may be solved someday. Last year, the Pathfinder Society established this new lodge in the former feasting hall of King Sveinn Blood-Eagle—where this meeting is taking place!
The Forest of Trials is just west of Port Valen and is the next natural barrier in the path of those who pursue the call to Valenhall. The forest is treacherous, populated by monsters and masked from divinations. The crossroads guardian Viltydus has lived there since before Port Valen's founding. This fey has a primal purpose to guide great heroes through the wood toward Valenhall, a mission they pursue with compassion and zeal. They've been known to offer guidance to those who don't seek Valenhall but who nevertheless deserve favor."
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Zendel nods at Salaish's commentary. "I read the same monograph. Excellent summary, Salaish!" Then Zendel looks at Zhaimie, and says, "I'm surprised about the altercations between ulfen immigrants and native mahwek. From everything I've read about Port Valen relations, the relationship between the two groups is largely amicable."
It isn't clear how much of the discussion is being directed toward the council representative and the Venture-Captain. Rahaksenwe regards most of what your group is saying with reason or things beyond her knowledge. She seems to regard Zhamie's comment with visible distaste and disagreement. She holds her tongue as she avoids voicing her disagreement.
KaLang has not issue making those purchases before heading out along with anything else the group needs.
The weather has a bit of a chill, but tolerable for even those unused to colder climates. The forest edge is only a short distance from the town and you quickly locate the stump Torrsen mentioned. As you get closer it seems as all the nearby plants and even earth are bent toward the singular massive stump. Branches from all directions extend to this one location along with even the blades of grass.
It isn't unattended though as a lithe Mahwek individual stands atop a giant stump, their average height magnified by an awesome presence of personality. Their fingers, lips, ears, eyebrows, and nostrils are richly adorned with dozens of rings, each one made of a different material and etched with varying pictograms and sigils.
They take a patient posture that faces toward your group even before you could clearly make them out in the distance. On their face is a smile as they hold while waiting for your group to approach. Once you come within a stone's throw, they speak to you all their voice like wind in the canopy. "The portal already beckons souls destined for greatness!"
Stepping down toward you, they hold their arms out in greeting as they continue, "welcome, Pathfinders, to the Forest of Trials, a noteworthy juncture in your travels across this vast, beautiful world. Your work is exemplary and the paths forward look even more brilliant with your arrival."
Taking a moment they focus on just Zhamie as they gladly greet her, "Zhamie Zhapp, welcome and I offer my commendations for your talents in tending wounds and your notable efforts in countering cruel geniebinders."
Following that they turn to the rest of you as they state, "your efforts are no less notable as you have confronted those of the Onyx Alliance. Their reach may not come to those shores, but I still recognize each of your efforts halting that advance."
Then to each of the rest of you in turn they announce your names.
"Salaish Talenduth, your skills with wordcraft are well-honed as well as your song."
"Ra'uf Steelwheels, I feel many among this encampment would have pride if they matched your skill with your greataxe."
"Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze, connecting to moments in the future your divinations have offered advice to many ally as well has your magic protected many as well."
"KaLang, you have ample skill with a heavy weapon blended to martial magic and talent tempered by battle."
"Zendel of Oprak, your diligent accuracy with your attacks is a match for many a gunner or archer that make home within this home."
Standing tall and addressing all of you they declare, "your time here has been brief and you may offer many questions. I can at least do what I am able to answer them before we attend to your tasks."
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"Do we have the honor of addressing Viltydus? If so, it is an honor." Zendel bows. "Your trials have been extolled as a challenge that builds character. May I ask what sort of challenges we will face? Will they be trials of wit? The heart? Skills? Combat? Although I am fey-blooded, I have only met one true fey before and he was quite different from yourself. I look forward to learning more about you and your kind."
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They hold their arms out to KaLang's question as though the answer was apparent, "you would expect a blacksmith to know her metals, or a shipwright to know his timbers, no?"
Holding a hand to themselves they explain, "my trade is in adventure and heroism, so naturally I must know how to recognize the significance of those whose paths I cross." They finish a gesture to you all. "Although I can see them as clear as a cloudless day, I invite you to offer your own introduction, especially if you feel I omitted a major detail of yourselves."
With a nod to Zendel, Viltydus affirms, "your perception is accurate, I am Viltyus. I am pleased to make your acquaintance although I do not believe you will meet more of my kind. I know of others through rumor even then their purposes are not my own. I consider those who seek to travel this forest as my charge and people more than any other."
"And that draws to the matter of the nature of the requests. My primary purpose is not to test you and your skills. Those are evident by the challenges you have already overcome. I wish you to aid me in my purpose in fostering and aiding heroes now and yet to be, in particular areas beyond where I can tread as well as areas outside my abilities." Gesturing to both the forest and then to the town they conclude, "so the tasks will be to inspire and aid the heroes of the town as well as safeguard them against the dangers of the forest."
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At the recounting of details about him the goblin's jaw drops in amazement.
Wow, you do know awfully specific things about us! I'd like to get a look at your clacky rock! It must have 1000 faces!
He turns to excitement as she continues to tease the tasks.
Does that mean we go find dangers in the forest and defeat them preemptively, or they coming out of forest to attack town?
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Ra'uf whispers "...told you so..." to whoever happens to be standing closest to him. He doesn't seem impressed that the creature knows that he is skilled with the greataxe, which he happens to be carrying with him at the very moment.
"If you know of me, I will not waste our time with more introductions. I am ready to face whatever challenges this forest brings."
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Zendel raises a brow. "I'll tell you more of myself, since you only referred to the calculations I do in combat, a minor math trick that aids my odds. It's not the most important thing about me."
Zendel paces, and then says, "I am Zendel of Oprak. I straddle two cultures. I was adopted by my hobgoblin father, Bradazig, when my parents died, and have made a deep study of my adoptive people. I've served in the Oprak military, like other hobgoblin youth, and many laughed at me until I earned their respect with my tactical knowledge of the enemy and my ability to calculate odds in advance. I'm also a bit of a dandy," Zendel gestures to his hobgoblin dress uniform, "but I have found that dressing the part can go a long way to earning acceptance. I charm, I ask questions, and I think my way through most things. That is who I am."
"Of late," Zendel adds, "I have been traveling with the society, and my heart-brother Kalang, in order to make new connections and trade partners for Oprak. The society aids my travel, and helps me learn about new peoples. I hope one day to become an official diplomat of Oprak, but for now am content to serve my nation in an unofficial way."
Then Zendel turns to study the fey. "By helping heroes, are we serving as mentors and comrades to them? I believe that if you want to shape a hero, aid is appropriate, but doing the task for them would be unsatisfactory. Do I have this correct?"
They acknowledge Arfsnarf with respect as the answer the question as to the tasks, "I very well may request your aid in both Arfsnarf. I can sense the potential in yourselves and others, but that is not a match for your foresight. If the town placed under attack, I would seek you out to aid with the defense."
Viltydus nods to Zendel as they agree, "my goal is to see heroes safely to Valenhall and that is not your destination today. I ask you to help others strive for such a noble goal, or recover from their efforts to reach it. I will not ask you to accomplish heroic feat in their stead, that is not the role I ask you to play today."
After Zhamie asks about Viltydus's knowledge, they gesture to KaLang indicating the answer they gave him before as they add, "with your skill you can study a wound and be able to tell many things beyond what others can see. The nature of the weapon, the length of the battle, manner of technique from attacker and defender, and likely even more. It is as the case that can tell so much from you."
Viltydus gestures back toward the town toward a two story building that is large compared to the the neighbors around it. "I will not ask you to enter the Forest of Trials as of yet. The first task will be back within the town at that building."
They don't offer further explanation suggesting that the matter be better discussed once traversing the short distance there.
Once closer it is clear the large building is a school with a smattering of children running around a play area outside. Through the windows those you catch sight of a large number of students attending classes.
Viltydus beams at the school's entrance. "This is my favorite place in town. The potential that radiates from this building is stunning. Many of these young people will become crafters or sailors or scholars, but some will become true heroes."
"One particular student with real talent and tenacity has caught my attention. A young child of the Mawek named Huali. She a kind heart and a growing passion for justice for those who suffered more troubled lives, especially those whose pain was purposefully caused by others. Her interest has been growing, but has been discouraged by her parents. I task you to inspire her to realize their destiny as an adventurer!"
"Her parents are wonderful, but are wary of her interests. She is better suited though to speak for herself that anything I might share."
"I believe if you draw her interest out, give her direction and inspiration, then it shall work itself out. She has strength in her yet."
The doors to the school open up and the various ages of students ranging up to teenagers release into the field. As they begin to filter out there is an average level of schoolyard chaos as the clearly crowded school is unleashed. Children begin to run and you catch sight of one child stumble and cry as the pain of the fall catches her off guard. This isn't a major attraction as many head off to play or to home.
Viltydus though directs you to a young Mahwek girl, Huali, who quickly stops and aids the fallen child. Huali has her dark hair braided and is dressed in warm earthen colored furs. Huali's sharp features focus on the child and quickly calms while checking the minor injury. Huali seems to tend to minor scrape and quickly the child is happily off and running again.
"I leave you to you to light the spark of interest." Viltydus takes their leave and leaves you to take the lead.
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As Viltydus addresses each Pathfinder by name, a grin slowly spreads across Salaish's face. Still holding the lute she conjured earlier, she begins to softly play along with Viltydus's words. It's really quite easy, as they have a musical way of speaking that lends itself well to accompaniment. When their eyes meet hers, she gives them an appreciative wink.
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"Alrighty folks, let's approach casually, so we don't look like a threat to her or any bystanders." She continues playing her lute and sets her trajectory to intersect with Huali's.
"Hi! We couldn't help but notice how well you did with making that other child feel better after they fell. That's a really special gift you have. I'm Salaish, by the way. What's your name?" Let her introduce herself so we can see how she thinks of herself. How deeply has her parents' discouragement taken root?
To the party's appraisal, Huali used nothing but mundane and minor treatment. However she seems to silently mouth a prayer during the treatment and KaLang is able to pick up she was mouthing a prayer to Iomedae.
She is a bit taken aback and bashful as you step forward. "I'm Huali, it's nice to meet you. I didn't do anything worthy of commending, it was just a small scrape and I just make sure she was fine. I've been practicing a bit of medicine just to have on hand to be able to help."
After a moment she asks, "you are Pathfinders, from across the sea? I've heard bits and pieces of your lands, stories, and gods since I was a child. Since your groups been making passage I've been seeing far more and hearing about stories of your legendary heroes from across the ruins of Azlant."
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Arfsnarf stalks forward, flashing his toothy smile and showing his interest in what she's done.
Yes! We are Pathfinders. No job too big or too small! You seemed to say a little prayer when you treated the child. Was it... a healing spell or just a general request for fortune and favor? That seemed pretty heroic to me!
He rolls his clacky rock around in his hand as he says fortune.
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Ra'uf will cast detect magic on the off chance that there is some lingering aura of what Huali just did. Regardless of the result, the shoony will approach her, opening a flap in his healer's tools to show off the
"I've been in some tough scrapes, friend, and I think my allies are as often grateful for my skill with this..." he pulls out a roll of bandages "...as this." He taps his greataxe. "Helping others is always commendable, especially when you stand nothing to gain from it.
Many of us became Pathfinders for just that reason."
Huali is shocked a bit that you noticed but is settled a bit by the good impression Arfsnarf makes. She collects herself as she tries to clarify, "a spell? No, no, I haven't been able to learn more than a cantrip. That was just a prayer I learned years ago. A warrior of Iomedae spoke it when she used her magic it tend to me years ago, before she headed toward Valenhall."
With some hesitancy she does admit, "I didn't even realize I was saying it, my parents have told me I shouldn't place in trust in Iomedae because she is the Inheritor of the Last Azlanti's legacy. From the stories told from years ago, the Azlanti delt horrible blows to our land. My parents don't like the idea of me Azlanti goddess."
"Even then, I'm not certain as that warrior seems so righteous and good, I wish I spoke with her more." After another moment she asks you all, "you come from her lands, do you know more of Ioemedae?"
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KaLang admits he only knows the basics, but suggests that Tandel could likely answer many questions about Iomedae.
Tandel, the human follower of Irori, does his best to answer Huali‘s questions about Iomedae.
After that, KaLang mentions how different groups view the Azlanti and their legacy.
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Salaish's heart falls when Huali mentions her parents' opinion of Iomedae. Ignorance, prejudice, and control. Poor kid. She should be free to make her own decisions about religion; she's clearly mature enough. She gives a warm, understanding smile and offers Huali some insight.
"Think about it this way: if one of your parents was a murderer, would it be fair for everyone else here to shun and blame you? And if someone befriended you and respected you, would that make them a bad person? That's just like blaming Iomedae for Aroden's actions. Even though she's associated with him, she's not the one who did all that. And it's okay for you to honor and respect her for who she is now, for the same reasons. I understand some of the reasons for your parents' perspective, but ultimately you're the one who gets to decide for yourself who you are and what you believe."