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Many adventurers have dared to explore the Mwangi Expanse.
Some die, others recover valuable treasures, but almost all
of them pass through the walled city of Kibwe. Kibwe is a
flourishing center of trade, home to tribal folk from a plethora
of races. Humans, elves, and even a few lizardfolk merchants
wave to passersby, eager to scam gold from unwary travelers.
A Mwangi Pathfinder named Tuukna waits beneath the
central pavilion just up ahead.
“Good to see you, Pathfinders! I bring dire news from the
Expanse.” Tuukna gestures to seats on benches beneath the
blossoming trees before continuing his story. “I just received
word that a band of traveling merchants was found dead after
exploring the nearby ruins of the once proud city of Dokeran.
Our agents across the Mwangi Expanse claim an eerie song
echoes from the ruins, which were previously assumed to be
abandoned. We have reason to believe this song was responsible
for the destruction of Dokeran decades ago.
“If this region is ever going to be a safe place for travelers
and explorers, I need you to find out what still lurks within the
ruins. Head northwest, toward the rivers flowing out of Lake
Ocota. I’ve arranged for you to meet a witch doctor named
Nangi along the River Bdonge. This ancient mystic knows
Dokeran well. I believe he will be willing to serve as your guide
through the ruins. Give him this copper coin and tell him
Tuukna sent you.
“Should you come across a physical copy of the song heard
from within the ruins—be it sheet music, a cursed instrument,
or anything else unusual—return it to your venture-captain
immediately. If this song is the fabled Song of Extinction, we
may have some hard times ahead of us.”
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Granny leans forwards on her cane and readjusts the shawl around her shoulders, thankful for the heat down here. Far easier on the bones.
"Dokeran, you said?" She pulls out a couple of books and tries to remember if she'd heard it it before. It's only been destroyed for decades, after all; why, in their line of work, that was positively recent!
"Do we know how the merchants died? Did this song kill them, or could it be unrelated?"
She also reaches into her backpack and pulls out a small bag. "I have some spare earplugs here, if anyone needs them." With a grin, she adds "Don't worry, I prestidigitated them clean after last time. Probably."
The graying parrot on Granny's shoulder peers down at the books as well.
Opening its beak, it squawks... something. "R͓̻͊̅o̫̣̼͖͋͛̈̆n͉͎͙͓͎̯̋͌̑̉̾̉ ̟̩̩̦̱̄̄̓͌̓f̲̝̰̬̘͚̾̑̅̓̓̋ĥ̦͎̌t̮̪̳̳ͭ̈́ͬ̐aͥ̓g̸ͧ̈n̢̬̺̬̯̙͊̎̄ͬ́ͤͣͅͅn͇̥ͭ̏y̥̟ẗ͙͚̮̎̑ ȟ̦͉͚̉̔?"
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A rustic carriage drawn by four horses comes to a stop in front of the central pavilion in Kibwe. An attractive, young Varisian woman with shoulder-length, wavy black hair and wearing a crimson riding cloak steps out with an entourage nearly pouring out of the carriage door haphazardly behind her. Her striking green eyes scan the pavilion ahead as passersby busily stream past. She sighs as she waves a small fan to give some relief from the oppressive jungle heat. Bedecked in stylish jewelry and aristocratic attire, several tiny gems bob and tumble slowly as they magically orbit around the crown of her head. A finely-crafted slim morningstar is tucked in her belt at her hip. A light crossbow, the stock carved with images of noble hunters and their hounds, hangs from a strap on the other side of her belt. She quickly grasps the hand of a young girl of about 12 years old and almost a splitting image of the woman with the red riding cloak. The young girl has a frightened look on her face as citizens nearly knock her down as they stream past.
"Stay close, Junia."
Inga says reassuringly as she gently tugs Junia's hand.
"It's quite easy, and not to mention very dangerous, to get lost in a big city like this."
Junia bites her lip in fear as she nods at Inga.
A young boy, just a few years older than Junia, follows behind. After a good stretch, he unloads a small, elaborately painted wagon from the rear luggage rack. Loaded with gear, weapons, and various other adventuring supplies, he sets the wagon down and pulls it behind him.
"Ugh. I wish it wasn't so hot, Countess."
He says quietly as he wipes his brow.
A burly Ulfen man, similar to a dwarf in stature, steps out from the carriage. Wearing nothing but commoner's undergarments, he sweats profusely underneath a bushy salt-and-pepper beard. He nudges the boy's side.
"Aye, Jeeves, my boy. Dontcha wish we were back in the Land of the Linnorm Kings where it's a bit cooler?"
Inga turns to her companions.
"Well, we're here. Let's go in, everyone."
The Ulfen man steps in front of Inga and hefts his axe tightly with both hands.
"Allow me to go in first, milady."
Inga nods and follows Smörboll in as the rest of the group follows.
Entering the central pavilion, Smörboll glares at those assembled. Realizing none of them pose a threat, since they are most likely Pathfinders, he gives a side glance to Inga then gruffly nods in greeting to those assembled beneath the blossoming trees. He lowers his axe and steps aside to allow Inga to step past.
Greetings. I am Countess Inga Blücher.
She says softly in a thick Varisian accent. She gives a respectful nod in greeting.
"And these are my traveling companions."
She sweeps a hand towards the entourage behind her and introduces each one in turn.
She then listens intently to the mission briefing.
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"My, that's quite the group you have here." Granny looks over Inga's companions before seeing a familiar face. "Junia, it's so good to see you again. Please, do let me know if there's anything you need."
She then looks to the other two followers. "Smörboll, you certainly look like you know how to use that axe. And... Jeeves I believe? I can tell you'll be strong." She pulls two boiled sweets from her "nanny pouch" and passes them to the children.
"My name is Cheechatkae, but most people around here have trouble with that. Please, feel free to just call me Granny." She gestures to the parrot on her shoulder, who spreads his wings and s̲̏ͨq̳̓͟uä͔ͧwks̷̞̟. "This fellow is Natharanak. Do let me know if you start to understand him. That's usually not a good sign."
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Tunnka turns to granny and the others.
Granny leans forwards on her cane and readjusts the shawl around her shoulders, thankful for the heat down here. Far easier on the bones.
"Do we know how the merchants died? Did this song kill them, or could it be unrelated?"
“The merchants were on an expedition to search for lost treasures in the ruins, but they never made it there. Scouts found the men
dead in the swamp, their bodies feathered with arrows. Itseems the ruins are occupied again. With things that attack with bows”
How could a song destroy a city? “Rumors swirled for
years about the Song of Extinction. They say it draws on
the power of a dark god to wipe out entire civilizations,
but you’ll have to investigate for yourselves to find out if
there’s any merit to the stories.”
What does the tune sound like? “You’ll know it when
you hear it—if it’s real, it will chill you to the bone. You
must follow the sound to discover its source.”
What can you tell me about our guide? “Witch doctors
are rare Mwangi mystics who possess power over nature.
He can answer your questions better than I can.”
"Do we know about any notable cults in the area? Did anyone benefit from Dokeran's destruction?"
"The city has been destroyed for many years. I can't say who would benefit. As for cults. I know the cult of Zon-Kuthon, is active in the area"
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With all the hustle and bustle involved in Inga and her entourage making their arrival, it takes a few moments to realize that someone not in her group has also arrived.
By the time anyone notices him, the tengu is sitting on the back of a chair with his feet in the seat. With the heavy sea coat and tricorner hat with one long brilliant plume and a much shorter, drabber one, he looks more like a pirate who lost their way to the Shackles than an explorer of the Mwangi Expanse. And, indeed, he came here directly from that place...or near it, at least.
He also looks like he is borrowing a larger person's gear. His long black sea coat seals with bronze clasps, though they are not fastened, now. When he stands up, it reaches down to his ankles and the sleeves bunch up around his arms. A sword almost as long as he is tall is sheathed across his back, only adding to the appearance that he is small.
When people notice him, he gives everyone a bow, left arm extending perpendicular from his body while he takes off his hat and tucks it against his chest with the right. He lowers until his torso is parallel to the ground.
"Greetings, companions. I am Kahwen and I am glad to be somewhere dry, not gloomy and on my home plane," he says then returns to his perch.
Though his body remains still, his head darts about with sharp, precise movements when he looks at people.
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Junia's eyes go wide in joy as Rallas steps from the shadows. She runs up to him and wraps her arms around his legs in a big hug.
Inga smiles warmly at Rallas.
"Oh, Rallas! It is so nice to see you again. And a pleasure to go on this excursion with you."
Jeeves and Smörboll give their greetings to Rallas as well.
"Junia is very fond of Rallas. The both can be quiet and reserved at times. I think that's why she adores him." she says to the others assembled.
A low, gutteral voice speaks from within Inga's psyche.
"Rallas! Let me out, Inga. I want to say hello."
"Not now, Klaus. Wait until we're out of the city. These townsfolk my not look kindly at ghostly werewolves. We don't want another angry mob with pitchforks and torches coming after us again, do we?"
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"Nice to see another tengu" says Granny, giving a somewhat-stiff bow to Kahwen in return. "I'm afraid "dry" might be a bit of an exaggeration around here - the local jungle tends to get plenty of rain. Best bring an umbrella if you're worried, but the humidity is going to be hard on the feathers."
Granny keeps watch on Junia out of the corner of one eye, making sure the talk of dead bodies wasn't bringing back too many unpleasant memories.
"Did the scouts bring back the merchants' bodies, or just bury them in the jungle? Have you tried speak with dead?" If the bodies were here in the city, Granny could possibly get something helpful from them.
An old city, everyone possibly murdered, abandoned for decades, probably never given a decent burial... there could be undead. Probably would be; that was the kind of thing that tended to make spirits angry. The jungle tended to have poisons and disease, though remove disease could often be prepared the next day with few issues. Swarms, maybe? "How far is it to Dokeran? I have a few spells that might speed our journey, and make that cart" (she gestures to Jeeves' wagon) "a little easier to move. Was Dokeran known for anything in particular? Was it home to golem crafters or summoners, or something like that?"
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Rallas smiles even wider when the girl almost tackles him. He bends to give her a proper hug.
Nice to see you too, Junia. My, you've grown a lot since that trip up north. he says warmly.
Jeeves...Smorboll... he nods to the two men. He turns to the others in the room.
I am Rallas...Sorry...the Countess and I have been on missions before...
He looks over the pair of tengu.
Nice to meet you, Granny..your knowledges will undoubtedly help us. Kahwen...where have I heard that name before... he scratches his head.
Ahh..that's it. A friend of Mykel, right? I bumped into him back in Absolom at the Lodge...rambled on about a ship he just acquired...and a tengu using a wicked elven blade. We're going to get along great, I think. he says with a bow.
Trokkus...nice to have you along too...your skill will likely be needed...
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After Smörboll and Jeeves pop a candy into their mouths with a thankful grin, Inga turns to the old tengu lady.
"It's a pleasure to meet you... uh, Granny, was it?"
Junia nervously glances at Granny then looks at Inga as if silently asking for guidance.
Inga gives her a reassuring smile.
Inga looks at Granny with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry if Junia doesn't remember you, Granny. Give it a bit of time, though. Ever since her terrible tragedy many years ago, she's been very withdrawn and forgetful at times. I've been helping her work on getting over the emotional anguish it caused. I'm also helping her learn how to manifest her special spirit friend."
She pauses a moment, claps her hands enthusiastically, then continues.
"Well, anyway, it will be very nice to have another motherly type figure around. I'm sure you're just wonderful with children."
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Inga bobs a curtsey in return to the swashbuckling sailor.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Kahwen. You look to be quite the master swordsman. I look forward to see what kind of fancy swordplay you can perform."
She turns to the half-orc warrior.
"And a pleasure to meet you, good sir."
She says with a respectful nod.
"I see you are a blessed blade of Sarenrae. It is always nice to have a holy warrior on the team."
She turns to look at Jeeves.
"My porter fancies to become a great warrior or knight someday. If you need help donning your armor or having your weapons sharpened or oiled, I'm sure Jeeves would be more than happy to assist you."
Jeeves looks wide eyed over at Trokkus as he bobs his head eagerly with a big grin.
"Well, then. Enough chit-chat from me. Now on to the mission at hand..."
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"Nice to meet you, too, Miss Cheechatke," Kahwen says, pronouncing the name correctly but with a distinct accent common to tengu from the Shackles.
"You are a friend of Friend Mykel? He has been one of my most stalwart companions!" he pauses thoughtfully. "Rallas...I know that name. There was a group that went into Tanglebriar to save some elves...was that you?"
The tengu checks another bow to Inga. He's fallen into that loop before and doesn't want to again. His feathers ruffle up then settle back down.
"A wise man once told me that some problems cannot be solved with a sword and some problems cannot be solved without one. I like to be prepared for either as much as I can," he continues.
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"Now, before we leave, I have two spells I'd like to cast on everyone."
"The first will help us move quickly through the jungle." Granny does a quick head count before frowning. "Well, nine of us. I suppose Natharanak doesn't actually need something that creates a path. The spell goes on whoever's in the lead.
"The second one makes it nearly impossible to track eight of us - you never know when hungry critters might be stalking you out there. Is anyone here particularly good at moving stealthily, and wouldn't mind letting someone else have the spell?"
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Why yes...I was on that mission. Word travels fast... he replies to the tengu.
Those are handy spells to have...I might have to make use of them in future missions. the elf says, impressed with the depth of Granny's knowledge.
If we need someone to scout ahead, I think between myself and Kahwen here, we can handle it...unless someone else decides to tag along.. Rallas says with a sly grin towards Inga.
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"Don' mention it."
Smörboll replies gruffly to Granny.
Inga winks back at Rallas and nods in the affirmative. She mouths the word "soon".
She turns to address Granny.
"A wonderful selection of spells for our journey through the jungle. I assume the journey may be treacherous. Back when Rallas, myself, and our team were in the Land of the Linnorm Kings, I picked up a scroll of tiny hut in case we needed shelter during our trek. I still have it, just in case."
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Junia warms up to Granny enough to hold her hand as they travel along the merchant road. However Junia barely says a word, except for a remark about a blossoming flower or an interestingly shaped cloud once in awhile. When the group is out of sight of the city, Inga asks to take a quick break. She removes her noble attire and packs it in the wagon.
She excuses herself for a moment and walks several paces off the trail into the thick brush.
Still holding her hand, Junia looks up at Granny.
"She's going to manifest Klaus," she says in a calm tone.
After a couple minutes, the frightening howl of a wolf can be heard from where Inga entered the thick brush.
Suddenly, a hulking werewolf, nearly 7 feet tall and glowing green with ectoplasmic energy, charges towards Rallas with his powerful arms outstretched. The beast's snarls turns into a grin as he grips the elf in a great bear-hug!
"Rallllllaaasss!!! My good friend!!!"
He spins in place while gripping Rallas tightly then sets the elf down.
"HA!!!” he bellows.
"I'd never thought I'd see you again!!!”
Inga steps out from the jungle brush looking visibly tired and staggers her way back to the group.
"Everyone... this... is Klaus."
She says between heavy breaths.
Smörboll and the children rush joyously to welcome Klaus with laughter and hugs.
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"Thank you for telling me that, Junia." Granny smiles down at her. "I might have been scared without you here."
She then lets go of the child's hand for a short while and moves over to Inga. "Are you all right, dear? You look drained."
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When they start to move out, Granny chooses a spot nearish the back of the group. Both her and Natharanak watch for danger.
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Kahwen nods sharply to Rallas' suggestion, glad to scout ahead. In fact, he's doing so when Inga steps off the trail.
He thinks that's a bad idea but knows better than to think he knows better than other Pathfinders.
Until it is proven that it was a bad idea. As the werewolf comes charging out of the bush, Kahwen goes charging at it. He has to check his sword stroke when it becomes apparent that the creature is no danger.
His feathers ruffle up then settle again as he resheaths his sword.
As introductions are made all around, he gives his customary bow to the newcomer.
"Yes, another pair of eyes is always welcome," he adds to Rallas' invitation.
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Nature's Paths (8h, all*)
Pass Without Trace (8h, all)
False Life +18
Granny's eyes flicker over the quill-dogs before turning back to the elf.
"Well hello there!" the tengu calls out in Elven, adding a touch of an accent from the local dialect of Polyglot. The elf hadn't fired yet, so maybe this could work. "There's no need for us to fight immediately, is there? I'd love to have the chance to chat with you."
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As Granny calls out in a friendly tone to the elf, Klaus instinctively moves to get in front of Inga. He snarls menacingly at the jungle elf.
Inga's eyes dart back and forth at the strange creatures. She tries to recall if she's ever seen or learned of these things before.
Inga has no idea what they are.
Unsure of how the encounter is going to unfold, Inga gets ready to cast a spell to enhance Klaus' abilities.
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Nature's Paths (8h, all*)
Pass Without Trace (8h, all)
False Life +18
Spiritual Weapon 8r
Granny recognizes the look in that elf's eyes. And with these howlers... there would be fighting, no doubt.
"Mind the quills - they'll get you if you don't stand far enough back when hitting them." Granny weaves a quick spell as she continues "The howls tend to be maddening, so be careful."
A glowing mace appears in front of the farthest howler and swings down at its face.
and
Granny moves over slightly, drawing a wand as she does so.
Natharanak leaves Granny's shoulder as she starts moving and gets out of range of the howlers' howl. Nobody needed to see him under that kind of influence again.
Klaus nods in thanks to Granny.
"Give up or get killed. It's going to be one of the two." he snarls.
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Inga scans the battle unfolding in front of her and makes sure her friends are somewhat near each other.
"Okay, good. It looks like they're all in range." she says to herself.
She casts haste to cause her friends to move and act more quickly.
She then pulls out her crossbow and quickly loads a bolt.
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.
All of the hasted creature's modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject's normal speed using that form of movement.
Klaus darts up next to Rallas and howls in fury. He swings his massive paw at the evil jungle elf.
With his actions quickened, he strikes again...
He stops howling after he attacks.
"Oops." he says, slightly abashed, to Rallas.
"I think I hit him too hard."
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If you prick Kahwen, does he not bleed? The answer is yes, yes he does, as the Howler demonstrates.
Being primarily a team player, the tengu has no desire to face this creature alone, so he drops his bow and does a standing back flip to get some distance from it.
He then darts around Trokkus and past Cheechatkae ("Pardon me."
To get to a more advantageous position against red and draws his sword and leaps to swing against him.
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