A small army of Pathfinders, you among them, wade ashore as the the Society’s expedition makes landfall. Venture-Captains and society faction leaders--many of them familiar to you--immediately begin directing Pathfinders in the myriad tasks that need to be done...
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The camp buzzes with energy. Pathfinders hurry around the makeshift camp unpacking supplies, making repairs, and scribing scrolls.
The atmosphere is excited but tinged with trepidation. Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal from Nirmathas takes the lead, ensuring everyone has an assignment and is working on it. A religious symbol of Alseta — goddess of doorways, portals, thresholds, and transitions — hangs from her neck, showing two faces in profile.
You are among the highest-ranking field agents on site. As you get to work on making preparations for the final push into the jungle, it's time to introduce yourself (or get reacquainted with old friends).
Verdant Wheel faction leader Urwal lays on the ground, making marks on a scroll that stretches over 10 feet long. “This is our supplies list. Everything from rations to ammunition to the mounts needed to transport it all with us. We need to ensure that we know where everything is. I’m not letting anyone try to forage while we’re traveling.”
Envoy’s Alliance faction leader Fola Barun directs a group of Pathfinders who are carefully blending magic and ingredients inside glass vials. “Come help us ensure that everyone is well supplied for this journey.”
Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen scrutinizes a map as his loyal dog, Mahki, lies by his feet. Mahki barks to alert Torrsen to approaching Pathfinders. He says, "I’m verifying all of our maps against what we can see from here. Landmarks can easily change. Why don’t you see if you can find any discrepancies?”
Horizon Hunters faction leader Calisro Benarry waves the group over. “Some of the newer Pathfinders seem a little nervous about this mission. Can you cheer them up a bit? This is exciting, after all!”
Venture-Captain Khoumrock Blackthane ensures that groups of smiths and carpenters accompanying the Pathfinders have everything they need. “A lot of this gear got damaged on the voyage over. We need to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape.”
Radiant Oath faction leader Valais Durant oversees a small army of Pathfinders poring over books and scrolls. A few use magical methods to absorb information even faster. “Oh good, you’re here to help. I was able to get these reference materials from local institutions. There’s information on local plants, animals, and fey that I couldn’t get at home. We’re about to face a lot of dangers. Choose your favorite topic and start reading.”
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A lanky copper and gold scaled kobold stands nearby Urwal. While he might have been tall, he tends to hunch over rather than drawing up to his full height. Last night the Dragon, or Rhaegal as he was called, seemed to be trying to ask Urwal if lizardfolk were related to dragons in some distant past.
Rhaegal looks at the supplies and then back at Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal. "You think where we're going will be too dangerous to even forage?" He smiles at the surrounding jungle, the wilderness a comfort to him even though there were lots of stinky mammals in the group.
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Bastian is smiling at everyone he meets, nodding towards acquaintances, introducing himself those those he has never met before.
He stands well over six feet tall, athletic and muscular, effortlessly moving in his full plate. His helmet currently dangles from his pack and he places his things down so he can help, making a pile topped by a Cold Iron war flail and a shield bearing a bloody rose.
With shortish white hair, handsome face and pointed ears but human-looking green eyes, he is clearly a snowborn half elf.
As you look a little closer, you notice tattoos extending from beneath his armour on the left hand side, all the way up to his ear. They seem to be artistic and stylised runes.
"Fellow Pathfinders! Do not be worried! This is who we are and what we do! I was with Calisro and the others when we went through the portals and stabilised the Open Road in Galt. We will fight together, drink together and dance together! Let us embrace the challenges before us!"
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A third kobold, this one with golden scales walks into camp. He heads over to Urwal's portion of the tent where he notices another kobold busily cataloging supplies.
"Greetings, fellow dragon! I am Jinlong Dragonkin! I am named after the famed Pathfinder adventurer Rhaegal Dragon..." his voice trails off as the other kobold acknowledges him. Jinlong's eyes widen and he erupts into continuous draconic, causing all activity to stop as he chatters excitedly.
"Mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek!"
Finally regaining his composure, Jinlong takes a deep breath, his voice awed, "Is it really you, Rhaegal? I have long dreamed of meeting you! You have been an inspiration to me since I was a hatchling! The things I can learn from you!"
Jinlong gazes at the light reflecting off Rhaegal's scales, his visage taking on a look that's almost reverence.
Snapping himself out of his trance, Jinlong busies himself beside Rhaegal, helping to catalog the items.
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A Dwarven sized suit of full plate wades ashore, top of their helmet barely making it above water. "I'm always landing in the deepest pool, I swear it." They trudge up the shore, carrying a large crate over each shoulder.
"I'll work on those repairs, the rough sea really rattled things loose." He doesn't really introduce himself unless someone does first, keeping his head down at the task at hand, something that brings him great calm. His repair tools are out in a flash, working in practiced motions to tighten up loose bolts, adjust off angles, and tighten damaged seals.
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The Burning Backside emanates from the elf's flute. An adopted farm girl from Andorran, Miladistra was not used to the heat and humidity. So why not recall the song about the farmer toiling away under a blazing sun, ultimately rewarded with a healthy harvest?
"Howdy ya'll. I'm Miladistra. And this is my friend, Deroff." An adult male wolf strides alongside her. She pauses a bit, listening to the jungle's sounds. Hauntingly comfortable. Reminds her a bit of Mother's glade.
She snaps out of it and turns to her compatriots. "I'm not really good with armor or fightin', but I can call some of the Fair Folk for assistance."
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Rhaegal and Jinlng work on inventorying the equipment before the expedition kicks off. Rhaegal keeps getting distracted and miscounts a bit of the inventory but Jinlong is able to get him back on track. Each of you receives your choice of a Lesser Antidote or Lesser Antiplague, as Urwal finds that the Society packed in excess for the potentially dangerous mission.
The neophyte Pathfinders are in much better spirits for the journey ahead and can lend the PCs a hand.
Dab and Kernal Klank jump right in with the rest of the Blacksmiths as they repair some of the Pathfinders dented and damaged equipment. While it may not be 100% it is at least useable and may save a life or two.
Inventory (Success)
Magical Supplies
Mapping
Morale (Crit Success)
Repairs (Success)
Research
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Miladistra finishes The Burning Backside and notices she's amassed a crowd of newbie Pathfinders. "While ya should be focused on the mission, you need to keep your mind clear. If ya need help and I'm nearby I'll try to help ya." Miladistra waves goodbye but pauses as one Pathfinder offers her a twig of rosemary before running off. "Huh, usually my magic makes the rosemary scent, but it's the other way around now..."
Miladistra carefully handles the cold iron bolts for her crossbow. When she holds anything with that material, her hand tingles. Uncle once told her how you could curse some demons and fey with it. Some of the First Worlders she summoned got a bit anxious around them, too.
Miladistra wishes she could take both, honestly. Antivenom usually works faster, so she accepts the vial. "Thank ya kindly!"
Mahki and Deroff lock eyes for a minute before going their separate ways. "Howdy Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen. Er..." She pauses and waits for him to talk first. "I can take a look at these maps... no no, there's plenty of undergrowth over there, the elevation is all wrong. And that hill is much more steep, I wouldn't try pitching a tent there..."
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"Mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek mek!"
Finally regaining his composure, Jinlong takes a deep breath, his voice awed, "Is it really you, Rhaegal? I have long dreamed of meeting you! You have been an inspiration to me since I was a hatchling! The things I can learn from you!"
Rhaegal pokes his head up at the yips of a nearby kobold. "Who is..."
Suddenly Jinlong is there greeting him. At first Rhaegal is confused, but when Jinlong speak of learning things, he nods. "Of course, of course! We will learn to tap into your inner Dragon. Have I told you about the time I met a Dragonkin from the future?!" As he prattles on, he quickly loses count of the inventory items.
"Come, the Pathfinders depend on Dragons like us. We can go help them understand the various plants and animals we may find. I'm sure they have all seen Dragons." He offers to take Jinlong to help Valias Durant understand the notes she has found.
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Inventory (Success)
Magical Supplies (Crit Success)
Mapping (Success)
Morale (Crit Success)
Repairs (Success)
Research Rhaegal Success
Where Kernal Klank and Dab fail at identifying some of the magical properties Bastion is able to glean far more information. Bastian has enough time to make some higher quality ingredients from the labs.
Going over the Maps Miladistra and Jinlong recognize similarities across all the different maps and Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen rewards the pair with a survey map of their own.
Rhaegal provides extensive research inot the local fauna and wildlife. The background information helps you readily identify threats during the journey.
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As he is checking the maps, Rhaegal sees some other Pathfinder clerics struggling with healing scrolls. "No, no, no. That's a Draconic word there. You need to pronounce it from the back of your throat like you had a breath weapon." He shows them how to properly pronounce the word to boost their healing incantation.
"You know all healing words originally come from Draconic. In fact, the common 'Healing' come from the Draconic 'Hsssithos'..."
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Miladistra strides over to the rest of the team. "Good job, ya'll." She notices the two kobold dragons working in perfect sync to discover critical issues she didn't notice during her casual inspection. It inspires her to try a bit harder.
"Oh, fresh rutabaga! Tucked all the way in the back, next to these moldy onions!" She quickly separates the good from the bad and inspects them. "Urwal, I think there was a mold infection here. But the rest is doin' just fine. We should have enough greens for weeks."
Feeling confident, Miladistra goes to the crates and tries to lift one. "Apple pickin' potato spots! It's too heavy!" And she drops it with a loud thud. "MMMmmm... maybe I should let one of the stronger types take care of this."
Everyone gathers around a makeshift stage as the sun starts to slip below the horizon. Pathfinders whisper to each other in anticipation.
Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal addresses the group. “Pathfinders, our expedition begins tomorrow. We have a day’s travel to reach the site where we will find the Door of Seasons. The founders of our Society may have been unable to reach the realm that lies beyond this magical gateway, but we have something they lacked.” The Venture-Captain holds a verdant crown aloft. “This is the Perennial Crown, an artifact that will serve as the key to opening the door. I hope that Alseta will bless us as we find this doorway to a new place. From what we’ve been able to gather, there’s a demiplane on the other side. The demiplane and the crown alike are closely tied to the Thorned Monarch, Qxal, an evil fey who once terrorized this region. The Pathfinders who recovered this crown faced steep opposition from the Monarch, and I have no doubt they will defend the Door of Seasons even more fiercely. Be wary any fey you see along the way; they are likely to be working for Qxal. Stay in groups of four or more for safety and help each other. Make any final preparations that you require and get a good night’s sleep; your next few nights will be on the trail. We leave an hour after dawn.”
Day breaks, and the excitement around the camp is too high to allow any Pathfinder to oversleep. Agents perform morning rituals, eat breakfast, and take a final look through maps and plans. Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal gathers everyone together one last time. “I know that we’ve prepared well. We’re going to stop this Thorned Monarch. I have a small gift for each of you: a signal whistle with an engraving of the Perennial Crown. Use it to signal your fellow Pathfinders if you need help. And now, into the wilderness!”
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A dwarven man in armor reminiscent of a metal diving suit sets his helmet in place as a half-orc woman in a tricorne hat lends a hand. She ponders, “I like your style, Blackthane, but isn’t this a little more suited to underwater?” Khoumrock Blackthane responds, “It’s good armor still, and I’ve made a few adjustments so it works better on land. I’ve come out of retirement for the sixth time, and I’m going to be comfortable.” Calisro Benarry responds, “Can’t argue with that. I’m always comfortable.” She turns to address the gathered Pathfinders. “Pathfinders, we’re setting out. Our goal is a horizon that no one of this world’s ever seen. But Qxal is aiming to make sure we don’t get there. Everyone, stay sharp and work together.” Blackthane adds, “And mind your equipment!”
Calisro Benarry looks through a spyglass. “Fey. Lots of them. They’ve got to be coming through some kind of portal from the First World. I’ll take care of that lot while you look for the source. Watch for more coming through!”
The Thorned Monarch is using mushroom rings to draw reinforcements from the First World. If the Pathfinder Society can destroy the rings, they can prevent some of the Thorned Monarch’s forces from even making it to the fight.
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In the middle of a small pond, a ring of large toadstools glows with a slight magical energy. The ground inside wobbles, appearing almost translucent, as if it were possible to step right through it.\
As you approach a small gremlin crawls out from within the mushrooms.
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BOLD IS UP!:
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➤ Kernal Klank
➤ Bastion
➤ Jinlong
➤ Rhaegal
Mushroom Ring
Fey
Miladistra
⠀⠀Deroff
Dab
Kernal opens with a powerful swing of the hammer, but it passes well over the fey's head.
Rhaegal immediately sets trying to rearrange the mushrooms with a hope of disrupting the portal, but it's harder than it looks.
Meanwhile Bastion confidently trips the creature, but the follow up swing strikes only the floor as it twists out of the way!
Jinlong reaches out to magically scramble the creature's mind . the spell works, albeit only a tiny bit.
The little gremlin sees a delicious snack in Bastion's kneecaps so it stands, not prepared for Kernal's preparation. He strikes the gremlin, HARD, but not with lethal force:
Hit for . Bastion's divine power is too much for the creature, and it recoils from whatever just happened to it.
for
Suddenly a second fey emerges from the portal! It wastes no time frothing at the mouth and jabbering as it attacks with really sharp teeth!
MISS
MISS
MISS
★★★
The Mushroom Ring! Round 1
Terrain: Mushroom Ring (2 actions to disable) Thievery (Trained); Nature (Trained) or Dispel Magic
Battlemap
DM S Tracker
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BOLD IS UP!:
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Kernal Klank (62/62 HP)
Bastion (68/80 HP) Trip
Jinlong (43/43 HP) Daze
Rhaegal (56/56 HP) Disable Fail
Mushroom Ring (- HP)
Fey, Black (-0 HP) ATK
Fey, Red (-17 HP, Enfeebled 2) ATK
Miladistra (42/42 HP)
⠀⠀Deroff (51/51 HP)
Dab (71/71 HP)
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With so many people crowding the mushroom, Miladistra can't get close enough to help immediately. She instead moves around the pond, using her heightened speed to get in just the right spot.
Electricity crackles around her hands as she unleashes a lightning bolt across the fey and the mushroom ring. If she can't delicately disable it, maybe she can bluntly break it.
"I'll be there as soon as this clears up! Then we can close that portal in a jiff!"
The Missus didn't have to ask, Deroff independently moves in her direction.
Despite quite obviously having the skill, the party struggles to shut the portal down. Dab can't make headway, but thankfully the call and sound of other Pathfinders brings renewed vigor!
Miladistra lays into the whole field of battle! Lightning makes the cavern seem bright for a moment as it streaks across everything:
FAIL KILL SHOT
PASS
★★★
The Mushroom Ring! Round 2
Terrain: Mushroom Ring (2 actions to disable) Thievery (Trained); Nature (Trained) or Dispel Magic
Battlemap
DM S Tracker
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BOLD IS UP!:
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Kernal Klank (62/62 HP): Go
Bastion (68/80 HP): Go
Jinlong (43/43 HP): Go
Rhaegal (56/56 HP): Go
Mushroom Ring (-29 HP) TBD
Fey, Black (-14 HP) TBD
Miladistra (42/42 HP) TBD
⠀⠀Deroff (51/51 HP)
Dab (71/71 HP) TBD
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As ask by Karnel.(bot)
Karnel raised His shield. He will swipe (two-action) Black fey and the mushroom ring.
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Kernal Klank's attack completely crush the fey, smashing it back in with the mushrooms for good. This gives Rhaegal a little bit of breathing room rearrange the portal of mushrooms and begn disabling it.
Seeing little other way Bastian redirects his attack into the mushroom ring breaking it apart with his flail.
By destroying the mushroom ringed portal the thorned monarch is unable to bring further reinforcements from the First World.
★ -- ★ -- ★ -- ★
Calisro Benarry angrily corrects a map with red ink. “That blasted fey! They’ve added hazards to our planned route. We’ll need to chart a new course, but be careful; Qxal has left us a lot of surprises. We can't get to the Door of Seasons.”
Thick undergrowth where previously there were clear paths. "Quickly clear us a path!"
★ -- ★ -- ★ -- ★
Next, Qxal has created pockets of dangerous gas that seem to be withering everything around it.
★ -- ★ -- ★ -- ★
Lastly, there are sudden powerful bursts of wind that are powerful enough to suddenly blow you off of the ledges inot the treeline blow.
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BOLD IS UP!:
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➤ Kernal Klank
➤ Bastion
➤ Jinlong
➤ Rhaegal
➤ Miladistra
⠀⠀➤ Deroff
➤ Dab
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Klank hoists his shield up and starts plowing through the spiky brush "Follow me if you wish to keep your shirts and skirts in one piece."
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After waiting for the others to clear the hazard Kernal smells the air, hoping to avoid the lingering gas pockets in the area. "Smells a bit like low tide in the city here, that's not good."
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Still gagging from the fumes Kernal heads to a windy ledge for some fresh air, he braces himself for more than was expected. "Hold on wee dragons, spread your wings or take some cover!" He hollers into the winds.
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"Well, that's a big waste of mushroom." Miladistra watches the fungal fracas fly. "But at least no one can abuse it anymore."
Deroff sniffs, then shakes his head and moves on.
★ -- ★ -- ★ -- ★
Thick undergrowth where previously there were clear paths. "Quickly clear us a path!"
Miladistra peers at the plant, casually. "Oh, I know that is. Razorbrush. Best to steer clear."
★ -- ★ -- ★ -- ★
Next, Qxal has created pockets of dangerous gas that seem to be withering everything around it.
Miladistra almost sneezes before pinching her nose. "There ain't no mint around here. If you smell anything sweet, back up- that's where the poison is. It'll smell way worse when it burns ya insides"
★ -- ★ -- ★ -- ★
Lastly, there are sudden powerful bursts of wind that are powerful enough to suddenly blow you off of the ledges inot the treeline blow.
Miladistra is glad to be free. "Look at them birdies. They'll start flying for cover before we notice the wind. So if they start flyin' stay down and follow 'em!"
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Rhaegal sniffs and tries to determine if he can find the fey-created briars, but he can't quite tell the difference.
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Instead, Rhaegal's dragon-senses pick up on the spell of the poisonous gas and helps them identify where it's coming from.
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Rhaegal tracks down some shelter for them when the wind gusts.