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Clad in a darkleaf lamellar and a magical cloak of earthy tones, Zib-Zib moves with a grace that mimics the sway of the leaves in the gentle breeze. Around their neck, a necklace of intricate vines and shimmering gemstones symbolizes their affinity for the primal forces that govern the world. Delicate markings in the shape of arcane symbols adorn their arms and legs, further emphasizing their connection to the natural magic from the lay lines they wield. But it is their animal companion that truly captures attention—a towering, fully grown giant mantis. With iridescent wings spanning wide and shimmering hues of jade, azure, and amethyst, the mantis looks around showing a higher than normal level of intelligence for an insect of its type.
The air around Zib-Zib seems charged with nature's energy before he licks his eye as he waits for his mission.
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Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin paces in front of a small table in
this meeting room in the Grand Lodge. In front of him on the table
is a packet of parchments.
“Pathfinders, a rather concerning development has come to
light. I have received a summons requesting Pathfinder presence
at a meeting of the Shoanti quahs. The impetus for this request is
troubling, to say the least.
“About one year ago, a Pathfinder named Lumketul Simset
returned to the Grand Lodge with notes on a rather exciting
discovery: a Thassilonian ruin, tucked in a remote area in the Iron
Peaks in Varisia. He also returned with several artifacts, which we
took in for further study. Lumketul’s notes were the basis of a tale
published in the Pathfinder Chronicles shortly thereafter, which
has become rather popular among those endeavoring to uncover
new Thassilonian discoveries.
“However, I recently received a message from Cousin to All, an
ally from the Shriikirri-Quah. Shadde-Quah traders came across
a copy of the Pathfinder Chronicles. Upon reading Lumketul’s
entry, they realized that he was speaking not of a Thassilonian
ruin, but of a sacred Shoanti burial site known as the Muschkal
Sepulcher. Shadde-Quah leadership contacted the Skoan-Quah,
which sent out their boneslayers to confirm the reports. Turns
out—unfortunately for all parties—Lumketul did in fact damage
and plunder the sepulcher.”
Ambrus rubs his temples with one hand, then continues. “Our
relations with the quahs have already been somewhat strained,
although friendlier than their other connections with outsiders.
Fortunately for us, we have some history of goodwill with the
Shoanti, so Cousin to All was able to convince the other quahs to
send representatives to hear our side of the story. Unfortunately
for us, our side of the story is still bad. Lumketul showed no
regard or respect in his blind pursuit of discovery, and frankly, the
Society doesn’t have much grounds to deserve forgiveness. The
Muschkal Sepulcher is an important location for all the quahs, and
Lumketul’s disregard has cast the Society as a whole in a bad light.
We’ve tried contacting Lumketul, but he has cut contact with the
Society, and no one in the Society has heard from him in over a
year. This is where you come in. I would like for all of you to travel
to the meeting of the councilmembers and represent the Society.
I believe excuses will not be received well; rather, please petition
the council with utmost earnestness and sincerity.”
Ambrus pushes the packet of parchments across the table.
“I’ve had Lumketul’s notes on his expedition dug up in the hopes
they’d be of some use. I’ve also included a copy of his Chronicle
publication, although his embellishments and obfuscation of truth
may have rendered it useless; nevertheless, maybe you’ll glean
some helpful information from it.” Ambrus then reaches down
beside him and pulls up a large satchel and an egg-shaped rock
that emits a warm, red glow. “The bag contains the items Lumketul
plundered from the burial site. At the very least, we must return the
items to the Shoanti, and I request you try to convince the council
to allow you to restore the sepulcher to its proper state. As for the
stone, if you touch it to a broken object, it will gradually repair it. It
won’t last forever, but it should have enough magic left in it for this
mission.” The venture-captain pauses for emphasis. “It’s important
to the Society to develop further relations with the quahs, so this
could be an opportunity to show that we can be trusted.”
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we don’t know where he went a year ago, well, sometimes,
agents decide to leave the Pathfinder Society for a variety of
reasons. They may tire of the work, they might decide to lay
down roots, or they might have family matters to attend to. The
Society doesn’t go nosing around and interfering in the lives
of agents who make that choice—though later we may make
an exception in Lumketul’s case, given these developments. If
you mean why we don’t know where he is now, we tried using
divination magic to track him down. All we learned is that he’s
on a boat somewhere, sailing on the open sea.”
“They seem to be of importance to some Shoanti burial
traditions, but not any I’m familiar with. Perhaps these are
specially designed for whoever the sepulcher is dedicated to?”
How are we getting there? “I have hired Jia, a local wizard,
to teleport you to the Storval Stairs, whenever you are ready to
depart. He’ll wait for you to complete your mission so you can
return back.” Ambrus tells them this information before they
leave if they do not ask.
“Many of the councilmembers will be suspicious of your
intentions, but Cousin to All did convince the rest of the
quahs to at least entertain this meeting, so I believe they’ll
approach this meeting with somewhat open minds. I believe
that your best bet is to approach them with honesty and
respect, owning our mistake and presenting a clear solution
to the problem. However, don’t try to play the relics off as a
bargaining chip; we are obligated to return the items, not
simply doing so as a nicety.”
Plateau in northern Varisia, where they eke out a living in
harsh, inhospitable conditions.
Varisia, until they were forced northward into the Storval
Plateau after bloody conflicts with Chelaxian colonists. This
violent history has led to many Shoanti being mistrustful
of outsiders.
completely closed off. Many outsiders have been known to join
their ranks, but only after a history of demonstrating
loyalty to their clan and dedication to its principles.
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"It's good that you brought Zib-Zib here. This isn't the first time Zib-Zib has dealt with clumsy Pathfinders trespassing sacred grounds, no-siree! That's why Zib-Zib joined, to guide them and keep the spirits from getting all ruffled and croaking in anger," the little grippli chuckles. "Even then, Zib-Zib isn't the best at talking with people, maybe someone else should take the lead and croak out some nice, honest words. Zib-Zib is always ready to apologize and make things right, though! Ribbit!"
Zib-Zib rubs his head trying to remember if he has heard of this clan.
Ribbit! Nope, that doesn't make Zib-Zib's froggy brain go "ribbit ribbit" in recognition. Zib-Zib puts his trust in the team's smarts. Croak!
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"Everyone ready? Ambrus asks.
- - -
Jia enters the room ands casts teleport. You arrive safely.
The path leading into the earth beneath the Storval Stairs opens
into an expansive cavern, chatter echoing off the striated rock walls.
Smaller passages branch from the main chamber, winding
deeper underground. The space is filled with people grouped
in small clusters engaged in quiet discussion. Waiting near
the entrance to the cavern are two Shoanti. One of them, a half-elf with a prominent facial tattoo resembling a styled hawk, approaches. “Be welcome, my cousins. I am Cousin to All. Good to see you well. It seems the others are open to hearing your case, considering that they showed up, so I believe it’s possible for a good outcome today.”
The other Shoanti, a shorter human man, approaches the party.
“I am Rollicks in Waves of the Shadde-Quah. Many thanks to the
Society for their past help.”
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”It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Ninnic, as you know, from the Pathfinder Society. Myself and my group are here to right the wrongs of the other Society member, if possible. Tell us what the best course of action is and we will do it. We have all of the items that were taken in this bag, and of course, we plan on returning them to the collection of tribes here today…”
The mantis's jaws clicks as if responding to the pats, and his iridescent wings flap as if it was ready to take flight.
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Zib-Zib will take the notes into account to prepare a set of spells for underground control.
"Mmmh... creature of bones and decaying flesh? Uh-oh! Sounds like something might have woken up from him leaving a mess around. Dead people get angry easily when their place is disrespected. Croak! Zib-Zib's frostbite is not great against the walking-dead. Better prep magic for going into tunnels and rock... Ribbit."
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The man continues, “I see this situation as the actions of a rogue agent.
I’ve seen what good the Society can do, so this seems like one
individual’s mistake to me. You’ve got a ‘yes’ vote from me. With
mine and Cousin to All’s votes, you’ll need to convince two of the
others to vote for you as well—majority wins.”
Cousin to All nods. “I think it would be best to get as many of
the other councilors on board as possible. Having the quahs unified
is in the best interest of not only each individual clan, but to the
Shoanti as a whole. Opening them up to further alliances with the
Society would benefit both sides, and hopefully lead to the other
Shoanti becoming more receptive to interacting with the outside
world, which I believe would be a massive boon for our people.
The meeting begins immediately.”
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At Cousin to All’s summons, the councilmembers
walk up a sloping stone ramp to a rise featuring
a row of wooden benches. Cousin to All and
Rollicks in Waves take their seats toward
the left side of the platform. A councilor
with a rune pattern on her face
formed with tattoo and scar takes
a wide-stance seat, idly spinning a
greatsword. A slight figure with hood
drawn sits cross-legged and
hunched, eyes downward.
Another councilor sits forward
on her bench, a vulture perched
next to her. A long-haired man clad
in a robe takes his place, waiting
attentively. The last councilor stands near his bench, arms crossed
and with a cold glare, auroch hood around his shoulders.
Cousin to All begins. “Thank you, all, for honoring my request
and being here today. I understand that this is a situation of the
utmost sensitivity, so I appreciate everyone’s continued civility as
we discuss this matter.
“As you all know, a Pathfinder Society agent has desecrated the
Muschkal Sepulcher—a severe offense. However, the Society would
like to right their wrongs. They have sent these representatives to
present their case to you, esteemed representatives, on how they
would like to repair our bonds and fix this problem.”
The man in the auroch cloak hardens his glare. “What bonds do
we have to repair? These tshameks deserve no such opportunity
and no forgiveness. This is a Shoanti problem that only the Shoanti
can fix, as we always have.”
“At least hear them out, Kemchet Flame Stoker,” Cousin to
All bristles. “I understand your frustrations with this situation—
believe me, I have some of my own—but the Pathfinder Society
wants to make things right. I feel it only fair to allow them that
chance.” Flame Stoker scoffs but speaks no further.
The hooded figure looks around the room as everyone speaks.
They look almost as if they will speak, but they remain silent,
instead studying each person.
The vulture and its owner stare at each Pathfinder in turn Scaling the Council of Quahs
before the latter speaks. “The boneslayers reported extensive
damage and missing relics from the sepulcher. This site is of the
utmost importance to our history, built up over hundreds of years.
That legacy can’t be repaired in a day.”
The woman with the greatsword sneers. “They certainly don’t
look like much. How could we trust their ability to fix things?”
She clangs her sword off the rock platform for
emphasis. Rollicks in Waves shoots a look at
her and retorts, “The Society is more capable
than you think, Payah Against the Wind. Do at
least give them a chance to prove that.”
The long-haired man speaks up. “This has
been a most troubling development. I want
to hear what these Pathfinders have to say. My
only request is that the quahs reach a mutual
understanding and maintain a mutual respect on
this matter, even if our opinions on the best
course of action differ. We must remain
unified, even in our disagreements.”
“Certainly a worthy goal, Lake at
Dawn. I trust everyone to strive toward
that,” Cousin to All remarks. “So,
Pathfinders, please approach and state
your case. How are you going to
undo your misdeeds? How will you
settle the Society’s debt?”
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Sidney approaches Kemchet Flame Stoker. He is towering and muscled just as the golden skinned Adonnis that is Sidney. Kemchet wears an auroch hide cape, with the hood still sporting the animal’s signature horns, and cloth pants. He carries his battletested
earth breaker on his back. His head is covered in stylized flame tattoos.
Sidney approaches holding his glaive he demonstrates proficiency with with a quick twist around his body and then grows draconic claws to show his natural array of claws. He cannot help but flex his multiple muscles and well-toned abs as he approaches.
Sidney decides to impress Kemchet with a simple feat of strength, flexing and demonstrating a single hand push up. "How many magic-users can do this??"
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Sidney approaches Kemchet Flame Stoker. He is towering and muscled just as the golden skinned Adonnis that is Sidney. Kemchet wears an auroch hide cape, with the hood still sporting the animal’s signature horns, and cloth pants. He carries his battletested
earth breaker on his back. His head is covered in stylized flame tattoos.Sidney approaches holding his glaive he demonstrates proficiency with with a quick twist around his body and then grows draconic claws to show his natural array of claws. He cannot help but flex his multiple muscles and well-toned abs as he approaches.
Sidney decides to impress Kemchet with a simple feat of strength, flexing and demonstrating a single hand push up. "How many magic-users can do this??"
Kemchet turns his head in disgust. "Bah..your flexing does NOTHING to right the wrongs the Society has done to our people. You acting like a fool does NOTHING."
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Zib-Zib approaches Togimal In Shadow. "Zib-zib came from Mount Dowama. When Zib-Zib found Pathfinders lost in sacred grounds, Zib-zib guided them out because they need help to learn. Will you help them know the correct ways here? Zib-zib will make sure they follow and respect the traditions you share with us." He explains with hopeful eyes.
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”Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Honored Lake at Dawn. We are here to apologize for the actions of the rogue pathfinder and try to make things right. We have the artifacts to return to your group that were taken from the burial site. Hopefully, we can help put things right again…”
The man wearing his hair in a bun pauses nods and seems calm and reasoned. He speaks "Thank you Pathfinder. I am most interested as are our
ancestors and their spirits on how the Society will rectify this. I look forward in hearing your arguments"
Hskomoro turns to the so-far-quiet figure. "You remain ssilent. Have you already made up your mind, or are you waiting to hear our arguments?"
The councilmember hadn't even given his name. It would be difficult to determine his weaknesses if he didn't say anything.
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Zib-Zib approaches Togimal In Shadow. "Zib-zib came from Mount Dowama. When Zib-Zib found Pathfinders lost in sacred grounds, Zib-zib guided them out because they need help to learn. Will you help them know the correct ways here? Zib-zib will make sure they follow and respect the traditions you share with us." He explains with hopeful eyes.
In Shadow turns to the Grippli. "Little one I maybe a skilled hunter, vigilant tracker but I know the correct ways but I must hear your arguments. Our traditions are long and honored. I would hear little one how your will balance these with your Society's ways. You look like a nature priest What would you say?"
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Zib-zib grins a toothless smile. "Ah! Not a priest but a hearer of spirits. Zib-zib has spirit sense. I know when the spirits are near. Ribbit! Good ones, bad ones... the tricky ones as well! And the ones that shouldn't be here to start with! CROAK! If we find a spirit, Zib-zib will be able to warn others so we are ready to appease it, avoid it or, well... kick them back home!"