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Jiggo's never been to Arcadia before. The strange devices he's seen fill his mind with wonder. How much did he miss while encased in stone?
Jiggo is a short pale-skinned human, with a mass of puffy red hair. He carries a quarter staff and a dimly glowing necklace hangs around his neck. Never far from his side is a gray-skinned humanoid with bat wings covered in feathers. She ruffles his hair and then gets back to her silent watch.
"Hi, I'm Jiggo. This is my lovely Salera." He points to the woman, who does a quick bow before leaning back.
Salera gives Zhamie a good look. "I do remember... hmm. Nice to meet you. And I am being honest." Salera flexes her wings just a bit. "Try to keep Jiggs alive, alright?"
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Before you stands a lean elf, almost dainty with sharp features. There is no hair on his head. He speaks intentionally, almost "at you" making two-way communication the exception. His eye contact seems to be almost looking "through" you, as if conducting some deep assessment of your intentions instead of letting you explain them.
His demeanor is clearly "grumpy" or "agitated" as he seems completely bothered by most people.
Hmm, Arcadia. I wonder if they exercise magic differently here. You know, something different like Ancient Thassilon. I can't wait to find out!
For that brief moment he betrays his image with a hint of enthusiasm.
He looks around at those assembled, squinting really hard in his attempt to remember any of them.
I don't believe I've worked with any of you before! It'll be a pleasure!
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"You'd probably remember me if we'd met," says a doll, "I think I stand out."
While still fairly small for a person, she's quite large for a doll at around three feet tall. She wears a breastplate over a dark green dress with gold trim, and at her belt a warhammer and an old hand mirror. She has a wooden crown poking through her curly hair, but it may be part of her wooden head rather than a hat.
"Princess Clover," she says with a curtsy, "I'm sure you'll guess that I'm not any kind of princess, but I'll spell it out so you know I'm not under any delusion as to the matter myself. It's just my name, and 'Clover' for short is perfectly fine. My kind are often built for labor, though I was also a mascot for my creator's toy shop and as you can see I have a bit of a theme.
"If you've never seen one of us before, we're a basic kind of construct built for chores. If you have seen one before, you've probably never heard one talk to you. I'm a bit special; it happens now and then. If you want to talk about theories, it's certainly something I've given a lot of thought... but I'm sure you care more about what I bring to the team."
She pats her warhammer. "I can handle a weapon well enough, I'd say."
"And..." she draws her mirror and directs it at a corner some 10 feet away. Somehow, she's reflected in the mirror as though she was standing there--and so, it seems, she is. For several seconds there are two of her, and then the first fades from sight just as suddenly. "...I have a few tricks."
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Everyone on the ship hears Peter before they see him, songs of bravery and courage that perhaps sound a little exaggerated. It makes for a good tale, but perhaps, an unreliable chronicle.
♫ "My name is Peter, I'm standing at the keel
Thanks for all you've shown us, this is how I feel
Come stand next to me, pour yourself some tea
Just like Zarta made when we couldn't find sleep
Things were better then, once but never again
We've all left the den, let me tell you about it." ♫
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Jiggo taps his feet to Peter's beat. "Hi Peter! Have we met? I love your music." He reaches a hand up to Voron. "I haven't seen you before. Pleased to meet you."
Salera gives Peter a look over, shrugs and kneels down to look a the much more interesting Princess Clover.
"Um... I'm just... checking for... cuteness... uh, any fabric tears..." She mumbles.
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Segada is bustling with life, and the noise of bargaining and laughter ring through the city streets. The noon sun shines brightly in the sky, providing a pleasant warmth for those picnicking in the city’s parks.
You can easily find Rahaksenwe and introduce yourselves.
Rahaksenwe nods in acknowledgement. “Welcome to Segada. Don’t get too distracted by the crowds. If you do your job well, you’ll have all the time you like to explore.”
“Or get hopelessly lost.” Uanae chimes in.
“Or get hopelessly lost.” Rahaksenwe repeats, before getting down to business. “The archives in Absalom have found a star gun, a relic of great power, that was stolen from Arcadia. We’ve been told stories of one such gun that was stolen from these lands many years ago, which matches the description. Only differences are that it’s broken and branded with Chelaxian sigils. There are rumors of someone who can repair the star gun in the interior of Arcadia. The only issue is they don’t allow non-Arcadians past Segada without permission. We’ve taken the liberty of arranging your meeting with the Segadan Council. They’ll be expecting you within the hour. In keeping with the Segada Protocol, you’ll need to convince them your mission is worth their approval, and that the Society should be granted access into the interior of Arcadia.”
“The people waiting for you are Tekawenda, the Peacekeeper Captain, Ojiham and Skawahann, the two high councilors, and Wanakeena, the mayor.” Uanae explains. “Your organization’s presence here has been... contentious. In every house I’ve been in I’ve heard a different opinion. The Segada Protocol is meant to protect our land from outside invaders. Some will say that letting in an Avistani organization of explorers would be a breach of that. What you do here will set a precedent for the future, for both your people and ours. Let’s hope it turns out for the best, hmm?”
Rahaksenwe coughs. “I’m sure everything will work out fine. You’re here for a good cause, and you carry a good reputation. The council has provided you with lodgings for your stay.” Uanae chimes in once more. “They really seem to want to impress you. The council paid for you to have rooms in The Seeker’s Rest, one of the most luxurious taverns in town. It’s usually full of important-sounding people, and Awade always makes sure they’re well fed.”
Rahaksenwe narrows her eyes at Uanae before she continues. “We’ll guide you to them once your meeting is completed. And remember, the star gun is an important and powerful relic. Only the Society and the Segadan Council know we have it. Do your best to keep its existence secret. Now, before you head off, do you have any questions for us?”
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Tekawenda is committed to keeping Segada safe above all. She has heard of the Pathfinder Society’s previous efforts to ensure community safety and spoken of them favorably. She has also expressed concerns that increased attention to Segada might spread her Peacekeepers efforts thinner than they already are.
Tekawenda thinks the Pathfinder Society would be a strong asset in Segada’s protection. She believes the presence of Pathfinders in the city will aid in its security, and that a prominent Avistani organization following the processes and procedures of Arcadia will provide further international legitimacy to the Segada Protocol.
The Segada Protocol was agreed upon by multiple Arcadian nations to protect the continent from exploitation. It limits the actions Avistani nations can take on Arcadian soil, most notably preventing colonization and controlling access to the interior.
The Segada Protocol is enforced by the city of Segada to create a hegemony over the rest of Arcadia. As Segada controls access to the interior, all diplomacy and trade with other Arcadian nations will only be allowed when Segada sees some benefit to themselves.
Right now, the council is not as worried about the return of an artifact that has been gone for many years as they are preserving Arcadia from outsiders.
"They paid for our stay? Feels like they paid for our trap." Salera steps alongside Jiggo. "How will we talk to the Council? Is there an opposing party we need to argue against?"
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Rahaksenwe speaks up. “Be honest about your mission. You’re here to restore and return a stolen relic, and simply need a guide to reach the one who can restore it. As long as you can convince them that’s your only motive, I can’t see why they wouldn’t let you through the mountains.”
You will just have to travel a short distance across town to the Council's chambers to present your case. There won't be anone arguing against you.
Uanae considers this for a moment. “Wanakeena is pretty wary about giving this much access to an Avistani organization. She’ll be the hardest to convince. She has a responsibility to the whole city and will only give her blessing if she believes it’s best for all her people.”
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"Well, we don't have to worry about that part yet. We just have to be presentable.
"I've heard of Tekawenda. I know she is committed to keeping Segada safe above all, but that gives her mixed feelings about us. She knows Pathfinder agents help with that, but also fears our presence can draw enemies that wouldn't have been here otherwise. I think that gives us an angle to approach..."
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A crowd of quiet Segadan blocks the main street, becoming louder once they notice newcomers. A few members in the crowd begin to boo. Some tauntingly wave torn Chelaxian flags while others brandish buckets of red paint. Their booing is soon accompanied by shouts of “Our land, not Avistan’s!” and “Keep your swords off our shores!”
Every step forward seems to only antagonize them further, whipping up until their shouts and jeers echo between the alleys. From the crowd, a small, aged woman steps forward. The crowd quiets in obvious respect for the woman. “You’d best turn around. We know our paths already and even if we didn’t, we certainly wouldn’t need your help finding them.”
I am Kwari. I was once a councilor here, so these people respect me as an elder. Kwari seems confident in her situation and will quiet the crowd enough to answer questions if you want to talk to her..
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Salera keeps her guard up, and is about to roar at them before Jiggo cuts her off. "Hello Kwari. Thank you for your time and to listen to us." Jiggo respects his elders, especially when he's a guest.
Too bad he can't talk about his true mission.
"Well, we're not from Chileax, so those flags are inaccurate. But I think I get the gist of it." He watches the crowd yell at him. "I see we have to win over many crowds."
He turns to Kwari. "We do not wish to intrude, but we do have a mission. Maybe a trade of information and story would do? Do the people want to hear stories about the world outside? Certainly someone wants to know."
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Kwari replies “Show us that we can trust you. Not with words, not with promises. With action. Many of us have family that have been wronged by Avistan and its organizations. Prove to us that you can be our allies. That your ‘adventurers’ won’t search through the homes of our cousins for trinkets and relics like Cheliax has. Once you have done that, we may consider letting you pass.”
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"Ah, so you don't have any respect for your council, then. And you want us to prove that we're not doing something that we're not doing? I'm not sure how we can do that other than by continuing not to do it. Which we aren't."
Clover gives Kwari a disappointed look. "You really don't trust your council at all? Why even have them, then?"
Salera simply grins as Princess Clover negotiates.
Plus she's very cute with the mirror and warhammer.
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Jiggo and Princess Clover convince Kwari of your good intentions without revealing the truth about the star gun. Kwari leads you to a quieter alley, where you can speak freely. The crowd willingly lets your party walk through them if Kwari accompanies you.
As a previous member of the council, Kwari can be trusted with the information about the star gun and the Society’s plans. Once you’ve finished telling her about the plan for the star gun, Kwari speaks.
“I see.” Kwari is silent for a moment, considering everything she’s learned with a level head. “That certainly explains your presence here. And why Uanae was so eager to sing your praises. Thought he was just being ridiculous again.” She smiles, but it quickly fades. “This is a dangerous mission for you, Pathfinders. There are people who would do anything to control a star gun. I will speak of your willingness to make amends, without giving away your secret. Give me a moment to calm the crowd so you may walk freely through them.”
Kwari moves off to calm the crowd.
As soon as she does, you have hostile company
An odd fox with a Green vest moves up and attacks Salera. hitting with one strike and missing with another
◆ Stride
◆ Strike at Salera
◆ Second Strike at Salera
A blue tinged spider tries to immobilize Princess Clover before moving to attack
◆ Strike at Princess Clover
Effect web trap plus dream spider venom
◆ Stride
◆ Second Strike at Princess Clover
Missing with both attacks
Bold may act
Fading Fox Green
Dream Spider Blue
Voron Keyphyra
Peter Plus-Haut
Dream Spider Pink
Zhamie Zhapp
Dream Spider Green
Martin and Mavenee
Clover
Fading Fox Magenta
Jiggo and Salera
Salera relaxes a bit. But just a bit. When everyone is a secret keeper, no one is.
"Huh?" Some kind of... fox bites down on her arm. "Jiggs, watch it!"
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Voron sighs.
We're making all kinds of friends today.
He confidently strides up next to Salera before incanting a line of darkness, silky black tendrils that streak through their foe's ranks.
Success The creature takes half the negative damage and no persistent bleed damage.
Failure The creature takes full damage.
Critical Failure The creature takes double negative damage and double persistent bleed damage.
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The Green vested fox is the only creature that successfully evades the brunt of Voron's magics. The Green Spider and the Magenta vested fox are particularly hard hit.
The Pinkish Spider moves to attack Voron
◆ Stride
◆ Strike at Voron
◆ Second Strike at Voron
Dream Spider Venom (poison) Saving Throw DC 18 Fortitude;
Maximum Duration 4 rounds;
Stage 1 stupefied 1 (1 round);
Stage 2 1d6 poison damage plus stupefied 1 (1 round)
The Spider's first strike misses but the second strike hits. Poison from the Spider's fangs penetrates the wound.
And the Negative Energy leaves the Spider's body.
Bold may act
Fading Fox Green
Dream Spider Blue ,
Voron Keyphyra ,
Peter Plus-Haut
Dream Spider Pink
Zhamie Zhapp
Dream Spider Green ,
Martin and Mavenee
Clover
Fading Fox Magenta ,
Jiggo and Salera
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The spider with the Green tinge to its carapace tries to get at Princess Clover, who has cover.
◆ Strike at Princess Clover
Effect web trap plus dream spider venom
Princess Clover is immobilized DC 18 and needs to make a Fort save versus Dream Spider Venom DC 18
Dream Spider Venom (poison) Saving Throw DC 18 Fortitude;
Maximum Duration 4 rounds;
Stage 1 stupefied 1 (1 round);
Stage 2 1d6 poison damage plus stupefied 1 (1 round)
◆ The Spider continues to strike the Princess around the corner
◆ Stride
And continues bleeding
Bold may act
Fading Fox Green
Dream Spider Blue ,
Voron Keyphyra , ,
Peter Plus-Haut
Dream Spider Pink
Zhamie Zhapp
Dream Spider Green ,
Martin and Mavenee
Princess Clover , ,
Fading Fox Magenta ,
Jiggo and Salera
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Mavenee moves around the edge the party and gores the spider with the pink tinged spider with a horn. The spider shudders at the impact butn still stands.
Bold may act
Fading Fox Green
Dream Spider Blue ,
Voron Keyphyra , ,
Peter Plus-Haut
Dream Spider Pink
Zhamie Zhapp
Dream Spider Green ,
Martin and Mavenee
Princess Clover , ,
Fading Fox Magenta ,
Jiggo and Salera
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While the sympathetic magic that gives Clover life in imitation of the humanoids around her means that she can be affected by things that affect other people, she is still robustly constructed. If there is venom seeping into her though touch of the web, she is unaware.
Being caught by surprise and immobilized are still problems for her. She doesn't have even have her weapon out. She reaches for her--mirror. Which is clearly more important.
She directs it behind the spider, where her reflection, still bound by webs, is visible. Because she is there. She stands on both sides of the spider. And punches it.
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Princess Clover easily fights of the Spider venom, and proceeds to soundly whack the spider with her fist.
Confused by the two version of Princess Slover he sees, the Magenta fox moves up to attack.
◆ Stride
◆ Strike at Princess Clover
◆ Second Strike at Princess Clover
Missing with both attacks
The foxes wounds stop bleeding.
Bold may act
Fading Fox Green
Dream Spider Blue ,
Voron Keyphyra , ,
Peter Plus-Haut
Dream Spider Pink
Zhamie Zhapp
Dream Spider Green ,
Martin and Mavenee
Princess Clover ,
Fading Fox Magenta ,
Jiggo and Salera