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Maurice dashes in piercing another hole in the red robed cultist before Locho rushes up and cuts him down with a strike that digs into the weakest spot of their defenses.
Tieri sends two arrows sailing through the air with a whistle, only to be answered with a groan from the green cultist, who is quickly turning into a pincushion that is oozing blood. He is wavering, barely able to stand.
Tai Ghee takes advantage of the situation, pummeling him to the ground while he is distracted. With his last blow the cultist slumps unconscious.
The first fails to connect any swings on Tai Ghee but the Red cultist connects a biting slash on Movyus chest after dropping his bow.
---
Panicking, the blue cultist swings wildly hoping to take down the monk.
---
COMBAT Round 2: Bold may go.
---
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The Pathfinders band to gether to finish the cultists off as Movyu strikes a decisive blow, striking his foe down in a bloody spray.
Tai Ghee (-20)
Maurice/Kas (-1)
Lohco (-3)
The group examines the bodies and finds a letter.
Rahaksenwe comes rushing down the alley to see what the commotion is, apologizing for not making it sooner due to protestors. She accompanies the Pathfinders the rest of the way to the tavern. It is only a short walk further and other than discussing the note there is little left in the day.
The tavern still vibrates with life, despite the late hour. Tables are filled with tourists, visiting dignitaries, and ambassadors from other Arcadian nations. The tavern keeper, a grinning halfling woman, approaches with arms outstretched, offering a hug.
“Welcome to Seeker’s Rest! Have you eaten yet?” She doesn’t wait for a response before she’s disappeared behind the counter, preparing plates of food. She soon returns with bannock and berry sauce. “My grandmother’s recipe.” she explains. “When the council told me we were getting visitors from Avistan I had to make sure that we put our best foot forward. Your rooms are up the stairs, on the left. Best rooms
in the building if I do say so myself. Please, let me know if there’s anything you need.”
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[/ooc]
Arriving at the tavern Movyu will graciously accept the offered meal, "That would be perfect! Even better if you have something cold for a parched throat! I've spent so much time talking today that I feel my feathers going colorful!" She pauses, waiting for laughter that probably isn't coming, before filling in any silence with her own cackle, "You know... like a parrot? There's got to be some kind of bird that gets a reaction around here, at least. Maybe gulls or owls?" she throws in, hoping that at least one of her companions will notice if anyone nearby has any reaction.
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"Owls. Mother always said they were signs of death You have to shoo them away when you see them. Also people who put their hands and minds into dark magic...I'd rather they stay far away from here. Poor for business when people come here to relax. But parrots are okay." she says replying to Movyu after hearing the question about owls.
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"I don't know much more about who or why but they turn into owls to snoop on you. Or that is the legend my mother always told me. Nothing to worry the council surely. However, don't take my superstitions the wrong way, I personally am glad to have all kinds of visitors like yourselves. You are the lifeblood of my establishment. Perhaps with time the people here will feel the same if you all live up to your reputations!" Awade says.
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Movyu's sleep is fitful, as she starts the night walking back into the council chamber, before being led on into a second, larger council chamber full of dozens of representatives who each need to be convinced to allow the expedition to proceed. The number of council members and the specificity of their interests only seems to grow as she scrambles desperately to improvise speech after speech, "Of course the society has recognized for years, and on several continents, that the exchange of lumbering techniques is the foundation of both respectful cultural exchange and a strong economy..."
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Tieri and Locho have thee most fitful dreams of the night, something is off in their dreams.
The comfort of sleep soon slips away as the safety of dreams is invaded by a rolling purple mist. Out of the mist steps a woman dressed in owl feathers. As the mist fades, it’s clear that this is the woman who was taking notes in the meeting room. She strolls through the dreamscape, a bemused expression on her face as she takes in the scenery she’s interrupted.
“This is what you dream of?” She scoffs. “No matter. I’ll find what I’m looking for eventually.”
She waves her hand and the scenery around her begins to morph. Buildings from Segada, the Skyrise Lodge in Port Valen, and the Grand Lodge in Absalom all erupt out of the ground.
“Unless, of course, you’ll just tell me what you know about the star gun. It’ll make all this so much easier.”
There’s a shock of pain as Suhko digs through dreams and memories, prying for any information related to the star gun.
The however resist the probing within their dreams before Sukho disappears back into the purple smoke, allowing them to fully rest.
---
The Pathfinders awake from their sleep well rested, and prepared to reconvene with the council for their last statements. As they step out of the tavern, the crisp morning air is abuzz with life as crowds of people hustle by the tavern, travelling toward their jobs, the market, or to meet with friends for tea. The crowds are disrupted by tall figures pushing against the current, steadily making their way toward the tavern. Their dark cloaks stand out from the normal colorful clothing of Segada, and their owl skull masks stand out even more so. They stop in front of the tavern,
blocking off access to the bridge and alleys while brandishing their weapons.
The leader of the group steps forward. “This is your last chance. Tell us of the star gun and you can be on your way. Deny us and... well, we trust you’ll make the smart choice.”
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At first Tai Ghee's dreams are of his old monastery. He is back with his preceptor, again drilling endlessly in scripture recitation, and wishing for the practice dojo. But then somehow his dreams change and his sparring partners develop bizarre owl-heads and their kicks and punches are strangely threatening... He awakes with a start, drenched in sweat, and glad to no longer be dreaming!
Tai Ghee eyes the armed group with interest. As usual, he lets the more verbose among the group handle the talking but he loosens the belt on his robe to make sure that his kicks will reach their full extension. If needed.
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Lohco moves in and swings at the first cultist he can reach.
Lucky begins to play a tune to empower the Pathfinders as they move out in vision of the cultists.
---
The purple robed cultist moves along the water before casting a hex onto Tieri.
He begins to feel sleepy, weakening his ability to focus and resist spells.
The other two cultists prepare to attack, the yellow feathered one moving around Lohco before attacking.
---
COMBAT Round 1: Bold may go.
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Maurice and Dart run down the yellow cultist, tossing him aside after he crumples in the mounts jaws.
Tieri sends a bolt into both green and purple feathered cultists as the first drops. As the bolt pierces the purple cultist they invoke a curse of blood.
Lohco shifts their attention to the blue feathered one.
---
---
COMBAT Round 2: Bold may go.
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As the number of robed assailants rapidly drops, Movyu pulls a release latch, sending a wave of stored heat flowing into a gout of flame that propels her across the river, toward the purple robed cultist that has been magically harrying the group.
As she lands, the propulsion valve fails to close cleanly and she squawks and scrambles to shut it as the flames begin to spread up her feet.
As she regains her composure, she slashes out twice at her purple assailant.
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The group pummels the remaining cultist, Tieri sinking an arrow deep in their chest followed by Maurice and Locho closing the distance to strike them down.
The dust settles quickly and two figures are seen rushing towards the commotion. Rahaksenwe and Uanae rush towards the Pathfinders, providing aid to their wounds.
"We were on our way to escort you back to the council chambers when we heard the commotion but you handled them quickly. Please let us tend to your wounds then make our way there." As they walk, the protestors part begrudgingly to allow them through.
The chambers are filled with the same members with only Suhko missing as Rahaksenwe informs the others of the past days events. The members all nod and says it will be discussed after they have finished.
The day's discussion begins anew as the Pathfinders attempt to finalize their support of business here.
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---
Influence Round 1 of 2
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Tieri
Tai Ghee
Maurice/Kas
Lohco
Lucky
Movyu
---
Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 1 Influence Point
-Discovery Skills: Perception, Arcadia Lore, Society
-Weaknesses: +2 to checks referencing the ceremonial and political significance of mission
-Resistenaces:
-Influence Skills: Society, ???, ???
Peacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash 1 Influence Point
-Discovery Skills: Perception, ???, ???
-Weaknesses: +2 to checks referencing assistance in protecting Segada
-Resistenaces:
-Influence Skills: Pathfinder Lore (How the Pathfinders could aid them), ???, ???
Councilor Skawahann Duburra 3 Influence Point
-Discovery Skills: Perception, ???, ???
-Weaknesses: +2 to checks that promise information from the Society's archives or promises to share their knowledge.
-Resistenaces:
-Influence Skills: Any Lore or Occultism, ???, ???
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Each of the council appear to be easing to the idea with the Mayor proving the most stoic. The last words of the Pathfinders appear to have opened up some avenues for conversation and influence.
---
Influence Round 1 of 2
---Tieri
Tai Ghee
Maurice/Kas
Lohco
Lucky
Movyu---
Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 3 Influence Point
-Discovery Skills: Perception, Arcadia Lore, Society
-Weaknesses: +2 to checks referencing the ceremonial and political significance of mission
-Resistenaces:
-Influence Skills: Society, Diplomacy, DeceptionPeacekeeper Captain Tekawenda Ulash 2 Influence Point
-Discovery Skills: Perception, Any skill with proper reasoning on how it may help their people, ???
-Weaknesses: +2 to checks referencing assistance in protecting Segada
-Resistenaces:
-Influence Skills: Pathfinder Lore (How the Pathfinders could aid them), ???, ???Councilor Skawahann Duburra 3 Influence Point
-Discovery Skills: Perception, ???, ???
-Weaknesses: +2 to checks that promise information from the Society's archives or promises to share their knowledge.
-Resistenaces:
-Influence Skills: Any Lore or Occultism, Arcana, Crafting
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Movyu turns her attention to Councilor Duburra, "Apologies for the delay, councilor, it's been a, unexpectedly busy morning. But I think we should leave that unpleasantness to the side. Weren't we discussing some of the ways we might be able to help support your own learning institutions with the varied libraries that we've been fortunate enough to assemble?
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---
Influence Rounds
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Tieri 1 Check
Tai Ghee 2 Checks
Maurice/Kas 2 Checks
Lohco 2 Check
Lucky 2 Checks
Movyu 2 Check
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Mayor Wanakeena Awasuul: 3 Influence Point
-Discovery Skills: Perception, Arcadia Lore, Society
-Weaknesses: +2 to checks referencing the ceremonial and political significance of mission
-Resistenaces:
-Influence Skills: Society, Diplomacy, Deception
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Wanakeena smiles warmly. “I believe we’ve heard enough. It’s true some of our people have had misgivings about your organization, but it’s also true you have demonstrated your ability and commitment to the Segada Protocol and the peoples of Arcadia. You have shown us courage, honesty, and a healthy amount of stubbornness. These are all traits you will need in our home. I, however, can’t make this decision on my own. Our council requires consensus. So now I ask my fellow members: should the Pathfinder Society be allowed access through the Akrandida Mountains so they may have the star gun restored?”
She raises her hand, and slowly, the rest of the council joins her. She beams once more. “Arcadia has listened, and it has thrown its arms wide.”
She rises to her feet, offering a handshake. “We will deliberate and decide on who shall accompany you past the mountains. Your organization will be contacted once we have decided on a guide. In the meantime, you’re free to stay in the lodgings we provided and take in the city.”
Wanakeena looks over to Rahaksenwe, who’s already pitching strategies and plans to Tekawenda. “As for us, it seems our day has only just begun.”