The door opens and you see the renowned Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng enter the meeting room.
He looks as if he did not have much sleep as he has a sleepy-eyed look on his face.
He has a violin and a meerschaum pipe in his hand and sets it on the table. He withdraws a small pouch from the slipper and opening it, removes some shag tobacco. He begins to pack the pipe with the tobacco before removing a hot poker from a fireplace in the room, touching it to the pipe bowl, and drawing on the pipe until the contents kindle an ember.
He stands eyeing the assembled group and puffing on the pipe for a long few moments before speaking.
"Well, well, so you are the team they sent here for this mission?! You look tough but are you the right people for this mission? You already heard that we are sending you to Highdelve, right?" he says with a stern look.
"First missions are usually less dangerous but our informant's reasons to ask for a team as well as the nature of the assignment were a little vague ..."
He eyes you again.
"I called you in tonight to discuss a problem I need you to solve." he says as clouds of pipe smoke drift lazily around his head.
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"Hello again Venture-Captain Dreng. Theolish reporting in as instructed." the agent said as he looked over the others. Standing only 5'1" and a skinny 135 lbs, he appeared to be of Vudrani heritage but the eyes were far older than his physical age. A nice looking crossbow was slung over his back. At times a scorpion could be seen poking out of the belt pouch at his side.
"Oh, if I happen to fall, please use this silver wand with the black tip on me and only me please. If anyone else needs healing, I have this plain willow wand." Theolish indicated to the others.
"What’s the problem and how should it be solved, sir?", a young dwarf in scale mail asks. He is of average height, but well muscled with red hair cut short and a long red beard. Next to him on the table lies a light crossbow, a warhammer and battleaxe. A big backpack sitting on the chair next to him completes his equipment.
He then answers Theolish: "I have no experience with wands, sorry. You have to ask someone else."
A lot of problems can be solved with a little faith determination. a young woman with dusky skin says as she nods her head in salute to the others. Her outfit shows her belonging to Sarenrae.
I'm Kyra....nice to meet you. she says and the addresses the dhampir.
I can heal you with it...and I'll have to be careful with my healing around you...I haven's mastered the art of choosing who it affects...yet... she says with a smile.
"Well, more than two centuries ago, the humans of House Garess flourished in the foothills of the Golushkin Mountains in western Brevoy, where they founded Highdelve as a settlement of human artisans to work the dwarven ore their allies supplied. However, as the years went on, House Garess’s numbers waned, and the noble family scaled its business back. By this time, thousands inhabited Highdelve."
He looks at you to see if you are still listening.
"Rather than languish under House Garess’s neglect, the Highdelvers began to focus on self-sufficiency. It built a robust economy and 50 years ago, the leaders of highdelve approached the patriarch of House Garess in Grayhaven roughly 20 miles south. It wasn’t full independence Highdelve wanted as much as a release from any major taxes and military duties the town might owe its feudal overlords. Not in the position to fight the Highdelvers, House Garess acquiesced. From that day, Highdelve has been independent in everything but the strictest formalities."
He pauses for a moment.
"Have you ever heard of Aurelliax?" he asks.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Being so far north, winters are long and harsh. The short spring and summer seasons require the populace to farm and fish just enough to keep food on the table.
* * * Separate check * * *
You have heard the stories of Highdelve's history in more detail ... what the Highdelvers didn’t know, however, is that benevolent eyes had been watching the situation that the Venture-Captain described unfold.
The settlement piqued the interest of Aurelliax, a gold dragon who had lived for more than a century in a mountaintop lair near Highdelve.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The dragon admired the town’s tenacity, and its people’s generosity toward their neighbors warmed her kind heart. Shortly after Highdelve broke from House Garess, Aurelliax offered the humans her patronage and protection for free.
Elated and humbled, the townspeople accepted—provided that Aurelliax never involved herself in the settlement’s internal affairs. After all, the Highdelvers did not wish to simply trade one overlord for another. Her motivations genuine and pure, Aurelliax assented.
For the Highdelvers’ part, awe for Aurelliax quickly turned into true affection, as the dragon time and again has demonstrated her dedication to this settlement of about 4,500.
"Ah, Brevoy. That nation in far northeastern Avistan..."
He goes on explaining what he knows.
"I have indeed heard of Aurelliax, a gold dragon who had lived for more than a century in a mountaintop lair near Highdelve..."
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"Aurelliax? I have heard that name before." Theolish said as he started to inform the group of the dragon and its association with Highdelve. "If I remember correctly, Aurelliax offered to protect the town and the people agreed, with the condition that the dragon not get involved with their internal affairs. No use swapping on master for another." he said.
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[Dice=K:History]d20+10
[Dice=K:History 2nd check]d20+10"Aurelliax? I have heard that name before." Theolish said as he started to inform the group of the dragon and its association with Highdelve. "If I remember correctly, Aurelliax offered to protect the town and the people agreed, with the condition that the dragon not get involved with their internal affairs. No use swapping on master for another." he said.
"A gold dragon? The people of Highdelve are indeed fortunate to have such a powerful patron watching over and protecting them."
Dreng raises an eyebrow.
"Aurelliax is a gold dragon who had lived for more than a century in a mountain top lair near Highdelve and the dragon time and again has demonstrated her dedication to this settlement of about 4,500."
He pauses again.
"I do not want to go into the details of why a gold dragon would do that but I can assure you that we had a hand in that story. This was just background information because your mission actually concerns two kids. Well, they are young adults by now. RICHELLE AND TOLWIN are their names. They are not related but they are the kids of two deceased Pathfinders. We placed them under the protection of the mayor of Highdelve 17 summers ago - Winette Qarl is her name."
The Venture-Captain sighs and looks at his feet.
"We received a message that they are misbehaving. I have to admit that this mission is personal for me and I want you to check on them. They know nothing about their parents' history but if you can find out what is going on I would appreciate that."
He looks back into your eyes again and smokes his pipe, sending smoke into the air.
"Of course we would never send you to Highdelve just because of two kids ... this is just a coincidence that I am using to my own benefit." he laughs.
"During one of our other missions we learned of a plot against Aurelliax. We do not know the details but we know that an agent of a cult of Kostchtchie, Gilda Korgren, traveled to Highdelve more than a year ago to craft a ring with special significance to the cult of Kostchtchie ... additionally, we learned about a Port Ice–based shipping company that is trying to track cargo that went missing between the port and Silverhall in southern Brevoy. We do know that the cargo included several Thassilonian relics that could also be of value to the Kostchtchie worshiper."
Born a mortal man of Ulfen stock before being cursed, Kostchtchie is now the demon lord of giants and biting cold.
Kostchtchie's main worshipers are giants who have turned from the worship of their traditional deities, particularly Thremyr, and instead embraced the demonic as being a more aggressive philosophy.
Dreng stops pacing long enough to knock some of the ashes out of his pipe and reload it with more tobacco.
"Go to Highdelve and see what you can find out!"
"Hm... Kostchtchie... I think I heard about them... just gimme a second!"
"That's right, that's exactly what I read! You sure have a wide and deep knowledge, Theolish."
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Dreng raises an eyebrow.
"Aurelliax is a gold dragon who had lived for more than a century in a mountain top lair near Highdelve and the dragon time and again has demonstrated her dedication to this settlement of about 4,500."
He pauses again.
"I do not want to go into the details of why a gold dragon would do that but I can assure you that we had a hand in that story. This was just background information because your mission actually concerns two kids. Well, they are young adults by now. RICHELLE AND TOLWIN are their names. They are not related but they are the kids of two deceased Pathfinders. We placed them under the protection of the mayor of Highdelve 17 summers ago - Winette Qarl is her name."
The Venture-Captain sighs and looks at his feet.
"We received a message that they are misbehaving. I have to admit that this mission is personal for me and I want you to check on them. They know nothing about their parents' history but if you can find out what is going on I would appreciate that."
He looks back into your eyes again and smokes his pipe, sending smoke into the air.
"Of course we would never send you to Highdelve just because of two kids ... this is just a coincidence that I am using to my own benefit." he laughs.
"If asked should we inform Richelle and Tolwin of their parents history? And does the Mayor know we are on the way? Are we to keep our presence a secret from her?"
Well, luckily I am a servant of the goddess of fire...so warming things up isn't a problem... Kyra says with a sly grin.
"Regarding your questions, do whatever you think is right. The situation will tell what can be shared. I trust in your judgment! To be honest we have very little further information. I only know a little about Gilda Korgren. She is a human follower of a demonic god ... and we know that she has a son from a letter we were able to dispatch. But nothing else."
He looks at the whole group and tries to assess your level of comfort with this mission and continues.
"This is one of your first missions so be careful. Please make haste and travel to Highdelve."
With those words he turns his attention away from you, picks his violin up, opens the door and begins playing and walking out of the room simultaneously.
HIGHDELVE
It’s late when your caravan arrives in Highdelve.
Most of the travelers are only stopping for dinner before proceeding on to the next town, but you have a mission here, and so you remain when the wagons pull out again.
When you get to the inn you find it unusually crowded. The innkeeper only has one room available, what with the festival tomorrow.
If you’re willing to share, however, she has some cots she can set up and there should be room enough for the four of you. As you walk down into the common room for dinner, you find it, too, is more crowded than you would expect.
A four-top comes open right as you walk in, though, and almost as soon as you sit the waiter comes by with bowls of stew and mugs of ale for the four of you. You eat and have a chance to get to know your new comrades on this mission.
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Kageryu is quiet and polite with everyone from his fellow Pathfinders to the people cleaning the floors of the inn. He prefers to listen to others first, contemplate his thoughts and words, and only then speak. He shares with the others that his family was originally from the Elven shogunate of Jinin in Tian Xia before moving to Minata to further their study of arcane magics.
Kyra says a quick blessing over her meal.
Sorry...habits from childhood... she says as she set about eating.
So...this is my first mission for the Society....have you been agents long? I'm only just out of my training at the abbey...and was told to report to the higher ups in Absolom. she says a bit reserved but seemingly eager.
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"Nothing to apologize for practicing things that you have learned. Forcing it upon others however, can be a problem. the dhampir said. "I have been adventuring with the Society for a while." Theolish said as he started to count on his fingers. "This will be my sixth mission for them." he said, sipping on the soup.
"It's my first one, too, Kyra. And no excuse necessary for your faith! As long as you do not force it upon others, you're ok in my book."
Ummm..dragons aren't too common on missions are they?
What is the Brightbloom Jubilee?
During the first evening and your first hour on the jubilee you learn that the Brightbloom Jubilee is a 2-day party with a distinct structure of events.
Before the jubilee, the town elects two young locals to serve as Bloomgivers — an enormous honor for those chosen. Early on the celebration’s first day, the Bloomgivers venture with an empty wagon up nearby Dendra’s Slope, where the largest field of brightblooms grows.
The jubilee then runs throughout the day, and it includes a full slate of amusements, games, and festive street food, all set up in the town’s main Protectress Square.
In the afternoon, the Bloomgivers return to town with the first harvest of brightblooms, and the townspeople fete the youths’ journey by escorting them from the gates back to Protectress Square.
There, the Bloomgivers hand out brightblooms to eager townspeople. The rest of the evening is spent as a public dance party known as the Brightbloom Ball. The jubilee’s second day is spent alternately removing winterizing measures from the town’s buildings and breaking into spontaneous rounds of song and dance.
----
The mood is festive in the inn as the evening progresses. Eventually, weary from your travel, you head to bed.
The sun rises, and after a quiet breakfast, you emerge out into the town square. Beams of sunlight stream past the snow-capped mountains as a joyous scene spreads before you.
Overnight, the town's staid and utilitarian main square sprouted colorful tents, a pop-up theater, a spinning contraption made of barrel bottoms, some manner of race course, and more unexpected delights.
Laughter and boisterous shouts echo from all the square's corners as its quaint cobblestone streets teem with villagers sporting festive clothes and wide smiles.
—
Throughout it all, the smell of fried foods weaves through air laced with the warmth of a summer that's just begun.
Activities in view:
A1. Youths stand on and around tall wooden storage boxes, playing some sort of game.
A2. Lanes have been drawn and sack races are being run.
A3. A large, gilt statue of a dragon.
A4. A Barrel-Go-Round ride has been erected.
A5. A small puppet theater has gathered a crowd.
A6. A stand sells delicious-smelling fried food on sticks.
+++++++++++++++++++
Several well-dressed professionals stand in a circle bandying about the lingo of seasoned traders. “What a time to be visiting!” one shouts.
“It’s the best time to catch important people in one place. If you’ve any business to conduct in Highdelve, now’s the time for it, to be sure!”
A teenage boy pushes through the crowd with a star-struck look on his face.
“Have you seen her? Have you seen Aurelliax? You know, the gold dragon! The one who keeps the whole town safe! She’s here, but she never stays in one place for long. Everyone wants to talk to her, and she’s so nice—she wants to spend time with us all!”
* * *
For the past decade or so, the people of Highdelve have expressed some concern about sending their youthful Bloomgivers up Dendra’s Slope to collect brightblooms for several hours alone.
The brightbloom field is about an hour’s hike from the town proper, and the foothills are full of threats.
To quell their qualms, and to reinforce that Aurelliax would never suffer an outside threat to the town, the gold dragon has begun lending the Bloomgivers a special amulet called the Golden Pendant each year for their journey up the slope.
Not even the gold dragon has elaborated on exactly what the amulet can do, and she’s instructed the townspeople not to bother examining it much magically, but everyone knows that it’s a treasure that would make Abadar himself proud.
Two elderly women watch a group of adolescents giggle and shoot furtive glances toward the square’s western entrance.
“It warms this old granny’s heart to see those sweet kids,” one of the women says. “So young! So much energy! They just can’t wait for the Bloomgivers to come back from Dendra’s Slope so they can celebrate. But I wonder what’s keeping those Bloomgivers? They’ve usually returned by now!”
Torgen has no luck finding out anything new. Disappointed, he ends up at the stand that sells delicious-smelling fried food on sticks(A6), trying to gather at least information about the local cuisine.
Kyra is drawn to the snacks.
What's the story behind this festival? I'm just passing through... she asks the vendor as she indulges her sweet tooth.
Theolish tried to keep an ear out for any information.
[dice=Diplomacy (Untrained)]d20-1
[dice=Knowledge (Local) Trained]1d20+1
Torgen has no luck finding out anything new. Disappointed, he ends up at the stand that sells delicious-smelling fried food on sticks(A6), trying to gather at least information about the local cuisine.
Kyra is drawn to the snacks.
What's the story behind this festival? I'm just passing through... she asks the vendor as she indulges her sweet tooth.
[dice=diplo untrained]1d20+2
A6. A stand sells delicious-smelling fried food on sticks.
The proprietor carries a batch of fried dough to waiting customers, he flags down and shouts. “Ah, visitors! Can I interest you in some fried dough? Fortifies the bones! Only 1 silver!”The proprietor looks at you and is quite happy about your decision to take one!
"Well, I am Toshi, the and head chef at the Golden Wings tavern! As you see I have my hands full working the large crowd of customers and can’t pause for long to talk with you. Next please!" he shouts.
You taste the fried dough and Toshi was not exaggerating about the fried dough’s heartiness!
A PC who eats it gains a +2 morale bonus to all Strength- and
Charisma-based skill checks for the next hour.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20-1
Kageryu wanders over to where the races are being run and watches to try and learn the rules of the contest.
A1. Youths on crates
Kageryu arrives at the storage boxes.
Tall wooden storage boxes are haphazardly arranged everywhere here except for a grouping of four, which form a diamond.
Rowdy youths pump their fists and cheer on four kids who each stand atop one of these boxes. The standing youths kick a bean-filled sack back and forth.
Each time a youth kicks the sack, they all shout a word of the following phrase: "The! Devil! Man! Knocks! Don' t! Let! Him! In!"
Kiliuk goes to watch the puppet theater and says
Highdelve seems to be an interesting placeAfter that, the food smells delicious
[dice=Diplo UNT]1d20 + 1
A5. Theatre in the Miniature
Strange voices and exaggerated accents ring from the front of a small performance stage, which is framed with a drawnback velvet curtain. On the stage, elaborate puppets enact a melodramatic scene of confusion and betrayal.
Karstaki arrives just as the current puppet show ends and there really were only two small kids watching anyway.
A man just comes out from his hiding place and looks at Karstaki with a surprised look on his face. After a few moments, the single puppeteer behind holds up an “Intermission” sign. The puppeteer is an elegant man wearing fine jewelery.
Kageryu, after he's studied the rules, would like to enter the race.
The gilt dragon statue catches Teloish's eye.
A3. Our Gilded Lady
When you arrive at the statue, you can take in it's majesty up close.
Fully 10 feet high and twice as long, the centerpiece of the square is a gilt statue of a gold dragon with outstretched wings. A plaque at the base reads: "Highdelve dedicates this statue and all of Protectress Square to Aurelliax, Our Gilded Lady. Long may her golden wings envelop us, and may we never fail her when she calls."
A2. Sack Races
The cobblestones here are marked with four lanes drawn in chalk. Two men and two women hop like mad in separate lanes, their legs covered with heavy burlap sacks. The crowd waves scarves and paper flowers in the air as they cheer the competitors toward the finish line. The onlookers offer a respectful berth to a well-dressed dwarven woman standing confidently at the finish, her hands on hips as if she’s overseeing the race.
The well-dressed dwarven woman standing at the end of the race looks at Kageryu.
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A2. Sack Races
The cobblestones here are marked with four lanes drawn in chalk. Two men and two women hop like mad in separate lanes, their legs covered with heavy burlap sacks. The crowd waves scarves and paper flowers in the air as they cheer the competitors toward the finish line. The onlookers offer a respectful berth to a well-dressed dwarven woman standing confidently at the finish, her hands on hips as if she’s overseeing the race.
The well-dressed dwarven woman standing at the end of the race looks at Kageryu.
"I would very much like to enter the race and test myself against others."