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You begin the adventure late in the morning after several days of travel from Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar to Kaer Maga, on orders from Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch .
The City of Strangers and its eighty-foot-high walls loom far above you from atop the desolate Storval Rise...
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A young man arrives, in awe of the eighty-foot high walls guarding the place. "Wow, this place is fortified." When he sees his fellow agents, he greets them and introduces himself. "I am Raphaeleos. I specialize in healing that I can teach to the new hobgoblin recruits." he then turns to the hobgoblins. "I hope we fulfill this mission into a success."
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A very young elven woman with long, sky-blue hair waves excitedly at Raphaelos. "Hi! I am Lindevaile Tindome, nice to meet new friends! I also know a bit about healing, but my true specialization is in the wind, and in dance, with Desna's guidance", she says and shows her butterfly-shaped fan to Raphaelos. She is tall and slim, even for an elf, with deep, dark eyes. Her outfit mimics the sky, with sky-blue theme accentuated by puffy white sections, resembling clouds. The distracting part is that it is a collection of parts from established fashions, the skirt is from Qadiran temples, the shirt is for Taldan noblemen, scarf is Varisian and her jewels are from Osirian funeral tradition. She carries only a dagger as a weapon, but also a collection of scrolls, wands and other tools of magic. "We've traveled around a bit with Zibini here for a while, and saved people from many troubles."
"Quite a climb, and my wind can't carry me that high. But, I've been just wondering, what kind of sign does Sorry Excuse have? Most have some kind of picture connected to the name, animals, crowns, anchors, you know. But how to draw an excuse?" she says as she looks at the wall rising before her. Suddenly, she seems to realize something: "Wait, was this that city they were talking about..."
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Caitlin smiles at the assembled company. She is dressed in well worn leather armour and has an elven-made longbow on her back. She is quite tall for a human and has long blonde hair partially tied into braids.
"I'm Caitlin. I am good in the outdoors and I've had a little diplomatic experience too."
She greets Lindevaile in fluent elven with a traditional greeting.
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Making your way to the city gates, the group of guards eye you as you enter but they see hundreds of new entrants everyday and you seem more or less unthreatening.
A man bounds up to you without hesitation, you can tell he has done this many times before.
“New to the city? All respect and honors, gov, but you’re not. No one is. These walls have seen wonders that would turn you or me to dust, and they’ll see more after you’re gone. No sir, Kaer Maga may be new to you, but you’re nothing new to Kaer Maga. Ten thousand years she’s slept here, and still we’ve yet to wake her. Some would say as we’re her dreams, on account of our strangeness, but I don’t buy that. I say we’re her children, though a fat lot of good that does us. See, the city, she’s like a giant insect who’ll devour her young without a second thought. In here, there’s none who will so much as bother to forget you when you’re gone. You’re nothing. I’m nothing. And these warrens will be our tomb. So why the long face, chum? This is home. And besides, you’ve got me. And for a fiver a day, I’m your new best friend.”
You ask for directions to the inn and he smiles painfully, realizing you have a purpose and hardly a need for his services. He points you in the right direction and ten minutes later you arrive at your rowdy, ale-soaked destination.
Laughter and shouts rise from the boisterous crowd that occupies the cheaply furnished tavern room at the Sorry Excuse inn. The staff move from table to table with practiced efficiency to take orders and deliver pints of frothing ale. Four hobgoblins seated near the entrance size up everyone who enters and ignore the mugs on their table. It is quite obvious they are out of their element and visibly uncomfortable.
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Lindevaile Tindome follows Caitlin to the tavern. She springs into a dance, and pirouettes between the customers and staff to the table, the Desna butterfly fan open on her hand, aiming her performance at the hobgolins to get their attention. She ends her dance by seating herself next to Caitlin. "And I am Lindevaile Tindome. Our society encourages people with different talents to join, so that with our combined skills we can find a solution to whatever challenge we face. My talents are in the wind."
She glances at the full mugs of the hobgoblins, and nods. "Good to take the drinks carefully, you might lose your memory if you get too much too fast", she states as if it wasn't common knowledge.
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The group’s leader stands when Caitlin and Lindevaile Tindome approach and address them. She is slightly taller than the rest of the hobgoblins, her armor is well made, and her equipment — from her cloak to her sword and shield — is utterly unadorned save for the flag of Oprak at her shoulder.
She calmly waits until the two are finished, takes an unaccustomed breath to clear her mind - then squares her shoulders and speaks in a clear voice, full of purpose but low in volume.
"I am Sergeant Drussem and we are Iolite Squad Alpha. Our pleasure in meeting you, we too are looking forward to this joint endeavor. Attention!"
Drussem calls her soldiers to attention before introducing each of them by name. There is a slight hesitation to obey as the lot seems intently focused on the eleven sorcerer. The sergeant stomps her foot to aid their transition and eyes each as they interact with you.
Akrag grins broadly and extends his lanky arm to shake hands with each of the Pathfinders, his belt bristling with small bladed weapons.
Gintka, their sapper, gives a quick nod as Drussem introduces her before she returns to fidgeting with the metal buckles and sealed vials adorning her gear.
Finally, the Sergeant introduces Ozaril, their veteran scout, who gives a perfect salute, his fingers coming close to the many scars that cross his head.
Sergeant Drussem, somewhat content with the introductions, turns back to you. "As for the drinks, we felt it neccesary to purchase as we are taking up considerable space in this establishment, but I find it unprofessional to drink at such an early hour. May I suggest we begin. There is no reason to tarry."
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Lindevaile Tindome stretches a bit on her chair, and takes a sip of the drink Caitlin got her. "We just arrived to the city, it's good to have minor pauses during the day to stay alert for unexpected troubles. I wouldn't think anyone would mind. Wait, was there something in the instructions about timing?" She pulls out her letter and re-reads it. "Oh we are supposed to leave quite soon. Well then."
She chugs the rest of her drink in one go, then looks a bit uncomfortable, staring at the ceiling and blinking her eyes quickly. "Maybe not... quite that fast. I just warned you of quick drinking, and here I go."
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The Iolites pay attention to each of your introductions and nod studiously to retain the information. There are even a few "wide eyes" as Zibini states his talents.
As the new round of drinks is served, only Ozaril imbibes readily with you. "Yes, a well-rounded team is a good starting place for a successful mission. You really never know what you are going to face, no matter what any higher-up tells you."
Fairly quickly, Gintka loses interest in the conversations and ignores the proceedings - from her gestures, you think she is intent on counting all the objects (and people) in the room.
The sergeant waits politely as the round of drinks are consumed at various speeds, before announcing: "The journey to the training grounds will take but a day or so of time, it is noon-time now - so let's make some decent progress before nightfall."
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You and your Iolite Squad companions make your way along the road for several hours south of Kaer Maga, Ozaril working in tandem with Caitlin and Harsk to navigate the mostly simple trails toward the camp.
Along the way Ozaril adjusts his travel position to speak to Zibini, patting him on the back bruskly as he approaches (a common goblinoid greeting). "So tell me, how did you end up with the Pathfinder Society? It's a long way from your home..."
A few miles down the road, Akrag moves up to Lindevaile Tindome. "Your entrance was very impressive in the tavern. We are not use to such grand displays. When did you first learn how to perform like that? I mean... what is the source of such magic? "
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"Oh the dancing!" Lindevaile Tindome says and gives a little delighted laughter. "It's not magic! Well, my scarf is, but mostly it's just what I picked up when spending time with our bards. I get inspiration from my goddess" she opens her fan to show Desna's butterfly, "so you might say it comes from her. I started dancing just for the fun of it, but then I learned tricks from the bards, how to express and transfer emotions better. It can be scary" she takes a couple of stomping dance steps, "or welcoming," she changes to soft steps and beckoning hand movements, "and sometimes, as in the tavern, you want to be seen", she dances with exaggerated, wide moves, "and sometimes not," she pulls the scarf between herself and Akrag and seems to fade from sight behind the scarf's movements. "Not all our missions are about fighting, often we can get our results with softer skills."
"I do know magic, the bards taught me some simple spells" she sends the fan floating around herself for a while, then catches it again. "And of course the wind has grown in me, since I came out."
"But what about you, what are your strongest skills? And how would you persuade someone who we need something of, without violence?"
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"Hm? Naw, I grew up around Absalom. One time I saw some people trying to fight off a big stinky zombie brute-thing. They were in trouble, so I helped them. Zap zap! I killed the monster. And then passed out. Those people were Pathfinders, and they said I was 'potentially very dangerous' and that I should sign up to practice my magic. We get to fight undead a lot! And fish. But that was only once."
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"Huh, sounds like it is working out well for you. Fishing's fun. You still do it with your hands, though, right?" Ozaril jokes with his new goblin friend.
Akrag nods knowingly to the dwarf. "I am quite good with my knives, as well."
Akrag boasts to Lindevaile as she finishes up her demonstrations of skill. "Well my mind and body are sharp as a nail. I always maintain a strict exercise routine and make sure to conduct my combat drills every day. You look like you have perfected your strong suits as well. I admire that. As to handling conflict without combat, I leave that to the Sergeant to figure out. We follow orders in the ISA." He then turns his attention to the oracle. "You said you would be able to teach us healing methods? I'm not sure any of us are magically inclined but what could you show us about first aid and ..?"
His query is interrupted as you suddenly notice Gintka mutter to herself and frantically points her finger behind you all.
A figure behind you on the road seems to be following you, and catching up rather quickly...
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"Yes, I can do magical healing. But I am also skilled at healing that does not require magic. I will teach you the basic First Aid, and even treat some conditions that can be useful in combat." he answers with satisfaction after realizing he is just overthinking just a while ago.
"What's the matter?" Raphaeleos then asks Gintka who looks terrified, with concern, and looks behind them. He also draws his staff just in case it is somebody who is hostile.
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While the group advances along the path between the trees, a masked character appears who, upon seeing the group, removes his mask and before you appears a small catflok with a graceful and delicate bearing but who demonstrates tremendous agility with his movements. Hanging from his belt are two impressive pistols.
"Greetings, Pathfinder has been waiting for you for a long time, it seems that you are taking a long time, my name is Dredd and I have been sent at the last minute by the venture captain to help you" while he gives his orders to the group so that they can see that What he said is true. I think we should hurry up, they're waiting for us.
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The newly-fortified group continues on to the training ground. As dusk settles in, you begin searching for a place to rest.
The path winds through the rugged, wooded foothills for several miles before opening onto a small ravine. A dilapidated homestead lies in ruin to the south, and a nearby campfire sheds flickering illumination on the surrounding outcroppings. Two human bodies lie as silhouettes along the path just west of the campfire.
The sudden heavy thuds of multiple paws and thickened breathing indicates you are about to be ambushed too!
A large white wolf rounds the corner and covers the group with a icy rime.
Purple Wolf
Zibini
Harsk
Lindevaile
Caitlin
Judge Dred
Raphaeleos
Yellow Wolf
Red Wolf
Orange Wolf
Iolite Squad Alpha Hobgoblins
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Lindevaile Tindome does a quick dance, with both hands and feet imitating clawing motions, while staring at the wolf with orange-tinted fur. She ends the dance with a quick flick of the wrist, and a wind picking up some dirt on the way heads toward the wolf.
She looks at the grouping of the team, and says: "If I heal from here, the wolves also get better. So tactical retreat!"
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Zibini protects himself just before blasting one of the smaller wolves. Harsk tries to find an opening on the large one, but not quite yet. Lindevaile is able to spook the damaged wolf with her strange movements. Caitlin is able to pierce the huge one with her first shot. Dred is able to pierce his prey with each shot.
Purple Wolf -13 damage
Zibini -8 damage <shield>
Harsk -8 damage
Lindevaile
Caitlin -8 damage <light>
Judge Dred
Raphaeleos -8 damage
Yellow Wolf -34 damage
Red Wolf
Orange Wolf -10 Damage <deafened, frightened 2>
Iolite Squad Alpha Hobgoblins
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The great wolf shakes off the brunt of the oracle's spell, as its snarling minions converge on Harsk and Caitlin. The hobgoblins coordinate for a daring flanking strike on the frightened wolf.
The great wolf takes its full fury out on Harsk -- dropping him into the ranks of the dying.
Purple Wolf -15 damage
Zibini -8 damage <shield>
Lindevaile
Caitlin -20 damage <light>
Judge Dred
Raphaeleos -8 damage <shield>
Yellow Wolf -34 damage
Red Wolf
Orange Wolf -28 Damage <deafened, frightened 2>
Iolite Squad Alpha Hobgoblins
Harsk -60 damage <0 hp, unconscious, prone, dying 1>
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Lindevaile Tindome looks at Harsk falling down, and cries: "Oh no, no time for shared wind now, but I've got you!" She takes a step closer, then starts moving her hands in graceful as if collecting the air around her. The air gets a faint, pleasant glow and she finishes with the call: "Envinyata! and sends a glowing wind at Harsk, and his wounds start closing.
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Zibini laugh, embracing the chaos of battle. Colored lights swirl around him, and he almost seems to float with his toes grazing the ground. In a way that's hard to describe, emotions seem to be swirling around him.
He focuses on Harsk and shares a feeling of well-being and strength. "That's the problem with dwarves," he says to the hobgoblins, "So fragile."
Although he does keep his own shield up.
With a wave of his hand, he sends to smaller jolt of anger towards the injured wolf.
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Zibini and Lindevaile heal the fallen dwarf and his eyes open.
Purple Wolf -15 damage
Zibini -8 damage <shield>
Lindevaile
Caitlin -20 damage <light>
Judge Dred
Raphaeleos -8 damage <shield>
Yellow Wolf -34 damage
Red Wolf
Orange Wolf -30 Damage <deafened, frightened 1>
Iolite Squad Alpha Hobgoblins
Harsk -26 damage <prone, wounded 1>
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Both of Caitlin's arrows fly errant. Dred reloads as Raphaeleos fully heals the dwarf. Which is quite good, because the wolves have a different idea and Harsk is once again left on death's door.
Seeing the unmitigated mauling - the Iolite Squad breaks ranks and tries to lead the wolves away from the poor dwarf. The sergeant is successful and leads the great wolf away for a bit of a solitary melee.
Purple Wolf -15 damage
Zibini -8 damage <shield>
Lindevaile
Caitlin -20 damage <light>
Judge Dred
Raphaeleos -11 damage <shield, life link with Harsk>
Yellow Wolf -34 damage
Red Wolf
Harsk -60 damage <0 hp, unconscious, prone, dying 3>
Orange Wolf -30 Damage
Iolite Squad Alpha Hobgoblins
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Oh. This is a bad idea.
"Hey! Hey! Pay attention to me!"
Zibini moves closer towards Harsk--and the two wolves. Seeming for a moment like a might warrior, Zibini sweeps his hand towards the beasts. The imaginary image of the warrior sweeps his sword in the same direction, slicing (at least that is the plan) through the animals.
And then his shield breaks and he falls heavily to his feet again.