The Pathfinders are summoned to a private audience with Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury within the Starrise Spire in the city of Nerosyan. A silent halfling in a hooded robe leads the Pathfinders to a chamber near the top of the spire and departs with a solemn nod, leaving the Pathfinders to their meeting.
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A doughty dwarf with a shining shield and a hefty hammer trudges into town. Doughty he might be, but riding has never been one of his strong points, so it is typically legs that take him place to place. Or a wagon.
For some reason, most waggoneers seem less keen on taking their valuable means of transport towards a demonic border spot than would be convenient, so it is on legs that he travels. Sure there are some. But their wagons are already full, or their demands for gold too outrageous. And walking is good for you. He is sure he heard that somewhere.
On the plus side, looking around he can feel the presence of good people. Not just good, but Good. These are folk who are used to sacrifice. Time, limb, and all too often, life. But they are here to help others.
Slowly he makes his way toward the Starrise Spire. "Khaul of the Irontoes clan. At yer service."
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Arfsnarf's feet land on the banks of the river in Nerosyan, coming off what looks like a very patched-together barge. It is occupied by three other goblins who are bidding Arfsnarf farewell (for now).
It seems a barge can, in fact, travel efficiently up-river when powered by the erratic magics of a goblin arcane club. He yells back at a bluish goblin with an eyepatch as they set off to leave him.
Spaz-brain, watch where you produce flames! I keep telling you barge on waters can still catch fire!
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A juvenile (but now somewhat experienced) goblin in a draconic jumpsuit approaches warmly, and greets Khaul as a recent repeated teammate.
Hello sir Khaul! It seems we are again paired to vanquish the dangers of the world as Pathfinders! We always get to go to new places, like I've never been to this one!
He looks around in semi-childlike awe, treating much of what he sees as unique.
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A leshy resembling a walking mushroom waves. "Greetings. I'm Farnguy. I used to reside in a cave and then a druid died in there and I absorbed his memories. Decided to go out and wander the world and learn about all kind of plants and fungi out there in the world!"
Farnguy wandered here looking for plants. "Heard there were some unique specimens here.. and oh the Pathfinder Society indicated I might be wanted here."
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Khaul's eyes bulge as the Forbidden Word is uttered. "Laddie, I'll let yer off this time. But there are some words yer just don't be sayin in polite company!" He runs his fingers through his beard, as if checking it were still there, intact, and as busy as it was a few moments ago.
He offers a bow to Farnguy. "Yer absorbed his memories? That sounds like a story and a half. So yer remember the life of another? Hav yer gone and told his family that he be no more?"
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Like Khaul, Nal had discovered the extraordinarily high cost of transport toward Nerosyan. Unlike him, she hadn't received her summons until too late to walk there, and she lacked the coin--well, to be accurate, she lacked the foolishness to spend so much on something she could get for free. There was just enough room between one wagon's arched cover and the top of the cargo for her to squeeze in and "enjoy" the bumpy ride on hard wooden boxes of slightly different heights. With her deep charcoal skin and black everything else, she blended in with the shadows whenever anyone happened to glance up there. Each night she'd slip out to do her business and nibble on some rations, slipping easily past whoever was on watch.
And so she arrived slightly after the others instead of missing the mission entirely. Entering the room, her eyes crease in a warm smile. "Hello everyone. Nal Bagura here. Nice to meet you. Arfsnarf! Good to see you. How's the clacky rock behaving?"
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Khaul glares at Clacky and glances down to his hammer. "If it misbehaves, then Smitey here is happy to give it a talking to..."
He then eyes up the elf, almost as suspicious of her as he is of Arfsnarf... or more particularly Clacky. "Khaul. Here to keep us all out of trouble."
Finally, enough said, the dwarf wanders over to a window in the Spire and looks out. "I wonder why they dragged us all to here?"
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A tall elf covered in lush, green-tinted leather armor enters the Starrise Spire accompanied by a beautiful, white hawk perched on his shoulder. He looks around in awe and curiosity as he walks around. Having traveled by boat, he felt relieved when they reached land. But the sight of the spire left him speechless.
He spots his fellow pathfinders, some he's already acquainted with and shakes their hands. "Good day to you all! Mindartis Nightbreeze. And this is my companion, Mavenee," he points to the hawk perched on his shoulder. The hawk gives a mild screech.
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Arfsnarf nervously fidgets with the clacky rock in his belt pouch and glances at Khaul’s beard.
It’s not behaving well now.
Nal gives a grimace. "Well, I see you've got it in time-out now. When you think it's ready, you can test it out on me." Turning, she returns the other men's greetings. "You've got the right attitude, Khaul. Mindartis, Manvenee: hi." Boy, his armor shines bright. He'll stick out like a sore thumb everywhere but a forest. ...Kind of like I do in the snow.
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Kang is a tanned Tian man, slight in figure and awkward in demeanour when around other people. Yet, you might notice that his self-consciousness fades away rather completely when he doesn't realise people are looking at him. He is rather well-groomed yet careless about his appearance at the same time - hair is neatly combed back but loose strands are sticking out, and he doesn't seem to have shaven in days. The robes he wears is rather fine and exquisite, but is wrinkled at many places. At least the staff he carries in one hand seems rather exquisite, with semiprecious gemstones emerging, seemingly at random, from the surface of its gnarled wooden body.
The journey by riverboat has most exciting for Kang, with him alternating between barfing over the side and gazing with fascination at the sights along the way. Eventually, he arrives and stepping onto solid land gives his stomach a well-deserved rest.
He introduces himself in a rather mousy voice, "Um, my name? My name is Zhao Kang, but call me Kang. I originate from near Goka, but that was many seasons ago now." He looks rather whimsical when he says that.
A mail-suited man kneels on the stone floor with his back to the door, his head bowed in obeisance as he murmurs his evening prayer. As the door creaks shut, he stands and turns to acknowledge his visitors. “Well met, Pathfinders. I am Jorsal of Lauterbury, VentureCaptain of the Starrise Spire. I hope you’ve enjoyed your stay in Nerosyan thus far—a short visit, regrettably, that is now at its end. Tomorrow, you travel north to rendezvous with my friend Selik, a representative of the Farheaven clan. Selik awaits you within a trading post at the crossroads, where you are to exchange supplies and information.”
Jorsal beckons his guests toward a high table strewn with rolls of parchment, broken quills, and pots of ink. He gently sweeps the items to one side, revealing a painstakingly detailed map, inked in his own hand, of the Sarkoris Scar and its surrounding lands. Jorsal thumbs a spot south of what was once the Worldwound and continues, “This is your destination. I cannot rely on mere couriers for this errand, as miles of dangerous country lie between Nerosyan and this site. The demons’ foul influence still lingers in some parts of these accursed lands. I’ve hired a wagon to bear you and the supplies to the trading post. Your driver is a stalwart woman who’s made the journey many times. She’s prepared to depart tomorrow at first light.”
Jorsal pauses to study his map and absentmindedly traces a finger along the route from Nerosyan to the crossroads. “Your task is simple, but I warn you to stay vigilant, and report any unusual occurrences to me."
He also hands Khaul a letter from Eando Kline, leader of the Vigilant Seal faction.
Comrade of the Seal,
Prepare yourself. Tomorrow you travel deep behind enemy lines, as the route to our ally’s location will take you dangerously close to the former Worldwound. Rumors and tales warn of deadly beasts infesting the blasted lands around Devil’s Rest trading post. Though our own scouts haven’t personally verified these reports, I advise you to remember our motto: protect, contain, destroy.
If you encounter any creatures blighted by the Abyss, put them out of their misery at once. Eliminate any source of corruption you discover, if it is within your power. I expect a full report upon your return.
Ardently,
Eando Kline
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"Unusual occurrences? Considering that demons are involved, I'd be curious how high your bar is set for 'unusual'." Nal remarks dryly. She shakes her head, then asks her questions rapid-fire: "What weather is likely? What's our driver's name? How many times has she made this run? Can we talk to her today so we can get advice for how to prepare?"
"What's the surrounding terrain like? And could you give us more details about the "miles of dangerous country" you mentioned?"
“Though the Worldwound closed years ago, only fools believe the demons were driven out of the surrounding lands entirely. Some of the wild creatures still bear the Abyssal corruption, and the lawless roads are crawling with brigands. The surrounding terrain subtly warps as you travel farther north, with deformed, gnarled tree trunks creeping along the ground rather than upward, riverbeds stagnant with greenish-black sludge, and disturbing animal calls that sound like human screams emanating from the overgrown brush.” Jorsal motions to the illustrated forest around the trading post. “It’s best to be on your guard.”
Khual nods at the rangers suggestions. "And how far is it to the Trading post? Likewise how are we to recognize Selik when we get there?"
"If you're efficient, the journey should take one long day. And don't worry about recognizing him," Jorsal chuckles. For the first time, the corners of Jorsal’s lips curl into a smile. “Selik is a son of the legendary Farhaven clan. The followers of Dolok Darkfur are pretty recognizable."
"What weather is likely? What's our driver's name? How many times has she made this run?"
"The weather won't be unusual for this area, although those of you used to the luxuries of the Inner Sea might find it wet and windy. Your driver's name is Maeri, and she's been down this run many times."
"Can we talk to her today so we can get advice for how to prepare?"
Are there civilized stopping points along the way? Is our driver making us beef stew? Cookies? Arfsnarf inquires.
Maeri is called in, a taciturn human woman who wears her hood pulled low over her weathered face. She tersely introduces herself as Maeri and appears irate that the group is not embarking immediately.
"This journey is unpleasant. The road is rough, and the wagon constantly bounces. If we don't reach the crossroads before nightfall, we will have the worst night of our lives. I drive the horses hard and I'm not stopping for anything except an emergency."
She points to the outhouse.
"Bathroom breaks are not an emergency."
"Um, so just transporting supplies? No, um, other surprises?" Kang looks somewhat concerned.
"Oh, yeah. Any magical supplies?"
Jorsal quickly redirects the questioning back to the mission.
“The wagon I mentioned is loaded with supplies we’re donating to Sarkorian reclamation efforts around the Scar. As leaders of the project, the Farheaven clan chose to send Selik to speak on their behalf. You’ll be exchanging reports with him, as well as delivering these supplies. There are no particularly valuable magic items, and nothing dangerous.”
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”Sounds like an interesting journey. I’m ready to head out! I’ve heard Devil’s Rest is a well-known trading post and inn that never turns a guest away. Crusaders, travelers, and even fleeing criminals have enjoyed the post’s frontier hospitality in the past. And that the rumor is that the trading post was founded by an exiled Chelaxian noble!”
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Arfsnarf picks up dispensing information where Farnguy leaves off.
And! And! In its early years, many would-be crusaders abandoned their missions or even disappeared altogether after a lengthy stay at Devil’s Rest, and local legend tells of a devil who appears at the crossroads at midnight, offering mortals their heart’s deepest desire. So... we watch out for devils when we get there!
Arfnsarf looks to Maeri and thumbs the straps of his backpack to indicate that he's ready to depart.
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Khaul hrumps. "I could do within devils and their handiwork. Demons are a problem, devils are a menace. Don't like them one bit." he mutters.
As he does so his fingers run through his beard once again, as if checking it is still there and intact.
"Might be if there are devils about we need some protection from fire. Can anyone help with that?"
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"Ah! Kang exclaims quite proudly. "I believe I've scribed a scroll for just this sort of thing." He sticks his hand into a scroll case and pull out a scroll, holding it high in the air.
A short moment later, he takes a quick peek at its contents then quickly stuffs it back into the case, riffles through its content, before pulling out another scroll. "Um, this one!"
Nal know nothing more than about devils in general - masters of corruption and architects of conquest, devils seek both to tempt mortal life to join in their pursuit of all things profane and to spread tyranny throughout all worlds. The temptations they offer mortals range from great powers granted by the signing of an infernal contract to twisted favors following a whispered pledge to a diabolic patron, or any number of even subtler exchanges. Those who succumb to these temptations find themselves consigned to an afterlife of endless torment in the pits of Hell, wherein the only hope of escape lies in the chance of being promoted to become a devil in the infernal ranks. Every devil has a specific role to play in the upkeep of the remorseless bureaucratic machine that is Hell, from soldiers and scholars to inquisitors, lawyers, judges, and executioners. Lowly lemures and imps perform subservient labor to more powerful and specialized devils, such as contract devils and erinyes, while the greatest pit fiends command entire infernal armies.
Khaul and Zhao have never heard of this specific devil before, but they know about devils in general - they're immune to death effects and fire, resistant to physical damage (but silver is often useful to overcome resistance) and poison, and weak to good. When they strike, they deal additional evil damage and fire damage.
All three get the sense that those low on the totem pole, such as imps, may be less attached to the evil causes of Hell than their superiors, and should they encounter such creatures, they might be persuaded to help mortals so long as they got something out of the deal.
The day following their briefing with Venture-Captain Jorsal, the Pathfinder set out at first light to rendezvous with Selik Farheaven. They travel in a hired horse-drawn wagon from Nerosyan to a crossroads trading post south of the Sarkoris Scar nicknamed Devil’s Rest.
Maeri's route takes them through miles of wilderness along an uneven dirt road. The journey is unpleasant; the road is rough, and the wagon constantly bounces. The only sound besides the whistling wind outside is Maeri’s shouted commands to her horses.
At midday, Maeri stops near a polluted stream to tend to her horses. She carries her own canteens and refuses to allow the Pathfinders or her animals to approach the nearby water.
During their stop, a horse and rider approach from the same direction the Pathfinders were headed. He slows his horse and leaps from his saddle to hail the wagon’s passengers. Presenting a badge, he introduces himself as Kellvan, and asks the Pathfinders a few polite questions about their destination and the contents of their wagon.
the badge appears genuine, Kellvan readily lists his mission as generally to investigate some fraud, and he is clearly holding back details, but likely due to fear of compromising his investigation. He is traveling towards Devil's Rest himself
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Having known people who impersonated law enforcement in the past, Nal was a bit surprised that no one in the party thought to check with Maeri for her thoughts on the matter, but sees that being a naysayer now would be problematic. She resolves to watch him carefully and talk to Maeri about him as soon as she gets a moment to do so subtly. Surely such an experienced woman would have a gut feeling or some experience to shed light on this matter.
At some point along the way, Nal asks Kellvan: "So, investigating fraud, huh? Is this your first time? Or can you tell us about some of your past jobs?" It might take a while to get him talking, but she hopes he'll let slip some info about his current job eventually.
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A few hours later, the trail crosses through a thick forest of mutated trees. The horses inexplicably rear and whinny, bringing the wagon to a halt. Maeri disembarks to soothe her beasts and free them from their tangled harnesses. As the Pathfinders enjoy a brief respite from the bumpy ride, movement stirs in the overgrown hedges surrounding the dirt road.
Kellvan yells, "Look out!" He draws a hand crossbow, loads it, and fires into the bushes, where three boars come crashing through.
Three boars come crashing through the bushes.
vs Khaul
plus DC 19 Reflex save vs prone
The boar swipes its head and tries a second attack.
vs Khaul, FF if Khaul fails Reflex
Green comes crashing through the bushes as well. It doesn't spot the well-hidden Nal, and attacks Khaul as well.
vs Khaul, FF if Khaul fails Reflex
plus DC 19 Reflex save vs prone
Blue also charges, but with its companions blocking the way, can't get within range of its tusks.
--Round 1
Nal (68/68, unobserved)
Kang (56/56, unobserved)
Mindartis (66/66)
Farnguy (63/63)
Arfsnarf (60/60, observed)
Khaul (72/100, shield raised, Shield Block retcon?, 1st Reflex vs prone, 2nd Reflex vs prone)
--Round 2
Kellvan (-0)
Red Boar (-6)
Green Boar (-0)
Blue Boar (-0)
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Nal is a bit surprised that none of the boars attack her. Then again, she's a dark shadow of a person standing in the dark shadow of a particularly thick tree. She quickly draws her shortsword and takes a quick jab at the boar covered in greenish stains.
She then steps to the side, hoping to draw the dingy blue boar's attention so it doesn't attack the squishier people behind her.
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Myrsa, almost of her own will, jumps between Khaul and the boar, absorbing most of the shock of the initial impact. The stout dwarf totters for a moment under the force of the impact...
For a moment he looks like he is about to remain on his feet, but finally he lands on his rear with an embarrassing thump. Then the boar tries to gore him again, Myrsa manages to knock that one aside. Unfortunately however the second boar then takes advantage of his prone position to try and make him dinner. Dwarfs taste bad.
"It's just a flesh wound." he says, getting back to his feet. Quickly he repositions Myrsa before drawing his own hammer.
"But I think it maybe you that's providin dinner for me tonight."
* Raise shield
* move (stand)
* interact (draw weapon)
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"Gah!" Kang calls out as the beasts burst forth in surprise, but he takes a deep breath almost immediately, calmness descends upon him.
Keeping his eyes on the creatures, Kang cautiously moves away, knowing he is of not much use in front and would likely only be in the way. Once in place in the back, he starts chanting, waving his staff in the air as he summons a cloud of glittering dust to fall upon the boars.
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target's invisibility is negated for 2 rounds.
Failure The target is dazzled for 1 minute and its invisibility is negated for 1 minute.
Critical Failure The target is blinded for 1 round and dazzled for 10 minutes. Its invisibility is negated for 10 minutes.
◆ Stride
◆◆ Cast Spell (Glitterdust)
Nal steps out of the shadows to drive a shortsword into Green's fur. It squeals with an unholy tone in its voice. She moves to selflessly block Blue's path.
Khaul blocks some of the first hit, but is knocked to the ground. Khaul stands and resets himself, this time with a weapon.
Farnguy casts a spell, and a tree springs up.
Lightning shoots from Arfsnarf's fingertips.
vs DC 22
vs DC 22
They manage to dodge half the blast.
Kang casts a spell!
vs DC 22
vs DC 22
vs DC 22
All three appear to be dazzled.
--Round 1
Nal (68/68)
Kang (56/56)
Mindartis (66/66)
Farnguy (63/63) / Protector Tree (10/10)
Arfsnarf (60/60)
Khaul (83/100, shield raised, Guidance) / Myra (91/96)
--Round 2
Kellvan (-0)
Red Boar (-13, dazzled)
Green Boar (-41, dazzled)
Blue Boar (-0, dazzled)