As stated above a private game for a continuing path.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir inclines his head in welcome as he opens the door and welcomes everyone into a modest office.
I’m glad you are on time—and with little to spare, he says as he checks outside and then closes the door. Your ship leaves soon, and I’ve taken care of the details. He places a neat stack of travel papers on the small desk and sits down. I’m pleased that you volunteered to visit the remote monastery of Tar Kuata on the Society’s behalf. As you may already know, the Society seeks pieces of the Sky Key, a strange relic broken into multiple pieces by dwarves long ago. It seems one of the descendants may have found her way to Tar Kuata, and we believe the Ouat monks that also reside there still have a piece of the key. Travel there, meet with them, confirm our intelligence, and barter for the relic as needed. Do aim to be respectful; few Pathfinders have traveled to Tar Kuata, so you’ll need to earn the monks’ goodwill—and perhaps even pave the way for future collaboration.
To that end, I am sending you with this. Balentiir lifts a heavy bag and adds it to the desk. You may be familiar with bags able to hold more than seems possible, and this one is filled with grain. I understand Tar Kuata has had a poor harvest this year, and this should help you get off on the right foot in negotiations. Any questions?
Diplomacy/Gather Info/Knowledge Local
15+
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30+
Knowledge (history) or Knowledge (religion) The PCs may already be familiar with Tar Kuata and the faith of Irori. PCs whose patron is Irori receive a +2 circumstance bonus on this check and can attempt it untrained.
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30+ The monks are experts in the scriptures of Irori. A PC who gets a result of 30 or higher is also well-versed in Iroran texts and gains a +4 bonus on Knowledge checks during the first trial (see page 7).
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"Oh, a trip! I do love exploring new places," Shenendril says, with a single clap of her hands. "It's a shame about their harvest. Maybe we can find a way to help with that, too."
"I heard that there's been some trouble in the Footprints of Rovagug. The last two caravans travelling there were attacked by bandits. No surprise then that other merchants are refusing to travel that path.
"And speaking of Rovagug, I heard a priest gave a sermon praising the church of Sarenrae for ending a Rovagug cult. It happened a couple weeks ago, but it's still fresh on everyone's minds and lips."
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The Taldoran arrives at the office precisely at the time of appointment. He is of average height and build, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a bushy brown moustache.
His brow furrows slightly as he takes in the humble environment, but his speech is polite and measured, "Good morning to you, Venture-Captain Balentiir. I am Branthis Alp. I am most appreciative of the opportunity on offer here."
Alp is dressed in a mail shirt, brown riding breeches tucked into high leather boots, and a fine green cloak. A longsword is strapped on his left hip.
He uses a knuckle to smooth his moustache as he considers the task at hand. He makes the occasional grunt of acknowledgement as Balentiir speaks, offering no insight of his own, before finally asking, "I say, this Sky Key? How many pieces are there meant to be? And what sort of...arcane properties...is it thought to possess upon its complete assembly?"
A curious red creature flies into the office. He's the size of a large dragonfly, has the same wings and large bulging eyes, but otherwise he is a real red dragon. He also wears a masterwork chainshirt that fits his diminutive size and in his hands he has an elaborately crafted elven spear, which can clearly kill a big creature despite its small size.
Welcome! You may assume that the voice will be ringing, but it turns out to be surprisingly bass and low - the voice of a true dragon. My name is Vellestir. I am escorting lady Zeta, mighty warrior of the Silver Crusade. And here she is...
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Right after that, a woman enters the room, dressed in black chelish fullplate with a kelish patterns of bright red and white colors. She also has a lot of gold and silver jewelry on her, and most of it has a theme of succubi and erinyes if you look closely, plus a scarf that can easily be used as a hijab. In general, this gives the impression of a mix of two cultures (perhaps involuntarily).
Her skin is dark brown, her hair is bright red, and her red eyes are like two smoldering embers that can ignite at any moment. The image ends with small horns on the head and veins of bright red on the neck and hands (she is without gauntlets now).
Hello, fellow adventurers!. She smiles playfully at the assembled Pathfinders. Soon you will notice that this is her normal state - to smile mischievously at her thoughts. She seems to have a lot of ideas in her head and not all of them leads to balanced decisions.
Yes, I've heard about caravans too. Everyone is just talking about it at the market... I'm sorry, I couldn't resist buying a new trinket. She smiles playfully again. Oh, the priest and the Sarenrae ceremony? It will be a good meeting. She strokes herself on the expensive ring on her finger with Quadirian script. However, you are not sure if she is a follower of the Dawnflower herself - voice sounded a little ironic...
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A short human woman in a shapeless black floor-length dress strides in purposefully as the Venture-Captain is about to start the briefing. Her blond hair is pinned up in a messy bun, and her piercing blue eyes flash angrily. "Your pardon, Venture-Captain. I was detained in the archives, or I would have been here on time." She relaxes visibly as she looks around at the others. "Shen! It's good to see you. And Vellestir and Zeta, of course. It looks like Sakura's been assigned elsewhere." The tone of her voice implies that this development is not necessarily an unwelcome one. Then she addresses the two newcomers. "I'm Ilarien." Although she's rather short, her upright posture makes her seem taller.
"Do any of you speak Dwarven? I don't, and if the Ouat monks have the key it might help our case if one of us speaks to them in their native language." She considers a little longer. "No, it probably won't. The Ouat reject a great deal of their birth culture--I've read that they shave their heads and beards." She idly twines a strand of hair around one finger, thinking. "Tar Kuata...that's it! It's an Iroran monastery and religious school--one of the oldest in the world. Over three millennia of continuous use. Most of the monks are Garundi humans, except for the Ouat dwarves. There's a village around the place. Plenty of people who find that the monastic life isn't for them have settled there over the years."
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"Ilarien!" So good to see you again!" Shen says, moving to the shorter woman and giving her a hug.
Zeta will get one, too if the armored woman is amenable.
Then she frowns and bites her lower lip. "No Dwarven here, either, but it sounds like we may not need it.
"It will be interesting to deal with dwarves who don't behave the way we're accustomed to dwarves behaving. Not that all dwarves behave the same way, but it will be interesting to see people with other traditions," she says.
After a tiring, days-long journey, your group reach Tar Kuata in the morning.
At the base of a high mountain valley, the monastery of Tar Kuata perches atop a rocky outcropping that overlooks a tiny village and terraced fields. The steep cliffs to either side shelter the small structures from the wind, and a tall, thin spire towers over the settlement.
As you approach Tar Kuata, a woman greets you. You must be the pathfinders we are expecting. My name is Menkah Helg, please follow me she takes you into a she calls the Hall is Aspirants. Bow were your travels here, safe I hope. The roads of been questionable at best due to recent banditry
After the hug, a portion of Shenendril's ever wind tossed hair rises a little higher and the hint of a pair of eyes peek out. A tendril of her hair moves in a gesture very much like someone waving hello.
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Shenendril is extremely pleased to see their journey's end. Exploring new places is nice but getting there is always a pain. Sometimes literally, as her aching feet can attest.
"A pleasure to meet you, Menkah. Yes, we're Pathfinders. You know, we heard about the bandit trouble lately, too and were on our guard, but I guess we just got lucky. Nice that we can relax, now," she says, following the woman into the Hall of Aspirants.
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"Quite correct," Branthis adds as he marches along. "Of course, it's likely any bandits that espied us would be frightened away by our formidable appearance, or perhaps our reputations have preceded us. Bandits are a notoriously cowardly lot, you see." He waves away bandits, and banditry in general as a sort of minor annoyance to be endured. "No matter...Hall of Aspirants, you say? And what, pray tell, do those who enter this Hall seek to attain?"
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The elf bows deeply, Thank you for your hospitality, of course, if there are bandit problems we'd be happy to look into that for you since we're here at our own leisure. My name is Andrelis, and I am honored to walk in these halls. he lays it on a little thick, but it manages to come off as sincere.
Menkah looks to Branthis, We call it the Hall of Aspirants as those who seek to gain enlightenment and perfection start their journey there. If you are hungry, feel free to join me for lunch in the Pahmet Heights or you are more then welcome to explore the village while we wait for Itephta, the head of our monastery
Menkah looks to Andrelis as he speaks, laying his charm on quite thick and apparent. Ah yes, this hall has seen many a traveler. A Dwarven monk, by the name of Logyra was the first to join the Ouat monks. She donated a strange metallic device to our order upon her arrival.
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On the way, Zeta chatted a lot with old friends Shenendril and Ilarien, remembering other adventures and other places. And what else to do, the road of duty and not a single bandit on the way. Arriving at the Monastery, she seems a little tired of idleness and full of energy to look for adventures on her head. Vellestir timidly tries to stop her, but it's not that easy. I'm just eager to explore your village. Please tell us where to go and who to talk to. There is hope for trouble in her fiery eyes and sly grin.
Menkah smiles and says the leader of the monastery is currently busy, but should be available after lunch time. You’re free to eat with us or explore our village during that time
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The magus dips a slight bow, accepting the kind offer of lunch. "Lead on, Dame Helg! I find travel to be hungry work, don't you agree? And to be entirely honest, villages are all much of a muchness to my mind."
Alp is genial enough company over lunch, but tends to bring conversations back around to himself, oversharing stories of his exploits over the years. The stories aren't exactly boring, well, actually they are pretty boring, and the magus has no diplomatic skills to speak of, but that's what he's attempting, anyway.
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Shenendril laughs and chats with Zeta and Ilarien along the way, helping to fill the long, dull hours.
She does not ignore or shun their new team members, but it is clear that she feels a bond to those she's worked with before.
During lunch, her discussion technique is not unlike Alp's. She has a tendency to talk a lot and digress often, sometimes seeming like she's just shoveling out facts and theories, but they're rarely about herself, are usually interesting and often have a surprising twist.
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Zeta sighs and goes with most of the team for lunch... She's smart enough to remember the main rule of a Pathfinder is never to split a squad.
Zeta's stories are quite ... incendiary. Velestir helps her with her tales complementing the most burning moments with a successful remark and a couple of times even a small stream of fire that he spews from his mouth at the right moment.
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Andrelis looks itchy to explore the town, but sits with his new companions for lunch, asking questions and talking to the others. He riffs off of shenendril's stories and information, often referencing his extended family of Pathfinders, including incredible tales of a half-orc magus who didn't realize he was in a brothel, and a Kitsune samurai who was discovered hiding because she forgot to cover her tail...
Lunch goes on, as the five of you eat a modest lunch with Menkah and several other Dwarven monks. She doesn’t speak much, but rather listens and observes each of your reactions and other mannerisms. After lunch, she stands up and nods.
Let me go check to see if Itephta is ready
She comes back a few minutes later, He is ready. Please follow me. She leads you through the village and into a room where a young, Garubdi man sits down. He looks at each of you a you enter as Menkah nods at you all and Itephta.
Here are the Pathfinders I told you about as Menkah goes to stand in a corner, in the same room but directly away from the main proceedings.
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Zeta makes a slight bow, at the same time as Velestir who hovers over her left shoulder. Hail! My name is Zeta Forli, this is my companion Velestir and my comrades, who will introduce themselves. We came here in search of a valuable relic, which we are looking for on behalf of Pathfinder Society. She makes another little bow.
Itephta looks on as you each speak, then he turns to Menkah, your thoughts?
Menkah nods at Itephta and responds by giving you humble praise, for how you conduct yourselves as a whole. She mentions a few moments of being focused on one’s self, rather than the group. Overall however she has good things to say.
Itephta nods at her words, then looks to address your group.
You seek something we would give freely, but the relic is one heavy with the weight of history. Just as I would not ask a neophyte to lift a boulder before he can lift a stone, I cannot in good conscience burden you with this bauble without knowing your capabilities.
When our students request greater responsibilities or greater challenges, we first ensure that they have mastered what they have learned before. I propose you experience the same courtesy I would extend to a student by undergoing a small portion of our training. It shall strengthen your body for the return journey and prepare your mind to weather your future trials.
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The Taldan stands up a bit straighter, his hand on the pommel of his sword. "Training of the body and the mind? Why, this is precisely what I have dedicated myself toward since I was a lad. I'm sure you will find this precaution entirely unnecessary, at least in my case, but never let it be said that Branthis Alp shrunk from a challenge such as the one you propose."
Of course, he didn't know the particulars of what was actually being proposed. He didn't come to this realization until later and was too embarrassed by that point to ask for details.
Itephta nods at your group.
I have other matters to attend to, my apologies. I will not leave you without a proper guide and instructor. Aeosteop will accompany you from trial to trial, explaining things as needed.
A few moments later, an old Garundi man with a face graced with wrinkles and sun-weathered features steps in. He gives a bow to Itephta. I will do my best to fill in your place. Please everyone, follow me to your first trial.
Once your group is ready, he will lead you out of the meeting room you’re currently in. He goes down a couple hallways, and stops in front of a study room. He walks inside, and once you all are gathered he addresses you all.
[b]I need to prepare the other trials, I shall return, once completed. Please remain here until my return.
He leaves you inside the room. There is a small handful of bookshelves, a small table and a lecture. There is an open book of the lecturn.
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Zeta will nod, and when the guide leaves, she will immediately pick up an open book. First, she will study its contents, and then for one minute she will go into a trance, studying the one or those who held this book in their hands before her!
Illarien is able to deduce from the mannerisms in which Aeostep leaves, and that he hasn’t returned in nearly 30 minutes, that being inside the room itself is challenge #1 your group faces.
Branthis walks past the lecture, and the book on the lecturn is entitled Unbibding the Fetters
Branthia continues o to the booomshelf, and nothing ‘pings’ as magical, while Zeta carefully picks up the book and uses their powers to study the book. The book itself is quite relevant to the monk order.
Andrelis thinks they have a breakthrough, but the concepts outlined in the scripture don’t click inside their brain. Shenendril and Illarien can decipher the meaning behind the script. They both infer that the passage the book is turned to elaborates on complex and subtle metaphors that compare stages of self-perfection to the creation of the world, implying that mortal knowledge is a spark of divinity that spins order out of chaos.
About an hour passes, and Aeostep returns to the room.
Thank you for your patience. This study room as seen many a student, coming to glean wisdom and understanding from this Book.[b] as he motions toward the book of Unbinding the Fetters. [b]Did any of you read the passage set forth?
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Shenendril spends the hour while they wait reading, both a few more passages from the main book and others, both in hopes of passing the test and because she simply enjoys expanding her knowledge.
"Oh yes. It was quite thought provoking. I don't know how much I truly believe our consciousness gives order to reality but I can certainly see how our consciousness imposes an order on reality that is at least true to each individual and it makes sense that that accumulated psychic energy could have an actual impact," she says, a bit vaguely and breathlessly.