The adventure begins at the top of an observation tower within Skyreach at the Grand Lodge in the city of Absalom. The Pathfinders have responded to a summons from the Decemvirate themselves. As they wait, they have a few minutes to socialize over the impressive view of the city, just before sunset.
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The green-haired gnome in a jaunty hat and spiffy, stylish outfit sits atop the edge of the tower's wall, seemingly unconcerned with the height. He greets each Pathfinder that arrives after him with a happy smile and something along the lines of "Come check out the sunset. Makes me wish I'd brought a date and a bottle o' Chelaxian red to share this view with." Or something to that effect, depending on the vibe of the listener.
"Callaverthorna's the name, but all me friends and lovers call me Cal," he says in introduction.
Cal doesn't seem to be wearing any armor, and carries only a shortsword and small knife at his side. Oddly, he has a strange mask shaped in the guise of a Tien Oni perched up on the brim of his hat.
"It's good to be back in Absalom. So many people, so many ... opportunities," he muses. "Though to be fair, I made quite a few wonderful new friends in Sedeq on me last mission. We rescued a good number o' rich ladies from a crazy genie, and they were each and every one quite grateful afterwards." He waggles his eyebrows in emphasis. "Even saved a nixie and found her a new home in a spring outside the city. She, too, was 'gracious' for me assistance."
He gives a happy contented sigh at the pleasant memories of those nights in and outside of Sedeq. "I'd've stayed there longer, but when the Decemvirate calls, one doesn't dally further. No matter how much fun the dallyin' is."
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A small kobold with wings lands on the observation tower. You're not sure where he's flown from, but he stretches out his wings and winces. "Still not as strong as the mighty Jadirahx, but she would be proud!"
He turns to the group. At first you think he's not wearing any armor but then you realize it's actually just painted to look like scales matching his normal green and coppery coloration. Smoke and sparks of electricity emit from his nostrils and he stretches up to try and claim his full height. "Greetings! I am the Dragon, but you may call me Rhaegal. I am a mighty defender of Jadirahx."
"I have been traveling the world lately. I was in Tian Xia, uncovering sky metals for a dragon's horde. We found so much that I was hoping to begin my own horde! And then it was off to Arcadia to be honored in a ceremony of fire. The spirits there could not believe they were meeting a real dragon! I showed them the might of a dragon and even the spirit world quaked at my presence!" He sniffs a bit. "Whatever the chronicles say, that's how it really went."
He walks over to watch the sunset. A crown of spikes seems to rest on his head, giving him a fearsome look, but on closer inspection, it's made of animal bone and horn. "What a beautiful sight. Fit for a dragon!"
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A goblin clad in heavy armor covered by a white apron stained by red, brown and black fluids, with a tingling healer's kit on the side and a long spear ended by a syringue containing a black liquid, arrives a bit later. He introduces himself to everyone, speaking with an extremely strong accent: "Halo, ich bin Herr Doktor Krankenweg!"
A crawling hand shows itself above the Doktor's shoulder: "Und das ist He-Sing."
To Callaverthorna sexual innuendo he replies: "Du bist ein qvick fellow. Vas do you like to play viz? Ich habe a lot of interesting toys."
And he finishes his sentence by showing the content of a pouch of his healer's kit: a lot of flasks filled with strange liquids...
And to Rhaegal, he asks: "How do I hafe to call you? Dragon or Mighty Defender or Rhaegal?"
When everyone starts speaking about their previous assignment, he quickly handwaves the question: "Meine prefious mission vas secret, ich can't speak about it."
A picture of Herr Doktor
And He-Thing
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Among the mostly Garundi and Keleshite crowd disembarking from The Risen Albatross is a tall, older elf with pale hair and tan skin. He hurries down the gangway, obviously eager to finish his journey now that he has arrived in Absalom. However, a messenger beckons him over as he reaches the dockside. They talk briefly, and expressions of surprise, resignation and then resolve cross the elf's face. He nods once at the conclusion of the discussion, thanks the messenger and sets off towards the Foreign Quarter with a determined stride.
The same elf, still clad in practical travelling clothes of a green tunic over trousers with stout boots, joins the group at the observation tower. An exquisitely carved elven bow hangs on his back and a slight creak tells of the leather armour beneath the tunic.
In a smooth, polite tone he says "I don't believe we've met before. My name is Eliadyr. I heard you mention the decemivirate as I was climbing the stairs - I take you too have been summoned for a mission? "
Joining Rhaefal and Cal looking over the city lit by the glowing sunset, he muses "I'd hoped to have more time to spend in Absalom this time, but well duty calls it seems."
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Cal peers into Herr Doktor's bag in curiosity, lifts out a few of the potions and even sniffs one. "I'm open to tryin' near anythin', dependin' on the situation, Doktor. Depends on what you got in there."
When Eliadyr muses on the City at the Center of the World, Cal looks back over the skyline below. "We don' know that we won't have time here. Maybe this mission's some kinda city thing. Might even have to attend a fancy party and meet some rich folk," he says with a hopeful laugh.
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The sounds of armor, shield, and weapons precede the arrival of the champion who strides onto the tower with pride. The full plate is polished, the shield displays the hammer of Torag, and the warhammer at their side appears well-made.
They would be truly imposing (and may yet be, to those of smaller stature), if they stood more than three-and-a-half feet tall. Strong hands remove the helm to reveal the dark, mottled skin of a charhide goblin.
They survey the city and the group - but do not recognize any former companions. They smile at any and all before them, and state in a low, scratchy voice, "I got letter be here sunset. I am Crunch. Pleased be of service."
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Rhaegal gives a toothy dragon smile to the goblin. "Most prefer to call me Rhaegal. You may do so as well. Knowing a mighty dragon's name is powerful, but we are allies, yes?"
The Doktor seems to understand something: "Ich verstehe, dein name ist secret and only for true allies. Your name vill die viz me, Dragon!"
"I'm open to tryin' near anythin', dependin' on the situation, Doktor. Depends on what you got in there."
The Doktor's face lights up: "Ich habe everysing you vant!"
And he starts showing each flask one by one: "Zis is for endurance, size, impotence, hot sensations, cold sensations, my favorite, sex shift, race shift, more hair, no more hair, lubricant, psychotrops, pheromons, orc pheromons, troll pheromons, handle viz care, flexibility, healing, disease protection, youthful appearance..."They would be truly imposing (and may yet be, to those of smaller stature), if they stood more than three-and-a-half feet tall.
Herr Doktor stares at Crunch. There's a strange symmetry between both goblins in heavy armor. He then says to the champion:
I can upgrade your weapon with that, but it's not that interesting at our level unless you nearly never make second attacks: Weapon Siphon
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A tall man with blond hair enters the room, slightly breathless. "Apologies, " he says, trying to catch his breath. "I'd just gotten the missive an hour ago. I'd just returned from Freedom Town on an assignment. The missive said urgent so I had to dash over. Isaku Beru, at your service. I'm a detective with an office in the Grand Bazaar." He bows to the assembled Pathfinders. His eyes light up as he recognizes one of them.
"I was wondering when I might meet you. Rhaegal Dragonkin. I've read chronicles of your exploits with an acquaintance of mine. Jinlong is his name. Perhaps you two are associates?"
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The Doktor seems to understand something: "Ich verstehe, dein name ist secret and only for true allies. Your name vill die viz me, Dragon!"
Rhaegal nods. "You are wise and understand dragons well, herr doktor."
He turns to Isaku. "You know Jinlong? He has become a fine dragon in his own right! It a pleasure to meet one who holds his acquaintance. If you have heard the tales of my adventures, now you will be a part of them!"
He considers Isaku for a moment. "You are a detective? Someone who solves mysteries? I have heard of such people. Do you see truths where others do not? A dragon would be wise to find use for your skills!"
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Herr Doktor stares at Crunch. There's a strange symmetry between both goblins in heavy armor. He then says to the champion:
"I can upgrade your weapon with fire, but it will lose a bit of balance. You tell me if you want."
Crunch pulls the weapon from their belt and extends it towards Krankenweg, shrugging away the concerns. They respond in Goblin, "Torag would be most disappointed were I to turn down your offer. Such craftsmanship and creativity will be rewarded, I am sure."
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The Doktor's face lights up: "Ich habe everysing you vant!"
And he starts showing each flask one by one: "Zis is for endurance, size, impotence, hot sensations, cold sensations, my favorite, sex shift, race shift, more hair, no more hair, lubricant, psychotrops, pheromons, orc pheromons, troll pheromons, handle viz care, flexibility, healing, disease protection, youthful appearance..."
"Well, some of those do seem useful," Cal comments at the mention of lubricant and pheromons, "though maybe not that one, and I certainly don't need this," he says with a laugh at the offer of sex shift and impotence treatment (though a vial of size enhancer may come up missing from Herr Doktor's bag later.)
Setting the "goodies" aside, Cal lifts a vial of giant wasp poison. "I never used poison on me blades before. Never had a team mate that could brew it up proper and knew the ins and outs o' usin' it." He sets the vial back into the Doktor's bag. "But ya' seem pretty capable, Herr Doktor, so sure, ya' can add a little wasp juice to me sword."
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"Torag would be most disappointed were I to turn down your offer. Such craftsmanship and creativity will be rewarded, I am sure."
The Doktor adds with a smile: "Zat's ze spirit!"
And he'll take a dozen of minutes to add a weird contraption to the hammer. Unfortunately, as creative the contraption is, it also slighly modifies the weapon's balance."I never used poison on me blades before. Never had a team mate that could brew it up proper and knew the ins and outs o' usin' it."
The Doktor looks at Cal, as if gauging him, then starts rummaging through his stuff for a minute and retrieves an oddly looking pink flask. He puts a drop inside the poison vial and then takes Cal's weapon, without really asking, and applies the poison to the blade. As the gnome gets his weapon back he can smell a flowery scent.
"Extract of rose petals. To add an insult to ze injury.", says the Doktor in a strangely neutral voice, as if he didn't even catch his own pun.
(though a vial of size enhancer may come up missing from Herr Doktor's bag later.)
(considering Cal's mastery of Thievery)
During the following days, as Cal tries to, or thinks of, stealing a vial from the Doktor, he'll realize a few things. First, the Doktor is of a paranoid type. But not crazy paranoid, skilled paranoid. He definitely has professional experience, be it as a spy, smuggler or anything similar.
But... he's also easily distracted. Any oddly looking substance will gets his undivided attention. And from the Doktor's point of view, there are tons of oddly looking substances everywhere. So despite his top notch paranoid reflexes, it's actually not that hard to steal from him (especially from Cal's point of view).
So Cal may proceed with the theft but he may get more than he bargained for.
The door to the tower opens with a clunk, and eight cloaked figures stride into the room without ceremony. Each one wears a unique, intricately designed mask that seems alive with powerful magic. They turn to the room’s center in unison as a ninth individual — Eliza Petulengro (), the only unmasked member of the mysterious Decemvirate — enters and closes the door behind her. She quickly turns to address the gathering.
“Pathfinders, we have an emergency on our hands. Sapphire, a member of our leadership, has been possessed by an ancient and wholly evil spirit. Between this spirit’s fiendish magic and Sapphire’s subsumed knowledge and guile, we are struggling to get out ahead of whatever destruction this foul entity is concocting. What we do know is that the spirit is that of a cyclops demoniac who intended to summon the demon lord of storms, Urxehl, into our world.”
Another member of the Decemvirate wearing a mask fitted with stag-like antlers speaks. “The summoning requires a rare ritual. We do not know how to counteract such unusual spellcraft, but we have an ally who does. Dolok Darkfur (), the manifested god of the Farheaven Clan from old Sarkoris, should be able to assist us. Through Dolok and the god caller Nelket (), the Farheavens connect to traditions of calling, binding, and communicating with extraplanar forces.”
Eliza Petulengro pauses for a moment and then speaks again. “You are among our most experienced Pathfinder agents following our Society’s recent losses () We need you to convince Dolok Darkfur and Godcaller Nelket of the Farheaven Clan to help us rescue Sapphire and put a stop to this spirit’s machinations. We can teleport you near to the Farheaven settlement, where I’m confident you’ll be warmly received. The Society has come to the Farheaven’s aid several times in the past few years, so you should be able to convince them to return the favor. This mission is time-sensitive, and the integrity of the Decemvirate, if not the safety of the world, depends on your success. Are you ready?”
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"Oh the Farheaven Clan - I met Dolok Darkfur and Godcaller Nelket when in Sarkoris recently. They seemed to value the Pathfinder alliance, although they were a bit ... detached is perhaps the word?"
"If we are asking them for a large favor though, are we taking any payment with us?" he will then ask Eliza
"Also, if we encounter this cyclops demoniac/Sapphire do you have any suggested approaches? Are we trying to get Sapphire back alive?"
Eliadyr will also try to recall what he knows about Urexhl.
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Cal listens to the briefing, and nods appreciatively at Eliadyr's revelation that the elf knows these folks already.
"So, for now, we're just to be convincin' the Farheaven's to tell us what they know o' the ritual," he asks to clarify. "Are we expectin' to get them to participate in any action beyond that? Cause that'll likely take a lot more convincin'. Are you thinkin' that Sapphire is up in that neck o' the woods?"
"If we are asking them for a large favor though, are we taking any payment with us?"
"No, we've earned quite a bit of debt by helping Dolok Darkfur and the Farheaven Clan in the past, most recently, helping secure several relics and remains from the barrows near the fallen city of Storasta."
"Where did this demoniac come from?"
"When the Pathfinder Society launched a large-scale survey of the cyclopean ruins of Min-Khadaim in the distant northern lands of Iobaria, their otherwise promising expedition ended in disaster. Disturbing the ruins awakened the restless soul of a cyclopean disciple of Urxehl."
"This malignant spirit assailed Sapphire, a member of the Society’s masked Decemvirate leadership. In the time since, the Society learned that the spirit merged with Sapphire, and the two have become a hybrid being."
"The possessed Sapphire has gone on to slowly reactivate ancient cyclops ritual sites across the region."
"Also, if we encounter this cyclops demoniac/Sapphire do you have any suggested approaches? Are we trying to get Sapphire back alive?"
What happens to Sapphire if we stop the ritual?"[/b]
"That is outside the scope of this mission. Secure the Farheaven Clan's cooperation first, and we'll figure out a way to deal with the demoniac later."
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As befitting Urxehl’s status as a demon lord, his minions often use negative energy to destroy their foes.
The Decemvirate’s ritual teleports the Pathfinders near the Farheaven’s encampment.
The setting sun casts a blood-red light over the Farheaven camp. A wall of dark, smoky clouds fills the western skyline, hovering over an entire forest of burnt trees. Farheaven warriors rush to sharpen spears and string bows, gathering at a network of west-facing earthworks resembling a battlefield more than a settlement.
Amid the commotion, a human woman approaches.
“Pathfinders, your timing is impeccable as always. I know our people owe you so much already, but could you lend us your aid once more?”
"Dolok Darkfur and several Sarkorian druids have begun a ritual to help restore the land scorched by the demons of the Worldwound, and that ritual to heal the forest has provoked a horde of demons and their allies that had lain dormant within the forest. We need to protect the ritual casters and the vulnerable until the spell is complete at sunrise."
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As they are preapring to leave, Eliadyr will relay what he knows about Urxehl, the demon lord of storms and natural disasters. "Urxehl is worshipped by trolls but I've read he really doesn't like them. Oh and his minions use void energy apparently."
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As they appear after the teleportation, Eliadyr flinches for a second, thinking the warriors were rushing towards the party, but soon works out what is happening.
Responding to Nelket, he will say "Nelket! Great to see you again but things were much calmer last I was here. We, ah, weren't expecting this would be such good timing. However, now we are here we can only help!"
and then after listening further will ask
"What sort of demons are attacking? And you mentioned their allies? Where do you need us?"
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"Certainly not the welcome I was expectin', but we'll do our best, lass," Cal assures Nelket. He takes a second to drop his oni mask down off the brim of his hat, and then suddenly his spiffy suit is replaced with a set of creepy matte-black armor whose runes seem to inspire fear and loathing in anyone staring at it for too long.
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Rhaegal growls and smoke curls out of his nostrils. If he wasn't 3 feet tall, it might be terrifying. He spits on the ground. "Demons. A dragon will tear them asunder."
He nods at Eliadyr's question. "Yes, do we know anything about these demons or their allies? Or is there any way we can help quicken the ritual?"
"What sort of demons are attacking? And you mentioned their allies?"
"Yes, do we know anything about these demons or their allies?
“Given where we are, I’m guessing they are minions of Flauros, the demon lord of fire.”
"Or is there any way we can help quicken the ritual?"
"Unfortunately, no."
Nelket sighs with audible relief and counts her blessings for the unexpected reinforcements. She then reaches into her satchel and pulls out several multihued feathers. She explains that these feathers are straight from Dolok Darkfur’s own plumage, and they can be used to help secure the camp’s perimeter.
She gifts each Pathfinder one feather, shows them how to use it, and then points them to where their help is most needed, encouraging them to use the feathers before the demons arrive.
Terrain Notes:
Difficult Terrain: Each square of undergrowth is difficult terrain that provides standard cover and grants the concealed condition to creatures within it. If a square of undergrowth takes 5 or more fire damage from a single effect, it only grants lesser cover and doesn’t provide concealment for one minute. The rock formation in the southeast corner provides greater cover against effects passing through it.
River: The river is 5 feet deep and flows south. Swimming in the flowing water requires successful DC 15 Athletics checks. The river is difficult terrain for creatures Swimming against the current, and a creature ending its turn in the water moves 10 feet in the current’s direction. This forced movement stops at the waterfall, which drops 10 feet into calmer waters. The land adjacent to these calmer waters is muddy and sloped, making it difficult terrain. Creatures with the fire trait take 2d6 cold damage every time they begin their turn partially or fully submerged in the magical water.
Lighting: Plumes of smoke block the night sky, shrouding the entire battlefield in darkness (except where there’s fire).
Fire: The trees on the western side of the river are caught between the renewing energy of Dolok’s ritual and the destructive power of Flauros’s influence, trapped in a state of perpetual burning. Each square of fire is difficult terrain that sheds light like a torch and deals 2d6 fire damage to any creature that begins its turn inside it, or 1d6 fire damage to each creature Striding through it or beginning its turn adjacent to or less than 20 feet above it. The air within and above the fire is also filled with smoke, granting all creatures within or beyond it the concealed condition and requiring creatures within it to hold their breath. Those who breathe the smoke must succeed on a DC 20 Fortitude save or become sickened 1. Creatures who become sickened from the smoke cannot attempt to remove the condition until they exit the smoke. A creature who critically fails this Fortitude save is also slowed 1 for 1 round due to coughing.
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The Doktor answers Eliadyr: "I'm vorried zey could jump over ze river. If ve only focus on ze bridge, zey can completely sidestep us. I'd prefer someone to be zere to catch zem if zey do zat."
The doktor shows a point on the road .
"I see what yer gettin' at Doktor," Cal replies with a nod of approval. "But I don' think I'm the man fer that job." He draws and throws a small knife at a nearby (normal) tree, and the knife flies right back to his hand. "Me throwin' arm's not near that strong, ye see."
Cal saunters up to the bridge and looks over the battlefield lines. "I'd put me a Brown-leafed tree right over there," he says as he points to the downstream bank . "But I'm a wee worried it'll try to snag us if it's got no demons to grab."
"But I do have one other trick up me sleeve. I'll throw a jumble o' rocks onto the bridge to slow 'em down. Works wonders to slow up jealous husbands and get righteous pursuers off me tail," he explains with a wink.
"Unless they are flying they'll likely use the bridge. Should we try to hold them there? I'll be fighting from range so could start south of the bridge and cover demons crossing the river, and help out with the bridge if none come there."
@Watery: I have some buffs that last from 10 to 40 minutes. Do I have a rather clear idea of when the demons will attack?
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The Doktor answers Eliadyr: "I'm vorried zey could jump over ze river. If ve only focus on ze bridge, zey can completely sidestep us. I'd prefer someone to be zere to catch zem if zey do zat."
The doktor shows a point on the road .
Answering the Doktor's concerns in goblin, Crunch says, "Enemies going up that way to jump over the river are putting themselves a long way from the ritual. We can run up the path if they try it, but I expect they'll be coming across the bridge or fording to the south of it."
Crunch nimbly ascends a nearby tree to get a look at the oncoming forces.
The trees provide standard cover, so they can be shot through with a penalty.
Eliadyr ventures out and sees six fiery creatures approaching.
Crunch climbs a tree and is able to triangulate their position entirely. They can tell that the six monsters are headed for the bridge and can time exactly when they will arrive .
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As Crunch seems very sure of himself, the Doktor produces an elixir for Crunch and Cal, making also one for himself.
The flasks contain an extremely oily greenish liquid, to the point of no more calling it a "liquid". The pathfinders gulp it down more than they drink it, which is certainly a good thing as the taste seems as bad as the color. And they then feel very light on their feets .
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{COUGH} {HACK} Cal reacts as he swallows the oily stuff. "Ya might consider addin' some flavor - some good flavor - to make those go down a little smoother. If ya like, I can recommend any number o' nice Varisian ryes."
He coughs once more to clear his throat. "But thank you, Herr Doktor. Though I wouldn't mind havin' this extra speed the next time I'm tryin' to outrun ... someone wantin' to do me harm," he finishes with a twinkle in his eye at the memory of one such incident.
He turns back to the bridge and when Crunch gives the signal, he conjures up some rocks to make crossing the bridge just a wee bit slower for the enemy.