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Your adventure begins late in the afternoon in the halls of the Swordmeet Lodge, the Pathfinder Society's Rahadoumi headquarters, located in the port city of Manaket. Venture-Captain Obo has called you here for an assignment. As you gather in the lobby, you have a chance to get to know your traveling companions.
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Why does this feel wrong?
Miladistra keeps one hand on her wolf's pelt as they move through Manaket. Deroff sniffs everyone and everything, a bit on alert.
It's what I've always dreamed of.
A land without deities, without worship. No, there is worship of a man no one has seen but swears exists.
The contradiction takes up the elf's thoughts until she reaches the lodge.
"Howdy ya'll, I'm Miladistra. Pleased to meet ya. This is Deroff." She looks down to the barrel-sized wolf. "He's been growin' a lot."
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A figure clad in a Minkaian O-yoroi enters the lobby. A snake slithers closely behind. She carries a shield inscribed with glyphs. At her side is a whiplike blade coiled and hooked onto her belt. A foxes tail protrudes from the back of her armor. The face is like that of a fox, save a row of scales that form on the ridge of her brow.
"They say this land is inhospitable for multiple reasons. I am Akame and Naga-kun is my companion."
She reaches a hand down, a tattoo of a serpent runs from the back of the hand down her forearm.
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A brightly glowing sprite flies through a window. It's hard to tell what she's wearing because of the yellowish glow.
Hi. I'm Luciola, but most people call me Luci or 'you pest' ... although I'm not sure that last one is a name. She giggles. I'm a sorceress. Oh ... anyone want to buy a used corgi?
Instead of shaking hands with Johnny, she flits over and kisses him on the cheek before having a closer look at Akame's snake.
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A tien woman kneels in the corner of the room serenely playing a gayaguem. On the floor beside her is an extremely fancy glaive. The blade is etched with chrysanthemums and the shaft is covered with carved dragons and monsters. She nods at the others as they enter.
"Greetings. I am Song Jun-Mei. You may call me Jun-Mei. I am a
priestess of The Lady of Chrysanthemums, although I also pay allegiance to The Dawnflower. I am most pleased to meet you all."
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A sandy haired halfling rushes into the room. He has a satchel strapped across his body and it clinks loudly as multiple pieces of glassware bounce together inside it. "Am I late?! I'm sorry, I had a busy day in the lab! Alchemy's not quite what it used to be! Plus, I found some snacks in a nearby room..." Crumbs falls from his muttonchop beard.
He pauses to catch his breath with his hands on his knees for a few moments. He wears a sharp red coat with white trim, although it's starting to see some wear and tear. "I'm Argoni. Happy to come along and help."
He smiles and then sees Deroff, who is bigger than he is. "Whoa, good puppy?"
Deroff finally relaxes when Argoni pays attention and gives him several licks, at least until the alchemical aftertaste kicks in.
He then makes the rounds, trying to lick or nuzzle his nose with the nearby agents, hoping he is pet in return.
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When you're finally called into the designated meeting room, he is not the only one waiting to greet you.
Shelves of Jiskan puzzle-boxes line the walls of Obo's office, lending a colorful backdrop to the Venture-Captain's fruitive conversation with a thin middle-aged woman dressed in white and gold, her pale skin adorned with blue henna. Both glance to the door as it opens and Obo motions everyone inside.
"Close the door." He waits for his instruction to be followed, then nods to the woman beside him. "You've heard of our guest, I'm sure, even if you don't know her on sight. This is Doctor Kassi Aziril, founder of the school of godless healing, which makes her one of the most important private citizens in this country—so mind your manners. The Society has agreed to help her, and time is of the essence. Doctor?"
Though she seems tired, Kassi Aziril turns to face the room with the firm stance of a no-nonsense lecturer. "I shall assume no one present has been living under a rock, and we are all thus familiar with the recent ‘Godsrain' incident. This event presents many challenges for a nation such as Rahadoum, particularly when it applies to those mortals who have been unfortunate enough to manifest divine magic. Under the Laws of Mortality, Rahadoum cannot abide the continued existence of divine power within its borders. These people, however, are not willing channels, they are innocent citizens, and many would reject these ‘rainblessings' if they could. Some do not care and call for them to be expelled, arrested, or punished for violating our laws no matter whether they embrace the gifts or not. Others seek tolerance and solutions, perhaps a cure. No one can agree. The Council of Elders is at a deadlock, and tensions are rising. I fear that things will become dangerous soon.
"That is why I am here. Pathfinders, six of my medical students are among these ‘rainblessed.' They are my best and brightest, and I owe it to them to ensure their safety. I believe the only way to do so is to get them out of the country."
"Which is where we come in," interjects Obo as he lays a map of the city out on his desk. As he continues, he points to the map as though offering strategy tips in a game of siege. "The Risen Albatross is already waiting at the dock. Once the students are onboard they'll be safe. The trick will be getting them there without drawing attention. Like Dr. Aziril said, a lot of people around here have it out for the rainblessed, and a contact of the Society's within the Pure Legion tells us that some among their ranks may be looking to take things into their own hands.
"Your job, as a group, will be to escort the six rainblessed students from their current location—at Dr. Aziril's research lab—to the docks. Moving a half-dozen untrained civilians through the city's going to attract attention whether we like it or not, but the more you can keep your head down, the better off you'll be. Now, leaving the country isn't illegal, so if you face interference from members of the Pure Legion, you can safely assume they belong to this anti-rainblessed ‘rogue element.' Defend yourselves and your charges, but . If you can subdue and restrain them for our Legion contact to collect, all the better. Any questions?"
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Kassi Aziril is also known as "the mother of medicine," a title granted in honor of her many important breakthroughs in non-magical healing. She has traveled the world, studied at the Magaambya, and developed techniques so revolutionary they've spread around the world, partially due to her own efforts and partially thanks to plagiarism by other scholars. Kassi isn't responsible for training every doctor in Rahadoum, but she's hand-picked a few dozen apprentices and assistants to tutor directly. These students are split into smaller research teams, at least one of which resides in each major Rahadoumi settlement, and Kassi travels between them, both to teach and to help treat local medical emergencies.
Kassi Aziril is also known as "the mother of medicine," a title granted in honor of her many important breakthroughs in non-magical healing. She has traveled the world, studied at the Magaambya, and developed techniques so revolutionary they've spread around the world, partially due to her own efforts and partially thanks to plagiarism by other scholars.
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Miladistra looks at Luciola with a bit of envy. "Tell me if you're comfortable. He's a bit too small for me. Shouldn't be a problem for you though."
The Godsrain. Details are a bit loose to her, but the death of a god was obvious. Stories of people blessed with the power of combat.
She wasn't happy about it.
Kassi Azril's talk about "curing" divine energy was conflicting. Miladistra has had plenty of times when she wished she could purge herself from Mother's blood.
She shakes her head. "This isn't my first time helping people leave when they aren't wanted. I can try to magically pacify the Pure Legion if they show up."
She remembers the history of Doctor Kassi Aziril. "Your students will be able to help people around the world. Thank you for trusting us on this."
So much effort to avoid asking the gods for help- she appreciates it, they can't always ask for miracles.
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Luciola smiles at Miladistra.
I will admit, he's a bit bigger than my corgi, but Cor's not feeling rather well at the moment. I think she's pregnant. Besides, I'm able to fly if I need to.
She then looks to the Venture Captain. Godsrain huh. I heard it's water diluting the essence of a dead God but it's not Aroden I presume? It's another more recent one?
Please let it not be Callistra ... or Sheylin ... or Desna ...
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Argoni's mouth drops open when Doctor Kassi Aziril introduces herself. "Mother of Medicine, it's an honor to meet you. I've heard of some of your techniques!"
The halfling nods as the task is described. "Do we have any information on the students and their, uh, rainblessing? I suspect it's things that won't allow them to be easily hidden? We can't just put some non-descript cloaks around them and walk them out? Are these 'anti-rainblessed' searching and questioning random people on the street or is it just if anyone comes to their attention?"
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Kassi smiles at Argoni's reaction. "The honor is mine Pathfinder... " she pauses, "I don't believe I caught your name, sir."
"They are obviously terrified and scared at what the populace may do to them. The Pure Legion, as they are called, are the primary law enforcement of Rahadoum. They serve as city guards, border patrol, and keepers of the peace, but their first and most revered calling is enforcing the Laws of Mortality."
Kassi looks pained. "One of the hardest things I've had to come to terms with as a doctor is that I am, in fact, mortal. As are we all. We cannot save everyone, and we can do nothing at all if we burn ourselves to cinders trying to do the impossible. My students are my responsibility, and to see them safe is all I can ask of you. Hopefully, Captain Rufah is in a better position to assist those who will remain."
Kassi hands you a list of the students waiting for you in her lab.
Faarax Leadwood
Aymn Sono
Talha Woundsbane
Yezza
Zayyaan
Venture-Captain Obo hands you a missive.
To whichever bunch of Pathfinders winds up taking this assignment —
Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Sorry I can’t make the introductions in person but I don’t want to tip anyone in the Manaket regiment off that I’m bringing outside help into this investigation. If this supposed extremist faction does exist—which, to be fair, it might not—I doubt they’ll be able to resist the bait of a half-dozen rainblessed trying to slip out of the country of their own accord rather than waiting to be thrown out by government decree. Just keep an eye out and if you get hassled by any Pure Legionnaires who seem a little too into their job, try to get their names or, hell, knock ‘em out for all I care, and drop me a line on the slate so I know where to pick ‘em up. Good luck out there.
-- Kazima Rufah, Captain, Pure Legion Regiment of Azir
"Captain Kazima Rufah leads the Pure Legion regiment in Azir. She's been an ally of the Society for years, ever since some of our agents saved her life. She came to Manaket to perform her own investigation into this rumored Legion conspiracy, but she's been stonewalled. That's why she came to us. If you can get her proof that something's going on, whether that's witness testimony or someone to interrogate, she can act against them before they hurt anyone."
"If you need any equipment, please see the quartermaster"
Venture-Captain Obo and Kassi pull you aside. "[b]We have smuggled in the standard religious gear they'll need to act, preventing it from being claimed as contraband. They warn the PCs to keep these implements concealed, reminding them that displays of divine magic are strictly forbidden in Rahadoum.
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She then looks to the Venture Captain. Godsrain huh. I heard it's water diluting the essence of a dead God but it's not Aroden I presume? It's another more recent one?Please let it not be Callistra ... or Sheylin ... or Desna ...
"No. It was Gorum who was slain. His blood and ichor rained over all of Golarion, one coming down red, the other silver. Anything or anyone touched by the red Godsrain is infected by some of Gorum's undying lust for bloodshed, becoming violent and dangerous. Those touched by the silver Godsrain become infused with some of Gorum's divine essence and manifest divine abilities. Rainblessed is the local name for those in the second category."
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"Well then... where to first?" Miladistra ponders. "Let's go to the research lab. But first..."
Miladistra relaxes and smells the scents. Cardamon. Rosemary sprigs bloom from her head. "Alright. If you need healin' you can hold my hand. Be gentle. My Mother is a fey nymph, so this healin' comes from the natural order of the world."
She pulls out a wooden, gnarled staff. "Alright I'm ready, ya'll."
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"Oh, I'm Argoni! A pleasure to meet you!" The halfling smiles. "So to recap, we need to..." He beings to tick off thoughts on his fingers. "Get to the research lab, then secure the students and make sure they're all safe, then figure out a way to move them -- maybe some disguises, and then get them to the docks. Ideally all without alerting the Pure Legion anti-rainblessed, but if so, then subduing them gently."
Argoni thinks hard for a moment. "Am I missing anything? Maybe we can secure some disguise materials? Unless one of you can magic up a spell to do it. Hang on, I do know an alchemical concoction that might help for short spurts. The wild card might be whatever their rainblessing is. Might be harder to walk them out if they're glowing."
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"You have it just right, Pathfinder Argoni." Kassi smiles, "I wish you well."
You leave the Swordmeet Lodge and make your way though Manaket. Turning a corner, you see your first obstacle.
The way is blocked by a flock of seagulls fighting over the remains of an abandoned meal. Getting past them isn't the problem — drawing attention by disturbing them is.
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"Huh."
Miladistra casts >Speak with Animals<.
"Howdy ya'll. Could ya'll calmly and quietly leave for a few minutes? The food will still be here."
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Johnny and Luciola manage to calm the seagulls and convince them to move aside. Miladistra quietly speaks to the seagulls and they agree to move aside and let you pass.
Argoni tries to tiptoe past the seagulls but kicks a rock and sends one of the birds cawing away. Akame chucks some rations at the birds to keep them occupied but the birds aren't interested in Pathfinder rations. Jun-Mei sings a song to keep the birds fascinated while the party sneaks by. The birds raise their heads and appear to listen to the song.
As you're about to round the next corner, you hear an almighty CRASH!. The route is blocked by a head-on collision between two merchants' carts, after one lost control of their draft animal and was pulled into the oncoming lane. You could take an alternate route, but doubling back would take more time than helping the two drivers on their way.
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Akame rushes forward she touches one of the injured, causing the serpent tattoo on her arm to glow with a soft radiance, healing some of the wounds.
Using faith tattoo's daily ability to cast a 1st rank heal.
If anyone tries to make a rucks about it divine magic, she will try to convince the observers that she is an animal druid and that her powers are primal in nature.
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Argoni sees the damage and rushes to help. In no time, he has the wheels re-set and ready to go. Miladistra in the meantime heals the horses with Johnny holding them to calm them.
You continue towards the lab. Rounding another corner, you see four Pure Legionnaires standing at ease, the gold brocade on their white leather armor glimmering proudly in the faint light of dusk. Their focus rests entirely on the handsome, tawny aiuvarin man addressing them, the broad red sash across his chest clearly designating him as a commanding officer. He seems to be giving patrol orders for the evening.