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1) I am based in Southeast Asia (UTC +8) so my posting hours may be unusual (especially for those in North America). I usually update at least one or twice per day. Just to keep the game moving, please post at least once every day and at least once during the weekend.
2) Please keep all posts and communication in all channels limited to a PG-13 level and be both positive and inclusive.
3) Please label all three of your actions. Even if you think what you are doing is obvious.
4) If I am unavailable for longer than 24 hours, I will let you know in the Discussion Tab. Out of respect for your fellow players and myself, I ask that you do the same. Real life happens, and real life will always take priority over the game, but out of fairness for your fellow players, please let us know if you will be unavailable for an extended period of time.
5) Please note that on the following days, my posting can get unpredictable:
Tuesday/Thursdays - all day, as they are the 2 busiest days of my work week
6) Please complete the Macros and the Slides linked at the top of the page.
7) Questions, concerns? Feel free to share them in the Discussion tab.
8) Let's have some fun and tell a great story together! After all, that's what we are here for.
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A jovial kholo, unarmed, unkempt, and clad only in robes, comes rushing in, dripping wet and with a large surf board under his arm. "Sorry to be late, sorry to be late! Wouldn't you know that the evening prayers ran long *again*! I barely had a chance to catch just a couple of waves but oh man were they sweeet! But here I am, better late than never I hope you'll suppose, and ready to do my best in your service, of that you can have no doubt! Tai Ghee they call me over here, on account of my birth name bein' a jaw breaker, I can't deny it, but then that's how gnoll mamas show their love, and after how papa broke her heart - " an uncharacteristic scowl crosses the monk's face - "well, I guess it's no wonder she carried a wee kholo grudge an' taught me the fine arts of fighting before she sent me to get some discipline and perfect them fighting arts, which I can't say as I've quite *perfected* 'em, but I sure do like to practice 'em! Fighting and surfing, surfing and fighting, the great joys of life, I always say! And needles too, of course! Anyone need a little stress relief?" He asks, brandishing a collection of acupuncture needles.
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"Greetings everyone and well met. My name is Thulle Poche, and a I am an academic specialising in the occult, the undead and the supernatural. I have spent many years studying these entities as a passion of mine and I've been able to use my knowledge to further the Society in areas they might not have been able to before."
Thulle is dressed like a classical academic. "In the field, (combat) I am best at buffing my teammates and debuffing the enemy. But still, I remain versatile."
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Tai Ghee happily shows off the surfboard to Herkemer and anyone else who wants to discuss the finer points of catching waves. It doesn't take much to note that the board is rather dinged up, with notches and gouges that seem unlikely to have been caused by the ocean but Tai just laughs when it is pointed out. "Oh yeah, well, whatcha gonna do, there's dangers everywhere it seems..."
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Trying to be quiet, a 6' 250#, forest green w/golden highlights metal man walks into the room. It's single, slightly glowing Ruby eye scanning the room. It's green hooded cloak opens as he lowers the hood. "I am called Bustral. I am an emissary for Grundur's Trinkets and Toys. An Inventor's guild and showroom of all types of clockwork toys and trinkets. My companion, Little Sparky, here...." gesturing to the creature beside him, " were invited to join you in our first Pathfinder adventure."
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Entering the room behind Bustral is a medium-sized clockwork scorpion, with small scattered bursts of electricity skirting across it's surface. Forest green and dark yellow camouflage colors it's metal service. A similarly colored netting barely covers the small pile of supplies on it's back.
"Beep, whir, clink, clank, whir, boop."
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A weak sun glows faintly over the well-appointed courtyard surrounding royal summer estate of Queen Anastasia. Located a scant two miles from the western edge of Irrisen's Hoarwood Forest, the relatively modest manor has served as a quiet meeting place for many queens with business too sensitive for the machinations of Whitethrone. The warmth of the Irriseni summer has left the snow only ankle deep, with scant patches of frozen dirt and decayed pine needles littering the grounds. An impressive singular fountain stands in the center of the courtyard, the flow of water strong enough to prevent it from freezing over. Any noise it might generate is easily lost in almost a dozen different conversations dancing around from the several distinct groups, each parked in their own secretive corner of the grounds. Greeting all who enter the gates of the estate is a handsome young dromaar, impeccably dressed in a suit of icy blue and purple silks, complemented by a pair of dark leather gloves and a thin collar of white wolf fur. After greeting the others, he steps forward, giving a practiced bow that would put the politest Taldan courtier to shame.
"Good morning, Pathfinders," he says in a deep, calm, rumble. "I am Calix, advisor and gracious servant to Her Majesty Queen Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, Fifteenth Winter Queen of Irrisen, Mistress of Thronehold, and your host for this historical event. Prior to this post, I was a member of the Pathfinder Society and translator for my cousin, Venture- Captain Bjersig Torrsen. Her Majesty is awaiting your arrival with great anticipation. Given the vagueness of your invite, I am sure you have much to discuss with her. If you would be so kind as to follow me, we will endeavor to answer whatever questions we can."
The inside of the estate is a maze of winding corridors and antechambers, each filled with finery such as gilded chandeliers and portraits of previous Winter Queens. Calix leads you in a straight path through the courtyard, past the fountain and up the polished marble and slate steps of the estate. After a few hallways and turns he pauses at a door carved out of blackened oak. The dromaar knocks ceremoniously before swinging it open and bowing deep in a single, effortless motion.
"Your Majesty, the analysts from the Pathfinder Society, as supplied by Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen, have arrived." Calix raises his head to peer into the room. After seeming to confirm something, he stands and motions to be followed. The room beyond is a spaciously appointed council chamber, complete with a meeting table made from lacquered cedar with matching chairs to seat a dozen. From a chair toward the center of the table rises Winter Queen Anastasia. A slim human woman with an ageless quality, her grace and complexion mark her as very young, while the streak of ice white hair and naturally weary cast to her face hold years of strife. She wears an elegant dress of deep blue, hemmed with white and cerulean, and an angular crown made of solid ice.
"Welcome, Pathfinders," she says, giving a shallow curtsy. "[b]We apologize for the lack of information, we asked Venture- Captain Torrsen to keep his dispatch to you brief. Allow us to reveal why you're here. Our father ruled over a very large nation on our home planet of Earth. We didn't have any magic to speak of, such as you are accustomed to here, so to travel great distances we devised all manner of technologies from steel and other resources. One of these was our father's great passion, an invention called the ‘train.' It was like a linked stream of iron carriages that moved along a track, pulled by a device of fire and smoke at the front. We wish to bring this wonder to the people of Irrisen, and later, we hope, to the rest of Golarion.
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Herkemer looks around at the opulence in the manor, so far resisting the urge to pocket a few of the beautiful objects so near at hand. "Herkemer Halfshanks, at your service," he says performing a clumsy sweeping bow. Herk seems to be a bit mesmerized by the lovely but cold ice queen.
"Another planet?" he asks with a bit of dreamy air.
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"Greetings and well met."
As Bustral listens his eye seems to glow slightly brighter and he looks back and forth between Little Sparky and the speaker.
"As Emissary of Grundur's Trinkets and Toys, and an Inventor of mechanical items myself...", he says, gesturing to Little Sparky as he does,"...the description of this Train sounds intriguing indeed. I look forward to seeing the device."
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It's a pleasure to meet you Queen Anatasia. I've heard and read all about you but it is an honour to have a mission on your behalf. My name is Thulle and I am from further north, but I have had to travel a lot of places for my studies. A train would have definitely come in handy earlier on in my career.
Whilst I am more studied in the supernatural, I am also aware of what the hard sciences and inventions can bring. That said, I have a few questions.
Would the development of the train be for mainly transporting people or goods or? What are your main aims with rolling out this method?
And have there been any local politics for or against it? May be helpful to know if anyone else may have motives around development.
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"Well this 'train' can be used for transporting both people or goods. We've invited members from the dwarven sky-citadel of Dongun Hold, an expert in elemental binding magic from Rahadoum, a team of Oprak's engineering corps, a pack of Irriseni winterwargs, and of course some local fey from the Feyfrost to ensure their voices were heard," Anastasia replies. "We were also ob–"
Calix politely raises a gloved hand and interrupts. "It was also Her Majesty's honor to include Coven Matriarch Szvetneera of the Wintercrux Sisterhood, an esteemed winter witch who will no doubt bring the storied perspective of the Jadwiga to this process." The dromaar gives a guarded look to Anastasia before continuing. "They each have very... unique ideas for the implementation of the train and it is Her Majesty's wish you give each of them fair and impartial consideration." Your Majesty seems very excited for this project.
Queen Anastasia's eyes take on a dreamy look. "What are our aims? Why, to try to make life easier for the people of Golarion, of course. We can start here, where it is difficult to travel. Once we solve that problem, we can proceed to introduce our train to the rest of Golarion!"
As Queen Anastasia talks of her grand project, some of you remember certain things about your current host...
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After speaking to Queen Anastasia, Calix leads you to the courtyard where the various contractors are putting finishing touches on their models. Calix hands you a list of who are here:
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Tai Ghee shuffles uneasily as they meet the Queen. He's not used to such grand people and somehow his surfboard seems slightly out of place. He does recall a bit about her which he quietly mentions to his comrades when they are out of earshot:
"Queen Anastasia was born on a distant world and brought to Golarion by adventurers just over ten years ago; she has served as Irrisen's queen ever since. She brought with her many strange ideas, as her home world had only humans and no magic. She has spent her time on the throne attempting to improve Irrisen's reputation on the international stage, though she has been met with resistance from the more traditional winter witches."
Sensing perhaps some primordial kinship with the Wargs, the Kholo monk heads towards that group first. "Hey dudes, whatcha got there? Is that one of those drains I've been hearing about? I'm awful curious to know more, for the life a me I can't figger how an improved drainage system is gonna solve all the problems o' Golarion. But I guess that's why I ain't in charge o' such matters! But where's me manners? Tai Ghee they call me and I'm awful glad to make yer acquaintance. Anythin' I kin do t' help?"
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Sensing a sort of kinship with the Dwarves due to his time in Alkenstar, Bustral and Little Sparky approaches The Dwarven Machinist. "Greetings and well met. I am Bustral of Grundur's Trinkets and Toys in Alkenstar. This is my companion, Little Sparky. If you don't mind me asking, I am curious about your model."
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Herkemer heads to the Coven Matriarch, who looks down her nose at him like he's an insignificant insect. "I'll have you know that I only respond to my full title, which is COVEN MATRIARCH SZVETNEERA, which is what you will address me by. Now then, I will allow you to try again."
***
Jack and Old Glim head over to the arcanist, who appears to be shivering uncontrollably, stamping his feet and griping about the cold.
"Too cold here! Yes! If you could get rid of this stupid weather, I would be most grateful!"
***
Tai Ghee walks up to the wargs. The leader steps forward and identifies himself as Danixki. "I once encountered Anastasia as a pup while the queen was on a nighttime ride. She was kind and dignified to us."
Their speech is punctuated with snarls and grumbles as if they are constantly hungry, eyes darting around in a light frenzy. Despite this, they're overly polite, creating an unnerving dichotomy.
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Thulle walks up to the hobgoblin. "Well met, I am Lieutenant Surkzin of the Oprak Engineering Corps." She snaps into a position of attention and salutes the party. Her speech is direct and clipped, but is nonetheless eager to show the Pathfinders her designs. The rest of the hobgoblins in her party enclose around the group, facing outward and scanning the horizon.
***
Bustral heads over to speak to the dwarf. The dwarf appears to be arguing with his team about some sort of lubricant. Bustral manages to catch his attention and he enthusiastically heads over to talk about his design. "Ivinder Greaseblood! I've been sent by King Anong Arunak of Dongun Hold with a team of engineers. My expertise is on the use of gunpowder and combustion for explosive works. I find using explosives to power this 'train' an entertaining challenge. At least it's a different usage, eh?"
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Herkemer is taken aback at first by the domineering matron. But he regains his composure and begins with a little flattery, and an attempt to see what the coven has planned.
"Well met, Coven Matriarch. I see you are as lovely as ever today. I am sure your design is far superior to anyone else's present, but may I see it to admire its excellence?"
meh...
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Tai Ghee roughhouses with the wargs and bonds with them. ()
***
Coven Matriarch Szvetnerra stares disdainfully at Herk. "Take your flattery elsewhere before I have my guards beat you senseless." she says arrogantly.
***
Jack tries to build a fire but the kindling turns out to be too damp. However, Old Glim's calming voice causes him to forget the weather and excitedly talk about his contribution.
"Firozet Botosar of Rahadoum, at your service! I'm known for using elemental powers to power machinery! Have a look! Have a look at my design and tell me that it's the best and most efficient way to move!!"
***
Bustral is skeptical that gunpowder won't just blow the train sky high but remains quiet about it.
***
Thulle asks questions about hobgoblin society and gains some insight into what makes them tick.
Arcanist -
Wargs - 1/3
Dwarven Machinist - 1/4
Planar Engineer - 1/4
Fey Lady -
Matriarch -
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Tai Ghee wanders over to chat with the Dwarven Machinist. "These explosives look very interesting. I'm sure you can have a lot of fun with them..." Tai Ghee pauses and looks pointedly at the missing fingers on the dwarf's hand. "But you've got to be prepared for accidents. Have you ever heard of acupuncture? Did you know that poking your injuries with needles will make them hurt less? Want me to show you?"
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Cowed a bit by the haughty stance of the coven matriarch, Herkemer tries again, this time he takes a different tack.
"Dismiss me if you must but I am a judge of the designs brought in by the Ice Queen herself, and you must not want your designs reviewed as these others are. It makes no difference to me, I am sure you won't win anyway..."
He is trying to fool into showing her designs to him and answering his questions.
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Thulle sees her teammates having major issues with Coven so she will try to help, using her scientific approach to breaking the ice.
"Greetings Coven Matriarch. I am an academic by trade, studying the undead and the supernatural for longer than some have been alive. I understand you don't have a model present. Do you have something else in development? I am always curious about different approaches to problems, as my trade demands it, so I'd like to pick your mind on how you plan on solving the transit problem. What ideas do you have that might vary from others here? In many years of study, sometimes the solution is what you cannot see."
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Bustral slowly approaches the Fey Lady, stopping 8' away and stooping into a low, elegant (as best he can) bow. "Good evening fair lady, I am called Bustral. My companion, Little Sparky, and I would like to join you if we may, but I was concerned our bodies might cause you discomfort.", as he gestures to Little Sparky and himself, "We are with the Pathfinder Delegation. If it would be ok with you, I would like to ask you about your contribution to this endeavor"
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Firozet looks pleased at Old Glim's and Herk's interest in his design. He explains his design excitedly.
"Through gentle applications of planar binding, minor elementals of air and fire can be used to create superheated air. This in turn is directed out through a large vent in the back of the train, causing a horizontal push that will propel the train."
****
Thulle approaches the Matriarch. "Hmmpf. It's about time you all recognized my status as superior to you all. I suppose I can take the time to talk to you about my design."
"Remove this peasant from my sight!" she snaps, ordering her guards to chase Herk away...
****
Tai Ghee discusses the benefits of acupuncture with Ivinder, who looks interested at the concept of needles alleviating pain.
Ivinder then launches into a technobabble-filled spiel about his design. Essentially, the gist of his spiel involves repeated, controlled explosions will send force out the back of the train, propelling it forward. He gestures to a dwarf with harsh burns down the length of their arm and insists they have tested it.
****
Bustral walks up to the fey lady. She turns and smiles at him. "Well met, Pathfinder, I am Siraya. I represent the folk of the Feyfrost. You are Bustral, you say?" She repeats your name, as if trying to commit it to memory.
****
Arcanist - 2/4
Wargs - 1/3
Dwarven Machinist - 2/4
Planar Engineer - 1/4
Fey Lady -
Matriarch -
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A bit hesitantly after seeing her harsh reaction to Thulle, Tai Ghee puts his hand on his hireling's shoulder and heads over to chat with the Coven Matriarch. The hireling speaks to her with the sort of confidence that only a hireling has... "Milady, my employer Tai Ghee here has asked me to speak with you to learn of your interest in surfing. He is hopeful that this may be a passion that the two of you share and if so he would be most interested in discussing the joys and perils of catching the big waves..."
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Old Glim continues to examine the elementally-powered train: "My goodness. And does it roll down a typical road? Do the elementals need to eat anything? What happens when you get to the destination?"
Glim continues, "Are these tiny runes the bindings? They are expertly etched."
[dice=Thievery]1d20+8
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Herkemer is delighted to be of some help to the arcanist. He moves over to the Dwarven machinist, who has already welcomed some others. [b]"Tell me, Ivinder, how do you think your invention will be integrated into regular life here in the frozen north? I expect many people will flock to it abl to ride and stay warm rather than cross the frozen wastes on foot.