Within Irrisen, Queen Anastasia has spent the better part of a decade testing the boundaries of her rulership and seeing where she can and cannot make change. After enough research and discussion with fellow leaders, she's finally decided full steam ahead on the first of many plans she has to help bring her new home to the forefront of Avistani politics. As an international organization of travelers, she's called upon the Pathfinder Society for their opinions on the platform of her new venture, looking for insights from those who have to cross over wide landscapes, however her meeting with agents and contractors goes off the rails when a group of frost goblins looking to let off some steam launch an attack conducted by a disappointed fey. The Pathfinders will need to catch those goblins and defeat the fey in order ensure that Queen Anastasia's plan doesn't get derailed into the ground!
The current assembly of Pathfinders find themselves journeying to Queen Anastasia's palace at the edge of the Hoarwood Forest in Irrisen. They have hiked through much snow, and learned how to keep themselves warm in these frigid climes.
Though they are getting close to their goal, they've had ample time to get to know each other on the road.
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The first thing everyone notices about Gitaena is her red hair, which contrasts well with her mostly black clothing. The second is her eyes, with one dark brown, the other a yellow ochre shade. Her light skin tone further suggests her parentage were a human father and a hag mother, making her a changeling.
She hails from Ustalav where her family fit in well but anywhere else would cause people to avoid them like a contagious disease. Gitaena left home on good terms with her family, although they disapproved her her joining the Pathfinders. She is 20 years old but looks younger, short, petite, and fairly attractive if one is not put off by her goth look. Her quips tend toward gallows humor and she is generally not a perky young woman, brooding sullenly and discouraging anyone from getting too close.
She wears black leather traveling pants, a black cotton shirt, a black leather jacket, and a winter traveling cloak, black (of course) with dark wolf fur on the inside, finished off with practical black hiking boots. She wears minor pieces of jewelry, silver, with some red jasper stones. She darkens her skin around her eyes, giving herself a haunted look.
She also sports a tattoo of a spider web that is mostly on the right side of her neck, but strands extend up to her ear, eye, nose, and mouth. When the center of this tattoo can be seen, it contains a black widow spider, its red hourglass contrasting with the black abdomen. At times, however, a real black widow spider can be seen on her, her witch's familiar.
For armor, she has only her hide shield, although she usually has mystic armor spell applied. She carries a staff and a sickle and hides away a small corset knife for emergencies. She has a hand crossbow and a blowgun, with some simple poisons for ranged attacks. Of course, as a witch, she also has some spells prepared and can cast a hex at will.
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The first thing anyone notices about Faethor is his namesake silver hair. Not due to any contrast, but because it is not grey; it looks as though actual silver grows from his scalp.
Beyond that, not much sticks out about him. He is of average size and looks for a human. He wears the simple robes of some small town clergyman and has a small mace at his hip.
On the trip, Faethor did not seek out conversation but didn't shy away from it if engaged. The other Pathfinders would have likely learned that he is not a priest of any sort, despite the Holy Symbol of Apsu he always wears on a rope around his neck. He is a dragon blooded sorcerer. He was raised in a monastery but it was one dedicated to Pharasma. He sought the teachings of the Wayfinder on his own once he became aware of his heritage.
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Thin, ascetic and handsome in an elfin way, Elidathas wears an impeccably tailored white suit, well-worn leather boots and a blue cape that seems to flutter in an unseen breeze at his slightest movement. His hair and eyebrows are so blond that they are almost white, giving him the impression of being much older than he is.
The bronze pectoral that hangs upon his chest marks him as a follower of Sarenrae, the Dawnflower.
"A fine day to you," he says in greeting. "I am Elidathas and I have been summoned to serve as your healer."
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Speckled fur of mottled grey on white, one of your hiking companions is a handsome kholo carrying a very large, nasty looking lash and a complement of full-figured throwing axes strapped to her belt. Her clothes plain, sufficient, and layered enough to contain body heat in the frigid climate, she walks with purpose throw the snow, sticking her tongue out now and again to capture a few snowflakes.
"Though I know not magic, I am a warrior, and my Vow is my power. I will ensure that each of you makes it to your destinations intact" Drawn to the sweet smell of her breath, you find conversation with Beezhul along the way to be pleasant to the senses, even if her tone is overserious at times.
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.
You have ample time to ask preliminary questions while Calix Balakin (male dromaar former Pathfinder) escorts you.
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Gitaena walks silently with the group, slowing at points to look more closely at the portraits, curious if the queens she read were dethroned in some struggle after an attempt by one of them to inflict eternal winter on the rest of Golarian. She tries to remember their names, and comes up with Elvanna and Yelizaveta. She also watches for anything about Baba Yaga and her hut, about which she has heard many bedtime stories, detailing her many infamous acts of cruelty.
Before getting to the queen's chamber, Gitaena catches up to Calix and asks, "Traditionally, I understand the queens of Irissen are traditionally witches, daughters of the Witch Queen. Is this also true of the current queen?"
"Is the queen okay? Um... Do we have to run?" she draws her weapons, expecting the worst "Ok, I'm coming!" picking up the pace to meet the moment.
Calix chuckles and makes a calming motion with his hand.
It is nothing like that. We probably shouldn't be waving our weapons around in here. There is no need. She simply has an idea and she requested the help of the Pathfinders.
Faethor follows with his hands clasped over his stomach. He takes in the extravagant decor with a small amount of interest.
”So I take it you aren't sure why we were invited either?”
No, I'm quite aware. It's probably best that she explain it herself he answers as they round another corner.
Before getting to the queen's chamber, Gitaena catches up to Calix and asks, "Traditionally, I understand the queens of Irissen are traditionally witches, daughters of the Witch Queen. Is this also true of the current queen?"
Recall Knowledge, Soceity]1d20 + 7
He gives Gitaena an appreciative look of one who's done their homework and smiles slightly.
As fantastical as the tradition in Irissen is, her story is entirely unique and an experience that is hard to fathom for many of us. Her Majesty hails from a distant planet where she was princess to a royal family. Through a complex series of events that are not mine to tell, she was brought here by a group of adventurers and has ruled as Winter Queen for a little over a decade now. If you're polite and speak plainly, she'll have no reason to dislike you.
Calix leads the group 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. 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.
Her fingers trace an invisible line that presumably imagines the described path of the vehicle.
The resources and technology of Earth are not the same as that of Golarion, and so we don't expect trains to be the same either. In fact, we can give little more direction on how it should work. That is why we have assembled a host of minds and peoples from across the Inner Sea to offer their ideas. You, as Pathfinders who have seen all parts of Golarion and know its peoples, are to help us judge which proposal has the most potential to succeed.
She pauses a moment and looks to you for questions.
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Gitaena is first off a bit star-struck to be in the presence of the queen of the realm long renowned for powerful witches. She wonders if Anastasia is herself a witch, but she is not about to ask at this point.
Gitaena wonders if she is the right person for the job. Her main skill in crafting things is as a weaver, which she doesn't think will be much help with the device described. Her first thought would be to perhaps harness the power of fire elementals, but she is not experienced enough with magic to understand how to do that.
She keeps silent for now.
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Faethor sits in thought for a moment trying to imagine such a contraption. He can't do it.
”A single device pulled an entire stream of carriages made of iron? With no magic? I cannot fathom such a thing. I don't doubt Your Majesty that it works but I'm not sure I can be much help, I can't even picture it.”
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Elidathas, who knows nothing of machines or technology, but has seen many strange things in the Pathfinder Society, listens intently. He is fascinated that the Queen claims to be from another world. His own people's legends tell of their arrival on Golarion from far distant Castrovel, so he doesn't have any reason to doubt she's telling the truth. 'Earth' sounds like a dull name for a planet, though.
Nonetheless, he is mindful of his manners and speaks only when it is clear that he is invited to do so.
"Your Majesty, have you seen any of the candidate devices? Do any of them seem to you more like your noble father's 'train' than the others?"
Faethor sits in thought for a moment trying to imagine such a contraption. He can't do it.
”A single device pulled an entire stream of carriages made of iron? With no magic? I cannot fathom such a thing. I don't doubt Your Majesty that it works but I'm not sure I can be much help, I can't even picture it.”
As we said, think of it as a group of linked carriages in a line, that is pulled along a prescribed path, Anastasia offers. "The carriages were called ‘cars,' each of which was quite large and could house twenty people or more. She pauses for a moment before clarifying, Twenty human-sized people, that is. When we rode in them, they had small rooms and hallways inside them to accommodate many separate groups traveling in the same vehicle. They were limited to moving across a pair of iron tracks, like a road all to itself.
"Your Majesty, have you seen any of the candidate devices? Do any of them seem to you more like your noble father's 'train' than the others?"
I have not seen them yet. That's what you're to help with.
You may know some facts about Irrisen and its local politics. Let's see...
Eladithas and Gitaena know that 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.
If there are no more questions, you may proceed to the courtyard and peruse the various designs and speak to the designers.
Calix leads you into the courtyard, where six groups of representatives are putting the finishing touches on their trains.
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Gitaena senses a kindred spirit in the coven matriarch, so she approaches the group. Her black widow familiar is watching from her cheek, near her spider web tattoo. "Beautiful dress," Gitaena says, with what she hopes is a warm complement for a cold region. She waits to gauge her reaction before saying more.
Unsure who Beezhul is addressing, the Packmaster goes ahead and responds.
Rrrrr, you can surely help by observing our construction and giving us feedback!
It's clear that the growls are a habitual part of their speech and not hostile.
The design appears to be a sled with a harness up front for some animal to pull.
Danixki looks around at all of the unfocused members of their pack.
Grrrr, or maybe you could just rouse them so that there's hope they catch some interest in helping!
The matriarch pointedly ignores Gitaena, quickly looking away and pretending she doesn't notice the fellow witch. Gitaena is pretty sure she hears the matriarch scoff under her breath.
Lieutenant Surkzin of the Oprak Engineering Corps salutes Faethor as he approaches.
This had better be how it is supposed to look or else our design is incorrect! She gives a sharp glance to her subordinates who avoid eye contact and stay busy at their tasks.
Her speech is direct and clipped, but is nonetheless eager to show the Pathfinders her designs. The rest of the hobgoblins in her party then enclose around Faethor, facing outward and scanning the horizon.
We are ready. Please, evaluate our design and give your report on it!
Yes, nature and natural magic. Well met Pathfinder. I am Siraya. I am a representative of the people of the Feyfrost.
She speaks in a soft voice that shares the tone of leaves shifting in the wind. She repeats Elidathas' name, as if trying to commit it to memory. Most notably she seems to evade his direct question.
More than that, Faethor begins to understand their use of planar portals.
Yes. What is your opinion on our use of that technique?
She looks at him expectantly.
The witchwarg packmaster (athletics, intimidation, nature, survival; RP 0/3)
The fey lady (deception, nature, performance; RP 0/5)
The planar engineer (arcana, nature, crafting, society; RP 1/4): Faethor+
The dwarvest machinist (???)
The coven matriarch (???): ego blocked (DC 16 Diplomacy/Deception/Society)
each PC may only attempt one research check per group
Attempts are tracked as such to be easily added up:
++ Crit success+ success
= failure
- crit failure
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Beezhul nods to Danixki.
She starts with allowing a sniff of her hand, and a pat on their head, the first pup. The second, third... last. And sits down next to them. Several minutes pass as the stillness of their energies are joined.
When suddenly, out of nowhere, the kholo playfully pounces one of them!
Beezhul certainly wakes up Danixki's pack from their passive stupor. She's not sure if it will lead to productive participation, but it is what the packmaster asked for!
They give Beezhul and appreciative nod and begin offering tasks to the pack.
The lieutenant seems a little surprised for such a brief assessment, but she quickly nods and salutes to Faethor.
We thank you! We will keep on it.
She turns and doubles down on driving her subordinates.
Unfortunately Gitaena isn't able to immediately break through the Matriarch's cold barrier. She continues to not acknowledge the Pathfinder.
However, Faethor's praise certainly catches her ear. She looks between Faethor and Gitaena.
Now this one has a good eye she exclaims in a haughty bellow.
Unfortunately this ingenuity will be wasted on this child's whimsy of a project. She certainly doesn't hide her derision for the Queen's initiative.
And why are all of you needed here? Have you built one of these before? The Jadwiga are more than capable of creating such a device.
Who will the Pathfinders evaluate next?
The witchwarg packmaster (athletics, intimidation, nature, survival; RP 1/3): Beezhul+
The fey lady (deception, nature, performance; RP 0/5)
The planar engineer (arcana, nature, crafting, society; RP 1/4): Faethor+
The dwarvest machinist (???)
The coven matriarch (arcana, diplomacy, nature; RP 0/5)
each PC may only attempt one research check per group
Attempts are tracked as such to be easily added up:
++ Crit success+ success
= failure
- crit failure
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Gitaena glares for a moment at the matriarch's attitude, although it is an attitude she is used to receiving. She tries again to curry favor, although she has to work at not letting the annoyance at having to do this show in her comments.
"Well, a model based on the famous Dancing Hut of the Queen of Witches does make sense for Irissen. It would just be a matter of applying the arcane logic of the hut to this new type of vehicle."
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Gitaena next approaches the group of dwarfs led by Invinder Greaseblood. "Hello. If anyone can design a machine, I would expect it would be you lot. I've heard you have tracks in your mines for moving ore. Surely that could be applied here, just on a bigger scale. What are those cylinders on the sides of the cars?"
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Beezhul leaves the cubs, having started a tumblefight.
She heads over to the The Fey Lady, Siraya, and explains "I can't speak much to this model you hold, but I might be able to share some spiritual insight, here:" she pulls off a necklace made of bones, plucks one, and hands it to her "This finger joint is from a Druid named Kip who was bent on destroying a Goblin Bridge, enchanting lions and leopards to do her work. I think we can use the spiritual momentum contained in these bones, and reverse them by setting an intention, and meditating on it. What do you think?"
Exactly, and there are none better than the Jadwiga to apply that arcane logic to this design.
The matriarch seems increasingly pleased with the Pathfinders' appreciation of her techniques as Gitaena seems to have completed removed her frustrations for now.
The dwarf greets Gitaena with a big smile when she approaches.
Well met Pathfinder! he booms. I'm Ivinder Greaseblood, and have been sent by King Anong Arunak of Dongun Hold with this team of engineers. You'll find I'm an expert on the use of gunpowder and combustion for explosive works. Though I must say, I normally employ them for destruction and this... is a different challenge. Entertaining at least.
He glances at his in-progress train model and let's a chuckle slip at the thought.
Anyhow, the cylinders at the side are for explosive propulsion! What do you think? What other questions or observations do you have?
He gives Gitaena his warmest smile through the grease splotches on his face.
Siraya appears fully engaged in Beezhul's idea, but seems to be entertained by taking it as a bit of a tall tale.
That sounds amazing, she giggles in her breezy light voice, but I don't think passengers would be willing to wait on the conductor to meditate to make their train move! Rather, one can imbue the train cars with primal enchantment so that they "come to life" in the way that amuses you earthly mortals so much. In fact as I departed the Feyfrost to present this design I caused quite a stir between the fey-lords who desire that cars or whole trains be named for them in exchange for the permanent enchantments!
You get the sense that responding with her own story was equally or more satisfying to her, but all the same you've ingratiated yourself with the fey lady.
The witchwarg packmaster (athletics, intimidation, nature, survival; RP 1/3): Beezhul+
The fey lady (deception, nature, performance; RP 1/5): Beezhul+
The planar engineer (arcana, nature, crafting, society; RP 1/4): Faethor+
The dwarven machinist (crafting, medicine, society; RP 0/4)
The coven matriarch (arcana, diplomacy, nature; RP 1/5): Gitaena+
each PC may only attempt one research check per group
Attempts are tracked as such to be easily added up:
++ Crit success+ success
= failure
- crit failure
--------------------
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Gitaena looks over the dwarves' models as Ivinder explains his plan. "King Anong continues to reach out to the world after years of hiding underground, or so I've learned from my studies. Will she attempt to keep aspects of this design secret to trade with Irissen in return for mechanics who know the secrets keeping the trains running on time? Or will the secrets be sold for a high but fair price? I know there are those in your circle of influence who frown on divesting such secrets at all."
Gitaena fears she may have gotten some of her assumptions wrong. Maybe her uncle Ratchet's library was out of date.
Gitaena senses from his reaction that she presumed a bit much, and that the dwarf doesn't want to get into such topics in detail.
I think King Anong knows best what to do with the results we develop here. I wouldn't presume to speak ahead of her judgements. Besides, it's far more interesting to talk about the construction we see in front of us, no?