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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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The marble-paved circle at Breachill’s center has become an armed encampment. The tall bronze statue of the city’s founder impassively watches shouting officers of the Steel Falcon readying their formations for battle. Engineers carefully stack ammunition alongside enormous bombards. Nearby, Pathfinder agents hurry to and from Venture-Captain Brackett, preparing for the upcoming struggle.
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An imposing figure astride a magnificent white horse arrives at the scene. He surveys the surroundings like a seasoned commander assessing a battlefield before smoothly dismounting. With quiet confidence and unmistakable pride, he introduces himself to all who stand nearby.
"I am Yohann of Arch, a Pathfinder Agent of the Pathfinder Society, Hellknight in service to Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, under the Order of Nail, and Tarnbreaker Champion of the Balgirdtrek in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. Kabayo and I are ready for the mission."
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Emerging from the ocean’s deepest trenches is a merfolk who bridges the worlds of sea and land. She can communicate with animals and calls upon her loyal companions, Lolong the crocodile and Butanding the shark, to aid her in missions both above and below the waves. Calm and perceptive, she draws strength from nature, guiding her actions with the instincts of the wild and the secrets of the deep.
Motivated by the desire to maintain balance between land and sea, she often intervenes when humans threaten fragile ecosystems or when unnatural creatures invade her waters. Yet she is also curious, eager to learn the ways of the surface world and uncover mysteries buried in ancient ruins or forgotten shipwrecks.
“The sea whispers of imbalance,” she says to everyone, her voice carrying both serenity and warning. “I, Dyesebel, have come to see what threatens it and to set things right.”
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A smallish grippli sits cross-legged against the base of the statue. He positions his longbow at an angle resting on the floor and uses his extended tongue to lick the taut string repetitively but with measured care. He inspects his work occasionally and waits for any sense of who he will be working with in the tumultuous crowd.
Hey! My name is G'look, I am pleased to meet you! -- He practices in his head as he waits, noting the first two arrivals.
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Slipping his way through the chaotic surroundings with the practiced grace of someone who is quite used to such. A white furred Amurrun in simple leather armor, dyed to be sky blue, approaches the group. The only weapon visible on him, if you can call it that, being a simple iron gauntlet, or maybe a cage, around his left paw, with three small prongs curving outward into wicked points, like permanently extended claws.
Taking sudden note of the venture captain, he makes his way towards the party, before cocking his head some as he notes Yohann of Arch. A hell-knight? To which side he will ultimately be loyal, I wonder? Quickly recovering, he will take a moment to give everyone a short bow, the greeting combining with his accent as he straightens, denoting his hailing from far-off Tian-Xia.
"Greetings to each of you. It is my honor to be amongst you on this... Most interesting of days. I am known by many names, but most in the Society simply call me Korrin." He almost seems to purr the 'r' sound deep in his throat, making it difficult to sus out the exact, intended, pronunciation.
Pausing just long enough to let one wonder, as though he does so often, and has practiced his timing, he then continues. "I hope we are most successful on this day, and may retire to a communal drink between us, to share in our success once it is done."
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The marble circle at Breachill’s heart rang with the sharp cadence of commands and the grinding roll of artillery wheels. Amid stacked shot and bristling pikes, a figure in plum and silver moved with deliberate calm. A woman stepped across the polished stone as though entering a lecture hall rather than a battlefield. Her wide-brimmed hat cast a composed shadow over thoughtful amber eyes, and the silver-threaded trim of her cloak caught the glint of torchlight. A mask-shaped pendant rested at her throat, gleaming faintly with restrained arcane power.
A thin crackle of blue light traced briefly along her gloved fingertips before vanishing. She approached the cluster of Pathfinder agents near Venture-Captain Brackett, posture elegant, expression steady. “Fleur Belacour,” she introduced herself, voice clear but unhurried.
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Izahko walks toward the group with a quiet, practiced grace. His sky-blue leather armor stands out against the dusty chaos of the square. He gives a short, polite bow to the others and offers a small, sharp-toothed smile as he introduce himself.
"Greetings to each of you. It is an honor to be among you on this... most interesting of days," he says, his voice deep "most in the Society simply call me Izahko at your service."
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The venture-captain wipes his brow and drinks from a canteen. "Good morning, Pathfinders! I hope you're rested. It's going to be a long day. You might be a bit nervous seeing all the preparations, and I don't blame you. We're here to challenge Cheliax and the Hellknights for the town. But you're still fresh from your confirmations, so I don't expect you to join directly in the battle." Brackett produces a hand-drawn map of Breachill with several locations marked across the Breach Creek to the north. "We're working with Andoran's Steel Falcons on this mission. They've secured the town south of the creek that divides it. Most Hellknights have retreated to Citadel Altaerein northeast of town, but a few holdouts, fiends, and mercenaries remain in the north half of Breachill. I spoke to Greta Gardania from the town council. They've had a tough time under the Hellknight's occupation, and many townspeople are trapped, short on supplies, or too afraid to get to safety. That's where you come in. I want you to cross the creek and check three of the locations I've marked on the map. I'll send others to check the ones you don't. Help the townspeople and convince them to come with you back here. Prioritize their safety."
He pauses, looking over the gathered army-the Eagle Knights sharp in their blue uniforms, banners waving and bright, steel gleaming in the sunlight of the cloudless day. "Marvelous, isn't it? It reminds me of tapestries I've seen of the Shining Crusade, brave knights in all their splendor." He turns away from the scene. "The machinations of fiends brought us here, but mortals will do the fighting, and on a scale beyond what most of us can imagine. Be careful, Pathfinders. Just get yourself and the civilians back here alive."
"Any questions?"
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Ko-Rin spends most of the debrief stretching and limbering up, clearly expecting to need to do some level of intense physical activity during the events. He then pauses for a moment to consider Yohann again, before speaking up. "Just curious, but are we expected to join in the efforts to clear the... Occupiers... From Breachhill as well? Or are we purely an escort service for trapped civilians?"
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"You'll be mostly escorting civilians out. We've identified three locations for you to visit and escort out. Removing the hellknights will be the job of the Steel Falcons so we urge you to avoid conflict as much as possible. Any other questions? Make sure you stop by the quartermaster for your provision before you head into the city. There won't be much time to do otherwise."
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“Marvelous?” Dyesebel thinks quietly to herself. "The forging of steel and endless machines has already scarred rivers and darkened the waters."
She turns to Venture-Captain Brackett, her expression calm but firm. “War on land does not remain on land. It seeps into rivers, poisons streams, and drives creatures from their homes. If reclaiming Breachill will help end this conflict and protect the waters, then my animal companions and I will lend our strength to your cause.”
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"Good. Good. If there's nothing else, you can be on your way."
As you prepare to leave, a studious, impeccably dressed goblin carrying several scrolls and wearing silver jewelry hurries toward the venture-captain. Warbal Bumblebrasher is worried about missing members of the Bumblebrasher goblin tribe that until recently lived in Citadel Altaerein. Most of the tribe escaped to town, but some remained in the citadel.
"The Pathfinder Society and Venture-Captain Brackett, yes? Jorsk Hinterclaw said to speak with you. My name is Warbal, ambassador for the Bumblebrashers of Citadel Altaerein to Breachill. Most Bumblebrashers fled when the Hellknights came, but Chief Helba and a few others remained behind. With the battle about to start, is there anything you can do to help them?"
The venture-captain grimaces at the complication. "I can't make any promises, but I'll ensure my agents know to watch for your people once we're past the walls." He turns to the departing team. "While you're out there, keep your ears open for anything that might help the Bumblebrashers." Warbal thanks the Pathfinders and tells them to say "Cousin Warbal" sent them if they meet Chief Helba or other Bumblebrashers, so they know the Pathfinders are friends.
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"Cheliax is an absolute monarchy located on the southwestern coast of Avistan, ruled by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II. Our national religion is diabolism, and our country models its government on the bureaucracy of Hell." Yohann tells them with pride.
"Breachill, on the other hand, is a small town in the northeast of Isger. It's a prosperous community with an elected council and a monthly tradition of hiring adventurers to manage any unusual problems the town is facing. My order, the Hellknight Order of the Nail, built Citadel Altaerein outside Breachill but left 42 years ago for Citadel Vraid in Korvosa. The abandoned fortress was known as Hellknight Hill to the locals. Various creatures have inhabited it, most recently the Bumblebrashers goblin tribe and a group of adventurers." he adds with emphasis that he belongs to that Order.
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Noting Yohan's evident pride, Ko-Rin decides to ask the question he has debated on from the start. "Yohann of Arch... Perhaps it is impertinent to ask, but I feel it important none-the-less... If our group of individuals should be opposed by fellow Hellknights. Maybe even fellow members of your Order... With whom will you stand?... I know it is a difficult question, and I understand any reticence you may have... But I feel it important to know, if you can answer."
Ko-Rin spends the entire time finishing up his warm-ups. Showing no sign of defensiveness or aggression as he asks the question. As though his only concern is truly to know, should the moment arise, if Yohann will be friend... Or foe...
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Venture Captain Brackett snaps his fingers, remembering. "My apologies, Pathfinders, I forgot to give you some extra provisions." He hands over a pair of minor healing potions, along with a MAP of Breachill.
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Fleur turns to the others, her tone shifting into the measured cadence of a scholar clarifying context before a lecture.
“The Hellknights are mortal mercenary orders who model themselves on the discipline and hierarchy of Hell. While they are not exclusively bound to Cheliax, they maintain strong ties to that nation. Devils, however, are something else entirely. They are masters of corruption — calculating architects of conquest. At their apex stands Asmodeus. Hell creates a rigid hierarchy beneath him of fiends scheming for advancement, often through tempting mortals into infernal contracts. The wicked hope for power and wealth through diabolic pacts.” She lets that sink in before she continues,
“Breachill itself is a small but prosperous town in northeastern Isger. It is governed by an elected council and is known for a monthly tradition of hiring adventurers to resolve unusual threats the town is facing.
She pauses, “Cheliax, by contrast, is an absolute monarchy on the southwestern coast of Avistan, ruled by Queen Abrogail II. The national religion is diabolism, and its government mirrors the bureaucracy of Hell — In recent years, Cheliax has suffered colonial rebellions, internal upheaval, and skirmishes with Andoran. Yet after the Godsrain, it has gone suddenly gone on the offensive.”
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Dyesebel listens carefully as Warbal speaks, her expression softening at the mention of those left behind. “We are being sent to help those trapped by this conflict. If we find your chief or any of your people, we will guide them to safety.” She gives a small, reassuring nod. “No one should be abandoned when war begins.”
Before they head out into battle, Dyesebel grabs one of the extra provisions. .
She also informs the group that many Hellknights are operating under fiendish influence and may falter when that control is broken. “The fiends are the anchor of their resolve,” she explains calmly. “Sever that influence, and their discipline may weaken.” For that reason, she advises prioritizing fiends on the battlefield, since removing them first could disrupt enemy coordination and shift the tide of the fight.
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Izahko adjusts the straps on his gear, his eyes sharp and observant. He gives a slow, measured nod to Dyasebel as she mentions the fiendish influence over the Hellknights.
He looks over at Yohann, who is already outlining a path through the town.
"Vusker’s Carts and Wheels is a sound starting point," he agrees, tapping a finger near the location on the map. "If we control the logistics, we control the pace of the fight."
He glances at the minor healing potions offered by Venture Captain Brackett.
"I’ll take the second potion, if no one objects," he says, tucking the vial into a secure pouch.
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Noting that Yohann has avoided answering the pointed question. Ko-Rin shrugs. I guess we will see when the time comes. . Finished stretching, Ko-Rin nods his agreement on Vuskers, and takes a look around the square to properly orient himself compared to the map.
Looking over at the Tripkee, he'll speak up. " How about you? Are you coming on this little venture as well? Or just taking in the scenery?"
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You travel across Breach Creek into the north half of Breachill, where signs of the Hellknight occupation and fighting that followed are more evident.
Past the barricades and Eagle Knight patrols, the town is quieter, holding its breath. Signs of skirmishes litter the streets, a few broken pieces of armor here, discarded weapons there. Windows are shuttered, doors barricaded with only the occasional glimpse of people still inside. A few doors are broken open, other buildings gutted with fire. Notices posted by the Hellknights tell of the crimes of the former occupants. The empty gallows in the nearby square casts a long shadow.
Clouds of smoke and ash billow near Breachill's northwest gate. Calls for water echo from multiple areas, and confused townspeople rush about haphazardly with slopping buckets.
A leathery tradesman with large, gnarled hands shouts orders between holding a wet cloth over his face to block the smoke pouring from burning buildings. A nearby sign says Vusker's Carts & Wheels, though the few wagons remaining in the wainwright's yard are broken. "You there! Don't just stand there! Grab a bucket and help!"
Fadelby Vusker leads the effort to douse the fires around his business.
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Seeing the smoke and fire, Ko-Rin literally leaps into action. Jumping past any rubble to grab a bucket and start dousing flames.
But he misjudged the landing and falls flat on his face. With a last ditch effort, he attempts to chuck the bucket at the fire before fully face plants.
As the water lands on the fire, Ko-Rin rolls to his feet with bravado, as though the falling and last minute toss was all a ruse, and not sheer dumb luck.
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"Certainly! If you'll have me." G'look answers Ko-rin, scrambling up from prone with his bow acting as a lever.
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Seeing the growing flames, G'look shies away and thinks instead of the livelihoods of the wainwrights. "I'll get these working if someone can push 'em away when I'm done!"
He dives under a cart to examine the axles first.
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Dyesebel quickly points toward the flames and calls to her companion. “Lolong, let's help put off the fire!” she commands.
The crocodile lumbers toward a nearby pail, carefully gripping the handle with his jaws and carrying it toward the burning spot. But as he moves, the bucket swings awkwardly until it suddenly slips from his mouth and crashes to the ground, the water spilling uselessly across the dirt.
Dyesebel sighs softly, though there is a hint of amusement in her voice. “Close, Lolong, but not quite.” She kneels beside the spilled water and looks back at the stubborn flames. “We’ll have to try another way.”
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G'look dives under a wagon to repair it while the other Pathfinders rush to fight the fire. Izahko grabs a bucket, fills it with water and runs towards the fire. Seeing Ko-Rin leap, he hurls the bucket upwards, allowing the Catfolk to catch it and toss the water into the flames!
The risky maneuver catches the eye of the crowd and they rally to put out the blaze!
Fadelby Vusker is grateful that the fire is quickly snuffed out and volunteers to lend you a pair of wagons to transport the civilians.
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Noting Yohan's evident pride, Ko-Rin decides to ask the question he has debated on from the start. "Yohann of Arch... Perhaps it is impertinent to ask, but I feel it important none-the-less... If our group of individuals should be opposed by fellow Hellknights. Maybe even fellow members of your Order... With whom will you stand?... I know it is a difficult question, and I understand any reticence you may have... But I feel it important to know, if you can answer."
Yohann then turns to answer the catfolk. "That is a hard question to answer in behalf of any organizations I represent. Well..." he then ponders to the question.
"Different Hellknights come from different Orders, and each Order holds to its own beliefs. We of the Order of the Nail see civilized society as the ideal, and we seek to unite all people under the Chelaxian cultural baseline. Hellknights are strict with rules, but that does not mean they cannot be evil. It can be… conflicting, I would say. Not all Hellknights are evil, just as not all Pathfinders are good. I hope that answers your question."
Yohann joins the Pathfinders in dousing the fire.
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Ko-Rin accepts Yohann's answer. As it is not a definitive, it at least suggests that in many cases Yohann won't turn to be an enemy... As for the next location "Perhaps the Book Company? It is fairly close afterall, and Lamond's Lament looks decently near the river, and thus a good final stop before crossing back over to the Pathfinder side of town... As for our new entourage... I am afraid diplomacy is jot my strong suite... But should it come to it, I can lead a small portion of them."
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Dyesebel nods gently to Ko-Rin. “I agree. Given its proximity, our next stop should be The Book Company.”
Noticing Ko-Rin’s hesitation, Dyesebel steps forward and says gently, “If you’re unsure, I can lead them instead.”
She turns to the civilians, her expression softening, voice calm and kind. “I’ve guided creatures from the deepest trenches of the ocean, and now I will guide you. You have nothing to fear, we are here to keep you safe.” She gestures toward Lolong, who shifts slightly but stays by her side. “This is Lolong. He may look fierce, but he is gentle at heart. He will watch over you, just as I will.”
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Ko-Rin is about to start off, then he hears the exclamation and has to do a double take. After he realizes the mistake, he can't help but laugh for a moment before saying. "No! No, we do not intend to drown any of you. The river is currently the main dividing line between the Pathfinder safe-houses and the section of the city still controlled by the Hellknights. Izahko is not referring to the water itself, but rather the river GUARDS, who are waiting to help us cross unaccosted and get you all to safety.
He shakes his head in visible mirth still, "I know, the wording was poor. But Izahko here is an Elf of few words... Sometimes, too few, as we have just learned."
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With the misunderstanding resolved, you head towards the bookstore. You do notice, however, some of the townsfolk giving Izahko a distrustful look...
A small group of unarmed townspeople stumble through the street, all bruised and beaten. They hesitate before a halfling woman steps forward. "Please, by the Founder's grace, are you with the Pathfinders? I heard they might be coming to town, and you have the look of travelers and adventurers. Thieves robbed us when we tried to reach the town hall. They've holed up in the abandoned bookstore. I think they have Aaron!"
You hasten to the building and find that the shop's three windows are boarded up and the door locked. Moreover, it's obvious from the building exterior that this building has been abandoned for years.
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Seeing the abandoned building, Ko-Rin pulls out his thieves toolkit and approaches the door. Being the risk-taker that he is, he doesnt pause to check for obvious traps first, and just tries to pop the lock.
Assuming nothing accosts him for his troubles, he will put his tools away, and krack his knuckles "Hrmmm... it's a good lock... Anyone else want to give it a try before I just kick the door down?"
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“Well done, G’look!” Dyesebel says with a nod, praising the tripkee’s skillful work as the lock clicks open and the door swings free.
Accustomed to the dark, silent depths of the ocean, Dyesebel steps into the darkened room, her eyes adjusting without difficulty. Seeing that others struggle to see, she raises a hand and murmurs a brief incantation. "Moonlight of the silent sea, reveal what darkness hides." A soft glow blooms at the center of the room as she casts Light, illuminating the space.
After a moment, she casts the spell again, this time touching Lolong’s hide. The glow settles upon the crocodile, moving with him as he walks and casting shifting light across the room.
“Stay close,” she tells the group calmly. “The darkness will not hinder us.”
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You enter the premises and discover that the interior used to have doors that separated the three rooms. Whoever is using this building now seems to have broken down those doors so the interior is now one big room.
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After illuminating the bookstore, Dyesebel looks around the room. Near one of the doorways, she notices the remains of a broken spike trap.
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She carefully examines the trap and after studying the mechanism, she begins adjusting the bent parts. With a few careful movements, she turns the broken trap into a spear launcher.
Standing up, she brushes the dust from her hands and mutters, “If something hostile comes at us, this should slow them down.”