Where does the adventure take place?
The adventure begins at the Grand Lodge in Absalom but quickly moves to Highdelve which is a settlement built by House Garess in the Golushkin Mountains in Western Brevoy.
Brevoy is a nation in far northeastern Avistan on the verge of tearing itself apart. The political entity known as Brevoy was once two vastly different nations locked in a constant state of war before being conquered by a foreign despot: Choral the Conqueror. After centuries under the rule of Choral and his descendants, they suddenly all disappeared, and Brevoy must now decide its own destiny.
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Adventure Background
You are all part of the Pathfinder Society and because of reasons in your individual recent past you have received a field commission to conduct missions of behalf of the Venture-Captains of the Society.
The Pathfinder Society is a globe-spanning organization based out of Absalom, the City at the Center of the World. The membership consists primarily of Pathfinders, adventurers who travel throughout Golarion—usually inconspicuously—and explore, delve, and otherwise experience the lesser-seen parts of the world.
They send journals documenting their travels back to their venture-captains, who also assigns them new missions and suggests new places to explore. The most exciting and illuminating of these journals are compiled in the Pathfinder Chronicles, an ongoing series of books that collect the history and mystery of Golarion for its membership and the general public.
The Pathfinder Society generally takes a hands-off approach with its agents, leaving them to pursue their own leads, and chose their own priorities. Pathfinders are only expected to explore the mysteries of the multiverse, report what they find, and cooperate with one another in order to assure the success of the first two duties. Pathfinders are expected to report their findings to their venture-captains, who collect and review these records, and pass on the best to be published in the...
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The door opens and you see the renowned Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng enter the meeting room.
He looks as if he did not have much sleep as he has a sleepy-eyed look on his face.
He has a violin and a meerschaum pipe in his hand and sets it on the table. He withdraws a small pouch from the slipper and opening it, removes some shag tobacco. He begins to pack the pipe with the tobacco before removing a hot poker from a fireplace in the room, touching it to the pipe bowl, and drawing on the pipe until the contents kindle an ember.
He stands eyeing the assembled group and puffing on the pipe for a long few moments before speaking.
"Well, well, so you are the team they sent here for this mission?! I heard that you all received a field commission recently. You look tough but are you the right people for this mission ... and is this your first mission? You already heard that we are sending you to Highdelve, right?" he says with a stern look.
"First missions are usually less dangerous but our informant's reasons to ask for a team as well as the nature of the assignment were a little vague ..."
He eyes you again.
"I called you in tonight to discuss a problem I need you to solve." he says as clouds of pipe smoke drift lazily around his head.
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A female in clean armor armed with an odd large curved blade enters and sits where Drendle Dreng points to. Her armor and under tunic have a distinct Osirian style.
She introduces herself with "Greetings. I am Gyssa, a recent trainee graduate after my confirmation and fallen fortress experience. I will guard you others as we venture forth on this task, mind you, we should still obey the local laws and Lodge guidelines as we go. It would be embarrassing to earn a reputation as malcontents so early in our careers."
Anyone skilled in religion will notice the symbols of Abadar upon her armor.
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With a blend of grace and clumsiness in their stride, the pair enters the room. Seeing what appears to be a magnificent draconic creature, its scales gleaming like polished silver, moving forward on four assured limbs, its posture steady and its gaze confident in the promise of tomorrow. While at its side walks a small kobold, bearing the same silver pattern upon his scales, clad in a simple brown robes, showing off the sacred symbols of Apsu on his waist, and carrying with him a carefree attitude and an easy, if not silly, smile.
"By the radiant grace of Heaven" the quadrupedal creature offers a respectful bow to those gathered in the room " ’Tis mine most profound honor to make thine acquaintance with thee. Know ye, for I am called Zephyrus. Sworn devotee of the exalted teachings of the migthy Waybringer."
Then the smaller creature then pipes up loudly 'And my name is Argyrus Silverscale! And one day, I shall be known as a glorious Eagle Knight!' he declares with shrill spirited enthusiasm. 'Our friends may simply call us Argy and Zephyr for short, and we’ve already completed some assignments for the Society before. Proper reports submitted and everything! Zeph wrote very flowery most of it. He has nicer handwriting. But I added the great deeds we made. Yes-yes!'
Zephyr lowers his great head respectfully, once he looks at the sacred symbols of the osirian woman.
“Lady Gyssa” he speaks with measured gravity “Thy devotion unto Abadar’s measured order is noted and honored. Rest assured, for we are no foes unto structure nor rightful law. The Waybringer guideth us upon roads both wild and civilized."
'Oh! Yes! Laws are very important to follow. We wont be know as rule-breakers. No-no!' the small kobold quickly chimes in.
"Well, more than two centuries ago, the humans of House Garess flourished in the foothills of the Golushkin Mountains in western Brevoy, where they founded Highdelve as a settlement of human artisans to work the dwarven ore their allies supplied. However, as the years went on, House Garess’s numbers waned, and the noble family scaled its business back. By this time, thousands inhabited Highdelve."
The venture captain looks at you to see if you are still listening.
"Rather than languish under House Garess’s neglect, the Highdelvers began to focus on self-sufficiency. It built a robust economy and 50 years ago, the leaders of highdelve approached the patriarch of House Garess in Grayhaven roughly 20 miles south. It wasn’t full independence Highdelve wanted as much as a release from any major taxes and military duties the town might owe its feudal overlords. Not in the position to fight the Highdelvers, House Garess acquiesced. From that day, Highdelve has been independent in everything but the strictest formalities."
He pauses for a moment.
"Have you ever heard of Aurelliax?" he asks.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Being so far north, winters are long and harsh. The short spring and summer seasons require the populace to farm and fish just enough to keep food on the table.
* * * Separate check * * *
You have heard the stories of Highdelve's history in more detail ... what the Highdelvers didn’t know, however, is that benevolent eyes had been watching the situation that the Venture-Captain described unfold.
The settlement piqued the interest of Aurelliax, a gold dragon who had lived for more than a century in a mountaintop lair near Highdelve.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The dragon admired the town’s tenacity, and its people’s generosity toward their neighbors warmed her kind heart. Shortly after Highdelve broke from House Garess, Aurelliax offered the humans her patronage and protection for free.
Elated and humbled, the townspeople accepted—provided that Aurelliax never involved herself in the settlement’s internal affairs. After all, the Highdelvers did not wish to simply trade one overlord for another. Her motivations genuine and pure, Aurelliax assented.
For the Highdelvers’ part, awe for Aurelliax quickly turned into true affection, as the dragon time and again has demonstrated her dedication to this settlement of about 4,500.
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"Aurelliax? Can't say that it rings a bell." The small frogman pipes in, his fingerpads tapping the buttons of the trumpet resting on his belly. "Brevoy, now that I've hear a tale or two. Not the best time to be visiting, what with the conquering kings line dying out and politics raining uncertainty all over it. This Highdelve is out of the way of all that, I hope."
"Minstrel Sammakko, a pleasure to meet you all." he added, tipping his cap.
"I am not skilled in these academic topics. Hopefully one of you others knows or perhaps our last member knows." Gyssa says.
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The dragon stands upright, listening attentively, while the kobold seems to be momentarily distracted by the buzzing of an interesting fly.
"If Highdelve lieth beyond the clamor of Brevoy’s fracturing courts, then mayhaps we are fortunate." the draconic being lingers with the frogman's thoughts "Yet that remaineth to be seen." he nods
The kobold adds cheerfully, looking at the grippli's tiny thrumpet 'Are you a bard? You do music? Because if you know any good marching songs for mountain climbing, this seems like the perfect time for them!' he nods enthusiastically.
Then the silverly drake takes the leading voice again, asking to Drandle Dreng
“I cannot claim to have heard tell of this Aurelliax. Wouldst thou be so kind as to illuminate us with thy knowledge of them?”
Dreng raises an eyebrow.
"Of course, I can illuminate ... well, Aurelliax is a gold dragon who had lived for more than a century in a mountain top lair near Highdelve and the dragon time and again has demonstrated her dedication to this settlement of about 4,500."
He pauses again.
"I do not want to go into the details of why a gold dragon would do that but I can assure you that we had a hand in that story. This was just background information because your mission actually concerns two kids. Well, they are young adults by now. RICHELLE AND TOLWIN are their names. They are not related but they are the kids of two deceased Pathfinders. We placed them under the protection of the mayor of Highdelve 17 summers ago - Winette Qarl is her name."
The Venture-Captain sighs and looks at his feet.
"We received a message that they are misbehaving. I have to admit that this mission is personal for me and I want you to check on them. They know nothing about their parents' history but if you can find out what is going on I would appreciate that."
Dreng smiled at Gyssa and looks back into your eyes again and smokes his pipe, sending smoke into the air.
"Of course we would never send you to Highdelve just because of two kids ... this is just a coincidence that I am using to my own benefit." he laughs.
"During one of our other missions we learned of a plot against Aurelliax. We do not know the details but we know that an agent of a cult of Kostchtchie, Gilda Korgren, traveled to Highdelve more than a year ago to craft a ring with special significance to the cult of Kostchtchie ... additionally, we learned about a Port Ice–based shipping company that is trying to track cargo that went missing between the port and Silverhall in southern Brevoy. We do know that the cargo included several Thassilonian relics that could also be of value to the Kostchtchie worshiper."
Born a mortal man of Ulfen stock before being cursed, Kostchtchie is now the demon lord of giants and biting cold.
Kostchtchie's main worshipers are giants who have turned from the worship of their traditional deities, particularly Thremyr, and instead embraced the demonic as being a more aggressive philosophy.
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"A gold dragon… who hath watched o’er the folk of Highdelve for more than a century.." the drake says almost in awe "Such guardianship and dedication. If Aurelliax hath chosen to guard that settlement, then Highdelve is most fortunate indeed. Few blessings shine brighter upon mortal lands than the watchful gaze of such a noble soul.”
“If foul hands conspire against Aurelliax, then the matter is of no small disturbance. For a wicked plan against such a being is to invite calamity upon the innocent who dwell beneath her watch.”
Argy’s eyes are wide by this point while his tail swings rapidly behind him.
'A golden dragon?' A real one? Watching over the town?' he blurts, unable to contain himself 'Zeph-Zeph! Do you think we might actually meet her? Imagine if she lets us ask her questions. Or if she gives advices. Or even if-'
"Patience, little star" He pats the kobold's head gently with the tip of his tail “It is forspoken that, for many of silvered blood, the wisdom of golden wyrms is as a distant star by which we chart our course. Should fate grant us the honor of beholding Aurelliax, I would count such a moment a lesson worthy of remembrance.”
After a moment, Zephyrus turns his attention back toward Dreng, his voice back to a seriousness calm.
“Thy concerns are heard and shall be carried with due diligence, Venture-Captain. And If foul designs are woven against Aurelliax or the folk beneath her watch, we shall seek the thruth and fight bravely for the sake of this people's home."
Dreng nods with a smile.
"I am glad, that you are seeing the urgency here Silver. And a cult sounds as if it is not much Mr. Sammakko... but they can be dangerous! So be careful. Anything that you would like to know?" the VC asks.
"To be honest we know very little about the cult … only of Gilda Korgren. She is a human follower of a demonic god ... and we know that she has a son from a letter we were able to dispatch. But nothing else … and Kostchtchie's holy … or rather, unholy symbol is an ice-caked, rune-carved warhammer. The warhammer is his favored weapon and is described as being rimed with bloody ice in some sources. His followers often use this symbol in their worship of the Demon Prince of Wrath!."
He thinks for a moment.
“And we have no pictures or descriptions. You have to find out more when you’re there. And say whatever makes sense to the kids to get them in the right direction. You’re pathfinders now … find your path.“
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The kobold burst out laughing at the joke
'Hahaha! That's funny, cause we are called Pathfinder'
he then tries to take this a bit more serious
'Okie-doky then. We're dealing with very bad people, while helping this good kids to find their own path..'
he smiles a bit just by saying it
'I think we got this. Do not worry a thing, VC. We'll make you proud of us!'
He puffs out his little chest with pride, ready for what's next to come.
He looks at the whole group and tries to assess your level of comfort with this mission and continues.
"This is one of your first missions so be careful. Please make haste and travel to Highdelve."
With those words he turns his attention away from you, picks his violin up, opens the door and begins playing and walking out of the room simultaneously.
**
HIGHDELVE
It’s late when your caravan arrives in Highdelve.
Most of the travelers are only stopping for dinner before proceeding on to the next town, but you have a mission here, and so you remain when the wagons pull out again.
When you get to the inn you find it unusually crowded. The innkeeper only has one room available, what with the festival tomorrow.
If you’re willing to share, however, she has some cots she can set up and there should be room enough for the four of you. As you walk down into the common room for dinner, you find it, too, is more crowded than you would expect.
A four-top comes open right as you walk in, though, and almost as soon as you sit the waiter comes by with bowls of stew and mugs of ale for the four of you. You eat and have a chance to get to know your new comrades on this mission.
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Outside the inn, Zephyrus remains in the less crowded treet while all the noise spills through the windows of the inn. There was too much people to navigate through, and he felt like sometime of calm and reflexion for himself was needed after all.
The dragon lifts his head toward the clear mountain sky. High above Highdelve the stars are bright and countless, far clearer than in larger cities. Zephyrus watches them in silence, his long tail resting beside him as he simply sits there, calm and still, letting the cold night air and the wide sky fill the quiet hours.
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Within the crowded common room, the kobold squeezes into the open seat at the table, his small feet dangling slightly from the chair as bowls of stew and mugs of ale are set before the group.
Argyrus looks around the packed room with bright curiosity.
'Festivals are always good to learn about people'
he says cheerfully while blowing on a spoonful of stew
'People talk more when they’re celebrating. Don't they? We could start asking around were to find those kids, and maybe later try to search more information about those evil cultist.'
His tail flicks lightly behind his chair as he gestures around the room.
'Also, since we’re going to be together for a while, it might be good to now a bit more about everyone and what they’re good at. You see, when my tribe used to send hunting parties into the mountains, we always tried to knew a little bit about each others. One knew how to scout better than others, one knew how to fight best, and one other always knew when to eat all the rations... Oh! That last was me always. Used to go many hours without eating, and I usually ended up doing that.
But this knowledge makes the whole group act better. Fewer surprises when trouble shows up. Right-Right?'
The kobold grins and raises his mug slightly.
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Seeing the relative stature and toughness of her companions Gyssa decides she had better be the guard for the others. As such she spends her time watching others around them for any sense of foul play. Evil comes in many forms and can be deceptive. During the travel she joins in common conversation but reveals little to anyone not of her party or mission- but is quite friendly. Once in the bustling festival town she knows that cutpurses and robbers lurk around every corner at these events counting on attendees to be distracted and she for one will not be distracted.
Gyssa agrees to the 1 room for the party, better for security anyway. As the group is eating their dinner fare she converses with them "Festivals are a .... festive affair. Be on the look out though. For our mission and yourselves... evil cultists have a reputation for a reason." Every now and then she pretends to sit in prayer when in fact she uses that time to detect evil randomly... they are evil cultists so knowing where some faint trace of evil may be located may assist her if foul play ensues.
She listens to the Kobold and offers her abridged story "Typical aiuvarin life story. Mixed parentage, father a merchant, mother a priestess. I was seconded to a religious temple of Abadar, The Gold Fisted for scholarly education but I have a rather wild streak in me that I try to contain so the temple elders moved me from scribe training to martial training and I seemed better fit for that life. I have done 2 previous mission for the society and was with a rather rude dwarf who smelled and belched a lot so I am glad he is not on this mission with us. I have a trusty sword that I will use in your defense when the time comes."
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The Nagaji looked at the others as he scanned the room. Standing 6'8" he was not as muscular as other Nagaji but sitting down, he was as tall as others were standing up. "Not much to tell about me" he said taking a drink of ale.
"I have a way of clouding minds and can use it to protect others. Say that you got attacked, I can cause some of the damage to be avoided and direct it to another creature. However, it does not reflect back to the attacker. Would you like my help? he asked.
Taking a swig of ale, Ciffoe pulled out a flute, and started played some music for the crowd.
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Having spent much of the journey exhausting his store of interesting lore when the caravan couldn't stomach his horn playing or crooning songs any longer, MacDermott found himself keeping behind the larger Pathfinders as they navigated the crowded hall. The taller chairs proved to be hardly a problem as his nimbly clambered the legs, leaving his own swinging freely far from the floor.
"I doubt they'll have seen a more Pathfindery group than we four, not in quite awhile for sure." A loll of his tongue swipes the foam off of his pint with a smack. "And I see a kindred spirit of the arts now! My life before was the open road, so not much changed from joining up. Words and wind are what I provide, some with a bit more magic to them."
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'Ugh! Sorry to hear about that stinky dwarf. Hopefully we all know how to use soap and water. I sure do!'
Argy's eyes move from one companion to another, clearly pleased with what he hears.
'These all sound like great qualities to have in a group. Discipline, magic and a grand love for arts... Hope we can get along nice. I think we’ll make a great team to work with!'
His gaze drifts for a moment toward Ciffoe, the kobold clearly impressed by the tall nagaji’s presence. He gazes at the serpentfolk with open admiration, as if an old kobold habit kicked his instincts in for a few moments.
'... Oh! Sorry. It's just that in my tribe, the biggest scaled ones were usually the role model to follow he admits cheerfully 'So I suppose I still look up a little when I see someone tall and scaly'
His tail flicks once behind him, his mood lowering a bit for a few seconds
'Speaking of them.. My own story is simple. I came from a kobold tribe in Andoran… Not a very nice one, i may add. They thought I was too soft. Too weak. And that I did not belong with them. The silver scales did not help either. They said it was a bad omen. So.. they sent me away.'
'Later I learned about Apsu and the path of the good dragons among the tales of some Pathfinders. Zephyr came into my life in a moment of need not long after that. Turns out, believing in something bigger than yourself can give form to wonderful things.
Since then we’ve been trying to prove that kobolds can do more with their lives than hide in dark tunnels and cause trouble.. Someday, I want to be seen as a symbol of hope, so i decided that I wanted to be an Eagle Knight someday... and maybe being able wear some of those fancy shiny armors.'
The kobold straightens slightly, before standing up on his seat with a mug raised, calling for a toast
'Well then' he says with an enthusiastic grin as he raises his mug 'To new good companions and to bring a better future for Highdelve's people!... Starting with Richelle and Tolwin, of course'
During the first evening and your first hour on the jubilee you learn that the Brightbloom Jubilee is a 2-day party with a distinct structure of events.
Before the jubilee, the town elects two young locals to serve as Bloomgivers — an enormous honor for those chosen. Early on the celebration’s first day, the Bloomgivers venture with an empty wagon up nearby Dendra’s Slope, where the largest field of brightblooms grows.
The jubilee then runs throughout the day, and it includes a full slate of amusements, games, and festive street food, all set up in the town’s main Protectress Square.
In the afternoon, the Bloomgivers return to town with the first harvest of brightblooms, and the townspeople fete the youths’ journey by escorting them from the gates back to Protectress Square.
There, the Bloomgivers hand out brightblooms to eager townspeople. The rest of the evening is spent as a public dance party known as the Brightbloom Ball. The jubilee’s second day is spent alternately removing winterizing measures from the town’s buildings and breaking into spontaneous rounds of song and dance.
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The mood is festive in the inn as the evening progresses. Eventually, weary from your travel, you head to bed.
The sun rises, and after a quiet breakfast, you emerge out into the town square. Beams of sunlight stream past the snow-capped mountains as a joyous scene spreads before you.
Overnight, the town's staid and utilitarian main square sprouted colorful tents, a pop-up theater, a spinning contraption made of barrel bottoms, some manner of race course, and more unexpected delights.
Laughter and boisterous shouts echo from all the square's corners as its quaint cobblestone streets teem with villagers sporting festive clothes and wide smiles.
—
Throughout it all, the smell of fried foods weaves through air laced with the warmth of a summer that's just begun.
Activities in view:
A1. Youths stand on and around tall wooden storage boxes, playing some sort of game.
A2. Lanes have been drawn and sack races are being run.
A3. A large, gilt statue of a dragon.
A4. A Barrel-Go-Round ride has been erected.
A5. A small puppet theater has gathered a crowd.
A6. A stand sells delicious-smelling fried food on sticks.
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Several well-dressed professionals stand in a circle bandying about the lingo of seasoned traders. “What a time to be visiting!” one shouts.
“It’s the best time to catch important people in one place. If you’ve any business to conduct in Highdelve, now’s the time for it, to be sure!”
A teenage boy pushes through the crowd with a star-struck look on his face.
“Have you seen her? Have you seen Aurelliax? You know, the gold dragon! The one who keeps the whole town safe! She’s here, but she never stays in one place for long. Everyone wants to talk to her, and she’s so nice—she wants to spend time with us all!”
* * *
For the past decade or so, the people of Highdelve have expressed some concern about sending their youthful Bloomgivers up Dendra’s Slope to collect brightblooms for several hours alone.
The brightbloom field is about an hour’s hike from the town proper, and the foothills are full of threats.
To quell their qualms, and to reinforce that Aurelliax would never suffer an outside threat to the town, the gold dragon has begun lending the Bloomgivers a special amulet called the Golden Pendant each year for their journey up the slope.
Not even the gold dragon has elaborated on exactly what the amulet can do, and she’s instructed the townspeople not to bother examining it much magically, but everyone knows that it’s a treasure that would make Abadar himself proud.
Two elderly women watch a group of adolescents giggle and shoot furtive glances toward the square’s western entrance.
“It warms this old granny’s heart to see those sweet kids,” one of the women says. “So young! So much energy! They just can’t wait for the Bloomgivers to come back from Dendra’s Slope so they can celebrate. But I wonder what’s keeping those Bloomgivers? They’ve usually returned by now!”
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Working to be accepted by the crowd, Ciffoe joined the others as they did the sack rack. The biggest bag looked like it could hold a bed was needed for him.
The Nagaji made his way into the crowd and quickly able to "snake" his way gathering information, after showing that he had no problem attracting attention.
It almost seems as if Ciffoe has been part of this jubilee in Highdelve for many years!
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As a sign of admiration and respect for the celebration, the draconic duo makes their way toward the great golden statue of the dragon that watches over the town. The silver scaled dragon pauses before it, lifting his head in quiet reverence, while the small kobold rides him atop his back, with wide eyes open of admiration, gazing up at the towering figure of the guardian whose presence has long protected Highdelve.
Argy lets out a soft whistle 'Imagine protecting a whole town for that long… That’s a lot of dedication.'
Zephyrus lowers his head slightly in respect toward the statue "Such devotion is the mark of a noble heart."
The kobold then asks, glancing at the statue back and forward 'Do you think that a gold dragon would find it flattering or offensive if people make statues of them… out of gold? ... If I ever get a statue of myself.. should it be made out of silver?'
“At the very least” the dragon replies calmly "it demonstrateth a most literal understanding of symbolism." He then pauses for a bit "I suspect that, regardless of material, thou would insist upon adding heroic proportions on thy figure. Correct?”
'Well duh! Of course, It’s a statue.'
A3. Our Gilded Lady
When you arrive at the statue, you can take in it's majesty up close.
Fully 10 feet high and twice as long, the centerpiece of the square is a gilt statue of a gold dragon with outstretched wings. A plaque at the base reads: "Highdelve dedicates this statue and all of Protectress Square to Aurelliax, Our Gilded Lady. Long may her golden wings envelop us, and may we never fail her when she calls."
Standing next to the statue watching a group of children play is a cheerful-looking woman with white hair and ruddy cheeks.
You see that a female dwarf approaches the woman and after greeting each other they start chatting and you are perceptive and overhear parts of the conversation.
”Well ... but Richelle and Tolwin cheated!" the white haired woman says silently. You cannot hear the dwarf's response but you see the the woman reacts harshly and says a little louder than she she should: "You know that they rigged the bloomgivers election and therefore are not allowed to attend the festival. This discussion is over!"
The female dwarf looks disappointed and retreats in the direction of the sack race.
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While the kobold continues to count the digits on each of Aurelliax wings, Zephyrus catches the mention of the two names. Which worries him a bit. It would seem that Dreng's worries were not unfounded.
He inclines his head respectfully towards the white haired woman.
“Well met, good lady” he says with deep voice “forgive the intrusion of a passing traveler. Yet thine words chanced upon mine ears. Thou didst speak of two youths, Richelle and Tolwin, barred from the festival on account of some… mischief”
He pauses for a bit
“If it trouble thee not to share, might we learn what befell on them? We are newly arrived in Highdelve, and it seemeth their names stir no small matter within this town.”
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The whirlwind of the festival is an overwhelming smorgasboard of sights and sounds in the best of ways. The smells in particular seem divinely inspired, tempting towards the food stalls. The discordant argument cuts through the enjoyment with a sour vibe, leaving MacDermott frowning as Silver steps in to intervene.
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The whirlwind of the festival is an overwhelming smorgasboard of sights and sounds in the best of ways. The smells in particular seem divinely inspired, tempting towards the food stalls. The discordant argument cuts through the enjoyment with a sour vibe, leaving MacDermott frowning as Silver steps in to intervene.
The white-haired woman turns her sharp gaze toward the kobold and the Grippli, clearly still irritated, but she composes herself with a small sigh.
“Newly arrived, are you? Then you’ve chosen quite the day to come. The Bloomgivers’ Festival is meant to be a time of joy… not of scandal.”
She glances briefly in the direction the dwarf departed, then lowers her voice slightly.
“Richelle and Tolwin… rude children, both of them. We thought they’d get in line at some point.”
She folds her arms.
“The Bloomgiver election is a sacred tradition here in Highdelve. Each year, the town’s youth compete in good spirit, and one is chosen to represent renewal and blessing for the coming season.”
Her lips press into a thin line.
“But those two thought themselves clever. They tampered with the voting tokens—shifted them in their favor. It was discovered before the final count, thankfully.”
She shakes her head, disappointment overtaking her anger.
“They’ve been barred from the festival as a lesson. Not out of cruelty—but fairness must be upheld. Traditions like these only endure if we trust them.”
She looks between the group now, her tone less harsh, but still resolute.
“If you’re curious, you may hear more chatter near the games. People do love to talk.”
MacDermot catches the subtle shift in the woman’s demeanor—her anger wasn’t just outrage, but genuine disappointment. Whatever Richelle and Tolwin did, it clearly struck at something the town holds dear.
Gyssa watches the angry dwarf storm off. "She looks mad... Should we go observe the sack race and see if we learn anything else?" she asks the others as she also looks at what vendor food and drink is available.
A6. A stand sells delicious-smelling fried food on sticks.
The proprietor carries a batch of fried dough to waiting customers, he flags down and shouts.“Ah, visitors! Can I interest you in some fried dough? Fortifies the bones! Only 1 silver!”
The proprietor looks at you and is quite happy about your decision to take one!
"Well, I am Toshi, the and head chef at the Golden Wings tavern! As you see I have my hands full working the large crowd of customers and can’t pause for long to talk with you. Next please!" he shouts.
You taste the fried dough and Toshi was not exaggerating about the fried dough’s heartiness!
A PC who eats it gains a +2 morale bonus to all Strength- and
Charisma-based skill checks for the next hour.
Activities in view:
A1. Youths stand on and around tall wooden storage boxes, playing some sort of game.
A2. Lanes have been drawn and sack races are being run.
A3. A large, gilt statue of a dragon.
A4. A Barrel-Go-Round ride has been erected.
A5. A small puppet theater has gathered a crowd.
A6. A stand sells delicious-smelling fried food on sticks.
A2. Sack Races
The cobblestones here are marked with four lanes drawn in chalk.
Two men and two women hop like mad in separate lanes, their legs covered with heavy burlap sacks.
The crowd waves scarves and paper flowers in the air as they cheer the competitors toward the finish line.
The onlookers offer a respectful berth to a well-dressed dwarven woman standing confidently at the finish, her hands on hips as if she’s overseeing the race. It’s the woman that talked to the mayor earlier.