Fola Barun's page

The party returns to report to Fola Barun.

At your report she frowns sympathetically but is generally encouraging.

It's not the ideal result we would have hoped for, but I think you performed admirably. You brought back the iruxi scout alive. The Chief must see that your outcome was largely positive!

Moving on, she suggests

Please visit the other faction leaders and see how you may assist them! I have high hopes for this team!

Mission 1 Envoy’s Alliance, Fola Barun

Mission 2 Grand Archive, Gorm Greathammer

Mission 3 Horizon Hunters, Calisro Benarry

Mission 4 Vigilant Seal, Eando Kline

Where to next? I'll take consensus of at least two party members.

Fola accepts the vials from Barnaby and inspects each in turn.

“I suppose I'll need to engage the proper experts to analyze these. Perhaps between dangerous missions you might help us in cataloging samples young Barnaby!“

"Captain Barun, what does the Envoy's Alliance have to gain from all of this? I must admit that, though I have passed through and am no longer an initiate, the factions of the Society remain somewhat bewildering to me."

“I was asked to lead the Envoy’s Alliance after the terrible losses in the Society’s siege of Gallowspire a few years ago. As I looked at the records of agents lost, cursed, and worse in their service over the years, I knew we needed a new way. One in which the lives of our agents aren’t a cost of doing business. Cooperation is the key to that new way, I believe. This is a key opportunity in demonstrating that direction!”

Cromm gives a very concerned look. "What do you mean? Too many Pathfinders lost? Who has been lost?"

She chuckles lightly at the champion.

“I don't mean here now, in the Blackwood Swamp. I was referring to a pattern of young, enthusiastic agents that plays out over and over through the years. If you think more often than you act, you might avoid being added to that regrettable list.”

Of course, Seeker takes detailed notes on Barnaby's contributions. Two sets in fact; she gives one to him, all meticulously organized and legibly penned. "So even if you hand off your research to other teams, you'll still have a copy, yes?"

Fola nods.

”Does this have to do with those smugglers they mentioned?”, Zinari asks.

She gives Zinari a confused, but suddenly interested look.

“Smugglers? The enclave mentioned this to you? It sounds like you might already have a lead in helping them!“

"Is Rain in Cloudy Day around this base camp?" he asks. "I should like to be sure he has not gotten himself lost in the swamp again."

She chuckles. “He is not here at the moment, but I think you need not worry. He learned quite a lesson during his confirmation. Thank you for bringing him back safely!“

"Hmm. Yes. Have there been any rumors of new threats in the Blackwood Swamp since we returned? What have you been told about the troubles the Tskikha enclave are having? We weren't there long enough to get to know many of the people. Is there anyone notable besides Chief Tskikha that you'd like us to befriend?"

Fola gives a nervous look.

“I’ve told you all I know of this specific enclave. I can speak more generally about the typical traditions of iruxi in this region of the world. Their faith tends toward animism, and their leaders are frequently shamans who maintain contact with ancient spirits of the tribe. They are slow to anger, but quick to suspicion of outsiders. In that way, they’re similar to the people I grew up with.”

She pauses.

“Being completely honest, I'm eager to learn what insight you all have about the swamp since you just completed a dangerous mission there! I urge you to share from that experience so that I may better instruct the less experience teams of Pathfinders, amongst all of the factions!“

In short, she equipped to answer questions mostly about herself and the Envoy's Alliance. The Society truly does wish to harness your experience and knowledge on the Blackwood Swamp at this point.

I believe Fola is technically a Venture Captain, but she is also leader of a faction which I would think is "above" that...?

Fola smiles warmly as she listens attentively to each of your stories and introductions. They seem to bring her joy.

“It is good you have come. Members of the Envoy’s Alliance faction seek cooperation as our primary way to further the goals of the Pathfinder Society. This means cooperation within our own ranks, but also with allies and potential allies throughout the world.

“You were the very group who was present to help one of our new agents, Rain in Cloudy Day, establish contact with a remote iruxi enclave in the Blackwood Swamp, called the Tskikha enclave. I would like to help grow that relationship. According to rumor, they recently had some sort of trouble. This is where you come in.

“I want you go to the Tskikha enclave again and meet with their leader, Chief Thakik. Tell her that you wish to aid them in whatever way you can. Your primary mission is to build trust and prove that Pathfinders are worthy allies. I suspect your recent deeds aiding that clan should start you on good footing with them!”

Fola pauses a moment and her face fills with concern. “If you’re asked to undertake dangers on behalf of the Tskikha, please be careful. While alliances are important, the safety of our agents is worth more to me. Too many Pathfinders have been lost heedlessly charging into danger.

“What questions do you have?”

She looks at all of you expectantly.

A dark-skinned half-elf with several silvery tattoos decorating her face smiles widely and steps close to shake hands.

“Pathfinders,” she says, “thank you for coming! My name is Fola Barun, and I am the leader of the Envoy’s Alliance. Do I correctly understand you are new to the Pathfinder Society? Please, tell me about yourselves.”

Full image of Fola can be found in the slides.