In the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse, a large group of Pathfinders stands ready to travel beyond a magical gateway whose mysteries stymied a group of the Pathfinder Society's founders.
What lies beyond the doorway is also the crux of the plot of an ancient evil fey, the Thorned Monarch.
Will the Pathfinders unlock lost fey magic, restore buried secrets from the Society's history, and purge the world of the Monarch's evil — or will they fall before the fey's minions and tricks?
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As part of the large group of Pathfinders, walk a fully rather well build dwarf. She is clad full plate armor and carries a shield on her back, on her side she carries a relatively large warhammer, which is also the symbol that she carries on her neck.
As they stop she goes to join other medics to aid in anyone who got themselves hurt. When given some free time, she cooks, mostly to keep herself busy and there was no forges in the middle of the jungle for her to work the steel.
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As part of the large group of Pahtfinder stands out a human male, handsome and extravagantly well dressed. His fine multicolored outfit, his big feathered hat and bright smile are in total contradiction with his cold eyes that sparks of electricity.
He moves gracefully into the room, his armor clinging lightly as he walks. He carries at his side a blade of Tian origin.
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The dead frost giant draws many eyes from the large group of Pathfinders as it walks forward. And why not? Though hunched it stands easily fourteen feet tall, and the smell of formaldehyde does more than enough to presage its arrival. Plus, passive zombies are not exactly a common occurence. But, for anyone truly paying attention, they would see that this zombie, whose name is Rhob, follows mindlessly behind its mistress.
That mistress is a short and slender woman with mismatched eyes, one violet and the other a very unusual red. Her clothing is in various shades of black, but is largely hidden by the voluminous robes and elven cloak that sits overtop it all. She holds a twisted and grim-looking staff that is adorned with hideous skull and bone motifs.
Completing her ensemble is a human skull, arcane runes carved all over the bone surface, that floats five feet off the ground. It moves with an obvious independence, chattering away at seemingly anyone who will listen.
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A rugged Ulfen man in leathers, with blades and other weapons strapped to his waist, and a bow to his back is ready to go. He is sweating in the Mwangi heat... and humidity, obviously not comfortable.
"Evening, Morgan, is that a new friend?"
He checks his blades again, and then checks his healing kit, to make sure everything was in place.
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Upon seeing Fafrd, she greets the man with an inclination of her head. When she speaks her tone is not warm, but it's also not not warm. "Hello, Grey Mouse. You're right, they are both new minions. The big guy I have named Rhob, though in life they were called Draguela the Phantom Stranger. Rhob is simpler."
"And after Asher perished, Arianrhod was unwilling to give me another cub. So instead I put my old mentor's skull to use. This is-"
The floating skull, who it quickly becomes apparent had been waiting eagerly to speak, jumps into the conversation. "Simril the Thriceborn, master of charms and enchantments. I would say that I am at your service, but that would be a lie: I am at the service of fair Morgan here. Mistress Titchwillow has bound me to her service and, honestly, why not? What else was I going to do? Anyhow, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fafrd."
Morgan rolls her eyes, but says nothing in response to her familiar's commentary.
A small army of Pathfinders, you among them, wade ashore as the the Society’s expedition makes landfall. Venture-Captains and society faction leaders--many of them familiar to you--immediately begin directing Pathfinders in the myriad tasks that need to be done...
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The Pathfinder Society expedition is making camp deep in the Mwangi Expanse. The group buzzes with energy. Pathfinders hurry around unpacking supplies, making repairs, and scribing scrolls.
The atmosphere is excited but tinged with trepidation. Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal from Nirmathas takes the lead, ensuring everyone has an assignment and is working on it. A religious symbol of Alseta — goddess of doorways, portals, thresholds, and transitions — hangs from her neck, showing two faces in profile.
You — Bair Mann, Fafrd the Grey Mouse, Makai Goldenoak, Morgan Titchwillow, Ilmakis, and Iarann Thunderstriker — are the highest-ranking field agents on site. As you get to work on making preparations for the final push into the jungle, it's time to introduce yourself (or get reacquainted with old friends).
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A dwarf with a luxurious beard and hair that blends into a single mane claps those he knows with a meaty hand. A smile splits the hair revealing some unreasonably pearly unreasonable whites. He holds his axe like a loved one (with a poorly written message on its haft.)
"I think I know ye all." Iarann says walking a wide circle around Morgan's entourage. "Kamil Durus? Not sure I've meet ye. Pleasure. Iarann Thunderstriker and the ONE TRUE ZANDERAL at your service."
Mapping "Maps! Bring'em over here. I'll tell yeah ....what? TORAG'S TAINT? THERE ARE NO TAVERNS LABELED ANYWHERE!"
Repairs "Gimme here! I'll show you. Oi! You, squire, I'm going to need a hefty supply of spikes."
Research "Look, I got a rep to uphold, and I don't want anyone to know, but ummmm gimme some of those books."
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"Well, if it need be done, might as well do it right, I always say."
Fafrd makes quick work of going through the inventories for Urwahl.
While he figures that Iarann is going to want to turn this into a competition, he just does his job. However, he does point out some discrepancies in the maps.
He then uses his knowledge of the natural world to help with magical supplies.
Then he helps out Calisro. "Pathfinders. While we are likely going to face some tough challenges, remember that we have a strong support network here, and if things get too bad, you can always run!"
He then helps out hauling supplies around for the repairs.
Finally, he again relies on his knowledge of the natural world, which is an odd thing for a city person like himself, but he does have interests. However, this time, he is distracted, horribly.
Iarann is successful helping with Mapping and researh, and he gets all the supplies possible for Blackthane.
Fafrd helps with several items, making progress on Inventory especially, finding extra items that weren't properly cataloged. Unfortunately, his efforts to boost morale and learn more about nature do not go so well.
Roll a check on any of the following tasks that have not got a crit success yet, and earn the party free loot!
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Iarann
Makai
Kamil
Morgan
Bair
Fafrd
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Fafrd is a familiar face to Morgan, and Iarann is too. Morgan shares a few words with each, though it's obvious that she's not one for pleasantries. He introductions to the others are simple and polite enough. "I am Morgan Titchwillow. You can probably expect Simril and I to share what needs to be understood if magic is involved. Rhob is muscle, but his job is to protect me."
She looks over the inventory, but finds the task to be beneath her. "Most of this is useless, and the rest can be conjured with the appropriate spell, no?"
Morgan gives a cursory glance over the maps. "These seem to be in order."
This task is one that Morgan feels deserves her skill. She quickly mixes ingredients to make a variety of elixirs, potions and other magical tools. "Perfect."
Morgan shares a handful of words, meaning to raise spirits. But the presence of a giant zombie is off-putting to most.
Morgan quickly becomes annoyed by the tomes related to the fey, finding what's there to be either basic or highly untrustworthy.
Morgan has a tough time all around but absolutely murders the elixir-mixing.
Roll a check on any of the following tasks that have not got a crit success yet, and earn the party free loot!
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Iarann
Makai
Kamil
Morgan
Bair
Fafrd
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With a flourished bow a male human presents himself. Greetings! I'm Bronz... I'm Patfhinder Agent Kamil Durus, Connoisseur of both Arts and Blade.
Being clearly of chelaxian heritage Kamil, strangely, has the tan skin of people more accustomed to jungle and sun than a Cheliaxian climate and seems quite at ease here.
Kamil helps with the inventory
I think you've misplaced this and forgot to add this for the mission in a jungle
He helps in the mapping process but not more than his comrades.
Kamil entertains his comrades by telling stories about their previous victory in the Mwangi expanse, notably against the Aspis Consortium.
Despite his help, Kamil is unable to find any reliable information for their mission.
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The big guy steps to the side when the assignments are given and is seen speaking with a bow wielding half-orc for a while. Eventually, the half orc wanders off and starts going through supplies.
Bair comes back to the group, "That's Danyuh, hired him ta do stuffs I ehn't gud at."
(Hireling)
The unusually large goblinoid brushes his hair back. It springs almost unnaturally back into perfect form before he speaks again, "Aight, bettah go look around."
He seems a bit dejected, then looks around and realises the state of things in the camp. Pointing up at the giant ice zombie he exlaims, "Dat ting has a gold coin behind its eah!" It clearly doesn't. But the big man is adamant and takes a running jump to snatch... a gold coin from behind Rhob's ear.
After a fair chuckle from anyone watching, Bair continues 'playing' with the zombie.
And then 'Danyuh' comes back with his report, handing it smartly in directly to the command crew instead of the distracted goblin. But sadly, Bair sees him and rushes over, "Danyuh! I goddanudder job fer ya. Its borin, readin an stuff."
(Hireling)
Kamil, comfortable here in the jungle, performs the tasks admirably. In particular, he bolsters the morale of nervous agents with tales against the Aspis Consortium.
Morag succeeds at all her chosen tasks; Torag knows some Pathfinders can be lazy about research nit not her!
Danyuh excels at counting in Inventory, while Bair does a leap and finds a gold coin behind Rhob's ear!
Inventory Reward
Each of you receives a moderate elixir of life, as Urwal finds that the Society packed in excess for the potentially dangerous mission.
Magical Supplies Reward
Barun and her team make an abundance of materials. Each PC receives their choice of a barkskin potion or a potion of leaping.
Each PC also receives their choice of a young dragon’s breath potion, moderate potion of resistance, or standard potion of flying.
Mapping Reward
Torrsen shares his information. You receive a survey map for one encounter of your choice in Part 1. [ooc]The maps include: Mushroom Ring, a river gorge, a cliffside trail, a field with fallen trees, and a forested river. Pick one and let me know.
Morale Reward:
The neophyte Pathfinders are in much better spirits for the journey ahead and can lend the PCs a hand. Once during the adventure, each PC can receive a +1 circumstance bonus to one skill check or attack roll, representing the fellow Pathfinder succeeding at a check to Aid them. The PC must decide to use this benefit before rolling.
Repairs Reward
Each PC receives three pieces of nonmagical low-grade cold iron ammunition from the Core Rulebook.
You also get a single non-magical low-grade cold iron simple or martial weapon from the CRB, or 10 more pieces of ammo.
Research Reward:
The background information helps you readily identify threats during the journey. You thoroughly reviewed the information provided by Valais Durant. Once during this adventure, each PC can gain a +2 circumstance bonus to any single check to Recall Knowledge.
As you finalize your preparations, it is time to assist your fellows.
Each table beings with four Aid Tokens. We can pass one token to other tables any time during each part of the special. Before passing a token, one PC at the table can perform a particular action to boost the effect. The table can attempt an action to boost an Aid Token only once.
Please see Slide 2 for the Aid Tokens rules.
Please choose a token now and attempt to boose it. For PbP Specials we have let the GM decide as they can see who needs them, but let me know if you prefer a certain tier.
The Charismatic Connoisseur of both Arts and Blade encourages his allies — they'll remember his words when the time is right!
Iarann chooses the map with the cliff.
While you wait for your fellow pathfinders to get ready, you can choose which area to visit first.
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Fafrd grabs 13 cold iron arrows. ”If anyone else could grab some, that would be great!
He then grabs a moderate elixir of life, a potion of leaping, and a potion of fly.
He also gets two lesser healing potions for his school consumables, just in case they are pressured for time when needing healing.
”I suspect we will need to check out each place, so that would be as good as any. ”
Unlike many other Pathfinders you make your choices with confidence, a decisiveness that's rooted in experience.
The Beatsticks and Casters load up their ranger friend with cold iron arrows.
You make preparations to head to the Mushroom ring!
Everyone gathers around a makeshift stage as the sun starts to slip below the horizon. Pathfinders whisper to each other in anticipation.
Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal addresses the group. “Pathfinders, our expedition begins tomorrow. We have a day’s travel to reach the site where we will find the Door of Seasons. The founders of our Society may have been unable to reach the realm that lies beyond this magical gateway, but we have something they lacked.” The Venture-Captain holds a verdant crown aloft. “This is the Perennial Crown, an artifact that will serve as the key to opening the door. I hope that Alseta will bless us as we find this doorway to a new place. From what we’ve been able to gather, there’s a demiplane on the other side. The demiplane and the crown alike are closely tied to the Thorned Monarch, Qxal, an evil fey who once terrorized this region. The Pathfinders who recovered this crown faced steep opposition from the Monarch, and I have no doubt they will defend the Door of Seasons even more fiercely. Be wary any fey you see along the way; they are likely to be working for Qxal. Stay in groups of four or more for safety and help each other. Make any final preparations that you require and get a good night’s sleep; your next few nights will be on the trail. We leave an hour after dawn.”
Day breaks, and the excitement around the camp is too high to allow any Pathfinder to oversleep. Agents perform morning rituals, eat breakfast, and take a final look through maps and plans. Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal gathers everyone together one last time. “I know that we’ve prepared well. We’re going to stop this Thorned Monarch. I have a small gift for each of you: a signal whistle with an engraving of the Perennial Crown. Use it to signal your fellow Pathfinders if you need help. And now, into the wilderness!”
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You head out into the forest…
Iarann and Fafrd find the way to Mushrooms easily, taking you out of the sweltering sections of sun and into a cool, damp region of the jungle that's overgrown with fungi.
In the middle of a small pond, a ring of large toadstools glows with slight magical energy. Morgan detects this as a source of conjuration magic!
It must be some sort of portal! As you step closer, the ground inside wobbles, appearing almost translucent, as if it were possible to step right through it. Your proximity has activated this hazard — who knows what it'll summon!
Kamil knows you can disable it with thievery, while Bair, Makai, and Fafrd think messing with the arrangement of mushrooms could disrupt the energies. Finally, Morgan knows she could dispel it.
The squares with mushrooms and with water are difficult terrain.
-- Nothing for Bair to intimidate.
Fafrd gets the drop on the portal!
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BOLD IS UP!:
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➤ Fafrd
Portal
Iarann
Kamil
Morgan
⠀⠀Rhob
Makai
Bair
Fafrd disables the mushroom ring, taking a moment to look again and finding an optimal way to twist the 'shrooms! Unfortunately, the portal is weakened, but not destroyed yet!
The portal shimmers… a strange, fey feline that resembles a bobcat steps forth. Its forms ripples with heat; its eyes glow with tiny, flickering flames. The pungent scent of rotting leaves smoldering in a bonfire clings to their fur.
”MurrrrOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWRRRRRR!”
The angry cinder-feline pounces at Fafrd!
It leaves the ranger singed and bleeding, and then then it moves back, getting ready to pounce again…
The portal shimmers again… from beyond you can almost hear a ghostly Mrrrrwwwwwoooowwwrrrr…
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BOLD IS UP!:
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➤ Fafrd
Portal
Fire-Bobcat 1
➤ Iarann
➤ Kamil
➤ Morgan
⠀⠀➤ Rhob
➤ Makai
➤ Bair
DC 32 (crit success), second success by another PC, or DC 24 as second check after first success:
Fafrd quickly makes more progress on the hazard, but still hears a faint yowl from the other side.
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BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Fafrd
Portal
Fire-Bobcat 1
➤ Iarann
➤ Kamil
➤ Morgan
⠀⠀➤ Rhob
➤ Makai
➤ Bair
DC 32 (crit success), second success by another PC, or DC 24 as second check after first success:
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Bair does not walk with weapons drawn, preferring to chose one of his two best depending upon the foe. This one looks like it bleeds, so the choice is obvious. Rushing into combat he drops the head of the blades polearm low and slashes up at the Fey kitty, aiming for arteries.
for
The kitty merely swishes its tail at Kamil's sword, perhaps thinking he is getting ready to play a game.
Makai moves in and brutally clobbers the klitty. It yowls in pain and surprise and then explodes into a giant cloud of hot cinders!
Makai chokes in surprise, inhaling forge-hot ash.
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BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
Fafrd
Portal
Fire-Bobcat 1
➤ Iarann
Kamil
➤ Morgan
⠀⠀➤ Rhob
Makai
➤ Bair
DC 32 (crit success), second success by another PC, or DC 24 as second check after first success:
Iarann steps in and breathes deep the hot ash before readying a strike.
Bair moves forward and draws his polearm, but the nature of cinder-cats eludes him.
Morgan is up!
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Morgan considers the situation, irritated that the flaming bobcat as become a cloud of cinders. She tries to recall what she might know of this thing, however dubious her sources might be...
... and comes up empty.
"Forward, Rhob. But not too close," She commands the giant zombie behind her, who lumbers forward. It stops just shy of the cloud.
She speaks an arcane word, erecting an invisible shield of force to protect her. "I'm guessing it won't stay that way forever."
Morgan believes these are the rare Elena-X, big cats whose scent glands can be harvested to make lovely perfumes.
The portal flashes… another fire-bobcat pads forth and pounces into action!
Seeing concealed creatures inside the ash cloud it chooses to pounce Bair! The barbarian is ready, and swings his halberd —
for
— missing by a whisker.
It slashed the goblin in the femoral but nonetheless then pads back, afraid of this goblin who's so fast with his polarm.
The smoke vanishes in a wink, and the original kitty appears next to Iarann. The dwarf absolutely CLOBBERS it!
Bloodies but bndeterred the cat bites, claws… and slinks away hissing and matted with blood.
Again, you hear a kitty yowling from beyond the portal…
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BOLD IS UP!:
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➤ Fafrd
Portal
Fire-Bobcat 2
Fire-Bobcat 1
➤ Iarann
➤ Kamil
➤ Morgan
⠀⠀➤ Rhob
➤ Makai
➤ Bair
DC 32 (crit success), second success by another PC, or DC 24 as second check after first success: