Please Dot and Delete. We will begin at or around the kickoff date for Outpost 2.
It has been a week after your brush with the supernatural that has been haunting select monuments in Magnimar. During that adventure, you found the yamah azata follower of Ashava - the empyreal lord of dancing, moonlight, and lonely spirits - named Luvyire, who had been injured in an attack by an evil will-o'wisp named Tulvhatha. Luvyire invested any of those who helped him with a bit of celestial power, the ability to turn into a celestial werewolf when the time is right. The tattoo of a full moon now covers the back of each of your left hands.
Tonight, by no coincidence, is the full moon. You have been invited to attend a luncheon at Heidmarch Manor, the Pathfinder Society lodge in Magnimar with Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch and Luyvire the blue-skinned yamah azata.
Sunlight streams through the dining hall’s windowpanes, illuminating the numerous dishes of food set on the table. Among the selection is a salad of fiddleheads, wild mushrooms, and herbs, a tray of grilled mackerel dressed with fen pepper, a plate of stuffed cabbage leaves, a bowl of maize porridge, and a tray of cheeses, nuts, and plums. A blue-skinned man with solid black eyes, pointed ears, and butterfly wings stands nearby. He casts a curious gaze at the display while Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch strides forward with a warm smile.
"Thank you for joining us for luncheon, Pathfinders." She gestures to the array on the table with a proud gleam in her eyes. "I thought we might chat over some quality Varisian cuisine. Please take a seat and help yourself to whatever you like, though I do recommend trying the mackerel -- it's freshly caught this morning."
Settling into her seat, Venture-Captain Heidmarch pours herself a small glass of chilled white wine and reclines. "You likely know several areas of the city were recently disrupted by necromantic activity. The investigation traced the attacks to a will-o’-wisp named Tulvhatha, who has taken control of a holy site of Ashava known as the Glade of Silver Sparks. From what we’ve already seen in the city, along with Luvyire’s account of what occurred at the glade, it’s clear this creature wields power that surpasses most others of her kind." She flicks her gaze toward the blue-skinned man and inclines her head toward him. "Luvyire here has already offered Ashava’s blessing to transform the Pathfinders who saved his life into holy emissaries of the True Spark -- something which can only be accomplished by the light of the full moon."
Luvyire adds, "And I shall offer my goddess's blessing to the rest of you as well."
Luvyire rises and stands next to anyone who did not participate in the first adventure, or any of those who declined the blessing previously, looking for permission to share his celestial energy with them. All they need to his take his offered hand.
As Kyra accepts the blessing of Ashava, Luyvire steps forward and takes her hands, one at a time. Instantly, a full moon appears on the back of the cleric's hand. Touching the marking, Kyra is gifted with a vision from Ashava herself, who shows the normally straight-laced cleric dancing naked in Magnimar under the light of a full moon, and then slowly transforming from her usual appearance into that of a werewolf with fur the color of silvery moonlight. Then the vision is gone...
The venture-captain pauses to sip her wine and idly runs a finger across the rim of the empty plate before her. "Tonight will be the full moon, and with it the chance to seek out the will-o’-wisp Tulvhatha and end her destruction." Luvyire perks up from the assortment of food and glances longingly to the window before looking back. "I’m sorry I won’t be able to join you, Pathfinders. After recently being on the receiving end of Tulvhatha’s wrath, I fear I’m still too weak to make the journey. May Ashava watch over you and keep you safe."
"I’m glad you’re finally seeing reason, Luvyire," says the venture-captain. "You’ve already helped enough, and Magnimar is safer for it. As for you, Pathfinders, given the unique nature of the blessing Luvyire has bestowed upon you, you will need to exercise discretion. Your transformation will draw unnecessary alarm if witnessed by civilians. With this in mind, please be sure to be at the Mushfens by sunset. Take the time to prepare yourself for this evening however you need. Luvyire and I are here if you need our assistance. Remember, you have only this one night to discover the Glade of Silver Sparks and destroy Tulvhatha. Be quick, but be careful -- you go against a formidable foe."
Hanif turn to the Venture-Captain. "Have we learned any more about Tulvhatha?"
Heidmarch answers, "She is a vicious will-o'-wisp possessing great supernatural strength beyond the capability of most of her kind. She's likely taken control of the Glade of Silver Sparks to usurp its power and use it to her advantage. Beyond this, we know very little about her."
"What is so special about this Glade? Why would he want control of it?"
Luyvire answers sorrowfully, "The glade is...was a holy dancing field dedicated to Ashava. I maintained and guarded it with two of my dearest friends, who died protecting it. The site also held a sacred relic called the Soul Spark -- a mystical orb that helped draw in wayward spirits so that we might lead them to their final resting place. I don't know what has become of the relic or the glade."
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"I'm glad we'll be eliminating this threat tonight. Tulvhatha turned Magnimar upside-down, and I'll have the chance to interview these people if the creature keeps disrupting things." Hanif opens a heavy tome that is connected to his belt by a chain. He gestures in disgust to a mostly-blank page, with only MAGNIMAR emblazoned across the top margin in loopy calligraphy. Snapping the book shut, he mutters some choice Celestial phrases under his breath.
Heidmarch sighs, "This is a dangerous mission. Tulvhatha has proven capable of wielding significant necromantic abilities, and her activity has caused the dead to become quite active, so it's likely you will have to deal with such threats. There are also many fey in the Mushfens, of both avoidant and hostile natures, so you should be on guard for the latter. Beyond this, the Mushfens hold their own natural perils with a terrain that is quite treacherous for those not accustomed to traversing it."
Luyvire adds, "The way to the Glade of Silver Sparks is difficult for the living to reach without knowing the path, and Tulvhatha's influence has transformed the nearby landscape, cloaking it in mist and shadows and distorting what few landmarks there are to be found out in the swamp. However, when the full moon's light shines upon one blessed by Ashava's grace, she will be able to see the path. In addition to this boon, the blessing will grant abilities quite advantageous to taking down a foe like Tulvhatha."
Unless there are more questions, it appears the briefing is over, but Luyvire says one more thing. "I will teach you an Ashavan dance which may help soothe any restless spirits you may encounter during your foray into the Mushfens. Would you like to stay a moment and learn this ritual?"
Luyvire proves to be a superior dance instructor and soon all of you have an interest learn the dance. "Remember," he says when you are all doing the steps correctly, "This dance can still unquiet spirits. You may need it in the Mushfens, and you may not, but being prepared is what Pathfinders do, I am told."
You time your departure to the Mushfens to arrive at twilight. Moonlight streams through the forest's thick canopy of dark branches. The chirps and gurgles of nocturnal critters echo in a soft, steady hum, interrupted only by the occasional snapping of a twig, or low hoot of an owl. In the distance, fireflies flicker in the shadows. A scent of wet moss and dirt clings to the misty air. Several damp paths branch off, each leading deeper into the swampy wet woodlands.
When you come to a small clearing the silvery moonlight breaks through and bathes in the glow. With Ashava's Blessing accepted, this lunar illumination is all it takes to transform each of you into celestial werewolves.
Each of you, now in wolf form, can see a stream of faint, shimmering motes of light gleaming upon one of the many paths plunging deeper into the Mushfens.
The trail leads you to the east and into an area of swampy, uneven ground. Some places your canine (or humanoid) feet splash in a thin soupy water, in others, they sink into a morass of mud, and in some places there are still hummocks of dry land. The going is unbearably slow especially given the dancing motes of moonlight that seem to beckon, urging you forward.
A sharp breeze cuts the night, rustling loudly through the thick trees and brambles. Shadowy figures emerge from teh undergrowth. A familiar husky voice calls out from the tallest figure, "Halt where you are, monsters!"
The speaker is Inspector Theodorus Ichonvarde, the supernatural detective whom you showed up in the last scenario. "I knew there was darkness inside you, Pathfinders," the man says with evident bitternes, his gaze a steely fire of determination and fury. "Does the rest of the Pathfinder Society even know what foul beasts walk among them, or do they know and harbor you nonetheless? Maybe it's even worse than that, hmmm? Perhaps this paltry cabal of you represents the true face of the entire organization. Be assured that I shall find out! But for now, I see the truth of your malignant nature, and the ruse ends here -- along with your pitiful lives!"
The Moonlit Path - Round 1
23 LeGuin (hybrid)
13 Yellow Guard
12 Theodorus
12 Sojourner (hybrid)
8 Annaliese (wolf)
5 Helikon/Kyra (wolf)
4 Blue Guard
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“Theodorus, you are an imbecile. I myself am sworn to Kurgess the Strong, and we are on a divine mission from Ashava. I’m sorry to have to teach you another lesson in humility. You want a monster? I’ll give you a monster!”
LeGuin places a hand on his vest and concetrates, mumbling some words beseeching Kurgess’ aid. Before your eyes, he starts to grow in size.
Preacher: Determination 3 times a day: () () ()
Abjuration: 2/2 Deific Focus
Divination: 4/4 Deific Focus
Transmutation: 5/6 Deific Focus
Spells:
3rd: 2/2
2nd: 4/4
1st: 5/5
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On her turn
Annalise will shift into hybrid form
and address Theodorus, holding her hands out to show she means no harm
"Theodorus, I'm afraid you have drawn some erroneous conclusions from your misconceptions of lycanthropy. Had you done a proper investigation you should know that we have been blessed with the power of Ashava, and intend only to rectify the damage that has been done to the local forest"
The Moonlit Path - Round 1 - continued
Using his divine magic, Leguin is true to his word, growing from normal size to a monstrous dimensions, ready to clear the path of this ignorant jackass.
The first of the guards draws his longsword while moving to engage the Pathfinders. He moves up next to his companion, their shields effectively blocking the path for oncomers.
Theodorus says, "Banker of Heaven, bless my actions as I combat these abominations of nature." as he activates a judgement against you. He then raises his bow and fires at LeGuin who is making himself an easier target. The first arrow, which has a silvered tip, hits the inquisitor, causing a serious bolt of pain. The second arrow misses, spewiing web-like tendrils all around the trees behind LeGuin.
Perhaps not reckoning on the imbalanced nature of the spiritual hunter, Annaliese tries to reason with him, shifting into hybrid form, but to no avail.
The Moonlit Path - Round 1 - continued
Sojourner takes to the air, a flying werewolf, and sends a bolt of electrical energy at the Abadarian pain in the ass. It sizzles him satisfyingly, but it doesn't deter his faith-based persecution of your group.
Got called out of town unexpectedly. Will get a post up for you guys tomorrow. Sorry for the delay.
The Moonlit Path - round 1 - concluded
Kyra changes shape and moves near the very large LeGuin whhile Annaliese follows suit, also ending up near the big half-orc/werewolf.
The Blue Guard holds his ground, taking total defense as the Pathfinders start to display some advanced magic.
End of Round 1
he Moonlit Path - Round 2
23 LeGuin (hybrid; 13hp dmg)
13 Yellow Guard
12 Theodorus (13 hp dmg)
12 Sojourner (hybrid)
8 Annaliese (hybrid)
5 Helikon/Kyra (hybrid)
4 Blue
The Moonlit Path - Round 2 - continued
Stepping forward, the large LeGuin lashes out at the nearest soldier, striking him with the axe, but not downing him.
Wounded, but still determined, Yellow Guard steps up along the path and attacks LeGuin with his longsword, putting his power behind it.
Theodorus calls out again to his patron god, Abadar, "Judge of All, I call forth bane against all shapechangers in your name. They are an abomination to society, and as such must be put down!" He then fires a pair of silver-tipped arrows at Sojourner in his first attack, and another in his second. All three arrows, now enhanced with bane strike the aasimar, hurting it badly.
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You constantly surround yourself with a whirling torrent of air, crackling arcs of lightning, or both to protect yourself from ranged attacks. All ranged attacks made with physical weapons suffer a 20% miss chance against you, except for attacks from massive weapons such as a giant’s thrown boulder or a ballista. This ability has no effect on ray attacks. The miss chance increases by 5% for every 5 kineticist levels you possess beyond 2nd. By accepting 1 point of burn, you can increase the miss chance by 5% until the next time your burn is removed. You can continue to accept points of burn to increase the miss chance further, up to a maximum of 75%. Whenever you accept burn while using an air wild talent, the energy surging through you causes your enveloping winds to also affect non-physical ranged attacks such as ray attacks for 1 round. You can dismiss or restore this effect as an immediate action.
The Moonlit Path - Round 2 - concluded
As Theodorus' arrows rain down on Sojourner, the aasimar returns fire, using his lightning to pour damage down on the Abadarian, who staggers under the impact, but stays in the fight.
Annaliese casts a witch spell on Blue Guard which rattles the poor man, but isn't fully effective.
Knowing her people have been injured, whatever form they are in, Kyra chants and channels positive energy to heal.
Shaken, but not stirred, Blue Guard steps back and takes a defensive stance, trying to keep the foes off his boss.
End of Round 2
The Moonlit Path - Round 3
23 LeGuin (hybrid; 1hp dmg)
13 Yellow Guard
12 Theodorus (45 hp dmg)
12 Sojourner (hybrid)
8 Annaliese (hybrid)
5 Helikon/Kyra (hybrid)
4 Blue (12 dmg, maybe?, total defense)
LeGuin steps away from the nearest guardsman, but can still reach due to his extra-large size. He attacks the Yellow Guard hurting him badly in the process.
The same guard steps back from the fight, and sets himself up to attack if any approach
Theodorus unleashes another torrent of arrows at the flying Sojourner. The flurry of arrows fly through the windstorm around the aasimar, and strike hard, downing the flying Pathfinder, who succumbs.