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Each of you receives a summons letter from a courier in your region to meet Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss requesting your presence at the Vodavani Lodge in Caliphas.
Greetings Pathfinder,
I hope this letter finds you well. The Pathfinder Society has found itself in dire need of agents in the Gravelands region, so I am requesting your help for a mission. My home lodge in Vigil is, shall we say, inaccessible at the present time, so please meet me in Caliphas at my temporary headquarters in the Vodavani Lodge and present this letter to me upon arrival.
Destination: Goldenflame
Thank you for your assistance,
Venture-Captain Evni Zongnoss
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Over the next several weeks dozens of Pathfinders arrive little by little in caravans. The streets of Caliphas are bustling with activity due to an influx of refugees from the former nation of Lastwall. As you enter the Vodavani Lodge, you are met with a cacophony rising from dozens of Pathfinders discussing missions, sharing documents, and gathering supplies for their quests. At the center of it all is Venture- Captain Evni Zongnoss.
A harried gnome clad in a blue turban and matching robe decorated with golden crescent moons and butterflies scurries through the crowded Vodavani Lodge, delegating tasks to various Pathfinders. When she spots the newcomers, she issues a warm smile. “Ah, thank you for coming. Gather around over here, please.”
Evni motions over to a nearby table upon which rests a parchment map stuck with miniature flag partly obscuring the label “Lastwall.” “Apologies for the out-of-date cartography, but it’s the best we can do at this time.
“The re-emergence of Tar-Baphon dealt a devastating blow to the Society, so we’ve been scrambling to consolidate resources. The Society is focusing on missions into the Gravelands for two reasons: to track down the whereabouts of Pathfinder agents who went missing when the undead hordes struck, and to recover the fragments of history and culture that yet survive. I believe you all should have received a letter from me containing your assigned destination.”
Showing your letters she continues. Evni points to a flag in the southeast portion of Lastwall. “Goldenflame was an idyllic place surrounding a college sponsored and supported by the church of Iomedae. Fortunately, most of the town was able to evacuate swiftly, but we know that some residents stayed behind out of a sense of civic duty to defend their home against evil."
“Goldenflame College is known for its documentation of the history of both southeastern Lastwall and the activities of the church of Iomedae in the region, as well as its collection of invaluable local curiosities accrued over time. Those relics and stories—if they can be recovered, then Lastwall can live on.”
Evni excuses herself and shortly returns with a bundle of paper. “These dossiers contain information on all known Pathfinder agents in the region surrounding Goldenflame. Although we must hold out hope, I cannot truthfully say I am optimistic. Nevertheless, closure is important, and we can properly mourn for their loss and celebrate their lives if we know their fates. Perhaps these documents could be of some use to you in this quest. I’ve also completed and signed travel documentation stating your reasons for being in the Gravelands. Present this document to the border crossing, and you can then be on your way.”
Evni walks over to a nearby bench to a relatively massive pack, where she begins sorting through its contents. She pulls out a bundle of sacks. “Here. These are for you to transport any items or—” she bows her head “—remains you might find."
"I know it is a sad and gruesome task, but retrieving those fallen Pathfinders would bring closure to their loved ones.” Evni then closes the pack and shoulders it. “I’m also heading into the Gravelands myself. May Desna guide us all on our journeys. Hopefully we can find what we seek.”
She hands over the documentation along with 10 sacks.
Ardyl Loralin
Home: Iadara, Kyonin
Ancestry: Elf
Background: The youngest in a family of wealthy museum curators, Ardyl Loralin embraced her family’s legacy, devoting all her time reading about different cultures and regions all across Golarion. This childlike curiosity and passion led her to join the Pathfinder Society, believing that the Society could help her discover the rarest and most unusual treasures the world has ever known. A devout adherent of Findeladlara, the elven goddess of art, Ardyl seeks out ever more glorious finds. Through her adventures, she has developed keen scouting senses and a sure shot with the bow, and despite her somewhat spoiled attitude, she is not one to be underestimated.
Bryrigar Hassen
Home: Tymon
Ancestry: Half-orc
Background: Bryrigar Hassen was raised by the arena, becoming a powerful gladiator at a young age in his birth city-state of Tymon, striking fear into the hearts of foes with his rage and his mighty punches. Yet his interest in the arena waned, as few could muster even the most minimal challenge for him. This did not go unnoticed, and eventually Bryrigar was recruited by the secret Pathfinder Society lodge in Tymon. Bryrigar now journeys across Golarion looking for ever more glorious challenges, in accordance with his Gorumite values.
Clement Marten
Home: Oppara, Taldor
Ancestry: Human
Background: A minor noble from Taldor, Clement Marten grew up in the shadow of the higher-ranked nobility that control Taldor. Wanting to escape the stagnation and lack of social mobility, Clement joined the Pathfinder Society to explore the world and experience all it has to offer. Always over the top, Clement is known to appreciate the finery associated with the Taldan party scene, dressing in the finest clothing and enjoying the most decadent food and drink every town has to offer. Having taken dueling classes as a youth, Clement employs his rapier with a deft and sure hand.
Dargim Margrenstrom
Home: Highhelm, Five Kings Mountains
Ancestry: Dwarf
Background: Eking out a threadbare existence in Highhelm was not how Dargrim Margenstrom thought his life would go. He found a new opportunity to use his adept command over alchemy and the forge with the Pathfinder Society, and he now fights foes with alchemical fire and frost vial alike, creates sturdy and sharp weaponry, and enjoys pints of ale with the eclectic folk he meet on adventures. Although he rarely returns home, he carries it with him in the form of a warhammer stylized to appear as that of the Father of Creation, Torag.
Gibb Potsmasher
Home: Absalom
Ancestry: Goblin
Background: Formerly a mischievous orphan terrorizing the streets of the Puddles district in Absalom with her pyrotechnic prowess, Gibb has become somewhat respectable as a wizard in the Pathfinder Society. Taken in by priests of a temple of Sarenrae in Absalom, Gibb learned that even she could be forgiven for her transgressions and vowed to use her talents for good. On recommendations from the church, Gibb joined the Pathfinder Society, where she is known as a rambunctious yet highly skilled wizard in her own right.
Kailli Thimbleberry
Home: Absalom
Ancestry: Gnome
Background: Regarded as unfocused and undisciplined in school, the rambunctious Kailli Thimbleberry found herself in music, donning loud outfits and putting on jaunty fiddle performances to the delight and annoyance of visitors to the Merchant’s Quarter in Absalom. Wanting to discover stages the world around, Kailli took up with the Pathfinder Society in the hopes of gaining troves of adoring fans. She enjoys visiting large cities, particularly urban centers in which her deity Shelyn is worshipped, where she can aim to impress even the most discerning listeners.
Larraz Virtanne
Home: Katapesh, Katapesh
Ancestry: Half-orc
Background: Despite his parents’ best efforts, Larraz Virtanne had no intention of pursuing secondary education, preferring to further his connection with animals and practice his druidic magic. Shortly after his graduation from a small private academy in Katapesh, Larraz joined the Pathfinder Society, eager to adventure the world and see what wonders nature had to offer. An adherent of the Wind and the Waves, Larraz honors Gozreh by traveling with a horse partner, Desert Wind, and wearing a tattoo of a dripping leaf, the religious symbol of the faith.
Osprey Pierces the Tide
Home: Urglin, Varisia
Ancestry: Human
Background: The warrior-diplomat Osprey Pierces the Tide of the Shriikirri-Quah was tasked to facilitate relations with the orcs of Urglin. When necessary, Osprey Pierces the Tide’s fists become mighty weapons, and orcs who have seen his combat prowess certainly factor that into negotiations. Osprey Pierces the Tide joined the Pathfinder Society in hopes of furthering diplomatic relations between the Shoanti and the rest of the Inner Sea region. Osprey Pierces the Tide prefers to live modestly and travel lightly, preferring freedom from material triviality.
Raelyn Mumblewort
Home: Yanmass, Taldor
Ancestry: Halfling
Background: Playing the trade routes of Yanmass can be competitive indeed, and the self-made Raelyn Mumblewort dealt with the best of them. She dreamed of exploring the world in search of all manner of finery and strange trinkets, and the Pathfinder Society was just the group to throw her lot in with. Sporting a religious symbol in the shape of a key, Raelyn calls upon her deity Abadar to guide her business dealings and bless her spells when she is required to fight.
Zinno Dark Hook
Home: Absalom
Ancestry: Goblin
Background: The brash former Captain Zinno Dark Hook was captured in an ill-fated attempt to commandeer a slaver ship, after which they were shipped to Misery Row in Absalom. After escaping in a fortuitous moment, Zinno found the Grand Lodge, where they set about finding a new crew for their pirate adventures. Zinno has found a love for landbased adventuring, but they still sport their signature eye patch and wooden boot, and they honor Besmara the Pirate Queen by carrying a ragged skull-and-crossbones pennant. In combat, Zinno prefers to rely on tricks, diverting foes’ attention and making sneaky strikes with their dogslicer.
"Any questions?"
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Kang is a tanned Tian man, rather well-groomed yet careless about his appearance at the same time. Hair is neatly combed back but loose strands are sticking out, and he doesn't seem to have shaven in days. The robes he wears is rather fine and exquisite, but is wrinkled at places. As he waits, he looks around apprehensively, yet when addressed, he is poised and well-mannered in small talk. That is until the briefing begins, and he is transfixed, occasionally stroking the fur of the tiny fox in his arms.
"Oh dear, oh dear. Yes, homeland is valuable, but life even more so. Oh dear," Kang sighs deeply. He looks disturbed as the sacks are handed over.
"Um, I presume that we would expect pockets of the undead horde to still be present?"
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"Um, I presume that we would expect pockets of the undead horde to still be present?"
“Tar-Baphon’s legions are constantly patrolling and are mighty indeed, so I recommend avoiding fights with those troops. Try to identify the paths the undead patrols normally take and travel elsewhere. Covering your tracks would be wise as well. Although I would like you to be as thorough as you can in your investigation, do keep in mind that spending too much time in the Gravelands increases your likelihood of being found, so don’t linger.”
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Raini, a Sensate Gnome with brightly colored hair, shakes his head in disgust as the Venture Captain discusses the undead horde.
"Just goes against nature, I say. A blight on the land. My mam always said, the dead ought be buried, not walking around and scarin' folk." offers the tiny gnome as he pats the head of his graceful black cat. Although 'cat' is somewhat of a strange statement as the animal companion is a large hunting panther with black fur and not a simple, domesticated specimen.
"Without wagons, it is unlikely we can recover and transport many Pathfinders should we come across their...effects." offers Raini, choosing the somber word carefully so as to not offend or show disrespect. "Would tokens suffice should we find any or shall we strive to bring back as much as we can find? With tha' horde running about, I'd rather not be so conspicuous as to haul around a big wagon. Might as well ring a dinner bell, eh?"
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Natesh is a dark skinned garundi male with a set of silver piercing on his slightly pointed ears. He is garbed in fine, well-tailored clothing does not match his set of packs, pouches, wayfinder, and other adventuring gear. His clothing is bright and enlaid with silver even out here near the Gravelands. As he moves toward the meeting he dons a dark cloak to conceal most of the outfit.
"I was also taught that the dead should allowed their rest. While I rather deal with the living, I'm certain my mother would look favorably in aiding in the efforts here." He takes in and reads through the list of names and gives a sigh as he finishes reading through this list of missing agents. Hearing Raini's concerns Natesh states, "while I'm not willing to cast my own life aside, I do think that these people deserve their rest and proper tombs if they have passed. It may be worthwhile to see to taking a pack animal to make sure we leave as little behind as possible."
"Venture-Captain, what sort of relics do you expect us to recover within Goldenflame? Were there any relics of particular import we should seek out?"
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Th-clink! Th-clink! Th-clink!...
A stocky young man of mixed heritage and average height slowly moves across the room at the direction of the gnome. He is bedecked in full-plate armor, has a longsword at his side, and a pack on his back. He has chiseled handsome features with unkempt short brown hair. As he walks he strains to reach and grab a parchment and quill on the side of his pack. He finally succeeds just in time to take notes.
"Hello..." he begins awkwardly, his face is pained with concern and anxiety. "Hello. I am Leo. I uhhh..don't have the lightest step. But maybe I can use some magic."
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Leo and Zhao know that Goldenflame’s chapel functioned as a religious institution and the town hall, so historical records concerning its citizens and events were stored there.
"Venture-Captain, what sort of relics do you expect us to recover within Goldenflame? Were there any relics of particular import we should seek out?"
“Be on the lookout for any religious texts and historical records—hopefully the troops of Tar-Baphon have overlooked them. You might also find items of cultural or religious significance: things that Goldenflame could be remembered by."
"Without wagons, it is unlikely we can recover and transport many Pathfinders should we come across their...effects." offers Raini, choosing the somber word carefully so as to not offend or show disrespect. "Would tokens suffice should we find any or shall we strive to bring back as much as we can find? With tha' horde running about, I'd rather not be so conspicuous as to haul around a big wagon. Might as well ring a dinner bell, eh?"
"The bags are magical and should hold what you need them too, though it will only help with the weight by a small margin."
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Raini takes a sack and puts his tiny arm through it, testing its limits. He shows Sasha, who gives a decidedly bored expression and continues licking her paw.
As his tiny appendage isn't much of a test, he stuffs his whole head in and sings a few bars, hoping to hear an echo or something equally magical.
He continues testing the limits of the sack, but falters when he gets stares from others.
"Just making sure they'll work. Me da' says hope for what you want but get ready for what yur gonna get." he says sheepishly and stuffs the sack in his pocket to look at later, giving his full attention to the Venture Captain.
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You depart Caliphas early in the day. It is a relatively short walk to the Ustalavic border crossing. Several tents have been erected on either side of the road. A plank lies across the road, propped on top of a barrel at each end. Inside the closest tent are three knights, sitting around a table playing cards.
After a very brief exchange, one of the knights stands and heads toward you. You can see that he wears a tabard with the symbols of the Knights of Lastwall. "Have your travel papers?" he asks. Examining your documentation he waves you through.
"Well, these look to be in order," the knight says after scanning your travel papers. "There's undead. Everywhere. The Tyrant's got patrols of undead beasts going over the roads, so keep an eye out for them. You don't want the Tyrant's attention brought down on you or you'll be sure to be overwhelmed within the hour as every once dead thing in the region heads toward you."
The knight moves the plank off of the barrels so that you can pass--not that it wouldn't have been just as easy to walk around the barricade. "Iomedae guard you on your way," he says as you pass through.
The day is clear and bright, but the landscape is desolate and quiet, the gently rolling hills devoid of life. Goldenflame is a few hours’ travel southwest of Caliphas by foot as you follow Envi's map.
A short while after crossing the border, you come upon a steep rise that blocks the most direct path. The road splits around the hill.
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A tall elf in bright colors steps into the room, light on his feet and basically dancing his way around. He bows and says, "Variel Dardala, at your service. I am a martial arts instructor and a scout. You may have heard of my parents, the famous Pathfinders Lena and Nillon Dardala - aka, the Dancing Dardalas!" Seeing that no one has, he shrugs and continues. "I have good hearing, and am very light on my feet, so if any scouting is needed, I am ready to step ahead of the party as needed."
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Variel looks at the hill and says, "Well, this is why I'm here. If no one objects, I can look around to find a path for us."
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"It would be best that you take the forefront here," Natesh says as adjusts his sleeves as he appraises the climb. "I'm more proficient when there is any sort of life around, flora or fauna. This place has neither and it makes me feel ill to think how other life might have fared"
Natesh attempts his best to proceed up the hill, but the climb proves difficult for the warrior scholar.
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Along the journey, Kang takes one of the sack and begins a very intense magical and mundane investigation, trying to determine its nature and uncover its secrets. He gets nowhere though and eventually gives up.
Meanwhile, his rather bored looking fox leaps down from Kang's back and saunters over to Sasha. "Hello, my name is Huli. What's yours?" When the black cat fails to reply, she paces back Kang, rather disappointed. "That one doesn't speak."
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Kang sighs as he looks up at the steep slope. He is clearly not one used to physical exertion nor in the wilderness. All he can do is just keep going, just keep going...
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Raini scouts ahead a small bit and finds a very efficient path for the others to follow. Unfortunately even with Raini's help none of the new recruits are able bodied enough to climb the hill with any speed. In fact Zhao looks at the hill and decides to take the scenic route around it.
The group makes slow progress and wastes time cresting or circumnavigating the hill.
A small set of woods sets before you, the trees no longer have leaves and stand as shambles or husks that creak in the wind. An unnatural sound catches your attention and you duck down into the brown brush as it crinkles beneath your boots. A massive patrol of undead troops is approaching but seems not to have noticed you yet. Due to the sheer size and numbers of this troop it would be most unwise to engage this army yourselves.
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Leo, knowing that he didn't have a useful spell prepared for this situation, decides quickly to begin huffing it before the undead scrutinize the area.
Dang it! I could have been helpful, Leo chastises himself. His face a mixture of shame and effort as he hauled his armored self and pack. I mean, I just learned that one spell. I need to take the next free moment to reprepare that.
Ya'know...I bet if I did that and that...I could change my voice and add some scent...
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Before the party ends up setting out of the mission Natesh spends time with Leo and Kang sharing their magical notes. Natesh provides his information freely and generally seems interested in Leo's style of magic. "During my training I didn't get to meet many who trained in both blade and magic. As much as the precepts of magic have been poured into me, I've been in plenty of situations where my strength was more useful than some incantation myself."
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Natesh huffs and puffs up the hill and curses his pageantry and heavy clothing before taking a moment within the bushes as he takes a moment to whisper and confer with the others.
"Even if I had the magic, I'm not sure I would want to test it against their number. I don't have the magic to cast a noise, but I could still cast a stone and give us a chance to get out of here."
Natesh casts a quick incantation closes his eyes visualizing the fragments of the near future. He picks up bits of pieces, but he only can't tell for certain if the diversion is successful or a failure. "The result is ... not as certain as I would hope, but I think it should draw them away."
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As they share magical notes Leo seems to be writing them into his book with several less notation than the other two use. This causes him to scribe in less than half the time.
At Natesh's comment, Leo pauses and his face reddens with some strange mixture of embarrassment, shame, and pride. He nearly opens his mouth for 5 seconds before closing it again, obviously withholding something. He then stays silent for a few moments before actually speaking, "My twin sister and I...uhh...had a bit...uhh..different kind of training than most..." He seems like he is about to say something and then pauses for a few more moments, "...mother was...very insistent on our training of the sword."
He then looks uncomfortable and continues scribing into his spellbook.
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Leo takes off at a dead sprint, rushing from tree to tree so as not to be seen when he notices that Natesh isn't able to successfully cause the diversion he was looking to achieve. Thankfully Malark picks it up with a strange tune floating through the woods so that the pair can get away safely.
Kang, Variel, and Raini decide to break coarse and attempt to sneak around the undead unseen.
Looking back it seems you have successfully made it past the undead army without being noticed as you collapse against an outcropping of rocks to catch your breath. That definitely would have been much more difficult with horses and any sort of cart. Natesh looks to be quite fatigued from the flight to remain unseen and uncaught.
Unfortunately to continue on it looks like heavy, prickly undergrowth and tall grasses have grown over the road.
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Seeing Malark take charge of drawing the undead away Natesh doesn't think another second before taking off. Out of breath near the run Natesh strips of a jacket and stows in his bag as he looks to Raini for direction.
Once everyone is moving Natesh pushes behind as he struggles to get through the brambles. As he struggles through he searches for something to say as he pulls thorns out of the fabric and recalls the conversation with Leo from hours before. "It was my father that was insistent to my magical training. Not enough to make him be around for the lessons." After another sting from the flora Natesh lashes his staff at the offensive plant-life.
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Raini takes one look at the heavy, prickly undergrowth and tall grasses and smiles. He grew up playing in vegetation just like this.
Seeing as the others are more domesticated, he points out what to touch, what to avoid, and the best pathways through, even for largish folk and those dressed like turtles.
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Raini points out the thinner sections of the undergrowth as the little gnome leads the way through. Most are able to leap from section to section with ease, but it seems that Leo's blade may need a bit more time on the sharpening stones.
You are able to briskly traverse the Gravelands as Goldenflame comes into view. The path begins to gently descend into town
Everyone but Raini and Natesh spot a figure in the distance rush over a short hill. Likely a scout of some means, though the lack of nearby undead forces mean that you should have at least a few hours to explore before anything gets within dangerous proximity.
Apart from the slight breeze, the town is still and quiet. The buildings here seem mostly intact, with only a few signs of disuse: cracked gutters, dry and decaying flower beds, weeds growing against flaking walls. A crumbling fountain stands in the middle of the plaza, dry as a dusty bone.
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Natesh draws his breath as he clances back in the distance for any sign immediate reprisal from the scout as he turns and looks about the town. "I expected to see far more damage throughout this place. In any case we should be able to search this place quickly and be gone before the undead legion returns."
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Raini is very concerned about a huge undead horde descending on the team's position at any time. The feeling is downright unsettling. He keeps close to Sasha, stroking her fur to keep grounded and focused.
"If you work to find what we need, I'll focus on hiding our passing. Ma always said, 'ya can't find a thing if you don't know ya need to look for it'."
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The group slowly and cautiously begins to head towards the northeastern building. Raini is too busy covering the tracks to notice as he runs right into the back of Malark.
Malark notices a zombie horse lurking near the fountain in the center of the square, walking erratically. As it notices him, it snorts and lets out a rasping whinny from a rotting gash in its throat. Zombie clad in tattered clothing move into action, emerging from behind walls and dead hedges, their moans breaking the silence.
Variel
Raini
Leo
Malark
Natesh
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Horse
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Zhao Kang
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Zombies
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Leo starts at the appearance of the horse, but he catches himself. What would dad do? he thinks to himself. He takes a centering breath as he closes his eyes for a moment and concentrates on the longsword he has raised in front of his face. Two-dimensional sigils appear and swirl three-dimensionally around the sword. It begins to glow softly.
Leo then opens his eyes and contorts his whole body as he swings the sword around and throws it at the horse. It spins head-over-head, oddly never losing momentum or spin. It slashes at the horse and then, like a boomerang spins back to Leo's outstretched hand. He catches it with a defiant smile.
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Natesh holds himself steady as he legs threaten to give out from a combination and exhaustion and sudden fear. He takes a breath and reminds himself of his own strength and capability, "this, like all other challenges, will be nothing to me."
With that he draws his crossbow and levels the aim at the animated creature. He holds just a moment as he considers the the dossier, "I recall something of at least one horse that traveled with the missing. I can't tell if it or any of the others are among those we were sent to recover. They seem quite willing to allow us a closer look though."
After studying the horse for another moment he fires a single shot toward the tortured creature.