You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World.
For some of you the training to become a Pathfinder has just ended ... some of you already had their first missions.
You have heard rumors that the Pathfinder Society is stretched thin at the moment and that junior Pathfinders are asked to complete more dangerous missions than usual.
You always knew that you would be continuously asked to explore one of the countless ruins that litter the plains outside the city’s walls on Golarion. Some of your colleagues have the opinion that this is the best way to start a life of excitement and adventure ... by exploring long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures but what about you?
* * * * *
You have been chosen to be part of the Pathfinder group that will leave to travel to Highdelve on a critical mission for the society.
You are led through the Great Hall of Skyreach past a large table with a shifting illusionary Inner Sea map on its massive surface. Standing around the Hall are dozens of pathfinders of various races exchanging stories of their exploits.
You are directed towards a smaller meeting room, past an ornate fountain with crystal clear water. You can feel the chill from the cascading droplets as some splash you on their decent to the pool.
The placard before the room reads, “The Pipeweed Nook”. Opening the door you see a long table, chairs.
You enter with the other Pathfinders but are still waiting for the Venture-Captain to arrive and give you the final briefing before you travel to Highdelve.
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In comes a fairly lovely looking orange and peach Kitsune, with what can best be described as “a bikini with some armor included, along with sandals, and a katana”, who then immediately sits down and relaxes.
”Kyomi the Swiftpaw, here! How is everyone?”
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A dwarf with an unlit cigar in his mouth looks at the pretty lass that walks into the room. Stunned by her beauty, he can't help but reply in total honesty.
Well, to tell you the truth, I'm just about crawling up the walls here. See this *unlit* cigar that I'm gumming one end of to an awful mess. Yeee---ahhh drawing out the Yeah in a way that has been mastered by dwarven kind. It's supposed to be a *lit* cigar. But being new, and in training - the Venture-Captain told me no smoking inside --and all my training has been inside- these walls.
It's been a week now and my skin was crawling from not getting any burned leaf. Then walking into a spot specifically called Pipeweed
Nook - and STILL being told I can't smoke here.
At this point Torgen looks beside himself, but then with a sigh pulls the mangled cigar from his mouth with his left hand and extends his right hand to give a handshake.
Name is Torgen of Port Ice. You are a welcome sight and if I may be so bold- a beautiful distraction from my nicotine woes. I compliment you on that Katana you have. My family are a bunch of forgers and I'd whistle a tune to shake the hand of whomever crafted that slicer.
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?! You look tough but are you the right people for this 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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To say Alyyra was excited would fail to capture the true magnitude of her feelings. She was, quite seriously and quite literally, vibrating. This was her first mission as a real Pathfinder! She never fit in with the Chelish society where she grew up; always so strict and chafing. They had so many rules about everything, and Alyyra just wanted to make music. Of course, her father, her human parent, wanted her to do something with her life. She'd always had a lot of curiosity, always loved learning, so it seemed natural for her to escape Chelaxia and go to Absalom, a city where one can life a hundred lifetimes and learn something new each and every day. They weren't thrilled, but they nonetheless supported Alyyra in her decision.
Making a life in Absalom as a musician was challenging at times, but she found her niche in working class bars. But then wanderlust struck her, and she decided the best way to satisfy it, while seeing stories unfold first hand, was to join the Pathfinder Society.
And now here she was, about to start her first mission as a Pathfinder! She found herself having trouble focusing for a moment until the door opened, which snapped her out of her daydreaming. She moves her entire attention to Dreng while rolling her flute idly on the table in front of her. She found it comforting to be doing something with her hands, even while her mind was focused on other things.
Her voice is soft, kind as she responds, no longer rolling the flute on the table. "Yes, sir! We might be inexperienced but I promise we'll do whatever we need to!" Then, turning to her new companions, who she just volunteered to do potentially terrible things ... Perhaps I should introduce myself... "Hi! I'm Alyyra, Alyyra Ravenheart. Graduate of the bard college here in Absalom! Pleased to meet all of you!" With the brief introduction complete, she returns her attention to Dreng, fixing him with an inquisitive gaze. "What's the problem? You said the informant was vague, did they provide any information?
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And yes, I would love to shake your hand
and true to his word, Torgen happily shakes her hand. There is a dwarven smile specifically reserved for fine beer, the ground breaking of a new mine, and when master craftsmen/craftswomen meet. This is the smile on Torgen's face. Unparalleled in all the world, the smile radiates appreciation and appraisal.
It's a fine day when the Anvil gives a product as wonderous as what you got there Kyomi. People don't understand the labor of love that goes into forging a weapon that you, yourself are going to use. But, you do.He continues his smile as he sees the half-elven bard enter the room. He gives a nod of approval-as there's tons of legends out there where dwarves and half- elves get along swimmingly
But when Venture Captain Drandle Dreng comes walking in and *lighting up a smoke*, Torgen's face becomes mortified and ashen, then a bit upset.
Oh, Fine. The Boss comes in and gives a "do as I say, but not as I do" smoking lesson. Ah, I see through your ruse Venture Captain. You're testing me. Seein' if I go against your original orders to not smoke inside.
He then shakes his right finger at Dreng in an AH-HA fashion. But his left hand is fumbling at the cigar in his mouth. Shaking a bit as wants to desperately to prepare the cigar to be consumed.
*****************
Torgen moves closer to the Venture captain, taking a deep inhale of the pipe smoke that has settled around his head. His eyes roll a little up inside his head, but then return to square one as he settles into the task at hand.
Yup. You called the best of your newbies. You also alluded to the fact that this isn't a trip to the carnival or other such safe places.
So--- what's in Highdelve? And what is the major malfunction?
He then looks at Alyyra Ravenheart.
You said you just graduated from College,and graduating that makes you know stuff. What is this town HighDelve known for? I've heard of it, because me fam's (family) originated from the Golushkin Mountains. I also know it's a traveling through stop to SilverHall. But I'd love to hear what a scholar's got-tsa say about it.
"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."
He 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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Alyyra keeps Dreng's gaze as he speaks, nodding occasionally. She's already familiar with Highdelve and its history. Between her schooling at the bard's college and what she's overheard or picked up in conversation at various taverns in the city, she's confident she has a solid understanding of the story so far. Yes, yes, but what about the mission? ... are we going to meet Aurelliax‽ She almost bounces in her chair at that thought.
"Yes, Aurelliax the gold dragon! She's the patron and protector of Highdelve! She has a lair near Highdelve and has supported the town ever since its (thankfully peaceful!) request for independence from House Garess. I've never met a dragon before, let alone a gold dragon." Then, her eyes go wide. "Oh no, has something happened to her?" Her hand goes back to her flute and she resumes rolling it back and forth on the table.
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Torgen thinks for a minute. The tobacco wrapper hanging from his mouth and wobbling as he moves it in non-verbal thought.
He listens as Alyyra gives a good background on Highdelve.
A- Yup. What she said. Damn girl. You really DID graduate from College. Good work.
He makes certain to turn to Freng.
Now that we proved our chops. It's got-zta be apparent that anything involving a Gold Dragon is above our heads. Obvious Dwarf jokes aside.
I'm hoping that what you need our team to do has a simpler objective.
Torgen chomps down on the cigar - moving his mouth into a straight line. Showing a skeptical look on his face.
Dreng raises an eyebrow at Alyyra.
"Alyyra, good memory. 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."
He 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.
Dreng stops pacing long enough to knock some of the ashes out of his pipe and reload it with more tobacco.
"Go to Highdelve and see what you can find out!"
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Well, that sounds much more manageable. Better than treading on a plot against a Gold Dragon.
I'm also interested in the cargo shipment. That's me families wares that were in the shipment. Not that old relic stuff, but weapons. Fine crafted weapons.
So, Three Action Items:
◆ check in on some young adults. Do some psychological counseling.
◆◆ Track down the shipment. Crack the skulls of whomever took the relics and weapons.
◆◆◆ Find this Gilda Korgen. Since she's in a cult, we'll probably do more smashing of skulls.
A---Yup. muuuuuccchhh better than Gold Dragon stuff.
He turns to the others. Looking at them each in turn.
I'm about as useful as a dwarf in the elemental plane of air when it comes to teens. Unless it'll be helpful to teach them how to smoke, I'm going to look to you to put a spearhead on that one. Also, anyone know what a Kothchie- kootchie cult is?
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Alyyra can't contain a grin as she hears about the two "misbehaving". It's quite probable that they're close to her age--assuming a roughly human-scale lifetime, of course--and she fondly remembers some of the antics from her (not so) younger years. Still, though, Dreng probably wouldn't be asking us to check on them if it was just routine, maybe there's something else going on...
"Do you know what kind of trouble Richelle and Tolwin are getting into? I imagine you aren't asking us to check in on them if it's just youthful exuberance. I'm, well, something of a young adult myself, I guess you could say, and I can tell you that anything like 'counseling' isn't going to work. I think I'll be able to handle talking with them, at least."
She furrows her brow at Kostchtchie as, sadly, no recognition forms in her mind. Maybe something to read about on the way up...
"The cult's actions, though... they're worrying. They've got to be either brave or foolhardy--or both, I guess?--if they're plotting against Aurelliax! Sounds like we'll need to do some investigation. Nothing we can't handle!" This last bit said with all the confidence of inexperience, and an earnest smile to match.
"To be honest we know nothing mire! Maybe a little about 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."
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.
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Please make haste and travel to Highdelve."
Fiddling with the cigar,
That Venture Captain does know how to make an exit of "note".Ha- See that was a pun for Alyyra to appreciate!
He looks around to see if anyone else appreciated the good pun.
Sheesh. It's a hard core group when the Dwarf of the party has the biggest funny bone. But, now down to brass tacks. Warm weather clothing is a must for that area. Get some shopping and I'll talk with the stablemaster for the proper mounts for the excursion. Sir Smokestack Dreng wants us to make haste - we'll take the steps to do it.
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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Having just graduated, Alyyra is used to sharing rooms with people. It's crowded, to be sure, even more so than she's used to, but she's okay with it. She's not yet at a place in her life where she has the privilege of privacy in her lodgings. Besides that, she was quite excited to be on her first mission. She's eager to dig into the food and drink. The cold doesn't agree with her, and she may have complained a few times on the journey. If she can see a fireplace from where she's sitting, she occasionally glances at it with a smile on her face. She savors the food and drink. Good, hearty stuff, well-suited to fighting the cold. She'll gladly take anyone's leftovers, commenting on how Chelaxians aren't built for the cold. She freely shares details about her upbringing, her history at the bard college, and, now she's far away from Dreng, all the mischievous antics she got into while at bard college. Nothing too serious, but nothing she wants the Venture Captain to hear.
Too excited to fall asleep, Alyyra tries to strike up conversation with anyone still around after everyone with more sense has gone to bed. Regardless of whether there's anyone around, she finds a seat by the fire or at least away from the windows, trying to keep warm.
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Torgen sits down at the four top with the rest of his new comrades.
He digs in his pack and pulls out a cedar box filled with ten cigars. He pulls one out, but doesn't lite it up. He grabs an ash tray or other similar receptacle and fiddles with it as he engages in conversation with the others.
*************
When a couple young males, hopped up on liquid courage, try to sit down at the table to "chat up" the lovely ladies Alyyra and a true fox in Kyomi -- Torgen gruffly shoo's them away.
Your tacky one liners aren't gonna work here. Go. Go. There's another lass or two in this common room you can chat up with your drivel. I caught you mouthing the words, Did it hurt, when an angel like you fell out of the sky?..... on your way over here as practice.
These two are out of your league.
***************
Torgen listens to Alyyra and her stories. Giving them apt attention. Laughing at the dares she convinced some of her classmates to do. He laughs so loud and long at the time one ended up stranded on the roof of the college, he drowns out the music being played by the inn's minstrel.
He also tries to pull out some history from Tuke and Kyomi. Especially where they are from and what makes here so different from there. He asks questions like - what's the biggest difference in food offered? And where they want to go on a vacation after they've earned some rep in the Pathfinders. He asks the same two questions of Alyyra, as he's never been to Cheliax. From all he heard, it was a pretty confining place- rules. Rules. Rules.
**********
For his end, and he certainly stays up late into the evening chatting.
Describing his family and how they are craftsmen and women. He's not as gifted, so he's been doing more of the "field testing" of the products - i.e the weapons. He's tracking that missing shipment- that's a goal of his - as it's got his families goods, and it doesn't do well for the reputation if your goods don't make it to the buyer.
All the while, he never has the cigar out of his hands or in his mouth. It's not even lit, but he'll "ash" it into the ash tray. As if all his movements are rote and automatic due to a decades long habit.
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What made everyone want to go adventuring?”
Torgen raises one hand filled with an ale that has a full head of foam and his cigar in another.
What a good question- Lass. I am doing this for my family. The clan needed me to do certain duties, and so I do them. Family is always first is a motto. My kin would do the same if I asked them to do a task that's in their wheelhouse.Now, outside of this specific task of trying to find my families weapons.... Hmmm. I'd say that I did some training with the Society so that I could go out and find riches. Riches or opportunity to allow me to enjoy the finer things in life - like ale and soft beds, and the best of the brown foods. I want to have enough coin to not have to eat any green foods - like ever.
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Alyyra gives Torgen a glance. "I appreciate you defending my and Kyomi's honor, but truly, we can handle ourselves." She flashes an honest smile, knowing his intentions were honorable.
Then, she turns to the question from Kyomi, who has been pretty quiet until now. Excitement comes back into her voice, and she starts speaking much more quickly. "Well, as you can see--"her hands brush her long black hair behind her ears, but keeps twirling a lock in her right hand--"I'm half-elven. Human father, elf mother. Mom's okay with me just being a musician. I'm pretty good with a flute, I guess! Dad, though, he's got that usual human ambition, you know how it goes, especially for Chelish humans. He wanted me to do, be, more. I love him, and he wants the best for me, so I'm happy to listen. That, and... well..." A mischievous smile, and was that a bit of a blush? "I've already told some stories about the shenanigans I got up to in bard college. You can bet I got in worse trouble back home. So dad wanted me to make something of myself, I wanted to get out of Cheliax, and... " Here she drifts off, grin fading, her glance shifting to her food and drink. At Torgen's mention of family, she perks up. "Family first indeed. A toast to family!"
A beat. "What about you, Kyomi?"
What is the Brightbloom Jubilee?
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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Alyyra wakes to see the town transformed. "Oh, I had no this was going to be so elaborate! So much to see and do! ... and, of course, it's an opportunity to chat with people and learn more about what's going on." She immediately dashes off on her own to the theater and the stand selling fried food. It's become something of a favorite of hers, especially after developing a taste for it in Absalom.
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This place really transforms! They are throwing a party.
Well, I'm headed to the sack races. While it might be a bit humiliating chugging along in a potato sack that goes above my head, but we dwarves were built low to the ground. We've got so many advantages at this game.
I'll do these games a bit, and then join anyone that's barrel-go-round.
Sounds like - -well, look at Alyyra dash off to the puppets. Go have fun! What you interested in Tuke?
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just checking to see how I did in the sack race!
As soon his events are done, Torgen goes over to the barrel go-a-round - or whichever game Tuke wanted to check out, but as he's heading there he see's Alyyra.
So Alyyra! How good is the puppet theatre? What a fun little town- have you gotten a chance to talk with some locals? I dot a bad draw in the sack races. Went against some agile folks, a little higher levels of competition than I'd have expected.
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Alyyra skips around town, a smile seemingly permanently plastered on her face. Oh, this is so much fun! ... but wait, we have a job to do too! Torgen successfully catches hold of her feet and pulls her back to Golarion, though she's still glowing.
"Oh, Torgen, the puppet show was so cute, especially the little animals! I don't think I've seen the show before, either in puppet form or otherwise, but it was so fun!" She takes a bite out of something on a stick, the steam rising off of it despite the cold. With her mouth still a little full, "Oh, um, right, the locals! It seems this is the most important time of year in Highdelve? Lots of important people here. Apparently the bloomgivers have been gone longer than expected? Aurelliax--the gold. dragon!--gives the Bloomgivers, the two locals who harvest the brightblooms, an amulet to keep them safe, though. They should be okay still, but... " She thinks a bit. "Say, what do you think, would these two be the two youngsters we're supposed to be looking for? I overheard some people who seemed to know their history talking about the Bloomgivers, maybe they know their names? We should go talk to them." She starts off at a brisk pace, then glances back at anyone not keeping up. "Come on, we've got a mission!"
This place really transforms! They are throwing a party.
Well, I'm headed to the sack races. While it might be a bit humiliating chugging along in a potato sack that goes above my head, but we dwarves were built low to the ground. We've got so many advantages at this game.I'll do these games a bit, and then join anyone that's barrel-go-round.
Sounds like - -well, look at Alyyra dash off to the puppets. Go have fun! What you interested in Tuke?
[dice=local]1d20+1
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.
She looks at Torgen and smiles.
“Jump right in!“ but unfortunately he’s not fast enough.
The well-dressed dwarven woman standing at the end of the race introduces herself as Yarla Bowhammer to Torgen.
[dice=Diplomacizing those locals to gather lots of information]1d20+10
Alyyra wakes to see the town transformed. "Oh, I had no this was going to be so elaborate! So much to see and do! ... and, of course, it's an opportunity to chat with people and learn more about what's going on." She immediately dashes off on her own to the theater and the stand selling fried food. It's become something of a favorite of hers, especially after developing a taste for it in Absalom.
A5. Theatre in the Miniature
Strange voices and exaggerated accents ring from the front of a small performance stage, which is framed with a drawnback velvet curtain. On the stage, elaborate puppets enact a melodramatic scene of confusion and betrayal.
Alyyra arrives just as the current puppet show ends and there really were only two small kids watching anyway.
A man just comes out from his hiding place and looks at Alyyra with a surprised look on his face. After a few moments, the single puppeteer behind holds up an “Intermission” sign. The puppeteer is an elegant man wearing fine jewelery.
Tuke will go to the 3. A large, gilt statue of a dragon and will also find out what is there. [dice=perception]1d20+2
A3. Our Gilded Lady
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.”|
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Alyyra frowns, almost pouts, when she sees the intermission sign. She waits, patiently, for the show to continue. Well, as patiently as she can, for she starts humming a tune of her own creation while waiting. If the kids stick around, she asks them what they think of the show so far. They're not much younger than she is, and indeed, on the scale of lifetimes as long as her mother's, they're practically the same age!
Will go around asking about the statue, especially if there are other people near it. Nice statue, isn't it? How are you? [dice=diplomacy]1d20-3
“Yes!! That is our protector!? The gold dragon!“ a lady says to
TukeStanding 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.
Alyyra frowns, almost pouts, when she sees the intermission sign. She waits, patiently, for the show to continue. Well, as patiently as she can, for she starts humming a tune of her own creation while waiting. If the kids stick around, she asks them what they think of the show so far. They're not much younger than she is, and indeed, on the scale of lifetimes as long as her mother's, they're practically the same age!
Suddenly, the puppet master exits.
"You are kind to still linger here young lady! I am Carth. You enjoyed it?" he asks but does not give much time to answer, as he just continues with, "Oh dear gods. I gave the responsibility for the puppets to my apprentice, Richelle, but ... well, if she would have spent her time learning from my years of experience but no ... and she's not at the festival today as she’s been disinvited from the jubilee this year. I hope she returns tomorrow."
You notice that he's trying to sound optimistic about his apprentice, but something is worrying him.
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Torgen gives the winners of the race a solid" good game" gesture and verbal salutation. As he clears his body oft he sack, and neatly folds it, he places the unlit cigar from behind his grubby ear and into his mouth. Making his way towards Yarla.
You got's yourself a good event here. Thank you for putting it on and letting me take a run at being the champion. I guess I need to work on my technique as I went against some better racers.
Oh well! I love a good friendly competition. My names Torgen. Torgen from my clan in Port Ice. It's good to see another from the other clans. I know you're running this event, but what else do you do in town? On a day when a festival doesn't have you tending races of skill?
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Torgen , after his informative conversation with a fellow dwarf, returns to chatting with Tuke and Alyrra - looking to see what they found and got to enjoy from the festival. He's very keen to learn the names of the mischievous boy and girl that Tuke and Alyrra heard about.
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"I--" Alyyra tries to give some compliments, feedback, and maybe even some well-meaning advice on the production, but is cut off. Then her ears perk up. Hey, Richelle, she's one of the people we're here to check on! And he sounds so worried, too... "I'm Alyyra, Alyyra Ravenheart! I have some free time, as you can see, I'd be happy to try to find Richelle and check in on her for you! I'm here with some, well, some friends, and I'm sure they'd be happy to help me out!" Her first priority right now is keeping the man talking; it's clear he's reticent to share information but hopefully some charm and friendliness can get him to share some useful information.
*
"I was just speaking with the puppet master and Richelle is his apprentice! She's not one of the Bloomgivers, neither is Tolwin, but apparently Richelle got disinvited and the puppetmaster is quite worried about her. I said we'd check in on her, since, well, all part of the mission! Did any of you hear anything more useful?"
Tuke looks interested. Richelle and Tolwin? Maybe I can help.
A3. A large, gilt statue of a dragon.
Tuke talks to the woman with grey hair and she looks at him with a smile.
"Oh I am sorry, I do not know how you know these thugs but they are not welcome. Here look at that. I am mayor Qarl by the way. Unfortunately, I am needed elsewhere but thanks for coming to our festival!" she says with a smile.
It bears sketches of a scowling human boy and girl, each about 17, along with the following message.
“Be advised: Richelle and Tolwin, apprentices to Carth Garenth and Yarla Bowhammer, are not permitted at the jubilee. If seen, please turn them away from your events.”
Tuke will then go to the food stand. Hey, I would like to purchase some food, and I can promote it, but I need a favor. Like ah, a bargain on it. If no deal, okay, I'll pay the expensive price, I'm hungry. [dice=bluff]1d20-3
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, visitor! 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.
Tuke, 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.
Torgen gives the winners of the race a solid" good game" gesture and verbal salutation. As he clears his body oft he sack, and neatly folds it, he places the unlit cigar from behind his grubby ear and into his mouth. Making his way towards Yarla.
You got's yourself a good event here. Thank you for putting it on and letting me take a run at being the champion. I guess I need to work on my technique as I went against some better racers.
Oh well! I love a good friendly competition. My names Torgen. Torgen from my clan in Port Ice. It's good to see another from the other clans. I know you're running this event, but what else do you do in town? On a day when a festival doesn't have you tending races of skill?
Yarla looks at Torgen with a smile. "Hello Torgen! I am Yarla Bowhammer, the owner of the Peaktop Company, which trades in dry goods up and down western Brevoy. I do not want to be rude and I’d love to chat, but my mind is occupied and I have to take care of this race here. Come back to me when the Bloomgivers have returned ... I will be in a better mood then!" she says apologetically.
A5. A small puppet theater has gathered a crowd.
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+5
"I--" Alyyra tries to give some compliments, feedback, and maybe even some well-meaning advice on the production, but is cut off. Then her ears perk up. Hey, Richelle, she's one of the people we're here to check on! And he sounds so worried, too... "I'm Alyyra, Alyyra Ravenheart! I have some free time, as you can see, I'd be happy to try to find Richelle and check in on her for you! I'm here with some, well, some friends, and I'm sure they'd be happy to help me out!" Her first priority right now is keeping the man talking; it's clear he's reticent to share information but hopefully some charm and friendliness can get him to share some useful information.
*
"I was just speaking with the puppet master and Richelle is his apprentice! She's not one of the Bloomgivers, neither is Tolwin, but apparently Richelle got disinvited and the puppetmaster is quite worried about her. I said we'd check in on her, since, well, all part of the mission! Did any of you hear anything more useful?"
The man waves his hand. "I am sorry but that one is lost in my opinion ... I tried everything ... but I do not have children of my own. Discipline and trust is hard to teach ... she and her brother have to learn that. Otherwise it will be a hard road for them!" the puppet master says.
The Bloomgivers return
Murmurs of alarm from the western end of Protectress Square soon become shrieks of shock. Two people stumble into the square-a young dark-haired man and a light-haired woman, half walking and half relying on the shoulders of friends. Winces of pain cross their bloodied faces.
Somewhere, someone shouts, "The Bloomgivers have been attacked' Someone get Aurelliax!"
The crowd around the Bloomgivers hushes and parts, and the mayor strides purposefully toward the injured youths. A grim look on her face, she reaches a hand lovingly toward the Bloomgivers.
Mayor Qarl addresses the crowd in a commanding voice. "Silence! Aurelliax left minutes ago due to an urgent matter. She did not trust me with the details."
She turns toward the Bloomgivers. "Kameer. Kara. Young ones, what has happened here?"
The Bloomgivers pause to catch their breath before answering. " We' re so sorry, Mayor Qarl ," Kara says.
"We were picking the brightblooms when those bullies set upon us. They took us completely by surprise, and they stole the Golden Pendant right from Kameer's neck! We barely got out with our lives!” Kameer nods. "It was Richelle and Tolwin! They're up on Dendra's Slope, and they've still got Aurelliax's amulet!”
At this news, several individuals, including the proprietors of the jubilee's events- emerge from the crowd.
The town's mayor visibly bristles with anger. "I've had enough of those two! Clearly we should have punished them more harshly!" she says. "We have to retrieve these misbehaving kids? We have to get Aurelliax's amulet back, and those two will get the justice they deserve in our stocks."
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"Oh, thank you so much for the food, Tuke! Much appreciated. I had wanted to go get some myself, but got distracted at the puppet show." She tucks in rather enjoys herself, falling silent. Fried dough has become a favorite of hers since discovering the treat in Absalom. It always gives her so much energy, and besides that it just tastes yummy!
She's not too absorbed in her meal to notice the Bloomgivers returning, though. Oh no, they're hurt! She listens to Mayor Qarl's speech and then turns to the group, speaking in hushed tones. "Looks like our charges have indeed been misbehaving like Dreng suggested. We should go volunteer to look for them!" She makes her way to the Mayor to speak with her.