With the Pathfinder Society growing stronger each passing year, their governing council, the Decemvirate, decided that the time was ripe for a new call to action. Led by several masked Decemvirate members, the Society launched a campaign into the infested forests of
Iobaria, pushing back the edges of the Inner Sea to seek out secrets long buried.
Unfortunately, the Society uncovered more than they bargained for ...
The Pathfinders begin this adventure in a large encampment on the outskirts of the Finadar Forest, awaiting a briefing from Vigilant Seal faction leader Eando Kline and Gorm Greathammer, leader of the Grand Archive.
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A young woman of distinctly khellid looks prowls around the camp, waiting for her summons. She is tall, lanky and (surprisingly) doesn't carry a large axe. Her movements too are unusual, not the haughty stride one might associate with her people, but rather smooth and graceful like a dancer.
Her eyes too are not the blue of the north, but almost violet, reminding you perhaps of Varissa rather than the far north.
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A middle-aged elf makes his way into the encampment to meet his fellow Pathfinders. Smartly dressed and clad in studded leather armor, he carries a brandy snifter in one hand with a bag of books slung over the other shoulder. While others are guzzling ale from mugs, he savors a refined sip of his brandy, mumbling something about "...civilized drinking..."
With an air of superiority that is almost certainly undeserved, he cautiously approaches the group. "Yes, yes. Greetings. I'm Dr. Thurston Lazarus, the Third. You may call me Lazarus or simply Doctor." He adds, "I don't typically respond to Thurston, because ... well, if that were your name, would you?"
Dr. Lazarus pauses momentarily before adding, "I'm a renowned forensics professor at the University of Osirion. You may have heard of me." After getting blank stares (which he's quite used to), he continues, "Well, no matter. While somewhat skilled at healing..." he pats his healer's toolkit on his bandolier, "... I joined the Pathfinders to hone my investigative skills. That's how I make my living, you see. Relying on my books, uncovering clues, solving mysteries."
When he steps forward, those nearby can see an elven curve blade sheathed over his back, with a hammer strapped at his waist. The well-built scholar adds, "I can handle myself in battle if needed." He takes another sip of brandy.
While others are making introductions, Lazarus looks around for his faction leader of the Grand Archive. "I heard that Gorm Greathammer himself will brief us. It's quite an honor." The Doctor seems almost giddy with anticipation. He continues, "I only met him the one time, at a Pathfinder initiation. I'm sure he'll be pleased to see me."
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Soon towards the others comes an alchemist. A small figure carries a bandolier full of bottles, on the sleeves of leather armor, are marks of burns and stains from odd liquids. The green skin, and big ears clearly show that this is a goblin, and the fact that he sits on a huge wolf just fits the picture.
The left half of his head is covered in hair while the right side is clean-shaved and covered with tattoos. You might suspect that he made the tattoos himself as the symmetry is off, there are clearly badly made. The figure sings in his high pitched voice
"The king in thorns is king no more.
That stupid fey has pissed me off.
Wolfie would have bitten his a**e ..." you don't know how the song continue but it was not very memorable poem.
"Hey there, My name is Hopper and this is Wolfie."
Hopper sits on top of a grey wolf with a rather big head and massive jaws. Wolf takes his time to scratch himself behind the ear and comes closer to sniff Doktor Lazarus and then Teja.
"I just came back from a mission in Mwanghi expanse and decide to find my way back to this self inflaming forest. It is my favorite place in the whole golarian."
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Teja eyes up first the elf and then the goblin. With a sigh, she puts away her own books and considers for a moment which she would prefer to extend her hand to first.
Reluctantly she decides on the elf. "Teja Khellekdottir. Scholar." Her own fingers are ink stained and a close observation of her bags would show suspiciously book shaped bulges in them.
She then offers Hopper her hand. "I was down there myself. Got a bit dicey for a while..." She says, gesturing to a freshly healed scar of impressive proportions on her arm.
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After a long voyage, Jayma finally makes it to the rather large Pathfinder encampment on the outskirts of the Finadar Forest. She's almost ecstatic with happiness at having finally arrived. By far the worst part of these missions was the weeks spent idling on ships or caravans getting to whatever Shyka-foresaken end of the Golarion the Society insisted on sending her. Twyl was also excited to be here and was sitting up on her shoulder for a better look at all the commotion of the camp. Asking around, she gets directions to where she'll find her new colleagues and heads that way.
As she draws closer, you see a small female gnome dressed in an impressive set of cutting-edge clothing of the latest Absalom fashion. The eyes are first drawn to her pixie-cut bright orange hair framing a beautiful, but strangely otherworldly face. They soon move to take in the multi-colored hooded coat covering a peplum bustier that barely conceals her ample charms. Her leather breeches and boots in coordinating colors complete the outfit. At her belt are two sheathed matching daggers. In her hand is a staff that looks like a blackened and burned length of ashen wood, and attached to the lapel of her coat is a small crystal carved into the shape of a leaf.
Moving unceasingly from one shoulder to another, occasionally diving into her coat or backpack only to quickly emerge elsewhere, is a white ermine with oddly intelligent eyes.
Seeing that she has their attention, she beams out a radiant smile and introduces herself. "My name is Jayma, and this..." she puts out her right hand into which the ermine leaps, standing up on its hind legs to look out at the others, "... is my friend Twyl," A pair of small wings unfold from the ermine's back and it takes to the air momentarily before landing on Jayma's shoulders once again. "You have no idea how happy I am to finally meet you all."
After making a round of introductions, Jayma cranes her neck to look up at Lazarus. "So, doctor, it seems you are slated to be our main lookout. Do try to give us plenty of warning if anything dangerous creeps up on us; I so prefer to have a little extra time to prepare in such situations." She then gives Teja a smile and quick nod in acknowledgment. "A Kellid with books and ink on her hands? Will wonders never cease?" And a goblin to round off the bunch. It seemed that no mission was complete these days without at least one of the little fellows tagging along.
"Are the four of us all there is? Well, six I suppose, if you include our furry friends here." Jayma gives Twyl a rub as she looks around to see if she can find any familiar faces in the camp. She had a foreboding feeling about this place; almost as if some great calamity was about to descend on them.
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While "calamity" was not a word he would use on himself, nor would most people think of such an erudite term after seeing the chaos that seemed to follow in his wake like sharks behind a garbage scow, it was an excellent description of the gnome that approached.
It was easy enough to spot him coming. Despite the fact that the camp was far from crowded, he somehow found a way to bump into numerous people as he approached, invariably without stopping, usually without slowing down and generally with no apology or acknowledgement of the person he'd plowed into.
In direct opposition to Jayma there is little that could be called beautiful or fashionable about him. His features are feral and sharp, his hair thick, wild and unkempt, his clothes rugged but ripped, torn and threadbare and all of it a bit dirty looking.
For a few moments, it seems he's not going to slow down and is going to give the gathered group the same treatment he did everyone else but instead, he halts his march at the edge of their little circle and crosses his arms over his chest.
"Teja, nice to see you made it back in one piece. It was nice seeing my cousins doing some damage but it wasn't nice being on the receiving end," he says, referencing their last adventure together.
"And I see you brought another bookworm with you...because reading's going to be so useful out in the forest," he continues, looking the good doctor up and down.
Hopper just gets a jut of the chin in acknowledgement of his presence though the gnome gives his wolf a glare that shows he has no fear of it and won't put up with any shenanigans.
Finally, he turns his attention to his fellow gnome. "Jayma, NICE to see you as always," he says with a grin that shows his sharp teeth.
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"Four is not an auspicious number." she murmurs to Jayma. "I do hope there are some more of us..."
Then she takes note of the small vortex of chaos that is working its way across camp toward them. "Or maybe I spoke too soon." As the Sharp-Toothed-One makes his own unique introduction Teja breaths in heavily as if about to sigh, and then stops herself.
"While reading might not be useful for a forest, a forest maybe a very useful, quiet and serene place to catch up on some reading." she points out.
"And I have here a couple of treatise on useful plants, that I am sure might be helpful if you were to...say, burn you hand?" she adds.
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Jayma turns at the commotion and watches Zabu emerge from the brouhaha caused by his very presence among civilized folk. Despite herself, she's quite pleased to see a familiar face among all the strangers, and her smile at his arrival is unfeigned. "Ah, Mr Creed, a pleasure as usual. Why, I was just asking myself if you might be making an appearance."
Jayma and Zabu had been on several missions together and despite a rocky start and polar opposite aspects, had learned to put up with each other's idiosyncrasies and formed a good working relationship.
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"Here's hoping wherever we're going isn't quiet or serene. If I wanted to go someplace calm enough to read a book, I'd go back to the one in Absalom," Zabu answers Teja.
"But if you've learned out to handle trouble out of books, I guess its the second best way to learn things."
He gives Jayma big grin. "See, I knew it. We're apart for one mission and all you can do is think about me. Don't feel bad, I have that effect on most women. If I hadn't shown up here, this one would sure be pining for me," he says, hooking a thumb in Teja's direction.
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As they near the encampment, the steadily increasing activity around them initially delights Twyl. He hops up on his haunches from his usual perch on his mistress's shoulders and strains to get a better look.
His delight slowly turns to circumspection, and then apprehension as the number of people running around increases, and the noise gets louder. Despite the apparent calmness of his mistress and her constant soothing words, Twyl does not completely relax.
His mistress introduces them in her usual manner, but no sooner does he return to his roost on her shoulders, that he spots the wolf. He freezes; panic threatens to overwhelm him; those teeth, that stare, the growl! Only Jayma's lack of concern and stroking hand stops him from fleeing in terror.
When the wolf makes no aggressive moves, Twyl calms down a little. Ah, it looks like the wolf belongs to the strange little green man next to him. He was probably the man's friend, like Twyl was his mistress's. He wonders if it'll be friends with him too?
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"Yes. Pining." agrees the young scholar in a voice so dry it could come from the Cheliaxin vinyard.
"If there is one thing I would say to you, Zabu, it is at least you are moderately competent at putting yourself between me and trouble."
She rubs the newly healed wound on her arm. "Most of the time."
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"Just think how good I'd be if I was actually trying to get between you and trouble and not just trying to get into trouble, myself. We need someone with a shield to stop the hurting, I'm just here to make sure the other side ends up hurting worse than my side does," he says.
"Beside, you can't call yourself a Pathfinder unless you've got the scars to prove it."
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Jayma rolls her eyes in an exaggerated manner. "I'm happy to see that nothing's changed with you too, Mr Creed." She glances over at Teja and then turns back to Zabu. "Hmmm. It appears that Teja has fully recovered from the heartbreak of your earlier parting. I suspect that she's far too bright to fall for you again."
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As he's about to take another sip of brandy, Dr. Lazarus gets jostled by a whirling dervish in the shape of a gnome, and he spills his drink. Fortunately there wasn't much in his snifter and he was about to pour himself a refill anyway. "My dear boy ... Zabu is it? Do be more careful. For you see, next time my glass may be full." Lazarus studies the gnome to determine whether or not he has a way with the ladies. He concludes that he has better things to wonder about.
The Doctor nods to the other gnome, Jayma. Upon seeing Twyl, he comments, "If I'm not mistaken, madam, is that an ermine? Yes yes, I've seen pictures ..." He glances at Zabu and pats his shoulder bag "... in books." He returns his attention to Jayma and continues, "But I've never seen one up close. Fascinating creatures." He marvels at the small mustelid.
Lazarus then gives a stiff bow to Teja. "Another scholar, I see? Excellent. Excellent. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, dear lady. Our group is in good hands."
When Zabu teases Teja about reading in the wild, the Doctor reaches into his bag and pulls out a tome, Fauna of the Finadar, Vol. 1. "One never knows when information on the local flora and fauna will prove useful." He flips open to a random page and starts reading, stopping occasionally to sip his refilled brandy.
Slipping into the circle, a small green creature pokes his head in.
"I be Fumbus. Pathfinder like one green skin in each. They no trust the longshanks! Must represent fire-eater! Bomber. BOMB! HAHAHAHA. Fire no scary. Fire is friends."
It is only at this moment that his face goes to an expression of shock.
"Nother fire-bomb! Pathfinder sent for wrong Fumbus. This Fumbus right Fumbus! Why need...." he trails off- slack jaw starring at the books in the doctors hand.
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Hopper looks at Zabu, thinking to himself that this gnome is all about trouble.
"I hope you can distinguish friend from foe in the heat of battle. If so I like you. A master in his arts, a specialist in his trade." he squeeks
"I like books, but they are too long to read. I prefer to learn by experiments, you know. What is the best way if a given material is inflammable if not to try to light it? Huh?"
Hopper looked towards Jayma and Teja opened his mouth a few times and closed them.
"Twyl, what an unusual name." And he quickly turns around.
Say a thing for Hopper, say that he is smooth with ladies. thinks to himself
When Hopper was busy talking, Wolfie took a step towards Jayma and slowly extended his head, and sniffed her coat. After realizing that it was safe, Wolfie took a step closer and sniffed ermine. But as soon as Twyl moved, Wolfie jumped away and walked around Hopper.
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"See, this guy understands. You can read all about a thing in a book, but it doesn't mean anything until you experience it. Was reading about an ermine as good as seeing it? If you already read about it, did you even need to see it or did you know all you needed to?" Zabu says as Hopper chimes in.
"You can read 'brandy tastes good' but until you actually taste brandy, does it mean anything?"
"Speaking of...did you bring enough to share or is that just your own personal portion?"
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When Zabu asks about the sharing a drink, Dr. Lazarus looks up from his book and perks up. "My dear boy, I'm always willing to share with those that have discerning palettes and can appreciate quality vintage brandy." He rummages in his pack for some mugs. "I regret that I only have the one proper brandy snifter." He holds up the goblet he's sipping from and continues, "But if you're not too particular ...", he studies Zabu and concludes that he's not, "... I have a few mugs here that should be serviceable." He pours some refreshment for any who wish to taste.
Over drinks, the Doctor responds to the barbarian, "While life experiences are always preferable, one should not scoff an education to supplement such experiences." Lazarus pulls out his writing pad and makes a note. He explains, "There! It will be a goal of mine this mission to convince you of the benefits that a little knowledge, even from a book, can provide." He stows his writing pad and sips his drink.
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Twyl tenses as the wolf approaches his mistress. He silently begs the wolf not to bite her. He was terrified, though more for the wolf's sake than for hers. He'd seen all too often what his mistress did to creatures that bit her to worry on her account. He watches with trepidation as his mistress extends her hand so the wolf can smell it and relaxes visibly when nothing untoward happens.
When the wolf then shows an interest in him, Twyl is excited; if his mistress doesn't think the wolf is dangerous, that's good enough for him. He dives off her shoulder; his wings opening to catch him just before he reaches the ground. Twyl then scampers up to the wolf, but the beast scoots away behind his peculiar green master. Twyl doesn't approach any closer and instead waits on his haunches with a friendly expectant look on his face. He really hopes the wolf will want to be his friend.
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When Lazarus offers a sip of his brandy, Jayma jumps at the chance. It had been a long trip here and much to her dismay, the last caravan had been run by teetotalers. If there was one thing she was thoroughly sick of drinking, it was tea.
"How generous of you doctor. I don't mind if I do. It's been a long day and I could heartily use a drink... for medicinal purposes only of course." She takes one of the mugs and surreptitiously casts a quick spell to make sure it is clean before the elf pours his brandy into it.
When the conversation turns to books, Jayma pipes in. "As much as I hate to admit it, I'm in agreement with Mr Creed on this point. I find reading about things in books to be extremely tedious compared to the thrill of experiencing them in person."
"And soon I hope," she thinks to herself. She fancied that some of her color had faded a little during the long trip here and wanted to nip any bleaching in the bud before it took hold.
The skull draped goblin slowly recollects himself, remembering his manners.
"Mr Book, sir. I will take some brandy too! Too much time travel, not enough time to drink. Yes please. Thank you!"
"I have knowledge too! Coins and pictures. No lose memories in silly writings. Still make boom-booms! Win Win! No need fancy books. Just chemicals. And shoes. And more shoes!"
He looks about the circle, hopefully seeking agreement of the other pathfinders.
"Yes! Jamya understand. No know if she likes the booms, but books go burn. Why place trust in things that burn. Maybe gone. Likely gone!"
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Teja eyes up the philosophical goblin warily.
"Well, Zabu." she starts.
"There are some things that I would prefer not to experience first hand. And I can learn about them, and how to avoid them, from books."
She thinks for a moment. "Some of the more...esoteric... rites of Zon-Zulthon, or the practices of the kytons of the plane of shadow are things that are much better studied from books than up close and in person."
She looks around for a clean vessel, extending it to the good doctor.
"This however, I will agree, is something that is *much* better experienced in person."
She sniffs at it appreciatively. "I suspect the experience would be enhanced by partaking it from a vessel designed to boost its aromatic influences though."
She says this without so much as a blush, although it may very well be the first time the expression "aromatic influences" has been uttered by a kellid.
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Zabu may not be much on manners, but he knows not to argue with someone offering booze. He gladly takes the offered alcohol in whatever container it is provided in.
He sniffs it and takes obvious enjoyment from the experience but in a way that suggests he knows little about aromatic influences and cares even less.
"I'm never too particular about alcohol when it's free," he says, taking more than a sip. "Hey, that's the good stuff. You know, I don't care what anyone says about you, you're all right."
He grins at Fumbus' rambling, suspecting he's a mad genius and is a master of making boom-booms.
He smirks at Teja. "Sure, the MORE esoteric rites of Zon-Kuthon."
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Hopper also reaches out for the cup and looks baffled as Jayma is using a spell to clean it up. He simply takes some water from his waterskin and does the same.
FInally, he blinks twice looking at the other goblin
"You are Fumbus? The Fumbus?! The legend among the bombers? The first incendiary, the magnificent destructor?" Hopper takes a sip of brandy and says
"A tad warmer would be better" he takes out his bottle of vivid red liquid and uncorks it. He adds a drop to the alcohol in his cup and offers the same to Fumbus
"It will make it really hot in your mouth. Should be great. "
He raises a glass
"Let us have a toast, for the mission!"
"Yes, I am Fumbus! Not sure of titles, but sound good! I like. May Keep!"
Fumbus takes a sip of the new and improved drink. "Yes. Quite like! Belly happy and warm!" He lets out a small belch to accentuate the point.
"To the mission!"
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Dr. Lazarus pours drinks around. He's impressed by Teja's knowledge and Jayma's sophistication.
He does, however, cringe when Zabu gulps the brandy in one swallow. He tries to explain, "Well, no, you see, you can better appreciate the aromas if it lingers on the..." He realizes it's a lost cause. "...oh never mind."
When he thinks it can't get worse, the Doctor is mortified when the alchemists go off to spike their vintage brandy with their potions. Lazarus mutters softly, "Stop. Don't. Come back." He shakes his head. When the goblins seem to be enjoying the drink, he cocks his head and considers, "To each his own, I suppose."
The Doctor holds up his brandy snifter with the goblins and joins the toast. "To the mission." He takes a sip, and looking pointedly at Zabu and the goblins, he makes a show of s-a-v-o-r-i-n-g the taste.
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"You know, with all the magic everyone throws around and the items people create, you'd think they could actually make something useful, like a cup that lets you drink your booze and have it, too."
Hopper looks at Zabu and says
"It is like in this philosophical dilemma: to have a barn and to burn the barn. " goblin takes another sip.
"To the mission, indeed," Eando Kline's voice reverberates from the doorway as he enters, Gorm Greathammer in tow.
“Thank you for joining us, fellow Pathfinders,” Eando Kline begins. “As you may know, our mission here in Iobaria has changed. Shortly after we began our exploration of the region, a member of the Decemvirate was abducted. Pathfinders exploring the nearby cyclops ruins found evidence of demonic rituals tied to the demon lord Urxehl, and we have reason to believe these rituals are connected to the abduction."
“Given the dramatic effects we witnessed,” adds Greathammer, “we believe there may be further sites in the region powering this demonic ritual. That’s where you come in! We’ve organized you into teams, assigning each a section of the Finadar Forest. Your mission is to explore your assigned section, locate any further ritual sites, and disable them if possible. Eando or I will provide you with details of your assigned area in an individual briefing to follow."
“Remember,” Eando Kline adds, “your mission is to find and disrupt any ritual sites in your assigned region. There will be plenty of time for a thorough cartographic mission after we have dealt with the current threat. Move quickly, but be careful, and don’t put yourselves in more danger than is necessary.”
“We’ve assigned each team a section of the surrounding forest to explore. Your team has been assigned to the southeastern portion,” he says, pointing to the map.
Gorm Greathammer points to the blank map.
“The portion you are to explore lies between our current location and the hills on the eastern edge of the forest. It should be about two week’s journey to the far side, though I expect it might take you longer as you explore the area. Unfortunately, we don’t know how many sites might be in your section of the forest, let alone where they would be. Our contact in the local centaur tribe, however, mentioned a strange campsite along the river to the east of here. We have no way to know if it’s related, but we don’t have much else to go on.
We loaded your pack mules with 40 days of provisions. If you can do so without slowing your progress, you may want to supplement that with foraged food. Either way, make sure you leave yourself enough supplies for the return trip.
“[b]Oh, and at the risk of sounding like Eando: take care of yourselves out there,” Greathammer adds. “We still know very little about this forest, and even less about the hills beyond, so be prepared for anything!”
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"What do we know about Urxehl? What is its domains and areas of influecne?" asks Teja, preparing to note down any gems of wisdom that might come from the mighty Greathammer.
Turning to her companions she adds "I've helped scout out a few trails in my time, but I'm the first to admit that I am not really as much at home in the woods as the library."
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When the faction leaders enter the campsite, Dr. Lazarus immediately sets down his brandy, brushes himself off, and takes out his writing pad. Lazarus sincerely hopes his new companions don't embarrass him in front of Grand Archive faction leader, Gorm Greathammer. Glancing back, he hears them chatting about unlimited ale and burning barns. He shakes his head giving up all hope of that, rubs his temples, and takes notes.
Lazarus thinks back to his previous missions into Iobaria and he addresses Gorm Greathammer: "Mr. Greathammer. It's such a pleasure to be working with you again here in Iobaria. Surely you remember me. I'm Dr. Lazarus, professor of some renown at the Unive..." Getting a blank stare, "...oh well of course. You must meet lots of people."
Undeterred, the Doctor continues to the group, "In our first mission here in Iobaria, we were investigating the ancient Cyclops ruins, Min-Khadaim. The lost city is in the center of the Finadar Forest." He pauses and continue, "Alas, one of our Pathfinder leaders was lost to an explosion. Or perhaps abducted, as Mister Kline just mentioned." He nods respectfully to Eando Kline.
He flips through his notepad and continues, "In the Cyclops ruins, we found alchemical labs studying the strange resin of rare conifers here in the Finadar. These bruorsivi or blood pines are highly flammable, and prone to brief intense fires." He looks pointedly at the goblins and adds, "In 4718 AR, a massive fire, believed to be inadvertently started by goblins, set the forest ablaze. Do be careful, won't you?" His concern is visible.
Turning back the group, Lazarus concludes, "As I was saying, we found evidence that blood pines were being cultivated by Cyclops conjurers to for summoning rituals." He closes that section of his notebook and finds an empty page for new notes.
When Teja asks about Urxehl, the Doctor offers, "We discovered the demon lord to be the Troll God of Disaster. His presence, if not his body, was felt throughout the ruins." Lazarus suddenly realizes he probably spoke out of turn and quiets down to let Greathammer respond.
After others have asked questions, Lazarus chimes, "Mr. Kline. Just to be clear. You wish us to disable any ritual sites we find. But didn't you say you believe these rituals could be a link to our missing Pathfinder agent? If so, would it be prudent to keep some sites intact for a possible rescue?" He waits patiently for an answer, while continuing to take notes.
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Teja flashes Dr Lazarus a winsome smile. "Wow, you are well travelled." she says admiringly.
"I don't supposed you have met my father have you? Khellek of Varissa? He is a renown historian... And well, for various complex reasons, I've never actually met him. But one of these days I'll track him down, you can be sure of it. I'd heard he was suggested for this expedition, which is why I joined up, but as I have yet to hear of him making it here.. I can only suspect that a warm fire and a good book may have distracted him."
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"In 4718 AR, a massive fire, believed to be inadvertently started by goblins, set the forest ablaze."
"Oh, yes! Of course, we had!" comments Hopper. He was enchanted by that place a forest that spontaneously begins to burn. What a treat!
"Travel the land, find and stop rituals from happening. Is there any way to coordinate our efforts? Should we send messages so that other teams know where we are? It seems that in such team effort communication is the key! Alternatively dividing the terrain among the teams"
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Jayma listens to Eando and Gorm's presentation with increasing dismay, if not quite outright horror. "40 days of provisions? Foraging for food in the wilderness? Have they gone insane? Why was I not told anything about this until now?" She sits there in stunned silence hardly listening to the rest of the meeting.
Once the venture-captains leave, Jayma pouts and a little petulantly says, "If any of you think I'm going to spend a month or more trudging around in the wilderness on these two feet, then I've got news for you. That's not happening." She stands up abruptly. "If you need me, you can find me at the horse traders in camp. I'm going to get myself a pony." She then turns and stomps huffily out the door.
Jayma isn't a great connoisseur of horseflesh; in fact, she hasn't had a lot of luck with horses in the past and was a little worried about having anything to do with them. But she'd be twice-damned if she was going to walk all over the countryside under her own power. She heads into the camp and after asking around, eventually finds the horse merchants and their wares. She looks over the available ponies and picks out a few that she finds rather handsome and fetching. Before making a final selection, she stands in front of her candidates and closes her eyes.
Focusing her concentration, she chants in a somewhat deeper voice than normal, "I call on my ancestors to aid me with their knowledge of horses." After a small pause, she adds "Lucky Luke? Is that you? Perfect. I can't think of a better choice of ancestor for this job. So help me out a little here. Which of these is the best pony for me?"
As she communes silently with her ancestor, she skillfully examines each in turn. Pointing to one, she says, "This one's the best of the lot then? Good. I liked her the best too. Thanks for the help Luke. We'll talk again real soon."
On the way back to her colleagues, she gets acquainted with her new filly. "Aren't you the pretty one. What shall we name you? Let's see now..."
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Teja, not wanting to cart her travelling library on her own back, joins Jayma in a trek to the stables. In her favor... he has ridden before. On the counter-side, after a day in the saddle she was pretty sure she had vowed never to set foot to stirrup again.
"The sacrifices we make in pursuit of knowledge.." she mutters quietly to herself as she follows Jayma into the stables.
"Say Jayma, I don't suppose you could spot a good one for me too could you?" she asks.
"I think my backside is still recovering from the previous time I rode, and that was for just one day."
She looks at the stable hand. "I don't suppose you provide padded saddles?"
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"Say Jayma, I don't suppose you could spot a good one for me too could you?" she asks.
After picking out the pony that Luke thought was best for her, Jayma points to another of the ponies and whispers to Teja, "Luke thinks that one is pretty good too."
Jayma is super happy with her new pony and decides to name her Princess as a private joke. As Jayma is about to leave, the horse merchant says something about "You'll need some tack if you want to ride 'er. You can get some from my brother over dere. He'll take good care of you." She looks at the stand the man is pointing at and sees it is full of saddles and other strappy bits needed to get on and more importantly, stay on, Princess. She waits a few minutes and calls on Luke again for his help picking out a good saddle for her that matches her outfit. The brother then gives her a crash course on how to put the tack on and off the horse properly. "Who knew riding a horse would be so complicated?"
Neigh!
"Oh yes! Barn is conundrum to best Goblin philosophers!! I accept answer of 'burn neighbor barn instead' though answer is not settled. Much more debate to be had!"
Fumbus' eyes go wide with the description of extra flammable trees. "Have heard many charhides speak of wonder of Findar Fire! Booms and smoke filled the sky! Flames licked the clouds! We go to hallowed ground!!"
As the others scamper off to aquire mounts Fumbus looks over at Hopper. "How you get wolfie? No is dog! Longshanks like their horses- they lucky I no have horsechopper, so they will be safe. I have dogslicer! Can't have dogs, else I slice them! Ahahaha Hahah"
He turns back to Master Greathammer. "Where you keep Goblin dogs?"
"Goblin dog went out lunch! Found himself in city!
Ate his food with men so rude- they never even noticed him!"
"What do we know about Urxehl? What is its domains and areas of influecne?"
"Travel the land, find and stop rituals from happening. Is there any way to coordinate our efforts? Should we send messages so that other teams know where we are? It seems that in such team effort communication is the key! Alternatively dividing the terrain among the teams"
"There are already other teams assigned to other sections. Communicate back here - we'll coordinate from the base camp."
"I assume we're going to find some people working on these rituals, right? You need any of them alive?"
"It would be nice, but don't put yourselves in danger. As long as you secure the sites, the forensic arcanists can figure out what they've been doing."
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Dr. Lazarus repeats his question to Eando Kline, "You may not have heard me. Some of my students at the University complain I tend to ramble and they miss the point." He pauses, "Like I'm possibly doing now." He tries again. "Our goal is to disable any ritual sites we find, yes? But didn't you say you believe these rituals could help locate our missing Pathfinder agent? You still want them all disabled?" He makes notes in his writing pad.
Lazarus pauses to allow others to ask final questions, and he then turns to Gorm Greathammer, "You mentioned a strange campsite to the east. Can you tell us any more about it, and are you suggesting we head there first?"
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As the others depart to the stables Hopper turns towards Fumbus
"Wolfie found me. We just decided to travel in the same direction."
Then the Goblin follows to a store and buys Cookware and some vegetables.
"I bought some equipment for us to cook the meals. If someone spots some herbs or vegetables along the way please pick them up." says Hopper looking at the other animals.
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This place is boring. The food is boring. The feeding man is boring. The rest of these horses are boring. My life is boring. Might as well send me to the glue factory now and put me out of my misery.
Hold on! What’s this? Is it a customer? What a pretty little lady she is. Such a colorful mane she has. Looks like she wants a pony. She looks the ideal size for me too. You-hoo! Perfect pony over here! Pick me, yes me! The rest are boring nags. Maybe if I smile she’ll like me. Oh oh, how exciting; she’s looking right at me. I’ll shake my mane a little to say hello. How about a whinny. Let’s try one. Uh oh, too much, too much! She stepped away. No, really, I’m a nice pony. Really I am! She’s closed her eyes. Now what’s she doing? Who’s she talking to? Her eyes are open again. She’s looking right at me. Yes! She picked me! I’m the winner. Yay! Take that you smelly nags; the nice lady chose me. Me! Not any of you, me! I hope she’s kind. She looks kind. A whole new life of adventure awaits. How exciting. Sayonara, losers.
Neeeeigh!
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Much to his chagrin Zabu joins the other short legged Pathfinders in tramping to the stables.
"You want how much? Do you know how much booze and companionship I can buy for that much gold? I mean, does it fly? Does it leave magic rings in its droppings? That's the only reason I can think of you would charge that much. Unless you're a thief. Are you a thief?" Zabu "negotiates" for one of the mounts.
In the end, he pays as much as anyone else and as he's putting the tack on the pony, his movements are sharp and hard. When it comes time to tighten the belly strap, he leans into it and waits. The pony finally exhales from holding its breath and he is able to tighten it up properly.
He holds the bridle as he leans in to speak quietly into the equine's ear. "You can I are about to go on a perilous journey together. We're going to face danger and starvation together. We're going to learn to depend on one another. We're going to spend most of our time together. We're going to become close companions."
"And the day will no doubt come when we have run out of food and water and only the aches in our stomachs will remind us of what it was like to be full."
"And on that day, I'm going to kill and eat you."
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While the others are purchasing ponies and dogs, Dr. Lazarus is looking at carts and wagons at Chariots 'R' Us. He thinks an actual chariot would be excellent transportation, but from what he's read, it takes practice.
Joining the group where everyone is preparing their mounts, Lazarus rides up in a small cart pulled by a single horse. Driving the cart is a halfling wearing a chauffer's hat. The Doctor calls down, "This is Chauncey Gladstone. He's a man of few words. He'll be joining us." Indicating the cart, "If any of you have extra belongings, the cart can hold a bit more." From his perch, he finishes his brandy and pulls out a book.
When he sees Jayma and Princess, he nods. "My dear lady, that's a fine steed." And later, when he overhears our other gnome chatting with his mount, he grimaces and chuckles at the same time. He thinks, Zabu is an odd one, but at least he's honest.
Dr. Lazarus is ready to head out whenever the group is.
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On the way back with Princess, Jayma spots a beautifully shaped set of saddlebags on one of the other stands. After a little astute negotiating and some fluttering of the eyes...
...she manages to get them personalized for no additional cost. She is now the proud new owner of a set of saddlebags with the name embossed on them in big bright-orange letters.
She's super happy with her purchases and hums happily to herself as she rejoins her friends. When Lazarus compliments Princess, Jayma can't hide her enthusiasm at her new filly. "Isn't she beautiful? I can't wait to ride her."
So without further ado, she once again channels Lucky Luke, and with his help...
...manages to get up on Princess without falling flat on her face. With a little more help from her ancestor...
...she figures out how to get Princess to start and stop, as well as how to get her moving in (approximately) the right direction. Jayma figures that Princess will likely be following behind the other horses and will be taking their lead for the most part.
My new mistress is great. Better than great. She's the best ever. This new saddle is a dream. So comfy. Much better than anything the feeding man used to put on me. The new saddlebags are amazing too. So pretty. Not as pretty as my mistress though. She's beautiful. And light. Oh so light. It's almost like she isn't there. I'm so happy. There is something a bit odd about her though. Sometimes it's like she doesn't know what she's doing and then at other times it's like she's an expert horseman. A bit strange no? But so what? I'm so happy! Happy, happy, happy!