The invitation delivered last night was remarkably simple, especially given the importance of the occasion: Start where it all began. Meet us at the Pig’s Paunch one hour before dawn.
The Pig’s Paunch is a run-down building with a faded sign of a large pig standing on its hind legs, arms folded above a corpulent belly. Inside, the air is thick with the scents of human sweat, stale tobacco, and leftover food.
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Dressed in green and brown monastic garments, embroidered with the symbol of Erastil, appears to be a large simian. A slight bounce in his step, the vanara enters the tavern with a cheerful shout "Greetings friends! I have been asked to perform my duties as a searcher of trails, and delver of ruins with this letter that appeared under my door this morning! Perhaps we can help out the lodge with our services today! Ah, almost forgot, I am called Valuur, who may all of you be?"
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The ebony feathered bird-man looked nervously around the tavern. Nervous by nature, his first mission flustered him doubly so. His studded leather armor was clean and shiny, the buckles with not a bit of rust. He was clearly new to this life. "Bukkah. I am Bukkah. Am here for help the Society," he mutters in slightly broken common.
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"Did I hear someone mention the Society?" a feminine voice drifts in through the tavern door. A moment later it opens and a tall, thin woman with silvery hair strides into the tavern. She's dressed in a simple suit of leather armor and though her skin is naturally pale it looks slightly tanned, as though she's spent time in the sun.
"Looks like I'm in the right place," she grins as her eyes scan the common room. When they settle on the simian and the twenty, they widen. "Okay yeah, definitely the right place!"
She beelines toward the pair, holding out her hand. "I'm Liora! It's nice to meetcha both!"
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A Garundi man in his thirties enters the tavern, slowly walking to the other agents. There are some piercings on his tan skin, and his black hair has some grey spots.
"Hello. I am Orseb," he says deadpan as he offers a handshake, "- as I understand it, we are on a first-name basis here in the Society. I am glad it be so."
In the center of the room, surrounded by inebriates sleeping off their revelries, a familiar elven man stands high upon top of a large round table.
“Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please, have a seat!” With that, Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls, nimbly drops down to sit cross-legged on the table before looking about the tavern with a sense of reverent wonder. “Can you believe it? It all started here years ago—well, over four hundred of them at least. Under this very roof the Pathfinder Society was born.
“But today! Today you will begin your Confirmation! Master Farabellus, Master Zey, and I all agree you each have shown your worth and dedication to the Society, so there’s no better time to see if you can handle becoming full field operatives. Allow me to introduce you to Janira Gavix,” he says as he motions for an excitable halfling woman to approach. She wears a large backpack and carries all manner of tools, pouches, and scroll cases around her waist. Shaine continues, saying, “Janira here will be going with you on your Confirmation. She was one of my brightest pupils and will no doubt be an invaluable resource on your journey, for she discovered the caves you are about to explore during her own Confirmation.”
Janira speaks up in an enthusiastic and cheerful voice, “Greetings, aspiring Pathfinders! Six months ago, while I was mapping cave entrances in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts, I witnessed a lone gillman entering a concealed cave. I thought little of it at the time, but I saw another one enter the cave again a month later as my Confirmation stretched on. A few days later, after I completed my assigned task, I entered the cave system, but was unable to find the gillmen.”
Master Shaine hops to his feet. “Initiates, for your Confirmation, you will travel to these caves to explore and document its many passages. Additionally, and most importantly, you are to learn what the gillmen are up to in there. Oh, and you need to come back alive as well.”
With these parting words, the Master of Scrolls jumps off the table and strolls out of the building while humming to himself.
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Fung, a young Tian-Shu man, steps lightly into the tavern just shortly after Orseb. He is garbed in simple robes, although they cover what appear to be quite well-crafted leather lamellar armor. Other than that, a similarly fine buckler strapped to his left arm, and a simple dagger at his belt, Fung carries little else. Interestingly enough though, there appears to be a constant breeze around him, gently stirring his robes and his long flowing jet-black hair.
As he enters, he stares wide-eye at the those . I have not seen vanara and tengu since I left Goka in my teens. And what is that exquisite creature that the wind seems to dance around?
He approaches the group hesitantly, stretching out his hand as is the custom here in the west, and introduces himself haltingly, "Hello. Um, I'm Fung. Xuan Fung. I just returned not long ago from Oppara... Some undead problems. I was told to come here? For Confirmation as a Pathfinder?"
Just then, the elven scholar starts to the speak, and Fung quickly steps back to listen.
Fung smiles at the halfing woman. Shaine, despite his eccentricity, appears intimidating to Fung, but the childlike and excitable Janira puts him at ease.
"Hello, Janira. Sorry, I have moved here from Goka for about 12 years now, but I have not heard of these gillmen. Who are they?"
Janira tries to answer everyone's questions to the best of her ability. "The gillmen are a humanoid race much like humans save for the three piscine gills on both sides of their necks. They’re a little secretive but not outright hostile. Most live in or near the water. So it's very surprising that they are traveling to these mountain ranges. If they are doing something that could harm innocent lives we may have to stop them. Otherwise we should observe and interfere as little as possible."
"Centuars control the lowlands and surrounding wilderness of the Kortos Mounts. The areas farther up the Mounts are controlled by minotaurs, and the icy peaks are home to tribes of harpies. They’re always vying for territory, but with any luck, we should be able to avoid them and reach the caves without conflict."
Janira pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table.
“But listen to me prattle on. Before we set out, we should all get to know each other and review our plan. After all, the most important factors that determine whether an expedition will be a success are cooperation and preparation! Some of you have already introduced yourself, so I'll go next!"
"I am the oldest of seven, and the first to come of age. My father in Eastgate works as a porter, delivering goods between stores and their customers. It's a humble, yet rewarding job. And it taught me the meaning of hard work.
I wanted to try out the various meats and foods of the world, so I joined the Pathfinder Society about 4 years ago. A little selfish, I admit. But I did quickly learn how to study and analyze scrolls, and Kreighton Shaine quickly noticed this. Now he wants me to lead you on an expedition. Exciting!"
Janira claps before calming down a bit.
"What about you? What made you decide to join the Pathfinder Society?"
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Fung clears his throat, then turns somewhat embarassed as the attention turns to him. "Um, sorry for coming in late. I am Fung. I originally lived in Goka, far to the east, but when I was about 12, I followed my master here to Absalom. I was his apprentice, see, learning the arts of herbalism, and he felt there was more business opportunities here in the west. And ... um ... my parents had 8 other mouths to feed and was glad to see the back of me."[/b] At this point, his voice turns somewhat bitter.
"Anyway, a couple of years ago, strange things started happening with me. Well, best if I showed you." Fung lifts his hand, and electricity crackles around his fingers, and the gentle breeze that seems to always hug him strengthen and tosses his robes and hair about quite strongly. "A close partner of my master is a Pathfinder, and brought me to the Lodge, hoping that I might learn more about my gift here. I had one field commission a few months ago, when the society needed someone urgently to find a missing agent in Oppara, and after that, I have been recommended for Confirmation."
Not used to sharing so much about himself at one go, Fung stumbles somewhat. "Um, that's all."
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A chair groans in protest as one of the Pathfinders adjusts his massive girth. The man could kindly be referred to as corpulent or obese, but it would hardly be accurate. The truth is, as his armor strains against the straps that hold it in place, that he could hardly be any larger.
His beady eyes look like those of a rodent, and thin strands of dark wispy hair mat against his scalp, glistening with sweat.
"Forgive me, but when you indicate that we must travel to this destination, you failed to elaborate on how we would arrive, or how long it would take," the man says to Janira. "Could you please describe any alternative confirmations we might participate in? Something that sounds...less strenuous...would be most welcome."
The man retrieves several parchments and a quill and begins scribbling some notes. "I am Rathh Gnatstrain, a barrister by trade. Surely my skills might be employed more fruitfully in a city."
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Liora listens intently as first Shane and then Janira explain the details of why they've been summoned at such an early hour.
She nods in agreement as Janira tells of the different inhabitants on the island. "That's right, it's almost like each one has their own little territory. Maybe it's something to do with the altitude? At least for the harpies, probably."
She smiles as more of what is apparently a small team of initiates introduce themselves and she enthusiastically shakes hands and offers greetings to each of them - even Rathh, though she can't help but be a bit alarmed by his size and the apparent lack of exercise in his life.
"Walking isn't that strenuous," she can't help but point out. "And it makes for a great opportunity to enjoy the weather and the view of the countryside. I bet getting outside for a bit will do wonders for your uh..."
Uh oh, I'm about to say something rude again aren't I?
"...constitution! All that fresh air, clearing your lungs..." she continues, now fidgeting a bit. "Uh but anyway, I joined the Society because...well, it might sound a little silly but you've all seen birds in flight right? The way they soar, unburdened by anything - it got me to thinking," she plunges ahead, thankful for the chance to change the conversation. "I want to be like that and I want other people to know that feeling, too. Sure, I know the Society has a lot of different interests but I'd heard that there are groups that use the Society as a means to do good for people. That's what I want to do."
She smiles a little sheepishly. "Still working out the finer details of that, but you have to start somewhere right?"
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Taking everything is as much as he could, Valuur then speaks up after Liora finishes, "Aye, we do have to start somewhere. I was asked to be a part of this confirmation after helping some elves out in the Mwangi Expanse. Something about fulfilling a promise or something, yet it got me to thinking, maybe if I join this, tribe, I can help mine out as well." Clearing his throat the vanara speaks again in a softer tone, seemingly embarrassed by why he says next. "You see, my tribe has grown old, and needs to expand, either in resources or in knowledge, yet we tend to keep to ourselves. I need to see what this Pathfinder tribe can show me, so I can help my tribe as best as I can."
Standing up as straight as he could, he then perks up. "My name is Valuur, monk of the Erastil, faithful to the end. I will do my best to put down those that oppose society or tribe!" Thumping his hand to his chest, he hops into a chair and sits while watching the others.
"Rathh, we don't want to upset the Centaurs living there by riding on horseback. It's considered a great offense. Besides, the forest has heavy undergrowth. It will be very difficult for a horse to travel through there faster than walking."
“On to the details of the mission at hand,” Janira says with an eager grin.
“After reviewing my mission reports personally, Master Shaine believes it is no coincidence that each time they entered the caves it was during a full moon, so it is also no coincidence that you have been called here now, just a day before the moon is full again. We both believe that tomorrow night is our best chance to find out why these caves are important and what exactly the gillmen are doing in there.
“The caves we’ll be travelling to lie under the base of the Kortos Mounts. We’ll need to spend every minute of daylight possible to reach the caves by foot, crossing over the Cairnlands, taking the paths to Diobel, and finally making our way through the wilderness. With any luck we won’t run into any of the local inhabitants. Once in the caves, we’ll need to work together to explore and determine whether any gillman are present or have been recently. Keep an eye out for any other clues that might hint at the caves’ significance, too.”
The first phase of the Confirmation takes you through Absalom, across the Cairnlands,
along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts, towards your eventual destination: a cave entrance.
As the you progress deeper into the forest, the trees towering overhead begin to shield most of what remains of the day’s sun and the vegetation beneath grows denser. Janira pauses a moment and pulls out an intricate silver compass emblazoned with the Path nder Society logo: the Glyph of the Open Road.
"I received this wayfinder when I successfully completed my Confirmation. Should we be successful on our journey, you will get your own as well. And if you have one already...well, you only get one!"
She giggles, the flips open the device and holds it in front of her; the initials J. L. are engraved into the inside of the device’s lid. After studying the compass inside for a moment, she remarks, "We’re on the right path. We need to keep heading northwest past those large rocks up ahead."
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Liora enjoys the trip out of the city and across the wilderness, evidently no stranger to walking. Along the way she chats with the others, curious to learn more about them - especially Bukkah and Valuur.
"So Bukkah, you said your friend joined the Pathfinders too? What are they like?"
"Hey Valuur, you said you follow Erastil right? I didn't know that they know his name that far south!"
"You've been to Oppara, Fung? What was it like?"
"Orseb, you've not said very much about yourself while we've been walking. What place do you call home?"
"Rathh...um...what's it like being a barrister?"
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When the group stops to take a breather in the forest, Liora takes the opportunity to have a seat on a nearby log. "Whew! I thought it'd be nice to get out of the sun for a bit but it's so humid in here that it's not much better," she pants.
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"You are right about that Liora, he normally isn't. A missionary has been visiting our tribe for a few years, teaching us how to better ourselves. He had inspired me to help more, which he taught me about Erastil. Now, aside from sending supplies back home, I also teach archery when I am home, as so my tribe can fend for themselves better."
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Bukkah was distracted by the shiny Wayfinder. It took him a few seconds to realize he was being addressed. "Friend from closeby nest. Older than Bukkah am. Joined Pathfinders, came back home to nest with many stories. Had wayfarer like halfling did. Very shiny. Bukkah want one like Cau has. Cau had adventures so Bukkah will do too."
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"Well, the nobles are like nobles everywhere. Turning their noses up at us commoners." Fung pauses briefly, then continues. "Forgive me if I am too forward, but are you one of those famed sylphs? The wind seems to dance around you. I wonder if it has anything to do with the gifts that have come upon me."
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"Orseb, you've not said very much about yourself while we've been walking. What place do you call home?"
Orseb winces at surprise and turns away for a moment. "...I was born somewhere around Katapesh. I have been travelling for some time."
It is clear he's making that up. "Please, do not bring this up again," he adds. "I would prefer not to think of home, and focus on the present."
"Speaking of which: Miss Janira, how much longer is the distance to the cave?"
"We're not too far. We should reach the caves by dusk, provided there are no distractions."
She just had to say it. Before she can describe the route, a loud creaking noise interrupts her. An old tree, decades decayed, collapses and falls roughly 30 feet from the party.
As small animals scatter from the sudden noise, swarms of spiders crawl out of the trunk and zoom towards the party!
Two swarms of diminutive spiders- much too tiny to hit effectively with weapons.
Bukkah
Rathh
Orseb
Liora
Fung
Janira
Swarms
Valuur
Bukkah, Rathh, Orseb, Liora and Fung think faster than the swarms do.
Bukkah and Fung draw flasks and move away from one of the swarms. Orseb's symbol channels destructive energy through it, withering at the swarm and Janira but no one else.
Janira is simply unprepared, and some of the spiders in one swarm scatter. A little more effort will scatter them for good.
Bukkah
Rathh
Orseb
Liora
Fung
Janira (7 damage)
Swarms (Red Solid 7 damage, Purple Dashed 0 damage)
Valuur
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Rathh wheezes and pants as they proceed on their walk, especially in the more strenuous climbs. Wearing armor and carrying gear does not seem to be something he is accustomed to.
"We...are...far from...the courtroom," he pants in response to Liora, which seems to be all the breath he can spare.
When the swarm of insects approaches, though, the barrister seems to have something prepared to help. He retrieves a flask of acid from his bandolier (stretched far beyond its capacity), and throws it into the midst of the swarm.
"In lieu of...preparing a brief...this morning, I have prepared...this flask of acid."
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"Wow...everyone has such different stories," Liora responds as they continue to walk and talk. "I guess that's one of the best things about the Society - so many different sorts of people coming together for a common goal!"
She thinks for a moment. "Well, mostly. I know there's some smaller groups within the Society that each do their own things sometimes, but when you get down to it we're all still part of the same family. Like a tribe or nest-neighbors," she grins.
"Er...and I'm sorry about bringing up unhappy things Orseb - I promise I didn't mean any harm by it!" she quickly adds.
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"Eep!" Liora squeaks as the two swarms of spiders come roiling at the group. "I was so focused on the big things we might find that I didn't think about the little ones!"
Not having any fire or acid of her own, she darts behind Bukkah and places a calming hand on his shoulder.
"You look like you've got a mean throwing-arm! You can do it!"
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Rathh's flask of acid does the job and convinces one spider swarm it's not worth it. They quickly crawl into the undergrowth, never to be seen again.
"No worries about that right now!" Janira winces as she feels some of her torn skin. "Right now we must focus on the task at hand: convincing these spiders to go somewhere else. Away with you, spiders! Like the great Lord Hollismith who single handedly drove the Spider-Drow back, we will not fall to you!"
Janira's story may or may not be true, but it is very inspirational. It also seems offensive to the spiders, because they quickly swarm Janira in response.
Janira (10 damage, 2 Bleed, Poisoned)
Swarms (Purple Dashed 0 damage)
Valuur
Bukkah (Guidance)
Rathh
Orseb
Liora
Fung
Janira (5 damage)
Swarms (Purple Dashed 0 damage)
Valuur
Valuur's aim is off. Bukkah's aim is good, but the flask isn't as potent.
Orseb takes care not to hurt Janira this time, and his energy disrupts the insects.
Bukkah
Rathh
Orseb
Liora
Fung
Janira (5 damage)
Swarms (Purple Dashed 7 damage)
Valuur
Liora helps Fung's aim, but it isn't good enough for a direct hit. Still, the swarm feels some of the flames.
Janira continues her epic of the Riders of Midnight who rode across a valley in a night to warn the town of an invading force. She decides to take a risk and pulls out a flask of acid, dropping on the swarm.
Even Janira's aim is off, but it's enough. The other swarm scatters off into the forest.
Janira pulls out her wand of Cure Light Wounds and quickly heals herself. "Spiders. poison. I feel a bit woozy, admittedly."
"Well done, everyone. I see you've all fought together before. Right? Or are you all naturally coordinated?" Janira looks at the party as she checks her backpack.
"We'll need to hurry to the cave. Now, it should be north. Or was it downhill? Oh bother, I've lost my bearings." Janira stares at her map, lost and slightly embarassed. "This poison kind of threw me off."
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Fung beams at Janira's praises, and he looks at his teammates with some pride for how, despite some fumbling and bad aims, everyone worked well together.
Fung looks around, but the terrain here is different from the hills that he and his master frequented to collect herbs and is unable to find a good path.
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Liora shrugs. "I've not fought with anyone here before, but I'm glad it seems like everyone had an idea of what to do!" Her expression then shifts to one of sheepishness. "Um...I do feel a little bad that I was the only one without any of those nifty little fire-bottles or acid vials to throw, though. Must've missed that part of class or something..."
As the group attempts to regain their bearings, Liora looks up at the position of the sun in the sky to be her guide but is frustrated when she realizes that the forest canopy blocks much of the sky.
"Argh...another downside to all these trees; you can't see the sky," she sighs. "Oh wait, look over there! I think Bukkah's already figured out the way we need to go!"
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While following Bukkah's lead through the forest, Orseb walks next to Janira. He doesn't seem as much sorry as he is inquisitive. "I would like to apologize for that accidental energy you had to suffer earlier. I hope it wasn't too painful? What did it feel like? Was it quick and biting pain, or slow and wringing? Where in your body did you feel it the most? Moreover-"
He asks a few more morbid and awkward questions, before the collective "what the hell?" looks stop him.
"...Ah, sorry. This is just for research, for later."