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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. 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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Half-hidden in the shadows lies a small creature clad in a clearly outlandish armor - probably from Tien by the look of it. A katana rests at his side, and a wolf gnawing on a bone lies on the ground, peacefully guarding what appears to be his master. The creature, resembling a gnome with a moon-face, is focused beyond compare, maybe even a bit tense.
"I'm honored to have been chosen for this meaningful task. I am called Hikage Kasai, and this is Yôru." he concludes, patting his wolf.
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In the shadows at the room's back Shonne scrutinizes the 'gnome' remembering the explosive-happy gnome from her last mission whose Molotov (no doubt a gnomish surname) cocktails, unapologetically, nearly killed the tall, stoic she-elf twice in the same day.
Perhaps its the just the crowd (which to her is anything more than two people), or perhaps it is the fact that her elders in Kyonin seem to think it important that she prove herself to this fledgeling organization of scavengers, scoundrels and adventurers ('adventurers' in the ne’er-do-well sense of the word). No its the fact that she would all-together rather be in the forests and places being slowly crushed between human civilization than here in an old, beer-stink tavern taking a test.
She casts an appraising eye around the room at her fellows. Hopefully there will be no actual feather-headed gnomes packing volatile chemicals in this party.
When glanced at she gives her name: "Shonne" and slight bow but not much else.
Hmmm ... going to lock in one of the current new races Kitsune, Nagaji, Wayang ... any input on some fun combos?
I'm really excited to go on this mission with you, Janira says, do you understand the full scale of what we're embarking on here?
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A gnome, clad in highly polished scale mail, small shield, and a scimitar, claps his hands after Shaine leaves the group. Turning towards Janira, the blue eyed Triblin clasps one of her hands.
Hello! The name's Triblin Runlark! From the sounds of this, we may help you out quite a bit with your research! While being a student myself, I'm really only best when it comes to cultures and medical practices. I hope that we all can get along in this venture!
Triblin runs about, shaking everyone's hands enthusiastically.
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A short and slightly obese human woman with red fluttered cheeks shyly inspects her new companions. She is wearing a chain shirt covered by a large fur cloak and a helmet adorned with large ox horns. Her backpack is bulging with pots, pans and other cooking supplies. She nervously taps a large dough roller on her belt as she shakes the gnome's hand before introducing herself:
"Name's Olga, of the Ogrefist clan in northern Varisia. Nice to meet you all! Im here for my confirmation.. My father sent me to join the Society to find a proper husband... That's why this Confirmation is very important for me, you see! If I don't find a husband soon, I'll have to become the next clan shaman, an' I don' feel like that at all, you see! So let's work together and wash this pig, if my name is not Ogrefist!"
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Kendra, a female wizard of average stature and deeply intense eyes, fingers her staff as she gazes about the room at the gathering of characters.
Good morning all. My name is Kendra, and I am eager to begin my first mission with fellow Society members. Like Hikage here, I'd like to know more about these Gillmen
Janeiro nods to Hikage and Kendra: 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.
Kendra has some background knowledge on gillmen and the kotos mounts:
At the center of the Isle of Kortos stand the Kortos Mounts, the points on the island. Entire tribes of centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs constantly vie for territory up and around the Mounts, with harpies being the most common at higher altitudes and centaurs controlling the lower slopes and foothills.
Also known as the Low Azlanti, the gillmen are an amphibious humanoid race believed to be the last descendants of the ancient Azlanti people.
During Earthfall, the Starstone struck Golarion and destroyed the human empires of Thassilon and Azlant. It is said that gillmen’s ancestors survived the cataclysmic event because they received the blessing of an aquatic entity that allowed them to breath underwater.
Most scholars believe the terrifying aboleths were responsible for the gillmen’s transformation. Any alliance between them appears to have fallen apart over the millennia, however, and the gillmen are now an independent people.
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Janira pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table. “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! I’ll go first!”
I'm Janira Gavix, the oldest of five siblings. Just after I turned twenty, I joined the Society, and I've been a member for four years now. At first.. hee-hee... I joined only for the fine food, but I quickly learned to cherish the secrets, and the knowledge and the discoveries. I've even joined the scrolls, because I wanted to focus on learning and preserving knowledge.
Janeiro looks excitedly at Kendra: Actually, that gillman cave was the first cave I ever explored, but certainly not the last one. I've seen many places, and travelled around quite a bit. Forgotten temples, ancient... eh... undercities.
When Kendra asks about the language of gillmen: Gillmen? Hmm. I suppose they speak gillman. Or aquan? Maybe common, even...
I love the stories of the pathfinders of legend! I love how they inspire us, and are an example for us all. With the right guidance, everyone in the society can achieve greatness, don't you think?
So what about you? I heard some your stories, why did you all join the Society?
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"I hear you, Janira. I think there is an example to follow in the many figures of legend that we learned about in these three years of apprenticeship. My story is not one of a hero, however, far from it. I was born among humans, and I came to serve - just like my father before me - in the army of Ling Shen. You may not be familiar with it, but it is one of the strongest and most successful conquering armies in Tian Xia. What happened next... I won't mention, for it is of no consequence for you. What matters is that I had to leave, and pledge my service to another worthy liege. Having met Venture-Captain Amara Li in Goka, I was convinced to join the Society and protect it with my body and soul. Here I am."
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Kendra, having studied a bit about Kotos Mounts, shares her knowledge with the others.
Hearing Janira's introduction, Kendra listens intently, takes some notes in her own journal, then, after a pause,
"You wish to know of my history? Though I prefer people to know me by my actions, I certainly want for us to coalesce as a team, so here is a bit of history: I was born to a prince of the Woodland Realm known by the name of Mystic Highwaters. My father, Prince Azaroud fell for a young human princess, Sephira, who wandered into the realm after a cataclysm in her own empire.
Because her own family was lost in the disaster, Azaroud took princess Sephira into his coven and patiently taught her the ways of the elves. I was born out of that relationship and was educated through this multi-cultural approach. I chose wizardry as my vocation since I have always shown a particular aptitude for the magic arts, though I prefer a broad based approach, rather than a particular school.
Though I have always been treated with fairness by my elven kin, I have struggled to find a sense of…respect.. for my mixed heritage. I have joined the Pathfinder Society in order to prove my value as a member of the universal community, build my reputation as a wizard, and build a suitable source of security for myself. I would eventually like to help those of mixed heritage gain some direction. I look forward to working with you all as equal team members on this quest."
Wow, faraway places and distant empires. See, this is what I like about the Society: the people are so diverse!
She looks expectantly at the other members of the group...
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"My name is Nantas. I became aware of the society as I was serving Zehameti my master ... a Naga. The society intercepted Aspis infidels intent on taking a great artifact from my master. I was greatly impressed by the prowess and cohesion of the Pathfinder team sent to Master Zehameti's aid, a team that did not even regularly work together, only brought together for this one mission.
"To honor my master and prove myself worthy I offered Zehameti that we may repay the society with my services. As a humble yet formidable member of her personal guard, Master Zehameti agreed that my service to the Pathfinder Society would help belay the burden of her debt."
Nantas says this with unblinking lidless eyes leaving those listening a little unnerved, her forked tongue darting in and out.
"I have since dedicated myself to my Society training, and furthering my skills as a warrior and a healer. I am now humbly at your service, and like you Kendra, I hope to prove myself and live up to expectations in this confirmation."
"I hope to meet our enemies in battle ... this gillman if need be, and support my fellow pathfinders on this mission with the same honor and dedication as the Pathfinder members who inspired me to take this path. May we work as such a cohesive group as those lead by the wondrous sorceress, their leader Seoni."
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Olga is admiring some men armwrestling in the corner of the tavern when she realises she is spoken to:
"Wa.. Oh, me? Allright.. Well, like I said before, Name's Olga, of the Ogrefist clan... My father sent me to join the Society to find a proper husband... That's more or less what I'm all about, you see! I'm not afraid of some knuckledustin'; I used to beat all the boys in camp at wrestlin' untill there was no-one to wrestle any longer! I guess they got scared after I broke poor lil' tom's back...
But anyway, my pies are the best in whole Varisia, by Falayna! I'll make sure you'll taste some after the mission. I have a question! My eh... Writin' 's not the best, you see. Can anyone volunteer for chroniclin' duty, so that I might get a copy later? I'll bake ye a pie in return!
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"I hope to meet our enemies in battle ... this gillman if need be"
Kendra cringes inwardly then, choosing her words carefully,
"Though I too will of course fight those who would harm any in my team while on our quest, I'd be careful about assuming the Gillmen are enemies. We know nothing of their current intentions - they may actually help us in our mission. As such, I would be quick to perceive, but not so quick to act aggressively. Let us work together, using one another's strengths to accomplish our mission with as little bloodshed as necessary."
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Triblin stares at Nantas with horror and starts to shake his head.
No, no, no, no! If we meet others, we shouldn't hurt them! It just isn't right, you know? As for Miss Olga's question, my writing is somewhat legible, so I can help you out on that, yet as for the pie, it looks like Shonne would LOVE to have my pie!
Slapping his hands on his knees, the gnome chuckles a bit before becoming a little serious.
As for my story, I grew up in Maheto after being taken in by a family of dwarves. Most of the family was nice, but there was one that seemed to be a tad overprotective of his new family member. Unfortunately, when I was being bullied, he stopped the fight in a very violent manner as had been kicked out of his home. I've been searching for him, but recently found him living on a farm in the outskirts of town.
The Society expects a report on the cave in the Kortos mounts, but every bit of supporting information helps. That could be a written report, but also drawings, rubbings, and even vivid description are of use. Just keep some sort of record.
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.”
“Now, before we head out, if there aren’t any more questions, we should take a moment to go through your gear and make sure nothing important gets left out.”
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"I got meself this nice flying light-stone! It's so handy when I want to bake pies at night! I also received this wand for services rendered last time I was in the grand lodge, but don't know what it does or how to use it, you see! Feel If anyone knows how to use it better than me, please use it, you see!"
"Also, I will get some of this 'alchemical fire' you speak of,as well as some antivenom! The Society is so professional..."
She concludes with a nervous giggle, unsure what her position in the party will be.