[PFS] GM Lithrac's Evergreen Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

A couple points:
#1 Janira is far from conscious. Roll away 3-4 more charges and I'll tell you how many of those are necessary and need to be substracted.
#2 Gridger couldn't take 10 on the check (as he correctly assumed himself) because he's in a situation of stress, with a partner in danger. It's quite subjective for him, because he doesn't really know how badly hurt Janira is or how long she has to live, hence his haste.
#3 Hikari is correct on several accounts. First, the Max Dex from the armor only applies to AC, not Init/Ref/Dex-based skills. Second, You only take the worst ACP. If your armor and shield's ACP are -6 and you're in medium load (-3), you only take the -6 into account. In any case, both Hikari and Gridger are out of the water - yay!
#4 Missiles that have hit their target are considered lost/broken/used. Half of the missiles that haven't reached their target are also considered lost. You're supposed to hold count of your used missiles, but for baseline ones it's not really important. When you'll use +1 seeker adamantine arrows, that'll be an entierly different matter of course.

Janira reacts to the magical healing provided, but not enough to regain consciousness.

Seeing Janira barely stirring from the healing, Hikari continues to activates the wand to heal her wounds. When she regains consciousness, Hikari turns his attention to Gridger and Haldoc who were similarly injured in the battle with the minotaur.

wand of clw (3): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
wand of clw (3): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
wand of clw (3): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
wand of clw (3): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
wand of clw (3): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

I tossed out 5 charges for now. After whichever charge wakes Janira, the remaining goes to Gridger and Haldoc respectively.

If the two are not too far, Yakari will run along the river and throw a rope once he sees the first poking his head out of the water.

The first three charges (total) are enough to revive her.

You start catching your breath, healing yourselves as well as Janira when the halfling regains consciousness and greets you with a genuine smile. "I... the minortaur... is it dead? Thank you, all of you. If you hadn't arrived when you did... I dare not think what I would have become. I owe you my life! Master Shaine will hear my praises about your courage and devotion, be assured of that!"

After a time of rest, Janira inquires about your plans. "I think we should return to Absalom and report to Master Shaine. Or maybe you'd wish to stay a little longer?"

"I, for one, think we've had enough adventure for one day. Shall we head back?"

Hikari smiles as Janira comes awake. "Welcome back, sensei."

Speaking up to the group, "If we turn back now, we would leave our assigned task incomplete. We have yet to complete exploration of the caverns. If the party is willing, I would like to return to our tasks."

In terms of party healing, there's one more charge of the wand for 1d8+3, two potions of healing (one with Gridger, one in party loot bag), and Hikari can toss out one more CLW. I think we're good to continue?

Yakari owns a wand as well.

"Welcome back, indeed! I feared you were gone for good, Janira."

Then, turning towards Hikari, the young man nods in disapproval.
"We came to look for a gillman and we found one. We also found the reason why he was there. I think that's enough. We also risked to lose our mentor." His usual joking tone has disappeared.

Gridger nods unwillingly to continue, but does in gratitude for Hikari healing him.

"I would like to see the unexplored passages, personally."

slight preference, but I'm fine either way

-Posted with Wayfinder

As often as I've played this we can stop here but if other wish to continue on, that's fine by me! So you can count me either way.

Janira's still direly wounded, as are Gridger and Haldoc. Yet the halfling seems very excited. While you're making up your mind, she asks a thousand questions on your experience in the caves. "A meditating deaf gillman? A mysterious cloak? Rituals to honor the guises of Aroden? That was truly a unique experience! I'm looking forward to hearing your formal account to Master Shaine! Yakari's right, you've done all that was asked from you. Now's the time to report, I think."

If you want to continue exploring, perhaps some healing would be welcome at this point. To be honest you don't lose much by not doing the last room.

As we are doing a trilogy we could simply move to the next one!

as long as our chronicle isn't reduced I don't care. I've played this one nearly a dozen times now

-Posted with Wayfinder

No preference here. If party wants to move on then I'm good.

I'm also good to continue.

As I played and GM'd this one scenario multiple times, I'd prefer to move to the next one :) There's not much left.

Alright then. I've also played this before so I'm fine to move on.

Following the general consensus, the party returns to Absalom and meets with Janira's mentor. Master Shaine welcomes you in his office in Skyreach, a tiny room swamped with books and scrolls of all kind. Janira accompanies you, but lets you do the talking - it is your Confirmation, after all.

In this hour of mourning, the ever-positive elf greets you: "Welcome, apprentices! I am glad that you returned safely from your expedition in the Kortos Mounts. From what I've heard, you did nothing short of saving your mentor's life. Not a small feat! But you know as well as I do that hearsay is not what we Pathfinders are interested in, we need facts. So please report your findings now. Did anyone take notes?"

The report will be done in character, and will also benefit from any notes you took on the handout given at the start of your adventure (you can copy/paste you own handout to the "Reports" slide on googledocs. I'll just say that your report is taken into account for the Secondary Success Condition. Remember the Pathfinders' three duties: Explore, Report, Cooperate!

Umm, well yes, or I tried.

OK, I pasted my notes to that page on Google Docs. Hope that's what you wanted!

Master Shaine seems absorbed in Haldoc's notes, as if daydreaming. Suddenly he snaps out of it and yells "Most impressive, young one! I see Faldoc taught you well. Let's hope you last longer than poor Boomer... What about you?" he turns to the other would-be Pathfinders.

Haldoc tenses at the mention of his brother and then audibly sighs upon the name "Boomer". That poor mongrel...

Yakari shrugs and, a bit ashamed, hands a crumpled paper to master Shaine.

"Well... Writing might not be my best skill."

Hikari delicately retrieves a parchment from his scroll case, and reverently hands it over to Master Shaine.

Master Shaine's eye sparkle with interest at Yakari's notes. "Most promising, young one! A unique perspective."

Then he inspects Hikari's well-kept, ordered notes with no less interest. Master Shaine suddenly looks up to you and beams a bright smile.

"You have made us all proud today! Not only have you ventured where no one had before, but you embodied the very values we have been trying to teach you during these three years in the Grand Lodge. Cooperation, as you recently discovered, is paramount to our work as Pathfinders. Without the support of others we cannot strive, much less survive. But enough lectures, you have proven that you are past this point and are able to learn on your own. Today, I am proud to name you Pathfinders in your own right. Congratulations!"

The elven master opens a lacquered wooden box as he speaks those words, and present you with your very own wayfinders, engraved with your name and today's date - 29 Arodus 4716. May this day remain forever engraved in your memories!

This is the end of this scenario, which you succeeded completely! Not only did you explore the caves and decipher the engravings but you managed to perform very well in doing so, including a detailed report of your adventures. This grants you the full two fame/prestige points.

The link for your Chronicle sheet will be sent via PM shortly. They are hosted on googledocs. If anyone has trouble accessing it, please let me know via PM and I'll send it to you via email. They will remain hosted for around two weeks, so make sure you download it and print it! Extra copies won't be issued.

You'll find that one of the boon allows you to get a wayfinder for free - if you haven't had this boon given to another of your characters already. Otherwise you can acquire a wayfinder for 1 prestige point.

Lastly, I would like to point out that this scenario is replayable, albeit not with the same character. You can play it an infinite number of times with characters who are level 1, and once with a level 2 character (same rule as the Level 1-2 modules).

Most importantly, I hope you had fun playing The Confirmation. I know I certainly loved GMing it for your group! I'll start The Wounded Wisp tomorrow, if time allows. In the meantime please follow the guidelines in the Discussion thread.

You have been stationed at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, awaiting assignment for a mission of utmost importance. Things finally seemed in motion when Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng sent out a summons for available agents. Specialized in the history of Absalom, Dreng is known for putting off-duty agents to work on sundry tasks when he finds them resting within the city’s limits.

Coming to the meeting place—an odd choice of venue, as it is a street corner far from the Grand Lodge—a lone beggar garbed in baggy robes approaches. The only figure visible in the constant drizzle, the beggar sticks out his hands for currency. “Have you any coin to spare, fine folk?”

The question hangs in the air for only a scant moment before the figure pulls back his hood to reveal the wizened face of Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng. He gives a crooked smile, soaked head to toe from his unprotected time in the rain. His clothes smell faintly of cabbage.

“Sorry about that,” he says with a wink. “I always like to play a little joke on agents when I stumble across them during my jaunts into town. Now, why did I summon you fine folk here again...?” Dreng shakes his head from side to side, as though trying to knock water out of his ears, despite the constant downpour.

“Ah yes, the Wounded Wisp! I’m undercover now and can’t stray far from the site I’m watching, but I need someone to retrieve a package for me from that fine establishment. It’s among Absalom’s most storied taverns, you see, and one that holds a special place of privilege in the Society’s lore as the place where the organization began. Well, I could drone on and on about it, but standing out in the rain is doing none of us any favors.” As if anticipating agreement, the bedraggled venture-captain produces a small slip of folded paper from one of his many stitched pockets. Dreng quickly shows a glimpse of the page’s contents: a map detailing the location of the Wounded Wisp bar.

“The bartender is a woman by the name of Heryn Gale, a fine lady who came to own the Wisp after the passing of her father from—oh, bah, it’s really getting too cold for me to give a proper history lesson! If you could just go to the Wisp, and tell Heryn you’re there to pick up my parcel, it would be most appreciated. I’ll be around here for several more hours at least.”

Ask your questions, but don't catch a cold! Knowledge (history) is appropriate too, for knowledge on the Wounded Wisp. A map of Absalom has been added to the Handouts document.

I'm not much for history, either. Haldoc seems less than thrilled with the prospects of this mission. As I feared, I'm now just a glorified errand boy.

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Yeska stands in the rain, hoping desperately that his scrolls will not be damaged for the rain. "Where are we to bring the parcel, if you are undercover?"

Ooh, I wish I'd prepared Disguise Self now.

"I would most certainly be honored to receive this package on your behalf, and to visit the famed Wounded Wisp. I trust that the contents are of top secret, but I assume that its contents are precious or wanted by our enemies? Any special precautions we should take note of in bringing this to you?"

Dreng looks sideways, as if spotting something. "Oh, you'll find me here - or at the lodge - just ask around. Oh, and top secret indeed." he comments with a wide grin. "Just don't break it."

Gridger looks unnerved and turns to his party.

"Well, what are we waiting for?"

FYI, my character is slightly changed! But will be playing him exactly the same way. If you guys want i'd be more than happy to Roleplay his sudden change in visual.
Yeska, maybe you could share some of that sweet sweet knowledge :)

"Oh, look! It's Venture-Captain Hobo! How are you captain?" Yakari laughs but stops as he sees the severe gaze of Grand Aigle.

"Whatever... Let's go, then."

"Yakari! Hikari stared at him in horror, mirroring the roc's own stare.

Turning to Dreng, Hikari hastily apologized. "I must apologize for my companion's disrespectful words, venerable one. We would retrieve and protect your fragile artifact to the best of our abilities." Glancing briefing at Yakari, he added, "I agree. We should be on our way."

Drandle Dreng chuckles heartily at Yakari's rude words. "Ah, child! Who knows, you might very well be at my place one day," he grins. "Off you go now."

You have no trouble finding the establishment Dreng told you about. Built from dark, discolored wood, the exterior of the Wounded Wisp is the image of an iconic dive bar. Stained and barred windows obscure direct vision into the establishment, though ruddy yellow light bleeds from a window in the front hall. The only distinguishing feature on the Wisp’s exterior is a thick wooden sign hanging from above the bar’s entrance. A brass ring fitted onto the sign anchors a lantern—referred to by the staff as “the wisp”— that hangs there during the evening hours.

A long wooden hallway is the entrance to the Wounded Wisp, and heads north into the building itself. The walls are covered in numerous decorations and trophies left by successful Pathfinders who’ve donated minor paraphernalia to the bar. A teenager half-elf works a coat check on the side of the hallway, for those who do not want to lug their equipment in. Coats and mantles hang on the racks, and various items lie scattered on the shelves: backpacks, bags, and even a large shield embossed with the face of a lion.

The smell of smoke and spilled ale assails the senses in this wide-open area. Walls of dark-stained wood make up the sides of the Wounded Wisp, while well-used wooden tables are spread throughout the space. A raised area in the back of the establishment houses several additional tables and eating areas for groups seeking more than just a good drink. An austere bar supported by kegs instead of wooden panels commands the northern end of the room. A stained-glass cabinet stands behind the bar, its dark panes cracked in several spots, yet not so opaque as to conceal the several dozen types of hard liquor within.

The bar is staffed by a single woman, who is cleaning some glasses at the moment.

From a table in the corner, a familiar halfling woman is waving enthusiastically. "Hey, Yakari! Hikari! Wow, is that you Gridger? I barely recognized you. What's with the make-up?"

This is of course Janira. Map of the Wounded Wisp added.

Haldoc will stroll inside, wary of any other patrons already inside. Seeing Janira, he doesn't wave back but does make his way to her table and takes a seat. I see you have recovered from your injuries, Janira. Been on any more adventures lately?

Yeska wanders through the tavern in his usual way and, once Janira makes herself known, joins her. "I've heard that the Wounded Wisp has discounts for Pathfinders. Would you know anything about that?"

Gridger finds himself embarrassed but turns to apologize and explain himself to Janira. He then explains to her his background of growing up as an half-orc adopted into a human city. Outcast and shunned, he masked himself as a human to adapt into society. Thinking it was best, he did the same when joining the Society, but realised soon after his first adventure that the society cares not for race but for the cause. Shortly after, he turns to the bar and ask. "Would you be Heryn?"

"Greetings, Lady Janira. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you again. And to see you so hale and hearty after our unfortunate encounter with the Minotaur is very heartening," Hikari greets Janira, with a warm smile on his face. He paused though, to listen to Gridger's story. Not wishing to embarrass him, he had not enquired about the change in appearances earlier. He spoke up once he once done, "Gridger, I am honored that you feel comfortable to wear your true face in front of us."

While awaiting the barkeep's reply, Hikari looks around at the other patrons in the tavern.

Nice job on the character background, Gridger ;)

Chuckling together with Dreng, Yakari says eventually "Who knows?"

Entering the inn, the young eyes the tavern's wooden sign. Without a word he has a look of distress for Grand Aigle but his totem guide quickly rubs his neck on Yakari's cheek, as a cat would do, to calm him. Once inside, the teenager shouts, his usual grin and self-assurance back.

"Janira! How are you? Didn't you encounter any Minotaurs in Absalom?"

The halfling laughs heartily, raising her mug to you. "It's good to see you again, my friends. I was just telling these soon-to-be-confirmed Pathfinders about our adventure in that Kortos cave, and the extensive running I did that day, only to be saved by you. Younglings," she explains to the other attendees around her with a suddenly more serious tone, "remember this lesson: Pathfinder rule for survival #1 - stamina. Run fast, but be ready to keep your stamina for hours, because you never know if that horned thing is still behind you and you don't want to take the chance of looking back!" she half-jokes, her good spirits having completely returned. "There could be minotaur in Absalom too, who knows? Anyway I've been quite busy lately, documenting the cave and gillmen traditions for the Pathfinder Chronicles. The rest of my time I spend here, teaching these younglings about the Pathfinder ways."

Meanwhile, Gridger approaches the bartender, who gives him a nod. "I am she. What can I do for you?" she asks. "A parcel for Drandle Dreng? Again?" Heryn sighs. "Sure, I'll bring you to the wine cellar to pick it up, once I have a moment to leave the bar. My replacement will be in soon, so if you just have a couple of minutes of patience? I see your friends have some acquaintances here, so make yourself at ease."

There are other patrons present in the Wounded Wisp, even at this early hour. Clearly recognisable in one corner are the Boartusk twins: a male and female half-orc, Garl and Shrade "There's nothing an axe can't fix" Boartusk. They got field commissions when they saved the lives of some pathfinders in Lastwall, and they're now sharing a mug of ale with some other members of the society. A Keleshite bearing the holy symbol of Sarenrae is seated near the center of the room, nodding at you as you go past him. Finally, an elderly scholar is seated in the corner, browsing through a large tome as he sips from his oversized ale mug.

Again? Is this tavern a secret front for Dreng to collect his artifacts? But her demeanor... Not having an answer, Hikari turns his attention to the Keleshite with interest pacing to his table, keeping his holy symbol of Shizuru clearly visible, Hikari introduces himself. "Greeting from a follower of the goddess of the sun to another. Your most humble servant is Hikari Hayashi, from the distant lands of Minkai. Honored am I to make your acquaintance, and that of the Dawnflower." He says this with full earnesty, yet with a tinge of rivalry in his voice.

Gridger scans the room from where he is and takes into account the folk. He nods at them if they've made eye contact with him. But he makes no effort to break words, and sits patiently for Heryn.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Shrugging, although showing signs of impatience, Yakari goes over to the half-orc and bring them a pint.

"I heard you worked for the pathfinder society lately. Have you considered joining it eventually?" Yakari acts as if he were bolder and stronger.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18 Wow!

Yakari, what are you attempting to do with that Diplomacy check? Improving their attitude? Convincing them? You could elaborate here.

The hulking Boartusk twins consider the boy for a second, until one of them breaks the awkward silence. "Look sister, breakfast serves itself here. Har har!" He bursts out laughing. "You sure have guts lill' man. Didn't your mommy tell you we eat those like you?" he jests, showing his prominent fangs bare. "But you got it wrong, boy. We are Pathfinders. We got a field commission." he explains in a more civilized tone, proudly tapping the wayfinder he bears on a chain around his neck. "Are you?"

Which brings me to ask, did any of you get the wayfinder from last scenario's chronicle sheet? If so, please tell me if you wear it out in the open (so that other pathfinders may recognize you for who you are) or hide it beneath your clothing or in a bag. Thanks!

Hikari addresses the Keleshite in playful tones, giving rise to a broad smile on the tanned man's face. "Welcome, Hikari! Please, do sit, I'd enjoy the company, especially from one fellow priest of a sun goddess. I recognize your holy symbol as Shizuru's, am I right? I must confess I know little about her, since so few of her worshippers leave Tian Xia to come here, save from a few members of the Society. I'm not a member myself, only a humble merchant from the Coins district and amateur scholar. Have you been a Pathfinder for long? I'd also like to hear you tell me more on Shizuru, if you so wish."

At the bar, Janira enthusiastically offers a drink to Yeska and Gridger. "A discout, you say? I'm sure they'd be willing to entertain the thought, but it is more likely you'll get a good price on the ale if you're a regular customer here! Funnily enough, lots of pathfinders come here frequently, hence the birth of that rumor, perhaps? In any case, if you spent all you earned from that Kortos mission, I'd be thrilled to offer you a drink. It's the least I can do after you've saved my life! By the way, what brings you here?"

I used my PPs to get a wand and didn't want to spend 250gp for a Wayfinder quite yet so I do not have one.

Haldoc will continue to sit at the table with Janira and listen to the others converse with her. He'll keep an eye on the bar and the two half-orcs as best he can.

My wayfinder is in my bag!

Gridger heartily accepts the offer.
"We're nott a social, just the usual pathfinder stuff, and yourself?" He asks as he tries not to disclose too much information in case of wandering ears.

Hikari, similarly, spent his 2 pp on a wand of CLW, so nope, no wayfinder for him yet.

Hikari smiles broadly back in return, and takes the offered seat across from the Keleshite. "I have not been a pathfinder long. In fact, it was Janira who led my party in our confirmation not too long ago. I have been in this land of setting sun for only a few years so far. Warm welcomes like yours has often been rare but are certainly heartening to receive."

Hikari then continues to introduce his goddess, "Shizuru, the Empress of Heaven, is the goddess of the sun, at least in the eastern lands. She guides us to live a life of virtue and honor in all dealings, big and small. Also, as the celestial ancestor of Minkai, she reminds us to honor our ancestors. In preserving the dignity and strength of the Emperor, we in turn preserve hers." And thus, the Jade Regent has no place in her court...

Shaking off the wayward thought, Hikari continues, "Despite the differences, however, in this both my and your goddess have in common - that is to vanquish darkness and evil from the lands, and bring the cleansing light to all." He pauses here after giving his sermon. "But I have spoken too much of myself. If it is not too forward of me, might I have the honor of knowing your name? And what scholastic areas are of interests to you? I am ashamed that intellectual pursuits are not my strengths, but in my years as a scribe for the courts, I have come across a number of scholastic writings."

Yakari forgot to buy a wayfinder.
His intention was to show himself a part of the society even though he only is a novice. Thus, the diplomacy check was to convince the half-orcs.

Yakari doesn't show any sign that the words spoken affect him. "I prefer not to speak about my mother. There are more cheerful topics around. Yes, I recently did my confirmation but forgot to buy one. My mentor was Janira here." he says, showing the halfling.

"I sure learnt that words may sometimes enhance the strength of men... Could you tell me one thing you learnt by working for the society?"

Yeska keeps his Wayfinder in his bag.

"It's really just a rumor? That's a shame. Do they let you run a tab?" Yeska asks plaintively. His eyes scan to Hikari, then quickly back.

***Those around Janira***
"If you're a regular, I'm sure they will! Don't you want something to drink, Yeska? I'm buying." Janira says before reacting to Gridger's implication, sparkles of interest in her eyes. "Oh, Pathfinder stuff! As in, super-secret mission? That's amazing - but we'll keep it secret then. Hush!"

***Hikari***
Meanwhile, the Keleshite bows his head humbly at Hikari. "My apologies, I am Aram bin Kaleel, proud owner of Kaleel's Curiosities, a humble shop in the Coins district, but also devout of the Dawnflower as you rightly understood. Why don't you come to my shop sometime? I'm always keen to provide advice to new pathfinders like you, hoping to teach a thing or two that might save their life. By the way, have you heard? Sir Reinhart of Kenabres, a Mendevian crusader who recently arrived from the north, plans on attempting the Test of the Starstone, the legendary trial by which one might ascend to godhood. How foolish to pretend yourself divine, isn't it? Such hubris. What do you think of it, yourself?"

***Yakari***
"That it can make you rich? Har har! I jest, though not so much. There's far more than that. You travel a lot, meet plenty of other people, more than half of these on the battlefield... what's not to like? Why did you join, yourself?"

"Rich? I like the sound of this. Well... That's not my main goal. Even if I need money..."

Yakari's gaze loses itself in the void before coming back to reality.

"I need money for sure. I want to gather a tribe. That's why I joined the society. I care not for ethnicity and I have heard that those who venture with the society can tell many a tale."

The teenager stiffens and almost shouts.

"I am not afraid to fight! My only guide is Grand Aigle, my companion given to me by my ancestors."

Realizing what just happened, Yakari blushes and says.

"You who were pathfinders before me, did you join only for money? A wise man once said to me that behind every need, there was another, deeper, need..."