GM Hawkeye |
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.
As Master Shane departs, Janira smiles to the group and says “Right, 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. So, any questions?”
Anyone want to give me a Knowledge (geography) or a Knowledge (History) check?
Arthrax Bellringer |
The burly man listens to the Master of Scrolls in silence, nodding occasionally as though the man is talking to him alone. He tries to keep his excitement for the mission down, and is successful to begin with, but at the sight of the halfling a smile slowly spreads across his face.
It was finally time! He had been looking forward to this moment for quite a while, but now that he was here he was so nervous he was almost shaking. He chuckles anxiously at the request to return alive.
He finally builds up his nerve and asks, "What locals might we encounter, ma'am?"
Castiel Graveclaw |
The man with the weird accent listens to the speech, but looks a little bored at it all.
"When do we leave mate?"
Mandorin |
Mandorin thinks for a second, trying to take in everything that was just said. Once Janira answers Arthrax's question he asks "Do you have a rough idea of the layout of the caves from your first visit that would help us be better prepared?" After that he looks around at the other pathfinders "Well lets get going if time is so important." Then he gets up and walks out and waits for the rest of the group to join him.
Castiel Graveclaw |
could you make the other game inactive please?
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Benevolence |
Benevolence nods and bows deeply to Kreighton Shaine as he introduces our tasks. She listens closely, yet silently.
That Elf is too flighty for my likes, but his class on magical techniques was surprisingly informative.
As Janira is introduced Benevolence bows shallowly, waits for her to finish and then speaks in response.
"Greetings Ms. Gavix. I guess from their name Gillmen are some sort of aquatic demi-humans. Would you be willing to further clarify?"
Know:History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Kavaki Gossamar |
In one of the chairs around the table, a: short, fit, bald, human sits unnaturally cross-legged. He has his hands resting, palms up, slightly touching his his thumbs to each middle finger. His eyes are closed as he sits with perfectly straight posture. He slowly opens his eyes and with an uncommonly calm voice states, "I have heard of this place, it is said that...
knowledge: history: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
... I share in the warriors excitement, I am...
the man quickly hops to his feet in a perfectly straight rigid form, he brings his arms and hands to join together about 6" from the center of his chest. Where he bends at the waist to bow slightly and finish.
...Kavaki Gossamar. My mind and body are here to assist you."
He grabs a backpack that was propped neatly behind his chair, slings it over his shoulder, and heads out the same direction of the paladin.
A long journey awaits, shall we begin!
Tywin-RK |
A halfling with scrummy clothes, but a decent set of weapons and armor rushes in.
Out of breath, he wheezes
"I'm here I'm here, I'm ever so sorry I am late, but I am finally here.
So where are we going?"
Graxus |
A larger dire creature enters the bar after the halfling, seemingly a mix between tiger and wolf. The feral eyes observe everyone with keen intellect. He stands next to the halfling and smacks him in the head.
In a low grumbling voice he says
"Tywin, you idiot! I told you it was the first one the left, not the right. Greetings mortals! I am the mighty Graxus and the Society has requested me and this puny fleshling to my right join you on your endeavor."
GM Hawkeye |
Janira looks to the group and smiles as she says "We're not sure what the cave's layout will be, so be prepared for anything. You never know what you'll run into on the job. That said, some basic essentials like good rope, a light source, food, a way to make fire, and some source of healing would be highly recommended . If you've got the coin, I also recommend bringing with a bottle or two of alchemist's fire and antitoxins, as they come in handy more often than you'd think.
And things that we might run into? Well, Centaurs 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.
Now, if there are no other questions, I'll give you all a chance to make any last-second purchases at the market before we head out. Just meet me at the road outside of town when you're ready."
Kavaki Gossamar |
Kavaki bows with courtesy and states...
"Thank you for the veteran advice, I've acquired all the supplies I deem necessary. I shall meet everyone at the road."
Kavaki bows again, and heads off to the determined meeting place outside of town.
Graxus |
"Tywin go buy us an alchemist fire and that healing wand I talked to you about. The society owes us a favor or two so we should get it for free. I think I will rest, so send me back. You may summon me when we leave." Graxus says to the halfling.
Tywin-RK |
The halfling is shivering from fear while saying
"Yes mighty Graxus, thanks you mighty Graxus, at once mighty Graxus."
He begins casting something and in a burst of fire Graxus dissapears. The rune at the halflings forehead shines a fiery red shortly before going back to a dull black.
The halfling yelps and rubs his forehead with a wet hand.
"Oooh, hot hot hot."
GM Hawkeye |
Once the party has assembled outside of town, they make their way into the forest leading to the Kortos Mounts. As the party progresses 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 Pathfinder 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.” She 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.” Most of the trees in this section of the forest have trunks that are too big for any creatures to share their space. Sporadic patches of light undergrowth provide areas for creatures to hide while restricting movement for those passing through. A large rock outcropping to the east rises nearly 20 feet above the forest floor, and a small sinkhole to the northwest drops off sharply, descending to the ground 10 feet below
A few hours into the trek, the forest that was alive with sounds of nature suddenly becomes deathly quiet. After a few moments of eerie silence, the reason for said silence makes it's appearance in the form of two snarling wolves as they circle and flank the party.
Initiative!
Janira: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Wolves: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Mandorin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Twyin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Kavaki: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Arthrax: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Benevolence: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Mandorina and Tywin are up first!
P.S. The map is up and ready to go.
Mandorin |
Mandorin will charge whichever wolf Tywin and Graxus doesn't attack
Charge and power attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 182d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 = 13
Graxus |
by my calculations Garox should be able to reach the bottom wolf with a charge. If not he and tywin can ready an attack, both have reach. Are they flatfooted right now?
Graxus roars a challenge
"Yay food! Finally something to do besides talking!"
As he charges to the wolf.
charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12
bite: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Tywin hobbles along on his back and lowers his lance to hit the wolf.
charge: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19
dmg: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 11
Kavaki Gossamar |
"I would like to pass a little knowledge from my past encounters. It is usually best if stay together whenever possible and not split up. At the yin and yang flow, I will be at peace and adapt to any tactics we wish to employ."
"That little guy, Tywin, makes me laugh!"
GM Hawkeye |
The map is located at the top of the gameplay thread. And Mandorin won't be able to charge as the wolves are still to far away. That said, feel free to pick another action. Graxus, however, is able to reach his with a speed of 40 ft.
Graxus and Tywin charge their chosen target and eviscerate it within moments. The other wolf moves forward, more wary now of the group than before.
Meanwhile, Janira attempts to rally the group as she cries out “Let us remember the sacrifice of the fabled Yasmin bint Faroud, favored of the Ten, who gave her life distracting Zythrustianax, draconic scourge of the Society, so dozens of junior agents could survive. Her act of benevolence is the epitome of cooperation within the Society!”
Using Perform (oratory) to inspire courage for the group. Everyone gets a +1 enchantment to attacks and damage.
Arthrax, Kavaki, and Benevolence are up!
Mandorin |
Ok, I will move 20 ft north and ready an action to swing at the wolf. If it still moves to where I can hit it using my rolls from earlier without the charge to hit bonus it would be a 16 to hit and 13 damage.
Kavaki Gossamar |
Kavaki grabs a potion (potion of shield) from his bandolier and chugs it. He receives a relieving feeling all over his body of added protection.
"That feels much better! Let's DANCE!"
Graxus |
Graxus roars in triumph
"Whaha! ANOTHER!"
Arthrax Bellringer |
Arthrax feels a sense of inspiration from Janira's words, pride welling up in him.
1) If wolf is in charge range, he charges (+9 to hit, d8 + 5 damage).
2) If wolf is out of range, advance 20 feet while drawing a throwing axe and chunk it. (+3 to hit, d6 + 5 damage).
GM Hawkeye |
Arthrax is able to reach the wolf with a charge.
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Through combined efforts, Mandorin and Arthrax bring down the second wolf with ease.
Combat over! Wow, that was pretty fast.
As the dust settles, Janira calls out to the group "Excellent work, team! The threat was handled and not a scratch on any of you! Excellent work indeed"
Graxus |
"Bwah that was way too easy, give me and this pipsqueak a real challenge!" Garox grumbles as he licks the blood off of his face.
GM Hawkeye |
As you make your way deeper into the woods, the dense forest opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff. Thick vines cover the surface of the cliff stretching 30 feet overhead. “Here! The cave entrance is behind those vines,” Janira says with a broad smile as she walks to the cliff’s face. She pulls back several layers of vegetation to reveal a narrow crack in the cliff’s surface. “This is where I saw the gillmen enter.” As she motions toward the aperture, the surrounding woods come alive with the sound of small animals fleeing some unseen danger and a large creature crashing through the undergrowth. The halfling worriedly remarks, “Quick, take cover before whatever it is spots us!” As if she’d summoned the creature with her words, a massive horned monstrosity emerges from the trees. Standing eight feet tall on a pair of cloven hooves and wielding a tremendous axe, the bull-headed creature roars with unbridled anger when it spots the group. Wisely assessing that a minotaur is beyond her charges’ capabilities, Janira screams, “A minotaur! There’s little chance we can stand against it. Take this bag,” she continues, pulling off her backpack, “and head deeper into the caves. Finish your mission. I’ll lead it away from the caves, lose it in the forest, and join you as soon as I can. Now go! GO!” She heaves her backpack into the cave, casts a spell, and darts off toward the minotaur before turning to lure it away.
So what do you guys do, run or fight?
Graxus |
fight yessss :p. Graxus fight Tywin either way
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Arthrax Bellringer |
Arthrax is concerned about this situation. The creature did look rather formidable and seemed like it was quite capable of turning the small group into a bunch of carrion fodder, but his insticts said leaving Janira to deal with it was wrong. In the end, his training wins out. A direct superior just gave him an order, and she seemed confident in her ability to escape. Arthrax darts into the cave, pulling a torch out and lighting it inside as he attempts to find Janira's pack.
Benevolence |
Was sleeping in after running a very tiring slaughter of 3PCs in Bonekeep last night.
Benevolence gives the quickest bow to Janira as she speaks to her companions.
"Now is the time to listen."
and heads into the cave.
GM Hawkeye |
Arthrax finds the pack a short way inside the cavern. Inside, he finds...
potions of cure light wounds (2)
potion of feather step
potion of vanish
scroll of entangle
scroll of gust of wind
scroll of identify, scroll of mage armor (CL 6)
scroll of obscuring mist
wand of burning hands (CL 3rd, 4 charges)
wand of cure light wounds (CL 3rd,8 charges)
acid
alchemist’s fire (2)
holy water
smokestick
tanglefoot bags (2)
thunderstone
The popular vote says that we're heading into the cave, so onward we go!
The narrow tunnel twists and turns for several hundred feet before slowly opening to a wider passage. A large hole spans the cave’s width and stretches ten feet down the path. At the bottom of the pit lies a small bundle of cloth.
GM Roll: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Arthrax Bellringer |
Arthrax shoulders the pack, keeping his sword and shield out. He would ensure the contents of the pack remained safe for Janira. As they approach the hole, Arthrax looks to less-encumbered members to investigate the cloth.
Graxus |
"That scroll of mage armor is useful. Tywin, cast it on me."
as long as noone minds :).
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Kavaki Gossamar |
"Mage Armor sounds pretty beneficial for my performance. I do have my own means of activating it, but for some reason, it doesn't always seem to work. I'll give it a try and see what happens.
Kavaki pulls a wand of mage armor from his pack and gives it a twirl...
"Facio, Voco, Ferre!"
UMD: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
"I feel much more protected already. Now to get across this pit!"
Kavaki takes a running start and leaps...
acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
"Well.... what are you all waiting for?"