Pathfinders explore Golarion in service to lore.
This widespread group of treasure hunters, thrillseekers, sages, and voyagers make it their lives' work to uncover lost artifacts, map neglected ruins, and learn forgotten knowledge. They do these things for the sake of lore, as well as for fame. The Pathfinder Society publishes the Pathfinder Chronicles, a multi-volume series of chapbooks highlighting some of the most amazing finds by field agents.
Pathfinders are part archaeologist, part historian, and all adventurer. Many established Pathfinders make their own way in the world, following their interests or tracking down leads to greater mysteries. These established few are still subject to orders from their superiors, but the least prestigious tasks are usually reserved for those new to the organization. The Society is governed by the Decemvirate, recently reduced to 8 anonymous leaders who pull strings and guide the organization from Skyreach in the Grand Lodge of Absalom. They hand down orders from their secret posts to venture-captains, who in turn pass the orders to field agents.
The Society has few rules, but all Pathfinders are expected to perform the Three Duties: explore, report, and cooperate. Idle Pathfinders are useless to the organization, and agents must seek out secrets or further their work in exploration of some kind, always growing and gathering knowledge. This exploration would be worthless if not for frequent reports. Pathfinders must send back accounts of their adventures, many of which end up published by the Decemvirate. Finally, Pathfinders are great heroes from dozens of countries and backgrounds with thousands of different motivations and allegiances, and the Decemvirate expects that individual Pathfinders will not interfere with one another, and absolutely never
let a conflict between themselves come to blows.
Despite the mandate to cooperate, Pathfinders have myriad motivations and often fall in with similarly minded factions within the organization, or external groups with close ties to the Society. As fresh new recruits, most Pathfinders know only the venture-captains who give them their training, especially Ambrus Valsin, the man in charge of daily operations in the Grand Lodge.
Fresh off your induction into the Society and the completion of the basic training within the organization, you find yourselves in the waiting chamber before the office of Ambrus Valsin. The spacious room is decorated in mostly militaristic motifs – massive strategic maps of Absolom in general, and Magnimar in particular adorn the walls, as well some distinct Pathfinder banners and displays with several different weapons, and a huge oaken door that laeds to the Venture-Captain's office, closed for now.
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Laerkai burst into the room, he liked to make an entrance.
Unfortunately, there was no one there. They told him there would more pathfinders here, he was probably the first one.
He didn’t like it, he preferred to enter last, to cause an impression. He was barely making his firsts steps in the Society but he has great plans, he will be known and entire volumes will be written about him in the Pathfinder Chronicles.
He leaned against the wall, staring through the window. His sharp fangs came into view as a small smile appeared on his lips while he imagined his soon-to-come days of glory.
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Mathallas enters the room with a soft pace.
While he slowly removes his keffiyeh, he aproaches the people in the room and takes a look around to form a first impressing about the room and the people in it.
I walk until I'm closer to the other pathfinders ...
"Greetings, I'm Mathallas and I'm guessing we are going to be travelling companions?"
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Laerkai decides to join the conversation. If he’s going to lead this group, he should get to know them.
Hi guys. Not trying to interrupt or anything but maybe we should get the practical questions out of the way first. We’ll be soon asked to perform some service to the Pathfinder Society and, I don’t know about you, but I want to do it well and cause a good first impression.
So, we should be organized and well aware of each other’s abilities.
He makes a small pause to let his message sink in.
His first impression is always enough to get him to be heard, how could it not? He’s obviously one of the angel-touched. His looks are way above average and he speaks with a calm and reassuring voice that shows that he knows what he’s talking about (even if he doesn’t).
He bows and introduces himself.
I’m Laerkai Raerdon, still a newbie when it comes to adventures but rest assured that I can take care of myself. Looking at you with a first glance it seems that I’ll be doing the fighting in this group and I have no problems with that.
Have no worries that you’ll be well protected, there’s more ways to fighting than with brute force.
He liked to say that last point. With his average frame and light armour, he was often dismissed as a secondary fighter and he was not. He’d been trained since birth on magic and steel alike, he didn’t retreat from fights, he actually seeks them. How else can you gain glory and fame?
Still, I might be mistaken so tell me what you do in a fray so that we might better organize ourselves. When the meeting starts have no worries, I’ll speak to Ambrus.
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I'm usually a reserved guy, so I let the others do most of the chit chat, after each one has had his turn speaking and after analyzing each one more closelly, I join the conversation.
I'm glad someone is eager to be under the spot lights Laerkai, I'm used to the loneliness of the desert and I'm not the best at connecting with other people.
Just like you, I'm also new to Pathfinder Society and I'm eager to take part on any expedition that may help me find or learn new arcane powers.
I've dedicated a great amount of time reading and, although I'm preatty sure there will be the need to fight, the knowledge I've gathered will probably come in handy during our missions.
After you have had a few short moments to get acquainted, a man dressed in formal clothing enters the waiting room. After a short greeting, he motions you to follow him into Ambrus's office, and take a seat, while the venture Captain stares out the window, looking over Absolom.
As you each take your place around his desk, which is packed with all manner of maps, reports and briefings, he turns around with a stern look, gazing upon all of you, one at a time.
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"“All right, Pathfinders! Listen up" - he begins - "I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourselves killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end"
He pauses for am moment, and then continues - "Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet" - he flashes a grin.
"That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies"
"Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location"
He hands you a rolled up scroll for you to take a look at.
"Any questions?" - Ambrus asks bluntly.
Mathallas, to know more about the locations and/or people mentioned in the scroll, I'll need a Knowledge (Local) roll.
The Docks are not merely a physical location in Absalom, but is in fact another city district. For most travelers, the docks are the first sight of the city experienced. It is a bustling area where longshoremen constantly load and unload cargo destined for Absalom's markets and elsewhere. The district itself is a rather rough place, as the Harbor Guard tends to turn a blind eye to most brawls and the like as long as things don't get out of hand. Young touts are found nearly everywhere, announcing the services of all manner of businesses. These include a number of cheap water side taverns and brothels located here.
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At the core of the City at the Center of the World lies the Ascendant Court — Absalom's religious hub, the site of ascension of four gods, and the final resting place of the Starstone itself. The Ascendant Court is the religious center of Absalom, holding the preponderance of the city's temples as well as the cathedral of the Starstone. Located at the physical center of Absalom, it serves as a hub between other districts and, aside from the many temples, the district's most notable locations include the Avenue of the Hopeful, God's Market, the Chelish embassy in the former temple of Aroden, and the Black Mask.
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The Wise Quarter is the district located between the Ivy District and Azlanti Keep. Most of Absalom's government buildings are located here, including the residence of the Primarch and the hall of the Grand Council. It is also the home of the Arcanamirium, one of Golarion's most well-known magical schools, and scholars and philosophers from the world over congregate in Wise Quarter to teach, research and debate any topic known to mortals on Golarion.
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Absalom's Ivy District is by far the smallest of the city's districts; the exclusivity of the tree-lined streets give the neighborhood its name, which attracts a wealthier and more aristocratic demographic than the seedier parts of town located down the bluff toward the harbor. Filled with theaters, galleries and discrete parlor houses, the district draws an eclectic array of artists, minor nobles and famous actors. It is one of the safer parts of Absalom, relatively free from the violent crimes one would expect in Puddles or even the Coins.
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You are currently exiting The Grand Lodge - it is the world headquarters for the organization of explorers known as the Pathfinder Society. Located in the Foreign Quarter of the city, it is a massive fortress surrounded by tall stone walls. Within the outer walls sit seven smaller fortified structures, the largest of which is Skyreach, an enormous five-towered building which also houses the Society's Grand Hall.
Moving along through the city, you quickly reach the docks - this quarter is the gateway into Absalom for most people, and it is a combination of constantly shifting ships and cargo, and cheap places for sailors to get drunk, fulfill their carnal desires, and sleep off the effects of both.
No one planning to stay in Absalom for more than a day should stay in the Docks, where security is low and the quality of goods is cheap. The docks are remarkably permissive of minor scuffles, with the Harbor Guard allowing fistfights to go on without interference, and ignoring knife duels or minor spells as long as no one of importance is involved and it doesn’t seem likely to turn into a riot.
In addition to the constant yelling of working men shifting loads and readying ships, criers also add to the ruckus. All day and night, the services of nearly every business in Absalom is advertised by loud youths who offer directions to any place in the city for a copper, or to their own master’s businesses for free.
With Laerkai leading the way, you quickly find your way to the curio shop that is your destination - from the outside you notice that the windows and storefront are quite dusty, but still you are able to spot a clutter of products whose origin you are not really able to place - a mummified hand here, a translucent jar with something you cannot identify there - eyes perhaps.
Walking through the front door, a bell ring announces you to the owner - inside, the creepy shop contains even a wider myriad of odds and ends, most bereft of any discernible use. A number of malformed creatures and creature parts bob in jars on a long, prominent shelf, a tiny fetal devil centered in this macabre lineup. The shopkeeper, a greasy-haired Varisian with a thin mustache, shouts from behind the cluttered counter:
“Ah yes, I see the Pathfinders have arrived. I’m glad Ambrus was able to lend a few of his new recruits to help me. Please come in and let me tell you what I need.”
Looking around as if to be absolutely certain no customers are browsing the aisles of knock-off Thuvian burial urns or supposed Azlanti porcelain, he begins again - “Well met. I am Guaril Karela. A friend of mine has a warehouse near here and he received a parcel on behalf of me and some of my associates, but there’s a problem. See, Master Gelbane had to leave town in a hurry and our shipment is still waiting at his warehouse. Rumor is he ended up in trouble with the law and the place was seized. I heard tell from someone down at the docks that some creep was snooping around his warehouse just the other night, so I want to make sure nothing of mine was taken. He keeps all kinds of things, from beer to nails, in that old pelican, but every now and then he stores something really special. This is one of those cases" - the man scratches his shin.
“There’s a big crate marked with three crows arranged in a triangle. Inside that crate is a smaller container with a few books and papers in it. That’s the only parcel I’m interested in, and as far as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too. I’m sure the once things get sorted out, the city will seize most everything else anyway"
Pondering for a few seconds, he continues - “My associates and I often work with the Pathfinders when it comes to special relics and documents, getting them in and out of ports and across borders where the authorities ask too many questions. Most people don’t realize what they have and frankly many don’t deserve to have it, so sometimes we help take the goods off their hands. If things work out well and you get this done, I’d be glad to talk with you more and help you out with any future endeavors, as long as you help me out too. I’m good at returning favors, trust me" - he offers you a yellow toothed grin.
"I beg your pardon Mr. Karela, as we just met and I don't want to offend, but... Is this legal? I mean, if the city seized the warehouse due to trouble with the law, then certainly us breaking in there to remove seized property must be against the law?"
Guaril's yellowed smile seems glued to his face as he stares at you - "I am not sure I understand your question Miss...?" - he doesn't even have a chance to finish his sentence as Greywolf steps in.
Kalla, If the goods belong to Mr. Karela – and I let that judgment been done by our superiors at the Pathfinders – then I think we’re just recovering something that would eventually end up in a corrupt burocrat thief… I say: let’s move on and get done with our mission.
"Very well spoken - my thoughts exactly" - he makes what today would constitute some sort of 'golf clap' movement, nodding his approval - "Fact is, most of the town officials will tell you that when, and IF the warehouse is finally aprehended, the goods therein will be considered belonging to the owner of the aforementioned warehouse - it does not matter if we know it not to be true, for them is simply a matter of expediency... There is always someone that ends up taking the loss - I just don't want to be included in that group, is all"
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Laerkai was just observing, trying to understand his companions.
Khala appeared cautious... or was just worrying about keeping her ass safe.
Storm was all about the mission, few questions and more action.
Mathalas was silent, probably studying them as well.
He finally decided to intervene
"I think the important thing here is not if we believe you dear sir, is if the authorities believe us if they see us there.
If you could provide us with proof of ownership, that would certainly help"
He continued as if he already knew the answer
“If not, I think we can always go there and take a look. If there are strange people around the warehouse, we can probably find a good excuse to go inside”
He then turned to the rest of the group
“Shall we go? I’ve just remembered a spot nearby with a strange foreign cheese most amazing. It tickles your nose and looks funny but it’s an experience we can’t pass. It’s in the way to the warehouse”
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By joining the Pathfinders these kind of situations are bound to appear ... if I believed that there could only be right or wrong I wouldn't be here.
Mr. Karela is unknown to me but I'll assume Mr. Karela pretentions are rightfull since I'm following Ambrus request.
"Before we go I would just like to make a few questions:
- Should we expect anyone else searching for the same items?
- Did Master Gelbane leave due to problems with someone currently in town? Someone that we could have to face near or in Master Gelbase warehouse?
- Being new in town, what kind of control/surveilance of the warehouse should we expect from the local law enforcers?
- Any other general advice you care to give?
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With the same plastered smile, Guaril takes his time answering each of you, turning to Khalla first - "Well... I am sure that ones such as yourselves, after having endured the Pathfinder Society's grueling conscription, will not be caught in such a predicament..."
Looking at Laerkai, he adds - "Proof of purchase you say? But of course! It is simply a matter of getting in contact with my accountant - he takes care of all the paperwork you see?" - he throws his arms up in the air, in an exhasperated manner - "Too many ledgers, and logs for me to keep track all on my own. But do not worry, you can rest assured I am the rightful proprietary of what I would ask you to retrieve, simply trying to obviate the unnecessary sea of bureaucracy I know I will have to face if I ever want ot recover my goods" - he shakes his head in disgust.
At Laerkai's onslaught of questions, methodically enumerated, he ponders for a second, then starts answering each question, raising one finger for every answer - "I am not privy to the fact if others wil be searching the same items, but I don't think this a probability. I do know a bit about Gelbane's... Hmmm... Predicament. But I am not one to talk about other people's lives - surely you understand that no one would like to see their financial issues exposed" - he winks and grins at you - "These are The Docks my dear friend, so control and surveillance are kind of expensive words for this part of town" - the man laughs - a high pitched sound not particularly pleasant.
"Warehouses such as the one I am hoping you will investigate, are called Pelican Warehouses - they perch at the end of piers all over the district - they allow a ship to load and unload farther out from the busier docks - that is their main objective. Many of them either accommodate smaller vessels that are in a hurry or larger ships unable to find an open dock. They are not that common these days, so most of them lie in disrepair, withered from storms and salt, and every year, it seems another one falls into the harbor" - he shrugs - "Since they have began increasing taxes on this type of property, many of the owners have refrained from rebuilding, while others have even relinquished the titles to their structures, allowing them to fall into the hands of squatters and smugglers — or into the bay. So you see, it is highly unlikely that such surveilance would be in place. Let us hope you are fortunate enough to retrieve its contents before it simply floats away into the waters" - again the annoying laughter.
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digo isto depois de sairmos da loja
Listen guys, I think that before we go to the warehouse we better just pass by the place in our way to… say a tavern close by. Just to check the surroundings without raising suspicious. Then we’ll discuss a plan to move in.
I also think we better check if we’re not being followed while we’re doing these errands… “better safe than sorrow” as the old saying goes ;)
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I second the safety measures.
And since I'm not familliar with the city I would also like to get to know the place a litle better before we enter.
Let's see if we can find a discrete entrance, depending on how busy the place is we may only be able to enter during the night.
Also we should define a meeting point in case we get divided and need to regroup later.
Maybe a tavern in a central and peaceful neighbourhood?
Moving out from the curio shop, you all head out towards the pier section of the ward - following Guaril's directions, you do not have a hard time finding the Pelican Warehouse teetering at the end of a pier.
The pier itself stretches 100 feet from the boardwalk and the docks proper, and stands 15 feet above the water. From what you can gather, planks on the pier are sturdy but weathered. A few local fishermen and some poor looking kids sit scattered along the pier casting nets or bobbing lines into the waters below.
The building looks abandoned and in disrepair. The windows are dark and dirty, and a small boat bobs in the water below, tethered to the pier.