GM Baerlie |
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.
Periel the Pure |
Standing tall the young aasimar with the folded eyelids of a tien smiles.
He bows curtly and introduces himself as Periel. He wears a foreign armor and a slightly curved sword hangs on his back.
Gorwyn |
A short but wiry and powerfully built human man with fair skin, straight neck-length auburn hair, very light brown (hazel) eyes sits wearing lamellar leather armor, with a morningstar at his side and a pack at his back. Standing behind his chair, almost as if on guard, is an androgynous angelic-looking being. The human-formed being has nearly golden skin, and light red/yellow hair that flares up, and seems to wave about slightly in a manner reminiscent of fire. It appears to be wearing armor itself, but closer inspection shows that the "armor" is actually bony plates on the surface of the creature. Its eyes are golden, and on its back are two vestigial wings. It too has a morningstar.
"Hello, and well met," the human says. "I am Gorwyn, late of the River Kingdoms, but now come to Absalom where I've been in training at the Pathfinder Society to become a field agent."
He nods to the creature behind him. "This is Conflaviel my... well, my guardian angel, I suppose. Much to my surprise, I discovered that I have a connection to him, although I am not entirely sure where he comes from, and he's not very forthcoming on the matter. All I know is that, instinctually, I'm able to call him, and that he appears. Since I've been here, we've been practicing matial techniques together under the tutelage of the military trainers who work with the Swords under Marcos Farabellus. I look forward to working with you all."
Eryndir |
"I am Eryndir, formerly of Mierani," says the tall elf, simply clothed with little more weaponry than a bow and arrows. "While traveling, I was drafted to fill out a team of Pathfinders in an emergency, and am eager to complete my official Confirmation."
Lore Jorinson |
Yet another aasimar joins the group, this one blue-white of skin and hair, wearing masterfully crafted leather armor and scimitar. Dark blue tattoos swirl about his face and he moves with the grace of a practiced dancer. "I am Lore Jorinson, Dawnflower Dervish. I recently helped the Society with some nasty business in a museum and I'm looking forward to joining in full after this mission." He clears his throat. "What's so unusual about some gillmen entering a cave? They're water dependent, could be it's just a stopping point for gillmen traveling overland. "
GM Baerlie |
"I saw the gilman enter the cave at full moon and another gillman the next full moon. If it is their permanent home or a stopping point, why would they just enter at full moon? The only known permanent surface settlement of the gillmen is in Escadar. Why they’re venturing into the foothills of the Kortos Mounts is a mystery." Janira answers to Lore's questions.
"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." she continues looking at Periel.
GM Baerlie |
The first phase of your Confirmation takes you through Absalom, leads across the Cairnlands, along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts, and culminates at the cave entrance noted in Janira’s Confirmation report. The journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident, and the long trek across the Cairnlands provides a great opportunity to discuss Master Shane’s class on the history of Absalom. Most of the journey is uneventful, but Janira might point out landmarks such as siege towers, distant mountains, or distinct flora and fauna along the journey. No encounters occur during the first day of travel, and you have an opportunity to rest and prepare new spells before entering dangerous territory.
As youy 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 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.
Preparing the map...
GM Baerlie |
Encounter A1: 1d6 ⇒ 5
On the way to the cave you stop to get your bearing. While you wait for Janira to show you the path two young hippogriffs aproach and attack.
Initiative Bayushi: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Initiative Eryndir: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Initiative Gorwyn: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Initiative Lore: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Initiative Periel: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Initiative Janira: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Initiative Hippogriffs: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Round 1
Eryndir
Lore
Bayushi
Hippogriffs
Janira
Gorwyn
Periel
Eryndir |
Eryndir calmly stands firm and draws two arrows to his bowstring, one at a time, sending the shafts at the northern hippogriff.
Arrow 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Arrow 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
I'm not sure exactly how far away they are, but he doesn't suffer range penalties in the second increment, so that's out to 220 feet with no penalty.
Gorwyn |
GM: can you also put out a token for Conflaviel, Gorwyn's eidolon?
Gorwyn is caught slightly unprepared, unable to act until after the hippogrifs. Once he is able to act, he'll draw his morningstar (move action), and say, "Conflaviel, try to flank them!"
He and his eidolon will move depending on where the hippogrifs are, attempting to move towards being on either side of one. (Conflaviel will also draw his morningstar as a move action.)
GM Baerlie |
The map is linked above the campaign tabs. The dark green areas on the map are difficult terrain (bushes), the light green Areas are grass. The black dots are huge trees, you cannot go across this fields.
Eryndir shoots two arrows at the hippogriff closer to him. Both arrows hit. Lore moves closer to one of them. Bayushi hides between tall grass and bushes waiting for the hippogriffs to come closer.
The hippogriffs come closer to the party. double move
Janira starts to sing a song about brave Pathfinders. Inspire Courage +1/+1
Conflaviel moves into flanking position behind the (red) hippogriff while Gorwyn draws his weapon.
Round 1
Eryndir
Lore
Bayushi
Hippogriffs
Janira
Gorwyn
Periel
Hippogriff blue -10 HP
Hippogriff red
Periel the Pure |
Moving a short step into flanking position, Periel draws his sword and brings it down in a flashing overhand stroke.
attackPA: 1d20 + 1 + 4 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 4 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 241d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 15
Bab1, str4-1PA+1IC+2Flanking,18strx1,5;PA;1IC
Eryndir |
Eryndir takes a 5-foot step NE and fires two arrows at the red hippogriff.
Arrow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Arrow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Both fly high and into the bushes.
Bayushi Akiko |
Akiko moves to the red hippogriff and attacks.
AttackagainstFF: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 241d6 + 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (6) + 1 + 1 = 9
Critconf: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 242d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 2 = 8
+0Bab+4Dex+1InspC;Wakazashi+Sneak+1str.+1InspC.
With an elegent slash Akiko slashes at the Hippogriffs hindleg aorta.
And smiles at Periel giving him a high five.
Lore Jorinson |
"Sorry little fella, shoulda minded your own business." He swings at the hippogriff's head with the flat of his scimitar.
Combat expertise for +1 AC, just in case.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16
Nonlethal damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11
GM Baerlie |
Lore knocks the remaining hippogriff unconscious.
Combat over
"Very well done, young recruits! Now let's continue, it's still a long way to the entrance." Janira says.
As you continue to travel through the wilderness, you find trails blocked by fallen objects, shortcuts overgrown, and other minor delays that cost them time.
You can do a survival check to find the path through the woods.
Eryndir |
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Eryndir feels at home in the woods, pointing out lots of good clues as to the proper path.
GM Baerlie |
Eryndir points out the path to the cave. 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.
Periel the Pure |
Torn between his vow to protect others and his duty to obey commands Periel is torn between two evils. Finally deciding that he shall protect the other aspirants he pumps his arms.
"You heard the lady. Now move it! Move it!"
GM Baerlie |
Janira's backpack contains a potion of barkskin, two potions of cure light wounds, a potion of feather step, a potion of vanish, a scroll of entangle, a scroll of gust of wind, a scroll of identify, a scroll of mage armor (CL 6), a scroll of obscuring mist, a wand of burning hands (CL 3rd, 4 charges), a wand of cure light wounds (CL 3rd, 8 charges), acid, two alchemist’s fire, holy water, a smokestick, a tanglefoot bag, an antitoxin and two sunrods.
Lore Jorinson |
"I'll take an alchemists fire."
He pulls a wand from his bag."Right, who's expecting to get hit?"
Gonna make a bunch of UMD rolls, using successful attempts on myself, then Periel, then Bayushi. Hoping for no 1's.
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Wand of Mage Armor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Eryndir |
Mage armour doesn't stack with actual armour, so that's kind of wasteful, whereas Eryndir wears no armour and would receive full benefit. Plus, Gorwyn can just use such a wand without UMD.
Edit: Oh, I see that's your personal wand you're offering. I thought it was one of Janiven's. Never mind, then.
GM Baerlie |
It's somehow stuck now it seems. Let me push you ;)
Bayushi finds a wooden plank on the other side of the pit. With this plank you are able to cross the pit.
The tunnels continue on, leading deeper beneath the Kortos Mounts until they eventually open into a large cavern. What must have once been beautifully carved reliefs and inscriptions have since weathered heavily, their features dulled and softened to the point that it is hard to distinguish what each once depicted. A wide tunnel exits the cavern on its far side, and blue-burning torches line the passageway’s walls.
The blue-burning torches are everburning torches. You can all make a Knowledge Religion or history check, or an appraise or perception check with a -2 Penalty and I will tell you something about the inscriptions.