Please dot in here
Hey yall! As you are checking in, please make sure to add your information to the spreadsheet linked above.
As the second table, your start is going to be delayed. I will start one table before you, get them up and running, and then get yall going. We are looking at about 2 weeks (ish) before kick off. I appreciate your patience and understanding! Once yall decide who is playing what and your info has been put in on the reporting spreadsheet, go ahead and introduce yourselves over in gameplay and feel free to play around. I will be checking in.. I am not going to ignore yall!
Any questions or comments, don't hesitate to ask!
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A seemingly elderly gnome appears holding a book followed by a man like creature that appears human. The human like creature has a waist coat, a white shirt, black shoes and pants and spectacles. He wears a cudgel at his waist.
"Zarzuket here scholar of the fey lands..this is my servant Pip here. He's good at keeping things in line and clearing."
The gnome gets back to his book and sits down.
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Vlazis is a slightly short, yet devilishly handsome Osirian man dressed in a Chelish military uniform and proudly bearing the Iron Nail, Ring, and Crown of Dispater, Hell's greatest jailer, pinned to his chest. He's the type who always arrives early, and today is no exception. As Zarzuket and Pip arrive he stands and greets them with a warm smile, and a firm armclasp.
It is a true pleasure to meet both of you. Zarzuket, Pip, I am Vlazis Chibuzo, called by some The Beloved. Are you here for your Confirmation as well? I have found training with the Masters to be a delight. It is almost a shame to leave their instruction so soon, but, he chuckles, I suppose there can be only so many adventures in the Archives.
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Theon arrives shortly after the other two, carrying a beautiful glaive with the blade sheathed in leather. The young man is a little taller than average Taldan with a thick, but well kept beard. His strange amber-hued eyes shine with an intelligence that does not seem to match his appearance of a warrior. His steps hold the swagger of youth and one in the prime of his life. "It would seem I am not the first to arrive! Well met, I am Theon of House d'Malheur."
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Theon smiles and nods to Vlazis. "We are indeed Taldan, you know well your surnames, sir. Alas, our deeds these days are not quite as great as they once were in the glory days of the Empire. Suffice to say, several of my ancestors did not quite had the mind for running a noble house and some others were less inclined to see their elders be the head of the House." He clears his throat. "However, we have learned from such mistakes and as the youngest son of the Lord of the House, it is my duty to go forth into the ranks of the Pathfinder Society in pursuit of riches and renown for myself and my family."
When Pip suddenly steps forward and offers to polish Theon's boots, he glances down at the worn and scuffed leather. "While my boots could use a bit of oil and polish, I would would not feel comfortable asking a fellow Pathfinder to do such a task."
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"Am I late? My parole officer... er... I was told to report here for penance... I mean, work?"
The light and airy voice comes from a wisp of a girl, who's pale complexion is topped by crazy, wind-swept hair. She smiles with a look of pure innocence, but the glint in her eyes speaks another story.
"Are you all Pathfinders?"
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"Whatever would make you say that?" she says, as she drops a small tube out of her sleeve. As she bends to pick it up, you can see raw red marks on her wrists that indicate perhaps she was recently tied or manacled. She quickly hides here hands behind her.
"Yah, well they say this is my big shot to 'get on the straight and narrow', so we'll see how that goes... You seem nice. My name is Skai." (Sky)
She doesn't look read for adventure. In fact, other than some old clothes and the tube she dropped, she appears to have nothing with her. Looking at the wall of adventuring memorabilia, she sees a whip hanging on a hook.
"This looks like fun..." as she simply takes it.
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A young, petite Varisian woman wearing black studded leather armor partially concealed by the shear, white blouse that hides the curves of her body. A silver necklace bearing a symbol of three intertwined daggers hangs around her neck. She saunters up to the group and steps between Vlazis and Theon, "Excuse me, boys..."
She finds a seat and smiles at the gnome before sizing up Pip from head to toe. "I've hear the Pathfinder's value experience, and I'm sure you're full of it," she remarks with a wink.
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Vlazis chuckles at Lorÿndahl's innuendoes, his warm eyes dancing. A true pleasure to meet you as well.
He eyes the daggers 'round her neck and quirks his eyebrows and lips into an amused smile, A servant of the Unquenchable Fire I see. Tell me, are you here for revenge, to play some tricks, or is there some other way I can help you fulfill your duties to your goddess?
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.
After Master Shaine exits, Janira excitedly 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 joined the Pathfinders nearly four years ago, right after I came of age!” With this declaration, she draws herself up to her full 2 foot and 10 inch height, pride swelling her breast at her achievements. [b]”I am the oldest of seven children, and the rest are still at home in Eastgate, where father works as a porter with a dog cart. He transports goods from ships and shops to the homes of the customers. It’s not much, but its important, and we meet a lot of people! That’s how I started to learn about the Pathfinders! Anyways, I joined because I wanted to see the world, but once I got started learning, I couldn’t stop! Now, I want to train as a Pathfinder Chronicler, and that is where you come in! I have been researching the Kortos Mountains and all of the tribes and people of the area, and once we finish this mission, I will be able to submit my report for review and it might get published into the Pathfinder Chronicles! This would be a very important step, especially at my age! This is going to be my first mission as Pathfiner-In-Charge, and I know its going to go just fine! So how about you? What are your stories?
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A tall, blonde Ulfen man strides confidently into the room. His hair and beard are well-groomed with braids and a forked beard.
He carries a greataxe over his shoulder and wears worn scale armor.
"Greetings!" he says heartily. "I am Egil Forkbeard! We are fated to complete this mission, and if not, to die gloriously in battle!" he says. "Tales will be told of this day!"
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I am Vlazis Chibuzo, called by some The Beloved. The Pathfinder Society is a grand organization that is willing to go into the depths of the wild and recover that which is worthwhile, without losing perspective on the knowledge and artifacts that are truly important. There is an order to this that appeals to me, an order that should be shared.
Janira smiles and welcomes both Zarzuket and Pip to the gathering. "Well, we certainly have more than enough work for our scholars! You should be kept very busy!"
As Egil makes his declaration, Janira's face turns grave. "Many names are added to the Wall of Names every year. Lets pray that ours stay off that list for many years to come, but we certainly welcome your enthusiasm!"
To Vlazis, she continues "I quite agree with you! And not only the items and relics themselves, but also the stories behind them and the quests to recover them! that is what I hope to be working on as a Chronicler!"
She turns expectantly towards the rest of the team.
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"Well, I ain't no scholar. But I ain't no slouch, either. My name is Skai, and I have a knack for... um... liberating things. These guys tell me there is a place for me here, and it sure beats the alternative 'offer' I got, so here I am... ready to help. And, you know, I do have a fondness for recovering pricey artifacts... so there you go!"
Janira chuckles at Skai's colorful phrasing. "Well, no matter your history, I hope that you are able to find your place within the society, Skai! We have people of all backgrounds in the Pathfinders, and I am sure that others were given the same "offer" you were!"
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Theon gives a dramatic bow to Janira. "My name is Theon d'Malheur of House d'Malheur and I am at your service, Lady Gavix." He takes in the newly arrived. "Well met, all of you. I am glad to be in the service of such well-rounded individuals. I have been studying with The Swords for several years now and have recently been invited into the ranks of the Lore Wardens! I am eager to seek out this cavern and explore it. Perhaps there is something hidden within?" He looks downright eager to move forward!
Janira returns the bow with a solemnity that is almost comical on the little woman. "I sincerely hope that your time with the Lore Wardens is fulfilling for you, Theon! We shall find out, one way or the other, if there is anything hidden in there!" she replies, grinning.
“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. We need to make sure that we document as much of this as is possible. Bring your inkpots, charcoal, and some paper!! 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. If we need to, we can go by the Lodge on the way out of the city for supplies, but we do need to hurry!”
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I'm so glad that we'll be able to move forward with some of the mysteries from your own Confirmation; it's so important to continue on with the tasks of those who stand above you, truly the best way to learn.
Unfortunately, the only paper I have with me are the Dictums of the First King. Should I go and fetch more to take notes at the caves?
"As we leave town, we will be passing through the market, and you can pick up any last minute needs!" Janira replies to Vlazis.
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Theon offers his hand to Loryndahl and, if she allows hims, places a light kiss on the back of her hand. "Well met, Loryndahl. I can see having you around is going to be... interesting." He smiles. "I am not sure I share your enthusiasm about meeting a minotaur, milady. Although, between a minotaur and a harpy, I think I'd take a minotaur. I am much better on the ground than in the air."
Janira turns back at Skai's exclamation. "Well, as I said, we should all be carrying some sort of way to take notes and drawings of what we find within the caves. There's no telling what we may find down there! As for anything else..." She trails off thinking.
"Some way to deal with swarms is never a bad idea.. like alchemists fire or acid or some such. You can't hit a swarm with a sword or ax.. you have to cover the whole are where the swarm is to hurt it. Umm.. Rope is generally advised. You never know when you may need it! Every adventurer and Pathfinder ends up with what works best for them, but off the top of my head, those two items are most useful, aside from the basic life necessities like food, water, and a bed roll. We will be passing through the market on the way out. I really think you should go shopping, but we can't waste too much time!"
To Egil, she nods her head respectfully. "That is the great thing about the Pathfinders, I think.. we all are so different and have such different ideas, and we can sit around discussing these without fighting and arguing! It is our very diversity that brings us together and makes us stronger!"
The party gathers their things, then packs up and moves out to begin their mission. You pass through town, and head for the gates. Once outside of the city, you move through the Cairnlands, along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel. Throughout the day, Janira points out well known landmarks and the different flora and fauna of the area. You push hard into the night before camping, and then getting an early start the next morning. You move into the wilderness surrounding the Kortos mountains. 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.
As the team moves on, a tree suddenly crashes to the ground just north of you. The forest critters tear through the sparse underbrush in alarm at the sudden event, but more ominously, a faint buzzing begins to get more and more noticeable. Janira calls for a halt, staring worriedly at the surrounding forest. As you watch, a mass of mosquitoes rise from the underbrush, disturbed by the crashing tree.. and looking for food!
Theon
Egil
Skai
Zarzuket
Lorÿndahl
Janira
Swarm
"Bold May Post"
Loryndahl
Janira
Egil
Vlazis
Theon
Swarm
Zarzuket
~Pip
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Lorÿndahl peruses the market taking her time and casting the casual glances at the men and women frequenting the place. She does find two vials of acid, a length of silk rope and a chronicler's kit to her liking.
"Well, I hope you all took Janira's advice to heart!" the warpriestess says with a quick wink at the halfling before stepping forward and tossing a flask of acid from her bandolier at the swarm of mosquitos.
"YIKES!"