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=^.^=
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. ”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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"Hi, I'm Aerian.. I am from the town of Piren's Bluff in Andoran... It is deep in the pass between Andoran and Cheliax. The Lord of Piren's Bluff seems intent on turning Piren's Bluff toward Cheliax. When he had a temple to Asmodeus build in the town, my family left in disgust and never looked back... I was sad to lose the only home I ever knew... and we moved from our beloved mountains to the lowlands. We settled in Almas, where my father, Jior, became known as a renowned scholar of history and geography. My mother, no less noted for her own skills as a physician, was not terribly happy with the move to the lowlands and passed shortly after our arrival in Almas. My father's remarriage a year later to a local socialite and heiress did not go over well with most of us kids. My siblings and I all moved out except my youngest sister, who was too young at the time."
"I traveled around a bit, but felt aimless and lost, until a friend recommended that I try the University of Lepidstadt for a formal education. With my father's blessing and financial help, I was able to apply and attend, majoring in history and science. Ustalav was quite different from Andoran, but I loved the university and felt very much at home there. It was almost like being cloistered in a cocoon of higher learning. When I was done with my studies, I truly just wanted to stay on, but Father wouldn't pay any further, and I had no money of my own other than a small salary I earned by working part time in the University library, so I joined the Pathfinder Society so I could travel and continue to learn all I could about the world and put my education to good use."
"And so, here I am, ready to travel on behalf of the Society."
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The woman before you is in varying stages of growth and decay. Parts of her form look wasted or diseased, while others look like freshly grown baby's skin. She wears some crude leather armor and carries a longspear.
"I don't remember my name, but you may call me Cyclic. In some ways I am but a babe, having a mere one month of memories. But that's a long story and probably only interesting to me. My calling is to protect the cycle of birth, decay, death, and rebirth. "
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The kitsune beams with positive energy as he listens to Janira's tale. His furry ears lay back as he responds. "I have come from somewhat similar circumstances. I am a poor lad born far across the sea and I'm joining the Society to make my mark on the world. They told me to hide my true nature but I am proud of who I am. This is a wonderful opportunity and I cannot wait to learn under your tutelage."
He gives a short-but-emphatic bow to each of his companions as they introduce themselves.
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"I am Argor Zadok. I am from Tolguth in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords. I have joined this society to rid the Society of its evil enemies. I wield the combined might of Ragathiel and the thunder lizards that inhabit my home." Argor wears armor made from the scaly hide of some great reptilian beast. He carries a few daggers and a well used quarterstaff that seems to be engraved.
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"I'm Ajax Ironhelm. When I came of age my Da said 'GET OUT!'," starts up a well muscled dwarf with bright red hair and a long beard.
"But before that he gave me a good axe and said 'whatever you do don't take after your mother's brother, you know your uncle Morty.' Now I pressed Da hard about this because in the past he'd never been too clear on exactly what it was that Uncle Mortimor Aloysius Njail Rockhammer Elizabeth Rosenthorpe Broken Spear Fireforge Lord of Castle Mosquito Bait had done that always made Da so agitated whenever uncle Morty's name came up."
Ajax pauses for a moment and a makes a vague motion with his hand "But as usual he just got more and more distressed until he shouted 'GET OUT! ' So I went to my Ma and said 'Da, gave me an axe, told me to not to do what uncle Morty did. Er.. what exactly did he do?'"
"My mother gave a great big sigh and said 'He built a castle'"
"'A castle? Well sure he's Lord of Castle Mosquito Bait, what's wrong with that?' I questioned."
" She shook her head and said 'Not that Castle Mosquito Bait, the first one - the one that sank into the swamp.'"
"'How does a dwarf build a castle that sinks into a swamp?' I responded"
"'He didn't give proper attention to the foundation.' She smiled at me then and said 'But the second one he built on the ruins of the first and it probably would still be standing if he paid a little more attention to fire prevention.'"
"'You mean ...?' I trailed off leedingly."
"'Yep,' she said nodding. 'The second castle Mosquito Bait burned down, and then sank into the swamp on top the ruins of the first one. However, the third one stands proudly.'"
"'So Da gets upset with Uncle Morty because he's a little stubborn, a bad builder and doesn't know a lot about fire safety"'? I asked her.
"''Well there was this marriage contract with a heiress who had ... umm ... huge tracts of land that my brother was looking to find someone to agree to' and then she she got this odd gleam in her eye and muttered 'grand children' under her breath."
"Well at that I got out of there as fast I could and after one thing or another including a rather interesting time in a bar with a rubber chicken, 2 rather good looking young ladies who said their last name was Blakos, or Blank or something like that and a pet turtle, I found myself a student Pathfinder."
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This attractive - Man? Woman? It's actually quite hard to tell - wears a well-kept, but visibly dusty, armored coat, has a large shield on its back, and carries an odd weapon midway in shape between sword and axe on a tight leather cord around its wrist, as well as several chakrams stowed in an atypically close position to its throwing arm. Its clothes and armor have numerous patterns, glyphs, and little cartoons branded in, and are bedecked with numerous patches, stamps, knicknacks, and other pilgrim's trinkets...that seem to be constantly shifting around its person like starfish on a rock. It's hair blows as if in the wind, even though you're inside.
"I am Heraclitus Ourobouros!" It says in a clear contralto/countertenor voice that sounds accustomed to addressing a crowd. "I've always felt the call of the road, so joining the Pathfinder Society was an easy decision for me. Where do I come from? I'm from everywhere." It smiles.
janira nods to each individual as they stand and tell their stories.
She nods in enthusiastic agreement with Aerian; "Knowledge and the pursuit of it are some of the most important things that you can dedicate yourself to! And that makes the Pathfinders so amazing!" She tries to keep a neutral expression when peering at Cyclic, but she is unable to hide equal parts astonishment and pity. "That must be.. difficult!" she finally says before turning to Jundu. "You are a strong fellow! We should all be true to who we are!" she praises.
To Argor she continues "Welcome to Absalom! I pray you put your weapons to good use for the Society!"
She then listens to the wandering story of Ajax' forebears and then offers, somewhat lost.. "Well, I like to think of all Pathfinders as family. We fight amongst ourselves, but we also band together and help each other the best we can! Just like brothers and sisters!"
To Heraclutus, she concludes "And there are many roads spread out at your feet as a Pathfinder. I pray you enjoy travelling them!"
“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 do recall a rare tome in the university library that mentioned the gillmen in regards to the Azlanti people. In that book, the author theorized that the gillmen are descendants of the Azlanti, probably the last remnants of that once great race of people. The gillmen are amphibious humanoids, which I don't recall that trait ever being mentioned in regard to the Azlant people. Anyway, I look forward to learning more about them."
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"I'm afraid I know little of such things. Sometimes memories come to me about places, or times, but nothing this time. Hopefully, I will be of more use later."
One of her horns falls off, a new fresh bud revealed underneath. She collects the dislocated body part with no little embarrassment and looks about for a garbage can.
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 party stops to get their bearings, a low rumbling growl emanates from the bushes nearby.. followed very closely by an answering growl from the bushes on the other side of you.
Ajax
Aerian
Black Sun
Cyclic
Jundu
Janira
Wolves
Janira turns to the prospective Pathfinders, and begins to orate on the great deads of the Pathfinders of Yore. In her words, your hearts still and your hands steady.
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Aerian
Jundu
Wolves
~Red
~Blue
Cyclic
Ajax
Black Sun
Argor
Active Conditions: Bardic Perforrmance: +1/+1
Aerian and Jundu both nock arrows, sending them flying at the wolves. Aerian's arrow strikes deep, and although Jundu's arrow looks like a kill shot, the wolf turns at just the last moment getting a glancing blow instead.
The wolves rush in, and the first one is able to make it to Cyclic, latching its slavering jowls onto her leg! She is able to keep her feet, though.
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Aerian
Jundu
Wolves
~Red- 8 dmg
~Blue
Cyclic- 4 dmg
Ajax
Black Sun
Argor
Active Conditions: Bardic Performance: +1/+1
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Cyclic steps northwest and threatens the wolf with her longspear.
"Corruption be upon you, bold beast."
She loosens a Ray of Sickening on the poor wolf.
DC 16 ST or be sickened.
As the wolf rushes in on Cyclic, she lowers her spear and tries to stab, but the agile wolf is able to make his attack.
Argor moves in to cover the northern flank and brings his quarterstaff down in a driving blow leaving his wolf dazed and very wounded.
Ajax tries to cover Cyclic, but his ax just shaves a patch of fur from the canines back.
Cyclic moves out of the way of the wolves jaws, lowering her spear again while calling upon the forces nature to weaken her foe. Unfortunately, the ray misses.
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Aerian
Jundu
Wolves
~Red- 8 dmg
~Blue- 12 Dmg
Cyclic- 4 dmg
Ajax
Black Sun
Argor
Active Conditions: Bardic Performance: +1/+1
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...just as in walks what appears to be literal night to Heraclitus's day: A small, dark, pale, disturbed-looking young who doesn't seem to cast a shadow so much as drain the light - and even some of the sound - from around her. She seems to recognize Janira and walks over, shivering despite the generally comfortable climate of the room.
"...Hhhhhi. My-my name is Black Sun. At least that's *twitch* what the Samsaran nuns called me. At the place where they took care of me. They *twitch* said it has a special meaning. I can think of many meani-" She interrupts herself and stares off into the distance, as though looking at something horrible. She then turns back at the party and smiles, or at least tries to. "I wanted to be free. I wanted to see the world. I have...power." She seems to become more composed, even stately, even a bit frightening, as she says this. "I AM THE DARKNESS." The moment seems to pass, and she tries to smile again. "The nuns - they were very kind to me - said they'd done all they could for me, and I was ready *twitch* as I'd ever be to seek my *twitch* destiny." Another moment of poise comes across her.
"I want to see the world. I want power. I want freedom."
Black Sun blasts the already wounded wolf back into the netherworld!
Janira keeps up her oration, praising the prowess of the aspiring pathfinders and their bravery!
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Aerian
Jundu
Wolves
~Red- 8 dmg
Cyclic- 4 dmg
Ajax
Black Sun
Argor
Active Conditions: Bardic Performance: +1/+1
Thanks for rolling the attack. Don't do to many ray spells.
Both Jundu and Aerian send arrows into the fray, but they don't come close to their target!
The wolf next snaps at Ajax, but can't get through the Dwarf's heavy armor.
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Aerian
Jundu
Wolves
~Red- 8 dmg
Cyclic- 4 dmg
Ajax
Black Sun
Argor
Active Conditions: Bardic Performance: +1/+1
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Seeing as the ray spell did not go so well, and also looking for a quick victory when the others attack, Cyclic moves back and goes to the old stand by bless.
Cyclic pulls back from the fight, and calls for a blessing of the gods upon her friends!
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Aerian
Jundu
Wolves
~Red- 8 dmg
Cyclic- 4 dmg
Ajax
Black Sun
Argor
Active Conditions: Bardic Performance: +1/+1
Bless: +1 Attack, saving throws
Argor approaches the beastie and with another great whack of his stick, he clunks the wolf over the head, ending the fight!
Janira runs up to the group, lavishing praise on you for your prowess and steadfastness! "I am so proud of the way you stood your ground! You will all certainly be benefits to the Society!!" Then, noticing the blood running down Cyclics' leg, she rushes over to the woman.
"Don't you worry. I will take care of this in a jiffy! It won't even scar!"
With that, her hands begin to glow with a pearly white radiance as she presses them against the ragged edges of the wound.
Standing up, she looks about while beaming her smile at the group. "Now, my adventurers, we need to press on. This delay is going to be problematic.. if we don't reach the cave tonight, I am afraid that we will miss the Gillmen and then the trip will be wasted!"
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Cyclic pops her head over the shoulder of Argor occasionally, pointing out where a river or road she spotted appears on the map.
"I feel like I should be much better at this. Like I'm trying to remember skills I've forgotten. It's a good thing you know what you are up to Argor. I fear that though I am a little help, by myself I would get us lost."
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Aerian gets completely turned around in the woods and when everyone else has gone on, finds himself back in the clearing with the dead wolves.
At the risk of attracting more trouble, he calls out to the others, who are all headed in the right direction..."Hallooo? Anyone out there? I'm lost!"
If no one answers right away, he tries to recall which way they left from and see the party's tracks.
Unfortunately the only tracks he's able to find DO look like the party's tracks, but being inexperienced in such matters, he heads back down the path the way the party entered this clearing in the first place, unaware he's on the path back to Absalom...
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Ajax looks at his ax, then looks at the dead wolf, and then looking back at the ax in his hand he says soothingly "It's going to be alright, you're still my best friend, just next time remember we're trying to kill the beast not give it a haircut."
"What press on you say, way we dwarves are very good at pressing on we just need to be going ...
... right the way that Argor is already heading." he trails off at the end with a sigh.
Seeing Aerian starting to go the wrong way, he snags the man's belt. "Lad I do believe that's the way back to town."