| DM Rah |
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." Shaine studies the room wistfullly for a moment before contiuing.
“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 Janira turns her attention to your group, waiting for any questions.
Cyrinda Wix
|
The small gnome with the bright red hair sits quietly in the tavern. She glances around at the other patrons nervously as Master Shaine and Janira speak. She does her best to ignore the distractions around her and focus on their words.
Cyrinda thinks to herself, Exploring a cave? Isn't that what they have Rhoswen doing over by the river kingdoms? She shakes her head to bring herself back to the task at hand.
"Um, excuse me. Other than gillmen, what other sort of, well dangers might we run in to?" The gnome can barely hold eye contact with Janira.
Cyri, that was a dumb question. You'll look weak in front of the others! You're a Pathfinder now - act like it.
Imperia Lexia
|
A woman clad in a exotic midnight black armor polished to the point that it reflected the light from the over head chandler enters the tavern. her alabaster skin standing in contrast to the jet black hair that ran down the side of her chin.
Within a few steps a look of disgust creeps on her face. I don't believe it but the outside may just be one of the redeemable features of this hovel.She thought covering her mouth and nose with a neatly pressed handkerchief to ward against the smell.
paying feigned attention to the old elf as he talks about the history of the "society" and having to stop herself from laughing as he pointed to the halfling.
"So what purpose does talking to gutter vermin serve to help the society" Lexia says with her deep Chelish accent giving a cocked eyebrow to her guide. does the society really think that I need the assistance of a baby sitter she thinks solemnly to herself.
Noisy
|
The dwarf was there before the others arrived, drinking heartily from a large tankard, and talking loudly with anyone nearby. After a moment, some might start to wonder if he's been there all night doing the same.
He greets everyone who enters with a hearty bellow of a greeting and an offer of ale, striking up conversation with anyone nearby with little to no provocation.
It becomes quickly evident that the dwarf has no 'inside voice'. Nothing but high volume, all the time.
"The more the MERRIER!" He guffaws heartily as Janira is introduced, noisily kicking out a spare stool for her to sit on. "Last trip they sent me on was a boat in the middle of the ocean! If you were talking gillmen then, I'd be right there with you..." He bangs one fist down on the table with a loud crash, for emphasis. "But that cave's in the middle of Kortos! What in the nine hells is a gillman doing out there?!"
He grins broadly at Lexia. "Don't you be worrying none lady! Talking takes practice, not everyone gets the hang of it right off... I'm sure you'll catch on!" He guffaws loudly again, and takes a swig of ale, offering some to her. "Helps to keep lubricated of course!"
Heh, I was tempted to always type in all caps... but figured that'd get old fast =)
Imperia Lexia
|
Feeling all of a sudden very tall Lexia waves away the ale offered to her with her well manicured hands. "I do not need your help to get me lubricated dwarf" she said as her golden eyes focusing on the cup of what she assumed passed as alcohol offered to her a hint of irritation in her voice.
well noisy I think that just took the cake for best entrance to a scenario I have read =p
| DM Rah |
To Cyrinda, "The lift of a Pathfinder is dangerous, but I couldn't say what sort of danger might lie ahead here. I saw nothing in the area, but but I was on other duties and unable to make a thorough search."
Janira cocks her head as she regards Imperia. "I'm sorry. Gutter vermin? What do you mean?"
To Noisy, she shrugs. "I have no idea what the Gillmen might find interesting in the caves. If it was a cave along the coast I might not have taken note at all."
Kaâb Al-Burda
|
Hello, I'm Kaâd. My friend, Venture Captain Ilmaktar - a proud Hellknight serving Sarenrae- convince me to join the Society and brought Sarenrae's light to everyone. It will be my first true test to know if I'm worthy of his hopes ! I'm happy to meet you all and hope Sarenrae's light will guide our actions.
Nice to meet you all.
In front of you a young ifrit stand, a broad smile on her face a brightness all around her. Wearing a long tunique made of fiery colors and of Qadira's style. Her only weapon seems to be a scimitar of high quality.
So their is yet some secrets to discover here in Absalom ! How exciting right ! I will do my best to help my fellows pathfinder came back alive and face the dangers of these caves !
Said Kaâb.
Oh, I'm ready !
Noisy
|
Noisy laughs. "All fish men would look the same to me! Ha!" He looks at his now empty mug with a loud sigh. "The more important question though: How long a hike this going to be? More then a couple of days in and a couple back out, and I'm gonna need to buy more food!"
He suddenly stands up, his stool clattering noisily to the floor behind him. "But more critically... MORE ALE!!" He then goes about finding the tavern keeper, shouting to rouse the man from his sleep if need be (and even if not).
Imperia Lexia
|
Seeing that the party is all in one place Lexia opens her mouth. "Well I am sure we will have plenty of time to discuss the wonders of fish men on our way to the cave, mayhaps it is about time for us to make a final run thru the town market and be on our way"
"Oh I almost forgot my manners my name is Imperia Lexia holy warrior and humble servant of imperial Cheliax" The paladin says offering her hand out to the group.
| DM Rah |
Geography and History checks are possible.
Imperia Lexia
|
know geography untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 18
well that was overkill
Lexia wracking her mind trying to remember the basics of maps that she read in the library of the paracountess when she was throwing one of her debase party's. According to the map and what's her-faces story she was in the middle of the island.
eying the halfling suspiciously Lexia asks "what exactly are mermen doing in an area that is not close to any water sources anyway."
Kaâb Al-Burda
|
Know. Geography DD10: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Oh ! Cheliax ! My friend, Venture Captain Ilmaktar came from Cheliax ! He's a Hellknight commander of the order of the Nail near Korvosa ! May be you know him ? It's him who trained me in the Art of dancing and convince me to join the Pathfinder Society. A very good friend of mine and a true follower of Sarenrae
Said Kaâb to Imperia, giving her her hand.
Imperia Lexia
|
Lexia's face brightens at the words Al-Burda says "while I am not familar with your friend I am familiar with the Hellknights of the Nail. It is a pleasure to meet you" seeing the bard offer her hand Lexia bows respectfully the nerve
Noisy
|
"Welcome to the party." Noisy chuckles heartily, as Lexia finally makes the connection already asked and answered.
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Heh! But knows little more then anyone else!
"What say we let this charming young lady show us the way." He smiles heartily at Janira. "And go find out the old fashioned way!"
He stops suddenly, then smiles. "Oh... hey..." Then pulls out a small book and writes something down, his head bobbing in time as he does so.
| DM Rah |
Janira is very exited about the mission and as you make your way out of the Grand Lodge she chats constantly with an eager grin. “After reviewing my mission reports personally, Master Shaine thought it no coincidence that each time they entered the caves it was during a full moon, so it is also no coincidence that you were called 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."
“What inhabitants, you ask? Well, the area we’re heading to is controlled by a large centaur tribe. If we cross paths with any of them, they’ll see horses as an affront and might become dangerously unfriendly, which is why we are traveling by foot. Remember, our mission is to explore the caves and investigate the gillmen activity, not fight the local populace."
"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 we aren't treading too close to their territory, so we should be able to avoid them and reach the caves without conflict.” Janira ponders a moment. "Of course, there’s always the chance we may run into bandits along the way, and there are dozens of kinds of predators in that forest, but that’s why we should always be as prepared as possible.” Janira smiles, trying not to scare any new recruits.
"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.”
Within the city, Janira offers a few suggestions to those interested in purchasing adventuring gear. "Rope is probably a good idea, a light source, food, a way to make fire, any sources of healing. Additionally, if you can afford it, alchemist’s fire, antitoxins, and the like. Last, but not least, as a Pathfinder you need to report your findings, and do so accurately. If you need them, please take these." She passes out writing supplies and paper to anyone who doesn’t have it already.
Kaâb Al-Burda
|
Diplomacy is always a better way of dealing with people than weapons. But as my friend said "When diplomacy fail, weapons talk". But we need to offer peace before death and accept surrender if mercy is demanded, justice must be served and evil root away ! said Kaâb.
I have my "perfect pathfinder's kit" but I forgot to buy antitoxins and the like ! Good to buy ! If needed, I have an healing wand so I think we are covered on this part
Responded Kaâb to Janira in the city then she added
Thanks for all these good advice Janira ! You're very helpful !
will buy antitoxin
Imperia Lexia
|
seeing the party starting a supply pool Lexia chimes in" I have rope as well. As for lighting I have a few torches and flint and steel as well." she says denying the papers that Janira offers her.
will buy an acid acid flask for 10gp
| DM Rah |
Moving along at a brisk pace, Janira seems energized to be out of the city. "When I was in training, we students used to head out into the Cairnlands to an abandoned siege tower called Asad's Keep. Many a recruit have some memorable adventure there." She says wistfully. "After a time, the area was nearly cleared of anything of interest, so now the Society has the recruits range a little further out."
Janira continues like this throughout the journey, with an unfettered enthusiasm, pointing out local landmarks, flora and fauna, and distant mountains. The journey through the Cairnlands is uneventful and after a full day's travel, the party stops and makes camp.
Rising the next morning, the party begins travelling westward again, hiking throughout the day. As the day begins to lengthen, 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.”
1d6 ⇒ 6
Just as you begin to move again a hideous, dog-sized flea leaps out from the underbrush on long, gangly legs. Then two more jump into view to the south and all start to head your way with sharp, jagged jaws greedily clattering for blood.!
"Oh no!" Janira shouts, pointing. "Everyone prepare yourselves, this is going to suck!"
Janira continues shouting encouragement as the fleas close in. Bardic Courage +1 to hit and damage for everyone.
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.
INITIATIVE
Cyrinda: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Kaab: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Lucia: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Noisy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Imperia: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Rekkr: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Janira: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Giant Fleas!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
INITIATIVE
Janira (Bardic Courage +1 for everyone to hit and damage!)
Kaab <=UP
Lucia <=UP
Giant Fleas!
Noisy
Rekkr
Imperia
Cyrinda
Kaâb Al-Burda
|
Kaâb moved on Janira's left and ready an attack against a giant fleas if one of them moved near her.
Then she charged her scimitar with arcane power Swift action : arcane strike
Ready attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 141d6 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 12
can't change the map from my iPad
| DM Rah |
The fleas hop towards the group. One moves towards Janira, but is cut off by Kaâb, who swiftly cuts it down with her scimitar. Another lands near Noisy and prepares to attack. A third hops onto a fallen tree right next to Janira and Cyrinda.
INITIATIVE - Round 2
(Note: we're basically going back and forth in initiative at this point, so I'm putting those at the end of round 1 at the beginning of round 2)
Noisy <=UP
Rekkr <=UP
Imperia <=UP
Cyrinda <=UP
Janira <=UP
Kaab <=UP
Lucia <=UP
Giant Fleas!
Imperia Lexia
|
Taken back by the sight of the giant bugs Lexia moves to get into a flanking position with her bard guide. why does it always have to be bugs
mw falchion power attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 1) + 9 = 11
+1 due to bardic music
| DM Rah |
Rekkr splatters one flea before it can raise a claw at Noisy. Lucia puts an arrow in the other, which is quickly finished off when Imperia scrambles over the fallen tree and slashes it with her sword.
COMBAT OVER
Putting up her crossbow, Janira laughs at the nearest flea and gives it a swift kick. "Good work Pathfinders! Didn't even have to pull my trigger. Anyone hurt? No? Well, I suppose we should keep moving then."
Noisy
|
Dang, go off to watch the football game, and all the excitements happens whilst I'm away!
Oh, and Janira's a bard too? That's alot of bards!
Noisy sort of watches the giant bugs show up, and get mowed down, before he can react at all.
"Well, at least I don't have to clean my hammer! Har!" He bellows cheerfully, "Nicely done!"
He pulls out the papers Janira gave them earlier, and makes a quick note.
"Three fleas don't make for much of an epic tale though... giant monstrous ravenous insects, that sounds better."
I thought Janira's last name was Gavix... what's the L stand for on her wayfinder? Noisy will be sure to ask at some point, cause he's also Nosey!
Cyrinda Wix
|
Cyrinda looks around at her companions in amazement. "Holy... I mean, wow! You guys took care of those things like they were nothing. I know that giant fleas aren't the most impressive foe, but there is something to be said for your efficiency."
She then turns to Janira, "I am ready to follow."
Imperia Lexia
|
flicking a piece of the recently dispatched insect off from her armor Lexia looks at the other two warrior who landed the finishing blow giving them a nod of respect.
Talking to Al-burda "I should have known that someone from the mother land would fight as well as you just did I look forward to seeing the full extent of your ability" She says with a smile.
Turning to eye the barbarian head to toe Lexia smiles "I believe we are tied one for one" she purrs before heading towards the front of the group.
As she passes the two bards still not forgetting the scorn that the dwarf gave her "yes the last thing we would want is for you to do that little drummer boy" she says continuing to follow the tour guide towards their goal.
Kaâb Al-Burda
|
Well done too, Lady said Kaâb to Imperia she added with a broad smile You almost use your falchion as well as my good friend Ilmaktar !
Then seeing the other taking notes she said
Oh ! I completly forgot to do that ! then she took the time to write what's happend to them in a writing fire curved style.
big fleas ? yes, ... forest ? yes... Janira's help ? yes
After finishing her writing she respond to Janira
Yes, I'm ready !
| DM Rah |
Your small party continues on through the wilderness. However, a bit of bad luck finds you when a trail is blocked by a rock-slide, and a shortcut known to Janira is discovered to be overgrown since her last trip through. These minor delays are costing you time, and Janira asks if anyone has some survival skills that might help speed things along.
Need a survival check. As usual, you can attempt individual checks or aid another person.
Imperia Lexia
|
aid another: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
or not
Lexia wonders around kicking rocks hacking at tree limbs and humming popular bard songs. Why can't our missions be in a museum or a tropical island, maybe even a cruise ship? She thinks to herself whimsically, missing the cities she has grown so accustom to.
Cyrinda Wix
|
Survival Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Cyrinda tries to keep out of Rekkr's way as he scouts around. "I gotta admit, my training never did cover much of the out of doors. Would it help if I burned something?"
Kaâb Al-Burda
|
Kaâb tried her best to help Rekkr
aid another: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
It's fun to go in those woods ! My friend tell me of such adventures, but it's my first time in wilderness different from Qadira's desert ! I'm so happy !
Oh ! Look at this yellow flower ! It's look like Sarenrae ! So beautiful !
Despite having her head in the clouds Kaâb succeed to help Rekkr
| DM Rah |
With the aid of Kaâb, Rekkr quickly determines an alternate route and the group soon finds an passable trail. 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.