GM Aeon's The Confirmation

Game Master d'Eon

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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.

Sorry for being late, website is being crap.

Watching and listening sat a young and fierce looking female elf. She looks slightly awkward in such a setting. But excitement lights up her eyes.... Their shade not quite descernable. Her tanned skin and dark red hair mostly hidden beneath earth-toned clothing. Her right hand resting gently on the back of a dusky coloured wolf sitting beside her. She is thrilled to begin such a journey, and curious as to what will be found and what knowledge will be gained.

"Lukas Brin, a pleasure to meet you all," said a rich looking man in light leather armour.

You can tell that Lukas grew up with money. Everything about him gives it away. From his well tailored outfit, well groomed hair, or his well practised stiff posture. He comes across more friendly than snooty.

"Did he say Gillmen? That is new to me, I've heard of them but never dealt with them directly."

The half-orc approaches and pulls his chair further from the table before sitting down. His skin is ashen and scattered scars mark his face. His dark brown hair looks as if it has been sun-bleached and is cut short on the sides. A fire in his eyes as he sweeps a distrustful gaze across the group while listening to the briefing. It isn't till he is told to come back alive that he perks up and loosens his grip on the odd looking spear leaning against his leg.

"They want us to stay alive apparently. That is why I joined in the first place..." he says in a mix of a laugh and growl.

The half-orc is clad in studded leather that is clearly weathered by harsh elements but the regent pouches and vials adorning it are in top condition and filled with various liquids. He stands up and faces the others.

"Mhazruk Kruhl. Rook, if it's easier to say."

Turning in his seat, the tall human man addresses each of his colleagues.

"Good morning Rook; greetings Lucas, and welcome Miss Janira."

His voice is a pure deep baritone which could likely be heard clear across a raging battlefield. He looks to the others who've yet to speak, and nods, his smile acknowledging them warmly.

"I am Heiliger, Paladin of Smiad the Dragonslayer, and it will be my Honor to join you." His piercing blue eyes, close-cropped blonde hair, and *that voice* give him a commanding presence, but he speaks with sincerity and a touch of humility.

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A scruffy human man with a backpack so full it's bursting at the seams and a shield strapped to him walks in just in time to hear the Elven man and halflimg speak. "My name's Shef, I'll be protecting you on this journey. And it's a pleasure to meet you all. " He says toward the group.

If you have any questions for Janira, go ahead and ask.

"Hail and welcome, Shef," Heiliger replies in kind.

Hmm, late to the mission briefing. I hope he's more reliable in a fight. He certainly looks like he knows how to handle himself and that shield, though.

Turning his attention back to the halfling woman, he asks, "Janira, it was said that we're going to the Kortos Mounts. Not being from Absalom, I am unfamiliar with that. Is it far?"

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"Aye. Excellent question. What should we expect on the way? And what would be wise to bring on the trip? I believe in bein' prepared." He says nodding at Heiliger then tapping his backpack. "Speaking of bein' prepared, who's up for some breakfast ale?"

Before Janira answers that, maybe some of you know something.

"Hi everyone, I'm Gribbl... and especially hi to you, Shef... I LIKE having a protector" says the little frog-like humanoid. He's covered with blueish tattoos, wears a wild head-dress, and leans on a little cane, though he twirls it occasionally, giving the impression that the cane is an affectation, not a necessity. He seems a little light on equipment compared to Shef, but he does bear a wand tucked in his belt. "I'm no healer, but in a pinch, I can do so... but not everyone likes my brand of healing, so if you've an issue with arcane healing, say so now... otherwise, I might sneak up on you in the heat of battle and bestow some on you."

"Well met, Gribbl." Heiliger pauses in thought, considering the moral implications of Gribbl's proffered healing.

Then in a gentle and sincere tone, he says, "Gribbl, thank you for the offer, but I'd prefer you not heal me with arcane energies."

Unfortunately, Heiliger's not the brightest sword on the rack, and knows only those facts above which the untrained could discern.

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"Understood, and I'll comply with your wishes as well as I can. I can't guarantee that I won't save your life if I'm you're only chance and it's your last gasp, but I do promise not to just toss some healing your way if you have a booboo."

"I will take any means necessary that keeps me breathing another day, little one."

Rook look somewhat amused with his tusked grin as he greets Gribbl.

Turning his attention to Janira he tilts his head as if waiting for her answers to the others questions.

"We don't really have gillmen or whatever else is crawling on or in that that mountain back in the Cinderlands so any information would be appreciated." he grumbles.

"It would seem none of us has come equipped with any preexisting knowledge, but what we lack in brains we make up in spunk!" He says trying to divert the look of his own surprise at the groups lacks of information.

I need to make some purchases for our journey The elf states matter of factly as she stands and moves towards the door with her companion. I will return shortly

"That's fine, Mhazruk, and I like the enthusiasm Shef. And hold on there." Janira 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!”

The little halfling takes a bow and begins. "Like Master Shaine said, my name is Janira Gavix. I've been with the Pathfinders for almost four years, ever since I was old enough to leave home. Master Shaine has taught me much, and I've learned a few combat tricks from Master Farabellus and some magic from Master Zey." She smiles enthusiastically. "This is my first expedition as leader, it's going to be so exciting!"

Janira looks around at each of you and asks, "So why did you join the Society? Any favorite teachers or mentors? What's your home like?"

"Hi everyone... I'm Gribbl... but wait, I've already told you that... I'm an arcane caster... self taught, if you can call it that! My powers just came to me in a flash of insight one night, which was followed with a three-day hell of a headache. I joined the pathfinders because, well, I was lonely. My people were afraid of me because of my strange powers, so they sent me away. Foolish! I could have done them so much good."

"Anyway, since leaving home, I've done so very much with and for the Society. We found a silver sickle called 'Silverhex' and I learned how to fly on that mission, discovered lost documents regarding the founding of the Society in the basement of a bar, visited a remote village and learned to carve gourds, rescued a pathfinder wrongly enslaved on a ship, and traveled all the way to Tien where we discovered a lost palace. I'm not very smart, but I've learned a lot since I joined up. Still, I've never had an official Confirmation, so here I am, to become a member of the Society the right way."

"Well met Janira! I joined the society to help make the world a better place. Can you believe there are settlements in Golarion that don't have access to ale?! I couldn't sit idly by while this injustice continued. A lot of what I learned came from tavern fights, although I had some formal training in Taldor as part of the mandatory military service. My main inspiration for my love of the art of the shield came from a series of children's books that told a tale of a Captain in the far off ancient lands of America." He begins showing off his shield as he tells his story.

"I joined to stay alive and to keep my brother alive. We don't last long among real orcs even ones with strong orc blood like him. The Hold of Belkzen is about what you would expect of an orcish nation. Chaos and violence where you only rule as long as you live."

Mhazruk sighs...

"I didn't have the strength to take respect in the old ways but my propensity to catch things on fire caught the eye of the Steel Eaters. I was apprenticed to another half-blood, Grun the Firemind, who taught me the art of making bombs and surviving. I was quickly put in charge of selling our explosives to travelers in Urglin which is where I overheard talk of the Pathfinders and their business in the region. Grun told me to find the quickest way out while I still can so I took it. Joined them on their way back and have been selling for the Lodge ever since."

His contemplative look turns to relief as he finishes his story.

"My brother though...he is a different story." Mhazruk laughs as he points to the hulking brute of a half-orc passed out with a mug of ale still in his hand.

Lukas stands up straight with his hands held behind his back. His posture is very proper and he adjusts his outfit subconsciously. Angling himself to face towards the group Lukas replies politely, "Hopefully you all still remember my name; I do not think I am that forgettable. I am here for two reasons. Firstly my father has many spare heirs. Unless, gods forbid, my family has a very tragic time I am unlikely to be seated in a position of power. This leaves me with a lot of free time for research. Closely linked to that research is my second reason for being here. Where better to get hands on experience than a Pathfinder Lodge? I know some people will disagree with me but you can only do so much research until you need to see things first hand. My home is fantastic but between the acres of land and teams of guards excitement of the adventuring kind is hard to come by. As for the plan, we appear to have more of a mission than a plan."

Heiliger listens intently to each of his companions' stories. As Lukas finishes, he takes a sip of the breakfast ale to clear his throat, and begins. "

"I joined the Pathfinders to both honor and escape my family. My grandfather was Holden the Pure, a famous hunter of dragons and paladin of Smiad in Brevoy. My father, though, was not made of the same stuff and stayed in Silverhall as a healer. Understand, I have the utmost respect and love for my father, but he ... disapproved ... of me following in Holden's footsteps. So here I find myself, honoring my grandfather's legacy as a paladin and also my father's as a healer I the Pathfinders."

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"To Glory and disappointed families!" Shef toasts, hitting Heiliger's cup to his own. Afterward ordering Rook, Gribbl, and Lukas their own. "Drink up and let Cayden guide us!"

"I'll drink to glory and escaping families," says Lukas enthusiastically taking a mouthful of beer and following it down with two of water.

Touched by the camaraderie he has found, Heiliger offers a toast, "To Glory and Honor. To the families we are have by blood shared, and the families we make by blood shed!"

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"Here! Here!" He replies as he finishes off his drink. "Does anyone need any supplies before we go?"

"Aye! Glory and long lives!" Rook roars spilling a bit of his ale before finishing it off in one gulp.

Rook turns to Janira.

"Anything specific we'll need?"

"Are any of you able to make what we might need? I refuse to give these greedy shop owners another single piece of copper after my experience here yesterday. I've got a bit of leftover coin for components." He asks, looking for someone adept at crafting alchemical items in particular. *wink wink*

I would like to get crafted three flasks of acid and three flasks of oil if possible. (If PFS legal, I'm still fuzzy on what's legal to craft.) I'll give you one of the flasks of acid, Rook, for the time.

I got what I need said the elf as she and her companion strolled back through the door. Her bags a bit heavier and another weapon attached. I am Avelbane she introduced herself. my home residence is the jungles. I am what they call a wild elf. And I am a druid. This is my first adventure. I love exploring... Learning new things.. And collecting. Pleased tomeet you all.

"Let me see what dangerous things I can mix up for us." Rook laughs and winks back.

I am still a little confused on my [Craft] Alchemy myself. I know I can make the items but it looks like the faq says I can't trade them to other PCs but then it mentions letting them borrow it if the class allows which is probably referring specifically to extracts with infusion.

"I've already got what I need, so I'm ready to go!

How do alchemists and investigators craft in the Pathfinder Society Roleplaying Guild?
Alchemists and investigators can use the Craft (alchemy) skill to produce items with their Alchemy ability. Follow the Craft rules on pages 91-93 of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook as well as in the alchemist's Alchemy ability description. Any item created must be properly noted on that scenario's Chronicle sheet. Alchemists and investigators are assumed to carry the necessary items and tools with them to use available resources to create alchemical items. If they have a base of operations from which to do so, they may use an alchemy lab to gain the +2 bonus on their Craft (alchemy) check. Alchemists and investigators may never sell any of their created items nor may they trade them to another PC. However, they may allow other PCs to borrow or use items they've created (so long as the class ability being used allows them to do so).

Mhazruk, I'll allow you to have crafted stuff, if you want, before coming to the briefing. You cannot accept any gold from another character to craft with, but you can hand out anything you make to the other players. Anything which has not been used by the end of the scenario has to be given back to the original owner.

Janira looks up from her book. "We do have time to pick up any last-minute purchases, but don't take all day. Make sure you have the basics, like some rope and a way to see in the dark. I'd also recommend some alchemist's fire and maybe an antitoxin, just in case. Oh, and don't forget some food, we'll be hiking out in the wilderness for a day or so."

After everyone has returned from their shopping, Janira continues the briefing. "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.”

"don't run into any of what local inhabitants?"

"That sounds like I plan to me. I am ready to leave."

Thank you for the clarification on my Craft checks and goods. I updated my gold count and items.

Mazruk walks back in with some more supplies as Janira starts her brief. He claps Shef on the back and says "Don't hurt yourself with these. It is all I could spare." before giving him three flasks of acid.

After listening to the brief a tusky smirk crawls across his face. "I have to admit I missed a little danger in my life. Speaking of working in the dark...I will be fine but I have some sunrods you can borrow if anyone is scared of the dark." Mhazruk lets out a hearty laugh.

"This will not go unnoticed Rook. This is the beginning of a grand team." Shef says giving a compliment to the group and feeling no doubt in their capability to handle what's to come.

I'm getting better at alchemy in my own time but Mazruk seems to be more skilled than me. I should spend some time with him and see what he can teach me.

Reaching for the sunrod with a smirk on his face Lukas replies, "I am not afraid of the dark but a light source is always appreciated. I like it when anything that is trying to be a bump in the night has no night to hide in."

Hmmm, I'm thinking I might not have prepared well enough. But I'm heartened to see my comrades are so versatile and well equipped to deal with any hazard. And so enthusiastic!

Smiling proudly at Lukas and the others, Heiliger affirms, "We have little to fear, my friends, for we are well prepared and Janira will undoubtedly lead us well."

He quaffs the last of his breakfast ale and covers his mouth politely as he belches. Then turning to the enthusiastic little halfling, he continues in a softer and more deferential tone, "Janira, is it time we moved on from here? Or is there more you need to tell us?"

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Janira looks over at Gribbl. "Centaurs control the lowlands and surrounding wilderness of the Kortos Mounts. 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 with any luck, we should be able to avoid them and reach the caves without conflict.”

She pulls a few loose pages from her book and passes them around. "Here you are. It's always good to write down anything interesting you find as you go! If no one has any other questions, let's be off!"

Your first day of travel goes well, and Janira takes every opportunity to point out features of Absalom's history as you go. "Absalom has been besieged many times throughout its history, and the remains of the weapons and siege towers can be seen all over the island."

Skipping alongside Janira, humming his favorite tune, Shef is full of excitement and energy as they begin their trek. Every few minutes his childhood training kicks in and he stops his song to take a quick look of his surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Gribbl hops alongside Janira, listening to her talk about the creatures and the history of the regions they pass through or plan on passing through. "Centaurs and minotaurs and harpies... Sounds dangerous, let's avoid them for sure!... I'm surprised the remnants of the sieges weren't raided for their materials... what a waste!" Gribbl takes notes as he walks along, occasionally stopping to write things down, then running to catch up.

Every now and then Shef can be caught cheating off Gribbl's notes, afraid he was too busy day dreaming and missed something of note. "Don't mind me." He says with a smile, "I'm just making sure you don't miss something."

Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

"the written word is meant to be shared... hence why we have libraries! You're welcome to have a look any time!"

Shef's face turns beet red as he tries to laugh off being busted. "Heh, my bad. I'm just nervous. This is my first mission with the Society and I've never been much for writin'."

Mhazruk stays attentive of their surroundings taking extra interest in the siege towers and equipment."The siege equipment here has far less...spikes...and fire than I am used too. Maybe we will have a chance to look at them closer on our return trip."

After jotting down some quick references Mhazruk pushes up to the front to have a better look ahead.