GM Enchanter's #5-08: The Confirmation (Inactive)

Game Master Enchanter Tim

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.

Ford nods as Kreighton and Janira give him the run-down of the situation, and his accompanying mission. This is it... the first real step to godhood. After this, no more of the old me. I'll officially be part of the Pathfinder ranks, and one step closer to replacing Aroden. Granted, he'd been on missions before, but with this... he would officially be a Pathfinder. No longer a neophyte.

Ford watches the elven man cheerfully leave the room, before folding his arms. "Is there anything we should know or special we should have before setting out?" he asks Janira.

Dotting for later

Janria giggles as Master Shaine departs. "Don't mind him. He's always got something on his mind. He's brilliant really, just not terribly focused. You'll get used to it after a while."

She gives Ford a sly grin. "Well, that's part of the question isn't it? Pathfinders never know what to expect on their missions, and this Confirmation is no exception." She motions to her own pack. "I like to be prepared for situations, but even I can't have everything in there. Sometimes you have to improvise. It was Selmius Foster's race against a marid and efreeti on the isle of Jalmeray, which taught us that nothing is truly impossible and every situation can end in victory."

Give me Knowledge, Geography and History checks.

Since I have none of those, I'll pass on this one.

"I've found that no matter the amount of preparation, surprises always pop up. As this Pathfinder Society is new to me, I'm grateful to have a veteran along to provide guidance. By the Way, my name is Draylan Gossamar and you can count on my muscle to aid us."

The young human woman of mixed ethnicity bows to the group, It is an honor to be of service. I only hope that I live up to the expectations of the Decemvirate

Janria smiles at the them excitedly. "Good to meet you, Kaneka and Draylan! I've done several missions for the Society since joining, but this will be the first time I've led an expedition. I'm sure we will learn a lot from each other too!"

She pulls out a small notebook and makes some notations. She looks up at the group watching her. "Oh, don't worry. I'm just taking some notes for myself. That's part of being a Pathfinder; We need to record the things we see so we can report on them. If they're really good, they can be included in the Chronicles! That's my dream, to have some thing published."

Just waiting on the others to begin. Feel free to discuss and RP among yourselves or with Janira.

"Hello everyone, my name is Ragnar Northman." A young man waves at the group.

Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"As far as I know, tribes of centaurs, harpies and minotaurs vie for territory at the Mounts. Harpies are most common at higher altituedes and centaurs controll the lower slopes and foothills." Ragnar says, proud to tell the others what he learned in his lessons.

Ford tilted his head at Ragnar's rattling of info; teacher's pet... NO! No thinking like that! He's a prospective faithful, as are everyone here. Besides, that's not how a future god acts!

"Well, if we're lucky, we won't have to deal with any of them. I just pray our destination won't be blistering hot... or freezing. And have fewer of the undead. I've had just about enough of those shambling things..."

The tall, lanky brunette chuckles at the mention of undead. "Or we simply smash them all! Come now, this will be a grand quest to start our most glorious careers as Pathfinders! If there are undead to crush, we crush them. If there are mysteries to unravel, we solve them. If there are oppressors to be fought, we defeat them. If there are slaves to be freed, we liberate them! And we do it all together, watch each other;s backs, and never leave a fallen man, or woman, behind. Thank you for this quest, Master Shaine. Now, Lady Janira, if you'd be so kind as to lead the way."

After a short silence, and with a big smile, "OH, and for those of you who don't know me yet, I am Brayden Baxon, alchemist, archer, and soon-to-be Pathfinder extraordinare."

“On to the details of the mission at hand then,” 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.”

"I like this Braydon guy already. I'm excited to see what our adventure brings us. Shall we shove off with fleet feet to begin?"

Ford seemed less impressed with Braydon, grimacing and restraining the urge to roll his eyes. "Some of us don't have those luxuries. Some of us have a higher calling they have to consider. That said, I can certainly agree on not leaving anyone behind."

Turning to Janira, he nods. "I agree with Draylan. If time is of the essence, let's spend it wisely and move."

Janria smiles. "Very well. If you don't have any more questions, I agree. Let's get moving. Now since this mission is for your confirmation, I can not stress enough the importance of taking accurate notes. Remember the Pathfinder's duty, 'Explore, Report, Cooperate'." Janira reaches into one of the many bulging pouches and pulls out several sheets of parchment, ink pens, and ink pots. "Now please, take these and make sure to record anything that might be important."

Janira hands out the parchment and writing utensils before leading the way out of Absalom and through the Cairnlands, picking up any last-minute purchases on the way out of the city.

Janira leads the group along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, and through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts. As you travel, she points out various landmarks such as siege towers, distant mountains, and even distinct flora and fauna along the way. Several times she refers to Master Shane's class on the history of Absalom for these topics.

The day's travel is uneventful and you find a suitable place to setup camp and rest for the night.

"Tomorrow we get into territory that is a bit more dangerous." Janira warns as you sit around a small fire eating and conversing. "So make sure you are all prepared tomorrow."

"I'm prepared now. I'm excited to see what kind of lives Pathfinders lead."

With a quick drink of his wineskin, Brayden curls up in his bedroll near the fire. "Tomorrow then begins our life of excitement and adventure. Haza!"

Ford pulls out a pen and parchment, writing things down himself, though he stops after a bit. "Whoever is up first in the morning, wake me when you rise. I need some time to prepare my divine energy for any dangers ahead."

Ragnar takes the writing utensils. "Thank you, Janira. I will take as many notes as I can." Teacher's puppy again :D

Draylan scratches down some random thoughts on his parchment, then leans over to Brayden and whispers...

"What did you put?"

... as if he was trying to cheat for a school exam.

The group spend the evening trading stories and jotting notes about their travels so far. Janira tells them of her childhood in Eastgate and of her six brothers and sisters. Her father still works there as a porter.

Evening turns to night and the group one by one drift off to sleep. The next morning, they quickly pack their belongings and set out again, Janira reminding them that time is of the essence if they are to observe the gillmen.

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.”

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.

Suddenly, you hear howling and see two wolves appear out of the brush, one in front and one behind. Janira shouts in surprise, but she looks at the group. "Always be ready, Pathfinders. Show me what you have learned."
Inspire Courage +1

Initiative Order. Those in Bold can act.
Janira
Draylan
Brayden
Wolves
Kaneka
Ford
Ranger

Map
Map is also linked under my name. The large holes, trees, and brush are difficult terrain.

Smiling, Brayden reaches for the morningstar hanging at his hip. Hoisting it high in both hands, he prepares to swing brutally at the first wolf to get in range. "Come here puppy..."

move action - draw weapon: standard action - readied attack if wolf closes to adjacent
morningstar attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 1 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Draylan moves in front of Ragnar and readies his guisarme for an opportunity to attack the 1st wolf that enters his "kill zone" (reach weapon)

Draylen chuckles, looks back at Brayden as shakes his readied polearm, "Not bad Brayden, but as suspected, mine is bigger than yours!"

melee basic: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

damage: 2d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 6 + 1 = 12

The two wolves move in aggressively, seemingly not put off by the group's numbers. The northern one ducks a swing by Draylan and growls in his face. The southern wolf loops around toward the rear of the group.

Janira
Draylan
Brayden
Wolves
Kaneka
Ford
Ragnar

Ford blinks, before raising the spear he'd been using as a walking stick. "By my divine strength, begone, violent creatures!" About to stamp the blunt end into the ground, he stopped, looking around. It was too crowded... he wouldn't be able to limit his power that much. "Ergh... no, I can't. Not yet..."

Looking at the two attempts to strike the wolves failing, he shifts his attention to Draylan and reaches up to touch him on the shoulder, hand glowing. "You shall be my hand today, my friend. Take my blessing and strike true."

Using Bit of Luck on Draylan. Until the end of his next turn, he can re-roll any d20 and take the better result. 4 uses left.

Ragnar moves around the northern wolf drawing his longswordand tries to hit it.
Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

5' step back to put the wolf at reach range.

melee basic: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17

damage: 2d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 + 1 = 9

Ah, I forgot Draylan gets a real action for the round.

The northern wolf is too quick for Ragnar's strike, but Draylan catches it as it is leaping out of the way. His guisarme cuts a deep wound in the wolf's flank. It's fur is dripping blood.

Kaneka up.

Kassie will move up behind Draylan and say You tense your grip too soon. Remember with speed comes power.

Aid Draylan to attack
1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

"Very good. Work together. Keep your fears in control and remember your training." Janira steps back to give the Initiates more room to move, but she pulls out her whip just in case.

Still have the Inspire Courage +1

Initiative:
Janira
Draylan
Brayden
Wolves
Kaneka
Ford
Ragnar

Draylan and Brayden are up.

Draylan continues his assault on the already damaged wolf.

melee basic: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13

damage: 2d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 + 1 = 9

bit of luck roll from Ford:

luck reroll: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Brayden takes a five foot step and swings at the wolf.

morningstar attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

The wolf seems like it will just manage to avoid Draylan's polearm again, but a flash of light off Ragnar's longsword startles it for a split second. It's reactions are slow just enough for the guisarme to split the wolf's skull.

Meanwhile, the other wolf growls as Brayden tries to attack it and it lunges back at the man, but its jaw snap just air.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 <Miss>

Janira
Draylan
Brayden
Wolves
Kaneka
Ford
Ragnar

Believe it or not, that reroll just made the point.

Ragnar keeps his position hoping to provide flanking for Ford and attacks the wolf in front of him with his longsword.
Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Ragnar, that was the wolf Draylan killed. Sorry, I forgot to remove it. Revise your actions.

ups, sorry

Ragnar moves to the remaining wolf and tries to kill it.
Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Aid another attack
1d20 ⇒ 17

Ford steps lightly ahead, keeping himself out of attack range of the beast and provide aid in the fight. Readying his spear, he heaved it and jabbed at the wolf, hoping to finally put it down.

Longspear: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The wolf take hits from both Ragnar and Ford, but it still presents a bared fangs to snap at them. Still, it's blood is flowing freely. Janira nods grimly. "Watch out, it's a wounded animal now. That's when it's the most dangerous."

Lingering Performance continues you give you the Inspire Courage bonus.

Janira
Draylan
Brayden
Wolves
Kaneka
Ford
Ragnar

Hoping to put the creature out of his misery, Brayden swings at the wolf.

morningstar: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 = 11
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Draylan moves (if necessay, map is blocked by firewall at work) to 10' away, and makes another attack.

basic reach attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8 (+1 if aided by Kaneka)

damage: 2d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 + 1 = 10

uuuuggggggg! random dice roller HATES me!

Actually it's a +3 from Kassi

Janria sees Brayden's attack begin to go wide and suddenly shouts, "Swing down, now!" Her insistence causes Brayden to comply immediately. His resulting blow crushes the wolf's throat.

Gallant Inspiration: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Combat over

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ragnar wipes some blood from his longsword and puts it back to his belt. "Good job everybody!"

Janira looks around the group. "Congratulations on your first fight together. You all did remarkably well, but we should gather our things up and move quickly. I fear if we do not make it to the cave by nightfall, any Gillmen that are present there may well leave before we arrive."

As the group continues to travel through the wilderness, you find trails blocked by fallen objects, shortcuts have become overgrown and impassible, and other minor delays that delay you from your destination.

""Hmmm, we need to find some way to make up time. Maybe finding a new path to the cave. Anyone have any ideas?" Janira asks the group. You all can see a bit of her enthusiasm has drained at the realization that time is slipping away from you.

Guve me some nature skill rolls. If you can justify a relevant skill, give me an explanation and a roll.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ragnar tries to find a shortcut through the wilderness, checking for tracks of animals, gillmen or other creatures who passed the area lately. "Let me see if there are tracks on the ground which are leading through this wilderness."

Is a survival check ok? Ranger gets +1 to survival checks because of 'Track' if it's ok with the GM.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 = 24

Ford pants as the wolves are finally put down. Readjusting his clothes, Ford leaned on his walking spear as he looked around. "I'm afraid navigation is not something I'm well equipped for. If the others need a hand, I will certainly lend them what powers I can..."

I WOULD cast Bit of Luck to help Ragnar with his Survival check, but I doubt a re-roll would beat that one! :D

i got nothing to help except untrained survival to give whomever a +3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12