GM Ietsuna's Confirmation Green (Inactive)

Game Master Ietsuna

Gameplay Thread OPEN

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.

Janira is waiting for you to introduce yourselves and ask any questions that you might have.

An elf wearing elaborate robes in an ancient Varisian style, decorated with Azlanti ruins spreads his arms in introduction. "Why I am Ilathor Valmaxian! I am a scholar of Ancient Azlanti History, an Arcanist of spectacular pedigree, and likely the most brilliant mind you shall ever meet!" he proclaims like a showman before an audience.

He then pulls out a wand and presses it to his temple for a moment, a ghostly blue liquid seems to pour into his head for a moment. "I've heard of these Gillmen, Low Azlanti, they were known as. These amphibious people are believed to be the last heirs of the ancient Azlanti people!" he explains, clearly reveling in his own knowledge.

With a winning smile, he turns to the other Pathfinder hopefuls in the inn. "And you all are?"
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History (Heightened Awareness), DC Variable: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Use wand charge of Heightened Awareness

The small gnome smiles at the gathered group. She’d already had some successes with the Society and she felt she was ready for this Cmfirmation. She’d seen the others with their Wayfarers and knew if she did well, she might make it back and be gifted one of her very own.

She was equipped reasonably well, the most obvious feature of the starknife she had strapped to be her, matching perfectly with her holy symbol of Desna at her neck. ”I can’t wait! This mission is going to be so fun. And the possibility of so much knowledge to be found! I’ve never met a gillman before. I hope they are friendly.”

She turned to the halfling leader of the crew. ”What can we expect on the travels there? Did you meet anything exciting on the way?”

Finally she turned to the elf. ”I’m Perrine. You might have read a couple of my journal entries. This isn’t my first mission,” she says slyly, smiling at her mates.

"You?! Cited in a tome I've read, or perhaps even an author?" he responds, shocked with the possibility. "What is your full name? Or perhaps you have a pen name by which you have stylized yourself?" He quickly dips both hands into his bag and produces several sizable tomes, rapidly searching for the authors.

"Tell me, what is your area of expertise?" he asks without looking up from his work. "Perhaps I can narrow my search by category!"

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 Untrained, max 10

Bakko had some idea about the Kortos Mounts, but just by reading in books. Yet, he was curious about taking Janira back to where she had her confirmation, and to where she saw the gillmen.

The Oread was a creature of very few words. Towering tall - but as shy as they come - he frowned his rocky face when the Elf and the Gnome started exchanging names and information. He wasn't still sure about joining the Society at that point, but yet - a life of adventures was something promising.

I am Bakko. - he finally took the spirit to speak, with a voice as low as the depth - This is my first official mission with the Society. I only ran errands before, and quite doubt you'd find me anywhere in your paperwork, Elf.

A little grumpy, he blinked slowly - looking as if he was almost about to fall asleep.

I only know that the mounts are on the center of the island, miss Janira. - he finally continues, speaking now towards the halfling - Perhaps you could tell us what else to expect there?

A Varisian woman and her pet bear stir from a dark corner of the establishment. She wears her Varisian cultural roots proudly, but she has not let fashion win over functionality, as proven by her fur-lined hide armor, shield and an assortment of throwing spears carried on her back. A beautiful scimitar scabbard adorned with braided Varisian silk scarves protect a well-worn blade, and a badge showing a sword overlaid over blue wings has been sewn into her backpack.

The look on the woman's face reveals amusement. The small bear cub's face reveals that food has been detected...

"Master Shaine's traditions are funny, don't you think? this whole 'Confirmation' business sounds a bit unnecessary, but I'm happy we're going to do this- ceremony? or is it just an admission test?- somewhere in the hinterland. Winnie and I can finally stretch our legs from this awful boat trip here. I'm Zeldana by the way. Pleased to meet you all. It's my first time here in Absalom; apologies for my lack of knowledge about the local... fashion sense..."

Perrine turns to the elf. ”Actually I was sent on several quests focusing on Taldor. I did reasonably well and even earned a minor title of of it, for what it’s worth. I suppose my full name is Dame Perrine Revella. I’m still getting used to having such a title!”

"Ah, I heard about you, Dame Perrine. You had the chance to talk to our Sacred Blackwood Tree yes?" asks Zeldana, familiar with these woods.

"Rwaaaargnhh! sniff... sniff..."

"I see Winnie recognizes your scent! she was traveling with a gnome and dwarf friend of mine who operate as guides on behalf of the ancient speaking tree so it would make sense you've met her already."

"Unfortunately I have not heard of you, yet there are still many centuries before it is too late for me to hear of your exploits! I'm sure you will perform marvelous things that earn you a place in one of my texts," Ilathor responds warmly. "The same goes for you Bakko, my rocky acquaintance!"

"A bear? How did such a creature make it passed the city guard? Certainly must be a tame animal. I have no qualms with such creatures, but I'd imagine the authorities would regardless! Haha, what a sight! Hello Winnie, your feeblemind is unable to comprehend the potential that stands before you, but assembled here is a group of immense significance!" he explains to the furry mammal while petting Winnie's head without concern for his own safety. "I'm sure you will contribute admirably as well!"

”I did, Zeldana! That tree was something else, all right. That was definitely the first talking tree I ever met. But, please....tell me more about Winnie. She’s absolutely amazing! I’ve never been able to get close enough that an animal considers me a friend like that. Maybe I just need to use more sausages to train them!”

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Another elf enters the run-down edifice. Despite being clearly late to the meeting he wears an air of haughtiness on his pale features as he studies the rest of his companions and even gives a stare of disdain to Creighton Shaine before mumbling:"I'm Asarnil. I'm sure we'll become fast friends during this exciting misison... and all the usual niceties one spews in circumstances like these"

Asarnil is not a nice elf. Let me know if you'd prefer him to be less obnoxious.

Bakko scratches his rocky ear, but keeps his silence for the moment. He lets out a "hmpf", but that's about it. He seems to be waiting on the halfling, paying attention to her and hoping to hear an answer for his question.

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. There’s always the chance we may run into bandits along the way, and there are dozens of kinds of predators in that forest. That’s why we should always be as prepared as possible.

Janira takes a breath.

On that note, does everyone have everything they require for the task? I am talking about things such as rope, a light source, food, a way to make fire, any sources of healing. That type of thing.

Chance for shopping if you need it before we head out.

"Seems like a party..." Asarnil comments before adding:"I'll take a wand of shield thank you"

Spending 2PP for a wand of shield

Zeldana enhances a handful of berries for the party's travels.

Goodberry x2: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 4) = 11 berries each day until the day we arrive at location.

Perrine’s pouches bulged with numerous items. It was clear she had just about everything she could think of for such a journey. ”I’m ready! When do we leave?!”

"I am as ready as I can be until my next infusion of gold! Let us not waste any time, there is much to explore and learn!" Ilathor announces as he starts walking out of the bar.

I am ready. We can depart. - says Bakko, pulling his backpack up.

Zeldana checks her backpack one more time. With a satisfied nod she begins the long hike at a determined pace.

With the party seemingly ready to depart Janira stands, hefts her own pack onto her back and leads you through the city.

The trip is not overly arduous and Janira spends most of the time talking. When not pointing out significant landmarks such as abandoned siege towers and interesting plants and animals she is telling tales of the Master of Scrolls.

As nightfall approaches you find a good spot to rest for the night and set up camp. The evening is again passed with talk and the sharing of a meal supplemented by a rabbit that Janira managed to catch. As night falls you set up a watch rotation aided by the almost full moon and all get a good nights sleep.

Awakening you break your fasts, strike camp and set off for a second day of walking. Janira pipes up again Today we should reach the cave, and that is as it must be because tonight is a full moon. I really do wonder what they do in there, but I guess we'll all know soon enough She again passes the day pointing out things of interest and telling stories about the greats of the Pathfinder Society.

By mid morning the forest is getting thicker and just after lunch 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.

But before you can start moving again, a large tree falls to the forest floor, startling all sorts of creatures. In their fear, some start to attack your party.

“Let us remember the sacrifice of the fabled Yasmin bint Faroud, favored of the Ten, who gave her life distracting Zythrustianax, draconic scourge of the Society, so dozens of junior agents could survive. Her act of benevolence is the epitome of cooperation within the Society.”
+1 Inspire to all

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Janira
Ilathor
Enemies
Bakko
Asarnil
Perrain
Zeldana

"More beings who wish to test their might against my own! Unfortunately for them, I have all of you to help me, they don't stand a chance!" Ilathor boasts as he leaps upon a nearby log. He draws his whip and infuses it with magic before the hippogriffs close.

"They are but hippogriffs, vicious melee combatants and astute fliers! If you let them get close, be sure to not stand there for long!"

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Aracana, DC Variable: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
OH SNAP! Hope that bear of yours is a savage! GET EM WINNIE, GET EM! Are they currently on the ground? 5ft step, move to draw, standard for true strike. If they are currently flying, I won't cast true strike.

They are walking hippogriffs.

The hippogriffs move to the group.

Combat Round 1/2 - Bold May Act

Janira
Ilathor
Enemies
Bakko
Asarnil
Perrain
Zeldana

Knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Asarnil shakes his head and mutters something under his breath before stepping back a few paces and shoting a blast of force at the reddish bird creature.

Force Missile vs red: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Move back and cast force missile against red

With the red enemy advancing to her, Perrine slashes at it with her starknife, inspired by Janira ‘s stirring words.

Attack with IC 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Damage with IC 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

"Attack, Winnie! ATTACK!" says Zeldana, circling around Perrine to protect her flank.

Handle Animal DC 10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Zeldana attempts to strike the magical beast with her scimitar!

scimitar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 slashing dmg.

"Mwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaargh!!"

Bite, Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 1 = 16 for dmg: 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
Claw, Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 1 = 13 for dmg: 1d3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5
Claw, Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 1 = 13 for dmg: 1d3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7

Bakko moves around, keeping his distance from the enemies, until finally he can approaches the further enemy. As he moves, his appearance becomes a little more beast-like - as if looking like a stone tiger of sorts - as well as his moves become more nimble.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 1 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

Swift for tiger aspect (DEX+2, 1 minute), move 20 feet to the green enemy and standard to attack (and fail miserably the attack!). The AC is now 19+1=20, and reflexes 4+1=5.

Asarnil's attack hits the red enemy and some feathers fall to the ground.

Perrine and Zeldana both swing and miss.

Winnie hits one out of 3 strikes gashing its side.

Bakko focuses on the Green enemy but cannot land a strike.

Combat Round 1/2 - Bold May Act

Janira
Ilathor
Enemies (Red -10) (Green)
Bakko
Asarnil
Perrain
Zeldana

"What a marvelous display!" Ilathor exclaims in praise of his companions. Dramatically, he leaps from the fallen log and attempts to strike the hippogriff's legs with his whip. "Behold but a fraction of my powers!"
________
Trip (True Strike, Nonproficient) vs Hippogriff: 1d20 + 20 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 4 - 2 = 26
I'll strike whichever one looks the least damaged.

Ilathor takes the legs out from under the green hippogriff and it falls to the ground on its side.

The red hippogriff bits at Winnie

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

It snaps its beak and gets only air.

Green attempts to stand up

Bakko, you get an AoO

Janira continues to inspire the group.

Combat Round 2/3 - Bold May Act

Janira
Ilathor
Enemies (Red -10) (Green - Prone)
Bakko
Asarnil
Perrain
Zeldana

Asarnill keeps targetting the reddish hippogriff with his force projectiles...

Force Missile vs Red: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Bakko is opportunist against the enemy trying to stand again.

Attack (AoO vs. prone): 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 1 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

... And, then, he proceeds to attack normally with his scimitar, worried about the creature trying his several attacks against his skin.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 1 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12

Is Janira inspiring courage? If yes, please add another +1/+1 on the attack/damage rolls above. Thanks!

Perrine again slashes at the hippogriff with her starknife, inspired by Janira ‘s stirring words. She also tries to shoo it away, as she did so. ”Get out of here! I don’t want to kill you....run away and leave us alone!”

Attack with 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Damage with IC 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Asarnil sends another bolt of force at the red hippogriff further injuring it.

Bakko hits the green hippogriff as it tries to stand, than hits it again putting it down for good.

Perrine swings and misses again.

Janira is continuing to Inspire, yes

Zeldana studies the green hippogriff's movements for a few moments, then whirl-spin to the right and cuts with a downwards slash!

scimitar, studied target, inspire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 15 for 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Winnie shuffles to the left, keeping up with her mistress, and says, "OOOOOooooooorrrrrrrgnnnhhhhhgh!!"

Bite, Power Attack, flanking, inspire: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 13 for dmg: 1d4 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 7
Claw, Power Attack, flanking, inspire: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 11 for dmg: 1d3 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 7
Claw, Power Attack, flanking, inspire: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 13 for dmg: 1d3 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 6

The red hippogriff also falls beneath the weight of the attack of Zeldana.

Combat over

”Congratulations! You all worked together well. See how much stronger you are as a team when everybody cooperates?”

Several hours pass uneventfully, but then you start running into problems: first a recent landslide that blocks the trail, then a shortcut overgrown since a month ago. ”I’m afraid we’ll need to find a different path. If we don’t get there by dusk, we may have to wait a whole month for another chance! Is anybody well trained at tracking or navigating the wilderness?”

You’ll have to perform a forced march unless someone successfully rolls Survival.

"Let me get to high ground to see the lay of the land.." says Zeldana, climbing up a promontory. Winnie follows her, whining about he steep incline...

Survival, taking 10: 10 + 6 = 16

Survival, Winnie's assist, because it's fun to walk around with a bear in the wilds!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"...Winnie, no! those berries are for dinnertime!"

"An amazing show! Let us waste no time in pressing onwards, there is surely more entertainment to be had!" Ilathor proclaims as he stows his whip. "Zeldana, please, led on!"

Bakko takes point and moves to help navigating the wilderness. The shifter always felt at home while in the open nature.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Zeldana and Bakko find an old, dried out stream bed that quickly takes you higher into the mounts, and from there it is an easy task to backtrack downhill.

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 you.

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.

The minotaur is far enough away that everybody has 1 round to flee or buff up.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Bakko opens his small eyes, surprised as he sees the creature. By reflex, he immediately speaks.

Careful, guys... They're quite dangerous when they charge, and they have that gore attack. At least they're not hard to hit, but don't really seem to care much... Since they're quite hard to put down with our hits!

Bakko felt the challenge was beyond their capabilities, and caught Janira's backpack. If for a moment he would feel bad for her, yet he feels his group would probably suffer severe losses if they insisted. He held for a moment, waiting if his colleagues would flee - or try to be heroic and stay.

”We have our mission. Janira can take care of herself, I’m sure. We are here to find out about the gillman! Let’s get to it,” she directs, as she moves into the cave. Once safely in the cave, she starts rifling through Janira’s backpack, hoping for something helpful to the cause.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Yeah... she's going to run away extremely quickly after casting THAT!" Asarnil comments and then adds:"While I do not doubt we could take the beast down if we so wanted I have no desire to compromise our mission so I believe we've better enter the caverns and leave Janira to her game of cat and mouse..."

The caves are damp and slippery, and usually about 7 feet wide and high. Some tunnels are tighter or more spacious though. The walls are covered with patches of blue-green luminescent fungi that provide dim light.

Petroglyphs periodically decorate the walls, mostly with marine animals and spiraling shapes. The deeper you travel, the more of these wall paintings that you find.

Once you divide up Janira's items, I'll put a list in the campaign tab for reference.

The narrow tunnel twists and turns for several hundred feet before slowly opening to a wider passage. A large hole spans the cave’s width and stretches ten feet down the path. At the bottom of the pit lies a small bundle of cloth. The corners of the pit are rounded, and the tunnel walls don’t look easy to climb either.

How does everyone cross the pit?

Perrine takes the curative wand to heal the group, and the potion of Barkskin. ”Everyone take something. There’s no telling what might be useful in this cave!”

Survival 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

”Does anyone know anything about climbing? That pit looks way down there!”

Without a second thought, Ilathor flees for the cavern. "Janira, your gallant bravery will be sung from the lips of the most capable bards, I am sure of it!" he calls back before disappearing within.

"How marvelous! These drawings are quite profound, when we have more time I shall observe them more closely!" Oh, the wonders of having the life of an elf. So many centuries to ponder the unknown and learn a craft!

Peering down the hole and practically teetering on the edge, the elf appears to be assessing something. "20 feet or so down, probably human made... But what is that down there? Anyone care to figure out?" he asks his companions expectantly.

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Can't fail the dungeoneering roll (+10 modifier). As for the items, I'll take the mage armor scroll, identify scroll, the wand of burning hands, and a sunrod. Please let me know if you'd rather have one of these items!