Invite only.
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for level 1-2.
Almost all Pathfinders undergo extensive training for three or more years to learn the tricks of the trade, and their last test before graduating from the ranks of the initiates to the status of a full Pathfinder agent is the Confirmation, a special research project that involves considerable fieldwork and is designed to simulate the initiates' future work as a Pathfinder. Even the noteworthy field commissioned agents sometimes participate in such trials as a way to familiarize themselves with the Pathfinder Society’s rules and expectations. Although Confirmation is typically an individual affair, the society recently discovered a site on the Isle of Kortos that would be perfect for initiates but perhaps too dangerous to handle alone. Successfully uncovering this site’s secrets will not only contribute to the society’s body of knowledge but shape the exciting careers ahead for each of the prospective agents.
Written by Kyle Baird.
You all have arrived a day early. You are all having a drink at the Pig's Paunch, anxiously awaiting the next day's test.
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Agriver Rall walks into the ‘Pig’s Paunch’ eager to meet his new companions, what must be his older brother is busy taunting Agriver over something. His father gestures his sons toward the bar and what he assumes is the gathering party.
The young adventurer himself stands an average height for a Talden, with broad shoulders and good looks that would serve him well as a noble, and a merchant. His dress would further solidify the opinion as he wears a fine shirt, leather riding breaches, and his hair is pulled back into a thick flaxen pony tail. Oddly over his shoulder is a massive great sword with a prominent peace knot bearing the crest of his family – “The Merchants Rall”.
As the merchants son approaches the group there is a crash as a waitress loses her footing and tumbles to the floor, well almost – she is promptly caught by Agriver.
”Let me help you gather yourself and your belongings miss.”
After helping her to her feet and assisting her cleaning up despite her insisting he shouldn't bother, the man turns to the assembled group.
”Agriver Rall, son of Gideon of the Merchants of Rall – knight of Iomadea”, post him introducing himself he gives his father and brother a hug and wishes them well. And smiles at the barmaid as she goes back to her duties.
”Tomorrow is the big day! We will bring honor to the Society my new friends, by Iomadae’s will. What names do you go by? Can my house offer to buy your meals this eve?”
With that the man issues a charming smile.
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The pair of Kellid men walk in, the smell of the trail and the forest on them. A couple of shocked expressions can be seen due to the holy symbols they both show. The older of the two men has a wolf heeling him as well. The two survey the room, and see the Taldan man just beaming with pride and honor. The younger of the two men, who has a halberd in one hand, and a longbow strapped over his shoulder says, "Näyttääristiretkeläinen . Ihmettelen, jos hän onsankari tyyppi ... valmis kuolemaan hänen syy . Huijata!"
To the Taldan man he says one word, "Mead."
A waiter will step up to you. "The beastie stays outside. This is an upstanding establishment, not a barn."
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”I recognize your tongue gentlemen, you are speaking Hallit if I recall. My father has had many dealings with that culture. You both have a rustic look about you – are you trackers and guides?
Agriver looks up at the one who calls himself Yon. ”With your size you would do quite well as a soldier or a bodyguard, but judging by your holy symbols – the pair of you… you’re clergy? Quite the animal you have there as well.”
Looking back and forth between the brothers – ”As I do not speak or understand your tongue, would you mind speaking in common?”
Hailing his new friend the barmaid, the paladin quips. ”Mead for my two new friends please mam – my father’s tab per our agreement.”.
Turning back to the travelers – ”There is yet a couple more due, yes?”
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Mitä sinä tarkoitat? En koskaan kysynyt. Sitä paitsi, kuka voisi ajatella, että tämä kaivoonpaikka olisi edes välitä." replies Robin, not really even reacting to being slapped in the head.
Robin looks at his brother with utter amazement at the way he is speaking.
"Mitä sinä olet noin, Yon? Voit puhuayhteisen sekä ketään!"
To the waiter, he says, pointing at Agriver, "Yes, mead. On him."
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Spyridon ties off his donkey Eddie outside, patting him on the nose and whispering a few words to him.
"Now, no getting in trouble. We don't need any mules around."
He takes a moment to straighten his tunic, checking his pockets and belt pouches for everything he feels he should have. Holding himself up straight, he enters the bar, a sly smile on his face, looking back and forth among the patrons.
The fisherman, dock workers, and other manual laborers create quite a mundane tableau to pick the other adventurers from. He approaches with a few quick, light steps, nodding his head to each man in turn as he speaks.
"Good day. Might I be so privileged as to introduce myself to you: I am Spyridon Andronikos Joachim. Yes, I know, my father had a penchant for the dramatic and who I am to deny him his fun," Spyridon chuckles and shakes his head. "Now, based on the well-prepared nature of you three in comparison to a large amount of the patronage around us, I must assume that you too, are new recruits?"
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"Agriver Rall - Knight of Iomadae"
He motions to a chair amongst the other two. "We are indeed the recuirts, my new friends are enjoying a meal - can I offer you the same courtesy? What will you have? Tell me of yourself"
Eyeing the brothers sitting with him and their trail worthy table manners, Argiver smiles and looks expectantly at Spyridon.
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Spyridon's smile grows sly for a moment, then warm and friendly.
"Thank you Agriver. Travelling with a warrior of the Inheritor should be quite rewarding."
As Spyridon moves around the table to the open chair, he slaps a hand on Robin's shoulder. "And they felt need to send a jester as well! Good! I can't do all the talking here."
He takes his chair, scooting in close to the table with rigid posture, placing his scroll case next to him.
"A light meal and a heavy drink, I think," Spyridon smiles and nods at Agriver. "I thank you. I will be with to make sure that our adventures and findings are well documented and reported to the Society." He pats his scroll case as he continues, "As well as make sure that anything of value is properly identified, evaluated, cataloged, and put to good use."
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Robin grabs the elf's hand, "You want to keep that hand, you'd better never do that again without permission. Now, you can go get me a mead, and one for my brother, or we'll have more to discuss. The ones that Dudley over there bought us are running out. And if you want to keep those pretty teeth, Spanky, you'd best never call me a 'jester' again. I may just forget you are an ally when I am shooting an arrow by your head."
He twists the arm, just to make sure Spanky knows who's boss.
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"So the society is recruiting a clerk? The brothers are your right and left may be rough around the edges, but by their garb I can tell they are either rangers or druids."
Agriver sizes up Spyridon for a moment. "Are you a wizard? Sorcerer? ... or simply a clerk?"
Reaching into his pocket and producing some mercantile literature. "If you are indeed a clerk, my family has prominent holdings in the merchant trade - we could always use some new talent"
<continues to eat his leg of lamb, then puts down his fork and knife mid conflict>
"Both of you, behave like you are to be representatives of the society. I do not judge you by your backgrounds - I merely wish to know about my new companions. However that being said I will not tolerate violence toward ... new friends. Robin - if you please.. stop bullying our new ally the clerk."
<picking up his knife he continues to eat his meal.>
"And the name is Agriver - I am sure you didn't mean to slander my name so soon after I filled your cup."
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Spyridon favors his arm for a moment before smiling again.
"No harm, no foul. All is forgotten in time anyway."
Getting a bit more comfortable in his chair, he pulls out a gold piece and places it on the table, one edge first, his thumb snapping it down against the wood.
"I'll happily contribute to our new camaraderie." He nods at Agriver again. "While an enticing offer, I specialize in identifying that which might be unique, magical, dangerous, or hungry, in order to keep you all safe and functional for the society's purposes. You may also find, as I've been told many times, the sound of my voice can drive someone into a - let's say - focused state of combat. That along with a few bits of magic, would be why I'm here."
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Yon licks the lost drops off the edge of his cup and holds it out to Spyrdidon, expectantly. Then reaches into the middle of the table for a hunk of bread. Dragging it through the butter like he's carving with it, and completely covering his thumb in a large dollop of the butter, too. He carefully spreads the butter from his thumb across the dry parts of the bread, and licks off the rest.
Finally he begins to truly introduce himself, "I am in deed a forest protector, and my brother here is one of the best trackers, not just the wit of the family." Yon takes a bite, and speaks from the side of his mouth "I have joined the society to gain knowledge and allies that may help me protect my home better. Him, well I already said, he's the best tracker, I just can't shake him."
With that he finishes the crust of bread with a second bite.
Rbuod smells more travelers coming down the road. A man, and something resembling a meal (Spyridon and Eddie). At this he hides in the overgrowth and watches as would a trained hunter.
When the man ties the meal up close to the door Rbuod resigns that he won't have such a feast tonight, however his curiosity brings him to wander close to the doors again when the man goes inside.
He sniffs at the living meal in his investigation.
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A cowled figure sits at the bar drinking a mug of ale. After some time of listening to your conversation, she removes her hood and turns to introduce herself. Though difficult to tell beneath the soot, you see the face of a human woman with black hair, coal colored eyes and dark tan skin.
"I see you..." she gestures to the group "are to be my comrades for the trials tomorrow" She looks each of you over in turn before continuing.
"Name's Vala" She stands and begins to shake hands with members of the party. "Good at not being seen" She says, waving a hand towards where she was sitting at the bar.
"I like to build things. Contraptions of various sorts mainly. Traps, I suppose you would call them." She pulls up the sleeves of her robe slightly to reveal the sheathed daggers hidden within. "And these usually find a way to come in handy"
She seats herself at the table and takes a drink from her mug. "Anxious for tomorrow's tests?"
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"Ah so Spyridon, you are a bard yes? And by the look of our new lady - when I could see her, your talents are that of a rogue? It seems we have quite a talented motley crew.
Agriver finishes his meal, stands and excuses himself with a curt bow. "We should get some rest - I look forward to getting to know you all better in the morning. Iomadae's blessings to you."
The tall man (not even close to as tall as Yon) gets up, pushes his ebony hair back and heads out to his families rooms.
"No mages... could be good... could be bad"
Not seeing any change in the donkey's demeanor leaves the wolf to his thirst, he move forwards and dips down to drink from the trough in front of the donkey.
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Robin checks out Vala from head to toe, and says, "Niin, Vala, kuten sanoin, minä olen teidän kylki kaveri tahansa. Tai sinä puhut torjumiseksi?"
He gives a hearty laugh, to lighten the mood, in case his attempt at humor and/or flirting was an utter failure. He then tosses the rogue a roll (from Agriver's plate).
The night comes to a close as the would-be Pathfinders retire to their rooms.
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.
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Agriver appears this morning wearing brightly polished scale mail in addition to the massive blade he carried before. He wears a tabard emblazoned with his fathers crest and appears to be tightening the leather straps of his armor.
The paladin gives a slight bow to Janira and addresses her. "Lady Janira, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. It appears that you know each of us but will you tell us a bit of yourself? Perhaps a bit of how far away this cave you speak of is?"
Sitting down he looks the Halfling woman in the eye and smiles.
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!”
With a deep breathe... "My name is Janira Gavix. I am a Bard by trade, especially when it comes to storytelling. I just love getting immersed in a story!" She smiles for a moment before continuing "I am very fond of a support roll - Be Prepared! that's my motto. I always carry an assortment of alchemical mixtures and inks and quills and papers and scrolls... You get the point. How about you guys? how long have you been training to be Pathfinders? I did the full 3 year course... and proud of it!" She looks expectantly at each of you.
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”Lady Janira, my name is Agriver, youngest son of Gideon of the Merchants of Rall. I had served as a guard to our ventures. My family was headed here on trade business when I was visited by one of Iomadae’s servants and given my calling and mantle.”
There is a distant look in his eyes and he refocuses his intensity toward the group.
”My father sent word to the Society and I stand before you today. I offer my purpose and my blade to those in need."
The paladin nods solemnly.
"By the her will.”
"Agriver - that is truly fascinating. I've never had a calling from a diety - amazing!"
She gives each of you a look in turn. "Come on - comon! That's not enough to tell a tale on! Speak up - don't be shy." Her happy-go-lucky smile gives no indication of annoyance - just sheer anticipation.
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"I track. Especially Yon, who trundles through the forest like a drunken yak. He talks to animals and hugs trees. We defend our home. Me, sometimes with bow, sometimes with axe, sometimes with halberd. Got it off a caravanserai who thought to take advantage of my family.
"He don't speak much, unless you're a wolf, squirrel or tadpole." he says, indicating his brother. "But no one knows nature like Yon. And he's got a pretty wolf outside. He don't take crap from no one.
"Heard Emerald Spire acting up... spewing dark magics around. Need to get help to find out why."
Yon seems only marginally interested in the conversation at hand, though he nods as Robin tells of their origins.
Meanwhile, his mind drifts outside and wonders what Rbuod is up to...
Rbuod has determined to slink around the back of the building. Something smelly has caught his attention and with a clangor and clatter it's out of it's container and attracting flies, as the wolf nudges it. Rolls in it and then wanders on.
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Then Yon deigns to speak.
"We do come from the Echowood, as my brother says. Though I have never hugged a tree, except for climbing them when I was small and couldn't reach the low branches." He gives a sneer at his brother for the flagrant embellishment for the sake of the civilized folk. "That said, I do speak to the cousins in the wood, and can ask for their help when needed. In that I am like you, Janira, I am always prepared for I am never alone."
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Vala nods, continuing with some reluctance. ”Alright, fine. I come from Brevoy. It’s a harsh place. Cold and unforgiving winters. Crappy soil so even in the summer growing food is difficult. Most there focus purely on survival. I grew up on the outskirts of town. Nine older brothers and two dead parents.” she states, frankly.
“Not one of them were pleased with my creations. The time I spent at the smiths tinkering was considered a waste to them. They would rather I stick to pickpocketing and stealing to help support the family. At least, that’s what they’d say. Honestly, I think they just wanted me out of their hair. “
”I needed to make something more of myself than what that life had to offer. I needed to get out of there. So I did.“
She pauses briefly, then continues. ”Headed southwest, along the border between the River Kingdoms and Numeria. Learned there were others who fancied contraptions and trained with them for a few years, traveling the River Kingdoms and learning all I could. Met many Pathfinders on the road headed north, searching for something they called a “Sky citadel”. She shrugs.
”One of these Pathfinders singled me out and suggested I join, telling of how much more I’d be able to accomplish with a team of adventurers than on my own. Reasonable enough argument. So here I am. Commissioned field agent. “
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"It would seem that the goddess has brought us together with purpose. The Emerald Spire you speak of was in my vision - there is power awakening there."
Agriver looks to Vala - "Your tale is a sad one, to grow up in such a large family without parents is truly a test of survival and conviction. I can understand how you would turn to less honorable trades to survive, but in the end you sought to do honest work creating .. these contraptions. Honor tends to find its way into places one would least expect it."
(rogues tend to embellish.)
"Yon, your wolf is a marvelous creature - what do you feed thing beast? May I give it some mutton?"
Looking over his companions a smile spreads over his face.
"I am excited to be here. Janira - what is next? Spyridon, you will have much to chronicle with us."
From near the door to the Inn, Rbuod perks up at the mention of mutton.
Janira laughs at the brothers' antics. "Having a brother on these adventures certainly helps! Cooperation, as I'm sure you're tired of hearing, is one of a pathfinder's core tenets. "
In response to Vala, Janira continues her upbeat attitude and smile. "We all have a past, some darker than others. But it sounds like you made the most of the hand you were dealt. Did you really partake in the Jormurdun mission? That is really exciting - Master Shaine spoke frequently of the dangers and excitement of that operation."
"I've never heard of the Emerald Spire. But it sounds like you all have something in common... I wonder what the Decemvirate has in store for each of you.... "
Turning to Spyridon. "and you sir? The lone Elf amongst us. You seem to carry a large amount of Scrolls - are you a spell caster by chance?"