Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–08: The Confirmation (PFRPG)
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A blond, fairly neatly dressed, halfling enters the room.
"Allow me to introduce myself - My name is Farin Hogan, and I am an orator, a narrator of adventures, if you please. My friends call me Fuzzfoot," he says, pointing to rather furry feet, "and I am here to find adventure, make friends, and influence people."
"I already have one mission under my belt, and although I barely survived it, I am sure I can be quite a good asset to this expedition."
Looking to Digger, he says "So, what sort of trouble do you think we are about to get into?"
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A stunningly tall elf with hair black as night and eyes as blue as a brooding sea strolls in to the bar. He calmly sits down next to you and picks up your drink. He holds it aloft in his hand like a zephyr playing with a spring flower until you stammer that, indeed, that drink belongs to you.
"Oh," he answers, with a voice like a caramel waterfall, "I'm absolutely sure of it."
He drains the drink in a single seamless sip and puts the glass down with the gentleness of a museum caretaker.
He stares at you and you can feel the eyes pierce your face, your head, your soul, ripping away this mask you wear until all your sins are bursting to come out and play fate with the room at large.
"Would you let me buy you a drink?"
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A frail looking man in the corner of the room looks up from his book. removing the hood from his head the silver mask covering his face caches the light Trouble? none I hope! putting away his book Arcen stands up and walks over to the Halfling " I am Arcen Crain , Evocation specialist. its is a nice to meet you Fuzzfoot. do you really have fuzz on your foot?" Arcen looks down at the Halfling feet with a puzzled look
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 friends! 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 wistfully for a moment before continuing.
“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, "All yours Janira, take care of them! Badmucus - come!", the little goblin messenger waiting outside runs after him into the mist.
Janira excitedly says to the group, "Any questions or is every one ready?!"
Knowledge Geography DC 15::: Entire tribes of centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs constantly vie for territory up and around the Mounts, with harpies being the most common at higher altitudes and centaurs controlling the lower slopes and foothills.
Knowledge History DC 15::: Also known as the Low Azlanti, the gillmen are an amphibious humanoid race believed to be the last descendants of the ancient Azlanti people.
Knowledge History DC 20::: During Earthfall, the Starstone struck Golarion and destroyed the human empires of Thassilon and Azlant. It is said that gillmen’s ancestors survived the cataclysmic event because they received the blessing of an aquatic entity that allowed them to breath underwater.
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Dieb levels a cool look at Janira. Whether something has passed between them in a heated past, or if he simply takes umbrage at her current tone, one can only guess. But for Master Shaine his face splits in a massive smile. "For you, I shall do this task with all speed. Do you require any hardened proof are their activities? Either artifacts, such as it can be had, or, perhaps, live confessions?"
Master Shaine simply replies "Of course the Pathfinder Society is always on the lookout for a rare and valuable artifacts to keep safe from the Consortium. Just remember the Pathfinder Society motto when you are out there explore, cooperate and report."
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Digger was something of an oddity, born of a Tian Min father and a Galtan mother of Mwangi descent, his features were a perfect mix of his parents'. A sturdy but lithe 6'4", he had physical presence but moved with a certain practiced grace. His training and equipment were Tian Min, taught by his father the was of Bushido ...and the demon lined path of Meifumado. His hair was mostly unkempt, his Mwangi hair I'll suited for his traditional top knot. He looked like he could be intimidating indeed, but his easygoing smile put others at ease.
Janira pipes in 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 two days before the moon is full again. We both believe that 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 traveling 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."
She 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!
I joined the Pathfinder Society about four years ago. I grew up in Eastgate where my father is a porter. I'm the oldest of seven children and the only one to have come of age so far. Originally, I joined the Pathfinders for the opportunity to see the world (and sample it's fine foods), but I quickly fell in love with the pursuit and preservation of knowledge.”
Hearing introductions made, Master Shaine leaves you, "You best be off Janira, take care of these new recruits."
"Excellent, I'm ready as well!" Janira exclaims, gives him an enthusiastic salute and urges you out the door and into the city.
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Within Absalom, 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.
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 fervor, 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 traveling 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.”
Just as you begin to move again, three dog-sized fleas leap out from the underbrush on long, gangly legs. They start to head your way with sharp, jagged jaws greedily clattering for human blood!
"Oh no!" Janira shouts, pointing. "Everyone prepare yourselves!"
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Along the journey, Dieb approaches Arcen, grabs his shoulder in familiar manner, and shakes his hand. "It is good to travel with you, brother," he says, in a way recognizable from Dark Archivist to another.
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At the sight of the Fleas, Dieb sneers at the vermin. "I have not travled all this way to fall to the likes of you!"
He stares daggers at the left-most flea. "Sturmgewehr!" he shouts, and an azure icicle of force launches itself unerringly at the insect.
OOC: Magic Missile
Ragnar's shot hits the ground ten feet short of the flea. Dieb's missiles strikes true but not enough to stop the flea.
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At first Dieb makes no sign at Digger's barb. Then his eyes glance down at the samurai's weapon. "I have read something of Tian-Min," he says, "you use a woman's weapon," and a smirk splits his face. "We shall see if you will prove your worth," and he nods his head toward Digger, respectfully, "ma'am."
(OOC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naginata =-)
Kazuo sets for a charge with his pole arm while Arcen does some introspection on why he's so intelligent and fast. As Fuzzfoot sets an inspiring song, Janira exclaims, "Yes that's it, keep their spirits up!
The fleas appear to be communicating through eerie clicks and wing flutters as they move out of the treeline to get a better look at you from a distance.
[all PCs UP!]
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Dieb pauses in his thoughts of what Digger's mom could do with his 'broadsword' and stares frowning at the left-most flea, as if it insults him with its very existence. Suddenly his hands fly into motion and draw arcane sigils in the air. "Sturmgeshutz!" he yells as his hands thrust yet another bolt of azure power toward a familiar target.
Another volley of magic from Dieb and the flea explodes with a wet thwack!
[2 fleas remain]
Fortune and good aim prevail as both Ragnar's arrows hit their mark with lethal results, taking both the remaining fleas down.
"AMAZING!", Janira cheers, "Alright, lets keep moving!"
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.
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After the battle Dieb nods at Ragnar's double-kill. And to Fuzzfoot he mentions, "Good songsmith, mayhap upon our next bloodletting, do you know the song that holds the lyrics: 'We've been training for years, now we're ready to strike. The great operation begins!' Twould be a meat thing were you to set loose such lyrics from thy silver tongue."
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Dieb knows he has but little skill in this out-of-doorsy stuff, but his eyes are keen he and seeks to offer such tidbits of wisdom and might be useful to another.
As the party seeks to overcome this obstacle, Dieb takes Janira aside and asks a boon of her, the words spilling from his mouth like amber dipped in honey. "Good woman, the victory of arms has been somewhat exhausting to my arcane talents, and I must needs replenish nature. Might we not consider camping for nonce so that such further contest of arms will not find us wanting?"
Fuzzfoot takes the lead on finding a way around the rocks but fail even with Dieb’s assistance. Janira restlessly looks the late afternoon sun and explains, "Master Shaine and I believe that if we do not reach the caves by midnight, any gillmen who are present may leave before we arrive. I highly recommend that we'll have to push on hard if we can’t find a way around these obstacles soon...”
Ragnar's survival skill needs a refresher course, as he holds the map upside down.
With Digger's help, the party is able to find a deer path along the ridge to move across, and eventually back on the trail.
The dense forest soon opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff with thick vines 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! I know you guys are tough, but I don't think we can handle this. 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 dense forest soon opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff with thick vines 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! I know you guys are tough, but I don't think we can handle this. 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.
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Dieb takes a moment's pause at what he saw take place. His heart pounds at the rapid turn of events--almost eaten by a minotaur, and then to see the oath-sworn guide all but sacrifice herself so that the mission may go through is quite unsettling.
But a moment passes. That and nothing more. His mind re-engages its mighty machinery and a plan of the near future comes to fruition.
He draws his dagger and, thinking of the poor, handicapped non-elven folk, casts Light upon it(while remembering to do so every 8 minutes). He then ventures into the cave and his keen eyes scan about, taking in the every detail of the interior sight, and checking to make sure there are no immediate threats. If one moment blows peaceably into another, he'll scoop up the backpack and make a quick inventory of it.
Dieb enters the cave, pausing to check the backpack. Janira's pack carries all sorts of useful supplies. A potion of barkskin, 2 potions of cure light wounds, potion of feather step, potion of vanish, scroll of entangle, scroll of gust of wind, scroll of identify, scroll of mage armor (CL 6), scroll of obscuring mist, wand of burning hands (CL 3rd, 4 charges), wand of cure light wounds (CL 3rd, 8 charges), a vial of acid, an alchemist’s fire, holy water, smokestick, tanglefoot bags, thunderstone, antitoxin, and 2 sunrods. All are packed neatly and conveniently labeled.
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As Digger enters the cave, Dieb shoves the potion of barkskin and a sunrod into his hands. Unto Fuzzfoot is given the potion of feather step, and Ragnar a cure light wounds potion and the other sunrod. The rest can be divided later as the situation wills it. Dieb shoulders the burden and carries forward.
Following Janira's orders, the group enters the cave. Anyone stealing a glance back see Janira speeding off into the woods, the minotaur in chase, not far behind.
Inside, you find yourselves in a damp narrow passage that snakes into the mountain, opening and closing in width from three to ten feet. Water drips from stalactites and the sound of a rushing underground stream can be heard somewhere in the distance. The cave walls are patterned with blue-green luminescent fungi that provide dim light.
Petroglyphs—most depicting marine animals or spiral shapes—periodically decorate the tunnels’ walls. The rough surface of the carvings provides a natural platform for the fungi, causing it to grow thicker and making the carvings glow slightly brighter than their surroundings.
1d6 ⇒ 1
The carvings continue along the narrow tunnel as it twists and turns. Several hundred feet in it opens to a wider passage. There, a large hole spans the cave’s width and stretches ten feet down the path. 20 feet below the edge a pool of water fills the pit. Floating on the surface is a small bundle of cloth.
[No Map needed here.]