GM Zer0darkfire's #5–08: The Confirmation #2 (Inactive)

Game Master asdffghjkl01

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 looks to the gathered group of soon-to-be pathfinders, "So, any questions or can we get started right now? Oh, oh, or maybe we should start with introductions!? Preparation is key you know and it helps to know who you are going to be working with!" she says with a genuine smile of excitement.

You see a Kelshite human about 30 years old in traditional Qadiran attire and leather armor with a kukri and a sling at his side.

With a thick accent he speaks in Taldane "I am Zadim. I am a follower of the Dawnfower! I am devoted to rooting out evil and spreading Sarenrae’s light throughout foreign lands. Those who are cloaked in the darkness of ignorance will feel my light." and you see his hand moving to his kukri.

"I am a close combat specialist but also an expert in observation and tracking. Sarenrae has blessed me with unique talents, and I intend to put them to use in the field. I want to be a weapon to strike killing blows against the enemies of my goddess." Zadim says in a calm and calculated voice.

Janira introduces herself in more detail as well as the party opens up a bit. "Well, as you already know, I'm Janira. I joined the Pathfinder Society on my 20th birthday in order to see the world and sample all of Golorian's exotic cuisine. Since my joining, however, I learned it is quite fun to acquire and preserve knowledge as well, and I hope to one day be published in a Pathfinder Chroniclers. If we get into combat, I'll be sure to advise you on how best to take down our adversary or tell you an inspiring tale about a famous pathfinder. I'm also not too bad with a crossbow, although I can use a whip in melee if it comes down to it." she says as she looks to the rest of the group as the finish their introductions with rapt interest.

Janira is a level 4 bard and will generally inspire courage in combat if needed. She also can shoot a crossbow and fight with a whip.

Te young, well muscled Vudrani enters into the room and looks around. He is powerfully built and there is a deepness to his baritone voice
I am Jinath. he says How can I be of assistance?

Next speaks a beautiful, sparsely clad Undine woman with blue-black hair, limpid turquoise eyes, and deep indigo skin with white tattoos of dots and lines flowing like water over her lithe form.

"I am Laafdahni Riverrun, but you can call me Laa' if you want. My parents were Pathfinders, but they went missing during a mission when I was a toddler. I am honored to follow in their footsteps and offer my skills as a sorcerer."

Her body language is comfortable, casual, and neutral. Despite wearing very little, there is nothing erotic about her intent; it's just a very practical choice for someone who swims at every chance she gets.

The shifter smiles at the udine.

Sorry about the late reply! Just got out of a surprise movie that some players of mine sprung on me.

Raising her hand from a nearby table, a slender woman with lavander hair and blue eyes speaks before standing and motioning to herself, "Greetings. I am Zone. and this here is my assistant, Lemmy." Motioning to a green creature of tentacle and slime. "It is a pleasure to meet you all here. Now, how may I be of assistance, to my future, hmm, fans?"

As she gets closer, it appears that Zone seems to be in her mid twenties, and is dressed in dark purple robes with blue pants and black shoes. A glimmer of a metal shirt seems to show at times when she moves, and a dagger that seems unused is at her side.

Making his way forward, tentacles undulating with every shift, a muffled growl of sorts is emitted from the creature. Extending one of its many tentacles, Lemmy offers to shake his fellow adventurer's hands.

"Graaaaal"

As the group finishes their introductions, Janira walks over and pats Lemmy on what she believes is its head "Aww, look at this cute little guy.", and then takes a moment to give a little more information about the mission.

“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 fnd 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."

She then pauses and looks around expectantly for questions.

I have played this scenario multiple times so I'll give those who haven't played yet an opportunity for decision making when needed.

A tall Shoanti man with tribal tattoos joins the briefing, accompanied by a big, muscular panther. "Looks like this is the place, Mavenee. I hope we weren't too late for the mission briefing."

Once they're settled in, the Shoanti introduces himself. "Good day to all! I am Mahalak Akrakai of the Lyrune-Quah. This is my friend, Mavenee," and he motions towards the panther, who gives a friendly growl. "We are both glad to take part in this undertaking. We will do our best to aid you in your endeavors."

The panther makes a few turns before lying down on the floor while the briefing goes on.

I do have a question about companions. How do we calculate their starting HP? Is it average from the HD plus Con modifier?

Animal companion type creatures take 4.5hp every hit dice plus con mod, similar to a d8 PC except they don't get max hp at 1st level because of their 2HD

Striding in with no shortage of confidence, a half-orc in the latest Taldan finery. "Yes, this must be the place. I am Krennel Halfstool." His eyes survey those at the gathering before stepping up and offering a hand of greeting to all who are present. Each shake of the hand is accompanied by a simple, "Pleasure to meet you." When he finally comes to 'Lemmy', the alchemist not-so-discretely pulls out a scented handkerchief and covers his nose. After an uncomfortable silence, "Ah ... yes...well...here you are. Freedom for all and all that I guess... little ...imp?"

Have also played this a fair share and willing to take a back seat.

Looking at the newcomer, Zone smiles as the grenadier covers his nose and mouth with the handkerchief. Aww, that's not nice. Lemmy doesn't smell bad in the least. Besides," walking up to Krennel and placing a finger on his arm, "you may come to like him later."

Definitely played my fair share, and ran quite a bit myself, soooooo, who is the newest one at the table, as they'll be making the dicisions?

Looking fairly unsure, "Well, I hear that all things are possible. If that is true, then it may be technically possible." He takes up a glass of wine. Looking askance at the eidolon, he offers a short toast. "To hope and...possibilities." Though the half orc sound doubtful and unconvinced of his own words.

I think I'm the most wet behind the ears here. But Laa' wouldn't consider herself a natural leader, despite her charismatic nature. It's something that she'll shy away from, at least at first.

Laa' greets the newcomers with genuine warmth. Turning to Janira, she asks, "How many days should we expect to be gone? I'm thinking about rations. And you mention not running into any of the local inhabitants. Can you fill us in on what to expect if we do?"

The shifter approaches the jaguar and tries to pet him.

"Oh, don't be silly! Lemmy is quite nice with everyone that he likes. Those he doesn't like, well, they get a different treatment than most."

Grinning devilishly, the woman makes her way back to Lemmy and rests in a chair next to the creature.

"Laafdahni has a good idea. How long will this take?"

Would I need a wild empathy since he is kinda cat like albeit a tiger?

Janira gleefully answers Laa's questions, happy to see someone asking questions that could make the difference on their mission, “Well, by foot, it will take nearly all of today and much of tomorrow to make the journey. In regards to how long you will be gone, I suppose that is entirely up to you. Some pathfinders take months to complete their confirmations, others only a handful of days. However, since your mission seems to rely heavily on the presence of a full moon, I'd expect you to finish it relatively quickly, unless you want to wait around for another full moon cycle." she says with a sly smile.

She then continues to answer Laa's other question, "As to what to expect, well 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.”

You likely don't need a wild empathy as you don't seem hostile to the panther's master, but that would be up to that player to determine the creatures attitude towards other pathfinders.

Regardless of anyone asking the question, Janira makes sure to give you ideas on what to bring, "Before you even ask what you should pack...well, let me show you what I'm bringing, maybe that will give some of you some good ideas." she says as she begins riffling through her backpack.

"Let's see... a potion of barkskin, two potions of cure light wounds, a potion of feather step, a potion of vanish, a scroll of entangle, a scroll of gust of wind, a scroll of identify, a sandwich...make that three.., a scroll of mage armor, a scroll of obscuring mist, a wand of burning hands with a couple uses left, a wand of cure light wounds with a handful of charges, some trail rations, an acid, two alchemist’s fires, one holy water, a smokestick, two tanglefoot bags, one thunderstone, an antitoxin, two sunrods, and about thirty bolts." she finally looks up after going through her backpack and blushes a little, "Always be prepared you know..." she says with a smile.

"I suggest something to deal with undead of all kinds, like holy water, something to deal with swarms, boy do I hate those things, like acids or alchemist fires, and probably some camping supplies like rations and fire starting gear." she says as she hands out paper and writing utensils. "Oh, and here, take these! Taking notes is extremely important!"

Grabbing the parchment, a backpack is outstretched in front of her by Lemmy. "Thank you Lemmy! Go help the others pack if they need it. As for some things to declare, I have my wand of Mage Armor and a wand of Infernal Healing in case we need some protection, and healing. An alchemist fire is close to my side, in case we do run into swarms."

I could use some of the acid he states continuing to pet the tiger his voice making the ooof and grunts that big cats do.

"I am a professional and have always been prepared. We can go and you will witness the light of Sarenrae." Zadim says with no sign of irony.

Animal companion type creatures take 4.5hp every hit dice plus con mod, similar to a d8 PC except they don't get max hp at 1st level because of their 2HD

Would that be rounded up or down? So in my case, since a big cat has a Con of 13, that would be at +1. If it's rounded up, then that would be a total of 12 hp for 2HD. If rounded down then that would be 10 hp.

Mahalak looks at his pack and thinks he has got everything he needs. He tidies up his things and prepares to venture off into the caves.

"Wow, you are well prepared! I'm impressed. So, centaurs, minotars, and harpies. What can you tell us about them? I'm sure we'll all do our best to sneak through without attracting their attention, but it would be good to know just in case."

I believe hit dice are technically 1/2 (rounded down)+1, so 4.5>4+1=5.

Janira ponders for a moment before responding to Laa, "Well, the main thing I can tell you is that Centaurs are intelligent and able to hold a conversation, but can be dangerous if provoked. Minotaurs on the other hand, while semi-intelligent, will generally attack on sight, so be very careful around those."

Assuming everyone buys what they need/want, or doesn't for that matter, here is the next part.

The first phase of your Confirmation takes you through Absalom, leads across the Cairnlands, along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts, and culminates at the cave entrance noted in Janira’s Confirmation report.

The journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident, and the long trek across the Cairnlands has Janira giving you a thorough history lesson on the city. Other than her history lesson, most of the journey is uneventful, although Janira might point out landmarks such as siege towers, distant mountains, or distinct flora and fauna along the journey from time to time.

No encounters occur during the first day of travel, and the PCs have an opportunity to rest and prepare new spells before entering dangerous territory. Feel free to continue interacting with Janira or otherwise roleplaying your journey.

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."

This begins the section involving the map, please confirm that you can see the map and are placed where you'd like to be inside the white box on this slide. Once everyone is in the box, I can continue on.

Mahalak takes out his longbow and watches out for any signs of danger. He chants something and Shoanti and the panther's muscles begin to tighten, though its movement seems more graceful. "Be on the alert, Mavenee. A number of unusual creatures inhabit this place."

Applying Tiger Animal Focus to Mavenee.

The panther strides along gracefully as she looks out for danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Laa', who had been at the front of the group talking to Janira, slips to the back of the group for protection, as she senses that there is a higher potential for an encounter here.

Pulling her dagger, Zone grins a bit before chuckling. "Lemmy, please be a dear, and protect Laa'"

Just as a heads up Janith, Krennel, and Zadim are still outside the box and I'm unsure if they are ready. Will move them into position and post in 12 hours (24 total from original post).

Having a little trouble resizing but he is there :)

I had a token for you on the left side of the box ;) but thats cool, I see you in the box now

With a warm smile, Laa' says, "Why, thank you Zone-tan, and Lemmy. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Sorry, saw the post earlier, but I was on my phone and could not move my icon.

GM roll: 1d6 ⇒ 6

As the party makes there way through their forest, either chatting or checking their heading, they suddenly realize they are not alone. Three hideous, dog-sized bugs leap closer to the party on long, gangly legs. The sharp, jagged edges of their jaws greedily clatter for blood.

Initiative Order, Bold may go!
>>>Mahalak
>>>Zadim
>>>Janith
>>>Zone-tan
>>>Krennel
Janira
Enemy
Laafdahni

Janira spends a standard action to Inspire Courage and a move action to pull out her crossbow.

"This reminds me of the story of 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."

Universal Bonus:
An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Zadim runs forward and studies the left monster!

Before the fight breaks out
"Don't mention it. I'm here to make sure we all don't get too hurt, otherwise the celebrations at the end of day won't be as fun."

The Fight!
Gasping slightly at the sight, Zone begins to giggle a bit before muttering a few words in Minkaian. Hand glowing, the woman pats Lemmy's wriggling mass of tendrils before stepping back. With a flick of her wrist a wand appears in her hand.

"Be a doll, and protect Laa' and the others."

Longarm cast on tentacle mass of Lemmy.

"Graaaaaaaaal"

Lemmy's guttural noise of acceptance seems happy as the creature moves forward a bit and waits for any prey to come within 15 feet of him.

Lemmy readies to attack any enemy if it gets within 15 feet.

10 rounds left on longarm

Know nature 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

These are giant fleas, you know that they can jump extremely far and are vermin creatures. Their bodies are hard so slash at them if you can. Giant fleas frequently carry a disease with their bite that affects constitution. he warns,

He will move up 10' and chuck the acid at the blue tick
1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12 RTA
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 if it hit or 1 splash,

Not much difference between the splash and the actual damage, lol

Does Mavenee get her own initiative or does she act after me?

Seeing that his bow will not be effective against these creatures, he stows his longbow and draws his scimitar. Double move actions He then orders the panther to attack the blue tick.