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 fourhundred 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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Resembling a wildflower almost as much as a gnome, Zinnifen hops from his seat and bows energetically to the Master of Scrolls as he leaves. Hair the color of yellow snapdragons waves with the motion.
He turns his marigold eyes to Janira. "A great pleasure to meet you, Mistress Janira. When do we set forth?"
Looking around Master Shaine shrugs. "When the others will join!"
with harpies being the most common at higher altitudes and centaurs controlling the lower slopes and foothills.
descendants of the ancient Azlanti people.
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.
alliance between them appears to have fallen apart over the millennia, however, and the gillmen are now an
independent people.
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The young woman arrives, shield in hand, sword and morning star at her hip. Her hair is the black of midnight and he is pleasant to behold, built solidly, an athlete. She enters into the room ans gives her regards to the gnome and the Master of Scrolls. I am Themyscira. I am here for my confirmation/ . Her tone is friendly.
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"Someday I shall be able to fly without any such means. Oh how lovely that would be- soaring with the birds and feeling the freedom of the skies," rambles Skaf dreamily. "But until then, I am very interested in seeing what you are capable of accomplishing." He gives his fellow gnome a big goofy grin.
An iron, spider-like construct crawls out of Zinnifen's backpack. Two tiny doors slide open on its back and dragonfly wings made of copper piping and a thin vellum unfold. The wings beat at a furious pace and the construct begins to hover clumsily in the air.
*Click-click*
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Remaining quiet through much of the proceedings, Iantha stands from her seat, also giving a stiff bow to the Master of Scrolls as he passes her. She turns her attention back to Janira and who she supposes must be her companions, at least for the time being. She doesn't say much, but does inch her way closer to the group.
A real social butterfly, this one.
@Egg Fu´s question your leader replies. "Well the land is wild and we can encounter those that live there. We will walk through woods and close to mountains. That´s all I can say."
@Skafs question Kreighton Shaine replies with a smile."Very few buildings of ancient times were build in treetops."
Kreighton Shaine then addresses you all."Do you have other questions?"
If not then
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!” She takes a deep breath and continues. "I am Janira Gavix, I am obviously a member of the fabolous halfling race. I am an expert on Flora and fauna. I studied in the Absolom university under various masters and now I work for the pathfinder society. If we encounter dangers I am able to lift your spirits and fill your hearts with courage. And I am a damn fine travel companion to boot. What about you? Egg Fu?"
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An elf sitting by the neighbouring table suddenly stirs, startling the small Weasel sleeping in his lap. Dressed in loose fitting robes peppered with old ink stains and with a disheveled mop of brown hair, he almost entirely fails to live up to the grace and dignity of most other elves.
Although he has seemingly been paying close attention to Shaine's speech, he now looks around slightly confused. "Where did master Shaine go?" he asks, betraying a slight varisian accent. After realizing the other elf is no longer with them, he turns to Janira and, with a short apologetic bow, says "I'm truly sorry, I seem to have gotten lost in my own thoughts. I am Eoran Olyrnn, pleased to meet you all."
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Egg rises and bows. "Honorable Janira, I am Egg Fu...but everyone calls me Egg and so may all of you. I come from a land far to the east and studied under a wise master. Master Chung thought it would be wise to broaden my horizons and said the noble Pathfinders could do that for me so here I am.
I can move quietly and unseen if needed...and I am good with my bow and will provide cover for my companions. I look forward to our journey toghether."
Egg bows and sits back down.
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"I'm Zinnifen," says the daisy-colored gnome, "You can call me Zinni. Or Zin. I know a bit about this and that but especially how the magical and the natural interact. Especially especially how to set the natural on fire or explode it with magic. Do be careful of my bombs. They're particularly potent. And I also build machines, but that's a more time consuming set of skills than is applicable on an adventure."
He jumps back into his chair, legs swinging.
Shaine stands up from his seat and waves at Eoran. "I am still here, young apprentice. It seems you need your glasses!"
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"Right you are miss Themyscira" Eoran replies, while trying to discretely stop a barmaid from bringing him a previously ordered tankard. He then turns to address the whole party. "As previously stated, I am Eoran Olyrnn. I am a scholar of ancient varisian history, and explorer extraordinaire! I also use the old magics of this world to aid our quest, heal our wounds, and bring misfortune to those who seek to hinder us."
He remains standing for a second, as if awaiting applause, then quickly returns to his seat.
Janira (Picture) claps her head in consent. She will ask each of you, which lodge you belong, How long were you an initiate (was it the full 3 years, or did you get a field commission)? Where did you grow up? Where have you traveled before coming to the Grand Lodge? Did you have a favorite class, training exercise, or teacher? How do you handle yourself in a fight?
After the others have introduced themselves she raises a hand and speaks up: “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 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.”
Kreigthon Shane addresses Eggs concern:“I know what you’re thinking, but I have no reason to believe the gillmen activity has anything to do
with lycanthropy.”
“Now, before we head out, if there aren’t any more questions, we should take a moment to go through your gear and make sure nothing important gets left out. You should have common adventuring
gear such as rope, a light source, food, a way to make fire, any sources of healing, and other essentials. ”
Janira shirps in "Also I suggest a few other handy items like alchemist’s fire, antitoxins, items of that kind, if you have the coin. Well all ready! Then let´s move out, we have about 16 hours of travel time ahead! Come little aspirants, we are wasting daylight!"
She also stresses the importance of keeping accurate records of their adventures, passing out writing supplies and paper to anyone who doesn’t have it already.
The first phase of their Confirmation takes the you through Absalom, leads across the Cairnlands, along
a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel and through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts
The journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident,
and the long trek across the Cairnlands provides Janir a great opportunity to discuss Master Shane’s class on the history
of Absalom. Most of the journey is uneventful, but Janira often points out landmarks such as siege towers, distant
mountains, or distinct flora and fauna along the journey.
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When called to introduce herself, Iantha stands a little straighter, as if startled by the sudden attention. She's taller than average, at least for a half-elf, with broad shoulders an athletic build. Half her head is shaved bald, and the remainder of her hair - clearly black once, but with streaks of premature grey and white throughout - is pulled into a thick braid over her shoulder. Between the streaks in her hair and the warm brown of her skin, it's clear that the human half of her heritage was Garundi. She dresses plainly, in a dark brown gi, kept closed by the deep red sash tied around her waist. She keeps wrappings of the same red color around her chest, as well as around her hands and feet. If she carries weapons, they aren't visible - and there aren't many places on her person where one could be kept.
She introduces herself in halting, hesitant language as Iantha Ferra. As the questions continue, she seems to shrink away from Janira, and stutters her way through as many of the questions as she can bear answering. "I was raised in Greengold, but traveled to Jalmeray before - uh. Fifteen years ago? My father took me. A monastery there was kind enough to take me as a student, and I have been spending my time since training. I- I have recently finished my three years of initiation, and am very grateful for the opportunity to finish Confirmation."
This is about when her voice trails off, and she seems unsure how to continue. Instead, she nods once, satisfied enough with her answer to step back and allow the floor to pass to someone else.
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Zinnifen trots along with the other aspirants as they head through the city. "I should have enough rations for this trip and then some. Hopefully we don't do something that gets us lost for days."
The little iron spider rides along inside the gnome's backpack, occasionally peeking out through the flap to take in the scenery. The daisy-colored gnome's leather armor resembles a smith's apron more than armor and bears several scars from either battle or crafting.
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.”
Most of the trees in this section of the forest have trunks that are too big for any creatures to share their space. 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.
Enemys
Egg Fu
Eroran
Iantha
Skaf
Themyscira
Zinnifen
Skaf notices that they are not longer alone
Egg Fu
Eroran
Iantha
Skaf
Themyscira
Zinnifen
Wolfs
The first wolf attacks Eoran,
the second was about to attack egg but is zapped very badly by Skaf in a very very lucky shot and at the last second bits the gnome that hurt him so painfully, but misses
Eoran drops to the ground.
Pathfinders
Greywolf
White Wolf (-9)
The white wolf dies in pain.
Zinnifen, Themyscira
You can do so, but that´s a move action and then you can´t full attack.