[PFS_Aerondor] 05-08: The Confirmation table 2 (campaign) PbP GameDay 3 (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

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 (Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Master of Scrolls) 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.

Dotting.. will check in after dinner

Dot - checking back in later tonight as well.

A broad shouldered lithe blond haired Varisian swordsman slouches in a chair listening to the brief with uncaring eyes sipping from a flask of brandy. He is wearing a chain mail shirt and is armed with a slightly curved longsword. With a slight drawl he asks "Who is leading this shindig...?"

Riften looks a lkot older then he is due to many years of hard outdoor living. His garb is very simple and practice for living in the mountains. When things are peaceful he is often playing with his rabbit.

Hey, all

The little dark shadow looks up from his mug, and you realize it's a wee man with skin so dark as almost to be unnatural. A wayang! He grins at Fenrik and responds in his most sincere voice, "If you look around, and can't tell who the leader is, then you are probably it." The shadow-man lifts his mug at the broad shouldered Varisian. "To our fearless leader!" After a healthy swig of the mug, he mutters to himself. "Nonononono. That's not how the saying goes...is it?" He shrugs, and smiles at the others. "The name's Zimti. I am decidedly not the leader around here."

Fenrik slaps his knee and bursts out in laughter at the mention of him being the leader as said by the wee dark figure calling itself Zimti. "BWA HA HA HA HA!!!" Fenrik almost falls out of his chair gasping for air through his laughs. Then he suddenly sits upright, composes himself, adjusts his fine clothes and states"But seriously....who is leading this get together...?" Fenrik glances over at Zimti and says dismissively "A wayang huh.... don't think I've killed one of your kind yet."

"I am.." says Janriva. "But this is Your Confirmation, not mine."

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!”

"I am 24 years old, and the oldest of all my siblings. I joined the society a few years ago. " she blushes for a moment.

"Mostly because I wanted to try lots of different foods..."

She grins. "But soon grew to love learning too. My father owns a dog cart and runs a delivery service. "

Normally this is intro time, but you have already been doing some of that, well done.

“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."

She pauses for a moment to drink.

“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 looks around.

"Any questions?"

Zimti stares at the bloodthirsty man, wondering how serious he was, and started to make a retort when Janira proclaims herself the leader of this mission. The timing of the food quip was impeccable, and Zimti nearly chokes on his ale as he chuckled. "I'll drink to that!"

As Janira continues on, Zimti does his best to follow along between gulps of ale and bites of the stew.

"Questions? Hmm..." The little Zimti pauses and ponders.

K(Geography), untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 max 10

Fenrik listens to the brief, takes a sip from his flask, tilts his head while thinking about what was said then says to Janriva, "How many Gillman are we expected to encounter? What are they usually armed with? Are they generally receptive to intrusions from outsiders? Don't want to walk into any traps... speaking of which, did you encounter any traps on your first visit there? If speed is of the essence are we getting horses for travel? General belief is that they travel faster than us walking. Do you suggest we go get additional gear for the mission? If so, what kind?" taking a swig from his flask he adds, "Seems to me I am out of my favorite brandy so yes we need to go get supplies before we depart." Looking over at Jazmine "If we get lost, are you good enough to get us un-lost? Say nice blade you got there. What can you do with it?"

Looking about at the commotion around her, it takes nearly everything Jazmine has to keep from bolting out the door and not looking back. Extremely claustrophobic and very much not a fan of people in general, the feral looking elf from the deep forests is not accustomed to any but her friend Giggles the velociraptor, who just happens to be curled under her chair, no more pleased than Jazmine.

Fenrik notices the neurotic expression on the elfs face and the uneasiness in her demeanor and mutters under his breath..."What kind of group do I find myself in? An obsidian wee man, an anti-social wood elf, a dino-monster and a hexer...Kurgess why do you hate me...?" Fenrik stands up and goes searching for a haunch of meat but staying within earshot. "Let me know when it is time to get going." he says to no one in particular.

I'd just like to say that i can hinder more then hurt. But it seems like a lot of others can bring the hurt.

Zimti mutters under his breath, mimicking the blonde rude man surprising precisely in demeanor..."What kind of company do I find myself in? A man who considers others by whether he's killed their kind before? And who is too rude to even introduce himself? At least his shadow..." He looks exaggeratedly at the foot of where the slayer stands, "...looks pleasant enough."

Then, flashing a grin at the group, he raises his ale. "Lighten up! At least wait for our fearless leader...the actual one...to answer your questions before you go." Zimti calls out to whoever might be willing to serve the table, "A round of drinks for the table! And someone find out what this dashing blonde man without a name is looking for, that is so important as for him to take leave of the captain and the company!"

Then, turning to Janira, Zimti poses a couple of questions of his own. "Will we need gears for climbing, be it steep cliffs or deep recesses? Also, will lighting be an issue? I'd ask more, but it appears our ex-leader here, short lived as that tenure was, has asked plenty already on our behalf."

Fenrik returns with some meat from the tavern and two flagons of what smells like honey mead. He tears a chunk of the meat off and tosses it in the direction of the dino-pet curled up under the wood elf. He sits back at the table and slides one of the flagons over to the Wayang. "I think I like you wee man." he says as he swiffs down some of the honey mead. "My name is Fenrik and I come from Brevoy, near Rostland. I cut things with this..." he says as he gently taps his slightly curved blade.

"Great Questions! Firstly, I have no idea how many Gillmen may be in there. I only ever saw one though. I'm not really up with gillmen fighting techniques, but underwater thrusting weapons are the most effective. They are known to be insular, but not overtly hostile, at least initally.

She pauses for air for a moment.

"I only went into the very entrance, but there were no traps there. As for horses..I think I already mentioned we are going by foot. There are various tribes of centaurs in the area, and they are known to take offence to people riding. We wouldn't want that."

She takes another drink.

"Finally.. gear. Climbing gear may be useful in the cave if there are drops to descend. The woods are known for swarms of biting insects so, if you have alchemists fire that may prove helpful. I'd suggest bringing torches as caves are known to be dark in my experience. Anything else?

"Just saying riding is faster and centaurs can bleed... Anyway when do we leave because I need to get some gear before we go as I imagine some of my compatriots do as well."

Zimti takes a gulp of the honey mead and lets out a happy sigh. "I'm guessing soon, judging by the timing and all." The wayang looks to Janira and smiles. "I think I'm about ready to head out myself."

Any word on the crafting of the alchemical fire and the acid?

Giggles snarfs up the chunk of meat thrown her way, and settles down to a more comfortable position.
geez.. the little monster will make friends with just about anything that feeds it!!!
Janira nods in acknowledgement to the dark stranger across the room, and considers the conversations around her. "Aside from the fact that 1) Every creature has its place in this world and it is not up to us to meddle with their affairs, and 2) We would be fools to rush into unknown territories with weapons flashing, I believe that being discretion may be the better option here."

That seems reasonable. I've not checked PFS specific rules for crafting, but you should familirise yourself with them. I seem to recall you can carry one thing between scenarios for stuff like continual flames, not sure about alchemical equipment.

"We can pick up stuff you need as we head through Absolom on our way out."

Just buy what you need

"Remind me on the way out to pick up some Alchemist Fire and some more brandy. I wonder if there is some nice Kyonin Brandy to be found in this place and not Chelaxian fare. Very bitter in taste it is. I shall return momentarily ready to depart." Fenrik runs off to collect his belongings.

That seems reasonable. I've not checked PFS specific rules for crafting, but you should familirise yourself with them. I seem to recall you can carry one thing between scenarios for stuff like continual flames, not sure about alchemical equipment.

FAQ on alchemist and crafting the items

Zimti smiles at the leader Janira, downs the last of the honey mead and burps in appreciative acknowledgement of the slayer's generosity. "If you ever come across the brandy, I would be most delighted in sharing a drink with you and your shadow." He gives the mug a lingering look, picks up his gear and prepares to follow Janira on the glorious mission to the caves.

No further purchases beyond the update of 10gp spent for one flask alchemical fire and one flask acid.

Jazmine watches the entirely too excitable Fenrik run off muttering about his brandy. This is going to be....fun......

Yeap, you can start with whatever you need, either assuming you had already got it, or pick it up (off camera) in your trip across Absalom)

Fenrik returns with all of his gear packed. He falls in behind Janriva for the long walk.

The team works there way through Absalom. Janira seems to take her sweet time getting out the gate, but you do notice her wave to a halfling with a dog cart before she leaves.

The day is a long and hot one. Janira skirts various old siege towers left on the plains around Absalom. "That one is the Red Redoubt. Bandits live in there apparently." she says at one stage.

Her interests are scattered, as she points out butterfly's and odd bushes. As the day wears on she brings the group to a stop before entering the woods.

"I think that is far enough for today. If we set up a camp here, we should be able to make it to the cave tomorrow."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

While Zimti enjoyed Janira's observations and conversations, the day's travel was long enough that a sigh of relief escapes the shadowy man when the leader proclaims time for camp. Zimti sets down his backpack and finds a choice spot to stake out as he unrolls his bedroll.

"Now, I'm not saying we'll get into any trouble, mind you. But if, say, one of us were to trip over our shadow and have need of medical attention, I do have something whipped up that may help a little. Unfortunately, my concoctions seem to defy others' administration. Still working on that." He looks to the others in the group. "If we need another way to heal up someone, do any of you have something for the purpose?"

"I have a few spells that I could use.... if the nneed should arise Jazmine says as she plops down and begins settling her gear for the night. Giggles disappears into the brush for a time, and reappears with a small rabbit. She then settles down for her own dinner with complete disregard for anyone else that may mind her eating habits.

Fenrik wonders if that is Riften's rabbit Giggles found. Good catch either way. Fenrik spends some time finding enough soft brush to place under his bedroll... ah the finer things in life. turning to his companions Fenrik says "I don't do any magic, but if something goes bump in the night and I do not wake up, just give me a nice tap." He digs some trail rations out of his backpack and sits down on a log eating his dinner lost in his own thoughts.

"I am sure that Giggles here could wake you at need.... Jazmine says with a chuckle. though I am not sure that you would much enjoy it"

The night passes without major incident and early in the morning Janira gets everyone up and you head into the forest. The trees tower overhead keeping the day from getting too hot. The vegetation also grows denser.

Janira pauses for a moment from time to time 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."

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.”

Fate: 1d6 ⇒ 4

A howl echoes through the woods.

initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Time to roll for initiative, anyone beating a 17 can act, otherwise just put in a 'standing around confused' type post with your initative roll. The map link at the top of the page has the situation.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Zimti jumps at the howling. "What is that?!" The wee shadowy man cowers slightly as he looks around him.

Fenrik wakes up after hearing the howl and looks out to see if he can discern the direction of the noise. Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Still groggy from sleep he thinks what creatures are native to this locale to determine what foe awaits them. Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 It could be a wolf but one never knows. Unsure as to what lurks out beyond the campfire light Fenrik grabs his sword since he sleeps with it almost in hand. Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 At least he is able to firmly grasp its handle as he stands to see what occurs next. "Is everyone awake? Seems we are going to have a surprise party." Fenrik says to his companions.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Clearly hearing the howl and pinpointing the location of the wolves, Jazmine and Giggles both dart off to the east to engage that one. As she runs, she pulls her sling and fires off a round at the wolf once she stops.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
The wolf yelps, but keeps coming.

Giggles continues to run up to the wolf for her own attack
Claw attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Not sure what hit, so here are the stats anyway
Claw Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Claw Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Bite Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Is there any way that we can get a token marker for Giggles on the map?

i think the lizard looking pic on the map is Giggles

Fenrik rolls his eyes when he sees Jazmine and Giggles run towards a wolf to the east and he reluctantly advances as well, but just to a tree 30 ft away to protect his flank and to obscure the wolf's vision of him. trying to set up a flank attack to get sneak attack damage With his sword out he waits for the wolf to advance on either of his companions.

Good catch, Fenrik. lol I totally missed that.. Thank you.

have both of you been getting into my brandy...? wait a minute where is my flask of Kyonin brandy... it was just here... ZIMTI!!!!

No Zimti here. Just a shadow. No, really. *hic*

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

I take full defense.

The claw hit the dog, but the other claw and bite miss.

Jazmine's sling stone somehow bounches through the trees and also hits the dog.

The dog has cover

The other one closes rapidly on Janira.

The dog in turn tries to bite Giggles.
attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
It misses

Janira starts to encourage you all "Be no afraid, for just as the Venture Captain Dubrosse slew the dread deamon-dogXzyygst, so shall we see off these ones."

Status
Everyone is inspired +1 to hit and damage
Dog(e) - 3 damage

You can all now act.

Cursing her poor shot with the sling, Jazmine drops the offending weapon, and draws her Elven blade as she rushes forward to defend her dear friend.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Giggles Continues her assault on the beast
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Seeing that Jazmine and Giggles have the eastern wolf occupied Fenrik makes a mad dash towards the western wolf.

Fenrik double moves.

Zimti frowns as he sees the wolf close in too quickly, rendering his bombs as dangerous to his friends as to the animal. He steps over to get a clearer shot, pulls out a...STICK?!...and throws it at the wolf. "Beat it!"

FA: 5'step | MA: draw stick | SA: throw stick(into melee, PBS)

Thrown club: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 4 = 3 Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

AND add 1 to hit and damage!

The stick flies high over the wolf, disappearing in the bush a ways away. Without missing a beat, Zimti whistles at the wolf, and changes his tone instantly. "Fetch!"

As Fenrik is running over to Zimti and Riften he sees a stick fly from Zimti's hand over the wolf and land harmlessly away... he just shakes his head...

The first dog is ripped apart by Giggles. The second however tries to bite Janira.

bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

It misses.

Janira steps back and tries to trip it with her whip.
CMB: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 But fails.

"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.”

Status
All inspired (+1/+1)
All are up.

Zimti pulls out another stick and flicks it towards the wolf.

Thrown Club: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 4 = 17 Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Hope I got it right this time. Inspired(+1/+1), PBS(+1/+1), Into Melee(-4)

Realizing that was the last of his clubs, Zimti circles around the melee and strategically positions himself around the broad-shouldered slayer. "You have killed one of those before, haven't you?"

so.. two inspired is +2/+2, right?

I think this just means Janira is continuing her inspire courage. Unless we have someone else who can inspire courage I'm not aware of (I'm not familiar with some of the classes we have with us, so this could be the case, too). But, if it's all janira, then it's still just the +1/+1.

Similar bonuses do not stack. I just put the note in the status as a reminder of the bonus for everyone.