[PFS] GM Brew's Confirmation 2 05-08

Game Master Wicked Brew

The year is 4714 AR (Absalom Reckoning). You find yourselves in Absalom, the City at the Center of the world on the isle of Kortos. You have joined the Pathfinder Society, either by design or because you were recruited. After months of training, you find yourselves on the cusp of becoming full fledged members of the Society.

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 each of you have shown your worth and dedication to the Society, so there's no better time to see if you can handle becoming full fledged 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, Jaina 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 Mountains, 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 gillman.

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 gillman are up to in there. Oh, and you need to come back alive as well. With those parting words, the Master of Scrolls jumps off the table and strolls out of the building while humming to himself.

Janira smiles brightly to the party and awaits any questions you have.

You may make Knowledge (Geography) and Knowledge (History) checks if you choose to determine your level of familiarity with the subjects brought up by Master Shaine and Janira. Though you may have seen each other during your training and know each other in passing, this will be the first time you have all been brought together on a mission.

Despite being indoors one figure keeps the deep cowl of their cloak drawn low over their face. They take a chair but continue to lean almost heavily against a well-worn walking staff, their head cocked halfway to the side, canted towards the staff they rest against.

Refusing to be the first of the group to break their silence they take a moment to review their limited knowledge.

Tsukai scans the room and examines his fellow recruits. Stepping from the shadows, his reptilian appearance is evident as the lamplight highlights the intricate patterns on his scaled skin.

Speaking with a slight hiss as his forked tongue develops words that he is not accustomed to speaking, Tsukai addresses the small but exuberant pathfinder

Greetingssss Jan...Janiras. I am Tsukai He tightens his posture and gives a respectful bow of his head I am honored to be chosen for thisss mission. What provisionsss will we need? Can you tell usss if the gillmen are dangerousss?

The silent young man seated at the front of the room turns his head upon hearing the hiss of the strange creature behind him. His eyes widen a moment before relaxing a little.

This is certainly unexpected.

Glancing between the lizardman, Janira and the door that Master Shaine just exited, he seems as if he is considering running after the Master of Scrolls. He closes his eyes as his hand covers the wooden disk hanging about his neck and his lips move ever so slightly.

After a moment, he regains his composure and addresses the party.

My name is Gabriel Angelos, servant and acolyte to the Dawnflower. I offer my services and divine gifts to this group as we start our confirmation process.

Looking at Tsukai and then to Janiras.

A good questions that. Will the Pathfinders offer us any traveling provisions? Also, since you were already at these caves, do you have a map of them and the surrounding area?

The cloaked figure makes no move to expose themselves but does speak with a quiet and somewhat lilting voice of a female.

I am Kin'zuki, though most tend to call me simply Kin'zu. Will the fact that I am more of a scholar than a fighter... no, let me rephrase to be more accurate. I am a physically weak scholar with limited sight, the best I can do if things get physical during our excursion is to stay out of the way. On the other hand I do have limited healing skills at my command. If this is going to be an issue, we should figure it out now.

Oh, well, looks like this is going to be a interesting bunch to travel with. I'm Arklore Flavii and its a pleasure to meet you all. I am sure that we will find a way for our talents to all work for the greater good. While I can use a blade, my main skills lie in the arcane, which come natural to me.

With a smirk I relax back in my chair, looking at each of the individuals seated, not sure what to really think or expect at this point.

Janira smiles as she listens to her future fellow Pathfinders introduce themselves. After Eloriand tells his tale, Janira claps once and begins to speak to the party, beaming with excitement as she does.

Janira smiles and addresses Gabriel and Tsukai, Well, you all should have a minimal stipend already which should be enough to equip you for the mission. As you may know, the Society does not offer direct compensation but does aid its members with lodging and basic needs through our various lodges. As for expedition needs, you will need to kit yourselves. Anything we find, however, we will share equally unless, of course, we find something truly extraordinary that requires us to log it with the Society.

Janira gives Tsukai a nervous smile as he asks if the gillmen pose a threat. The gillmen are a humanoid race much like humans save for the three piscine gills on both sides of their necks. They’re a little secretive but not outright hostile. Most live in or near the water.

She then turns to Gabriel I have been to the caves, but do not have a map of them just yet though I plan on making one on this expedition. The surrounding area has several maps, but none that I know of that detail this particular area.

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.

Janira quirks her brow and looks over the group, a clear sign she is ready to field any other questions the party may have before they set out.

Gabriel smiles as he looks out the window.

A new day is dawning. The Dawnflower provides renewal and redemption with each sunrise. I will require a few moments to give thanks and offer praise but I am ready to leave after that is complete.

oh turning towards Kinzu We have each been given unique gifts and I am sure that yours will become evident and useful when the opportunity presents itself.

Brew, there was an error in calculating Tsukai's gear. I made the changes to his sheet and verified the items and cost on hero labs. I think something got deleted during creation and the money for those items were deleted with it

Tsukai retreats to the comfort of the shadows and speaks I am ready to travel

Well, best to be getting on our way once we are all rested and prayed on up. Sounds like a great chance to recover some ancient artifacts.

Smiling, I nod and make my way back to my comfortable quarters before calling it a night.

Waits a bit before getting up with the others, doing her best to be neither first nor last without appearing to make a conscious effort to do so.

Janira smiles and, looking eager to get underway, once again addresses the party. 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.

Janira takes a few moments to go through everyone's gear, sifting through packs and checking weapons. Well, you are fairly well prepared. We might think of picking up some Alchemist Fire, and maybe some antitoxin on our way out of town. Oh, and here Janira hands everyone some writing parchment and writing utensils. Use these to keep accurate and detailed notes of your mission. Keeping accurate records is essential to being a Pathfinder. Everybody ready? Great, let's move!

Janira leads the party west out of Absalom, through the Cairnlands, and out of the city. You spend the rest of the day traveling into the forest. The trip is rather uneventful, though Janira does her best to be a good guide and make the trip interesting. Along the way, she points out several distinct flora and fauna as well as one of the many derelict siege towers that litter the Isle of Kortos, remnants of failed conquerors. Near day's end, you find yourselves ready to enter the deep forest. Janira suggests that this would be a good spot to rest up and get ready for the more rugged leg of the journey ahead.

Janira will allow anybody to pick up any items, within reason, on their way out the door. As far as the note taking, you might want to consider actually taking some notes along the way.

Yep, looks like a good place to rest, though I think we should each take a turn at watch, or staying up and alert. There are still threats and other things that might do us harm in the middle of the night if we are not careful.

Tsukai doesn't have much coin left to purchase anything significant

Tsukai makes a clear attempt to avoid allowing his reptilian features to interfere with his speech I am...not acuss..accustomed to taking notes. I will make an effort. I agree that taking...watches would be...wise. I will take a late night watch Tsukai unrolls his blanket and sets his pack to the side. His sword is always by his side.

Kin'zu hesitates before offering aid during the watch, a half-frown can be glimpsed under her lowered hood. She turns her head towards arcanist and quietly asks, You say you are familiar with spells, correct? Have you ever been the target of the Obscuring Mist one?

Gabriel looks about the clearing and nods.

This will do well. I will take first watch but I would ask to be awakened before dawn by whomever has the last one.

is it safe enough for us to have a campfire?

Looking at the woman I nod with a smile, Yes I do have some familiarity with it.

I am aware of the properties of the obscuring mist, it is a very helpful spell when used appropriately.

Setting out my bedroll. [b] I am happy to take the last watch. I'll wake you up Gabriel.

Kin'zu looks at the magus setting up his bedroll then gives a small shake before cocking her head halfway to the side at their small guide as if to ask if she really had been dismissed without discussion or inclusion on the watch or if she was reading the situation wrong, but says nothing.

Janira cannot help but smile as she watches the party come together to discuss plans and strategies. She lets them discuss their intricate watch plans for a good few moments before she breaks in with a grin.

That's the spirit Pathfinders! I can tell you are all ready to be in the field. Your preparations are suburb, but I think we will be relatively safe here. We will not be out of commission long as we must get the caves by the height of the lunar cycle. I have made a light camp here enough to know that the more dangerous critters don't venture this close to the City. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the forrest we will be delving into tomorrow.

With that, the party makes camp for the night, ready to set out early the next day. During their light trail supper, Janira regales the group with tales of some of the more famous Pathfinders. One agent in particular, Durvin Gest, seems to come up often. As far as the party can tell, he is one of the most storied Pathfinder's in history and has authored many tales in the Pathfinder Chronicles.

Shortly before dawn, the party breaks camp and begins to head deeper into the forrest toward the Kortos Mountains. You travel all morning and penetrate the deeper woods aroudn midday. 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.

As the party stops for a moment to gain their bearings, the previously serene forest is pierced with the sound a tree cracking and falling near the them. The noise starts a chain reaction, as several small creatures scatter from the loud noise. Among the creatures, however, some predators emerge. Almost immediately, Tsukai spots three giant fleas that he believes are sizing up the party for a late afternoon snack...

Initiative

• Arklore
• flea1
• flea2
• Kinzu
• Tsukai
• Gabriel

Map updated, Ark is up.

Erm... don't think the map is fully updated...

Kin'zu tenses in anticipation at the noise and her companions' immediate reaction afterwards. Unable to see what the others can she prepares to react when things get a bit closer to them.

during the time the party heard the commotion, would we have been able to ready weapons or will that be done during our initiative?

I arch up a eye brow, and with a wicked grin... oh this is interesting..i knew I forgot something...darn crossbow......chuckling at my own silliness I wait till the crab flea like thing is in range and I launch a glob of acid at it.

WAVACK! I send the acid glob, timing the beast's movement till its in range.

Acid Splash (ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

I watch the glob dart over the creatures head.. and draw my longsword.

looks like its about to get more physical

Are we up against 2 or 3 fleas? Narrative says 3 but combat shows 2

The fleas engage the travelling companions!

Arklore attempts to unleash an arcane glob of acid at one of the creaures but the attack fall well short.

The northern flea leaps into the air and closes the distance between itself an Kinzu in an instant. The little creature attmpts to sink ints mandibles into the foxy lady but Kinzu is able to avoid the attack.

The western flea also leaps into the air, flinging itself at Gabriel. The giant vermin lands on the cleric and is able to sink its biters into the holy man drawing blood and pain from a deep puncture. Gabriel takes 4 damage and must make a FORT save.

Rest of the party is up.

Getting an up close and personal viewing of the nasty bug Kin'zu makes a face and scampers back out of the way knowing she would be more of a liability at that point in time. She moves closer to Gabriel in case he gets further injured, healing spell ready to be called forth if needed.

Tsukai surveys the surroundings. Seeing his companions focused on one adversary, he directs his attention to the flea to the north. He leaps into action and attacks the flea with his sword.

Katana Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Katana Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Surprised by the tremendous leap exhibited by the beast and the sudden pain from the bite, Gabriel cries out in a bit of an uncontrolled terror.

Aggghhhhhh.. by the hells!

Turning on the beast, he swings his scimitar in a wide uncontrolled arc at his assailant.

Away with you...

Keeping my eye on the creature attacking Tsukai, I maneuver around the scrub and com in from behind, swing the longsword at it with a interlocked, double handed grip.

Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 2 = 15

I hit the shell and back leg of the beast...still on carapace.

LS Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Kinzu gets in position to aid the wounded Gabriel.

Tsukai attempts to cleave one of the bugs but misses badly.

Gabriel feels the dirty mandibles dig into his skin. He swipes at the nasty bloodsucker, cleaving the overgrown pest into two pieces, sending the tick's blood, likely mixed with his own, exploding in all directions.

Arklore uses the carnage to stick the remaining flea between the eyes, causing the creature to twitch and expire. Ark, do you have martial weapon proficiency? If not, you will take -4 on your attacks with the longsword. I assumed you attacked the tick with whatever weapon you are proficient with.

Out of combat

Kin'zu rests a hand lightly on an uninjured area of his arm and cocks her head to the side in silent question, offering her healing skills but deferring if he would prefer to invoke Sarenrae instead.

Yep, totally blew off changing the char before the time allotted for editing ran out. Whoops.

If the flea still lives due to a minor oversight in character creation
Attacks with Katana: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 2 = 12
Katana Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

If flea was successfully dispatched
I see I am in good company. Your are all very skilled Tsukai bows with respect I am honored He then heads back to his place in camp and begins packing his gear.

Gabriel looks down at the weeping puncture wounds on his arm upon hearing the offer of healing by Kin'zu. He smiles at the cloaked woman as he responds.

I told you that everyone had unique gifts and skills to offer our fellowship; I would be honored to accept your gift of healing. I will certainly return the favor some day but I hope that day does not come too quickly.

He watches in amazement as the wounds on his arm seal over at the release of the magic. He glances at the two small pink scars that reveal the location of the wound and nods.

You are quite gifted. There is certainly more to you than meets the eye.

He turns from the woman and drags his scimitar blade across the grass removing any remnants of the now deceased beast.

He scans the area looking for any signs of movement that might indicate that more adversaries are about.

I hope these are the only ones lurking nearby. That jump was amazing! It was barely visible in the distance and then it was landing on my head.

Thanks to Sarenrae for her protection and providence.

The party quickly dispatches the giant forest vermin. Gabriel inspects his wounded shoulder, but finds Kinzu already calling forth an innate mystic ability and the wound is magically healed fully.

Janira smiling, approaches and addresses the party. Well done Pathfinders. I will have to report that your first field engagement was a resounding success, but we must move quickly if we are to reach the caves by dusk. Janira quickly checks over the members of the party for any injuries. Seeing none, she directs you back to the trail and on deeper into the forest.

As they march on, the growth and underbrush thickens considerably. Eventually, the path becomes nearly impassable. Tsukai is able to find a narrow trail that allows the party to navigate the heavy foliage, sparing the expedition several hours of precious time.

The dense forest opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff. Thick vines cover the surface of the cliff 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! There’s little chance we can stand against it. 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.

I shake my head in disbelief. Head for the cave, the die is cast and we must play wha we have been rolled with that I head off to the cave, waving the others on.

Tsukai grabs the bag and darts off into the cave as ordered by the hafling. Upon reaching a safe distance he drops the bag and speaks to the group, still trying to control the guteral tones of his native tongue. You all will know better of what to do with items inside. My eyes are adjusting to darkness and I will search ahead. I will return shortly

His eyes go wide upon seeing the bull headed man burst through the undergrowth. He wastes no time heading for the cave entrance after Janira's command.

Once inside, he picks up the bag dropped by Tsukai and starts to take an inventory.

I pray that our guide still lives and she makes it back to us unharmed. Let's see if there is anything that can help us in our mission.

The party is quick to heed Janira's command, dashing into the cave entrance as the minotaur succumbs to Janira's taunts and charges at her in a rage with horns leading the way. The party knows with almost absolute certainty that if the bull headed humanoid catches up to her, she is all but done for. She has placed herself in great danger to protect the party and their mission.

The minotaur chases Janira back through the thick undergrowth that the party just navigated through. The charging behemoth continues its thunderous ruckus, churning up vegetation as it makes a mad scramble for Janira. As the party recedes onto the cave, the see the pair fade from view, the forrest amazingly returning to its previous state of pristine calm as they delve deeper into the woods.

As the party gathers to begin their trek deeper into the caves, the area is very dark, but Tsukai is able to make our the features of the passageway. The initial cavern into the cave complex is tight, roughly 3' across forcing the party to march single file. Not to far into the cave, the cavern widens to 7', allowing the party a normal marching order. The party can hear the quiet distant rushing of an underground stream and notices water dripping methodically from stalagmites throughout the cavern. Other than the distant flow of water, the cave is silent. As the party continues on, Tsukai describes vague outlines of petroglyphs on the walls of the caves. Without further illumination, the party cannot make out the petroglyphs.

The narrow tunnel twists and turns for several hundred feet before slowly opening to a wider passage. Tsukai spots a large hole that spans the cave’s width and stretches ten feet down the path.

The cavern here opens up to a 10' by 10' chamber. As Tsukai leads the party using his darkvision he spies an open pit stretching across the whole of the cavern floor. Peering over the rim of the pit, Without further illumination, no further details of the pit are apparent.

The pit cannot be avoided and there does not appear to be any other passages other than through the water laden pit. A search for secret doors or passages yields negative results.

Kin'zu brings her fingers to lips and whispers something too softly for most ears to hear. As she brings her hand down, palm up and away from her, four small wisps of light appear.

The wisps dance around her for a moment before descending into the pit. They will not stay for long, but it should be long enough to illuminate the pit and whatever is inside. If one disappears while the other stays then it has found an entrance or opening.

As for me, I wish to return and examine the petroglyphs we passed. I would advise using the wisps to your advantage while they stay, I cannot call upon them many times a day.

Gabriel stumbles along the pathway but he gets more concerned the further they go in because of his inability to see even his hand when placed in front of face.

He lets out an audible sigh of relief after Kin'zu creates the light orbs and he stoops onto one knee and bows his head.

Dawnflower, hear thy servant and grant me favor. I ask that you send your light to guide our way.

As he prays, the sun on his shield starts to flicker and emit a soft radiance. Soon the sun relief on his shield is glowing so brightly that it lights the entire passage as if he was carrying a torch.

he casts his light Osiron

Tsukai examines his surroundings and gauges the distance With some room, I may be able to make the jump He then looks for any protrusions to tie off a rope or possible ledges along the edge of the hole. He will also peer into the pit to determine the depth
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Tsukai looks to Gabriel
My sight may be good in the dark but the light is welcome.

After examining the hole Tsukai walks a few paces back where they just came. He will tie off his rope if possible and then prepare for his leap. I may need a little space Tsukai then takes off towards the pit and leaps across.
Acrobatic Jump: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
I am guessing the jump is easily made. I think the DC to jump 10 feet is 10. +5 for every 5 feet of distance

The light illuminates the pit. It is exposed, 10 feet by 10 feet. Kinzu's lights reveal a cloth bundle at the bottom of the 20 foot deep pit. The light also reveals the edges of the pit are smoothed making climbing the pit a bit tricky.

Tsukai, showing some incredible acrobatic prowess, easily clears the pit with a mighty leap. He discovers a plank on the other side of the pit that is easily long enough to be placed over the pit to allow others to cross.

best we cros while we can...never know what this place might hold...although that cloth bag at the bottom loots mighty curious....if this is a ancient gilman place...it might be a ancient artifact of Azlant...I wonder if I can swim down there and grab that?

Note: no water in the pit, just exposed.

I see crystal clear water. Go ahead and jump on in *wink* *wink*

Kinzu is the smallessst Tsukai pauses for a moment as he thinks about his next phrase and concentrates on his speech We could lower her down if the cloth is worth it? Tsukai holds out his rope and looks to the others

Gabriel moves forward to look into the pit.

Hmm.. It does not appear that original owner of, whatever that is on the cave floor, is down there. I would assume that if it had value, they would have taken it with them when they left.

Perhaps it is a trap meant to lure us down towards a beast that is hungry. As it is often said, curiosity kills the cat.

I am open to someone investigating the item but I would suggest only one go down and the rest of us prepare to defend them if things get ugly.

Looking across the pit towards Tsukai.

You said that you found a makeshift bridge on that side, can you swing it into place so that we may cross? I certainly do not possess your athletic ability; your jump was quite impressive.

Tsukai exposes his pointed teeth in response to Gabriel's request. It is uncertain if it is meant to be a smile but it appears rather menacing
I will do as you request, keeper of the light
Tsukai extends to the board to make a crude bridge for the others to traverse the pit.
You can decide on the cloth and I will look ahead. You may use rope if needed. Tsukai offers his rope if nobody has any with them and then works his way deeper into the cave
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

If someone is able to heft my weight with the aid of the rope, I do not mind entering the pit and retrieving whatever is down there. One never knows until they look.

Gabriel looks from the pit to Kin'zu and then finally at the rope.

If you want to go down into the pit, I will use the rope lent by Tsukai to assist your descent.

He ties the rope around his waist and then hands the other end to Kin'zu.

Just call out when you are done and I will pull you back up.