[PFS] GM Brew's The Confirmation 05-08 (Inactive)

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 also 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.

I instinctively run my hand over my closely shorn head as I reflect what was said. Master, I am afraid I am at least not very familiar with where we are going. Janira I am sure knows the way, but if we could obtain a map, not only might it show us the most direct route, it may also help reveal what the gillmen might be up to. Do we know anything about previous encounters with the gillmen by the locals either presently or in the past?

I rested my right elbow in the palm of my left hand, chin cradled in my right index finger and thumb.

Currently content to watch and observe from the edges of the room, a small elf studies those whom the Master of Scrolls had been addressing. She could learn much of both the task at hand as well as those she were to accompany by keeping her eyes and ears open. There would be time to ask any questions not raised later.

Or rather, take the information when no one was looking. For it was rare that someone gave all information freely.

Eloriand tries to picture the geographical area in question and recall any relevant history that may be common knowledge in an effort to lend context to the discussion.

Both knowledge checks are untrained and of course if the DC is higher than 10 then the rolls do not count.
Knowledge - Geography: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Knowledge - History: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Janira, hello, I am Eloriand. Are there any bodies of water near the cave from which the Gillman could have come from? When you entered the caves, did you find any bodies of water within the cave structure that could sustain Gillman?

Isador quickly scans the faces of the others seated around the table to see if anyone shows signs of alarm over the mention of the Gillmen.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

*ahem* Please forgive my ignorance on the matter but are these Gillmen aggressive?

Lady Janira, I don’t suppose you have any other information about why they would be interested in these local caves?

Isador tries to remember any information that may have slipped his memory concerning Gillmen.

Knowledge - Geography: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 (untrained)
Knowledge - Nature: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 (untrained)

Lady Janira Isador flashes her a quick smile Are the caves far from here and how many days worth of provisions do you think we will need?

*supresses a grin remembering a song about where's the map, where's the map, who's the map*

Janira smiles and laughs as she tries to field all of your questions.

My, what an eager group! That is not a bad thing, of course. I share your excitement about facing the unknown. That's why I am a Pathfinder after all. Now let me see if I can answer your questions.

She turns to regard the magus. An excellent question! Traveling is always easier, and a good deal safer when the way has been mapped out. Lucky for you that I took the liberty of doing just that during my own Confirmation. Don't worry, I'll be coming along this time so I will be able to guide you. She turns to smile at Isador, And, as far as provisions, the journey is only a day or so out, so four days worth of rations should be plenty. I am very impressed, your teachers have taught you well. Things like maps and provisions are often overlooked by younger members of the Society that are too eager to see some action. Preparation is essential.

As she speaks, her enthusiasm for the Pathfinder Society is readily apparent. You all can tell she truly enjoys being a Pathfinder and revels in the opportunity to discuss things like maps and provisions. After hearing both Eloriand and Isador's questions regarding the gillmen, she sighs and speaks to the group as a whole.

Ah, yes the gillmen. For those of you that are not familiar, they are a humanoid race much like humans, save for three piscine gills on both sides of their neck. They're a little secretive, but not outright hostile. Most live in or near the water. They do not have to spend their entire lives in water, though they prefer that over walking on land. They can survive just fine on land for quite a while.

Alas, I was unable to enter the caves when I discovered them. I just saw the gillman enter the cave. As for why they are entering the cave, that is exactly what you are being asked to find out. The only known permanent surface settlement of the gillmen is in Escadar. Why they are venturing into the foothills of the Kortos Mountains is a mystery.

Unfortunately, the collective knowledge of the group is focused in other areas than local geography or history. Even after having access to the Grand Lodge's extensive libraries, no party member can recall any relevant information regarding the gillman or the Kortos Mountains.

Also, thanks for clarifying Eloriand. I forgot to mention that the checks in this circumstance can only be made those trained in the particular knowledge skill. One can make untrained knowledge skills in certain circumstances that to not apply at this time.

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!”

As master Shaine stated, my name is Janira Gavix. I joined the Society just about four years ago, right after I became old enough to sign up. Initially, I signed on to the Society for the reasons most do, to see the world and sample its finer things. And by finer things I mean food,she giggles a bit then continues but, the more I studied with the Masters, Master Shaine in particular, I fell in love with all the knowledge the Society has gathered over their many years. Once I had a taste, I needed more and more and more. Now, it is my goal to add my own tales to the mix and become published in the Pathfinder Chronicler. She smiles widely to the group, and gestures one hand to them, palm facing upwards.

Ok, your turn. Let's go around the table and introduce ourselves. And tell us something about yourselves as well. How long you were an initiate? Where do you hail from? What are some of the things you excel at and what skills can we count on from you if and when things get rough? Those types of things. Janira smiles and rests her head on her hands, elbows on the table, as she waits and listens to the party's responses.

Sharp ears perk at the town name. She edges closer to the table while searching her long memory for any information she holds; though it does not seem to be a town that made much of an impression if she had been at least close to that area before.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

After hearing the... urging for schoolroom introductions, she had to resist the reflex of rolling her eyes. However, it was a good idea and now was better than later.

"I have gone by many names over the years but you can call me Kat. I hold no place home and have wandered from one end to the other and rarely in a straight line."

Jade eyes focus intently on the obvious soldier. She knew all too well the reservations most soldiers held towards her talents and wanted to be clear. Yet while her past had made her wary of certain prejudices, she made sure that it did not color her tone and kept it neutral.

"It would be best to think of me as a forward scout or recon expert. I am good with finding things most people miss and that including finding, disarming or flagging traps. I also excel at getting out of tight situations, no matter what that would be.

"Combat-wise I do best at range and do not do well in a straight up melee confrontation. Therefore if we get into such a situation and you see me scrambling away, it is to find a better vantage. If you cannot see me, they cannot see me.

"And that is when I am the most useful."

I smile as Janira tells about herself reflecting on my own past and then I listened intently as elven woman with hair the color freshly spilt arterial blood spoke until she finished speaking.

I am here because the profession of being an engineer and architect did not seem to suit me a few years back so I opted for the life off a legionary in one of the legions. I took to the life and it's requirements well enough; enjoying its challenges to include being bloodied in combat, but is was about 6 months ago that it was discovered that I might have more talents than being a legionary

I paused for a moment, lost in thought and memories of my first campaign

anyway! it was after a rather bloody affair that one of the he magii.....impressed upon me....that I might have a talent for the arcane as well as the sword. With some training behind me. I have the ability to draw upon Arcane energies as well as martial skills as a Magnus

I'm hearing a lot of what folks are good at. Let me tell you what I'm not so good at *picking lint off his padded shirt*. I'm not so good at swimming whilst dudded up with a mail shirt. Anyone have any idea if we're going to have to swim, considering our soon to be hosts have gills?

Isador glances at Caoilte for a moment before turning back to the group.

Well, I shall refrain from boring all of you with tales from my past. I applied for membership to the Pathfinder Society because I felt that it would aid me in my current calling of finding things of antiquity that were discovered, no not discovered, outright stolen from my ancestors.

During my travels, I have learned to tread lightly and to identify and disable all types of protective devices that were installed to guard the stolen items. I am sure that these same skills will be useful to the group.

As far as protecting myself, I am skilled with this short bow and I have become quite adept at shooting it in close quarters like these caves. I also have some mastery over the blade although I prefer to avoid physical combat

While I am quite skilled at navigating caves and tombs, sometimes the thieves were quite clever in hiding their snares which often lead to large amounts of blood leaving my body. I quickly realized that I needed to learn some of the healing arts if I wished to survive. While I am not a cleric, I can patch any of us with salves and bandages until we can return to safety.

Isador glances back Caolite and grins
I can swim quite well so if you get into trouble in the water just hand me your heaviest items and I will carry them to shore. I would suggest that your coin pouch be the first item.

.
In turn, Eloriand says his bit.

People call me Eloriand. I am a woodsman; a ranger if you will. I am handy with animals and I can usually hold my own either with my sword or bow. As for why I joined the Society, I suppose it is much the same as others. I joined for adventure and to see the world. Maybe i'll get the opportunity to give something back in return at some point.

Does her best to hide a smile at the banter, especially between Caoilte and Isador.

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.

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.

I have no more questions, it seems rather straight forward enough. IF things get messy or complicated there is steel and the arcane that should suffice

The red tilts her head slightly in acquiescence. "The sooner we leave the sooner we get there and we can get to the real questions that need answered."

Caoilte looks around at the group and then points to his rust stained padded tunic Obviously, this is my social garb. Gimme 20 minutes to grab my work clothes.

_
All set here.

you know, I do have one question. I do apologize for the last minute question, but just how are we being compensated for this venture? I am sure we all have some trade or profession that we can rely on to at least eat, but expeditions, even of a small nature can be costly.

Can we minimally expect replace costs of equipment, food and boarding, medical, resurrection services, burial if required, and continued research and training costs along with some sort of per day rate? I know are all charitable here, but none of us have been members of the Pathfinder Society Long enough to work pro bono or free at this point.

Isador glances at Havelockk with a feigned look of disgust

Well, I thought that you would be willing to perform these services for the greater good of the order but... apparently not... well, since the question is out on the table, what is the standard compensation for such missions?'

While I am almost ready to travel, I am a little light on provisions. Should I speak with the tavern owner or will our meals be provided?

And for the record, I do like salted pork.

Caoilte walks back in wearing a shiny mail shirt, gray cloak, shiny and oiled battle axe on his shoulder, iron cap and a shield with gray paint-over a hardly discernable diagonal black stripe. Greetings, folks. I've got my professional gear and I'm ready to move out. Who's in charge, anyways?

Caoilte leans his shield and axe against the wall, takes off his cap. Bye the way, the names Caoilte pronounced keel-tuh I can work and axe better than a lumberjack and I'm not afraid of scrapping when it comes to it. If we have to fight, I'll fight like hell, if you want to run, just tell me I'll run too but if you're going to stick it out I'll have your back, make sure you got mine.

Janira's eyes go wide with shock when Havelock asks about payment. She seems to be in disbelief, unable to speak. After a few moments, she composes herself. Havelock, I am beginning to wonder if this is the right path for you. This IS your Confirmations after all. I mean, this is the whole reason you sought to join the Pathfinder Society, right? Just making it this far is a privilege. So few prospective members even get the chance to attempt a Confirmation. I have no doubt the masters instructed all of you in what in means to be a Pathfinder. EXPLORE, REPORT, COOPERATE. Notice I did not say compensation! I am rather shocked. I must say. Usually the masters weed out you mercenary types well before you attempt a Confirmation! Master Farabellus must see something special in you Havelock.

Janira lets out a long sigh and addresses the group. I hope you all do not share share Havelock's sentiments. I am sure you are all aware of all the Society provides for you while in their service. Lodging, instruction, access to the most coveted library in all of the Inner Sea and beyond. Also, knowing you are part of something greater than yourselves. As you well know, you are expected to be self sufficient. As a Pathfinder, you will be sent to all the corners of Golarion to see to the Society's business. On your journeys, you may acquire anything you have a legitimate claim to as long as it is not something the Society has sent you to acquire or would need it for further study. That should be enough to see to your expenses.

Janira shakes her head and seems to relax some. I am sorry Havelock, to all of you. You are all fresh recruits and your question is not unexpected. It's just, well, I feel very strongly about the Society. It has changed my life, and will change yours as well if you give it the chance. My Confirmation was the high point of my young life, and I was hoping to lead all of you to find a similar experience. To that end, let us get ready to move out.

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.

_
Before everyone begins setting up camp, Eloriand says I assume we will want some sort of watch rotation. We should probably set the watch order as soon as possible so all concerned can plan their meals and rest schedule around their watch position. I'll take whichever watch position is left after everyone chooses, but I do suggest the people with better night vision take the watches in the middle of the rotation.

That's fine by me. My night vision is horrible. I'll sleep right over there. G'night.

With six people in our group we can either each take a short watch, or pair up and split it into three shifts. I personally do not care either way.

As she talks Kat looks through the trees, getting a feel for their camp site.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Knowledge (Nature) is coming from the Devotee of the Green Trait but since I have yet to put any points into it, I'm just using the INT mod. Not sure if it is untrained or not...

Isador scans the campsite looking for areas that may conceal the approach of an unwanted visitor

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Isador looks to Janira Do we have a cold camp or is it pretty safe to light a fire? I am starving after that force march; are we going to eat as a group or will everyone just fend for themselves?

I think it is prudent to have two people on watch. While we are not too far from the city, these lands are not the most hospitable and we should take advantage of our numbers. I will volunteer for the first watch.

Isador takes the Alchemist Fire that he pickd up as they were leaving and places in the center of the camp along with the antitoxin. *mumbles about the fragile containers* These will be safer here I think.

Isador looks for a rock outcrop or a tree that will support his weight. If either of these is within close proximity of the campsite, he will attempt to climb them to obtain a better vantage point after the rest of the party settles in for the night.

Climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

She makes a noncommittal sound as she continues to scan both the campsite and the area surrounding it. If everyone is in agreeance for doubling up on watches, then I would also suggest that we pair up so that there is one who prefers ranged weaponry with one who likes to get up close and personal.

For instance, since Isador volunteered for first watch he could partner with Havelockk. Caoilte and I could take mid watch, unless of course, he would prefer third watch to get in his beauty sleep. That would leave Eloriand and Janira for last watch. This is just a suggestion, for as I said earlier, I do not have a preference.

_
Two to a watch is fine with me. Third shift is agreeable as well.

If we are having a fire and the people on first watch would like a hot meal, Eloriand has no problem preparing their food.

Just in case it is needed:
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Eloriand will bed down quickly after eating. Third watch will come fast. He is sleeping in his hide armor.

If the story progresses to Eloriand's watch directly, he will have his bow at the ready during his watch.

Caoilte drops his cap, and leans his sheild and axe on a tree next to where he's dropping his baggage. Hey look, if we're going to have a fire anyway, I'll pull first watch. Points at his eyes I can see better that way anyhow He pulls his handaxe from his belt, produces a small whettstone and runs it along the edge of his handaxe, frequently thumbing the edge.

_
After reviewing the penalties for sleeping in medium armor, Eloriand will NOT be sleeping in his hide armor

I would recommend that we go with two to a watch...based on the hours of darkness this time of year and that we have only marched a single day, I think we do it easily enough. we should look at fortifying the camp as well.

i look at my compatriots and I suppress a grin only wondering if they have a real clue in how to properly fortify a camp, and then I come to the quick realization that even if they did, it would be completely realistic before I make my suggestions

I would recommend that we we set up from snares and other basic security measures minimally 30-50 yards from where we plan to make the center of camp. If we move to the spot over there in the clear, it will allow for cleared fields of fire....and while that will make us more visible...it will also give us the advantage of having nothing unwanted sneak up on us. we can also stack some of this deadfall into little tripods....almost like giant caltrops...out on the perimeter. It will not stop a hardened attack, but it will be enough to trip somebody up...and make a awful racket, especially if we also place some dried dead fall leaves and twigs in-between them. Granted, its not a proper marching camp, but unless we are wanting to dig a six foot by six food wide trench around us with freshly cut sharpened stakes on top of the spoil, this might be the best we can do with the limited resources...and lack of pioneer tools

I shake my head remembering my training as the first time I had to dig a fortified trench. Dirty, hot stinky, with my hands all blistered after only a 10 mile road march. I think I thought I was being tortured...especially after the Optio seemed to have is eyes bulge out of his eye sockets like a bug bear and remind what a sorry excuse for a recruit I was and some other nonsense about family heritage running down my mothers backside..and then proceeded to give me a good wallop with is staff on the back of my calves.

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, Eloriand spots three giant fleas that he believes are sizing up the party for a late afternoon snack...

Party initiative rolls:

Kat: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Havelock: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Isador: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Eloriand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Caoilte: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Janira: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Initiative Order:

• Eloriand
• Flea3
• Janira
• Caoilte
• Kat
• Havelock
• Flea1
• Flea2
• Isador

Ok gang, take your actions. Battle map can be accessed by hitting the link at the top of the page that says "Current Map". Please let me know if you have difficulty seeing it as this is the first time I have posted a map. I think I was able to cobble it together. It is not interactive, so if you move you will have to tell me by directions and squares. Good luck folks!

Presuming the top of the page is North...

Kat lets out a string of colorful curses in a variety of languages while taking stock of the situation. For some reason I get the feeling they are not vegetarians..., she eventually mutters.

Typically she would prefer to try and flank while others grabbed attention, but this time it seemed that the one to the North has an uninhibited view of her and she was fairly certain that it looked hungry for a piece of elf meat.

She draws an arrow and nocks it before taking careful aim. Moving only enough to keep an unfettered view between her and the flea to the North she waits until someone else makes the first move before loosing her arrow.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 1

_
Eloriand steps forward and draws a bead on the creature to the north west.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 1 = 7
Ranged Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

dons +2 flea collar

Caoilte moves forward banging his shield with his axe in an attempt to draw the fleas to him. Yaaaagh. You dirty bloodsuckers. Turns to the party and says Imagine the dog they ride on. Oh and any time now with the arrows there, ladies.

If any of the fleas move too close, close enough for me to hit them, lets say then I'll attack

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

likely a whiff, but oh what a damaging wiff

_

... Imagine the dog they ride on...

Unconsciously, Eloriand imagines a monstrous mangy hyena in his minds eye.

Isador quickly pulls his bow to the ready and tries to estimate the distance to the fleas.

I count 3 of the beasts.. let me know if anyone sees more.

Isador looks at Caolite and lets out a sigh. Even you can clearly see that they are out of range for a bow but don’t worry, I will put an arrow in’em as soon as they get close. Assuming your big mouth is not in the way. he grins slightly.

Isador stands his ground and prepares to fire at the first flea to enter his range given a clear line of sight.

Attack (Shortbow): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Damage (Arrow): 1d6 ⇒ 6

Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Caoilte moves 10' to the north to prepare for an attack. Folks, I'll see about this one if it moves closer. Can maybe an archer or two get the bugger over there? points to the north west There's all them fallen trees in the way and you can get at him better than I can.
I was finally able to download the map

[i} I look at each of the three creatures...my heart accelerating while time seemed to slow down...my mind races back to one of my more basic lessons....Observe...Orient...Decide and with that I outstretch my left arm while uttering the words that form energy in my hand...to then go racing off to nasty critter to our left rear flank....or what I would assume would the general direction of west..south west[/i]
Cast Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I smiled in grim satisfaction as I felt the spell launch with a rapid straight line of trajectory solidly impacting on the critter

Alright folks!, lets look sharp and lets not forget about the one to our left rear that thinks it can flank us.....oh hell no you don't!!

are we to make the assumption that the top of the map sheet is north, with left being west and East being right?

And the first battle begins!

Eloriand barks off a warning to the party as he spies the giant vermin ready to pounce. He quickly steps forward, draws his bow and quickly fires off a shot at one of the readying fleas. His shot is off, likely due to the rush to warn the others and to draw his weapon, and his arrow sails high of the mark.

Though Eloriand's warning was just in time, most of the party cannot react fast enough to get the drop on the hungry critters. The southernmost flea leaps into the air, closing the distance between it and the party within moments. The flea flies toward Caoilte, crashing into the burly fighter and bouncing off the warrior's armor.

As the battle unfolds, Janira turns to the party and begins to speak loudly and forcefully. To the fore, Pathfidners! As Durvin Gest turned back the tides of rats beneath the sewers of Daggermark, so shall we repel these wee beasties! To arms! To arms! To arms! Her words re well spoken and generate a sense of confidence in courage to the party.

Janira's inspiring words grant the party +1 to attack and weapon damage and to save against fear and charm

Caoilte draws his axe as the flea hurtles into him. He takes a might swing at the intruding bug, but the axe glances off the thing's thick carapace.

Seemingly out of pure reflex, Kat snaps off her bow and fires an arrow straight into the north bug before the critter can become air born. She plugs the flea in its left eye, send the shaft in up to the feathers. The critter lets out a high pitched whine before falling over, twitching its legs as it bleeds out.

Havelockk is eager to join the fray, as he finally gets a chance to test his martial prowess, calling forth his inner arcane power. Drawing a bead on the southernmost flea, he tracks it as it launches itself into Caoilte. He sees Caoilte take a swing at the beastie with his axe before firing the arcane magic in a ball of white blue energy, blasting the flea with a sickening sizzle. The bug keels over, a large smoking hole in its carapace.

The last remaining flea launches itself at Caoilte much as its partner did, using Caoilte as a surrogate giant mangy dog. Critter 2 has as much luck as his fellow, bouncing harmlessly off Caoilte's armored hide. The bug lands on its back, and long disgusting flea legs wiggle rapidly and wildly as it begins to flip back over for another attack.

Isador, a bit shocked by the sudden action, quickly comes around and draws his bow, knocking an arrow. He tracks one flea, then another as his fellow party members take down his first two targets. He finally draws a bead on the last bug, carefully following the critter as it flies into the air and bounces onto the forrest floor. Focusing his incredible aim, he fires a shot which cleanly flies through the space in between the crook of Caoilte's arm and body and thunks into the belly of the beast. The arrow digs deep, stopping the wildly kicking legs in a sudden eerie silence, the arrow piercing the bug's heart.

Wow, congrats guys. You felled the first combat encounter in one round. Stellar work! Just as a reminder, sneak attack damage is only applied at range if the target is within 30 feet (6 squares). Over all, great first fight.

Since I'm not quite sure at this point in time on translating languages, and since most of the group seems to be able to speak or understand elvish anyway...

The red head makes a universally rude gesture at the twitching corpses before calling out in the lyrical language of the elves, I am not a free-for-all buffet; if you want a piece of me you have to work harder than that! before dropping into some of the more colorful slurs of more inherently vulgar languages.

Feeling eyes on her she turns around to regard her companions with a quirked eyebrow. What's the point of knowing a language if you cannot use it to its fullest extent?

Kat then climbs on top of the fallen tree behind her and surveys the area, including the bugs, or at least the pieces of the bugs still left in her line of vision. With a slight frown she turns to Eloriand You're a woodsman, right? I do not know about you, but I am not used to such large fleas in the woods I tend to walk. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Though, she turns a cheeky grin at Caoilte, they did seem particularly fond of Caoilte. Perhaps they were just missing their normal host and found him to be a suitable substitute.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 ⇒ 13 Untrained

And I thought flea collars were supposed to repel them, not attract them. I think you may have put on a faulty one there...

It was all me
They didn't seem all that tough, but I think it's best to make sure. Caoilte moves to any still twitching bugs and ensures they are dead. He turns to Kat, while wiping bug splatter off his axe. I guess it's my natural charm. No kiddin' though, I've seen this before, and if we do it right they do come after me. points to his shield and mail shirt. It's less than what I'm used to but still leaves me as the guy with the toughest shell in our little band.

Oh, I was definitely not complaining. You can have all of the attention, for I doubt I could withstand any of their... affection... I do not do well with overzealous kisses and hugs.

Yep, you can have all the freaky fanservice.

_
Well done everyone. Not that I was able to hit MY mark though.

If Eloriand happened to notice where his arrow went he will try to retrieve it. On returning to the group, he examines one of the creatures and speaks in Elven, By all accounts, these critters must indeed be fleas, but I have never seen their like before lady Kat. Eloriand, continuing to use his dagger to move the creatures floppy bits around will make mental notes to satisfy his naturalist curiosities.

She replies to Eloriand in Elven, I have been called many things over the years and 'lady' is rarely among them. There is no call to be so formal with me so please do not feel like you need to included a title.