GM Dennis |
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.
MoSc Kreighton Shaine |
“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. Despite what others might tell you about the Wounded Wisp, it was 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 Gavix, friendly guide |
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, 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.”
MoSc Kreighton Shaine |
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.
GM Dennis |
You have a moment to ask Janira questions before she begins briefing you on the specifics of the mission.
-----
You may know things about the Isle of Kortos and the Kortos Mounts:
-----
You may have read about the origins of the gillmen in the libraries of the Grand Lodge:
Fiata Oe |
The sylph takes in everything that is said, but has little to add to the conversation.
Years of study and training have all lead to this. I should be ready, so why am I so nervous?
I will update my info bar when I get a chance (hopefully this evening).
Davneiros |
"Who is that gillman and can you assume why he went to the cave?"
Ask a young handsome guy with black hair and a black goat's beard and a short bow on his back.
Sorry I did not introduce myself, my name is Davneiros!
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
As far as I know at the center of the Isle of Kortos stand the Kortos Mounts, the highest points on the island. Entire tribes of centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs constantly vie for territory up and around the Mounts, with harpies being the most common at higher altitudes and centaurs controlling the lower slopes and foothills.
The gillmen are also known as the Low Azlanti, an amphibious humanoid race believed to be the last descendants of the ancient Azlanti people.
During Earthfall, the Starstone struck Golarion and destroyed the human empires of Thassilon and Azlant. It is said that gillmen’s ancestors survived the cataclysmic event because they received the blessing of an aquatic entity that allowed them to breathe underwater.
Meletus Molravi |
Knowledge (geography), untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
An austere-looking woman scratches her chin in thought regarding the information given. She has no visible defining features, neat black hair. A well-maintained crossbow and holy symbol of Abadar lie at her belt. "Unfortunately, this isn't my area of expertise," she sighs in a deep voice. "That more often pertains to pinning limbs to walls with well-placed bolts. I am Meletus, and you are...?"
Caena Coldmoon |
"Caena. I'm Caena Coldmoon. It's nice to meet you all." A dark-skinned half-elf with blue eyes and tightly braided hair nods politely to everyone assembled here. She listens carefully to Janira's explanation of the situation and Davneiros's detailed information, and then asks, "Are gillmen friendly to this Society? In general, I mean, since we don't know yet what these particular ones are up to."
Janira Gavix, friendly guide |
"Who is that gillman and can you assume why he went to the cave?"
“That’s exactly what you are being asked to find out. The only known permanent surface settlement of the gillmen is in Escadar. Why they’re venturing into the foothills of the Kortos Mounts is a mystery.”
"Are gillmen friendly to this Society? In general, I mean, since we don't know yet what these particular ones are up to."
"They're a very private and secretive people, but I've never heard of them being actively hostile towards us."
Janira Gavix, friendly guide |
Janira pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table. “Good questions! Also, 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 grew up with six siblings, in the Eastgate area of Absalom. When I came of age, I knew I wanted to see more of the world, so I joined the Pathfinder Society! That was about four years ago, now, and while I joined up to travel (and try all of the exotic foods I could find), I’ve really grown to love learning and the processes of preserving knowledge. I hope to one day have my work published in the Pathfinder Chronicles!
”Now it’s your turn. We've already started the introductions, but please tell me a little more about yourselves!” This is your chance to introduce your character to Janira and the rest of the party.
Vladamir Dufau |
"As I mentioned before, I am Vladamir Dufau. I have an older brother, Alexandre Dufau, who has adventured extensively with the Pathfinder Society in the past. When I discovered I have similar arcane abilities as my brother, I decided to follow in his path and join the Pathfinder Society as well"
Alexandre Dufau is my first PFS character, is 12.3L, and Vladamir is pretty much the same since I enjoyed playing Alexandre so much
Bahen Dayendrati |
A man in silken robes and a turban steps forward, jewels and gold covering his fingers and hanging from his neck. Reptilian eyes stare out.
"I am Bahen Dayendrati. I am from Jalmeray, near the small city of Prada Hanam. A Pathfinder there recruited me, for I have been touched by the gods themselves." Its clear that this man has a high opinion of himself.
Moving quicker than a normal man should, but not losing his composure of calmness, he takes a seat next to Caena.
"To forgo any surprises," he says, a forked tongue leaving his mouth, "I am not human."
Caena Coldmoon |
Caena can’t quite suppress a start of surprise at the sight of Bahen’s snake-like tongue, but then she recovers and answers with a smile, “Well, neither am I.”
Sensing that her turn has come to continue the self-introductions, she elaborates, “I am from a village in northern Garund. A human village, and I always grew up around humans, so please don’t ask me to translate Elvish - don’t speak a word of the language. These days I travel in the name of Erastil to honor and uphold his values of family and simplicity. Soon I hope to travel in the name of the Pathfinders as well.” She nods respectfully toward their guide.
Davneiros |
I already introduced myself. I'm an artist who loves singing and dancing. My voice is so enchanting that people around me feel better and stronger when I sing. I live to travel the world and sing about the battles and adventures I've been through.
Janira Gavix, friendly guide |
Meletus and Fiata, feel free to flash back to your introduction.
-----
“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. Any questions?”
Bahen Dayendrati |
"As I've said, I'm not from around here," Bahen says with a slightest hiss, "What 'local inhabitants' should I worry about?"
"And out of curiousity, the gillmen live underwater, yes? Do they live close enough to surface to see the moon? Interesting."
Caena Coldmoon |
“As long as you know the way there I have no more questions. Unless... are these the kinds of caves that go down or through? I might have to pick up some climbing gear if we’ll need to go up or down much. It’s not my strong suit.”
Is there time to buy any other equipment before we go?
Meletus Molravi |
"There is not much I have to say about myself," Meletus says slowly. "Much as I often wish otherwise, my greatest strength is in battle. Despite my preference for peaceful resolutions, my tongue is not so silver as my fellow Abadarans. However, combat skill will always remain a useful virtue, especially in the lawless wilds."
"I am originally from Alkenstar, but..." she pauses for a second as if in contemplation, "...It would be unwise to return after the events that caused me to leave."
--------
"Tomorrow night, at the Kortos Mounts," Meletus repeats. She fishes through a backpack and withdraws an envelope bulging with platinum coins. "So the journey will be a bit long, and pitons and the like could be of use. What is the rest of the area like? Preparation may be of the essence."
Davneiros |
"OK! Before we go I definitely have to buy the climbing kit."
Janira Gavix, friendly guide |
"As I've said, I'm not from around here," Bahen says with a slightest hiss, "What 'local inhabitants' should I worry about?"
“Centaurs control the lowlands and surrounding wilderness of the Kortos Mounts. The areas farther up the Mounts are controlled by minotaurs, and the icy peaks are home to tribes of harpies. They’re always vying for territory, but with any luck, we should be able to avoid them and reach the caves without conflict.”
Janira Gavix, friendly guide |
“As long as you know the way there I have no more questions. Unless... are these the kinds of caves that go down or through? I might have to pick up some climbing gear if we’ll need to go up or down much. It’s not my strong suit.”
Is there time to buy any other equipment before we go?
There is time for some quick shopping on the way out of town. In fact...
“Good idea to think about supplies! From what I saw of the cave, there shouldn't be too much climbing, though you can never be too prepared. 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. Do you have food? Does someone have a way to make fire? How about a light source? Does anyone have a means of magical healing? How about alchemical items? A flask of alchemist’s fire or acid can be a life-saver in some cases.”
Review your inventories. Not everyone needs to have all of these things, but Janira will make sure that at least one of you has them, and will encourage those of you with a little gold to spare to purchase some alchemical items like alchemist’s fire, acid, and antitoxins, if you don’t already have them.
Vladamir Dufau |
equipment: dagger, staff, Ioun torch, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, cold weather outfit, explorer's outfit, flint & steel, ink(1 black, 1 colored), inkpen(x2), mirror, scroll case (2; 5 paper in each), sealing wax (x2), signet ring, soap, trail rations (x3), waterskin
9GP; 1SP; 9CP left
Bahen Dayendrati |
"My blessing by the gods allows me to heal, and I've graciously received a wand the can cure light cuts and scrapes for my service to Lady Morilla. I've also got a flint and steel. Though, on the way out of Absalom, I should make a stop and buy a few alchemist fires."
Bahen will buy 3 alchemist fires. 75 gold pieces.
Bahen Dayendrati |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Alchemist Fire is 20gp, so 3 of them is 60gp.
and I was literally just looking at that. I'll use the other 15 go to buy an alkali flask, because I always wanted one of those
Davneiros |
"I just realized that I don't have the money to buy a climber's kit.I will just buy a food then and wand for curing wounds."
I will just buy wand of cure light wounds for 2PP and 6 trail rations. 18GP and 7SP left
Caena Coldmoon |
Caena opens up her bag to check what she brought with her. "I have a flint and steel and some torches. I have a wand of light healing, with just a few charges on it, in case of emergencies. No alchemical tricks, but those sound useful." She shudders at a sudden memory of a swarm of little crawling creatures that blades had no effect upon.
"I can afford a climber's kit, so we can take turns using it if it ends up being necessary. Oh yes, and I meant to buy a stronger weapon, if they have a good quality one here. As for food, let's see, I have five trail rations left, do you think that will be enough?"
I'll buy a climber's kit, masterwork scimitar, two vials of alchemist's fire, and an antitoxin: total 470 gold, including selling back my current weapon for full price (because she's level 1).
Janira Gavix, friendly guide |
"Caena, that should be enough food. We can always forage if need be. You and Bahen are wise to buy those alchemical weapons. They can sometimes be your only defense against swarms." Yay alkali flask! That's one of my favorite items that no one ever seems to carry but me in my games.
"Alright, well, I encourage the rest of you to make sure you have the essentials. You can stop on our way out of town if you'd like. We'd better be hitting the road, though, if we're going to make it there by tomorrow night." You can make any purchases you need on the way out of Absalom.
GM Dennis |
Your first day of travel is interesting, if uneventful. Janira points out broken siege towers as you pass through the Cairnlands, explaining what she learned from Master Shaine about the many times Absalom has been unsuccessfully assaulted. You make camp in a pleasant, sheltered hollow in some low hills, taking turn at watch without incident. You have time to prepare new spells, if you would like.
Janira wakes you up early the next morning and you press on towards your destination. As you progress 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 Gavix, friendly guide |
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. G. 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.”
GM Dennis |
Ahead of you, slightly off your path, a large tree falls. The loud booming noise as it strikes the ground causes animals all around to scatter and run, including a nest of snakes that emerge from a hole in a log in front of you, scrambling in your direction!
Initiative:
Davneiros: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Caena: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Fiate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Meletus: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Vladamir: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Bahen: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Sneks: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Janira: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
The snakes swarm out of the log and towards you, angry and fleeing the sound of the crash. Double move.
-----
Initiative:
Whole party may act
Davneiros |
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Guys, this is a snake swarm. It is a swarm of tiny sized creatures, which means weapons can damage it, but only do partial damage.
Davneiros shoots at swarm with Shortbow.
to hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Fiata Oe |
Know, nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Snakes can swarm? Who knew?
Guys, this is a snake swarm. It is a swarm of tiny sized creatures, which means weapons can damage it, but only do partial damage.
"Something is better than nothing, no?" The slyph slides up toward the squirming mass and brings her blade across in a low swipe.
Curve blade: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d10 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 +2 more to hit if the swarm can be flanked.
Well, next to nothing, lol
GM Dennis |
Guys, this is a snake swarm. It is a swarm of tiny sized creatures, which means weapons can damage it, but only do partial damage.
I should fix that. Non-bludgeoning weapons do half damage, bludgeoning does full.
Vladamir Dufau |
"Snakes, be gone!" Calls out Vladamir.
Vladamir takes a 5' step to his current position and uses his Arcane Bolt ability, (su)(ranged touch; 30' max range; 1d4+1/2L force damage; 3+int/day(7/day)) to attack the snakes.
ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
possible force damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Note: Vladamir has point-blank(already included) and precise shot feats
Bahen Dayendrati |
"Well, fine then, Vladamir, if you feel that way," Bahen says. He moves away from the swarm and draws one of his alchemist fires.
"You'll want to move away from the swarm. In fact, if we run from them, I doubt they'll pursue."
Meletus Molravi |
Meletus pulls from her pack a vial of liquid fire and hurls it at the swarm, going for a point where it will not wash over her allies. Unfortunately, her aim is off.
Alchemist's Fire, PBS, Increment Penalty, Precise: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 - 2 = 5
Miss Direction: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Damage, PBS: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Caena Coldmoon |
Caena stands frozen for a few seconds of indecision. Her immediate instinct is to step forward and attack the threat, but she really does not enjoy swarms, and she also has vivid memories of people tossing splash weaponry and accidentally landing it on their allies instead. "Bahen might be right," she says hesitantly. "Do we really need to fight these snakes?" She stays back, but pulls out her sling and loads a bullet into it, just in case.
GM Dennis |
Davneiros fires into the swarm, pinning a few snakes to the ground but doing very little real damage. Fiata has a similar outcome, slicing a few snakes in half but doing only a little damage to the greater swarm.
Vladamir fires an arcane bolt, but it seems to have no effect on the greater swarm.*
Meletus throws a vial of red liquid, missing the swarm but thankfully landing on the far side where it does not hit her allies. It lands far enough away, however, that it does not hit the snakes at all. Scatter due to range increment.
Caena prepares her weapon while debating the need to fight.
A swarm is immune to any spell or effect that targets a specific number of creatures.
Unfortunately, that clause is true regardless of component creature size, as far as I can tell. In this case you missed anyway.
Janira Gavix, friendly guide |
Janira steps back away from the swarm, drawing an alchemist fire which she holds out to Davneiros.
"Here, try this. It will probably work better than your bow."
She then begins to tell you an inspiring tale of Pathfinder glories of old. Inspire Courage +1
“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.”
Inspire Courage +1
GM Dennis |
The snake swarm moves forward, enveloping Janira, Caena, and Davneiros.
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Please make me a DC 13 Fortitude save vs. distraction on your turn. On a failure you are nauseated for the round, meaning you may only take a single move action.
-----
Initiative:
Whole party may act
Davneiros |
FORT: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Davneiros will move back and shoot again in snakes. and provoke AoO
to hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2