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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.
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Groaning at the early rise, Jedah hops out of bed quietly as to not disturb his previous evening's partner, glad for the excuse as he could hardly remember their name. Creeping from the room, using a small violet flame to find his discarded belongings, the Acrobat makes his way to the Pig's Paunch after taking time to get himself ready.
Stepping into the uncouth tavern, he looked quite out of place in a flowing, gaudy outfit of violets and blues trimmed in gold thread in places. Slung over his shoulder was a motley cloak of the same colours and his face was painted blue with Gold accents, the very hallmark of an entertainer.
Ordering breakfast from an overly tired maid, Jedah looked around for a free table and threw himself into a chair, balancing on the back two legs expertly, rolling violet flames across his fingers as one would a coin.
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After seeing the message, and taking several minutes to read it, Uko realizes that finding a ship to stowaway on to get back to Belkzen would mean he would not have time to get to this Paunch place before dawn... ... .... ... ... Maybe... Maybe he could stowaway later.
At slightly-over-six-and-one-half-foot-tall, with the crimson red mohawk that puts him over seven, the mighty (half?)-orc stands in the doorway looking the place over. Normally for a pit-fight he would come in the back way, his handler and the establishment's lackeys leading him to the hidden fight pit, a place only ever seen by select clientele, but this time he's not quite sure the note's scribe wants him for that.
He does not sit. Partly this is because he does not think that the small chairs could support his three-hundred pounds of weight (for Ukou was a burly collection of green muscles, build upon more muscles, built upon a prodigious frame, all covered in ink, fur and leathers) and partly this was because the chairs did not look comfortable.
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Vincenza stumbles into the Pig's Paunch and wrinkles her nose at the general...aroma of the place. She wanders over to the bar and plunks her backpack down on a stool. While attempting to climb up onto the next stool, she looks around the place, desperate to sight a bartender or serving girl, so she can order a cup of coffee. Possibly also some food, but first, coffee. She makes it onto the stool, and rubs at her eyes, barely noticing the other two people in the dining room.
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Katswiri pauses at the door to the Pig's Paunch, jaw cracking in a yawn as she looks at the dark, pre-dawn sky and contemplates why the message would summon her so early in the morning. With no immediate answer from the heavens, she sighs, removes her wide-brimmed hat and enters the establishment.
Katswiri's footsteps sound loud, armor clanking as she steps heavily on the floor despite her slight frame. She gives a friendly smile and a nod to anyone who makes eye contact with her, as she moves to take a seat in a corner table with a view of most of the establishment. Once seated, she takes out a journal and passes the time by beginning a sketch of her surroundings with a small set of paints.
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A small gnomish ball of energy and bright pink hair hops into the building with a stupid grin on his face. Almost gagging at the various smells, Kronas immediately puts his hand over his nose. Perhaps I should wait outside... He turns to leave again, but notices Katswiri in the corner and, with a beaming smile, he scampers over to meet her instead.
Sitting opposite, he braves the smells and removes the hand from his nose so that Katswiri can see his lips "You know, my great uncle Krumblewild invented something for just a situation like this. He had a sensitive nose, so he made these little wax plugs that you can stick up your nose to block all smells. Tragically, he died before he could make his fortune... Asphyxiation apparently." he chuckles to himself for a second, before continuing earnestly "Hello, Kat! It's good to see you again so soon."
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Ugh I hate these early meetings.
Link stumbles up to the Pig's Paunch unshaven but at least he's dressed. He's spent the past three night's at Hadriana's flat and learned that she really likes his morning after omelettes. Besides it's given him a place to crash after his long bar tending shifts.
The smell of the place doesn't phase Link in the least as he opens the door. It's what he's used to in his line of work both on and off the clock. Perhaps this Pathfinder life will change his fortune and he won't have to spend so many evenings in the tavern. Who was he kidding he'd still be in the tavern just on the patron side of the bar. As he steps into the tavern, he makes sure that his pistol is hidden under his long brown coat as to not attract attention. Looking around the room he spies two other Followers of the Open Road sitting across the room that he recognizes from his last mission. He saunters over to their table and pulls up a chair beside Kat.
"Why hello there Kronas, Kat! It's a pleasure seeing you two again. I take it y'all got the same message I did. Seems like the higher ups like the way we work together."
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Inside the Pig's Paunch, the air is thick with the scents of human sweat, stale tobacco, and leftover food. In various corners of the room are inebriates sleeping off their revelries from last night.
A serving girl who is practically sleep-walking is the only attendant in the shop. She looks up at some surprise at visitors at such an early hour, but is clearly too sleepy to care very much. She wanders over to take Jedah and Vicenza's orders.
Before she manages to reach the rest of you, though, a tall, familiar-looking elven man enters the tavern, followed closely behind by a halfling woman. All of you recognise the elven made as the occasionally eccentric Kreighton Shane, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls, while some of you recognise the halfling as Janira Garvix. She nods at Katswiri and Link, and waves cheerfully at Kronas from behind Kreighton. The elf walks leaps onto a table in the centre of the room, while Janira stands beside him. She smirks to herself at his weird antics but does not comment.
“Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please, have a seat!” With that, Kreighton Shaine 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.
Janira grins at the departing back of Kreighton Shane, looking at you with a knowing smile. "So, do you have any questions before I get into the mission briefing proper?"
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Inside the Pig's Paunch, the air is thick with the scents of human sweat, stale tobacco, and leftover food. In various corners of the room are inebriates sleeping off their revelries from last night.
A serving girl who is practically sleep-walking is the only attendant in the shop. She looks up at some surprise at visitors at such an early hour, but is clearly too sleepy to care very much. She wanders over to take Jedah and Vicenza's orders.
Before she manages to reach the rest of you, though, a tall, familiar-looking elven man enters the tavern, followed closely behind by a halfling woman. All of you recognise the elven made as the occasionally eccentric Kreighton Shane, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls, while some of you recognise the halfling as Janira Garvix. She nods at Katswiri and Link, and waves cheerfully at Kronas from behind Kreighton. The elf walks leaps onto a table in the centre of the room, while Janira stands beside him. She smirks to herself at his weird antics but does not comment.
“Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please, have a seat!”
Idly wondering if the sign: 'No Shoes, No Shirt, NO SERVICE!' might be applied to him Uko is taken unawares by the pair's entrance and even more at the elf's grandstanding. He reflexively draws his battleaxe and shortsword to the tune of rasping metal.
Misunderstanding the meaning of the word 'Confirmation' Uko lowers his blades protectively over his loin cloth.
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Vincenza gratefully accepts a cup of coffee from the serving girl. "You might want a cup of this yourself, missy, nothing gets rid of the sleepies quite like coffee." She buries her nose in the cup and inhales deeply, feeling herself wake up as the steam hits her. There really is nothing better than the first cup of coffee she thinks to herself. She turns as the elf enters, listening to his speech as she sips her coffee. She is intrigued by the idea of exploring caves, there may be some interesting opportunities for demolition in such a place.
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Katswiri looks up from her drawing as Link and Kronas enter, giving them a warm smile and a friendly wave. "Oh, hello! Nice to see both of you again." Katswiri stifles a yawn with her hand over her mouth. "That was quite the mission we went on together, I hope this one goes equally as well."
Katswiri joins the rest of the group around Kreighton Shaine, watching carefully to follow every word introducing their task. She gives a smile and a raised hand to Janira as she recognizes the halfling from her last mission.
Once Kreighton and Janira finish speaking, Katswiri briefly takes on a far off, unfocused look to her eyes, divine insight flooding through her mind for half a minute before she speaks.
"Hello everyone! My name is Katswiri. Some of you I know already." Here she nods to Janira, Link and Kronas. " and I am looking forward to working with all of you. I apologize if I may occasionally need to ask any of you to repeat your words. I am deaf, but have become quite adept at reading the mouth shapes of people near me, which works in most situations."
"As for the Gillmen, the histories I have studied say they were an offshoot of the ancient Azlanti, who moved beneath the waves when the starstone fell. Several prominent historians have speculated they were aided by the Aboleth, although any such alliance has not withstood the passage of millenia. It is strange to see Gillmen on land, however. It seems likely there will be water in the caverns, perhaps an underground river connecting the caves to the sea, or a vast underground lake. Janira, when you explored the caves, did you find any bodies of water?"
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Kronas stands beside Ukou during Kreighton's speach, looking up occasionally with an astonished expression Doesn't he get dizzy all the way up there? His eyes go wide when the Half-Orc draws his blades, and takes a few steps to the side to stand between Katswiri and Lincoln. He nods along to Katswiri's introduction and history lesson, giving a friendly wave to those he hasn't met before.
"So, do you have any questions before I get into the mission briefing proper?"
Kronas puts his hand up "Did you really see a Gillman? I've heard so many stories about them... Azlanti history has always fascinated me." He starts bobbing up and down excitedly, looking around at the unfamiliar pathfinders "I can't wait to start! We can become fully fledged Pathfinders and meet Gillmen... Janira, I think you might just be my favourite person in all of Golorian!" He seems fit to burst with excitment.
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Jedah just about accepts his coffee and ordered brekafast when the mostly companionable silence is broken by the appearance of the enigmatic Master of Scrolls. Taking a long gulp of his warm drink, Jedah forgoes the pleasure of eating as he listens to the Society Master intently and with the respect deserved. All the while they are still lent back in their chair playing with a small violet flame absent-mindedly.
Giving a start as the Hulking Half-Orc draws their weapons, Jedah falls backwards off their chair, but swiftly turns this into a backwards roll and a bit of a somersault to their feet, bowing deeply.
"Well that was an early morning wake-up call big man!" he says cheerily to Ukou before turning to what would appear to be his fellow team on this mission. "I am Jedah Dohma,Fire performer at Zuhasia's Genie Circus and recent trainee at the society. I hear some of you have been on a mission before? Fascinating you must tell me more!"
H then goes silent for a moment, not wishing to seem ill prepared and without a question for the Master.
"Are Confirmations not usually a personal thing Master Shaine?"
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"Are Confirmations not usually a personal thing Master Shaine?"
By the time Jedah gathers his thought sufficient for his question, Kreighton Shane had already started walking out the entrance and it seems that he did not hear Jedah, with his heads (and ears likely) in the clouds. Janira smiles encouragingly at Jedah, however, and replies on his behalf. "Not necessarily, Jedah. For some, like mine, it is indeed a personal endeavour. For others, depending on the assignment like this one, it would be a team effort. Especially if a group of initiates are found ready, like you are! Besides, that is the 3rd tenet of the Society: Explore, Report, Cooperate! Hence, how well you work together is also part of the Confirmation!"
"Janira, when you explored the caves, did you find any bodies of water?"
"Unfortunately, I did not manage to explore much of the caves as I needed to get back to Absalom urgently to report on my findings for my Confirmation. That is why Kreighton Shane wants us to mount this expedition, to get to the heart of the matter. I did not spot any obvious water bodies to the caves. Moreover, I personally saw the gillmen entering the caves on foot, which, as you've said, is something rather curious."
"Uh, err, um, no?" He looks around to make sure that his answer is correct.
Being the innocent that she is, Janira didn't quite understand why covered his nether regions with his axe when Kreighton was talking about the Confirmation. Thinking that he might be feeling lost, she does voice out her encouragement, though. "No worries, Ukou! We'll support one another. I believe you will all work well together!"
"Janira, I think you might just be my favourite person in all of Golorian!"
Janira grins at this, and blushes somewhat. "Oh, it's only my responsibility, Kronas. To guide and mentor you for the Confirmation." She laughs nervously before she continues. "To be honest, it's my first time leading a group myself. But I have every confidence in all of you!"
"Alright, let's get down to business!" Janira then pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table. "But oh, before we set out, we should all get to know each other first before we go through 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!"
"My name is Janira Garvix, but I've said that already. I joined the Pathfinder Society nearly 4 years ago after coming of age, and as Kreighton shared, was confirmed a few months ago. I'm the oldest of seven children, and I missed being big sister to them. I grew up in Eastgate, where my father still works as a porter. He drives a a dog cart to transport purchased goods from ships and shops to the homes of customers. I enlisted with the Pathfinder Society initially to see the world. I think Desna must have infected me with a wandering bug. Once in, I quickly took to the Scrolls and its focus on learning and preserving knowledge. I hope one day to publish one of my works in the Pathfinder Chronicles and be one of the esteemed Pathfinder Chronicler." She shares all this with great sincerity and earnestness.
She then turns to you. "How about you? Share with us a bit about yourself. And why did you join the Pathfinder Society? Have you had any field commissions so far?"
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Kronas nods and waves again "Greetings fellow Pathfinders! I'm Kronas, Kronas Kronglic and it's super awesome to meet you all! Jedah, I'd love to tell you about our last assignment some time, and may I say, it is so nice to finally meet a Human with a sense of style." He looks to Lincoln, Katswiri and Vincenza, slightly abashed "Umm, no offence guys. Ok, so my father travels a lot, selling Papa Kronglic's Miraculous Restorative Tonic. It's a family recipe." he adds proudly "My pa tells me that it can cure all sorts of ills! Only, because the Kronglics have been drinking it for generations, we've built up a resistance." he sighs, before continuing cheerfully "Anywho, he told me all these fantastic stories about the places he visited, and my mother owns a bookshop, so I used to read a lot of stories too, especially ones about the great heroes of the past. I joined the Pathfinders to witness the places and the heroes for myself, and maybe tell a few stories of my own." he seems genuinely proud when talking about his father and oblivious to the possibility that he is probably just a Snake Oil salesman.
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Vincenza finishes her coffee as the others respond to Master Shane. She is quite glad to hear that Katswiri seems to have knowledge of the Gillmen, as Vincenza only knows that they exist and prefer watery environments. That could pose a problem for her explosives...
She listens as Janira and Kronas introduce themselves. She sets down her cup on the bar and smiles. "Hello everyone. My name is Vincenza Santorini, but my friends call me Vinny. I grew up in Taldor, an only child, and I'll admit a bit spoiled by my parents. I took up alchemy after an accident at the lab next door to my parent's shop caused the building to explode. It really was quite a transcendent moment for me, I found myself that day. Now I blow things up for my living!" She grins, clearly immensely pleased with her life choices. "I've joined the Pathfinder Society for the monetary and explosive opportunities I expect it will afford. I would also be interested in hearing about previous missions anyone has gone on, as this will be my first experience with such things. I am very much looking forward to it, and getting to know everyone."
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Katswiri glances around, eyes flitting from face to face, focusing on each speaker's mouth until it is her turn to speak. "That sounds quite useful...Vinny." Her voice is soft, with a slightly slurred accent that seems difficult to place. "I worked with a gnomish pyrotechnicist on my very first mission for the society, and his explosives were crucial to destroying an animated serpentfolk statue and a gigantic amoeba. I would not be surprised if we found your skills similarly useful in our expedition."
"As for myself, I grew up deep in the wild deserts of Osirion. I was blessed and cursed by the gods at my birth, receiving divine insight into the past, present and future in exchange for my sense of hearing." Katswiri taps her right ear, smiling ruefully. "My parents died when I was very young, and I grew up in the wilderness alone, kept alive by these divine gifts. Some years ago, I made my way to civilization, where I learned to speak and read, studying everything I could get my hands on and taking the name Katswiri. Earlier this year, my scholarly gifts drew attention while studying ancient history, linguistics and arcana at the university in Osirion, and I was recruited into the society. I jumped at the chance to experience history in a more...applied environment, and have not been disappointed."
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Janira smiles encouragingly at Ukou, Jedah and Link in turn, but seeing that they do not speak up, she says, "Well, if you're not comfortable sharing just yet, that's fine. We still have time as we travel these two days."
She turns back to her open book. “Let me get 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.”
"For this mission, you would need some basic common adventuring gear, such as ropes, light sources, food, water and ways to make fire. Definitely make sure you are well-armed as we do not know what we would encounter. Both melee and ranged weapons, depending on the situation. If possible, also have a mix of blunt, slashing and stabbing weapons as some monsters are resistant to different types of weapons. And if you have the gold to spare, sources of healing, antitoxins and alchemist’s fire, in case of swarms, would be useful if you have the gold to spare. We’ll pick up any final supplies that you need on our way out of the city. Do you have any questions before we set off?”
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Jedah listens patiently to the others stories, from the explosive to the God-given and smiles at the interesting mix of those around him. Hopping onto the table recently vacated by Shaine, the performer slides gracefully into a meditative stance and nods at Janira's words of wisdom.
"Well, as I said I am a member Zuhasia's Genie Circus, a family troupe from the Isle of Jalmery which is currently run by Grandfather. Due to our proximities to the Various elemental spirits on the Glorious Isle of Jalmery, our family have developed power and control of the elements, as you can see."
As he speaks, the small flame in his hand flares into life, shedding a deep violet glow in the murky bar.
"I can control this flame and hurl it at our foes, I can also handle making fires and lights if needed. My family have spent long time travelling and I was needed to help out with the chores, we spent a lot of time in the River Kingdoms, which saw us suffer from the cold and damp."
With a simple gesture, Jedah creates a ring of violet flame in the air and flips through it, tumbling across the floor and landing back to his feet with a hope.
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"A giant amoeba, huh?" she says to Katswiri. "Sounds messy! And fun!"
Vincenza ticks through the items in her pack in her head after Janira indicates what they will need. "I have rope, a sunrod, and my thieves tools, as well as my handy lab on the go." She pats her backpack containing her alchemist's kit fondly. "And my bombs of course, along with a few things just for fun!" Her eyes glitter as she thinks of the shiny new firework she picked up recently. "Oh, and an assortment of daggers, a bedroll, tindertwigs and a torch...the usual things. I will need to pick up some trail rations before we depart, however."
She grins when she sees Jedah's flames, and applauds after his flip. "Oh, you and I are going to have a good time together I think!"
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Katswiri gives a short laugh. "Oh, it was. Made a mess all over everything when it blew to bits, but the experience it was part of was quite worth it." Katswiri turns serious, pondering Janira's words and rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
"Hm. I have some magical healing. I can heal both of my own power, and using a wand I was gifted on joining the society. I have a flint and steel for making fire, as well as alchemist's fire in case I am faced with swarms of insects or rodents, although I rather think they might be redundant in this group." Katswiri nods at Jedah and Vincenza.
"I have rope, and can create magical light. I can also create water, so we do not need to worry about thirst. I have some experience finding food in the wilderness, but it would be slow going, so I would like to purchase food before we leave. There are a few additional items I would like to pick up; a silver dagger, and some magical preparations in the event we must fight in the water."
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After jumping slightly, Kronas stares at Ukou for a few seconds with his head askew "Umm, well... err... Bless you?" he stammers, sounding a little unsure.
It doesn't take long before he starts bouncing again with excitement "Fire and explosions! This day just keeps getting better! But, I may need to join Kat and Vinny in a little shopping spree if you think we'll need all those supplies..." he looks at the others and says "All I have is soap." with a sheepish grin.
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Link seems a bit distracted but finally comes to.
"So I'm Link. Born in Andoran and taken by slavers to the Mana Wastes. After my parents were worked to death I was able to escape to the city and pick up a few skills. I've got my pack all ready for the road and with Serenity here I have everything that I need."
Link pulls his cloak aside revealing his pistol.
"Seems like we have a good crew with us here to come back in one piece."
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"So there are no final questions? One last thing before we set off then." Janira reaches into her pack and pulls out paper and writing supplies to distribute to each of the party member. "The Pathfinder Society's three tenets are Explore, Report and Cooperate. It is important for you to keep accurate records of your adventures to report to Kreighton when you return. This would also determine the success of your Confirmation."
Janira leads the team through the streets of Absalom, which is slowly coming alive as the sun rises. Along the way, you manage to pick up some basic supplies which you are lacking.
Once everyone is ready, Janira leads everyone out of the western gate of Absalom, and traverse through the Cairnlands. The party makes use of a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel. The long trek across the Cairnlands is uneventful. Along the way, Janira point out countless siege towers that are scattered throughout the lands surrounding Absalom, some heavily overgrown with moss. She shares that they are relics of repeated sieges mounted against the city throughout history but none successfully breaking through its defences. She also welcomes everyone to share stories of their past adventures or missions.
Just before sunset, the party pitches camp just off the trail. Janira shares that the next day, the party would have to break off the trail, cutting across dangerous wilderness, to reach the caves. After assigning watch, she urges everyone else who is not on the first shift to have an early night. She follows her own advice as shortly after dinner, she sets up her bedroll and is soon soundly asleep.
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I wonder if Kreighton would appreciate the report as a poem? How do they do it in Tian Xia again? 5-7-5, something like...
I saw a Gillman.
He was walking with purpose.
And then he was gone... Hmm, maybe not.
"I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep tonight. It's all too exciting!" Kronas says as he sets up his bedroll "Have any of you been on exciting expeditions like this before? I haven't. My first assignment for the society just had us" he motions to Katswiri and Lincoln "running around the city. It was great fun though... until those people tried to mug us that is." He sits down cross-legged on his unfurled bedroll, looking at the others expectantly, hoping that they were as restless as he was.
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Katswiri laughs, grinning. "Oh, I have, in a way. I've never been away from Absalom on a pathfinder society mission, but my first mission, before I met you Kronas, was quite the adventure!"
"Have any of you heard of the Sky Key? I was recruited into the society in large part due to my knowledge of ancient history, and my skills with languages, magic and ancient lore." Katswiri pulls out a journal from her backpack as she speaks, flipping open the cover to a painted page depicting a younger version of herself sitting on a bed, concentrating intently with her fingers pressed against a Mwangi man's throat. She quickly flips through the next few pages, detailed paintings of a grand library, a gathering of people, and a garden flashing briefly in the firelight before she turns to a page drawn from the point of view of a passenger on a ship sailing through the Flotsam Graveyard, the entrance to Absalom's harbor, its bustling docks filling the skyline.
"I came to Absalom just in time for the unveiling of the Sky Key. Many pathfinders were brought home to experience its mysteries, and to record what knowledge could be gained. My sponsors that granted my field commission felt my skills could be of significant value in the effort, so I made haste to arrive on time." She begins to turn the page, grinning and looking around the group. "But I could never have imagined what was in store for us! It all began when the fantastic machine summoned forth a slice of the ancient Serpentfolk capitol which stood here in the days before the Azlanti..."
Katswiri launches into a tale of magic, temporal displacement and perilous battle, complete with a number of illustrations of serpentfolk, ancient ruins, and various archaic statuary and carved relics. "...and that was how my first mission as a pathfinder ended. I admit, any mission will be tough to measure up after that one. We did find quite the cache of lore in my second mission, with Kronas and Link, but it wasn't quite as exciting even with the mugging." She turns to the last painted page in her journal, showing an intricately carved sarcophagus that Kronas and Link recognize. "Although, I did get a record of some lovely sculpture out of it."
Katswiri will wrap herself in her bedroll and talk to her companions for a time before sleep. She will request that she share a watch with at least one other person, so as to have at least one person who can hear awake at any time, and will spend her watch painting a picture of the campsite, its surroundings and her sleeping companions into her journal before turning in to sleep at the end of her shift.
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Vincenza unrolls her bedroll and sits down on it, pulling her alchemist's kit out of her bag. She opens her formula book and begins preparing a cure light wounds extract to have on hand tomorrow. While she is working, she listens to Kronas and Katswiri, then responds, "Never been on a trip like this, myself. I have tended to prefer plying my trade in cities, since there are more buildings that need taking down in populated areas." She caps the extract and stows it in her backpack along with her supplies and book. "Of course, there is a first time for everything, and I'm sure we're in good hands with Janira. Sounds you like have a lot of experience Katswiri, that was quite a tale! Your pictures are very beautiful."
Vincenza gets into her bedroll and pillows her head on her backpack. She joins Katswiri in conversation before gradually drifting off to sleep.
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Katswiri laughs, grinning. "Oh, I have, in a way. I've never been away from Absalom on a pathfinder society mission, but my first mission, before I met you Kronas, was quite the adventure!"
"Have any of you heard of the Sky Key? I was recruited into the society in large part due to my knowledge of ancient history, and my skills with languages, magic and ancient lore." Katswiri pulls out a journal from her backpack as she speaks....
Yep. Good thing we got a priest.
*Zzzz... Zzzz... Zzzz....* Ukou curls up and goes to sleep.|
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Jedah helps prepare the campsite with the others with an easy grace, delighting at least himself with a show of bringing the fire to life by creating small wisps of flame to dance along the dried wood. Sitting unnaturally close to the fire he listens to the tales with rapt interest, though he still absent-mindedly plays with a small violet flame as he does so.
"Fascinating! I haven't done anything for the Society per se, but this sure beats the misery of the River Kingdoms! So Janira, this cave, any nasty beasties, haunted manors or grand Azlanti Temples to worry about?!"
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Janira: "zzzzzzzz......."
Next morning after the party has broken camp, Janira leads the party off the track to cut through the wilderness. 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."
Just as Janira is keeping her wayfinder, a loud creaking noise is heard from a dead tree some distance behind you, as it starts falling over. Perhaps your passage disturbed its precarious balance. It smashes onto the ground with a loud *boom* that echos throughout the forest. Tiny birds burst from the surrounding trees and take flight. Small ground critters, too, burst out from their hiding places underground and in the undergrowth, dashing wildly away. A horde of tiny snakes swarm out of the ground just behind you. Sensing your presence as a threat, they writhe across the ground towards you to attack!
Janira shouts out, "Spread out! Don't let the snake swarm get near you! This species do not look poisonous, but the bite is still nasty, and can cause nausea! Remember, they are not too small, so your weapons can still damage them, although bludgeoning would be the most effective!"
She catches her breath, and shouts out words of encouragement. "They may appear frightening but learn from Selmius Foster’s race against a marid and efreeti on the isle of Jalmeray. Nothing is truly impossible and every situation can end in victory!" Saying that, Janira circles around the swarm.
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Kronas immediately drops his sack of 'loot' "There certainly are a lot of them!" Kronas squeaks as he fumbles for the sling hooked onto his belt "Is it just me or do they look incredibly angry?" After retrieving his new sling, he then starts fumbling for some ammo, dropping a few brightly coloured pebbles on the floor as he goes "Fizzlefarts! I wish I had more time to practice with this thing!"
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Ukou knows he is not smart nor is he wise, but as a fighter he knows the best way to win a fight is to avoid it. That, and he can count. The snakes outnumber them in every way except two. One the party is made of thinking beings not beasts like the snakes and Ukou knows that no amount of snakes could out think even him. Two, the party has all the legs. They could just move away from the beasts. Ukou could even carry two of the little ones and still out distance the snakes.
Alas, the words of his tavern friend become manifest before his eyes. His friend had told him, 'this Murder Hobo Society you are now apart of, they would throw alchemist's fire at a swarm of oil elementals in a methane-filled mine shaft' the way their masters have them indotronated. Ukou wondered what 'methane' was, but his friend Zurnzal was a wise an ambitious half-orc who knows a a lot of stuff.
He draws his alchemist's fire....
"Fools! Get back!"
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Ukou's vial of liquid fire smashes into the midst of the snakes, blasting a significant number of them into crisps. Together with Jedah's attack, the area starts to smell rather aromatic of barbequed snake meat.
First blasted by Ukou, then burnt by Jedah, the snakes writhe across the cross towards Jedah, catching Janira also in their midst.
Janira turns green as the snakes swarm over her, leaving her with countless bites, and she desperately tries to swat them away.
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Link's aim is true, and his bullet punches through whole swathes of the snakes. The remaining handful of snakes, some of them still burning from Ukou's alchemist's fire, scatter back underground.
Shortly after the snakes stop swarming over Janira, she quickly recovers from her ordeal, although still slightly pale. She smiles wanly, yet with real pride, at Link. "Yes, you did, Link. Yes, you did."
She then swiftly moves to Jedah and lays a gentle hand on him. She sings a soothing tune. All of Jedah's wounds quickly close. After that, she then does the same for herself.
Only when that's done does she turn and look at all of you proudly. "Good job! You dealt with that threat quickly and efficiently. Ukou, that was courageous, trying to distract the snakes from us. You would all go far as Pathfinders!"
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When the adrenaline high from the battle eventually fades, Janira urges the party to quickly set forth. "We have to get there before nightfall before moonrise, if we want to have a chance to catch the gillmen."
As the group continues to travel through the wilderness, you find trails blocked by fallen objects, shortcuts overgrown, and other minor delays that cost you time. Janira turns to you, somewhat discouraged. "I’m sorry, the trail must have overgrown significantly since I was last here a few months ago. Come, we need to work together to find the trail. This is not my forte, having lived in a city my whole life. Can anyone take the lead?"
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"Don't worry Janira, we'll find the way. There is no way I'm missing the chance to see a Gillman!" Kronas say encouragingly. He turns to Katswiri and asks "Hey Kat, didn't you say you grew up in the great outdoors? Did you develop a sense of direction? I'm pretty good with directions myself, I mean, I hardly ever get lost anymore... Only once or twice a week." he sounds strangely proud of that fact "But out here I'm not so sure. I could help you though! See that broken twig over there? Well, I bet a Badger did that on its way to a trail over there." He points in a seemingly random direction.
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"I did, Kronas. I have far more experience tracking across great dunes and windswept crags, but some things stay the same everywhere." Katswiri looks at the sun, then crouches down to examine the ground and underbrush in the area. "Let us break for a short time, and I will attempt to divine the path forward. There is much to see in the movement of birds on the wing, and much to learn from the interconnections of the natural world."
Katswiri wanders about the area, examining the sky, the trees and nearby bushes for the movement of birds that could help foretell which path is true and which is false.
After ten minutes or so of examining the sky, the trees and her surroundings, Katswiri will return to Janira and nod "I believe I can find the way, or will try. May I borrow your wayfinder, Janira, to aid in the navigation?" Katswiri examines the device, compares it to the position of sun, then glances at the underbrush with a far off look in her eye before pointing the same way Kronas went. "I think you're right Kronas. This way. If anyone sees signs that might point the way, tug my sleeve so I can examine them." Katswiri begins to walk in the indicated direction.
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Link wanders back to the rest of the group after relieving himself in some underbrush.
"Ya'll still looking for that trail? I think I saw a little of a clearing this a way "
He points in the direction he just came from noticing Kat and Kronas heading his way.
"You might want to stay to the left as you go along. I marked everything to the right as mine."
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Jedah nods to the halfling as she heals his bruises and snake bites and pats her on the shoulder with a wink. Bowing to the rest of his companions with a theatrical air he smiles broadly.
"Noce shooting there Master Link! Cutting it a little close though no? Well we have proven mere snakes give us no need to worry and it would seem we have trailblazing well in hands, Marcus would be proud! No let us see what I can see?"
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With the divine guidance of Katswiri and methodical assistance from the rest, the party easily manages to find the path. Janira lets out a sigh of relief when the trail begins to clear again and rapidly guides the party to the caves. "That was very impressive!" Janira calls out.
A couple of hours before dusk, 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. It will only slow me down. 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. She gives the party members a confident wink, and calls out, partly to you but also partly to taunt the minotaur, "No cow can keep up with my nimble feet! Not in these dense forests!"
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Kronas feels a strange warming sensation crawling down his leg, but swallowing his fear, he draws on all his acting skills and cries "No chance! I ain't leaving you alone and without supplies, even with a big dumb cow like this..." Kronas drops his sack, takes a few steps forward, rolls up his, and with his most commanding theatrical voice bellows "You don't know who you're messing with mister! This guy..." He indicates Ukou with a nod of his head "can break your legs with his little finger." Oh my gods ohmygods ohmygods ohmyg...