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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. However, it looks like your host hasn't arrived yet.
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Hikari steps lightly into the dilapidated building, glancing briefly at the condition of the place. The sour and foul stench hits him almost immediately, but while you can see his nose flare briefly, Hikari's face remains expressionless. But he was definitely frowning within.
If this is what it means to be a member of the Pathfinder Society, I'm not very impressed. But I shall nonetheless do my lord's bidding.
He paces to one corner, careful to keep his red robes from dragging on the dusty floor. The robes are of a style seldom seen in Avistan, though those more cosmopolitan would recognise them as kimono of the Minkai. Under the robes, one can see the glint of scale mail, while hanging from his neck is an elegantly carved symbol of a glowing sun, overlaid by a katana. On his belt hangs a real katana, while his left arm grasps a wooden shield.
Hikari stands and wait, not deigning to take a seat. He looks around the room again taking it all in, still expressionless. That is when you notice that while his swept-back hair is raven black, his eyes are interestingly reddish-orange in hue.
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So this is it, the moment you make a change to the world huh?
Tired and worn out, an averaged sized man donning dark colours enters the room in a nonchalant fashion.
He absorbs the moment, not sure how to feel about this but remains steadfast. He notices a few people standing around but never was a talker to begin with. Cautiously, Gridger Rusk moves himself to the empty corner of the room while keeping an eye on the others.
Baby steps. Baby. Steps
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Yakari walks into the tavern. The small teenager has a piece of paper in his hand and seems struggling to read it.
"Any Kreighton Shaine here? I'm Yakari!" he asks, almost yelling.
He vested in a brand new chainshirt because a sneaky tiefling told him it was best for him but doesn't very at ease in it, for now. Yakari has slovenly style. He whistle and a big roc enters the tavern, perching itself on the chair of the young man.
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Hikari stares intently as Yakari saunters into the room. The society is accepting children now? Almost immediately though, he is taken aback when the big bird follows Yakari in. Hmm, perhaps my judgement was too hasty. To command such a majestic creature at his age, even a juvenile one is no mean feat.
Hikari executes a precise bow, and replies, crisply but with a clear Tian accent, "No, my child. I believe we are all waiting for him. My name is Hayashi Hikari, although I've found that here in the lands of the setting sun, I would be addressed as Hikari Hayashi instead. As is evident, I hail from Minkai, the Empire of Dawn. With that, he bows at Haldoc and Gridger in turn.
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Yakari frowns, looking at the tian, but eventually shrugs. There goes another giver of lessons...
"Well, after my latest success that signed my way in the society, I was told to come here with Grand Aigle, my buddy. Who knows where they'll send us? Caves and spiders? Oceans and fishes? Dungeons and mites?" the teenager punctuates his rhetorical questions with a high-pitched mocking laugh.
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Outside, Yeska pants lamely in attempt to catch his breath. After setting himself a short moment, he pats down his dusty roughspun robes. For his effort, he finds himself struck by a fit of coughing. Recovering himself for the second time, he looks about to assess his surroundings.
Yeska freezes for a quick moment at the sign for The Pig's Paunch. No sense wondering if it's coincidence. Maybe it didn't even fly in here. Wouldn't be the first time I started seeing things. Ahem. Did I just clear my throat in my head? Hm. Anyway, the bird.
Yeska steps over the tavern's threshold, peering about. His eyes alight upon the great bird. Not noticing, or perhaps ignoring the people gathered therabout, Yeska walks forward. Though he tries, even an amateur beastmaster would see that he did not understand how to display proper body language. Even so, Yeska speaks directly to the bird. The words which come from his mouth (or at least which surely must come from his mouth) seem instead or also to come from the drafty walls and the open door.
"आकाश तपाईं महान एक राख्न"
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As Yakari calls out the name of the Pathfinder Society's Master of Scrolls, a gaunt elven man suddenly enters the tavern with a brisky step, quickly reaching the center of the room and standing up high upon top of a large round table.
"That would be me! Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please, have a seat!" With that, Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls, nimbly drops down to sit cross-legged on the table before looking about the tavern with a sense of reverent wonder.
"Can you believe it? It all started here years ago—well, over four hundred of them at least. Under this very roof the Pathfinder Society was born. But today! Today you will begin your Confirmation! Master Farabellus, Master Zey, and I all agree you each have shown your worth and dedication to the Society, so there’s no better time to see if you can handle becoming full field operatives. Allow me to introduce you to Janira Gavix," he says as he motions for an excitable halfling woman to approach.
She wears a large backpack and carries all manner of tools, pouches, and scroll cases around her waist. Shaine continues, saying, "Janira here will be going with you on your Confirmation. She was one of my brightest pupils and will no doubt be an invaluable resource on your journey, for she discovered the caves you are about to explore during her own Confirmation."
Janira speaks up in an enthusiastic and cheerful voice, "Greetings, aspiring Pathfinders! Six months ago, while I was mapping cave entrances in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts, I witnessed a lone gillman entering a concealed cave. I thought little of it at the time, but I saw another one enter the cave again a month later as my Confirmation stretched on. A few days later, after I completed my assigned task, I entered the cave system, but was unable to find the gillmen."
Master Shaine hops to his feet. "Initiates, for your Confirmation, you will travel to these caves to explore and document its many passages. Additionally, and most importantly, you are to learn what the gillmen are up to in there. Oh, and you need to come back alive as well." With these parting words, the Master of Scrolls jumps off the table and strolls out of the building while humming to himself.
Janira beams a welcoming smile at each and everyone of you, and nods at the presence of weapons at your side.
"I see you've brought your equipment with you, as well as your weapons. Good, good. Protecting one's companions is paramount to a successful mission, as our three duties say."
As the halfling brings that to your attention, memories of your three years of apprenticeship in Absalom's Grand Lodge flash in your mind. The three masters' constant reminder of the duties of a Pathfinder still echo in your ears.
Explore. Report. Cooperate.
How to forget what has become a second nature for some, a veiled pretext for others among the Society. Where do you stand? As you haven't had a real chance to put your long training to the test, you also ignore if your heart will stay true to the Pathfinder's motto.
Janira pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table. "Before we set out, we should all get to know each other and review our plan. After all, the most important factors that determine whether an expedition will be a success are cooperation and preparation! I’ll go first!"
"I am the eldest of seven children in my family, and the only one to have come of age so far. My family always had a strong faith in Desna, but rest assured that it doesn't diminish my interest in all religions, as I believe they all have something to teach us. I've joined the Society four years ago to see the world and sample all the fine food it has to offer! As you see, I'm a bit of a gourmet, but my true interest was revealed as I became Master Shaine's apprentice among the Scrolls. My passion lies in our history, I'm particularly fond of learning about our past and preserving knowledge. That I strive to achieve as a Pathfinder, and who knows, maybe one day I will be published in the Pathfinder Chronicles?"
"I've talked enough about old little me, I think! Let's hear all about you. What are your hopes for this mission? What do you aspire to achieve in the Society?"
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I am Haldoc Tisbane. I am being sponsored by my older brother, a Seeker named Faldoc Tisbane. The large half-elf shifts his weight more evenly as he speaks. As his protege, I hope to continue the good work of the Tisbane family that my brother has achieved. He also says it would be good for my character. Improve discipline. Maybe even make friends. I can't say I've accomplished any of these goals so far.
Haldor takes a breath, shifting his body weight once more. Maybe that will all change now that I'm here.
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The hooded figure from the corner of the tavern stands up and moves to join the group as Kreighton speaks. When Janira asks her questions of the party, he lifts his hood to reveal an older man, dark of skin and white of hair. "I am Fahr. With this mission I hope to see if the community of the Society is for me, and I for it. We shall see the will of Erastil."
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Yeska looks up from the disinterested Roc. Hm. So much for that theory. He takes out a journal from his pack and scratches down a few notes. He closes the book just as the elf announce himself. Listening, he reopens the book to take notes.
Noticing the pause, Yeska holds his head and hands down in a strange salute, the journal still in his hands. His voice takes on a strong Polyglot accent for just a moment. "Yekskya, of the Sargava Bekyar." He clears his throat, now awkward.
As he resumes an easy slouch, a more local accent returns. "Sorry about that. I was raised to observe the old forms. Not that I've ever been to Sargava. So call me Yeska if you like. Everyone does. Taldane speakers find it easier. Anyway, rambling. I'm an independent wizard. Transmuter. Grew up over in Escadar. Aroden faithful."
Yeska ponders a moment. "Yeah. Goals. Some day I want to start my own school of wizardry. Settle down. In my wildest dreams I'd restore the faith. Not gonna go all fire and sword on you, though. Yeah, that's all."
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As the party spoke. Gridger slowly moves from from out of the darkness into whatever little light that shines through the tavern's window.
The name's Gridger, I've heard tales the society accomplishing amazing of feats. I was inspired. I'm here for a noble cause, to fight the good fight, to give a voice to the defenseless, so that they don't suffer what i have.
As he said this he kept his voice strong, but you could almost notice watery eyes. As if he was holding back the emotions. As he finished speaking, he slowly backs up into the corner again. Almost as if he has a familiarity in the dark.
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Hikari once again executes a precise bow, his arms by his side, this time to Janira, then turns to address the rest of the party. In a calm and measured pace, carrying a clear Tian accent, he introduces himself, "For the benefit of those who joined us later, allow me to introduce myself again. I am Hayashi Hikari, humble servant of Shizuru, Empress of Heaven, Guardians of Ancestors, Goddess of the Sun and Divine Ancestor of Minkai. Hayashi is my family name, so please address me as Hikari, in the manner of the west. I must first beg forgiveness - I am ashamed to admit that on first setting foot here on this hallowed ground, I thought it no more than a run-down common tavern. I chastise myself for my ignorance of its historical importance."
Taking a pause to catch his breath, he continues, "I have joined the honored Pathfinder Society as an ... emissary of my liege lord, Daimyo of the Clan Yamamoto. The three years as apprentice has acquainted me much to the ways of the west, but I believe there would be much more to learn. I humbly hope that my little efforts can strengthen the ties between the Pathfinder Society and my homeland. As ever, I live and die to serve the interests of the goddess Shizuru, and her great empire Minkai. But not necessary that of the Jade Regent, he added in his mind.
He then steps back, and continues to observe his teammates intently, as if storing every detail for recollection later.
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Yakari shrugs and shouts "Yeah I'm Yakari."
Seeing that Janira seems to want more, he resumes "Well, I grew up in the forest and all, so I can track easily my preys. I'm used to fight bare-handed, though. And with Grand Aigle, obviously. He's my buddy and my totem. He shall tread with me until I die. But I don't think it will happen so soon! HAHAHA! So many tricks to be played before I die! HAHAHA!"
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The halfling listens carefully to your stories, ohhhing and ahhhing at every turn, as you see sparks of passion glitter in her eyes. "A Seeker?" She marvels, wide-eyed. "I've only heard of those, but never thought they really existed! They're supposed to be super-secret agents of the Decemvirate, aren't they?"
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."
"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. A Pathfinder never know what he's going to encounter in his journey, so preparation is paramount. The most basic adventurer's gear should be covered - a bedroll, filled waterskin, rations in case we're prevented from hunting, something to light a fire with, pots to cook. Add to that list a rope and maybe a grappling hook, you never know when you'll have to climb up a cliff or two. Finally, weapons carried should be various and efficient against different types of creatures. Anyone has an alchemist fire or two? Swarms of vermin seem to be on the common side in the isle of Kortos at this time of the year."
"Lastly one of your duties is to report, so I took the liberty of bringing pieces of parchment so that you could write whatever information you deem worthy of attention from Master Shaine. Please use them freely, I can provide more."
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"Of course! We'll leave in a bit, so if you have any last-minute purchase to make, now's the time." she enthusiastically says. "Master Shaine's trust in you wasn't misplaced at all, I see. Before we go, does anyone know anything about the area of the Kortos mountains or the Gillmen?"
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Yeska blinks at Janira's response, evidently surprised not to be totally dwarfed by field experience. "The books I have are light on substance. Lots of your standard academic grandstanding, if that's your thing. Two separate treatises on whether the gills are vestigial or if they more closely resemble lungfish... But, yes. Basically, they're Aboleth-corrupted Azlanti. Supposedly an independent race these days. If they do still speak Azlanti, I may be able to communicate with them. That's why I asked if they could be reasoned with. Hm."
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After making sure that your gear is well-packed and evenly distributed among members of the team, Janira is ready to depart. You first walk through the busy and colorful streets of Absalom before leaving the City at the Center of the World for the Cairnlands along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts. During your journey, Janira points at some large structures protruding from the landscape-what she called "siege towers"-clues of a tormented past for the metropolis. She also teaches you in some ways about the wildlife and plants you encounter.
After a good day's walk, you decide to stop for the night. Your guide uses that opportunity to tell you a story by the fire. "Remember the sacrifice of Baron Rysalius Starnon that was slain under water by an awakened squid wizard in ruins located in Tian Xia! He boldly protected his party and allowed its last survivor, Tiller Voros Closhfleur to return home safely." she finishes with a smile on her lips, content to see that most of you paid attention to her story as well as the message behind it.
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"I believe I speak on behalf of the whole party in thanking you for the story. For myself, even though I am from the Lands of the East, this tale is unfamiliar to me. If not for their brave deeds, our citizens might have been victims of this vile monster. I would be sure to share on their heroism on my return to the east."
As the party settled down for the night, Hikari made a request. "If everyone is agreeable, I would like to take the last watch. Dawn is the time of the rising sun, the holiest time of the day for Shizuru, and the time I pay homage to her."
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Yeska spends his time before rest making some preparations. He marks three silver pieces each with a word: Danger, Safety, Caught. He offers them to the group. "I marked each of these silvers with magic. The range isn't great, but I can detect the mark. It may help if we become separated. Hopefully this will make up for my not keeping a watch. I'll need sleep if I'm to be of any use tomorrow."
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The night is a peaceful one. Fahr takes the first watch, watching twilight over the Kortos mountains as his companions slowly fade into a dreamless sleep. As Haldoc takes the second watch, the ranger finds a comfortable position to sleep by the fireside. Gridger is then awoken to take the third watch, gazing at the stars and enjoying a cloudless night. Finally, Hikari rises shortly before the sun, and takes some time to watch over his wards before waking them and taking some time to pray Shizuru. Meanwhile, Janira and Yakari arranged a grand breakfast made of sausages, bacon and eggs, vudrani tea and pears from the Ivy district's orchards of Absalom. You find yourself particularly well rested, an ideal start for a day of wandering in the wild.
An hour later, you leave the Cairnlands for a deep 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 you were discussing the origins of the gillmen, Janira suddenly stops and stands motionless for a second. She has obviously heard something coming. "Do you hear this sound? It's faint but... hippogriffs!" she shouts as two brown, horse-like creatures with hawk's wings, talons, and hooked beak prepare to swoop down on you.
Swooping Hippogriffs - round 1
1. Gridger, Fahr, Hikari, Yeska
2. Hippogriffs
3. Yakari, Janira, Haldor
Bolded characters may act!
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Fahr moves a little closer the hippogriff on the rocks, his longbow appears in his hands and he brings it up, taking aim at the hippogriff and breathing carefully, no different than a hay bale at 20 paces. His bowstring sings as he releases an arrow.
for
-Posted with Wayfinder
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As Yeska begins to weave a complex spell, Fahr is the first person to draw blood. Acting as quick as a flash, he lets an arrow loose before Janira has even time to finish her sentence. The missile strikes true, piercing the hippogriff's back leg. Meanwhile, Gridger sets himself up for combat.
Swooping Hippogriffs - round 1
1. Gridger, Fahr, Hikari, Yeska
2. Hippogriffs (blue 7 / red 0)
3. Yakari, Janira, Haldor
Bolded character(s) may act!
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Hikari conjures a blessing of the gods and steels himself for the now-inevitable confrontation. The wounded hippogriff swoops down on Fahr, enacting a well-deserved revenge, while the other considers Haldoc to be his prey. While the first beast's beak misses the marksman's throat, Haldoc isn't as lucky: the hippogriff grazes his arm.
Janira immediately starts giving out advice to the fledgeling adventurers: "And it was Selmius Foster’s race against a marid and efreeti on the isle of Jalmeray, which taught us that nothing is truly impossible and every situation can end in victory."
Swooping Hippogriffs - round 2
1. Gridger, Fahr, Hikari, Yeska
2. Hippogriffs (blue 7 / red 0)
3. Yakari, Janira, Haldoc
Bolded character(s) may act!