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Cha-Ka is a Tengu who stands at 4'5" with glossy black feathers. He wears loose, sandy colored pants that only go down to what would be mid-calf on a human. Below that are his bare claws that tend to scratch at the ground when he's thinking. The bottom of the pants are tied shut to discourage sand from blowing inside of them into uncomfortable locations. His shirt is similarly colored and sleeveless with a deep v-neck. Around his head he wears a scarf to protect himself from the unrelenting sun, ready to turn it into an impromptu face mask in the case of a sudden sandstorm.
He carries an Elven curve blade on his back where it won't accidentally knock something over when he turns around. Underneath his shirt you can see occasional flashes of metal from some kind of armor. Both things seem to clash rather horribly with each other and with the rest of his clothes. It's pretty clear that he just sort of grabbed whatever was handy with no real thought to tying the pieces together to form some kind of cohesive outfit.
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A wiry, cold eyed halfling rides astride a midnight coated wolf. The halfling is heavily armed, and lightly armored. A terbutje and trident slung over his back, several chakrams hang at his waist. "Name's Cutter." he states flatly. "I'm a free Andoran." Scratching the wolf between the shoulder blades, "[b]This is Nightrunner, my companion. Treat him no differently than you'd treat me, and nobody'll have a problem."
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Ardisen is late in his seventeenth year, a tall young man with a slender jawline. He typically wears his dark brown hair in a short modern style designed to draw attention to his handsome face. Ardisens appearance is no accident, he goes to great pains to make the most of his pale Chelaxian complexion.
Ardisen wears clothing much more befitting of lesser nobility than his arcane peers. The only clear sign of his magical talents are the spellbook poking out of his backpack and the viper familiar that often weaves absent-mindedly between his fingers. A simple light crossbow and sheathed dagger complete the enchanters look, standing out somewhat from his fashionable clothing.
Ardisens open posture suggests that despite his obvious vanity, he is sociable and approachable, his winning smile easing any concerns other feel about the enchanters intentions.
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Ganju is a thin tall bold man. His brown skin and black eyes marked him as a man from Vudra.
He wore an armor consisting of a clever arrangement of hexagonal plates made from iron and sewn to cloth. On his back an heavy wooden shield but he don't seems to have any weapon.
On his neck, a symbol representing a blue open hand in a circle.
Greetings all. I'm Ganju Nuhmari cleric of the Master of Masters, Irori.
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Tenaka walked into the room with slow, determined steps, the rustling of his cloak could be heard for a brief moment. the soft sound of claws tapping on the ground could be heard from the large white tiger at his side. He would come to a halt and regarded his companions for a moment. The cloak was drawn over his head, his nose and mouth covered with a small burlap, only showing his eyes and a strand of hair. Beneath the cloak a studded leather armor could be seen as he folded his arms in front of his chest. On his back a composite longbow was placed together with a quiver of arrows. The tiger at his side placed itself down next Tenaka and it's tail lazily moved as if it drifted in sleep, the only sign of alertness was the twitching of it's ears ever so often.
A soft voice carried it's way to the others as the half elf finally spoke. "Greetings fellow travellers, I am Tenaka Khan..." He would let the words linger for seconds before easing in a more relaxing stance and less hostile.
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Garret walks into the room, his blue eyes sweeping the room. He has brown hair, and his breastplate gleams from polishing. His might have been a fairly imposing presence, if only he weren't a halfling.
He gives a short whistle and his mount follows him in, a grey-and-white wolf; a fine beast by any standard. It wears barding made of plates similar to those worn by the halfling, and a military saddle strapped around its torso.
"Ah, so it looks like I'm one of the later arrivals. My apologies." He moves to an open chair and sits. "My name is Garret, and this is my companion, Cuan." His wolf crouches down beside him and, almost instinctively, the halfling's hand moves to scratch the wolf between the ears.
After sitting a few moments, Garret looks around to the door. "So, any sign of the Venture Captain?"
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Ardisen chuckles to himself as he takes in his fellow Pathfinders, standing upright from the wall he's been leaning on as they all enter the room. Moving Casandra, his viper familiar, over his shoulder, he gives a courtly bow to his newfound associates.
"Ardisen Greymore, at you service gentleman. Given how proficient you all appear I've no doubt we'll be up to whatever the Venture Captain has in store for us." The wizard smiles as he take a seat, apparently sharing a private joke with himself.
"As for their whereabouts, Garret was it? I honestly couldn't say, but I imagine they'll grace us with their presence soon enough."
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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. 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 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.
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Ardisen stands, offering a courtly bow to the departing Pathfinder superior. Spelunking is far from his specialty, being more at home in a stuffy library or at a high profile dinner party, but he joined the Pathfinders to broaden his scope and if a dingy cave is the way to do it, so be it.
He cast his eyes over to Janira Gavix, yet another halfling in the room. Despite spending the past few years in Absalom he still hadn't fully adjusted to seeing the little folk outside of their Chelaxian role as slaves, but he'd never voiced such a controversial culture difference. The young enchanter offered their guide a polite bow as he had the Master of Scrolls.
"The pleasure is all mine.
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Cutter looks at Janira and smiles, his hand resting on Nightrunner's coat. "Let us gather our provisions to travel. How many days do you expect us to be outside the walls?"
Cutter looks over Ardisen with a careful eye, "Do you have the tools to make the maps and notes the Master of Scrolls requires or should we acquire them?"
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His eyes regarded the whole one sided conversation and remained silent for the time being till the Master left the room. When he was gone he turned his eyes and regarded the new halfling for a few seconds. A grin touched his lips under the burlap for a brief second before turning his attention on the conversation at hand. "I am sure there is time to gather some items needed to write down what is needed for the Master of Scrolls..."
Turning his head towards Janine he let his hand rest on the big cat at his side, scratching him behind his head causing the cat to let go a slow soft rumble of a purr before he spoke once more. "Janine, What extra information can you provide us of the area that we are going to? The Gillmen and possibly known dangers?"
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Janira smiles brightly at each and every one of you, and gently corrects Tenaka about her first name."Nice to meet you, Garret, and you Cutter - so many member of our kin! It's an honor to meet you all. You'll have to forgive Master Shaine. He is brilliant, if not entirely focused. He has lived a very long time and seen things we could only dream about. I’ve learned to just accept his peculiarities and value any knowledge he wishes to share."
Then she answers your questions. "The gillmen are a humanoid race much like humans save for the three piscine gills on both sides of their necks. They’re a little secretive but not outright hostile. Most live in or near the water. As for this cave, by foot it will take nearly all of today and much of tomorrow to make the journey. I know maintaining such a stiff pace will be tiring, but we need to reach the caves at the height of the lunar cycle if at all possible.”
"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. Friend Garret, I doubt your pointy lance will be much use against creatures like skeletons. You may want to acquire a blundgeon or something. Anyone has an alchemist fire or two? Swarms of vermin seem to be on the common side during our adventures."
"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."
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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Cha-Ka's face falls slightly when he finds out that they will be exploring a cave, but he tries to look on the bright side. Maybe there will be a hidden, unexplored, gillman civilization! Or great vast ruins that they are plundering!
His face absolutely lights up when he's offered the blank parchment. He grabs a couple of pages, sits down on the floor, and immediately begins madly scribbling some notes on a page in charcoal, seeming to forget that there are other people around.
Cha-Ka finishes writing towards the end of Janira's introduction. It's a bit unclear whether or not he actually heard most of what she said about herself, but he did at least hear the last part. He carefully puts away the pages he had been writing on and stands up.
"I am Cha-Kaaa." He spreads his wing-like arms as he speaks, looking a great deal like a kawing raven. "I am a sword scholar. I mostly explore tombs. There are some great ones in Osirion. I would highly recommend going there. Bit dangerous though, lots of traps. Also lots of sand. It gets everywhere. Most unpleasant. But the history! The knowledge! The as yet undiscovered treasures! Really, they'd be a far better choice for our confirmation. But maybe these caves will have some hidden, underground ruins! We can always hope." He nods to himself and seems to ponder other possibilities for several moments for remembering that he was in the middle of talking.
"But ah yes, gear. Normally I like to hunt, but I suppose our new friend" he waves vaguely in the direction of Janira. "Is right and we should buy some rations. I could also use a new club. Come! Let us go!" He starts to walk off until he remembers that other people need to introduce themselves as well. He returns, but fidgets as he waits for everybody else to finish talking.
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Ardisen steps forward, glad of a chance to speak and always happy to hear his own voice. He brushes his hair out of his eyes and smiles as he begins.
"As you are no doubt aware, my name is Ardisen Greymore, of Cheliax. My family are of little significance, so I'll spare you the details of them. I myself grew up around the noble courts of my country and learned quickly that those without knowledge and influence tend to suffer at the hands of those that do. As such I secured myself an position as a wizard apprentice. I studied under him until such times that I felt I had learnt all I could. Three years ago, aged fourteen, I struck out to Absalom and enroled with the Society. Since then I have continued my arcane learning, whilst gaining an understanding of what it means to be a Pathfinder operative. My particular specialty is that of enchantment magic. For those of you lacking understanding of the schools, it is the use of arcane power to control and manipulate other beings. Some question the ethics of such ability, but I find it a most useful intrument in the non-violent resolution of situations. I'm also well versed in ettiquette and courtly proceedings, not the most useful of skills when venturing into a cave, but you'd be surprised how many situations the right choice of words can get you out of."
Ardisen takes a breath, allowing his exposition to sink in with those listening.
"To be honest, I am not sure what I expect from this expedition, but I suspect it will be a learning experience regardless and doubtless further my understanding of the Pathfiner Societies modus operandi. All being well, a few successful missions should allow me access to more Society resources to continue my studies and further my learning, not to mention adding weight to my name amoungst my peers."
Taking a handful of parchment to add notes to, Ardisen completes his speech and steps back.
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Garret nods slowly at Janira's suggestion. Well, Miss Janira, I find that if you hit a skeleton hard enough, it doesn't much matter what you use...
Still, he acquiesces. "I must purchase a flint and steel, and I suppose I should purchase another weapon, as well." Then he, too, grabs a few pieces of parchment on which to take notes.
"As to my motivations, I am here to serve the Society, and to use its missions as a means to exercise the edicts of my order. I welcome the tests of arms and intuition, as well as the challenges inherent in the tasks themselves."
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He shook his head for a moment and noddded to Janira when he realised his mistake about her name. Listening to all the information he filed a few details away to consider them later on. When the Tengu spoke up with glee about what he could do and how he was looking forward to do so it put a hidden smile on his lips. Stepping forward he took a few pieces of the parchment and tugged it away to make sure for the notes they would have to make in the future.
Waiting for his turn he let his hand rest on the massive tiger at his side before making a bow and then speaking. "My name is Tenaka and this..." He motioned down "Is my friendly companion Waylander. Together with Waylander I ensure that the lands are safe of any who dare to threaten it." Once more a smile hidden by the burlap graced his lips for a brief second. "I have no idea what this mission will bring us but I am sure that with this colourful troupe it will be an entertaining one, as for what I want to achieve? Nothing stands out for me now but to ensure the safety of those I travel with and ensure all of us return back home safely to Absalom once it is over." And with that he stepped back and waited for the next one.
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After listening to Janira, Cutter checks over his gear. He opens a saddlebag pouch on Nightrunner and digs around for a moment, looking sheepishly at Ardisen. "Huh. I guess I've already got paper and ink. We'll probably be able to hunt what we need but this area," he waves his and around, "is a little over populated and unsustainable. We should probably buy some provisions just in case."
Turning to face everyone, "Cutter Wolfrider," he bows to Janira with a wink and a smile. "Originally Nightrunner and I come from the Veduran Forest. We had a chance encounter with some agents of the Society. The kindness shown to Nightrunner and I soon had us following them into the River Kingdoms. An accursed hall under the town of Thornkeep earned us a field commission with the Society. When they returned to Absalom we came along and have been training at Skyreach ever since."
Climbing onto the military saddle on Nightrunner, he continues "The protection and well being of my pack is of utmost importance to me. You are all now part of my pack."
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Cha-Ka starts to shift weight impatiently. "Well...nice to meet all of you and all that." He then turns eagerly to Janira, "Time to head out now? I'm eager to see what's in these caves." He starts to walk away, only to turn abruptly back when he realizes no one is following him. He returns to the group, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet as he waits for the others to also decide to leave.
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Ganju stand up and said I am Ganju, I came from the Land of Vudra where I was raised in a Temple of Irori. There I learn many things, Irori teaching as well as a new way of life.
My main focus is to heal people with my god's blessing and, with a deep understanding of how the world turn, to help my allies to fight better.
I have also learn some tricks about how to navigate through a library.
He took the ink and paper and said
I will take note about our trip as my main occupation will be to heal people and I hope I will not do this often.
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With a happy smile, Janira concludes your introductions. "Thank you for sharing your stories friend. I somehow feel that a true pathfinder's duty is to share his stories. Shall we leave now?"
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. "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." 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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Having everything he needed he merely nodded to indicate he was ready to go. Once the rest of the group was all set
Following Janira he would take in all the little things pointed out and the information she shared with them. The large cat remained at his side during their travels. After the story has been shared by Janira he quietly makes some food for himself and the cat and offers some of it to the rest of the party. Once everyone has gotten something to eat the tiger seems to drift off but Tenaka is still wide awake, looking at the rest of the group he speaks up. "It would be wise, seeing as we are in unknown lands and one never knows what can be lurking in the dark, to set up guards. If it is all the same, I will take the last one, I only need a couple of hours and then I am good..."
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The night is a peaceful one. Cutter and Nightrunner take the first watch, watching twilight over the Kortos mountains as their companions slowly fade into a dreamless sleep. As Cha-Ka takes the second watch, the halfling finds a comfortable position to sleep by curling next to Nightrunner's belly, almost hidden in the furry mane. Tenaka is then awoken to take the third watch, gazing at the stars and enjoying a cloudless night. Finally, Ganju rises shortly before the sun, and takes some time to watch over his wards before waking them and taking some time to pray. Meanwhile, the three halflings 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... a swarm!" she shouts as three awful, scuttling masses of spidery legs and mandibles scramble forward out of the ground and crawl straight at you!
Janira immediately starts giving advice and encouraging you to react appropriately. "Spread out! Fire will hurt them, use some! Remember the deeds of Arak-Aram the Scorcher, who single-handedly defeated the swarming masses of Gebbite undead killer bees with his famed flametongue!"
Initiative count - round 1
Garret <
Cutter & Nightrunner <
Ardisen <
Tenaka & Waylander <
Ganju <
Janira <
Cha-Ka <
SS (3)
Everyone can act!
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Ardisen had never been a fan of nature, and sleeping rough wasn't his idea of a good time. Nevertheless, he was thankful that his companions hadn't asked him to do a watch and hadn't seemed too offended when he hadn't offered. He was just starting to change his mind when the hordes of spiders started coming out of the ground.
"You have got to be kidding?" The enchanter muttered to himself, pulling the alchemists fire he'd purchased a few days earlier from his belt. "I hadn't been expecting to use this so soon!"
Watching as Garret and Cutter spring into action, Ardisen drops the flask into the palm of his hand and hurls it into the swarm approaching from the west, before edging back.
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Time since the night had been passing by uneventful right up till the moment the swarms showed up. He regarded them for a few seconds to see if he could determine who and what they were before grabbing a torch from his backpack together with the his flint and steel. Working quickly to get the torch lit and then setup a safe spot to use it all
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Ardisen throws his flask, which misses its intended landing spot, but still falls on the swarm, causing it to burn partly.
Cutter's throw is well-aimed, and turns most of the swarm to ashes.
Cha-Ka, Garett and Tenaka all work towards lighting a torch.
Initiative count - round 1
Garret
Cutter & Nightrunner
Ardisen
Tenaka & Waylander
Ganju <
Janira
Cha-Ka
SS (3)
Ganju is up
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The swarming masses draw closer, and cover Ardisen, Garret, Cha-Ka, Ganju and Cutter. Swallowing by mistake some spiders, some Pathfinders-to-be are about to retch...
Initiative count - round 2
Garret (3 dmg) & Cuan (3 dmg)<
Cutter (5 dmg) & Nightrunner (5 dmg) <
Ardisen (4 dmg) <
Tenaka & Waylander <
Ganju (3 dmg) <
Janira <
Cha-Ka (3 dmg) <
SS (3)
Everyone is up!
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Cutter Fort Save 1:
Cutter Fort Save 2:
Nightrunner Fort Save 1:
Nightrunner Fort Save 2:
Cutter's alchemist's fire burns the swarm for a 2nd round: + 50% = 4
Nightrunner shakes off the spider poison and rides back past Ganju as Cutter grabs the flask he holds in offer then throws it into swarm 1. (Sorry for the splash damage Ardisen)
Ranged touch:
Damage: +50% = 5
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"Cha-kaaaa!" The tengu ruffles his feathers as he shakes off the poison. His torch now lit thanks to the efforts of Garrett. He pulls out his flask of oil and douses the square next to him, lighting it on fire before stepping back.
"If you can, try to move in such a way to keep a swarm in the burning area."
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Ardisen chokes as spits out the spiders, his head spinning as they bite into his body. As he retreats from the swarm he curses in Chelish, forgetting his courtly manners and allowing his anger to surface.
Assuming he's moved far enough from his allies not to hurt them, the enchanter turns back to face the collection of arachnids. Gritting his teeth to ignore his weakening muscles he begins gesturing his hands and muttering arcane words of power. With a few final words he extends his hands and engulfs the entire swarm in a cascade of magical fire, a vengeful smile appearing on his lips as he does so.