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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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Vesparo barks a laugh, winking at Janira as he takes her hand and plants a kiss upon it,
"Enchanted Janira, it shall be a pleasure to accompany one as fair as you! Consider me your humble servant Vesparo Dikanadra, I am certain your aide will be invaluable and any who attempt to trifle with you shall taste my steel!"
He pauses and adds slightly sheepishly,
"Ah, could somebody else handle the documenting though? I can read well enough but my writing looks like two spiders took a dip in an ink pot and then became amorous with one another."
The young Taldoran is the very image of a dashing hero, wearing a suit of gleaming chain mail, and an ensemble which seems tailored for drama rather than actual daily usage. He has flowing locks of gently curling brown hair, and a lush moustache which only seems to highlight his gleaming white teeth. Only the teeth, which are unmistakably inhuman, pointed and slender, and the four foot length of brown cat-like tail that extends from the top of his rather tight trousers spoil the image.
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Before you stands a veritable monolith of a half-orc, with a sharp gaze and an even sharper falchion sheathed on his back. While he doesn't make any overtly aggressive movements, his demeanor isn't exactly...friendly.
Cressyk nods as the Master of Scrolls introduces Janira, and nods as well as she describes the situation in the caves. As they receive their final instructions, he quietly hefts his backpack, checking the placement of his falchion and sling, and stands ready to go. "Well, let's get going - I'd like to be on the road before the sun is fully up, if it's all the same to the rest of you."
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There's another half-orc in the room, although he looks considerably out of place in the rather run-down tavern compared to many of the others here. Though well dressed and neatly groomed, he nevertheless appears well equipped for battle, with tough steel scale mail strapped across his midsection, a steel shield emblazoned with the angelic ankh of Sarenrae, and a curving scimitar jangling from his belt. He clutches a worn and well-loved book - the cover so faded that it's impossible to tell what it is - and he seems to be having trouble trying to hold back a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He's also a big contrast to the burly warrior Cressyk as well; probably half his size and certainly far more amicable-looking in comparison.
"Greetings!" he says finally, once their briefing has been given. "It's a pleasure! ... Oh, yes. Right. I'm... I'm Farris. Farris Imrian. A pleasure! ... Wait, I said that..." He clears his throat.
He seems to consider speaking with Janira, but Vesparo gets there, quick as a flash, overwhelming the poor girl with flirtatiousness. He flushes a little at that, averting his eyes from the sight. "Janira... uhh..." Farris seems to be mumbling now. "What did you see in the... uhh... in the caves?"
The half-orc clutches his book close to his chest and mouths something to himself. A prayer of some kind?
"I must request we set out after dawn, friend," Farris replies to Cressyk, apparently unconcerned by his intimidating appearance, with a smile. He's clearly much more comfortable talking to Cressyk than he is interrupting Vesparo's... wooing. "I must give thanks to the rising sun and pray for our mission's success. If... If you don't mind."
"It should only take an hour or so."
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"Ah, you gentlemen mean noon surely?" Vesparo says, taking a swig from a brass hip flask, before replacing it in one of the crossing bandoliers he wears, which contain some fifteen more eclectically coloured flasks,
"Well I suppose renewing my acquaintance with the sun is small price to pay for fine companions and the promise that adventure awaits! Well met Cressyk, well met Farris, let our legends begin this day! A beautiful little lady, and two stout companions I have a feeling someone smiles down upon me."
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Janira's cheeks flush at Vesparo's brash and charming approach. She is at a loss for words for a moment, before addressing a genuinely gentle smile at the daring warrior. Wh... why, pleased to meet you too, Vesparo! I daresay I will gladly accept your sword... err, the Society will accept your sword of course! Protecting one's companion 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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Vesparo's eyes shine, and he whips out an imaginary rapier and begins duelling a none existent foe as he speaks,
"I wish to be a hero! I was born with these fangs and this tail, which I am passing fond of truth be told, but in my former career as an Opparan actor they shackled me to the roles of villains, rogues, demons, and devils. I joined the Society to dare to face the darkness, to save the damsels, and to experience the thrill of adventure!"
Pausing at the end of a lunge, he looks down at himself grins and barks a laugh,
"What can I say, I am a ridiculous fellow, a fool in truth, but a happy one that can be relied upon in a pinch. Sometimes I fear you must spell things out for me, my mother claims I was born with the grace of a cat, and the brain of one to, but I am also loyal, brave, and most of all loving."
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"Wow, an actor!" Farris murmurs appreciatively; now that Vesparo is not dalliancing with the halfling maiden, he's able to look the swashbuckler in the eye once more. "It's awful that you were always set as the villain, though. Good on you for trying to prove yourself."
"People always assume the worst of anyone that's a bit different," he continues with a grumble. "I bet it's the same for you, too, am I right?" Farris nods to Cressyk. "And I have heard of the tyranny of slavery that many halflings are unfortunately beset with, friend Janira... it's just not right!" The topic is causing Farris' face to flush red with the frustration, and his fists were unconsciously clenching, so he takes a deep breath to calm himself.
"Anyway... My parents were both Pathfinders," Farris says finally, standing tall and proud at the admittance, "and I would like to experience the whole world as they did. Though I too appreciate all the goodly religions," he nods to Janira, and then pats his worn-out book, "my faith is that of Sarenrae, and I wish to spread the Dawnflower's warmth as I go. And that includes making sure people like Vesparo don't get judged for having a tail or fangs."
Farris clears his throat, opens his book, and flicks through it to a page he's obviously quite familiar with. It appears to be some kind of holy book. "With words and actions can the ignorant be redeemed, to be made to turn towards the light and emerge from the darkness. If evil shall persist in the shadows, let them then - and only then - be redeemed by the cut of your blade."
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Cressyk remains quiet throughout the others' revelations about themselves. Then, realizing that it's his turn, he reluctantly proceeds. "My name is Cressyk Shadowscar. Cressyk was a name I received at birth; the other I received because of this," he traces a dark scar that traces his jawline, "given to me long ago. To tell you why I am here is to tell you my story, briefly, from the beginning."
"I was never well-liked throughout my childhood, and, truth be told, the feelings were mutual - too many cruel jokes were made at my expense. For a while, I ran, hoping to avoid conflict." His eyes, turned down in shame, raise to look each of the others in the room in the eye. "Eventually, I began to dwarf my taunters, and they stopped in fear. I embraced that growth, and turned my energies to the glory of combat, with the principles of Gorum as my guide. His disciples taught me how to use my natural gifts and those I receive through Him, and I became His agent in the world."
He shrugs his massive shoulders and continues. "I am no mindless beast, however, no mercenary - I know right from wrong, and choose to do right. I chose to join the Pathfinders because they are an agency of good in the world, and they provide missions in which I can use my gifts to good effect."
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The somewhat jaded man with the angelic face and comely features listened with a mix of excitement and boredom.
"Sidney, master of innate magics and quite capable in a fight."
Smiling at Cressyk: "I too, have bestial abilities. I have learned they are a crucial part of me but do not define me."
Sidney adds: "I aspire to do good, and, if not achieve the status of Cayden, at least make him proud."
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"Greetings. You may call me Mahasi Mi Khaing. I am an atanapratta of Vudra, servant of the Rajahs. I was born to explore the world. I am no padaprajna, or warrior in your tongue. Instead I call upon the ebb and flow of magic directly, yet no Jinn blood is in me. Unlike lesser beings I do this by force of will alone and by the teachings of Irori."
"As to my abilities? I am learned in the ways of magic, history, and the true nature of the planes. I can summon biting cold, colorful bursts that stun the weak minded, and a powerful ichor that can make an enemy lose their grip or footing. I can puzzle out the workings of all manner of magical devices as well."
"It is natural that I should join this "Pathfinder Society" - as I said, it is my destiny in life as an atanapratta to explore and understand the world. Few seem to do that as well as this group. I will serve my people and expand my superior mind at the same time. The journey is itself my goal and as they say in my homeland: "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.""
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Vardel listens carefully to the others keeping close eye on the orcs. He pets his grey friend calming the leather covered wolf who is barely containing a growl at the sight of the orcs.
A 3 foot tall Halfling steps stands up. He isn't richly dressed but his soldier's uniform scale armour, heavy wooden shield embossed with the image of a longsword, longsword and morningstar are impeccably maintained and polished to a shine. The small knight introduces himself, "Well met. I am Ser Vardel, a knight of the Order of the Sword. Merchant born and battle raised. My friend Furrious and I have left our home after we helped bring peace to our lands. We seek out adventure, to explore the large world and to help those who have suffered as our peoples had."
He turns to the two, "We have not had pleasant dealing with orcs and they have killed too many of my kin. However, in my travels I have heard of good deeds done by certain orcs and have learned that not all are as those from whence I came. You speak as though you may be such different sort of orc however by your deeds I shall judge you. If I am unkind to you without reason, I ask your forgiveness, but know this. If you behave any manner that warrants it I shall not hesitate to run you through."
He turns back to the others, speaking to Janira, "Miss, I request you tell us what you know of these caves and what provisions you advise that we carry since you have experience with this place. We shall be grateful for any other information you may be able to provide us."
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Janira beams a warm, welcoming smile at Mahsi and Vardel, and nods at the halfling's query.
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 Vesparo, I doubt your pointy rapier will be much use against creatures like skeletons, but I see you were listening with attention to your lessons at Skyreach since you are also carrying a sap on the side. Good, good. 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.
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Vesparo bows to each of his newly introduced companions, including Furrious,
"A pleasure and well met Sirs, I am sure we shall become fast friends, and dauntless foes to adversity in all its unshapely forms!"
When Janira speaks her piece he nods,
"I am prepared! I have whiskey, linnorm mead, dwarven stout, rumboozle, pulque, regular mead, ale, and applejack - I fight better with a little lubrication I promise you. But, ah, I am not sure my sap will be of use against bone, I shall pick up a sturdy stick on the way. And, ah, I am hoping my new friends will take care of carrying the essentials I fear such equipment makes it difficult for me to fight at my best. If someone would carry my bedroll, I'm always willing to share," he raps the multitude of flasks in his bandoliers to clarify his last point.
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"I certainly hope that I'm prepared," Farris says chirpily. "I've been practising hard with a morningstar and javelins at the advice of the venture-captains to complement my scimitar. I've also got a flask of acid and a vial of holy water that I blessed myself... just in case. I've got just enough leftover gold to purchase some fresh food before we set out."
He turns to Vesparo with a slight frown, "Ahh... I could certainly carry some things for you, but... I must abstain from your... kind offer of... sharing." He eyes the liquor collection warily.
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I'll require some rations for myself and Furrious. He can usually hunt for himself, but it will be important that we have provisions for when we cannot hunt. I'll purchase some from the market.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Farris shrugs his shoulders to adjust to the additional weight. "It's honestly no problem," he says with a toothy smile. "I can barely notice the difference. And besides..." He idly thumbs through his holy text, eventually locating the passage he was looking for. "Ah, here. 'Always lead by example; let the sun shine through your actions so that you may light the way for those behind you'."
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The comely male speaks with all seriousness:
"Having devoted so much effort to the finer things at Taldan court, I have little time to study anything else. I have many essentials, though being on a budget, my rope is hemp rather than silk. But I can handle the extra weight."
He adds:"Now, for preparation, I need to know who would like to be enlarged to giant size if it comes to a fight. Besides burning large areas in flames, that is my most powerful ability at the moment."
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On hearing Sidney, Varden stifles a laugh. "I'm certain you will find some here who wish to be larger, not me though. A smaller size means accuracy and a tougher target to hit. as I have found on numerous occasions."
"Mahasi, you are very generous in your purchases and I shall hope that we have no need for the supplies you have acquired."
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"Don't think I'd like to be bigger, unless we are facing something my rapier won't work on like those skeletons. I rely upon finesse over strength, perhaps our half orc friends? I'll gladly sleep in a tent, thank you Mahasi, you must tell me of Vudra, I've Rakshasa blood from there apparently, hence the catish bits."
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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. 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.
The next morning, 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.
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As the others pack up in the morning Mahasi somewhat immodestly strides out of the tent in a loincloth, his golden brown skin shimmering in the morning light and his breath frosty in cold morning air. He proceeds to perform an intricate series of stretches and postures the contort his frame and leave him slightly breathless. He then begins to tunelessly hum in meditation as the others say their prayers and sharpen their weapons. Only then does he dress.
As they walk he muses aloud.
"This is a pleasant land indeed, but too cold. It is much better then the cairnlands. I say you should stay far from the towers there. Very dangerous."
He tries to judge the sun and determine where they are as well.
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As they travel through the forest, Janira's words from the previous night play on his mind. He directs Furrious to walk beside Farris and in the Politest tone he can muster he say, "You said that you worship Sarenrae and your shield bears her sign. Is it common for orcs to to follow the teachings of the Dawnflower?"
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"Can I get something other than my initials on my silver compass thing?" Vesparo asks, not entirely keen on having V.D inscribed anywhere. He listens keenly to the tale, obviously imagining himself fighting dragons, as he mutters,
"You may have the scales you overgrown lizard, but the balance will find you wanting! Hmm, needs work, something about being fired maybe?"
In the morning he bestirs himself reluctantly and only seems to brighten after downing half a flask of "breakfast whiskey" to wash down his tasteless rations. He checks his weapons over briefly applying his whetstone to each, though they hardly need it and then helps disassemble the camp,
"Ah, but isn't being a Pathfinder all about seeking out dangerous and interesting places, I should like to explore those towers and see just what mysteries they hold. Anyway, onwards to the big rocks and our destiny beyond!"
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As various conversations take place within the band of fledgeling Pathfinders, Janira and Cressyk instantly motion them to stop. They have both heard something coming. Wild beasts, get ready to fight! At the same moment, two brown, horse-like creatures with a hawk's wings, talons, and hooked beak come out of the canopy, diving to attack you. They seem to be smaller in size than regular horses, and are more in line with Vardel's mount on that aspect.
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Farris seems to quite enjoy the travel outdoors, paying close attention to everything Janira points out to him and taking a few scribbled notes as he goes. He has a particular interest in some of the plants the halfling points out to have medicinal properties, and takes a couple of samples to press and preserve. The evening story-time also excites him, and he joins in to tell the group stories of the adventures his mother had undertaken as part of the Society herself.
The half-orc rises with the dawn, excusing himself from the camp to pray under the rising sun's warmth. Only after the sun has completely emerged from below the eastern horizon does he join the others in breakfast and other travel preparations.
He seems somewhat surprised at Vardel's question, and yet settles back with a bemused grin. "I don't imagine many full-blooded orcs worship Sarenrae, no. Father spoke of the shamans worshipping cruel gods that I suspect are demon lords, to be frank. But the nice thing is--"
Wild beasts, get ready to fight!
Farris abruptly cuts himself off as the call to battle rattles through the group, and he smiles apologetically. "Perhaps another time, friend Vardel?"
With a scrape of metal upon metal, Farris draws his scimitar and raises it to the sky. "For the sun and the fury!" he cries out, imploring Sarenrae to guide their blades this day.
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As two of the most alert pathfinders ready themselves against the winged creatures, the first one swoops down on Vardel, his talons trying to claw through the halfling's armor, but the latter attempts to intercept it before it can close on its prey. A first attack misses, but then the valiant halfling manages to pierce through the creature's defenses.
The creature nonetheless retaliates with a powerful beak lash at Vardel's shoulder. Blood starts to ooze from the wound as both combatants are locked in a fight to the death.
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Mahasi frowns at the peril his companions face and racks his brain for what he can remember regarding what he assumes are young hippogriffs.
"Do not step in front of me" he says aloud.
He moves up, and counts to three, intending to try and catch both of the hippogriffs in a spell as the second one dives in. Either way, he'll count to about 1.5 seconds and then cast.