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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A small halfling with short military cut hair and clad in a simple outfit comes dashing into the building a few minutes after the Master of Scrolls began addressing the crowd.
As Master Shaine exits the main room Sunnendel bows slightly saying "Thank you for your time sir."
After the master has left Sunnendel approaches Janira and speaks in quick sentences "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Janira." "I want to thank you for joining our group along our confirmation." "Do you believe the Gillmen to be adversaries?" "Was there anything else of interest outside the caves we are to map?" "How detailed must we be in our reporting?" "If needed I can go into great detail or I can keep it simple." "Well... Umm... I think that's all that I can think of." "For now."
The halfling takes a seat at the table after a successful word vomit. Eagerly awaiting Janira's reply with a smile from ear to ear with the excitement of starting on his first official mission with the society.
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Having arrived an hour before the master of scrolls, a dour-faced dwarf sits in the back, nursing the strongest alcohol the tavern offers for cheap. His clothes are well-used and patched in places but serviceable. With indifferent eyes, he watches as Shaine and the halfling woman enter the main room and claim a table. He slowly finishes his drink. He the stands and gathers his bag and lemellar armor that had been sitting nearby. He slowly approaches the two, avoiding all of last night's revelers. Getting close he slumps down in a chair and waits for everyone else.
As the other dwarf enters the room, Toivo eyes go wide for a second before narrowing into an accessing glare. For the rest off the initiates he gives them an uncaring look and a quick judgment and looks away, bored.
He listens to the master's speech and Janira's introduction, emotionless and, for the most part, motionless. After the Shaine's speech, he just watches the man leave, giving no comment to either speaker's words.
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Jalak sat quietly while the Master of Scrolls jotting a couple notes in his journal as he spoke, handful more of notes while Janira spoke.
He than turned his attention to his companion. Staring at each for a long moment, as if to sum them up in a glance, before returning to his journal and adding to its contents.
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A wiry tengu enter's the pig's paunch. The tips of his feathers are dyed blue and purple and a wooden symbol of Gozreh hangs from his neck. He orders wine from the barkeep and listens quietly. When Janira is done speaking he sighs and looks tired. "Caves. Caves are terrible. Worse than forests. It will no doubt be cold and dark and impossible to stay clean. Nevertheless I signed up for this."
The birdman dips his beak into his cup, awkwardly siphoning up some wine.
"Janira. I see that you are festooned with implements, do you recommend any specialized gear for the trip?"
Janira gives a warm smile in response to Sunnendel's torrent of questions.
"The gillmen are a little secretive but not outright hostile. The Society has had dealings with in the past, for good and evil.
For your confirmation, it's only the caves themselves.
As for reporting, brevity can be useful, as long as all the important details are included."
She takes on a more practical tone when answering Kei.
"There are many things I can recommend, and in fact, I'd love to go through your equipment with you before we leave, to see if there is anything important you've forgotten."
With that said, 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 grew up in Eastgate, here in Absalom, where my father still works as a porter who employs a dog cart to transport purchased goods from ships and shops to the homes of customers. I enlisted with the Pathfinder Society within weeks of me coming of age, and although I initially joined to see the world and sample all of the fine food it had to offer, I quickly took to the Scrolls and its focus on learning and preserving knowledge. I now aspires to have my work published in one of the Pathfinder Chronicles, hoping that would qualify me to train as a Pathfinder Chronicler. I have been on several missions since my Confirmation, but this is the first time that I’m in charge of leading an expedition.”
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Toivo doesn't really change expressions or bearing listening to the other's conversations, just watching without comment or, apparently, interest. When the talkative halfling gives her backstory and information, he perks up ever so slightly. When she finishes he looks around and, seeing no one eager to introduce themsleves, gives a sigh and stands up. For the first time, he speaks, his voice low and gravelly, with that creaky quality one who hasn't talked for a while.
"My turn, I guess. I'm Toivo. Toivo Talvislag." With this his voice drops an octave and he fixes the other dwarf with a challenging stare, as if daring the man to scorn him. "From the slag slum out of Kalsgard. Family was forced to scrounge for food from the Gungir forest." His challenging look by this point has almost turned accusatory.
He holds it for a few uncomfortable seconds before he breaks it and takes on a wistful look. "One time, ended up in the First World, at the doorstep of Skyra, the Many. Don't know why but they greeted me, but told me it was too early, they would call me." His face rapidly settles back into its usual indifferent apathy. "Tried to go back, but never could. Left my family as soon as I could and traveled, trying to find a way back. Didn't. Society offered money, knowledge, and a garden, so I enlisted."
"For plans, I can, ironically, draw energy from the First World or hit 'em with a warhammer. Not much else, don't need it."
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Kei nods appreciatively at Tovio's story. "The tengu know plenty about scrounging for food."
"Most of our roosts in this part of the world are tucked away in the unloved parts of human cities. We've been coming here piecemeal from the Sodden Lands over the decades. Someone has to do something to hold them together. So lonely tengu like me wander the wilds bringing messages and news from one roost to another. I've been frozen in snow, baked in sun and bedeviled in sodden forests. "
Kei shudders.
"Frankly I never liked it and I had enough of it. So I looked for another way to make a living and the Pathfinders represent a rare opportunity for outsiders." Kei shakes his head." So now I'm set to be a Pathfinder and they're all so delighted to learn that I can survive skulking about with the bugs and dirt. I've the makings of a fantastic scout I'm told."
The tengu gives a defeated shrug. "That not all that follows me from my former life. You might notice a large animal waiting for me outside. People often ask what's his name. I don't know, he can't talk. They also ask if he's friendly. If you're curious about that you're welcome to find out yourself."
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Khardum bears the other dwarf's stare without concern. In fact, there is almost a flicker of pity in his eyes when the exile relates his struggle to find food. However, the stout dwarf refrains from challenge or comment.
"I'm Khardum Pure Iron," he begins, setting his horned helm down on the table, "from Highhelm, under the Five Kings Mountain near Durma, Stonelord in service to the Father. I am charged with finding and learning about potential threats to my people. The Pathfinder Society proved an excellent way to carry out my commission."
He strokes his beard, "I'm fair in a fight, and as long as we're on assignment, you're all my people, and I'll fight to the end to keep you safe." He gives Toivo a stare with this last that's hard to define: a kind of compassionate challenge or promise.
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The little halfling rubs the diminishing manacle scars wrapping around his wrists thinking about his past. He swallows hard and then speaks "Long story Short." "Many years ago my family was captured by a Chelaxian lord." "At a young age my... 'Master'..." Sunnendel sneers with the last word "...Lost me in some stupid game of chance the 'lords' play." "I now found myself in Brevoy under the 'employ' of some minor lord not even known to many." "I met a gentle-woman fine as can be whom saw my 'employment' for what it actually was." "She said her name was Lily and she was with the Bellflower network." "She was able to set me free and I found myself in Mivon." "I became a fairly well sought after cook in city there." "near a year ago i heard that Lily had passed away." "I packed what belongings I had." Sunnendel jiggles his pack and you hear a few cooking instruments clang together. "And I headed straight to Absalom to met with a Contact in the Bellflower Network." "I have a life debt to Lily and I will not shy away from." "And so here I am." "Venturing off to earn my keep, Cook some amazing food and repay my debt to Lily." Sunnendel sits down at the table and breathes a little easier now that he has spoke about his past and started the healing process.
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Addressing the Chelaxian woman. "Why yes I am a chef." "Some may say I have a knack for cooking that is both savory and sweety with an acrobatic show to boot." Sunnendel seems to light up at the task of food. "I don't believe I caught your name." "Miss..?"
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Jalak puts his pen down and looks up at the group.
"I suppose it is my turn. My name is Jalak Stoneside and my story is simpler than most here. I never wanted to be a Pathfinder."
Jalak takes a moment to inhale deeply before continuing.
"However it was my brothers dream, he would go on for hours about all the adventures he would have and the great deeds he would accomplish. I on the other hand was content to stay home in the company of my books and read about the adventures of others. Well for the sake of time I will get to the point, he got his way and dragged me along with him. Though the society held little interest for me Absalom was a dream, so much knowledge just with in reach...I soon grew distracted by it all while my brother through himself head first into the society."
Jalak pauses once more before finishing
"Before I knew it I was waiting for him to return from a mission which he wouldn't come back from. Now I am here and I will become a Pathfinder and I will honor him."
Janira listens to your stories, her cheerful demeanor only slightly lessened by the the unfortunate circumstances that brought most of you here.
“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.”
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"Pleasure to make your acquaintance M." Sunnendel replys then speaks to the group of adventures. "I take it expedience is a necessity off fate at this point." "We shouldn't waste a moment." "Onward to adventurer."" Sunnendel pauses for effect "AND FOOD!!!"
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Addressing M the tengu says. "Of course he liked sparkly things, what mad fool doesn't? But I have my own coins."
"Ah yes, traveling... never a moment of daylight to be wasted. If a tengu wants to settle down with a book and a cup of wine well... in the next life I suppose."
Kei shakes his head.
"Very well, I hope around three days rations will suffice? Basic camping gear, bedroll and such? A length of rope and some light would also be good?"
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"Kei" the small halfling says. "If you are in need of any additional food rations i have spare." "Or better yet anything you catch I most definitely can cook." "Just a pinch of this and that makes everything taste good."
The halfling speaks with lady M "Don't fret over immediate interactions." "Are we not all Pathfinders selling the same goal." "Cooperation is our first step in our personal and group confirmation."
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"Yes, that sounds reasonable, Kei. The rest of you seem well stocked up as is. We'll meet up at the Wise Quarter gate in an hour and leave right after that!"
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Toivo looks at each person as they introduce themselves, Khardum in particular, but it's hard to tell if he's listening to what you say. Khardum's final words and look are the only time that his face even moves, a slight expression of confusion marring his apathy. What is that look? Compassion? Can't be, he knows I'm a slag.
To Kei' s rhetorical question about shiny things, Toivo adds, "I don't care about shiny things. And why would you want to relax here?" A slight expression of incredularity across his eyebrows, he gestures around the place, the hungover revelers and the state of disorder in the place. "But you're right we shouldn't be wasting daylight. I have everything I need and will wait for everyone by the gates."
He picks up his armor and the better light there shows its various overlapping plates to be different shades of green with a grass-colored cord tying them all together. All around the armor are what almost look like grass stains, in various different shades. He shoulders it on before tying it at the sides and wrapping a belt around his waist. He then hauls on his bag and makes for the door.
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Looking at Khardum apologetically. Taking a slow breath the halfling responds "I am sorry." one... two... "I can not help speaking so fast sometimes." one... two... "I have been told before if I talk to fast I should count between sentences and enunciate my words." Sunnendel seems exhausted from having to slow down his speech patterns "Is this ok?"
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"That's a kind offer Sunnedel. I have my rations but it would be very nice to eat something more palatable if we get the chance. I don't anticipate any hunting today however. I will be off now to gather my supplies, I'll see you all soon." Kei heads off whistling an odd tune to himself as he goes through the door.
As Kei walks through the door a dark shape falls into line behind him. The pre-dawn light reveals a lean gray furred wolf trotting seemingly happily along with him.
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Sunnendel heads out of the establishment. "Kei, I will make a quick stop by the shops." "There's a few exotic spices..." one... two... "some that I have thought might be fun to use."one... two... "see you all there." Sunnendel heads to the local shops for some exotic cooking spices. And then to the gate.
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After picking up some supplies, you reconvene at the Wise Quarter gate. Janira wastes no time and leads you out of the city and through the Cairnlands, where she points out notable landmarks and recites the Pathfinders credited with exploring them. The rest of the day is uneventful and you rest for the night, camping under the stars.
The next morning, you pack up, and Janaira leads you off the main road between Absalom and Diobel down what looks like nothing more than game trails. After an hour or so, she 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 she stows her Wayfinder, a half-rotten tree falls over which stirs up the thousands of spiders that evidently live here!
Jalak misses the roiling mass of arachnids in his excitement.
The spiders swarm over you, thousands of biting mouths ripping into you.
Janira staggers backwards, completely overcome by the spiders.
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Following Khardum's movement Sunnendel steps back away from the swarming mass of spiders. Pulling his own flask of Alchemist's Fire from his belt the little halfling let's fly the flask turns end over end to land in the same spot as Khardum's flask fell.
"Huzzah!" Take that foul vermin"
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As the group leaves the city behind and enters the woods, it looks as though a massive weight has been lifted from Toivo`s shoulders. While the lack of emotional expression is still there, one could almost say he seems happy; moving without the sharp, hurried motions from earlier and intently watching the scenery as it passes. At night he pulls out a large pot covered with a skillet out of his bag. He unpacks all of the basic cooking implements required for a campfire meal and silently offers it to Sunnendel. After the dinner he pulls out a roll of thick leather and and a small plank of wood. He unrolls it, showing the various brands, styluses and needles tucked inside. Taking a few out, he starts to heat them in the fire. When the brands are glowing he takes them out and starts to burn a picture into the wood. Ocasionally when he makes a mistake or makes too dark of a mark he sets down the tool and focuses on the plank for a second and the mark slowly disappears. When he finishes for the night he sets the tools out to cool and goes to bed. In the morning he acks them up again.
When the tree falls and the spiders start flowing out an actual look of surprise flashes across Toivo's face for a moment. He dithers for a second as the spiders rush the others in the group, but seeing M move back only a little, he seems to find a point to focus on and shouts, "If there's nothing you can do just run away, there are so many of these things they won't care about your armor! Don't be an idiot and just stand there!" As he shouts at the woman, Toivo backs away from the swarms and lines up a shot. He then brings his hands up and a small ball of energy starts to form between them. All of the plants, trees and wood in the surrounding area start growing new branckes and leaves that break off and flow into a growing ball in Toivo's hands. Once it reaches an accetable size, he lets it fly. He sadly mis-times letting it go and the heavier-than-expected mass falls short of the spiders and quickly disentigrates.
Khardum and Sunnendel both miss their intended marks, but luckily only the swarms are hit by the errant blasts.
Toivo's attack, albeit a flashy one, is likewise ineffective.