[PFS] GM Socrates Presents Journeys (Inactive)

Game Master caps

Do not post here yet.

Some context

Founded over 400 years ago in 4307 AR, the Pathfinder Society originally consisted of adventurers based in Absalom who sought a way to combine their resources and recruit additional help for particularly dangerous ventures. Over time the group attracted new members and continued to grow, and today its members and influence span across Golarion.

Today, the Pathfinder Society continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and supply hardly keeps up with the demand for new agents. To meet the growing need, the Three Masters, who are responsible for the training of new initiates at the Grand Lodge, have made the difficult choice to advance the promotion of some of the Society’s most promising initiates. In addition, they have taken the unprecedented step of letting a small group of particularly impressive initiates attempt a confirmation together, accompanied by an established field operative.

The Confirmation is the final test all Pathfinder initiates must pass in order to become Pathfinder field operatives. Every Confirmation is different, and ordinarily it would be tailored to the individual initiate; however, in this case, Kreighton Shaine has selected a task suitably engaging for an entire group. At all times, initiates are expected to fulfill the three duties of a Pathfinder agent: explore, report, and cooperate. Failure to adhere to these three tenets risks expulsion from the Society.

Once they have undergone Confirmation, Pathfinder agents are called upon to travel to the far corners of Golarion, delve into the deepest tombs, and solve the world’s oldest riddles. During these dangerous missions, Pathfinders are required to keep detailed journals, maps, and accounts of their exploits. After each adventure, agents send a copy of their records to the regional venture-captain for analysis; especially noteworthy reports are forwarded to Absalom for consideration to be included in the next edition of the Pathfinder Chronicles.

The Society comprises thousands of adventures coming from all walks of life, and it places no moral obligations upon its members. Each member of a Pathfinder Society adventuring party is expected to forgo all personal and theological differences and work together to achieve the Society’s goals.

You stand before a run-down inn in the Merchant's Quarter of Absalom. The sign, a pig standing on its hind legs with its arms folded over a corpulent belly, tells you you're in the right place--the letter you received last night just said "Start where it all began. Meet us at the Pig’s Paunch one hour before dawn"--so you head inside. You're greeted by the smell of sweaty people, stale tobacco, and old food. You recognize Kreighton Shaine sitting by a table and walk over to join him. He sushes you if you try to speak to him, encouraging you to introduce yourself to the other students instead.

I won't normally use this tense--I typically say "the party" when addressing the players--but it felt appropriate here.

Go ahead and Roleplay your character's entrance to the inn, introduce your character to the others, and roleplay with them. After you've had a few days to get to know each other I'll move us forward.

“I’d say Good Mornin’ to ye, but I think they pull the “beer” here from the horses’ water trough. And how good is any morning before a good, dwarven brew?
I’m Brann Bronzebrew. You look like a martial group, and I like that. Most of you anyway...”

“I have yet to meet a problem that couldn’t be solved with a sharp plan and sharper steel. I’m wonderin’ what problem we are here to solve.”

I stand with my back as close to against the wall as I can make it while one hand is twitchily searching for the great sword at my back “just Incase.” I am confident, yet keenly aware of the eyes upon my green skin. This place smells familiar, but I won’t let my guard down. I have a sinking feeling that I’m not wanted here, but hope that this feeling is just that. I slightly clear my throat and begin, “I’m not much for small talk. I’m Kos’Atka. My old friend Shaine invited me here. For what, I wait to hear.”

Left foot right foot.. with lift! One mustn't disdain our new acquaintances with a sloppy walk, chin up and they'll appreciate what they're looking down to. Yes, that's right, their eyes are definitely on us now! Exhilarating!

"Good morning! I'm Baconnen, and it's just great! Everything's great! Except for this roof, I like trees, there's no trees with roofs. I think. Just great!"

If you're a player reading this that hasn't posted yet, don't let the other posts intimidate you. Everyone has their own style; one sentence of description and one of dialogue is *fine*, especially when you are just getting started.

Kreighton Shaine looks at the three of you and smiles, nodding at each of your questions and comments. He springs onto the table and addresses you "Well well, let's not wait around all morning, shall we? Perhaps the others will join us on the way...
Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please sit down!" He says enthusiastically before sitting himself, cross-legged right there on the table.
"Ah, breathe it in! Can you smell it? This is where the Pathfinder Society got its start--over four hundred years ago, under this very roof!
And now, today, you will begin your Confirmation! The other Masters, Farabellus, Zey, and myself all agree that you've shown your worth and dedication to the society. It's high time you show us that you can handle being full field operatives.
Janira!"
An excited halfling woman steps forward wearing a large backpack with all kinds of tools, pouches, scrolls, etc. strapped to her person.
"Janira will be going on your Confirmation with you. She will be an invaluable resource for you, because she first discovered the very caves you will be exploring on *her* Confirmation!"
Janira nods and pitches in with a wide smile "Hello future Pathfinders! Just six months ago I was mapping cave entrances in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts when I saw a lone gillman entering a secret cave. Shortly after I finished the mapping I saw *another* lone gillman enter as well. I checked the cave out but couldn't find them..."
Master Shaine bounds to his feet, "Pathfinder-Initiates! Your assignment will be to travel to these caves, explore them, document them, and most important of all, learn what the gillmen are up to in there! Oh, and please don't die." Then he hops off the table and strides out of the inn, humming.

Janira breathes in and out to calm her obvious pride and excitement at leading you. "Does anyone have any questions before we get started? Personally, I'd love to know a little more about each of you and why you decided to join the society."

Geography: 1d20 ⇒ 20
History: 1d20 ⇒ 18

“I’d like to know what your first trip into the caves turned up. No Gillmen, aye, but what did you see, hear, and smell?
As to why I joined up, I thought the society could do with some good dwarven sense and strength. Since you’re lookin for someone to root some fish men out of a cave in a mountain, I’d say I was right!”

"Boredom, mostly."

A cloaked figure steps forward and into the group's area. He drops the cloak's hood and looks around at the group, casually meeting everyone's gaze in turn with an expressionless face.

Jagher arrived at the inn just moments before, in time to catch Master Shaine waking away from the group before him. Despite not knowing anyone, Jagher assumes he's in the right place, and strolls to a chair in the back of the group and sits. He casually props his feet up, leans his chair back onto two feet, and begins examining his finger nails not offering any further words.

"Pathfinders society has medals yes? Shiny ones, I understand, I was told I might get some sort of shineys, oh indeed wouldn't that be just grand? I don't have medals, I think I'd look just great with medals! Anyone know how I can earn them?"

Looking back and forth amongst his companions with a glint in his eye, and a bird in his pocket, suddenly his facial expression becomes inscrutable.

"Oh, and why are we interested in Gilligan going into caves?"

After rubbing his beard for a moment, the lights dawn in his eyes.

"Oh! He has the medals, yes? What adventure, boy, chasing down sailors in caves for medals does sound like such a tale! We'll make fast friends I'm sure, even you sir with the cloak, and the funny smell!"

Oskar, a dwarf with a long braided orange beard, drops a large tome on the table with a loud thud. He drags one of the wooden chairs close to the group and places his large warhammer atop a barrel next to the table. He sits.

“I go where Torag pleases and his pleasure leads me to this cave”.

Janira smiles at Brann. "That's the spirit! Understanding where you're going is one of the most important preparation steps a Pathfinder can take. Unfortunately I didn't have time to venture very far into the cave, so I can't tell you much more than I did already. I'm not sure we'll be able to just waltz in when we get there."

She barely hides a laugh at Baconnen. "Oh, you are adorable! Yes, Pathfinders sometimes get medals, ha ha." She reaches over and toussles his head in an affectionate way.

She nods enthusiastically at Oskar; "I revere Desna myself, but faith is so important to everyone. We're all in this together; 'Explore, Report, Cooperate' is the Society motto after all!"

Clover/Kos'atka are you still following along?

"As for me, well, I joined the society four years ago after I came of age; to see the world and try all of its different foods! But I soon came to love learning and preserving knowledge for its own sake. I want to get some of my work published in the Pathfinder Chronicles someday and even become a true Chronicler!"

"Where did each of you grow up? How do you handle yourself in a fight? You look like a hefty bunch. I'm glad you're on my side!"

Please feel free to post your answers, but I'm going to move us forward some.

---

After hearing out your answers and making some appreciative remarks, she dives into planning out the mission. "Master Shaine reviewed my notes in detail and he's convinced that it's not just happenstance that I saw them enter the caves at full moon. Tomorrow night is our best chance to find out what's important about these caves and what they're doing there."

"The caves are at the foot of the Kortos Mounts. We'll have to move pretty fast and use all of our daylight to get there in time. We'll cross over the Cairnlands towards Diobel and then make our way through the wilderness. Hopefully we won't run into any of the local inhabitants," she makes a wry grin. "Then we can explore the caves, figure out if any Gillmen are there, or were there. We should also keep an eye out for any *other* significance the cave may have while we're there."

"Before we get started, does anyone have any other questions about where we're going or the mission?"

There’s not too many things that make me uncomfortable, but strangers asking about my past is definitely something that falls into the “uncomfortable” category. I move my weight from one side to the other and try to act indifferent about the question.

“I joined the society to fight the stigma placed on my kind. I idolize my human side and respect my orc side, but unfortunately most orcs and humans don’t feel the same as I do. I was cast out by my orc tribe for being a “human sympathizer” and humans aren’t too fond of me, so I’ve learned how to take care of myself through the years. I’m hungry to prove myself and even more hungry to be where I’m most at home- on the battle field. As for how I handle myself in a fight well, let’s just say I handle it. And the only question I have about the mission is when do we start?”

Smiling cheerily at Janira Baconnen says "The woods is where I was. Younger. Where I was younger. When I was younger." Baconnen blinks vacantly.

"A fight??" Baconnen looks concerned as he idly strokes his book of gnomish fairy tales, his only childhood possession, it's with him always. "No, that doesn't sound pretty at all. I would very much like to make friends, not anger, blood can stain you know."

A smile fights across Baconnen's face, finally he opens his book and looks around "A story! Everyone loves a story!" Flipping through the pages, Baconnen stops at a point appearing pleased, and begins to read.

"Once upon a time, there was a bird, and a large tree. The bird lived in the tree, and loved the tree as it's home. One night, a-" Baconnen slows for a moment, 'T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E", blushing slightly Baconnen picks the pace back up "storm came. The tree swayed back and forth so far, the bird wondered if it would snap. In a scare, the bird flapped it's wings and pressed against the tree with all it could to stop the swaying. The tree held just enough to keep from snapping, all thanks to the cute little bird." Smiling brightly, Baconnen closes the book, then takes on a somber appearance. "Were I scared, I would hope to show that birds bravery for others. Just so long as I don't get blood on my clothes, blood can stain!"

Brann looks thoughtfully at Baconnen and nods. “Aye, I catch your meaning, Breakfast. I recall my mother had a story as well. ‘It’s harder to wash out your own blood than your foe’s’.

“Janira,” Brann says, motioning toward the bar. “I have a feeling we aren’t getting a good meal for a few days, and the gnome’s making me hungry. I’ll be at the bar until we’re ready to go.”

Snoring loudly, Baconnen shifts and falls out of his chair.

"What? Why'd you push- who's there?" peering around, attempting to remember where he is, Baconnen looks deep in thought, and begins snoring again.

Oskar peers over his tomb at the commotion. His attention returns to his study and after a few pages his scowl fades away.

Janira furrows her brow sympathetically as she listens to Kos'atka. But her frown quickly turns into a welcoming smile, "I'm so glad you're here with us! You'll soon find the Society is a welcome place for people of all backgrounds!"

Janira laughs at Baconnen's rambling. "You *are* adorable. I'm so glad you're with us too. I'll do my best to help you keep blood out of your clothes."

After a few minutes more of preparation, Janira gathers Brann from the bar, Baconnen from the table, and leads you out into the streets of Absalom, across town, and out into the Cairnlands!

On the way out of town, she pauses near a market, "If you don't have a journal or paper to take notes, you might want to get one! Don't forget the motto is explore, *report*, cooperate!"

--

As she leads you through the Cairnlands she points out ruined siege towers from the many failed assaults on Absalom. The first night you have the opportunity to swap stories and bond further.

--

The next morning she leads you out of the sun, into the thicker vegetation of the woods. She pulls out a silver compass with the Pathfinder symbol on it and says "I received this wayfinder when I successfully completed my Confrmation. Should we be successful on our journey, you will get your own as well. We’re on the right path. We need to keep heading northwest past those large rocks up ahead..."

I'll try to make the next post soon, but feel free to Role-Play your conversations on the road or at camp in the meantime

As Janira points out the way and then hesitates to consult her wayfinder, you hear wolves growling nearby.

Please position yourselves in your preferred arrangement within the big red box. You can find a link to the map (editable with the Google Slides app if you are on mobile) right beneath my name on this post.

@Jagher/Isaac Hatton: I don't see your character sheet in your profile, so I don't know what to roll for your initiative, or anything else about your character for that matter. Could you put it in whatever profile you'll be posting from?

You look around and see them approaching you; a dark furred one coming from the southwest and a light furred one coming from the north. Their yellow eyes glow with hunger as they eye you eagerly.

Initiative Order
Oskar <= Up
Jagher <= Up
Brann <= Up
Wolves
Baconnen
Janira
Kos'atka

Notes:You may post a full round worth of actions.
I will resolve all actions in the order of initiative or in the order the post was made, depending on whatever is simplest.
If you have not posted by the time I am ready to post again, I will bot your character and post for you.
Remember that drawing a weapon or an item is a move action. Fighters, Paladins, and Barbarians have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher and can therefore draw a weapon while moving.

Oskar takes a few steps toward the break in the fallen tree. As he moves he pulls a round stone with markings engraved in one side out of one of the many pouches hanging around his stout frame. He places one foot on the fallen tree to brace himself and with a grunt and the dwarven strength for which he is known, he fires the stone projectile from his sling in the direction of the northern light colored wolf.

Brann rushes toward the other wolf, drawing his weapon on the go as gracefully as a running dwarf can manage to draw a greatsword.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

@Jagher/Isaac Hatton: My apologies, you were probably waiting on me to look over your character before posting. Instead of botting you, I'll let you post two rounds worth of actions in the next round. Go ahead and post now rather than waiting for me to audit your sheet.

Oskar steps towards the fallen tree and slings a stone at the gray wolf, but it goes wide.
I know you said the light wolf, but there are some trees in the way so I took the liberty of redirecting your attack..

Brann draws his greatsword as he moves through the underbrush towards the patch of trees to the north, hoping to intercept the wolf approaching from that direction.

The wolves close in, growling with hunger. The white wolf bites at Brann and catches only air, but the gray wolf takes a piece of Oskar.
Oskar takes 2 damage from the wolf's bite

Janira draws a whip and cheers you on "Let's work together. We'll show these wolves what the Pathfinder spirit is truly capable of!"

Initiative Order
Baconnen <= Up
Janira
Kos'atka <= Up
Oskar <= Up
Jagher <= Up
Brann <= Up
Wolves

Notes: Inspire Courage is active! You all gain a +1 competence bonus to attack and weapon damage rolls, and +1 morale bonus on saves against fear.
You may post a full round worth of actions.
I will resolve all actions in the order of initiative or in the order the post was made, depending on whatever is simplest.
If you have not posted by the time I am ready to post again, I will bot your character and post for you.
Remember that drawing a weapon or an item is a move action. Characters with a base attack bonus of +1 or higher can draw a weapon while moving.

Brann glares at the snapping wolf, "Trying to bite me? Chew on this, ye mangy curr!" He swings the greatsword at the wolf with all his might...

Greatsword Power attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 102d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13
Including the competence bonus

Baconnen cries out, "Eep! Oskar! Blood could get on your beautiful clothes!" and casts Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 while laying his hands on Oskar's left ear.

"Oh no! The blood is still there!" Baconnen looks worried as he thinks about how to polish blood out of armor.

first move
Jagher, thinking about the enticing flavor of some fresh meat in his diet, begins moving towards the northern wolf.

Long sharp claws begin to grow from his fingers as he makes eye contact with the wolf.
Jagher holds the wolf's gaze as he circles to his left, around the side of Oskar to confront the wolf.

second move
Jagher squares off with the beast and takes a few swipes with his claws.

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 3
left-hand damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
right-hand damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I smile a wicked smile. Happy for a fight and eager for blood. Charging towards the beast, I unsheath my greatsword. “I’ll dance in your blood, beast!”
greatsword power attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (5, 6) + 8 = 19

Jagher's second claw attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Brann delivers a powerful blow to the underbrush just left of the wolf, while Baconnen heals Oskar of all his wounds. Jagher swipes at the wolf near him but catches only air, while Kos'atka slays a sapling next to the white wolf.

[BOTTING OSKAR]
Oskar swings his weapon of Torag at the wolf before him, slamming into its jaw. It yelps and whines, then growls at him.
Warhammer, attack, inspired: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
[/BOTTING OSKAR]

The wolves retaliate with attacks of their own, but they each catch only air.

Janira begins sharing an inspiring story about Selmius Foster racing against a marid and efreeti on the isle of Jalmeray.

Initiative Order
Baconnen <= Up
Janira
Kos'atka <= Up
Oskar <= Up
Jagher <= Up
Brann <= Up
Wolves

Notes: Inspire Courage is active! You all gain a +1 competence bonus to attack and weapon damage rolls, and +1 morale bonus on saves against fear.

@Jagher/Isaac Hatton: You get to roll one attack roll per claw; each one hits or misses individually.

Baconnen casts Speak with animals on himself, while worrying at his book.

"Doggys, why are you so angry? These are nice trees, you must find another meal! We're friends, not food!"

Baconnen hugs his book closely, and says, "Oh this is no way for nature, too ugly a business.."

”Quick one, eh?” Brann mutters and makes a more measured attack.

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 1 = 11

Brann seriously injures the wolf beside him.

I guess I'll give everyone else another 24 hours

“Damn wolf! Sit still so I can make my meal of you!

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12
Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 4 + 1 = 17

Kos'atka can't quite hit the wolf with her greatsword.

Initiative Order
Baconnen
Janira
Kos'atka
Oskar <= Up
Jagher <= Up
Brann
Wolves

Oskar shifts his weight and swings his warhammer at the nearest wolf.

Warhammer, attack, inspired: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Jagher takes swipes again.

left attack: 1d20 ⇒ 2
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

right attack: 1d20 ⇒ 9
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Oskar delivers a powerful blow to the head of the wolf beside him. Jagher's claws are ineffective.

The wolf by Brann retaliates with another bite.

I am here, ready to try to get 1-3 posts in per week if y'all are ready to continue with me.

The entire party is up! And still inspired by Janira's cheery disposition!

Brann makes another attack intending to finish off the beast.

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12
Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 + 1 = 8

Furious at the mangy, dodging wolf, Kos’Atka swings again with all her might.
Greatsword power attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
Damage: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 7 + 1 = 14

Sweet!
Critical roll: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 7 + 1 = 15

Brann misses, but Kos'atka utterly destroys the last remaining wolf.

Janira claps her hands. "Congratulations on your first battle together. Very well done, team! No time to dilly-dally; we need to keep moving if we're going to reach the caves by dusk. If we don't get there tonight, we might miss the gillmen."

As you continue to make your way through the wilderness, you seem to come across obstacle after obstacle; fallen trees, overgrown shortcuts, etc.

Everyone please attempt a Survival check to see if you can speed things up and find a more effective route.

Kos’Atka ponders the sky and landmarks from the highest point she can reach. Upon returning to the group, she simply motions through the trees and says, ”We need to head that way, no time to waste.”

Survival check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

”Ha! Nice try, but ye’ve got yer map upside down, orc! I think we need to head this way.” Brann motions in a slightly different direction with apparently little thought...

Survival check: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Oskar brings his hand up to his left ear and says “Torag knows the way”.

1d20 ⇒ 12