I have created the campaign now and this will be our gameplay thread for our Play by Post game in the PbP Gameday 3 event! We will be playing #5-08: The Confirmation and we begin on November 1, 2014.
Please feel free to dot in so you can see updates on your campaign tab. A little description of your character's appearance is always fun. The scenario begins in Absalom, so there will be opportunities to shop for gear before we proceed, if need be.
Let's have a good game! Explore, Report, Cooperate! ^_^
I have created the campaign now and this will be our gameplay thread for our Play by Post game in the PbP Gameday 3 event! We will be playing #5-08: The Confirmation and we begin on November 1, 2014.
Please feel free to dot in so you can see updates on your campaign tab. A little description of your character's appearance is always fun. The scenario begins in Absalom, so there will be opportunities to shop for gear before we proceed, if need be.
Let's have a good game! Explore, Report, Cooperate! ^_^
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"Wei Ji checking in."
This obsidian tengu stands roughly 5' tall and is possibly one of the most muscled bird-people a person may have seen. He wears a shirt of well-crafted and cared-for mithril, along with a dark wooden shield and masterwork bastard sword arrayed over his back, a well-crafted short sword on his right hip with a lightweight traveller's outfit that helps round out the look.
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"A buff Tengu!" Jorag said with all too much excitement in his voice as he arrived, his venerable face gaining a multitude of additional wrinkles as he ogled Wei with wide eyes. Realizing the rudeness of it, he quickly straightened up, smoothed a few wrinkles on his tunic and introduced himself. "My apologies friend, my name is Jorag, ex-fighter and trainer of the arenas, current Pathfinder, at your service." He offered a hand in greeting. "You must forgive me, but, well.." He paused a moment, clearly thinking his words over before continuing. "I havnt seen many of your kind in all my years, and only once before one such as yourself. Your people tends more towards, lets say, lithe physiqes." He got a glint in his eye again. "Only other one like you I ever saw was in the arena, well past my own fighting years, when I was a trainer." His gaze became distant as he reminisced. "A whirlwind of steel and claws he was, quite the sight. Not to put any pressure on you ofcourse, but I dearly hope to see something similar in your company."
A sudden realization struck him like a thunderbolt, and he slapped his forehead. "Silly me, I left out arguably the most important thing. I am a humble servant of Kurgess, the Strong Man himself. Where my bretheren choose to exemplify the deeds of mighty Kurgess, I instead see to it that his true champions, those of a more fitting age and physique, have all they need to do their good work." He chuckled a bit to himself. "I may not be in the arenas anymore, and I may not officially be a trainer currently, but the job description didn't change much when I chose to become a Pathfinder. It IS more exciting though."
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A tall muscular man, draped in a yellow trimmed crimson robe, approaches the group. He has a unique looking tropical bronze tan with yellowish gold tattoos that cover his face and bald head. A heavy dark-red cloak bellows out from behind the man’s long stride. He carries a long curved dagger strapped to the belt that hangs around his waist. Hung over his right shoulder is a well-crafted backpack that holds a light crossbow, a large quiver of bolts, and a bed role. The backpack looks well provisioned for travel. Once the man reaches the group he turns to everyone and speaks in a deep voice, ”Well met everyone, I am Boldren. Are you the group of pathfinders that I am supposed to be adventuring with?”
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With a grin on his face and a mug of beer in his hands the stocky human with a mowhawk sits on a table with many an aspiring pathfinder and a few military men sharing stories. He is hardly armed with just a few javalins and a shield on his back, though on his hands he wears lightly padded gloves to match his leather armor. He empties his mug and inspects the newcomers with a wizened look. He's clearly a veteran as he has more than a few scars on his body and cuts on his armor and shield. The way he studies everyone tells you he would know in a split second who to take out first and how.
He stands up after he overhears the discussion and walks towards the new arrivals "Aye, you are at the right place kids. Looks like we will be going on our confirmation together. Don't worry, I'll protect ya when trouble's around as long as you follow my orders. Name's Havok, Captain Havok. Used to be part of the army but I was recruited for this. They said it was special ops or something. Well at least the pay is better, Hahaha." He laughs as he slaps the wizard on his shoulder, hard, and yells for more beers for the group, making sure everyone has a pint.
"Well here's to a new adventure, may we all keep our heads attached at the end."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"A buff Tengu!" Jorag said with all too much excitement in his voice as he arrived, his venerable face gaining a multitude of additional wrinkles as he ogled Wei with wide eyes. Realizing the rudeness of it, he quickly straightened up, smoothed a few wrinkles on his tunic and introduced himself. "My apologies friend, my name is Jorag, ex-fighter and trainer of the arenas, current Pathfinder, at your service." He offered a hand in greeting. "You must forgive me, but, well.." He paused a moment, clearly thinking his words over before continuing. "I havnt seen many of your kind in all my years, and only once before one such as yourself. Your people tends more towards, lets say, lithe physiqes." He got a glint in his eye again. "Only other one like you I ever saw was in the arena, well past my own fighting years, when I was a trainer." His gaze became distant as he reminisced. "A whirlwind of steel and claws he was, quite the sight. Not to put any pressure on you ofcourse, but I dearly hope to see something similar in your company."
A sudden realization struck him like a thunderbolt, and he slapped his forehead. "Silly me, I left out arguably the most important thing. I am a humble servant of Kurgess, the Strong Man himself. Where my bretheren choose to exemplify the deeds of mighty Kurgess, I instead see to it that his true champions, those of a more fitting age and physique, have all they need to do their good work." He chuckled a bit to himself. "I may not be in the arenas anymore, and I may not officially be a trainer currently, but the job description didn't change much when I chose to become a Pathfinder. It IS more exciting though."
Wei accepts the hand, measuring the grip but not engaging in the typical 'show-off' macho behaviour that some might engage in. "There's really no need for forgiveness, honestly. Being a slave tends to bring out certain things in folks... in this case, it was get strong breaking rocks or... be broken." The birdly being tilts its head a bit then shrugs. "Hopefully we can resolve the mission without it all coming to that. Last time I tried that whole 'whirlwind of steel' approach it was a very dicey situation." He points to the clean and well-kept shield. "Gonna be focusing a bit more on survival this run. Last run we didn't have a single board in the group, if you can imagine that? And the things were hitting us like no tomorrow."
"I find the teachings of the Learned One to be a bit more my speed, personally. Irori would have folks learn, and the Pathfinder Society, well, it's very much in keeping with it. And excitement? Oh, right, you came from the arenas... sorry... I prefer as little excitement as possible. Too much of a chance of things going hard-boiled." Was that an egg-pun?
He gives Boldren a glance. "Well, if we're not we'll take you with us for the time being until the captains figure otherwise? Sound good to you?"
Havok's comments make the tengu cringe a bit. "I hope to heck this ain't another Trial thing. Group I was with on that nearly got shredded. Not pretty at all."
The feathery fellow will accept the ale. "Keeping the heads in the attached location would be preferable, indeed. If you're holding the attention I can slide on the flanks and two-blade it up. Otherwise, I can back you up a bit on the front-line to give our range folk a break. Your call, you seem to be geared a bit better towards it?"
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With an impish grin of acknowledgement, Mira accepts her pint from Havok. The slight young woman is nearly dwarfed by the musket slung across her back. Fresh faced and clearly excited, with armor that looks barely broken in, the girl's appearance is a stark contrast to some of the more vetran members of the group. She glances at the others of the group with just a hint of admiration.
Mira takes a brief sip of her beer. Much stronger and more bitter than what she preferred, but she supposed she'd better be polite and not mention it. Setting the drink down on a table, she jabs her own chest with her thumb and speaks up. "I'm Mira. Mira Alder." she states confidently, "And I'll make things go 'boom' at a distance as good as any wizard you've ever met."
Indicating the short, spealike blade mounted on the tip of her musket, she adds "If you need support on the flanks, though, I'm sure I can slip around behind the enemy and give them a few pokes."
Listening as the others talk about past adventures, she adds one last bit of chatter, "This'll be my first mission with the society, so I'm counting on you veterans to show me how it's done!"
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 sunset.”
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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"Sounds like a simple enough scouting mission. Any intel on hostile entities in the vicinity of the caverns?" Captain Havok asks.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Sounds like a simple enough scouting mission. Any intel on hostile entities in the vicinity of the caverns?" Captain Havok asks.
"Good question!" The halfling lass nods approvingly. "We'll get to that soon, but the short answer is we will be passing through territory that is vied for by Centaurs, Minotaurs and Harpies. With luck, we won't see any, though."
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!”
Despite her small stature, Janira pulls herself up proudly as she speaks. "I was born and raised in Absalom, eldest of a BIG halfling family. Just after my 20th nameday, I enlisted to train with the Pathfinder Society. At first, I think I just wanted to see something besides the same old streets of Eastgate, but it's become more than that now. Master Shaine has shown me the everlasting value of Chronicling the knowledge and bold deeds of intrepid Pathfinders. Just think! Hundreds, maybe even thousands or more years from now students could be reading the tales of our own deeds and discoveries long after we are gone. If I could continue to inspire people long after I am gone, I would leave this earth fulfilled." Janira sighs wistfully and then paces before you a moment, taking on the demeanor of an instructor.
"I've been where we are going and even though this is my first time leading an expedition, know that you can count on me. I'll be your guide and support on this mission but remember this is your Confirmation. You must demonstrate your readiness to be a full fledged Pathfinder Agent by fulfilling the three cardinal duties: Explore, Report, Cooperate. Alright? Good, so tell us all a bit about yourselves. Why did you join the Pathfinder Society? What are your greatest strengths on and off the battlefield? Anyone just so happen to be a great cook?" The halfling grins just as her stomach makes a grumbling protest and she motions the staff for food to be brought to the table and then looks around at you all expectantly.
During Earthfall, the Starstone struck Golarion and destroyed the human empires of Thassilon and Azlant. It is said that gillmen’s ancestors survived the cataclysmic event because they received the blessing of an aquatic entity that allowed them to breath underwater.
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"Well I already introduced myself to the others... But what the hey.
The name's Havok, Captain Havok. I used to be special forces in the army, but my superior officer said my skills are needed here. I believe his exact words were "Those flimsy Pathfinders consist of too many skinny casters and other hippies. Their teams need some more muscle and experience and you are it Captain." So here I am. I think you can guess my area of expertise. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Wei is quietly observing the goings-on... and taking mental notes? Well, it at least looks like it as the mission parameters are laid out and the mission objectives as well. He's probably going to need to stop by a scribe supplier or the like to get some proper recording tools, it's been a bit too busy for him of late to do such...
The idea of an escort... wait, they are escorting the halfling or is the halfling escorting them? Something causes the feathers on the back of his arms to raise a bit as he ponders the mission.
The tengu shifts a bit from the seat he's largely perched upon. They're not really designed for his people, so he has to make do in a somewhat civilized fashion, since the invitation from the head of the organization was to *sit*.
"I am Wei Ji. I was working as a day laborer on some engineering projects near Cheliax holdings when some individuals deprived me of my freedom and threw me into a gravel-works. . It's a bit hard for me to trust people right away due to the incarceration--I'd been lured in with the promise of great pay and lodging and when you're hungry..." He pauses, then takes a deep breath before continuing.
"It was only by the intervention of some Andoran Pathfinders that I was freed, and they taught me how to fight. How to be... quiet. And how to listen and watch for even the smallest details, because 'that's where the devils hang out'. Not a small-manager, though, you get too wrapped up in those details and they can derail you. Enough to know what you need to do, and enough to learn and help others to grow. That's the other thing I've picked up on, since a trip up to some Stonelord ruins. Always Be Learning. And... make sure you get back with the tale is kind of important, too. Because if you don't, then the next group behind you will have a job twice as hard and costly."
He lets the weaponry he bears speak for itself -- no, not whipping it out, but the fact that he has it and is quite at ease with it should be an indication of where his combat skills are.
"I can hunt, if need be, but as far as cooking, well, that's not a skill I've really worked on? Been a bit busy." He gets thoughtful for a moment, rubbing the underside of his beak. "But every day is a chance to learn something new, and if you've ideas or pointers on that, I'm not afraid to give it a try? Some paths are straight and others are twisted, but in the end, we all learn along them?"
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An elf with deep blue eyes nods in acknowledgement.
When she speaks, there is an icy edge to her voice, with cold and distance beyond the most haughty of elves.
"What is the best way to document what we find?" she asks. "Do we bring back specimens of flora and fauna, or should we make notes in our journal and leave the environs untouched?"
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Boldren looks around the room, admiring the rustic environment. His hazel eyes sparkle with interest as each of his new companions explain their beginnings. After securing the free ale, Captain Havok bought, the large wizard steps forward.
I suppose it is my turn to introduce myself. The wizard’s deeper baritone voice draws unusual looks from around the bar as he proceeds with his introduction. I am Boldren The Tarnished, My friends and colleagues have referred to me by this name since I can remember. I'm a last year student of the Arcanamirium.
Boldren lifts the frothy mug of ale, then draws a large portion of its contents into his mouth. After a heavy swallow, he continues.
I have spent my entire life within the confines of the school, so I don’t believe I can offer as much worldly advice as most of you here. I have, on the other hand, spent a lot of time in scholarly pursuits. I have explored the far reaches of Golarion, within the pages of its history. I have adventured with some of the greatest adventures of all time, through their journals. So I offer my knowledge, in exchange for your worldly experience.
Boldren glances over at Mira, raises an eyebrow, and then smiles. It’s good to see that adventuring isn't absent of young good looking ladies.
Realizing his comment may have been somewhat offensive, Boldren returns his attention back to the rest of the group. I am a wizard, more specifically an evocation specialist. That being said, I have a decent array of spells to offer as my contribution to the group. I am a mediocre shot with the crossbow, which I use in combat when spells are not viable.
I joined the society upon my adopted uncle’s request. He thought I should participate more in the world at hand, instead of experiencing it through the texts of others. To be honest, I am excited about our mission and the whole Pathfinder adventurer concept.
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"Well, I have already hinted at my background, but I suppose a proper account of it is appropriate." Jorag said, raising his offered mug of ale in cheers to those others who had decided to partake of it. "The arena was my home for most of my life." His gaze turned distant once more as he recalled it. "Nothing too bloody, mostly wrestling and mock fights with blunt weapons, although there were the occasional blood sport bouts. I never really liked or approved of those though. An arena should be a place of competition and displays of strength and prowess, not murder." He gave a serious, determined look to each of them, wordlessly letting each know the sincerity of what he had said.
"Ofcourse, when I refer to "the arena", it isnt a single place. We traveled from arena to arena, some would say like a circus or gypsies, and I suppose they would be correct to a degree. Kurgess was always our patron, and ever a prayer to him on our lips before competition." He gave a guilty smile at what he said next. "In my young days though, I can hardly be said to have been a proper devotee, atleast not enough to be granted any powers. But as the years wore on and my body grew frailer, I learned to look past the ambitions of a young warrior and instead found true worship, and with it, came the gifts of mighty Kurgess." He took another long drought from his mug.
"Mind you, this was hardly unusual, it happens to a great many of my kind when age robs us of our physical ability. Whether that is just the natural enlightenment of age or a consolation prize from the Strong Man, well, theres alot of debate on the subject." He emptied his mug and set it on the table with a satisfied look, smacking his lips with the after taste.
"Anyway, as is customary, I took to coaching and training the next generations, and while that was and is a fulfilling way to spend my life, when this whole Pathfinder business became known to me, I just had to accept. As much as I disapprove of deadly sport in the arena, Ive always wanted to get involved in the gritty reality of the heroes work. What better way to honor mighty Kurgess?"
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An elf who is fairly tall with dark black hair and clear blue eyes begins to introduce himself. "My name is Draco Anabolis. I joined the Pathfinder society to try and rid this world of slavery and other evils. A dear friend of mine was once sold into slavery to pay off a debt. Luckily, I helped to pay it off, but ever since I have not been the same and I couldn't stand the fact that many others were to suffer the same fate for their whole lives and have since dedicated myself to fighting against those who would enslave their equal. I am a magus and I am proficient with an elven curve blade, and would be useful for close combat. I look forward to battling alongside you in our adventure."
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Mira returns Boldren's look with a bemused one of her own. "My mother always warned me to stay away from men with strange tattoos, you know." she told him, her tone both scolding and teasing.
Despite the friendly smile she wore, a bit of discomfort shows in her expression as she listens to the others. Slavery was unheard of where she grew up, and it made her uneasy to realize just how much the distasteful trade had touched their group.
Directing her attention to Janira, Mira holds herself a bit straighter and speaks. "I'm Mira Alder. I just recently arrived from Oregent" she says, naming the South Andoran lumber town she grew up in, "I've always wanted to join the pathfinders, since as long as I can remember. Grandpa was pathfinder back in his prime, and I grew up listening to all his stories, wanting to be part of them. I mean, going on adventures and saving the day, and getting paid to do it? What could be better?" the girl gave a happy grin at the thought.
"As far as strengths are concerned, I'm your girl for combat. I'm best with a bit of range. Give me a few feet of space to work with, and I can deal some damage no matter what armor gets in the way." she says confidently "I'm also pretty nimble, so I can be useful for scouting, taking apart locks, or just giving the enemy trouble with a bit of flanking."
"As for weaknesses, don't ask me to be the group's diplomat or anything" she states bluntly, "I've never been one for fancy words and all."
Wei Ji senses no hidden motives behind Janira's eager demeanor. She seems sincere in her love of learning, but a small butterfly pendant on a fine chain around her neck suggests she likely reveres Desna.
Entire tribes of centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs constantly vie for territory up and around the Mounts, with harpies being the most common at higher altitudes and centaurs controlling the lower slopes and foothills.
An elf with deep blue eyes nods in acknowledgement.
When she speaks, there is an icy edge to her voice, with cold and distance beyond the most haughty of elves.
"What is the best way to document what we find?" she asks. "Do we bring back specimens of flora and fauna, or should we make notes in our journal and leave the environs untouched?"
"More good questions! You lot are on point, what a great team!" Janira enthuses, clearly pleased. "It's essential to keep good notes on a mission. A bound journal serves that function well, if you haven't brought any writing supplies, I have some here." She passes paper and sharpened charcoal out to anyone who needs them. "I actually did quite a bit of cataloging the various flora and fauna during my Confirmation mission, but yours will focus on what you find inside the cave. Use this opportunity to show off your observation and reporting skills, it will help your reputation within the Society."
Janira listens to your stories with much interest. "You all have such diverse and compelling stories, thank you for sharing. I'm looking forward to our journey and seeing you all in action. Too bad none of you fancy yourselves cooks, I guess I'll have to show off my own skills there. 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 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. You'll need general camping gear as we'll be sleeping rough. Other good items to have along include rope, light sources, food, a way to make fire, means of healing, and other essentials. If you have the gold, I'd suggest a flask or two of alchemist’s fire, or other splash weapons and antitoxin.”
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Boldren takes a moment, during the discussion about preparations, to impress the rest of the group with his insight. “In my time at the Arcanamirium, I spent some time with a professor, who specialized in the history of creatures like the gillmen. He and many others believe the gillmen are an abomination created by the aboleths. Although they may have once had some sort of alliance, the gillmen seem to work independently now. Having contributed a small amount of useful information, Boldren sets back down and finishes off the remainder of his ale.
Watching carefully to make sure Mira is predisposed with preparations, Boldren cocks a warm smile at Kiri.
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"More good questions! You lot are on point, what a great team!" Janira enthuses, clearly pleased. "It's essential to keep good notes on a mission. A bound journal serves that function well, if you haven't brought any writing supplies, I have some here." She passes paper and sharpened charcoal out to anyone who needs them. "I actually did quite a bit of cataloging the various flora and fauna during my Confirmation mission, but yours will focus on what you find inside the cave. Use this opportunity to show off your observation and reporting skills, it will help your reputation within the Society."
** spoiler omitted **
Janira listens to your stories with much interest. "You all have such diverse and compelling stories, thank you for sharing. I'm looking...
Wei will eagerly accept the charcoal and paper, and bow respectfully.
'Gill'men would seem to indicate something aquatic, right? What is the local water table like at full moon and at new moon?" And... if you would pardon me a little bit, I do need to acquire some gear that normally I would not be using."
After a reasonable time he will return, notably more loaded down with enough things for a two-person base camp, almost.
"Alright, loaded up on a bunch of things, good idea on the alchemist fire, have a lot of rope and a climbing kit if we need it, and a bunch of other stuff. Ready to head out when we're ready."
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"You know, I think I shall have to accompany you Wei." Jorag said, following the birdman. "Never really had a use for a tent either, so I shall have to purchase one."
Returning with Wei, one tent richer, Jorag smiled at everyone and added after Wei. "I am ready as well. But first, might you all join me in a short prayer to Kurgess? You do not have to be sincere worshipers, but if you do, Mighty Kurgess will be able to see you more clearly when I call upon his glory to assist you."
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"You know, I think I shall have to accompany you Wei." Jorag said, following the birdman. "Never really had a use for a tent either, so I shall have to purchase one."Returning with Wei, one tent richer, Jorag smiled at everyone and added after Wei. "I am ready as well. But first, might you all join me in a short prayer to Kurgess? You do not have to be sincere worshipers, but if you do, Mighty Kurgess will be able to see you more clearly when I call upon his glory to assist you."
"That's up to you. Won't insist, won't drive you away, but the company might be good to have. Never know in some of the alleys here, despite the efforts to clean them up. The tengu will nod to the orc-kin.
Upon the return, the odd bird tilts his head. "I welcome the chance to learn more about the world and the faith of my fellow travelers. With new knowledge we all improve ourselves. What do you need for someone who isn't of the direct faith? Sincere isn't the right term, though? Maybe devout instead? A lack of sincerity isn't the kind of thing to bring to a deity, bad things happen when you do that." Wei pauses for a moment, considering. "This isn't going to require blood sacrifice, promise of souls, or promises of enslavement of others, is it? No offense, just occurred to me."
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"Oh no my good Wei, I most certainly did mean sincere." Jorag gave a wide smile. "It is I who pay tribute to Kurgess, and in so doing am granted what powers I possess. Kurgess trusts that I use them on worthy individuals, whether they pay him tribute or not. Think of this little prayer as more of a formality, a means to an end, than actual worship...Well except for me ofcourse." He smiled even wider, patting Havok on the shoulder. "See, Havok gets it! I cannot wait to see what you will accomplish young man."
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Boldren nods to Jorag, then looks to see if any of the ladies are going to join the prayer. I will show the proper respect for Kurgess. He nobly gave his life to save others. Besides, if Cayden Cailean and Desna found him worthy enough to become a demi-god, then he is deserving of loyal followers, such as yourself. Although I'm familiar with Kurgess’s history, I have to admit, I've never participated in a prayer to the demi-god. So I will follow your example.
Janira returns Boldren's smile and nods eagerly in response to Wei Ji's questions. “That's an interesting piece of information, Boldren. Learn something new everyday, eh? 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. That's a good point about the water table, Wei Ji. Tides are generally a good deal higher during the full moon.” Once everyone is ready, she leads the party to begin their travels.
The journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident, and the long trek across the Cairnlands provides a great opportunity to discuss Master Shane’s class on the history of Absalom. "When the living god Aroden raised the Starstone from the depths of the Inner Sea, the whole of the Isle of Kortos came with it. It remains here, at the center of the city that grew up around it, on a tor perched at the center of a yawning chasm, protected by a massive structure of sweeping towers and treacherous dungeons. Legend claims that any hero who survives the dangers, guardian creatures, and psychological ordeals of the cathedral emerges as a god. Aroden himself, Cayden Cailean, Iomedae, and Norgorber all conquered the otherworldly mystery of the stone and gained divine immortality, and every day hundreds of truth-seekers, visionaries, prophets, and madmen flock to the district with audacious hopes to add their names to that august list. After his ascension, Aroden worked hard to protect and aid humanity. He guided the best of the brightest and the bravest of humanity to Absalom, where he encouraged the growth of the "City at the Center of the World". Though Aroden is gone now, believed to be deceased, that courageous spirit and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and innovative progress remains. It's no surprise, really, that Absalom gave rise to the Pathfinder Society." Janira seems to enjoy her role as guide and instructor and points out landmarks such as siege towers, distant mountains, or distinct flora and fauna along the journey.
As the party progresses deeper into the 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.G. 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 southwest past those large rocks up ahead."
She sets off again and a rustling in the brush draws your attention, bringing the party to a stop again. A deer bounds out of a copse of trees ahead, upsetting an old dead tree that crashes down into the brush, disturbing a number of birds and small rodents which scatter again for cover.
Initiative Order - Round 1
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Janira - Begin Inspire Courage, draws flask
Jorag
Havok
Wei Ji
Mira
Snakes
Kiri
Boldren
Draco
Janira tenses as a slithering mass of snakes emerges from the underbrush and begins writhing toward the Pathfinders, hissing angrily.
"Hold! We have disturbed a nest of snakes! I was afraid we might encounter a swarm like this, but fear not for we are prepared. Get out your flasks and aim true, my friends. This obstacle will not delay us long!" She speaks with the rhythm of an experienced orator and her confident words steel your hearts against fear as you prepare to face the first challenge of your Confirmation.
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The tengu will take some notes, then as the woods are approached he will put the note-gear away and pull down his shield. He doesn't, however, draw his blade until the signs of attack become obvious, and he will adopt a more defensive stance, trying to act as a barrier for the rest of the party as best he can manage. If someone else steps up, he will move so that he can more appropriately support their position. If the snakes bring their attention to him in that matter, that's just as good for others to flank them. He only has one Alchemist' Fire, so he's going to be hanging onto it for as long as he can manage.
AC: 21
OR
AC: 19
Initiative Order - Round 1
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Janira - Begin Inspire Courage, draws flask
Jorag - Holding BoL for ?
Havok
Wei Ji - Holding attack
Mira
Snakes
Kiri
Boldren
Draco
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Mira participates quietly in Jorag's prayer before they set out. She agreed with Havok on this one, the more gods watching over their group, the better.
The young woman listens raptly to Janira as the group makes their way through the Cairnlands. She could still hardly believe that she was on an actual Pathfinder mission, and wanted to take every opportunity to learn from her seniors in the society.
Startled out of her listening by the announcement of snakes, Mira hastily takes out her musket and removes the bayonet. With the ease of long practice, she drops a dose of powder and a bullet into the barrel, and starts lining up a shot
Initiative Order - Round 1
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Janira - Begin Inspire Courage, draws flask
Jorag - BoL on Havok
Havok - fire bombs for 7 damage
Wei Ji - Holding attack
Mira - draws and loads
Snakes -
Kiri
Boldren
Draco
The snakes writhe and roil in pain under the assault of Havok's flames. They slither away from the burning ground, swarming over Captain Havok in the process. They climb over him, biting him again and again with their tiny fangs. The sensation is disorienting and he feels a bout of nausea coming on, but the Luck of Kurgess gives him a respite as he masters himself.