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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.
As you enter, Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society's Master of Scrolls greets you warmly. "Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please, have a seat!" With that, Kreighton 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."
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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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Dolgrin scratches himself as he speaks.
"Thank you lassie, Janira it was? Ever since that mistake with take care o' da pig, I like to be sure I know what I'm doin'. So there's a cave, an' gillfolk have been there recently. Our job is to find out why, and to come back from the process, right?"
Dolgin stares at Janira awaiting an answer.
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A man in flowing robes, with the glint of metal armor beneath walks in. "Thanks Master Shaine. I am Ob, and honored to be beginning my ... He continues as he watches the master of scrolls leave. He then extends his hand towards the halfling. Well met Janira. I've been studying and am excited to be starting my confirmation. Is there anything else you saw in the caves or on your confirmation you think we should be wary of?
He then sits at the table, listening to Janira.
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Janira enthusiastically reaches upward to shake Ob's outreached hand. "You are well met, Ob. I am well pleased to show as many initiates the rites of Confirmation as we can muster." Janira looks slightly upward to Dolgrin, addressing the dwarf with an optimistic demeanor. "And right you are, and I am to accompany you with guidance and, perhaps, offer a bit of wisdom."
Janira turns to address Ob once more, climbing onto a stool near the table where the Scroll Master was flippantly perched, attempting to command a more level line of eyesight. "There's always the chance we may run into bandits along the way, and there are dozens of kinds of predators in that forest. That's why we should always be as prepared as possible." Janira pauses for a moment, and continues. "As for anything else I found, no; I did not have the supplies to investigate the caves with any meaningful depth. That is why we are going now, to delve deep and find what lies down there to be found!"
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A small non-damaging, but startling spark leaps from Nikolai's hand as Janira's draws near.
"Oops!" he blushes. "Sorry about that! It happens sometimes when I get excited."
He leans in with his hand at the side of his mouth, and whispers to the halfling "Shouldn't be too hard to outpace this lot; they didn't pack any rope! They weren't paying much attention in Instructor MacManus's Equipment Essentials class!
He straightens quickly, realizing his whispering isn't very subtle. "Our first real mission! Exciting!"
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A young man sits on the edge of a table. His skin is well tanned and he wears light, loose robes and clothing, more akin to something you would see in a desert than a city. He stands and offers a hand to Janira. "Is there a reason to believe this place is special? Gillmen sleep in water don't they? It could be a hotel."
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Janira chuckles at Garret's suggestion. "You should spend more time in the libraries of Absolom or under Master Kreighton's tutelage. Gillmen are a reclusive type that stick to shores and ports, not forest paths and inland caves. What I saw were gillmen -above ground- venturing down below.
"As for why these caves are special, that's exactly what you are being asked to find out. The only known permanent surface settlement of the gillmen is in Escadar. Why they're venturing into the foothills of the Kortos Mounts is a mystery, one for us -rather, you-," Janira gestures to the assembled group "to solve."
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Caleb strolled in a bit late to the gathering, but in time to hear Kreighton and Janira's comments. Scale mail gleams from under his cloak, as he removes his longbow from his back and adjusts the war hammer at his side. Glancing around at the cards he's been dealt, he breathes a sigh and pulls up a chair, intent on doing his share to ensure the success of the group.
"You only saw the two gillmen enter the cave? Were you constantly monitoring, or just happened to see them enter? Did you ever see any leave?"
For Caleb, cave exploration isn't an ideal assignment. Scouting the surrounding forests or climbing over the mountains that hold the caverns would be more to his liking, but he knew that signing up with the society would involve compromises. After all, it could be worse...then he notices the Gnome...
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Janira looks to Caleb, addressing his question, stiffening a bit "My own Confirmation took months,", she relates, as if the memory was a either a disappointment or otherwise sour; Janira relaxes as she continues, "and I was in the area around the Kortos Mountains. Twice during that time I observed a gillman entering a network of caves—a different gillman each time, and each time during a full moon. I was not monitoring constantly; it was just a very peculiar sight the first time, and the second could not have been coincidence. Scroll Master Shaine, Master Farabellus, and Master Zey, apparently, all agree."
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The color in Janira's face seems to withdraw at Caleb's suggestion. "I only saw the gillmen, nothing obviously nefarious in transit with them, but anything is possible. Additionally, before anyone else mentions it, have no reason to believe the gillmen activity has anything to do with lycanthropy. Hopefully this is just some social quirk or rite that the reclusive gillmen go through, but that's precisely what we are going to find out!"
Janira energetically 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!" Janira begins by explaining that she is the first of her siblings to come of age, from a family revering Desna, and that the drive to explore (new foods) pulled her from Eastgate and towards the Grand Lodge for opportunity to explore and investigate. She enlisted as an initiate at the age of 20, just weeks after reaching the age, and quickly took to Kreighton Shaine and The Scrolls of the Pathfinder Society, indicating that she hopes that her reports might be published, qualifying her to train as a Pathfinder Chronicler.
Janira enthusiastically tells stories about ruins she has explored, reports that she has submitted to the Grand Lodge, and stories about battles with comrades-in-arms with an inspiring confidence that with her, you will be well prepared for whatever you encounter. Janira sets her whip and crossbow on the table, ensuring everyone is familiar with the workings, and describes several select spells that she is familiar with (grease, cure light wounds, comprehend languages and so on).
Janira, realizing that she might be rambling, turns to the gathered Pathfinders and asks "What about you, initiates? Any of you have a field commission? Have you any favorite classes at the Lodge? How do you handle yourselves in a fight?"
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Ob muses, " The fist of Torag, thats what dwarfs refer to when the ale has defeated their constitution I thought.
No matter, I am also a master of the elements, utilizing hydrokinesis. I studied long hours in the Grand Lodge and have not infact been on any field missions worth of a chronicle so far. One trick I learned from Master Zey was if you place the water on the ground you can bring your foes down, and although it doesn't help me much, pathfinders are all about cooperation.
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"I have a good memory. Any tests that require studying something are not a challenge to me. I have learned to speak several languages as a result." Almost as an afterthought Niles adds "I know a few spells as well. I won't be much help in a physical altercation...but I carry these regardless." He gently pats his crossbow and sickle.
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Nikolai's eyes widen, and he begins to bubble over with excitement as Janira mentions the connection to the full moon, but visibly deflates when she refutes the lycanthropy angle.
He listens with rapt attention as the halfling tells the tales of her entry into the Society; Gasping at the dramatic parts, and cheering at victories.
The gnome seems to recoil from Morād everytime the old drunk speaks, as if his voice was akin to nails on a chalkboard.
Nikolai guffaws at Ob's Fist of Torag joke, covering his mouth so as not to offend the proud dwarf.
When it was his turn, he spoke excitedly, eager to share his stories.
"I was a typical gnome; grew up traveling, seeing the world, learning different languages, and visiting interesting locations. I stopped in Finderplain to visit Brightbeak, and heard tales of the Lightning Stones in Western Katapesh: twenty foot tall columns that flashed with strange symbols when struck by the frequent lightning in the area. I got a bit too close to one when it got hit..." He trails off and shrugs, the subtle motion sending tiny static discharges whizzing around his armor and up his hair. "Now I can generate some sparks of my own!"
I came to the Society because my cousin's former roommate's sister's father mentioned they could help me control it while I met interesting people, saw fantastic locales, and found fascinating devices. I loved all my classes, especially Equipment Essentials."
He points to the elf Celeb, beaming a wide smile. "I see he paid attention, he's got some rope!"
"Hey, what languages do you know? he barely takes a breath before posing the question to Niles, as if it had been rattling his mind like a cage. "We could have secret conversations!"
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"I punched a snake in the face once. Does that count as a field commission? I just joined the Society. I used to be in the logistics industry, back in Osirion but my boat....ahh...'sunk'. I know a little bit about the underground and the things contained within, conveniently, and I'm a pretty fair climber. If there's nasty things in the cave, I can shape the very earth to my will and throw it pretty hard."
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Celeb frowns as Morad details his approach to dealing with enemies, and eyes him casually as he slips out the door. Turning to Nikolai at the
mention of rope, "Yes, a bit of rope is best had when not needed, then needed when not had. Though I learned that from experience rather than through our classes. I'm starting a bit later than most in the society. For many years, I served as a common laborer in several temples devoted to Torag. Yet, though I served willingly, I never felt the presence I could sense in those around me.
I have always enjoyed archery, and have spent long hours practicing the art. One day, I crossed paths with a cleric of Erastil who noticed my skill during a practice session. After several weeks of religious discussions, I came to realize my true path was to follow Erastil. It's funny how some things about ourselves are only obvious to strangers. Feeling I needed a new perspective, I have left the temples I served and am now seeking whatever path Erastil brings.
As for combat, I am rather adept with my bow, even more so with Erastil's blessings, so I'll opt to bring any enemies down from a distance. However, I do still carry a hammer in respect the years I had served Torag. That comes in handy when the blows get personal.
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As the assembled group performs its introductions, Janira enthusiastically listens to what the Pathfinder initiates have to say, offering suggestions with utilizing a crossbow to Niles and discussing spell selection here and there.
After a fair bit, Janira pulls the group into order and continues with the briefing: "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 traveling 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."
Regaining her volume, Janira continues. "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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Janira explains to Caleb that the Society is hard pressed at the moment to dispatch a group of Pathfinders to the area, which is why you initiates were chosen for the task. She is quite confident in your ability to address this task yourselves, but is chaperone simply out of concern for any potential threat out of the league of a group of initiates.
Wrapping things up, Janira addresses the group: "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." As Janira riffles through the initiates' gear, she makes some pointed suggestions for gear that the group may consider useful in the future. "One of the most often overlooked category of supplies I see in the Society is that of acid, alkalai, alchemist's fire and liquid ice. And carry multiples of them! Alchemical weapons affecting larger areas are quite useful when you find yourself facing a swarm of spiders, rats, or something more nefariously conjured." Janira relates a short tale of how within one of her adventures reported to the Society, nearly three companions were lost were it not for the rogue's alchemist fire vials and an alchemist's bomb. She interrupts the retelling suddenly as if remembering at the last moment "...and this!" Janira retrieves a wand and puts it out on display for the group to assess. "This wand is one of burning hands, but a good masterpiece that packs a considerably stronger flame than those you normally might find. There are but a few charges left... are any of you handy with such a wand? It's best to know which of your companions can use any special tool you carry if you are to become incapacitated, and carrying these tools even if one cannot make full use of its abilities is useful. Explore, Report and cooperate, and all. And I cannot stress this enough: be sure to carry a wand that may fold your wounds!"
Janira also pulls out her copy of the Field Guide, highlighting some obvious points of interest. "Being that we are entering caves, we should all have a source of light. Torches, lanterns, or even an ioun torch is all we will need for now," Janira pauses to acknowledge Garret's purchase. "but an ioun torch or light can keep your hands free for defense, and eventually you may encounter magical forms of darkness in your careers that these solutions will be quite inadequate for. Also, be sure to purchase weapon blanches in the future. While we do not expect lycanthropes on this journey, devils, demons and other creatures can shrug off even the most well-placed blow of normal steel. While a steel blade will have a single hit to score, coating ammunition with a blanch can penetrate to damage these beasts all the same, and be ready in a pinch."
Finally, Janira asseses the group and reminds them of the task at hand "Remember, this is your Confirmation into the Society. While somewhat formal, it is expected that each of you will be submitting a report on the upcoming evens. Ensure that your memory is clear and if not, that you have a notebook which is. I have been told by Scrollmaster Shaine that you are expected to to provide a quite thorough analysis of this investigation, so spare no space in your notes."
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"They make liquid ICE!?" Nikolai shouts, before realizing he's not using his inside voice anymore. "I hope I can afford some after this mission."
The gnome looks crestfallen as Janira brandishes the wand. "Master Shaine says I'm not allowed to use wands in populated areas, not after last time..." he trails off, remembering a distant event.
"But I'll keep trying, and get a Cure stick as soon as I can afford one!"
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The journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident, allowing the Pathfinder initiates time to make their purchases at daybreak, and the group soon begins their journey across Kortos, toward the cave entrance noted in Janira's Confirmation report. The long trek across the Cairnlands provides a great opportunity to discuss Master Shaine's class on the history of Absalom. Most of the journey is uneventful, but Janira -ever the cheerful instructor- points out landmarks such as Absolom's siege towers, the distant Kortos mountains, and distinct flora and fauna along the journey. The day draws to a close, and after a chance encounter on the road with a trading convoy heading the opposite direction toward Absolom from Diobel, Janira suggests making camp along with them before heading into the wilderness the next day.
After parting ways in the morning, the initiates progress deeper into the forest, where the trees towering overhead begin to shield most of what remains of the day's sun; the vegetation beneath grows denser.