Open for dotting.
The year is 4714 AR (Absalom Reckoning). You find yourselves in Absalom, the City at the Center of the world on the isle of Kortos. You have joined the Pathfinder Society, either by design or because you were recruited. After months of training, you find yourselves on the cusp of becoming full fledged members of the Society.
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 each of you have shown your worth and dedication to the Society, so there's no better time to see if you can handle becoming full fledged 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, Jaina 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 Mountains, 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 gillman.
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 gillman are up to in there. Oh, and you need to come back alive as well. With those parting words, the Master of Scrolls jumps off the table and strolls out of the building while humming to himself.
Janira smiles brightly to the party and awaits any questions you have.
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Regnel looks excited at the prospect of getting started. He tries to remember if he's heard anything about the Kortos Mountains, a hidden cave system there, or local gillmen.
He also bows politely towards Janira Gavix. It's a pleasure to meet you, Janira. My name is Regnel, and I look forward to working with you.
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I will happily approach the Gillman for my Confirmation, for the Exchange, and especially for the Dawn flower.
Now is the time my honor is on the line- my reputation is on the line- I must not be shy. I must... stand firm....
Despite her mindset and words Iris simply could not manage to not attempt a slight tug down of her silver gleamed hood as she approached the Masters and gave each one an Osiriani curtsy behind red cheeks.
I hope to not let you down, Masters!
Iris then turned to Janira, offering a gentle hand to her Hello Janira, I am Iris, um, Iris "the Silver" Rose... I was wondering... Do you have any clue what the Gill might be interested in? Is Osiriani I brought many people to hear my performance in the name of the Dawnflower solely because I had something at my station that they wanted...
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A beautiful half-elf with long dark hair and blue-tinted leather armor listens to their instructions with excitement.
"How fun!" she claps. "I love the water and everything about it! It will be exciting to learn more about these gillmen...I hope we can even see one!"
She smiles brightly at Janira and the others.
"Oh, I'm Auryn, by the way. Auryn Maelstrom. I am not really one for combat, but have a way with summoned creatures...I hope this will be as fun as it sounds!"
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In stark contrast with the jovial atmosphere of his companions, the somber elvish swordsman steps forward. Dressed in browns and greens, he nods and performs a fluid hand gesture from forehead to heart, an old-fashioned elvish greeting, to his new companions and mentors... old fashioned by non-elven standards, at least. "Bregolas Fierceleaf, at your service."
The elf's visage remains stern as he listens intently to his flighty elder and the young halfling tell their tale. As the excitement rises amongst the new recruits and mentors, however, he shakes his head and sighs.
Woe is me, to bear this horrid enthusiasm a moment longer. I pray these young ones settle down, and soon.
Another sigh. His expression then grows withdrawn and contemplative...
Janira smiles warmly to all present and tries to answer the party's questions. She turns to Iris What the Gilman are after? 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.
Janira turns to Satsu We are heading into the foothills of the Kortos Mountains. As Master Shane alluded to, I recently discovered a cave entrance there. Don't worry Satsu, I know where it is and have mapped the route. She offers the Nagaji a sly wink I won't get you lost on your first excursion.
Not seeing any more questions, Janira pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table. Before we set out, we should all get to know each other and review our plan. After all, the most important factors that determine whether an expedition will be a success are cooperation and preparation! I’ll go first!
I am Janira Gavix. I joined the Pathfinder Society nearly four years ago she smiles My, has it been that long already? Time certianly does fly. I grew up in Eastgate. My father still works there as a porter. He has a dog cart that transports goods from the docks. Best delivery service there is! she smiles again and continues My family and I grew up revering Desna. I originally joined the Society to see the world. To be honest, I really wanted to try all the wondrous foods I kept hearing about. I am a member of the Scrolls and I hope to one day add their collective knowledge and have my work published in the Pathfinder Chronicles. Who knows? You all might help me out with that on this trip.
Janira turns to the group How about you? Why did you join the Pathfinder Society?
Know History result
Also known as the Low Azlanti, the gillmen are an amphibious humanoid race believed to be the last descendants of the ancient Azlanti people.
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With a deep bow, Iris momentarily stops her blushing as she addresses the group
I am Iris "The Silver" Rose. I joined the Exchange only recently during my travels through Osirion as a lowly performer. It was there that I met a Temple of the Dawnflower, my Goddess, Sarenrae. After training by her Sun-Priests I was accepted as a Sun Bard. I believe that through trade I can help the Exchange achieve peace through charity, and, of course-
Iris took out her flute once more and a smile gleamed across her face as she no longer fettered with her silver adornments or a hand wrapped around her ankh at her neck. She played a sweet, gentle quick melody- a dedication to the group but mostly to Sarenrae, her Goddess, as Sun Bards were bid to do
After stopping her dedication the blush quickly flooded Iris' cheeks. She momentarily hid behind her flute before realizing it was not her holy book, and swapped them with a few fumbles along the way.
For you, Sarenrae. I must be courageous for you.
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"Well you already know my name," Bregolas softly and sarcastically remarks. "I hail from Kyonin, Realm of the Elves. Where the woods and waters are," he ponders a moment, summoning the appropriate words to his mind, "incomparably sublime."
His gaze looks away, as if his mind were transported to a far away place as he continues in a poetic, rhyming dialect.
"ومنذ فترة طويلة، وكان يترك العشب الأخضر،
الشوكرانالأزهار تفتح الزهور طويل القامة ونزيهة،
وفي الفسحة كان أبصر نورا
النجوم في ظل متلألئ."
Coming back to the present moment, he gives the Sun Bard a look of mild disdain. His bluntness provides a sharp contrast to the poetic syllables just a moment earlier. "As for religion, I've no use for it. I much prefer to rejuvenate my spirit through silent contemplation in the presence of nature."
He continues, "I bring my blades and my bow to the proverbial table. As do I bring my cunning as a huntsman. For I've served in the الجيش الملكة for many a decade, when I protected the Fierani Forest from the threat of orc and goblin, or worse. But my expertise lies in the slaying of undeath."
"The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering."
"For I've served in the Queen's Army for many a decade."
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I am Tokusatsu Gozira, though Satsu is fine, of the Nagaji. While we do sometimes serve the Naga we are also generally free to pursue our own paths. I myself have been gifted and cursed by Gods unknown to me, and thus keep myself open to many deities though in times of need I most often call on Qi Zhong. As Sarenrae is a respected healer so is Qi Zhong in my homeland, and though my eyes may be bad I too have a bit of ability in that regard.
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"Well, as I said, my name is Regnel. I'm a historian, of sorts. All across this land of ours countless battles have been fought... for good and for ill. All that remains of many of them are bits of debris - broken helms, spent spear-points, the aftermath of war... I suppose I joined the Pathfinder Society because I want to learn the stories that once animated those remains..."
Regnel's voice trails off a bit, and he seems to look far off into the distance for a second. His hand brushes against the longsword on his hip, and he snaps back to attention.
"Sorry... It's wonderful to meet all of you, of course. I can't wait to get started with our mission."
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Auryn smiles as the others explain themselves, though she seems a little distracted at times.
When it is her turn, she says "I thought joining the Pathfinders would help me put the gifts I have to good use. Plus, all the tales and adventures sound challenging and fun! I just kind of go where the winds take me, and this seemed a good a place as any!" she says.
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Iris gave a gentle whisper to Bregolas Fierceleaf along with a red cheeked giggle behind her holy book
ويوضح الغناء لماذا لا تتمتع الشمس بارد ، ولكن ، وأعتقد أنني سوف تغير رأيك حول آلهة .
Your singing explains why you don't enjoy a Sun Bard, but, I think I'll change your mind about the Goddess sooner or later.
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The door bursts open semi-crouched with hands on knees is Floyd, he says in a puffed tone is "Sorry i'm late, got distracted with work." He stands up straight and walks over, after seeing Janira, he says" I don't believe we have meet i'm Floyd 'Deadshot' Lawton, nice to meet you." and with that he sits down.
Janira grins widely as she listens to the group's enthusiasm. When they are finished, she takes a deep breath as if to speak when she jumps as Floyd enters the area abruptly. She shakes her head and laughs Well, I guess the gang is all here then. Very well, 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.
Janira beams and the party can tell she is very excited to be working with the gathered hopeful Pathfinders. Simple enough, right? Any questions?
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Bregolas raises a brow at the sunny Sun Bard. Sternly, he retorts, "الأطفال، ولقد سمعت كل شيء. هل حفظ أفضل ما تبذلونه من جهود بعثة في متناول اليد. و،" he pauses a moment, his tone shifting more towards disapproval now, "انك لم التقويس الإدغامات بشكل صحيح. ومنهم من فعلت تتعلم قزم؟ إنسان؟" His eyes shift to focus on the tardy rifleman with those last few syllables, and he shakes his head.
...
Once Janira completes her review, the elf nods solemnly. "Lead on."
I did have a different understanding on untrained knowledge skills, though it doesn't matter much. The rule says "Training: You cannot make an untrained Knowledge check with a DC higher than 10."
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No, Bregolas. But... After a few years in Osirion, I'm afraid my Osiriani is much better than either my common or my elvish.
She bowed her head ever so slightly towards Bregolas and, he could have sworn, she blinked at him before turning towards the rest of the group.
As the group begins to assemble and move under Janira, Iris tapped her gently on the shoulder
Janira- I assume you will be waking early before the rest of the group each morning? If so, would you also wake me? I already did them today, but, when able and willing, I must make a dedication to Sarenrae each morning as the sun rises.
Janira claps her hands once and exclaims Well alright. Honeslty, I am as anxious to get going as you folks. 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.
Janira politely asks to examines all party member's kits and bags. She takes a moment to sift through the group's stuff, checking each pack for essential items.
Well, looks like you are all mostly good to go. I might suggest some alchemist's fire or some anitoxin, but you should be squared away otherwise. Janira nods toward Bregolas. This one here has enough weapons to take on an army. I am confident he will be ready for whatever we find there.
She turns to Iris. We do need to move if we are to get to the cave by the full moon, so I am afraid you will likely not have a chance for your observations before we get to the cave.
Any purchases before we head out?
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Not being able to worship in the morning left the Sun Bard uneasy, but as her hand flexed round her ankh in one and holy book in the other, she calmed herself slightly at the thought of the end goal- and that was the possibility of bringing a whole new group of people to the love and embrace of The Dawn Flower Sarenrae.
I... must accept the rush. I have nothing I need to buy, Janira.
She would have to make do with healing the group with what she had left through the power of Sarenrae and charity.
Janira cannot help but smile as she takes in the group's enthusiasm to begin their task. Alright Pathfinders, let us make way to the cave. Oh, Iris I misspoke earlier. We will have to make camp on our way so you will have at least one morning to make your morning observations. Also, I am now giving all a few journal pages so that you will be able to record your observations for your report to Master Shaine later. Who knows, maybe one of you will get published in the Pathfinder Chronicles. But enough talk, let's get going.
Janira leads the party west out of Absalom, through the Cairnlands, and out of the city. You spend the rest of the day traveling into the forest. The trip is rather uneventful, though Janira does her best to be a good guide and make the trip interesting. Along the way, she points out several distinct flora and fauna as well as one of the many derelict siege towers that litter the Isle of Kortos, remnants of failed conquerors. Near day's end, you find yourselves ready to enter the deep forest. Janira suggests that this would be a good spot to rest up and get ready for the more rugged leg of the journey ahead. I have made a light camp here enough to know that the more dangerous critters don't venture this close to the City. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the forrest we will be delving into tomorrow.
With that, the party makes camp for the night, ready to set out early the next day. During their light trail supper, Janira regales the group with tales of some of the more famous Pathfinders. One agent in particular, Durvin Gest, seems to come up often. As far as the party can tell, he is one of the most storied Pathfinder's in history and has authored many tales in the Pathfinder Chronicles.
Shortly before dawn, the party breaks camp and begins to head deeper into the forrest toward the Kortos Mountains. Janira ensures that Iris is given a few moments to venerate her patron. The group travels all morning and penetrates the deeper woods around midday. 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. 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 the party stops for a moment to gain their bearings, the previously serene forest is pierced with the sound a tree cracking and falling near the them. The noise starts a chain reaction, as several small creatures scatter from the loud noise. Among the creatures, however, some predators emerge. Almost immediately, Bregolas spots a swarm of nasty looking mosquitos that he believes are sizing up the party for a late afternoon snack...
Inititative
- Bregolas
- Auryn
- BUGS
- Iris
- Rengel
- Satsu
- Eidolon
- Floyd
- Janira
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Bregolas seems quite at home in the woodlands. And, quite the capable woodsman. He helps forage berries, and fishes for the group's supper the previous night, keeping vigilant watch over them into the wee hours of the night.
before the party begins to stir in the morning, he can be seen seated in silent meditation. Still he sits for an hour, before rising to perform chores and break camp.
For all his deficiency at relationships, the warrior demonstrates himself to be a gentle spirit, genuinely concerned for the welfare of his companions.
...
As the sound of rushing animals unfolds, the elvish warrior swiftly reaches into a few of his pouches before anyone else knows what is truly going on... spending a moment fishing for something that, apparently, is no longer there.
Alas, the look of mild shock on Bregolas's face as he fails to find the gear he knew he put there just the other day is both comical and troubling. Comical, to see the "always prepared" man surprised in his unpreparedness... but troubling, to realize that your party is less capable of facing the danger about to dawn upon you...
"Robbed? But how?" he queries aloud, incredulous confusion in his tone.
Instinctively, the elvish ranger wastes no more time. Finding a torch, he begins to light it up with flint and steel, declaring, "Your weapons will not avail you against a mosquito swarm. Flee! Else repellent or flame alone may save you."
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"I DO NOT LIKE BUGS" he yells. Seeing everybody get out torches, he reaches for one and asks iris to light his torch nicely.
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The Pathfinder hopefuls spring into action to fight the mosquito swarm!
Bregolas quickly realizes the danger the swarm represents from his experience in the wood. He draws and lights a torch and boldly faces the approaching mass of bugs.
Bregolas, drawing on his ranger training, know that the Kortos mosquitoes are particularly aggressive. They are abnormally large and can cause considerable damage to those caught in their midst (2d6 damage). Additionally, the sting of the Kortos mosquito is known to cause excessive bleeding and is one of the leading spreading agents of malaria. Bregolas knows that if the swarm engulfs his companions then the party is in deep trouble.
Auryn wisely gets wide of the approaching bloodsuckers and draws a flask of acid to use against the swarm.
The swarm moves forward. The bugs seem to be slowed by the brush between it and the gathered party but manages to reach Floyd Deadshot! The large pack of skeeters bite the feldgling gunslinger, poking several holes into the Deadshot that begin to bleed. Thankfully, the stout drifter avoids being sickened by the sudden onset of toxins from the swarm.
Fl@6hp
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Iris cries out as Floyd takes damage- right after she had lit his torch, too.
Sarenrae, protect your servant and my company!
Pulling out her flute, Iris calmed her heart rate as she played- even in battle it was a requirement to treat her performance and calling of Sarenrae's blessing as a form of worship.
The party continues to fight the mosquito swarm!
Iris fetches her flute from her pack and begins to play an inspiring tune. The music is pleasant and played with talent and effort. Iris's encourages the group to fight on.
Rengel springs into action and readies a torch while getting himself clear of the swarming insects.
Satsu likewise steps away from the bugs, and pulls a sealed flask from his pack.
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Bregolas maintains his intense calm as he lights up his torch. As he burns the bugs near him with his flame and steps back a bit, his brows furrow as his elf eyes hone in on the finer details of these insects.
He then reveals, "Tis no ordinary swarm of mosquitoes that assail us, but Kortos mosquitoes. Highly aggressive and sizeable, they are a most formidable danger, and are carriers of the malaria disease."
Looking at the human musketman now surrounded by them with disapproval, he adds in a patronizing tone, "Do not get engulfed by them."
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"I have an idea, I will throw/tip gunpowder on the swarm, if someone can throw there torch at it." He yells as he get out gunpowder, then he moves back.
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