M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
The gentle clopping of hooves presages the arrival of Ekanta Hanoi.
Welcome Pathfinders! 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 fourhundred 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 Gavin,” 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 hillmen.” 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.
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
"What dangers ought we to expect?" Asks a quiet-voiced, ghostly-pale tiefling with slender hooved legs and unsettling cephalopoid eyes.
M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
Rerois leans back in his seat, and smoothes out his Chelaxian soldier's uniform. "Shouldn't be a difficult task. Consider it done. I'll just need to fetch my things." The cavalier departs once the briefing is over to see to his horse and ready his armor.
Janira turns to Bait " The caves are not flooded that I know of, but as a Pathfinder, you should always be prepared for anything. Sometimes though it's best to use creativity to solve a problem, and don't forget that you can work as a team!
"The dangers can be many, from wild animals, to being eaten alive by mosquitos. I don't know what is in the caves, but I'm sure you'll find out, record it, and report it back."
Turning to Terenz, Janira says "Perhaps, but that is what you are to assess!
Please make a Knowledge Geography or Knowledge History check
Upon seeing Rerois start to leave, You hear Janira start to giggle and turns to him "Young Pathfinder initiate, you must learn patience, and how to take orders. You don't even know where you are headed. What was your plan? To just run about the entire island of Kortos hoping to perchance run into the caves?
She turns to the rest of the group. "Besides, I believe that proper introductions are in order before setting out on a quest. 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!” She takes a seat and starts to tell a story. You find yourself strongly engrossed in the details. "My name is Janira Gavin, and I joined the Pathfinders Society nearly 4 years ago after coming of age. I grew up in Eastgate, where my father still works as a porter who employs a dog cart to transport purchased goods from ships and shops to the homes of customers. My family and I revere Desna, but I have respect for most other religions and I believe that faith is important to everyone. Within weeks of my 20th birthday, I enlisted with the Pathfinder Society, and although I initially joined to see the world and sample all of the fine food it had to offer, I quickly took to the Scrolls and its focus on learning and preserving knowledge. I now aspire to have my work published in one of the Pathfinder Chronicles, hoping that will qualify me to train as a Pathfinder Chronicler."
She continues "Although I trained most with Kreighton Shaine, I have also learned the arts of the whip, blade, and crossbow from Marcos Farabellus and a few spell casting tricks from Aram Zey, and of course, I love to tell stories of my adventures. What about you?"
"The name is Terenz, a Paladin, and a faithful follower of Desna. My first experience with the society is with some hostile kobolds, and I'm continuing my journey the society to rid the world of evil."
"They call me Bait... and this is my kitty, Cinder, and my dog. I just call him Buddy. I am fairly good with a bow, but I'm still learning, and I like to help people. I've run a few errands for the society mostly, with a trip to Kortos to interfere with Aspis activities there, and another to the Mwangi jungles to fulfill a dead Venture Captain's promises to the locals and save the Society's face in the region. It's been fun!"
M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
Rerois frowns at Janira. "Ma'am, I am a soldier. Taking orders is what I do. And I'll have you know that a soldier will be of little use without his arms and armor. So rather than delay us all, I will fetch my gear and return shortly. Unless you would rather I follow you unarmed?"
The cavalier folds his arms and continues. "Since you want an introduction, I suppose you can have it. I am Rerois Mottied, grandson of Alois Mottied, Hellknight of Cheliax. I am here because Lady Dralneen's patronage will undoubtedly help my own induction to that illustrious order. Now then ma'am, am I ordered to arm myself so that I can assist in this expedition?"
Whee! Everyone's always so nice to Janira, I thought I'd mix it up a bit. Besides, I didn't say I was leaving, I said I was getting my armor. Who goes to the bar wearing scale mail carrying a halberd, war pick, and shield?
Janira looks to those of the party that chose not to speak. "Very well initiates! Some of you seem to either be mute, or too nervous to answer. It's okay, I know that it can be scary to go on an adventure for the society. Maybe you'll find your voice along the way. 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.”
“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.”
Please let me know of any last minute purchases before heading out
"I think my gear is in order.. I'm ready to go. I might suggest of someone can use a scroll of comprehend languages, they might want to pick one up if they don't already have access to the spell... it could come in handy communicating with these gillmen. I don't know if they speak common."
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
Ekanta places both hands on his staff, an exceptional specimen.
"I have what I need."
Sorry about missing the boat on introductions; Ekanta's the strong, silent type anyways.
Janira peers over the equipment laid out by the group. "You have done very well, however in my journeys, I've been attacked by all sorts of creatures, and it's best to be prepared for anything." She holds up a bottle of alchemist fire. "This has come in handy on many occasions to deal with particularly small creatures."
"Well, if you're all set then off we go!
Janira leads the group out of the Pig's Paunch and starts the journey towards the cave
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 way finder 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 takes a small break, there is a rustling in the bushes. And two creatures burst forth.
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
Ekanta's a 'he.'
Ekanta has been ready and waiting for this moment, and whirls into action!
Again, Ekanta notices a pattern in his staffmanship: a strong but inaccurate initial swing, followed by a precise but unnecessarily weak backswing. He MUST do better....
M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
Rerois spurs Swift Grey towards the wolf and lowers his lance. His noble steed joins in with a hoof blow to the beast
Free action, DC 5 Ride check
Standard action to charge wolf, AC is 16 for Rerois, 17 for Swift Grey Ride:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Lance:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 Damage:2d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 3) + 8 = 16
Ekanta moves in front of the creature, swinging his staff back and forth. He initially misses, but catches the creature on the backswing. Doing so allows Syl'las to move into position plunging the kukri into the creature. It looks close to death.
On the other side of the battlefield, Terenz and Reoris quickly dispatch the other creature. Bait fires an arrow but misses.
The creature close to death snarls at Ekanta, and moves to strike.
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
Had my armor class overly high left over from last adventure - fortunately, it doesn't make any difference.
M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
Janira looks most impressed by the group. My you were able to take care of that no problem. I do have one concern though. Rerois, you should know that horses in these parts tend to attract the Minotaurs, and I'm sure that the animal won't be able to fit into the caves. We must however pack up and move on in order to reach the caves by dusk. I strongly believes that if we don’t reach the caves tonight, any gillmen who are present may leave before they arrive."
As the group continues to travel through the wilderness, the group find trails blocked by fallen objects, shortcuts overgrown, and other paths. You work on finding your way without distractions.
Please give me a survival check if you have the skills
Also Rerois, you'll have to figure out what to do with your mount
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
Last time I played this with a Cavalier, they were able to fit it in the caverns.
M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
They probably had Narrow Frame on their horse, Swift Grey doesn't. There's only one more encounter that I'll want him for, then I'll just let him chill by the entrance.
The dense forest opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff. Thick vines cover the surface of the cliff stretching 30 feet overhead. “Here! The cave entrance is behind those vines,” Janira says with a broad smile as she walks to the cliff’s face. She pulls back several layers of vegetation to reveal a narrow crack in the cliff’s surface. “This is where I saw the gillmen enter.” As she motions toward the aperture, the surrounding woods come alive with the sound of small animals fleeing some unseen danger and a large creature crashing through the undergrowth. The halfling worriedly remarks, “Quick, take cover before whatever it is spots us!” As if she’d summoned the creature with her words, a massive horned monstrosity emerges from the trees. Standing eight feet tall on a pair of cloven hooves and wielding a tremendous axe, the bull-headed creature roars with unbridled anger when it spots the group. Wisely assessing that a minotaur is beyond her charges’ capabilities, Janira screams, “A minotaur! There’s little chance we can stand against it. Take this bag,” she continues, pulling off her backpack, “and head deeper into the caves. Finish your mission. I’ll lead it away from the caves, lose it in the forest, and join you as soon as I can. Now go! GO!” She heaves her backpack into the cave, casts a spell, and darts off toward the minotaur before turning to lure it away.
M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
And that's what I was waiting for! Huzzah!
Rerois wheels towards the minotaur and raises his lance. "Now that is a foe! For glory friends, charge!"
Activating Tactician, everyone gets Distracting Charge for three rounds.
Distracting Charge:
After your ally with this feat charges, you gain a +2 bonus to the next attack roll against the target of the charge. This bonus must be used before your ally's next turn begins.
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
Ekanta stares in silence, staff in an adamant grip.
My greatest challenge to date stands before me, He thinks. Yes. I shall triumph or die.
"I am ready," He says softly.
Remember my Soul Seer ability, DM. Keep me apprised of what it tells me.
M Chelaxian Cavalier 2 | HP 17/17 | AC 19, T 11, FF 18 | F +4, R +1, W +0 | Init +1 | Per +1 | Challenge 0/1 | Glorious Challenge 0 | Tactician 0/1 | Soul Drinker 1/1 | Swift Grey: HP 19/19 | AC 19, T 11, FF 14 | F +5, R +4, W +2 | Per +5
Are those black spots supposed to be trees?
Fine, forget the Tactician for now, I'll just double move instead. Initiative:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Looks like Rerois wants to fight. Initiatives have been rolled. The things that look like holes are trees, the green is rough terrain, the stream is considered rough water, The slope to the west provides a view of the "battlefield".
"Janira probably knows what she's talking about, fools... RUN for the cavern!" And with that said, he does exactly that, heads for the cave, avoiding the minotaur.
|AC 20, T 14|HP: 35/35|F +4, R +5, W +4 (+2 vs negative energy, +1 vs sonic/figment/glamer/pattern/gaze/scent/poison/disease)|Init +4, Perc +9|CMB +9 (+2 to trip) CMD 23 (25 vs trip)|1/1 Explorer
It's too late, Bait - please at least provide us with some supporting fire.
Fighting the minotaur early caught me by surprise the first time someone forced me into it - but it turns out it's perfectly doable.
yeah, he'll shoot at it after at least trying to get folks to run... but his first round action is to run toward the cave, he can fire from wherever he is after that run. but he won't get near it if he can avoid it... he's no frontliner.
