Male Dwarf Cleric 1 | AC 20/12/16 | HP 10/10 | F +5, R +4, W +6 (+3 vs. poison, spells, and SLAs) | CMB +0, CMD 12 (+4 vs Bull Rush and Trip) | Init +2 | Perc +8
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.
Male Dwarf Cleric 1 | AC 20/12/16 | HP 10/10 | F +5, R +4, W +6 (+3 vs. poison, spells, and SLAs) | CMB +0, CMD 12 (+4 vs Bull Rush and Trip) | Init +2 | Perc +8
"Well, I am glad he mentioned coming back alive," a stout dwarf chuckles. He is much like most of his kin: short, with a thick, well-groomed beard. His accent, however is rather odd: more like a gruff human of Absalom than a dwarf. "Certainly clarifies things."
"A gillman, friend, is something that escapes my memory as well. I remember something to do with the Azlanti, and some aboleths, but that's it. I assume we have no theories as to why they flock to the cave?"
Male Human Pistolero 1 / Rogue 1 / Preacher 3 (HP: 40/40 | AC:22 (24 vs evil creatures) T:15 FF:18 | CMB:+3 CMD:17 | Saves F:+7 R:+9 W:+6 (+2 bonus for all vs evil creatures) | Init:+10 | Per:+12 | Speed 30ft) 5.2
Ravenor nods to Master Shaine as he leaves, and turns to Janira. "You mentioned that you previously entered the concealed cave in attempting to locate the Gillmen. Is there anything you can tell us about about these caves and the Gillmen? Also, do you have any advice on what we should bring or prepare before we set off?"
Female Human Chaokineticist 1 | HP 15/15 (0) | Burn 0 | AC 15, T 13 , FF 12 | F +6, R +5, W +3 | Init +3 | Perc +5 | Soul Drinker 1/1
Aoife is a thin, nearly emacieted woman with shorn hair and dark rimmed eyes. All of the lights near her seem to dim slightly. She leans forward and grabs a mug from the table. "They're supposed to be fish-men or something like that. No idea what they'd be doing in there, guess that's what we're being sent to learn."
"There are fish-men and then there are fish-men," Gillii says with a sardonic tone. "They might be a bit out of their element there, or there could be some bodies of water in the caverns. Y'all might want to be prepared for that just in case."
A quiet voice from a nearby table comes from a muscular taldan man dressed in simple travelling clothes, "I believe that this would be a great opportunity to find out as to why they are going to this cave. Besides, I've never seen a Gillman, and am quite interested." Picking up a wide brimmed hat, the man stands and bows towards the others and Master Shaine. "That being said, I gather that this is my group for my Confirmation? Let me introduce myself. I am Seigfried Hartwell, from Taldor, though most have started to call me Ziggy or Berserker Ziggy."
Was tempted to bring my first level Pyro Overwhelming Soul character, but saw two kineticists, and opted out, haha.
Janira turns to Wisp [b]"What a great question! “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. As for why would hillmen be going to these caves? 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 takes a long look at Wisp, and then notices that Master Shaine has left. "Apparently the coin of the Pathfinders has left the building, the tab is on you, but perhaps if you keep good records, the society will reimburse you."
As this conversation is going, you notice your thoughts drifting to past histories and books. What can be remembered of the history and this location?
Knowledge history or geography can be rolled at this time
Long hours spent in the Grand Lodge’s libraries may afford you additional knowledge regarding the origins of the hillmen. The gillman are also known as the Low Azlanti, the hillmen are an amphibious humanoid race believed to be the last descendants of the ancient Azlanti people. 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.
Female Human Chaokineticist 1 | HP 15/15 (0) | Burn 0 | AC 15, T 13 , FF 12 | F +6, R +5, W +3 | Init +3 | Perc +5 | Soul Drinker 1/1
"Well, we'll never learn what they're doing from here. Might as well head out and see for ourselves." Aoife rises from her seat and makes to leave, odd shadows following.
"I could offer to help with the matter, but I haven't learned about history or of geography enough to be of extreme merit. I believe I know some things about the area," he mentions before picking up his sword and holstering it on his back.
During your time spent training with the Pathfinder Society, you have had a chance to learn about the Isle of Kortos, which is home to the City at the Center of the World. A particularly observant or studious initiate you have also learned a bit more about the Kortos Mounts. At the center of the Isle of Kortos stand the Kortos Mounts, the points on the island. 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. You can decide what to share
You hear Janira start to giggle and turns to Aoife "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?"
Male Human Pistolero 1 / Rogue 1 / Preacher 3 (HP: 40/40 | AC:22 (24 vs evil creatures) T:15 FF:18 | CMB:+3 CMD:17 | Saves F:+7 R:+9 W:+6 (+2 bonus for all vs evil creatures) | Init:+10 | Per:+12 | Speed 30ft) 5.2
Ravenor's brow furrows as he gathers his thoughts, then speaks [/b]"The Isle of Kortos...home to the City at the Center of the World. At its center lies the Kortos Mounts, where various creatures such as Harpies and Centaurs inhabit it. We may yet perchance encounter such beings, and others besides."[/b]
"But enough of such things. Well met to all of you." Ravenor speaks in a deep voice, as he nods at Ziggy who joins the group from the neighbouring table. This man wears a broad brimmed hat, with a long duster and a bandolier. He wears a set of gauntlets and boots, with an elaborate pistol at his hip and a plain looking sword on the other. His looks are rather average but there is an unmistakable steely glint is his eye.
"I'm Ravenor, and I hail from Andoran. I've wandered the roads for many a year for the simple joy of wandering the world and exploring unknown paths. Desna watches over me on my journeys, and led me to the pathfinders, though for what purpose I've yet to ascertain. Nevertheless, the pathfinders seek to do good in this world, and I shall play in part in aiding that."
Hi everyone... I'm Gillii, Gillii Tursiops, and my family are from the deeper waters near Absalom, where we have helped keep the bay clear of sahuagin for many generations. I, well, I wanted to find a different way to serve the city and the Society, and my own talents weren't as martial as some of my kin, so here I am... This is my first real adventure on behalf of the Society, so I'm really looking forward to it. And I'd love to meet some of these Gillmen and find out more about them... They sound interesting and we do share an affinity for water at least."
Male Dwarf Cleric 1 | AC 20/12/16 | HP 10/10 | F +5, R +4, W +6 (+3 vs. poison, spells, and SLAs) | CMB +0, CMD 12 (+4 vs Bull Rush and Trip) | Init +2 | Perc +8
"Hello, my name is Constantine. I am a priest and taxmaster of Abadar, and am not the best fighter, I suppose. I prefer to support my comrades, that is, when a fight is our only option. But, due to the harsh nature of the uncivilized world, I also have trained in the art of Abadar's holy weapon, the crossbow."
Unlike those two dwarves I hope never to cross paths with again, Constantine thinks, as a memory springs to him unbidden when he mentions the crossbow. One made a mockery of it trying to use it and other built them all day just so he could throw them at people.
Not seeming to realize no one actually heard him think, he mutters, "...Brought shame to the name of their race, weapons, and gods, they did. This, too, is my first mission, I only arrived at the Lodge a week ago. I was sent by my superiors to...well, tame the wild rumors and perceptions of the Society. It seems better than I was led to believe, however, seeing this team here."
Male Wayang Aerokineticist 4 | 34/39 HP {8 NL}; AC 18(T:15/ F:15) F+8/R+7/W+1 ; Init +5; Perception +9 (darkvision 60 ft.) | 20% (or better) miss chance from physical ranged attacks
With a voice that sound more like an exhalation of smoke, "I'm Wisp. It is great to meet you all. I really hope this mission goes better than my first." He shudders slightly, "I still crave bananas after spending a single night in that dreaded museum."
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
"Since we'll be going through caves from the sounds of things, I do have some torches, for those of us who can't see well in the dark. Other than that, I think I may be ready to go."
Male Human Pistolero 1 / Rogue 1 / Preacher 3 (HP: 40/40 | AC:22 (24 vs evil creatures) T:15 FF:18 | CMB:+3 CMD:17 | Saves F:+7 R:+9 W:+6 (+2 bonus for all vs evil creatures) | Init:+10 | Per:+12 | Speed 30ft) 5.2
Ravenor mutters to himself as he runs through his inventory mentally "...rope...torches...antitoxins...rations...flint..." Satisfied, he pushes himself away from the table and stands up. "I'm ready to depart. Unfortunately, I do not speak the gillmen tongue and am unskilled in the arcane arts. Mayhaps one of the magic practitioners best be prepared so that we avoid any...misunderstandings."
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
"Ah, I should have thought of that. I'll be but a few moments as a purchase before leaving is needed!" Seigfried replied before tightening his sword's holster strap and running out the door to buy an alchemist fire.
A couple minutes pass by before the tall man opens the door into the tavern, panting slightly but with a grin. "It seems that I'm not the only one in a hurry. There was quite a line at the quartermaster's for some reason."
Well, more money to be spent, haha. I think I'll have 50ish gp left after purchasing the alchemists fire.
Male Dwarf Cleric 1 | AC 20/12/16 | HP 10/10 | F +5, R +4, W +6 (+3 vs. poison, spells, and SLAs) | CMB +0, CMD 12 (+4 vs Bull Rush and Trip) | Init +2 | Perc +8
Constantine walks out to make a few purchases, coming back soon after with 2 vials of acid as well as some new ink and parchment. He then sits back on his chair, cross-legged, and begins to chant tunelessly under his breath to the Master of the First Vault in a request for his divine power.
Switching out Shield of Faith for Comprehend Languages before we begin, if I may.
You start your journey setting out from town. You enter a forest, and spend a night at camp. The following day, 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 tree that falls in the woods in the woods. You notice some creatures were disturbed by a tree falling in the woods. How are you going to handle yourselves?
Janira, seeing the creatures starts to tell the adventurers a story. “Let us remember the sacrifice of the fabled Yasmin bint Faroud, favored of the Ten, who gave her life distracting Zythrustianax, draconic scourge of the Society, so dozens of junior agents could survive. Her act of benevolence is the epitome of cooperation within the Society.”
Inspired Courage from Janira gives you a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage. This game is based on trust, so no I don't need your full inventory sheets.
Male Dwarf Cleric 1 | AC 20/12/16 | HP 10/10 | F +5, R +4, W +6 (+3 vs. poison, spells, and SLAs) | CMB +0, CMD 12 (+4 vs Bull Rush and Trip) | Init +2 | Perc +8
Is there a map? I didn't see one in the document.
Constantine drops the letter he was writing during the rest break, pulling his loaded crossbow off of his belt. He fires wildly at the nearest creature.
Male Wayang Aerokineticist 4 | 34/39 HP {8 NL}; AC 18(T:15/ F:15) F+8/R+7/W+1 ; Init +5; Perception +9 (darkvision 60 ft.) | 20% (or better) miss chance from physical ranged attacks
knowledge, nature:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 "I have no idea what they are, but they look aggressive."
Taking a quick step away from his allies, Wisp prepares to launch an attack. The winds seem to gather around his body, and there is a low howl as the circling air gathers speed. The wayang launches the wind at the northern most creature.
Air Blast:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Not used to summoning so much energy, Wisp is nearly bowled over by his errant shot.
Seriously, back to back 1's to start? Might be a long (or very short) day for Wisp, lol.
Constantine, hearing Janira's story takes his crossbow from his belt, and loads a bolt into it (you can't have a loaded crossbow hanging from your belt, but it will be a move action to pull it out and load it) aims and fires at one of the creatures. The bolt is true and it hits the creature, yet doesn't seem to penetrate it very well. Seeing this happen, Gillii recognizes the creatures as Giant fleas and remembers from his past that they often carry disease, and have an amronored casting that is vulnerable to slashing weapons. His arrow is true however doesn't seem to affect the creature at all. Aoife calls upon the nature of darkness, but her blast connects with the flea appearing to kill it, and Wisp, not used to summoning so much energy, blasts air through the trees.
Being startled from their home, and sensing that they are being harmed, the last two fleas attack the party. They jump forward and attack Ziggy. The first biting down on his arm
Grunting at the biting creatures, Ziggy shoulder checks one of the assailants before grabbing the hilt of his sword on his back. A light step back with a twist, the man draws a blade that a normal man shouldn't be able to swing properly. Pivoting around before planting his foot, the massive blade whips around and strikes one of the insects in front of him.
