The Confirmation (Inactive)

Game Master Akinra

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 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 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.

The shapely young lady looks around at the squalor with an a used smile playing on her face.
All my hard work, and it has led to this moment....to a filthy bar full of smelly humans? Dear oh dear...
She pays appears dissinterested during the speech given by the Halfling woman, but she didnt miss a single word of the briefing despite this.
"Oh, you want us to go poke around in some dark and smelly cave?" she asks in a petulant tone. "Isn't there some important feasting hall that needs to be observed, or some suspicious wine that needs to be tested for quality?
She hops to her feet and makes a show of stretching her limbs, using the opportunity to study the other aspirants that have been gathered for the assignment.

Hammerdas has been on many missions for the Pathfinder Society, but always as a porter for a now deceased wizard. Now is his time to be more than a hireling. The moment is lost on him however as he studies his ale, puzzled by Samiya's quip of suspicious wine. "Is ale bad? Hammerdas?" He pushes his mug away and stares around the table for further directions.

"Oh, well, my dear lady," a mirth-filled voice resonates, "If suspicious wine is what you're looking for, then fetch me a goblet and a moment of privacy, and I can get you plenty."

The voice belongs to an animated gnome, with a fire-red beard and bushy eyebrows. He wears what at first glance appears to be a well-tailored outfit suited for court, if fluorescent blues and oranges were in fashion this year.

Not waiting for a response, he goes up to Janira. "So good to meet you, Janira! My name is Findlefarb. I am honored for this duty. Show me your cave, and I shall explore it enthusiastically!"

"If you like, I will do my best to ensure you are on duty at the next Blackros wedding or museum opening. Janira answers politely as she 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, as you may have guessed, a halfling, and I am here because I know where we go. For now that will probably do, as I can talk for hours. Please go ahead and tell me about yourselves.”

The gnome clears his throat. "I am Findlefarb, Grand High and Most Inimically Holy and Extremely Esteemed Jester of the Buoyantly Joyful Court of Count Razimov. Have you heard of Count Razimov? Indeed, he was a kind and generous Galtan noble. At least, until his head was chopped off. So I had decided to take an extended holiday from my previous home, and find a few other places to live. Places that tended no to chop off heads."

Jumping on the table, he continues, "So that's why I'm here. The Pathfinder Society is a wonderful organization when you're lost. As to what I'll bring to the expedition, why, my charm and wit, of course! I'm talented at getting into and out of things, places, predicaments, very small boxes, I can play you a rousing tune, get a monster off your back, all sorts of things."

The rather unpleasant looking female Tiefling sitting in the corner keeps staring at the floor, muttering to herself. "Gillmen? Hillmen? I'm so confused..."

As you continue to listen, she tries to encourage herself. "You can do this, Daru. Suck it up."

When she looks up and notices people looking at her, all her false bravado melts away and she looks back down at the floor, waves feebly and mumbles a greeting that's barely audible.

After a few awkward moments of silence, the Tiefling clears her throat. "I like to throw bombs n' stuff. Bite things. Y'know, for the kids--keep them safe. Like Apsu. Protect people..." her voice trails off, all her confidence about used up.

But then as she continues to study the floor, her shoulders seem to rise a little and she looks up with fierce intensity, her nostrils flaring in anger. "None of you work for Chelliax do you?"

You have a feeling it might be better to say 'no' regardless of the actual answer.

I take a step forward, my light brown, almost amber eyes look at each of the group members before looking at the slip, Janira.

I am Titus Minicius Parthicus....formally of the Vith Ironclad Legion of Molthune...and while I am of Chelliax ethnicity you can be assured Daru...that I do not work for them...or do I ever plan to work for them

I looked at the woman and nodded to accentuate my point... Findlefarb...I have heard of your Count Razimov...and losing one's head is a risk when living in Galt..but such is the risk in being in a royal court. You can all count on me to use my martial skills and to be a team player. And when I give my word...I mean it.

I take a step back and look from the gnome, to the tiefling before looking up and over to the shapely woman that seems to stretch in a eyebrow raising manner, before looking at Hammerdas and speaking you know....may I recommend the double pale ale...its about as potent as the dwarfish stuff..but not doe not leave you with a headache the next morning...and Janira, it is a pleasure to meet you....i have learned to never count anyone short of their abilities or the seize of their heart despite their appearances

“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.”

I run a hand over my shaved head before I cradle my chin in my right hand nodding as Janira gives us the details, my eyes looking to each of new compatriots reactions. I nonchalantly then look to the bar maid and indicate I would like another of the double pale ales that are crafted here as well as indicating refills for the rest...quickly looking on to make sure nobody is sipping any premium top shelf liquor or gods forbide something brewed in ancient Azlant that might force me into indentured servitude for a decade or more.

Well seems like a reconnaissance patrol to a known point...straight forward with little time to waste..though I can walk at a pretty good clip unless we are fortunate enough to get mounts

"If want mount get Kortos mounts, so they know the way. Hammer-das." The Ulfen straightens up confidently, obviously very proud of the advice he has given. He downs his remaining drink and then reaches to the floor and picks up a large anvil. He cradles it in his arms and looks ready to stand. "We go yes no? Hammerdas."

Samiya grins wickedly at the flamboyant gnome, flashing her slightly pointed teeth for a brief moment.
Ohh, I like this one, he's got a flair for the dramatic!
She gives a small bow at the offer of the luxurious assignments. "I would of course have to go shopping for such events, and catch up on local fashions...and all the latest gossip. It's almost too much trouble...oh who am I kidding?
With a slight wave she faces each member in turn as she introduces herself.
"My name is Samiya, myself and my magics are here to help. Pleased to meet all of you."

Upon catching word that they will have to travel a fair distance, her expression sours.
"ooh, traveling by foot? I'm none too thrilled about that, not at all! This Hammerdas fellow has the right idea. We most definitely should get some mounts, I do so love to ride...."

“The area we’re heading to is controlled by a large centaur tribe. If we cross paths with any of them, they’ll see the horses as an affront and might become dangerously unfriendly. Our mission is to explore the caves and investigate the gillmen activity, not fight the local populace.”

Oh well now...that certainly does add a bit of a of a predicament. We can travel in comfort and run the risk of a insurgency or at the very least the good will of the centaurs, or we can do like we do in the legions and roll up our sleeves and head out on foot... at the cost of some sweat and perhaps a few blisters for those of us that are bit unaccustomed to such tasks. Seems clear to me...we are going on foot. I'm ready whenever everyone else is, although I do suggest we go sooner instead of later to make use of what daylight we do have

I look around, my hand resting on the boxwood pommel of my blade, my eyes looking at each of my companions for their reactions while also slightly broadening my stance as I finish my drink off.

"Hally-toe--er, um, I mean Tallyho. I've walked many a mile on these cloven feet, and am happy to do so for the Society." Daru straightens her pack and heads for the door.

Findlefarb places a finger to his cheek as he thinks. "Would it help if I wore a horse-head mask?"

He shrugs. "Probably not. So, we're going to hike across centaur territory today to reach the caves to hopefully track some gillmen inside and discover why they love the caves on the night of the full moon? Fabulous. Just let me grab my chicken and we'll be good to go!"

"Well, I guess I'm alright with walking. It wouldn't be the first time I suppose. It's a shame though."
She takes up her travel pack and tosses it on her shoulder in a fluid motion. The pack, of course, matches her clothing as any accessory should.
"Let's be off then! The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get back."

“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.”

If you have further questions about anything, things likely to encounter, hazards, etc. now is the time to ask. It is also the best time to make any skill checks regarding anything mentioned, or just in general to see what the encounter is likely to include in case you want to make additional purchases in Absalom.

"Hmm, Centaurs, huh? What else do I know about centaurs?"

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

"It occurs to me that I've got everything I dare carry, but there might be those who need something more. Let me know, I might be able to arrange something for you."

Looking around to the group, he adds, "So, Janira, what can you tell us about our path? There will be centaurs, there will be a cave, it's at the foot of the Kortos Mounts, and... are there any other obstacles we should be aware of?"

Findlefarb, you recall that the Centaur are a fusion of man and horse, having the torso of the former and the body of the latter. In addition, you recall that although they are a large creature, they wield weapons appropriate to the human torso, not the large human body.

In this area, there is always the chance you may run into bandits along the way, and there are dozens of kinds of predators in that forest.

Kn (Nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Kn (Arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Daru racks her brain for any useful information...

The large Ulfen squints pensively. "Need rope, need light for cave. Caves dark and has falls. Hammerdas." His face relaxes, then tightens as a new thought enters his mind. "Hammerdas. Full moon bring out bad things."

I will buy 50 ft knotted hemp rope, grapple, 3 torches.

Samiya takes a quick mental inventory of what she plans to take with her, nodding as she mentally check each item off her list.
"As long as the journey isn't longer than a few weeks I think I've got everything I need. Well, no...everything that would be useful for our journey. I need much more than these supplies, after all."
She runs a hand over her flowing red garment and remarks "I'll need to change into something a little more comfortable however. These clothes wont hold up well on the road."

"Very well, meet here in one hour? Then the adventure begins!"

You can ret-con in any other purchases.

The first phase of your Confirmation takes you through Absalom, and leads across the Cairnlands, along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts, and culminates at the cave entrance noted in Janira’s Confirmation report. The journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident. Most of the journey is uneventful, save for Janira's constantly pointing out of landmarks such as siege towers, distant mountains, or distinct flora and fauna along the journey.

No encounters occur during the first day of travel, and you have an opportunity to rest and prepare new spells before entering what Janira promises to be more dangerous territory.

Waking early the next morning, you progress 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.”

Most of the trees in this section of the forest have trunks that are too big for any creatures to share their space. Sporadic patches of light undergrowth provide areas for creatures to hide while restricting movement for those passing through. A large rock outcropping to the east rises nearly twenty feet above the forest floor, and a small sinkhole to the northwest drops off sharply, descending to the ground 10 feet below.

I watched as Janira manipulated her device while at the same time ensuring that my open faced helmet was secured, feeling the goat skin chin strap ties rest under my chin. I slide one of my two pila to my left hand, cradled with the horizontal grip on the slightly curved tower shield while the other I held at the low ready, using the conical butt spiked end a bit like a walking stick but equally ready to snap it off at the first sign of trouble to be buried in some poor beasts chest cavity...or through some butt clowns shield and hopefully arm.....looking about I offer the suggestion of... it might be best that we walk in groups of two when possibles with about a five to ten foot separation....if bandits and other creatures are a real potential threat, it may be best if we spread out a bit...to avoid being to juicy of a target for a close sided ambush ...or worse. I'll lead if nobody else does or wants...

Findlefarb carefully looks around. "Do you suspect an ambush? Some monster, perhaps? Perhaps I should sneak ahead, see what I can, send out some bait?"

He picks up his chicken, a docile, if confused looking hen. "We do, in fact, have bait."

Samiya grins at Findlefarb. "I was wondering why you carried that bird with you this whole time! My my, so resourceful...and if it fails to attract any potential threats we can always have it for supper. Besides, I thought you were the bait!"
She looks around at what the surroundings have to offer, not liking what she sees. Her smile fades.
In a lower and more serious tone she says"Well, this place does seem rather foreboding...whatever we do it should be done quickly. I feel rather exposed out here. Lead the way, Titus."
She readies her crossbow, preparing for the worst.

Daru sees the others readying weapons and such so she drinks her mutagen (+4 dex, -2 wis, +2 Natural Armor for ten minutes), and readies her longbow.

"Always happy to hang back and bomb things....lead on, brave Titus."

Daru will leave about a ten foot gap between herself and whoever is in front of her.

Findlefarb beams at Samiya. "There hasn't been a single situation I've been in that hasn't been improved by adding a chicken."

Cocking an eyebrow, he adds, whispering, "And should you feel a need for an extra coat, I may be able to find one for you."

Samiya waggles her eyebrows playfully at the prankster.
"That may be the first time that someone has ever objected to me being exposed."
Her ears perk up at the Tiefling's mention of bombs.
"Ooh, those sound like fun."

I nod to Samiya, Findlefarb and Daru shaking my head a bit at the jokes and banter wondering if it is done to cut tension knowing what might be lying in wait or if it is a form naivety oh never having to had shed blood and and watched another sentient beings life extinguish before your eyes. I press my lips together, reminding myself that many often call their friends..or compatriots by their first given name instead of their family or clan name.

"Yep, no time like now to see what is up ahead and I am glad to see you all have my back...Hammerdas please be a good fellow and have one of those big heavy things ready . I am a firm believer that it is always almost better to give than receive."

Adjusting my hand on the horizontal grip of my towering shield I take a step forward, my eyes moving left, up, right, down in a box pattern looking for any detection of unusual movement whil emaking a offhand comment... " Daru I have no doubt your aim will be true for whatever forms of bombardment you have and Findlefarb I am sure you are a gnome of many talents and will inspire us all and while you are quite soft on the eyes Samiya, am sure you have few tricks of your own"

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Findlefarb shrugs. Perhaps looking at Samiya a little longer than he should.

What the Heck!: 1d6 ⇒ 1

As you enter the clearing, two swarms of spiders burst from the underbrush, and begin moving towards you!

Initiatives please.

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Swarm 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Swarm 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Wow, slow lot.

Your Bard: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Order: Bard, Dasu, Swarm 2, everyone else, Swarm 1

As you note swans of spiders beginning to form and move towards you, your ever cheerful companion, Janira, begins to chant stories of all the great Pathfinder's and their various challenges overcome. Inspire Courage, +1 to all attack rolls, +1 to all damage rolls, +1 to saves v. Fear

Goody, swarms. Beautiful way to introduce players to the game. What do I know about spider swarms?

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Oh joy!!, spiders.....it had to be spiders

I forgot my initiative was +3 but the fault is mine and happy to bite the bullet

Unfortunately, Findlefarb is not able to recall any information about swarms other than that gained in pathfinder basic training. Use things that affect the area, swarms are immune to weapon damage.

As there is a good deal of strangeness regarding swarms, I will go ahead and explain my personal take that is how I personally understand the rule. you cannot target an individual with a splash weapon, but you can target the swarm doing 1d6 (for example) points of damage plus the splash damage. On the other hand, you may instead opt to target the square in which a swarm is located, in which case you need only to hit AC 5 and you do not do the direct damage, but you do the slash damage. Keep in mind that Swarms are NOT IMMUNE TO MIND AFFECTING EFFECTS unless the specifically state they are. Sadly, spider swarms are so immune.

Like most halflings, Janira is very helpful. Could't hurt to ask. . .

Backing up slowly, Findlefarb asks, "Janira, you wouldn't happen to know any rousing ballads of Pathfinders vanquishing lots of little spiders?"

"Umm, there is a wand in my pack, it casts 'burning hands', the activation word is pzar maximus, but you are not a wizard my little friend." Janira answers.

K. nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

"I don't know much about swarms, but I am pretty sure that the wand will help!"

I look at the vile creatures and realize that my wepons may be of no use..I look around...dry kindling..something to start a fire...as I back cautiously away.

Say...can anyone start a fire faster than I can with flint and steel!!!

I reach into my kit attempting to locate my flint and steel, while walking back and looking for some dry kindling and leaves to start a fire.

I am not sure how long it takes to start a fire by the rules, but with a flint and steel striker in takes me about a half minute to a minute assuming I have a kindling pile

The map is now unlocked. Please move yourselves around as you see fit. Remember, 1 square = 5 ft, so 6 squares for a single move if your speed is 30.

With a high-pitched, clipped panicky screech, Findlefarb rushes to Janira and cries, "Give it here!"

Move to Janira, fish for the wand.

“As Durvin Gest, exemplar of our Society, saw through -- no, that is cure light wounds -- the treachery of the fabled Lens of Galundari and chose to hurl the terrible lens down into the never-ending -- nope, that is just a smoke stick -- Nemesis Well, so you, his noblest heirs, shall stand steadfast against deceit and error, surrendering -- yes, that's the one -- nothing but your burdens, and falling nowhere but on our foes!”

Grasping the wand with white knuckles, Findlefarb mutters, "Please don't think about falling onto a patch of spiders, please don't think about falling onto a patch of spiders..."

The spider swarms advance on the party 20' move, they are about to swarm over Titus and Samiya!

Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Samiya quickly moves away from the swarms as they aproach.
"Well, this crossbow wont do much good against that type of enemy..." she mutters.
Hearing Titus ask for fire she replies "I can direct fire at enemies, not sure how useful it would be for starting a fire but I can give it a try! Get some kindling together, I'll bring the heat."