GM Baerlie |
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 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.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen stops just inside the door, shifting his pack on his shoulder and takes a moment to look around.
One cannot tell if his caution is because of the storied history of the location or because he has never been in a drinking establishment before. probably both.
upon seeing his instructor he smiles, nodding and approaches, listening carefully to his introductions. After Master Shaine leaves he greets Janira Gavix.
Well met, Mistress Gavix, I am Initiate Eldlen Meirdrerel, trained in the art of the woods and the secrets of traps. Pray tell what shall be our first steps to this fine endeavored? And how may I be of service
Iso Soturi |
A large (tall, if not bulky) Kellid comes in and sits down at the table. The chair creaks under the weight of his frame, armour and large assortment of weapons.
"Hello Everyone" he says in a lould, friendly voice.
"I am Iso Soturi. I'm pretty experienced really, but someone said I had to do a formal Confirmation. This sounds like Fun!"
He eyes up Eldlen cautiously, not having a lot of experience with elves. "I don't suppose there are any theaters or museums involved? " he asks, hopefully.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen nervously looks at the bulky Kellid, attempting to smile, quitly says
Well met Initiate Soturi, Pray thee why wouldest Theaters or Museums be involve? Eldlen says mildly confused please forgivest my ignorance, I have scant experience with cities and Humans, myself originating from the forests of Fireani and the hamlet of Omesta. I have come hither to join the pathfinders in this fine confirmation and to begin my life of adventure as the hero's of old
as the young elf raises his chin and looks off into the distance you get the impression he is serious but has a lot to learn.
Tzaron |
Tzaron walks to the table but doesn't sit. His tall frame requiring to stoop beneath a small hanging lantern.
So you are the other Initiates. Shall we get to work?
With that he orders a two drinks from the bar and hands one to Iso, stating matter of factly,
When I'm working with someone this big, I want to be on their good side. With that taken care of, are we waiting on anyone?
Tippy Fullbottle PFS |
"Well, my last mission was to a library, so some strange caves sound like a good change," says a small halfling who practically bristles with knives. "Are these gillman likely to be hostile?"
Iso Soturi |
"I" says the big barbarian with a great degree of care in his voice. "Am a professional critic. I have attended to Opera in Oppera and a reviewd the Blakros Museum here in Absalom. Neither received great reviews from me. You may have read them?"
He takes the drink from Tzaron. "My thanks. But rest assured, most of the world is on Good Side of Iso Soturi." he waves his hands expansively taking in the whole dive and spilling a lot of the drink.
Grinning he then pinches a barmaids bottom and receives a slap for his trouble. "Well, most of the world anyway."
At the words of Tippy, he becomes more business like. "Iso is good at asking questions!" he says happily, spittle going everywhere.
"Mostly only dead things attack Iso. It is sad. But Challenge of Iso Soturi is so great, that yes, even the dead come back to try their skills against mine. Sad for them, as none have yet been up to challenge of Iso."
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen, confused by the direction the conversation has gone and the abrupt entry of the human and the Halfling. He attempts to insert himself into the discussion.
Well met, fine sirs, I am initiative Eldlen Meirdrerel giving a slight bow
turning to Iso I have no formal training critiquing human operas though I do appreciate fine music, especially the Elven Lute. I must have been in error, by your appearance I wouldst have presumed you to be Kellid, I valiant fighter of the demons of the wormwound, Akin to my brethren who battle Treerazer and his minions in the Tanglebriar.
turning to the Halfling I also have questions concerning the nature of our journey, the denizens of the cavern which is to be the destination on said journey and the heroic exploits which will be expected
as Eldlen mentions exploits he again gets a distant look in his eyes imagining all that he may accomplish
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen bows slightly toward the haflling, assuming the dust and overall scruffy appearance is from a journey.
a pleasure to meet thee sir Tippy, I presume thou hadest a safe journey to this place. Thou art the second hafling I have had the pleasure of meeting, after Mistress Gavix herself. nodding at the leader of the group
Having been raised in Kyonin my experience has been limited unto my own race and the few gnomish folk that live in the forest above Omesta, the hamlet I originated thence from. This is mine first opportunity to interact with the lesser races Eldlen says with an innocent smile
Eldlen doesn’t understand the insult he just voiced because he was raised by arrogant xenophobic elves and he is just spewing the drivel he was raised with ;-0
Iso Soturi |
Ever one for physical humour, Iso picks up Tippy and tries to pour him like a tea-pot. "Tippy is empty!".
The smile never leaves his face, but his eyes do cringe with sadness at the words of Eldlen. "Indeed. But while Valient Kellid Wage World between Worlds, Iso much go south to city at centre of world. There is much sadness in life of Iso Soturi. When my tale is spread before the world, it must be one of sadness. Iso does not not a tragedy though."
He pulls out some coins and says "Drinks for Pathfinders!"
Turning to the little Halfling, Iso asks. "When is Iso needed in cave? Does Iso need to bring soft hat as Head of Iso is much higher than head of Janira?"
He confides in a loud voice. "And Iso not want to spoil boying good looks."
Exactly what good looks Iso is talking about is uncertain. He has bird tattoos down his arms, and some beautiful silver bells woven into his beard. His looks however, well.. maybe in the far north they would be good. Maybe.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
LOL
wide eyed and impressed with the show of strength, Eldlen very confused by Iso's behavior responds
Thou art correct Tippy Fullbottle is empty just realizing the pun in the name, Eldlen smiles
Thou art correct in deed, I thank thee for the offer of a beverage turning to the waitress, who seems to still be avoiding Iso's reach and asks
Madame, might I have a green tea with honey Eldlen settles into his chair, a little relieved by the friendly banter
GM Baerlie |
"No, the gillmen are not hostile. They enter the cave every month at full moon. The Society does not have information about what is hidden in the caves or what creatures might await us inside the cave. The surrounding is the usual wilderness of the Isle of Kortos. Centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs constantly vie for territory up and around the Mounts." Janira tries to answer the questions.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen's interest is peaked as Janira starts to speak
So, Mistress Gavix , we have no quarrel with the aboriginal Gillman, thou dust just desire us to explore their cave. However Centaurs, Harpies and Minotaur’s do make adversaries that true heroes would combat!
Eldlen says with a smile
Verily, what must we do to depart this establishment?
Tippy Fullbottle PFS |
As the elf speaks, Tippy peeks around behind the man, then shakes his head, saying, "Nope. No stick," mostly to himself, when suddenly he is heaved into the air.
As Iso lifts up Tippy and turns him over, he hears two metallic clicks, and then the presence of two knife blades on either side of his crotch.
"Some people consider me a very skilled jewel thief," he says simply and waits to be put back down.
Iaodal II |
An impressive young man enter the establishment shortly after Kreighton Shaine's departure. His coal black hair hangs about his face framing his violet eyes that speak to his distant azlanti decent.
He looks down his nose at the assembled group of other agents. Putting his hand up to his face he sighs. "At lest this should be better than that mess at the God's Mouth Ossuary ..."
He closes the distance to pathfinders then introduces himself. "Greetings, I am Iodal, the second of this name, and chosen of The Healing Light." He gives a slight inclination of his head to each of the agents but greets the Elf's eyes with a sharp scowl.
"So when do we get started?"
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen bows slightly toward Iaodal
Grettings sir Iaodal chosen of the Healing Light and well met, I am Eldlen Meirdrerel, and akin to sir Iso, am ready and eager to begin our quest, Mistress Gavix, please lead on
finishing his speech Eldlen tries to set a heroic pose as he shoulders his pack and grasps his longbow.
Tippy Fullbottle PFS |
Tippy glances behind Iaodal, then shakes his head, muttering, "Nope. No stick up there either," and shoulders his pack. He keeps well away from Iso, though he does return his daggers to his wrist sheathes.
Slowly...
Iso Soturi |
Iso grins in a good natured manner at Tippy, has a grab at the barmaid expertly avoided and then heads for the door.
"How long will this trip take?" he asks.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Perhaps a carriage would be more appropriate for ones of our standing he wonders
ربما النقل ستكون أكثر ملاءمة لتلك من مكانتنا he says quietly to himself using sanscript/Arabic as elven hope this is ok, he repeated in elven what he heard/thought
a carriage, yes a carriage I comprehend this word, we have these نقل , these carriages, in Kyonin as well. Pray thee doest thou use them to transport the aged and infirmed as well or doest thou use them for some other mundane purpose?
Eldlen is clearly confused about the use of carriages for a hero’s task
Tzaron |
Tzaron shakes his head in disbelief at his rather snobbish companion
My friend, why begin such a journey by carriage when we have perfectly good legs to carry us! Indeed, I have walked from Taldor to Qadira, do I appear to have suffered for it?
Iso Soturi |
"A carriage?" ask Iso. Scratching his hed, and then his rear, he suddenly recalls seeing them on the streets.
"I rode in one two days ago. They charged double for Iso! I think I would rather walk. The view was no better from the carriage, as it was carried somewhat closer to the ground than I normally stand."
He shakes he head as he downs his ale, putting as much of the liquid in his beard as down his throat. "Iso did not even realise they left the city."
GM Baerlie |
"I'm afraid it's not possible to use a carriage, we are travelling through wild terrain, woods with heavy overgrow. A carriage would slow us down. Also horses are not a good idea, we are passing centaur terrain. Travelling time would be around two days before we get to the cave." Janira says. "So, let's go!"
Fast Forward...
The first phase of your Confirmation takes you through Absalom, 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, and the long trek across the Cairnlands provides a great opportunity to discuss Master Shane’s class on the history of Absalom. Most of the journey is uneventful, but Janira might point out 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 dangerous territory.
As 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 20 feet above the forest floor, and a small sinkhole to the northwest drops off sharply, descending to the ground 10 feet below.
GM Baerlie |
Encounter A1: 1d6 ⇒ 1
While waiting for Janira to show you the direction, you hear a tree falling nearby. Suddenly some small animals emerge the dense parts of the woods, scared by the noise of the falling tree. Two spider swarms get too close to you.
Initiative Eldlen: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Initiative Iaodal II: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Initiative Iso: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Initiative Tippy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Initiative Tzaron: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Initiative Janira: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Initiative Spider Swarms: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Iaodal, please complete your profile, I could not find your initiative bonus.
Janira starts singing to inspire courage through inspirational tales of famous Pathfinders.
Round 1
Janira
Tzaron
Eldlen
Tippy
Iaodal II
Iso
Spider Swarms
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
beware friends, the arachnid vermins bite is poisonous and they will not be effected by thine instruments of war, they must be defeated by guile and wizardry
with that he quickly kneels and removes a torch and flint and steel from his pack.
I know that to retrieve a stored item is a move action and to light a torch is a full round, so he can remove the flint and steel and the torch this round using two move actions and light it the second(possibly using the second round to move} and be able to use it in the third or fourth, (well see how close they get). I'm hoping fire will have a negative affect ;)
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen smiles and nods to Iaodal, standing up and brandishing the torch
chosen of The Healing Light indeed, fine Sir,
looking at the rest of the team
pray tell what other magics doest you champions command?
that's still round one for Eldlen, now to figure out what to do with a torch in round two ;-)
Tzaron |
Tzaron sprays beautiful light from his hands, directly towards the spiders. Color Spray-DC 15. I think it would work on spiders, since it says that it affects each enemy within the cone.
No weapons eh, let's try this!
Iso Soturi |
"Not more spiders!
Shouts Iso. "And not a curtain in sight!"
He grabs his alchemists fire and, advancing to closer range, throws it at the northern swarm.
ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
The throw is off, maybe due to some unfortunate prior experience with spider swarms.
miss direction: 1d8 ⇒ 7
still does splash damage to them
GM Baerlie |
Tzaron, Spider swarms are also immune to mind-affecting effects
Iso, can you tell me the Reflex save DC for splash damage please and how much splash damage it would do, 3?
Tzaron casts color spray at the spiders, but they cannot see colors. Eldlen takes out her torch and Iaodal ligtens it. Tippy and Iso throw flasks of alchemist's fire at the swarms, but only Tippy hits them.
The Spiders crawl over Iso and Janira.
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Poison (Ex) Swarm—injury; save Fort DC 11; frequency 1/round for 2 rounds; effect 1d2 Str; cure 1 save.
Distraction (Ex) A creature with this ability can nauseate the creatures that it damages. Any living creature that takes damage from a creature with the distraction ability is nauseated for 1 round; Fort Save DC11 negates.
Janira Fort Save vs. Distraction: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Janira Fort Save vs. Poison: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Janira takes out her wand of burning hands and tries to burn the spiders away.
Fire damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8
Spider Reflex for half DC13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Round 2
Janira
Tzaron
Eldlen
Tippy
Iaodal II
Iso
Spider Swarms
swarm red -6HP
swarm white
Iaodal II |
As the swarm beings to cover Janira, Iodal reaches out and touches her with holy power. He then swiftly moves away from the dangerous swarms.
"बेस्ट उन्हें मिल भी बंद नहीं करने के लिए"
Cast Virtue on Janira, granting 1 Temporary HP move action away from the swarms
Tzaron |
Tzaron swears in dismay at having forgotten to bring alchemists fire and quickly begins to assist the nearby Eldlen with his torches.
I don't know how to format the dice roll correctly, but he rolled an 8 with a bonus of 3 which succeeds on an aid another check for Eldlen's next attack.
Tippy Fullbottle PFS |
No Reflex save to avoid the point of splash damage. Also, shouldn't that be 10 points total, since swarms take 1.5 times damage, so 6 from burning hands, 3 from Tippy's fire, and 1 from Iso's splash?
GM Baerlie |
I just looked up the rules, 1.5x damage is correct, I somehow missed that, thanks.
Tzaron assists Eldlen with the torches, getting them out of his backpack, lightening them, passing it over to Eldlen. Eldren throws his torch at the remaining swarm and burns away some individuals. Iaodal touches Janira to give her some power.
Round 2
Janira
Tzaron
Eldlen
Tippy
Iaodal II
Iso
Spider Swarm
swarm red dead
swarm White -1hp
Iso Soturi |
Splash damage is automatic. I think just one point though
fort save poison: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
fort save distraction: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Iso backs away from the swarm.
"Last time I met these I set a curtain on fire..."
He grabs off his cloak and puts the end of it in the flames of the torch that is being lit.
GM Baerlie |
Round 2
Janira
Tzaron
Eldlen
Tippy
Iaodal II
Iso
Spider Swarm
Tippy throws another flask, but this time he's not so lucky. 1 splash damage if I'm not mistaken... Iso sets his cloak on fire.
The Spider swarm moves over the nearest opponent, Tippy.
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Poison (Ex) Swarm—injury; save Fort DC 11; frequency 1/round for 2 rounds; effect 1d2 Str; cure 1 save.
Distraction (Ex) A creature with this ability can nauseate the creatures that it damages. Any living creature that takes damage from a creature with the distraction ability is nauseated for 1 round; Fort Save DC11 negates.
Janira uses her wand of burning hands again.
Fire damage: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) = 9
Spider Reflex for half DC13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Round 3
Janira
Tzaron
Eldlen
Tippy
Iaodal II
Iso
Spider Swarm -8HP
Tippy Fullbottle PFS |
Hadn't realized their AC was so high. 1 point it is, then.
Fort save vs poison: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Fort save vs distraction: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
With nothing left to contribute, Tippy hightails it out of the mass of spiders, then finds a clear patch of ground on which to roll and squish as many spiders still on him as possible.
Iso Soturi |
Iso swats at the spider swarm with his flaming cloak, trying to lay it over a mass of them.
improvised fire attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 <- I assume -4 for improvised weapon?
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 <=again, just a guess here.
"Die, nasty creatures of bitingness"
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen removes his second torch from his pack and asks Iodal
Sir Iaodal, the second of this name, and chosen of The Healing Light wouldst thou be so kind? nodding at the torch
Eldlen will delay until Iaodal lights the torch and Iso can light his cloak, then he will attempt to toss the torch onto the spiders
ranged attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 - 4 = 9 for 1 point fire damage
GM Baerlie |
After beein attacked with so much fire the spiders get frightened and crawl into another direction.
Combat over
"Well done, young recruits. This is the way to become a full Pathfinder." Janira says.
As you continue to travel through the wilderness, the PCs find trails blocked by fallen objects, shortcuts overgrown, and other minor delays that cost them time.
You can do a survival check to find the path.