And so the candidates for confirmation in the prestigious Pathfinder Society went their separate ways to prepare for their early-morning meeting which was in about five hours time.
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He enters the inn and looks at the cleaning staff who are busy preparing for another day in the Pig's Paunch.
It is a good thing I do not need much sleep.
He finds a place where he will sit out of the way of the busy staff. Sitting down he retrieves a small blue book out of his pack and starts to read. After reading a few pages he closes the book, looks at the door and when nothing happens he will open the book again at a random page and reads another few pages.
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Nina enters the Pig's Paunch holding Mr. Monty close to her chest as she looks around. She gives a small waive to Hengist when he enters, as well as Karayan, recognizing them from yesterday. After getting a small cup of water from the barkeep, she sits down in a chair, Monty sitting on her lap as she holds him. She occasionally pours a little bit of water into the dolls mouth, cooing almost like a mother with a child, looking for all the world like a much younger girl playing momma with her dolly. It'd almost be cute if it weren't for the "Off" aspects of Nina and Monty's appearances.
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Balgrym wakes carefully, having honed the skill of sleeping with the flat of his axe blade under a pillow. He takes off the axe to dress, replaces it, and looks himself over. Maimed, corrupted, but free and alive, he thinks. He allows himself a grin.
Fully aware of the wide berth people give him, he appreciated the relatively low traffic of the early hour, and let his own internal fire and regular feeling of indigestion warm himself in the morning chill. Never quite trusted. It is best that way.
He enters the Pig's Paunch and sees familiar faces from last night, all visited by the gnome. He walks over to the loosely assembled group. He greets them with a moment of eye contact and a snorting grunt, familiar enough for those who know enough dwarves.
Situated in the Coins District near enough to the docks to catch the whiff of fish over the smell of its closer neighbors: the hog market, and the tanner's workhouse; the Pig's Paunch is the sort of place your grandpa might hang out in were you an elf, and your grand a former inmate in maximum security Chelish penal colony, or perhaps a former Shackle's pirate.
The Pig’s Paunch is a run-down building, in a dark alleyway, in an unfavorable part of town that should have its own wall and guards faced in upon it to keep the rest of the metropolis safe. A faded sign of a comical pig in friar's robes, its arms folded over its corpulent belly indicates that you are indeed in the right place.
Inside, the air is thick with the scents of human sweat, stale tobacco, and leftover food. The floorboards creak, and are sticky. There seems to be no conscious patron's about though there are one or two, who might be asleep, unconscious, or perhaps dead. A hideously disheveled washer-woman with the stub of a smoldering cigar, and red lacy bits of her unmentionables poking out from her folds lumbers ponderously to each unresponsive lout in turn with a small mirror to check.
On a raised tier of tables, in the center of the room, surrounded by the inebriates (or the dead) from last night's festivities, a familiar elven man sits upon cross-legged atop a round table an open book in his hands. It is Dean Kreighton Shaine, Venture-Captain, and Master of Scrolls of the Pathfinder Society. He waves each person in, and bids them to take a seat, and to keep their voices low until they have all arrived.
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Nina and Monty spot Shaine and make their way over to the table, seemingly ignorant of the more shady goings on around them. Nina sets her mug of water on the table, then follows it with Mr. Monty, slumped and staring towards were Shaine sits. Delicately, Nina arranges her skirt before sitting down next to him. Despite a stern pretended demeanor, Nina can't help but look around the Pig's Paunch, looking for all the world like a tourist seeing the Star Cathedral for the first time instead of some run down inn in the middle of the bad part of town.
This is it... She whispers. The Pig's Paunch. I'm so excited Mr. Monty!
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Hengist strolls blithely into the Pig's Paunch, glancing around himself casually before taking a seat at a table near the Master of Scrolls. "The very air is steeped in adventure!" he booms, before remembering Dean Shaine's admonition to keep his voice low.
"Also sweat and ale," he continues in a much lower voice. "Ah, it is a promising start for our little band, though!" He orders a fruity cordial from the serving woman.
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Alexis takes in the whole panorama, and winds up seeing everything and nothing. She moves with her usual "I've got nothing to prove" stride, but it's noticeably more rigid and this time; if someone were to trace her trajectory with chalk, it would form a perfectly straight line wherever possible. She appears to be making an active effort not to come into physical contact with anybody, anything, or anybody's anything. She seems to relax slightly when she spots the others, though.
"This place is worse than the Wounded Wisp," She mutters as she sits down (or rather, climbs up) into her seat.
"Just a pretzel, thank you," She says to the odious wench, referring to the platter of rather decent-looking large soft pretzels at the bar that were obviously purchased in bulk from a street vendor.
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Hayden wanders into the tavern and spots Shaine and the others. He nods to them as he approaches. The knight has a world-weary way about him, hinting at travels throughout his life. He is far from the shining beacon that others try to be, but there's an honesty and trustworthiness about him. He carries his bowstave in one hand, but a scimitar hangs from his hip, both the symbol of the Dawnflower as well as a comforting backup weapon.
"Well, this is a vagrant group, eh?" He chuckles as he sits. He motions to the woman acting as serving girl. "Do you have any tea, love?"
"This place is worse than the Wounded Wisp," She mutters as she sits down (or rather, climbs up) into her seat.
"Just a pretzel, thank you," She says to the odious wench, referring to the platter of rather decent-looking large soft pretzels at the bar that were obviously purchased in bulk from a street vendor.
The woman looks at Alexis as if she were some exotic species of lizard. She reaches back to the tray, grabs one of the pretzels with her hand, and sets it on the table in front of Alexis all while not taking her eyes off of the little gnome.
He motions to the woman acting as serving girl. "Do you have any tea, love?"
"Tea? What in the Nine Hells would I do with 'tea'?" She says her voice as smooth as course sandpaper being rubbed on the ears. She coughs a long, ragged cough, not covering her mouth very well.
As Sir Greyrun enters asks for his tea, the Dean snaps his book shut, and stands upon the table. "Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please, have a seat!”
With that, Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls, resumes his cross-legged seat upon the table. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and releases it, as if trying to steep himself in the place's atmosphere. He opens his eyes, and looks 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."
One of the drunks moans, and turns his head in his stupor.
“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 and motions for the halfling woman from the night before to approach out of the kitchen area. She wears a large backpack and carries all manner of tools, pouches, and scroll cases around her waist. As comes in and looks at the would-be Pathfinders her face takes on a look of surprise, and confusion.
She goes to Shaine's table rising up on tip-toes to speak with him. He leans toward her, and she whispers something in his ear. He looks gobsmacked for a moment, and then digs into his pockets. After a moment he produces a piece of paper with what looks like a short list of names. He hands it to Janira who looks it over and shakes her head in the negative. The Dean frowns. He turns out his other pockets until his comes up with another list. Janira inspects it and frowns. Shaine laughs, nods, and pantomimes smacking his forehead with the heel of his palm, and looking comedically dazed--as if to say to the halfling: Boy, was that stupid of me.
Janira's frown does not change. If anything it gets deeper.
Ignoring the look, the Master of Scrolls continues on. “Janira here
will be going with you on your Confirmation."
Janira looks even more confused. She looks as if she doesn't understand what is happening. Her head shakes back and forth as if she were thinking of saying "No". In fact she looks as if she wants to escape.
"She was one of my brightest pupils." Master Shaine continues. "She 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 looks momentarily defeated, but rallies quickly. Her broad smile only seeming slightly forced.
“Greetings, aspiring Pathfinders!" She says through slightly gritted teeth. "Six months ago, while I was mapping cave entrances in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts, I witnessed a lone male gillwoman 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 gillwomen."
Master Shaine hops back 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 collects his book, jumps off the table, and strolls into the kitchen area while humming to himself. A long moment later, he returns, angrily mutters the word "Pantry" and then exits through the front door.
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"Tea? What in the Nine Hells would I do with 'tea'?"
Sir Hayden sighs and merely shakes his head. "And civilization dies just a little more." He waves the woman away with a motion of his hand.
"Very well." He turns to the others. "Any of you know how gillmen...or women might react to us?"
He looks at Janria and recognizes the halfling from the other tavern. "Ah, miss. We meet again. A pleasure to have you with us."
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He puts his book away and points to the chairs at the table at which he is sitting. After Hengist sits down he asks "I heard you were involved in retrieving a code-book? Anything you can share about the coding system?"
Hengist chuckles. "I am not wise enough to understand the codes, Master Karayan, but I can bring you to those who do! Something about a series of colored lights...but be warned," he adds, his face growing somber, "they serve little purpose now but to summon a pitiless army of the dead! They are...most potent." His big, friendly face looks grave.
Hengist listens raptly to Dean Shainr's briefing, not looking the least perturbed by the master's pantomimed exchange with Janira (indeed, he looks pleased to see Janira again, giving her a little waggle of sausage-sized fingers).
"Ah, the rugged hills of Absalom!" Hengist exclaims. "Mountains are the bones of any land, and I shall be glad to be among them once more. I shall be glad to accompany the learned Pathfinders on their mission of exploration!"
He looks eagerly to Janira after Hayden asks his question.
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Nina listens with absolute rapt attention during the explanation. Afterwords she stares at her water intently, deep in thought before taking a few sips. Finally, she speaks.
Ms. Janira? Was there any pattern you noticed to when the gill... Person entered the caves? Also, from the exploration of the caves you have already completed, do you perhaps have any idea what sort of challenges or dangers we may face?
"Janira, please tell us. Are these gillpeople normally friendly to others?"
"Very well." He turns to the others. "Any of you know how gillmen...or women might react to us?"
"Gillwomen aren't really my specialty. I was in the area studying flora and fauna as part of my confirmation. I only tangentially noticed the gillwomen activity, but it was enough to pique my curiosity." Janira says. Her voice is high-pitched.
"I do know that It is said during Earthfall the gillwomen’s Azlanti ancestors survived the cataclysm because they received the blessing of an aquatic entity that allowed them to breath underwater. However most scholars believe that aboleths were responsible for the gillwomen’s transformation. Any alliance between them appears to have fallen apart over the millennia, however, and the gillwomen are probably an independent people now. They are known to be very secretive, but not overtly hostile." Janira's enthusiasm for the subject matter, and sheer exuberance are nearly contagious. She's like a carnival performer in the middle of juggling a half-dozen items.
He looks at Janria and recognizes the halfling from the other tavern. "Ah, miss. We meet again. A pleasure to have you with us."
"Yes! It's great to see you all too." She smiles.
...Also, from the exploration of the caves you have already completed, do you perhaps have any idea what sort of challenges or dangers we may face?
"There wasn't any time unfortunately, what with keeping clear of the way of all clans of minotaurs, and centaurs you find up near the Mounts, and it wasn't my mission regardless. It’s that exact question that you all are being asked to answer. The only known permanent surface settlement of the gillwomen is in Escadar. Why they’re venturing into the foothills of the Kortos Mounts is a complete mystery. Alas, time is short. After reviewing my mission reports personally," (she beams) "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. Master Shaine and I both believe that tomorrow night is our best chance to find out why these caves are important and what exactly the gillwomen are doing in there."
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Nina nods and waits a few more moments before coughing into her hand.
Well.. um... we have a few minutes... We should probably know what our capabilities are if we're going to work together, maybe have some proper introductions.
She stands and does a small courtesy, her wet and damp looking dress hanging limply about her.
My name is Nina. I'm... not very smart, and I can't do any spell casting. But I'm pretty tough, and strong, and I can hit things really hard with just my hands.
She picks up the doll and makes him do a little bow.
This is Mr. Monty. He doesn't like to talk much. Mostly, he sleeps all the time if he can help it... walking around makes him super tired, so I just carry him. But he can do some magic, but most of it is to protect me. He'll also help me out if we're in a fight, but he doesn't like to since then I can't carry him.
Nina nods and waits a few more moments before coughing into her hand.
Well.. um... we have a few minutes... We should probably know what our capabilities are if we're going to work together, maybe have some proper introductions.
Janira smiles slyly. "Yes, and we'll have to take stock of our provisions." She looks about to see who came with a full pack.
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Balgrym nods to Janira's request. "I should have most of the things people here will need. Lots of rope, grappling hook, a week of rations, waterskin, even torches for you folk with weaker eyes. Beyond that, I wanted to ensure I kept funds back to fulfill any other obligations we may need. If someone is missing gear, we should rectify that now. I trust I'll be refunded for any requested purchases."
Turning to Nina, he adds, "I'm good with an axe. That's the main thing. I... um... also can call for extra power. If we should fight, you'll see it."
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"I am a scholar of the occult, and initiate into the mysteries of the Palatine Eye - in fact, I was awarded promotion to the advanced rank of True Silvered Throne almost immediately!" She says proudly. "I also have a gift for languages."
She turns to Kreighton.
"Excuse me, Master Shaine, but I was under the impression that the Society got its start in the Wounded Wisp...."
"Is something the matter, Ms. Gavix?"
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Janira smiles slyly. "Yes, and we'll have to take stock of our provisions." She looks about to see who came with a full pack.Nina nods and waits a few more moments before coughing into her hand.
Well.. um... we have a few minutes... We should probably know what our capabilities are if we're going to work together, maybe have some proper introductions.
Nina nods and shows off a surprisingly small pack. She shrugs.
I don't eat much, so I just have some food for Mr. Monty, some rope, cause the guidebook says to always have rope, and some other adventurer stuff.
She turns to Kreighton.
"Excuse me, Master Shaine, but I was under the impression that the Society got its start in the Wounded Wisp...."
"Hmm? What?" Master Shaine says distractedly from the row of coat pegs before the door. He holds a garish hat in each hand and seems to be deciding something. He looks about, and then finally down at Alexis. "'Wisp'? Oh is that what that fool Hillman been teaching in his classes? The man's an absolute crank. Or was it Dreng? Fool child, always spreading rumors, and getting up to no good. If only the lad would apply himself. Anyway my dear, I was there. Or rather, over there." He says pointing to a table in the corner near the stair.
Frowning he dons the more preposterous hat, and exits.
"I am a scholar of the occult, and initiate into the mysteries of the Palatine Eye - in fact, I was awarded promotion to the advanced rank of True Silvered Throne almost immediately!" She says proudly. "I also have a gift for languages."
"That's excellent. A facility with languages is always a boon to an explorer."
I don't eat much, so I just have some food for Mr. Monty, some rope, cause the guidebook says to always have rope, and some other adventurer stuff.
"Rope's great, but we'll need a grapnel to make the most of it. Looks like Balgrym's got that covered. How's everyone at swimming and rock climbing?"
"Is something the matter, Ms. Gavix?"
"Hmm? Oh, uh, did anyone pack earplugs? The Mounts are full of harpies."
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"Rope's great, but we'll need a grapnel to make the most of it. Looks like Balgrym's got that covered. How's everyone at swimming and rock climbing?"
Nina looks at her hands in thought.
I erm... I'm okay at swimming an climbing. It's not my best thing though. And I can carry Mr. Monty, so he won't have trouble.
She mutters something to herself under her breath, staring at her hands.
"Rope's great, but we'll need a grapnel to make the most of it. Looks like Balgrym's got that covered. How's everyone at swimming and rock climbing?"Nina looks at her hands in thought.
I erm... I'm okay at swimming an climbing. It's not my best thing though. And I can carry Mr. Monty, so he won't have trouble.
"That's tough to do when you're climbing, I'd just leave it, and any other non-essentials behind if I were you. We're under a bit of a time crunch―it's part of your test. We'll have more time to get to know one another on the road as we go. So get your packs, and let's make for the open road! We can stop on our way out of town for any odds, and ends. 'Well begun is half done' after all! That and, I don't want this turning out like the last time."
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"I don't have much in the way of climbing and swimming. I'm skilled in healing though. It's something nearly every devotee of the Dawnflower tries to learn. In addition, I was trained in the diplomacy when I grew up at court. My tutors always said that a well placed word could turn the tide of war at the right time. Of course, if it does come to that..." He hefts his bowstave. "Then I'm prepared as well."
As they depart the city, Hayden picks up a few items to help them along the way.
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"That's tough to do when you're climbing, I'd just leave it, and any other non-essentials behind if I were you. We're under a bit of a time crunch―it's part of your test. We'll have more time to get to know one another on the road as we go. So get your packs, and let's make for the open road! We can stop on our way out of town for any odds, and ends. 'Well begun is half done' after all! That and, I don't want this turning out like the last time."
The look that Nina gives Janira at the idea of leaving Monty behind might be the same look a child was given at the idea of roasting and eating their pet kitten if they got peckish on the trail.
NO!
She snatches up the doll and holds it close. Nina suddenly looks around, and then, clearly embarrassed at her outburst, sits down into her chair again, holding it close.
I just mean... um... that I can't. It's important that Mr. Monty never get left behind. If I have to, I'll put him in my backpack so I can climb up, he really isn't that heavy. S-s-s-sorry for yelling... your right... we should...we should get going.
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Hayden shakes his head. "We won't leave you or Mr. Monty behind, Nina." he shoots a glare at Janira.
"We're going in as a team, and we're going to leave as a team. Even the littlest of us can make a difference. Too many people find themselves in a privileged position and forget that it means they bear the most responsibility. Mr. Monty is just as much a member of our team as I am."
Hayden shakes his head. "We won't leave you or Mr. Monty behind, Nina." he shoots a glare at Janira.
Looking over to Nina, Balgrym offers, "It'd be simple enough to give Mr. Monty a rope harness. No chance to fall, then."
"What are you all talking about? It's just a doll isn't it?" Were she taller you get the impression that Jamira would be rapping Mr. Monty on the head to prove her point. "I'd be afraid of getting it dirty, or loosing it in a damp cave somewhere."
Alexis frowns slightly. "Athletic pursuits I am not good at."
"Well then this will be an opportunity to get out in fresh country air, and get some exercise." She takes a moment to make a notation in a small, red, leather-bound journal.
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"What are you all talking about? It's just a doll isn't it?" Were she taller you get the impression that Jamira would be rapping Mr. Monty on the head to prove her point. "I'd be afraid of getting it dirty, or loosing it in a damp cave somewhere."
Nina smiles at the rest.
Thank you all! Explore, Report, Cooperate! Good to know I've got some true pathfinders to be on my team!
She looks at Janira and bites her lip in thought.
Look... Um... I'm not allowed to explain. Not a lot. But um....
She stops for a moment and scratches her head.
But... um.... gosh, this would be easier if I was smarter... um... think of Monty like... OH! like those books the wizards carry! Or a Witch's crow! I can't do... Me if Monty isn't there. But it won't be a problem, I promise, so let's go whenever everybody is ready!
She seems rather proud of her comparison.
"Well, Oh-kaaay then." Janira begs off. "Let's hit the market. The shops should be opening."
With that she lead the group out into the city to shop.
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"I have rope!" Hengist booms, slinging a greataxe over his shoulders as they prepare to set out. "I can climb, leap, and swim with the best of them. And I shall do my utmost to protect thee and thy Monty, Nina," he adds, with a gentle smile. He follows the others out into the city to make some purchases.
Just past dawn Janira leads the band out of the city proper, and into the surrounding villages. By midday the villages have given way to small farms, and hamlets. The city is just a dark spot on the horizon.
Darkness begins to fall but Janira pushes on, almost to the point of it being too dark to easily make camp.
The forest is thicker here. Roads and civilization has been left far behind.
Janira asks one of the team to make a fire while others gather wood. Janira unroll her bedroll, and blanket. She sits on the edge of a log near the fire with a small cauldron, which she fills with some water she had taken from a stream the party passed. She put it over the fire and the pulls a smooth river stone out and tosses it into pot.
"We made such good time I thought I'd make my famous stone stew for dinner." She sighs regretfully. "Unfortunately I only have the fixings for the broth, and a weak one at that. If only there was something we could add to it." She looks around the campfire as the water begins to bubble along the inside of the pot.
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Nina giggles creepily, Monty seated to the top of her backpack.
OOOOOoooo! Stone Soup!
She starts humming and begins to sing...
Pretty badly... sorta off key and to slow at the same time, like the song was written in major and she is singing in a minor cord.
Stone soup... Stir it all together.... Serve it up hot... if we each bring a little... We'll all have a lot...
She pulls some of her rations out of her bag, offering them to Janira. Once she takes them, she starts walking around in growing circles around the campfire, picking up sticks and pieces of wood and keeping an eye out for wild things that might be good to eat and throw in the pot.
Though, Janira might have cause to worry about some of the mushrooms she's picking at random. All the while, she continues singing her little creepy ditty.
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Hayden glances at the others and nods. "I might seem like a hunter, but I'm no devotee of Old Deadeye. Still, I can try to see what I can scare out of the forest. Maybe we'll get lucky."
The archer stands and grabs his bow. He leaves most of his other gear behind as he ventures out to see if he can hunt some small game.
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He has not spoken at all during the briefing and is ill at ease on the trip outwards. He sat down on a log, watching Janira with her broth.
When Janira says she could use something to add to the broth he stands up and wanders of into the forest. A few minutes later he comes back with a dead rabbit in his hands. He holds it by the ears as if to minimize contact with it.
"Can somebody skin this?" he asks, holding the animal out for anybody to take.
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Balgrym silently takes the small game and starts carving the skin from muscle, showing the deftness of a man used to having an axe for a hand.
"I have dried mushrooms in my pack as well," he offers, rooting around in his backpack for rations. "Between that and some water, which you have, we have everything necessary to keep a dwarf fit."