PFS Scenario #05-08 The Confirmation Tier 1-2 with GM Deadly Secret - Table 2
Founded over 400 years ago in 4307 AR, the Pathfinder Society originally consisted of adventurers based in Absalom who sought a way to combine their resources and recruit additional help for particularly dangerous ventures. Over time the group attracted new members and continued to grow, and today its members and influence span across Golarion.
Today, the Pathfinder Society continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and supply hardly keeps up with the demand for new agents. To meet the growing need, the Three Masters, who are responsible for the training of new initiates at the Grand Lodge, have made the difficult choice to advance the promotion of some of the Society’s most promising initiates. In addition, they have taken the unprecedented step of letting a small group of particularly impressive initiates attempt a Confirmation together, accompanied by an established field operative.
The Confirmation is the final test all Pathfinder initiates must pass in order to become Pathfinder field operatives. Every Confirmation is different, and ordinarily it would be tailored to the individual initiate; however, in this case, Kreighton Shaine has selected a task suitably engaging for an entire group. At all times, initiates are expected to fulfill the three duties of a Pathfinder agent: explore, report, and cooperate. Failure to adhere to these three tenets risks expulsion from the Society.
Once they have undergone Confirmation, Pathfinder agents are called upon to travel to the far corners of Golarion, delve into the deepest tombs, and solve the world’s oldest riddles. During these dangerous missions, Pathfinders are required to keep detailed journals, maps, and accounts of their exploits. After each adventure, agents send a copy of their records to the regional venture-captain for analysis; especially noteworthy reports are forwarded to Absalom for consideration to be included in the next edition of the Pathfinder Chronicles. The Society comprises thousands of adventures coming from all walks of life, and it places no moral obligations upon its members. Each member of a Pathfinder Society adventuring party is expected to forgo all personal and theological differences and work together to achieve the Society’s goals.
A litte quite girl that has not even reached puberty yet joins the discussion between the candidates for confirmation with a stern look on your face. That children are allowed to join the Society is news to many.
She suddenly speaks up.
"Hellloooo, I have not even introduced myself! So before you start asking. No, I am not lost here. No, I am not the daughter of a fellow Pathfinder. No, I will ... oh ... yes, I will hide in the back! And then burn them to ashes! Ha, ha, ha ..." Yoon says laughing.
"I am Yoon! Nice meeting you! And yes, my life was tragic ... this question always goes on my nerves so let us get over it. My short life has been filled with tragedy and adventure. Hailing from Minkai’s Oda province in distance Tian Xia, I lost my mother at the age of five. FIVE!" and tears are visible in her eyes.
"Then, just before my eighth birthday, my father and grandmother took me to Oda for a fireworks festival that honored Desna. As the fireworks faded, though, I saw flames shooting from the building where my father had gone to meet with fellow Desnan dissidents, who were unhappy with Minkai’s harsh imperial regency.
Just when the imperial soldiers moved to cut them down, my grandmother unleashed her pyrokinetic power to allow me to escape." and now she is really crying but gets a grip on herself.
"And now ... now I need to control my own powers. And this is my first mission by the way so I will follow you, ok?!"
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.
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”How much resistance can we expect?” a lone and low voice speaks up from the corner. Sitting still the lone figure sits remarkably still. His uniform appears to have holes and strings tied to it everywhere. Almost as though things have been tied to it and repeatedly torn off.
”Oh my apologies. I am Mirer. This will be fun. Although I prefer a more urban landscape, getting to know and explore these caves will be quite interesting. What type of terrains are we expected to encounter? What type of creatures?
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Ja'Lael giggles excitedly.
I'm used to the city myself, but this sounds fun! What do we do if we meet the gillmen? Wait, does their name mean they have GILLS?
The young paladin starts prattling on about how awesome it would be to meet someone who could breathe underwater, but doesn't say much else of importance until her question is answered.
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A lean dwarf of his middle years with a shaved head and a pair of thick glasses turns from a nearby table, where he had been sitting unnoticed until now. "Water, from the sound of it, I'd imagine." He nods around to the rest of the group. "I'm Kothrin Shadowstone, master glassworker and initiate in the Pathfinder Society, at your service. I have some experience with caves, of course, but encountering gillmen in foothills would seem to be unusual."
Knowledge (geography)
During your time spent training with the Pathfinder Society, you may 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 may have also learned a bit more about the Kortos Mounts.
Knowledge (history)
Long hours spent by some initiates in the Grand Lodge’s libraries may afford them additional knowledge regarding the origins of the gillmen.
Yoon suddenly starts to chant ”... I don’t know much about history... I don’t know much about geography... but I do no about biology!“ she sings with a sly smile.
”Look Mr. Venture-Captain Sir ... I am just a kid. I received my Initial training but of course I could not grasp as much as all of you! So ... my dear companions: I will come along and I will stay in the back and if anything happens I will fire at all those evil things that are going to attack us! I can also sneak a little bit so maybe I could check out the caves!“
Janira responds to Mirer, ”I don’t really know what will happen when we get there but the area is known to have tribes centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs.”
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!”
”My name is Janira Gavix and I joined the Pathfinder Society nearly 4 years ago after coming of age. I grew up in Eastgate. I joined the society when I was 20 years old. Not only did I train under Kreighton Shaine, I also trained with Marcos Farabellus and Aram Zey. I look up to each one as a role model and hopefully someday you will too.
“What about you? What made you decide to join the Pathfinder Society?”
"Ha, ha, ha! Good that I was so eager to present myself! Your turn now guys! I want to learn ... I am still a kid after all!" she says with a sly smile.
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"Ah, there it is!" You suddenly hear a distant, jolly voice from somewhere outside. "Right where I left it. imagine that!"
Moments later, after only a few of the faintest footsteps, in saunters an attractive, androgynous young fellow with the skin of the purest bronze, and long, strangely lambent fiery blond hair that hair blows as if in the wind...even though he's inside now. He wears a well-kept, but visibly dusty, armored coat, has a large shield on his back, and carries an odd weapon midway in shape between sword and axe on a tight leather cord around his wrist, as well as several chakrams stowed in an atypically close position to his throwing arm. His clothes and armor have numerous patterns, glyphs, and little cartoons branded in, and are bedecked with numerous patches, stamps, knicknacks, cards, tokens, and other pilgrim's trinkets...that seem to be constantly shifting around his person like starfish on a rock.
He catches sight of the rest of you. "And you would be 'the party!' I am Heraclitus Ourobouros, traveler, raconteur, wanderer, mystic, vagabond, stargazer, and errant spark!" He smiles a wry, dazzling grin. "I've always felt the call of the road, so joining the Pathfinder Society was an easy decision for me. Where do I come from, you ask? I'm from everywhere."
"Anyone else see the Kortos Mounts on your various and sundry ways here? Magnificent. They're right at the center of this island...and if we're to be headed inland, I'd advise watching out for harpies - especially if we're to be climbing, and frankly, I hope not, my last uphill hike got...WEIRD... - as well as centaurs, who mostly rule the foothills, and the occasional minotaur, who...well, take it from me, not all who wander are lost. You should take it from me, because it would be preferable to needing to take it from one of THEM."
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Ja'Lael lets out a tiny gasp, and then and excited squeal at the sight of the beautiful ifrit.
Oh my! You look interesting! What kind of missions have you been on? How do you know so much about where we're going? Those are really pretty chakrams, where did you get them!
After an inquisitive barrage against the poor oracle, she remembers she's supposed to be introducing herself to the group.
Oh, right. I'm Ja'Lael. Ja'Lael Ashenstone. I was born in Mendev with my brother Rikael, but our parents died when we were little. We were raised in an orphanage by a grumpy old lady. Rikael joined the crusade right when it began. He was always really good with swords. He helped me train with my rapier. I haven't seen him in years, but we write back and forth quite a lot. He's a member of the church of Cayden, and from what I hear, a really good warrior. I took up the faith of Shelyn after watching the beautiful clerics help the needy, and how they always made everything so much prettier. I joined the church around the same time Rikael joined the crusade, and worked my way through the ranks until I was knighted and made a paladin by the high priestess! It was my fiancé's idea to join the pathfinders, I always said I wanted to do good in the world, and I've always loved adventure, so one day she told me to ask the church to be stationed here, in Absalom as a liason between the church and the Pathfinder Society, and to use my talents to aid the Society in making the world a better place! So now here I am, about to be confirmed as an agent with all of you beautiful people!
Her eyes darken a little at the next part.
I'm highly trained with my rapier. I've taken a vow to never strike the first blow, and to give all who are willing a chance to redeem themselves. So, if someone tries to fight me, I'll try to disarm them. But, if they keep trying after I give them their chance, well... Shelyn will grant me the power to destroy the wicked.
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Kothrin nods slightly toward the new arrival. "Kothrin Shadowstone, of the Shadowstone clan. An artisan, specializing in glasswork. Not much of an adventurer, truth be told, but I have recently ... Well, there's some family history with the Society, you see, and ..." He shakes his head. "No, I don't mean it like that, honestly. I do have a bit of a mystical knack, it seems, which has manifested itself recently. But my point is that I've joined the Pathfinder Society to have a means of seeing the world, and discovering more of my potential, as it were."
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”Where I’m from is of no importance anymore.” a lone figure in the corner speaks out. While he talks he remains almost motionless and speaks in a monotone voice.
”I am Mirer. Where I lack in trapdinding I make up in my camouflage ability. One of you spoke about not dealing the first blow. I on the other hand will. I will not give those who try and fight me the chance to do it again. That’s of course if they even see me coming. I will show them no mercy.”
” I joined the Society to go new places and make some coin in the process. I mean what else was I supposed to do?”
As he speaks he does not look around, but simply stares at the dagger in his hand. As he stares he suddenly stores it on his wrist sheath fast enough that’s it’s almost hard to notice.
“I am glad to meet you all and get to work together. 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.”
Any final questions for Janira?
Yoon blushes after Janira’s briefing and everyone’s introduction and it becomes obvious that it means something to her that Janira cares for the Pathfinder group and wants to see them grow ... for someone without parental guidance these are rare moments.
”Of course I am ready!! Let us go!!“
After she warms up to the group.
“Okaaay, now that I know you all a little better I want to introduce you to my dear companion and mighty ally! The man in my life that has never let me down: Gom-Gom, my stuffed owlbear!“ Yoon says giggling.
Janira responds to Ja’Lawel, ”I don’t think we should have to climb a cliff, at least I didn’t have to. But there is never a such thing as being overly prepared when traveling as a pathfinder.”
After making sure that your gear is well-packed and evenly distributed among members of the team, Janira is ready to depart. You first walk through the busy and colorful streets of Absalom before leaving the City at the Center of the World for the Cairnlands along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts. During your journey, Janira points at some large structures protruding from the landscape-what she called "siege towers"-clues of a tormented past for the metropolis. She also teaches you in some ways about the wildlife and plants you encounter.
After a good day's walk, you decide to stop for the night. You set up watches and have conversations.
Anything you would like to do before you set up watches and sleep?
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Janira responds to Ja’Lawel, ”I don’t think we should have to climb a cliff, at least I didn’t have to. But there is never a such thing as being overly prepared when traveling as a pathfinder.”
"If you walk out the door of the inn only to collapse under your own equipment, you might have cause to be skeptical of that statement," quips Heraclitus. "Even Zyphus would be looking at you and saying 'that was your doing'!"
Janira responds, "Well now that would just be foolish." She chuckles.
Janira responds to Kothrin while setting up camp, "Not today. But I did during my confirmation. I even met one. It was very intense, but luckily they did not find me as a threat and let me continue my task."
”Then we are ready!?“ the little girl asks.
Janira responds to Ja’Lawel, ”I don’t think we should have to climb a cliff, at least I didn’t have to. But there is never a such thing as being overly prepared when traveling as a pathfinder.”
After making sure that your gear is well-packed and evenly distributed among members of the team, Janira is ready to depart. You first walk through the busy and colorful streets of Absalom before leaving the City at the Center of the World for the Cairnlands along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts. During your journey, Janira points at some large structures protruding from the landscape-what she called "siege towers"-clues of a tormented past for the metropolis. She also teaches you in some ways about the wildlife and plants you encounter.
After a good day's walk, you decide to stop for the night. You set up watches and have conversations.
Anything you would like to do before you set up watches and sleep?
"Gom-gom and I can take the first shift of guarding the group! We have four eyes then!" she says smiling.
”Ehhh ... this is a ... a doll! But a very protective doll!!“ Yoon says and smiles at Kothrin.
After a good day's walk, you decide to stop for the night. You set up watches and have conversations. The night is a peaceful one. You all wake up rested and have time to prepare spells for today.
Janira explains you should arrive at the location later in the day, just in time for the full moon. The party leaves the Cairnlands for a deep 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 sign: 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."
As you were discussing the origins of the gillmen, you all hear a tree fall and small animals begin to scatter out of the brushes away from the sound. Among these small critters you can see two creatures snarling chasing the fleeing critters.
This powerful canine watches its prey with piercing yellow eyes, darting its tongue across sharp white teeth.
No surprise round.
Initiative
Janira
Heraclitus
Yoon
Mirer
Ja'Lael
Kothrin
Creature 1
Creature 2
Round 1
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Party Buffs:
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26.06 - Janira
24.06 - Heraclitus
22.03 - Ja'Lael
21.06 - Mirer
17.03 - Yoon
17.02 - Creature 2 (green)
14.05 - Kothrin
07.02 - Creature 1 (blue)
---Round End---
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Janira takes a standard action to start a bardic performance as she inspires courage into you. +1 "Don't worry pathfinders, I can handle wolves and so can you. They may try to attack us given the nature of this situation." She will stay where she is.
Up next, Heraclitus!
It does not seem like the wolf believes.
Up next, Ja'Lael!
Ja'Lael readies an action.
Up next, Mirer!
Mirer moves.
Up next, Yoon!
Yoon walks forward and shoots fire from her hands to hit the monster.
,
Yoon sends a fire blas at the wolf (green). She hits and does full damage to the creature.
Wolf (green) snarls at the sight of you all and charges at Mirer teeth exposed AC 16
20/x2
Miss
Up next, Kothrin!
Kothrin misses.
The wolf (blue) double moves to Janira.
Janira continue her performance this round and will 5 ft step down and cast a spell.
“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.”
Spellcraft
Heraclitus
Did not meet DC
You see a cloud of golden particles covering the wolf and it shakes it's head as it seems blinded by all the glitter.
Up next, Heraclitus!
Heraclitus misses.
Up next, Ja'Lael!