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.”
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Bacleive enters silently and quickly steps to the right of the door. The 6', 200#, 20 year old Varisian is weathered with a scar along his left lower jawbone. Clad in banded mail with a light, steel shield in his left hand and the right hovering over the hilt of his longsword, Bacleive slowly and silently scans the room, evaluating all for possible threats.
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A half-orc accidentally bumps into the fighter as he walks into the room. "Sorry Chief, didn't see you there. Name's Korum." Seeing the warrior's actions, the rogue follows suit. He turns his head side to side, his gaze covering the entirety of the room. He then leans into toward the varisian gripping his ax cautiously and whispers, "What are we lookin' for?"
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A male in chainmail walks in to the Pig's Paunch. He carries a small arsenal with him. A shield strapped to his back, underneath his a crossbow. On his left hip he carries a longsword and a morning star.
He scans the room, not quite knowing who he was looking for, but decides to head to a table and place his simple bag on the floor.
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An older man, stocky and strong, walks into The Pig's Paunch with a large cat in tow. He scratches the cat behind the ears. "This is the place, Kuti. Think this one'll let you stay?" He finds his way to the bar.
"An ale for me, if you don't mind. And can I trouble you for a bowl of milk? Kuti likes a nice treat every now and then, and whiskey upsets her belly!"
The cat--a cheetah, it appears--alternates rubbing up against Nahko as she moves between his legs purringly, and looking up at the bar expectantly.
The Pig’s Paunch is a run-down building with a faded sign 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.”
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—among them Kreighton Shaine, the Master of Scrolls, have made the difficult choice to advance the promotion of some of the Society’s most promising initiates. 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.
“But today!” the Master of Scrolls continues. “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.
The woman 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.”
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 each individual initiate.
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.
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.
Janira smiles as Master Shaine departs, then notes, "I'll be discussing mission specifics in a moment, but for now does anyone have any questions?"
"Food is an essential part of any Pathfinder expedition!" Janira declares, joyfully. "Indeed, it is one of the reasons that I stand before you here today."
"Within weeks after turning 20 years old, I enlisted with the Pathfinder Society with the hopes of seeing the world and sampling all of the fine food it had to offer." the halfling continues, giving her stomach a pat. "But, I soon learned that 'Explore. Report. Cooperate.' meant much more. And so, I took to the Scrolls and its focus on learning and preserving knowledge. Now, I aspire one day to have my work published in one of the Pathfinder Chronicles. Perhaps, you do as well. Or, if you are like me, that dream may come a bit later."
"Still, if one hopes to be successful as a Pathfinder, food is a must." she stresses. "Likewise, in addition to food, it is always a good idea to make sure that you have with you some of basics for adventuring, such as rope, a light source, a way to make fire, and a source of healing."
"Having a designated cook is a big help, but not essential. They may not taste very good, but having 'road rations' can save your life! Or that of a fellow Pathfinder!" she nods with cheer. "That all being said, if one of you would like to volunteer to serve as a designated chef, I am sure we would all be appreciative. Our round trip to the Kortos Mounts will almost certainly require travel over several days."
During your time spent training with the Pathfinder Society, may have had a chance to learn about the Isle of Kortos, which is home to the City at the Center of the World. You may have also learned a bit more about the Kortos Mounts.
"Research in the library can save lives in the field." Janira recites in response to the gnome's comments. "Exploration is indeed exciting. But, so is reporting and cooperating!"
Long hours spent that you may have already spent in the Grand Lodge’s libraries may afford you some additional knowledge regarding the origins of the gillmen that may be helpful for this mission.
"Your inventory of equipment is fairly comprehensive." Janira responds approvingly to the Varisian. "Additionally, may I suggest that if you have the gold to spare, a few other handy items to keep around are acid or alchemist's fire and antitoxins. One never knows when one may find oneself amidst a swarm of unpleasant creatures or the unfortunate victim of a bite by some venomous creature."
"And one should always keep handy some writing supplies." she suggests. "It is important, as a Pathfinder, to keep accurate records of your adventures. I have some such suppliers and papers that I'd be happy to provide to you, if you'd like."
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!”
"As I mentioned before, I am Janira Gavix. The oldest of seven children, I am the only one of my siblings to have come of age so far. I grew up in Eastgate here in Absalom, where my father still works as a porter who employs a dog cart to transport purchased goods from ships and shops to the homes of customers." she notes.
"Like the rest of my family, I revere Desna. Faith is important to nearly everyone, I have found." the halfling continues. "I have had a love of learning for as long as I can remember. Although I have trained most with Kreighton Shaine, I have also learned the arts of the whip, blade, and crossbow from Marcos Farabellus and even a few spellcasting tricks from Aram Zey."
"But enough about me." Janira says humbly.
"What about you? What made you each of you decide to join the Pathfinder Society?” she asks, genuinely interested in learning more about the new initiates.
"Well said, Roran." says Janira. "And why do you think such a want to explore the world developed within you?"
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"I'm joinin' the Society to get me ship one day. Rising in the Society is one of the best way tha get yer ship fer free, they say! them Deciverate bosses sure know how to distribute wealth throughout their agents, and all them crews on the Grand Lodge payroll as well... it's like having some kind of merchant navy to oneself. They probably control the seas somewhat, without even raising a flag about it!"
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"I'm Nahko, and this here's Kuti." The stocky old man leans down and scratches his cat behind the ears. "We're a pair; glad this place is on the lower end of the tavern scale, if you will. The fancy places always want her to stay outside."
He stands straight again from the scratching and continues. "I've been an herbalist here in Absalom for a long time, and I think I just finally realized I liked the gathering more than the selling. Met Kuti as a kitt, and staying in Absalom was becoming harder from that too. You can't live in Absalom without knowing about the Society, of course, so I guess I just decided this was a good next chapter for me and her." A smile crosses his face. "Opportunities to get out and about, travel, see the world. Maybe even help some folks."
To Sarzuket, he offers his services. "I'm plenty strong enough, and I got room in my pack. I'll carry your pots if that means some good hot meals on the road." And to Janira, he takes her up on her offer. "Glad to have some of them papers; it the Society wants notes, I'll take some notes."
"Ah, yes. The burdens of family." Janira says in response to the half-orc's remarks. "I tell my siblings all the time that they'd do well to listen to their big sister." She blushes a bit when he winks.
"Many have found the Society to be quite profitable." she notes in response to the entrepreneurial gnome. "As an initiate, have you yet had any dealings with Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam?"
"Doing field work for the Society provides great opportunities to grow!" the Halfling smiles. "Both for those of us with two legs and," she says reaching out to give cat a pat, "those of us with four."
After acknowledging the others, Janira looks somewhat expectantly at the Varisian and the gnomish rogue. However, her body language makes it clear that she is simply offering them an opportunity to chime in and not trying to be too pushy.
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Bacleive clears his throat and joins the conversation...
"There is not much to tell about myself. I am an only child. When I turned 16 my size made me ideal for helping guard our caravan. A group of bandits attacked us one night, giving me this.." gesturing to his scar, "...but only a couple of us were injured, with no losses, at least on our side. We came into Absalom a few years back, and I stayed on, joining the Pathfinders. The idea of exploring and helping the world appeals to me. As Nahko mentioned, I will gladly accept the note-taking supplies. My writing isn't the best, but I will do the best that I can."
"I am sorry that you had to suffer at the hands of bandits." Janira responds solemnly to Bacleive. "Unfortunately, we live in a world filled with violence--thus, those who travel it--such as we Pathfinders--must always be prepared to protect ourselves and our companions."
The halfling generously hands out writing implements, ink, and paper to the initiates.
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"I'm Ada Fang. I'm from Riddleport. Don't go there. It's scummy. I left in hopes for a better life and I found that I really like learning. It's exciting to know all these things exist. I am confident I have all the tools necessary to do this mission and I am ready when you are Janira." She starts to dig through her back to double check her items.
"The Society offers better opportunities for many. I am glad that you have chosen to join us, Ada." Janira responds.
"Now, 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 the gillmen 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." she continues. "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 was going to suggest that we go over our individual inventories, but I think we have things pretty well covered." she notes. "We can delay our departure for a few hours if you think there is anything else you may want to bring. But we should not delay any longer than necessary."
She looks at the collected initiates with a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Unless there are any more questions, I believe that we are ready to go!"
With the party ready for adventure, Janira leads you all west out of Absalom to the Cairnlands, picking up any last-minute purchases on your way out of the city. Your journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident.
During the long trek across the Cairnlands, Janira takes the opportunity to discuss Master Shane’s class on the history of Absalom, beginning with its founding by the man-become-god Aroden. Most of the journey is uneventful, but Janira points out landmarks such as siege towers left behind from some of the numerous failed invasions of Absalom and the distant mountains where harpies dwell as well as distinct flora and fauna along the journey.
"Centaurs control the lowlands and surrounding wilderness of the Kortos Mounts." she explains. "The areas farther up the Mounts are controlled by minotaurs, and the icy peaks are home to tribes of harpies. They’re always vying for territory, but with any luck, we should be able to avoid them and reach the caves without conflict.”
Once beyond the fields of debris and bones left over from failed invasions of the past, the party follows the well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, then on through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mount. After a full day of travel and a night of rest, the party continues its trek through the wilderness.
As the party progresses deeper into the forest, the trees towering overhead begin to shield most of what remains of the day’s sun and the vegetation beneath grows denser. Janira pauses a moment and pulls out an intricate silver compass emblazoned with the Pathfinder Society logo: the Glyph of the Open Road.
“I received this wayfinder when I successfully completed my Confirmation." the halfling notes, fondly. "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.
Among the party, only Barcleive has eyes sharp enough to spot the threat that looms around them--wolves!
Unfortunately, the creatures have spotted you and they each approach rapidly.
Surprise Round Cont'd
Wolf (blue)
Roran
Wolf (red)
Sarzuket
Nahko
Korum
Janira
Barcleive
Ada
Seeing the Varisian approach it, one of the wolves attempts to bite the human.
The wolf's jaws manage to rip into the fighter's leg, but they fail to bring the human to the ground.
Somewhat surprised that the human did not go down so easily, the wolf steps back to assess his prey.
The second wolf moves behind the downed tree then rushes around behind the party.
First Full Round Initiative Cont'd
Wolf (blue)
Wolf (red)
Roran (delay)
Sarzuket
Nahko
Korum
Janira
Barcleive -7 HP
Ada
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Nahko and Kuti were walking along quietly with the group, enjoying the fresh air and wilderness, when suddenly Baclieve darts away from everyone else. "Wha..." Nahko starts, then sees the wolves coming at the party from two directions.
"Kuti, with me! Let's get them!" He draws his scimitar and is off in a shot himself, following in Baclieve's footsteps. When Nahko looks back, however, he is dismayed to find that Kuti isn't following!
Kuti has her nose in the ground, having sighted a small woodchuck. Her tail wags as she crouches down into a pouncing position.
As the druid attempts to herd a cat, the half-orc cuts deep into the attacking wolf.
"Well done, Korum!" Janira shouts approvingly. "They sought to encircle us, but now you are encircling one of them!
Janira continues to shout words of encouragement, "A few dogs won't sway this courageous band of Pathfinders!"
The halfling approaches the injured Varisian. As she moves, she draws forth a wand. "Our friend could use a healing touch, don't you think?" she says to the druid.
First Full Round Initiative Cont'd
Wolf (blue) -7 HP
Wolf (red)
Roran (delay)
Sarzuket
Nahko
Korum
Janira
Barcleive -7 HP
Ada
The canine deftly dodges the bolt and the blade.
First Full Round Initiative Cont'd
Wolf (blue) -7 HP
Wolf (red)
Roran
Sarzuket
Nahko
Korum
Janira
Barcleive -7 HP
Ada
With help from his ally , the fighter is able to drive his blade into the wolf, dropping it instantly.
Ava's blade takes the other wolf by surprise and sinks deep into the animals flesh. In response, the wolf bites back at the gnome.
But the wolf can't even get in a nip.
"Keep it up, Pathfinders!" Janira cries. "The beasts are nearly defeated."
She taps the fighter with her wand.
His wounds heal instantly.
Second Full Round Initiative Cont'd
Wolf (blue) (dying)
Wolf (red) -9 HP
Roran
Sarzuket
Nahko
Korum
Janira
Barcleive
Ada