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GM Numbat's PFS2 1-01 The Absalom Initiation
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1–4 (Subtiers 1–2 and 3–4).
A new era is beginning for the Pathfinder Society, with new recruits and new factions all excited to build connections and embark on grand adventures. The PCs are among these recruits invited to attend a welcoming party where they can meet both the old guard as well as the up-and-coming leaders. But the party's not all talk; the PCs learn of four exciting escapades in Absalom, through which they can kick off their adventuring careers!
This adventure's individual missions include numerous variations that make each play-through exciting and different.
Written by Lyz Liddell.
Scenario Tags: Repeatable
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The city of Absalom on the Isle of Kortos is considered by some to be the city at the centre of the world. For much of its history, Absalom has been a hotbed of political intrigue and maneuvering power mongers, yet the past several decades have been especially dire. A combination of the primarch Lord Gyr’s permissive policies, struggles for control of the city by foreign agents, and the inscrutable motives of the Pathfinder Society’s masked Decemvirate has fostered no end of scheming and plots. For the Society, the so-called Shadow War was especially influential, marking a time when international factions recruited Pathfinders to engage in espionage, sabotage, and even worse in service to these disparate patrons. In time, factions undermined the very camaraderie that united the Society. In response to this turmoil, the Society’s factions evolved from advocating national interests to ideological ones. While this evolution brought the Shadow War to an end, it still left numerous outside forces attempting to pull and shape the Pathfinder Society’s operations according to their own agendas.
But times are changing. Lord Gyr disappeared several years ago, and rumour is that even the Decemvirate has purged its most toxic leaders. Meanwhile, the Society’s penchant for involvement in international affairs has claimed the lives of thousands of agents in recent years. While many of the deadliest missions were launched with noble intentions, such as to prevent terrible catastrophes, the Society can no longer afford to commit so many agents to external objectives. As the Society strives to recover from its losses, a new generation of factions has arisen. Rather than stand apart from the Society and represent outside interests, each instead exists within the Society and promotes particular Pathfinder ideals.
The most recent set of initiates and recruits has passed their confirmation tests. It is cause for celebration—not only to toast these new Pathfinders but also because this is a rare moment of jubilation following several years of hardship for the Society. This event also recognizes a changing of the guard as factions are concerned, with the previous factions’ leaders having concluded their most pressing business and new leaders stepping forward to head four new factions.
Invitations have been delivered and all is ready for tonight’s event.
In preparation, some of the new Pathfinders think back through their training trying to remember relevant information about the notables likely to be in attendance.
With final exams just a day or so ago and the formal graduation earlier this day, most of the new Pathfinders have trouble remembering their own name let alone who else to expect at this party.
You do recall that Ambrus Valsin is expected to be in attendance as the Steward of the Grand Lodge. He runs the daily operations of the lodge while overseeing Pathfinders' missions in Absalom. He has a reputation of being readily irked by inefficiency and those who annoy him, particularly with backtalk are likely to receive more strenuous tasks around the lodge.
As dusk approaches, it seems as though the entire Grand Lodge has the air of a celebration. The great gates are flung wide, and the phoenix trees lining the entryway are in full flame.
With invitations clutched in hand, various new or recently minted Pathfinders gather outside the venue of today’s festivities, one of Skyreach Tower’s convocation halls. Some begin to greet each other, catching up since their graduation, others take the opportunity to make new acquaintances.
A vivacious looking gnome with bright purple hair and a friendly face steps from the hall and gestures, "You four, you look like suitable candidates! It seems like only yesterday that I was in your place with my sister guiding me in. Oh, I am Zebielle and pleased to meet you." She pauses for only half a breath before continuing on as she guides the hastily and seemingly randomly assembled small group toward the halls. "Do you know each other? You should probably introduce yourselves, if not. We find it best if you stick together as a team for the evening. It is good to have the support and just more practice for what may happen in the field. You never know who you will end up working with!"
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”Pleased to meet you as well, Zebielle. And I can’t say that I have, though I am bad with faces,” the pale man with red eyes says with a hint of an Ustalav accent. He wasn’t sure where the gnome was leading them and what for exactly, but the focus and distance from the crowd was a pleasant change of pace than what he had been dreading earlier.
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Jayson makes a point of shaking hands with the men and giving a more formal head-nod to the two ladies. "Hi! My name's Jayson. Jayson Ghita. Pleased to meet ya. So, Miss Zebielle, can I ask how long you've been working here? Do they just give us our assignments, or what? I'm not used to anything quite so formal."
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The slender goblin, dressed in the habit of a Sarenite nun, nods and smiles toothily to each of her new companions, eyes drifting from faces to Phoenix trees and back again as introductions go around. "Hello, everyone! Don't think I know any of you, no, no, no...but pleased to meet you, and you Ms. Zebielle! And who would your sister be, then?"
Zebielle continues to bubble at the new Pathfinders as she escorts them toward the hall.
"Oh, I haven't been doing this that long, though I have been sent on about a dozen missions so far, some longer than others.
"My sister, Majet, became involved in the Society and when she came home she showed me all these wonderfully coloured liquids with various purposes. I was entranced and studied alchemy then followed her into the Pathfinder Society.
"The Venture-Captains normally give out missions, you often receive a summons either to the Grand Lodge or one of the other outlying lodges. Tonight is all about meeting people and making an impression. Sometimes others with influence will ask for assistance or provide opportunities."
As the group reach the doors the gnome gestures them in, "Well, good luck to all of you. I am sure Janira will be with you in a moment. Oh! There is definitely food," she adds with a grin in her voice. As they turn to respond they see the purple locks bobbing toward another unsuspecting "group".
The halls of the main tower of Skyreach, normally sombre and reserved, echo with the sound of voices and music. The great ballroom is decked for a celebration, with colourful banners and bunting along the walls, tables replete with food and drink, and a jovial cacophony of conversation rising from Pathfinders of all ancestries, nations, and backgrounds.
After a quick scan of the room, it’s obvious that many of the attendees have gathered in small groups here and there. A half-orc woman in an iconic ship captain’s hat stands near the punch bowl, handing cups to anyone who passes within reach, and a dark-skinned half-elf leads a small group of new agents around the room, introducing them to other attendees. Several senior agents stand in quiet conferral with a dark-haired Taldan man with a distinctive chin strap beard, while a scholarly dwarf tells a rousing tale to a growing audience.
A familiar blond halfling woman bounces over, bubbling with excitement. Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the Pathfinder Society, grins, “Oh, I’m so glad you made it! After all, the celebration is for you. Have you gotten drinks? Snacks? Be sure to spend some time getting to know everyone—it’s best to be on good terms with the movers and shakers in the Society, that’s how you learn about the latest opportunities. I’ll be here if you need me to help you with anyone’s names or to make an introduction. Just let me know how I can help!” Janira gestures everyone forward into the room, beaming all the while.
As the group moves forward, Janira leans in and whispers, ”Be sure to connect with the main faction leaders tonight, they may have something for you in the way of guidance or direction.”
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Razpen slowly makes his way around the room looking for Ambrus Valsin.
Once he has been found, Razpen takes a deep breath and walks over to the the person of note and waits for Ambrus Valsin to acknowledge Razpen before speaking.
I must wait, just like magic nothing can be rushed or forced. Razpen thinks to himself as he waits to introduce himself to the man.
When the time is right.
"Greeting sir, I am Razpen a student of the arcane arts. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."
Trying to be as diplomatic as possible with such a high ranking member of the society, that is known to have a dislike for inefficiency and those who annoy him.
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As Razpen starts to wander away from the group, Janira intercepts him, guiding him back. She looks at everyone and quietly explains, "Pathfinders need to work in teams. Sometimes those teams are thrown together for reasons you may not understand at the time. Tonight is a good opportunity to practice the skill of cooperation, supporting each other as you proceed to meet the various dignitaries present."
With Janira's nudging, the newly formed team of Pathfinders wanders toward the half-orc by the refreshments table. They note she is talking with an oread woman with slate-grey skin and silvery-white hair.
Sara immediately recognizes her as Sorrina Westyr, Master of Spells. In that role, she is responsible for making sure Pathfinder Society initiates are taught to wield, identify and evade magical threats.
While not breaking the flow of conversation at all, Calisro Benarry begins to hand out cups of punch to the new arrivals.
"...but I say again, I think it would be excellent training for your students to basically provide a magical fireworks display at least once a week. We need more fun and entertainment around here.
"Now then, who do we have here? Anyone want to spice things up a little?" the Horizon Hunters faction leader asks as she holds forth a silver hip flask featuring a detailed engraving of a sizeable sailing ship, labelled underneath Grinning Pixie.
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Jayson happily accepts the cup, but holds a hand up. "Thankee Captain, but it's probably best to keep all our wits about us tonight. Nice looking ship though. She yours? Excuse me a moment." Jayson bends down to give Sara a cup of punch and stage whispers: "I think this is more your arena, Miss Sara. I don't know hide from hair when it comes to magical stuff." He then stands back up and helps distribute cups of punch to Saturday and Razpen.
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”Radiant Oath as well, they were the most appealing to me, in a sort,” Saturday responds to Sara. ”And I’d be delighted.” he then accompanies her over to the punch and orc, and hopefully no punches from the orc.
When said orc captain offers her private stash he politely holds out his cup she had just given him.
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Razpen sighs, when he is told to stay with the group.
Now I have to stay with with this group, what a box of rocks He thinks to himself.
As they meet the Master of Spells and a cup of punch is forced into his hand.
"Thank you for the drink." And takes a sniff of the drink. When he feels that it is safe to drink he takes a sip of it listening to the conversation.
"Well I am not sure about 'Spicing things up', but perhaps I can do something useful."
and casts Mage Hand to hand out the cups of punch to others. Soon cups are floating all around being placed in peoples hands.
"It's a simple spell, what I understand some planer creatures would use since they don't have hands to hold things."
Sorrina Westyr Smiles sympathetically at Sara and Razpen, "I am glad you have been reading the chronicles and practising your magic. Perhaps with time you will absorb the more important details and be able to recall them when truly needed. In the meantime, I expect between assignments I may see you at some of the lectures and helping with the tasks that keep the school running efficiently."
Sara and Saturday find the additional "spice" definitely adds a kick to the punch but milder than been expected given the rumours surrounding the Horizon Hunters faction leader.
Benarry looks at the Master of Spells, "Perhaps you would excuse us a moment, I'd like to have a quick word with this group of graduates."
Once she has the groups attention and a moment of relative privacy, the half-orc leans in and addresses them, "I understand you are hoping to build a reputation and it seems you are off to a bit of a rocky start. Never mind, I think I have just the cure ... if you are up for it that is.
"The Precipice Quarter is full of derelict houses, many of them once grand. One, in particular, has come to my attention. It is long rumoured to be haunted and has been marked for demolition in a few days time. I find myself curious about the truth of the rumours and what the former owners may have been up to. Staying in a haunted house for a full night could demonstrate your mettle as well as providing experience camping in potentially unfriendly territory. You may also learn something to clear up the mystery surrounding the place.
"What to do say? Are you up for the task? Do you dare to face the horrors of the haunt?"
Calisro looks at them expectantly with a slightly mischievous grin.
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Maintaining a facade of interest as was required for a party scenario Saturday’s eyes widen with genuine focus at the mention of a haunted building. ”I made my way here through what was left of Lastwall, sorry, The Gravelands as they’re calling it now. A possible haunt has mine and my Goddess’s attention. I hope. Sorry.”
That last part didn’t seem to be aimed at anyone in particular, till he focuses his eyes back on Benarry. ”What all have the rumors said?”
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Having found the first sip quite pleasant, Sara's toothy grin flashes briefly before quaffing her cup and plucking another full one from one of Razpen's floating offerings and holding it up towards Bennary with a plaintive smile and sparkling eyes.
"Undead? In Absalom? Well...I can't say that surprises me. With the light of Sarenrae to aid us, I am certain we could deal with whatever darkness infests this house on a haunted Precipice."
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Jayson looks at Saturday with a mix of respect and sympathy. "Aye, before I left Nirmathas we were seeing an increase in all manner of haints comin' through the Fangwood. I think I'd like to learn what I can about 'em. Maybe send some helpful knowledge back to Ma and, and Pa and the militia. He looks wistful for a moment, then claps his fellows on their backs. Sara he gives a gentle tap on the shoulder."Miss Sara, Mister Saturday, Mister Razpen, the adventure begins!"
He looks at Captain Benarry, a bit abashed at his overeagerness. "Um, ma'am, will we need any special equipment for this assignment?"
Benarry grins at Sarah and adds a small splash from her flask.
"Off with you now, you have others to meet this night, as do I. I am confident you have the skills to learn more before you enter the mansion. You are Pathfinders after all."
The leader of the Horizon Hunters provides another friendly smile to all of the team before turning to other guests.
As the team approaches the pair of dignitaries, they hear Gorm energetically regaling Ambrus with a story, ending with "...and there it was! I tell you, it is all true."
He turns at the approach of the team, "Ah, some more of our new graduates. I am sure you are all familiar with him, but may I introduce Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. You are bound to be on the receiving end of many assignments issued by this fine fellow."
In response, the steward gives a dignified nod to the new arrivals and gestures to the jovial dwarf, "And while it may be difficult to believe, this would-be bard is actually the leader of the Grand Archive. If any of you are members, expect to be grilled for hours on every detail of your life that he may absorb them into his stories.
"Now, what sort of trouble have you been getting into?" Ambrus enquires with a tone that may imply it is a trick question.
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When the time is right.
"Greeting sir, I am Razpen a student of the arcane arts. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"Trouble sir, That would mean making mistakes and doing things with out porpoise, I do think that would be too inefficient, don't you?"
Trying to be as diplomatic as possible with such a high ranking member of the society, that is known to have a dislike for inefficiency and those who annoy him.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
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Jayson puts an uneasy smile on his face and thinks This means a lot to him; I'll try to help if I can."Hello Cap'n Valsin, Cap'n Greathammer. 'Tis an honor for all of us to meet great men like yourselves.
Cap'n Valsin, I understand you're interested in feats of strength. What's your training regimen, if you don't mind me askin'?" Jayson endeavors to engage Ambrus Valsin so that Razpen can converse privately with his faction leader.
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That would mean making mistakes and doing things with out porpoise, I do think that would be too inefficient, don't you?"
"Oh, I haven't been in trouble in some time, not since that little errand Master Dreng sent me on! Between my transcription duties and my training classes, I also assist an Herbalist in town. Oh, turns out that that trip to the Puddles catacombs was productive for more reasons than might be obvious; I was able to harvest some very rare fungi useful in treating certain eye conditions! A tricky bit of work, timing the harvest to the tides, but at the end of the task there's a few of our residents who can go out in the daylight for the first time in a while!"
Gorm reaches up to slap Ambrus on the back, "Ha, this bunch seems to be staying out of trouble and our goblin friend here sounds most industrious. That should be enough to satisfy even you."
Valsin hrmpfs and excuses himself, leaving the team with the leader of the Grand Archive.
"Now then, didn't I see you at one of our indoctrination meetings? Razpen, isn't it? Yes, I'm sure that was you."
Turning to Sara, he adds, "I want you to tell me more about your adventures with mushrooms someday. It sounds like quite a good story. For now," and at this point, he turns to include the rest of the group, "I have something of more immediate concern for you to take care of.
"A scholar at the College of Mysteries has been working on potentially dangerous research. I am not entirely sure what the research is, but I know it’s partially based on nameless scrolls from Nidal. I don’t particularly care if the Pathfinder Society gets the original scrolls—they’re probably on human skin anyway—but I would like you to secure a copy for study."
Gorm reaches around to his back pocket and pulls forward three scrolls, holding them out he offers, "Take one of these to use if you need it during the next few days as you go about the various tasks assigned tonight. Hopefully, you will find it useful."
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Jayson will leave the choice of scroll to his new friends who are much more familiar with such things. He looks at Saturday and Sara"What faction are you folks in? Radiant Oath? Who's the leader of that one again? Dark haired human lady? Is that her?" He points to a woman who may or may not be Valais Durant.
"Here now, Miss Sara. If you'd like, I could pick you up so you can scan the room?"
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Sara takes the scrolls of heal and disrupting weapons, unless there are any objections to her doing so.
"Thank you, Master Greathammer, I'm sure these will prove useful. Anything more you can tell us about this researcher? A name might be good..."
After they've parted from Gorm, Sara will respond to Jayson, "Human-ish, anyway..." and will look around for Durant.
If that fails, she will accept Jayson's offer of a lift and try again:
The team look around for Valais Duran whom Saturday describes as an aasimar woman with violet eyes and natural golden patterns on her face. Unfortunately, she is currently nowhere to be seen. Janira spots the group apparently searching and wanders over to them. On hearing who they are looking for, she responds, "Oh, she was called away a few minutes ago. Hopefully, she will return before the evening is over. Who have you met so far?"
Janira listens carefully and then suggests, "Eando Kline, is just over there," and she gestures to a stern-looking Taldan man, "Or there is the lovely Fola Barun of Envoy's Alliance." This time Janira indicates the dark-skinned half-elf woman who had been positioned near the entrance earlier and is now engaged in conversation with a Taldan lady with dark hair, and aquiline nose, and conservative dress style.
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"Eando Kline! Holy smokes! Maybe we should save him for last." Jayson says nervously. "Let's talk to Captain Barun first. I know a kind little green-haired gnome that is in the Envoy's Alliance. She's nice, so I'm sure Cap'n Barun will be friendly! Say, Miss Sara, did you decide which scroll we want?"