GM Silbeg's 1-05 Trailblazer's Bounty (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1–4 (Subtiers 1–2 and 3–4).

The powerful nation of Cheliax has posted a public bounty that would richly reward the first team of explorers to chart a viable route across the Menador Mountains, linking the nations of Isger and Molthune (all to bypass the economic powerhouse of Druma, which has recently imposed higher taxes on key goods crossing its borders). Yet the Menador Mountains are an imposing obstacle, replete with steep slopes, snowy peaks, and territorial orcs. Even so, there are no finer explorers than the Pathfinders, and the Society has dispatched a team to collect the prize. Are the PCs ready to not only explore the foreboding mountains but also to compete with the rival teams and local inhabitants?

Written by Tineke Bolleman.

Scenario Tags: Faction (Horizon Hunters)

A tanned-faced Kellid in warm hides and fur cloak walks into the assigned rendezvous, his walking staff clacking on the ground. "We the first ones here?" he asks the jaguar that pads in behind him. "At least its not as cold as the Balgridtrek. Maybe fewer bears."

"And it appears that I am second to arrive." a buckskin leather woodsman half elf says right after the human. "Nice pet..." he adds keeping a distance from the jaguar.

A tall Vidrian woman walks in fashionably late.

"Nina Jaribu," she offers. She catches herself before adding her titles.

She nods to Chulyin. "I hear it snows in the mountains. I never got a chance to hit you with a snowball during the Balgirdtrek," she grins deviously. He would notice that her semi-formal dress looks similar to the one she wore during the Balgirdtrek, but was either cleaned and repaired or is simply an exact duplicate of the one she wore just a week ago.

"Greetings," the Sarkorian says with a smile and an offered hand. "I am Chulyin."

He reaches down with his free hand and scratches behind the jaguar's ear. "And you are, are you not?"

The jaguar closes its eyes as it accepts the scratch affectionately and then chuffs before slinking off to find a warm spot to lay down.

"There is snow and then there is snow, I learned on that expedition," he replies to Nina. "Good to see you again."

"I am Ror'Ryk, warrior and scout. You can call me Ror or Ryk if you like. Doesn't really matter. Is that one house trained?" he says and directs his question to Chulyin.

"Nina?" Chulyin asks with feigned innocence. "Yes, though barely. Do not let her near a herd of caribou lest she cause a stampede."

He pauses a moment to see if his good-intended humor lands well or poorly before adding seriously, "No. The jaguar is not house trained."

A ruddy-faced dwarf enters the meeting place. He flips up his hood and casts off a cloak to reveal a hodgepodge of armor and working clothes. He opens a drink, offering more to anyone else in need, before finding a place to sit.

"Good to meet you all," he says, nodding to the Vidrian. "Name's Yaegren. I recall we worked together a bit ago, Nina. Sounds as if you've been keeping well, if you were at the Balgirdtrek. Not too far from my neck of the tundra, so I've been once or twice."

Nina also suggests that pole vaulting across rivers is not her forte either.

"Yaegren! I haven't seen you since the haunted house. It seems like ages ago." She gives the dwarf a warm handshake.

"And Ror. I haven't adventured with you before. Where do you hail from?"

"I am from a small thorp nestled in a valley in the River Kingdoms. Left there for work when I was a youngster. Not much there for me anyway. No family there. Just a roof over my head and food." He tells the female sorcerer.

A half elf walks in, dressed in simple browns and greens and wearing no armor and walking with a quarterstaff "Greetings, call me JR." He smiles and offers a handshake to everyone.

"Are we all here for the same thing? The mapping of the Pass?"

"Greetings, JR," Chulyin says, shaking the half-elf's hand firmly. "I believe we are."

"That's about as much as I've heard on the subject," Yaegren adds, hastily wrapping up a swig. "Hopefully more light gets shed on it. Sounds like something I'm up to, though."

"JR, nice to meet you. Yes, I believe we are here to map the Pass together."

Nina has a seat, sitting with her back straight upright and her hands politely folded on her lap - just like she was taught in finishing school.

"I am better in the forests but I shall be ok scouting in the mountains if need be. Who is in charge here? Who will be giving commands?"

Nina raises an eyebrow.

"We are but a team of 5, selected for our diversity of skills. I'm sure everyone will get a chance to lead at some point, and a chance to follow."

"There should be a Venture-Captain along soon to give us instruction," Chulyin says. "If you mean who should you listen to in the wilds, I hope to guide you all well, but each voice should be heard when choices need to be made to reach a consensus. Barring life threatening urgency."

You take a boat from Absalom up the Iseld river in Cheliax, transfer to a caravan after reaching the Conerica Straits, and finally arrive in Elidir, the capital of Isger. Your contact is a human woman named Karla Wesver (See slide #5, a fellow Pathfinder from Isger and a member of the Horizon Hunters. You meet her at the White Stag Inn, a large and bustling inn on the Conerica River. Traders rub shoulders with merchants and river bargemen as furs and goods are exchanged. A woman sporting an intricate braid and a well‑worn travel outfit waits for you at the door of the inn. Upon seeing you, she waves them over and greets them each with a firm handshake before leading them to a booth in the corner of the taproom.

“Ah, good. You made it. I’m Karla Wesver. Welcome to Elidir, and welcome to the White Stag. It used to be that we Pathfinders had a bit of a strained relationship with the Chelaxian government. It still isn’t all sunshine and roses, but with the opportunity before us, we can now move about in public without fear of conflict or reprisal.

“As you may know, Isger is still a vassal state of Cheliax. The Chelaxians have bled Isger dry for years, but the increased demand for goods like Chelaxian brandy and other luxury items in Molthune and beyond has resulted in Cheliax finally getting off its ass and investing some resources in Isger. Normally these goods go through Druma to reach Molthune, but Druma has been raising import taxes. Cheliax issued an open bounty to explorers the world over: establish a new trail through the Menador Mountains between Isger and Molthune, suitable for pack animals to traverse. So, this presents a rather rare opportunity for us to find a way through the Menador Mountains into Molthune. Calisro Benarry, leader of the Horizon Hunters faction, has a special interest in this bounty. She is hoping you will take to this challenge with gusto. She sent a package ahead for you."

See slide #5 as well
The package contains a bottle of potent Urglin gin.

After the Pathfinders get a moment to read the letter...
“All good then? I’ve arranged for a river barge to take you out to the Menador Mountains and packed some provisions for the journey. Not all of the food you’ll need for the journey, mind—carrying all of that would be too heavy, and likely to attract unwanted attention from the wildlife. You’ll want to forage along the way, if you can. My friend Jasikah Marten will be waiting for you in Canorate. She will help you file your paperwork with the Chelaxian officials, and she’ll also have a warm and comfy bed ready for you.”

Junior Peppers, I still need your skills on slide #2...

FYI - we are at 13 challenge points. levels 1,1,1,2,3 for 2+2+2+3+4 = 13 points

The team knows the following pieces of information:

- The Menador Mountains are home to orcs of the Shattered Fang tribe.

- The Menador Mountains are home to orcs of the Smiling Tusk tribe. Often misunderstood, orcs of the Smiling Tusk are actually quite friendly and known for keeping pet birds.

- Avalanches and cold weather hazards are common in the Menador Mountains, and most routes are effectively one way.

Nina is currently only carrying 1 Bulk (with 1 other in her backpack) and I suspect others who are unarmored are equally unencumbered. She could could literally carry 50 weeks of rations on her if necessary. Is the foraging bit an integral part of the scenario (we could roleplay it as rations will spoil) or is this something that we can get around?

---

"Should we negotiate with the orcs?"

"Cautiously, is my gut answer," Yaegren responds. "Some sound nice enough, so maybe it's worth a try. Not something I thought I'd say. But I wouldn't be the one negotiating, might not even be in their sight just in case."

The dwarf turns back to Karla. "Seems like a simple enough task. Any reason the Chelish wouldn't want to do it themselves? I suppose their ilk might not be the best suited to the job. But you've mentioned their habit of foisting burdens on others, so..."

Chulyin reads the note, chuckling as he gets to the last bit about the gin. "May want to save this for making friends, if we run into any of the orcs," he says, pointing to the gin.

"I would not be surprised if Cheliax has not sent its own people," he comments. "But charting a new path through the mountains is not an easy thing. More teams trying means more chance of finding the quickest route sooner."

It quickly becomes apparent during the journey that JR is very familiar with Isger and the Conerica River. Even giving the group a quick tour of his home town of Saringallow when they stop for the night. "My father was, er, IS a Pathfinder and came here to save the town from goblins and this bile stuff... and apparently 9 months later I was born!"

While the others spend the night in the inn, JR visits his mother and a few friends about town. The next morning he's quite overtired and sleeps most of the journey that day.

-----------

"Crossing those mountains and dealing with two tribes of orcs isn't going to be a picnic. I can help find food and medicine if we travel slow enough. I've also got a good handle on negotiating, but I don't speak orc." He takes a sniff of the gin and blinks a few times, recapping it. "I'm sure the orcs will like that stuff though if need be."

I think since this is flagged Horizon Hunter, and that was another faction I was pondering at creation, I'll spend the 4 Fame to buy and slot that boon to earn rep on it this scenario. I'll also ponder some other gear for the trip to buy before we leave the city.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Nina doesn't notice anything.

Don't worry about the bulk of carrying your food.

"It is likely as you say, Yaergren." replies Karla. "Plus, it is cheaper for them. As you all know, Chelaxians have no problem paying lawful taxes, tithes, and the such, just that if they can find a cheaper, legal, way around things, they'll do it.

"In this case, since they are offering a reward rather than hiring teams to find the way, they only have to pay the one successful team. Plus, they are not liable for any loss, death, or dismemberment incurred by the teams. Pretty ingenious, if you ask me."

Last chance to purchase anything!

"I try not to refer to much of anything from Cheliax as 'ingenious'. The thought that comes to mind is usually 'selfish'." Declares the half elf with a definite level of annoyance.

Ok, Purchase that 4 rep boon to slot instead of verdant wheel. Also purchased a climber's kit and a pup tent. I didn't get food as you said it would be provided, at least a bunch to start.

While on your travels you've also learned that JR is a budding water elemental sorcerer and has access to heal, hydraulic push, and burning hands. Not to mention most of the cantrips, especially the elemental damaging ones.

"Ready when you are to start. I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into Nina."

Edit: Added in a purchase of a jade cat talisman, and the pathfinder consumables are: Scroll of Charm Person x1 Scroll of Heal x1

Nina will also buy a climbing kit, and a four-person tent for herself.

"Good idea, the tent," Chulyin says. "I am more accustomed to finding shelter for myself in warmer climes. I will procure one for myself. Maybe see what the locals know."

Do we have the opportunity for Gather Information before setting out? Or setting out from whichever town we're setting out from?

Ror'Ryk will purchase a climbing kit, pup tent and cold weather gear, His bulk is at 6 right now with that new gear.

"You can try to negotiate with Orcs, I shall watch out for their treachery." the scout tells the others when the discussion centers on the orcs.
Once Ryk has all of the needed gear for the expedition he repacks, tests the weight on his back and waits by the door for the others.

"For the trade route to be viable long term, the orcs can't be attacking all the time. Either they have to be annihilated, or they have to be motivated to leave the caravans alone."

Nina is ready to go, but her backpack is a little uncomfortable - she's not accustomed to carrying more than 1 Bulk.

Chukyn, all knowledge rolls have been done. Since you are going through the wilderness, trailblazing, there is no one to ask more about. The trail is what is important, not the starting and ending cities.

"Very true," Chulyin agrees with Nina. "Even if the idea of annihilating an entire tribe of orcs was not morally concerning, I doubt our capability to do such a thing."

"We'll chop down that bridge when we come to it," Yaegren chuckles gruffly. "I'll probably want to mix up some different brews while we're out there. Depends on what stands against us. And only way to figure that out, is to get going. Everyone ready?"

"I am now," he answers. "Where do we find our barge?"

The trip up the branch of the Conerica river is uneventful. The roads alongside the river called the Conerica Straights are well‑patrolled by Isger’s army, supported with auxiliary troops from Cheliax. Once the river becomes too narrow for the barge to easily traverse, you must disembark and continue on foot. Following the river is still the easiest way forward, as it has carved a relatively flat swath of land out of the hills.

After three days of travel in the foothills, you spot a campfire just as dusk begins to fall. The river flooding during spring snowmelts has kept the terrain relatively free from large growth. No trees or bushes obscure the view. When approaching the campfire, it is clear that five people have set up camp here.

Nina favors Diplomacy, but Diplomacy works best when someone's carrying a big stick.

"Let us see who we have encountered," he says to his companions. He conjures light around his wayfinder as he projects his voice. "Hail! May we approach?"

Yaegren keeps quiet for the moment. If friendly exchange gets underway, he'll have time for his favored tactic - passing out libations. He cranes his neck while approaching, in search of any weapons waiting to be used.

I'd like to Seek or Sense Motive, looking for obvious weapons or hostile attitudes.

Nina will approach with her hands visible.

"I am unarmed. We are explorers on a mapping mission."

The five all turn to Chulyin when he calls out, looking startled. They clearly did not notice your approach. "Um, hello!" says a young man with a Chelaxian accent. "Um, who are you?" he asks, with a bit of a quiver to his voice.

A woman in the group who wears a prominent brooch pinning her travel cloak blurts out, "That is a wayfinder, is it not? Are you Pathfinders?" She looks absolutely giddy with excitement.

Ror'Ryk lets Nina and Chulyin try their sweet-talking. He stays a bit back in case this encounter turns sour. He looks over the five individuals though to see if he can discover something about them.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

FYI - most uses of Perception are secret rolls... so your best choice is to let me know what you are trying to do, and I'll handle the appropriate rolls.

"We are," Chulyin answers with a friendly smile. "My name is Chulyin and this is Nina..."

The jaguar heels beside Chulyin, sniffing with curiosity as it nears the camp.

Four of the five young adults seem to relax at that declaration, while the final woman blurts out, "Pathfinders? " She spits. "You are probably here to kill us and take our stuff!"

"Oh, Leonie," says the first young man. "You aren't going to go on about that, again, are you? Pathfinders are heroes! You know they saved my family during the invasion of Absalom by demons and undead!"

"Jasper, you are a weak-minded fool! The Pathfinders were probably the cause of that invasion!"

"I won't lie. There are some terrible Pathfinders," Nina confesses. "But we like to think of ourselves as part of the good ones. We're on a mapping mission - a mission commissioned by Cheliax," - Nina smiles at the young man with a Chelish accent - "To find a navigable trade route through the mountains."

"What about you? What brings you to the mountains? Can we share your fire in return for sharing some of our food?"

"Yaegren," the dwarf adds to the introductions. "And some Pathfinders work to keep the others in check. Sometimes it doesn't do much good. But you needn't worry about us. Are you safe out here?"