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Almost all Pathfinders undergo extensive training for three or more years to learn the tricks of the trade, and their last test before graduating from the ranks of the initiates to the status of a full Pathfinder agent is the Confirmation, a special research project that involves considerable fieldwork and is designed to simulate the initiates' future work as a Pathfinder. Even the noteworthy field commissioned agents sometimes participate in such trials as a way to familiarize themselves with the Pathfinder Society’s rules and expectations. Although Confirmation is typically an individual affair, the society recently discovered a site on the Isle of Kortos that would be perfect for initiates but perhaps too dangerous to handle alone. Successfully uncovering this site’s secrets will not only contribute to the society’s body of knowledge but shape the exciting careers ahead for each of the prospective agents.
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The invitation, marked with the Wayfinder symbol, 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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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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A young and visibly eager aspiring Pathfinder approaches the halfling woman, reaching out his hand to greet her. "Greetings Miss Gavix, my name is Everon Nemnis and I'm looking forward working with you on this mission, hopefully the first of many!"
He then sits at the table, placing his bulky backpack at the side of the seat. "What else can you tell us about that cave, Miss Gavix? Do we know anything of the common perils present in the area, like monsters, hazards, or something else?".
He takes his backpack and starts to check its content "Is there anything specific we should bring with us? I'm sure I took everything useful I could think of, but any advice is very welcome".
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A lanky woman sits to Everon's right. She plants a foot on the edge of the table and uses it to balance her chair back on two legs. Not one for introductions or cheeriness, she skips over the greetings. "All of that seems very vague. What exactly is a 'Gillman' and what would it be doing in these caves, anyway?" She speaks with an abrupt tone, crossing her arms over her chest.
She does glance at her own bag sitting on the floor next to her as Everon asks his questions. She decides she'll wait to see what everyone else has to contribute before worrying about her own supplies.
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"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you! I am sure there will be plenty of adventures in your future...maybe even some I will get to tell stories about." she says shaking his hand with excitement.
"I will share some information about the caves in a few minutes but maybe a few of you can tell me about the local area and wildlife? I can fill in the blanks we miss along the way. We can hit up the shopping district on our way out if we decide we need some more supplies, so many wonderful things to pack in your bags!" she replies, instead turning the question into a little quiz.
She walks over to Liluth and gently pushes her feet off of the table.
"Hello! Nice to meet you as well and remember we are guests here at this tavern. Do you know anything about the area? I hear you were recently adventuring nearby, Liluth." she says looking at a list of names on her dossier.
"But yes, gillmen may not be something you have encountered here as they are a humanoid race much like yourself but they have three piscine gills on each side of their neck. Not a mean bunch but usually near water so I can't fathom...hehe...why they would be in the cave, it is very far from Escadar where we usually see them on this island. Finding out why is one part of our mission!" she adds answering the cavalier's question.
At the center of the Isle of Kortos stand the Kortos Mounts, the points on the island.
Entire tribes of centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs constantly vie for territory up and around the Mounts, with harpies being the most common at higher altitudes and centaurs controlling the lower slopes and foothills.
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Also known as the Low Azlanti, the gillmen are an amphibious humanoid race believed to be the last descendants of the ancient Azlanti people.
During Earthfall, the Starstone struck Golarion and destroyed the human empires of Thassilon and Azlant. It is said that gillmen’s ancestors survived the cataclysmic event because they received the blessing of an aquatic entity that allowed them to breath underwater.
Most scholars believe the terrifying aboleths were responsible for the gillmen’s transformation. Any alliance between them appears to have fallen apart over the millennia, however, and the gillmen are now an independent people.
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A tiny Halfling gal comes in to join the group. She has blonde hair, or at least that would be a smart guess. The hair is somewhat badly dyed purple. Her attire is light, suggesting more of an agile figure rather than a frontline fighter. She carries no visible weapons, however, but is carrying a nicely made flute.
"Hello, everyone!" she says with a bright smile. "My name is Orla Durluwond. Pleasure to meet you all," and she grabs the edges of her skirt with fingers that appear to have burn wounds, though the rest of her hands and forearms are covered by long leather gloves. As the gal squats into her curtsy, you hear the squeaking sound of phlatulance. "That wasn't me," she says, looking up blushing and giving a smile that seems both amused and embarrassed. She then scans the room quickly before targeting in and pointing as she says, "That's Glamoursten. He's mischievous, but he does help with my magic."
This "Glamoursten" figure being pointed out is a very tiny fey being. He has a blue nimbus of light growing around him now that he has been pointed out. One can only guess that he must diminish it when he is not wanting to be viewed. He has a cap that appears to be the top of an acorn, his breeches appear to be sewn from leaves, and the drape across his chest appears to be a spider web. He takes a dramatic bow, spins, and disappears from view.
"Sorry, he likes pranks. But, I made a deal with him, and I get access to magic that I hope will help us on our quest," and she gves everyone a big smile, then starts to skip towards the table, seems to catch herself, blushes a bit, and walks the rest of the way to the chair. Being small, even by Halfling standards, she somewhat comically has to climb her way into the chair which includes a moment of Glamousten flying past and flicking her skirt out to flash any onlookers. Blushing furiously, she composes herself in the chair and simply says, "Sorry."
As the mission briefing happens, she has a moment where it seems like a detail catches her attention.
But then she just shakes her head as the detail seems to elude her.
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"If I recall correctly," says the half-elf stroking his blonde goatee "Gillmen are descendants of the ancient Azlanti people, and are also known as 'Low Azlanti'. They've survived the catastrophic Earthfall most probably thanks to the blessing of a powerful aquatic entity which gave them the ability to breath underwater".
He then continues "That's indeed strange. As you said Miss Gavix, gillmen are usually seen near the sea, not inland. If they're going into that cave that could mean that there is a great body of water in there. Maybe we should prepare for an aquatic adventure!" he says with an excited expression, but quickly turns into a worried face when he realizes that he doesn't know how to swim.
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Orla sits smiling and slightly kicking her dangling legs as she listens to Everon's explanation. As he finishes, she says, "Wow that sounds amazing! A sea in a cave? That's so cool! You're really smart, Everon," and she gives the bard a big smile.
Then suddenly, her face shifts as if in deep thought. She turns to Janira and says, "Do Gillmen speak Common like we do or do we need to speak...Gillianese or something to them? Because I don't know how to speak that."
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A tall man sits on Liluth’s left. He’s completely naked save a large beige scarf around his shoulders and an assortment of brown leathers and cloths swathing his waist; not even a backpack in sight. His mostly-exposed body is muscular and tanned; giving the impression he spends much of his time active and outside. He has a placid smile on his face that highlights the sun freckles on his cheekbones as well as the laugh-lines around his eyes.
He waves amicably at Janira as she’s introduced and quietly listens until the mention of an aquatic adventure. He gasps and shoots up in his seat, ”Aquatic adventure?! I haven’t had the chance to go swimming in ages! The ebbs and flows gently rocking your body, the colorful fishies flitting past your legs, the feeling of weightlessness as you drift along...” . As he speaks, he closes his eyes and his voice becomes distant; no longer talking to the table and clearly losing himself in a daydream. His thick brown hair hangs in wavy tresses past his elbows and they drag across the table as he starts to sway back and forth. He grabs some of the ends and slowly lifts them above his head as if to mimic being underwater. It’s a few too many beats before he abruptly freezes and his eyes shoot open. He drops his hair and starts laughing loudly.
”Sorry friends! Got carried away there haha! My name’s Daeric Helianthus. Everyone calls me Daeric though.”
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"Excellent information, Everon. While it is a possibility that this cavern holds a large body of water...I don't expect we will have to go diving." Janira exclaims with a round of applause before she turns to adress the Orla.
"The gillmen of Escadar are fairly well versed in Common Taldan as it helps with trade. The individuals entering the cave would likely be able to speak with us."
She looks at the door, around the room, and at her dossier. She puts her hands on her hips before pulling out a large leather-bound journal and opening it on the table.
“We are just waiting on two more but 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!” she says as she goes through a brief history on why she joined the Pathfinder Society.
"I am the oldest of seven children...and as the first to come of age, I joined the Pathfinder Society 4 years ago! I will admit it was to see the world and taste as much food as possible but I have found an affinity for the scrolls. I really love collecting and preserving the chronicles agents bring back to the Grand Lodge. Don't worry I learned a bit of skills with the whip as well. So why did you all join?" she asks the group.
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"Ooo! I'll go first! Next!" Orla exclaims excitedly. "I joined the Society to make friends and travel and see new places and have adventures!! And look, I'm already making such interesting friends! Janira, you're so pretty and talented and already a Society agent and such a great role model and I hope we can be best friends! And Daeric, the man with very little clothes who's so funny! And Everon with his fancy face hair and his smarts! And the angry-looking lady over there who likes to kick her feet up and relax! Such a great group of friends! And...oh..." you notice at this point something across the room has caught her eye. Glancing that direction, you might catch sight of Glamoursten shaking his head and gesturing emphatically downward as if to suggest "bring it down a notch." "That is, I...hope to prove myself to be...a...valuable part...of a team...of heroes doing...good in the world?" she says somewhat voiced as a question more than a statement as if she's now trying to give the right answer. She then looks around the tavern and says, "I wonder if they serve milk here," in an attempt to change the subject form her perhaps too enthusiastic answer.
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My name is Bahta, says a tall dark skinned and lightly tattooed man in a thick accent that clearly indicates his origin from the Mwangi expanse.
My companion on the great hunt is Beke, though she prefers to watch rather than speak most of the time. As Bahta introduces his companion he waves in hand in the direction of a female velociraptor that might as well have been made of stone for as motionless and quiet as she was. At Bahta's introduction she clicked her tongue twice and blinked once as an acknowledgement of comradery to the group. Her greenish/grey hide was sparsely covered with what looked like religious symbols in a paint that complemented her hide.
Both my family and Beke's were killed when we were young. But Gozreh chose to preserve us and bind us together many years ago. Bahta readjusted in his chair and folded his hands indicating he did not much want to expand on the story. We heard stories of the Pathfinder Society and their noble exploits from traveling merchants and Gozreh showed us the way north. Beke and I are grateful for such an opportunity. As he finished the sentence, Bahta bowed his head to Janira as a sign of respect.
After regaining eye contact Bahta smiled sincerely. They were traveling light, but he had a sturdy bow with him as well as a small pack. They were clearly a pair used to living off of the land. Unfortunately, I must confess deep caves and Gillmen are new to us. But where there is wind and water Gozreh will guide us.
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"Oh yes, some introductions, where are my manners" Everon puts down his backpack again, stands up and does a slight bow "My name is Everon Nemnis. I was born in Diobel and I've been wanting to be an adventurer since I was a very little. You see, mom and dad were rather successful adventurers when they were young, so I grew up listening to their stories and playing 'adventurer' in the countryside. I've decided to join the Society as soon as I was old enough to leave home, because I really believe in the 'Explore, Report, Cooperate' motto, and I want to become not just an adventurer like my parents, but also a renowned explorer.". He sits down again, watching the others a bit nervously, hoping to have made a good impression on his companions.
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Liluth waits until Janira has busied herself with something else before putting her boot back on the edge of the table and resuming her balancing act. She casually spins her lance on its point beside her. Willing the time to go by faster. "Guests are meant to be comfortable, aren't they?" She mumbles with an eyeroll.
She leans her head back to stare at the ceiling, allowing her long chestnut hair to fall behind her, as the others talk about their lives. Growing increasingly bored with the formalities, she lets the chair drop back to all-fours with a thud. Though she is amused by the small one's gas, intrigued with the raptor in the corner, and distracted by the tanned abs beside her, she has reached the end of her patience.
"Do we really need to know everyone's life stories to get to a cave?" She sighs. "I'm Liluth. I'm here to earn some recognition because I deserve it. I also happen to enjoy stabbing things. Can we hurry this up?" She throws her arms over her head in exasperation.
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"Lovely reasons...most of you! We will have to take a relaxing swim after our mission for our friend Daeric, if we don't end up taking one for the mission!" she says as she walks around the room.
Stopping next between Orlu and Everon, "You two are full of enthusiasm. I am not allowed to have favorites but you know my weakness, teamwork! And that is exactly why we have to get to know a bit about each other, Liluth. To complete the Cooperate portion of our goals we need to be a true team. We learn our strengths and weaknesses so we can help each other." As she finishes she passes by Liluth with a sincere smile.
"Thank you for putting the chair down, some people get upset about their furniture. Master Shaine was already getting looks from the owner when he used it as a platform."
She writes a few notes into one of her own journals as she looks over, Beke.
"Bahta and Beke, partners that likely already know the power of cooperating. It is a treat to meet such an exotic Pathfinder agent...you are a remarkably well-behaved velociraptor. And you, Bahta, have traveled far. I hope we live up to your expectations, we try to be noble in our causes but some missions in your future may be difficult." she says addressing the raptor before the hunter.
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As Liluth starts in with her exasperated rant, Orla noticeably sinks more into her chair as if trying to make herself as small of a target as possible.
However, once Janira takes over and praises her, the little Halfling straightens right back up with a smile and mouths to Everon, "We're her favorites!"
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Daeric seems to be lost in thought again until Beke clicks her tongue at the group. His head whips towards the noise and his eyes go wide once he spots her. He gasps loudly and claps both hands excitedly against his face; overjoyed at the sight of the animal. He flits away from the table and starts muttering excitedly while examining Beke; circling her and looking at various features from a respectful distance.
He starts whispering to her from afar with a conspiratorial hand covering his mouth from the table, ”You are SO cool! I don’t wanna get in your bubble but I gotta tell ya. You’re my first scaly buddy and I can’t WAIT for you to meet Lionel! He’s not so scaly but he’s my best buddy so I KNOW you’ll like him. So so cool. Ok bye!”
With that he waves goodbye and meanders back to the table, getting visibly lost somehow once or twice before righting himself. He joins the table again while muttering under his breath “Such a cool animal.”
”You guys, I didn’t know animals were allowed inside. My lion buddy Lionel could’ve joined us! He’s waiting outside. You guys are gonna LOVE him. Me and that little floof LOVE to adventure. He’s been with me since my tenth summer and we’ve never been separated since. Joined Pathfinder ‘cause he and I needed more of a challenge. Nature walks didn’t seem to cut it for him after a while haha! We mostly just took naps. Lots of lion around!” He nudges Liluth’s ribs with his elbow during his terrible pun and start belly laughing; eventually having to wipe tears from his eyes.
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Orla watches Daeric's response to Beke with an amused face and giggles a few times at the druid's boisterous energy. As he moves over to his seat and makes his bad pun, Orla's voice is heard saying, "Good one, hot stuff!" Orla's face flushes pink as she shakes her head and mutters, "I didn't say that." Then, she looks up at Daeric and says, "But I'm very excited to meet Lionel!"
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Liluth’s eyes follow the half naked figure as he walks away. She tilts her head as he starts cooing at the raptor. Her full focus is pulled as he speaks about his familiar. “You named your lion... Lionel.” She blinks rapidly as she processes the absurdity of that statement, before throwing her head back with laughter. She grabs her belly and bends forward, shaking with mirth. “Maybe this little outing won’t be so bad, after all.” She says as she sits back up and wipes tears from her eyes.
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In his excitement, Daeric slams both hands on the table as he addresses Orla, shaking all of the items on the table, ”If you give him enough pets, he might even let you ride him! He’s a sucker for pets.”
He quickly becomes distracted by Liluth’s comment. In the moment, he laughs along with her. But once she’s collected herself, his expression becomes pensive. You can practically see the gears turning in his head as he tries to understand the joke. Eventually he just looks off into the distance vacantly and mutters to himself, ”It’s my great uncle’s name.... I don’t get it.”
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"Oh my! We are all starting to mesh already and even Liluth is cheering up. Let's get into the mission specifics, and see if we need to make a shopping list. Just give me one moment." she says sticking her head out the door of the establishment.
"JEZEBELE, IS THERE A JEZEBELE OUT HERE? NO? OKAY...I AM SORRY." the group can hear her calling out to the street. She comes back in a little out of breath and flustered. She adjusts her hair and smiles to the group.
"I am sure our last member will show up soon. We can all use it as an opportunity to work on reporting as we back-brief them. On to the details of the mission at hand," she 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.” she finishes taking a moment to breath deeply and wait for more questions.
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Orla seems very pleased with the prospect of possibly being able to ride Lionel as evidenced by the delighted squeal she lets out.
As Daeric seems confused about why Lionel is a funny name for a lion, Orla leans over and whispers, "Maybe she just finds it funny that an animal has a people name. Some people think that's funny, I think," and gives him a reassuring nod.
A bit later, when Janira has finished her speech and pauses for a moment, Orla chimes in with, "Do we have time to buy things first? I want one of those really tiny shields that I don't need to use my hand for. I...would just feel a little safer...with more armor...I guess. Haven't actually...done any adventuring stuff yet, and now that we're about to, I mean...it's just getting really real, you know?" and there is a nervousness in her eyes, but she tries to keep a smile on her face even as her voice can be heard saying, "Because I'm a scared little baby!" Orla shakes her head and says, "I didn't say that," and her voice responds with, "Which doesn't make it untrue!" She is simply silent for a moment, then says to Daeric, "Yes, I'd very much like to ride on Lionel."
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"It's JezebeL, sweetie," Interjects a smoky alto voice from somewhere from deeper within the tavern. "none of that poncey High Galtan lilt."
Striding out of the Paunch's signature pipesmoke haze is one of the most strikingly - even alarmingly - gorgeous women you have ever seen, with features that suggest both Humanity and Elvenkind, but also...neither. Every motion and surface of her body, which is covered about as much by various weapons and dangerous-looking tools as by clothing and armor, suggests barely-contained vigor.
"Sorry I'm late," She says as she takes a seat, a large stein already in her hand, a mysterious handprint reddening her cheek, a gaudy swizzle-stick stuck through her pierced ear, and the buckles, straps, and strings for her weapons the only buckles, straps, and strings on her person not in disarray. "I've actually been here since last evening, but it's easy to stay busy in a place like this."
As she speaks, some of you may realize that her voice sounds familiar; it might have been her you'd overheard singing (and, perhaps...other sounds) earlier - and if not here, than maybe somewhere else?
"Perhaps a little too easy," She adds casually as Daeric catches her eye.
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Janira looks appalled at her own mistake, quickly scribbling a correction to her roster.
"You have me deepest apologies! I am glad you are here though...we can head out on our journey, making a stop at the markets for any last minute supplies, like your buckler, Miss Orla." she says, turning to Orla as she finishes.
She leads them out of the tavern like a teacher taking students on a field trip, she takes time to go over everyone's supplies.
"Alright, let us make sure nothing important is left out. Torches, rope, fire making supplies, and some food are always the basics but you can't ever be too prepared. Ah yes, and a journal to right down notes as you handle your mission!" she says handing each of them a small journal.
She leads them through the market pointing at different stalls, such as the alchemical vials of acid or fire that can come in handy for swarms of pests, smelling salts which can help wake up a party member, toolkits and more!
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Daeric waves at Jezebel with his go-to placid smile as a greeting; completely oblivious to her flirtatious gaze. As Janira leads them out, he sprints past the group and makes his way outside while calling over his shoulder, ”Come on come on! Ya gotta meet Lionel!!!”
Once outside, you see Daeric’s back as he’s hunched over fiddling with something. After a moment, he suddenly turns out and slides with his arms out in a flourish and reveals Lionel. ”Tadaaaaaa!!!”
Sitting obediently next to him is a pretty standard looking adult male lion. The top of his head reaches up to Daeric’s chest in height and he has rippling muscle everywhere you look. He’s wearing a leather harness with various bulging pouches and compartments which seem to be where Daeric keeps all of their gear.
Daeric immediately starts petting him and says in an over-the-top baby voice ”This is my widdle floofy floof Lionelllll. Look at how cuuuute he issssss. So handsome. So majestic yessssss yes you are.” The lion’s face is completely stoic but calm; giving you a sense that he actually doesn’t particularly enjoy this treatment but endures it for Daeric.
Daeric addresses the group again in his normal voice ”He looks all big and scary but really he’s a baby.” Lionel huffs with indignation. Daeric ignores it and keeps going. He wraps an arm around the lions neck and mushes their faces together; both of their impressive manes now looking very similar. ”AND LOOK! I made us both matching flower crowns!!! He loves it!” Daeric exclaims while gesticulating wildly between the bright yellow sunflowers that adorn both of their heads. Lionel does nothing but blink calmly.
Daeric eventually calms down after far too long praising his friend. He stores the journal somewhere on Lionel, Why is she giving us dead pressed trees wrapped in animal hides..., and follows the group through the market in mostly a daze; one hand constantly buried in Lionel’s mane.
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"OOoooooooooohh!!! He's so cute!!! Such a cutey patootey!!!" Orla squeals as they're introduced to Lionel. Following Daeric's lead, she approaches the big, majestic floof and pets and rubs him and buries her face in his mane as she tries to give him a big hug with her tiny Halfling arms. As they walk to the market, she walks next to Lionel on the side opposite Daeric constantly petting and snuggling up to the big fluffy boy
Arriving at the market, Orla manages to find a buckler that will fit her tiny frame suitably. Granted, it's actually intended to be a training shield for very young children, but it fits her quite well.
After she has done this, she offers to play a song for Lionel on her flute.
While the movement of the melody is not fast by any rate, it is a pretty melody. Her burned fingers do not seem particularly nimble as she plays and anyone paying close attention would realize there are a couple of fingers she never uses for playing. Still, she seems very pleased with herself as she plays, and upon finishing, she says, "I'd heard that music soothes the savage beast," then she snuggles up to the lion again while baby-talking, "and you're just so savage, aren't you, buddy?"
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Lionel’s training shines through as he doesn’t give even a hint of aggression at the stranger’s attention. In fact, he slowly looks at Orla as if to acknowledge her and lets her continue. During her song, he lays down and rests his heads gently on his paws as Daeric leans against him and dozes off for a bit.
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Liluth follows the group outside to the shops. Her eyes are torn between Jezebel's curves and Daeric's muscled back, not able to land on either one for long in fear of missing something about the other.
She untethers her dappled mare from her spot in front of the building. With as much effort as one might use to stand, Liluth pulls herself into the saddle. She keeps a loose grip on the reins and let's the horse choose her own path through the throngs of people. It's too late that she notices her mount making a beeline for the lion.
The horse chomps down on one of the flowers in the pretty crown atop the feline's head and munches slowly. "Fleetfoot! You don't know where that's been!" Liluth scolds, she was already annoyed with all of the baby talk. Her mount whinnies with contentment in response. The Cavalier attempts to steer her away from the cat, but Fleetfoot remains on her course, sticking close to the flowers.
Liluth's own supplies are well stocked, so she doesn't need to purchase much. She is able to pull Fleetfoot away, however briefly, from Lionel to procure a flask of acid. After her last experience with spiders, she didn't want to deal with a swarm again.
She glances at the buckler Orla has bought and snorts. The steel shield across her back is at least twice the size. She tucks the flask away in one of her belt pouches and gives up trying to control Fleetfoot as the mare attempts to steal a second flower.
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Lionel initially flinches as the horse eats one of the flowers in his mane but calms down when he sees Daeric laughing at the horse’s antics and petting its muzzle. After that, he’s completely complacent with Fleetfoot’s shadowing and even encourages her to eat the flowers a few times by aiming his head towards her at opportune moments.
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Bahta and Beke followed the group outside. For a pair use to traveling on their own, in the deep jungle, without much verbal communication, this was a somewhat 'interesting' partnership.
Nevertheless, the call of the Pathfinder Society loomed large and they knew it was for them.
"I must apologize," Bahta said with a deep bow towards the group members that were not occupied, "Beke and I have little to offer by way of gold. After transport here and replenishing my quiver we are back to depending on Gozreh - as we are use too. However, I will joyfully assist in carrying anything you procure until such as time as you require it again."
Bahta ended his bow with a flourish of his right hand to indicate respect.
Beke watched the unusual interactions between the other companions, clicked her tongue once to alert Bahta, and then blinked twice rapidly.
"Manners, Beke. Gozreh has brought us together for a reason." Bahta said with a laugh as he placed his left hand on Beke's neck.
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Following the others out of the tavern, Everon too admits his poor financial state "I have to admit, I am very low on budget as well. I can't really offer the same help Mister Bahta has offered, but if I can do anything to help the group just let me know, ok?".
He then goes back at watching the two animals traveling with the group; he saw this kind of beasts only as illustrations in books or behind the bars of a cage, and seeing them walking freely makes him a bit nervous.
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"Ah yes...when I started out I often had empty pockets as well, but even your Confirmation comes with a reward so you will more coin soon! Now that our purchases are out of the way and questions are answered, shall we start our journey?" she asks as they head out the western gate of Absalom.
The first leg of the journey leads across the Cairnlands along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel. Janira points out various landmarks such as the siege towers dotting the landscape and fauna native to the Isle of Kortos.
"These are the Cairnlands where you will see engines of war and fortresses, including the Fallen Fortress. They were used to unsuccessfully assault Absalom. Our lovely city is quite important thanks to the Starstone at the center of the city. I am sure you have all heard of Earthfall and the ascension of Aroden. If not I can regale us with that tale over a campfire as the sun will be setting soon...we can push on in the morning to the cave." she says, giving a small history lesson as they finish up the days hike.
She helps the group make camp and cook dinner from her supplies.
"Tomorrow we will stray further from the road to reach the cave mouth, more likely to encounter some wildlife. Make sure to rest up and prepare yourselves for the exciting mission ahead."
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The group wakes early and begins to trek into the forest. It doesn't take long for the towering trees begin to block out the new day's sun and the vegetation beneath your feet
Janira pauses for a moment to make sure they are heading in the correct direction, pulling 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. 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.”
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As they travel, the tiny Halfling gal sticks close to her new friends, particularly Lionel and Daeric. At times, she takes Daeric up on the offer of riding Lionel, her face absolutely beaming each time this happens.
Eventually, she asks, "Daeric, how did you and Lionel become traveling companions? I mean, it must make you both feel much safer having a friend with you all the time."
Later, she moves a bit closer to Everon and says, "You seem so smart. How did you learn so much about the world?"
And at another stretch of the trip, she approaches Bahta and says, "Your little friend is also very cute. He isn't fluffy and cuddly, but he sure seems to have a lot of personality. How did you two become traveling companions?"
Orla seems to steer clear of Liluth, perhaps still uncertain about the larger gal's outburst at the tavern.
Orla moves closer to Jezebel during their travels and says, shyly and without looking directly at the curvier gal, "You're really pretty. I wish I was that pretty," and gives her a shy smile.
Orla hangs on every word Janira says as they travel. She seems to view the more experienced Halfling gal as a big sister/mentor figure.
When they settle down for the campfire, Orla follows up the storytelling with a little bit of soothing music from her flute, quite fitting for a group preparing for a night's slumber, she imagines.
The next day, as they break camp, Orla works hard to try to help as much as she can with gathering gear and getting the party ready to get back on the road. At any mention of her helpfulness, she beams with pride.
Later, when they move into the area where the canopy of the trees closes in around them more, Orla double checks the straps on her buckler and looks a bit more nervous than she had on the more wide open stretch of their travels. Not really thinking about what she's doing, she reaches up to take Daeric's hand for reassurance.
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Daeric, coming out of his almost constant daydream, perks up at Orla’s question. ”Oh I wish you all could have been there! It was only a few weeks into my tenth summer. Me and my parents were traveling through the Mwangi Expanse at the time and we came across a lion cub. He was all alone just crying for his mama. Oh he was the cutest widdle thing! Fit right in the palms of my hands! Yessss yes he did!” he briefly jumps into his baby voice and gives Lionel some aggressive cuddles.
Turning back to Orla he continues in a quieter tone, ”I don’t like for him to hear it too often but we did end up finding his pride. His father had rejected him though so when we tried to return baby Lionel, he almost killed him! My parents were able to get him back though and that was it. He’s been my buddy ever since.”
He lays a gentle hand on the top of Lionel’s head and starts scratching his favorite spot. Lionel immediately closes his eyes starts making a deep humming sound. Daeric looks to Orla and says sincerely, ”It does feel safe having him around. I think we were meant to find each other and protect each other. Secretly, I think he feels the same way. Don’t tell him that though, he likes to pretend he’s only here to protect me” Daeric finishes with a chuckle and a final mush of Lionel’s face before letting him be.
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Jezebel feels she has what she needs for now, and opts to save her gold for a rainier day - mostly. She buys one more flask of acid, for 'good luck' as much as anything else.
"These are the Cairnlands where you will see engines of war and fortresses, including the Fallen Fortress."
"Been there, killed the degenerate lizardmen, rescued the fop, looted it for all it was worth."
Orla moves closer to Jezebel during their travels and says, shyly and without looking directly at the curvier gal, "You're really pretty. I wish I was that pretty," and gives her a shy smile.
"You and legions of others," Jezebel responds absentmindedly as she fights the gag reflex Daeric inspires in her every time he opens his stupid, pretty mouth. She is beginning to feel sorry for that lion. Sorry, and...something else...?
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"You seem so smart. How did you learn so much about the world?"
"Oh well," Everon says, blushing a little, "I've spent so much time studying history books since I was just a kid. See Miss Orla, I've always been fascinated by stories, both the real ones and the fruitful ones. of the imagination. This is also why I became a pathfinder, to one day be able to tell my stories and those of my companions ".
Everon spends the rest of the journey trying to get as much information as possible during the journey, both about their mission from Janira, and about her travel companions. He doesn't ask many questions, so as not to sound impertinent, but he keeps his ears wide open so as not to miss anything. Every now and then he checks his compass, thinking it will soon become a real wayfinder.
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"Missions don't usually go this smoo-" Janira says before being interupted by a thunderous crack rings out when a tree topples over nearby. A cacophony of small critters cry out, skittering away from what appears to be a large pile of snakes. They must have been living in the rotting tree but are now heading towards the Pathfinders.
Bahta is the first person to react to the swarm.
This is a swarm of snakes, surprise! Roughly 300 snakes that have bonded together for some reason or another. They writhe like a mass of tentacles that try to overtake their prey easily biting them. This swarm of Tiny creatures is resistant to slashing and piercing damage.
For every 5 you beat this DC you will get more information.
"Careful everyone! You can handle this." Janira calls out.
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Bahta eyed the suspicious tree well before the collapse. Quickly stepping to the left and drawing a blunt arrow to better impact the swarm he took aim while simultaneously ordering Beke to separate and prepare to flank the swarm.
Spread out from one another. Snake swarms prey on tightly packed groups more effectively. They are also very resilient to piercing and slashing. Bahta barks clearly and pointedly and his arrow flies toward the swarm.
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With Bahta's knowledge the group knows the snake swarm is resistant to Piercing and Slashing weapons, can bite any creature it covers, and that they can be distracting to those being slithered upon...not allowing them to take actions except trying to escape.
The arrow soars through the air but the mass of snakes parts, leaving only dirt where it lands. They immediately start heading directly for the half-orc.
Janira holds her hand for the others to pause for a moment, she then begins a retelling of the heroic deeds of other Pathfinders.
"Many Pathfinders have battled greater serpents than these! Stand strong and you too will go down in history." she says.
Beke rushes around to the other end of the swarm and attempts to claw at it.
However, again the snakes part, dodging the blow.
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Orla mutters to herself, "Must protect my friends, must protect my friends," even as she runs behind Bahta and seemingly away from the snake swarm. A nimbus of blue light comes zipping up beside her as Glamoursten whispers briefly in her ear and the little Halfling girl nods resolutely. Once her little feet stop moving, her hands begin to glow a reddish hue as the burned fingers seem to begin forming flame anew.
"Leave, my friends ALONE" she cries, and on that last word, she extends her hands forward unleashing a gout of fire at the snake swarm.
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Liluth curses under her breath as the swarm moves toward the group. She quickly spurs Fleetfoot after Beke. Her lance will be useless in this situation, but maybe the flask of acid she had bought earlier would make an impact. She hadn't planned on using it this early...
She lobs it toward the snakes, hoping to get it far enough to avoid any splash back on herself and the raptor.
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Daeric jumps in place and claps gleefully as the party rushes into action, even whooping once or twice at Beke and Fleetfoot. He pats Lionel’s side and exclaims ”Our turn, buddy! Sic ‘em!” With that, he points a finger at the swarm and a bright light flashes right above it.
Lionel’s usual calm demeanor immediately disappears at Daeric’s command. He hops to all fours, whips his head towards the bright light, and tears off towards it. His powerful legs easily close the distance and he skids to a stop between the swarm and Bahta. With a menacing growl, he starts snapping his jaws at any serpent unfortunate enough to be near.