PFS #2-01 and #2-03 with DM Deevor (Inactive)

Game Master Deevor

Please dot in here, delete your dot post after you have posted.

By caravan, magic, or in the company of friends, your group of Pathfinders descend into the valley on the outskirts of Finidar Forest. You along with what now seems like hundreds of Pathfinders have traveled from across Golarion to the untamed wilderness of Iobaria as part of a major Society initiative.

As a cold, biting wind assaults your faces, you are greeted with the view from the top of the hill crest over a newly created tented city. Hundreds of tiny figures moving back and forth or congregating in a few places here or there like ants crawling around a colony. Dozens of pole-supported canvas structures and the half-built frames of several future buildings encircle a newly constructed longhouse. The encampment looks down even further upon a dense forest of blood-red pine trees - Iobaria’s iconic bruorsivi - dotted with the occasional wisp of smoke here and there. At the forest’s edge, huge cut stones nearly overgrown with vegetation and covered in creeping moss hint at ancient ruins reclaimed by nature.

Even in the chill of the early morning, the camp swarms with activity. More tents are being set up, and the smell of breakfast emanates from a large cook tent. Agents greet each other and swap stories in the mess tent, and rumors fly through the crisp morning air.

A stout grey-haired dwarf drinking a mug of ale to cool the sweat across his brow, stops pitching a large tent and greets you. "Ahh, this camp gets bigger by the minute. You've got a couple or more hours before we expect Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury, who is in charge here, to tells us what we're gonna be doing here. Whatever it is, it's got to be big, I never seen so many Pathfinders in one place, not even in Absalom." With one final wipe of his hand across his brow, the excess sweat is gathered and flicked on the grassy floor, as he turns his back and continues with his labours.

1) Introduce your character, as though your characters met several days ago and have journeyed together for a couple of days to the encampment.
2) Describe your journey to the camp and where you came from?
3) What would you like to do upon arriving to Base Camp?
Please let me know if you have played Absolam Initiation.

Rashid ibn Azhar draws a thick woolen cloak around himself and shivers, searching for a hot cup of coffee to warm his chilled bones. Every day the party has traveled further north and east, the native Vudran has become more and more uncomfortable, and even this mild chill is making him shiver and stamp his feet.

"I do not know how you Northerners handle this," he huffs, not for the first time since their trip began. It started in good humor but he admits to himself that the cool climates are souring his mood some. "Give me a sweltering jungle or bright sunny coastline any day. Still," he adds with only partly-forced cheer, "quite a sight! Red pines! I have never seen such a thing."

His friendly statement is partly an apology to his traveling companions. He started the journey his usual quiet, welcoming, friendly self, but the steadily cooling weather and day after day on the road has admittedly made him short with them. Now that they have finally arrived at their destination, however, he already feels some of that irritability draining away, to be replaced by chagrin. "Anyone see any coffee, by chance? I could use some heat in my bones."

An erutaki man accompanied by a small polar bear smiles in the face of the biting wind. ”Just the opposite for me and Oogi here. We like the cold. Reminds us of home.”

Tonraq also looks at the red pines. ”See, this is why I became a Pathfinder. Never would get to see this back home. What an amazing world we live in.” He puts the finishing touches on the scrimshaw carving he had been working on en route to the camp, and tosses a fish to the bear, who snaps it out of mid air. Oogi has been quite friendly with the other Pathfinders throughout the journey, curiously rifling through their packs for food or toys.

Tonraq looks around the camp. ”Any other druids among us? I’d like to know more about this forest.”

Yawning as he joins the others, "I prefer the cold myself. Easier to put on extra layers of clothing to stay warm then it is to remove clothing to stay cool."

Rummaging around his supplies and pulls out a tin can with some tea leaves. "I'm going to make a cup of tea, would any of you like some?"

Originating from Absalom, Jak marvels at the Red Pines, as this is a new place he has travelled to for official Society business.

Jak here has the Absalom Initiation.

"Yeahs, you can always piles on more clothes but you can only get so nakeds," agrees Pooka, a small, stumpy goblin with skin the color of an old bruise. "Anyways, some teas or coffees would be greats," she adds, hopping up off of a crate and stretching like a cat. "If we werent's on duties I'd say a nips or twos of whiskeys would be good, toos..."

She pauses and looks around, taking in the view. "Prettys," Pooka remarks. "Definitely don'ts sees trees this color backs in Absalom."
______________

Pooka has indeed completed the Absalom Initiation!

I'm playing in Absalom Initiation with my alchemist right now, actually! I think we're a hair over halfway done.

Rashid shakes his head. "See, that depends entirely on the heat. Out in the desert, you stay much cooler by adding layers, provided you do it right. Light, airy materials, layered to block sunlight getting through to your skin." He sighs wistfully, remembering his many rides across the outskirts of the Narhari, then shakes his head, rubbing his gloved hands together. "But cold? Bah! There are not enough layers in the world to make the Land of the Linnorm Kings tolerable to me. But, we go where we are needed, not where we are comfortable. And at least this is not the Land of the Linnorm Kings!"

He keeps looking for coffee, muttering quietly to himself.

Rangi met with the other joining them on the road. For the night he usually put his bedroll further away and looked at the stars. He was a tall orc with gray long hair, even if you did not meet a lot of orcs he felt old. His posture was bent and he limped on one leg, he used his big club as a walking stick and carried a large diamond-shaped wooden shield on his back. He looked like someone who one day might have been a strong and very capable fighter.

His body is covered with hundreds of scars, burns, and tattoos, frequently mixing together. For the most time, his face is covered by a mask that he made every day, made of wood, tree bark, leaves, and sticks. On the bark, there are made symbols of a black butterfly and a star.

He rarely speaks, falling back to grunts, nods, and other sounds.

He patted Oogi whenever he came to Rangi and gave him some dried meat

He shook his head listening to the discussion over-temperature, how could they survived that long being concerned with such trivial matters.

"Tonraq, I know very little about this forest, but I heard that it can set itself on fire."

Rangi has done 4 bounties before so this is his first job for society. I played Absalom Initiation but not with this PC. His last bounty was in Osirion, but he was in Land of the Linnorm Kings, Nidal and other places and he heard of Finadar Forest

"I dunnos...more clothing makes you not as hots? Reallys?" Pooka replies to Rashid with a dubious expression. "If that's really trues, wish I'd knowns thats on my last mission...stoopid deserts was way too hots!"

However fascinating the talk about temperatures and how to cope might be, Pooka's attention is immediately caught by Rangi when he mentions what he knows about the forest.

"Ohs my gosh, reallys!? The trees can sets themselves on fires?? That's amazings!" she gawps. "How do theys do it? Whys? Does anyone knows? How does the wholes dang thing not burns down??"

Webny wends her way along the trail with the other Pathfinders, frequently moving off the path to see whatever might be found in a bit of trees or wild lands they pass along the way. She has an infectious smile and an easygoing personality, and she is fond of teasing Rashid from time to time into boasting matches on various discomforts each has experienced before.

"You know," she says to Jak and Pooka, "this is my first official journey this far from Absalom, too. I've never seen trees like this, on fire or otherwise."

With Rangi, she admires and compares tattoos at one rest, and with Jak she grills him about his life as a cleric and stories about Pharasma. She loves stories, and she assumes Jak will know quite a few.

And now I saw that I did not answer the third question

When they arrived at the camp the old orc would aid in tending the wounded. He rarely passes any painkillers believing that it is pain that strengthens the body. Every now and then asking the wounded if they would like a scar to commemorate the event. Frequently you may hear him saying

"It is scars that tell the story of our life young one. But if you prefer to have skin like a newborn don't let me stop you." shares in his harsh voice

Woop! Missed question 3 as well.

The first thing on Rashid's list once they arrive at the base camp (after finding a cup of coffee, of course) is to see if there are any injured. If there are none (or there are few enough that Rangi can handle them) he moves to help set up the tents, directing questions toward anyone who will answer about Finadar Forest--not just about the unusual color of its trees, but also about Rangi's claim that it can set itself aflame. That certainly piques his curiosity.

As you make your way through the encampment, a familiar face appears out of the myriad of Pathfinders, the halfling Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the new Pathfinder recruits. With a smile she extends a warm and friendly hand. "Jak Tlooly and Pookamore Palooka, you are here and with some of our other new initiates. Glad to see you, if there's anything I can do to help you in your journey of the Society, please ask. I'm always happy to help if I can. Look after your companions, the first missions can sometimes be difficult for those who just left the school." With a happy smile she lets you answer. You may chat with her, if you wish.

Further on through the crowd, you see another mess tent with many Pathfinders paying attention to a female half-elf. Jak and Pooka recognise the woman from the initiation party, she is Fola Barun, the leader of the Envoy’s Alliance faction of the Society. You overhear her, "You joined the society for just such an occasion as this, just remember despite the excitement of the missions, help and support each other, all your lives are important to the Society. Already the Society lost too many of it's fine agents, you must seek to keep your brothers and sisters in the Society safe to return from any mission. Make friends that sympathise with the Pathfinders, avoid outright confrontation and violence, where we can make a peaceful accord. Here we may find different friends, as we have found on previous expeditions and befriended Leshy folk, some who are now trained to be Pathfinder agents. Be alert to make to the possibilities." she casts an eye over the members of her faction, who sit and look up at the pretty halfling with flowers woven into her auburn hair. You may interact with . You can also attempt to Make an Impression with a secret Diplomacy roll.

You walk on a few moments and hear a boisterous voice, above all others that carries through the camp. Jak and Pooka recognise the voice at once from the party in Absalom. It is the deep baritone voice and belly laugh of Gorm Greathammer, the rambunctious leader of the Grand Archive faction. As the third in line to for the Sky Citadel Kraggodan’s throne, he is indeed a powerful man even outside the Society. You get closer and the volume increases, such that you hear the dwarf quite clearly. "Yes, you should have seen him, covered from head to foot in manure. So gullible, trying to find the Sword of Frampton in that cowshed. I mean you wouldn't believe it." he laughs loudly, followed by a group of Pathfinders listening to his story. "Despite that, don't forget the pursuit of knowledge and coming here we might find many additions to the Library and its inventory of magical forces." his voice sounding more serious, but for just a moment, before he starts upon another tale from his relatives at the Sky Citadel. You might interact with him.

Slides with portraits of the Pathfinders mentioned

Had a busy day, couldn't quite do as much as I wanted to customise.

Rashid smiles and shakes a few hands politely, but he knows their names will go in one ear and out the other. He's terrible with names--he only remembers his companions' names from several days traveling together with nothing to do but get to know each other. He has no such opportunity now; he tries his best, but all the names just disappear into the ether of his brain. I just know that's going to come back to haunt me someday, he thinks bemusedly.

Pooka beams and waves excitedly back at Janira. "Hi! It's nice to sees you agains! Just waiting to sees what they wanted us heres for and all thats; you knows how it is - hurrys up and waits."

She glances around for a moment before grabbing Rashid by the elbow and all but dragging him over to join the conversation. "Janira, meets Rashid ibn Azhar. Rashid, meets Janira! Janira knows all sorts of things sos if you don'ts know somethings, you can ask her!"

There's a slight pause and then Pooka adds, "Speakings of questions, like, do yous know anything about whats we're doings here?" she can't help but ask. "It'd be easier to helps my newer friends if I knows kinda whats to expects..."

Tonraq delays by Fola’s speech and listens respectfully. He nods afterwards. ”Very good speech. Initiates are lucky to have you watching their backs.”

Diplomacy +3

Rangi nods to Janira.

"Some of us left the schools years back. I have offsprings older than some of the agents here. But I guess showing concern for others is considered a feat in your society, so thank you..." says the Orc. Say one thing for Rangi, say that he is a diplomat.

Then he looks at Fola Barun and eyes the others looking at her with admiration. Rangi would turn towards whoever is the closest and say

"Is she attractive? They look like they could start to howl and drool themselves. I don't get it, she has barely any muscles, laughable fangs, her skin looks soft and fragile like she never took part in any fight..." shakes his head Rangi.

Sorry folks, besides Intimidation Rangi has no social skills. However, it will not stop me from posting ;) And pushing cultural differences down your throat :D I will try to do it in a respectful manner, highlighting differences and not trashing others

I will leave interactions with Grom to others, if unspoken to Rangi would approach him in next post

Webny approaches Fola and waits for her to finish. When appropriate, she joins Tonraq in speaking with the woman. "What can you tell us about what's been happening here during the muster?"

Diplomacy +4 to Make an Impression

Seeing many recognizable faces from past missions, Jak greets each of them with a smile and a welcoming bow.

Rashid blinks in surprise as the goblin drags him off with surprising strength to meet Janira. "Oh, ah. Hello." He offers his hand to the halfling with an awkward smile. "Just call me Rashid, please." At Pooka's inquiry, he glances at the gathered throng of Pathfinders and nods, sipping the mug of coffee he'd found at some point during the bustle, black with no sugar, just as the gods intended. "I, too, am curious about our purpose here. The open call was surprisingly vague. It must be something of some import, though, to have mustered so many agents."

Much to Tonraq and Rangi's disappointment, they find that none of the other druids they see in passing through the camp, can provide any further information on the forest or the mission. A young elven woman with her bird, tell you that they had hoped the great druid Urwal would appear, but nothing has been heard from him. There was also a rumour that the Redpines, a tribe of centaurs in the region, who are known to have druids amongst there midst would also aid the Society, but that too seems to be just that, a rumour.

The group move on until Pooka spies Janira.

Janira smiles and impressed by Pooka's enthusiasm and is pleased to be introduced to Rashid ibn Azhar, as you see her hard to place him. However seeing the man trying not to shiver, she points further into the camp. "The mess tent is further down, not far. Tell them Janira said to gove you a nice warm drink, a big one." She puts her hand on the cleric's shoulders, "You'll do well, have no fear, remember your training." she smiles reassuringly to Rashid. As she says farewell to Pooka, she adds, "You friends seem well prepared, but even I haven't heard the arrangements yet. But look an ancient city ruin in the forest, what could be more exciting."

You move on down to the mess tent, where you hear Fola speaking. Rashid is served a hot tea and given some spicy roasted meat, that sinks into his stomach and warms his body from the inside out.

As Tonraq and Webny stop to listen to Fola's encouraging words, they are invited into the circle of Envoy Alliance members. Fola is pleased that her words seem to interest you. Her voice clear and sweet asks, "Please, if my words interest you, that we seek to ensure the Society has friends in the world, including parts of the world as yet shrouded in mystery. To seek and negotiate friendship to further our aims, before we seek the remedy of steel, talon and the magics of violence. Then please, I invite you to join the Envoy's Alliance, for there is Strength in Community"

She extends a hand and pets Tonraq's bear, saying softly, "I see you understand the benefits of cooperation between friends."

Casting an eye at Rangi, Fola recognises as companion travellers with these two young Pathfinders, but seeing the glint of brutality in his eye, turns away not wanting to encourage the half-orc and his pet.

As you near one of the tents, with guards around it, you are moved on, pointed in the way of an area to set up your tent for the duration of the encampment. With a rough voice a dwarf in armour says "Get you tent up quick, there are briefings to be had soon. It won't be long until Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury, will be taking charge."

With that you begin work to set up camp, sweat on your brow as the hard work begins. Finding a fairly level piece of ground, your tent is erected and your belongings stored. As you look on, happy with your handiwork, you hear a call, "To the muster tent, our mission is starting."

With the bear and wolf, left back guarding the tent, this small company of Pathfinders, advance to a place under a large open-air awning that provides a spectacular view of the Icerime Peaks to the west and Finadar Forest to the south and east. You find yourselves sitting fairly close to the front looking at a raised platform, which is obviously set aside for Jorsal who is directing this mission.

.....

To a few cheers and a little clapping, a man takes to the platform, raising his hands to quieten the noise, before he speaks.

“Welcome to Iobaria!” Venture-Captain Jorsal smiles and spreads his arms wide, gesturing to the expansive view before him. The sun glints off the snow-capped mountains to the west, though it does little to warm the air around you. Below the camp, the occasional clearing or stone structure dots the endless foliage of Finadar Forest, a huge expanse of blood-red bruorsivi pines.

“Used to the chill yet? Iobaria takes some getting used to. Between the dry air and the winds off the peaks, you’d best wear your warmer clothes.” He waves you over to his worktables, where a series of maps and documents sit weighted down with books, a wayfinder, and several large rocks.

“We live in exciting times. As you may know, the Society has recently been exploring the wilds of Iobaria. There are so many mysteries here! The ancient cyclops empire of Koloran has left ruins that have weathered the ages. The early Iobarian kings maintained their power through dragon-riding knights, and dragons still lurk in the forests and hills all around. Plagues, wars, ancient magic.... Iobaria has seen it all.”

“As you may know, we’ve had some dealings in Iobaria recently, but the time has come to mount a major exploration. To do that, we need a good base of operations in the area, something more permanent than a couple of rooms in an inn in Mishkar.”

The venture-captain slides a large map across the table, rearranging the rocks and books to prevent it from flying away in the breeze. “Down there, deep in Finadar Forest, is the city of Min-Khadaim, an ancient complex of ruins that dates from the cyclops empire of Koloran, abandoned since the Age of Darkness thousands of years ago. Not only is it an amazing archaeological find, but it also is superbly located to serve as a base for further operations in Iobaria. Cyclopean architecture is built to last, so we’ll undoubtedly find something here to serve our needs. Once we explore and clear the ruins, we can then establish the Society’s first Pathfinder Lodge in Iobaria!”

Jorsal turns to you again and grows serious. “This is an important operation for the Society’s future, and we have the support of the Decemvirate themselves! In fact....”

Jorsal suddenly seems to focus on something behind you all, and he trails off.

Two figures walk into the tent, both wearing helms that completely cover their faces. One is short and stocky, wearing a sapphire-studded helmet that covers their upper face. The other is a taller figure whose face is completely hidden by a flowing sheet of water that disappears into mist just past their neck.

You may make Pathfinder Lore rolls, you do not need to be trained to make the roll.

Pathfinder Lore: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Tonraq looks quizzically upon the masked newcomers. "Are those...them? The Decemvirate?"

Pathfinder Lore (Untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Pooka gawps at the two figures for a moment and then shrugs.

"Coulds be, who knows? But those helms look pretty stoopids if you asks me," she whispers in reply to Tonraq. "Tryings way too hard to looks cool."

Pathfinder Lore (Untrained): 1d20 ⇒ 14

Webny sits up a bit when the newcomers walk in and then, decorum be damned, she stands on her seat so she can have a decent look at them through the crowd.

Rangi sits with the other listening to the briefing. When he was giving that kind of spiel there was way more cheering and roaring. But they always happened before the raids would take place. Different time, different place.

Rangi looks with interest at the two newcomers.

Rashid politely declines the tea for another hot cup of coffee, but digs into the meat with vigor. Afterward, he pitches his tent quickly and efficiently--he's been on the road most of his adult life, and tents are an absolute necessity in the desert--then moves to help anyone having trouble with theirs.

He listens intently to Venture-Captain Jorsal, frowning slightly at the mission. It feels a bit... unseemly, to kick out whatever or whoever has made their home in the ruins just to take it for yourself. He tries to remind himself of the good the Society can do out here if they have a proper base of operations, but it still doesn't sit particularly well with him. Just focus on your allies and keeping them alive, he thinks, but it does little to assuage his concerns.

He perks up at the two oddly-helmed figures as they make themselves known, smiling slightly at Pooka's harsh critique. "They do seem a bit much, don't they?"

Pathfinder Lore (T): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Ha! I think I'm the only one trained in PFS Lore and I rolled garbage. Go figure. :P

Pathfinder Lore (U): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Listening intently to the speech going on, but mentally wishing he would just shut up so we can just get to business.

When everyone looks at the two newcomers, he does to and racks his brains on any memory of people dressed like that.

As Tonraq asks the question, that Pooka answers with an insult, several other new Pathfinders to the society turn, telling the goblin to "Shhh, be quiet they're Decemvirate." The Pathfinders turn back in both respect and awe at the Decemvirate members arriving, as murmurs pass between the pathfinder ranks.

Indeed all realize that the helms mark these individuals as members of the Decemvirate, the mysterious leadership of the Pathfinder Society.

“Yes, Jorsal, the Decemvirate understands the importance of this season of exploration in the wilds of Iobaria,” states the shorter of the two in a scratchy voice that sounds older than the speaker looks. “You may call me Sapphire, and you may call them Shrike.” The speaker strides quickly to the table and indicates the large map, which shows a large area of forest subdivided into regular squares.

“Based on a preliminary survey, the ruins of Min-Khadaim have been divided into sections. Each team will explore and clear their assigned section—Jorsal will provide the details.”

They turn to you. “You may be relatively new recruits, but we, the Decemvirate, need you to understand the importance of this operation. There are mysteries here in Iobaria that go far beyond plagues and dragons. The cyclopes of Koloran fled here when their homeland of Ghol-Gan fell under the sway of evil forces. Those brave and determined souls that made the trip were determined to escape the mistakes of their kindred, yet their descendants still fell into decadent decay as well, long before Earthfall ended their empire. The question of what laid them low at the height of their power is one of Golarion’s greatest unsolved mysteries.”

The two members of the Decemvirate stand before you letting the information sink in. However whilst the audience hesitate to ask questions of their leaders, Shrike begins
to seek out inexperienced Pathfinders and determine if they are ready for such an important mission. With the disturbance caused by Pooka, a stern voice from behind the water starts to grill Pooka with a question. “You!" they point at Pooka, "What do you know about modern cyclops culture?”

You can all attempt a Society or Cyclops Lore check to provide a suitable answer, or a deception check to fake one. If you have any in-game lore knowledge, you can use this even if your character does not have the appropriate skill. However only Pooka can answer the question, if you have a good answer you must somehow make Pooka aware of it.

Tonraq glances blankly at the little goblin. I don’t know anything about cyclops culture, ancient or modern.

Rangi blinks few times but he has nothing on the subject.

Rangi knows nothing on the topic. The player behind Rangi knows that cyclops has one eye ;) Got team Wisdom ;)

Rashid's got nothing.

Hah! Fitting that Pooka's big mouth puts her in the hot seat.

The gears inside Pooka's head freeze for a moment as all eyes suddenly turn to her but then begin to tick again as she weighs her options. She did remember studying some of this stuff as an initiate, but it's awful hard to recall information when you're unexpectedly put on the spot.

Could maybe BS an answer...I'm pretty good at that...but they'd probably see through it anyway since they're Decemvirate...

Society (Trained): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Don't know if we started with any Hero Points but if so, let's try a HP reroll...

Society (Trained; HP Reroll): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Ehh...theys not really have much culture nows, rights? Just kinda wanders around where they used to lives and eat peoples and things," Pooka answers after a pause. "Kinda sads, reallys."
______________

Posted now while I've got the time but if Webny or Jak happen to know anything better/more specific, please feel free to whisper it into Pooka's ear ;)

Society: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Not knowing much about the Cyclops, Jak moves closer to Pooka's back and covers his mouth as he coughs. Before removing his hand from in front of his mouth, he whispers to Pooka whatever he knows about the Cyclops' Society.

Pooka, take your Hero Point back, the GM doesn't think you need to use it here.

The unfortunate goblin, stutters his answer to Shrike, whose expression is hidden by the mask of water, as there is a moments silence for Pooka to wait dreading the decemvirates response. The tent is quiet as Shrike's voice starts clearly, toneless, deadpan, "You describe any ancient or current violent creature, not even describing the cyclops most distinguishing feature, the single eye." He turns to the other Decemvirate, "Really Sapphire, they are unprepared for what lies ahead, even the company remain ignorant of cyclops."

Shrike turns back to the Pathfinders casting what you can only presume are his eyes across the group gathered in the tent. In a voice that carries the authority of leadership he directs a question to 1d5 ⇒ 4 the human dressed in the furs of the northern regions. With his finger pointed at Tonraq White-bear, he interrogates the druid, "You! Tell me if trouble arises, say you meet several dark and dangerous cold vicious creatures that threaten or engage you in combat, how will you protect and preserve the priceless artifacts or records you find?"

Tonraq to answer, but the rest can whisper answers to him.

Tonraq thinks for a moment. "Pass the artifacts to my swiftest ally and hold back the attackers as best I can, sir. Would not be my first time fending off dark and dangerous creatures of the cold, sir."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"Interesting bear man, and what of the those words and pictures that decorate the walls that hold the creatures? Tell me how are you going to hold off the creatures, as they come at you, chasing your swift companion?" Shrike continues his questioning.

Tonraq furrows his brow. "What words and pictures, sir? You didn't mention any pictures in your scenario. I'd hold off the attackers however seemed best, depending on the foe."

Rashid rolls his eyes, thoroughly unimpressed by the Decemvirate. Typical. Give someone an inch of authority and they use it to brow-beat the new guys to make themselves look better.

Still, he holds his tongue for now. Tonraq seems to be holding his own for the moment, but if these "Decemvirates" keep bullying his companions, he knows he's going to have to speak up.

"Eh..." is really all Pooka can manage in reply; she seems to realize that maybe she should quit talking for the moment and shuts up...though she does continue to glower a bit at the two helmed individuals.

That's dumb; everyone knows cyclops only have one eye so why even say it? Even babies know that!

But as it becomes Tonraq's turn to be put on the spot, she seems to perk up a little at the particular line of questioning.

"Ooh, ooh, I knows this," Pooka whispers out of the corner of her mouth. "If theys cold creatures, use fire! Fire, fire, heehee! Er...well, maybes not if the ruins are, likes, made of wood or somethings flammable..."

"If the words or pictures hold the creatures then you can make a ritual or a prayer to chase them off. Finally when fighting odd creates it is a good idea to analyze their weaknesses and use them in combat." says Rangi to Tonraq

"Well bear man, you answer well, but your companions whose whispers I hear....." the water shielding his face seems to react and flow faster, sending up more mist outward from his face as he shakes his head sideways. "What! and damage fragile records. You are going into the ruins of an ancient civilisation." he says as he reacts with incredulity at Pooka's and Rangi's words. “You do know that the painted murals that the cyclopes used to record their history will be more than ten thousand years old, yes? Perhaps explosions or magics that burn the paint off the walls might make them slightly harder to read, yes?”

He turns to Rangi and points, “You now! What was your grade in Master Shaine’s ‘Basic Archaeological Principles’ class? Did you even take [i]‘Basic Archaeological Principles’?”

The smaller of the two Decemvirate members, Sapphire, breaks into the interrogation of Rangi before the half-orc can answer. Sapphire intervenes, laying a hand on Shrike’s arm. “Be at ease; they know what they must do. Trust in their skills.” Shrike pauses to giving Rangi, Pooka and the others gathered there one last look. “Don’t mess up,” Shrike states bluntly before striding off to the next tent.

As Sapphire and Jorsal watch him go, Sapphire turns to the Pathfinders, "Ahh Shrike," she sighs "It is their concern for you and the mission that drives them so, you are some of our newest members, having only recently completed your training. They just want you to return safely with the knowledge and treasures you find, for they will be important as we set up a new Lodge here. Any questions from you, before I leave Jorsal to assign you to your tasks."

Just for the record Rangi is an Orc not a Half-Orc ;) You know, worth 80 ACP boon and such

The orc looks after Shrike

"Well wasn't that a nice conversation. Their concern seemed more related to murals and not our wellbeing. " grunts

@Rangi: Noice! I'm saving my ACP pennies for ratfolk! I have a ysoki inventor from one of my old 1e games that I can't wait to port over! (Well, technically she was an investigator with the Scavenger archetype, but same diff.)

Rashid frowns after the Decemvirate, then turns back to the orc, muttering quietly. "Agreed. I don't really see what brow-beating a bunch of new recruits does to help them. You're more likely to lower their self-confidence. That makes people hesitate when they should be sure of their actions--and that hesitation can get someone killed in this line of work. I'm not much impressed by these 'decemvirates' thus far."

Tonraq sighs. "Not the vote of confidence I was hoping for, but they care, sure. I think we're ready."

Webny holds her peace during the odd grilling the Decemvirate representatives give and then shoots bewildered looks at her teammates. ”I’ve been in fights less intense than that,” she mumbles. ”That’s not normal, right?”

Rashid shrugs helplessly at the gnome. "It is my first time meeting a Decemvirate. I honestly have no idea. They certainly didn't leave the best impression, to be sure." Having no questions himself, Rashid waits to see if anyone else pipes up. While he of course wants everyone to be as well-informed as possible, he's also eager to get started. He's never been in cyclopean ruins before and his curiosity is eating at him.

Well as there are no more questions, I can leave it to VC Jorsal of Lauterbury to complete the briefing. Sapphire points to Pooka and Rangi, "Listen well, I'm sure that when you start your missions your training will take over and you will be glowing examples of successful Pathfinders. So join Jorsal with your companions and listen well, use your intelligence and enjoy your mission." With that the small Decemvirate member briskly walks away after Shrike.

Jorsal, his voice warm and comforting as he scrabbles around on the table for a few pieces of parchment. As he does this he says, "Any questions, before I finish my briefing and assign your role in the exploration mission ahead. You need to show your professionalism, the result of your training and prove your worth to the Pathfinder Society." With each word his voice returns to an authoritative and stern serious tones.

"Our preliminary survey of the ruins of Min-Khadaim gave us just enough detail to create sections of interest for exploration.

Jorsal picks up a sheet from a pile of similar documents and hands it over, along with a rough map. “Now, as relatively junior members of the Society, your job will be scouting and mapping the initial sites we’ve selected. Take this to the quartermaster and he’ll provide you some basic equipment for exploration. Explore everything in your assigned area and make an accurate map. Explore all the buildings on the surface, inside and out. Find any entrances to underground levels and explore them as far as is practical. Keep an eye out for any threats and neutralize them. Clear your area so it’s safe for the follow-up scholars to go in and begin the detail work. Understood?”

See both handouts in the slides

You might also know something about Iobaria or the cyclops empire of Koloran from their previous studies. You can attempt a DC 18 Society or Cyclops Lore check to Recall Knowledge, or Diplomacy check to Gather Information from other Pathfinders.
Open the relevant spoiler depending upon your roll, rolls are not secret.

Webny shakes her head ruefully at Rashid. "No, they really do not."

Her melancholy expression is replaced by a bright smile when Jorsal mentions equipment. "Oooh! Gear!" she practically claps with excitement.

She takes her club, what am I going to use this for? and whistle, along with a crowbar, a spade, and a sledgehammer.

"I have a climbing kit already," she tells the group, "so someone else should definitely take those. I can carry something else, too, if we need it? And if anyone needs any of the stuff I just grabbed, just say the word." She hefts the sledgehammer, which looks a bit ridiculous in comparison to her gnomish stature, and tries to secure it on her back as if it were a two-handed weapon.

Rangi looks at the gear and nods his head

"I will help to carry some of it." says and then he heads inside the camp.

He spends some time talking with other agents, looking for some information that could be of use.

Diplomacy, untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 18 Look at that!

After speaking with few agents he comes back saying

"The cyclops empire of Koloran covered this area of Iobaria until about 10,000 years ago. The ancient cyclopes’ civilization was an incredibly advanced civilization, but their modern descendants are known for violent behavior and a voracious appetite for flesh."