Founded in 4307 AR, the Pathfinder Society began as a casual club of adventurer. The first meeting place was a bar in Absalom called the Wounded Wisp though the meeting locations changed frequently in the years that followed. Nevertheless, the incredible stories shared among members at these early meetings became popular forms of entertainment among the public as well.
Within a decade the Pathfinder Society had published its first compilation of discoveries entitled, the Pathfinder Chronicles. The first edition of the Pathfinder Chronicles became wildly successful and began the Society's tradition of publishing the best of its members' exploits. In the nearly four centuries since, members of the Pathfinder Society have aspired to undertake adventures worthy of publication in the Chronicles.
As the organization grew, a council of ten directors called the Decemvirate was formed to help organize its growing interests, and to shape the future of the Pathfinders. As the Society grew in wealth and power, the Decemvirate decided that for its own security and safety its members would mask themselves to hide their identities, even from other Pathfinders. The membership of the Decemvirate has presumably changed many times over the last 400 years, although their identities or even how they are chosen remain mysteries to nearly all Pathfinders as well as the general public.
Today, the Pathfinder Society is a globe-spanning organization based out of Absalom, the City at the Center of the World. The membership consists primarily of adventurers who travel throughout Golarion—usually inconspicuously—and explore, delve, and otherwise experience the lesser-seen parts of the world. They send journals documenting their travels back to their venture-captains, who also assigns them new missions and suggests new places to explore.
Each new mission is an opportunity to learn more about the world and, perhaps, the Society as well.
In accordance with your duties as agents of the Pathfinder Society, you have each recently received a copy of a map and a missive by the Master of Scrolls, Venture-Captain Kreighton Shane.
You all have been booked passage to the City of Korvosa via ship. During the trip, you have plenty of time to get acquainted with your fellow agents.
Also, please fill out the requested information on Slides.
As the Pathfinders contemplate their arrival in at the museum mentioned in the Shane's missive, they may wish to research the City, the Shoanti, and Montlarion Jeggare before arriving at the museum.
You have learned that Fort Korvosa was constructed by Chelish marines under the command of Field Marshal Jakthion Korvosa. Once completed, it served as a defensive position from which settlers and explorers would enter Varisia. Korvosa has since become a major cosmopolitan city. Imps, otyughs, and shrew flies pose concerns for unsuspecting visitors.
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Korvosa? Sounds like a long ways away…
Reading the note in his room, Cith shakes his head at it being another sea voyage. Guess I should really expect this given Absalom is an island.
In the morning he packs his things and guides his mule to the ship. There he makes sure that the ship can care for the mule on the trip.
Once aboard the ship with his equipment stowed, he takes up position at the railing where he can see people as they approach the ship. His studded leather armor and all of his gear looks as if it was just cleaned. He tends to lean against the longspear when standing.
He takes the time to greet each person as they board. “Hello, I’m Cith! It seems we will be traveling together for a while.” With those that have a wayfinder or other symbol of their membership visible, he adds “I am also with the Pathfinder Society. Are you part of the group I am to work with at the museum?” With others he shares his destination and asks where they are heading.
He takes time chatting with each of the passengers, regardless of if they are a member of the Pathfinder Society or not.
During the trip, he does ask various people if they know anything related to the mystery he will be working on.
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"Greetings Cith, I am Gaius Marius of Taldor! Yes we have quite the journey just to reach our destination before beginning the mission given to us by the Pathfinder Society. I am a librarian in my free time so perhaps that's why the Society wanted me since we'll be working in a museum - at least to start."
"Ah so that's how Montlarion Jeggare became a famous explorer! How interesting! And now his ancestor is the curator of the museum we're visiting. Thank you for the information, I'm sure it will prove useful."
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Listening while taking notes is an odd-looking human woman. Her hair is disheveled and pulled back out of her eyes. She has green dyed hair with purple highlights, with dark pink eye shadow around her vulpine looking yellow eyes. A beautiful white owl sits perched on her shoulder and they can often seen communicating with eachother. She seems a little nervous during the briefing, and thinks about speaking up, but decides against it.
I'm Hagathe and this is Yuki, we were asked to come here for our first mission, because they believed this to be a good mission for my skills. I'm excited to uncover what I can.
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I wonder if I will finally be able to clear Eylysia from there horrid rumors that plague her and her family. Slowly making his way into the room is a very old short man with long white beard with ponytails keeping it together. He is completely bald and walks with the help of a staff. Dag nabit I can barely get through here.
"Oh hello there young ones" he says slowly. "I am Silver. I hope to keep you all living as old as me" He says with laugh and then into a small cough.
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A medium sized female approaches the group with a serious demeanor and sharp purple eyes that inspect each member carefully. She is well kept, wearing heavy armor, and welding a freshly polished great axe. Dark red curls can be seen spilling from the sides of her helmet.
"Greeting fellow comrades. It would appear you have also been recruited by the society.
Her voice is friendly and sincere, despite the stern facial expression.
She listens to Cith as he recaps the information he has gathered.
"Interesting, your investigation was quite fruitful."
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Cith is happy to meet Silver and Patty.
He tells Silver “Oh, I’m so glad your hair color is from age rather than the bleaching! Living a long and exciting life does sound like a blessing, thank you!”
To Patty, he grins and says “Most people like talking to me.”
He then leans against the railing and says “So Gaius here said he is a scholar. My own skills are in the occult magics. Don’t expect me to hit very often with this!” he says, indicating his longspear. Twitching his nose, he adds “I am also capable of smelling things that escape the attention of many. This can be quite unfortunate when the assignment involves traipsing though the sewers!”
“What skills do each of you have?”
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Mina looks at the others in the room with a warm smile.
"I really have to admit ... I am absolutely intrigued by Korvosa!!!" she says with genuine interest.
She walks with slow steps and it is obvious that this gracile and beautiful woman knows her worth.
"Greetings to you all." she says to you all.
She is wearing a chain shirt armor and fashionable clothing that still serves as functional adventure gear. She also carries a backpack.
“Mina Asal is my name. And I have never been here before.“ she says.
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“Welcome, Mina! My name is Cith.” If people are slow to introduce themselves, he will start gesturing and giving the names of the other members of the group.
During the voyage, if anyone wants an introduction to someone they will find Cith happy to provide it — introducing themselves first if they somehow haven’t met the person yet. It is obvious that Cith wants to meet every person on the ship.
Having grown acquainted en route to the city, you arrive in the City of Korvosa per the directive of the Master of Scrolls. The largest city found in the wilderness area known as Varisia, and the seat of one of three city-states that claim independent authority over their individual holdings in the region. Moving through the city, you make your way to the Heights district where the striking marble edifices of the Jeggare Museum rise above the surrounding terrain.
Upon arrival, atop the grand stone stairway that leads to the museum's prominent grand entryway, you are greeted by a red-haired man sporting spectacles and well-kept beard.
“Welcome to my museum, Pathfinders! I am Mercival Jeggare, the head curator.” declares the portly man adorned in a frock coat and ruffled blouse. The scholarly figure gestures toward a grand entryway dotted with displays of weapons, artwork, and fossilized remains. “Come in, come in! Always a pleasure to host members of the Society. I assume this is in regards to the missive I received from Mr. Shane?”
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“A delight to meet you, Curator Jeggare! I am Cith.” He will give others a chance to introduce themselves then introduces anyone who was shy.
“I am not aware of what your missive says, but yes we are here to inspect your relics at Kreighton Shane’s request. We hope to find a clue to a mystery of the past in one of them!”
“I am not aware of what your missive says, but yes we are here to inspect your relics at Kreighton Shane’s request. We hope to find a clue to a mystery of the past in one of them!”
"Yes, yes, well--," the curator responds somewhat awkwardly, "I, of course, did not expect you to have actually read the missive, but the Venerable Kreighton Shane did request that I grant the Pathfinder Society access to certain portions of the museum's collection--primarily those artifacts that had once been part of the private acquisitions of my esteemed ancestor, Montlarion Jeggare."
"You will be happy to know that I have, indeed, agreed to grant such access. And, of course, I'd be most happy to give you a personal tour of my museum, if you'd so choose. My museum's collection is quite extensive, you'll find, and continues to grow," he notes with a particularly pleased look. "Tell me, where would you like to begin?"
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"Yes, yes, well--," the curator responds somewhat awkwardly, "I, of course, did not expect you to have actually read the missive, but the Venerable Kreighton Shane did request that I grant the Pathfinder Society access to certain portions of the museum's collection--primarily those artifacts that had once been part of the private acquisitions of my esteemed ancestor, Montlarion Jeggare.""You will be happy to know that I have, indeed, agreed to grant such access. And, of course, I'd be most happy to give you a personal tour of my museum, if you'd so choose. My museum's collection is quite extensive, you'll find, and continues to grow," he notes with a particularly pleased look. "Tell me, where would you like to begin?"
"If possible we would also like to examine any journals or maps your esteemed ancestor Montlarion Jeggare made during his career, particularly any involving Varisia."
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The old man looks worn out from wearing his armor for so long. He is putting alot of his weight on his walking stick and occasionally bumps into stuff with his bad eye sight
"Might have to stop a few times so I can rest" He says as he tries to look around for a seat. "Not like I can see anything anyway"
“Oh, a tour sounds wonderful!” Cith looks to the rest of you, to see if there are any objections.
"The pleasure is mine," assures the curator. "This way, please."
”This is a really nice museum!“
“Most of the exhibits displayed here were collected by my family and ancestors," boasts Jeggare as he ushers you through the main gallery.
A quiet voice pipes up in a raspy matter of fact tone. Lets start with your oldest relics and work from there?
"The origins of my family collection goes back quite far in time, indeed!" he responds with pleasure. "Antiques from Korvosa’s founding, vestiges of conquered Shoanti tribes, and ancient rune-etched artifacts account for the bulk of the collection. In recent years, the collection’s expanded to include treasures from other all over Golarion. Why just this morning, we procured several Tian antiquities!"
As she detects magic Hagathe notes a few magical auras, but begins to suspect that some of the displays contain replicas of actual magical items.
"If possible we would also like to examine any journals or maps your esteemed ancestor Montlarion Jeggare made during his career, particularly any involving Varisia."
"Presently, some personal effects of the esteemed Montlarion Jeggare, which you just described, are undergoing restoration for public debut. They are currently stored in the restoration room." notes the curator. "Fortunately, the stairwell leading there is not far, just past the gallery ahead--which, I might add, just so happens to hold our largest collection of Shoanti artifacts!"
Patty's armor clangs and echos as she walks though the museum.
Hearing the noise proceeding from the armored Pathfinders, the curator mutters to himself, "I will have to remember to ask one of the staff if there are any charges remaining in that wand of silence. No sense in having these guests driving away the others."
He looks around quickly, hoping to flag down a staff member. Finding no staff, but also noting no other patrons in the area either, he resolves instead to simply move the Pathfinders through to the downstairs quickly.
"Might have to stop a few times so I can rest" He says as he tries to look around for a seat. "Not like I can see anything anyway"
“Oh?” Jeggare replies, turning around to set his eyes upon the gnome. “OH!” he then cries as he rushes to right a jostled vase.
His nerves clearly beginning to fray, the curator leads the party into an expansive gallery illuminated by the sizable skylights overhead. The western and eastern walls of the gallery are lined with exhibits, which are displayed within decorative alcoves. Among them are several wooden totems and tools. More wood-carved pieces rest within a raised exhibition area to the north.
A massive glass-walled case dominates the center of the gallery and holds three bound volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles. To the south, a table bears two metal chests as another holds two wooden reliefs.
Suddenly, there is a resounding *CRACK* followed by a cascade of wood dust heralding the fall of one of the enormous glass skylights before it shatters upon the marbled floor.
Even as shards of glass skitter across the stone floor, a cloud of buzzing insects pours into the gallery, splitting off into two sizable masses.
"Shrew flies! Those pests will devour whatever they can!" Jeggare cries out in horror. He then implores you. "Please, I beg of you! Hold them off! Protect the artifacts until I have had a chance to retrieve a means to deal with these ravagers!"
The curator rushes towards the exit of the gallery even as the flying hordes approach.
These are indeed swarms of shrew flies! These insects are drawn to items as food.
Map of Gallery now revealed on Slides.
THE MUSEUM IS ABUZZ! - Round One Begins!
Phatty
Cith
Gaius
Swarm (blue)
Holy
Mina
Hagathe
Swarm (red)
Cith rushes up to the red flies. Taking a moment to glare at them, he then tries stabbing with his spear.
The mass of thousands of miniscule insects readily moves out of the way of the spear thrust. Neither the spearhead nor shaft connect with any of the bugs. Even if it had done so, it looks like even a good swat would have virtually no effect on the swarming mass of insects as a whole.
THE MUSEUM IS ABUZZ! - Round One Cont'd!
Phatty
Cith
Gaius
Swarm (blue)
Holy
Mina
Hagathe
Swarm (red)
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Hagathe inspects the swarm quickly and immediately discerns the creatures Its a swarm of Shrew flies, they will devour everything made of wood or paper. I would advise something with an area of effect to damage, those that can't do that should try to grab relics and move them away from the swarms. She says bluntly.
Hagathe inspects the swarm quickly and immediately discerns the creatures Its a swarm of Shrew flies, they will devour everything made of wood or paper.
Hagathe confirms that, as a swarm consisting of about ten thousand miniscule insects, it cannot be harmed by most mundane weapons or certain forms of magic. However, a good wind could blow the winged creatures away.
Gaius moves forward and draws an Alchemist's Fire to use on the Blue swarm.
Gaius knows that a swarm of flying very tiny, flying insects can be incredibly difficult to strike and that anyone that finds themselves with such a mass of insects runs the risk of being distracted.
One of the swarming masses of shrew flies descends upon one of the artifacts, attempting to devour it.
THE MUSEUM IS ABUZZ! - Round One Cont'd!
Phatty
Cith
Gaius
Swarm (blue)
Holy
Mina
Hagathe
Swarm (red)
Damaged Artifacts
Orange -2 HP
As the Pathfinders approach, the other swarm of shrew flies begins to alight upon another artifact and engage in consumption.
The artifact is nearly devoured in seconds!
THE MUSEUM IS ABUZZ! - Round Two Begins!
Phatty
Cith
Gaius
Swarm (blue)
Holy
Mina
Hagathe
Swarm (red)
Damaged Artifacts
Orange -5 HP
He glares at the bugs. “Stupid insects, go away!”
The party is aware that the swarm is immune to mind-affecting effects
Gaius, enraged at the desecration of the museum (a place of learning not unlike a library), decrees a Judgement be made against the Blue swarm in the name of 'Justice' and hurls an Alchemist's Fire at it!
The fast moving insects manage to avoid the hurled vial.
The vial clatters against the floor, but manages to splash a few of the nearby bugs.
With the remaining shrew flies provoked by the burnt remains of their own kind, they turn and swarm the nearest Pathfinders.
[ooc]Both Gaius and Mina must succeed at a DC 12 Fortitude save or be nauseated for one round.
THE MUSEUM IS ABUZZ! - Round Two Cont'd!
Phatty
Cith
Gaius -4 HP
Swarm (blue) -2 HP
Holy
Mina -4 HP
Hagathe
Swarm (red)
Damaged Artifacts
Orange -5 HP
Mina 5 ft steps out and throws the acid!
The vial fails to strike the intended portion of the swarm.
The vial strikes another portion of the swarm, but also splashing Gaius.
THE MUSEUM IS ABUZZ! - Round Two Cont'd!
Phatty
Cith
Gaius -5 HP
Swarm (blue) -8 HP
Holy
Mina -4 HP
Hagathe
Swarm (red)
Damaged Artifacts
Orange -5 HP
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Hagathe calls out to the Curator to help them. Mercival if these are your family heirlooms then don't just stand there, help us save them! let She then turns her attention towards the swarm and lobs the flask. She takes a diagonal 5ft step up to the Swarm and aims for the portion closest to her but just past Cith, hoping not to hit him.
She then turns her attention towards the swarm and lobs the flask. She takes a diagonal 5ft step up to the Swarm and aims for the portion closest to her but just past Cith, hoping not to hit him.
The curator is presently no where to be seen, but presumably is addressing the issue in his own way.
The vial misses its intended target.
Upon shattering on the floor, acid splashes onto the swarm and Cith.
THE MUSEUM IS ABUZZ! - Round Two Cont'd!
Phatty
Cith -1 HP
Gaius -5 HP
Swarm (blue) -11 HP
Holy
Mina -4 HP
Hagathe
Swarm (red) -2 HP
Damaged Artifacts
Orange -5 HP