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A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1-4.
Dacilane Academy, located near the Grand Lodge, is a storied institution that sees to the education of many children of Pathfinders. However, the academy’s benefactor, J Dacilane, has recently heard rumors from his students of seven strange phenomena manifesting on campus. Despite his doubts that these are simply the imaginings of students raised on Pathfinder tales, J has called in a favor with the Pathfinder Society to investigate—both to put his students’ minds at ease and for the good learning opportunity a Society report about the school would provide. But are there more to these urban legends than meets the eye?
Written by: Rigby Bendele
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Short, shaggy, and leaning on a staff is a Shoony named Domwurd. A dedicated Pathfinder who has shown a knack for transmutation magic, Domwurd is a notable character in that he's diligent about following the rules and doing the right thing. That said, some agents have noted that his book smarts doesn't always translate into street smarts.
At the moment he's holding a dog-eared tome in his other hand, studying the arcane syllables that glow dimly on its pages. Should anyone interrupt him he's quick the snap the book closed and introduce himself.
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A tall thin man, black of hair and gray of eye enters the waiting area. Black robes with indigo and deep purple accents sway as he moves. A staff is slung across his back while a book similar to Domwurd's is visible in a satchel. A silvery whorl hangs on a similar colored chain around his neck indicating his station in the Church of Pharasma.
Pathfinders joke that Bela almost always meets his god on every mission. If this bothers him, the jokes or near death experiences, it does not show. Bela's outlook on life is like his god's: all things in balance and harmony.
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Brash, impertinent, and full of wit, "Two-Eye" (e'ryone calls me "Two-Eye") is a bit of a popinjay, but is nevertheless a loyal companion to those he trusts. He speaks with an ever-present twinkle in his eye.
Unlike those around him at this time, he bears no books of any kind; but his form does bristle with a variety of blades, a narrow club, and a harnessed small crossbow.
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When the shoony mage leaves, it's a big, hulking iruxi man wearing half-plate that arrives. With a shield strapped to an arm and a trident slung over shoulder, everything about Uthkosh suggests that he is a warrior.
A strong but quiet sort, Uthkosh is a warrior from the sable tip tribe. He is simple but dedicated living in defence of others.
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The creature before you is possibly something out of a nightmare. Barely 3' tall, with a bulbous umbrella like head. It looks like a walking mushroom, if such a thing were possible... Yet there it stands. The head contains numerous lidless, dead-like eyes and a mouth full of sharp, pointy, teeth... Both hands end in claws, one covered with a metal gauntlet, while the other appears to have some sort of metal claws extending outward from the end of its clawed hand. There is a slight odor of rot emanating from the creature. Nothing about this creature seems normal...
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A typical gnome in appearance, she's a bit aloof to start. Her has bright orange hair with black ends. Piercing orange eyes fix you intently, in a nearly started appearance. She has no visible weapons, but you may notice extra fingers on each hand. If she spots you looking at her hands, she puts them in her pockets.
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The iron gates of Dacilane Academy shut the school away from the bustle of Absalom’s Foreign Quarter. J Dacilane stands with the military posture of an Eagle Knight by the gate, checking the time and fiddling with a key on a red ribbon.
“Welcome,” J says with a warm smile. “I appreciate that you took the time out of your schedule to meet me. This may seem like a strange request for field-trained agents, but I need you to investigate the school. There’s a rumor that Dacilane Academy is haunted.” He winces as he adds, “Or cursed.
“The pupils assembled a list of legends about the school for you. Apparently, there are seven secrets of Dacilane Academy. Honestly, most sound like urban legends that the students have picked up from their parents. But, when someone says that they’re in danger, it should be investigated. And a more formal report from the Society would be a great opportunity for the students to see Pathfinder skills in action!
"These hauntings began long before the supposed cursed, so I’m sure they’re mostly mundane occurrences. You’ll probably find the foundation settling, old drafts, and the like. If there’s something more to it, try to excise any spirits or other beasts that stalk the halls. In addition to the transcribed legends, the pupils provided a ghost-hunting kit for your investigation.” J shakes his head as he hands over a leather bag and a thin folder. “You’ll have this evening to do as you please. The school grounds are in use until sunset for extracurricular activities. I don’t want to incite more rumors or scare any of our more promising pupils with armored agents in the halls.
“Oh, and one final thing—please try to limit any damage to the facilities. Be careful.”
J waits for any questions you might have.
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J’s face contorts into a grimace. “Yes, there’s a rumor that the school is cursed. I’ve lived through some hard times and rumors get around. When the academy was renamed in honor of my family, some people said that the name itself was cursed.” He sighs. “I would be much obliged if you could clear my family’s otherwise pristine name.”
"As for any history of deaths or murders, I cannot rightly say. I don't know of any." replies J. "And, yes, there is information for you in the folder. As soon as you are done with questions, I'll give it to you!"
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Two-Eye ponders a moment as J responds to Casey's questions. After, the pirate asks, Lotsa talk about rumors, but to heck with that. I never believe anything I don't see with my own two eyes. Ha! Two-Eye talking about his own two eyes! He laughs uproariously at his own joke before returning to his question. An'body actually see any o' these so-called "hauntings"?
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"I certainly haven't, but I would call them 'mysteries' more than haunts. At least in the technical term, that is. Well, that's the whole point of you being here... to investigate and clear up this once and for all.
"Here, I'll give you the notebook, but do you have any other questions about the academy and its history? Or about me?"
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"The school was established 4643 to educate the children of Society agents. Many agents and venture-captains were concerned about the educational prospects of children being moved between countries on a regular basis. I don’t know the history prior to that, but it’s probably not anything too peculiar."
Bela remembers that the Pathfinder Society purchased the mansion that serves as the school campus several decades ago. During the purchase, the sellers stated that the building was not haunted, a standard disclosure in Absalom real estate transactions.
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"What is your history with the Pathfinder Society?" asks someone.
J replies, “Ever since Society agents rescued me as a child, I’ve been
interested in the work you do. While I did complete part of the agent training, I found my path into the Eagle Knights instead. If it weren’t for the Society rescuing me as a girl, I don’t think I’d be the man I am today!”
To Bela, he replies, "Wasn't so much of of a sale as transfer of ownership. After my grandmother passed away last year, I wanted to memorialize her. Given the Pathfinder Society’s assistance in my childhood, I opted to donate a portion of my inheritance to this school. It was renamed after my family in recognition. I hope that the funding helps provide opportunities for more students.
"But, kids will be kids. I always assumed it was just upperclassmen pulling pranks on the new students. Now, I am not so sure."
He hands the master key to the academy to Bela as well as the ghost hunting kit that the students created (and had confiscated). In it is:
- a vial of holy water
- an oil of potency
- handmade protective amulet with no monetary value, made from air-dry clay with a sigil painted on in gloppy ink (likely produced in the school’s art class).
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The mushroom decides now is the time to speak.
With what might be a toothy grin and a distinctly raspy voice it says, "Seems like we are ready to go... I am not understanding the Undead... But where there is Undead it is usually dark and has rotting stuffs... That I like..."
Leaf also picks up a minor healing potion and follows the other Pathfinders.
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With potions and "ghost fighting" bag in hand, the Pathfinders head to the Dacilane Academy.
Dacilane Academy sits in the Foreign Quarter of Absalom, only a short walk from the Grand Lodge, nestled behind an ivy-draped stone wall with iron gates. The schoolhouse, a former mansion purchased by the Pathfinder Society and converted into classroom space, provides an idyllic setting for pupils to learn.
You make your way to the front gate, only to find it locked. A single-story brick building sits beyond the iron gates. Brick walls and an ornately carved main door give the front entrance a stately appearance. Manicured topiaries and a well-kept lawn provide ample green space that continues between the building and the outer walls to the rear of the estate.
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From a distance the outbuilding just looks like a large shed to Bela.
Two-Eyes opens the doors to the Academy. Bright lights shine in sconces on the wall. Double doors lead to the outside to the north and south, while large windows reveal the grounds of the school to the east and west. Thin wood doors provide access to interior rooms.