A message to all true Pathfinders

[GM Lamplighter]

Greetings, Lodge Sisters and Brothers! Please excuse the assumed name above, but I thought it best to travel incognito. I am Pathfinder Aram bin Kaleel, of Katheer, and I beg your indulgence this day on a matter of import to the entire Society.

“Explore. Report. Cooperate.” These are the three Core Tenants of our Society, drilled into the heads of every Initiate that passes through the doors of the Grand Lodge. Yet when they leave again, their training complete, how many Pathfinders are actually qualified to carry out those core tenants?

• To Explore, a Pathfinder must possess more than lethal skill with a single weapon: one must possess curiosity and skill, self-sufficiency and courage in equal measure.
  
• To Report, a Pathfinder must be at the least literate, and able to express themselves coherently in more than monosyllabic grunts.
  
• To Cooperate requires a certain level of social grace and tact, which seems largely absent in many Pathfinders today.

In my experience, many Pathfinders seem to be either highly-specialized killers or common thugs. On a recent assignment to represent the Society at the marriage of Michellia Blakros, I shudder to think of the damage that could have been caused by a group of brutish oafs with no use beyond murder. Pathfinders are increasingly being used as nothing more than an army against the Society’s enemies, because that is all many of them are suited for. This intolerable situation is an affront to the memory of those who have gone before, whose tales are immortalized in the Chronicles. So: what can be done?

In my country, we have a saying: “It is better to light one lamp, than to sit and curse the darkness.” To do my part in restoring the honor and traditions of the Pathfinder Society, I have decided to become a Lamplighter, and I invite other Pathfinders of like mind to join with me.

I propose the formation of a voluntary, informal organization within the Pathfinder Society, to be known as the Lamplighters, with membership open to any Pathfinder who meets the minimal requirements outlined in the attached Creed. The Lamplighters will have no hierarchy and no leadership; anyone who meets the qualifications may purchase and wear the Lamplighter’s badge upon showing proof of qualification to the vendor.

Benefit of membership in the Lamplighters is intangible, but significant. When you see another agent wearing a Lamplighter badge, you know that you can count on their support and trust them with your life. Similarly, by identifying yourself as a Lamplighter, you will instill confidence in your companions that you can be trusted to complete the mission at hand. Lamplighters will remind other agents, new and old, what it once was to be a Pathfinder, and put the proper emphasis on resourcefulness and versatility outside of just the combat arena.

Let me emphasize: the Lamplighters are not a “shadow Society” trying to change the Pathfinder leadership or mandate. Neither are we a political faction seeking to twist the Society to our own uses. No Lamplighter will ever ask another to obtain a bauble for their upcoming party or to assassinate a personal rival while on Society business. The Lamplighters exist solely as a positive exemplar of the resourcefulness, wit, and skill that built our Society’s glorious history. As such, it operates above such individual agendas. Membership is open to all Pathfinders who honor the Lamplighter's Creed regardless of other political or social affiliations.

I believe that if more agents were as versatile, resourceful and adaptable as our predecessors, then our leadership would see more use for us than as foot soldiers against the Aspis Consortium and other rivals. Join the Lamplighters, and together we will serve as a guiding light for the Society's future.

With humble thanks for your time and consideration, I remain,

Your comrade,
Aram bin Kaleel of Katheer,
Pathfinder

[Aram bin Kaleel]

In order to codify the qualifications to become a Lamplighter, I have set down my thoughts in this matter. I propose that those who yearn as I do for the Society to return to its glory days, offer their own suggestions, so that we may quickly agree upon a list of minimal requirements.

The Lamplighter's Creed

* A Lamplighter is sound of mind and body, with no physical, mental, or social deficiency which would interfere with their duties.
[ooc: No ability score below 10 except those reduced by racial penalties.]

* A Lamplighter is skilled in diplomacy, tact, and effective communication.
[ooc: A Diplomacy skill of at least +2, whether through ranks, high Charisma score, or other permanent, inherent bonus . Bonuses from magical items do not qualify.]

* A Lamplighter is well-trained, knowledgeable, and resourceful.
[ooc: At least a +1 bonus in at least 5 of the following skills: Appraise, Disable Device, Handle Animal, any Knowledge skill, Linguistics, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, Use Magical Device. The bonus can come from any source, so long as it is a permanent, inherent bonus and not a temporary effect.]

* A Lamplighter is always ready for combat, and is trained and equipped for both hand-to-hand and ranged fighting.
[ooc: Proficiency in and ownership of at least one ranged and one melee weapon, even if the character is primarily a non-combat type.]

* A Lamplighter is well-equipped for any eventuality, and ready to travel at a moment’s notice.
[ooc: More of a philosophy than a requirements, since it depends upon budget and prestige. At least some healing that they can use themselves, a back-up weapon with a different damage type, and so on.]

* A Lamplighter puts the success of the mission and the well-being of her comrades ahead of personal gain.

* A Lamplighter keeps no knowledge secret from their Venture-Captain or their comrades.

[Daiyu]

It is apt that you should come onto the Lantern Lodge then. We are familiar not only in name, but being from a foreign continent the nature of our representatives fall in line with your expectations.

[Kuro Poe]

*reads Aram's list*

Kehhhrk. NOPE. I meet these requirements, but I don't much like the idea of spending time with a group who assume that some Pathfinders are somehow *better* than others.

*Gives the list back and heads off to enjoy the company of dumb brutes who hold solid iron portcullis up while the party makes their escape, wizened old wizards who require a walking frame just to get about Absalom but know every historical fact written and good-natured paladins who could sell fur coats to Mwangi tribespeople but couldn't walk from one end of a market to the other without knocking at least four stalls over.*

[The Decemvirate]

We shall keep our eyes on this group. They have drawn our......interest.

[Sunaki Hojo]

*Master Sunaki Hojo takes a seat and ponders Aram bin Kaleel's proposal*

Most intriguing. I agree that those in the Pathfinder Society who are capable understanding social situations, or who are able to find alternative solutions are invaluable. But, it seems to me that it may be overly hasty to rule out those who may be a little bit less willful, charismatic, or intelligent as others. I have had the privilege of adventuring with many a Pathfinder who has been able to overcome a tendency to be gullible, or a significant disfigurement. Why simply look at the leader of the Shadow Lodge. Now unfortunately I must take my leave. I have some Aspis Consortium letters to write for Amara Li.

*With that Sunaki Hojo rises and sling his haversack to his sholder using his beard cackling as he leaves.*

(OOC: I personally think that the requirement of no stat below ten is going to knock a lot of character that are built around social interactions right out. Dervish Dancing builds often only have 8 str, and I know a lot of people who for role playing purposes have made one of their stats an 8)

[Slow Sure Fist]

"Alas, battles with the oni masters of Chu Ye have left me less pristine in presentation", there's only a slight limp in his step - but experienced observers note the extensive care Slow Sure Fist takes to minimize the apparent deficiencies in his movements. "My function is now limited to act as teacher for those around me, and though I cannot hope to qualify for the noble Lamplighters - I can guide them to reach the fullness of their capabilities."

There's a flicker of a pained expression as he settles himself slightly. "Given the exemplary nature of the Lamplighters, I hope to find a willing ear among you: my home country of Chu Ye has been suffering untold terror and bloodshed in the name of its new oni masters. It is an open secret that I'm here as an ambassador on behalf of the Hikari rebels that seek to purge Chu Ye of these tyrannical fiends. Please, fellow Pathfinders, do not turn a blind eye to the destruction of a people, their history and their legacy."

[Aram bin Kaleel, Pathfinder]

Aram bin Kaleel, Pathfinder

Sunaki-san: Many Pathfinders have pointed out the key weakness in my proposal, as have you. I believe that this requirement should be restated to focus not on an Initiate's initial natural ability, but their skill and training. Please, join me at a meeting in Absalom I've arranged to refine the proposal. Here we may gather as comrades, free of the political agendas which dominate meeting places such as this.

Master Fist: Your plight, and that of your people, does not fall upon deaf ears. It is clear that if men such as yourself would be excluded from the Lamplighters, then the criteria are not yet in their final form. As to the horrors occurring in your country, while I have no power to act on behalf of the Society, I will ensure that the troubles in your country are brought to the attention of our superiors. I pray you will also join me at the meeting, to share your wisdom and experience.

Meeting in Absalom: link

[Severed Ronin]

Xanatos Grey, Lantern Lodge Master and Operative of the Pathfinder Society

Aram, I, too, agree that there is much to be discussed before the finalization of the Lamplighters' entry requirements. As such I seek to offer what counsel I can. I meet your criteria for entry, but I do not wish to do so until everyone who truly seeks out this philosophy is allowed to do so. With your leave, I will attend this meeting.

To Lady Amara & The Decemvirate:

I want to make it known to Lady Amara and the Decemvirate that I do not seek to dishonor the lodges that you so reverently oversee. You have shown me nothing but respect and I hope in return I have brought honorable service to the each of you. I seek to continue as such and it is with respect that I inform you of my choice to attend this meeting in Absalom. I will be available should you require use of my abilities.

[CAW KAAWKAAW]

Hello my name is CAW!!!!!! and I am interested in joining

I will admit that I am rather fond of my secrets but I am willing to give up mine to learn yours.

[Kuro Poe]

CAW KAAWKAAW wrote:

Hello my name is CAW!!!!!!

*steps back in horror*

Remember your proud Tengu heritage, Kuro, water running over the stone.
Proud. Tengu. Heritage.
Water running over the stone.
*casts modify memory on self*

[CAW KAAWKAAW]

Kuro Poe wrote:

CAW KAAWKAAW wrote:

Hello my name is CAW!!!!!!

*steps back in horror*

Remember your proud Tengu heritage, Kuro, water running over the stone.
Proud. Tengu. Heritage.
Water running over the stone.
*casts modify memory on self*

CAW!!! was raised by Gnomes Kuro... please tell me more of my Tengu heritage, that would make CAW!!! happy

[Kuro Poe]

Well, first of all, by Tengu standards your name is kind of silly.
It'd be like meeting a human who was named "Weather's lookin' good."
You look more like a Harrekek or a Kenju to me. Good performer name! Cawwwww.

Caw! is not a name - it is an expression of being.
I caw because there is no word in Tengu that expresses my glee in being alive, and feeling the wind ruffle my feathers on a windy day.

I recommend taking a trip up to the mountains at least once every two months - too much city life makes you a trash-pecker, and makes you forget the old ways.

It is not really for me to instruct you - I may be a Master of the Lodge, but in Tengu society, I am merely one who is good at swordplay but bad at scavenging. You should find an Elder. Some Tengu advanced in years, who has lived a long life. They can tell you much more.

For what it's worth, the other races will see you as flippant and self-interested. Maybe a little gaudy. Let them think that. Their eyes are positioned all wrong on their head and they cannot truly perceive as we do.

[Saki Badgrave]

"hey guys an girls what's this i haven't been to the loge this long and see what happens, laddy or scotty or what ever you like to be called?" " "my name is Saki badgrave, and what you seek is in this faction so just join up lad and be part of the crew, other wise just don't complain about it" " now " oh wait a min you have somthing up your sleeve thats good hold on while i read all the posts before me hold on!" what ever it is i am join it and bringing a long a freind of mine hold on this sounds fun hic yea "

[Shamus Woodgear]

Weathers lookinggood...

Now i know what to name the next human baby i come across.

[Genuine]

The true loyalty of a Lamplighter is to the Society. We are more honorable than mere thieving Sczarni and skulking Shadow Lodge members. Our loyalties are not divided by our homelands, like those of Taldor, Andoran, Qadira, Osiron, and Cheliax. The noble ideals of the Silver Crusade and Lantern Lodge can draw us away from the purposes of the Pathfinder Society. Not even the Decemvirate should draw us away from our efforts to enhance the Society.

The Pathfinder Society is and aught to be preeminent throughout Golarion, and it is our duty to propel the society to a point where no nation, no organization, and no cult can stand in our way. Already our agents are spread throughout the world, bringing wealth and knowledge home. Those same agents have succeeded in defeating our enemies time and time again. And yet our reputation suffers.

We are not mere thugs, nor are we mercenaries. We work for something higher, and while force of arms and death can help us obtain that goal, we are reaching a point where that brutal reputation runs counter to the very nature of our being.

The Lamplighters aim to defeat our enemies at every turn, and we will ensure that those enemies know that they have been defeated. Some say that an enemy is only defeated when they are dead, but we remember that a living enemy will spread word of our strength in ways that a dead one cannot. We remember that the favor of mercy is a coin that we can use to influence powers in Golarion.

The Lamplighters aim to enhance the power of the Pathfinder Society, through any means possible. Some say that power comes only at the tip of a blade, or at the chink of gold on gold. We remember that power is anything that helps us obtain our desires. We collect favors, we lie, we blackmail, we betray, we keep promises, we enforce contracts, and we find friends and allies where ever we go.

The Lamplighters remember always the reputation of the Pathfinder Society. We avoid giving offense to even our worst enemies, and we cultivate a silver tongue. We learn the customs and beliefs of the cultures and cities that we visit in our travels.

The Pathfinder Society, its power, and its reputation is supreme. We will make the Society as important to the entire world as it already is in Absolom.

Meta-Thoughts:

First off - has anyone considered calling this concept faction/ideal the Torchbearers, rather than Lanternlighters? Just a thought.

Obviously, the lamplighters try to avoid combat when possible. When combat is unavoidable, we capture or otherwise spare our foes. A slain enemy is a failure of purpose.

Similarly, the use of diplomacy to make friends whenever possible is always desirable. Cementing inter-personal alliances should be paramount. Even a person decides they don't like the society and probably never will, blackmail, bribery or any other levers on the person is an acceptable way to secure their ongoing aid.

Skills like bluff, diplomacy, intimidate, sense motive, and linguistics are sought after by the Lamplighters.

[Nazu the Blade]

Pathfinder Kaleel, I appreciate the philosophies espoused here and shall endeavor to embody them as best I can. I am glad that the tenants of culture and civility are being upheld in this time of upheaval. Perhaps in the future, though we may find ourselves in different lodges, those who trust in this Lamplighter Creed will find each other and support it's growth. Till then.

[Nazu the Blade]

Genuine wrote:

Meta-Thoughts:

First off - has anyone considered calling this concept faction/ideal the Torchbearers, rather than Lanternlighters? Just a thought.
Obviously, the lamplighters try to avoid combat when possible. When combat is unavoidable, we capture or otherwise spare our foes. A slain enemy is a failure of purpose.

Similarly, the use of diplomacy to make friends whenever possible is always desirable. Cementing inter-personal alliances should be paramount. Even a person decides they don't like the society and probably never will, blackmail, bribery or any other levers on the person is an acceptable way to secure their ongoing aid.

Skills like bluff, diplomacy, intimidate, sense motive, and linguistics are sought after by the Lamplighters.

Meta discussion:

I also think 'torchbearers' has a sounds slightly better than 'lamplighters', though who knows, if the Lantern lodge morphs into an informal clique of sophisticates, maybe they will be "Lantern Lighters".