The invitation 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.” The Pig’s Paunch is a run-down building with a faded sign of a large pig standing on its hind legs, with 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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Archibald, a tall man with red hair and eyes, stands and claps his hands together loudly. Squints in the direction of the bar and yells. Five drinks, please! Oh, by the by, I am Archibald Wrathburn the 5th. Archibald looks around the table. You should be writing this down. Anywho my friends call me Archie, so you may call me Archibald Wrathburn the 5th.
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A tall, gangly man dressed in plain clothes and sporting a black and silver cane settles himself at the table as well. A pleasure to meet you, Sir Archibald. I am Al'tair Al Banah.I'm looking forward to working with you all. He looks to be on the far side of his prime with laugh lines softening his eyes and streaks of grey lining his hair from his temples. Taking a moment to scan the disorderly tavern he chuckles, thinking to himself, Charming.
Stretching his legs before him and settling his gaze on Janira Al'tair tilts his head and says, Hello, lass. You're going to be our tour guide then? Exciting. So tell me, is there a town nearby for us to get supplies from or should we equip ourselves for a long excursion? Oh, and did you happen to find anything at all in there, besides the lack of gillmen?
A Half-Elf barmaid dressed in a plain, low cut blouse delivers a plate of 5 tankards to the table, leaning farther down than necessary when she serves the drinks. As Archibald reaches into his pouch to retrieve payment the Half-Elf winks and waves her hand. "A Pathfinder doesn't have to pay for drinks at The Pig's Paunch." She gives a charming half-smile before being called away by another of the bar's many patrons.
When addressed, Janira's eyes light up in excitement. "Yes, I will be leading you to the caves. They're near enough that we can reach them by foot, albeit at a day's march. I didn't find anything when I investigated, but I think we'll have better luck this time!" There's a spark of interest in her eyes as she looks over the Pathfinders who have arrived so far. The halfling woman stands just under 3 feet tall, beaming up at her comrades. "As Pathfinders it's important for us to understand and know each other." The trademark Halfling curiosity is already showing through as she looks up at her allies. "What made you all want to be Pathfinders?"
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Archibald winks back at the barmaid. I respect the respect Al'tair, cheers. Archibald hands one of the 5 tankards towards Al'tair. fair lass, if I'm to be completely honest, I got tired of doing nothing with my life, and failing at it. So I'm here to use what little talent i have before I outgrow it. Archibald then downs his tankard.
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Al'tair's attention is diverted by the bar maid to whom he casts a smile and wink before taking the offered tankard. "It seems I'll be coming here far more often. Cheers." as he too toasts and drinks.
After licking his lips clean he turns back to the excited halfling. "I suppose you could say I'm searching for something. Then again, aren't we all?" His answer with an enigmatic smile. "But what of you? What skills will you be bringing on our little adventure?"
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A gangly looking young man walks over to the table, a tankard in each hand,"Hello all, I believe this is the table I'm supposed to be at? Call me Grennex," he looks up at the large scowling man, "and if anyone is going to protect anyone around here it will be me. No offense."
Janira beams at Archibald. "That's the spirit! The Pathfinder Society is the perfect place to hone your potential and make a name for yourself, I'm honored to call you an ally!" She grabs one of the tankards and clinks it to Archibald's, drinking deep as Altair begins his introduction. When he finishes, Janira frowns slightly, disappointed by the enigmatic response. "Well that doesn't tell us much at all."
Janira straightens up slightly, standing as tall as her small frame allowed. "Janira Gavix at your service, future Pathfinder extraordinaire!" She gives a mock salute and sloshes some of her ale onto the floor, but pays it no mind. "I'm a bard, and quite a good one at that!
As more of the Pathfinders begin flocking in she eagerly gestures for them."Yes, sit, join us!" Janira motions to one of the empty seats, waving a small gloved hand. "It's your confirmation too after all! It's a pleasure to meet you, Ving and Gennex. And err... Bob. I hope to learn more about you all as we travel, it's the spirit of the Pathfinders after all." Janira holds up three fingers, wiggling them happily. "Explore, Report, Cooperate." She says it as if she's reciting something she's heard from teachers her whole life. "The Three Orders of the Pathfinders. So it's important that we always share our skills, knowledges, and abilities! Hiding them can get allies killed, and we don't want that."
She chuckles to herself, cheeks beginning to glow slightly red. "Oops, I guess I rambled a bit there. Anyway." She straightens back up, finishes her drink, and leans forward over the table. "On to the details of the mission at hand. 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.”
Janira's eyes are wide with excitement as she looks around the table. "Well, any questions?"
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.
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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After listening to Janira ramble Grennex clears his throat, "I'm a fighter I guess, or well the opposite a defender. I'm good at taking hits not so much at hitting other things." He takes a long pull from one of his tankards. "I don't know alot about history or nothing, but once we get inside the cave I should be able to keep us from getting lost."
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Al'tair gives a good-natured roll of his eyes at the comment about his lack of information but stays quiet to listen to Janira's explanation. "No, I'm rather clueless about the area myself. This is my first time in Absalom, after all. If you really MUST know I hail from Katheer, the capitol of Qadira. My family have been merchants for generations, though I don't feel that's my path any more. That said those years in the shop taught me to be quite persuasive.. and being a mesmerist helps." He says this last with a wink at the halfling.
"As for the matter at hand the timing with the full moon could mean many things. Perhaps there's some hidden pool only accessible at the highest tides. Or they're going for some sort of magical ritual. Either way we won't find out here. If it's as much as a trek as you say we shouldn't dawdle." He stands and finishes off his tanker. "Shall we gather our fear and meet at the city gates in, say, half an hour?"
Janira's eyes sparkle when Altair mentions that he's a Mesmerist. "Truly? I've never adventured with anyone versed in psychic magic, I'm eager to see what you can do! And," She turns to face Grennex, "I'm also excited to see a brave knight such as yourself in combat, though hopefully we won't need to battle."
When Archibald asks about "Mr.Gulman," Janira gives an amused snort. "Not Gulman, Sir Archibald, Gillmen. The gillmen are a humanoid race much like humans save for the three piscine gills on both sides of their necks. They’re a little secretive but not outright hostile. Most live in or near the water.”
At the mention of heading out, Janira shakes her head. "Not yet I'm afraid, we're still awaiting a final Pathfinder. They should be here any moment though..." She looks around the smoky tavern, scanning the bar's patrons.
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Some with sharp ears may first hear the soft foot prints rushing towards the group before seeing the short man in monks robes. His pitch black skin makes it difficult to discern specific features, not to mention the swirling air currents surrounding his body like a protective orb. As he comes to halt at the table he bends over huffing for breath."I am...sorry...I'm late", he manages to get out to the group. A glimpse at the back of his neck reveals brilliant white symbols etched into his skin.
Having finally caught his breath, he stands up straight and looks over the group. Jeesh, gramps wasn't kidding. My eyes hurt just looking at all these light skinned giants. The wind begins to come alive and pick up dust from the surroundings as it dances around him again. My apologies for interrupting. I believe I am supposed to joining you fine folks for the uh...Confirmation? I am terribly new to the area...or anywhere outside my community's borders. Forgive me, where are my manners. My name is Daratas Blackstar."Daratas pauses to give a respectful bow.
I hope to become a successful entrepreneur someday. I might be absentminded of the area, but I know much about nature and languages. He looks towards Ving Dhan, greeting him personally in Tengu. I should also mention I might be a tad slower than you long legged folks. Should I obtain a mount of some kind for our journey?
Janira grins as Daratas approaches, watching in wide-eyed wonder as the winds dance around him. "Welcome Daratas Blackstar!" She gives him a firm handshake, the two standing at near identical heights. "It will not be a hard march, you'll be able to keep up fine. I'm afraid for this there's a reason we aren't traveling by horse; the area we’re heading to is controlled by a large centaur tribe. If we cross paths with any of them, they’ll see the horses as an affront and might become dangerously unfriendly. Our mission is to explore the caves and investigate the gillmen activity, not fight the local populace.”
She looks around at the gathered group with a smile. "Now then, I think Altair is right. Let's gather our gear and depart, the sooner we arrive at the caves, the better. Be sure to bring whatever you may need, and something to take notes with as well! As Pathfinders it's important that we report our findings accurately. As Master Shaine says, 'it’s as difficult to remember what one had for breakfast several days before as it is to recall exactly what one was thinking while studying an inscription.'"
With that the Halfling woman gives a small salute. "I will see you at the city gates in a half hour, future Pathfinders!"
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Grennex blushes at being called a knight. He finishes his tankards and takes them back to the bar. He retrieves his gear from a nearby table and begins strapping on his armor. "Well it seems I need to make a stop and buy some paper." He struggles with a few straps but quickly finishes, a slight sheen of sweat on his brow.
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Daratas gives a return salute to Janira. His eyes brighten, and the hints of smile appear at the corners of his mouth. 'At least everyone isn't a giant around here' he muses to himself. "I suppose I could do with a journal to record our journey. Typically we Wayang immortalize our victories with ritualistic tattoos, starting with our names", he points to the back of his neck."However, it would be rather unpleasant to skin myself should my story ever become worth gold as a memoir.
Patting his backpack, Daratas gives a quick list of his supplies. I got some basic utility items. Dagger, fishhooks, a flint and steel, a sewing needle, a signal whistle, 50 feet of string, 50 feet of thread. Given my dark vision and stealth prone nature, I do not plan to purchase any light sources or fancy equipment. If anyone needs to borrow gold to get something, I am sure we could work out reasonable loan rate though."
When Archibald asks about "Mr.Gulman," Janira gives an amused snort. "Not Gulman, Sir Archibald, Gillmen. The gillmen are a humanoid race much like humans save for the three piscine gills on both sides of their necks. They’re a little secretive but not outright hostile. Most live in or near the water.”
"That’s exactly what you are being asked to find out. The only known permanent surface settlement of the gillmen is in Escadar. Why they’re venturing into the foothills of the Kortos Mounts is a mystery.”
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Al'tair stops short in leaving as Daratas rushes in, seemingly amused. This is certainly shaping up to be an interesting group. he thinks to himself as chaos ensues for a few minutes. He leans into his cane until it quiets a bit then says to Bob, "The caves are about a day from here. We won't have to pack heavy."
He starts making his way to the door then, but before he reaches it he calls back, "I'll be grabbing some basic camping gear for the trip. Beyond that any mapping tools might be good to pick up, too." And with that he gives a wave and departs.
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As Archie waits by the gate He attempts to write a short story musing about how poor Mr. Gulman would have come to trap himself within the caves. Perhaps he was chasing someone, or someone was chasing him, perhaps it's a metaphor for... Why am I so insufferably terrible at this! His piece of parchment burns up in frustration in his hands. Archibald then begins to ready his spells for the day, acting, poorly I might add, like there is something in both of his eyes and that he is not crying pathetically at the gate.
The first phase of their Confirmation takes the party through Absalom, leads across the Cairnlands, along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts, and culminates at the cave entrance noted in Janira’s Confirmation report. The journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident, and the long trek across the Cairnlands provides a great opportunity to discuss Master Shane’s class on the history of Absalom. Most of the journey is uneventful, Janira points out landmarks such as siege towers, distant mountains, or distinct flora and fauna along the journey.
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Daratas stays at the rear of the group during the trek. He lags behind now and again, his body seems to automatically stray towards darker paths that offer more shadows.
When Janira begins discussing the various plants and animals of the area his ears perk up. He hustles to catch up to the halfling, listening carefully to see if recognizes any.
"Are any of them rare, or possibly valuable as a trade good?". He asks Janira. As he waits for her answer, he opens his pack, digs about, and pulls out a wrapped journal along with an inkpen.
He begins trying to write in the book, holding his pen in a very awkward manner. 'I am beginning to think this won't be just like our scarification irons. How are you supposed to even grip these things?'. His face grows even more shocked when nothing will write on the page, failing to realize the purpose of the ink vial included in the kit. The sadness on his face disappears as he remembers something.
Scurrying over to Archibald, he gives a polite bow. "Excuse me, my good companion. Didn't I see you using one of these trick writing tools? Does it require magic of some kind?"
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ah my dear boy, the written word is a magic unlike any other Archibald says to Daratas. He takes the vial and the quill and begins to write. you have to woo it, court it, but above al- Archibald then spills some ink onto his already tattered cloak. RAGGLE FRAGGLE, fine! You dip the quill in the ink and then you write on the paper. And then you fail miserably for years and finally learn magic to make ends meat. SIGH, I hope you have better luck my friend In frustration Archibald checks his notes on the historical significance of the path they travel.
Janira responds with a chuckle. "I'm afraid not, we're an hour by horse away from the largest city in the world, plants of use and value have become harvested to the point of becoming near worthless. The-"
Her speech is cut off as there's a crash in the nearby wood and the sound of trees falling. Wildlife scatters in all directions as...
...Three giant fleas emerge from the underbrush, their large insect bodies skittering across the forest floor with ease. They seem to be running from the noise but upon seeing the party they rush forward to fight off the intruders!
Janira
Ving Dahn
Daratas
Grennex
Giant Flea A
Bob The Great
Archibald
Giant Flea B
Altair
Giant Flea C
Janira's reflexes kick in almost automatically as she instinctively rolls into the nearby brush. There's a hint of excitement in her voice as she calls out to the Pathfinders, "This will be your first trial initiates, show these bugs what a Pathfinder can do! The blood of greatness pulses through your veins, and the legacy of heroes is on your shoulders! Like our noble legends of old, your own path is beginning to blaze forward!" Her words of encouragement stoke a fire in your chests, as if filling you with power.
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Daratas scans the area, identifying the location of the three giant flees. The winds around him begin swirling furiously as he rushes up behind Grennex. 'Yikes, I don't want these monstrosities getting a whiff of my scent'.
"You make a good wall friend. You protect my front, and I will protect you from the back. Let me know if you need me to push them around a little too." Daratas calls out to Grennex. His feet take stance, and his hands trail through the air in quick formation before one arm draws back.
The flea takes a massive leap off of its hindlegs and begins to rocket forward towards Altair, but partway through its jump it gets blasted by a burst of wind from Daratas! With a crash its body falls into the underbrush, kicking up dirt and leaves as it lands in the woods.
Janira
Ving Dahn
Daratas
Grennex
Giant Flea Red (Down)
Bob The Great
Archibald
Giant Flea Blue
Altair
Giant Flea Green
Archibald's hand explodes with force as a bolt of magic shoots across the battlefield near instantly, striking the insect vermin directly. The magic rips through the creature, causing its body to explode in a shower of off-color viscera accompanied by an unpleasant
The only remaining flea crouches momentarily then rockets into the sky, arcing over the trees and barreling forward so as to come down with teeth bared at Ving!
The bug narrowly misses Ving, its disgusting brown body landing squarely in front of the party.
Janira
Ving Dahn
Grennex
Daratas
Giant Flea Red
Bob The Great
Archibald
Giant Flea Blue
Altair
Giant Flea Green