As the "PFS AP," I was hoping for some information about the joining process for the Society.
Does anyone have any references for ceremonies, oaths, obligations, or anything similar that can be used to put together a scene for PCs joining the Society?
As the "PFS AP," I was hoping for some information about the joining process for the Society.
Does anyone have any references for ceremonies, oaths, obligations, or anything similar that can be used to put together a scene for PCs joining the Society?
There's some light description of this kind of thing in the PF1 book "Seeker of Secrets." IIRC, it's more along the lines of general info about joining the society, training, etc., than about oaths and ceremonies and such.
Ok, so in my game, my guys are getting initiated at Dusk, and the one existing Pathfinder in the group already was classically trained at Absalom and remembers:
Pathfinder Initiation Times and Symbolism:
During your studies in Absalom, you recall that Pathfinder Lodges around the world conduct initiation ceremonies at times chosen for their symbolic significance. Each Lodge’s chosen time reflects its unique culture, environment, or the leadership’s values. Here are examples of how different Lodges approach this tradition:
- Absalom (Dawn): The Grand Lodge holds ceremonies at dawn, symbolizing new beginnings, enlightenment, and the light of knowledge dispelling ignorance. This timing underscores the importance of Pathfinders bringing clarity to the world's mysteries.
- Cheliax (Midnight): Lodges in Cheliax, steeped in intrigue and shadowy dealings, favor midnight ceremonies. Midnight represents the willingness to delve into darkness and uncover hidden truths, mirroring the nation’s intrigue-filled culture.
- Osirion (Noon): In the desert lands of Osirion, ceremonies take place at noon, when the sun is at its peak. This symbolizes clarity, the apex of enlightenment, and the illumination of ancient secrets in a land rich with history.
- Varisia (Dusk): As seen in the Magnimar Lodge, dusk marks the transition from the known into the unknown, embodying the spirit of exploration in a land filled with ancient ruins and mysteries.
- Mwangi Expanse (Afternoon): In the untamed Mwangi Expanse, afternoon ceremonies align with the bright sunlight over the dense jungles. This timing emphasizes the Pathfinder’s role in bringing light to shadowy, uncharted places.
- Lastwall (Evening Vigil): In regions like Lastwall, ceremonies during the changing of the watch represent vigilance and dedication, symbolizing the Pathfinders’ readiness to defend and preserve knowledge.
These traditions highlight the Society’s adaptability, with each Lodge honoring its local culture while remaining united by the Pathfinder motto: Explore, Report, Cooperate.
The theater room of Heidmarch Manor buzzes with a palpable energy as the gathered Pathfinders await the ceremony. Four rows of comfortable chairs face a raised dais at the front, illuminated by a combination of flickering torches and soft magical lights, casting a warm glow throughout the chamber. The scent of burning wax fills the air, mingling with the faint whispers of anticipation. At the dais stands Sheila, poised and confident, flanked by Koriah Azmeren and the ever-reliable Sebastian, who stands slightly behind the new initiates on stage.
In the audience, familiar faces mix with those of unknown Pathfinders, their expressions ranging from curiosity to admiration. Ghaernan occupies a seat among them, watching the proceedings with a proud smile as he anticipates the acknowledgment of his comrades.
Sheila clears her throat, and the room quiets, all eyes fixed upon her. “Welcome, esteemed members of the Pathfinder Society, and those who stand upon the threshold of initiation,” she begins, her voice resonating with authority. “Today, we gather at dusk—a time rich with symbolism, marking the passage from the known into the unknown. As the sun sinks beneath the horizon, we embrace the mysteries that lie ahead, honoring those who have proven themselves worthy through action, courage, and dedication to our cause. Though this Field Commission is a nonstandard way of entering our Society, the initiation is no different than that undergone by so many of us in Absalom itself.”
She glances down at the scroll in her hands, her expression turning serious. “Gundar Ironbeard, Caius Emberborne, Khalid Vasari, and Verilich, you have each undertaken important tasks in service to our Society, demonstrating the very essence of what it means to be a Pathfinder.” As she reads their names, Sebastian steps forward behind each initiate and places his hand on their right shoulder, a silent indication of his guardianship of them in this place.
With a nod of approval, Sheila continues. “I now call upon current Pathfinders to vouch for each of you.”
Ghaernan rises first proudly, declaring, “I vouch for Gundar!”
Andel Gesseran rises, his voice clear. “I vouch for Khalid!”
Koriah Azmeren follows suit. “And I for Verilich!”
Finally, a previously unnoticed figure from the back rises and announces, “I will vouch for Caius!” It is Leftenant Kasadei, her presence commanding respect, despite her diminutive form. Ghaernan takes a good look to confirm it is her.
Kasadei:
Leftenant Kasadei stands with an air of practiced authority, her presence commanding in the worn but meticulously kept armor of Magnimar’s guard. Now revealed as a member of the Pathfinder Society, she wears her dual allegiance openly. Her Pathfinder Wayfinder, crafted from polished brass and inlaid with swirling etchings of silver, hangs from a leather bandolier across her chest. The device dangles just below her left shoulder, gleaming faintly in the light and marking her as a Pathfinder of notable experience.
Pinned prominently beside it is a finely crafted emblem depicting the Glyph of the Open Road, but with an intricate overlay indicating her position within the Society, Venture-Lieutenant. The insignia catches the eye, and paired with her uniform, they are an unmistakable signal of her steadfast commitment to both Magnimar’s safety and the Society’s pursuits.
Her expression, stern yet edged with a hint of dry humor, suggests both pragmatism and a deep, if reluctant, respect for the responsibilities her Society rank entails. Kasadei’s eyes flicker with shrewd intelligence as she regards her surroundings, ever alert, as though constantly assessing the balance between her two worlds—the city she defends, and the secrets she helps uncover.
With a solemn air, Sheila addresses the candidates directly. “As you stand before me, candidates of the Pathfinder Society, you are about to embark on a noble journey. This is a moment to solemnly pledge your dedication to our mission and to each other. Are you ready to make this pledge?”
The four glance back and forth at one another, questioning with their eyes, and nodding. Finally, they all turn towards Sheila and announce their readiness.
She gestures for them to take a deep breath. “Prepare to speak the words that will bind you to our esteemed Society. Repeat after me:”
“I, [insert your name], do solemnly swear to uphold the tenets of the Pathfinder Society.”
“I pledge to Explore, to venture into the unknown, to uncover the secrets of the world, and to bring to light the shadows of history.”
“I pledge to Report, to document my findings with diligence, to share knowledge with my fellow Pathfinders, and to contribute to the greater good of our Society.”
“I pledge to Cooperate, to stand united with my comrades, to honor our bonds of fellowship, and to work together for the preservation of our shared legacy.”
“In this oath, I commit myself to my fellow Pathfinders, to the Society, and to the pursuit of knowledge itself. I further pledge to follow the rules of the Society and submit to the authority of the Decemvirate and its Venture-Captains. May my actions honor this pledge, and may the wisdom of our endeavors illuminate the path for those who follow.”
“As I take this oath, I will hold ever before me the noble example of the Pathfinders who have come before, their courage, their sacrifice, and their unwavering dedication to the pursuit of truth and knowledge.”
“With this oath, I pledge to uphold the tenets of the Pathfinder Society and to honor my commitments to my fellow Pathfinders and to the pursuit of knowledge. Should I fail to uphold this sacred oath, may I lose the use of my legs, that I may no longer explore; lose the use of my mouth, that I may no longer report; and lose the use of my hands, that I may no longer cooperate. In this way, I shall receive the righteous scorn of my peers and become a pariah among the Pathfinders.”
“By the light of knowledge and the bonds we share, I commit myself to this oath.”
With the final words of the oath hanging in the air, Sebastian steps forward, his hands dangling several large amulets. “As a symbol of your pledge to the Society, the Lodge in Magnimar gifts each of you with a Wayfinder,” Sheila explains.
“This magical device serves not only as a beacon for lost adventurers but also as a testament to your commitment. It grants you the ability to find your way through the darkest of paths and to illuminate the truth hidden in shadows.”
One by one, Sebastian hands each initiate their Wayfinder, returning to stand behind them with an air of pride. Each Wayfinder is unique in its markings, filigree, and other details, not mass-produced items.
As Sheila concludes the ceremony, she looks around at the gathered crowd. “Let us continue with the mission of the Society!”
The room erupts in unison as everyone responds, “Explore, report, cooperate!”
After the ceremony, Pathfinders, both familiar and unfamiliar, begin to congratulate the new members, welcoming them warmly into the Society. Laughter and camaraderie fill the room as the new Pathfinders feel the weight of their new responsibilities but also the joy of newfound friendship and unity.
As the revelry continues, toasts are made, and the atmosphere is filled with cheer. Kasadei, who has been observing the celebration with a reserved smile, makes her way over to Ghaernan. She regards him with a mixture of professional respect and her usual touch of sarcasm, saying, “Lady Heidmarch would like a word with you and your companions in her study.”
She pauses, arching an eyebrow with a glint of amusement. “I’ll wait while you gather the others. And perhaps,” she adds with a smirk, “once that’s settled, maybe I’ll finally get that performance you’ve been promising.”
With a nod, she steps back, arms crossed, waiting for Ghaernan to round up the group and head toward the hall leading to Lady Heidmarch’s study.
Kasadei leads the newly initiated Pathfinders and Ghaernan through the grand halls of Heidmarch Manor. The soft glow of lanterns casts elongated shadows along the polished marble floors. As they approach a pair of ornate wooden doors carved with intricate depictions of legendary explorations, Kasadei pauses. She turns to the group, her eyes meeting Ghaernan's with a hint of mischief.
“Lady Heidmarch awaits you inside,” she says smoothly. With a subtle wink directed at Ghaernan, she adds, “Don’t keep her waiting.” With that, she pivots gracefully and strides back down the corridor, leaving them at the threshold.
Entering the study, the group is greeted by an atmosphere of scholarly opulence. The room is expansive yet intimate, illuminated by a grand chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling, its crystals casting a constellation of lights across the space. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the walls, laden with leather-bound tomes whose spines bear titles in countless languages—some ancient, some arcane. Scroll racks hold rolled parchments secured with ribbons, hinting at maps of undiscovered territories and treaties with distant cultures.
Exotic artifacts adorn the room: a preserved griffon's wing mounted above the hearth, a crystalline globe swirling with an ever-changing mist, and a set of mysterious runed tablets displayed on a pedestal. Suspended from the ceiling are delicate models of celestial bodies and airships, slowly rotating as if moved by an unseen breeze. The rich scent of aged paper, polished wood, and a hint of incense fills the air.
Sheila Heidmarch stands near a large mahogany desk cluttered with quills, inkpots, and scattered documents. She greets them with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting wisdom and curiosity.
“Welcome, please come in,” she beckons, gesturing toward a comfortable seating area arranged with plush chairs and a low table. An assortment of fine wines rests atop it, their crystal decanters catching the chandelier's light. “May I offer you some wine? I have a robust Andoren red, a delicate Kyonin white, and a sweet mead from the lands of the Linnorm Kings.”
As everyone settles in with their preferred beverages, Sheila takes a seat opposite them, her demeanor both gracious and attentive. She folds her hands lightly in her lap.
“Now that the formalities are behind us,” she begins, her tone inviting yet earnest, “I am eager to hear about your plans moving forward. You've proven yourselves capable and resourceful. How can I assist you on your next endeavor?”
Sheila's gaze moves from one face to the next, genuinely interested in their responses. The ambiance of the study—the flickering fireplace, the whispers of pages turning in the slight breeze—creates a haven of focus and camaraderie, perfect for plotting the adventures that lie ahead.
