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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 Wounded Wisp one hour before dawn.” The Wounded Wisp is a run-down building with a faded wooden sign hanging from above the bar’s entrance. A brass ring fitted onto the sign anchors a lantern—referred to by the staff as “the wisp”—that hangs there during the evening hours. 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! What a pleasure this is to meet the new generation of the ever-famous Flaxseeds! But we'll talk pleasantries later, since Master Shaine's time is precious. 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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"Greetings, aspiring Pathfinders! What a pleasure this is to meet the new generation of the ever-famous Flaxseeds!"
"Indeed!" says a rather stern-faced halfling dressed in dark blue scholar's robes accented with touches of silver. His voice is quite deep and monotone for a halfling, but he speak with authority as if an instructor teaching his students. "It is a bit of a family reunion for us as well! The Flaxseeds of Taldor have been gung-ho about the Society for a few years now, but not many realize that there are Flaxseeds spread throughout all of Golarion. Well, the word's getting out and all the cousins and second-counsins and auntses and uncleses, twice- and thrice-removes, as it were, are flocking to the Society in droves!"
"I," he continues while placing a hand on his chest, "am Falco Flaxseed. A distant cousin of some sort, raised in Absalom and trained in the Arcanamirium. Or, I should say, I have started my training in the Arcanamirium. I have some ways to go yet."
"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."
"What do you know about the gillmen communities around here? And what sort of things should we expect around the Kortos Mounts?"
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A halfling clad in scaled armor glares about the room. "I'm no Flaxseed... granted my parents likely wish I was, probably why I was sent to the Society..."
The halfling stands up and boldly says the rest of the shorter Society initiates. "I am Paeter Linseed. I'm no worshipper of Zon Kuthon like my brother and the rest of my family, but that doesn't mean I'm like you Flaxseeds. I was trained by family to take up the shield to protect my brother, however he is already training in the usual way of Linseeds, from a test of manhood enacted by the village. I have been sent to further my training under the Society's auspices." the boy grumbles.
"Anyone who needs a bulwark may stand behind me and I shall bear the brunt of attacks in your stead." the halfling says haughtily.
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Looking to everyone restlessly, the last halfling has a big naive smile on his face. He's wearing an ample cloak and traveler's outfit. "Heyheyhey! What's up brothers and cousins? I'm soooo glad to do this adventure with you! That's my veryveryvery first one. Cause yeah, they told me I could come, so I came, I mean, yes to the inn and I'm soooo happy to see you all! Yes yes yes! I'm Pandoor! Do you remember me? I guess you do. Yes, I'm sure you do!"
Indeed Pandoor is very young.
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"Yes, yes! Oh cousin Falco, I heard many great tales about your magic power and your cleverness! I heard one thousand times the tale where you beheaded that dragon with tentacles!" says Pandoor to Falco, eyes wide open and a big admiring smile on his face.
"Oh you can't imagine how glad I am to join you, master, on an adventure like this! It's such a great honor for me!"
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Titian allows himself a smile at Falco's remark. "Yes, well, I was preoccupied, composing an ode to adventure and beautiful halflings. I fear I have a bit of mental block, though." Stretching and cracking his neck, he smiles. "How long has everyone been apart of the Society? I myself am, as they say, fresh off the boat."
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Janira smiles brightly at each and every one of you. "Nice to meet you all - it's such a pleasure to have so many members of our kin as company! It's an honor to meet you all. You'll have to forgive Master Shaine. He is brilliant, if not entirely focused. He has lived a very long time and seen things we could only dream about. I’ve learned to just accept his peculiarities and value any knowledge he wishes to share."
Then she answers Falco's questions. "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. As for this cave, by foot it will take nearly all of today and much of tomorrow to make the journey. I know maintaining such a stiff pace will be tiring, but we need to reach the caves at the height of the lunar cycle if at all possible. Finally, about the creatures we may encounter, I know that tribes of centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs are present in that area, so this little expedition surely won't be a walk in the park."
"On to the details of the mission at hand", Janira says with an eager grin. "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."
"Now, before we head out, if there aren’t any more questions, we should take a moment to go through your gear and make sure nothing important gets left out. A Pathfinder never know what he's going to encounter in his journey, so preparation is paramount. The most basic adventurer's gear should be covered - a bedroll, filled waterskin, rations in case we're prevented from hunting, something to light a fire with, pots to cook. Add to that list a rope and maybe a grappling hook, you never know when you'll have to climb up a cliff or two. Finally, weapons carried should be various and efficient against different types of creatures. Friend Paeter, I doubt your pointy shortsword will be much use against creatures like zombies. You may want to acquire a proper blade. Anyone has an alchemist fire or two? Swarms of vermin seem to be on the common side during our adventures."
"Lastly one of your duties is to report, so I took the liberty of bringing pieces of parchment so that you could write whatever information you deem worthy of attention from Master Shaine. Please use them freely, I can provide more."
As the halfling brings that to your attention, memories of your three years of apprenticeship in Absalom's Grand Lodge flash in your mind. The three masters' constant reminder of the duties of a Pathfinder still echo in your ears.
Explore. Report. Cooperate.
How to forget what has become a second nature for some, a veiled pretext for others among the Society. Where do you stand? As you haven't had a real chance to put your long training to the test, you also ignore if your heart will stay true to the Pathfinder's motto.
Janira pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table. "Before we set out, we should all get to know each other and review our plan. After all, the most important factors that determine whether an expedition will be a success are cooperation and preparation! I’ll go first!"
"I am the eldest of seven children in my family, and the only one to have come of age so far. My family always had a strong faith in Desna, but rest assured that it doesn't diminish my interest in all religions, as I believe they all have something to teach us. I've joined the Society four years ago to see the world and sample all the fine food it has to offer! As you see, I'm a bit of a gourmet, but my true interest was revealed as I became Master Shaine's apprentice among the Scrolls. My passion lies in our history, I'm particularly fond of learning about our past and preserving knowledge. That I strive to achieve as a Pathfinder, and who knows, maybe one day I will be published in the Pathfinder Chronicles?"
"I've talked enough about old little me, I think! Let's hear all about you. What are your hopes for this mission? What do you aspire to achieve in the Society? Maybe it is time to tell me the story of the famous Flaxseed family! I've heard much, but so little is certain. Tell me everything about you!"
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"Yes, yes! Oh cousin Falco, I heard many great tales about your magic power and your cleverness! I heard one thousand times the tale where you beheaded that dragon with tentacles!" says Pandoor to Falco, eyes wide open and a big admiring smile on his face.
"Oh you can't imagine how glad I am to join you, master, on an adventure like this! It's such a great honor for me!"
Falco's eyes go wide and he hesitates a bit before answering. "Oh! Well, ah. . . yes! Of course! I think the reports may have gotten exaggerated a bit by the time they got to you. . . but it was a dire rat, so it was really quite dangerous, make no mistake about it!"
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Falco nods as Janira calls off the necessary supplies. "Yes, I am prepared for overnight camping. I have two alchemist's fires and today I memorized a spell to shoot flames from my hands. Quite effective! And I've got a cold iron dagger and a sling if things go poorly. They are notably less effective in my hands than the workings of a good spell."
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At the mention of his name, Paeter grumbles. "First, I'm confused for a Flaxseed and now I'm bringing the wrong weapons to a fight... Get it together, Paeter!"
As soon as the group leaves for the mission, Paeter will invest in several light hammers as the merchant convinces him that it is good for ranged attacks as well as up close fighting.
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With a happy smile, Janira concludes your introductions. "I think we're all set, then. Shall we leave now?"
After making sure that your gear is well-packed and evenly distributed among members of the team, Janira is ready to depart. You first walk through the busy and colorful streets of Absalom before leaving the City at the Center of the World for the Cairnlands along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mounts. During your journey, Janira points at some large structures protruding from the landscape-what she called "siege towers"-clues of a tormented past for the metropolis. She also teaches you in some ways about the wildlife and plants you encounter.
After a good day's walk, you decide to stop for the night. Your guide uses that opportunity to tell you a story by the fire. "Let us remember the sacrifice of the fabled Yasmin bint Faroud, favored of the Ten, who gave her life distracting Zythrustianax, draconic scourge of the Society, so dozens of junior agents could survive. Her act of benevolence is the epitome of cooperation within the Society." she finishes with a smile on her lips, content to see that most of you paid attention to her story as well as the message behind it.
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The night is a peaceful one. Paeter takes the first watch, watching twilight over the Kortos mountains as their companions slowly fade into a dreamless sleep. As Titian takes the second watch, the halfling finds a comfortable position to sleep by curling by the fire. Janira is then awoken to take the third watch, gazing at the stars and enjoying a cloudless night. Finally, Pandoor rises shortly before the sun, and takes some time to watch over his wards before waking them. All five halflings then take some time to arrange a grand breakfast made of sausages, bacon and eggs, vudrani tea and pears from the Ivy district's orchards of Absalom. You find yourself particularly well-rested, an ideal start for a day of wandering in the wild.
An hour later, you leave the Cairnlands for a deep forest. The trees towering overhead begin to shield most of what remains of the day’s sun and the vegetation beneath grows denser. Janira pauses a moment and pulls out an intricate silver compass emblazoned with the Pathfinder Society sign: the Glyph of the Open Road. "I received this wayfinder when I successfully completed my Confirmation. Should we be successful on our journey, you will get your own as well." She flips open the device and holds it in front of her; the initials J. L. are engraved into the inside of the device’s lid. After studying the compass inside for a moment, she remarks, "We’re on the right path. We need to keep heading northwest past those large rocks up ahead."
As you were discussing the origins of the gillmen, Janira suddenly stops and stands motionless for a second. She has obviously heard something coming. "Do you hear this sound? It's faint but... a swarm!" she shouts as two awful, scuttling masses of spidery legs and mandibles scramble forward out of the ground and crawl straight at you!
(always acts in surprise)
Initiative - bold may act!
Paeter
Swarms
Pandoor
Janira
Falco
Titian
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Paeter shouts that those are spider swarms, known to be immune to weapon damage and mind-affecting effects, and capable of nauseating those they catch in their midst. They are vulnerable to area of effect energy blasts, like alchemist's fires.
The two swarms of scuttling spiders surround all of the Flaxseeds, as well as Janira.
Janira immediately reacts by starting giving advice and encouraging you to act appropriately. "Spread out! Fire will hurt them, use some! Remember the deeds of Arak-Aram the Scorcher, who single-handedly defeated the swarming masses of Gebbite undead killer bees with his famed flametongue!"
Initiative - bold may act!
Swarms
Pandoor
Janira
Falco
Titian
Paeter
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The first mass of spiders goes after Falco, while the other remains on Janira. Falco drowns in the swarm, falling unconscious in the middle of it...
Janira moves out of the swarm while she continues to sing about ancient heroes and lost glories, then takes out a vial of alchemist's fire she was storing in her bag for Paeter to use.
Initiative - bold may act!
Swarms
Janira (8 damage, 4 str damage)
Pandoor (3 damage)
Falco (9 damage, -1, unconscious)
Titian (3 damage)
Paeter
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Pandoor's vial explodes in the midst of the swarm, and scatters it!
"Well done, young ones! I see much promise in you as you acted within the intent of the third duty of the Pathfinder. It is good to be able to witness this." says Janira with a happy smile. "Are you alright, Falco? For a moment I thought you were a goner."
Janira then urges you to move further: "Let's depart at once, we need to reach the caves by dusk to try and see if gillmen enter the cave."
As the group continues to travel through the wilderness, you find trails blocked by fallen objects, shortcuts overgrown, and other minor delays that may cost you some time.
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Janira also helps with the healing, laying a soothing hand on Falco so that he may be fit for walking.
Led by Paeter, the group finds its way in the forest without trouble as the halfling's cunning prevents the various overgrown paths and obstacles. The dense forest opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff. Thick vines cover the surface of the cliff stretching 30 feet overhead.
"Here! The cave entrance is behind those vines," Janira says with a broad smile as she walks to the cliff’s face. She pulls back several layers of vegetation to reveal a narrow crack in the cliff’s surface. "This is where I saw the gillmen enter." As she motions toward the aperture, the surrounding woods come alive with the sound of small animals fleeing some unseen danger and a large creature crashing through the undergrowth.
The halfling worriedly remarks, "Quick, take cover before whatever it is spots us!" As if she’d summoned the creature with her words, a massive horned monstrosity emerges from the trees. Standing eight feet tall on a pair of cloven hooves and wielding a tremendous axe, the bull-headed creature roars with unbridled anger when it spots the group. Wisely assessing that a minotaur is beyond her charges’ capabilities, Janira screams "A minotaur! There’s little chance we can stand against it. Take this bag," she continues, pulling off her backpack, "and head deeper into the caves. Finish your mission. I’ll lead it away from the caves, lose it in the forest, and join you as soon as I can. Now go! GO!" She heaves her backpack into the cave, casts a spell, and darts off toward the minotaur before turning to lure it away.
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Falco mumbles a thanks to Janira when she heals more of his wounds. He looks better but still not 100%.
At the caves, he comments, "Just like the story she told!" as Janira runs off to lure the minotaur away. Falco follows Pandoor but at the entrance to the cave he pauses to read a scroll of mage armor on himself.