Agents of the Decemvirate (IC)

[Yawielas]

Jade looks towards where the kobilds disappeared to, tilting her head and listening. "Do you hear that? Someone's shouting, or screaming....That sounds like Janira! She needs help, let's go!" She takes off in the direction of the shouts, sabre in hand.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"What?" asks Geoffe incredulously. "Hey, stay together!" he calls as he starts dashing to keep up with the party's scout.

[Farmerbink]

Shaun looks up from the kobold he had been approaching. "Hear what?" he manages to ask, before recognizing the urgency in Jade's voice. "Don't fight that thing alone!" he calls out, as he struggles to catch up with the fleet-footed Elf.

[Truwar]

Quickly following after Jade, the party sprints along the upwards sloping tunnel. Soon the light of the surface world above provides a welcome reprieve from the blue and green fungus of the caverns below, and light illuminates a stream whose water is hastened by runoff from a recent storm further up the mountains. A ledge to the west rises up to the nearby forest canopy.

Across the stream and approximately one hundred feet (thirty meters) away Janira is locked in combat with the same minotaur that chased the party into the tunnels. The hulking beast’s battle axe appears to have been broken and it bears some minor wounds but Janira appears to be in much worse shape. Bruised and clutching at a nasty looking wound at her side, the diminutive pathfinder appears near exhaustion and is just barely managing to dodge out of the massive swings of her foe.

Spoiler: Initiative

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Jade: 22
Shaun: 19
Geoffe: 17
Denjan: 15
Janira: 13
Minotaur: 8
Hoppholderim: 2

Spoiler: Orientation

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Janira and the minotaur are about 100 feet away. There is a stream about mid-way between the party and Janira. The stream is 10 feet wide. There is a log across the stream that requires half speed movement to cross.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 1, Geoffe's Status

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Geoffe Turnisson
Male Neutral Human Wizard, Level 1, Init 5, HP 9/9, Speed 30 ft
AC 11, Touch 11, Flat-footed 10, CMD 11, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 2, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 0
Light Crossbow (10 Bolts) +1 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
(No Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 7
Condition None

With a groan of concern Geoffe draws his crossbow and aims at the minotaur harrying the halfling woman. "Janira! Get out of there!" he calls as the party readies itself to battle the monster. When she steps away from the beast he releases a bolt from his weapon.

Spoiler: Combat Mechanics

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Draw the crossbow as a move action and then ready an action to fire when it has the least cover from his allies.
Light Crossbow (1d20+1)[15] attack (does not include any penalties due to range, soft cover, or firing into melee), (1d20+1)[19] (19-20/x2), (1d8)[7] piercing damage, (1d8)[3] critical damage

[Yawielas]

Round 1, Jade

Jade darts forwards untill she is within shooting range with her short bow, and strings an arrow. "Get away, Janira! Hey, leave her alone!"

When she's within 60 feet, she stops, draws and fires at the minotaur, preferably from a direction where Janira is out of the line of fire.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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shoot (1d20+4)[24] dmg (1d6)[4]

[Farmerbink]

Spoiler: Shaun, Round 1

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Shaun Turnisson
M N Human Witch (Hedge Witch), Level 1, Init 8, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 12, Touch 12, Flat-footed 10, CMD 10, Fort 2, Ref 3*, Will 2, CMB -2, Base Attack Bonus 0
Dagger -2/+2 (1d4-2, 19-20/x2)
Quarterstaff -2 (1d6-2, x2)
(+2 Dex)
Abilities Str 7, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 11, Cha 7
[B]Condition[/BCondition Obscuring Mist: 0/1
Summon monster I: 0/2
Master of Pentacles: 0/1

Shaun follows Jade into the sunlight, his urgency briefly stymied by the warmth of the outdoors, and notes the scene. Without hesitation, he begins chanting his final summon for the day.

Spoiler: Actions

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Start casting summon monster I.

[Truwar]

Jade runs lithely towards the beast menacing Janira, stopping just before the log crossing the stream to launch a deadly accurate arrow deep into the minotaur’s flank. With a howl of fury it turns from Janira and realizes with a savage growl that more foes have entered the battlefield. Shaun follows Jade’s lead and begins calling out for eldritch aid as just after the elf’s dead-eye shot. Shaun attempts to duplicate Jade’s attack with his crossbow but is unable to replicate the rogue’s excellent marksmanship.

Denjan closes on the minotaur, agilely dodging across the damp log and closing on the bull-man as Janira steps back from the hulking brute and attempts, ineffectually to disarm the massive beast with her whip. Having a new, and larger foe, the minotaur unleashes a barrage of attacks on the monk. Denjan is able to dodge out of the way of its wickedly sharp horns and its first axe strike but is caught on the back swing, suffering a brutal slash to his side.

Seeing the monk in perilous anger Hoppholderim charges as quickly as he can towards the opponent, barely making it across the bridge without plunging into the stream but not quite able to engage.

[Yawielas]

Jade takes aim and fires at the minotaur again, letting out her breath just as the arrow glides from her fingers.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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shoot (1d20+4)[6] dmg(1d6)[6]

[Farmerbink]

Spoiler: Shaun, Round 2

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Shaun Turnisson
M N Human Witch (Hedge Witch), Level 1, Init 8, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 12, Touch 12, Flat-footed 10, CMD 10, Fort 2, Ref 3*, Will 2, CMB -2, Base Attack Bonus 0
Dagger -2/+2 (1d4-2, 19-20/x2)
Quarterstaff -2 (1d6-2, x2)
(+2 Dex)
Abilities Str 7, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 11, Cha 7
[B]Condition[/BCondition Obscuring Mist: 0/1
Summon monster I: 0/2
Master of Pentacles: 0/1

As Shaun completes his spell, a large eagle appears just behind the minotaur. With divinely-inspired ferocity, it attacks the beast- taking advantage of it's fixation with Denjan.

Shaun, meanwhile, attempts to look inconspicuous.

Spoiler: Actions

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Man, I wish I had saved master of pentacles... Oh well.

Celestial eagle uses smite evil as a swift action, just in case this guy has DR. It then uses a full-attack, while flanking with Denjan.

(1d20+5)[16] talon 1
(1d20+5)[19] CC
(1d4+3)[5] damage
(1d4+3)[5] crit bonus

(1d20+5)[11] talon 2
(1d20+5)[21] CC
(1d4+3)[5] damage
(1d4+3)[4] crit bonus

(1d20+5)[21] beak
(1d20+5)[20] CC
(1d4+3)[4] damage
(1d4+3)[7] crit bonus

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 2, Geoffe's Status

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Geoffe Turnisson
Male Neutral Human Wizard, Level 1, Init 5, HP 9/9, Speed 30 ft
AC 11, Touch 11, Flat-footed 10, CMD 11, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 2, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 0
Light Crossbow (10 Bolts) +1 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
(No Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 7
Condition None

Reloading and aiming again, Geoffe lets loose another bolt, frustration on his face.

Spoiler: Combat Mechanics

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Reload the crossbow as a move action and then fire
Light Crossbow (1d20+1)[15] attack (does not include any penalties due to range, soft cover, or firing into melee), (1d20+1)[5] (19-20/x2), (1d8)[3] piercing damage, (1d8)[6] critical damage

[Truwar]

Now, aware of this new wave of attackers, the minotaur ducks out of the way of Jade’s arrow and Geoffe’s bolt with an agility belying its massive size. Its roar of derision is cut short by a howl of pain, however, as silvery eagle’s stoops out of the heavens, tearing into the back of the minotaur with righteous fury before flying out of its reach and preparing for another dive bomb.

Taking advantage of the beast’s agonizing distraction Denjan unleashes a flurry of kicks, landing a cartilage crunching heel to the inside of its knee. Mad with rage the minotaur plunges its razor sharp horns into Denjan with sickening speed, puncturing the monk’s ribcage and flinging him aside in a bloody arc.

At the sight of her would be rescuer crumpled in a heap, Janira rushes forward attempting to provide what aid she can to the fallen monk.

Charging forward like a juggernaut, Hoppholderim deflects and axe blow from the staggering minotaur and returns one of his own, slicing a deep furrow in its right forearm with the balancing spike of his waraxe.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 3, Geoffe's Status

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Geoffe Turnisson
Male Neutral Human Wizard, Level 1, Init 5, HP 9/9, Speed 30 ft
AC 11, Touch 11, Flat-footed 10, CMD 11, Fort 2, Ref 1, Will 2, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 0
Light Crossbow (10 Bolts) +1 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
(No Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 7
Condition None

"Denjan!" cries Geoffe as he reloads and fires again.

Spoiler: Combat Mechanics

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Reload the crossbow as a move action and then fire
Light Crossbow (1d20+1)[13] attack (does not include any penalties due to range, soft cover, or firing into melee), (1d20+1)[8] (19-20/x2), (1d8)[2] piercing damage, (1d8)[8] critical damage

[Yawielas]

Not particularly keen to fire into melee, Jade draws her sabre and joins the fight directly. Looking for an opening, she tries to flank the hulking minotaur, and get a hit in.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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melee (1d20+4)[5] dmg (1d6+4)[10]

[Farmerbink]

Spoiler: Shaun, Round 3

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Shaun Turnisson
M N Human Witch (Hedge Witch), Level 1, Init 8, HP 9/9, Speed 30
AC 12, Touch 12, Flat-footed 10, CMD 10, Fort 2, Ref 3*, Will 2, CMB -2, Base Attack Bonus 0
Dagger -2/+2 (1d4-2, 19-20/x2)
Quarterstaff -2 (1d6-2, x2)
(+2 Dex)
Abilities Str 7, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 11, Cha 7
[B]Condition[/BCondition Obscuring Mist: 0/1
Summon monster I: 0/2
Master of Pentacles: 0/1

Shaun's eagle dissipates, and the man looks onto the scene with unhidden concern. Skeptically, he lunges forward, in an attempt to distract the minotaur.

Spoiler: Actions

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Assist Hopholderin, DC 10: (1d20-2)[13]

[Truwar]

Jade rushes in to aid Hoppholderim and barely manages to get the most of lethal of haircuts from the minotaur, forcing her to roll out of the way and spoiling her attack. Geoffe launches another bolt at the frenzied beast but is unable to get a good shot with so many of his allies surrounding it.

Not trusting in his own martial prowess, Shaun runs at the minotaur, howling and swinging his dagger above his head. Perplexed by this, the minotaur is distracted just long enough for Hoppholderim to drive his axe into its belly. Bellowing in pain, the mortally stricken creature staggers back from the party, snorting up geysers of blood and vainly attempting to hold its insides inside, before collapsing to the ground in a thump.

Janira looks up from Denjan with a relieved expression on her face. “I think he is going to be ok!”

[Yawielas]

Jade looks worried from Denjan to Janira. "Are you allright? Good thing we heard you shouting." She cleans her blade before sheathing it, then kneels by Denjan to see if she can help in any way.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Geoffe visibly sags as the minotaur collapses. "That was too close. I wish I had saved some fire for this..." he mumbles as he moves to retrieve any unbroken bolts from the scene of the battle.

After he is done he looks at the others and says, "Who wants to update Janira on what we discovered?"

[Farmerbink]

Shaun exhales deeply. He looks to Denjan, and shrugs. "I... can't do anything for him... Not today. I don't exactly know how to describe my power, but I've learned that I can only help a person heal once a day. It... just doesn't work after that. However, I'm still... fairly good at more mundane care, if we can spend the time to do it."

He looks around the group- shaken, bruised, and tired- "It might be just what we need. It seems the minotaur must have lived in this cave. It strikes me as highly unlikely that he had serious competition. I doubt creatures like that tolerate competition for long... Come on." He leads the group into back into the cave, and lays out a meager bedroll for Denjan.

"Come on then, you're obviously hurt. Geoffe, you can fill in Janira while I tend to him." With no further ado, Shaun unwraps a small bundle, and begins tending Denjan's wounds.

Spoiler: Heal

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Using this to treat deadly wounds, DC 20. (1d20+6)[25] Using two uses of the kit, as standard for this action, to gain a +2 on the check.

[Truwar]

Janira nods in agreement with Jade as she examines the rest of her charges to ensure they are alright. She turns to Hoppholderim who had just finished “making sure” the minotaur would not be getting up again and was cleaning his waraxe. “Können sie ihm tragen, Hoppholderim?”

The dwarf grunts sourly as he drops his heavy weapon into its belt-loop and moves toward Denjan. “Ja, das kann ich.” He grumbles as he easily lifts the monk in his arms.

“Let’s get Denjan to a temple. The minotaurs live in tribes up in the higher mountains and this one may have been out hunting alone but I do not want to find out we are mistaken the hard way. You can tell me about what you found in the caves on the way back to town. Jade, can you grab that thing’s axe? It will make a nice trophy to commemorate your adventure.”

[Yawielas]

Jade nods and picks up the axe, cleaning it on the grass before fastening it to her backpack. "Yes, the caves. We met a gillman in there, an old wise one. He told us people of his tribe had been disappearing into the caves for a long time. He described the tunnel for us up to a point, and we explored it, finding several undead gillmen and a mad necromancer..." She continues to update Janira as they walk.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Geoffe supports Jade's narrative with his notes and drawings, passing them to Janira at appropriate points to highlight the other's words.

[Truwar]

The look of concern fades from Janria’s face as Jade describes the party’s encounters in the cave with visual support periodically provided by Geoffe. “This is amazing, you discovered both an ancient shrine to a dead god AND a holy site for the last true descendants of the Azlanti nation! Oh, and you saved me from ending up in a minotaur’s cookpot… thank you for that” She examines some of the drawing provided by Geoffe. “These petroglyphs are fascinating. The variation of abstract symbols and animal forms are representative of…” The small halfling goes on like this for hours as the party makes its way back to Absalom, alternately praising the adventurers for their bravery and providing in-depth explanations of the discoveries they have made and why they are important to the Pathfinder Society.

The party pushes hard and it is near evening when they wearily enter the gates of Absalom. Janira turns and smiles at the assembled pathfinder-hopefuls. “I know you are tired. Do you wish to report to Master Shaine tonight or would you rather get a good night’s rest first? Denjan may not be in any condition to speak but the rest of you can fill in for him, if you wish.”

[Yawielas]

Jade looks at the others. "I think it would be fair to wait until tomorrow, to give Denjan a chance to recover enough to join us in reporting."

[DarkOne-Rob]

"I agree - we should wait for tomorrow so everyone can be present to share their perspectives," answers Geoffe as he readies himself to depart for an inn room to rest.

[Farmerbink]

Shaun shrugs. "I guess if it's best for everyone else, I can be patient. Let's not wait too long, tomorrow. I can get him on his feet first thing in the morning, one way or another."

He looks a bit relieved as he follows his brother to their shared inn room.

[Truwar]

After receiving a noncommittal grunt from Hoppholerim that she apparently takes as agreement with the rest of the party, Janira nods in approval. “Excellent! Meet me at the Hall of Scrolls tomorrow morning. With all of the exciting discoveries you have made, Master Shaine will be sure to want to speak with you as soon as possible! Hoppholerim, if you could bring Denjan this way, we will see about getting him the healing he needs." She waves to Jade, Geoffe and Shaun. “See you in the morning!”

Soon, the party returns to their rooms within the massive walls of the Grand Lodge, the world headquarters of the Pathfinder Society for over 400 years. After such and arduous day, sleep comes quickly and after what seems like only a blink of an eye, morning dawns in Absalom. Making their way quickly to the Hall of Scrolls they soon are standing outside of Kreighton Shaine’s office with a very excited Janira.

The halfing Pathfinder is almost vibrating with excitement as she greets the party. “Oh good! You are all here. Master Shaine said to head in as soon as everyone had arrived.” Almost dancing with glee, she pulls open the door the Master Shaine’s office and ushers the party in.

The office of the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls certainly lives up to its name. Scrolls fill floor-to-ceiling cases and every flat surface, besides the floor, are covered in open books, scrolls, and maps of Golarion. Kreighton Shane stands up from behind a desk similarly covered in scholarly detritus and smiles broadly at the party. “Janira has told me about your amazing discoveries, not to mention your dashing rescue of her from a minotaur, no less! But first-hand accounts are best source of documentation, so tell me, what did you find during your Confirmation?”

The elven scholar is delighted by the party’s description of what they encountered, often interrupting them with comments about what they have found and shedding light on the implications of these discoveries. He is especially complimentary of Geoffe’s notes and drawings. “Writing things down when they are still fresh in your mind insures accuracy in reporting. It is often not easy to remember exactly what one had for breakfast the day before much less to recall the impressions one might have had while studying an inscription.”

After asking many questions and taking quite a few notes of his own, Master Shaine goes back to his desk and rummages around in one of the drawers before withdrawing five small packages, each labeled with a name of the party. After handing them out to the respective members he instructs them to open them.

Inside of each package is a silver compass with the party member’s name embossed upon it. These wayfinders, the magical badge of the Pathfinder Society. Master Shaine smiles at the assembled group. “Congratulations Pathfinders, you are now full field-agents. I know each and every one of you will be fine additions to the Society.”

[Yawielas]

Jade smiles and bows to Master Shaine after opening her package. "Thank you very much, Sir. I hope I won't let the Society down."

[Farmerbink]

Shaun arrives with his brother, silently watching their surroundings with undisguised suspicion. Each corner, and each doorway hides a potential threat. No one, except perhaps Geoffe, can fully be trusted. He continues to face a direction other than Geoff, the better to ensure that no threats can approach either of them unseen.

The witch grunts noncommittally at the reappearance of Denjan, who clearly feels better than he did the previous evening- a potentially dangerous ally, but an ally, at least. He nods curtly to Hoppholderin, and smiles faintly at Janira.

Shaun relates his experiences almost mechanically, giving no special weight to either their successes or the injuries and difficulties faced. Each is simply one additional step in his awkward and trying upbringing. The discovery of the Gillmen's religious pursuits is interesting, and makes for a good tale.

Regardless, the highlight of the morning is clearly the receipt of his embossed wayfinder. He inclines his head deeply, for the first time averting his eyes from the Master of Scrolls, humility and respect mingling among his features. "Thank you, Master Shaine. I will see this put to good use, as we continue uncovering the secrets of this world. Do you have any further assignments you would like us to pursue, or any suggestion with whom we might speak?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

Geoffe readily presents the party's findings and excitedly opens his wayfinder. Smiling as he scrutinizes it, he silently listens as his brother asks the question on his mind.