Khlia Adventure 1: A New Pathfinder

This first adventure in Caverns and Taverns for Khlia, an Orcish Fighter, introduces the character as she goes on an adventure to join the much celebrated Pathfinder Society. In so doing, we see there is more to her than just being good at fighting. As this first adventure concludes, Khlia stumbles on a remarkable artifact, that will affect her for the rest of her life.

Themes

One of the central themes of the plot will be in discovery. This partially includes the reader discovering more of the area, which has not been introduced or mentioned elsewhere in any of the Caverns and Taverns stories or adventures thus far. It is also a matter of discovery of one's self.

another theme introduced in this adventure, which is intended to continue throughout Khlia's adventures, will be that of personal growth. Khlia defines herself by what she is working to become and accomplish, and not by who she currently is, and certainly not by how anyone else tries to define her.

Structure

Exposition

The beginning chapters are used to show the city and Khlias relationship to it, as well as her relationship to its residents.

Conflict

The leader of the local guild, the venerable Goblin Sorcerer Grimix, issues a challenge for the community. The individual or group who successfully completes the challenge is allowed entry into The Pathfinder Society. Grimix speaks of an ancient treasure they must find, in a hidden location.

Rising Action

Khlia is by no means the only one who's interested in becoming a Pathfinder, and has to not only find the ancient item, but has to beat the competitors to it. While she can quickly determine that many of the competitors are either not cut out for the task, or going about the solution in a completely wrong way, it's also clear there will be strong competition between her and the more capable individuals. Namely, her biggest rival, Krathkar, a fellow orc, who was little more than a savage brute and bully.

Climax

As she believes to be getting close to the treasure, she has an unavoidable conflict with Krathkar. She proves to be unafraid, and shows that fighting tactfully will usually outperform brute strength. With him defeated, Khlia is effectively alone to find the treasure.

Falling Action

As the climactic battle ends, Khlia descends deeper into the cave system. As she does, she finds a forgotten set of armor, made seemingly inaccesible behind a waterfall. As she takes it, she finds that it is magical in some way, changing it's appearance upon wearing it.
Taking it to the Pathfinders, it's speculated that the armor is the legendary Brave Bodice of Braghna. Said to be brave to a fault, the legendary hero chased down an incredibly dangerous set of dangers and missions, until it lead her to mysterious and ultimately fatal end. This is a great surprise to Grimix and the other Pathfinders. Not only was this armor not the treasure that was meant to be retrieved on the mission, but no one was aware that such a storied piece of armor was in the caves. There is still some uncertainty as to whether it really is Braghna's armor, or merely another one that has a similar or identical effect, but the general consensus is to treat as though it is, until there's compelling evidence that it isn't.

Resolution

The adeventure will be resolved with Khlia having become a member of the Pathfinder Society, adorned in her new armor. She has achieved what she wanted, and more than, and will soon come to find out that becoming a Pathfinder was the easy part, especially with the attention now upon her.

Components

Moral Quandaries

This early on, the story will not have much in the way of a moral quandary, but the conclusion will begin to set the premise of one.
The Bodice of Braghna is said to give greater power the braver it's wearer is, and will become a burden on them if they pull away. The dilemna than is what is the difference between brave and being foolhardy? How long until the armor's effects push Khlia into a fight she can't win, as it once did with it's namesake?

Backdrops

Locations

The principal locations will be the city of ____ and the nearby cave system. Within the city, the story will begin at Khlia's residence, and will have multiple stops at the guild hall of The Pathfinder Society, as well as her blacksmith shop.

Chatper Titles (tentative)
Introduction
4 The Call is Made 5 The Challenge 6.1 Cavernous foes 7 Some help from your friends 8 Into the depths 9 Competition 10 Against the tide 11 Something strange 12 Back to town (friends first) 13 Challenge from your rival 14 Extra attention 15.1 take up on the offer 16 armor of a legendary hero 17 You're now a Pathfinder 15.2 you find the armor's downside 16 the tale of Braghna

Related Characters

• Khlia

Related Organizations

• Stormfall
• The Pathfinder Society