Reiko can see from the corner of her eye -- Hayato is about to swing that ridiculously sized sword and then back away and drink the only potion in the group.
With ninja speed, she slashes furiously with her wakizashi, ending the cerebral fungus's tormented life.
Lo Ma plunges her weapon into the creature a moment later.
Hayato hacks the creature (now motionless) with his katana a moment after that, but it is for naught, as Reiko has already claimed the killing blow.
Seelah quickly sheathes her sword and clasps her "sister" on her shoulder.
"Well done, Reiko! You have been practicing!"
Outside, thunder booms one last time, and as you exit the caverns, you can see the strange weather has finally some to a climatic end.
Dr. Quolorum is overjoyed and asks you all to come to the Sincomakti School of Sciences so he can run tests on you to study the long-term effects of exposure to the creature’s attacks. He also requests your assistance in carrying the remains down the mountain.
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Reiko breathes a sigh of relief and pulls her mask back up into place, waiting until her face is no longer visible to smile. She nods at Seelah in thanks and narrows her eyes at Hayato.
"Someone had to save you, big brother. Do not forget it. Ninja vanish!"
Reiko throws her flash powder at the ground, disappearing from sight.
You have been stationed at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, awaiting assignment for a mission of utmost importance. Things finally seemed in motion when Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng sent out a summons for available agents. Specialized in the history of Absalom, Dreng is known for putting off-duty agents to work on sundry tasks when he finds them resting within the city’s limits.
Coming to the meeting place—an odd choice of venue, as it is a street corner far from the Grand Lodge—a lone beggar garbed in baggy robes approaches. The only figure visible in the constant drizzle, the beggar sticks out his hands for currency.
“Have you any coin to spare, fine folk?”
The question hangs in the air for only a scant moment before the figure pulls back his hood to reveal the wizened face of Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng. He gives a crooked smile, soaked head to toe from his unprotected time in the rain. His clothes smell faintly of cabbage.
“Sorry about that,” he says with a wink. “I always like to play a little joke on agents when I stumble across them during my jaunts into town. Now, why did I summon you fine folk here again…?”
Dreng shakes his head from side to side, as though trying to knock water out of his ears, despite the constant downpour.
“Ah yes, the Wounded Wisp! I’m undercover now and can’t stray far from the site I’m watching, but I need someone to retrieve a package for me from that fine establishment. It’s among Absalom’s most storied taverns, you see, and one that holds a special place of privilege in the Society’s lore as the place where the organization began. Well, I could drone on and on about it, but standing out in the rain is doing none of us any favors.”
As if anticipating agreement, the bedraggled venture captain produces a small slip of folded paper from one of his many stitched pockets. Dreng quickly shows a glimpse of the page’s contents: a map detailing the location of the Wounded Wisp bar.
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This tengu's feathers are a calming grey, not the vibrant deep black usually expected of his people. He wears the plain robes of a Tien priest, and he carries no weapon. Between the shape of his beak and the arrangement of his facial plumage, he appears to have a permanent kind smile. Despite being absolutely soaked, the water does not appear to weigh him down at all. He bows with a soft grace, then smiles at Dreng.
"Ah, how lovely! A nice refreshing rain. How nice of you to have us meet outside, Venture-Captain. I am always happy to stand in the rain." His voice is calm and smooth, a river flowing from one word to another.
Ginko wiggles his barefoot talons in the mud.
"Feeling the ground at my feet helps me feel centered. And I find you learn so much of a place when you taste its rain."
Ginko produces a bamboo tea cup and holds it out, letting it fill with rain. He takes a tasteful sip, then shuffles the water in his mouth about.
"Ah, a bit smoky. A metallic aftertaste. So many small flavors hinted at. Interesting, so many options for tea leaves to match...."
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A formless GM blob materializes out of the fog shrouded rain. It's features coalesce into that of a hunched over Nagaji hobbling forward on a walking cane. On closer inspection, the figure appears to be a wizened old Nagaji woman, whose coal black eyes penetrate you with an unwavering gaze.
"JOKE? What is this JOKE? Think dressed as SMELLY hobo funny? Most in LODGE dressed as smelly hobo!! Not funny! SAD! Lo Ma tell everyone in lodge, take bath like good children. But no, they BAD children. No take bath, no go to sleep, stay up LATE and DRINK... Funny how?"
The old woman pauses, and finally takes a look at the disguised Venture Captain.
"Look at you! WET like dog! Smell just as bad! You couldn't send NOTE?? Now whole group get wet. Ayy Yaaa! Rain no good for kids! What if catch cold??"
She looks askance at Ginko.
"Hmmmphf. Silly tengu man. You know what goes in tea cup? Tea!! HOT tea! HOT! You sample enough RAIN water, like hobo? Let's go to this tavern. Make HOT tea. Get package. Let Venture Captain be hobo in rain by self."
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Ginko bows to the nagaji woman, still keeping an amused smile on his beak.
"Greetings, naga-ji, my name is Nakami Ginko. Have you ever have tea made from rain? It tastes so lovely. Ah, you think I should get a package of tea? More tea is always good."
He smoothly turns to face Drendle Dreng while not completely turning away from Lo Tai Po, wanting to not be rude.
"Ah! I see now, honored Venture-Captain, why you call upon this karasu-ji. This package is of tea, yes? How delightful." His beak smacks on the last word, tasting each syllable.
Ginko blinks an eye, and it's difficult to tell whether the wily tengu is giving the Venture-Captain a knowing wink, reflexively reacting to a teardrop in his eyes, or even flirting with the man.
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Arriving astride the back of what was once a proud warhorse. An average height Tien-Shu man clearly outfitted in the arms and armor of a Samurai dismounts and nods to Lo Tai Po and Ginko. Turning to address the Venture Captain.
Venture Captain Dreng, what is the meaning of this? Do you summon us out into the rain for your amusement?
Eyeing Ginko up and down, clearly trying to determine the prowess of such an elderly Tengu.
Why does the Decemvirate continue to send me on missions with those that clearly belong in the Geriatric Society and not the Pathfinder Society...
I believe I heard you introduce yourself as Ginko. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Hayato, though I'm sure that I need no introduction. My many deeds in service to the society are nothing short of legendary!
Turning his head side to side, seeming to look nowhere in particular, Hayato begins to shout.
Come out, come out, where ever you are! You cannot hide forever Little Sister!
Drendle Dreng himself teeters in the cool, light breeze, his eyes squinting as if he's searching for something hidden or invisible lurking about.
"Yes... Little Sister..."
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The delay in Reiko's presence was less looking for her form and more for recognizing it. Shrugging her shoulders, she sighs as she whips off her disguise, having looked like another beggar on the streets.
If someone hadn't misplaced my disguise kit... She shoots a pointed glare at her "brother." Perhaps I would have been better prepared.
She straightens her posture, her piercing green eyes narrowed and focused, and ready for the task at hand.
What package do you request we retrieve for you, Master Dreng?
Drendle smacks his lips.
"Ah yes! Finally, an inquiry about the package I require! The parcel is actually a special vintage of wine from the cellar of the Wounded Wisp. I’ve been sampling their finer wines in descending order of bottling."
He gives you all a look before shrugging and continuing to explain his request.
"I dare not disappear from my current role in this district, but I also would appreciate some comfort items. After all, I doubt anyone would judge a supposed beggar sipping from a bottle of wine."
"Once you arrive, just tell ol' Heryn that you need Dreng's bottle, he'll take you right to it."
With a smile, Dreng nods, spins on his heel and begins to stumble ahead in the rain like a drunen beggar.
The party, with the curious instructions from the Society venture captain departs to the 'Wisp.
The smell of smoke and spilled ale assails the senses in this wide-open area. Walls of dark-stained wood make up the sides of the Wounded Wisp, while well-used wooden tables are spread throughout the space. A raised area in the back of the establishment houses several additional tables and eating areas for groups seeking more than just a good drink.
An austere bar supported by kegs instead of wooden panels commands the northern end of the room. A stained-glass cabinet stands behind the bar, its dark panes cracked in several spots, yet not so opaque as to conceal the several dozen types of hard liquor within.
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Hayato lets out a clearly frustrated sigh as Dreng walks away.
Running errands for an insane old man, yet again...
Well, off we go then. I shall meet the rest of you at the Wisp.
Once again astride Jinfu, Hayato rides off into the city.
I will never understand how it is that they all seem to arrive at the same time as me despite the fact that I have a mount...
Ah, I see you've all made it. Now, did anyone think to get a description of this "ol' Heryn"? Or shall we just go about the tavern asking for them?
As Hayato finishes addressing his comrades, he begins to scan the room.
I appear to have something in my eye...
Hayato, with the power of Jinfu, arrives at the Wounded Wisp easily ten minutes ahead of the others.
The current talk of the bar is that Sir Reinhart of Kenabres, a Mendevian crusader who recently arrived from the north, plans on attempting the Test of the Starstone, the legendary trial by which one might ascend to godhood.
Janira Gavix, known for guiding new recruits through their Confirmations, sits at a table entertaining new recruits.
A Keleshite man who is clearly a devotee of Sarenrae sits at another table enjoying his meal.
Two half-orcs, a male and female, sit at another table trading crude jokes.
Sitting at an empty table appears to be some sort of historian. Several books with a picture of him sit arranged on the table before him, all bearing his signature. He looks at Hayato as the samurai enters, potentially believing Hayato to be a curious, young mind hungry for the knowledge only a good book can provide.
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Heryn Gale, owner and bartender of the Wounded Wisp, smiles as he observes Hayato digging into his eye like a dwarven Diggerson.
"What can I do you for? Perhaps a glass of water and a mirror?"
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Ah, yes, both of those would be lovely. I seem to have managed to get something in my eye on the ride over. Also, if there is a table available, I'd appreciate it.
Taking a moment to glance back at the man with the open books.
A table as far away from him as possible. I'm waiting on some compatriots, and I prefer to do so in solitude.
Heryn glances over to the table with the books and seems to nod in complete understanding.
Sure, sure. The furthest tables are all taken..."
He gestures, apparently other patrons had similar thoughts to Hayato for some reason.
"But the bar's free. That's about as far as you can get. I promise I won't bug ya much while you wait."
He hands over a mirror, worn with age and water spots. He then pours a glass of water and sets it on a cloth.
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Lo Ma eyes the Tengu skeptically.
"Greetings, Nakami-san. Yes, of course Lo Ma had tea with rain water before! It often only source of fresh water! Unless you special and pray..."
Watching Hayato ride off toward the Wisp, the old woman shakes her head in exasperation.
"Tssskkkk. That boy, RUDE! Ride off without so much as HELLO! Where are MANNERS? I hope you not as rude, little sister?"
She turns her attention to Reiko, making a face at the beggar disguise the young lady had been using.
"Why you dress as BEGGAR?? You no find good mate with hobos!!"
The old woman begins walking to the Wisp.
"Why you and brother no see your mother lately? Lo Ma was talking to her and she say ungrateful kids no visit in a month! A MONTH! Only thanks to Lo Ma that she knows what children up to! Ayy Yaaa!!"
As Lo Ma walks down the street, you all can observe doors closing, shutters being barred, and storefronts turning about their store signs to read closed.
It's totally the coming thunderstorm. It has nothing to do with Lo Ma's voice echoing down the streets and causing fear among the populace.
Jinfu snorts, his tail swishing as he shelters from the rain and you come into sight of the Wounded Wisp.
Lo Ma can hear sounds of happy people within who seem to be chatting about fun and revelry.
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Reiko rolls her eyes, attempting to disappear as she turns to start walking towards the Wisp, hoping for a more quiet trip there.
She quietly makes her way to the Wounded Wisp, and once there, attempts to get a general sense of the tavern and its patrons.
She carefully steers away from the "historian's" table and takes a seat next to her brother.
Brother, perhaps you need to get glasses. Your vision seems to not be quite what it used to be... Besides, thick lenses would most certainly suit you.
Thick lenses for a thick skull...
The halfling girl, Janira, you've heard her name and know her face about the Grand Lodge. Now that you see her, you know her type. "Big Sibling". If you engage her in conversation, you expect she'll tell you a bunch of stuff you should be doing as a Pathfinder that you might not normally want to do or would be doing.
The Keleshite man. He reminds you of some of the Tien monks who would speak in riddles, but never give you a straight answer. You're not sure why, maybe it's how he's eating his meal.
The two half-orcs are laughing quite a bit. You recognize their relationship easily from a distance. Brother and sister. Unlike you and Hayato, you suspect they are both equally clever (or rather, un-clever).
The man with the long face and the books is looking at you with eager anticipation. He even straightens a few of the books and turns them so you can clearly see their titles:
THE FUTURE
an inconvenient sensing of motives
GOLARION IN THE BALANCE
Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis
He nods at you as you find yourself unable to avoid the briefest moment of eye contact while sizing up the crowd here. You suspect you don't have a lot of time before he engages you in a verbose conversation.
Heryn pauses, his eyes fixed in Lo Ma's direction. His expression is reminiscent of a hare gazing at a coyote in an open field.
While his head remains motionless, his eyes can be seen slowly panning towards Hayato. Then slowly panning again towards Reiko.
He dons a practiced smile.
"Ah... uh. Greetings, uh. Ma'am. Perhaps a hot beverage for you this fine day?"
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Reiko sizes up the various occupants of the room.
There are at least two things I do not need here: another sibling, and anything the man with the books is peddling.
She turns her head sharply back to the bar, casting a sidelong glance at her brother, and whispering quietly to him.
Please tell me that Heryn is not the man with the books.
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Finally dislodging whatever he managed to get in his eye on the ride over, Hayato looks up to watch his companions walk in.
Glasses!? I do not need glasses! However, if I did need glasses, I would look damn good in them!
Perhaps glasses are not a terrible idea. Something with a stylish frame...
Seeming completely oblivious to the fact that Heryn is nervous about Lo Ma.
Ah, Lo Ma, Ginko, come join us at the bar! The good barkeep here is quite hospitable.
Whispering in response to his sister before the rest of the party joins them.
I do not believe so. If I'm not mistaken the barkeep is Heryn. In either case, I have no intention of going anywhere near the man with the books. If he approaches, use flash powder.
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"Ah yes! You seem like nice man! One pot HOT tea! Also bring honey for children! They look like they catch cold! You look at them! Still have RAIN on clothes!! Now SOAKED!! Ayy Yaa!!!"
She sits back from the counter, but leans back in, upon further thought. Her whispering, just as loud as her normal conversation.
"Oh, bring second pot with rain water for old crow. Don't give that pot to Lo Ma! Lo Ma want hot water with tea. HOT water!"
"Rain..."
Heryn looks blankly ahead as he processes Lo Ma's request for a pot of rain water.
"Of, course. Ma'am. I can fill a kettle with rainwater."
After a few moments, he has returned with a hot kettle and a small tin of tea leaves along with another pot with slightly cool "rainwater".
Heryn cleans up the counter with a rag a little, and does his best to not disturb Hayato's desires for solitude, or to incur the wrath of Lo Ma. He sort of smiles awkwardly at Reiko, and then inquires to nobody in particular.
"New Pathfinders? I haven't seen you folks around the Wisp?"
Heryn has forgotten the honey. Most don't notice. Lo Ma does.
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Ginko manages to wander in after everyone else, not particularly rushing to keep up with them. He smiles at his companions at the bar and trudges over to join them.
"Oh, how nice of you, naga-ji to order rainwater for me so that I can taste it before making it into tea." His tone is friendly, though there's the slightest hint of sarcasm.
Ginko looks over the tea and the "rainwater." He sniffs and lightly shakes it, then ventures a small taste of his "rainwater."
You actually find it a bit fascinating.
You can make out the tastes of Absalom. It's clear to you that this is a city near an ocean as the water is slightly salty. There is a natural earthy flavor to the water before you add any tea. It would certainly battle against a mild flavored white, but it could be an interesting way to ground a green imported from Minkai.
It's nowhere remotely as dirty as the "special water" you purchased from a nagaji several weeks ago. That one absolutely merited application of a cantrip to cleanse prior to seeping.
Heryn crosses his arms and leans forward.
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Ginko smiles and nods approvingly at the barkeep.
"This is quite lovely, Mr. Heryn. It would be perfect with some nice with some green tea that I have, if you would not mind brewing it for this old crow."
Ginko calmly waits, enjoying the cool feeling of the air on his wet feathers. When Heryn returns, Ginko thanks him and begins waiting for his tea to reach the perfect temperature.
"How are you, kind barkeep? Anything of interest happening around here today?"
The tea is swiftly seeped and served. Heryn readies himself to wordless wipe up any dribble as Ginko transfers tea from cup to beak, well used to observing the drinking methods of another tengu Pathfinder agent known only as El Cuervo.
"There's that Mendevian kid tryin' to become a god today. I could place a bet on how that's gonna turn out..."
Heryn's attention returns to Lo Ma as she "kindly" reminds him about her needs.
"The honey! I'm, I'm... so sorry."
The honey is delivered. The water approaches something resembling luke warm rather than 'hot'.
Matters take a turn for the worse. Lo Ma's bunions scream out for some tender care like a writhing mass of Abyssal dretches. The bar stools are too high. Too firm. Too cold. Lo Ma's wobbles as one leg is slightly shorter than the others.
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Ginko smiles at the barkeep. This man was not the first to underestimate the tengu's drinking technique.
"Ah, yes. I hope the boy manages to succeed. It would be a nice story."
Ginko takes another sip of his tea.
"Do you know the Venture-Captain Drendle Dreng? He is a nice young fellow. He said this was a good place to inquire about wine."
Ginko finally sips the tea, strategically choosing a moment when Lo Ma is contemplating life.
You do believe had you not timed your moment of sipping, Lo Ma could have potentially distracted your well honed technique of beak-sipping and dribble would have occurred.
As you glance at Lo Ma's tea, you can even tell from this distance, it's darker murky color denotes inferior quality. In fact, you can also tell she's over-seeping it.
Heryn's rag at the ready, he leans a bit closer to examine the bar, shocked no tengu-beak dribble has transpired. Shrugging, he works on an old stain, likely having existed for years.
At the mention of Drendle Dreng, Heryn looks up again.
"Yeah, we go back. Got an arrangement. I'm helping him sample a number of vintages. Got a special bottle down below some of his lackeys are supposed to pick up today."
Heryn hesitates, ever briefly, eyeing everyone to see if they are in fact, the lackeys in question.
Heryn holds up his hands like an Abadarian bank teller during an Alkenstar heist.
"Oh.. I mean, uh."
He waves to another one of the workers in the Wisp.
"I'll take my break now. I'll show you kids, and... you too, ma'am, where this bottle that ol' Dreng wants you to find is."
Wiping his hands off, he blinks a few times as he looks to Lo Ma, Hayato and Ginko.
"Huh? I thought there were four of you?"
Grouping up, Hayato, Lo Ma and Ginko follow Heryn's lead as he leads them around behind the counter, opening a door and revealing a flight of wooden steps leading down a level.
A set of wooden stairs descends from the main floor into this tightly packed storeroom. Barrels, boxes, and crates of assorted foodstuffs and drink garnishes are pushed against the walls or under the stairs.
Hayato spots a wooden board about three feet across spans a gap, likely a result of an earthquake to the far side.
Beyond, you all can make out shelves filled with wine.
"It's in the middle of the far back shelf. It's the only bottle with a vintage that matches the year before the Society was founded."
Heryn waves you down.
"Dreng said he wanted you to fetch it yourselves... said it would build character."
Hayato's senses tingle. Little Sister is down here already.
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Of course that dim witted old man wants us to collect it ourselves. Heaven forbid the barkeep do his job...
Ah, thank you. We will take it from here and meet you back upstairs once we've finished.
After moving into the cellar, Hayato takes a look around. He seems to be not only observing the room as a whole, but also looking for something... Or perhaps someone in particular.
Sister! I know you're in here somewhere. Make yourself useful and make sure that prattling old man didn't trap this plank.
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Crouched in a cramped space behind a barrel, Reiko's ability to hide in this situation is only likely good enough to avoid her brother's notice.
Maybe we really do need to get him some glasses...
Having spent sufficient time in the basement ahead of the group, Reiko took careful note of the room around her.
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Now how Lo Ma supposed to know what year Society formed? Hmmpf, more tests for kids.. Or perhaps old crow knows. He seem diligent.. perhaps. And.. wha? that smell?
sniff sniff..
"Heryn!! What you and old man do down here?? Smell AWFUL. You need CLEAN your basement! REIKO? REIKO? Where you are?"
"You children study hard? What year wine we look for? Should be EASY question!! EVERYONE knows founding of Society!"
The old woman seems to be staring straight at Reiko, waiting for an answer. As far as Hayato can tell, she's either staring into nothing, or he's caught the old woman's lazy eye taking a break.
There's nothing of particular interest on this side of the room. It would seem that the wine bottle is on the far side of the gap with the wooden plank, right where Heryn indicated it awaits. Alone on a shelf - obvious to discover.
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Reiko takes a quick look over the board, as her brother requested.
She notices that, while the board hasn't been trapped, it's in rather dire disrepair and likely could not hold the weight of a man in armor.
No, big brother. It does not appear the old man has trapped the board.
That's not... entirely untrue.
As Hayato works to cross the board, it lets out a concerned shriek at the weight of the warrior and his armor and weapons. Hayato barely recognizes the splintering of wood and the loud SNAP that follows.
Ginko continues to carefully examine the near side of the room
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Hayato barely manages to leap off the board before plummeting into the gap. As he lands on the other side his expression is equal parts surprise and anger.
SISTER! You told me that this plank was safe! Is it your intent to get me killed!?
I will teach that rotten sister of mine to disrespect me...
Despite the fact that no real harm came to Hayato, he brushes himself off, straightens his armor and begins to walk towards the bottle they were sent for.
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That... was surprisingly nimble.
Shaken, but undeterred, Reiko chuckles under her mask, a playful smile in her eyes.
Such over-dramatic exaggeration. And technically, brother, I told you the board did not appear to be trapped by the old man... You should pay closer attention.
Reiko wastes no time in attempting to catch up with her brother, jumping over the gap.
Even with her brother's harsh words, she overcomes the condition he inflicts and catches up quickly, leaving the elderly companions behind to fend for themselves.