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As you all get acquainted in front of the hearth in the Grand Lodge's great room. You have been awaiting assignment for a mission of utmost importance or really anything at all. As fresh trainees there aren't a lot of assignments for you to cut your teeth on. 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 lay 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 venturecaptain 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.
“The bartender is a woman by the name of Heryn Gale, a fine lady who came to own the Wisp after the passing of her father from—oh, bah, it’s really getting too cold for me to give a proper history lesson! If you could just go to the Wisp, and tell Heryn you’re there to pick up my parcel, it would be most appreciated. I’ll be around here for several more hours at least.”
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Ulena trudges through the rain with the rest of her companions, spending much of that time convincing herself that the rain did it's part to contribute to the beauty of the world and was thus, necessary.
Her mood improves slightly as Dreng reveals himself, she even goes to clap but restrains herself, having been informed how childish that may be by others.
"This package must be important if you're sending this many of us for it! What is it? Will it be heavy? Is it fragile?" Her excitement at doing anything other than just sitting in the Lodge is clear on her face.
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Excited like never before for her first assignment, Dimira walked the streets of Absalom absentmindedly, her head full of hope and dreams about her fist task as an official Pathfinder agent: Breath, Dimira, breath. This is only your first task, and as such it would be an easy assignment...Or at least it's supposed to be that way, isn't it? Please, Waybringer, give me the strenght to overcome the odds I'll be facing.
Dimira abruptly stops. A passerby bumps into her: "Oh, I'm sorry sir", she whispers, before turning back. I should've taken that turn. Focus. Stay focused, Dimira. Remember what master Shaine told you? You need to focus your attention on your current action if you want to succeed. O' Shelyn, please guide me through this city maze!
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Once she reaches her destination, Dimira looks around herself with a suspicios expression. Well, this is an odd meeting place indeed.
When she spots the beggar, Dimira quickly takes his hands and with a compassionate look istantly delves into her pocket to find something to give to the poor soul. "Here", she says with a smile while she extracts five silver coins from her pouch, "It's not much, I know, but I don't have much more than this...".
When venture-captain Drandle Dreng shows up from underneath the hood, she smiles with a ironic grin: "Oh, a joke. I should've expected it. It's exactly the sort of jokes you like, Mr. Dreng, isn't it?". Growing up in the Grand Lodge, Dimira has been knowing the aging venture-captain since she was a child, and although she didn't never had the chance to speak to him directly, she had heard a lot of rumors on his behavior from her many friend in the Lodge.
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Dimira listens to venture-captain Dreng's report attentively. The Wounded Wisp, the place where it all begun. It'll be exciting to actually see that place in person. Absalom is so rich in interesting places!
Dimira nods more than once while listening to the aging venture-captain's account. Then, after letting Mr. Dreng answer to her companion, she says: "Why I feel that recovering that "parcel" of yours will be more difficult than it seems?.
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Bryzaglo is hesitant to go out into the rain but if a VC has summoned them he should report. While walking to the meeting place the Half-Orc keeps his head down but eyes peeled for any people or things of interest. ... wherever we are going I hope it has a card or dice game going I am running low on money ...
The rogue also evaluates the other Pathfinders that have been given the same task on their walk thru the city streets. ... well could a been worse ...there could have been a dwarf in the group….
When they come to the corner and are confronted by the beggar Bryzaglo’s hand casually drifts to his dagger but falls limb as the VC shows his face.
While listening to the VC describes the task to be done a smile comes to the rogue’s face. ”Sounds like my kind of place. I will enjoy seeing what the legendary Wisp has to offer for entertainment. Let’s get moving. The sooner we are out of this rain the better.”
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the wisened Drandle Dreng smirks mightily at the very serious and eager pathfinders Dimira and Ulena " Oh it is of utmost importance - you are providing aid to your dear old venture captain during his undercover operation. I have an arrangement with the Wounded Wisp where I am sampling their finer vintages in descending order of age! I have now reached a particularly old vintage that I was looking forward to but my business here is going to keep me and I dare not leave. No one would begrudge an old beggar of a bottle of vino, so it makes for a good little arrangement. I had heard you all were lounging about the Grand Lodge waiting for something to do so I sent for you. Should be a simple matter! By all means enjoy yourselves."
You all head off to the Wounded Wisp, which is easily enough found. Upon your arrival the smell of smoke and spilled ale assails the senses in this wide-open area. Dark oaken raised platforms sides of the Wounded Wisp, while well 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 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.
Within, you see 5 different patrons that stand out from the crowd, the first is a Halfling bard, the next is Qadiran-looking merchant, there is a pair of warrior-type looking half orc women standing in the back and an old stodgy historian taking up one of the booths.
The bartender, Henryn Gaile, shows you all to a table and takes your orders before you can broach the subject of your business here. While you wait for your drinks, you realize you will get no real work done for a moment, giving you all a chance to get acquainted.
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"That halfling looks awfully familiar!" Ulena says, a bit distracted as her companions discuss introductions or their task.
"Oh, yes, I'm Ulena! I was recently Confirmed and have been waiting for something new to come along ever since! I didn't expect it to just be a wine delivery, but I suppose not every task can be an adventure. Do you think he'll share a few glasses?"
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The bartender sees Ulena's trepidation He won't bite...fact. Why don't you say hello. Miss...if you happen to be with the Pathfinders after Drandle's delivery can you ask your friends to wait here for a moment, maybe get to know some of the other patrons. I will need to guide you into the wine cellar where this vintage is stored and I can't until my relief arrives.
Bryzalgo wastes no time approaching the pair of half orc women. From this close you can see they share almost all of the same features, maybe muted or accentuated but still pretty close. [b] Ahh yes my sister and I love to gamble. And drink and carouse and all of that good stuff. That pathfinder discount really makes things easier. Knew joining the society was good for SOMETHING. The other chimes in harshly "They're so soft these days though, hardly anything for a pair of proper orcs like us to fight, always "go catalogue this" or "go talk to that person and make them be nice" and without any fighting! It's for the birds, you'd be wise not to join up Bryzadlo!
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Dimira looks around nervously, trying to paranoically catch anything unusual in the patrons' behaviors, but in the end she manages to calm down a bit and introduce herself. "Hi there, I'm Dimira Kressen. This is my first assignment as an official Pathfinder. I don't really know what to expect from this task, but...I feel that something's in the air. Mister Dreng would have never sent so many of us to recover something so mundane if he wasn't somehow concerned about what could have happened. By the way, I work for the Silver Crusade.", she says before smiling absentmindedly, her head full of worries again.
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Zarina chats with the others for a bit, then says "Well, let's mingle. Always good to make a few new contacts when the opportunity arises."
She hums a little tune quietly as she approaches the Qadiran. "Excuse me - you look familiar, but I can't quite place it. My name is Zarina Magda. And you are...?"
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"Well, you're right I suppose, I may as well get used to meeting new people now that I'm a Pathfinder!"
Ulena tries to look casual as she approaches the halfling. Tapping them on the shoulder she attempts what she's heard of as 'small talk'.
"Um, hi! How are you? I've known one other halfling, do you perhaps know her? Her name is Janira! Maybe you're related?"
Are all halflings related? Father always said they were but...
She's suddenly embarrassed thinking she may have made a fool of herself and immediately looks toward her feet.
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The Qadiran man turns to Zarina Ah my greetings find you as pleasant as the first rays of the sun on a winter morning. Did I hear just now that you're a fellow member of the society...rookie too by the look of it...hrm hrhm tell me Zarina what would do if you went into a dungeon and came across a swarm of beetles preventing you from proceeding - ones that could strip the flesh from your bones, even.
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Meanwhile as Ulena looks down at the Halfling she gives her kind of an odd look Yes I remember you - did you not recognize me in the new duds? Or perhaps you've hit your head? She greets you warmly and with a sarcastic thread of mockery How have you been, have you learned anything new worth knowing since last we crossed paths?
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Ulena blushes fiercely when she realizes it's Janira herself that she'd been talking too.
"I've just come in from the rain! My eyes were still adjusting to the light!"Good one Ulena. She chides herself for the poor excuse but smiles at the woman.
"I'm glad to see you've made a full recovery from that last battle, as for myself I haven't done much. This is the first, um, mission I guess you could call it, that I've had since you brought us to the caves, and I fear it's just an errand for Drandle Drang, he seems to be a collector of wine. What brings you to the Wounded Wisp?"
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Nodding and smiling while the Warriors talk about the lack of a good fight. "Sometimes a information and a well timed word in the right ear is much more powerful then a large blade or axe. Don’t get me wrong violence is a great tool if used effectively. I believe it is the perfect time to be a Pathfinder. Some people like talking rather then fighting. Me I like them both." Giving them both a big smile.
Bryzaglo buys a round of drinks for the Half-Orc sister and shows them a game called Silver Piece.
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Left alone at the table, Dimira blushes in embarassment: Hey, wait, wait, wai...Oh, damn! They have left me alone here! It's so embarassing.... She nervously looks around herself to see if there's somewhere for her to go. Her eyes look at the man reading the books, and she quickly joins Rendala. Dimira smiles at the man, trying to glimpse the subject of the book he's currently reading.
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The halfling smiles warmly at Ulena " I haven't actually been up to too much my friend. I have been here learning of the lore and secrets of the Wounded Wisp, amazing things happened here. If you run into anything interesting you HAVE to tell me, I woulde be there in a heartbeat
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The sisters look at you dubiously Well whatever you say, so long as you're buying you get to be right! Hopefully some pathfinder who needs help in a scrap will come in the door tonight!
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The bespectacled historian takes a moment to look up at Rendala Ah how nice of you to ask, very good taste. This here is a tome about the Holy Wars in Ancient osirion. Dreadfully interesting stuff! Very few people know just how deeply held belief in the old gods was and what disruption the introduction of other pantheons had on that continent in fact... And he will drone on and one like that if some interruption is not provided.
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the Qadiran shakes his head warmly and disappointedly " As I have come to expect, they keep putting recruits like you out in the field without proper training... with a swarm it is important to note how BIG the individual members of the swarm are. if theyre big enough you might be able to disperse the with a heavy blunt object...otherwise Fire. That's why no matter how many wizards you take to a dungeon someone needs an honest to goodness torch. There is no replacement for real physical tools and implements in a dungeon! Magic will not always save you and overreliance on it can get you killed! he realizes he had slipped into a scold and stops Clearly you are still in need of guidance and fortunately for you I am as generous as the great fields of yore - please come to me if you need help!
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Dimira smiles at Rendala when she mentions her mother reccomending her to learn Draconic: "You mother has given you a wise advice then. Draconic is the language of magic, and according to myth it has been the very first language ever used in this world. It's a noble language, the tongue of dragons. Even though Ancient Osiriani should be useful too", says Dimira trying to mitigate her proud words with her last sentence.
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The older Qadiran man looks warmly at Zarina I am Aram bin Kaleel, one of the early members of the society. You might find my name peppered into some of the earlier Pathfinder Chronicles. I don't get out much these days - I don't think they do enough to prepare young wolflings like yourself for real field experience. I know they do that silly confirmation thing these days but they could and should do more. Too many younglings get hurt and killed when they wander into a swarm or a trap or some kind of strange monster that they weren't properly prepared for. It really boils me. If you need help - get in over your head - come seek me out, I'll lend a hand. Better embarassed than dead.
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The historian chuckles at the enthusiasm of Dimira and Rendala's enthusiasm Such thirst for learning! No wonder you joined the society. That one - my dear bard - is a reference on the more general history of Osirion, a sort of encyclopedia of known knowledge to fill in events I may not have forgotten. He will continue in this vein for a bit Oh but what about that joke?
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Bryzalgo using his knowledge of gaming is able to beat the sister more often than not but the flow of money is pretty even and he comes out with no real profit but with the trust of the sisters If you ever need anything, maybe a door busted down because of your tiny underdeveloped brainy-orc muscles, let us know and we'll have your back!
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Janira smiles at Ulena I think that's your backup bartender now! Good luck my friend
And sure enough the guest bartender hops over the bar and the one that had been serving you guides you to the basement unlocking the door I will stand watch here pups, the vintage should be in the storeroom - but be careful there are some looseboards in the next room and you could get seriously hurt if you are reckless.
The room you are in now itself is hewn into stone with a plain wooden door in front of you. There are some skinny sidepassages, glorified fissures basically.
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"Oh, it is! Thanks Janira, see you later!" Ulena waves to the young halfling as she follows her guide into a strange stone room in their basement.
"Do these tunnels lead anywhere?" She asks, peering into them as she heads toward the door.
Despite being able to see in dim light, her eyes have not adjusted from the blinding torches in the barroom above.
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"Well it has been fun ladies. If I ever need your talents I will call on you. Until next time. May Desna's luck always shine on you." The rogue gets up from the table gives a deep bow and wink then turns on his heel to follow the others down into the basement.
Once down in the basement Bryzaglo moves into the front of the group his eyes piercing the darkness easily and he scans the area. ... why do I feel as though someone is playing a joke on us ... this does not look like and easy pickup and deliver ...
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As you enter the room with the light you see the walkway that the bartender mentioned. It is a rickety looking single plank stacked atop another plank. on the otherside of that chasm is a shut door that with a sign that reads "Older Vintages".
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When she sees the walkway the bartender mentioned, Dimira isn't able to keep a concerned puff. When she hears Ulena's warning, Dimira begins biting her lower lip nervously. She always thought that when in the face of danger, she would have dealt with it without fear. Now she was figuring out how it felt to be scared. W-Why I'm so scared? It's only a dangerous walkway....
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Bryzaglo searches the racks for the wine the VC wants but fails to find the right one. "I believe you are right Rendala, I can't find it out here it must be in the back room."
The rogue inspects the loose planks bridging the chasm. "These don't look like they could hold a cat. I think someone is either really bad a construction or purposely set these to fail. Almost like a trap."
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Who indeed?
Bryzalgo stops Zarina presumably while he reinforces the plank with some of the other planks lying about.
The group then successfully croses the chasm and opens the door to the older vintages room where, just as described the wine bottle you are looking for is found.
When someone pulls on the wine bottle to remove it from its slot they find that that bottle is actually the lever for a secret door as the winerack makes a lick *CLICK* sound and begins to turn outward, revealing a back room.
A sturdy silver chain jutting from the ceiling ends in a glowing orb that radiates yellow light across the rectangular room. A simple desk of polished wood, stacked with documents and scattered notes, shelters a pair of wooden chests against the south wall. A series of cracks along the eastern and western walls form makeshift entrances into exposed caverns.
However as the door opens a swarm of bats flies out at you!
Init order:
Bryzalgo
Dimira
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Swarm of bats
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Ulena
Zarina
Rendala
Bryzalgo and Dimira are able to react instantly to the presence of these bats!
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Bryzaglo swings his axe through the swarm and hits nothing but air and maybe one or two tiny bats.
Rendala has actually heard of batswarms before.
She knows that swarms made up of dimuitive creatures like this (there are at least 5000 of them) can't be effected by weapons at all. It will take energy damage of some kind, including from the flames of a torch in a pinch, to actually do damage to the swarm as a whole.
Getting caught in the middle of a swarm of bats woud hurt and cause you to start bleeding, which would continue to hurt even after you got away from the swarm.
She also knows that any spell that would effect a single target, aside from ones designed to calm animals, would not work.
Finally she knows that bat swarms when they attack people can leave them distracted and sickened, leaving them nauseated.