You have been stationed at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, awaiting assignment for a mission that you hope will be 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.
You were asked to all come together in one of the meeting rooms of the Grand Lodge and have been waiting for a couple of minutes already but Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng has not arrived, yet.
Drandle Dreng is the venture-captain of the Pathfinder Society who handles Pathfinder assignments concerning Absalom's history and mysteries. He has a remarkable memory: he recalls hidden truths about the city's most important people that even they have forgotten. These secrets are not just gathered from Pathfinder agents: he gathers information personally.
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A middle-aged man wearing a stylish coat walks in and takes a seat. He extends a hand to Simeon and says with an urbane accent: "Pleased to meet you. My name is Quinn. It'll be interesting to see what Dreng has in store for us--I've never met him, but he has a reputation as an . . . interesting sort of fellow."
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A small girl walks into the room. She's short for a human, but when you have gnomes and halflings running around, it's almost not worth mentioning. So why did you notice? It's because your spidey-senses are tingling. She may appear frail, but the confidence of her walk and the darkness in her eyes tell you that she is anything but. Ahhh, so a fellow pathfinder, eh?
She says nothing, but does acknowledge the two others already here with a nod before she settles into a spot. Later, you notice that she has chosen a location that puts her back to a wall and allows her to watch everyone else as well as the entrance to the room. She appears bored, but you catch her stealing suspicious glances at you.
Suddenly a little female gnome with pink hair opens the door to your meeting room and asks “Are you the team waiting for Drandle? You are not complete, yet? He won’t be able to meet you here but left an address for you to meet him. Here you go!“
She hands one of you a piece of paper with the address and runs out as fast as she had arrived.
The little female gnome with the pink hair puts her head into the room again and especially looks at Bressa "Oh sorry, I forgot to tell you that Drandle wants you to introduce yourself properly to each other. He said that this mission can involve a lot of ale and he wants you to know each other at least a little before you see each other completely drunk!" she says with a sly smile and closes the door.
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A flamboyantly dressed man wearing a purple robe, stylized with various random runes and arcane knick knacks walks in and takes a seat. He extends a hand to those present, showing great excitement at seeing Bressa.. "Bressa my friend! so good to see your beautiful face! must be fate has more in store for us two! Pleased to meet the rest of you as well, names Warren, Warren Moon. Curious too see what Dreng has in store for us as well, hes new to me also but his reputation is well known."
You decide to go to the address and any Pathfinders that are late will receive the address from the lovely young gnome.
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.
“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.”
The Wounded Wisp was a bar once frequented by the original members of the Pathfinder Society before the Society was even formed. Inside the Wisp, acquaintances would share stories about their adventurous exploits with one another.
Many volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles came together under the Wisp’s roof. Famous Pathfinders like Eando Kline and the Seeker Osprey often stopped by for a drink while they relaxed in Absalom between assignments. Though not officially affiliated with the Society, the bar maintains good relations with Pathfinders, offering discounts and prompt service. The owners have always kept themselves and the Wisp afloat through the generosity of Society agents who spend coin at the establishment.
Selmius Foster was one of the founding members of the Pathfinder Society, known to have frequented the Wisp often and occasionally taken up residence in a spare room between his travels. His celebrated exploits first appeared in Volume 1 of the Pathfinder Chronicles.
Following the death of Selmius Foster on the island of Bhopan, his assistant Adolphus made several donations to maintain one of his mentor’s favorite sites. The exact arrangement between Adolphus and the owners of the Wisp was never disclosed, but it is said that some of this gold came from the same fortune that Adolphus used to found the Pathfinder lodge in Quantium.
“Do you have any questions?“
"Interesting question! Yes, after I have my bottle your real mission is going to start but you see ... I cannot leave now and would so much like to have a good glass of wine." Dreng says with a stern look.
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Bressa starts when the pink-haired-gnome addresses her directly, but her expression quickly changes from surprised to grim. "I don't like that gnome... and probably Mr. Dreng." She looks at the rest of the group and sighs. "Sorry, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Bressa. I hit things. Hard." She leaves it at that but glances several times at the door as if expecting to see the little gnome again.
When Warren enters the room with his typical 'muchness', she rolls her eyes but smiles warmly. "Good to see you again too. It's nice to have someone I already know I can trust here. How's that wicked owl of yours doing?"
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Having received the directions from the pink Gnome (a treat he bookmarked for later exploration), Iškur rounds the corner to see a likely-looking group standing talking to a person of low estate ... though from his stance, the weathered man might be a warrior of some sort himself. As for the others, well, they looked as though might well benefit from his presence.
(+1 for any who might fancy me)
At his most charming, with an engaging grin: "I'm here now ... where is this whispy bar I've heard about?"
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Simeon rolls his eyes slightly at the Venture Captain when he hears that they are being sent to pick up a parcel. "Well, let's go retrieve the package so that we can get out of this damnable rain," the wizard says testily. Then he catches himself, and adds, "unless there is anything else we need to know about the delivery."
"No, it really is only a wine bottle! You can find me here again when you got my bottle. I am not going anywhere at the moment.”
He suddenly stares to corner to his right and hesitates moment – then looks at you “Run, run, otherwise you might be too late!“
Following the instructions you arrive at the Wounded Wisp bar.
The Wounded Wisp is located in the Foreign Quarter district of Absalom, close to the grounds of the Grand Lodge. Dreng’s hastily sketched map provides basic directions. You have no difficulty finding the establishment with the map Dreng provided. Almost every initiate or member has heard of or seen the building at some point.
Built from dark, discolored wood, the exterior of the Wounded Wisp is the image of an iconic dive bar. Stained and barred windows obscure direct vision into the establishment, though ruddy yellow light bleeds from a window in the front hall. In the hours just before dawn, the building closes long enough for menials to clean and to give staff a rest.
The only distinguishing feature on the Wisp’s exterior is a thick 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.
You step inside. 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.
As you arrive, a handful of different groups are already relaxing around the bar, enjoying drink and food offered by the Wisp’s staff.
A1. Entry Hall: This long wooden hallway is the entrance to the Wounded Wisp, heading north into the building itself. The walls are covered in numerous decorations and trophies left by successful Pathfinders who’ve donated minor paraphernalia to the bar.
A2. Coat Check: This large closet contains various coat racks and shelves for patrons to place any equipment they don’t want to lug with them. Typically a teenager works here and manages any garments the patrons wish to stow.
A3. Main Hall: Tables fill the main floor of the Wounded Wisp where patrons sit with colleagues and share stories over drinks. Three sets of stairs lead up to a raised dining area (area A5).
A4. Bar: Staffed by at least one employee of the Wounded Wisp, the bar holds a variety of different beers, while hard liquors are kept in a glass case on the wall behind the bar.
A5. Dining Area: Four feet above the main floor of the Wounded Wisp, this section is sectioned off by elegant metal railings. On this level, patrons can enjoy a more private meal without the noise of the area below.
You all notice that 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.
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Warren looks over to Bressa..
"Ah yes, my wonderful companion Sebastian. He's glad to not have to peck away at any more of those filthy undead! Ha-ha what an adventure that was! Although this time our mission seems more tame, parcel pick-up? Yeah, now THAT I can handle.. with pleasure."
"Cant say I recall much however about the history between the Pathfinder Association and the Wounded Wisp, guess I left those notes back at the study..." Warren scratches his head before turning his attention back to his journal, scribbling down some idle notes
Standing here in the Wounded Wisp you see a lot Wayfinders in the open and realize that this tavern is still very much frequented by Pathfinders
You look around and some of you see the faces of people that you have once or twice seen in the Grand Lodge.
On the other side of the bar sits the military historian Yargos Gill, one of the few patrons who bear no direct affiliation with the Society. Despite this, Gill has often found himself wrapped up in the Society’s affairs and he has come to accept the Pathfinders as allies. The older man is sipping from an oversized flagon of ale while reading through a large and ominous-looking tome.
Next to the bar sits Janira Gavix. Having completed her own Confirmation several months ago, the female halfling bard enjoys taking breaks at the Wounded Wisp. You have heard that Janira has an extraordinary memory, and that she spends much time here learning about the exploits of other adventurers and relating her own tales with oratorical flourishes.
Looking at her table you have the impression that Janira already has a group of newly confirmed Pathfinders listening to her tales of Society founder Durvin Gest and the fabled Lens of Galundari.
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Warren strides inside the Wounded Wisp, flinging open the doors in the most exaggerated way possible. His walk is one part confidence, one part grace, and two parts goofy, as if to say he doesnt really care, and likes making a show of it. Looking around the room, he can't help but fascinate at the myriad of trophies and decorations lining the bar..
"Look at all these relics of adventures past! So much history, is that a Jabbawocky head..." Warren thinks to himself
Strolling past the young man attending the coat check, he shoots the kid a quick glance as he approaches, a creepy smile developing on the mages face that spreads from ear to ear, forcing the young man to pretend to be busy as to not have to acknowledge him. Warren simply laughs, having nothing on him that needed to be "checked" anyways.
Coming closer to the bar, Warren thinks he spots a familiar face but waits until he's closer to make sure, the man is question drinking from a large flagon and reading what looks like a book of some sort.
"Is that Yargos Gill? Maybe, or just a random drunkard..
"The Wounded Wisp, just look at it! Now THIS is a bar, had I known this job was going to be so pleasant, especially compared to my last, I would've offered my services pro bono." He says to the group as they start to filter into the place, before staring off again to all the paraphernalia on the walls with weird interest, his hand already scribbling idle notes
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Roustan walks into the bar and shakes as if a wet animal. He pulls the hood of his cloak down and checks out the decorations and trophies. "Wonder what stories these items have been a part of?"
Roustan then gives a nod and smile to the patrons talking about Sir Reinhart in the hopes of hearing of his adventures.
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Quinn follows the others in. It looks like a nice, cozy place to have a drink and hear the latest gossip. But, knowing they have a job to do, he sighs and mutters "Better get this over with." He walks up to the bar, raises a finger to get the bartender's attention, and says "I'm here to pick up a parcel for V-C Dreng."
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Bressa arrives with the group and begins assessing the crowd. From which direction will the trouble come? says her blank face and darting eyes. She does, however, smile at a male and female half-orc who are joyfully laughing and drinking ale. Not that they would notice her. Suddenly, she elbows Moon in the side, nodding her head in the direction of Yargos Gill. "Oh gawd, is that the same book? We don't need any more of that foolishness."
She finds herself beside Simeon, though, listening to talk about this test for godhood thing.
"Is that Yargos Gill? Maybe, or just a random drunkard..
Warren notes that Yargos is very concentrated and has not seen him, yet.
Simeon walks in from the rain and pulls off his coat, which he hands to the coat check boy. He begins to head straight for the bar, but is distracted by talk of the Test of the Starstone. He lingers by the crowds discussing Sir Reinhart hoping to learn more about the crusader.
Roustan then gives a nod and smile to the patrons talking about Sir Reinhart in the hopes of hearing of his adventures.
She finds herself beside Simeon, though, listening to talk about this test for godhood thing.
Simeon and Roustan realize after a while that the discussion is revolving more about the fact that this is most certainly a futile exercise. Although some point out that nobody would have thought that Cayden would become a god! It is rumored that Sir Reinhart will do the test today or tomorrow. The discussion then ends quite abruptly when a little halfling girl sitting right next to the bar invites the whole bar to share a drink for her.
You see the woman behind the bar that seems in charge looking at the halfling woman and taking a platinum sphinx "Oh hello, thanks a lot!"
She stands up on a chair and shouts into the room "The lady here invites all of you to have a drink! Free ale for everyone! But please stay seated - I do not want you all running to the bar! The servers will bring the ale to your tables."
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"Oh gawd, is that the same book? We don't need any more of that foolishness."
"That is Yargos isn't it? And um yeah.. I hope he wouldn't be reading THAT book, because you know.. what better place to read a tome capable of summoning a venerable army of undead than ones own local pub. And here I thought I was an odd one, at least I'm harmless!" Warren walks over after talking to Bressa and strolls over to Yargos at the bar. "Yargos! Yargos Gill, it's been a while. Warren, Warren Moon if you remember me. Not important though, just wanted to come over and say hello again in person." Warren gives Yargos a quick bow and while doing so, sneaks a quick glance at the tome he has set open...
Keeping an eye on the rest of the party, Bressa makes her way to the table with two half-orcs. She introduces herself and then challenges them to an arm-wrestling contest.
Garl and Shrade look at you and Garl scratches his head "Hmmm ... do I know you?!" Suddenly, Shrade hits her brother with her fist. "You idiot! This is Bressa! We met her in the Grand Lodge!" she says with a smirk.
Bressa starts an easy conversation with the the two half-orcs and they are eager to share stories of battle over a mug of ale with Bressa.
Bressa notices that they’re on friendly terms with the Wisp’s staff, mainly due to the large tab they rack up over the course of an evening.
The Boartusk Twins come off as familial comrades, especially to Bressa as they share her more martial mindset.
When Bressa suggests an arm-wrestling contest Garl shouts "Pah! I do not arm-wrestle with a woman!" which leads to another hit on the head delivered by his sister.
"Let this idiot talk! Come here and give me your arm!" Shrade says ready for action.
Quinn follows the others in. It looks like a nice, cozy place to have a drink and hear the latest gossip. But, knowing they have a job to do, he sighs and mutters "Better get this over with." He walks up to the bar, raises a finger to get the bartender's attention, and says "I'm here to pick up a parcel for V-C Dreng."
After learning that the Sir Reinhart gossip isn't really talking about anything of interest, Roustan joins Quinn to pick up the parcel. "Hurrying up with the parcel will probably be a good idea before it gets rowdy in here."
For those of you who know her, Heryn Gale works the bar of the Wounded Wisp tonight, catering directly to those sitting on stools while simultaneously preparing drinks for those at tables and coordinating the wait staff.
"Oh hello gentlemen, I am Heryn, hard to believe that I still need to introduce myself." she says laughing.
When Quinn and Roustan describe why you are here she says "Oh of course, I was wondering when Drandle would get his bottle. I cannot accompany you down at the moment as I have to wait until my replacement arrives so that I can step away from the bar. Look, up there are two free tables. Take a seat and have a drink and I will be with you within the next hour, ok?"
"Yargos! Yargos Gill, it's been a while. Warren, Warren Moon if you remember me. Not important though, just wanted to come over and say hello again in person." Warren gives Yargos a quick bow and while doing so, sneaks a quick glance at the tome he has set open...
Warren can read the first lines of the tome's pages and it seems to be a rather juicy bibliography of Para-Countess Granara Ludmil of Egorian.
Yargos Gill looks up and is slightly surprised "Warren? Is that really you? I would not have thought we see each other so soon again!"
Yargos invites Warren to sit down and just in that moment a server sets two glasses of ale on the table and points at the little halfling girl that is now singing on a chair.
Warren and Yargos start to speak with each other and Warren realizes fast that despite not being a member of the Pathfinder Society, Yargos Gill is familiar with the organization and has worked with Pathfinders in the past.
"You know Warren, I am amiable to agents as it provides an outsider’s unique perspective on the Society’s actions. I do not want to get sidetracked but ..." and with that he starts to go on long tangents regarding important military history from the Inner Sea. The old man obviously assumes that everyone - including Warren - is knowledgeable of such things. When Warren wants to intervene Yargos does not really let him speak and begins to discuss particulars about his digressions and he goes into excruciating detail about esoteric events.
Appeals to Pathfinder camaraderie have little effect on Yargos Gill. Instead, he enjoys learning about ancient secrets and current events, and he sometimes lends his expertise when doing so would allow him to participate in an important discovery without actually risking his own neck.
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Warren begins chatting history and lore with his old friend Yargis, blabbering on about military history and the like, the two academia's swapping stories and different findings.
Warren senses that Yargis may have more to offer on the afore mentioned subject
"Yargis, I get the feeling you may have some more historical or important findings for us to discuss..? Anything you've learned lately you want to share old friend?" Warren asks inquisitively
"Hmmm ... you are very perceptive Warren! You probably heard of Sir Reinhart and his aspiration to become a god. Well, I do not care about him but as a historian I have some knowledge of the failed aspirants, and am researching and interpreting some recent discoveries. I have many scholarly contacts that also include members of the Arcanamirium. But I do not want to go into too much detail!" he says with a mysterious gesture.
With a warm smile he says "Warren, I hope you excuse me now. I have an urgent meeting now but it was great talking to you!"
"It sounds like this is going to take a while," Quinn says to Roustan after hearing the bartender's explanation. "May as well settle in for a bit." He buys an ale and sits down at a table.
Regardless of the outcome, Bressa laughs and has a great time.
Bressa and Shrade are almost equal in this contest of strength but at the end Shrade has the upper hand. Bressa and Shrade laugh after the small battle and a lot of ale flows!
Bressa notices that the motivation of the Boartusk Twins clearly is: “There’s nothing an axe can’t fix”. But more than anything, these half-orcs want to be recognized for more than their martial prowess, and they look for ways to assist other Pathfinders beyond use of their combat skills.
After a while Garl blushes a little bit "Bressa, you are a real fighter! A strong woman!"
And Shrade continues "Listen, if you need our assistance you only have to call us! We are adept at creating distractions and ..." suddenly she is interrupted by Garl
"... and we are adept at inflicting property damage, both of which might help you!" Garl says with a smirk.
Shrade slaps him again with a smile and says "No really, we are also willing to perform modest amounts of breaking and entering, which might help you get valuable information without dirtying your own hands ... well for the right pay of course!" and they both start to laugh.
Heryn looks at Roustan and what a coincidence - her replacement just arrived and she is happy to have time for you now.
After you all confirm that you are ready she takes you through the kitchen (A7) where three cooks prepare appetizers and larger meals with a wood-burning stove and several stone-surfaced tables.
She opens the door to a back storeroom (A8) where a set of stone stairs leads down from here into the basement level of the Wounded Wisp.
The stairs descend into a tightly packed storeroom (A10) where barrels, boxes, and crates of assorted foodstuffs and drink garnishes are pushed against the walls or under the stairs.
Heryn suddenly has a stern look and says
“If you were not here because of business associated with Dreng I would never let you in here … firstly because it is embarrassing and secondly because I will let you alone down here, what I also do with Dreng. So please enjoy and respect my trust and also Dreng’s I suppose. You will see why I say embarassing because we usually do not use the rooms beyond this room anymore.” and with that she opens the door and shows you the next room (A11) and continues.
”Ahhh … formerly the next room was a meeting room where the staff could converse or take time off between shifts, but this chamber suffered significant damage during the earthquake of 4698. Several fissures split the floor that are leading down to a section of the city’s sewer system. So please, please keep quite about this, okay?” she says with a pleading look.
Heryn is slightly relieved. She shows you the next room and the hole in the floor ”Look, nobody had the money to pay to repair the damage, so before I even started here they had acquired a broad wooden plank that serves as a bridge across the fissure. Now go through this room and enter the cellar on the other side. Actually, Dreng asked me to get the bottle and give it to you but … I am afraid of heights and I cannot come with you. I am sure you will need time to find what you are looking for because except Dreng nobody knows this place anymore.” she hands you a piece of paper with the name of a vineyard and a certain vintage (from a year preceding the creation of the Society) and waves goodbye hurrying up the stairs.
Neglected since it was “installed,” the plank isn’t as sturdy as it once was. You have to move slowly to get across or somehow reinforce it with skill (Disable Device).
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Simeon srunches his nose up when Heryn mentions that the fissure in the back of the tavern leads down to the city's sewer system. "Wonderful," he says under his breath.
"Well, let's start looking, I suppose."
Simeon glances over at the piece of paper describing the bottle the group is after, and then heads across the board to begin searching.
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Warren chuckles at the sudden turn of events "Hahaha Wow this simple wine extraction assignment sure went south QUICKLY. One minute free ale, the next... certain doom by falling into a pit o' human dung. Well here goes nothing, if I DIE here, tell all my fan girls it was an owlbear attack.." Warren curses himself under his breath for not buying any scrolls of Floating Disc, his preferred method of travel anymore, and inspects the "bridge"
"Be careful when crossing, this plank has been long neglected.. signs of wood rot.. if anyone is able to reinforce it, should make our crossing a cake walk."