Geryl lets loose a blast of holy energy, while the other move up.
Round 1-Bold may act
Yoko
Lady Mae
GM
Round 2
Teloish
GM
Genryl
Uriah
Ayla
The skeleton in blue moves in on the agents.
And is swept to the side with out a thought of danger.
The final zombie moves in on the male, who is tiring from the constant assault.
Lady Mae fires off an arrow, but it flies overhead and impacts on the far wall.
Pathfinders are up-FINISH HIM
|
Genryl, sighing over how pack the group is in the tunnels, waves his holy symbol around while incanting. "Halcamora, It seems the ones made of rot and decay have not completely felt your enlivening touch completely. Once more, I beseech thee to bring your power to bear."
As he finishes, a wave of red power washes out sloshing around in hallway and driving full force at the zombie in front of Teloish. As it fades away, you could almost swear the moss and fungi in the room has grown larger.
_________
The final undead drops. Among the fallen bodies, the PCs find a note written by the dhampir that details plans to start an army of undead made from the “fish people” who have been frequenting this cave.
After dealing with the undead, the PC's make their way back to the pool and the gilman.
He smiles at the group as they return. "So were you successful"
|
|
"Well that was anticlimactic. Oh, Teloish be careful that zombie is still twitching..." He turns back to the rest of the group and asks, "So what say we tidy up here a bit, and make sure there's nothing undead here still and then go visit the gill man in the pond?"
Genryl makes sure to scan the room, perform a few rituals to try and consecrate the bodies strewn about the room, and then tries to tidy up the bodies a bit. "It's a shame these floors aren't good soil, It would have been good to bury these men and women and let them help the plants grow... I guess if we move them over into the fungus it'll have to do..."
back at the pond Genryl nods and adds, "We were. I tried to help consecrate the bodies, but I'm not sure what the gillman way is for funerals or burials. If you aren't interested in dealing with their corpses, rest assured that they have been seen to."
______________
|
|
Mae watches the last zombie fall in a heap, soaked through and through with some strange red liquid "Very strange. I have not seen ways like yours Genryl. Very good." She stows her bow and arrow and begins hopping around the cavern, poking at the bodies with her club before searching them over.
This cave was so nice, now just death. We must leave soon.
She heads back with the others to the gillman, staying mostly silent as she creeps along at the back of the group.
|
|
"We sure did, pal! Oh, boy, did we ever! And by we, I mean those two!" Ayla gestures grandly at Teloish and Genryl. "The rest of us just stood and watched for the most part. Best to conserve energy, I always say!" Ayla exclaims, ironically fidgeting with an over-abundance of energy. "Some dude wanted to turn your people into an undead army. Stupid fool! He's dead now!"
During the investigation, you find a magical amulet and a an elixer.
"So that is where they have been going. I am glad that they will no longer be minions to the necromatic magic of some lunatic." He looks to the miniure city of Absalom. "This is more than just a statue. It is in fact an alter. You must perform the ritual as Aroden himself would have. To do this you must emulate his 12 guises." The gilman walks you through the 12 guises and what the ritual consist of.
|
|
"We sure did, pal! Oh, boy, did we ever! And by we, I mean those two!" Ayla gestures grandly at Teloish and Genryl. "The rest of us just stood and watched for the most part. Best to conserve energy, I always say!" Ayla exclaims, ironically fidgeting with an over-abundance of energy. "Some dude wanted to turn your people into an undead army. Stupid fool! He's dead now!"
Genryl quickly jumps into the conversation again at the end of Ayla's explanation. "Not by our hands though! Quite poetically, he was killed by his own creation."
After the explanation of the shrine, Genryl tries a few of the rituals before turning to the rest of the group. "I think we've got all of the information we need, but we could explore the rest of the cverns if you wish."
________
|
|
Making sure that the last of the creatures will no longer be harming anyone, Theolish wiped the bits off of the glaive-guisarme, as he joined the others walking back to the strange creature.
At the mention of the various guises of Aroden, he started jotting them down in his journal. When the Beggar, Hunter, Scholar, and Merchant are mentioned, he did the proper ritual for them.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Once the PCs have finished their exploration of the cave, Janira leads the expedition back to Absalom without further incident. Once safely back in the Grand Lodge, Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine inquires excitedly about what the PCs found and asks to see their notes. He compliments those who recorded notes for being certain to write down ideas and observations while the thoughts are fresh, observing that it’s difficult enough to remember what one had for breakfast the day before as it is to recall exactly what one was thinking while studying an inscription. As the PCs are now the foremost authorities on that cave and what it contains, Shaine also invites them to come up with its name. The elf is certain to compliment Janira for her guidance and assistance, much to the halfling’s delight.
Three days later, the Master who best represents each PC’s interests confirms that PCs as a full Pathfinder field agent. As part of the ceremony, that mentor also gifts a personalized wayfinder to the PC, reminding him or her that this is not only the symbol of the Pathfinder’s trade but also a reminder of the three principle duties: explore,report, and cooperate.
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.
“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.”
Knowledge History-Some characters may have greater knowledge of the Pathfinder Society’s history and its association with the Wounded Wisp. Any Pathfinder can attempt this check untrained
|
|
Mae hops along through the soggy streets with reckless abandon, fully enjoying the soggy weather. "This reminds me of home. I miss it sometimes."
As the group comes to the beggar in the street she looks at him with solemn and sad eyes, at least until Dreng reveals himself, then those eyes turn a bit to annoyance. Trickster. Bah.
She listens to him in silence, trying to remember anything she'd heard, or remembered from her lessons in the last month.
Mae clears her throat before quietly asking the man "Will Heryn give us the package? Is she expecting us?" She asks, her quiet voice hard to hear over the wind and rain.
"Yes, she should be expecting you. And she knows I usually send agents out to collect things for me"
|
|
"I feel like a drowned rat!" Ayla exclaims. "It's making all my novels soggy!"
Despite her complaints, Ayla wears a wide, enthusiastic smile. Clearly she doesn't dislike the rain that much.
"Oh, heya, poor, beggar, who I definitely do not know and is in no way associated with the Pathfinders!" Ayla remarks, doing her best to keep Venture Captain Dreng's cover in tact. She passes him a soggy novel in exchange for the slip of paper.
"Better than coin!" she tells the 'beggar', "But don't eat it!"
"Wow, the Wisp! Now, that's a place with history!" Ayla remarks, although she makes no further comments on why.
Then she turns and stomps off through the rain to the bar.
Upon seeing the Wounded Wisp, Ayla's smile widens...
|
|
Genryl, huddled in his cloak mutters things about how, despite being good for crops he hates the rain.
Shivering some he watches as the beggar approaches. With a slightly troubled look on his face Genryl thinks about what he can do for the poor sod without even a good cloak on. He reaches back and pulls out a half finished bottle of wine from his pack. As he reaches out to give the man the bottle, Drandle pulls back his hood.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, the tall man gives a snort of annoyance. The man thinks about the bottle and still decides to hand it off to the captain. "Here, you could use something on a night like this. It's a fairly good vintage." He then stands and listens to the Venture-Captain's introduction. "Might I ask what is in the parcel?"
Taking his bow, Genryl then leaves the captain, muttering something about a having to fetch 'parcels' in the bloody rain and getting his beard wet.
____________________
|
"I'm Late! Normally I see things like this!"
Naoto's frizzy red hair is slick with rain, as her loose dark grey outfit begins to soak through. The satchel on her side jingles slightly, packed carefully and sealed against the rain.
"I'm Naoto! I'm brand new to the Society! I've read a lot of books in the lodge, and hope to be able to help learn!"
"The Wisp huh? I remember reading about that place in the archives! All sorts of famous Pathfinders frequent there pretty regularly! And we get Discounts for being a Pathfinder! Even the Original Founders like Selmius Foster and Durvin Gest have gone there to drink! My older sister told me a lot about them!"
The Wounded Wisp is located in the Foreign Quarter district of Absalom, close to the grounds of the Grand Lodge. PCs should have no difficulty finding the establishment with the map Dreng provided.
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. 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.
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 the PCs arrive, a handful of different groups are already relaxing around the bar, enjoying drink and food offered by the Wisp’s staff. 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.
There is one female working behind the bar, simultaneously making drinks for customers at the bar and directing other employees on to the work floor.
Surrounded by many other pathfinders is a familiar face, Janira Garvix. She is keeping them occupied with stories of Durvin Gest.
Sitting in the corner, surrounded by holy text, is a an man in orange and gold robes. A ankh hangs from his neck, the symbol of Sarerae.
At the bar are two half-orcs, half shouting their conversation at each other. An ax leans against each of their stools. They yell once more and then each down another mug of ale and slam the empty cups down, with the bottoms up.
A human male looks up from a large tome and scowls at the half-orcs. He sips once more from his flagon and returns to his book.
|
|
Approaching the Bar, Naoto says a few words before chanting a minor encantation. The drips of water seem to evaporate from her clothing and hair, almost as if rain fell in reverse from her clothing before evaporating into the air. "My name is Naoto, and I'm a Time specialist! We are here on a mission from a Drendle Dreng. Are you Heryn?"
While taking the mugs back from the half-orc and replacing them with fresh one, she talks over her shoulder,"I am. And I guess you are the one he sent to fetch his purchase" She continues to dance around the bar, "It will have to wait until my relief comes in for the night. As you can see, I am a bit busy. Feel free to drink and mingle until then." She then moves away from Naoto.
"Uriah! Good to see you again. Initiates," she says, gesturing to Uriah to the circle around, "This is my good friend Uriah, he is a newly confirmed field agent. He was with me when we braved the mighty minotaur. He is also one of the ones responsible for documenting the discovered Andoran temple under the Kortos mountain." Janira begins to retell the adventure to the crowd.
Once finished, the crowd disperses, making sure to shake Uriah hands before passing by. Janira motions for him to sit, "Sit,enjoy drink. What are you up too?"
|
|
Ayla happily prances into the room, and casts a quick spell to dry herself (and her precious books) off. Looking around to find Uriah sitting with Janira and Naoto with the bartender, Ayla tosses her backpack down on the nearest table. She pulls out a pile of books and wanders the bar, handing them out and chattering with the patrons.
"Here ya' go, pal! On the house! The infamous Ada Mantine's thirteenth adventure! Ada Mantine and the Icy Hand of Death! I wrote it myself!"
As she hands out the book she also remarks to the patrons:
"Whoah! Busy night, eh? I'll leave this here for you then!"
"Whoah, nice sunburst, pal! You a worshipper? Yeah, of course you are! Where ya' from? I'm from right here in Absalom, myself!" without waiting for a response she continues, "You're a reader, I see! GREAT! I LOVE reading! You know, sitting around, in SILENCE, enjoying a great tale! Man, you read much? Yeah, I betcha' do! Well, I won't stop you! Nope, not me!"
"Wow, you two have drank more liquor than would fit in my whole torso! Neato! Here! When you sober up you can read these!"
"Whoah! ANOTHER reader! Surprising how many you see in a bar, eh?"
"Hiya, Janira! How's it hanging?"
He looks up at the female, "Well as a self-proclaimed historian, that is how I learn. That and hearing the tales from Janira of course. he sweeps his arm around the crowded bar, "And what better place to study history than such a historical site like this. Did you know this was somewhat like a military base camp for the society? They used to run all sorts of missions out of this very bar. Speaking of missions, did you hear about Reinhart of Kenabres. After his most recent victory from the world wound skirmish, he is attempting the Test of the Starstone." He then begins to ramble on about Reinhart's missions.
After a few minutes, he stops and realizes he has been on a rant. "I am sorry dear. I didn't mean to bore you"
|
|
Mae stands in the doorway for a few minutes, trying to work up the courage to enter the bar and all its larger, loud inhabitants. After working up a bit of courage, she hops over to the pair of half orcs, drawing out a small jug she carries in her backpack, and placing it gently on the table. "Hello. I am Mae. Could we share a drink together? I am new here."
She slides the semi-see through jug forward. A blurry looking leach or snake floats inside the liquid.
Price 1 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
This drink is a favorite of goblins, boggards, and other primitive humanoids. It is made by soaking a poisonous toad or frog (or its eggs) in weak beer, or by "milking" these animals for their poison and mixing it with the beer (which allows the animal to be used over and over again). Some tribes use wide-mouthed jugs and leave the dead animal inside as a crunchy treat for eating once the drink is gone. A creature drunk on bufo has the dazzled condition in addition to the normal intoxication effect.
The twin half-orcs look down at the little grippli and give her a toothy grins. One of them begin to reach for the mug, "Anyone who shares drinks is a friend." He takes a drink and makes a face. "Whoa what was that?" He passes it to his brother, "Well since your new, let me introduce ourselves. We are the Boartusk. Bruk, He points to himself, "and Baask,my slightly younger and uglier brother. If you ever need a hand or ax in a fight, we are you orcs."
You notice another female joins Heryn behind the bar and grabs an apron off the hook. Heryn wipes her hands off once more, and heads over to Naoto on the shoulder. "Well now that Naki is here, lets go grab your parcel. Drendle requested a very specific vintage this time. It is stored in the basement. Follow me."
She leads the group of adventurers through a door which leads to the back of the bar and kitchen area. Through another set of doors is a stairwell that leads down to the basement.
Heryn opens another door out of the storage room and into a large area with a fissure running through the middle of it. "Mind your footing, we have been meaning to get this fixed, but have not gotten around to it yet. This is our temporary solution."She says pointing to a board before carefully crossing it.
|
|
Mae stares at the two Boartusk for a few moments, a few remaining drops of water roll off her shiny green skin and Plop on to the floor. After the uncomfortable silence of a few seconds she blinks and smiles as they try out her brew. "This is called Bufo. It is like beer but kicked up with small animal or bug that make it extra good."
She turns to see they are being summoned and grabs up what remains of the jug and takes a slug herself before hopping after the others. She turns and waves to the orcs "Thank you Boartusks, I will call you if I need axes." She says quietly before disappearing into the cellar, her jug in tow.
At the sight of the crack she doesn't falter, only continuing to hop across "Seems like good fix to me."
On the other side she takes another drink and then offers it to the others, before putting it back away in her pack. "Small jug, small drink. Hard to find here."
|
|
Theolish looked at the plank and shook his head. "No way will I be able to safely cross it with my gear and armor on. Lets see if this will do the trick" he said as he took off his pack. Carefully using the Glaive-Guisarme to move the backpack over to the other side, he slowly crossed the plank and picked the gear back up once he made it across.
|
|
Genryl looks at the plank, then at his slighlty rotund belly and bulging pack, and then back again. "I don't think I can make it across that... What happened here to cause that in the first place? and more importantly isn't it a bit dangerous?"
When Naoto pulls out a set of tools, Genryl gives a smile. "Yes please! I'll see if there's anything I can ind anything useful!"
The tall man then starts looking around the place for somthing that could be propped up under the plank and bolted into place.
__________
Naoto manages to reinforce the plank, making it sturdy enough for the remainder of the party to cross.
Heryn gets to the next chamber and reveals several rows of wine. She heads to the back row, where the bottles have a layer of dust and begin to search for the specific vintage. "Ah, there it is. It looks like it hasn't been touched since it was put there." She grabs the bottle by the neck and pulls on it. A noise of stone grinding on stone sounds from behind the shelves. "What the, I've never noticed this before. I guess Dreng won't be getting his wine."
The agents being suspicious in nature decide to investigate the new chamber.
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 crack along the eastern and western walls form makeshift entrances into exposed caverns.
|
|
Genryl starts to gush over the bottles and vintages that the owners have in the place. "Oh, my you have a Sealord's Wife 4652? I hear that is worth over a hundred gold pieces a glass! And you have a Blackwater Minogrot 4678? I thought all of those had been gobbled up by collectors decades ago! Oh my Heavens ABOVE, You have a Stuerugoen Black 4632??? A legendary Stuerugoen Black? The vineyard was burned out in the Galtian uprising and the stories say that no vineyard has even come close to them since..."
Gushing over the stock of wines, Genryl almost misses the opening of the secret door until he looks over to the next rack and finds an opne space and the rest of the group looking at him impatiently. "Right we are on a mission... Is the vintage he wanted back there? Well then let's go!"
|
|
Mae watches on with curiousity as the newcomer fixes the bridge "Oh. Very nice. In our village we leave those things weak so larger things fall through but we do not. You are very skilled in your tools Miss."
As they arrive at the racks and racks of bottles, she joins in the search for the vintage, but mostly just the lower racks and only those that the Genryl doesn't block with his stout self. "Are there any with things floating in them? Maybe some good old Bufo here..." She shoots her tongue out to grab a cockroach that crawls past on the floor, swallowing it down in one motion. Free Lunch, yum.
As the room is revealed she quickly hops in with the others, poking at the Dwarf to follow.