My first foray into PbP GMing, and an intro to PbP for some of my local lodge.
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.”
Dreng hesitates as if unsure if the Pathfinder's in front of him are going to dash off immediately or stand around in the rain asking him questions.
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Cyto returns Dreng's smile but is curious as to why there is so many agents gathered for the mission. If there was a threat of danger, he'd expect the Venture-Captain to at least drop a hint. Feeling the rain soak through to the skin Cyto figures there's no harm in asking, he couldn't really get any wetter.
"There is quite a few of us here. Is the parcel to large to be carried by one person?"
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Virgil offers the venture-captain a polite bow when he reveals himself, trying to ignore how sodden they all are.
"Perhaps the contents of the parcel require additional protection that one person alone cannot shoulder?"
As he speculates, the duellist wipes the excessive moisture from his face and scar, trying to retain his compusure. Wiping his hand dry, the young bastard collects the document from Dreng.
"May we ask what the package contains?"
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James flashes a marred smile. Made almost sneer like with the burn on his face. "My companions all have good questions and I would like to add my own."
"Firstly why meet here of all places?
Secondly as this appears to not be how you say official pathfinder business, will be needing us to run any other errands for you in this fine weather?"
With that James looks for any suitable cover within earshot to avoid the worst of the rain.
Dreng listens to the questions and comments as patiently as a man stood out in the rain can, then answers each concern one by one.
“The parcel... well before you judge me, despite my current attire, I’m still a man of taste. 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. 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.”
When Hob mentions his hope for food at The Wisp Dreng turns to him and says, "Although better know as one of the most important establishments in the history of the Society, they do indeed serve hot food and drinks. While you're there you should take time to admire those old walls, the first Pathfinders met to discuss their adventures across Golarion."
He pauses briefly as though lost in thought to old lessons and history books he's read. "You know, back then they weren’t even called Pathfinders yet! Of course nowadays the bar is almost an official Pathfinder saloon. There always seems to be agents of all varieties going there to meet and share tales.”
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A look of realisation appears on Cyto's face as he can appreciate wanting a bit of comfort in an otherwise drab situation"No-one is going to judge you for enjoying a nice drink. We'll bring it back for you as soon as we can."
He turns and chases after those departing shouting back to Dreng as he does so. "Actually, I'm going to take you up on your offer to enjoy the place so it might not be that soon"
Once everyone has finished with their questions Dreng hands Hob a slightly crumpled but mostly dry sketched map of Absolom.
"This is for in case you find yourself getting lost. I'll be here when you have completed your task." he says then turns and heads across the street into the rain.
The trip across the city to the Foreign quarter is a damp but uneventful one. You soon find yourselves at The Wounded Wisp, which isn't too far from the Grand Lodge grounds. The building looks like it's seen better days but looks like it should do a good job of keeping the damp out. The windows are stained, barred, and virtually impossible to see through.
Just inside the main door is an entrance hall with a small coat check area off to one side that is manned by a teenage boy.
The smell of smoke and spilled ale assails your senses even in this hallway, and only gets stronger as you head into the main room of The Wisp. 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.
It doesn't take long before a friendly looking woman shouts over to you all.
"I'll come and take your orders in minute. Feel free to find an empty table or two and make yourselves at home."
The Wisp isn't too busy at this time of day, but you do notice a few tables with other patrons at them. Although there are other patrons in The Wisp these people seem to stand out the most.
At one table is a halfling lady and her audience. She stands on the chair while entertaining her comrades with tales of adventures and heroics completed by her and other pathfinders.
At another table sits a human male on his own. He's grasping a drink in one hand while absentmindedly twirling a pendant of a woman surrounded by beams of light on a necklace around his neck.
In one corner sits a pair of rough and burly looking Half-Orcs, their table covered in empty flagons. One is male and the other female, and they seem to take turns shouting toasts at each other then downing their drinks as fast as they can to see who finishes first.
Sat furthest away from the bar is a Human male at a table all by himself. He seems lost in thought and is surrounded by piles of books, parchment, quills and ink pots.
After only a a few minutes the woman who greeted you comes to your table. "OK then. Sorry for your wait there ladies and gents. I'm Heryn, what can i get for all of you?"
Heryn nods as Hob and Virgil explain their situation. She gives a knowing smile at mention of Drandal Dreng.
”Ah Venture Captain Dreng sent you did he? He's been down in the cellar a few times recently so i'm not too surprised he's sent you to pick something up."
She paues briefly to look around the bar. "Well he's certainly right, I can help you out. I'll gladly show you the way to his parcel, but I’m a bit busy right now. If you don’t mind waiting a few minutes for my replacement to start I’ll gladly take a drinks order for you all on the house. Is that OK with you all?”
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"Thanks Heryn. Dreng actually spoke rather highly of this place and recommended we enjoy ourselves so don't worry about the wait."
Cyto moves over to the table where Celestin has sat but doesn't join him.
"I don't mean to be rude but Dreng did mention tale sharing and there seems to be some of that going on. I'm going to go have a listen." Cyto turns away without waiting for a response, picks up a chair, joins the halfling's audience and sits down to listen to the tales.
Cyto heads over to Janira's table and arrives just in time to hear the end of a tale.
"... and then i disarmed the Minotaur like this," she says as she waves an imaginary whip around comically, "and kept the beast at bay until the other pathfinders came to help me defeat it!"
The rest of her small crowd cheer and one even bangs their tankard on the table in appreciation of a tale well told. A couple of the people then make their excuses and leave the table. As they head towards the exit it's clear they have missions of their own to complete.
"Looks like we have a newcomer, and someone i don't recognise too. I know the perfect tale to tell for someone new to The Pathfinders!" says Janira cheerfully. Then she launches into a tale about Durvin Gest, the founder of The Pathfinder Society, and how he recovered the fabled Lens of Galundari for the society.
The man reading doesn't notice Virgil approach until he starts speaking.
"oh... errr... just a moment please i was just in the middle of..." the man trails off as he finishes reading a section of the book he's been reading from then places a bookmark so he doesn't lose his place.
"Right then. Oh this book here? Well this is a book describing the history of the military forces of Taldan Empire during it's golden age. I find it quite remarkable the amount of manpower the Armies of Exploration could pull together!" he pats another book on the table while he continues talking about their subjects.
Whether you mingle with the others patrons or not, Heryn finds you and makes sure you get your drink order.
Before long Heryn's replacement comes in and the two start to exchange pleasantries while the new woman puts some belongings behind the bar.
"Ladies and gents i'll be with you in a moment to show you to the cellar." shouts Heryn, as she heads towards the privy.
"Sarenrae bless you miss, I was lost in my own thoughts for a moment there and did not see you approach." The man lets go of what is clearly a holy symbol and stands for a moment to gives Pioni a deep bow.
"My name is Aram bin Kaleel, the owner of Kaleel's Curiosities in the Coins District, and long time member of The Pathfinder Society. What can i help you with my dear?" He sits back down and gestures towards an empty chair for Pioni to take a seat.
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"Pioni Pintapple, short time member of the pathfinder society. Not sure I have time to sit."
Pioni taps the side of her nose,"'On a somewhat secret mission to admire walls, have lunch and visit the cellar."
"'Though apparently not in that order."
She takes a deep breath.
"I'm not in the habit of this sort of thing but...you seemed somewhat contemplative and I thought you might like to share your worries."
"Is there anything I might do to help you?"
"Well it is good to meet you Pioni. There is nothing specific you could do for me right now, I was simply lost in my own memories of old glories and good companions past and present, may The Dawnflower watch over them.” Aram bin Kaleel grasps his holy symbol tightly as he says this small prayer.
"Seeing the next generation of Pathfinders start with such enthusiasm and curiosity is always a pleasure. Just remember that when that curiosity gets you in trouble it is OK to ask for help. I’ve always believed that a Pathfinder should be able to stand on his own two feet, but still be able to lean on a fellow agent when needed!”
Aram will continue talking of past adventures mixed with prayers to Sarenrae and small tips about how to deal with various obstacles he has encountered in his adventuring career.
Right you lot, lets head down to that cellar then. Are you all ready to go?"
When Heryn shouts that it’s time to leave Aram ends the conversation politely and says ”It has been good speaking to you my dear. If you ever need equipment or advice please call at my shop and I will be happy to help. May The Dawnflower's light guide your way.”
Heryn leads you out of the main room and to a set of wooden stairs leading down into a tightly packed storeroom. Barrels, boxes, and crates of assorted foodstuffs and drink garnishes are pushed against the walls or under the stairs.
"I'm afraid this place took a bit of damage during the great earthquake of 4698 AR, and it's never really been fully repaired. But if you head through that door and over the plank bridge the wine racks are just down those steps there. says Heryn pointing from the top of the stairs. ”Good luck finding the right bottle." she says as she leaves you all in the cellar to find your package.
Pioni opens the doors and can now see the damage in the floor that Heryn was talking about. The plank looks well used and is clearly a cheap way to pass over the ten feet deep chasm to get to the wine cellar beyond.