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Rowdy jumps to his feet and shies away as Stinky lets out a growl. He does not answer in kind, but his ears do lay back and his legs and tail go stiff.
A pat from Reggie calms him, though he does not truly relax until Kala convinces Stinky they're all friends.
The wolf looks on mildly as the apparent beggar approaches them. This person seems like neither a threat, nor entertaining, so he just waits for his best pal Reggie to tell him where they're going next.
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Reggie is no more suspicious of the mendicant than Reggie is. Any place there is civilization, there are those who have been trampled by it. This person just seems like another one who's luck either never came in or has already run out.
He adds a silver coin to the growing pile in the gnome's hand.
"It is not important what the person who receives charity does with it, it is important that the person giving recognizes the need and rises to it. We all need help sometimes," he comments.
The question hangs in the air for only a scant moment before some of you are so kind to give the man silver coins and some of you scare him so much that he almost sh*** his pants!
A couple of seconds after Reggie gives the beggar a silver coin 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.
“Rain? Yes of course it is raining! I am working ... observing! And I do not smell Wolverine, yet!"
He scratches his head again and looks at you with keen eyes.
"So where were we ... 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?“
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"Sitting in a warm tavern by a fire definitely sounds better than standing out here in the rain. Stinky may not be stinky yet, but we're all going to get to enjoy the aroma of wet wolf, soon enough," Reggie says, patting Rowdy on the shoulder. He has ridden the wolf the whole way, here. In fact, the only time he has not been mounted was when they were in a building.
"It'll be nice to see where it all began, anyway."
He turns to Hanzo. "Wasn't 'courier' in your job description when you signed on to this group? It was in mine. Maybe it's a test. On the way, I'll tell you a story about the Crypt of the Everflame. It was supposed to be a test too, but good ol' Stigand never saw it coming."
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Nox smiles knowingly. "Well, I have heard they offer Pathfinders a discount. And Dreng is leaving out quite the storied history." And there may be interesting clientele currently there.
"Ahh, yes, it's in the 'will do jobs as required' section," she says to Hanzo. It DOES seem like a lot of folks for a package, but who knows what 'the package' actually consists. of.
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"Velthas thinks this task is most becoming, it is in the humblest tasks that the true servant finds grace."
Looking at Dreng as the rain pours down Velthas inclines his head respectfully "Consider the task done, Velthas shall see it delivered. Velthas keeps strange but fierce company these days, it will be a simple task."
"What, no, No! Wait a minute, you got that wrong! It really is only a wine bottle! 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. So please do not get too comfortable there. I promise you a round on me after your mission in concluded, ok?" Dreng says with a smile.
"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.
LOCATION
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.
* * * * *
DESCRIPTION
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.
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 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.
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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"Gah! Stinky! What the--Stop it! Sorry about that folks!" Kala quickly ushers Stinky further inside, toward a less populated corner. Water steadily dripping from her leather clothing, she leaves wet, muddy footprints across the wood floor; Stinky's are just muddy.
Muttering to herself, Kala repeats their instructions: "Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng sent us to pick up a parcel from Heryn Gale." Then a nearby conversation catches her ear.
Aloud, to whoever is nearby (even if it's only Stinky), she asks: "Huh. Test of the Starstone? I've only heard the name of it. What's it about?" Since Dreng doesn't seem to mind the rain so much, we can stay here long enough to stop dripping, at least.
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Stinky beats Rowdy to the punch but that doesn't stop him. As soon as the wolverine clears out, the wolf stops in basically the exact same spot and shakes the same way. Fortunately, his barding keeps much of the water from escaping but anyone within 5 feet who didn't move quickly enough now smells like both wet wolverine and wet wolf.
It's pretty amusing watching Reggie hang on for dear life while his mount shudders violently under him, too. Fortunately, this ain't his first rodeo...as the saying will someday go...and he is already hanging on to the pommel when the wolf stops in his tracks and starts his attempt to dry himself.
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Walking in behind Rowdy, Nox's cloak swiftly moves to block the water flying off the dog from hitting her in the face. Nox lets loose a hearty chuckle at the animals' sensible way of drying off. In fact, her cloak also shakes of it's own accord (twisting at the ends even) to bead off as much water as possible. Fortunately her cloak's actions are a little more directed, sloughing off water primarily outside the door.
She follows the others past the coat check ("I'm fine," she tells the young man working behind the counter) toward the table Kala had procured in the main hall. Her belt stretches to impossible lengths to pull out a chair for her to sit in. "I suspect we may need to ask the bartender where we can find this Gale fellow. But I don't think it'll do us any harm to warm ourselves out of the rain for a few moments."
"Hmm. Oh, the Starstone. Supposedly, if you pass the test, you achieve immortality, through some sort of deification ritual I imagine. As far as I know, nobody has successfully done so in quite some time. I wonder what happens to those who fail the test? I don't believe I've ever heard." With that she flags down a waitress and asks for a cup of mulled wine to warm her self.
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"Yeah, Hanzo has the right of it. Has to be an all or nothing gamble, doesn't it?" Reggie says as he climbs down off of Rowdy and climbs up on a chair, an impressive feat in his plate mail.
"Otherwise, why wouldn't people try all the time? If there was a chance that you could be come a god if you succeed and live if you failed, why not just give it a go?"
He points to Nox, catching the waitresses attention then holds up his fingers to indicate that they'll need 2 mulled wines at this table. It's all well and good heating up the outside with a fire, but you needed something a little more to heat up the important part, the inside.
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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Reggie scans the crowd, pleased to be around so many Pathfinders and wondering if any of them are any of the ones he's run into in his short time with the organization.
He spots a familiar face near the bar. With all the couth usual to a hafling, he calls out to her, managing to be heard even over the noise, despite his small stature.
"Janira!" he calls out to the woman who helped him through his confirmation into the Society.
When he catches her attention, he holds up the Wayfinder she helped him earn then gives her a very casual salute and grin and turns back to his table.
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.
"Janira!" he calls out to the woman who helped him through his confirmation into the Society.
When he catches her attention, he holds up the Wayfinder she helped him earn then gives her a very casual salute and grin and turns back to his table.
Janira suddenly turns around to Reggie and smiles at him.
"Oh hello! You know me? You look familiar. Wow, guys look I am already famous!?!" she says laughing to the group around her.
"I need to get another drink!" Janira says to the group she is sitting with and comes to the bar where you all are standing. She orders ale and starts to observe you.
Janira winks at Reggie "Wait a minute! Reggie! Now I remember! And are these other agents your team mates?" she asks Reggie but also lets her view wander to the rest of you.
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Nox has a pretty good memory for faces, though not perfect. She recognizes Janira as well, though they've never been introduced. She also recognizes the Boartusks, a couple of 'enforcers' the society has used from time to time, and Yargos Gill, a military historian.
I suppose this IS the place for Pathfinders to come. I should come here more often.
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"Stinky, stay." Kala kneels on one knee to give the damp wolverine's face an affectionate rub, then rises to stride over to the bar. After ordering an ale, she scans the room on reflex, not really processing much. She notices Yargos Gill, remembering him from her very first mission for the Pathfinder Society. Not knowing what to say to him, she turns to collect and pay for her drink, then turns to join her teammates' conversation.
"Janira. I've heard your name around the Lodge. I'm Kala, and that over there is Stinky. Nice to meet you." Stooping to extend a hand to Janira, Kala jerks her thumb to indicate Stinky, who has flopped onto his rear in the corner, licking the mud out from between his toes.
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After drying himself as best he can from the rain and spray from the animals accompanying them Velthas steps inside. Having never been to the wisp, or any tavern at all in the great city, Velthas spends a long silent moment taking in the Wisp.
Seeing Kala and Reggie moving forward Velthas notices their target is Janira Gavix who he recalls speaking to briefly at the Grand Lodge when he first arrived in Absalom.
"It pleases Velthas very greatly to once again make the acquaintance of such an accomplished orator." Velthas says with a great flourish, bowing deeply to the busy halfling as he approaches her table.
She smiles at you and looks into your eyes.
You have the feeling that she had a bad day ... definitely not as alive and positive as usual.
"Hello, I am Janira! So why are you here? To drink and be proud to be a Pathfinder ... I hope you all understand what that actually means?! We have enough of 'that' sort of people around here." she say and with that last sentence she looks at the two laughing half-orcs sitting at the table next to a keleshite man.
Her facial features become a little more serious and she looks at all of you.
"I come to this place because this tavern represents our roots. I sometimes have the feeling that we Pathfinders have forgotten so much of the lessons of the past."
She shakes her head and looks up again.
"I don't have anything against the twins! You know, I am a halfling girl with a lifelong love of learning. And I would so much like to offer sincere praise to those who demonstrate a head for knowledge, facts, and figures. Although ... the half-orc twns needs to improve on that front! So if you strive to not only go on adventures but to really learn something and also learn from the mistakes of our own organizations past, then you are on the right track. Think about the Shadowlodge, think about all deaths caused by overzealous agents." and again she shakes her head.