"Hanzo ... Hanzo Yamizaki? I did not recognize you! Yes, that is actually one of the adventures that I would rather like to forget. To be honest, the whole end with the minotaur is really fuzzy at the moment."
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Velthas listens intently but quickly becomes confused as they speak, though it's clear this halfling Maiden has had a bad day.
"Velthas offers sincere feelings of warmth to the mistress. What is this Minotaur you speak of and the...Shadow Lodge? These things sound like something Velthas should know." Suddenly a smile splitting his face Velthas continues "Shadow Lodges Velthas does not understand but learning, a thirst for knowledge, and an appreciation of fine company, this Velthas knows!" he says, winking at Janira.
She looks at Velthas and has a stern look.
"You do not know the Shadow Lodge? For decades, a growing segment of the Pathfinder Society's membership became disillusioned with the Decemvirate. Whether they held personal grudges against the masked leaders of the Society for slights they felt were never remedied or watched too many of their friends suffer for the good of a Society that seemed to thank them very little, these rebels' numbers surged at some point, swelling the Shadow Lodge's membership. Several fringe cells of the underground resistance movement broke off from the main body of the Shadow Lodge and began a series of open attacks on the Grand Lodge and those loyal to it. To be honest, I do not know if they still exist or how this topic will be resolved. But the Shadow Lodge killed many innocents and Pathfinders and is a product of our history!"
Then she looks at you all and you get the feeling that she likes to be in the role of an educator and loves inspiring people.
She continues "I extend a personal question to you! Why did you join the Society? Think about it, please, and chose your words with your heart and your mind."
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The normally jovial Reggie grows serious, even somber at the question. The question stops the mug he's drinking out of half way to his lips, though he finishes the motion and sets it back down before answering.
"Because the Society is the best organization I've found to extend freedom throughout Golarion. People shouldn't be forced to give their lives and labor for others and the Society helps stop that. Many hands make the work lighter," he finally replies.
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Kala's expression, a kneejerk reaction to Janira's question, is defensive with an undertone of alarm. After a moment of tense silence, she turns her head to lock her eyes on Stinky. With a deep, calming breath, she closes her eyes as the seconds tick by. Finally turning back to the group, she lifts her eyelids, keeping her gazing into space so as not to make eye contact with anyone. When she speaks, it is with a somber, subdued voice.
"It is good to have a purpose in life. Something worth fighting for, make you stronger...more experienced...so you can..." Her voice trails off into nothingness. Suddenly shaking her head and turning to the bartender, she almost shouts, "Drinks! A round of ale for me and my friends!" She studiously examines the display behind the bar, avoiding eye contact and the conversation around her until her drink arrives. She buries her face in the cup, draining it in one long series of gulps, and orders another.
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It's a fair question. Why does anyone become a Pathfinder? For many, the reason is intensely personal. It's part of why she has rarely asked anyone that question. It's like asking human females how old they are, or how much they weigh (which she had to learn the hard way were not appropriate questions to ask).
Nox smirks as she considers the question (it's the closest she really has to a smile). "For me, it's always been about the discovery, the preservation, and the dissemination of knowledge. I appreciate the Society doubly for having the forethought to acknowledge that some knowledge, however, can be too dangerous for general consumption." Her thoughts seem to drift away a little after her statement.
More than anything, Janira seeks to assist and enlighten Pathfinders around her. She sees herself as a mentor to novices, working to assist them without taking over their missions.
She listens to your answers and sees that you are all carrying emotional baggage. Suddenly, she seems optimistic and cheerful.
"You guys are alright! One of you mentioned that you are looking for Heryn ... she is at the bar!" she says and shows you a blonde woman behind the counter.
"I am always eager to assist new or potential field agents. So if you need anything come to me! I spend most of my time either at the Wounded Wisp or on the grounds of the Grand Lodge. Now you have to excuse me, my table is waiting for me!" she says smiling and goes back to the table she was sitting at.
The Kelishite man sees Zoltan pointing at him and looks at him with a nod.
His body language and the wave of his hands show that you are invited to join his table.
He sets his book aside and politely starts pouring tea into six cups that he just took out of his bag ... bag of holding, maybe?
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Listening intently to his companions Velthas wait for a break in conversation before beginning to speak.
"Velthas knows of the pathfinders, they travel the world and the seas, living a life of adventure and noble service. At first, Velthas thought this would be the life he longed for; noble deeds, a cool ale at the end of a day, and well deserved rest. As Velthas came to know the lodge however this has changed and now his goal is different. Velthats seeks that that which our predecessors have lost, seeking out dangers that have grown within and protecting the membership from it's own past. This makes Velthas' ignorance of the shadow lodge almost unforgiveable and he humbly begs your forgiveness."
Finally done speaking Velthas inclines his head deeply toward Janira, waiting for her to accept his apology.
Listening intently to his companions Velthas wait for a break in conversation before beginning to speak.
"Velthas knows of the pathfinders, they travel the world and the seas, living a life of adventure and noble service. At first, Velthas thought this would be the life he longed for; noble deeds, a cool ale at the end of a day, and well deserved rest. As Velthas came to know the lodge however this has changed and now his goal is different. Velthats seeks that that which our predecessors have lost, seeking out dangers that have grown within and protecting the membership from it's own past. This makes Velthas' ignorance of the shadow lodge almost unforgiveable and he humbly begs your forgiveness."
Finally done speaking Velthas inclines his head deeply toward Janira, waiting for her to accept his apology.
"No apology needed! Thank you for your trust. I wish you all the best during your further missions!" Janira says with a sly smile.
Zoltan walks over to the table and sits down. " Thanks sir this should warm my cockles."Zoltan raises the cup and nods his head at Aram before he takes a sip."AHH that be hitting the spot."
"Zoltan, You being in this tavern most certainly means that you are between missions and are relaxing! But I have not seen most of your friends here before."
He makes a small bow.
"My name is Aram bin Kaleel."
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Nox thanks Janira for pointing our their contact. "That certainly makes things easier," she says to the others as Zoltan comes in. "Well, it appears we've been invited to visit another table." As she rises, her belt pulls her chair out for her and replaces it behind her. She glides over to Kaleel's table and inclines her head as she takes one of the proffered seats. "My thanks," she says raising the cup of tea. "I am Noxuria Alluriel Pembrook. But my friends call me Nox."
"Very pleased to meet you Nox!" he says with a small bow.
Aram bin Kaleel starts a deeper discussion with anyone interested and whoever wants can join in.
"I like how you Pathfinders stand together when you are pushed. We all here share similar roots ... and are so different ... I see a little of myself in your current situation as new Pathfinders." he says smiling.
During the discussion you feel that Aram bin Kaleel wants to give advice to younger Pathfinders but never steps in directly on their behalf. If you want to know something you could surely ask.
He opens his cloak and you see a holy symbol of Sarenrae.
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Reggie migrates to the new table with the rest. And, in a move that the rest of the group will find all to common with him, does it by riding Rowdy. In fact, it's almost like he's playing that game everyone did as a kid where the floor is hot lava and if he touches it he'll burn up. Only, in this case, Rowdy seems immune.
"Advice is always good. I'm sure that if we would have known a bit more in that trip to that crypt, Stigand would still be with us."
He pauses, looking into his cup thoughtfully then raises it up. "To Stigand!"
”Oh I heard of the tragic death of Stigand and his wonderous rise as an outsider! Oloch and this bard ... what was his name again told me the whole story of the everflame crypt! You were there too Reggie?!“ the Keleshite asks.
Kala, feeling impulsive from the ale, interrupts. "You look like you like teaching. Here's a question. What do we need to become good Pathfinders? Really good Pathfinders. Skills? Gear? Anything?" Hmm...Maybe I should slow down on the ale until I've had something to eat.
"Well, the most important tools in my view are splash weapons. Have you ever tried to fight a swarm of rats with a mace? Will not work! Except of that I believe you will be in good shape." he says with hope in his voice.
* * *
You all receive your food and drinks as ordered.
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Realizing he hasn't ordered a drink Velthas catches the eye of the server delivering their food and drink, ordering himself a light wine.
Turning back to his companions Velthas inquires "So what is the best course? Velthas has little knowledge of these places but someone here must know what we seek."
"... One of you mentioned that you are looking for Heryn ... she is at the bar!" Janira says and shows you a blonde woman behind the counter.
Aram looks at Velthas and smiles. ”I am sorry Velthas but I overheard that you are looking for Heryn. She is that women right over there. “ he says and shows you a woman serving food to the half-orc siblings two tables away.
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Reggie actually wipes a small tear away from his eye as others also toast Stigand's memory. It is important to him that the man not be forgotten. The life of a Pathfinder is a dangerous one, but he never expected to lose a companion on what should have been an easy mission.
"Yes, I was there. I was one of the ones who explored the Crypt," Reggie says with not a little pride.
He takes a drink of his spiced wine and a spoonful of the stew that's been delivered, tossing a chunk of the meet to Rowdy, who snatches it out of the air before it can hit the floor.
He looks over to Heryn then back to his companions. "Should we finish our meal? We're not in any hurry, are we?"
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"Velthas offers the many blessings of Desna to you good friend" Velthas says effusively, awkwardly clapping Aram's shoulder.
"Excuse me, Heryn, Velthas would ask of you a glass of wine. Nothing too strong with a hint of spring and rain would suit Velthas perfectly for such an evening." Turning back toward Aram Velthas leans forward "You are a pathfinder yes? Velthas has only recently come to this city at the centre of the world and joined the lodge. It can be..most overwhelming at times."
Aram smiles at Velthas.
"You are correct, I am a Pathfinder. Oh and yes ... advice and such as you phrase it is what I can share. But ... unfortunately, I have to leave now. But I invite you and your friends to visit my shop, Kaleel’s Curiosities, in the Coins district if you find yourselves needing advice about something that you find ... well ... curious." he says with a sly smile and with a courteous farewell leaves the Wisp.
"Excuse me, Heryn, Velthas would ask of you a glass of wine. Nothing too strong with a hint of spring and rain would suit Velthas perfectly for such an evening."
Heryn looks at Velthas and then at the group.
"Oh hello gentlemen, hello Velthas I am Heryn, hard to believe that I still need to introduce myself." she says laughing. Then she takes your orders.
When she returns she serves you everything you need and says.
"So what brings you to this establishment?"
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Nox nods politely to Aram as he leaves. "Thank you for the tea,"she says. "And we shall remember your invitation to your shop."
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Nox is glad they are able to get Heryn's attention without being intrusive. "What brings us here? You do, sort of. We were asked by Drandle Dreng to meet you. He said that you had a package for him that we are to escort."
Heryn focuses on Nox.
"Oh of course, I was wondering when Drandle would get his bottle. I can accompany you down in a moment, ok?"
Heryn returns after 5 minutes and 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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"Velthas thanks you for your trust and assures the beautiful madam that it will be rewarded twofold. Have no concern, Velthas will speak of these things to no one other than to speak of the great beauty and generosity of Heryn."
Turning towards the makeshift bridge Velthas considers it carefully, looking for material that he could reinforce it with before attempting to cross.
After Velthas Hindrath is able to secure the 'bridge' he reaches the other side without any issues and the others follow his example so that you are now all on the other side.
You walk into the cellar (A12). This chamber is where the Wounded Wisp keeps its supply of specialty wines and ales for important occasions.
You start searching for the wine bottle and it feels like searching for a needle in a hay stack.
Finally you find that particular bottle from a very old vintage but it is stuck in the wine rack. You pull again and get it out only to see that behind the bottle a strange lever is hidden
When Hanzo uses the lever the complete wine rack slides back.
The sound is almost not to hear but the dust that comes down shows that this secret door has not been opened for ages.
You look into a short stone tunnel that leads into a hidden room (A13) that is illuminated.
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Velthas steps into the small room, wary of this hidden space and any dangers within. Looking left and right he proceeds towards the desk if he detects no danger.
"Friends, Velthas thinks this must be some secret store room or cache. Velthas thinks it seems most likely that venerable Master Dreng sent us for this rather than a bottle of fine win."