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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The firey haired woman stands by, her whip coiled and ready as it remains on her hip. Though she had some minor horns, her main features were including the hair that waves like wildfire and a peircing gaze as she gives a subtle smile. Stepping over she offers her hand to the man
"My name is Fae Riverpoint. This is the first of what I hope to be many missions. Last time I had to hunt down demons in heaven. It was not a welcoming place for someone such as myself." she explained, recounting the tale of her previous venture. "Is this your first venture?"
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An average-looking, young Varisian with a thin, patchy beard and a large smile on his face walks into the room. He wears simple clothing, carries only two visible weapons, and has a tough-looking walking stick attached to his worn, but well-made backpack. "Ah, I see the Agents have already begun arriving and introductions have started!" He offers his hand to shake. "Falshin Korvaska! It is my pleasure to meet both of you!"
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"May the lady guide us to our victory." she smiled and gave a bow, but also shaking his hand. "Usually the pathfinder is here by now." as Fae states this off-handedly, looking back over her whip with a grin "I'm itching to get this whip, blessed by the lady, ready to cut down any who stand in the way of the society."
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Hm. - Bahboom grunts at a dark corner of the room. He's standing by a wall, but almost looks like part of the wall itself.
The Human is clearly of Shoanti roots. He's towering tall, and carries a crude great club by his back.
Nice meeting. Nice. - he finally says in a hard-to-pinpoint-from-where, heavily-accented Common - Bahboom. Bahboom.
He points at himself when making introductions. His tone sounds sincere, and he seems genuinely happy to be there, despite appearances.
Bahboom Pathfinder. - the barbarian completes, looking with curiosity at the Leshy and the Ifrit, as he never saw anyone from such races before.
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A tall, robed figure enters the meeting room. His limbs seem to be usually long for his figure. He removes the hood from his robe to reveal a rather tanned elven face with long back hair. A small rat scurries from his shoulder to behind his head, hiding amongst his hair. His robes are covered in arcane markings and glyphs of an ancient language.
"Oh dear, my apologies. It appears I am the last to arrive. I believe it is safe to assume you are my companions for this adventure? Of course, this is just conjecture, I've never actually done anything like this before."
He looks about the room, making eye contact with everyone.
"Hmm, I don't suppose one of you is Mr. Dreng?"
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Falshin looks in wonder at Verdant when the leshy enters the room. "Fascinating! I have never met one of your kind before, Verdant. Truly the Dawnflower blesses this venture!" He offers his hand in greeting to Verdant, Bahboom, and Jaeron in kind and smiles at Jaeron question. "Well met to all of you. None of us here are Venture-Captain Dreng, Jaeron. Once you have met him, you will never forget him." He chuckles slightly.
Suddenly a little female gnome with pink hair opens the door to your meeting room and asks “Are you the team waiting for Drandle? 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.
"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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The little female gnome with the pink hair puts her head into the room again.
"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.
"Well I am Fae Riverpoint, it is nice to meet you all." Fae gives a bow with a wavy, flame-like hair. "I may avoid drinking for now. I find it burns my loins." she smirks, being careful to caress her symbol of Calistra.
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Falshin smirks at the odd comment from Fae. "More for the rest of us then, I suppose, Lady Riverpoint!" He takes a preemptive drink from his waterskin for a little extra hydration. "I find tasks that involve ale can, at times, be much more interesting than some of the others I have done for the Society." He trails off recalling the near death experience of the Sky Key venture and witnessing the fall of the Starstone.
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Falshin smirks at the odd comment from Fae. "More for the rest of us then, I suppose, Lady Riverpoint!" He takes a preemptive drink from his waterskin for a little extra hydration. "I find tasks that involve ale can, at times, be much more interesting than some of the others I have done for the Society." He trails off recalling the near death experience of the Sky Key venture and witnessing the fall of the Starstone.
Fae gives a smirk
"As long as society work comes first. I have no problem with drinking, but the last thing we want is for anyone to enter combat and be unable to draw their blade." she made a simple statement, not forbidding drinking, but outlining how she'd much prefer people to be cognitive until the task is complete.|
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Jaeron turns to Fae.
"Oh dear, I should hope our combats would not require me to draw my blade. I'm afraid I'm not really all that useful with a dagger, and I believe if I have to rely on it, there would definitely be a problem."
Jaeron takes a seat at the large meeting table.
"My name is Jaeron, and it is a pleasure to meet you all. I've spent most of my life in Varisia studying the ways of ancient Thassilonian magic. I've heard the Pathfinder Society is a good way to study some of the histories of our world and do some good for it, while we're at it. I hope my talents are of some use on our journey."
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?“
"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.
”Ehhh ... well. No. I mean ... yes. Ehhh ... you are really confusing me!“ Dreng says with a sly smile.
”Heryn is of course a friend of the Pathfinders. After all her restaurant and bar is full of us! Now it is time for you to leave. Or do you have further questions?“
"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.
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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.
Fae rolls her eyes, but heads to the bar. She decides to take up a sea by the Bar and smiles towards the server. "Nice place you have here. Do you have lodging? How good are the mattresses here?" she asks with a curious smirk.
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.
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"Oh hello lady, I am Heryn, hard to believe that I still need to introduce myself." she says laughing.
"Well, we have no lodging unfortunately! But drinks! So what brings you to this establishment?"
She takes your orders if you order something and serves you everything you need.
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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Fae rolls her eyes, but heads to the bar. She decides to take up a sea by the Bar and smiles towards the server. "Nice place you have here. Do you have lodging? How good are the mattresses here?" she asks with a curious smirk.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.
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"Oh hello lady, I am Heryn, hard to believe that I still need to introduce myself." she says laughing.
"Well, we have no lodging unfortunately! But drinks! So what brings you to this establishment?"
She takes your orders if you order something and serves you everything you need.
Fae grins
"What about your mattress?" she gives a wink, but then the mission strikes in her mind as she straightens up and clears her throat. "We're here to pick up a parcel for Venture-Captain Dreng, he's getting cold out there so I was hoping we could quickly get it and be out of your way before he freezes." Fae remarks dryly as she didn't feel that coming out and retrieving a package was worthwhile mission for a pathfinder.
Heryn focuses on Fae and blushes for a moment.
"Oh of course I hav a mattress but I share it someone else. Sorry." she says with a sly smile and continues.
"I was wondering when Drandle would come and 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?"
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 ow n 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.
Janira turns around to Kam and smiles at him.
"Oh hello handsome! 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 Kam "What is your name? And do these fresh agents belong to your team?" she asks but also lets her view wander to the rest of you.
Jaeron makes his way up to the empty tables and sits down with his drink.
When Jaeron starts walking to the table, he sees a Kelishite man that looks at him and speaks up before he can sit down.
"Oh young man, do you care to join me discussing this book? But please sit down and let us have tea first."
He politely starts pouring you a cup of tea and sets his book aside. The cover of the book has the glyph of the open road printed on it.
Her facial features become a little more serious and she looks at Verdant.
"Nice meeting you! I was just getting a drink! You know, 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 says and waits for a response.
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"Oh young man, do you care to join me discussing this book? But please sit down and let us have tea first."
Jaeron seems surprised at the man's generosity. He peeks at the book cover to get an idea of the title of the book.
"Oh, don't mind if I do, good sir. My name is Jaeron, and it is a pleasure to meet you. Tell me, what exactly is this book about?"|
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Heryn focuses on Fae and blushes for a moment.
"Oh of course I hav a mattress but I share it someone else. Sorry." she says with a sly smile and continues.
"I was wondering when Drandle would come and 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?"
"Well give me a call if you need a third." she gives a wink "But first, we must retrieve this bottle. We'll wait until you return." she smiles before turning to the rest of the group, Fae giving an exhausted sigh.
"My previous mission I was in another world, here I am now retrieving someone's bottle..." she trails off, shaking her head.
"Oh young man, do you care to join me discussing this book? But please sit down and let us have tea first."Jaeron seems surprised at the man's generosity. He peeks at the book cover to get an idea of the title of the book.
"Oh, don't mind if I do, good sir. My name is Jaeron, and it is a pleasure to meet you. Tell me, what exactly is this book about?"
"The honor is mine! My name is Aram bin Kaleel. You being in this tavern most certainly means that you are a Pathfinder. But I have not seen you here before. Oh and yes ... this book contains my effort to write down my own adventures as a Pathfinder. I would never share its content but I offer advice and such to you and all who wish to listen."
Aram bin Kaleel starts a deeper discussion with Jaeron and whoever wants to join in. He opens his cloak and you see a holy symbol of Sarenrae.
"I like how Pathfinders stand together when they 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.
"One warning for you. I espouse a belief in a balanced approach when acting on behalf of the Society — particularly when it comes to Pathfinders with little knowledge and an overabundance of brawn."
Aram continues “A Pathfinder should stand on his own two feet, but be able to lean on a fellow agent when needed. That is a common mantra espoused by Keleshite and also my philosophy ... but tell me more of yourself Jaeron - what are your goals in the society?"
Falshin will join the others over at Janira's table. "Good evening, I see several of my companions have already joined. Would it be too impolite to ask if there is room for another?"
Janira smiles at Falshin but suddenly you all hear a loud roar coming from the male and female half-orc sitting near the table where Jaeron is sitting and you see that the two half-orcs are in the middle of an arm wrestling contest.
Janira looks at the scene and shakes her head ... looks up again to you.
"So why are you here? To drink and be proud to be a Pathfinder without understanding what that actually means?! I hope not because we have enough of that sort of people around here." and with that last sentence she looks at the two laughing half-orcs.
Heryn focuses on Fae and blushes for a moment.
"Oh of course I hav a mattress but I share it someone else. Sorry." she says with a sly smile and continues.
"I was wondering when Drandle would come and 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?"
"Well give me a call if you need a third." she gives a wink "But first, we must retrieve this bottle. We'll wait until you return." she smiles before turning to the rest of the group, Fae giving an exhausted sigh.
"My previous mission I was in another world, here I am now retrieving someone's bottle..." she trails off, shaking her head.
Heryn is surprised that Fae is pushing her even further "Ehh .. ehhh .." and she tries to change the subject.
"It won't take long and you surely will have fun here. And don't forget that is is my job to retrieve bottles and serve them ... all day. So a little bit more respect for your current mission." she says and smiles.
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Jaeron continues his discussion with Mr. Kaleel
"Ah, I wasn't quite aware that this was an establishment predominantly frequented by Pathfinders. I will have to make a note of that.
"Well, yes I am rather new. As a matter of fact, I'm currently on my very first 'mission' for the Society; Mr. Dreng has sent me and my colleagues on an errand."
Jaeron ponders the question regarding his own goals within the Society.
"Hmm, my own goals? I suppose I haven't put much thought into it. I'm a Wizard who studies the ways of Thassilonian Magic, and I heard that Pathfinders love their ancient sites and relics, so I thought maybe I could learn a bit more than what I've learned from my own studies? Of course, the idea of doing some good and traveling the world is also an attractive prospect. I've spent so much of my life in Varisia studying the Thassilonians, that I'm looking forward to seeing what else this world has to offer."