Heryn looks at Tata and smiles..
"Oh of course, I was wondering when Drandle would 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?"
My grandmother always told me, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing". Do you think that's true?
Aram looks at Jinhong and blinks.
"Oh Bob! Knowledge is always dangerous! Does that mean that you telling me why you joined the Society is going to be dangerous for me?!" Aram says with a raised eyebrow.
This is clearly a little bit deranged. He just seems to call everybody Bob which you somehow believe refers to all people not of Kelish origin.
Janira suddenly turns around to Willow and smiles at her.
"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 Willow "What is your name? And do these fresh agents belong to your group?" she asks Willow but also lets her view wander to the rest of you.
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"Good day Miss Janira. My name is Saye but most people just call me 'Willow'. I do have the honor of working with these agents, yes. We are here on business but have some time to spare."
Willow speaks quietly, struggling to keep her eyes on Janira's instead of just staring at her feet.
"Before I joined the Pathfinders, I had a good friend that I traveled with, also a halfling. Both you and he amaze me with your ability to speak so easily...people skills are one area in which I lack. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing your tale of Durvin Gest. A great love of mine is the acquisition of tales, knowledge, and facts so I try to learn anything I can from more outgoing folks like yourself."
Willow pauses, slightly embarrassed.
I think that's the most I've dared say to a stranger in years. I don't understand how people do that.
Her facial features become a little more serious and she looks at all of you.
"I fully understand you Willow! 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.
"So many are here to drink and be proud to be a Pathfinder without understanding what that actually means! I wish more of the new Pathfinders would have the spark that I just felt in you!" and with that last sentence she looks at the two laughing half-orcs sitting at the table next to Jinhong and the Keleshite.
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Willow continues to be embarrassed at the praise Janira gave her, but starts to warm up a little now that she knows she won't be snubbed.
"Without...um...understanding relationships and the strengths and weaknesses of friends, foes, and agencies, it is much more difficult to persevere in these times. I feel that my knowledge is as important as my whip, perhaps more so."
She becomes a little more bold, and begins to stand a little straighter, but continues to speak softly as if trying to only be heard by Janira.
This one might actually understand. If only she were coming with us to help talk for me
"I noticed that you indicated that pair over there. Should we take that as a warning, or just a difference of opinion?"
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Whatever Aram is trying to get across, Jinny is too caught up in herself to notice.
I favor a third way...the way of the nimble.
She draws her rapier and balances it on her fingertip delicately, before flinging it into the air to spin lazily and...
+
...fall neatly into her scabbard.
Whew! That was close! I'm out of practice on that one.
Willow continues to be embarrassed at the praise Janira gave her, but starts to warm up a little now that she knows she won't be snubbed.
"Without...um...understanding relationships and the strengths and weaknesses of friends, foes, and agencies, it is much more difficult to persevere in these times. I feel that my knowledge is as important as my whip, perhaps more so."
She becomes a little more bold, and begins to stand a little straighter, but continues to speak softly as if trying to only be heard by Janira.
This one might actually understand. If only she were coming with us to help talk for me"I noticed that you indicated that pair over there. Should we take that as a warning, or just a difference of opinion?"
Janira nods again and smiles.
"You really are on the right path Willow! 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-orcs back there need 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." and again she shakes her head.
Uri moves over to the table with Willow and Janira. Might I join you. It seems we have to wait for a shift change to acquire our "package". Janira, its nice to see you again. I hope that Minotaur did not leave any permanent marks. I wish you were still up to see my color spray hit the beast.
"Uri... Uri Caine? 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."
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.
"You guys are alright! 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.
He gives Aram a curious look. "My name is Akaash. I have joined the Pathfinders to help guide me in gaining more knowledge, and to use that knowledge to help myself and the world prosper."
"That is a cause I can relate with ... ehhh ... Akaash." he sighs.
"But I am a little jaded by many recent events in the Pathfinder Society and to be honest I come to the Wounded Wisp to relive what I believe were the Society’s golden days. That you are here is a good opportunity to go back to the principles of the society ... back to the past."
He shakes his head.
"Oh no ... I started again. I apologize!"
His facial impressions turn into a challenging smile.
"Let us talk about practical matters. Are you well prepared for your missions in the field? I mean the various threats that often hamper Pathfinder expeditions such as magical effects, swarms, traps, and other vexing obstacles? I want to ensure you and your friends are prepared for the challenges to come."
I favor a third way...the way of the nimble.
She draws her rapier and balances it on her fingertip delicately, before flinging it into the air to spin lazily and...
[dice=Acrobatics]d20+9 + [dice=Panache]d6
...fall neatly into her scabbard.
Aram looks at Jinhong and then at Akaash and answers his own question after seeing the dandy display with the Rapier!
"Well, the most important tools in my view are splash weapons. Have you ever tried to fight a swarm of bugs with a Rapier? Will not work! Except of that I believe you will be in good shape." he says with hope in his voice.
"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.
Darnellius sneaks up to listen in on the experienced Pathfinder lend her knowledge to the others. He nods in acknowledgement as she gives her advice.
Don't forget the undead and slimes...they require special weapons as well...holy water and acid. I almost lost a finger to a puddle of hungry goo...he chimes in, flexing his hand.
Darnellius sneaks up to listen in on the experienced Pathfinder lend her knowledge to the others. He nods in acknowledgement as she gives her advice.
Don't forget the undead and slimes...they require special weapons as well...holy water and acid. I almost lost a finger to a puddle of hungry goo...he chimes in, flexing his hand.
On his way out he listens to Darnellius and nods vehemently!
"Listen to this man! He knows what I was talking about!" and he walks out of the Wisp.
After about half an hour Heryn comes to your table and says: “Are you ready to go?"
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 quiet about this, okay?” she says with a pleading look.
Discretion is always a wise decision, ma'am. Your secret is safe with us. Darnellius says as he readies to head into the sewers.
I'll go first....I have a knack for finding....surprises in my path...
Upon seeing the board across the hole, Darnellius takes a step back then makes a running jump across.
He gets out a rope and tosses it across.
Someone hold this on the other side...I will hold it here...walk slowly.
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Akaash is about to answer Aram about being well equipped, but then notices the bartender is ready. "Well," he says to Aram, "Looks like I'm about to find out. On a mission to acquire a bottle of wine for a Venture Captain." He offers a brief wave as he moves from the table. "Hope to return and get some tips on equipment. Best to be prepared, after all."
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).
But with Darnellius preparations, Tata's great stabilization effort and you walking slowly everything works out and the others follow 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
Darnellius helps Willow with her search.
Wait...Willow, it's right there. Let me check it out....hmm....a lever. Odd....I wonder...Darnellius says as he checks the device.
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Willow perks up at the discovery and becomes a little less timid. There's a lever behind the bottle...Maybe that's why we were actually sent here. Let's see what it does! She moves up next to Darnellius and readies herself to pull the lever but waits for a response.
I love any kind of puzzle or mystery...I should probably wait for the rest to get over here before I pull it though.
Darnellius does not see any traps.
When you use 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.
You enter the tunnel just a little to see what lies ahead and check for traps but cannot find any.
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 cracks along the eastern and western walls form makeshift entrances into exposed caverns.
The only light source in this room is a plain rock that bears a continual flame spell and hangs from a chain. The illumination is enough to brighten the room but leaves the connecting tunnels dark.
You enter and look at the desk and see that it contains various notes and leads. A first glimpse shows that these were obviously penned by Selmius Foster with later annotations by a certain Adolphus.
Selmius Foster was a Pathfinder who was published in many of the early Pathfinder Chronicles.
Adolphus was a Pathfinder who began his career as the assistant of the Pathfinder Selmius Foster. He published the account of his master's death in Volume 3 of the Pathfinder Chronicles. He went on to found the Pathfinder lodge in Quantium.
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Jinny looks through the papers.
I know this name. And this one. Selmius Foster was a Pathfinder who was published in many of the early Pathfinder Chronicles.
Adolphus was a Pathfinder who began his career as the assistant of the Pathfinder Selmius Foster. He published the account of his master's death in Volume 3 of the Pathfinder Chronicles. He went on to found the Pathfinder lodge in Quantium.
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None of this is new information so far. I wonder who was compiling it in a secret room
It's odd to just find them lying here hidden. I'm not sure that Dreng knew about this...maybe we should collect them up and bring them to him
Saye keeps digging through the papers looking for any clue of why they might be sitting on a desk in a hidden basement room
You are discussing and standing in the silent room that looks like it was not touched for ages. Suddenly, you hear hundreds of high-pitched squeaks fill the air as a mass of small, carnivorous bats surges forth, all of them hungry for blood.
Perception
Low-light
Jinny, Willow and Akaash utterly surprised when the swarm of bats enters the room through various tunnels and is all around them. Uri, Tata and Darnellius on the other hand heard the screams a little earlier and are ready to react.
BAT SWARM CR 2
N Diminutive animal (swarm)
Init +2; Senses blindsense 20 ft., low-light vision; Perception +15
Speed 5 ft., fly 40 ft. (good)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
DEFENSE
AC 16, touch 16, flat-footed 14 (+2 Dex, +4 size)
hp 13 (3d8)
Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +3
Defensive Abilities swarm traits; Immune weapon damage
OFFENSE
Melee swarm (1d6)
Special Attacks distraction (DC 11), wounding
Wounding (Ex) Any living creature damaged by a bat swarm continues to bleed, losing 1 hit point per round thereafter. Multiple wounds do not result in cumulative bleeding loss. The bleeding can be stopped by a DC 10 Heal check or the application of a cure spell or some other healing magic.
Initiative
Round 0 - SURPRISE ROUND (only standard OR move action)
1. Uri and Darnellius : You are up!
2. Swarm
3. Tata
Round 1
1. Jinny, Willow, Akaash, Uri, Darnellius
2. Swarm:
3. Tata
#Swarm: Full HP
#Jinny:
#Willow:
#Akaash:
#Uri:
#Darnellius:
#Tata :
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When Uri sees the darkness ahead he casts Dancing Lights and pushes them forward of the group to light the way.
[ooc]Can someone moved Uri up to be behind Akaash.
Carching a glimpse of the creatures Uri thinks about what it might be.
Bat Swarm. Bad news. They are fast and immune to weapons. And their bite will cause wounds that bleed. He pulls out a wand of Burning Hands and take a step back in the surprise round.
The swarm of carnivorous bats suddenly fills the room and makes breathing difficult. Jinny, Willow are filled with terror as the swarm engulfs them and the young Pathfinder's bodies start to bleed.
Creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move action per turn.
* * *
Round 0 - SURPRISE ROUND (only standard OR move action)
1. Uri and Darnellius -> You are up!
2. Swarm
3. Tata -> You are up!
Round 1
1. Jinny, Willow, Akaash, Uri, Darnellius -> You are up!
2. Swarm
3. Tata
#Swarm: Full HP
#Jinny: 15/18 HP
#Willow: 6/9 HP
#Akaash:
#Uri:
#Darnellius:
#Tata :