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A dapper half-orc enters the lodge's common room, and begins approaching the posting board. "Wait 'til I've hung it!" he grumbles as he shrugs off eager agents looking for work.
He presses through and begins pinning it up. "The Gloomspires! It's in the Gloomspires!" he gruffly responds to an agent who won't quit asking about where the mission is. "Details are here; read it yourself." He shrugs as he slips back out through the crowd and exits.
Seeking six agents to explore The Gloomspires, an old pirate hideout north of The Shackles. After much dedicated research, the Decemvirate has identified a reasonably safe way in; we intend to recover the lost treasure of the pirate Sevenfingers.
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A blonde human woman steps in, wearing warm-looking hide armor with a round, wooden shield covering most of her back. She has a tired look in her eyes, and takes a seat at the bar and orders a glass of milk.
Once she receives it, her fingertips glow, and a chill frosts the glass before she starts to drink it.
She offers a friendly wave at Elena and a sleepy half-smile.
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Bibi shakes her head. "Not yet. My wife's been out on one already, though."
She ponders a moment, then:
"Do you think they'll stab me? She got stabbed. She's fine now, but I've been thinking about it and I don't think I'd like getting stabbed. Guess that's what the big shield is for, though," she shrugs.
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Elena blinks surprised by the comment. "Glad she's ok. I think we will all get stabbed... eventually," she scratches the back of her head. "I mean, there are ways to minimize the risk... a shield would certainly help. I just finished my training so not real field experience or wisdom I could actually share. Uhh... what do you do? If you don't mind me asking?"
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Bibi wiggles her fingers.
"I can cast it myself, but a wand would be less effort... which I'm all about."
"Braniri and I were traveling the festival circuit when we realized we were pretty effective at slaying goblins," she explained. "She's got a huge axe and sings, I've got ice magic and some divine energy I'm still kind of figuring out where it came from. So, I guess I'm kind of a healer-slash-frosty-person?"
She shrugs. "Easier to sleep in the cold than the heat."
"What about you? Your sword over there?" she asks, nodding toward the one leaning up against Elena's backpack.
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"That must be nice, having someone you can trust at your back"
Elena looks at the doctor. "Thank you. I will keep it in mind but I don't have a pinch of magic myself... I could eventually get one and hope someone in the group can use it. I guess I'd have to stick to potions for the moment," she pats her almost empty coin pouch.
She turns again to Bibi. "Yes, longsword. Oh, and my bow!" she totally forgot she still had the shortbow at her back. "I hope to change this one when I have the chance, something that can give more of a punch if possible and more range."
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"I've done some looking into it, and you can actually get freebies now and then-- and almost everyone I've spoken to suggests getting a Cure Light Wounds wand as your first freebie."
She nods. "I've been... practicing with a bow. I've got some talent, but haven't really been out to the range to practice as often as I should. Not when there's a new fantasy novel to read every month. Still, a longsword and a longbow are a classic combination, and I think you'll do well with them."
She has a kindness in her sleepy smile. "Speaking of fantasy novels, what do you do for fun?"
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Oh yes. 'The Doctor' replies. All you need is to cash in a couple of favours ((ie prestige)) One tends to accumulate such favours in one's adventuring career
He ponders a bit. I dare say I myself would have a fair few by now
And it does not matter if you cannot use the Wand yourself. Someone in the party should be able to. Let them use it on you.
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Bibi grins. ”I’m new to going on missions, but I’ve worked near Society agents for years—lots of them in the taverns, and Braniri has performed in this lodge a time or two before. I pick up a lot.”
She tries to bite back a yawn, but her legs stretch out and she leans back somewhat against her will.
”Common practice is to hand your wand to any healer you’re working with at the start of the mission—that way, they can have it when they need to prod you back from the brink, and they don’t have to use their own supplies on you. Don’t worry—they’ll always pass it back to you before you part ways.”
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The cloaked raven-haired woman with a Varisian scarf on her head returns to the tavern shortly. She is sporting shiny new equipment and looks quite proud of it. "Hullo barkeep! Let us celebrate with some ale. Ooh, unless ye happen to have some Two Knight Brewery Rum from Sandpoint? A taste of home to toast to a mission well-achieved!" then sits in the corner with a lamp, quietly composing a letter while nursing her drink.
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Elena's eyes grow wide. "Whoa! I didn't know that."
The sylph slinks up behind Elena and taps her on the shoulder.
I couldn't help to overhear your discussion about prestige points. I have another little tip: A darkwood composite longbow with a +3 strength rating would normally cost 730 gold pieces, but, you can get one with only two prestige. I know a few archers that went that route. Pretty cool, huh?
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A petite Tian-Min woman in traditional men's attire walks in, argues with the barkeep for a moment about whether horses should be allowed in bars or not, then shrugs and overhears Navi the Sylph talking about bows and shows off her own darkwood composite longbow as an example.
"Isn't it nice? The Pathfinder Society helped me smuggle it out of my home country when I was on the run."
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Two more Varisian women in purple & red enter, both wearing Starknives on their hip - the first covered shoulders to knee in scarves, scarves, and nothing but scarves. So many scarves it is actually hard to notice the Starknife. She seems distracted - her eyes are not on the room or people in it, but rather some papers in her hand.
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The second Varisian woman is happily chattering away to Valentina, even though she doesn't appear to be listening. She has a prominent amulet with the holy blue swallowtail butterfly of Desna. She appears to recognize the Varisian rogue in the corner, as she squees, calls out & waves, then rushes over to give her a hug.
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The sylph slinks up behind Elena and taps her on the shoulder.
I couldn't help to overhear your discussion about prestige points. I have another little tip: A darkwood composite longbow with a +3 strength rating would normally cost 730 gold pieces, but, you can get one with only two prestige. I know a few archers that went that route. Pretty cool, huh?
Elena smiles surprised. "Thank you, I'll definitely keep that in mind."
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Navi steps forward to look at the Tien woman's bow.
She runs her fingers along the length in admiration.
That is a really nice bow.
She slings her bow from her shoulder for the woman to have a look. The finely crafted bow, adorned with feathers and other trinkets of nature, appears to be made from wood that is still living.
Mine was specially crafted by druids. The wood is still alive, even. The moisture helps give it good flexibility when it's being drawn. If it's ever damaged, I just stick it in the ground so that it can repair and replenish itself. I find that fascinating.
Navi holds up her hand in greeting to Elena and Keiko.
I'm Navi. It's short for "navigator" or նավարկիչ in my native tongue. It's a pleasure to meet you.
She says warmly.
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The woman is thoroughly impressed by your bow. She starts to ask a million questions, then visibly restrains herself and says "Lovely to meet you, Navi. My name is Keiko. I am fairly new to the area, and to the Society. Do you mind?" gesturing to Navi's greenwood bow. she hefts the weight of it, aiming at a trophy on the wall and drawing the bow to test the flexibility and strength. She slowly releases tension on the string rather than dry-firing it. Then flips it up & over to her other hand, catching it and gives it back. She obviously knows how to handle a bow, but not social interaction as much. "Perhaps some day I will upgrade, but this one has been with me for... well for a very long time, so I am sentimentally attached." She leans in close and whispers dramatically "I am jealous though."
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A short-looking ratfolk with a handsome blue robe walks through the door. The brim of his worn, leathery hat droops slightly as he looks around for a place to sit and rest his tired feet.
He seems somewhat unfamiliar with his surroundings, as it takes him several seconds to locate the bar. The stools seem comically large next to him, due to his small size.
"Welcome, welcome Skommot!" a little female gnome with pink hair shouts over the bar.
"You look like a newbie ... I have a feeling that they will send you to Highdelve! Ha ha ... " she chuckles.
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It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Elana. Shall we find a table and order some elven wi...
Her voice trails off as she notices the small ratfolk brush by her leg as he strides past.
"That little one sure has a handsome blue cloak."
She says to herself as she nods in admiration.
Slightly embarrassed, she turns her attention back to Elena and Keiko.
Oh! Where are my manners?
As I was saying; shall we find a table, order a carafé of elven wine, and just chit-chat?
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Seedy?
Navi calls out to get the bartender's attention.
May we have a carafé of elven wine, please?
Oh! And three glasses, thank you!
Navi slowly pours the wine into the glasses and hands each one to her new friends.
You always want to pour the wine slowly so you don't bruise it.
So, tell me Elana, any interesting stories to tell about your last adventure?
And you too, Keiko. I'd love to hear of any remarkable experiences you have had.
Navi takes a small sip of her wine and listens intently to their stories.
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Keiko ponders as she sips the exotic beverage Navi ordered. She didn't like to speak of home, at least to new people, because that was... complicated. "Although I'm fairly new to the Pathfinder Society, I have had one dramatic adventure involving the very founding of the Pathfinder Society and I was part of a team the helped to discover the location of an important relic! I met the famous military historian Yargos Gill during that mission too. Ooh, or the time I helped solve a murder mystery involving the Umbra Carnival in Ilsurian! Which would you like to hear about?"
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The woman tells a tale... that, honestly you are having a lot of trouble paying attention to. She's not very good at storytelling. The bits and pieces you do pick up sound intriguing (theft, murder, racism, and drugs) but you feel the story would be better if anyone else had told it. You could do better.
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A tiefling woman with inky black hair sits nearby listening to the story. She'd recently returned from what sounds like the very dealings with the Umbral Carnival being described.
Hmm, I don't quite remember it that way. The sphinx doesn't sound as... alluring in her story. Maybe it was just me. Pity she was just an illusion.
She casually remarks at the end of the story. You would think with occasional visits from a carnival that those townspeople would become more used to, and tolerant of, different varieties of people.
She takes a sip from her whiskey.
I suppose I should just get used to sideways glances wherever my missions take me...
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Keiko's eyes widen as she turns to view the speaker and sees an attractive pink-skinned woman with small horns. Is she an Oni? A Demon? Some sort of humanoid hybrid? What was it called... Teaflings or something? If she's here in the Pathfinder bar she must not be all bad, at least.
"Indeed, my companions found the villagers mostly unpleasant! I agree - for being a trade hub, the Ilsurian people are not very welcoming if you don't match their expectations." Her eyes sparkle as she asks in a quiet voice "What did you think of the circus though?"
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The tiefling smiles as she relaxes from the previous remark and ponders the question. She takes on a similarly soft tone.
Well, there was so much really. So much to take in. The "hellhounds" and "baby-dragon" were downright tacky. The goblin-toss was offensive.
She winces visibly before continuing.
But, then there were the delightful Madame Masque, and All-Seeing Hajeck. And most of all, their "sphinx" was... She seems to lose herself for a moment in thought, and only after several moments suddenly "comes to", collecting herself from what you suspect is a blush masked by her skin tone. ...intriguing.
She breaks from her thought by sipping from her whiskey again and turns back to the Tian woman.
And what about you? I imagine you did well at the test of strength.
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She leans straight back in her chair, obviously surprised. "A goblin toss!? They must have added that after I left. They don't use... real goblins, do they?" She looks curious, but quickly gets over her surprise and continues. "Indeed, the Sphinx captures the imagination of all who meet her! That's why she's the star attraction. I'm strong enough to shoot my bow, but was well outmatched by most of the burly attendants. I was fortunate enough to travel with them, for awhile! I can show you my act, if you'd like? I was an equestrian acrobat while at the circus."
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Nilah chuckles, confirming. yes, a goblin toss. No, they weren't real goblins, but it still wasn't the most "welcoming" idea they had. Maybe I have a soft spot for perceived misfits.
The tiefling suddenly looks surprised, sitting up straight and looking around the tavern. Equestrian acrobatics... here? Do you have a horse outside? I mean, that could be cool!
When an elderly man speaks up, referencing "disturbing stories" Nilah frowns.
I found some of the acts tacky, but I wouldn't go that far. No, I think those sorts of myths are what curse those fine performers. I don't come from Varisia, but I appreciate Varisians and believe they deserved a little more trust.
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Keiko can give Doctor John an overview of the type of acts they had when she was there, but warns that the acts can vary depending who is travelling with the circus at the time. She hasn't heard any disturbing stories about the circus, but when she thinks back the only employee that ever gave her "bad vibes" was the fortune teller, the All-Seeing Hajeck. "She never gave me any actual reason to dislike her, but I don't think it's me being racist because I didn't feel that way about any of the other Varisians in the circus." She shrugs and moves on, getting excited about her performance for Nilah! "Yes, yes, my horse is just next door in the stables! I know the perfect place!"
The Umbra Carnival’s big top houses an astonishing assortment of shows, from traditional clowns and acrobats to music recitals and dramatic plays. Inevitably, the star attraction is Jherizhana, the “ferocious performing sphinx only barely held under the ringmaster’s magical control.”
Midway Games: King of the Carnival (Strength game)
Lovely Madam Masque (Perception game)
The Lair of the Sphinx (meet Jherizhana)
Travelling Zoo: While most of the zoo’s cages feature mundane creatures from across Avistan, a few genuine monsters never fail to wow locals, including three animated skeletons, a manticore, and a "baby dragon."
Sideshow: This eccentric collection of trinkets and biological oddities serves as the carnival’s true foundation. Part museum and part freak show, the sideshow boasts ancient artifacts, foreign costumes and jewelry, and a variety of magical artifacts and technological innovations. A swordswallower, a fat lady, a tattooed man, “orc”, “fire giant”, and “choker” draw thrill-seekers and young men looking to prove their courage. By far the biggest draw is the elusive “Saggy Man,” a Varisian boogeyman.
Winding Market: In every town, large or small, local merchants pour out of their shops to set up stalls in this snaggled, disorganized knot of tents and walkways adjacent to the festival to take advantage of the crowds it draws. Other merchants, performers, diviners, and prostitutes travel alongside the show longer-term for the same reason, journeying to the next town or the next continent.
She guides you near the stables where there is a large round dirt patch and a fence to one side where she places some bits of trash, bottles and the like. Then she retrieves her horse, Mairu, (and introduces you to him if you want) and removes her Hakama pants to reveal a tight-fitting leotard and leggings beneath.
(110' range)
Keiko delivers a great performance! Although not terribly charismatic or "showy," the strength of her performance is in her competence. You can tell the strength of her bond with her horse by how well he follows her guidance, how smooth his gait is, and how well she balances atop him. Her movements are supple and graceful, as she does multiple tricks, lifting her leg behind her head, even doing a couple flips atop the galloping horse! Each time landing solidly and gently on the special saddle. Once she pulls her bow out, even standing on the saddle while the horse is trotting she makes multiple impressive shots, shooting down each bit of trash she placed on the fence earlier, absolutely demolishing the first bottle. You can see why she was part of a professional troupe, and why her skills are prized by the Pathfinder Society.
After her performance, she hops down from Mairu, gives him a pet and you a big grin. You can tell she is pleased by the performance, and flushed from the exercise. "Fun, right? Not much use in the Pathfinder Society, but... being a part of that community is a time I will always treasure." She gets serious at the end. "They helped get me out of a tight spot once before, really travelling with them was me trying to repay my debt, but I think I learned more there than they did from me."
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Yuuup. I have to see this! Her statement suggests "see it to believe it", but in reality she's seething with excitement to see something so interesting in leisure time, vs. out in the field.
Nilah follows the Tian woman out to the stable. She leans against the fence nonchalantly and waits for the show to begin.
The excitement returns as the stunts proceed. The balance, it must take so much strength to not be thrown 20 yards. And your bond with that horse... truly impressive.