You have been stationed at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, awaiting assignment for a mission 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.
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?”
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Looking absolutely miserable in the rain Encara stands out, not for his damp appearance but for his withered and blackened hands and arms that extend.
Other than that Encara looks to be a scholar of Varisian descent, minimally armed, and well groomed, although the rain is quickly ruining that.
Encara looks down at the beggar with a bit of disdain as he awaits the arrival of Drenge, but does not pay him much mind.
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The lithe "human" known to many as Roy walks calmly to the meeting place; seemingly unconcerned by the rain which has soaked his long pink hair,
as he arrives he gives the others a nod and waits quietly.
Roy watches the Beggar silently for a moment before reaching into a pouch under his shirt and flicking him a silver piece "Waste it not good sir" he says as he sweeps some of the water from his hair.
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Drusilla was on the rendez-vous point since half an hour, having done some recon, just in case...
She came by foot from the nearest tavern, and was already pesting against the rain.
When the beggar comes to her, the tall blonde woman in armor gives him a genuine smile, and a whole gold piece
Sure! Have an hot meal and a few drinks, by Caiden! There's already too much water fallin" on our heads tonight, we have to keep our spirits high!
She shakes her wet golden mane, before putting back her helmet
Damnit, I hope this rain will stop soon. Last mission was already too watery for my taste.
The man smiles at Roy and Drusilla, as he pockets the coins. "Thanks, good souls." Looking over the three subjects gathered, he frowns. "There was another I summoned...well, it’s cold, I’m sure they’ll be along any moment."
The words hang 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.”
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The slapping of booted feet can be heard from the deserted street behind the gathered agents. A brightly coloured man in violets and blues complains to himself about his tardiness and the pouring rain under a patchwork umbrella of the same colour. His face is painted in a matching style, but of an expensive grease paint not designed to run when wet.
When he speaks, he has the soft accent of the Vudrani of the Isle of Jalmery, a faint violet light surrounds him, not only lighting up the night but also giving off a soft heat.
"Well met all! I am Jedah, Fire-Performer at Zuhasia's Genie Circus and recent trainee at the society. Recently Confirmed by Master Shaine!" Listening to the end of the briefing he nods his head thoughtfully.
"Ah, glad you could make it Jedah. By the way, I hear congratulations are in order on your confirmation." Drang says with a smile.
Turning back to Roy, he responds "I wouldn't think so. It's a simple parcel, delivered to a beggar. I see no reason for there to be trouble.
With a nod to Encara, "Sir Ordan, though I do enjoy having extended chats, I must agree. The chilly rain, has me in a bit of a hurry. I'll be in the area for a few more hours, so I shouldn't be hard to find when you return."
Pulling his hood back over his head, Drang spends but a moment adjusting his disguise some and returns to his watch post near the alley. Huddling up against the building, he truly seems to be a pitiful bum.
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You know, I think I can do with some suspense right now, and wait till we are INTO the Wounded Wisp, around a strong drink, to get introduced to all... First round is for me. And don't try to argue: it's a religious, sacred and most holy thing to me.
Dru gives an hearty laugh and leads the way to the tavern.
Should get a Wayfinder soon for my personal use. Not to find the nearest tavern, I'll always manage that, but to find the way out. That gives me troubles, sometimes..
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Jedah gives a soft laugh at Dru's admission and huddles under his patchwork umbrella, cursing the rain as it bounces off the cobbles and begins to soak his clothes, which in turn sizzle slightly due to his violet flame. Trusting the others to lead him to the Wisp, having spent much of his time in the Pig's Paunch since arriving, the performer starts to ponder his next trick.
"Hmm a job where you legitimately can drink on the Job, what a lark this will be! So tell me, any of you done this before?"
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 enter, there seem to be a number of patrons relaxing around the room. A group bellied up to the bar, seem to be having a lively debate.
"Ya think Sir Reinhart of Kenabres will make it?"
"Na mate. On-y Cayden e'er make da jump. Two coin say 'e fall!"
"Don't forget, he was a crusader! I bet Three coin he makes it! With Aroden's death, we need us another fair god. He'll pass the Test of the Starstone"
Nearby a halfling female entralls new recruits with a lively tale.
A human male sits quietly observing the pathfinders coming and going, he readily converses with any that approach him. A scimitar strapped to his thigh and a necklace depicting and angelic ankh are visible. The man fiddles with a set of scales in front of him.
An uproar of laughter pulls your attention to the upper levels of the establishment. Two identical half-orcs sit drinking from oversized tankards and spouting off to each other in their native tongue.
Noisy drunkards in a bar, not uncommon. Though an older man sitting off to the side with a massive tome in front of him, strikes one as peculiar.
The bartender looks up as you approach, hands off another drink and smiles. "What's yer poison?" she asks.
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Stepping inside the tavern, Jedah steps back as he is assaulted by the reek of the place, however, with the alternative being back out in the rain he decides to push on and just hopes the smell doesn't get stuck in his clothing. Sweeping the room with his gaze, it alights on the familiar face of a plucky halfling and he smiles, hearing their tale spoken.
Jedah slips by the halfling as she tells her tale and sticks his head above hers to look at her enraptured audience with a wink.
"If I re-call Miss Gavix, you were found flat on your back as good ol' Ukou and I tackled the Minotaur, still got the scar from his horns I do!"
Reaching under the bar, she acquires a slender glass and a mug. Proceeding to mix a few liquids together in the mug, she adds a pinch of cloves and stirs it. As she slides the steaming mug towards Encara, she turns to Drusilla, "We have a few options my dear. There's the standard reds and whites, but we also have a few of the ice variety."
She pulls out two more glasses and pours you a splash from three bottles. "We've a Vidal, Brachetto, and a Vin Glace Pinot"
With her back still to you, her story stops mid-sentence. "Jedah? Is that you?" Turning around, she throws her arms around you and squeezes tight. "So good to see you! As for the story...well...tomato, tomahto?" she adds, her scarlet cheeks proving she'd been caught.
"How have you been? What are you up to, friend?"
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Jefah pats Janira affectionately on the shoulder, obviously a tad overwhelmed by the sudden show of affection from the Halfling. Regaining his composure he smiles mischievously.
"Why I am on a mission of great Import for the Society, one that rocks it to the very core!" his delivery slightly over the top, "We four agents seek to right a wicked wrong, a Spear-Maiden, a Fire-Dancer, a Burnt Man and a Roy!" he trails off as his grand posturing starts to fall off.
"Oh wait, we are here to get the old Man booze." he sighs at the lame finish. Before spinning on his heel. "Speaking of Booze, Dru! Where's mine?"
With a wink, she turns back to the new recruits. "This is the infamous Jedah Dohma. You should see what he can do with a bit of fire. Tis quite impressive."
Turning back, she asks "Any words of wisdom you'd like to share."
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Jedah freezes as he asked the question, like a rabbit caught in the gaze of a hungry Dragon. He looks over the fresh faced hopefuls and nervously rolls a wisp of flame between the fingers of his right hand. After an awkward pause he laughs nervously.
"A word of advice eh? Watch out for a Minotaur's Horns!" with a bow, he takes a back step and pats Janira on the shoulder. Well my dear, I shall see you soon, I see a fine glass with my name on it!"
Joining Dru and Encara propping up the bar he sighs deeply. "So friends, what is the word on the streets so to speak? Apart from wet..."
She proceeds to continue conversing with the newbies.
At the mention of Drang, the bartenders smile falters but a moment. "Well, Sir Reinhart of Kenabres is set to take the test of the Starstone tomorrow. That could be interesting. As for the parcel, it's in the specialty stock downstairs." Motioning to the patrons in the building, she adds "I can't leave my post just yet, but when my relief comes in I can take you down. For the time being feel free to mingle with the local color. Drinks are on the house."
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Jedah smiles at the bartender's slight frown, sure he is aware of the cause, given that Dreng had given them such a miserable mission just cause he didn't want to walk yo the bar. His eyes then positively burn at the mention of free drinks, and he signals that he would like a refresh of the Vin Glace Pinot .
"No rush Barkeep, happy to keep the man in the rain!" he laughs before turning to the others. "Now my friends, that halfling over there is Janira, real up and coming star in the society she is, if a bit of the teasing sort. Not sure about the rest, shall we mingle?"
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Jedah leans against the bar as he savours the ice cold wine he was provided with by the bartender. Pondering the question for a moment he shrugs slightly.
"Yeah, ya see I was one of them agents. Turns out she came across an interestin' find ya see and was basically our tour guide." he takes a breather from his story and takes another sip from his wine. "It all went a little south, there was a big Minotaur, rubbish with an axe, but damn was it wicked with those horns, punched a hole clean through! The cave was mighty impressive though, old murals and the like, you should check it out sometime!"
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Jedah taps his fingers to his lips at the next question, the violet flame singing against the remnants of wine upon them.
"Ermm, Cave of the Pilgrim or something. Yeah that was it! My report is submitted for a chronicle, but I am not sure Master Shaine liked the colours..." he finishes his glass and asks for another. "So Encara, Dru, what grand adventures have you found yourselves on?"
From the balcony a voice rings out over the din of conversations. "I stronger dan all others 'ere brother!". Some drunken laughter follows as the half-orc is again drowned out.
The man with the holy symbol begins fumbling with the scales in front of him.
Meanwhile the bookworm pulls out a second tome and seems to be comparing notes between the two.
A drunk at the end of the bar turns to the three of you. "Eh, pathfinders? Wat you think of noble taking trial tomorrow? I put a coin on his not even making jump!"
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Jedah tips his glass to Encara and pushes himself off the bar, intrigued at the others gathering around. He fishes around in his pocket for a coin and tosses it in the air, deftly catching it.
"I''ll take that wager my man! Makes the jump, but no ascending I reckon!" he calls over the loud bar as he makes his way to the odd man with the scales.
"Hello friend, pardon me but you don't immediately fit in around the usually boorish Pathfinders, then again I guess I don't either!" he chuckles to himself before taking an empty seat across from the merchant.
"The name's Jedah, Fire Performer of the Genie Circus. Who are you big man?"
The drunkard looks quite pleased with himself as he writes down your wager on a piece of paper.
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Jedah nods at the man's introduction and files it away for later in case it was needed. He squints through the gloom st the symbol around his neck and makes a guess that he means the sun goddess, Sarenrae. He shakes his head softly, causing his damp hair and hat to wave about, though his hard wearing make-up remains perfect.
"Ahh no, whilst I respect her she is not of my true calling. I am from Jalmery and as such I revere the many gods of out Pantheon." he thinks for a moment before asking a wuestion of Kanerl.
"if you do not mind me asking, your patron is not what one would expect from a merchant, they would assume Abadar. What of your teachings is it that inspires you so? I am merely curious, and will not be offended if it is a private matter."
The man looks you over a bit. "Ever encountered a swarm? Or perhaps some undead? There are ways one can prepare him or herself to ease their journey. So many of the recruits these days just charge in with swords swinging, having no clue what they're doing. Don't get me wrong, I fully believe a pathfinder should stand on its own two feet, but you should be able to lean on your fellow agents when needed. That's why they rarely send agents out alone."
With a wink, he adds "Even if they're just retrieving booze for a drunk."
"Apologies, I failed to answer your question. My opinion is based on experience more than my deific teachings. Although the implementation is heavily lead by the Dawnflower. Sadly, I'm out of time for now. Feel free to visit my shop for advice or more enjoyable conversation. Kaleel's Curiosities in the coin district."
A burst or wind whips across the tavern drawing your eyes towards the door. A somewhat attractive human male enters and heads straight for the bar, waving and nodding to a few of the patrons as he wanders in.
Heryn snorts as Encara offers the man a seat. "That my dear, would be my relief. Once you are ready, we may head down to retrieve your parcel. I must caution you, there's been a bit of an accident down there. We've got a temporary fix, but you'll need to watch your step. Trust me, you'll understand when you see. It's from the quake of 4698."
After a quick swapping out of duties, she motions for you to follow her through a door behind the bar. You descend down a set of wooden stairs from the main floor into a tightly packed storeroom. Barrels, boxes, and crates of assorted foodstuffs and drink garnishes are pushed against the walls or under the stairs.
Opening a door on the far wall, she reveals a larger room. Once used as a meeting room for the bar staff, several fissures have opened up in the floor. In the crevices created, you can see the damaged city sewer system below. As she points to a wooden plank which traverses the larger of the fissures she informs you, "The item he's looking for is in the storage room on the far side. Again, I must ask you to use caution. I wouldn't try more than one at a time on the board."
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Encara takes a moment to polish off his drink in a civilized manner.
Asthey head down Encara will draw out a weighted stick and cast light on the end.
Encara leans over the crack, light in hand, looking to see how deep it goes.
"Ladies first." He offers to Drusilla, obviously for non-chivalrous reasons.
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Dru finishes her drink, pays the bill and readies herself for the exploration.
She gives a mock bow to Encarda, as he asks her to go first
"Ladies first"...Hah! That's a good one. Let's hope that if we meet something really dangerous and have to run away, you will show the same chilvary.
Taking her morningstar in hand, she peeks downstairs for any potential trouble, grinning
"Ladies first..."
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Jedah smiles to the merchant as he packs up his things, pondering on what he has just said. He laughs softly at the imagery of brawny pathfinders charging in heedlessly, remembering Ukou's stand off against the Minotaur and his own foolish jump to save Janira.
"Yes, there is a fine line between bravery and being foolhardy. I have witnessed walking bones and swarms of snakes. My fires have served me so far, but even then I need to be prepared for the Demons resistant to them." as the Man goes to leave he smiles. "Thankyou Master Kaleel i shall keep you in mind for my next shopping trip."
He leaves the table and is about to join Dru and Encara for a drink when they are shown downstairs. "Shoot, soon it is to be back into the rain." he sighs following the Barstaff down. Eyeing the crack dubiously he smiles.
"Hmm, there is a theme woth holes in the floor in my adventures. Maybe my memoirs will be called. 'Why is it so holey?'"
Taking a short run he tries to leap over the crack.