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.
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Ouita arrived early as she typically did. She was a tall auburn haired Taldane, wearing crisp leather armor with two wickedly sharp looking blades at her sides, one slightly longer than the other.
As she entered the room, she traced the lines of the wall with her hand, admiring the fine craftsmanship. She took a cup of ale to refresh herself while waiting for the remainder of the group to gather.
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Keiko rides her dark brown horse, Mairu, to the Grand Lodge, and gets him settled in the stables, making sure to give him a good pat and tip the stablehand before she left. This is one of the few places she trusts to leave him alone - she knows the Grand Lodge stablehands will take good care of Mairu, just like they've done before.
Even so, once she makes her way into the meeting room, she makes sure to take a seat where she can see out a window in the direction of the stables.... just in case. Since she's early she decides to make tea for the meeting. Make sure everyone starts the day in a good mood. She hums to herself a bit as she prepares the tea.
She's medium height with a wiry build, with long black hair in a single braid down over her shoulder. She's wearing traditional male Tian attire.
If Ouita wears her weapons openly, Keiko will recognize the Wakizashi/Katana combination and chat her up about the liege she serves.
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.
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Keiko looks between the note and her fresh tea in dismay. "Well, I suppose we might as well wait here for the rest of the group before heading over to the new location together? Wouldn't want to misplace any allies just because the meeting spot changed." "Or waste any of this precious tea" she thinks to herself as she sips her tea contentedly.
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Excuse me...I was summoned here? I do hope I'm not late... an elf says as he looks about the room. It has been a couple of years since I've been here...partial retirement was relaxing...but boring, if I'm being honest. I am Sharimus....delighted to meet you all. he says offering a handshake or whatever greeting is preferred. He gets a cup of coffee and sits down as he waits for the meeting to start.
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The pale-skinned Chelaxian-looking woman leans against a wall at the side of the room. She would fade into the background of your awareness of there wasn't something slightly... unsettling about her. She has a scarf tied securely over her dark hair and no visible weapons or armor. She was flipping through a book until the rest of the group arrived. In response to introductions she merely nods and says "Tianna." She is curt, but not rude.
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Keiko politely introduces herself to each of the others in turn, describing herself simply as a specialist archer.
When Sophia queries her directly, Keiko has multiple reactions to the innocuous comment in quick succession, with no deception to cover her reactions at all.
First, she smiles and looks quite friendly , but before she answers, stops herself and stares at you suspiciously with narrowed eyes.
Apparently she has decided you aren't a threat because she eventually answers "Minkai Archipelago. And you?"
Since it appears everyone has arrived, Keiko will pack up the last of the tea accoutrements as she continues her conversation with Sophia.
She will make sure everyone has the new location, and then she'll retrieve her horse, Mairu, preferring to ride than walk whenever there's space. But she will be polite and hold her horse back to keep pace with the group.
"Neigh!"
Mairu nuzzles Keiko's palm, looking for a treat, then when he doesn't find any, wraps his big head over her shoulder for a horse hug.
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Sophia is glad to meet one of the east, and switches over to tien speech.
"I was born in Nagajoran waters on a trade vessel, it was on a trade mission along the Tian coasts. So Nagajor by birth, and have pretty much traveled since."
"Eventually that trade vessel set out to establish business relations with the west, and i volunteered to join, see the other side of the world. It was quite a surprise to see how chaotic the western countries are, compared to the east."
She smiles.
"But you have probably come to a similar conclusion, right?"
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Tianna had studied the various Pathfinders as they conversed and readied to leave the room. She was a bit bemused, since she was usually called in when a party had a few members that would need some extra looking after (wizards, absent-minded bards and the like). This group seemed to be a mostly well-armed martially oriented lot, in fact, she herself seemed to be the least armored among them. Though, she relied on her speed and reflexes for defense, not layers of bulky gear. Tianna shrugged and tucked her new spellbook into her satchel as she followed the rest of the group making their way out of the meeting room.
After you have introduced yourselves, 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!“ he says.
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 is concluded, ok?" Dreng says with a smile.
"Exactly! Here is the name of the wineyard and the vintage! 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!“
”Thanks so much!!“ Dreng says.
Following the instructions you arrive at the Wounded Wisp bar.
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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.
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Too late to pick up a wine bottle? This seems an odd request, but she was used to obeying orders without question, so she takes him literally, apologizes for outpacing her new companions, and turns her horse Mairu on the spot and gallops (as best as she can through the crowds) toward the Wounded Wisp.
When they reach the bar, Keiko will sigh before tying Mairu up outside with the other horses. She nervously looks towards the front door or windows every few minutes.
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.
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As she usually did, Ouita surveilled the room as she entered. Her eyes went to the architecture of the building, examining the wood, searching for any interesting design aspect that she hadn’t seen before.
She leads the group to an open table, waiting on the staff to appear and take their special order.
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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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 right sits a lone Keleshite merchant who is drinking tea and reading a book. The keleshite merchant is Aram bin Kaleel, a devout inquisitor of Sarenrae. He owns Kaleel’s Curiosities, a shop in the Coins district. At least once a month, Aram comes to the Wounded Wisp to chat with fellow Pathfinders, discussing matters of adventure and faith in equal measure.
You see a male and female half-orc who are joyfully laughing and drinking ale. The two half-orcs are the Boartusk Twins, Garl and Shrade. They are members of the Society for the past 3 years, but have only traveled on a handful of missions. It is rumored that the two earned their field commissions after saving the lives of a Pathfinder group deployed in Lastwall, and it’s likely the two half-orcs never fully understood what they were getting into. Since that time, they have participated in missions where brute strength is preferable to diplomacy or finesse. But you know that sadly this means they tend to receive few jobs. Sometimes, people joke that the two enjoy their Pathfinder discount when making purchases from the Wounded Wisp too much to leave the society and of course come to the bar frequently.
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.
She leads the group to an open table, waiting on the staff to appear and take their special order.
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.
Heryn looks at you, comes to your table and smiles.
"Oh hello gentlemen, I am Heryn." she says laughing. Then she takes your orders and serves you everything you need.
"So what brings you to this establishment?"
Heryn blushes.
“Ehh .. yes! Sorry! Ladies and gentlemen of course!“
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Keiko recognizes Saranrae Inquisitor Aram bin Kaleel, brute strength specialists the Boartusk Twins, and bard Janira Gavix from seeing them (or hearing about them from others) at the Lodge. Military historian Yargos Gill she recognizes from the portrait in his books - she is a fan, but too shy to introduce herself just yet (if anyone else approaches him she will tag along out of curiousity though). During lulls in the conversation she eavesdrops on Janira's story.
Keiko doesn't understand why everyone else is being so casual about their "mission." She will point-blank tell Heryn "We are here to pick up a package of wine for VC Dreng."
Heryn looks at Ishikawa Keiko 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 15 minutes, ok?"
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Tianna lets the other members of her group do the mingling and chatting. People tend to feel very uncomfortable around her. Growing up in a remote mountain monastery didn't do anything to improve her conversation skills, either. She glances around the room to see who/what she might know. Then takes a seat at the table to wait and find out what her companions discover.
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Keiko knows she is not the best at interpersonal relations, but she is secretly fangirling over Yargos Gill, so she will try to needle her new friend Sophia (who seems more socially adept than her) to go say hi with her.
"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire you and your works!" She looks awkward for a beat and then continues, obviously having memorized some of his work because she not only quotes it back to him, but then tells him a tale of how she used the strategy in actual combat to great effect. Then she shyly asks him if he'd sign her copy of one of his books.
Yargos looks up and does not smile.
"Appeals to Pathfinder camaraderie have little effect on me! Instead, I enjoy learning about ancient secrets and current events! So if you have nothing to offer in that direction then come back when you can!" Yargos says to Keiko and looks into his books again.