Where does the adventure take place?
The adventure takes place in Absalom. For more than 4,000 years, Absalom has been the City at the Center of the World, a metropolis-sized showcase of the greatest treasures in all Golarion.
The importance and influence of Absalom upon the Inner Sea and the whole of Golarion can not be overstated. The city not only holds a key strategic position for both commercial and military endeavors in the region, but encompasses the site of the ascension of four deities and claims to have been founded by none other than the Last Azlanti, the god Aroden. It is not without reason that the passage of time throughout the Inner Sea region is counted in Absalom Reckoning.
Situated on the southern coast of the Isle of Kortos, Absalom is the largest city in the Inner Sea region and quite possibly the entire world. The ice-capped peaks of the Kortos Mounts are among the highest known in the world, stretching high above treeline.
Countless abandoned siege engines and constructions of war from the numerous failed attempts throughout history to take the city by force lie scattered throughout the surrounding countryside in what has become known as the Cairnlands and the wreckage of armadas of unsuccessful attempts on the city from the sea all but block the wide harbor in a mass known as the Flotsam Graveyard.
The city itself is enormous: it stretches more than seven miles from the Starwatch Keep to Azlanti Keep and more than five miles from Westgate to Eastgate.
~
Adventure Background
You are all part of the Pathfinder Society and because of reasons in your individual recent past you have received a field commission to conduct missions of behalf of the Venture-Captains of the Society.
The Pathfinder Society is a globe-spanning organization based out of Absalom, the City at the Center of the World. The membership consists primarily of Pathfinders, adventurers who travel throughout Golarion—usually inconspicuously—and explore, delve, and otherwise experience the lesser-seen parts of the world.
They send journals documenting their travels back to their venture-captains, who also assigns them new missions and suggests new places to explore. The most exciting and illuminating of these journals are compiled in the Pathfinder Chronicles, an ongoing series of books that collect the history and mystery of Golarion for its membership and the general public.
The Pathfinder Society generally takes a hands-off approach with its agents, leaving them to pursue their own leads, and chose their own priorities. Pathfinders are only expected to explore the mysteries of the multiverse, report what they find, and cooperate with one another in order to assure the success of the first two duties. Pathfinders are expected to report their findings to their venture-captains, who collect and review these records, and pass on the best to be published in the Pathfinder Chronicles.
So you are expected to EXPLORE, COOPERATE and REPORT!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ The Wounded Wisp ~ ~ ~
You are back in Absalom for some time now after your mission in Highdelve which was very successful.
You have been stationed at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, awaiting assignment for a mission that you hope will be of 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.
|
A young Kitsune woman walks in the room, none of the group has seen her as anything but a fox to this point, as she uses human form when she needs to disappear, and prefers the heightened smells and sounds she has this way.
Her fur is dark gray with a white snout and black circling around her ears and forehead.
What meaningless tasks will we have today?
|
|
A young Garundi man in pristine white, flowing clothing trimmed in golden ribbon hiding a chain shirt underneath is standing at a window as Yoko walks in, enjoying the view of the city.
"I don't suppose I'll ever get used to the grandeur of Absalom," he comments as he turns to address his friend, "We've been summoned by the Venture-Captain himself. I'm thinking he no longer doubts our capabilities. And I'm hoping this task will take us away from the city for a bit. I feel the need to move around once again."
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.
|
Slamming all four legs of her chair down to the floor the half-orc woman stands to her full height of 6'5". "Well it looks like it's time to get a move on. The name is Morn Sharp-tusk, nice to meet you both." As she moves forward she rolls her shoulders and neck to stretch, reaching the door she looks back. "Ready?"
The little female gnome with the pink hair puts her head into the room again and says "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.
|
|
Sirani smiles again. "Nothing to apologize for. I'm also eager to get back in the field. Truthfully, we haven't been traveling together long. We all met on our previous assignment, which was also our first. We almost lost a few of us when we were attacked by an ettin, but we managed to pull through."
|
|
A young male human hurries into the room.
"Oh, thank goodness I didn't miss the meeting."
He shuffles to a seat and sets his bow down on the floor along with a bag of beets.
"I was helping the harvest this morning and forgot about the time. I have beets if anyone is hungry."
Noticing the new member, he waves, "Morning! I'm Grimwald. Pleased to meet you. Blessings of Erastil on your harvest!"
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?“
"What, no, No! It really is only a wine bottle! No people to look out for! Just ask Heryn! 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." Dreng says with a smile.
"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.
* * * * *
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.
~
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.
~
"I don't think this will take too long," Sirani comments as he walks up to the bar.
"Hello, would you by chance be Heryn Gale?" he asks the person tending bar, "I'm meant to pick up a package from her."
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.
"Oh hello gentlemen, I am Heryn, hard to believe that I still need to introduce myself." she says laughing. Then she takes your orders and serves you everything you need.
Heryn focuses on Sirani.
"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?"
You get your drinks and sit at a table.
Standing here in the Wounded Wisp you see a lot of 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.
|
|
Roran enters the establishment, holding a note bearing the name of the tavern, looking franticly about, looking a bit harried and bothered by his late arrival. He shakes the rain off of his cloak.
He is a young human male, 5’11”, 176 lbs, with black hair, green eyes, and fair skin. His smile reveals one tooth is jade. He wears leather armor, mostly covered by a cloak so dark a green that it often appears black.
Roran spots his companions at the table and smiles, then his face straightens as he spots the unfamiliar half-orc.
He approaches and greets the group. "Happy to see you again. Sorry for my lateness. A pink-haired gnome gave me the place to be, but then every little thing seemed to go wrong. First, there was this... ah, nevermind." He turns to the half-orc woman, gives a polite smile, and says, "Pleasure to meet you. My name is Roran. I assume you're joining us on this 'mission'?" He extends his right arm in greeting.
|
|
"You assumed correctly." She sakes his hand with a firm grip. "It's good to meet you too, the names Morn Sharp-Tusk. I'm afraid this will be my first mission, but it sounds like you all have been on one before. You can all teach me the ways of a pathfinder!" She laughs good-naturedly and takes a quick drink of her ale. Looking around the room she tries to remember what she has heard about this place.
Janira suddenly turns around to Sirani when he approaches 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 Sirani "What is your name? And do these fresh agents belong to you?" she asks Sirani but also lets her view wander to the rest of you.
Janira smiles but then a moment later her facial features become a little more serious and she looks at all of you.
"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 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 two laughing half-orcs sitting at a table next to a keleshite man.
She smiles at Sirani.
"Very good question! 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 ... your friends here needs to improve on that front and not even said hello!“ she says with a sly smile.
“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. Think about the Shadowlodge, think about all deaths caused by overzealous agents." and again she shakes her head.
Then she looks at Roran, Grim, Morn, and Yoko and you think that she likes to be in the role of an educator and loves inspiring people.
She continues
"I extend the question to you, too! Why did you join the Society? Think about it, please, and chose your words with your heart."
|
|
With a bowed head "I'm Morn, meant no offense. I'm rather new as well." She looks up and flexes her muscles, almost unconsciously. "I joined the Pathfinders to help be the wall that protects those who can't protect themselves. I hear the Pathfinders are always looking to higher muscle. I thought I would do my part and also test my strength. I must admit I am also unfamiliar with the Shadowlodge... "