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.
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When you arrive, an elf is already waiting. He is tall, spindly, and his skin is dark in hue, like singed teak. On his forehead in a much paler yellow color, a stylized third eye has been tattooed. He wears a simple black gi, but underneath is clearly studded leather as well.
In silence, he sizes you up, curious if you're one of the people he is there to meet.
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Josheb, a broad shouldered man of average height, walked up to the street corner for the meeting. Though in town, he wanted to be prepared for anything since the Venture Captain had summoned him. He wore a black tabard trimmed in green over scale mail, his helmet he carried in his left hand. In his right was a great sword which he rested on one shoulder.
Seeing the elf at the corner as he arrived, he wondered if he was part of the meet or a some fellow just waiting on a carriage so he ventured to find out, "How do? I'm Josheb." He said and moved his sword to his left shoulder before reaching out with his right to shake the elf's hand.
"You here on society business or just enjoying the day?"
A tall long haired and bearded ulfen blonde wearing a chain shirt and dressed in shades of green from his neck to ankles approaches. A handaxe hangs from his belt at each hip and a large horn that is emanating a soft green light can be seen strapped to his back.
"Greetings, I am Hakon, Slayer of Fogulnur. You two are?" Hakon asks as he walks up to stand within arm's reach of you.
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A burly half orc enters the room, and drops his pack in the corner.
I'm late...sorry...I wasn't able to get the message I was summoned... he says by way of apology. He is obviously a warrior of some type, a sword on his hip and a shield on his back give it away.
I'm Bart... je says as he plops in a chair, seemingly tired and/or hung over.
Any coffee here? Or tea? gotta shake the cobwebs out of my head... he says with a chuckle.
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 shaky 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 rain.
“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 tavern.
“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 chilly 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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Some of you may have greater knowledge of the Pathfinder Society’s history and its association with the Wounded Wisp.
*Any Pathfinder can attempt this check untrained.*
If you get 15+
If you get 20+
And if you manage 25+
"And where should we deliver your parcel once we have retrieved it? Assuming this 'easy task' doesn't devolve into something more...involved."
"And why does it take six Pathfinders to retrieve one bottle of wine? Doesn't feel like an 'easy task' at all..."
Dr. Watson seems concerned.
"Good questions!"
"Bring it back to my office and set it on the desk."
"You never know what kind of trouble one Pathfinder can get themselves into. It's best to go as a group, and, if you manage to find adventure, be sure to Explore, Report, and Cooperate!" he accentuates with a finger in the air.
"As you will be around for the next few hours, it would probably be less suspicious if we were to grab a table and have a few rounds before heading back out to pass the parcel off to you. Although, the doctor makes a good point. Why do you need a group of us for something one of us alone can carry? Is the bottle from a giant's wine cellar?"
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[dice=trained Knowledge (all) +2 (+3 re:dwarves)]1d20+2
"As you will be around for the next few hours, it would probably be less suspicious if we were to grab a table and have a few rounds before heading back out to pass the parcel off to you. Although, the doctor makes a good point. Why do you need a group of us for something one of us alone can carry? Is the bottle from a giant's wine cellar?"
"By all means, take your time if you wish."
"How many Pathfinders does it take to light a lantern?...
Just one…
…plus the cleric to bless it, the rogue to check for traps, the wizard to argue about light spells, the fighter to hold it, the venture-captain to take credit, and three more to write the report for the Decemvirate."
"Now hurry off and get my parcel." he says before slinking down the alley and disappearing into the shadows.
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”To the wounded Wisp it is.”Josheb says shouldering his sword and following the one with the map. [b]”Sending us as a group, I wonder if he knows something is awry? Or, has he planned it that way?”
"In my brief time as an Agent I've found something always isn't what it appears. Best to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best."
"Tell me a bit about your heroic accomplishments as we make our way to the Wisp. We can take turns elaborating once we grab a table," Hakon suggests as they start heading away from the street corner and towards the tavern.
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Cazithiel snorts. "Hmph. Heroic. For the most part, heroism has happened to me." He gestures at his face. "The Lantern Lodge freed me from a life among the rice paddies of Jinin, and I have made my way here. I owe the Lodge my life."
He looks up towards the sun as everyone travels. He seems fidgety, joining the front or the back of the group with ease, light on his feet. "Strange for the Captain to both say take all the time we want, and to hurry up and get his wine. No matter. He just wants to be rid of us, for now."
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"How many Pathfinders does it take to light a lantern?...
Just one…
…plus the cleric to bless it, the rogue to check for traps, the wizard to argue about light spells, the fighter to hold it, the venture-captain to take credit, and three more to write the report for the Decemvirate."
Dr. Watson laughs heartily at the joke. "Ha! That's a good one!"
"Now hurry off and get my parcel." he says before slinking down the alley and disappearing into the shadows.
"Okay, you're the boss." The investigator shrugs and starts walking. "Let's going. I want to get out of the rain before I get completely soaked."
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"I don't know about anything heroic. I spent the last year and a half getting my butt kicked by a warrior named Valen. In theory, he was toughening me up and teaching me how to use this. We scrapped with a few thugs on occasion to drive home some finer points but nothing heroic." Josheb said in response to Hakon.
"Was the minotaur slain during the rescue?" Hakon inquires as the group gets closer to the tavern, "Bart's tale first once we're seated, then Sombra's, if that sounds good to everyone."
Hakon directs his next question to the other members of the newly-assembled group, "Do one of the three of you prefer to be the one to talk to Heryn and retrieve the vintage wine while the rest of us are listening to the regaled tales?
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"Was the minotaur slain during the rescue?" Hakon inquires as the group gets closer to the tavern, "Bart's tale first once we're seated, then Sombra's, if that sounds good to everyone."
Hakon directs his next question to the other members of the newly-assembled group, "Do one of the three of you prefer to be the one to talk to Heryn and retrieve the vintage wine while the rest of us are listening to the regaled tales?
"Hm I'm better with books than people but I'm not unused to speaking to humans."
After a half hour walk while chatting with each other on the way, you finally happen upon the building. The Wounded Wisp is located in the Foreign Quarter district of Absalom, close to the grounds of the Grand Lodge. You had no difficulty finding the establishment with the map Dreng provided.
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. 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.
As you enter, 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. A handful of different groups are already relaxing around the bar, enjoying drink and food offered by the Wisp’s staff.
The current talk of the tavern 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.
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.
A6. Privies: These are washrooms for use by the patrons and staff.
A7. Kitchen: A staff of up to three cooks prepare appetizers and larger meals in this kitchen, which houses a wood-burning stove and several stone-surfaced tables.
A8. Back Storeroom: A set of stone stairs leads down from here into the basement level of the Wounded Wisp.
A9. Private Room: This area is reserved for private functions and has a separate bar and soundproof door. It is often used by venture-captains to disclose important briefings to agents in a more personal atmosphere than the grounds of the Grand Lodge.
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After entering the Wounded Wisp Dr. Watson leaves his wet coat at the Coat Check. He walks straight to the bar and signals the employee that he'd like to order something. When he gets their attention, he says: "One mug of mulled wine, please - and if you could tell me where to find Heryn Gale, that would be appreciated, too. I'm here on official Pathfinder business."
Hakon removes his horn from his back so he can remove his overcoat to hand to the young man working the coat counter, before slinging his horn back on. He gives the lad a copper as he hands him his overcoat, "This coin was once part of a linnorm's hoard. Spend it or save it as you wish."
After any conversation that he has with the teenager working the coat check, Hakon makes his way into the main hall, grabs a seat by the others and orders a mug of mead for himself.
Hakon removes his horn from his back so he can remove his overcoat to hand to the young man working the coat counter, before slinging his horn back on. He gives the lad a copper as he hands him his overcoat, "This coin was once part of a linnorm's hoard. Spend it or save it as you wish."
The coat check lad's eyes go wide for a moment, then furrows his brows with suspicion as he looks into Harkon's eyes.
"Nuh-uh. No way. Really, mister!?""Wowie!!! Today's my lucky day! Gee, thanks, Mister!"
He gleefully pockets the coin instead of keeping it in the tip jar.
"You're welcome, lad."
Hakon asks the lad for his name before making his way to grab a seat by the others in the main hall.
"You're welcome, lad."
Hakon asks the lad for his name before making his way to grab a seat by the others in the main hall.
"Th' name's Toby, sir. Enjoy your time at The Wisp!"
"One mug of mulled wine, please - and if you could tell me where to find Heryn Gale, that would be appreciated, too. I'm here on official Pathfinder business."
The large woman behind the bar flashes Dr. John a grin.
"E'ryone here is on 'official Pathfinder business', sweetie..."She turns to get your drinks and shouts to the kitchen for a basket of fresh baked pretzels and cheese.
"I'm Heryn Gale... How may I be of service?", she asks with a pleasant smile, albeit missing a few teeth, placing your drinks and snacks in front of you.
"Ah, yes—the wine for Mister Dreng. I'm quite busy at the moment, but my replacement should be here in about an hour. If you’re able to wait, I’ll step away from the bar once they arrive. Feel free to mingle in the meantime, gents. I’ll come find you when I’m free."
With that, Heryn turns and moves on to assist the other patrons at the bar and get on with her duties.
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Cazithiel, standing somewhat dejectedly after failing to find a fireplace, replies to Dr. Watson, "That would appear to be simple enough, so it would seem the best thing to do would be to find something to keep us warm until duty calls."
Turning to the bar, he requests, "I'd like a stew, if you have it, and tea. If there is no tea, hot water will do."
"As we will be waiting for a while, do you want to move to a table?" Hakon asks as he glances around the room for which tables are empty that could accomodate their group of six.