The Singing Satyr Pub, a cozy yet bustling little favorite of adventurers and Pathfinders alike. With reasonably priced food many an adventurer keep the pub as their last civilized meal before they set out and the first one when they get back. The Thinwhistles run a tight but joyous ship, from the small stage in the corner, that boasts all manner of bards, singers, story tellers or even the occasional loud mouth drunk. To the other corner that has a mighty hearth, where an elderly Halfling can be found, typically soaking in the lovely atmosphere. Legends and adventures fill the air and the atmosphere radiates with good cheer.
The bar is interesting in that behind half of it the floor is raised so that the Halflings that run it can easily serve taller folks, the other half is much lower, for shorter folks so they don’t have to climb up a stool just to have a drink. But not to waste space, under the raised floor is storage for a decent amount of the produce they use. The round wooden tables sit at descent height, the Thinwhistles work with a fine touch, the lot of them finding just the right amount of wit and respect while delivering the food and taking the orders.
On the stage at the moment a young man is playing the lute and seeming to relax in between more active pieces. Merely a guest bard, he will probably occupy the stage until someone else wants their turn. His hat and feather sit on the edge of the stage with a decent amount of copper in it from playing and taking in tunes.
At a table near the hearth a couple of men are playing a friendly game of bones with the aforementioned elderly halfling laughing and throwing in a jib hear or there. He seems to be enjoying pestering the regulars as much as he does sitting by the fire sipping cider.
The other tables are full of adventuresome sorts. One in particular has a dwarf with a waraxe nearly as large as himself, a massive half-orc, a halfling rocking on his heels eagerly, and a dour armored elf. These four appear deep in conversation trading stories back and forth.
There is one empty table remaining, just cleaned from it's departing members. Four empty chairs sit around it.
The loud dwarf barbarian laughs at a joke told at his table and turns to the serving maid, "Miss, could I get another rack of that delicious lamb, and maybe a mug of dark ale to wash it down with." Maybe I'll take your rack up ta me room later too.
Bofgar returns to his companions merely exchanging tales.
Approaches the tavern door and opens it slowly and calmly, to reaveal a tall and solid built young man that has the defined musculature warrior. He has short black hair, a well kept beard and blue eyes. He has a powerful presence and a certain air of nobility to him. He is dressed in a military uniform, holding his helmet in one hand and resting his hand at the pommel of his sword as he starts walking in searching for a seat.
After finding a seat and looking at some persons in his way to the empty table looks at the barmaid "A glass of wine miss and some lamb to eat for now" he says it with a tone of certain authority and respect before taking his seat.
A young halfling lady of twenty-two sweeps her way briskly between the tables avoiding wandering hands. "Wine? There is a lovely bottle of Andoran Red open, I'll fetch you a glass along with some of the fresh lamb. It practically melts in your mouth." She turns around and winks at the soldier, "My name is Catrin, just whistle if you need anything else."
A somewhat nervous looking half-elf, dressed in simple clothing, with long brown hair enters the taveren, and quickly throws up his hands in what almost appears to be surrender, turning his attention to one of the Thinwhistles that was giving the half-elf a disapproving glare.
"Hey, hey buddy...I'm not like that anymore. I'm just trying to prove that I might be worth something. Just looking for some honest work...really."
After stating his case, the half-elf finds a seat at the bar and looks around the inn.
Eventually, when asked by one of the proprietors of the inn, Variel orders a bit of food and drink.
"Just something simple...perhaps a cup of ale and whatever soup or stew you might have today?
Catrin steps behind the bar and draws a mug of ale. "Here you go, sir. No need to be shy around here. This is a mug of Cayden's Brew it's a heady batch. Gram's has a mutton bisque that will be ready shortly."
Brother Kendrick steps through the door into The Singing Satyr, pausing to take in the room. A handsome young man, his hair is tied back in a ponytail and his face shows several days growth of beard. A holy symbol of Iomedae prominently hangs from his neck, and a longsword with well-worn hilt is slung from his hip. So this is where adventurers are found. I hope this is the right decision. Light of Swords guide me.
Spying the table with only the man in the military uniform seated he walks over to the table. "Pardon me sir, are these seats taken?" he asks, gesturing to the three chairs. "Busy in here tonight, and I'd appreciate a comfortable chair if one of these is available."
Variel watches the warrior and young man who had just entered the inn, thinking to himself;
Hmmm...possible adventurers? A warrior and either a priest or a paladin....gods I hope he's a priest, I don't know if I could handle a paladin...
After taking a drink from his wine "Take a seat"he says it with a stern voice and gestures with his hand as if telling him he is free to choose a seat "Barmaid! He is having some wine also" turns to look at his new guest at his table "My name is Belros Verzar, can I have your name"
"My thanks, sir." as he sits down at the table. "I am Kendrick Fillian, but please call me Brother Kendrick, in the service to Iomedae" as he gestures to the holy symbol at his neck.
It occurs to Kendrick that the man is dressed as a Cheliax Hellknight armiger, little more than a recruit.
After finishing his soup, the half-elf wanders over to the table occupied by the warrior and assumed-to-be priest.
"Ummm..How's it going guys? The name's Variel. You wouldn't happen to be thinkin' about doin' a lil exploring, would you?"
Stopping a moment and considering how odd his question sounded, or at least to him, the half-elf tries to explain himself a bit better.
"Not that I'm assuming anything about you gents, just if you were, and you happened to be looking for bit of help you know..."
Almost gratefully, Brother Kendrick turns his attention to the new arrival. "Well met Variel. My name Kendrick, but please do call me Brother Kendrick. I've been Brother Kendrick for so long it sounds strange if anyone but my mum refers to me as only "Kendrick"."
"And no offense taken. I'm actually here tonight as I heard the Singing Satyr was the place to meet adventurers. Due to a recent...change...in my life I've decided to try my hand as an adventurer., flashing a brilliant smile.
"Great! We'll call that two of us interested in starting a life of adventure. Can we count him in for a third?" Variel asks gesturing toward the warrior.
Variel extends his hand in greeting first to Brother Kendrick and then to gruff sounding warrior at the table.
"Ken..err, sorry about that...Brother Kendrick, don't fret too much about changes in life, many times that can be for the better." Followed by a muttering under his breath, "Or at least I hope so..."
Looks at the new self invited guest to his table"Keep yourself together when you speak, straighten that back and speak with more mettle in your words Variel" he says those words more like teaching him proper manners "Belros Verzar pleased to great you" he extend his hand to Variel "Barmaid a glass of wine for this man please" in his usual manner to ask of things. Sits back on his chair then looking at his guests "What do you do for a living, Kendrick and Variel"
Variel shakes Belros's hand in greeting, but looks confused trying to answer the rather direct warrior's question.
"Do for a living? You mean like a job? Don't really have one of those, thus the adventuring bit."
Variel seems to slouch even a bit more after Belros's suggestion, perhaps just to mess with the warrior a bit.
Catrin stops by with drinks and bowls of bisque for everyone. "Thought the rest of you boys might be hungry as well."
"Glad you at least od something responsible for yourself" sips a bit more of his wine "I don't look with kind eyes to lawbraker's and swindler's" as he gives a defiant sight to Variel "You sime honest enough, just need say things with more security and less mumbling" after Catrin stops by the table "Thank you Catrin, now everyone enjoy your drinks and food"
She bumps her tray playfully on her hips, "I think your friend just volunteered to pay the bill."
"You can leave us then" angry tone in his voice "I've just been had, by a barmaid..." shrugs and tries to let it go "I'll pay and you two better eat and like it"
Variel sits down at the table in front of one of the bowls of soup.
"Well, I've already eaten...but I suppose I could eat some more." says the half-elf, with a grin on his face.
"A gesture of a true gentleman - many thanks Belros!" Brother Kendrick adds, and then enthusiastically digs into the food.
"Now Variel..." Brother Kendrick pauses to bite off a chunk of bread and chew it down, "earlier you mentioned exploring. Would you happen to have any ideas as where some exploring could be found?"
"Now that you mention it, what do you mean by "exploring" Variel" looks at Variel with an inquisitive gaze
"Well...It seems to me that there are a lot of ruins and old sites around this world, and even quite a few on this island. With that in mind the Pathfinder Society seems to do pretty well for themselves, in terms of....monetary support, based on exploration. Why shouldn't someone else be able to?"
Variel tilts his head to the side and rubs his chin in thought, then states.
"Of course another option would be to join the society...if I knew how to go about that."
"Hmm... the society... I don't know about that!" looks at Variel "I do agree in the need of organization, group and order of things, but I don't know about this society you speak about Variel" rubs his chin and raises an eyebrow in curiosity "Well it's intresting enough to go search ruins as part of an expedition"
A young, almost eager looking fellow with shoulder length dusty hair, who had been tryin to mingle in with a table here and there approaches the table.
"Did I hear somebody say exploration? Well if I good bow is what ya need Kaldar "Deadeye" Sithik" has arrived! He pauses Deadeye? what the heck was I thinking? and looks to the priest "Good evening to you Brother I Hope everything is well with the church?"
With a slight nod to the other two he seats himself at the final chair. Lookin at the worn swords that both Brother Kendrick and Belros are wearing and looks a little shamed for having been so proud of his shiny sword and armor.
Wow these guys are true adventurers, Military armor and everything, I hope they let me go with them.What I wouldn't give to trade these new unblemished items for those that have obviously seen battle before. Maybe this idea of exploration i heard will happen and mine will look like that someday as well
On stage the young bard looks to the kitchen entrance and seems to finish up his song a bit quicker than one might have expected. He bows to the female half-elf that has entered through the staff entrance per her usual. He holds up a hand to the applause that he gets for his abrupt ending of his skilled tune. "Ladies, gentlemen," he makes a face at the crowd and smirks, "Gentleman, I should say," he says to the particularly aged halfling in the corner. "The name for the rest you males I'd probably do better to not mention." The crowd laughs a bit half-heartedly, the fair half-elf walks toward the stage even as she, removes her cloak and drapes it over the young Mika, who is grinning ear to ear at the woman's arrival. "It is my pleasure to introduce, and soon your pleasure to bask in the musical talent of, Ilishna Blackbow, Pathfinder extraordinaire!" He starts to make his way off stage when Ilishna collars him and reels him back.
She speaks like a cool breeze in the sun baked desert. "Oh, no you don't Brant, you have a lute and two working hands, if I am singing, it won't be with out you playing," she whispers something to him and he nods. Ilishna smiles a breath taking smile that you can't help but feel is meant just for you. As her voice pierces the melody of the lute, you notice most are captivated and paying attention. The entire crowd is on the edge of their seats for her captivating performance.
Ilishna finishes the song on a long note and bows, giving Brant the stage back. "And now my friends, I would like to announce the graduation of my apprentice Pathfinder." She bows and gestures to the table with the halfling, dwarf, half-orc, and elf. As the crowd begins to clap for him she raises up a hand for silence.
"Not so hasty, he has one final task. I have just learned that the minor quake this morning tore open one of the impenetrable siege towers that surround our city. So I offer this challenge. Should my apprentice Quinn Thinwhistle visit the tower, explore it, and return with an artifact and mapping of the interior, he will be granted full membership to the Society. To make this a proper Pathfinder's challenge I offer to rest of you. Should you beat my apprentice and return with what I ask him I will grant up to four honorary memberships."
She takes out a small silk scarf and winks, "There's a thousand gold reward in it too. Search for the tower in the Cairnlands outside the western gate and good luck to all!" Ilishna drops the scarf to the ground. As she does the aforementioned table erupts as all four people stand at once and rush for the door, halfling leading the way. Some of the others are hurridly talking amongst themselves with a couple people standing up here and there eyeing the doors as well.
[i]Thousand gold... good enough start towards my goals...
"Well, I hope you are as good as you say Kaldar, since you look like a green recruit to me" pauses to think he is probably not the best to say that since his combat experience is not that great, but who are they to know "Deadeye! Just take a seat Kaldar no need for such type of introductions to me, your a guest at my table period" after putting the new flashy new comer in place "Well one thousand gold is good enough reward for me regardless of the membership, and I'm not great of a map maker so I make you an offer to join me since we could fare better if we are a group" gazes upon all other three of his guests "Well what say you? You are here to seek for ruins to explore" looking at Variel "Further more we have an adventurer of the church seeking fortune of sorts" looking at Kendrick "Don't you dare try to sway my beliefs Kendrick" says it with a lot conviction and somewhat as a warning "And finally we have another sword willing to fight for whatever his cause maybe" glancing look at Kaldar as he says it "Well... this is of benefit to all of us. I suggest a pact amongst us to join to defeat our new enemies and conquer the tower, what say you?"
Catrin returns to your table to collect bowls and mugs. "If you boys are wanting that reward you would be smart run outside and hitch a ride on the first bench wagon leaving town. You can clean up your tab when you get back."
Ilishna has taken a seat at the now empty table. Another halfling server has brought her out a salad and some wine.
Variel gets up out of his chair and starts to walk for the door.
"Sounds like a good idea to me, 1,000 gp and a lil adventure...I'm in. How about the rest of you guys?"
As you exit the inn you can see the benchwagon of the others rattling away into the distance. However in just a moment a second one shows up in front of the tavern with several passengers getting off to head inside. The city of Absalom has fairly few horses and this one is actually drawn by camels. Four small wheels have a carrage that looks almost inverted. Rather then an area for storage in the middle, two padded benches with buckled straps are backed by a coal warmed box in the center. The driver wears a cheap uniform with a small boxy hat. "My brother, Roland, said this place has the best meatpies in town, I been taking fairs here all night. I didn't expect so many folk leaving. What's the rush?"
At Belros' words Kaldar Nods in deference to what appears to him to be the more experienced warrior at the table.
I think it's best for me if I keep my mouth shut for now and learn from these fellows
Get's up to follow Variel and replies "1,000 gp is an ok reward but the fame and glory that couldcome of such an adventure could be great for us.
Brother Kendrick follows his new companions outside the inn, and addresses the wagon driver - "Greetings to you this day. Your arrival is most fortituos. A Pathfinder has issued a challenge, and myself and my companions are eager to win the prize. We require immediate and speedy transport to the Cairlands outside the western gates. Can you take us there with all haste?"
The heated seats of the wagon provide a comfortable ride through the cool night streets. It's twenty minutes before the ride rattles up to the city gates. He driver gives the city guards a nod and a wink and continues on through. This gate usually likes to give adventurers a stern talking about risk taking but you can just hear one call out, "Evenin' Fredrick, luck on the fair."
As the wagon travels you see two other groups that seem to be heading in the same direction. The disappointment easily painted on their faces as you cover the distance that they can't make on foot.
Fredrick puts his mind into getting somewhere and as you leave the city the camels seem to pep up at the fact they don't have to worry about other pedestrians and the hustle and bustle of the city. With in half an hour you are nearly there and the teamster pulls his wagon into a turn traversing the torn soil. As he makes the turn a loud clamor can be heard. It looks like the apprentice Pathfinder's group has come under attack by a gigantic centipede. The boastful dwarf is wrapped by hundreds of need-sharp legs laughing madly through his battle fog. The camels only pick up speed at the site of the huge beast.
A wide field of shattered weapons, barrow mounds, and mass graves surrounds t he city of Absalom, a vast plain known as t he Cairnlands.
Rising from the war-torn earth like the grasping arms of the dead are countless siege castles, towers, and fortresses constructed over the millennia by would-be warlords who tried to take the great city and inevitably failed. Like forgotten monuments to failed conquerors, the
siege castles of Absalom beckon the brave, the fearless, and the foolish with the promise of adventure and untold treasures, ever ready
to create heroes or to entomb the fallen.
"From what I've heard," he points with a gnarled finger, "That is the tower you are looking for." The silhouette of the broken pillar is lit by the bright moon. "'Fraid I won't risk the camels getting any closer. You lads will have to hoof it on your way back as well." After accepting his payment Fredrick cracks the reigns and the rides off.
The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; though its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.
Lighting a small taper from the coal box, Brother Kendrick ignites his hooded lantern. Lowering the hood such that only a small amount of light spills forth, he addresses his companions "It seems like half the city has the same idea as us. We should hurry towards the tower and see what we can find. I propose Belros and Kaldar, our two warriors, lead the way. I'll follow shortly behind providing light as needed and Variel can follow on behind myself.
"Sounds good to me." Variel says, loading his crossbow while following behind the others.
"Good idea Brother Kendrick, I'll need that light in order to be able to sight my targets" Kaldar pulls out his bow and has an arrow in hand. Belros, i'll follow your lead and cover you
Staying roughly 5-10 feet behind and to the side of Belros and keeping ahead of Brother Kendrick.
Makes sure his armor is well straped on, checks his weapons, gives a nod that he is ready to start "That Asmodeus bind us thru our bargain and Iomedae makes you honor it" looking at his new companions.
As he starts to move forward "I wouldn't have it any other way, now let's move towards our goal, anything suspicious don't hesitate, point your swords first ask later"
Brother Kendrick sets the lantern upon the ground and makes his preparations. First, he pulls forth from his belt pouch a second holy symbol, this one with a broad nick across the face and showing many signs of wear, as if it had been worn and used for many years. He holds it in both hands and briefly bows his head, "Light of Swords, I am but your simple servant. Grant my heart courage and my sword-arm strength. Let your light lead me through the dark places I shall travel." He then firmly straps his light metal shield (the face of which is emblazoned with the symobl of Iomedae) onto his left arm and then firmly grasps the holy symbol in that hand. He pushes a sunrod through his belt for easy access, and finally loosens his sword in its scabbard. Picking up the lantern in his right hand, "I'm ready. Let us proceed."
Approaching the tower you can see the eastern wing is nearly ruined. Much of it has collapsed into a pile of rubble. The only way in would appear to be through this mess. Before entering the tower proper the sound of growling comes from around the corner of the southern wing. A trio of mangy, feral looking dogs approach the group. They are thin creatures and their eyes glint from the torch hungrily.
Fallen Fortress, ground floor (map)
Kaldar (S)
Kendric (K)
Variel (G)
Dogs
(20) Variel
(11) Belros
(7) Dogs
(6) Kendric
Round 1:
Attack: vs. touch AC
Damage: plus 5 splash damage to D2 & D3
"Dogs! and they don't look friendly"
Kaldar looses an arrow at closest dog (D1)
Then takes a 5 foot step back to move out of Belros' LoS.
Round 1
As Brother Kendric moves after the feral dogs, his actions will be dependent on what happens during preceding actions.
If any party member is sorely wounded he will move to that person and heal them. Otherwise he will set down his lantern [move action] and then move [move action] to help the party member who seems to need help. Since his BAB is +0, he can't draw his sword while moving, so that will wait unti next turn.
If he is attacked he will drop his lantern (trying to do so such that it doesn't break but recognizing there is the risk) [free action], draw his sword [move] and attack [standard].
"Come! Filthy mutt's!! Let me hear your death bellow"
Round 1
I'm moving to V-19 square to protect most of the other players behind me and delay my turn to see what the dogs do and attack the closes one if they decide to approach.
Ground Floor, ravenous dogs
Round 1
(22) ""Dogs! and they don't look friendly," says Kaldar as he looses an arrow at closest dog. The shot is dead on taking the mutt through the neck. It drops to the ground.
(20) Variel quickly charges one of his alchemical bombs and hurls it at the next standing dog. A small fiery explosion detonates rolling a wave of heat towards the group. The dog struck by the bomb collapses into a smoking charred heap. Most of the fur is singed from the last creature and it's covered in burns.
(11) Belros moves ahead of the others and shouts at the dog, "Come! Filthy mutt's!! Let me hear your death bellow."
(7) Limping and covered in burns this last mangy dog runs away yelping in terror.
With that brief interruption the night settles down again. At the top of the rubble heap are two open doorways. The western one appears to be filled with more debris, though the northern one is clear.
Brother Kendrick will scramble up the rubble heap to inspect the two doorways. What lies through the northen one, and how blocked does the western doorway appear to be (i.e. could it be cleared with some work, or would it be a major engineering undertaking)?
In an attempt to prove his worth to his new companions...
"Hold on a second, let me check out these passageways."
Variel then tries his sneaky best to gather a bit of information about each passageway, starting with the west while Brother Kendrick scrambles toward the north.
West passage:
Stealth:
Perception (Listening & Low-Light Vision):
North passage:
Stealth - If needed:
Perception (Listening & Low-Light Vision):