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 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.
An elf, Obviously younger than most in the bar, takes a seat at the recently vacated table and orders a glass of water. Seemingly shy, and rightfully so, he begins listening around for would be adventurers that may need his assistance.
Joe walks into the tavern taking in the sights and sounds. Taking a deep breath of the place, "Whoo! This is the place to be!" Looking around for a place to sit, he notices a table with one lone occupant. Striding over, with not a care in the world, he speaks to the occupant, "This seat taken?" He gives him about a half a second to respond, "Thanks!" He slaps him on the shoulder, pulls the seat out and sits. "Name's Joe MacGillicuddy. But you can call me Mac. I'm a farmer from Olfden. But I had my fill of scratching dirt, so here I am! Ain't it great!" So caught up in his own endeavor he just remembered he didn't even ask his new friends name. "Oh sorry, just realized I don't know your name. So who are you?"
I'm so thirsty, I could drink a rainbarrel. Colburne enters the Singing Satyr and dusts himself off from the long journey. After quickly making his way to the bar, he gestures to the halfling server "Barkeep... two Caydenbrews if you will my good lad"! Once served he wholeheartedly gulps down the first mug then slaps down a silver piece on the bar. "Aye, that's what me needed, now let's see what we have here". Colburne turns in his seat curiously scanning the bar for someone interesting to conversate with. Noticing the young elf seated alone, he wanders over brew in hand. "Hey there bud, I noticed you got some empty seats. Mind if I join you"?
A young halfling lady of twenty-two sweeps her way briskly between the tables avoiding wandering hands. "What'll it be today, my country bumpkins? Perhaps a mug of our famous Cayden's Brew? The keg has just been tapped. There's some lovely lamb on the fire and Grams is cooking up a mutton bisque that's sure to delight."
"I think I'll try that bisque, and bring me another brew, mine's almost finished" Colburne stares sadly at his almost finished second mug of Cayden's brew.Gotta take it easy tonight, can't get too wasted. I need to find some other like minded souls to adventure with, this is Absalom after all. Hmmm... this elf looks young for one of his kind but at least he probably has spunk. This other fella looks kinda country, that's good folk in my book."Sorry guys, I haven't introduced myself, name's Colburne Blackhand. I'm new to Absalom and I'm looking for work, maybe you fellas know some adventurers who need another swingin' axe?"
"Cayden's Brew? And lamb? Miss, you have yourself a taker! There ain't no brew like Cayden's brew, my daddy always says. Wise man my daddy." He turns in response to the dwarf's introduction, "Name's Joe MacGillicuddy, but you can call me Mac. I just got here myself. Looks like me and you got a lot in common. Me myself, I'm just looking for whatever comes my way. Figured this was a place to start!" He finishes with a mighty smile at the thought of possibilities.
The elf replies to Mac, " Ye... No, its not tak..." as Mac takes his seat. After Mac's introduction The elf introduces himself with his sometimes squeaking voice, "You can call me Gustin"
Gustin perks up a little at Blackhand's Introduction and replies eagerly after Macs response "I'm Looking for some adventure myself. I promise I can be really useful and carry my own weight. You wont even know I'm there."
"Well met then Gustin and Colburne!" He grabs his drink and raises it for a toast, "Then here's to whatever comes are way!" He takes a big swig and then lowers his mug down. "And seeings how I like you fellas, drinks are on me! Whoo!" And then proceeds to slap them both on the shoulder.
Catrin stops by with more drinks and bowls of bisque for everyone. She bumps her tray playfully on her hips, "I think your friend just volunteered to pay the bill. Eat up elf, you look a little skinny."
"Well you heard the pretty little lady, Gustin. Eat up!" He states amazingly clear with a mouth full of food. "Ain't nothing like a full belly before the road takes you who knows where! Whoo!" He nearly chokes from his excitement of that last statemnent. "I'm alright, I'm alright." Taking a big swig of his Cayden's brew.
"Well I can't turn down free food and drink!"Colburne slurps down a giant spoonful of bisque followed by a gulp of brew."As for my elven friend here, what he lacks in size, I'm sure he makes up for in wisdom."With a tremendous burp, Colburne relaxes in his chair. "I overheard Joe say he was from Olfden, how about you Gustin, are you new to Absalom? Colburne scratches his beard. "Perhaps we should canvas this tavern for rumors, places like this are always crawling with adventurer types." I'll bet those four over there know something they look like adventurers, then again I wonder if those guys are throwin bones for gold... I do love gold.
I'll take a piece of that lamb, it smells delicious. Gustin gives a quick look around the bar. There has to be something to do around here. No I'm not from around here but my father always came back with great stories of this area, and coin 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.
Late as usual Darkleaf...thankfully I've lots of time left to try and get it right.
Even as the crowd tries to break out of the common room, a tall elf makes his way in, a somewhat wry grin on his face. Noticing the small knot of people still seated, he makes his way over to the table.
Given that I seem to have missed something, shrugging towards the door, would you mind allowing a stranger a spot at your table?.
"WHOOOOOHOOOO! A thousand gold! This is what it's all about, fellas!" He finishes what's left of his ale and gets up preparing to leave. Noticing the newcomer, "Sure, no problem. Names Mac. Joe. Whatever. Sorry, we're kinda in a hurry. They just offered a thousand gold for, um, what was it again?" He ponders it for just a moment, "Anyway, doesn't matter, It's a thousand gold! Whoooo!" A thought just crossed his mind, "Hey if you're intrested you're more an welcome to come with us? I remember somethin about four people somethin or nother." He turns to the others. "You fellas are intrested right? This IS what we've been lookin for, right? If yall are, yall don't mind if this fella comes with us do 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.
"Pathfinders.... do they make alot of money?" Colburnes eyes burn with greed. "I wonder if Ilishna needs a Blackhand, to wield her Blackbow? It's been a while since I've had a maiden." Colburne stands from his chair, finishing the last of his Cayden's brew. "As for the new guy, welcome aboard, four is a good number for an adventuring party, and from the looks of it we have all our bases covered. My names Colburne Blackhand, and your fellow elf on my left is Gustin Thornburrow. What's yer name stranger?"After introductions, Colburne secures his gear and readys himself for travel. "Let us make haste, I'm sure we're not the only ones who want that gold. We should take Catrin's advice and try to catch that benchwagon." Colburne heads for the door with a grim look of determination.
"That's what I've been waitin to hear! Let's go fellas. Colburne's gettin away! We can't let him have all the fun!" He says with a big smile and a wink. Joe gathers his gear and trails Colburne out the door.
Gold, money...I can think of worse things to pursue...let's be off!! comments Elysar as he just keeps walking around the table and back towards the door behind Mac.
Wish I'd got here sooner - could have used a bite to eat.
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?"
"Driver we're on our way to the impenetrable siege tower damaged by this mornings minor quake." Colburne climbs aboard the benchwagon choosing a spot close to the driver. "Seems the Pathfinder Society wants adventurers to explore the siege tower, and they're willing to pay. Unfortunately, Absalom is full of adventure types seeking gold and glory, and as the word gets out, more will likely flock to the site. We just wanna get there soon and get a fair crack at it." Colbure fishes a silver piece from the front pocket of his pants and holds it aloft. "Tell ya what driver, if you make haste and get us there in a hurry, perhaps giving us any helpful advice during our short trip, I'll give ya ten times yer fare!"
Best meatpies in town...this just gets better and better...
Elysar clambers up into the benchwagon and takes a seat. Shrugging off his pack, he sets it at his feet, his staff resting across his thighs.
Noticing the camels, Joe seems a bit perturbed, "Camels?! Aw Dang! You gotta be kiddin me!" But it doesn't last. He just shrugs his shoulders, "Oh well.", and then jumps in and finds himself a seat. "You heard him driver, 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.
Colburne dismounts the benchwagon, marveling at the surrounding cairnlands and all their potentially mysterious history. "What a great site to explore wouldn't you agreee fellas?"Colburne readies his axe, and begins his approach giving a wide berth and flanking the hole to the south. "Hey lets see if we can find any tracks going in or coming out of this place!" As the dwarf nears the opening, he scans the ground for signs of recent activity.
"You see anything Colburne? Cuz I sure as heck don't. To dang dark." Remembering the everburning torch he purchased in one of the shops here in Absalom, "Hey, I almost forgot about this." He reaches in his pack and retrieves the torch, "It's a torch that burns all the time and ain't never hot! Ain't that fancy?!" He says to no one in particular and looks around for reaction. Seeing how it looks like the party's more involved with the ruin than with his fancy new gadget, he shrugs and moves on, "Let me help you look around, Colburne. Don't really know what I'm looking for but if I spot somethin weird I'll let you know."
Checking the ground along the way to the rubble the two of you discover a set of foot print. The trail leads into the tower but there's no sigh of one that leads out. 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)
Colburne
Elysar
Gustin
Dogs
(14) Joe
(13) Colburne
(9) Gustin
(5) Elysar
Top of Round 1
(16) After being spotted the dogs rush towards the group.
The first one to reach attacks Colburne but it's jaws only snap air.
The other two bite eagerly at the cleric. Their sharp teeth dig deep into his leg and the arm he raises to protect himself. Somehow Gustin's new leather armor provides no protection from the attacks. The young elf finds himself bleeding profusely.
Joe noticing the dogs charge at the party, eyes getting wide after seeing two of them take a good bite out of Gustin. Joe drops the torch and draws his scythe while moving to help Gustin, "Back out of there Gustin! Those dang mangy dogs are eatin you up!" As Joe moves to help Gustin he takes a big swing at one of them.
With the adrenaline numbing the pain, Gustin takes a quick step and begins to pray.
"Filthy beasts, taste steel!" Colburne hefts his battleaxe in an overhead arc. "Hey Gustin, you alright my friend? Don't let these rabid canines get the best of us!" Noticing Gustin's wound, Colbure moves to close the gap between himself and his new ally.
Bottom of Round 1
(14) Joe noticing the dogs charge at the party, eyes getting wide after seeing two of them take a good bite out of Gustin. Joe drops the torch and draws his scythe while moving to help Gustin, "Back out of there Gustin! Those dang mangy dogs are eatin you up!" As Joe moves to help Gustin he takes a big swing at one of them. The blade cleaves the animal in half causing a gory sight.
(13) "Filthy beasts, taste steel!" Colburne hefts his battleaxe in an overhead arc. He takes the head of the dog before him cleanly off. "Hey Gustin, you alright my friend? Don't let these rabid canines get the best of us!" Noticing Gustin's wound, Colbure moves to close the gap between himself and his new ally.
(9) With the adrenaline numbing the pain, Gustin takes a quick step and begins to pray. The powerful healing magic of his diety closes up all the wounds caused by the dogs.
(5) Elysar pulls out his spell book and flips through it madly trying to figure out which spell would work best. Finally he utters the incantation for the cantrip daze. The small pinch of wool in his fingers crackles as yellow sparks flare around the beasts head. The dog's tongue lolls from it's open and bloody mouth.
Ground Floor, ravenous dogs (map)
Top of Round 2
(16) The remaining dog stands staring straight at the wizard in a daze.
After slicing the first dog in two he looks to go after the other one, "Don't worry fellas! I got em! I got em!" Joe moves toward the other dog and swings at him. As he steps to attack the dog, he does find it strange that he's just standing there. Oh well, you stupid dog.
Joe's attack finishes the final dog and it collapses to the ground. 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.
"Dang dogs." Joe says to himself as he goes to retrieve his torch. "Gustin, you all right? You got eat up pretty good." Noticing, it seems, he doesn't have a scratch on him, "Man you heal up real good! Hmm." Shrugging his shoulders he turns toward the rubble, "Well fellas, ya'll ready to go on in? Or should we wait till mornin'?
"Man I must taste good today. You guys came out unscathed. That surely was a close one. I'll have to be more careful," Gustin says as he gives the party a quick once over to make sure he really was the only one injured.
Unaware of the tracks, Gustin replies to Mac's question, "I think we should be safe and check the perimeter if we are going to stay till morning, but I'm up for headin in now if you guys are."
"I'm fine, those dogs didn't lay a paw on me. I say we head in now...no time to waste, there may already be someone inside. The tracks we found are heading in, not out so there must be someone or something inside. I'm gonna find out who or what it is, you fellas with me?" Colburne searches the ground for the mysterious tracks leading in to the siege tower.
"Don't have to ask me twice. Let's get 'er done!
As you move through the rubble you can see that the second and third floors have been opened as well. A crafty person might be able to climb along the walls and shattered floor to get to those areas.
Peering into the west door reveals little. Most of it is covered by large pieces of stone. It would take a couple of strong men several minutes to clear the way. The northern wing of the tower seems to have escaped the worst effects of the collapse, but rubble still litters the floor and everything is covered in a thick layer of stone dust. Thick cobwebs cloak the fifteen-foot high ceiling and hang down the walls like gossamer tapestries. A single archway stands open in the southwest wall.
Just a few seconds after Joe enters the clear doorway a mass of sticky fibrous threads rains down on him. A part of the webbing on the ceiling shifts revealing a spider nearly the size of a man hiding in the dark corner.
The strands of web stick tight to the farmers armor binding his movement.
Colburne
Elysar
Gustin
Giant spider
(17) Giant spider
(15) Joe
(14) Gustin
(3) Elysar
Ground Floor, giant spider (map)
"Watch out fellas, looks like we got an eight legged pest in our midst, and it just webbed JOE!" Gripping his axe tightly, Colburne strides forward, determined to defend his web shrouded ally. "Let this foul vermin come to us, we'll make mince meat out of em'!"
Gustin quickly steps up to fill Colburne's space. He then take aim with his family heirloom.
"Dangit!" Joe says as he scrambles furiously to remove himself from the web. "Man I hate spider webs!
Round 1
(18) "Watch out fellas, looks like we got an eight legged pest in our midst, and it just webbed JOE!" Gripping his axe tightly, Colburne strides forward, determined to defend his web shrouded ally. "Let this foul vermin come to us, we'll make mince meat out of em'!"
(17) The spider skitters across the wall and ceiling to the northeast corner where it send another ball of webbing at Colburne.
The sticky strands fail to find any purchase as the dwarf doges the majority of the attack.
(15) "Dangit!" Joe says as he scrambles furiously to remove himself from the web. "Man I hate spider webs! They come away easily in his strong grip.
(14) Gustin quickly steps up to fill Colburne's space. He aims and fires but Colburne makes a better wall than a window and the shot goes wide getting lost in the webs.
(3) Seeing the giant spider attacking the people he barely knows the elven wizard turns tail and runs away. What was I thinking! Going out into the Cairnlands in the middle of the night. I should be back at the study, safe and sound.