Thread: [Pathfinder] The Autumnvale Brothel

The Autumnvale Brothel Act I The Missing Women Some say Autumnvale Woods are frozen in time, permanently locked in a state akin to autumn, others still say the reddened and orange leaves are the result of the wild elves who live there, and some insist it is ancient magic that perverts the forest and creeps through the nooks, crannies and shadows. Whatever the true reason, the treeline is likely the first thing anyone spots as they draw near to the town proper, though the farmsteads along the way would tell someone they're heading in the right direction too. It's the 2nd of Erastus, 878, and it will soon be the 3rd. The sun hangs low in the sky, while the moon is visible overhead, marking the approach of dusk, and the evening. There's no breeze, several dozen clouds, and no doubt many of the townsfolk are eagerly awaiting the coming of the cool night air to wash away the heat of this summer's day. It's been absolutely scorching all day, to the point that working outside, unprotected from the sun's rays, would lead to someone collapsing in only a few short hours. Speaking of people still working outside, however... Clang, clang, clang... The rhythmic sound of metal-upon-metal is what greets anyone entering Autumnvale from the most common western road this late afternoon. On the right side of the road, a building with a hanging sign that reads Blackened Smith. One side of the building is completely open, and a large, gray-skinned figure is visible banging away on an anvil next to a hot furnace, molding and shaping the metal into farmtools--if the other tools that cool on a table nearby are any indication. Just beyond that, on the same side of the road, is the Cracked Flagon. A very small tavern, and just after that the road opens up into the town proper, a large square. From here, one can see a modest well, and pretty much all the most important establishments within the town. The guard barracks, mayor's house, and the Gray Inn, to the left, the Brass Caravan across the street from the inn, and the Clinic in the middle to the right. Just beside the clinic is the famous Autumnvale Brothel, it's probably the largest building in town, three stories tall, with a smaller attached building and a small backyard. Trees and bushes around are visibly green, as though whatever keeps the woods their colour doesn't extend to a town, despite the two only being a stone's throw from one another. Those who arrived earlier would likely be waiting outside the brothel to see the matron. Although the building normally opened in the early morning, today, one had to wait for the evening. Anyone who approaches would learn that rather quickly, thanks to the sign hung upon the door that reads as much. There's not much noise coming from the brothel, only the faint scent of perfumes. The clanging from the blacksmith seems to echo all through the town, as it is rather quiet, and barren otherwise. Few people are out in the streets, it might be due to the time, it might be out of fear--after all, if people are gong missing, wandering around at night is likely to make one a victim... or a suspect. Which is probably why those who start to gather are approached by a man on horseback. It would have been easy to see him coming given the town's size, he came from the barracks, mounted a horse, and meandered over. Well met, he greeted, lifting his hand and holding his palm toward the gathered group. May I ask what you are all doing here? We've not see this many gathered outside our brothel in a few weeks... The horse makes up for his otherwise small stature, a sturdy breastplate protecting his chest, and small plates and leather padding his limbs. If you're looking for company, I'm afraid the ladies haven't been feeling too up to it lately... you've heard, haven't you? Seven have gone missing, all from the brothel. he continued, as his silver eyes inspected each person in-turn. Despite this, he appeared to be a relatively ordinary middle-aged human, with short, straight, and prematurely gray hair given the lack of abundant wrinkles upon his face. Then, he points toward a building across the street, letting the tattoos upon his arms show for a moment. The inn is that one over there if that's what you're seeking for the night. The rumours had said people were going missing, but none of them really had detailed just how many--seven might be a surprising number, but given the size of the town, the guard likely wasn't very large or able to handle much.... possibly as evidenced by the fact that only a single guardsman came out to greet the group of people within the town's square. bOOCb The Town of Autumnvale 1 Mayor's House 2 Autumnvale Brothel 3 Cracked Flagon Tavern 4 Gray Inn 5 Brass Caravan 6 Blackened Smith 7 Barracks 8 Clinic