The Residence of Asheron Coyl (Sarenith (VI) 15th-18th, 4709 AR)

It has been said that the world turns around Absalom. While this statement might not be true from a strictly physical perspective, the city's religious, strategic, and mercantile importance can hardly be overstated. Indeed, the countless ruined siege engines, burned-out forts, and ancient battlefields that surround the city bear silent testimony to its significance.

Yet, despite its violent history, Absalom is a wondrous place, a melting pot in which dozens of cultures, histories, ideologies, and peoples have grown into a unique identity. Perhaps one of the liveliest and most attractive areas within the city walls is the Ivy District. Named for the ivy-covered walls and free-standing pillars and well-groomed gardens lining its winding roads, the district houses many successful artisans, wandering bards and acting troupes, merchants, and influential families. Anything that can be bought or crafted, either magical or mundane, eventually finds its way to the Ivy District.

Beneath the facade of cultural diversity and industry, however, exist barely perceived tensions and machinations that are easily missed by the casual observer. Subtle rivalries among street-side artists and crafters, fiercely territorial street performers, and an unwritten code of lawful underhandedness among the various merchant families and lesser nobles all thrive just beneath the surface.

The Pathfinder Chronicles

Absalom. Surely there is no place like it in the entire world. Here, cries and yells in a dozen languages fill the air as people from every area imaginable press and flow and mingle through the city's many districts like the lifeblood of some monstrous creature. Within these walls, right alongside the people that fill them, dwell life, death, liberty, tyranny, love, anger, war, poverty, wealth, and - most important of all – opportunity.

The heroes returned to Absalom and eventually gave most of the remaining Swords of Sin to the Pathfinders for safekeeping (except for the Sword of Wrath), but not before Aranthor rage-quit the organization.

Soon after the heroes were summoned to the home of a man named Asheron Coyl, a wealthy art collector who lives in the Ivy District, and also the former owner of the Sword of Pride. Asheron Coyl lives in a modest yet elegant townhouse on a small hillock overlooking Vermillion Way.

Who is Asheron Coyl? The heroes know the following information: Asheron Coyl is a wealthy local supporter of the arts who lives in the Ivy District. Aside from his local interests, Master Coyl is a generous sponsor of expeditions to ruins and dangerous places in the wilds. Master Coyl was recently heard discussing a newly discovered ruin containing many centuries-old works of art he is eager to acquire.

A courier delivered a rolled-up sheet of expensive vellum tied with an equally expensive satin ribbon. The vellum note addressed each hero by name and contained a message as shown below. "Greetings and salutations! I hope this missive finds you in a good health and amenable to a mutually profitable business arrangement between us. Please come to my townhouse at 11 Vermillion Way in Absalom’s Ivy District upon receipt of this message, and I shall endeavor to discuss the details with you further. Until then, farewell! - Asheron Coyl" When the heroes were ready to meet with Asheron, they proceeded to his townhouse on Vermillion Way. They made their way through the Ivy District, a colorful and flamboyant part of Absalom. The streets of the Ivy District swell with the myriad sights and scents of its industry: roadside florists and fruit vendors, the wood and polish scent of carpenters' shops, tantalizing aromas wafting from dozens of bakeries, and the heavy oil scent from the palettes of numerous street artists. Meanwhile, hundreds of rich colors give the district an appearance of a holiday festival. Tiger Lily Avenue gives way to Moss Agate Lane, which in turn meanders into Vermillion Way, and soon the townhouse of Asheron Coyl came into view, perched on a small rise that overlooks the street. A low fence covered in fragrant jasmine vines abuts the street. A gate opens onto a flagstone path that wends past flower beds, fountains, and sculpted shrubs to the front doors. A bell hangs next to the gate. A sign reads "Please ring bell." Blood and Entrails. A closer look at the surroundings revealed that something is most definitely wrong. The door to the townhouse hangs ajar from a single hinge and is covered in bloody smears. Slithering sounds come from inside the house, punctuated by loud thumps and shattering glass. The destruction and signs of bloodshed gave the heroes forewarning to make any preparations they felt necessary.