Hunting lodge (Absalom)

Absalom's hunting lodges are small, independent organizations of adventurers who operate out of buildings as bases of operation. Once prominent and numbering in the hundreds, few lodges with aging memberships remain.

Structure

Hunting lodges are small groups of independent adventurers from diverse backgrounds who pursue common exploits. Most lodges establish headquarters in structures where members meet, plan, and store trophies of their adventures.

History

Early in Absalom's history, parties of adventurers composed of explorers, daredevils, and Absalom's merchant and noble classes formed hunting lodges to stage expeditions into the Isle of Kortos. These were the city's first use of the term "lodge". These often colorfully named groups' independence stood in stark contrast to the nationalistic attempts elsewhere to have adventurers swear their exploits to their homeland's causes.

The city's lodges banded together in defense of Absalom against the mage Nex's invasion in 166 AR and were celebrated as heroes. Lodges participating in the defense included the Lodge of the White Hand, the Star Dragons, and the Swords of Sorcery.

The Blue Lords of Taldor, who ruled the city from 1998 AR to 2920 AR, adopted the practice of forming hunting lodges but used a reserved simple numbering scheme, such as Hunting Lodge Seven, to avoid entanglement with the drama inherent in names inspired by Taldan nobility.

Growth among Absalom's middle classes inspired a "golden age" of hunting lodges in 3200–3800 AR, during which hundreds of lodges were in operation. Many of these new lodges set up in Westgate, and newly constructed lodges during this era often engaged in Azlanti Revival architecture, featuring glass, domes, and radial symmetry.

The practice then declined, at one point leaving a single lodge in the Graven Outriders by the time of the Chelaxian Siege. The Pathfinder Society's founding in 4307 AR put an effective end to their drawing young adventurers, but stories of the old lodges' exploits live on and a few lodges with aging memberships remain active.

Notable lodges

In addition to the Lodge of the White Hand, Star Dragons, Swords of Sorcery, and Graven Outriders, other notable hunting lodges whose tales are told in Absalom include:

• The Court of Pyres, who held off an overwhelming army of Tar-Baphon
• The Raiders of Rovagug's Hall, who participated in the overthrowing of Osirian pharaoh Menedes XXVI

Active lodges

• The Erastil Club, a secular hunting lodge focused on slaying beasts and charity
• The Silver Serpents as of 4708 AR