Caravan to Minkai - Jade Regent AP (Inactive)

Game Master Azure_Zero

The Brinewall Legacy

by James Jacobs

When a trove of fireworks falls into the hands of the goblins of Brinestump Marsh, the people of Sandpoint fear an explosive invasion. But there’s more afoot in the soggy wilderness than goblin hijinks and dangerous pyrotechnics. An investigation reveals mysteries and menaces aplenty, but also a treasure holding the answer to not just one of Varisia’s greatest mysteries, but a conspiracy spanning continents and empires. Can the adventurers piece together a puzzle that links the owner of a sleepy village tavern to the unsolved destruction of a fortress-settlement? And can they withstand the ancient forces and secret destiny that have waited for them for decades?

Sounds like fun for everyone. Let's have a great campaign.

Sandpoint is a sleepy little town that has seen it's share of troubles.

Goblins.

Giants.

Evil Wizards.

It is a testament to the willpower and tenacity of those who have leaved here for years. It is a beacon of hope that no matter the trouble heroes will rise up and defend those in need. And it is home.

Your life may not be what you thought it would be but for now you are content with the luck you have found living in Sandpoint. That was till a week or so ago. Now it seems like the last place in all of the world you wish to be is here. But although getting into Sandpoint and becoming a "local" is a matter of ease. Getting out is like trying to escape one of the Nine Planes.

Oh well, maybe a drink at The Rusty Dragon will help make things right once more.

Working for Ameiko-sama in the Rusty Dragon is Mai Sagara

You see what appears to be a Half-elven Woman of about 6 foot 0 and around 180 pounds. She has inherited comely features with a curvy human build with pale skin, But her face is more beautiful with Golden Amber eyes and lose Copper Red Hair that ends near her waist.

(Work Clothes)
She is wearing a green mid Calf length skirt, a white short sleeved shirt and a green bodice that assists with her figure. And a kerchief on her head.

Natara is waiting nervously outside the Rusty Dragon for Shandru, who has promised to introduce her to Ameiko.

[description: Natara stands 5' 4", with long dark-red hair.In spite of the hair color, she's obviously of Tian desent; in fact, to those who know Ameiko, there *is* a resemblance. She's wearing green hakama pants patterned in gold, silver, and copper with a matching vest over a gold-colored long-sleeved shirt tied just below her breasts. The shirt is patterned in green, copper and silver matching the pants. Her hair is worn in three braids; one long one reaching mid-back and two side braids framing her face and reaching to her shoulders, each tied at the ends with metal bands of patterned gold, silver, and copper. She has matching armbands on her lower arms. She is also wearing two Varisian scarves in the same pattern as the pants and vest. One is tied loosely around her throat and the other wound around her head. The pants are tied at the waist with an obi-like scarf matching the shirt. Thrust into the sash are her katana and wakizashi. Under the vest she's wearing an adventurer's sash in leather died green to match the pants and with the same style of gold, silver and copper designs.]

Thinks: It's been a *long* trip. Ok, so meeting my cousin can't be worse than translating for White Estrid in front of her... pet.

[general note: the scarf around her neck is a reinforced scarf and the obi/sash is a pocketed scarf]

:: When Sandru comes to the door she swallows nervously and follows him to a table where several people are sitting. She doesn't pay much attention to the others at first, her eyes are on her cousin. ::

:: Natara makes the proper bow to the head of the family::

"Greetings, Lady Kaijitsu. It would seem that we are cousins. I'm honored to finally meet the head of my father's family."

:: While waiting for Ameiko's response, she will surreptitiously study the remaining people at the table, seeing firstly an elderly Varisian woman wearing the holy symbol of Desna [who must be the Koya Mvashti Sandru mentioned] seated next to a young elven woman who fits Shandru's description of Shalelu Andosana. She doesn't immediately recognise Mai but notes the friendly relationship between Ameiko and the red-haired half-elf.::

Outside the standing stones marking the entrance to Sandpoint, a rider emerges from the treeline almost like a ghost.

Both horse and rider are clad in leather, scale and green cloth. The shield a grass green with no device, cloak and tabard a mottled green and brown. The riders face is concealed by an intimidating greathelm.
The rider is also heavily armed with sword and bow and pennant'd lance.

The sherrif's deputy almost has a heart attack as the knight appears from nowhere, but then gives a sigh of relief as he stands aside. The Knight canters by, gravely raising his lance in salute, and proceeds into town.

Radko has finished checking everything he got packed for his eventual departure from Sandpoint. He got into habit of doing it every odd week, when Shalelu came into town. Today was one of those days. He already lost count of how many times he ventured to The Rusty Dragon with a beating heart, imagining that today is the day when his life will be forever changed. But every time he returned back, threw himself on the bed and lay awake all night, unable to either sleep or do anything. He didn't really depend on Shalelu to leave, but something was still attaching him to this place, keeping him in Sandpoint like a corralled stallion.

Radko was dressed in simple grey linen shirt and black pants, made for him by a local seamstress in return for a small favor on his part. It wasn't fancy, but it was the best he had. He always put it on when he visited the Rusty Dragon. He realized that dressing up to go to a village inn is quite stupid, but he couldn't help feeling awkward next to the always flamboyantly-dressed Ameiko. He put on the hat to cover his dark curly hair and went outside.

As he was halfway to the inn, he saw something that made him forget all his thoughts and rush to hide himself behind a nearby elm tree. An armored knight, complete with a lance and a shield, was riding from the direction of the town gate. Radko felt cold sweat running down his spine. The nightmare he had almost every night had come true: the Hellknights came to Sandpoint in search for him!

As he stood there, panting, he slowly began to realize that his subconscious fear has got the better of him, again. The knight was obviously not part of a squad, and what's more, his armor and shield were green! No self-respecting Hellknight would allow himself to be seen in such an attire.

Eventually Radko decided that the best way to alleviate his fears would be to face the strange knight openly. The rider was already about 30 feet in front of him, when Radko calmly stepped out from behind the tree, raising his hat in a salute.

"Greetings, sir Knight!" - he said, his voice still slightly trembling. "Please allow me to be the first to welcome you to Sandpoint. Are you, perhaps, in need of directions?"

Near Ameiko is Mai, who over hears the woman.
And is so shocked at the news so looks at the woman.
"Your Ameiko-sama's cousin.
I though Ameiko-sama was the only member left."
and falls silent.

"I can understand your reaction. My father was found by floating in wreckage after the Great Storm of 4687 by the crew of an Ulfen longship. He had taken a blow to the head, and to my knowledge, never remembered his past prior to the storm. They sold him and his things. He was ultimately freed and adopted by the great Ulfen bard Tore Alvisson. It was only recently, due to research by my grandfather Hattori that I was able to recover these, which bear his birth name."

:: She displays the swords, both bear the Kaijitsu crest and the name Toshi Kaijitsu.::

"My parents died when I was a small child...victims of a blood-feud. I was raised by my mother's father and just recently recovered these. With Hattori-sama's recent death, I have come to learn more of my father's family."

she sees the crest,
jaw drops for a moment.
"That's the crest alright."

:: Research at the Kaijitsu manor will show that Rokuro Kaijitsu did have a second son, Toshi, and that on the occasion of each of his son's 14th birthdays, he had presented them with a set of swords made by a well-known Minkai swordsmith.::

Shouldn't that have been a

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Shouldn't that have been a ** spoiler omitted **

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You're right. Sorry about that. Looks like it's too late to fix it.

Looks like my work load, just doubled

"Greetings, sir Knight!" - he said, his voice still slightly trembling. "Please allow me to be the first to welcome you to Sandpoint. Are you, perhaps, in need of directions?"

The knight stopped, his blank greathelm looking down upon him.

"Ameiko-sama, do you wish me to prepare the guest room for your cousin?"

You have not introduced yourself by name yet.

Oh, and I am sorry for not introducing myself properly. My name is Natara, Natara Kaijitsu. I would be honored if I could stay with you, Lady Kaijitsu.

She bows
"I am Mai Sagara, I work for Ameiko-sama."

I am pleased to meet you as well, Miss Sagara

in Tien (Tain language)
"Nice to meet you as well, Natara-sama"

in Tien (Tain language)

"Nice to meet you as well, Natara-sama"

** spoiler omitted **

Shalelu

"Well.. I knew it wouldn't be to long before the two of you met." a pure female voices says from behind the two men as they stand there speaking. "Just thought I would be the one to introduce you."

They turn to see Shalelu Andosana standing on the road her bow in hand and cloak and ponytail blowing in the wind.

She smiles at the two men as if she can almost guess what their thinking.

Sandru

Sandru smiles from the chair he took while entering the Rusty Dragon. "Natara worked for me the last six months." he says to Mia. "One night talking around the fire I finally learned her last name and thought that Ameiko would like to meet a long lost relation. Where is she by the way?"

Stumbling with eagerness, Sir Alfric almost falls on his face in his haste to dismount. He kneels briefly in his greeting to her.
"Greetings milady. I am always delighted to see you again."
He pauses and looks at the other man sidelong.
"So, you two have met then?"

Radko turns at the familiar voice. He smiles, but his feelings are a jumbled mess. Who is this strange verdant cavalier? Does Shalelu know him? Did she expect him to arrive today? Oh Gods, she's always so unpredictable. I wonder what's going to happen tonight.

"Hi, Shalelu! I was heading to The Rusty Dragon when I met this most peculiar knight on the road."
to the knight:
"Yes, we have met before. You're quite right that I'm not native to Sandpoint. I have, in fact, arrived here from Korvosa, and Shalelu was quite... instrumental in helping me settle down in Sandpoint around half a year ago. Oh, and forgive me my rudeness, sir, my name is Radko Vladek." He gives a curt bow to the knight.

"Lady Kaijitsu was here just a moment ago. I started to introduce myself, but was so nervous I ran through my prepared speach without actually telling her my name."

she bows
"Ameiko-sama, left quickly due to a matter requiring her attention."
she turns to Sandru and speaks in Tein
"Sandru-san did you bring, Ameiko-sama the ales and wines she asked for?"

Shalelu

"Pulled his bacon out of a goblin pit fire too," Shalelu says to Sir Alfric as the knight dismounts. "What are you doing?? You want to embarrass me in front of everyone in town?"

After getting Sir Alfric to rise she looks both men up and down. "You boys are in luck. Seems there's trouble brewing down in the swamps and ol'Hemlock needs some sturdy types to help out with it. Come on I was heading to the Rusty Dragon to see who else might want to tag along and help."

She passes the men and starts to lead the way to the Rusty Dragon. A last look (and smile) back over her shoulders says they should follow...

...but it is hard to tell who she was smiling at.

Sandru

"Yes, yes they should be unloading it out back even now. Maybe that's where Ameiko has gone." the dashing rogue says in answer to Mai's question.

"I'll introduce you, if you like Natara," Sandru says with a smile.

"Come on I was heading to the Rusty Dragon to see who else might want to tag along and help."

Sir Alfric stood again and replied; "Of course milady. I am ready to assist any way I can."

Wondering if she was glancing back at this other man, he had an impulse to offer his horse for her to ride, but squelched it. She would only laugh at the thought of riding one block; he had witnessed her run an entire day without having the decency to even appear to sweat.

"Yes, please. Perhaps I can help in some way as well."

She smiles at Shadru.

Did I see a slight blush with that smile?

she follows
"I'll help unload, the cargo."

Did I see a slight blush with that smile?

OOC:

Natara jumps up, gathers up her swords , and follows Sandru out.

Her quiet observation of Mai has indicated that, despite her clothing this is no mere servant, but a highly placed member of Lady Kaijitsu's household.

ooc: and I've really got to remember to change out aliases as well. :(

Her quiet observation of Mai has indicated that, despite her clothing this is no mere servant, but a highly placed member of Lady Kaijitsu's household.

You also notice that even though she appears as a half-elf, she's has a figure that can even rival a human figure.

see is unloading the cargo and spots something in the cargo
"Sandru-sama is this Love Wine, I see also added in the order of drinks Ameiko-sama ordered?"

For what it's worth, this "knight" wasn't even taught to introduce himself when greeted by people, Radko thought, affronted at being ignored. But he didn't trouble himself with it for long.
Most importantly, Shalelu had come up with a new adventure, and he was grateful for the chance to escape the town, even for a couple of days. He followed the others to the Rusty Dragon, keeping silent.

Natara Kaijitsu wrote:

Her quiet observation of Mai has indicated that, despite her clothing this is no mere servant, but a highly placed member of Lady Kaijitsu's household.

** spoiler omitted **

You also notice that even though she appears as a half-elf, she's has a figure that can even rival a human figure.
** spoiler omitted **

As she helps with the cargo, Natara also notes that Mai seems to take more after her human side than her elven side.

She is checking the cargo with what was ordered.
"Looks like that's all the cargo.
Time to check the list against the cargo.
Hope nothing is missing from the order.
And this might last a good while."

"44 Bottles of Ager's 11,
21 Bottles of Black Jack,
48 Bottles of Bond's Booze,
64 Bottles of Dragon's Ale,
144 Bottles of Dwarven Beer,
224 Bottles of Elven Mead,
96 Bottles of MacGuffin, and
64 Bottles of Love Wine"

"Have you known Lady Kaijitsu long, Miss Sagara?"

"I've known her since childhood, you can call me Mai.
And I might by out of line here, but"
she pauses a moment and looks at Natara and ends her words with a slight mischievous grin.
"Do you have a crush on Sandru?"

Mai is a little blunt at times
She is also checking for an involuntary reaction like a reddening face or blush.

"I...find him interesting. He's so...different from the people I grew up with. Perhaps Grandfather Hattori was a bit overprotective."

She is pretending to be very interested in the current case she is holding, studying it intently so as to conceal any such involuntary reaction.

mischievous grin on her face
"Oh your face is red.
So you do have a crush.
I think it is a little expected.
He is a great merchant, and has some good looks.
Through I have no interest in him."
She is not lying.

Pick an image below for your red face.
Red 1
Red 2
Red 3

#2, though her blush will deepen and she will clear her throat nervously:

" Shandru-k...-san told me a little of the recent family history. Are there, perhaps, things I should avoid in conversation with Lady Kaijitsu, Mai? Oh, and you do not need to be so very formal to me, after all, I am of the younger branch"

mischievous grin still on her face
"Did I almost hear a Sandru-kun spoken?
Ameiko-sama tends to judge one on their actions, not on their past or family history."

They say a picture is worth a thousand words,
A screen grab of an Anime is worth a 10 thousand words.

Natara helps finish unloading the cargo.

"You know, I don't think I've ever heard of this 'Love Wine'. Where is it from?"

"I don't know where it's from, but what it does is more interesting.
You see this is no ordinary wine, it's a wine that is also a strong Aphrodisiac."

"Great stuff for a honeymoon night, or an anniversary night.
We tend to sell the bottles to people whom are dating, who are getting married or are married."
she pauses a moment
"But the odd thing about the wine is that it actually gets more potent the longer it ages before being opened,
this applies to both the alcohol and the Aphrodisiac components of the drink."

"Perhaps, then, not a drink I should try just now."

she speaks in a playful tone
"Not unless your dating someone, like Sandru-kun."

Sandru

The dashing caravan owner comes into the room carrying a bottle of Black Jack. He sets it on the table with a few shot glasses and asks, "What have you ladies been talking ab..." he starts to ask as the front door opens.

Shalelu and two strange men walk into the Rusty Dragon and Sandru's smile turns into a frown. "I know that look, Shalelu. It means their is trouble. Isn't there." he says popping the cork and starting to fill a glass with the thick dark liquid.

Sir Alfric bows politely to Sandru and the ladies, and waits with some anticipation. If Shalelu has some venture in mind, then she'll need some help...

Amekio and Koya

Amekio walks into the room wiping her hands with a towel and asks, "Trouble? Who's in trouble?"

Koya who was having a pleasant nap in a convertible chair looks up at the talk as well. She expertly eyes Shalelu and says, "Goblins."