"I also trade in stories, boys. If you can wow me with a tale of today's excitement, tonight's on the house - you don't even need to perform."
"Well, as it happens, I can tell you the truth of why my ship arrived late at port today, Though it’s more of a tale of unfortunate coincidence than one of high adventure." Menlo considers a moment before he begins his tale.
So when I arrived to embark, the captain on my ship, a man by the name of Horbus Flinch, took an instant dislike to me. He seemed to feel that I was some sort of thrill seeker, an adventurer looking for great deeds and acclaim. I assured him that I was but a humble entertainer, but he was adamant. “None o’ you treasure-seeking’ types on me ship,” he said, “Ye’re like a lodestone fer the worst kind ‘o trouble.”
I patiently explained that the Amazing Menlo has no enemies, seeks trouble with no man, and is lucky with both cards and dice, but he was having none of it, insisting that I disembark immediately. I asked how I could prove that I wasn’t one of these treasure-seekers he was so superstitious about, and he asked me some questions.
“Strong young feller like yourself, yer parents, they’re alive and well, I trust?” he asked. Reluctantly, for this personal tale is a source of great pain to me, I admitted to him that my parents had been slain in an orc raid, leaving only myself and my uncle as survivors.
“And ye went to live with yer nuncle, then?” he continued. I didn’t see the relevance, but I had to confide that my uncle had conspired with the orcs’ leader for personal gain, leading to the tragic events of the aforementioned raid.
“So you reported him to the gendarmes?” he pressed. I hastened to reassure him that I would never leave such a matter of personal honor in a stranger’s hands, and that I had sworn vengeance and embarked on a three year course of action to track down my hated uncle and end his life. “So you see,” I concluded, “I am merely a victim of tragic circumstances, a common man trying to make his way in the world.”
“And yer pigsticker there? It looks to be like the ones used by the high-n-mighty.” Becoming somewhat annoyed, I explained that my father had taught me the proper use of the rapier from a young age, but that I knew not where he had acquired such a skill, his origins having been shrouded in mystery I have yet to untangle.
Strangely unsatisfied, he once again bade me disembark, listing the various non-specific but horrific afflictions I would doubtlessly bring upon him and his ship. Mysterious storms, pirates, whirlpools, sirens, foreign navies, and uncharted islands figured prominently, despite my complete lack of connection to any such things.
To no avail, I promised to double my fee, surrender my weapons, and/or spend the journey in prayer and reflection. He remained unmoved. It was only when I noted that he was impugning my honor and made to challenge him that he relented, but even then it was with shockingly poor grace.
[Menlo sighs dramatically]
When the second sea monster attack came, I’m convinced the poor man went to his death thinking I was somehow to blame for his misfortune
Menlo shakes his head sadly.
Ameiko lets out a loud laugh at the conclusion of Menlo's story. Her voice is strong with the power of a well-experienced singer, her tone alto and clear. "That is a good one, my friend. You have the room, breakfast is included. Now, what are your names, good travelers, so that I know what to properly call you?"
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"The captain didn't seem to like me much either, but for some reason he didn't give me as much trouble." Firdall adds, while absently picking his teeth with a claw. "The roast sea monster tentacle was a nice change of grub though, even if it was chewy."
"So do you know of any work for a couple of adventurous souls? I heard that there was some talk about goblin bounties."
"I'm the Amazing Menlo, and this is Firdall Firetale," added Menlo.
Alesta nodded and replied, "I think we should wait for her. She seems to be the best expert to talk with. I wonder what she is like."
Ahdak looks up from where he had been studying the trail fading to the east. He studies the unusual woman, his face devoid of emotion and his tone even, "Ahdak is sufficient. It is necessary for all who live in the Storval Plateau, but the Shoanti are one of the few who choose to live in those hard lands. If one cannot read signs in the earth, then one cannot predict what dangers to tribe and self may lurk ahead. In every shadow, death waits. Only the careless will not watch the story the earth will tell in the Storval. There are no stupid questions, except those that must be asked twice."
Standing from where he had been kneeling and nods at the Sheriff's wisdom, "It could well be a lure to a trap, though I have not heard of such foresight in the goblins. The wary die, however. Meeting with this Shale-lu, " Ahdak visibly struggles with the elven name, "sounds wise. I can track, but I am no great hunter of bush and mire."
The sheriff shrugs his shoulders, "Shalelu can be a bit intense at times, but she's been a good ally to the town. I think her words may be worth waiting for, assuming the goblins haven't already done her in. There's a particularly nasty one, Bruthazmus, a bugbear really, who has stalked her more than once. She manages to turn the tables on him, but he's been wily enough to elude her so far."
He hefts the ladder. "I will head back to the garrison. I don't think there's much more do be done out here safely for now. The gate will be secured from dusk to dawn, no exceptions." Then he begins striding back to the gate and the midst of town.
Ameiko extends her hand to her new guests. "Then it's my honored task to welcome you, officially, to Sandpoint, Amazing Menlo and Firdall Firetail. You have caught us in unusual circumstances, but hopefully it will bring out the best in all of us. If you truly are interested in hunting goblins for bounty, I'm sure Mayor Deverin and Sheriff Hemlock will extend one until the crisis is past. You could also try the Goblin Squash Stables. Old Daviren Hosk is usually willing to pay a small bounty, but I suspect the town's will end up being larger."
"As far as dinner, given the stress of the day, I'm making stress-relieving, comfort foods. I've got 5 kinds of fish in the chowder and firecracker noodles that will knock your breeches right off ready on special as well as the regular offerings of meat pies, breads, and cheeses."
Judging from the patrons at the Rusty Dragon, Ameiko's food is popular. It certainly smells good.
Menlo takes a large helping of the proffered food and settles in to consume it with gusto, alongside a flagon of mead. As he dines, he considers both the patrons already present, and those that enter the Dragon, trying to get a feel for the inhabitants of Sandpoint and a sense as to what sorts of entertainment they might find diverting. After a few minutes, finding the local mood very difficult to read, he shakes his head and returns his attention to his food, only looking up occasionally to assess those coming in.
Alesta was quite impressed by the half-orc's words. Despite his tribal upbringing, Ahdak was very wise and knowledgable about things that the aasimar didn't possess. This made her curious about him.
"Oh I see. A very interesting belief and ideals, Mister...I mean Ahdak. Are your tattoos part of being a Shoanti as well? And what was it like for you growing up? And are you an avid stargazer?"
The aasimar had once again forgotten herself and began rambling on with numerous other questions as the group walked, like what was his favorite constellation, did he mediate under the stars often, how often did he exercise, did he exercise while mediating under the stars, who did he study under, what was his training like, etc.
"Well, I think I'll grab me somethin' ta eat at the 'Dragon'. I could use a bite ta eat." With that, he makes his way toward said destination.
As Alesta, Darnak, and Ahdak enter the Rusty Dragon's common room, many of the patrons break out in applause and cheers, "Hear, hear, the heroes of Sandpoint!" along with other exclamations like, "You showed them goblins what fer, alright!" and "They'll think twice before raiding Sandpoint again!".
For her part, Ameiko comes out from behind the bar with a smile. "We've already seen your story unfold, but if you want to share more details, I'm sure the company would like to hear. In any event, for your heroics your rooms are on the house all week!"
More cheers erupt from the patrons, particularly from the regular barflies who see the potential for a week of basking (and mooching drinks) off the reflected glory of the heroes.
"Bethana will have some hot water upstairs for you if you want to freshen up before eating." Ameiko adds.
Darnak looks to Ahdak and Alesta, "One of you can tell the story; I'm gonna go clean meself up a bit." He nods and makes his way upstairs.
Making his way back, Darnak finds a table and sits and eats.
Ahdak studies the woman for another moment, caught off guard by the barrage of questions. Is it common in these lands to ask so much of a stranger? The endless chatter that the lowlanders deem common boggles at the mind at times. He answers as he stands, "The tattoo are of my people, yes. My childhood was much as any other; I learned the crafts with which I would survive and serve my tribe. A stargazer? Are there those among your people who do not gaze upon the stars?"
"A bite to eat after a day of fighting would be well. I will join me, if you will have me, Darknak Deepstone."
Ahdak is caught completely off guard as they enter the Rusty Dragon's familiar common room. His normally inscrutable demeanor breaks in surprise at the cheering at his arrival. Unsure what to think, he looks in askance in Darnak, who retires. Flummoxed and out of his depths he looks at Alesta, shrugging, then says, "We fought many goblins, stopping their fire where we could. When they were dead, we fought more of the creatures, including their foul beasts. I do not know what details you or your patrons would deem important, Ameiko of Sandpoint, but ask and I will answer." He stands stiffly, obviously uncomfortable being at the center of attention despite his best attempts to hide his emotion.
Menlo's mood lightens as the room around him erupts in cheers, and he swivels in his chair to watch the newly arrived heroes, smiling slightly as he sees how uncomfortable the half-orc is with public speaking.
When Ahdak has completed his brief summary, Menlo stands and says "Good sir, was this goblin attack with obvious purpose? Or did they simply seem bent on mindless mayhem this day?"
Darnak's attention turns from his food to the man with the question. He thinks on it a moment and rises from his seat, "I'm thinkin' it was...," he pauses and ponders it for once again, stroking his beard as he does before shaking his head. "Ya know, that's a good question. I'm not really sure how ta answer that one. I guess the best way ta put it is: In a weird sort o' way, I'd say it was a bit o' both. I think there was purpose behind the mayhem of the goblins if ya get me meanin'. But, I cannot be certain." He then returns to his seat and continues with his meal.
Darnak's comment about the goblin raids having a purpose sets the crowd murmuring. One elderly, male, human's voice can be heard above the rest with a higher degree of certainty, "My bet is they came to disrupt the Swallowtail Festival. It's well known that there's no love lost between the Desna and the Mother of Monsters." A few other inn patrons nod their heads in agreement, but most seem skeptical in the aftermath of the raid.
After that, debate seems to focus on the possible purposes of a goblin raid - to kill dogs and other animals, to kill humans or take them prisoner to sell them into slavery...
Darnak ponders the words a moment as he takes a bite to eat, nodding to himself, finding he's really unable to disagree with the patron. No way ta argue that one. Especially when it comes ta them stupid gobbies.
A bit later, Aldern Foxglove comes into the Rusty Dragon. He spies his rescuers right away.
"Ah, there you are! Let it not be said that Aldern Foxglove does not pay off his debts. I have here a small gift for each of you, I'm afraid I didn't come to Sandpoint with much more. But, should you find yourselves in Magnimar, you'll have to come by my townhouse where it will be my turn to show you the kindness you've shown me today."
He passes out small coin purses, each with 50 gold coins in them, among Ahdak, Darnak, and Alesta. Ahdak's and Darnak's are both simple felt pouches, but the one he gives to Alesta is made of silk.
"I"ve already spoken with Ven Vinder about getting ahold of a hunting dog to replace the one killed by the goblin. There are a couple of farms in the area that raise them, he tells me. I'll need to assess how well he hunts and all that and I started to wonder if you'd be interested in joining me on a short excursion? The Tickwood is known to have some well grown wild boar living in it. That should be a good test of a new dog's resolve and skill. What say you?"
Alesta was a bit surprised by the half orc's reply:
"Well yes there are stargazers among our people. I also look up at the stars as well wondering what the peoples of long gone ancient civilizations must have thought when they looked up at the night sky. Did they revere the stars, or did they dread the night and prayed for the coming dawn? Were any certain stars highly revered above all others? So many questions about ancient civilizations," the aasimar said with a smile on her face.
When someone spoke up about Desna and the Mother of Monsters Alesta replied, "It's not just Desna who despises that foul goddess, but the empyreal lords also oppose her as well. Zohls, Eritrice, and Irez, empyreal lords who I believe watch over archaeologists and scholars greatly oppose her but all of the empyreal lords oppose all of the evil deities, aiding good deities like Desna in protecting and safeguarding us from the forces of evil and darkness."
Blushing a bit after that speech, no sooner had she sat down but the nobleman they had saved arrived. She smiled at Aldern Foxglove but she was surprised by the fact that the bag of coins given to her was made of silk.
"This is very nice of you to do this Lord Foxglove but really just knowing that you're safe is reward enough. And I'll have to ask my companions if they are willing to accompany you on this venture."
The dwarf takes the pouch and looks within. Taken aback by what's inside, he finds himself at a loss for words. "Um, thanks, I guess. Ya know, I really didn't do that much. 'Tis not really necessary. And as far as your hunt... sure, why not, I'll go along."
Finishing his drink, Menlo stands and moves over to the group that has just been rewarded, where he bows with an extravagant flourish of his long Varisian scarf. "The Amazing Menlo at your service. I gather from the generally laudatory reception that you three were more than merely instrumental in today's heroics. First, allow me to extend my congratulations; a single goblin is rarely a match for a trained fighter, but when they appear in great numbers it is all too easy to get overwhelmed."
"However, my real purpose in imposing my company on you is to find out if you've had any interactions with the local sheriff on this matter." He gestures in Firdall's direction, saying "My companion and I have been led to believe that he may be organizing to prune back the goblins' numbers, and if so, I'd be interested in participating."
The dwarf looks to the newcomer a moment, over at his companion he mentioned and then back to him. Shrugging, "Works for me, lad. We could use all the help we can get. Name's Darnak. Darnak Deepstone. That one there," he motions to Alesta, "that likes to speak about... whatever it was she was speakin' about, is named...," he pauses, stroking his beard in thought before, "okay I can't remember her name. She's quite a nice gal though. And that one there," he motions to Ahdak, "who looks like he belongs here about as well as a fish does out of water is called Ahdak. Nice fellow though," he says with a wry grin. "So, 'The Amazin' Menlo', huh? What makes ya so amazin', Menlo?" he asks honestly.
"Well, if you are inquiring after the cause, there is some debate on that matter. My mother swore it was because my grandfather was an angel who fell in love with my grandmother, and some portion of his divine blood now runs in my veins."
"My father, on the other hand, always scoffed at this notion, instead ascribing my talents to the hours of rigorous training and discipline to which he subjected me throughout my childhood."
"As for why others might think me amazing, one would think that it was because of my proficiency with the blade, the feats of legerdemain I can perform with my deft hands, my ability to heal the wounds of others, and/or the mysterious magical powers I have mastered."
"Alas, in truth, the sobriquet was bestowed upon me because somewhere in the misspent hours of my youth I learned to juggle as a hobby, and that skill is often how I earn my coin."
Foxglove joins in the exchange. "A juggler? Splendid! My strict upbringing never left me much time to enjoy the pleasures of public entertainment and, as a result, I've come to have a fascination for the amazing tricks of jugglers, acrobats, and the like. Would you be available to join us on a short ride to the Tickwood and a hunt? I'll ask Ameiko to prepare a picnic luncheon for us. We can then hunt, take a break for a repast, put on a show, and hopefully return with the fruits of our hunt and a feast!" His eyes light up with excitement as he expands his plans on the fly.
"And if you have a companion, Amazing Menlo, invite them along as well. We will make a merry party of this yet."
Nodding his head at the load of information, "Hm. That's a lot of reasons. Fair enough." Glancing over at his friend, "So what about your ally over there, what does he... or she?" he asks, shrugging, "do? Ya know, I gotta say, your friend looks a lot like a cat. Which would be quite interestin' if that's the case seein' how I've never seen a cat person before."
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Firdall raises his mug to Darnak in greetings.
"Aye, I am a cat person right enough, a sailor and brawler by trade.
I'm taking a ... brief leave away from the sea and am looking for a place hear on shore. I'm a handy mate to have around, a trained scent tracker, and pretty good in a fight, especially against undead."
Turning to face Foxglove, "I always love a good hunt. Count me in."
(To himself), "I wonder what I should bring?
(to Foxglove), "Is this a bow or claw hunt? Are we hunting Goblin?"
Nodding in greeting at the Catfolk, "We could use a tracker. We're a bit sparse in that area. Be glad ta have ya," he nods again. He then looks to Foxglove, "So when does this hunt take place?"
"Well I guess that settles it then," the aasimar says to the nobleman while smiling, "We will be accompaining you on this hunt."
"We will be hunting boar! Bows and spears are traditional, but for the particularly hardy, I think claws would do," Foxglove answers Firdall. "The boar hunting in the Tickwood is said to be excellent. In addition, it gives me a chance to spend a little time with the people who rescued me from a sticky situation with the goblins - and their friends and acquaintances, of course," he adds, knowing that neither Firdall nor Menlo were present at that battle.
"I will arrange the horses for the excursion. Let's set out fairly early tomorrow at, say, 8 o'clock?"
Darnak looks to the others before nodding, "Sounds good. Eight o'clock it is. We'll be there."
Alesta nodded in agreement.
"Eight o'clock sounds good to me as well."
Menlo smiles, happy enough to be included in the invitation. "Well, the Amazing Menlo has neither spear nor bow, but I shall accompany you nonetheless. Perhaps I shall learn a thing or two!"
"I think not, friend Firetail." Menlo gets out a set of metal rings and begins juggling them, apparently heedless of the outer sharp metal edges. "I'll see if I can engage the beasts with my chakram here. If that doesn't work, perhaps I shall scale a tree and leave the fighting to those better equipped."
Aldern applauds at Menlo's display, as do a number of the other patrons in the common room. Several silver pieces make their way to the juggler for his short display (gain 8 sp), and though the payment tonight is spare, it does suggest that the locals do treat entertainment fairly well.
The following morning arrives with Ameiko's housekeeper, Bethana (an elderly halfling woman), knocking on doors to wake the boar hunters. A simple breakfast of oatmeal, dried fruit, and bacon has been prepared.
In short order, just a few minutes before 8 o'clock, Aldern arrives at the inn, followed by an energetic dog, a horse, and a stern-looking man leading several more horses. He enters the common room with a flourish and says, "Who's ready to hunt boar? The weather is perfect!"
As Darnak finishes up his breakfast, he rises and grabs his gear he had sitting right next to him. Throwing his pack over his shoulder and adjusting his wide brim hat, "Ready."
Alesta was up bright and early ready for the hunt.
She hopping up and down too with excitement.
"Oh! I'm so excited! I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready!"
Menlo smiles at Alesta's obvious enthusiasm. "Well, far be it for me to keep an enthusiastic woman waiting." He snags one last slice of bacon and chews it thoughtfully as he stands and wraps his long scarf around him. "If the fair Alesta is ready, then so too is the Amazing Menlo. Let us proceed."
Turning his attention to Alesta as she explodes in excitement like a kid in a candy store, "I'd say she's ready," he deadpans.
Aldern smiles and extends a hand toward Alesta. "Indeed she is, friends. And men such as us could not hope to have a riding companion whose beauty is more suited to this lovely day were we to live many lifetimes. Just seeing you and your enthusiasm lifts my spirit, Alesta. The strife of yesterday's goblin attacks is already a dim memory by comparison."
Ameiko, who has quietly entered the inn's common room with a set of packed saddlebags that smell suspiciously like spiced meats and cheeses, interrupts by clearing her throat, "Ahem. Aldern? Your luncheon?"
"Ah, yes, of course." he says as he takes the bags. "Do please follow me, friends."
The horses at the front door are saddled and ready to go (a pony is available for Darnak) with a mule packed up with a couple of bows, quivers, and other hunting accoutrements. The stern man, Darviren Hosk from the Goblin Squash stables, offers assistance to anyone who needs a hand getting up and situated in the saddle. "If you see any goblins, don't be afraid to be aggressive with them. I'll pay good coin per pair of ears."
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A slightly hung-over Firdall wanders out of the inn, and joins the party. He grunts and nods to the group with his eyes squinting against the bright sunlight. He then wanders over to the well and splashes his face with some water from the well bucket. He is carrying an odd looking (underwater) crossbow over his shoulder along with a quiver of bolts.
He brightens up at the mention of the goblin bounty.
Fridall climbs up on the horse, then nods to Darviren and asks, "How much per ear?"
Darnak eyes the pony a moment before finally making his way upon its back with care. As he finds he's not being thrown, the dwarf relaxes and turns to the others. "Alright. I'm ready. Let's get this show movin'."
Alesta blushed at the words of both the nobleman and the swashbuckler.
"Thank you both for the kind words. I'm not used to such kindhearted and endearing words. I think I'm blushing!"
Darviren Hosk retorts to Firdall's question, "I only pay for the pair, not for jobs half done. Now you best get going. Hunting always takes longer than you think it will."
With that, Aldern takes the lead, his new hunting dog loping along beside, occasionally branching out to chase a butterfly or two. With a command, Aldern gets it to mind him again.
The conversation generally remains light for the couple of hours it takes to ride to the Tickwood Forest. But once there, it doesn't take long before the group manages to spot its first boar (see map link at top of the page.