While everyone else enjoys the beautiful sunset, Justinius takes his time searching the part of the tower he ascends as he goes. As he begins to poke around the rubble coated top, and converse, the light pinks and oranges of the setting sun give way to the last red rays of dusk. It wouldn't be more than a minute or two now before dark set in...
"My spell will end soon... I fear we must descend now. Unless we want to start the "watch" tonight."
She looks around.
"I can stay and cast light spells and a tent to stay, and tomorrow in the morning go back down. Justinius wants to examine the place, maybe he can stay with me, while the others go down and have a good night sleep. What do you think?"
Not willing to even consider resting atop this massive structure without inspecting it, Justinius casts daylight and continues to look it over with standard action perception checks.
"I certainly intend to stay with the group, but, personally speaking, this is a terrible place for me to spend the night. The darkness prevents me from seeing approaching enemies and the height increases my response time. " not to mention, there's no good place for a bed roll
I'd like to look around until the daylight wears off." Justinius says, referring to the spell.
"Getting down is no problem. It's gravity assisted." Smiling
Graverattler looks over the edge, watching the sun set over the sea while Justinius's artificial sunlight glows behind her. "Po pai te taea'e, e kite koe i runga i tou hoki." she says to the setting sun. After it sets, she turns back to the others. "We can discuss the particulars of watches and such business at the Rusty Dragon over supper, if you'd like. Perhaps Valanthe and Oliver can entertain us with some local anecdotes."
She steps forward, her features twisting as feathers begin to sprout from her skin. She grows larger and lighter of frame, transforming into a great bird. "And getting down should not be a problem."
"See you there, Graverattler. I see we all have special abilities and powers. I will wait for Justinius."
"I offer a ride to any who might find the trip down daunting." Graverattler, in the form of a great horse-sized vulture offers.
Jim smirks at the Shoanti woman-bird. "By Rasvocel's beady eyes - I'll take a ride! T'was a fair mount ye made as a turtle-cat; let's see how ye do with feathers on ye."
Jim walks up beside Graverattler then hesitates, unsure if she intends to carry him or if he should climb on her back.
"Er... How d'ye want t' go about this?"
"I have the feeling you'd be more comfortable on my back than in my talons. We'll just have to make sure you balance yourself correctly."
She bends her elongated neck down for him to climb, then tests her wings once he's settled, and leaps off the edge towards the sea, making a slow, graceful arc across the sea and down to Sandpoint's docks, enjoying sharing the last bit of light over the sea with the frosty pirate
The daylight spell lasts 80 minutes. Justinius will search 800 of the 1200 5'x5' squares, noting which ones to check tomorrow. When the spell ends, he will accept another spider climb or fly if Valanthe is inclined to give one. If not, he jumps from the structure and dusts himself off at the bottom (cleaning up damage with lay hands on his way back to the Rusty Dragon).
As the darkness settles in, Graverattler takes the form of a great black bird and begins an awkward dance with Rimy Jim as he attempts to discern the ideal method for mounting her... meanwhile, Valanthe initiates an awkward dance of her own with Justinius, seemingly with a similar goal in mind.
The young paladin, either oblivious to the advances or somehow honorbound to ignore them, surrounds himself with a cloud of light that must be visible for miles from the top of the tower in order to keep searching.
Justinius makes his way across the surface of the rubble that coats the entire top of the lighthouse, scanning and searching as he goes. He studies the packed down hunks of stone for about four minutes before he, Oliver, and Valanthe hear a voice calling out from below, "Hail! Who dares to trespass so boldly in Old Light?!?"
Valanthe smiles.
"Seems like we have been seen... I can get us out of here quietly. Is that ok with you all?"
"Damn, It's Sheriff Hemlock. Oh... Justinius... Now might be a good time to let you know that no one is allowed on or really even near the ruins of Old Light. I say you cancel this spell and let Val get us out of here."
Hmm... I wonder why Justinus is so keen to search these ruins. And why it's so taboo for anyone to come up here. Surely, Sandpoint harbors dangers more worth their time than this old thing. No time for that now...
Oliver attempts to hide at least well enough to not be made.
"Are you serious?!?" Justinius asks, looking angrily at both of the sandpoint natives.
"For future reference, Oliver and Valanthe, a 'good' time to tell me the law is before we break it!"He continues, as he walks toward the edge.
"I intend to go have a word with Sheriff Hemlock. If you value the light in which percieve you, you will accompany me. But the choice is yours."
"Sheriff Hemlock, I am Justinius Redarm, and I will be down presently to speak with you about this misunderstanding."The young man yells to the men on the ground (or at least in their direction, since he cannot see them). And without breaking stride,(or looking back to see what the other two are doing) simply walks off the edge......
Once Justinius is on the ground he picks himself up and dusts himself off a bit, then hails the men on the ground.
"Good Sheriff, my sincerest appologies for this transgression. I only recently became aware of the local laws governing the Old Light, and certainly meant no disrespect. I, wrongly, assumed that the rangers mayor Deverin asked to accompany us would help to stear us away from such infractions." Justinius adds with a somewhat bitter taste in his mouth.
"Nonetheless, these actions are mine and I will bear their consequences"
Valanthe smiles.
"So many laws... it's more like a recommendation, as people can get hurt if they don't know what they are doing."
She flies behind Justinius, and stands behind him, smiling at the Sheriff.
"Surely you won't be making a problem out of this, Belor."
Oliver hops off of Old Light. Landing softly next to Justinius and silently accepts his mild berating.
hmph...it's not like I asked to him come here. Though...apparently whatever he was looking forward wasn't worth breaking even the pettiest laws.
"Sheriff Hemlock, How are you this fine evening? My apologies... I should have informed them that there were laws about going atop Old Light, but I wanted them to experience it so the fault lies with me. But I assure you there was no risk of injury."
"We made good our escape just in the nick o' time - looks like folks have called the Sheriff 'bout our get together on Ol' Light. Probably not the most sensible thing, conjuring lights in ancient ruins at dusk, what with the mood o' the town, but I'm sure Justinius can handle the Sheriff. I bet that boy could sell seawater to a drownin' man, exceptin' his unfortunate abundance of morals."
Jim slides off Graverattler's back and, smirking, adjusts his hat.
"So then - supper?"
Sheriff Hemlock seems mildly impressed when Justinius merely drops off the top of Old Light as if he were stepping off a low dias. His face quickly hardens again as Oliver floats down and Val flies in behind them. As all three offenders take different approaches to trying to smooth things over he holds out his hands gesturing them to stop and says, "Enough. Listen, climbing Old Light might be a small bother for you all but every year folks get hurt or even die fallin' off here. I appreciate the work of anyone willin' to stay here and help folks stay calm while I'm gone, but I really need you all to set a good example while your here. Last thing I need is to get back and find out everyone in town want's to climb the lighthouse like the heroes of Sandpoint did..."
He shakes his head, looking more at Oliver and Val than at Justinus. "Besides, folk are on edge to begin with... and you're supposed to be keepin' them calm... you think strange lights over the ancient ruins are gonna do that?"
"I can assure you, Sheriff, that we will be more careful about laws and the perception of the public while you are away. This regretable incident shall not be repeated." Justinius says, appologeticly, dismissing the Daylight spell.
When the Sheriff is done with them, Justinius makes his way back to the Rusty Dragon and attempts to scrounge up a late dinner before retiring around 1 am for 3 hours of sleep, then an hour of meditation and prayer. Meeting Jim around 6 am for breakfast.
Valanthe keeps quiet, and lets things die down.
She will go sleep at her Grandma's house, and meet the others for breakfast.
"Ah you're right as usual Sheriff Hemlock. I'll be a better example myself. I certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt."
Oliver customarily bows his head. As they walk away, Oliver turns to Justinius.
"Well... that was fun. I haven't been reprimanded by the Sheriff in a long time." He says smiling to himself. His smile fades when he sees the look of what he assumes is disappointment on Justinius's face."Hey, sorry about that back there mate. I forgot that it was even illegal to be on those ruins until it was too late. I dont get to spend too much of my time in Sandpoint these days. Next time, maybe just keep the daylight spells to a minimum. So..Why did you want to go up there anyway? What were you looking for?"
The sheriff shakes his head. "See that it doesn't," he answers with some clear consternation, "and if you have any questions about what is or isn't legal here please feel free to swing by the Barracks and ask the Sargent on duty." With a few quick hand gestures the watchmen all fall into formation and Sheriff Hemlock leads them back to the Barracks.
As the sheriff depart, Valanthe screams after him.
"Say hi to Kaye for me!"
She turns to the others.
"Sorry, I don't like authority figures."
Justinius' frustration quickly fades (Oliver gets the feeling that, while he was upset, Justinius doesn't have the attention span to hold a grudge) and he explains himself to Oliver.
"For some time now, it has been my responsibility to help clear old crypts and ruins. When operating in that capacity, I enter first and clear the structure of dangers. I have developed keen senses and good survivability, but I have also been cought off guard once or twice. The Old Light is an uninhabited ruin, and as such, it should be cleared of danger before I stop to enjoy the view.
Do not think I do not enjoy such things, I do. I am simply unwilling to watch someone die because I was smelling roses. As a ranger, I am sure you know that you can enjoy the beauty of the woods without losing sight of the deer trail." Justinius seems to realize that he is rambling.
"In short, I was seeking hazards as I always do,vigilantly."
Tell me more about this 'shwarma'."
"Oh... Shwarma is the most delicious thing you have ever had! At least that's how I feel after being alone in a forest for 2 months... Either way, its good... succulent seasoned lamb, goat cheese, and vegetables covered in cucumber sauce and served on warmed flat bread. Though... it's nothing compared my mother's of course."
Oliver and Justinius head to the Rusty Dragon for dinner and conversation.
Graverattler sheds her feathers, molting away to human form. "Heh, can you imagine what we must have looked like backlit by Justinius's light? A giant vulture ridden by a pirate. Yes, Jim, I believe mealtime does approach. Perhaps somewhere... different... tonight? A restaurant or tavern by the docks? We might be able to get some seafood that hasn't been overly spiced."
"Let's go t' the Hagfish, then. It's got a right casual atmosphere, and I don't believe they've been told about spice."
Jim leads the way to the dockside dive, where he and the Shoanti grab a corner table and order some dinner.
"Ye got any more o' that lobster soup ye were servin' at the festival? Preferably a fresher batch, o' course."
When Jim flags down a serving girl and places his order she replies, "Yessir, we got th'soup mos' nights. Fer you, mum?"
As they eat, Justinius tells Oliver and Valanthe more about his youth. His earliest memories are from after the goblin attack and subsequent relocation to Ilsurian.
When the goblins came down the mountain, they hit the horses first. Fires lit up the night. Horses cried out as arrows and blades dug deep. The attack went on for hours.... Goblins filled with blood-rage and men who knew their families would not survive without the wagon stores....I took a bad cut over my right eye early on, but I still saw plenty that night.
Men I thought would fight who ran, and men I thought couldnt fight who made heros of themselves.
Across the field, a boy, no more than 7, just a wooden tent stake in his hand, facing a cruel green and red faced monster, there was no way I could reach him in time.....a snarl and I spun quickly to my left and caught one in mid air....When I finished him I looked back to the boy. His blood would fuel my rage at our enemy.
But no, there he stood. Looking over the lifeless goblin as if confused by his victory. As more of the creatures flooded the valley, he reached down and picked up the crude shortsword beside the stinking corpse and with speed I could not believe, slew the next closest beast, retrieving its weapon as well.
I saw the boy that fatefull night. I watched him. Through blood and tears, sweat and rage, I knew if the morning came for any of us, it would not find the child the sun set upon. I took a wound to the head and all went black.
It was daylight when I awoke. Roused by some potion or strong whiskey. I found the boy digging graves, untreated wounds still festering. "We do not bury our dead on the road, son." I tried to sound gentle, but that come hard after a night like that. "Our fallen are in the wagons already" he said. Blood dripped from a gash in his cheek. "These graves are for them" he said with a nod. Fourteen goblins lay in a neat row, arms folded across their chests, legs crossed as if rites had been given.
He worked for 2 hours to see them all burried. No one helped. No one stopped him. Grief was everywhere and it seemed whomever was responsible for the boy was dead or had run off. As we all walked back to the village, he collapsed with exaustion. I carried him the rest of the way and took him to my home.
As I laid him in the bed, he awoke just a little. I asked him his name and he squeeked "Justinius". I knew the boy had no place with me, so in the morning, I took him to the temple. Not because of what he could do......because of what he had seen.....
"As a lad in Ilsurian, in the care of the temple, I was not a quick study with the texts, but my training with the temple guard came easily.
When I was strong enough, I was allowed to accompany some of the priests on missions deemed important to the faith. Here is where I exceled. Using speed to out-maneuver my enemies, I quickly made a name for myself." Justinius continues even though he is uncomfortable being the topic of the chat.
"Father Theon raised me and oversaw my training, instilling his values and love of mercy and grace in me.....at least, that is what I aspire to. Here Justinius lowers his head and his voice gets almost too quiet to hear.
"It have been almost 2 years now, since his passing." After a pause...."Since then I have been travaling a good deal. Taking whatever assignments will keep me busy and moving...."
As he says that, he seems to realize it for the first time, and mumbles "We all morn in our own way."
Snapping back into the present he says"But enough about me, Tell me, Oliver, what is it that makes you the man you are? And what is that strange beetle I keep seeing around you?"
From the waitress- "I'll have the chowder as well, and perhaps whatever your catch of the day is, thank you."
Once settled, she inquires of Jim "You want to lay odds on how long Justinius stays oblivious to Valanthe's attraction?"
"I swear, if we don't see some action again soon, Sandpoint's goin' t' spoil me soft."
"I am sure we will soon be back in action, toku hoa hukapapa. But I agree, life in Sandpoint does seem to be gentler than I am used to. It seems we are both made for rougher lands- or seas." Graverattler smiles, then looks at the bag of coins and nods towards ir. "Any idea what that's about?"
Shoanti=my frosty friend
The crowd is a fair bit more rowdy than at the Rusty Dragon but everyone gives 'the Heroes of Sandpoint' a wide berth. At one point a clamor comes up from the gambling room and a drunken dwarf stumbles out and over to the bar, followed by a dozen men. "A tankard of water!" he cries out laying a silver piece down on the bar to the cheers of those who followed him. The barkeep laughs and, collecting the coin, grabs a tankard from under the bar which he uses to scoop a cup of water from the fish tank. The dwarf holds the glass high above his head (by dwarven standards), then drains it in one mighty gulp and slams it empty on the bar. For a moment there is stunned silence throughout the room, then the dwarf begins vomiting loudly on the floor and the men standing closest to him. Immediately there is an uproar of laughter that last until after the still retching dwarf has been carried outside.
Apart from that incident, your time there passes rather uneventfully.
In the morning, Val arrives as the heroes are congregating in the common room of the Rusty Dragon. There is a bit of a murmur running through the gathered patrons that seems to have nothing to do with the now well recognized adventurers... When the serving girl arrives at your usual table it quickly becomes clear why: the usual list of options--eggs, cheeses, sausages, pastries, breads, fruits, and more--has been replaced this morning with wheat porridge with or without fruit. After taking your order she quietly skulks away.
A few minutes later a distraught middle aged halfling that many of you recognize as Bethana, the Rusty Dragon's cleaning woman, approaches your table. "Excuse me..." she says timidly, "I know this is... unusual... but could you all please join me in the kitchen." Without really waiting for a response she heads anxiously for the kitchen door. Once everyone has crowded into the small kitchen she begins sobbing. "Something terrible has happened, I just know it... Ameiko... she gone! I woke up this morning and she wasn't in here making breakfast. In all the years I've been here she's never not been making breakfast. And I checked her room and the bed was still made from when I made it yesterday. She never came back last night. She got a letter, from her brother, and she left before any of you got back, but she never came back! I poked around her room... I found the letter... here, look..."
Pulling a neatly creased letter out of her pocket she holds it out for anyone to grab.
Valanthe peruses the letter quickly.
"Can you read it for us?"
Trying to sound reassuring, Justinius take the letter "Don't worry miss, if something has happened to Ameiko, we will do our best to get to the bottom of it."
Opening the letter, Justinius quickly realizes he cannot read the script.
As Justinius studies the page looking for familiar characters, and recognizable grammatical structures, he begins to gain a sense of the letter's meaning...
"The letter from Ameiko's brother seems to indicate that he believed their father my have had something to do with the recent giant attack on Sandpoint. I believe Ameiko left to meet with her brother last night, but I cannot determine where the meeting took place." Justinius says with no small amount of consternation.
"Valanthe or Oliver, do either of you posess magics that might better translate the letter?"
Valanthe smiles.
"If Bethana can't read it, I can."
She takes out one of her gloves, and you see she carries a beautiful carved clear crystal ring, which she fixes her gaze on, while she drops a pinch of soot and salt on it.
"Megértés nyelve!"
After a moment of trying to compose herself the sobbing halfling answers, "Me? oh... I..." but realizing that she has missed her chance to speak up now that Val is casting a spell she quickly falls silent again.
As the Varisian woman completes her spell the words on the page seem to transform into legible text...
Valanthe grabs a piece of paper, and with elegant lettering starts transcribing the letter for the others.
Translated Letter
Valanthe fills out the others with what she knows about the Kaijitsus.
"I don't have any love for the four families, and if Tsuto discovered something... we must go and see what happened to them."
After hearing of Ameiko's disappearance, Oliver thinks to himself. Well, that explains the tough shwarma...
"It must be a strange life being a member of a family like the Kaijitsus. So many expectations thrust upon you. Ameiko's relationship with her father was never the same after she decided to become an adventurer. Of course, that's nothing compared to her brother Tsuto. He's been ostracized his entire life. Granted, it was for being someone else's son.
I can't help but take the news of Lonjiku being involved in the giant attack with a grain of salt considering the source. but it's certainly worth checking out I think. We will have to be cautious, however. These families still hold great influence in this city.
Val, does the letter say where they were to meet last night?"
"Yes, in their father's glassworks."