GM ShadowLord's Rise of the Runelords Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM ShadowLord

"You may call me Vivi Evan Eni, pleased to be aquainted with you Sir Deledir. So if that is the sheriff, who was that prior? The head priest?"

Vivi bows his heads as he listens to both the speakers and his new companions. This is certainly an intersting place and people.

"Ow you ment the mayor, why didn't you say so. Vivi the person you indicated is Kendra, the mayor.

Now let's see what Sergeant Buzzkill has to say." Tal says.

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"Kiley Sherrow" she tells Delendir before sharply elbowing Talwin in the gut.

Sheriff Hemlock stands at the podium, looking rather glum amidst all the revelry. When he finally speaks, he speaks in a deep bass that carries over most of the crowd, even though he is less forceful than the Mayor.

"For visitors and locals alike, please be advised that the rules and laws of town have not changed. We will be enforcing them diligently, so please keep yourselves under control. For those that will attend the evening bonfire, please take care. We had a couple of minor burns last year due to carelessness, so let's be safe, people." His dark eyes rest on a certain section of the crowd, and a young dark-haired man turns red with embarrassment at the scrutiny.

The Sheriff continues, "Lastly, let us please have a moment of silence for those who perished in the fire that claimed the previous church." He hangs his head for a few seconds, then without another word, walks away from the podium.

From his right comes a man full of energy, with a big smile on his face and a rather decorative ensemble on his person. "Thank you, Sheriff Hemlock, for that exciting bit of information! Please excuse our lawman, visitors. He does his job well, but does not know how to have fun." The man gives a throaty laugh while the Sheriff's eyes burn holes into him.

"What to say, what to say? It's been quite an impressive few years since the previous chapel burned to the ground. I remember the meetings soon after, how some thought we could not rebuild even that simple structure. But Sandpoint banded together, sacrificing time and coin to give you this magnificent structure you see towering well behind me this evening! Give yourselves a round of applause, Sandpoint!" He starts clapping, and the locals soon join in, nearly a thousand pairs of hands creating quite a cacophony.

"Ouch! What was that for? I'll turn your hair pink if you poke me again for no reason." Tal mutters after Kileys elbowjab.

"The name is Talwin by the way Delendir."

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"Nice to met you guys. Some of your faces sound familiar to me, maybe we have seen each other before. I used to come to the open market regularly to sell preys and furs." As the clapping rises, Delendir places the rest of the cheese in his mouth and joins the clapping enthusiastically.

The fop lets this go on for almost a minute before raising his head for quiet. "Yes, the town pooled its resources and got the job done. There might be larger structures somewhere, but none in a town as small as ours. That's the spirit of community! With that being said, I would like to invite everyone present to the Theater's production of "The Harpy's Curse" tomorrow night, starring the wonderful Magnimarian actress Allishanda as Avisera the Harpy Queen! Free tickets to the first twenty at the gate!" He grins widely, pausing for a bit before allowing the priestly looking man to take the podium.

The man lets the mood die down, then smiles at the crowd. "I would like to personally thank each of you for coming today. While the Swallowtail Festival is a mainstay of Sandpoint, this year it brings even more meaning as we consecrate our new Cathedral not just to Desna, but to all the gods of goodness and righteousness. I hope you all have a wonderful time today. We will release the Swallowtails at noon, have a free lunch hosted by the taverns of the city, and consecrate the Cathedral at dusk. Thank you!" He waves to the crowd and walks off the stage.

At the moment, it appears that everything is pretty much open, and the crowd becomes more active and loud than ever before as they split off to whatever activity fancies them at the moment.

Caught up in the excitement, Jessica joins in the clapping. When the play is announced she seems ecstatic, "You have a theater here? I haven't been to a play in a couple of years, I may stick around a few days more just for that!"

Tal smiles at her enthusiasm. "Then lets go grab some tickets. If we run we might get some for free. I know a shortcut." Tal says grabbing Jessica's hand and waits a moment for her to agree, before leading her to the gate at high speed.
"Excuse us, guys!" Tal says to the others.

if not the last two lines don't happen

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Looking at the others, "If any of you want to go too then lets hurry and go grab the tickets!" Jessica takes Tal's hand to go with him to go with him.

If there is something Tal is good at it's running. Run feat
He drags Jessica along to the best of his ability to get to the gate on time.

How many other people seem to rush that direction?

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"Wait up, I wish to come too if permissible. I have heard of this singer and wish to experience her voice."

Vivi says as he heads after Tal and (if she is coming) Jessica.

Jessica runs as fast as possible to keep up with Tal as he pulls her along.

"I am not actually fond of such delicate things like art. I don't have anything to do though so I will join you. But first let me go get some dried cloths." then Delendir leaves with a greeting and is lost between the buildings of Sandpoint.

survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Although he gets turned around a few times, Vivi manages to keep close enough pace with the elf as to at least follow him through the twists and turns to the theater.

Hmmmmm....ok. LOL

Your group manages to weave and smash their way through the crowd and actually happen to be in the first twenty to line up. The big rush disperses quickly as tickets are handed to the first twenty (you included). The delicious smells from the food vendors waft over you from here, and there are also tables set up with ale, wine, and other liquors, in addition to water and alcohol-free punch.

The gamesmen cry out to you in passing, exhorting you to try a hand at their particular game, of course you will be a winner! You see a large covered wagon being pulled towards the square, directed by none other than Father Zantus.

Apologies if I overstepped there, was assuming the difficulty for keeping track of him and not getting lost was 10.

Ticket in hand, he heads over to the table and takes a cup of punch.

This festival is exciting. I think I will try a game.

So thinking places his ticket in his coin pouch and heads over to the games section.

What types of games can I play?

Was more from the rush to get free tickets, not the survival check. :)

The games range from full-blown feats of strength, to games requiring dexterity (think ball tosses, etc.), to games of wit and chance (cards and cups, etc.). Most of the gamesmen are not from Sandpoint, but they seem to be relatively good-natured in their prodding and calling and don't get too pushy trying to sell their act.

I am assuming that Father Zantus is wearing something that signifies him as a priest with in the town, not sure if there were introductions durning the earlier speeches, if he was not introduced or is not wearing something denoting what he is, then the following does not happen.

Giving Tal a quick hug in the excitement of getting the tickets, Jessica quickly realizes what she is doing and stops. Looking anywhere but at him, she notices Father Zantus, "Excuse me, I'll be back in a minute, I need to go over and try to get a brief word with the priest."

Jessica then heads over in that direction and, when the cage is in place, walks up to Father Zantus. She curtsies as she speak to him, "Excuse me sir, I saw you up on the stage earlier, and I'd guess that you are the chief priest of the new temple. I'm Jessica DuMorne, a priestess of Shelyn, and I've come as a representative of the Shelynites of Magnimar to offer our support for the dedication of your new temple on this glorious day."

Vivi approaches the dexterity based games to see what the rules are and if there is a cost to them.

Seeing one of the barkers, he inclines his head to him.

"Good morning, kind provider of entertainment. What is the objective of this ball tossing game?" Vivi says with a smile.

As Delendir reaches the poor room where he is temporary living he gets all his cloths out and cleans up to his most intimate parts. I feel a chill. This people I have met today, it was not for nothing. There's something about it, and I will hear my guts. Then he starts dressing up. There are not many fancy clothes. All was lost in the fire. My scalemale it's the only decent cloth remaining And so he dressed up, and packing his sling he went out looking for the theatre and the people he just met.

Father Zantus nods to his helpers, pulling away to engage the young woman. "Welcome to Sandpoint, Jessica. I appreciate you and the Church of Shelyn thinking enough of our structure to come witness and offer your support. I hope you are enjoying the Festival?"

-----------------------

The man grins eagerly at Vivi, nodding, displaying only mild curiosity at his odd way of speaking. "A silver, sir. You stand right here." He points out a line on your side of the stand. He then indicates a bucket tilted up at about a 45 degree angle. "You toss the ball into the bucket. If the ball stays in, you win! A silver to play."

Grinning at Father Zantus and speaking very excitedly, "I am having a wonderful time, I've met several new people, and find the town fascinating. The friends I have made are actually going with me to the play tomorrow. I look forward to the rest of the festival and the dedication this evening."

Hm... I should be able to afford a silver, given the money I have left from that kind old man I helped. Especially since I got a free ticket to the opera, instead of having to pay for it. And it is a festival, so it is my duty to play a few games in honor of the spirits of this place.

Having mentally decided to play, Vivi takes a silver piece from his coin pouch and says a quick prayer in Tien over it.

Smiling, Vivi then hands the piece to the man and moves to the line.

"I stand here to participate in this sacred game, correct?"

Kiley watches the group rush off, leaving her behind.

"B-b-buh--"

You guys are going to miss the butterflies!

The pout she manages to muster is quite impressive, too bad no one is around to see it.

With nothing else to do, and a little frustrated at seeing everyone run off like that, she finds a game of strength to take it out on.

From what was said just before we ran off, I don't think it's time for the butterflys yet.

After the hug Tal can't help but smile at Jessica's awkwardness. When she apologizes to speak with the priest he says "No worry dear, I will get us something to drink. I'll meet you back here in a moment.

Do you want some too..." Tal starts but stops when he sees Vivi already go for a stand to test his strength. He shrugs and goes to Ameiko's stand to get two ciders.
Guess that worked out better than expected.
"Ameiko love, could I get two cups of that delicious cider?" Tal asks Ameiko.

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@ Jessica - "I'm glad you're having a good time, my dear. Run along and have fun with your new friends. Us religious types will always find time to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our differing faiths. Catch up with me later." With a smile and a parting wave, he rushes off the catch up with the wagon, directing towards the front of the stage.

@ Vivi - "Yes sir. Now take this ball and toss it in the basket. You need to arch it plenty, or it will pop right out!" He grins at Vivi, obviously expecting him to fail. Dex Check DC 16 to succeed.

@ Kiley - There are a few games of strength around, but the clear favorite is the one with the hammer that sends the metal up the pole.

@ Tal - "Two silvers, Talwin." Ameiko smirks at Tal's moniker for her, giving him a couple of cups of apple cider.

Jessica is right...still a couple hours till the butterflies.

"Of course sir, I look forward to it." As Father Zantus hurries off, Jessica looks around for her companions and, spotting Tal getting a drink, goes over to him, "There, that's done, thanks for waiting." She reaches out tentatively and takes Tal's hand again if he lets her.

As Delendir gets to the games area with his new appearance, he gets a look around. Seeing Kelie on the strength test, he approaches and tells her from the back - "Let me show you how this is done woman." then taking the hammer from the startled and angry girl's hands, he faces the game with his regained strength and spirit. With a tremendous double-handed hit he sends the thing up.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Living the hammer on place he takes a silver coin from his pouch and throws it at the game keeper's counter. "Nice warm up"

Tal feels Jessica's hand slide into his and as he looks over his shoulder to see who it is, he smiles and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"Here you go. Ameiko's ciders are famous." He says to Jessica as he hands her a cup.

He reaches down his pockets and produces two silver pieces and gives them to Ameiko.
"Thanks love. I'll be back at lunch for your delicious cooking."

He grabs his own drink and takes a sip. Leading Jessica away from the stand he asks her " So, what do you want to see first? The rose gardens? The vista from the cliff? We have some time to kill before the real festivities start."

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Thinking a moment, "I think the rose garden would be nice. Let's let the others know we'll be back by noon." She leads Tal in search of the others, and passes the message to them before Tal leads her to the garden.

She will state where they are going if anyone asks her.

"OK, like this, right?"

Vivi takes the ball and attempts to arch it in like the man said.

Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Ah well, I missed.

@ Delendir & Kiley - Delendir's renewed mighty swing sends the metal piece all the way up to ring the bell at the top. A mighty round of clapping ensues from the crowd gathered round, and the man in charge of the game points to a crate with what are obviously meant to be prizes for those strong enough to make it happen. I won't go into detail, just be reasonable.

@ Vivi - You put a beautiful spin on the ball, but don't arch it up quite high enough. It hits the lip of the basket, bouncing against the back before popping back out. "Ah, that's too bad. Ya almost got the hang of it, good sir. Care to try again, now that ya know the trick?" Again that grin on his face, this is a well-practiced routine, obviously.

Vivi lets out a slightly frustrated gasp as the ball misses settling in the basket after getting so close, but then laughs and shrugs. The will of the Gods, I suppose.

"No, thank you good sir. May the spirits and gods always be kind to you for the fun I had today. Still, I must experience more of this festival."

Bowing graciously, Vivi then heads over to the contests of strength. He notices Delendir and Kiley by the strength bell as he hits the bell this time around. Ah, the dampness must have been a factor after all.

Cheerfully Vivi waves to them as he approaches.

As Delendir sees the monk approaching, he waves in return "Look Vivi, I am between that Signal whisle and those piles of Parchments, what do you like the most? Though I would really like that tent or that silk rope over there if the game's owner allows us to get it."

Percpetion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Craft: Calligraphy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Perception to try to identify the scrolls, Calligraphy to identify the quality of them, Linguistics to determine the language and (if known) if they are forged.

"A signal whistle is always a good thing, as you never know when you might need to get your friends' attention in a market place. Still, knowledge is invaluable, like water to a field of rice, or fire to the man seeking steel. Let me look at your scrolls a minute."

So saying, Vivi begins examining the parchments in question.

After Jessica told the others where they would be and when they return, Tal offers his arm to lead Jessica to the rose garden besides the church. On the way there, Tal shows her the repaired cathedral.

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I am assuming Tal is taller than Jessica since he is a full elf.

Jessica smiles up at Tal, and accepts his arm while matching his pace. She looks at the cathedral as they pass it, "It looks wonderful, I can tell the town put a lot of effort into building it, I can't wait to see inside." She is content to let Tal control the pace of their walk.

While he is looking at the scrolls and parchments that caught Delendir's eyes, Vivi decides to get to know a bit more about him and Kiley.

"Perhaps while I look, you should let Lady Kiley have a swing at the plate. Perhaps the keeper of the tomes will give you both a better one if she hits it too. From our previous conversation, I understand that both of you live here. Is this what life is like here normally? It seems such a happy place, a peaceful place. The people are kind and jovial if you are correct representations of them."

I hope I am not talking too much. That performer complained of that when I kept asking him questions about those strings behind his magic carpet. I was merely curious as to how he made them float too.

Kiley sighs and takes the hammer back and hefts it, testing the weight.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

I think I'm going to let the GM determine how spectacular this failure's going to be.

Consider this to be "after said GM's results on failure".

Seeing the results of Kiley's swing, Vivi shakes his head sadly.

Poor girl, it can't be easy.

Vivi places three silver pieces on the merchant's blanket, wordlessly saying a prayer over them for the blessings of the gods.

"For her swing, mine, and her next one if you please kind sir."

Vivi then turns to Kiley.

"It is ok, you will do better on your next swing I am sure. May I have a go first though? I wish to honor the gods of this festival and place."

Vivi smiles to her reassuringly.

@ Vivi & Delendir - The scrolls are on cheap parchment hardly worthy of the name. The symbols placed on them are there for purely aesthetic purposes, as they don't appear to be of any language you have heard of. Nor is there any pattern present that would imply a language you had not heard of.

@ Tal & Jessica - The Cathedral is a magnificent structure, made the more so by the relatively small size of Sandpoint. It must have taken a significant amount of the town's resources to complete this structure.

@ Kiley and Vivi - You heft the hammer, the muscles rippling along your shoulders and biceps as you test the weight. You sigh, then bring the weapon down in an overhead arc, apprehensive about the ordeal after your first ho-hum attempt. Instead of clipping the edge of the target, you miss entirely, slamming the hammer down to the side of the target, raising an impressive dust cloud. "Ummmm...a mighty swing, young miss. Just have to work on the aim." The man is kind enough to stifle his smile as he takes the hammer back, but the crowd is not so kind, laughing and jeering at the miss. The man takes Vivi's coins with a nod and smile, offering him the hammer.

Vivi takes the hammer from the man with a solemn nod, but then returns the smile. Turning to Delendir, he decides to be subtle about the quality of the scrolls lest I offend the stall owner and the gods... I do not recognize the symbles as a language and they are cheap, but they may be sacred symbles of a local deity I am unaware of but still advise him against them.

"My friend, the parchments are probably best saved for other people. They would make a... er.... um... what is word.... fine?.... yes fine, decoration for someone else. But you will probably want something else. That is my advice on them."

Turning to the bell, he says a quick prayer, barely audible.

So saying he takes a swing at the plate.

STR: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Yeah, didn't go quite like I hoped. GM, go ahead and describe the outcome... one request, make it slightly comical at least so that Kiley might feel better in character.

@ Vivi - You take the hammer, the unfamiliar weight awkward in your hands. Only knowing the 'proper' way to hold the hammer by watching a few other swings, you try to replicate it. You get the start right, but slide your strong hand down the haft at the wrong time, resulting in a blow that has the power of gravity behind it, but not much else. The metal piece rises and falls so quickly some might speculate if it had risen at all. Another round of good-natured laughs erupt at the spectacle, the guy in charge of the game grinning. "Tis heavier than it looks, good sir. A bit of practice and you'll have it down in no time."

forgot about the cider :p and yes Tal should be taller but you are probably stronger :p

After taking another sip of his cider Tal asks "So how do you like the cider? I find it refreshing for a sunny like this."

Once they arrive at the garden, Tal leads Jessica to the bench where she can appreciate the garden in the cool shade of a tree.

When they are seated Tal takes off his sunglasses and looks Jessica in her eyes with his black orbs.
"So why did you become a priestess of Shelyn Jessica? Did it come naturally to you due to your beauty or was it something else?" Tal asks without missing a beat.

Vivi stumbles a little as he picks the hammer back up.

"Ah, so it is, my good gamekeeper. I may attempt to honor the spirits and gods here again, but first I believe it is my friend's swing."

So saying, Vivi presents the hammer to Kiley with an air of solemnity, bowing from the waist and holding out the hammer as if it was a master crafted sword fresh from the smith, ready for inspection by its commissioner.

"I know you will do much better this time, my friend!"

I did forget about it didn't I, and yeah, stronger by 3 points (wanted to be able to have a chance on using the glaive she carries).

Taking slow sip of the cider to savor it's flavor and licking it from her lips to avoid wasting any, "It's delicious Tal." She continues holding his hand and moves in a bit closer to him as they walk.

When they enter the garden Jessica stops a moment and looks around breathlessly until she feels Tal leading her towards a bench. Letting him pull her along and down as she continues to admire the roses around them. Catching the movement out of the corner of her eye as Tal removes his sunglasses, she looks at him and meets his eyes. She is so startled by their color that she almost misses what he asks her.

She blushes deeply at his words, looking away before answering, "I-I-I became a cleric of Shelyn due to my interest in theater and music. I used to go with my big brother when he worked on the stages in Magnimar as a stage hand. I later studied under several bards and was offered apprenticeships but I wasn't ready to leave home. One of the bards mentioned the church of Shelyn and helped me find one of our local priests."

She looks back to Tal, "I fell in love with Shelyn and her teachings and decided to devout myself to a life in her priesthood. I finished my role as an acolyte just before I left to come to the festival." She looks back into Tal's strange eyes, "I'm glad I finally got the courage to leave the city and come here, I have made several new friends," she looks down, and in a very quiet voice, "and I met you."

Tal cups Jessica's chin with his index finger and thumb to gently lift her head so their eyes meet again. With his other hand he takes a loose bundle of her hair and pulls it behind her ear.
"It must be fate or the godess' will that brought you here...and us together." Tal starts, leaning a little closer, but holds back just enough and tries to perceive a signal that Jessica wants him to continue or stop.

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Delendir stands serious while the crowd laughs. Then when the hammer is delivered to the stall's owner, he asks "Can I hold the hammer just for a test?" then, once he is handed the hammer, trying to help at his best, but not quite understanding how the others feelings work his voice thounders in the room "You are not holding the hammer properly, look, you do it like this!" giving the hammer the inercy of his whole heavy body he blasts the game with another hit.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Delendir really thinks he is helping and will pay for the game if the keeper does not allow a test