Valcrim nods in approval "Ye be a proper man, Yamamoto, does yer ancestors honor. I reckon from all yer magic-lookin' paraphernalia that ye be a clever sort, an' as such, I be bettin' ye know what to get in terms o' supplies..." Valcrim studies his armor for a bit, with something of a frown "Would've made ye some chain armor, had we tha time. Yer armor looks a wee bit on the flimsy side."
The dwarf scratches his beard and regards the crew on the ship "Well then, since I be bossin' ye 'bout, I'll buy ye supper an' a round later, lads." he says to the others and heads over to the boat to find a somewhat bright-eyed sailor. "Might tha creator guide us in all things." Valcrim prays as he approaches (Casts Guidance]
As you stroll about the docks, you recognize that the mate's words were scarcely off the mark. The men who remain, darning old nets and the like, are hungry and proud. They eye you as you pass, clearly anticipating some manner of confrontation. Several on one boat called The Sea Spray, not a one of them remotely young, seem to identify the symbol on your mail and incline their heads in a show of respect.
"Oiy, Father! What business has a priest of the smiths here?" one asks as you pass. "Has the shark at the vault sent ye to collect?"
Seiji nods at the dwarf's words, but his thoughts are on his father. Surely, I have spoken his name several time since...
Have I? It sounded so strange, on my tongue. His name. Have I forgotten him? Seiji trembles slightly. I tell myself that I have not had cause to say his name, because none ever share the names of their fathers, but that is a shallow excuse. Whatever he was, he was also my father. Seiji's head is down. He looks to the warped planks beneath his feet in shame.
It is good that I have said it. Perhaps somebody has heard. Perhaps they will come for me again. Perhaps that is why my dreams are haunted. It is time to finish it. Let them come.
Seiji snaps out of his trance. His eyes dart up at Valcrim. A look of embarrassment plays on his features. Bowing lightly, he follows the dwarf without a word.
Joyabraund looks about his new companions slighty crestfallen, Allright, less of the flowery more of the business. The halfling's low look is quickly dissipated as Yamamoto introduces himself. An excellent name! I so love the Tian syllables and nomenclature. Makes for some excellent variance! Yamamoto. YaMAmotO. Yama-MOto. And so on!
Ignoring Broderus' insinuation that he need translating the halfling pushes on the ranger with his hand. Lead on to the Hagfish, I can't see a sign from here.
Ahoy matey! Excellent hat...say I was wondering...
...and then he said "talk to those skilled lads over in the Hagfish they would know what we need". So I told my dwarf friend I would come over right away...
A giant horse eating python? In the swamp? Well I certainly hope it doesn't like smaller snacks!
My lady you are so gracious. I wish I had more time to celebrate your beauty but I simply must leave with my friend here to save the town from peril!
Valcrim chuckles, an unusually deep and rumbling sound, as he regards the sailors "Ye should pay yer debts, lads, if they be fair. But no, I be here fer information on tha marsh, and what dwells in 'em." he replies and digs for two gold pieces "In return, this should fill yer bellies fer tha day, an' give ye strength ta try harder in tha morrow." he shoves the coins in the hands of one of the men he knows to be trustworthy and before they can reply continues "An' don't be givin' me grumbles 'bout charity. Ye be part o' me community, an' I think o' me home like me armor; don't rightly matter if me breastplate is shiny if me leather straps be fallin' apart from neglect! Feed yerselves, an' yer kin, so ye can work harder." he sternly insists.
"Now lads, what be ye knowin' 'bout tha marsh..." Valcrim trails as he looks to the previously mentioned torn nets, and grumbles as he steps over to start mending them with his orisons "Don't mind me workin', I'm listenin'" he calls over his shoulder.
Treygan calls out to Seiji as he walks away. "I know Valcrim's got a few better stories than I, but that's the wrong way for the market! Treygan lets out another laugh.
At the market, Treygan wanders about to pick up the supplies they'll need for the swamp. He takes a moment to chat with several of the merchants, many of which he's known for years. As he goes through, he asks about the marsh, staying abit longer for any worthwhile information he may get.
The fishermen bite the coins before pocketing them, and when you begin helping with the small repairs, look a bit abashed for their suspicion.
"Ain't none but the desperate that goes far in there," one of the elders almost growls, and then spits over the side of the ship. "There's a creature, taller'n' a man, with a mouth direct to its belly. Were eatin' one of those green devils, only reason my cousin Dickie got 'way wit his hands," he says.
"Erryone knows that Dickie be slippin' down to the swamp to suck back on the Warden's brews. Like as any, that were some dream he was chasin' when he pissed his'self," another complains, and they all laugh.
The Hagfish is the town's lesser traveled tavern. While the Rusty Dragon caters to adventurers, this tavern's clientele seems to cater to the fishermen and sailors. The floors are littered with crushed peanut shells and... other discards, including shrimp tails and fish bones. Genuine ships cats, or... rather, tubs of feline lard with the extra toes common to ships cats stalk through the tables and chairs snacking on discards. The conflagration of smells on first entering is overwhelming, stinging your eyes and mouth, making you think twice about continuing, were it not for the information you seek. And what is a tale of heroism without adversity?
After explaining that you've come from 'the dwarf', the tension in the room seems to ratchet down a bit, and the regulars respond well to your inquiries, even... well, I suppose you could call them women, though they appear a tad more mercenary than those you have seen on the street.
You hear several stories about the fishing in the swamp in days of ole, when sharks inhabited the islands and mated with mermaids on the shores. That was back when the wtich had been younger, and pretty, although there is plenty disagreement about Old Megus ever havin' been purrty. And come to think of it, she ain't been seen about these parts neither, of late.
"Aye, my mate's lady, Glenda, she say the witch done turned Zombie, and feeds upon the livin'!"
"Hey!" cries another, his clothing even more shabby than those you know to be out of work. His skin no less weather beaten, or arms less corded, he somehow seems cut from a different cloth than the fisherman. "Thinkin' you old scabs are the only in this town. Stuff in the fields, that..." he throws back his tankard. "The dead don't just walk, they dig! They dig," he mutters and begins staggering towards you. "Towar' the graves. Diggin' under the trees!"
The merchants are more than happy to take your coin. As one known to protect the farmers, and thus the interests of the town as a whole, they are quite eager to chat with you.
"The marsh?"
"That's the warden's place," another volunteers.
"Not surprised you haven't heard of Walthus Proudstump, Sir. He moved in while you were away. Bought some shack off the trail, proclaimed himself Warden."
"Not like any would contest 'im," the other opines and laughs.
Joyabraund nods in enthusiasm careful to keep each point on a mental checklist. Glenda, mhmm hmm.. Says Megus is a Zombie?.. She was pretty?.. She wasn't pretty... I see. I see. No I haven't heard of such a thing before! Hearing the yell from across the bar Joyabraund takes the staggering stranger in stride. The dead DIG? Interesting...INterESTing! What do the dead dig for you suppose? Graves sure, but treasure? More bodies to lure to evil means? What was your name again?
Valcrim raises an eyebrow at the information "Strange goblin-eatin' creature, eh? Lest it be a threat ta decent folk, I say we let it be, and count is as an ally!" he laughs, a sound that somehow sounds gruff.
"The warden ye be speakin' of, be his name Walthus? I 'eard tha sheriff speakin' 'bout someone by that name." he asks when his bad monster ally joke seems to fall flat.
Seiji looks up in surprise at Treygan's voice. What? Oh, provisions. Yes.
"I was lost in thought. Please pardon me." Seiji turns and follows the paladin. He listens quietly as Treygan speaks to the locals. Neither the Marsh, nor the Warden seem to have a glowing reputation, but we must travel to the first and seek aid from the second.
Treygan thanks everyone for the information he's gained. When the supplies have been acquired, he'll stat to head to the Rusty Dragon. This gent's been abit quiet. Let's see if we can't get him to speak up abit. "Looks like this Walthus is a good place to start. Claiming to be warden out there, he'll probably know the area a good bit. What's your thoughts on it, Yamamoto?"
"I agree with you. We should make it our priority to find and speak with him. If he can give us a sense of the terrain, perhaps our foes will be at less of an advantage. As it stands now, we seek to walk into their territory. They surely know it well, but perhaps we will too, with a little guidance." Seiji holds the door of the Rusty Dragon open for Treygan.
As Joyabraund works the room, Broderus seeks out warrior-types like himself, thinking maybe a fellow brother or sister in arms will give him clearer, more tactical answers.
"Joyabraund, is it just me or is your head spinning as well? I can't make heads or tales of what these vagrants are telling us! A witch who lives in the marsh who may or may not be an undead creature? Digging undead in the fields! WHAT FIELDS! I think we got more answers than we can handle at this point!"
Broderus catches himself as his frustration starts to build and wipes a bit of slabber off his lip. "Maybe we should rejoin the others at the Rusty Dragon now. I know Treygan and Valcrim are locals, so they might know more of this witch or the dug up fields. I'm definitely up for a change in scenery."
"Aye, a slippery fella, like his pets," one of the salts answers with a grumble of a laugh. " 'Spose ya spend 'nough time alone in the deeps ya get to thinkin' the critters are same as folk. Lives of the newer fish trail. Would be first thing stamped down from the Lost Coast Road on yer way south, once ya smell the place."
"And thre ain't be much cause for thinkin' ya can't," another opines and the old salts share a belly laugh.
A third pulls a small, dented flask from his pocket and takes a sip, and offers it to you. "Fond of pear brandy, the Warden be. Has his own brand," he pauses and taps the side of his nose, "but he won't turn it up none to hospitality"
The drunk blinks large, runny brown eyes at Joyabraund. "Steven," he answers, and looks to his hands. "The dead diggin' in the Pauper's Graves."
Broderus finds a number of off duty militia men, the badges of their office laying to their side on the table, their ales half empty, though a full pitcher sits on their table.
"Erryone runnin' scared of the gobbos, but, if ye ask me," says one, "way they burnin' things don't seem, you know, deliberate. Attackin' wagons and such. More to be earnt in the city, no?"
This early in the evening, service is just picking up in the tavern. Seems a goodly amount of folk come for a cleaner pint and Ameiko's performances, and aren't like to be shy away because of economic troubles. A member of Ameiko's staff, a reasonably attractive young half elven woman greets you warmly at the door, and when you communicate that you'll be part of a larger party, she shows you to a larger table where one might expect to be seated to eat rather than drink and lays a few menus on the middle of the table. She spares a wary glance for Seiji before beaming a smile at Treygan.
"What might I bring you gentlemen while you wait?" she asks.
Valcrim takes a swig off the flask "A snake-wrangler bein' slippery, fittin' fer sure." he hums and wipes his mouth "Thank ye fer the information lads. Might Erastil give ye better fishin' in tha morrow."
As he comes back to the Rusty Dragon, he removes his helmet and scans the clientèle, lifting a hand in greeting as he passes the bar "Evenin' Ameiko. Tha usual," he states, referring to a large serving of medium rare steak, mushrooms, potatoes and gravy "an' a round o' tha northern dark fer tha lads at me table." he requests and puts down three gold pieces. "Should cover whatever tha lads be gettin', less they be orderin' fancy elven stuff."
17 (18 if Gathering Info)
13
Joyabraund nods as Steven relays his information and finishing that task moves about and checks in with the militia men. Satisfied that they have gained some interesting, if not questionable, information Joyabraund joins up with Broderus, I think we probably are done here. Shall we move on to the Dragon to meet up with our new companions?
"Not anything too strong today, probably going to be getting up early tomorrow. And some stew when the others arrive." After Seiji orders and the server leads, Treygan will make conversation and politely attempt to learn more Seiji. Treygan will be particularly interested in how he met Shalelu. Continues until the others show.
Treygan waves Valcrim over to their table. When he gets settled, "How'd the docks go Valcrim? Any good information? Ourselves we learned that this hermit's named Walthus Proudstump and claims to be the Warden of the swamp. Didn't get much news about any underhanded dealings or such, so I'm still gonna give him the benefit of the doubt 'til we meet up with him. With Sarenrae's blessing, he'll just be the second kind of hermit you know. Or was it the third? You know, just not the type to take to village life."
"Water, please, and some bread." Seiji turns his attention to Treygan, but does not meet his eyes. He responds to his questions about Shalelu, however: "Shalelu found me in the wilds. I had fled there after I had discovered my dislike of Riddleport. I was lost, hungry, and beset by wolves, and there she emerged. What is most amazing is that she fought of the beasts without killing a single one. With grace and strength, she knocked the alpha to the ground, and gave the others a single, sweeping look. They fled into the wood. I have since learned much of wolves and the other creatures of the Varisian wilderness, but never have I understood her dominance over the pack. I gave her thanks, and she gave me a new life. But you know her well yourself, do you not?"
Seiji smiles for the first time. "I am sorry, friend, I did not catch your name. What shall I call you? And how did you meet Shalelu?"
Seiji is content to let Treygan explain the details to Valcrim. Their minds are bent towards business, but they yet find room to laugh. Would that I could do the same.
"The name is Treygan Gorski, but my friends just call me Treygan. And I'm counting you amongst those , considering your willingness to help fight off the goblins.
As for Shalelu , most everyone in town knows of her, considering all she's done for it. 'Course she's the one who set me on my path initially. Friend of mine named Rufus and myself happened to get ourselves in one heck of a bind. When I was younger the two of us happened upon a goblin. Full of tales of glory, we decided to try and take him out. We managed to knock him out, but Rufus ended up going over the cliff. Thank the Dawnflower, his belt had caught him but he was knocked out. I climbed down to get him, but the goblin had friends that came up about then and began sawing the ropes. About then Shalelu came out of nowhere and took the little buggers down, one-handed even since the rope snapped and she was the only thing keeping us both from plummeting. That right there is the kind of hero I'm hoping to be. And let me tell you she let us have it for trying to take on a goblin on our own. " Treygan is very animated during the tale, one he's obviously told more than a few times.
"Indeed, Treygan, I count you as a friend. We are bound not only through our task in the swamp, but through Shalelu Andosana. As for my name, you may call me Seiji. Yamamoto is the name of my family."
"Tha ranger girl, eh?" Valcrim cannot help but wear a sheepish smile as they talk about Shalelu. "Aye, lads. Shalelu be a fine woman; mindful o' duty, strong, vigilant, an' nae afraid ta put 'er life on tha line ta kill accursed goblin scum!" he praises, before seeming to color quite a bit "I mean, fer an ELF, she- well, nae that there be anything WRONG with-" he pauses and drains his mead in one large swig, and puts the empty mug down with a slam of finality "So lads! Tha sailors said tha warden be a slippery feller, an' told me where we can be findin' 'im. I reckon we best talk ta 'im 'fore we be headin' deeper into tha marsh."
Broderus arrives at the door of the Rusty Dragon with Joyabraund likely at his side. He takes a peek inside and shakes off the last of the peanut shells from his boots, remarking "We're in luck, Joyabraund. This place looks a lot better than that hole in the wall, the Hagfish! Let's go find our companions and get some grub."
Seeing everyone seated at a large table in the common room, he quickly comes over and sets his gear down at the foot of the table. It makes a larger thud than expected, and he sighs just under his breath. I gather now it's time for the requisite introductions. These folks look like good people, just the kind I hoped to meet when I came up here, but it's so hard to open up about what happened. Even now I feel my mask coming back on when faced with potential questioning...
Looking suddenly uncomfortable, he grabs a menu and almost seems to shield his face with it. Assuming a business like manner, he speaks in a style more apt to giving a military briefing than conversing with friends.
"Good evening gents, I bring you my report from the Hagfish. I spoke with a couple militiamen there, and they described the goblin attacks against the caravans as not being deliberate. Sandpoint would be a more attractive target they guessed, so maybe we have something more sinister at hand than we reckoned? Joyabraund was able to chat with some of old salts, so I'll let him fill you in on that." His eyes quickly return to the menu, as if discouraging any further questions or discussion.
Curious enough, there is a good deal of fish dishes, but if you are not native to Sandpoint, you find some of the flavors attributed to them to be quiet alien. Indeed, there are some Tien inspired dishes, but also an assortment of dishes from several other cultures. If you have not eaten here before you might be wary of the quality, but the smells rolling from the kitchen are appetizing enough. The alcohol, however, is locally produced.
Ameiko Sing
On any other night, a collection of men wearing their gear to the table might have aroused a very different sort of attention from the patrons of the Dragon but with economics being what they are at the moent, you draw a good deal of worried glances. A serving girl takes your orders and picks up your menus , and disappears into the kitchen, presumably to place them. After a few moments a young woman with light olive skin and almond shaped eyes appears, wiping her hands on a small towel suspended from her apron, her dark hair pulled back tightly against her head. Her face is flush, and her smile is broad. She produces a pitcher and hums an enjoyable tune to which the occupants of the bar stools put rather bawdy lyrics, picking up the atmosphere considerably. The young woman joins in as she glides to your table, and places the pitcher and five pint glasses within Valcrim's reach.
"Our Master Smith is always welcome at my table," she says and beams a smile at Valcrim, "and you Brother Gorski. Your efforts to ensure the safety of this town are appreciated. Yamamoto Seiji, might you introduce your companions?" she inquires.
After a moment, the young Tien woman's mouth forms in an "O" as she appears to recall that she has not yet introduced herself. "Kaijutsu Ameiko," she says and offers a little bow, "I own this shop. And work the kitchens and the bar. Oh, and sing and play some, too."
Joyabraund bobble his head at Broderus as he sticks his head in the menu. More like "Brooderus"... the halfling laments half sticking his tongue out at the ranger.
Looking over a menu of his own Joyabraund is quite taken with options, Seasoned lamprey with mango...mhmm. Roasted kettlefish with pepper and spice...oooooh. Ah ha! Nothing like a hearty stew! I'll get THAT! Joyabraund, sitting in his chair with feet dangling not unlike a child, notes his own encounter in the Hagfish. There is a witch...who most say is not pretty but may have been at one time who may or may not be a "zombie" as well. There was one rather ah..."exasperated" gentleman who spoke of the dead scrabbling in the Pauper's Graves. Ehrm...I think one man said there was a snake that ate horses but he was quite drunk...and there was a charming...ehrm...she was quite interested in Halfling....lore...but I had to excuse myself, adventuring and all.
As Ameiko introduces herself the halfling bristles in wonderment, Did I not tell a story on her stage but a few weeks past? Am I so small that I am forgotten. OOooo! Perhaps I was hexed on the road with Sandru and people can only remember me half as long! That certainly would be a story!
Eager to make the more personal acquaintance of the Ameiko (Joyabraund after all is quite well-informed on the whose who of local celebrities) Joyabraund sits in eager anticipation for his somber Tian companion to introduce him.
Seiji looks up in genuine surprise. "Me?" he says, meekly. "If you know my name, sure you know theirs." He attempts a laugh, but it dies immediately in his throat. He looks away. "Joyabraund, the halfing. Treygan, devoted of Sarenrae. Valcrim, son of Torcrim, son of Delcrim, son of Balegar, and..." Seiji looks at Broderus apologetically. "Please pardon me. I do not know your name."
Joyabraund can't contain himself. Brooderus...er I mean Broderus is my companions name! And I am not a halfling! I mean...I am a halfling, but I am Joybraund Northropple a Teller of Tall Tales! A bard! A fellow appreciator of life's great mysteries and knowledge! AAahhh beer! Without any sense of shame Joyabraund will make action to pour everyone a glass and sips on his.
"Evening, Miss Ameiko. Stil pretty enough to make a man consider settling down." Treygan smiles at Ameiko, then turns to take the glass from Joyabraund.
Glancing at the table, he see Broderus staring into his menu. "So, Broderus. Why don't you tell us a little about yourself. I believe you said you were a tracker, right?" Treygan's attempt to get Broderus to open up is obvious.
Seiji cannot help but smile at Treygan's forward nature and Joyabraund's enthusiasm. He quickly hides any sign of amusement, however. Such strange, happy folk. Are they ready? Am I?
Seiji glances up at Broderus, waiting to see if the he will answer.
Valcrim gives a sigh of relief that his babbling on about the elf did not become a focal point and nods in appreciation when Joyabraund tops up his mug "Master Smith be a tad o' a reach. I be specialized in armors, only dabblin' in blacksmithin' an' weapons fer now." he corrects Ameiko "When I figure out how ta bind Torag's wards ta armor, then I might nae be adverse ta bein' called 'master'" he muses, eyes alight when talking about his god AND craft in one sentence.
He looks to Broderus "Didn't mean ta interrupt ye, lad. Like tha paladin said; ye be a tracker, nae? Any experience with marshland?"
Having reluctantly relinquished his menu and ordered a dish of grilled flounder, Broderus turns to face his companions. "Aye, I am a tracker, also known as a ranger in some parts of the world." He pauses for a moment to gauge everyone's reaction and then continues. "I hail from distant Eleder in Sargava so if any of you are from Cheliax or have Chelish kin, I seek no quarrel. My full name is Broderus Zandramas, son of Lord Druss Zandramas. Much apologies, master dwarf, but I'm afraid I do not remember my lineage any futher than my father's good name. I am mainly familiar with the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse but have learned a little about these northern wildlands while with the caravan. I'm far from an expert though but offer my humble services for our noble cause."
Towards the end of his introduction, he begins nervously fingering a ring which hangs from a chain around his neck but quickly stops if anyone notices. He also turns to Ameiko and bows his head slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well madam. You have a fine establishement here, and the smells coming from the kitchen have been making my mouth water since I darkened your door."
It's been a long time since I've spoken to another woman. A simple introduction shouldn't hurt, though it does bring back memories of her...
Valcrim raises an eyebrow "Sargava? Mwangi? Yer a far way from home, lad. And here I thought me comin' from me home in tha rocky north o' tha Land of tha Linnorm Kings was a trek!" the dwarf slaps his knee and gives a rumbling laugh "Ye earned tha moniker of Ranger at least, what with ye rangin' cross most tha continent!"
Knowledge (Geography) -
"Indeed, Broderus. You have come far." Seiji interjects, the surprise on his face evident. "I have heard many tales from that land. It is the only place in the world where one can find certain important alchemical ingredients, and the traders who brought them shared many stories. It sounds mysterious, deadly, and beautiful."
"Yes my friends, I have traveled a great distance though I am happy to be here now. I feel we have been given an opportunity to help this town, perhaps as a second chance for some of us." His voice trails off as he says this before his eyes come to rest on Seiji. He pauses for a long moment before continuing. "Everything you have heard is true and then some. The Expanse is a magical place; beauty unspoiled by the footsteps of mankind; danger ready to swallow you up and make you feel as insignificant as the dew on a tree frog's back. His eyes become moist as he describes his homeland, and he suddenly seems embarrassed and a bit taken back by his unexpected display of emotion.
Broderus pulls back in his seat, takes a bite of his supper, and when he looks up again, his face is now expressionless and blank. "So what's our plan for tomorrow morning? Depart at first light for the marshlands?" The change of subjects is abrupt, but he doesn't seem to notice or care.
Lady SM
"If you've yet to secure lodgings, you can have a room for free, and do not think of paying for the meal. Or..." she looks to Joyabraund. "You might. It has been ages since I've heard a new tale. Perhaps if Broderus were to whisper in your ear, you could weave one worthy of majesty of his homeland?" she suggests, smile warm and comforting.
Valcrim muses a bit, seeming to contemplate the question put forth by the ranger "I say we be departin' at tha early light, so we be gettin' as much daylight as possible. Focus on findin' this Walthus feller first, see if he be wise to tha location o' tha goblins, an' other dangers." he suggests and lines up a few coins, a pepper and a salt shaker, placing the pepper shaker first "Broderus, I reckon ye be best suited fer takin' tha lead, so we don't be walkin' into sinkholes an' such. Followed by Treygan ta' have our stronger guys first. Then Seiji an' Joyabraund in tha middle, so we can keep them cover'd." he lines up the coins in a row then sets down the salt-shaker last "I'll be keepin' up tha rear, since I've got good eyes an' should be able ta fend off anythin' that be tryin' ta take us from behind." the dwarf finishes, seeming quite animated when talking about strategy.
Realizing he is getting a bit ahead of himself, Valcrim gives a somewhat embarrassed chuckle "Sorry, habit o' makin' a strategy o' everythin'..." he explains and taps his holy symbol "Torag be tha god o' strategy an' protection as well as tha creator. We be taught ta think like our creator, an' never let ourself be prone ta recklessness. I'll admit I can be gettin' a wee bit zealous at times."
"Nothing wrong with that, Valcrim. Glad to know someone's thinking ahead for us. With Torag and Sarenrae on our side, those goblins just don't have any idea what's coming for them tomorrow.". Treygan gives a small laugh at that, then turns serious for a moment. "First light does sound the best strategy. Not quite certain how far the marsh is, but I'd rather not be bumbling around it at night. Either way, tomorrow will bring what it will, and we can only face it head on!" The smile returns to Treygan's face.
Broderus reassures Valcrim, "Your creator Torag is wise and understanding. You need not apologize for being prepared and ready to battle the evils of the world. I've seen the other side of the coin and being lax only brings death and misery to yourself and those you've sworn to protect."
With a grim smile, he then turns to Joyabraund and presses up close to him. Whispering, he says, "Here's a tale for your skillful lips to craft for our generous host:"
Joyabraund nods slowly as Broderus whispers the details of his story. As the ranger finishes Joyabraund's face scrunches up,, That's all you got? It's a good thing you met me to fill in the details! With a reassuring pat on Broderus' shoulder Joyabraund dismounts from the chair. Sauntering (yes sauntering) over to a clear place to perform (or stage if available). Heedless of the chatter of the room Joyabraund will wait for a slight downward shift in the ebb and flow of the conversations and then break in with a clear, trained voice much more robust that the halfling normally speaks with.
and darkness lies in the heart of the great jungle. The Mwangi Expanse! Unsullied by modern civilization. The tomb of cultures long dead. In its heart? Saventh-Yhi! A city of mystery. Some say riches. Some say death. All say?...it must be explored. The halfling prances about his stage wheeling his arms in excitement as he eases himself into his tale.
A party! Adventurers. Not unlike we here in Sandpoint have seen before, seek to test their mettle in the shadows of the ancient city. And what they saw...will amaze you.
Joyabraund sticks to the basics. A group of adventurers delve too far into an ancient city, awaken a giant serpent and must wrestle with it amongst the ruins of the jungle while other threats seek to capitalize on the party's weakness. Death defying acts of heroism. A few moments of poignant interplay. Will they die? Won't they? Joybraund narrates (using oratory) but attempts to ramp up the drama by playacting some of the scenes. If anyone knows anything about the Expanse they probably realize that half of what the halfling says is dead wrong. (Tall Tales. Not True Tales.)
Seiji watches Joyabraund perform with a mix of enjoyment and bewilderment. I wonder, if we come through this trial in the swamp, how he might he share the outcome?
After the halfling has finished, Seiji turns to Valcrim, careful not to look the dwarf directly in the eye. "First light would be best. Your wisdom is sound, and I trust you to manage our formation well. I will tell you, though, that I am a tracker and scout myself, though likely not as skilled as Broderus. I know plain and forest, but not marshland. Still, I may be of best use some small distance ahead, perhaps near our ranger."
Broderus claps loudly during Joyabraund's performance, and his mood rises almost inspite of himself. That little halfling always cheers me up; it was that way during our time together on the caravan and it continues tonight on the eve of our expedition. Maybe one day I will truly be able to call him a friend, if in fact I am able to feel those feelings. Seiji's words bring him back from his moment of introspection.
"It sounds like we're all in agreement then. We'll set out at dawn tomorrow morning, and Seiji and I can scout a few paces ahead once we reach the marshlands. I'm going to retire for the night soon, as these goblins will likly test us. I'll be renting a room here at the Dragon, so would you like to meet up here again?"
"Meeting here's fine with me. Myself, gonna head back home for the night. Would like to share a drink with the folks before heading out for luck. Probably best if I get heading now in fact for the same reason. Until the dawn." Treygan will take his leave for the evening.
Valcrim seems rather amused at the halfling's performance, but keeps his silence until he returns "A good story, lad! Tha moment with tha beheadin' demon-parrots was freaky indeed." he shudders "Best nae tell tha snake-lovin' warden tha part with tha killin' o' tha big snake, if tha rumors he be a snake-lover be true." he winks and chuckles.
Valcrim muses at the suggestions of Seiji and Broderus "Well, nature an' scoutin' be yer specialty, so one'd be foolish ta argue. But keep yerself within' reasonable distance. We be nae very fast on our feet what with a dwarf, a halfling, an' Treygan wearin' plate."
I am not sure where you are going with rolling two checks. If you're telling a story, stick with Oratory. If you were just miming, then go with acting. I assume with the Oratory roll you're not just reading poetry from a trapper keeper on amateur night, and are actually telling a story. Too much television these days, I think people forget the power of a good public speaker to tell a story.
The patrons of the Dragon very much enjoy Joyabraund's tale. The infusion of new and exotic stories of dangers far from their homes allows them to forget for that time he is upon the stage that their livelihoods rest upon your shoulders. Though times are difficult, they reward the jovial halfling storyteller with nine silver pieces for his story.
You retire for the evening to your various places of rest, knowing that early in the morning you will meet again and travel south to the Brinestump Marsh in search of Warden Walthus Proudstump, the key to recognizing or perhaps dismissing some of the dangers of the swamp, and to finding your goblin quarry.
The mist hangs heavy this fine spring morning, bathing the faces of those with a walk in morning dew as they walk to the Dragon. You see very few persons on the street in these hours, save the small and skilled folk hurrying to the glassworks and Sandpoint's "stable" industries.
As you enter the common room of the Dragon, you are treated to a rare yet not unwelcome sight, the lithe figure of Shalelu Androsana leaning over the bar scowling at a large piece of parchment. The female elf has her bow slung over her shoulder and her armor is threaded with several sprigs of vegetation and various splotches of mud and foul smelling gunk. The flush in her face speaks more of vigor and activity, and perhaps anger than anything remotely feminine in nature. Ameiko is behind the bar, still wearing her robe and a sleepy expression, her dark hair matted to one side of her face. Both are speaking in hushed tones, apparently unaware of your entrance...
Ever one to break the silence, Treygan calls out, "With that look on your face, I certainly wouldn't want to cross you today." Treygan proceeds to walk up and extend his hand towards the elf. "Haven't seen you in awhile, Shalelu. Hopefully your travels have been more welcoming than your expression."
Valcrim is as punctual as the automatons that serve his god, singing a goblin-hunting tune terribly off key as he enters, full of inappropriate visual imagery and bad rhymes. "Smash a skull -never dull- dye yer hammer red~ in tha goblin head... well, I'll be a gnome's uncle! Been a while since I've seen ye, elf!"
"Tha' scrap o' scribbles got ye upset, an' if ye former hero types be upset, I figure it'd be worrisome indeed..." he reasons and moves closer to inspect the paper.
Seiji makes his way downstairs into the front room, groggily rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Perhaps I am getting too accustomed to the Dragon's soft beds. Perhaps I shall sleep on the floor tonight. If we return.
What is that racket?
Seiji, jarred by Valcrim's song, doesn't notice Shalelu until the dwarf addresses her. The moment he sees her, though, he forgets the others within the room and falls into a deep bow.
Swigging down the last of his herbal tonic, Broderus glides down the stairs fully awake now and ready to face the day. His breastplate is shaded an olive green color, the result of an application of his camouflage paste. Hoping to be the first person down this morning, he is a bit dismayed to already see Treygan, Valcrim, and Seiji in the common room. So much for scouting ahead...
He is intrigued by the elven warrior at the bar speaking with Ameiko and notices the rest of his comrades seem to know her. Not one to force himself into a conversation, Broderus is comfortable to fade into the background and simply listen.
The elven woman turns at Treygan's greeting, meeting his with a scowl, which fades into a smirk as Valcrim arrives vocalizing his joy about slaying goblins. She takes the parchment in her fist and presents it to you all, and even upside down, you recognize Sheriff Belor's conscription notice.
"I should have thought you equal to the task, Flinthammer," she says, a sour smile on her face. She drops the notice on the floor where it soaks up the leavings of her muddy boots, and Ameiko, slowly gaining recognition of the walking mess in her bar, frowns. "I would wager that the paper soldier advised you to seek out Walthus Proudstump," she sneers. "As though one who never leaves his cell could ever be afforded the title warden."
Her welcome delivered, Shalelu recognizes Seiji with a nod.
Valcrim chuckles "Settle down, lass. There'll still be plenty o' gobbos left fer ye ta kill. I reckon ye be cunning 'nough ta realize tha potential fer a grander stompin', nae? We muck about in tha bog an' stamp out tha lair o' these things, while ye, with yer fast legs an' nature-wits can ensure we dinnae spend our energy on a bluster when they be runnin'." he emphasizes and slams his fist into his palm "I be seekin' ta exterminate tha vermin ta tha last, an' between us, we should be equal to that task, nae?" he grins and slaps her on the shoulder "Give us a smile, elf. We gonna be killin' goblins! Tha one thing our people have been agreein' on since tha dawn o' time!"
He looks to the soggy parchment and shakes his head "Come now, Shally, ye've been protectin' this town since most anyone care ta remember. Everyone knows what ye've done fer everyone. No-one goin' ta be denyin' ye've fairly earned yer pride."