As you turn in for the night before going off to see where that hole in the ground leads, one of Ameiko's servants arrive with a message. "Ameiko.. ahem, I mean, Lady Kaijitsu has informed me that a patron of hers has arrived in town recently and could be of some assistance with your further investigations. She said that they will meet you in the morning at breakfast."
Mÿsari takes a deep breath as she steps from the gangplank and onto the docks in Sandpoint Harbor. "Two years and fourteen days... seems like yesterday," she sighs softly and starts toward market. The smells of the salty air and fresh fish linger on the ocean breeze. Memories of the fish market and the main town square came flooding back her. Thoughts of her parent's and their large stalls at the market had always made her smile. Everything was simple then. They fished and they prayed.. mainly for more fish. Most years, the yield was bountiful and selling the catch at the market in Sandpoint always meant happy days for her family.
As she nears the end of the dock, an echoing crash of glass and shouts bring a smile to her lips. Although she would never had visited the Fatman's Feedbag in the past, her recent experiences in the north have brought a sense of confidence that the young woman had never previously known. The temptation to take a peek inside the notorious establishment was too great.
Turning south along the boardwalk, she came within feet of the doorway when a drunk half-orc stumbled from the tavern. A broad grin came upon the hulking man when he took notice of Mÿsari, and he bent low. Whether he meant to bow to the pretty girl or just needed to vomit, the inevitable happened and Mÿsari continued right past the sailor as he convulsed upon his hands and knees. Muttering under her breath, the young incanter gestured at the harbor and a spray of salty water washed away the half-orc's offering, and the scent of fresh cut flowers settled down upon him.
"Oh, for the mercy of Gozreh, let me get myself a warm bath... and see Ameiko." Turning down Salmon Street, she saw the Rusty Dragon in the distance and her pace quickened. Coming to the main door, she stopped and gathered herself. Adjusting her robes and slipping on a few pieces of bling, she opened the tavern door and stepped inside.
Milah nods, "Some help would be appreciated, I'm sure." Especially since it looks like we might have to fight off a full-scale invasion before long...
She turns in for the night but sleeps fitfully, visions of demons and ogres invading her dreams. The memories fade quickly upon waking, however, and she makes her way down to breakfast.
Mysari steps in to be warmed by the familiar smells of Ameiko's exotic but extremely palatable food. The morning crowd consists of mostly some of the local guides and out of town workers, but you also see a group of people that look a little more out of place. Two of them look like they belong in the wilds of Vudra while another is a dwarven woman who looks as if she'd be more at home in the woods than in this tavern. The last, the only male among them, is the only one who looks as if he belongs in Sandpoint, with is simple boyish looks that contrast with the eyes that look as if they've seen too much conflict. As they start to notice Mysari, Bethana comes running out of the kitchen and embraces Mysari, even though her halfling stature only allows her to hug the Varisian's belly.
"By the gods girl, it is you. Friend of mine from the North said you were coming home and I didn't dare believe it until you walked in. Let me get you something to eat and we can talk about your travels." She starts to walk away and then stops. Turning around she sighs. "You're here for them aren't you?", her head nods towards the table with the odd folk. "No worries. We'll have time to catch up later, I'll go get that food."
Given her reception, Milah notes the newcomer with interest. She's been in the north a while, then...and coming home, so originally from here?
"Hello, Bethana! How are you? I hear there's been trouble in Sandpoint, so I came as fast as I could... Some home cooking would be great!" Mÿsari beams a smile at the halfling. As Bethana scurries into the kitchen, the Incanter observes the other guests about the Rusty Dragon Inn. Noting the catfolk eyeing her with interest, Mÿsari smiles and nods in her direction.
Finding a table near the group, she sets her backpack upon it and raises her hand. A cold chill wisks through the room and Mÿsari's skin turns a pale blue for an instant. Motioning with her hand and murmuring under her voice, the chair scoots back by itself and she gracefully sits with a little sigh of relief and comfort.
Aurica was seated at the breakfast table with the others, already wearing her leather armor, and was just putting the first spoonful of eggs in her mouth when her eyes widened in surprise at the cold and the chair that moved without a touch. "I wonder what else she can do," she whispered to her companions after gulping down that first bite of breakfast.
She looks directly at the woman, waves, and says, "Good morning! My name is Aurica. What's yours?"
"Mÿsari. Pleased to meet you," she says extending an open hand. She begins to stand when she notices Aurica's distinct tiefling features. Staring at the hedgewitch's tail, she flushes slightly, opening and closing her mouth several times. "I'm sorry... but that must come in handy!?"
Bethana returns with Mysari's meal and places it on the table next to her. She then sits and listens to the conversation. It's all she can do to not interrupt..
Milah returns the smile, eyes widening slightly at the show of power. Well, that's something you don't see every day... "My name's Milah. Am I correct in supposing you're the one Ameiko said was offering to help us?"
"Oh! I suppose so. I had sent word that I was on my way and offered to help, but I haven't heard or see Ameiko yet. But if you are the ones that helped defend Sandpoint, then I'm happy to offer my services," Mÿsari says with a big smile as she stands up.
Maerra makes her way over to the table after a few moments. Ah! That cool makes me think of home. Mixed memories you might say. If you're offering help though, can you make anything of this?" She tosses and catches a vial of red liquid before passing it over.
A few minutes after her name is mentioned, Ameiko Kaijitsu, now head of the Kaijitsu household, stumbles in with a pile of scrolls and books in her hands. When she sees Mysari though she drops them on the nearest table and rushes to hug her friend, then smiles and gives morning hugs all around your table. "I am so glad all of you have met already. If anyone can tell you what's in that bottle, Mysari here can. Has she told you of her legend? Oh! I get ahead of myself, sorry. So busy this morning. I know you still have things to do and," she sighs, looking at the pile of paperwork. "So do I." She goes back to her materials and gathers them up. "We'll catch up later, Mysari. I have much to tell you."
If recent events are affecting her, Ameiko is showing little of it on her face. It seems all the business of her household has her occupied for the moment. You watch as she leaves and goes into her office in the back. Presently, Mysari is looking at the bottle placed in front of her.
"Legend?!" Mÿsari bursts out in a loud laugh. "Hardly... I was just blessed to be saved by the mercy of Gozreh" she says blushing and bows her head slightly toward Ameiko. "It would be lovely to catch up with you. I'm so glad to see you safe."
Mÿsari gently takes the vial from Maerra and holds it up to the light from the torches above. A soft breeze blows through her hair, and the young incanter shakes her head subtly. Her skin flushes and a hint of blue cascades over her complexion.
She smiles back at the dwarf and removes the cork. "It is magical, that much is clear. Yet, its aura is confusing to me. I suspect it was brewed by someone much more powerful than I," she sighs. "I suspect that it is a potion with some slight curative properties should you be injured."
Mÿsari sniffs the cork and touches her right index finger to the moistened end. Dabbing her finger upon her tongue, her grin broadens and she nods convinced. "Yes. It tastes of elderberries and a hint of belladonna. This combination is usually found in concoctions meant to accelerate the healing process. I am certain that it is a healing potion." She holds the vial out to Maerra with both hands after replacing the cork.
Zev watches the newcomer closely as the other's vocally welcome her.
At Ameiko's entrance and warm greeting to Mysari, Zev visibly relaxes, pushing his chair back and gathering Mysari up into a big , friendly hug.
Setting her back down, Zev says simply, "Ameiko's friend is Zev's friend. And you're pretty too."
He then sits back down and resumes breakfast.
Mÿsari stares at the large man in quiet disbelief. What started as shock and offense, quickly subsided to laughter at the unexpected gentleness of Zev. "Oh! Haha!" the Varasian laughs. "And you're quite strong!" She straightens her robes, touching her necklace out of nervous habit. "So... have the goblins been taken care of? Or are we expecting more from them? I guess I mean to ask... What can I do to help?"
Milah answers, voice hushed so as not to alarm others nearby. "We took care of part of the problem; Ameiko's half-brother and some of his...recruits. However, there appear to be plans for a larger-scale invasion, and we need to deal with or disrupt them somehow."
Aurica adds, "And when we apprehended Tsuto last night we also found a tunnel had been dug leading out from the Glassworks lower level. We want to explore it this morning."
"Tsuto was behind the goblin attacks?!? That is... well, disappointing," Mÿsari says with a furrowed brow. Looking down past her trembling hands, she shakes her head. The incanter looks up at the group and lets out a long sigh. "It is not surprising that there is someone or something behind Tsuto," Mÿsari nods in agreement. "The tunnels should be explored and quickly. When do we leave?" she concludes, standing up and clapping her hands.
"Let me find a crowbar and we can go. I, er, might have jammed the door to the tunnel shut as tight as a kobolds' earhole. Might as well finish your drink at least." Maerra stands, finishes her own drink in one long draught and heads out walking briskly.
Fireday, 4 Lamashan, 4707, 12:56pm. 54 degrees, light wind.
You arrive at the Glassworks to find it cordoned off with rope. On approaching the main entrance, one of the militia, Hallis, approaches. "Hey there. Mayor Deverin wanted to keep everyone out of here until Lady Lonjiku has her affairs straightened out.", he moves to take one piece of rope to the side. "Thing is, her Ladyship stopped by this morning to tell us you were coming by to clean up. Be careful in there."
When you enter into the building, it seems just as you had left it. The reminders of the fights you had and the mess that the goblins left remain, though at least the small has diminished. Somewhat.
You make your way to the stairs that lead down to where the tunnel was bricked over by Maerra yesterday. It remains as it was.
It doesn't take long for Maerra to remove the work she had done. The hole opens to reveal a long tunnel that extends far beyond the current range of your vision. No sound escapes but that of dripping water...
Milah sighs, "Well, here we go. Maerra, would you lead the way? Good as my eyes are, they can't compete with your own." She then waits for the others to proceed before bringing up the rear.
Aurica enacts her aura of light as they proceed downward.
Maerra nods and gets her axe and hammer out in case there's goblins down here too.
You travel as a group down the long tunnel for about ten minutes or so, looking at each side of this carved out tunnel. Aurica's light shows that there is some dampness on the walls and only once or twice do you see any sort of running water in the form of tiny droplets coming from the sides of one wall. Everything seems normal until you come rather abruptly to a dead end. The tunnel just stops.
.
Zev seems fine bringing up the rear, agreeably waiting for each woman to enter the tunnel before bending his head and following....
Mÿsari follows the group down into the tunnels below the Glassworks. Unsure of the dark surroundings, she pauses a moment, "Uh... I can't really s... Oh, thank you, Aurica!" she stammers as the trifling brightens up the dank passageway. Nestling in between Aurica and Milah, she keeps a constant vigilance about the place.
Never wanting to be is such a confined space, Mÿsari is visibly uncomfortable. Not until she distracts herself with the moisture gathering on the stone walls, does she seem to relax a bit. The varasian runs her right index finger along the wall, collecting water and examining it with the aid of Aurica's aura. The comfort of the cool liquid stays her nerves and she begins to help search as the group finds a dead end.
"Careful of that rope... the one attached to that loose rock. I wouldn't want anyone to trip down here!" she says to Maerra as the dwarf kicked the rock with her boot revealing the triggering mechanism. "Is that? Oh, by the timelessness of Gozreh, is that seam? Perhaps there is a hidden doorway here!"
Indeed, Mysari has found the hidden door that is activated by moving the rock. It slides open to reveal a small cave with an opening to the outside. The smell of the sea washes over you as the light from the opening shows you, along with your nose, that this was a goblin sleeping area, full of garbage, half eaten rotten meat, and shiny knickknacks. Looking out over the opening shows you a small path that leads down to the shores of the Varisian Gulf, its blue waters promising relief from the stench.
Just past a couple of the goblin beds you notice two small tunnels that branch off. One is wide open and continues a ways past your light and the other looks to have been bricked over at one point, but the bricks are now strewn to the side of it. This tunnel goes about 20 paces and then takes a sharp right turn, out of your line of sight. It is difficult to hear anything down either tunnel over the echo of the breeze in the cave and the washing up of the tide.
Milah whispers to the others, "I suggest we head into the tunnel that's been bricked over. It seems to me that we're more likely to find something interesting there; otherwise, why brick it over at all?"
Mÿsari smiles at the swashbuckler, "I would agree, Milah. Whether the bricks were meant to keep someone from getting in or getting out, they have been purposely disassembled. It looks suspicious!"
"This won't take but a moment though -" Maerra takes those twenty paces and peeks around the corner briefly before returning.
Dwarven boots ring on the stone as she heads over and back. "Just had to see if there was anything down the other way before we left. Covering our backs, y'know?"
Aurica agrees with the others. "Sounds good to me. Let's go on into this tunnel that was blocked."
As you group you take the turn and head down probably another hundred feet before Maerra notes that the cave tunnel splits into a few directions, each leading off into the darkness somewhere ahead.
.
Maerra moves to the first intersection and takes a look around.
Aurica's left ear flicks, and she whispers to the others, "Did you hear something?"
Milah listens as well, hearing nothing herself.
Zev stops as everyone else does, he hears Aurica's question and bends his ear forward but hears nothing untoward...
He the waits patiently for the ladies to continue...
Mÿsari leans back close to Zev and tries to assist him.
As Maerra turns the corner, she sees something coming at her with a raised weapon. Though humanoid, its overlarge jaws and slavering tongue tell you it is something else. You don't have much time to think as it moves in for the attack!
.
Alerted by Aurica, Maerra just barely has time to react before the unknown humanoid. She charges axe-first at the slavering monster. "Taste this afore you go hunting the Sandpointers!"
As Mÿsari leans back, Zev blinks , his nostrils suddenly filled with the pleasant scent of the wizard's hair. He's about to say something simple and sincere, when he realizes he hears something ahead.
"Excuse me...pardon me...." he says as he rushes forward, gently moving his big body around the slighter bodies of his companions.
Rounding the corner he see's Maerra engaged in battle with whatever is was that he heard.
Striding forward, his flail comes free from his belt and is soon whistling through the air....
Milah, caught unawares, is able only to stare blankly at the approaching creature...
Zev moves as best he can through the women to see what all the commotion was about, but Aurica's power only shows him glimpses before Maerra goes running ahead, axe held high. The thing is almost surprised as the weapon cleaves through the air and catches it before it is able to catch you unawares. Blood spatters in a wide arc, but in only screams at you. In retaliation it strikes back at Maerra with the weapon in its hands...
.
Round 1
Zev moves forward...to take up position beside Maerra...his flail swinging at the creature threatening his friend.