Sarden Turoc |
Sarden prays to the setting sun and prepares his bedroll for the night. He watches as his companions prepare themselves.
"Though this is a well traveled route, I think it would be wise to post a watch through the night. How would you like to pair up for watches?" Sarden says to the gathered group.
Dred 'Scythe' Mardock |
*Dred's thoughts on the way back to meet the group.*
Excellent! Let's hope I won't need this necklace so I can save Alistair.
Glandur Mithrennon |
Between careful bites of the rations, Glandur adds his two coppers regarding watch duty. "I'll take first watch with you, Arelian." The hawk hops over from the bedroll by where Glandur is sitting, and he breaks off a few chunks of bread for the bird.
Glandur Mithrennon |
As the conversation dies down, Glandur gets to thinking about the upcoming task. "You know, I can see a couple of problems with what's waiting for us." He takes a deliberate scan across the group. "As big a group as we are, we may feel a bit cramped if we all move together from room to room. Also, if it really is a haunting, as in something ghost like, I'm not sure how well we can handle that. Even with the holy water we managed to pick up." The hawk screeches at that, and Glandur offers the rest of the bread before pulling out a book and browsing through it, as if in search of something.
Arelian Rastler |
"I think it might be a good idea to drop into town first and talk with Sheriff Hemlock, hopefully he'll have a bit more information about the house." Arelian said "After that we can see what's the best approach once we arrive to the house."
Glandur Mithrennon |
With a sigh, Glandur closes and stows the book. "Sadly, my masters have failed in instructing me properly in the handling of the dead...or rather...the undead. It may be best to rely on our more divinely inspired compatriots here."
Glandur smiles at the mention of Belor the Sheriff. Despite his most eager intentions to strike out on his own, Glandur cannot deny the tinge of homesickness that he is feeling. "It will be good to get his help and support in this matter."
Arelian Rastler |
"We'll do the best we can. Though it may not be haunted in the undead sense." Arelian said "Without knowing what sort of research Kellesta was up to we could worry ourselves all night."
"Orb said Kellesta was an Alchemist of a sort, I know that Sunrods work through some sort of alchemy, which could explain the lights in the house. Arelian waved his hand in a way indicating he knew his argument was flimsy. "Though why Sheriff Hemlock wouldn't of found anything if that were the case...I don't know."
Deirdre "Dee" Sarini |
"Haunted isn't the kind of thing that just happens all of the time, I mean people die often and the whole world's not just haunted. If there's some kind of toss up between spirits and something else then I'm going to say it's the something else option...which will probably be easier to deal with," Dee says as she slides into her sleeping bag.
GM Waterhammer |
The night passes without incident, and morning dawns, cool and breezy. Yesterday's fluffy white clouds have grown darker and more numerous. The wind has become gusty, stripping the yellow or scarlet leaves from the trees and sending them dancing through the crisp fall air.
Starday, 13 Lamashan. 4714 AR.
The day passes without event, mid afternoon finds you crossing the Foxglove River, on a covered bridge. You pass two farms on the right, set well back from the road. On the left, the ground descends toward Brinestump Marsh.
Next comes the Soggy River, which is crossed by a low stone bridge. The low hulk of Ashen rise can be seen ahead, but the road turns toward the West to avoid that highland. The road does make its way across Ashen Moor, a rocky upland, with few trees. About four miles past the Soggy River bridge, the road takes you out on the cliffs overlooking the Varisian Gulf. From there the road follows the crest of the cliff, toward the northeast.
As the sun sets, the road finds its way down into Cougar Creek ravine, then across Cougar Creek through a gravely ford. From the Cougar Creek crossing it's only five miles to Sandpoint.
First, though, the road finds a tortuous path over the Western spur of Ravenroost Mountain, and through the heavy forest that cloaks its lower slopes.
Finally, the forest breaks and the Turandarok River bridge beckons. Beyond, Sandpoint climbs the slope, away from the river. The town is lit by lamplight from its windows, and a scattering of outside lamps. In the background, the Old Light stands, a silhouette against the starry sky.
A lamp, at the south end of the Turandarok River bridge, illuminates a sign reading: "Welcome to Sandpoint! Please stop to see yourself, as we see you!" A mirror is fastened to the post, above the sign.
Jordi of Kenabres |
Jordi approaches to the mirror and looks himself on it, giving his best smile, and waits for some sign or a coming guard.
This is interesting.
Says trying to see something behind his own image on the mirror.
Glandur Mithrennon |
Glandur's mood lightens as he approaches SandPoint. "Perhaps we should settle in first? I don't know if anyone needs final preparations or want to visit about town tonight. If Sheriff Hemlock is around we should at least touch base with him. It may be best to wait until morning for paying the estate a visit, though."
He urges his horse forward and takes the lead. "I know just the place for us!" As he leads on, he notices the music in the air. I wonder what festivities is going on...
To the Rusty Dragon Inn? Also, is the music part of typical evening revelries, or would this be unusual for the night for a native to hear?
Arelian Rastler |
"I like this place already." Arelian said looking at the sign and mirror. "They seem like a nice and friendly sort."
"That sounds great." Arelian nodded looking at Nym and Glandur. "A place to stay sounds right about what we need now."
Dred 'Scythe' Mardock |
Better greet Ameiko then... I wonder if Shalelu is still around?
"Yes, I feel as though the Rusty Dragon is most well known establishment here in Sandpoint for adventurers so I'm not surprised you mentioned it by name, Nym." says Dred as he leads the way to the inn.
GM Waterhammer |
The bridge opens out onto Market street, on the right, stands a large brick building, the Two knight Brewery. On the left, a row of houses. The houses are lit within, the brewery not.
A street branches off to the right, behind the brewery. A pair of uniformed, armed men wait in the shadows, across this street (River St.)from the brewery. One, seated on a crate, holds a longbow. The other, standing leans on a ranseur. Both have shortswords and saps at their belts.
The standing fellow calls out in greeting. "Hail travelers. You can tie up your horses at the Goblin Squash. I think Daviren is at the Rusty Dragon, he can tend to them for you."
The watchman gestures on up Market Street with a thumb. The Goblin Squash Stable is just a short way up the street, and the Rusty Dragon is right next to it.
Those who have been to Sandpoint will know that neither one of the guards is Sheriff Hemlock.
Arelian Rastler |
"A tavern for adventurers? Arelian said smiling at the guards. "That sounds perfect."
"Lets go find a place to sit down, stable the horses and get something to eat. Not at all in that order!"
Glandur Mithrennon |
Glandur chuckles at Nym's description of good ol' Rusty Dragon. "Why, it's almost like I never left." He nods at the guards and bid them good evening, a bit embarrassed he couldn't put names to them. Then again, with his teachers working him so hard, it's a wonder he remembers anything outside the arcane trivia they practically force into his mind. As he reminisces, he reflexively conjures up a small orb of dim light, which dances to his slight efforts of concentration.
Deirdre "Dee" Sarini |
Once inside of the tavern Dee wastes no time letting the festivities get under way. "Bar keep, a pitcher for my table--all you've got to do is pour it, I'll carry the bloody thing over," she says with a wink as she approaches the counter top of the bar.
"Maybe we really ought to not have more than a couple really strong ones. If we have to fight someone I at least want the luxury of knowing that's why I'm sore tomorrow."
Jordi of Kenabres |
Well, a light drink with a light meal before going to rest. Says Jordi, surprised to se a lively town like this at night.
And tomorrow, we will pay a visit to the sheriff. I guess is not necessary that all of us go, but I'll let the decision to the ones that know him more.
GM Waterhammer |
The Rusty Dragon is not as busy as could be expected on a Starday night, still the crowd is large enough. Three tough looking sawyers sit at a corner table, hassling each other.
A card game is going on in another corner. A townie, a fisherwoman, a farmer, and a guard all seem to be having the same level of luck. No one's pile of coppers is much greater than the other's.
At another table, to the side, sit two young, pretty, women, accompanied by a rather large and fierce looking Shoanti man. The ladies are drinking wine, the Shoanti is glowering at his beer mug.
The bar is tended by a rather thin, pale fellow, who moves with quick efficiency. An elderly halfling woman(Bethana Corwin), serves the tables. On the low stage, back near the bar, an attractive Tien woman(Ameiko Kaijitsu), with a roguish glint in her eye, and a serpentine dragon tattoo on her arm, strums on a mandolin.
At a center table, a man in rough clothes (Daviren Hosk) plays dominoes with a man in merchant's garb (Ven Vinder). Daviren stands as you enter, mug still in hand. "Need some help with your horses, folks? I own the Goblin Squash Stables, next door. The best, heh! Really, the only stables in Sandpoint. Only a silver shield, per head, per day."
The bartender smiles at Dee. "A pitcher, of course." He returns the Tiefling's wink. If a fight's what you want, you should try the Fatman's feedbag. Then you could bet on yourself. Fool crew of regulars there tonight, too I'd bet. They're not the kind to appreciate the theater..."
Dred 'Scythe' Mardock |
Dred ties up his horse near the Rusty Dragon and enters. After a quick look around the room and listening to Daviren, he looks into his coin pouch, shakes his head...
Barely enough to cover the next few days.
... before picking out one silver piece and flipping it to Daviren Hosk. "Here's mine. Our horses are out front. I'll bring her in to your stable a bit later if you don't mind."
Dred then walks towards the edge of the low stage and watches Ameiko play. When she notices him, Dred will take off his mask momentarily and wink at her before putting it back on. He's careful not to let his hood fall off though.
Maybe she knows something about this haunted manor.
Arelian Rastler |
"That works for me. Arelian said paying Daviren.
"Phew! I like being on the road as much as the next person." Arelian said "But there's always something about arriving to a place and being able to settle in."
Arelian will order a meal for himself and the first round of whatever drinks the party wants after finding a table for the group to relax by.
Nym Voron |
Nym follows the other into the inn, and pays for his mounts stabling.
He looks into his moneypouch and smiles.
"The first round is on me friends!" he says and moves to pay the barkeep.
He waves at Ameiko as he sits, not wanting to disturb her playing.
Glandur Mithrennon |
Glandur follows with a silver of his own. "Thanks Davirern." While hoping for a bit of gossip, the number of people needing care pushes that to a later time. He joins the group and smiles at Arelian's generosity. As the halfling server come by to take the order from the group, Glandur greets her warmly. "How are things going Bethana? How about some mead and bread, and what do you recommend for food tongight?"
Sarden Turoc |
Sarden looks longingly towards the rooms, but will not leave his new companions quite so early despite his fatigue.
Well, since a few of you are from the area, perhaps you should be the ones to initiate our contact with the Sheriff." Sarden says as he takes one of the proffered mugs and drinks.
GM Waterhammer |
Daviren Hosk accepts the silver pieces, then steps out into the night, beer mug still in hand. "I'll get those beauties watered, fed, and brushed down. Don't you worry."
Ameiko returns Dred's wink, seems she still remembers him. Of course, people who meet either Dred or Sarden are unlikely to forget.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"The salt-water bass is sooo good tonight. Mistress found a fresh caught batch at Valdemar's, today. We deep fried it in my special beer batter. It's like a light and fluffy bit o' heaven." Bethana tells Glandur. Her voice is loud enough so that everyone at the table can hear. Bethana scurries off to find some bread and fetch some mead from behind the bar. When she returns she takes orders from whoever wants food. (The Rusty dragon can cater to many needs, but it may take awhile, if it's something that has to be prepared. The fish-fry is hot and ready.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ameiko finishes her recital, and sets the mandolin aside. She catches the eye of the burly shoanti man. "You're up, Dougar." The brute looks both pleased and embarrassed. Rising to his feet with surprising grace the shoanti glides to the stage. From behind the stage he pulls an impressive array of tom-toms, and begins to slap out a beat.
Ameiko glides over to your table, with a smile. She uses her foot to hook a chair over from another table, and sits down. Mind if I join you all?" Ameiko gives a nod to Glandur and Dred. "It's been awhile, you two. I hope the big world has been treating you nice."
Dred 'Scythe' Mardock |
Not nice enough...
"A few scratches here and there, but still alive which is good enough for me." responds Dred. He looks to Glandur and adds, "It really does seem that you're from Sandpoint as well, but I don't believe we've met before yesterday."
He gestures at Bethana in passing for three mugs of mead before turning back to Ameiko "So, I see your talents have only improved since. How are you?"
GM Waterhammer |
Ameiko shrugs. "Well enough. Business is good." Ameiko smiles. "Do those scratches have a story behind them? You know how we love our tales of daring do, here at the Rusty Dragon."
In the background, Dougar produces a quite dance-worthy beat from his drums, the tempo fills the common room of the inn.
Arelian Rastler |
Arelian greets Ameiko as she joins the party. "Hi there, I'm Arelian."
On hearing more about Dred's scratches and Ameiko's pressing for a story, he nods eagerly hoping for an interesting tale.
Jordi of Kenabres |
Oh, yes, that fish sound really good.
Jordi waits politely his turn to order his meal. He get to love all of the fish and seafood he tasted since arrived to Magnimar, a very diferent kind of meal from Kenabres.
I'll try the bass, thank you Miss.
Glandur Mithrennon |
Glandur shuffles his feet at Ameiko's greeting. I hope she doesn't remember we were the troublemakers from my graduation celebration last month. "Ah, hi Ameiko. It's good to see you again. How's business been this past month for you?"
The elf smiles at Dred's attention, glad for a bit of distration. "Well, the academy does keep me pretty busy and cooped up. I must admit you are a new face to me as well."
As the conversation drifts on, he adjusts himself on the seat, hoping to find comfort against the soreness of these past two day's riding. At the mention of a story, he leans in as Arelian nods, eager to hear a good tale to go with the mead as well.
Dred 'Scythe' Mardock |
"I think you've heard all stories from adventurers around this inn, but I bet you haven't hear about one surviving an assault from a demon lord..." Dred finally decides to take of his mask, its confines only making the memory of the attack more vivid. Ameiko would recall that Dred was born with clouded eyes, but it's probably the first time for everyone else in the group. The flickering candle light casting haunted features across his face.
"The old group were assigned to clear out some minor demons corrupting a sacred temple far east of here, and I was supporting them with whatever healing magic I could muster. Just before we were done, a portal opened from nowhere and this huge demon appeared wielding a dark blade! He immediately killed two of our numbers before the retreat started. As far as I know, only I and Alistair remain alive although he's still in a coma."
And hopefully Ashyla made it out alive as well.
Dred stays silent for a few moments afterwards as the memories resurfaced from deep within. Shaking his head he looks back again at Ameiko and says "Anyway, that's that. I think I've found a way to cure him but we have more immediate concerns right now. What can you tell us about this haunted manor in Sandpoint?" He proceeds to describe their quest, hoping to gain insight from Ameiko.
Diplomacy, Improve Relations: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19