"I th-think we'd b-b-better," Marigold agrees, her eyes wide at the asking price for the shop. "Even with h-h-how well we've d-done s-so far, that's a lot of c-coin to sp-spend..."
Though initially off to a strong start, Marigold quickly develops a cramp in her leg which leaves her spluttering and struggling to keep herself afloat.
Come on, I can do better than this!
"But a few more good hauls and we should be able to get something paid off."
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Gralthar seems bothered for reasons out of Maxim's understanding by when he offers the bracelet "What I am supposed to do with this Maxim Snaphånce?" nevertheless she picks up the bracelet "Do you think I will wait here for you to get tired of your adventures?" she turns back and moves away leaving the dwarf with the words on his mouth.
"Hackbus Wyrdbore?" Skie thinks for a moment "I once met a certain gnome Hakbus Wyrmborn. We found him in one of my last adventures. He saved my group from a black hydra using a strange device, like a portable cannon that made horrible noise and fire. The gnome took us afterwards to his concealed hut in the middle of the Darklands were we rested for a week and recovered before continuing our adventures"
"The gnome had a complete forge at his place. Interesting person he was. May that be the one you are looking for?" asks the gnome sorceress.
Terrem gets plenty of fun throwing balls to the cooker's target "Have you seen how he felt to the water! He was so scared! Hahahaha!"
Later, during the walk, the boy seems uncomfortable with JJ's opening, but his face seems to soften. "I do not know JJ... perhaps... I can be an adventurer like you..." he becomes harder again and says "Rich and powerful. Like an Aslaxin or a Taskerhill!"
Marigold recovers and starts swimming again. But then she drowns. When it seems the saving boat will have to intervene the halfling recovers and emerges swimming proud. For no less than four times more her head goes below water, but never the less she keeps swimming and reaching boat after boat. Nevertheless luck is not with her this day and her boats have no trace of the Lake Monster.
At the end a light is seen at one boat near the center of the lake and one figure emerges over a boat with a tentacled body around. The figure is then suddenly covered by faint lights. The mass of people around the lake starts to shout as Cora Lathenmire emerges from the water mass with the tentacled major image of the Crater Lake Monster.
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"By the way, if you are planning to keep running through old Cauldron tunnels, make sure you get a magic weapon with you. There are beasts out there that can only be harmed with those devices."
"Oh, sure, yeah. That was my plan. I'm already deep enough in coin to dig myself some magical lace for my axe. I look forward to speaking with Maavu, then. Thank you for your advice."
Leaving Skie's, Kikinnin will also ask Maxim. "If I want my axe to continue to glow with magical power, can you do that? Make it a magic blade? I'd rather keep the work within the dwarven community, of course."
...
Kikinnin angles for the steins set before him. As his 'opponent' settles in to drink, so does he. Slowly, as he realizes he hasn't eaten all day.
The third one starts to make his head swirl. He can't tell if he drank deeper in his cup, or if the two of them swim in drink just as easily...
Maxim grimaces at Gralthar’s emotional and frank outburst.
Hell’s Teeth! Subtle as a forge hammer - Guess I deserve that much… Man can’t leave somethin’ behind, then out o’ nowhere expect the pieces to fall all perfect… Ain’t I the fool!
Before leaving he enquires with the Elders about the Malachite’s potential interest in the Cauldron - citing its potential for both crafting and in the kitchens.
The gun-mage then heads back to the surface, avoiding situations where he and Gralthar are alone, or have words.
Maxim leans into his fellow dwur;
”What in the Nine Hell’s do ye mean in considerin’ that slippery serpent Maavu’s wares? You need something enchanted we could take it to the Malachite or I’ll arrange it sent to Sasserine for such.”
When Skie intimates she potentially knows Hackbus or at least a gnome answering his description, Maxim’s eyes light up;
” Sounds mighty like him Ma’am. Middle o’ the Darklands… Tough place…”
The gun-mage mulls the potential news of his mentor and his whereabouts…
Guess we need to find a reason to head back to the deep again
Maxim nods his thanks, then adds 2 platinum coins to the price of the magical ring.
”Much abliged Ma’am. if you remember anythin’ else about Ol’ Hakbus write ‘em down for me… I’ll collect when I return for more o’ your wares.”
With that he takes his leave from Skie’s, walking to support his fellow dwur at the drinking competition.
As the dwarves walk he nods toward the warrior’s traditional axe as he answers Kikinnin's query on enchanting the weapon:
”I ain’t got that skill nor power yet… Ain’t sure if I ever will brodir. Sits better that the Malachite forge it… if they have the power…”
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Malachite main cooker gives interest to the cauldron "That will help avoid the kitchen getting dark with the coal burning"
Skie is delighted with Maxim's generousity and makes the two coins disappear in her fingers with a quick move "I will strongly remember your quest Maxim. Let's see what can I do"
Bepo stares at Kikinnin as he picks his third cup of beer "You seem a bit pale today" he drinks fast. So does Kikinnin. As the dwarf drinks he starts trembling and almost falls, needing to hold against the table. Bepo starts laughing funny at it. The human fruit seller keeps laughing, and laughs, and laughs... he starts bending back, falls over the chair, the chair breaks and finally falls unconscious to the floor.
The second cooker of the Tipped Tankard, Artus Shemwick, takes Kikinnin's arm and raises up "Kikinnin wins!" proclaims the cooker while people start clapping around.
-----------------
That night when the group gathers to check who do follows in the contest, you find Zachary Aslaxin went to the next round. You also discover next day Kikinnin has been paired against a woman named Kyan Winterstrike.
At that moment, Lyssa Haventree approaches the group with a wide smile at her face and making a specially cheerful greeting to Marigold "Hello friends! I just wanted to remind you of my wedding with Gryffon in two days. I wanted to make sure you will attend. The ceremony will be at the Lakeside Pavilion at midday"
Just at that moment the doors of the Tipped Tankard open wide and you see a group of five well-known celebrities. The Stormblades step by the list, just next to you and check out. Cora Lathenmire exclaims in a tone purposely made for everybody around the tavern to listen "Look Zachary, it seems the ratcatcher wants to steal your fame also in the drinking contest". Todd Vanderboren looks swift at Maxim before adding aloud for everybody to listen "I will be not surprised if his blond lover poisoned his rival's cup for him to win. I've heard he only lasted three cups"
Lyssa looks back at the Stormblades clearly tense by the situation "Sorry guys, but these dwarves here are good honest people, it is not fair what you are saying"
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As Lyssa approaches Maxim nods a polite greeting, then steps past toward the Stormblades.
Wearing a hard smile the gun-mage responds to their taunts, directing his words towards Todd;
"You got a smart mouth on you boy. Not so smart in the head though..."
Maxim raises his own voice so all tavern ears can hear;
"See if you knew much about dwur culture an' such, you'd know that insultin' us is like callin' us out... Now lucky fer you Kinkinnin here has a drinkin' competition to win... so his dance card is full. "
Scowling he continues;
"Unlucky fer you I ain't predisposed... So what say we step outside an' do a little contesting ourselves. Say first one to die loses?"
Juraan smiles grimly and speaks to Maxim:
« ער ס ויסשיט, אַז איינער. »
« ער זאָל היטן וואָס ער טרינקען. »
"He should watch what he drinks."
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Kikinnin watches as Bepo takes a header, and almost follows him down. Placing an arm on the table to steady himself, he's only too glad when Artus grabs his other, and raises him steady. He looks down into the empty tankard, swirling it to make sure it's truly empty. He smiles as he sets it down.
"Three beers down, seven to go, to make that gold worth it to have entered!" He steps around the table to Bepo's last mug, and inspects it for its contents. He figures to leave it for the man, once he regains consciousness.
...
Kikinnin looks about for Kyan Winterstrike, and gives her a hardy handshake for luck, before they sit down to drink down more brew. His head hurts a little from last night's round, but that's not like to stop him from enjoying the next round. "Just take care you don't fall from the table, and hurt yourself. Bepo took a noggin' flog yesterday. Hope he doesn't remember the sound today. Like a melon being thumped for ripe."
When the Stormblades work their way into the Tavern, Kikinnin lowers his forehead, hoping his eyebrows will scrub the whelps from his view. They still remain, unfortunately, when he raises his chin to take them in. How have their mouths not already spanked themselves with others' hands?
The black-beard waits for his mugs/tankards/steins, not worrying overly at the insults being lobbed his way. When the blond-beard kicks up his hackles, Kikinnin takes note. "Careful, Maxim. For as much tongue-wagging as they've done, it's obvious enough they'd like to tussle with us. We've got ourselves a drinking match here, not a pissing match. Their egos are swollen, so they'll overstep themselves in the hopes that they'll get lucky on you, or cry murder if you beat them down. Ain't that right, Todd?"
Kikinnin readies himself, then rips into his evening's sustenance. It's as if the Stormblades themselves have made the black-beard determined to best his last night's attempt, so he drinks slow and steady. He slams each stein down, while raising a certain number of fingers in Todd's general direction. After his first handful of beers, he only raises one finger at the annoying git of an archer.
Kikinnin's belch is pronounced, as is the sound his forehead makes as it hits the table in front of him. His single finger is still raised at Todd, even with his head down.
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JJ simply enjoys the time with Terrem, and his other little brothers and sisters.
"No reason not to become an adventurer Terrem. Maybe you should ask Gretchyn if you can join milita practise with the guard. That would be a good way to learn some basic fighting skills, and they might even pay you a copper or two for your time!"
And hopefully keep you busy and maybe convince you that if being hit with a padded staff is no fun, being hit with a real sword will be even less
"You hear about the glory, but there is a lot more to it than that. I had my head all but chopped off by this strange giant dwarf. Big as an Ogre it was."
JJ pulls his shirt back to show Terrem the scar. "I'm still not sure how I survived that. Don't tell mother now though, she'd just worry. Anyhow, if your going to be an adventurer, I suggest you practise more than I did before starting!"
At the tavern JJ watches as the Stormblades make their entrance. He sighs as the silver-spoon brigade does what they can to make trouble.
"Seems to me.." he says starting quietly. "That the Storm blades don't think their deeds make them stand out any more. Sounds to me like they are feeling INADEQUATE. I'd have thought a famous lot of adventurers would have better things to do than to try and cause trouble with Law Abiding Citizens. Or maybe they are too scared to leave Cauldron itself where their families are around to protect them."
He stands and approaches Cora. "You lot did good work with the vampire. I'll happily acknowledge that. That deed earned respect. Traipsing through towns to insult hard working dwarves. That's not a deed worthy of respect. I think you should have a long hard think about what the Storm blades want to be known for. Cauldron's Watchers, we don't go looking to pick fights in the streets like some drunken labourer."
He turns back to the bar and orders something to eat.
Terrem looks fascinated at the scar "Did you like the pain? I am curious to know how it is. To kill another person"
"Perhaps you can ask Gretchyn. She will listen to you and practising with the militia will be cool" says the child with hope.
Cora goes fast to answer Maxim "Was that a menace dwarf? Do you think I cannot cut you half?" when Kikinnin interrupts. Todd makes a face as all response.
The man seems surprised and discovered by Kikinnin's words.
"The Cauldron Wafflers? Well found name" laughs Ikkyu at JJ's words.
As JJ is answering to Cora, a jade green eyed elf with a long, midnight-blue hair held back by an ornate silver headdress approaches the table were Kikinnin is standing "So you are that one people name Kikinnin? Kyan Winterstrike" she takes sit and tosses a tankard to Kikinnin while picking one for herself "Sorry to disturb your private quarrel. Drink" her pale skin highlights the woman natural elven beauty. Leaving a fine bow next to the table, the elven woman takes the first beer like a shot.
Followed by Kikinnin the elven woman takes tankard after tankard. The people around start to take attention by the fourth round. Even Cora and Zachary approach the table while elf and dwarf stare each other. The scum of the beer goes from side to side of the table. By the sixth beer Kyan seems to faint, but she blinks and asks Artus for another beer. Kikinnin takes his sixth and holds stout, then Kyan takes her seventh beer and unable to hold, she has nausea and drops the beer half. As a response Kikinnin takes his seventh and places the empty tankard back in the table when Arthus picks his arm and raises it up "And Kikinnin goes to the third round!" People start to clap and Lyssa seems very happy while also clapping.
Cora smiles while Todd seems despised by the lost opportunity to further harass the dwarf but he still says "Congrats, congrats... I guess becoming a drunkard is an upgrade from playing with rats"
Annah intervenes at that moment "Do not be harsh with our friends, it is not rare the poor need to steal the hard gained treasure and prestige in order to survive in their messy life. Let's be good players and accept this Stormblades"
"No friend, the key on the front is all I need, I left my family to fulfil my duty to family and church. Given time, my duty to church will be fulfilled and ... well, we see where things go at that point. However, should you be able to enhance the key, well that will be all the better." Ryan, happy that Maxim was willing to do the shield, bought the next round.
Catching JJ when the others were not nearby..."JJ, was asking Alek about his recent trip, he started to answer but said I'd be better to ask you about it. Is everything OK?"
As the festival rolls on, Ryan makes his rounds checking on the water levels; ever wanting to prove Janya's decision, correct. Yet he still takes time to cheer MG on in her lake quest, rub Terrem on the head as he and JJ pass by. The dwarves ever willing to proves themselves would likely be within the tavern....
Not liking where the conversation is going, JJ starts to worry about Terrem and what may have happened to him while he was kidnapper, either the first or the second times.
"No Terrem, I didn't like the pain..." he shows off a few other, less dramatic scars. "I didn't like these either. I didn't like most of the fights to be honest. Pain shows us there is something wrong with our bodies... and I prefer to keep mine in one piece. Pain is bad."
When the talk turns to killing he quickly adds "Killing is almost as bad as losing. Honestly, the first time I killed a creature... I threw up. I think I did the second time too. What worries me most is that the last time I laid something low... I didn't throw up at all. That made me feel even worse. I worried I was turning into a monster."
JJ gives a short bow to Annah as she intervenes. "My thanks Annah." To the odd monk he just nodes "Last time I found you, you had been trusted up by your companions because you'd been attacking them. Seems you made up okay."
The lad then goes over and thinks about giving the dwarf a congratulatory slap on the back. But Kikinnin is still quite a scary figure to him, and he just lifts a tankard in congratulations.
Smiling at Lyssa he just enjoys the rest of the crowds company. "How have you been recently Lyssa... I'm way behind on the news..."
"It's all a little complicated... I was trying to learn some magic from Ghelve. And it wasn't working. Nothing, even the spells he said would be really simple, like learning to detect magical auras. Nothing worked. So we tried harder, and then... well.. something happened. I did it, and managed to do some magic. But it wasn't magic like he was used to.[/b[]"
JJ pauses.
"[b]So I went and talked with uncle Aleck. He had been back and visited the family tomb in Redgorge. He must have opened up one of the family coffins for some reason, but he found this.."
JJ takes out a picture of a beautiful, but slightly alien woman.
"He says it was not his grandmother... but maybe it was my great grand mother. I think what he was saying is that... I may have a very small amount of angel blood flowing through my veins."
JJ shrugs.
"Apparently this picture was held in the hands of my grandfather. Maybe his wife Lisa, maybe his mother... whose name I don't know."
He thinks about his own problems for a bit.
"I worry about Terrem. " admits JJ.
"You're a priest Ryan... he was asking me about liking pain and wanting to know what it was like to kill someone. That doesn't seem like him. I worry something happened to him while he was taken.."
Juraan mutters something under his breath about Todd in particular being more irritating than a skin disease.
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"So you are that one people named Kikinnin? Kyan Winterstrike. Sorry to disturb your private quarrel. Drink."
As the two meet, Kikinnin recognizes the woman as elf, grows a little quieter, a little intimidated by the woman's stature and beauty. "Not my quarrel, if you listen closely. Cheers." He clinks tankards, letting the lady go first, following her throwback quickly thereafter.
...
Kikinnin encourages Kyan with each round. He grows more and more impressed as several tankards come and go. When she fails to finish her last, the black-beard reaches over to pat her on the forearm, before tossing back his own. Oooh. That's soft skin. Muscle beneath, sure, but my.
Kikinnin's eyebrows raise individually, at odd moments. His mouth puckers, as if willing the last beer to remain tucked down, and his eyes slowly open and close. When he speaks at Todd, he notes the man's reaction. He decides to punctuate his acknowledgment of Todd's attempt to hide his acknowledgment that what he speaks is true about Todd, by pantomiming a bow and arrow, shooting at Todd, while clicking his tongue, and winking at him. "Spot on, Todd, spot on. Like JJ says, you can't rise in ranks by shoving folk down. <Urp> You get that one for free. More nuggets of knowledge, and it'll cost ya. <Hick>"
Kikinnin steadies himself to stand, tries, sits, steadies, then tries again. When he gets to his feet, he's well and truly happy, as he feels each stein's worth of beer sloshing in his belly.
"Do not be harsh with our friends, it is not rare the poor need to steal the hard gained treasure and prestige in order to survive in their messy life. Let's be good players and accept this, Stormblades."
Kikinnin listens to the woman's words, nodding, then shaking his head. "Hooo, Annah. You started off so sweet, too. You could have <hick> been a real diplomat, a real mediator between the Watchers and the Stormbleeds. But you had to <urp> look down on us as 'poor', and 'messy'." The black-beard makes funny finger wiggles around the words 'poor' and 'messy', making sure Annah's still following him.
"You tried before to bring your dogs to heel. Fat <urp> chance you manage it this time 'round. Why don't you round your gang up, and kick some puppies in the alley out back. Seems like something you all enjoy doing in the company of each other. Then you can shove some street urchins into the gutterwet, before stealing earhorns from the elderly. <hick>" Kikinnin claps for them, as he pictures them doing like he said, and mocking 'em proud for following through.
Looking down on his feet, Kikinnin smiles broadly, as he realizes that he hasn't sat back down, or fallen over. Yet. He moves to his companions, poking each and every one of them on the nose. "Don't listen to the Stormies. I'm proud of each of ya. Your hearts are large <urp> and your wits are sharp. I'm a lucky dwarf, having gotten to meet you. <hick> Marigold, good swimming, then drowning, then more good swimming. Shows your metal. Very shiny, if not floaty. Ryan, you turned out much better than Annah, despite her protessstations to the contrary. And you're younger <urp> too? Can't imagine your greatness when you get older. Oh, oh, oh, and JJ, yeah, JJ. Same goes for you. Don't let the Surabar Stick go too far up your <hick> arse. Take a lesson from Annah and Ryan. Two ways for you to go, make sure you pick the Ryght way. I've got faith in ya." The black-beard claps the boy on the back, leaning backwards for a moment, before righting himself on his feet.
"WhoemIforgetting? <urp> <urp> Oh, yeah, of course. Juraan. You're Juraan. Never met a Juraan, likely never will again. The Juraan's still out on you. So stay 'Juraan', Juraan. Leaves us with Maxim. That is a solid one, Maxim isyouare. <hick> You got my back? Cause I want it back. Butt I won't back out, if you want to keep it, cause I got yours. We got each others', which is good for dwarves to have backs, that are dwarven backs, which means you could swap backs between dwarves, and never <urp> know the difference, one dwarf back looks a lot like another, though I've never seen my own back, so I'd have to take your word that mine's as good as another's." Kikinnin tries to pat his own back, then pats Maxim's, then nods, then topples over, landing backside down. He's out cold before his head raps the floor.
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"M-maybe so!" Marigold responds, actually sounding somewhat hopeful. "The s-swimming contest starts s-soon b-but I'll try to f-find out what I c-can about the lenders once that's d-done with!"
Though she doesn't end up winning the swimming contest, Marigold is satisfied with her efforts and proud that she didn't need any actual rescuing even when things got difficult. She's even genuinely happy for winner Cora Lathenmire, although she also knows it'll just be one more thing for her and the Stormblades to brag about the next time they all cross paths.
Maybe I should practice this a bit more. I actually do fairly well when I'm not weighted down with gear...
******************************
Later on when the group all meet up at the Tipped Tankard, Margiold beams happily at Lyssa when she comes over to say hello. "Oh my g-gosh that's right!" she gasps when reminded about the wedding. "This p-past month has b-been so busy I almost forgot," she continues, looking a little embarrassed. "I know I'd love to b-be there and I'm s-sure the others w-would too...right?" she says, giving her companions a pointed look.
And then when the Stormblades show up to rain on everyone's parade, she sighs and mutters to herself. "Of c-course. How d-do they always have s-such p-poor timing?"
Normally she'd be simply content to ignore their bullying, but like Kikinnin she also catches the deeper purpose behind the Stormblades' poking and prodding. But anything that she might've said is forgotten as Kikinnin offers up the most heartfelt, hilarious, and jaw-dropping speech she's ever heard before collapsing from the effects of his drink. For a moment she says nothing. Then she looks up at her friends, the Stormblades, Lyssa, and anyone else that's watching.
"Th-that was the best sp-speech I've ever heard in m-my life," she says solemnly.
"It was … indescribable!" Juraan says with admiration.
Later that eve Maxim returns with the newly reworked shield. He proudly hands it over noting the interior of the "key sigil" holds a depiction of the city of Cauldron.
"Made sense. Serve yer god, serve the city..."
As the standoff escalates then is defused by Kikinnin's heroic imbibing, Maxim stands watching The Stormblades trying to take a measure of their jibes and actions;
:
Frustrated the gun-mage resorts to a more direct approach, targeting their headstrong fighter Cora;
"Huh. Big talk Lathenmire. How you figurin' to cleave me in two when you're wearing a hole where that scarred face o' yours once was? Eh?"
:
To punctuate his point the dwur points his hand in a "pistol" gesture at the Stormblades, before being drawn into Kikinnin's drunken accolades.
The Stormblades grow confused from JJ's words to Kikinnin's spinning around. When the dwarf approaches Annah makes the gesture to separate him far away "You are drunk". They seem wanting to intervene at each time the dwarf starts shouting back again until he falls to the ground moving chairs and tables around in a total mess.
Annah and Todd seem frustrated, the woman says "Let's go, we are not getting anything here today"
At that point Maxim stops Cora giving a reply to her menace, the woman seems to go out of her nerves jumping over the blond dwarf while attempting to draw her rapier. Ikkyu and Todd quickly move to hold her back "Let me break his proud nose!" she fights against her two companions when Annah calls her out "Cora!" she makes a sign with the eyes and Cora taps her clothes and looks at Ikkyu and Todd who make her free. The red haired woman walks in a fury to the exit door and hits it with her right foot almost making Gryffon fall as he was attempting to enter.
"This is our city and our people, you are not going to abduct them" says Annah and then leaves after Cora with all the others following her. Zachary though stops by Kikinnin and kneels whispering to his ear "Get well dwarf, I want to teach you what drinking means"
When they leave the tavern becomes calm. Then, people start to talk increasingly loud until the normal hustle of the Tipped Tankard returns. Gryffon close up to the group and hugs Lyssa "What happened to those ones?" and then smiles and adds "Lyssa is very happy you are attending our wedding in two days. Do not worry about the clothing, bring whatever you can normally afford"
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Kikinnin spends the early part of the next day nursing his dehydration. He actually begins to worry as he voids his bladder, when it seems like the stream is never-ending. Eventually, he's able to tell how many steins he cleared last night for the stream's duration. He nods in approval, as he cinches up his drawers. He checks himself for cowardly cuts, glad to see that loss of consciousness was solely his doing.
He enjoys some fruit juice in the market, as well as some fruit and bread to soak up more moisture. He hopes it restores his volume, as he anticipates another full round the following night. He remembers something about a wedding, fuzzy faces beaming about the celebration, lakeside, in a pavilion, in two days. Well, one day, now that another day has arrived. He spends the day polishing his armor, and cleaning his clothes. Looking over his garb, he thinks better on reusing this saturated set of clothes. He remembers Marigold's pointed look, nodding to himself. He leaves the Church, leaves his armor, and heads into town to purchase a better shirt. And another pair of pants. Oh, and socks, two of them. And probably a belt. And boots, that match the belt... He sighs, as he realizes the sticky mess that is clothes buying.
...
The next night, Kikinnin heads back to the Tipped Tankard, and sniffs about for a free table and the beginning of the next, and possibly final, round.
He surprises himself when one more tankard gets tipped than the night before. The third night of drinking, but really the second night of epic glugging, the Tipped Tankard is privileged to the musical stylings of Kikinnin Bardbane.
The first several minutes are spent relearning his range. Kikinnin's falsetto is best described as 'strangled cat', but the black-beard is not discouraged in the least, with his veins pumping with hops and malt. His basso is actually able to rumble the table, but if you look closely, you'll see that Kikinnin is actually shaking the table with his hands in sync with the noises that he makes.
When his range is established, he begins to serenade various women in the Tavern, cheeks rosy with the flush of the brew, with such titles as 'My Beard Grows Low, Like You Laid Me', 'Boop Boop Boop', and 'Why do I Keep Tripping Over My..."
Whether or not his arm is raised, Kikinnin makes his way back to St. Cuthbert, almost as soon as he recognizes his current state of inebriation.
...
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When Kikinnin is ready at the table with all the tankards around, the crowd in the tavern opens up to see a half-orc arriving to the table and taking sit and offering his hand to the dwarf "Patch is the name". Marigold, JJ and other regular visitors to the Lantern Street Orphanage quickly recognise the guard of the institution.
Patch drinks the two first tankards without problems, following Kikinnin's lead. By the third, he starts performing a loud growl after each of very long shots while everybody shouts "Drink! Drink! Drink!"
Starting to feel nothing with the alcohol Kikinnin drinks tankard after tankard with similar shouts around him. With the fifth tankard the half-orc starts to choke, his chair gets unbalanced by the sudden movement and he falls to the ground. Artus counts ten waiting for the half-orc to recover, but he cannot and the cooker raises once more Kikinnin's arm. Everybody in the tavern claps and shouts!
That night the next day rivals are pinned into the tavern. Destiny wants next rival is Zachary Aslaxin. But that will have to wait, because the Cauldron Watchers have a special meeting the next morning.
-----------------------------------------
Right on midday time the two fiancés approach the improvised altar at the Lake Pavillion. Jenya Urikas smiles at them while the guests arrive. Lyssa Haventree approaches Marigold "Come friend, I want you to be my bridesmaid"
Jenya proceeds without hesitation through the ceremony, remembering the duties of each fiancé respect each other. The water of the lake moves calm behind despite the drops of rain falling down the crater opening.
When the ceremony ends, Lyssa and Gryffon close their love bond with an intense kiss and people start throwing crater sand at them as for the Cauldron tradition. Children come an give basalt stones to the new spouses, the symbol of a lasting union. It is then Lyssa and Gryffon come to you "Are you enjoying the time? We would like to invite you now to the tavern for a great lunch, if you would like to join us"
Gryffon says "We will never forgot this would have never been possible if you had not saved me from Kazmojen kitchen. Thanks friends, I will always be in debt with your"
Juraan joins his friends at Lyssa and Gryffon's wedding.
Even though he wasn't part of the Kazmojen incident.
He takes opportunity to ask everyone present for their version of that one.
After the brush with The Stormblades, Maxim is left in a dark mood.
He takes his leave after making sure his friend and fellow dwur, makes it to his bunk safely.
Afterward the dwur makes a stop by his Uncle's place.
Maxim seeks out his Uncle for some advice and information... He relays the ongoing confrontations with The Stormblades, and the escalating nature of their rivalry.
"Uncle you move in loftier circles than I. Are these Stormblades sat upon gilded perches, out of reach from all who would teach 'em manners or see them in the dirt?"
The young dwur sups his rum;
"You once told me that all is fair in war and business... Well am thinkin' of balancing the books in our favour with these Stormblades... Been mulling working on a pitted bullet that can hold poison... You know where I might get my hands on some Uncle... for the right price? Poison that is..."
The gun-mage is missing from the wedding, busying himself with other matters. He does however send a messenger to the affair presenting the couple with a missive apologising for his absence and a bottle of fine Sasserine Wine by way of a gift.
JJ is slightly unsure what to wear, in the end he buys himself a rather nice outfit and some expensive jewellery. It is perhaps a smidgeon over the top but the lad has never been to a wedding before.
He joins in throwing sand at the happy couple.
"This is fun! If only I knew more people who got married." he gushes at a nearby girl.
He gratefully takes up the chance to have a good lunch at the 'Tankard, slightly surprised to see Kikinnin there after the last few nights of heavy drinking.
Round 2 of the drinking contest The comments by the Stormblade grate on Ryan as much as any of the others, the only thing holding his tongue was long years of practice within the same circles they grown up in. Learning to ignore petty slights in front of others; but orchestrating public revenge or humiliation at a later date. Options for that coming to mind as one very drunk Kikinnin unsteadily gained his feet and summarily dresses down the Stormblades publicly.
Kneeling down beside Kikinnin he considers briefly whether a lesser restoration spell would help; but discards it as the help would be minimal and the dwarven sense of honor would probably hate him for it. Settling instead for a bit of guidance
"Abadar's grace upon you friend, be well. Excellent speech tonight. Maxim will you need help with him?" Ryan will offer to help take Kikinnin back to the church.
The wedding
Ryan arrives at the wedding with a white tunic covering his armor, shield on his back, gleaming brightly, freshly burnished that morning. Remaining at the rear not wanting to draw any attention to himself but dressing well for the occasion.
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Even though she still held to her opinion that Kikinnin's speech was the best thing she'd ever seen, there was still something about the whole exchange that bothered her and it went beyond the near fight between Cora and Maxim. It had been Annah's words that had done it.
'Their city, their people.' But it's ours too. Why does it have to be us vs. them? Why can't it be all of us together, working for our city - if that's what's most important to Annah?
Then she sighed, suddenly feeling a surge of anger.
Not like any of us asked for this. But those were *our* friends in danger, *our* friends that had been kidnapped. Sure didn't seem to care much about a bunch of poor orphans...
She rubs her temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache coming on. "Th-this is a s-silly thing to b-be stressing over," she murmurs to herself before summoning up another smile as Gryffon approached their table. "We've g-got a wedding to go to! There's not m-much m-more wonderful than th-that!"
***************************
Over the next day or two before Lyssa and Gryffon's wedding, Marigold hustles around town following up on some errands. First and foremost, she needs a wedding gift for Gryffon and Lyssa. On a whim her feet take her to Tygot's Old Things, a shop well-known for the variety of antiques and other non-magical art objects.
They'll need something nice to decorate their new home with. Or maybe the Tipped Tankard, depending on what I find in here!
She'd never been what anyone would call an art connoisseur, but Marigold still gasps with wonder as she first sets foot inside the shop. There were so many different things - paintings, statues, furniture, rugs - but which to choose?
She wanders up to the counter and coughs to get the attention of the owner, Tygot. "Um h-hello? I've g-got a friend that's g-getting m-married in a few d-days and I was w-wondering about wh-what sort of gift to g-get for her..."
Once her business at Tygot's is concluded, she then heads back to the Lord Mayor's office yet again to inquire more about the two groups that offer lending services and see which one might be the better investment - should the group decide to pursue such a thing, of course.
"Um...I hate to k-keep b-being such a b-bother, but c-can you t-tell me anything m-more about A-Abadar's B-Bank Lendings and Lathenmire L-Lendings? Or wh-where to go to f-find out, p-please?"
Wait, *Lathenmire* Lendings? Best proceed with caution if we pursue that route...
Finally, her other two errands complete she makes her way over to Skie's Treasury to see what sorts of things might still be in stock.
"H-hello!" the halfling smiles as she steps into the shop and looks around. "Um...s-some of m-my friends said you were offering a d-discount for the F-Flood Festival and I thought I'd s-see wh-what's left."
She looks around for a moment. She'd never in her life thought that she'd ever be waltzing into a store to look at magical goods for sale. "D-do you have anything g-good for st-storage? S-seems like I end up c-carrying a lot..."
***************************
Marigold beams with pride at her companions and how well-dressed they are when they arrive at the designated time and place. Almost a little too well-dressed really, but they'd taken her hints and had put forth the effort and that was really all that mattered. She'd opted for something a little more subdued; a nice blue-green dress and one or two small pieces of jewelry.
Nothing too fancy, really. Don't think I'm the right sort for *fancy* anyway. Leave that to the Annahs and the Coras of the world.
She's delighted to be asked to be Lyssa's bridesmaid and so she stands by her oldest friend as she embarks on the next phase of her life - that of a loving partner. "I'm s-so happy f-for you Lys," Marigold whispers, her eyes tearing up a bit. "Gryffon s-seems like a wonderful m-man and he's lucky to h-have you."
At the end of the ceremony she joins in the throwing of crater sand with great gusto and eagerly accepts the offer of a big lunch to follow back at the Tipped Tankard. "That s-sounds wonderful, th-thank you! And we're h-happy we c-could help s-save you and everyone else we f-found d-down in that p-place!"
"I know their parents are not liking their adventuring career, specially that Taskerhill. But well... I would not go very far about harassing them. Their parents are noblemen and have a high praise for their surnames. They sure would not like any mockery at her surname. Sure, even if you kill one of those Stormblades, their parents have the resources and influence to raise them back again"
When poison is pronounced Adrick smiles wide "That is forbidden my nephew. I know though one or two contacts that can provide that kind of service. If I was you, I would start talking with that Last Laugh. I think you have made some contact before in your adventures"
Tygot results to be very warm with Marigold, calmly showing the art pieces he has in his shop. "Perhaps you would like to bring them this Lake Monster statuette reproduction, or you can buy one of the Cauldron structures, it's just 1 gp each" he close up to a large shelve crowded with books "Do your friends like books? I have three volumes of poetry by Paul Navalant, old Major of the city. For just 1 gp each volume" he points to similar written art works, poetry and prose. He also shows the collection of statuettes with different relevant Cauldron celebrities, old kind of furniture pieces with Cauldron motives, as well as tapestries representing relevant moments and heraldics of the region "These pieces are also 1 gp"
Of course, the old halfling accepts to show his "special" collection. Using a large key he opens a reinforced door in the back of the shop and you descend into a dark basement. After lighting a candle, you discover an impressive collection of tapestries and sculptures. Tygot brings you to a statuette that resembles a large giant "A dreamweaver. Recovered at ruins near Redgorge" he also shows her a collection of silver and golden plates representing crafting of old Cauldron and everyday situations like cropping or long time forgotten traditions "These are all rare pieces of art. Most of them are 300 gp, in case you want something more special" the halfling smiles.
Marigold is appointed to the Church of St. Cuthbert for Abadar's Bank, and to Lathenmire mansion for Lathenmire lendings.
Skie seems happy to see a halfling colleague in the group "Sure! I currently have this bag of holding (Type I) and the always useful handy haversack. Everything at 20% discount respect market price"
Lyssa is honoured by Marigold accepting being her bridesmaid while Gryffon praises the halfling beautiful dress "I am think perhaps I missed to choose the right friend" and everybody laughs at it. "Tell Maxim we highly appreciate his wine present" adds the bride.
The walk to the Tipped Tankard is difficult, the rain makes the avenues a mire, and the channels are overpassed by the abundant water pouring from the rooftops.
Before leaving the pavilion you observe the level of water from the lake is just around 5 cm from the top surface of the pavilion ground.
The lunch at the Tipped Tankard is a great festivity, served with lake fish and Redgorge vegetables, all well stuffed at the tavern ovens and the main room enjoys the Sasserine wine from Maxim. The afternoon pass fast and Lyssa sings some songs for everybody to enjoy and dance.
Soon enough the Sun starts to fall and the Stormblades step into the tavern.
Zachary sits in front of Kikinnin "Have you rested dwarf? Last time I saw you, you seemed specially interested into the quality of the ground woodwork". Todd and the other Stormblades laugh while the tankards are filled.
Kikinnin takes the lead with the first tankard. Zachary smiles and drinks in a single shot. Kikinnin pours the second one into his belly without problems. So does Zachary. With trained ease the dwarf drinks the third tankard. So does Zachary. Kikinnin drinks the fourth tankard with increased easiness. Zachary wants to do the same, but before he can drink the fourth tankard he starts to choke horribly. The beer pours out of the glass while the people around starts to shout, Zachary suddenly vomits all over the table the previously drunk beer, his eyes turn red while her face blue, showing clear signs of difficulty to breath, he chokes again and again until he bends in the chair. The Stormblades draw their weapons "They have poisoned Zachary too!"
The crowd looks at the gathered Cauldron Watchers with astonishment in their eyes.
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Kikinnin takes in the ceremony, pleasant as it is. He's glad of a bath, and new clothes, though his new boots chafe his big flat feet. He tamps down the inclination to grumble, and keeps a more or less genuine smile on his face.
The black-beard seeks out the wedded couple, presenting them with Maxim's gift in absentia. "Maxim, my blond-bearded bror, would have been here, but found pressing matters, and sends his warm wishes. Please, take this bottle from him. I'm sure you'll find a serene moment to pop the cork, and drink your fill. May you always find a full bottle in your cellar." Kikinnin rubs his hands together, having failed to find a gift of his own to give. He promises himself to pay for his own meal at the Tavern, not wanting to burden the newlyweds.
...
"They have poisoned Zachary too!"
Kikinnin keeps his hands steady on the table, eyeing his accusors angrily. "Who's brought us the beer?? Who's poured the tankards to even brims?? I've just been drinking what's in front of me. If Zachary requires help, then let's."
The black-beard looks about, with clear eyes. He looks to his friends, hoping they've got the means of understanding what's unfolding before their collective eyes.
Juraan goes to try and help Zachary with his wand of cure light wounds.
"Damn! Anyone here have antitoxin or spells to help him?"
He then sees if he can figure out some other way of helping Zachary:
Maxim arrives in good time to provide support to his fellow dwur, and catch up with his companions.
As the competition gets underway he eyes the Stormblades closely, emnity not hidden.
When the Zachary falls to suspected poisoning, the gun-mage stares impassively as the boor bends in choking pain.
Huh. Gods love irony...
As accusations fly and blades are draw, the blond beard growls and draws his pistol;
"Stand down Stormscum! We ain't the poisoners... you heard Kikinnin - they both drunk what was set afore 'em... Cast yer accusations elsewhere!"
When Juraan calls for assistance, Maxim nods;
"I got two vials o' antitoxin... Stormscum can buy 'em for 100 Gold apiece... If they want 'em..."
The gun-mage looks hard at the Stormblades;
"Am reckonin' your poor boy Aslaxin there would agree to the deal! Coin or gem I ain't fussy..."
Juraan stands bolt upright and starts shouting.
Then he turns to Maxim.
« Jeg har noget udestående med Zachary. »
« Giv mig antitoksin han har brug for. »
« Jeg vil endda betale dig for det selv! »
« Hvis du ville være så meget venlige… »
"Give me the antitoxin he needs."
"I'll even pay you for it myself!"
"If you'd be so very kind…"
He reaches into his belt pouch and holds a gem out in plain view in front of his Dwarven friend.
The Stormblades rear after the combined reasoning of Maxim and Kikinnin and the impetuous energy of Juraan. Annah then looks back at the crowd and adds "Who can trust Zachary will fall like that only after three beers?" she points to Maxim "You have seen the Wafflers insisting on menacing us and attempting to drop our hard gained honor in this city"
"Who was there when the kobolds attacked the city lower levels? What was this people doing when the Stormblades risked their life adventuring out of the walls to hunt the bugbear and his tribe that hold under terror our mines and farms?" she points from Maxim to JJ then to Marigold "Where is the honor on failing on their mission to finish the goblin tribe vandalizing our streets, running away with the tail between their legs? Where is their honor when they come to join the fray only when they get to know the Stormblades have gone down to risk their life for this city? I will tell you. Their honor is in their pockets. The same way they took profit of our group when it had gone under the worst of the vampire terror, intimidated us to get their loot, and not happy enough with it, they Waffle about how the Stormblades needed help. The pocked they try to fill now by altering the great Cauldron tradition of the drinking contest"
Annah makes a pause only to follow up "These people do not know what honor is, because they are all outcasts, orphans and foreigners. The rotting is in their blood because their parents were amongst the worst of Cauldron and beyond. And they do now come here and try to kick out and harass those that had the luck to be born in a honorable family, those that want to share their luck by devoting their life to those around them. And they do it just out of envy. Because they want to be rich too and they do not want to work or risk for it" she turns back to the crowd "These my noble citizens are the corruption that try to root our streets. Let's make great our city again, let's get rid of this rotting now!"
People become mute looking and listening attentive to Annah through her speech. As they finish, the crowd stands up and starts picking jars, tankards and chairs.
"I recommend you to run now as the cowards you are Wafflers" says Todd.
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JJ looks on horrified as the accusations start to spring from her mouth.
"Why are you so annoyed with us Annah?" he asks.
"Just because your friend can't hold his beer? It looks to me as as if effects of four nights of hard drinking has finally caught up with him." JJ laughs at the Stormblades predicament.
"And rather than try and help him, as a friend would do, you instead turn on those who are trying to help him. Is that the kind of leadership you bring? I thought better of you."
He starts to get riled.
"Yes, you drove off the vampire - at a cost of three of your companions. We too drove it off earlier, and killed many of its minions to make your task easier. I didn't see you helping with the horrible animated artifacts that he used to defend his lair. No, Cauldron's watchers did the hard work there. And against the giant flying bats. "
He is really getting riled.
"We all want the same thing, a happy and prosperous Cauldron. We want to help people. There are enough folk in need of assistance that there is no need to compete. It just makes you look petty."
Juraan quickly pockets his gem, and steps away from Zachary.
"Sorry I offered to help your friend. You are obviously doing the thing."
"Impressing us with your lineage rather than preventing a friend from choking to death on his own vomit."
Juraan snaps is fingers with a sudden realisation:
"Now therea coincidence!"
"You wasted no time running off with the vampire's loot"
"Loot none of you wanted to share, I might add."
"Leaving us lowborn fighting a band of mercenaries sneaking into Cauldron."
"While you were bravely and nobly counting your profit."
"Ahhh! So youthose mercenaries coming in!"
"You hate us because we had the audacity to kill mercenaries you ran away from!"
"Very clever! Very, dare I say it … !
Juraan turns away from the Stormblades long enough to give his friends a mischievous wink.
He's proud of his performance, but obviously doesn't believe a word of it.
The cunning plan is throw Annah and the other Stormblades off balance and put them on the defensive.
His little tirade is kind of like the detective Hercule Poirot revealing all at the end of an Agatha Christie novel.
But unlike the Great Detective, Juraan knows he's spouting utter crap.
He's just pleased with himself for making it sound plausible.
Wedding
The wedding was a beautiful, if simple affair, and a stupid grin stayed plastered on Ryan's face. Grateful Gryffen and Lyssa had been able to fulfill plans the slavers had put on hold, and in great part due to the work he and his friends had put in. Gave him a good feeling on the inside Hopefully they will like the painting In the back corner of Tygot's he'd found a painting that actually had the tavern in it with a sunset, he thinks, sinking over the Caldera's edge. He thought it was nice and Tygot must have too at 5gp.
Walking back towards the tavern, the water levels concern him a bit Need to talk to Jenya, water's getting high
Ryan steps forward as Zachary falls forward in obvious distress. Looking to help him. cast detect poison on Zachary trying to determine what kind of poison is affecting him.
The singsong tones and speech that Annah is using, begins to weasel their way into Ryan's subconscious as he and Juraan work on Zachary.
"She's using an Enthrall spell on them!"
Annah points at JJ and Juraan as they talk "Do you see how they try to dishonour us with their vile lies? The outcast and the intellectual join forces in their attempt to take our right. They keep on their campaign to lessen and dishonour our deeds. But I tell you, the Stormblades will keep defending our city from the outside dangers no matter what!"
The crowd seems taken by Annah's words and Juraan's attempts to twist the argument just falls on closed ears.
The only poison you find in Zachary is the alcohol. That last shot took him very badly.
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Ryan stands to his full height holding out a hand to both JJ and Juraan, an understood gesture to hold a moment.
She seeks to cast a spell on you all. there is nothing wrong with Zachary other than trying to drink a dwarf under the table! He has alcohol poisoning.<pfhtt!>
Gryffen, where were the Stormblades while you and the others were held below?
Were they seeking to secure your escape, no. Even though it was a known problem; at least concerning the children. Why you may ask, because a barkeep and some children from the orphanage was not glorious enough for them. We, the Cauldron Watchers, went; not seeking reward or glory, but to rescue our friends.
Another member of Cauldron's folk, Orak, he runs the local bathhouse. He was under mind control, so we went below to determine what lived there seeking to cloud Orak's mind and was important enough for wererats to do it's bidding. However, we did have to leave after encountering the vampire.
And while we were gone, preparing to return, the Stormblades sought to gain the 'glory' to be found there<heh>; and went back in ahead of us. Thinking it would be an easy play. Yet when we found them again they had two on the floor, and a third afraid to go forward without her fallen comrade, so of the five Stormblades only two went forward. And they went with us. Then they ran back once the vampire was destroyed, not by their hand either, I'll add.
We removed a band of mercenaries seeking to enter Cauldron through the tunnels there. And have now worked with the guard to secure that entrance, from further unlawful entry.
So while we seek only to help those of this city, the Stormblades seek only to help themselves. do not be swayed by words alone but by actions."
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"No Annah, the only person who can dishonour you is yourself." fumes JJ.
"I have acknowledged many times the good work your group has done. That you seem threatened by us also doing good works is what puzzles me. I don't even understand what it is that you think we are trying to take, let alone why that might be your right."
He looks around the room. "The only deed I see done tonight is Kikkinnin out drinking Zachery. If you are really that worried by a friendly drinking competition that happens during the annual festival...I'm left baffled as to why. That the Stormblades defend Cauldron from outside threats is fantastic. That you seem to find it difficult when anyone else in town does anything noteworthy just makes you look petty."
"Hah! They don't like competition."
"Especially from the wrong pedigrees."
"Easier to hide their own failings behind their lineage."
"As if anyone could actually CHOOSE their ancestry!"
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Marigold thoroughly enjoys the tour of the shop's items that Tygot gives her and even stops to pet Lepook, blissfully unaware that he's more than just a strange-looking dog or perhaps a wizard's familiar.
Why haven't I come here before? This place is wonderful!
"Ohhh...I'm s-sure Gryffon and L-Lyssa would b-be happy with any of th-these things," Marigold muses aloud as she tries to settle on the perfect gift. "Well...L-Lyssa d-does like to s-sing...and s-songs are m-much like p-poetry. H-How about the three p-poetry books then?" she smiles as she tries to recall anything she might've learned about the former Lord Mayor.
Hum...maybe we'd better check with the Church of Abadar before trying Lathenmire Lendings. After all the run-ins with the Stormblades I don't trust the Lathenmires to do us a proper arrangement.
"Th-thank you," Marigold offers sincerely. As she leaves the Lord Mayor's office she continues to think out loud. "Any s-sort of deal with the church of A-Abadar sh-should p-probably have R-Ryan and m-maybe K-Kikinnin involved t-too. I'll ask them about it l-later..."
"Oh! H-how about the H-Handy H-Haversack?" Marigold's eyes brighten as she thinks of all the alchemical items and other gear she would be able to carry.
"Wh-what a charmer," Marigold blushes at Gryffon's compliment and friendly teasing. "I th-think you t-two will g-go together like...like p-peas and c-carrots," she smiles.
When the time comes for the couple to open gifts, the halfling looks at the ground shyly when they open hers. "I h-hope you like them...they're p-poetry b-books written by one of the former Lord M-Mayors..."
As the wedding party finally packs up and makes ready to head to the Tipped Tankard, Marigold can't help but notice just how much the water level of the lake seems to have risen over the past few weeks.
Much higher and this pavilion would've wound up a barge!
But once at the Tipped Tankard, Marigold puts the rain out of her mind and greatly enjoys the meal and getting the chance to catch up with her friends, as well as enjoy some leisure time with her newfound companions. And when the time comes to dance, she takes to the floor with great gusto.
"Wh-whoops! S-sorry!" she gasps as she trods on someone's foot for the third or fourth time before finally returning to her seat. "G-guess I have t-two left f-feet..."
It's all laughter and smiles...until the Stormblades come in and the drinking contest begins.
****************************
Marigold gasps, realizing what Ryan said is true.
They're deliberately trying to turn people against us now!
"We d-don't have any honor?" Marigold chimes in angrily. "We're n-not the ones t-trying to st-start a riot in a t-tavern b-by spreading lies and using t-trickery! We've done nothing to you except hurt your p-pride, ap-p-parently just b-by daring to t-take up arms and t-try to help the p-people of this c-city instead of b-being g-good little c-citizens and waiting for our b-betters to c-come save us!"
Now furious the halfling stands defiant, hands clenched and face pink with anger. "And n-now you've r-ruined what was a p-pleasant evening - and on the eve of your host's w-wedding!" she points at Gryffon and Lyssa. "Wh-what gives you the right? You d-don't represent the anyone b-but yourselves and p-people like you! If you c-cared about the c-city and the c-common m-man then you wouldn't g-go around p-picking fights and encouraging chaos!"
Lyssa receives the present checking the books cover "Oh my! An original of Paul Navalant's poetry!" she opens her arms wide and embraces Marigold "You know how much I admired our old cultured Major. Thanks so much Marigold, you are a treasure of a friend"
People seems to hold under the powerful words of Annah, ignoring JJ, Juraan and Marigold protests.
Then, Ryan starts his speech, and his words sound powerful, as much powerful as those of Annah. The people turn their attention to the cleric of Abadar.
Gryffon exclaims "You came to the entrance to the Darklands to rescue us Ryan! Fought goblins and beasts to save us!"
By when the speech concludes, the crowd has calmed down and left chairs, jars and other objects to their original places. Artus comes to Kikinnin and raises his arm "The dwarf won the Aslaxin!" there is some mild clapping but the situation keeps tense.
"It seems you have inherited the sweet tongue of the Taskerhills cousin" says Annah while making a sign for the Stormblades to back up her. Meanwhile Cora kneels next to Zachary and brings him up.
At that precise moment the doors of the tavern open wide and a visibly altered Rufus Laro enters the tense room "Quick!" he says bending from the lack of breath "Jenya wants to see you urgently. She was very altered. She reclaimed you to her office in St. Cuthbert's church. " he looks all of you, not only Ryan or Kikinnin but the whole group.
The Stormblades sheath their weapons "It seems you were saved today by a call" comments Annah. Then she and the other Stormblades move out of the tavern, Ikkyu helping Cora with Zachary. Todd stares at Ryan as he moves out "Wafflers"
Kikinnin watches the whole ugly affair unfold, remaining in his seat. When Ryan and Marigold speak up, Kikinnin stares daggers at Annah Wordwitch. He stands up as Marigold comes to her conclusion, then lends his voice to back her up.
"I've never fought alongside truer folk. Even fought alongside you two, Annah and Todd. Now, you spit venom like some underdark denizen. Now, I know you for the true black you are. "
Kikinnin hears Laro's call, but doesn't immediately depart the Tipped Tankard. He looks to each and every one of the folks present. "You're all witnesses. You know who we are, you know who they are. For their instigation, I'll have them punished by Cauldron Law. I aim to see to it myself. I hunt rats for a living, this will be no different to me."
He pulls the glove from his left hand, exposing the scaly skin of his backhand, while approaching Todd. With a quick flick, he smacks Todd across the cheek, before gloving his hand again. "I know a rat when I see one. And I see you, Todd. And Annah. And Cora. And Zachary."
With that, Kikinnin turns his back on Todd, and departs with his friends.
Juraan shrugs as if nothing just happened, but follows along with his friends.
"Excellent speeches back there, everyone …" he says to everyone as they head over to St. Cuthbert's Church "… couldn't have done better myself."
"There's one thing I need to know. Who's Jenya?"
"Jenya is the high priestess of St Cuthbert" explains JJ as he gathers his gear.
"Sounds like there is another mission for Cauldron's Watchers.... and the damp-shanks ain't invited."
"Right. Got it!"
"Guess this means I'll get to try a bit of archery soon enough."
When the party arrives at the Church of St. Cuthbert, you find Jenya in a state of panic. She quickly ushers you into a side room while worshipers and acolytes look on worriedly. Once you and Jenya are in a private area, she confides to you her utter news “I just received a terribly disturbing message from Sarcem Delasharn, the high priest of the church. He sent the message via a sending spell to me. I wrote down the message and my reply as soon as I was able” and she passes the hastily scribbled note for you to examine.
Sarcem? Is that you? Hang on!
Conserve your resources. I’ll send out aid
immediately. Send me another message
when you can but until then have…
When you all have read the note, Jenya tells you “I meant to tell Sarcem to "have faith", but I ran out of room and the response was sent. Since the sending I have grown distraught. Aside from agonizing over the fact that I did not plan my sending response that well, I am sure that each passing minute puts Sarcem in greater peril. I sent Alek back to Redgorge just this morning to find more proof for his investigation, thus, I briefly contemplated riding out to save him myself, but I can't leave the church unattended; if a disaster strikes the city and the church is needed, Sarcem would never forgive me.” she makes a pause and looks at you “So I turned to you. Please, ride out to the Lucky Monkey immediately to save Sarcem. I do not know if you are familiar with the Lucky Monkey. It is a roadside tavern about a day's ride Northwest of Cauldron. It's a convenient rest stop for travellers on the Northwest road, and a popular place with the local lumberjacks. I am willing to answer a few questions before you leave; but please, be fast”
As the accussations and proclamations fly, Maxim remains calm, never taking his eyes off the Stormblades nor lowering his pistol.
At Juraan's words he shakes his head;
"Don't want your coin Drakblood. But the day I help a Stormer is the day I trim my beard... Only wish the bastard had choked unto death."
As the standoff is broken by the summons, and the Stormblades file out, the gun-mage flashes a hard smile;
They'll be a reckonin' soon enough... None o' you'll see it comin'
Maxim listens, then nods before looking to the other more pious members of the group;
"We know it. Been on one bloody visit there before... Hope this ain't another..."
<wormblade> Ryan thinks but doesn't bother to say aloud as other things are getting worse it appears back at the church. Although a wide grin does cross his face as Kinninin slaps Todd across the face. nice move, too bad it wasn't a gauntlet, he'd be spitting teeth about now.
Joining the others, he returns to the church to find Jenya distraught after her message from Sarcem. "We're glad to go."Joining Maxim "My gear and Kikinnins is here, the other should they wish to go will need to be gathered, this was a wedding day, we're hardly dressed to travel but that can be remedied in about an hour I'd say. Can Sarcem hold out until we get there Jenya?"
While waiting for Jenya to answer Ryan looks around the church that has been his home the past 6 years, noting once again the rain. "Jenya, we have another problem the water levels are rising, the pavilion was nearly underwater this morning. I know Sarcem was bringing more wands but do we have any to use before we get back with him? Those walking the flood watch will need any we have."
JJ watches the action, eyes agog.
"I'm glad I spent a bit of time practising riding over the last few weeks.." is his first thought. Then there is his attire.
"Ahh, gads, you're right Ryan. We need to get changed. The Inn is a whole days ride from here, an extra half hour now preparing shouldn't make a massive difference. I'll be back from my lodgings in twenty minutes."
He stops halfway to the door.
"Not that I have a horse, I borrowed one before. Jenya... can you arrange horses for us while we gather equipment?"
"He was supposed to bring all the wands with him" says a desperate Jenya. Observing the clueless faces of some members of the group she explains "Sarcem purchased eight wands of control water during this trip to Sasserine; these wands are used to help control the waters of the central lake during the rainy season. Since the flood seasons have been minor over the last several years, and the other true churches have lost interest in providing the time and effort to build wands this year, he was forced to go to Sasserine to procure them. It is vital that the wands get back to Cauldron before the flood season starts." she looks at Ryan "Ryan can give you more details about the program during your trip"
She nods to JJ "Sure, I already sent an acolyte to the western gate stables to ask for horses preparation" the woman seems totally desperate "There is no time... there is no time... we are going to make late... please, hurry up as much possible! I have received no more message from Sarcem, and the trip to the Lucky Monkey is a far one! I do not know Ryan, you know him, he is the most powerful of us, but I have no idea of his real situation. He would have not send me the message if the situation was not desperate"