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Dotted!!
Dot.
The sun rises slowly over the sleepy frontier town of Sandpoint. Though the summer has all but ended, the morning is warm, and children excitedly hop out of bed, dash to get dressed, and hurry through the steps of their morning routine to get outside and enjoy the day.
Looking out the window, one can easily see life going on as it does every morning. A ship is scheduled to arrive by midday, and there are men on the dock preparing. The mayor, Kendra Deverin, takes her normal morning stroll, stopping every now and again to exchange simple peasantries or chat with the few townspeople who are up. There is always work to be done, and it isn't long before more people begin to stir.
Jin has been awake since the wee hours of the morning this morning, searching for an Ass. The stubborn creature had nonetheless been a major boon to him while he was traveling south to Sandpoint from his tribal homes. However, when he arrived in town, his attention had been distracted by a street merchant and a pickpocket had slipped the reins off of Jin's wrist, leading the wild donkey away into the crowd.
He had been searching for the wild donkey for the past day or so, hoping to catch it again so he could actually make some money from its sale. Failing that, he resolved himself merely to look for magical opportunities. Maybe there was a specialty shop he could find a job at that would give him the chance to increase his magical knowledge.
He's currently wearing his brightly painted greenish-yellow mask of ecstatic joy, despite the fact that he is in a relatively sour mood underneath. He finds that strangers find that mask the least off-putting of the three in his possession.
As Jin wanders through the streets of the town, there are few people who step aside, or give particularly quizzical looks. While the presence of Halflings at all would not be exactly "common", they were used to travelers coming through. The mask, happy as it may appear, does get a couple of glances, but more curiosity than judgement.
A small group of children run past his path, but one young boy stops in front of Jin, too curious for his own good. After peering around the sides of the halfling, the boy puts his index fingers into his mouth, and stretches it into his own interpretation of a comical mask.
Haster darling, today will be great., Mae greeted the day with a smile. Her small room in the upstairs of a somewhat run down tavern was to her liking. Unassuming. Unremarkable. Her first two days in Sandpoint had similarly been quite unremarkable, although the other assignment had started out the same. She quickly dressed and opened up a little book she carried around for jotting down notes. Mae drew a line under the few lines she had taken about the previous day. She had noted the mayer, the place she was staying, and a few quick words about the tavern owner and a few others who had stuck around late last night with a drink in their hand, all in a cypher she had come up with to throw off anyone who might come snooping. She wrote the date, tucked the book into her satchel and headed down to where the owner/bar tender would be. Its possible he or someone around would know a little more about Sandpoint, or at least where she could earn a little coin.
Jin looks squarely at the young lad's eyes, being the same height as him. It cannot be seen through his wooden mask, but he smiles a bit at the boy's cheek.
His ever-present desire to test his gifts upon unwitting others grew too powerful to ignore. He wiggles two fingers at the boy, calling upon his magic. An illusory curly-q pigtail sprouts from the base of the boy's spine, and his features take on a porcine appearance. His nose flattens and small tusks sprouting from his lower jaw; his ears become pointed and floppy. When the boy resembles a pig-boy, the mischievous mage chuckles to himself beyond his mask and moves past him, on his own way. The spell doesn't change his body to the touch, it's merely a visual effect.
On a 7-9, the spell takes effect, but the DM chooses two:
• Your spell won't last long - you'll need to hurry to take advantage of it.
• Your spell affects either much more or much less than you wanted it to.
• Your spell has unforeseen side effects, and might draw unwanted attention.
• The casting saps your energy. You take -1 ongoing to INT until you have a few minutes to clear your head.
James finishes a final strike with his hammer on the new blade, quenching it into a special blend of waters and oils present nearby. His stall open to the market air for others to watch his work (boosts sales if people get to see) as well as for his own cooling (forging is hot as a horse's backside, as Da used to say). James examined the blade as he raised it from the oil.
Perfect.
The strange ripple pattern in the steel wasn't something he'd expected. Perhaps a by-product of the green lister oil? But the blade was so light in his hands for it's size. Normally James didn't forge blades this large because they'd end up heavier than an earthbreaker and not taking advantage of that size, but this... this could be entirely different.
He set the blade down to take a long sip from his nearby rain barrel, splashing his sweaty face and short beard with the water.
I could probably ask at least 150... perhaps even 200 coin for such a marvel. I'll have to work on how to show off the edge... James considered the beautiful market day with a smile on his face as he sat at his grindstone to begin working the Pyngd to a sharper edge.
Maybe I could hire a proper carpenter and replace that ugly table before Amelia's parents visit later this year.
Mae
As Mae descends the stairs in The Rusty Dragon from the rooms towards the tavern proper, she catches the strong smell of spices. Arriving on the lower landing, she finds herself as nearly the first one awake. A large rectangular bar with rounded corners sprawls the center of the room, with smaller tables around the walls.
Standing behind the bar, towards the far side, is the human woman that Mae recognises to be the bartender, owner, and cook, Ameiko Kaijitsu. Hearing Mae come down the stairs, she stops preparing lunch - a curry-spiced salmon - and walks across the bar towards her, with a noticeable limp. Smiling at Mae, she cocks her head to the side a bit. ”How’d you sleep?”
Jin
As Jin steps away from him, the boy frowns, having hoped for some reason that the mask might change into other expressions and they would have some kind of game. Disappointed, he starts to run to rejoin his friends, who immediately notice his altered appearance and begin screaming.
Adults are quick to rush over, crowding the boy who has begun to panic, not entirely understanding what is going on. It's only as someone holds up a mirror that he can see what has happened, and begins to cry. It doesn’t take long before an old man, with a bald head and long beard, and wearing blue robes begins to push through the crowd. Over the wails of the child and concerned murmurs of the crowd, Jin can hear someone address him as Father Zantus, even as he walks away.
By the time the Priest approaches the boy, the spell is waning and his appearance suddenly reverts, though not before Father Zantus catches a glimpse of him as a pig-creature. While the boy is being reassured and comforted, the old man’s eyes dart through the crowd, looking for who’s responsible. But of course, Jin is long gone.
James
As James is working on the sword, a man comes up to the booth with his hunting dog at his heels. He says nothing for several moments, simply watching James work, and as James takes a second to look over, he recognises first the man’s fancy style of dress, and then who he is - Aldern Foxglove.
With handsome features, medium-length brown hair, and fair skin, he’s seen by many as the most attractive man in Sandpoint. That coupled with his clothes, distinguishing him as being an aristocrat in Magnimar, the region’s Capital city, gives him a kind of celebrity status.
James knows him slightly differently, though, as Aldern had commissioned him a year or two ago to clean up some old family swords. When James had pointed out that such heirlooms were worth more in their original condition, even if they had been damaged by oxidization, Aldern had simply smiled and suggested that in his line of work, appearance mattered more than value. One of the repaired cutlasses, likely to have not been used since, now hung from Aldern's belt.
”Good morning, Mr. Pollick.” Aldern greets the man, flashing an award-winning smile. Pausing only briefly, his eyes and smile flash with a mixture of curiosity and mischievousness. ”Might I see what you’re working on?”
The mere smell made Mae's stomach growl. Haster darling, give me the strength to not kill this woman for her food. Mae gave her biggest grin. I slept great, Ameiko. She turned her attention to the limp. Say, how'd you get that limp? I could take a look at it for you. A traveling healer taught me a thing or two about mending a couple of years ago. Mae carefully watches her facial expressions to see if she'll go for it...
With the sun well risen, and the scent of the sea on the breeze, it isn't long before Anduil makes his way towards the center of town.
He'd arrived in town late the previous night, and having quickly befriended a carpenter who lived nearby, spent the night drinking the last of his brandy and telling tall tales to the young man and his family. They'd apparently enjoyed his company - but the new day meant new adventures to be found, and so, despite the slight hangover, Anduil is up, (well)dressed, and wandering into town. He smiles happily at passers-by, and heads towards where the babble of conversation is loudest.
Ameiko at first looks a little perturbed that Mae would ask about her limp, but her smile quickly returns. "That's a kindness, but I'm not sure there's much can be done. An old break didn't set right. Abstalar -" Realising that Mae might not know who she means, Ameiko looks sheepish for a second, "- That is, Father Zantus, has looked at it a few times, but it's beyond even his magic." She shrugs. "Besides, it's one of the few things to remind me of my past life, and it let's me know when rain is coming."
"Now," She continues, "Let's get your morning off started off right. Coffee, tea, or mead?"
Walking through the streets, Anduil quickly finds a crowd centered around a small boy (at first glance, he looks almost like a pig) and an old man in blue robes. The child is crying loudly, and the group of onlookers is murmuring among themselves, some of them tracing religious symbols in the air in front of them, as a superstitious "blessing" to protect them. The old man appears to be looking both into and through the crowd, his eyes darting over everyone there. As the reach Anduil, they lock to his own.
The blue robes catch Jin's attention. It's not often that you see a commoner wearing such an expensive color as bright blue. The man's age also sets him apart; most men that age are either bedridden or beggars, from what little he has seen of Sandpoint so far. He thinks back, questing in his memory for knowledge of a community leader that goes by that name he overheard.
This starting class move from the Mage class might apply:
Arcane Learning:
You are a font of esoteric knowledge. When you Spout Lore or Discern Realities about something magical or otherwise arcane, on a 10+ the GM will also tell you a little-known secret about the subject.
*edit* nvm, I failed anyway.
James' face breaks into a sunny smile. "Master Foxglove, how's the weapons I fixed up? Adequate to your needs?" The big man stood, setting the new blade aside on a table and removing his work gloves. "You're free to take a glance at the new blade but don't touch please, it's still quite warm from the grindstone. Still needs a few more passes at sharpening but it's nearly finished. I've been trying a new method that makes the steel far lighter than would be expected of such a large blade." He gestures to the hilt, a very plain crossguard with slightly upswept edges. "I've been hoping to sell it, or get a commission for a blade like it, at the Swallowtail Festival. After all, there are always more travelers and noblemen looking to purchase a memento of the time."
Hear that Haster darling, other clerics. Fun. Maybe he has some sort of hold over these people. I'd love some coffee! I don't believe I know Father Zantus. Would you mind telling me more about him? He sounds really important to you.Do I know a Father Zantus? Mae racked her brain...had she heard this man or his faith?
Jin's assumptions are correct, but unfortunately he hasn't been in town long enough to have heard about this man. He does know, though, that he isn't the mayor, which may only add to the confusion and uncertainty.
"Beyond adequate," He replies with a smile, patting the hilt. "You do excellent work, as clearly indicated by this new blade." The man looks very much like he wants to pick it up and see for himself the weight, but respects James's wishes, and finally tears his eyes away from it to meet James's. "I'm sure you'll have no issues with selling it - especially at the festival. No one can bring out the inner adventurer like speaking of Desna. Well," he smiles again, "At least for less practical men like us, eh?"
Mae may have heard of Father Zantus in passing, but likely not much beyond him being the local Priest, and having been an Acolyte for a rather long time beforehand.
As Ameiko makes coffee for Mae and tea for herself, she also begins to explain. "He's important to all of us. The role of Priest here is not simply leading people in prayer. With the amount of people who travel through, and those that stay, there are many, many religions represented here in Sandpoint. The goddess Desna still has the largest group of worshippers, including Father Zantus, but he still has the responsibility of providing others with a safe place to worship as well."
With the coffee finished, she gestures to a table, and carries two mugs over, sitting down opposite Mae. "Bout 5 years ago, there was a fire that ruined most of the church and claimed the lives of both Father Tobyn and his daughter. Abstalar was devastated, as we all were, but he agreed to take over the Church more because someone had to than because he wanted to. That kind of thing says a lot about a man."
"And he's done right by all of us. First thing he did was get the church not only fixed up, but changed to be more broad. It's a place for any worship these days, not just Desna." She smiles, "Of course, the majority does still honour her. There's actually a celebration happening later today - nothing too large - but Father Zantus will be there giving a small speech if you want to see what it's all about and meet him."
James raises a smiling eyebrow at Foxglove. "Of course any of my other wares are on sale as well." He says with a gesture toward his wall, upon which hangs several other weapons and some basic breastplates, as well as a small section dedicated to simpler fare like pots and nails. Most of the wall had swords, ever popular with adventuring types who had money and wanted to look noble, though there was a considerable amount of earthbreakers, and even a couple klar fashioned to look like the traditional giant gecko skull. James found that local weapons sold well as ornamentation, though the local Shoanti tribes didn't often buy a piece themselves. "Have you considered commissioning a new piece? I could make another blade of this type easily enough, though the work is a bit longer than a usual blade. Perhaps a fine saber or a short sword? I'd be happy to work a bit of filligree or etching into one as well, perhaps your house crest?"
As he makes eye contact with the robed man, Anduil gives him his best 'I had nothing to do with this!' smile and raises a hand in greeting.
"Good morning!", he says cheerily, before doing an almost comical doubletake at the crying child. "Is there some kind of a trouble?"
Anduil kneels down to get onto the child's eye-level and gives the old man a reassuring nod. Then he looks the child in the eyes, very seriously, and waits for a response. This is probably nothing, but it's worth taking the time to make the child feel better - and you never know. It could be the start of a wonderful adventure!
Disregarding his missing Ass, Jin decides to move closer in the crowd to Father Zantus. His diminutive stature means that he has to duck and weave among the longer legs of the Tall Folk. When Zantus comes into view, Jin studies him closely, and switches his mask from Ecstatic Joy to Hopeless Despair.
Aldern picks up and examines a few things, but without any real sense of commitment. When James mentions the notion of having something commissioned, Aldern thinks for a few seconds, nodding. "Yes, perhaps." He replies, before lighting up like a child, as he considers the possibilities. "A sabre or a longsword, adorned with the Foxglove sigil. When would you be able to start?"
Jin watches as Father Zantus narrows his eyes at Anduil, mostly in studying him, but the way that the Elf carries himself alleviates Zantus's concerns slightly. "I am uncertain." he replies quietly.
As Anduil gets up to the child, the boy has started to settle down, and looking in Anduil's eyes calms him down the rest of the way, seeing that the man was not at all concerned, unlike the panicking children and superstitious adults had been. The child, even once calmed, is at a loss for words, though, unsure of how he could possibly describe what had happened to him.
Zantus, however, has no such trouble, and removing his eyes from scanning the crowd, looks down at the pair, saying simply the word "Curse."
"Simple one, from the look of things. Maybe just a distraction for a thief. Boy looks fine now." He shrugs, before raising his voice "Everything is fine now, everyone please go about your day. The celebration honouring Desna will be starting in an hour!"
Father Zantus looks down at the child with an almost scolding manner. "You must be more careful. We may not live in the wilderness as the Shoanti, but there are still dangers around every turn." Smiling, he tousles the boy's hair. "Alright, enough listening to an old man's lecture. Run along, Michael."
As the boy starts to run off, Father Zantus turns to Anduil, and holds out a hand "I don't believe we've met. I'm Abstalar Zantus. Are you in town for the festival?"
At the mention of a curse, Anduil gives Father Zantus a sharp glance. The priest seems mostly unconcerned, but still, a curse.. perhaps this is the thread to follow next? Where there's magic there's often adventure to be found, after all. Giving the boy another reassuring smile, Anduil rises to greet Father Zantus properly.
"Anduil Ebribor, and yes - I'm a devotee of the goddess and happened to be in this part of the world. I'm looking forward to it - will you be leading the celebration?"
Having shaken Abstalar's hand, Anduil quickly glances around the gathered people, looking for anyone unusual or out of place.
Mae sits back with a serious look on her face. Was the fire an accident? Who would burn down the church? Are there any leads? She lets her expression rest to a smile. Sorry if this is out of line...even in the 2 days I’ve been here I’ve grown somewhat attached to this city. And...if it isn’t too personal, do you follow Desna?
Mae ponders on the deity Desna. This might have been something she had come across previously.
Desna... Jin had heard of the goddess, and knew her followers by reputation to be kind-hearted and generous folk. Having spent so little time among unmasked peoples, Jin finds himself fascinated with the old man's serious countenance, mask-like in its aged-ness.
If Abstalar notices Anduil's sharp glance, he gives no indication of it. As the boy runs off, Father Zantus watches him go for a second before returning his attention to Anduil. "Another follower of Desna?" He replies excitedly. "And an Elf at that, oh this is indeed a treat. I'm honoured to say that I will be leading the celebration, but I'm afraid that it won't be too large of an affair. Desna's followers seem to be lessened these days, as I'm sure you've noticed."
Ameiko laughs at Mae's enthusiasm but holds up a hand. "Whoa," she says, still smiling. "You're talking about five years ago. I'd wager the leads have gone a bit cold now." She shrugs, "Besides, there was no evidence of it being intentional. Could easily have been the follower of a different god. Most of the town follows Desna, especially back then, but... You know, not everyone feels the same way about her." Ameiko looks a bit uncomfortable at the question, and shifts in her seat. "I... used to. Not sure what I believe in anymore. How about yourself?"
Right, right. Turn it down a notch, Mae. Desna is the goddess of adventures and freedom, not terrifying women with faked enthusiasm. Mae switched back to a more serious facade.That's part of why I'm traveling, I'm trying to figure that all out. The meaning of it all I guess. Mae took a sip of her coffee and thought about the smell of the food wafting from the kitchen again. Are you going to the celebration today? I'd love to meet Father Zantus.
The little halfling is noticeable in the crowd due to his startling mask.
James considers carefully. "Well I still need to put the finishing touches on this one and gather more lister oil... I'd be able to start by the end of the week. It wouldn't be ready for a few weeks though. This new technique I have takes a bit more time at the forge." He unties his leather apron and places it aside before pulling a small notebook from a drawer. "I think a nice basketed hilt will work best, maybe work some gold and a gem or two into the basketing..." James sketches quickly, then shows the crude diagram to Aldern. "Just as a first draft... we can change it up if there's anything you'd prefer. Of course I'd expect payment upon completion."
Ameiko nods at Mae, understanding all too well the desire to travel and search for meaning and purpose. A slight look of disappointment crosses her face, though. "No, I won't be able to, there's too much for me to do here with the influx of travelers. Speaking of which," She downs the rest of her tea in one gulp, "I should get back to preparing, the other guests should be stirring soon. It was nice talking to you, though - Give Abstalar my best when you see him."
As the crowd parts, Anduil's eyes lock onto a small halfling wearing a remarkably off-putting mask.
Aldern waves a hand at the mention of money. "Of course," He says brusquely. While his tone remains pleasant, James gets the impression that had they not already had a decent relationship, he may have insulted the nobleman.
Picking up the sketch, Aldern studies it carefully, sternly, before finally nodding. "This will be marvelous," He says, a smile spreading across his face. "And of course a few weeks would be more than satisfactory. I think tha-" Aldern's speech is interrupted as a small boy runs up, calling "Dad!" over and over. Aldern's hunting dog starts to growl, but he hushes it.
As Michael runs up to the small booth, explaining with a mixture of excitement and fear, what had happened to him in the center of town, Aldern looks uncomfortably between the two for a moment. When Michael pauses to catch his breath, Aldern nods to both of them, says "A few weeks, then. Good day, Pollicks.", and starts to walk away.
Jin is unafraid of the Tall Folk crowd parting around him and the attention of the Elf, and stands defiantly with his arms crossed over his chest. He nods curtly in acknowledgement of the Elf staring at him, and speaks. "Hello, fellow follower of Desna." He wasn't truly a follower of Desna, but sometimes Jin lied merely for the simple pleasure of deception; and to see what he could get away with. The halfling's exile from his home tribe appears not to have dampened his incorrigible lust for trickery and deceit.
Mae began to feel restless as Ameiko starts to leave the table. Thanks for taking time to chat. Oh, I almost forgot...I'm looking for work around town so if you hear of anything please let me know. Mae finishes her coffee and sets the mug on the rectangular bar with rounded counters. She heads back up to her room to *Commune* with Haster until others are starting to wake up and go down to the tavern. She sits cross legged with her head down, quietly listening for the first signs of the tavern coming to life...
"Hey boy." James says, scooping up his son as he listens to his story. "Made into a pig? Did you have a curly tail?" He jokes with the boy, nodding his thanks to Aldern for his discretion. "Well let's just go have a quick talk to Father Zantus about this. Perhaps one of your young peers came into a bit of magic." James puts on a smile for his child, but he is a bit perturbed. He never understood magic much and he wasn't entirely comfortable with it being used on his son. In their home town no less. It was disconcerting.
The big man quickly closed down his stall, moving several items into locked trunks and the trunks into the strongbox in his home nearby, then hanging a small sign explaining that he was currently out. Michael continued to gambol around as he worked, asking questions as only a young boy could. After closing up shop, James headed toward the village square to see what had occurred and see if he could find Father Zantus to have a word.
Spotting the masked halfling watching him, Anduil raises an eyebrow inquisitively before approaching, stopping a few paces away and giving a quick nod in response.
“Hello!”, he begins brightly, apparently unfazed by Jin’s curtness.
“It’s always a pleasure to meet a follower of the lady. I’m Anduil. It’s a pleasure to meet you..?”
That mask is quite distinctive, and Anduil is a well travelled adventurer; has he come across any knowledge about this culture before?
My tribe does do trade with the outside world, but you have to come to us. Our primary exports are "spirit paint" - a type of mystical pigment that can be used in the application of spells into scrolls, masks, even skin. We also trade in the usual produce and weaponry.
Jin, unsure of the custom, taps his mask's mouth with his palm twice before drawing his hand downward, in the customary greeting of his tribe. "I am Jin," he says, introducing himself, "and I am in dire need of a wizard. Do you know any?"
Ameiko nods to Mae as the girl begins to head back upstairs. "Any kind of work in particular?" She calls after.
When Mae returns an hour later after her prayers, she finds the tavern to be in an entirely different state than when she left it. Nearly every seat in the house is full, taken up by priests, adventurers, and even local townsfolk. Ameiko moves quickly between tables, seeming to appear a moment before she is needed, with exactly what will be asked for.
James heads towards the center of town, finding Father Zantus almost instantly. His expression when greeting James has a smile, but his eyes betray a bit of nervousness. "Hello, Mister Pollick, and young Mister Pollick" He adds with a wink to Michael. "I suppose that you've heard what happened."
Mae stopped at the top of the stairs and craned her head down from just above the gap between the floors. If you could, put in the good word with the Father. She scampered up the rest of the stairs.
Mae came out of her prayer as the sounds of waking patrons filled her ears. She scribbled down more notes in her cipher as if it was her first written language. Haster Darling, we'll have to pay the good Father a visit. She scooped up her belongs for bar area below.
Haster Darling, look at all of these people. Delight flickered across Mae's eyes as if the flames from the fire read her mind. The more people, the more chaos... She moved across the floor to the bar area and turned to scan the room looking for those of influence and power. Maybe even just for a hot meal.
Anduil raises an eyebrow as the halfling gestures, but assumes that the odd hand movement is a simple greeting.
"A wizard? I'm afraid not, not in this part of the world. May I ask what your need is? There may be someone at the festival who can help you, especially as you're a worshiper of Desna."
As he speaks, Anduil gestures towards the gathering crowds in the center of the town.
"Perhaps we can look for one together," the halfling suggests. "I need a wizard to follow up on some training of mine. I'm afraid I've learned all I can teach myself of the arcane arts, and I wish to find an instructor; or failing that, an adventure to sharpen my skills upon."
The halfling's voice is slightly muted by the mask he wears, which covers his mouth, but his voice is confident for all that. The small, strange little man indicates the gathering at the center of town with an incline of his head when Anduil brings it up.
At the mention of adventure, Anduil visibly brightens - he stands taller, and grins with renewed enthusiasm.
"A quest! I'd be happy to accompany you in this endeavor", the elf begins, then pauses thoughtfully.
"You're an arcanist then? I don't suppose you know anything about the boy who was cursed just now, do you..?"
Anduil's tone is playful. It's clear that he doesn't see the prank as anything too terrible.
As Mae scans the room, she notices a few things almost right off. The tavern is filled with people who mostly seem to be outsiders, which makes sense, though there are a few regulars who are still coming in, refusing to let the celebration ruin their routines.
While some of the travelers look as though they may have some power out there in the world, Sandpoint itself is pretty removed from most of it. Mae gets the impression that the most influential person in the tavern is Ameiko herself. Looking around for the bartender, Mae notices her having a heated argument in hushed tones with a man. He stands a full head taller than her, and his slightly elongated ears make it clear that he's a half-elf. Their voices raise slightly, though not over the sounds of the pleasant chatter of patrons, and he slams a fist on the bar before storming out.
The halfling switches to his mask of sorrow, briefly revealing his face, completely covered by white paint, in the interim. "Cursed? Cursed? No, I don't know anything about any curse," the halfling mentions, casually. "Come on then. We followers of Desna should stick together, eh? As the, uh, Lady, recommends?"
Leading the way, the halfling walks in front of the elf on their way to the busy bazaar.
As Mae strains her ears to hear the argument, while simultaneously searching the crowd, she can specifically hear the word "Father" used a lot, and also picks up the man saying "He pushed her, Ameiko! He threw her off the damned cliff!"
Her eyes have less luck than her ears, as no one is outwardly displaying wealth. While a few of the patrons look like down-on-their-luck adventurers, the majority look like those who have come out of a sort of religious pilgrimage.
As some people are finishing their meals and are beginning to gather their few belongings and head towards the town square, Mae notices very little money being exchanged in general. It appears as though Ameiko herself is making very little from these people.
You both notice that the crowd is starting to grow and the preparations are largely being finished. It seems like the festival proper will be starting soon. Both Father Zantus and Mayor Kendra Deverin are nearby, reading through their speeches in preparation.
The short witch-doctor produces a small staff from within his backpack and begins using it as a walking stick as he walks through the crowds with Anduil.
As he walks, he carefully takes in the situation around him. He's unused to being around so many people at once. So many exposed faces...it's a bit overwhelming for the halfling.
He tries to get a feel for the ebb and flow of circumstances in the crowd, listening and looking carefully with all senses.
Haster darling, it seems like someone is having all of the fun. Mae carefully studies the half elf as he storms out looking for armor, religious symbols, possibly even a sign of where he is going.
She follows him out the door, moving as casually and calmly as she can. Mae checks to see which direction he went...
As Mae follows the Half-Elf outside, she can see him storming off towards the town center. He's not wearing any armour, and rather looks like he's trying to appear proper, even though he's poorly suited for it. His Elf features make him tall and angular, and his shirt hangs on his body strangely. The first few buttons are open, showing a reasonably chiseled chest. He wears a vest over the shirt, but it's simple. He doesn't have any visible sigils or symbols of any kind on anything he wears. The only thing remarkably flashy is that his right ear is pierce with a small gold hoop through it.
Before Mae can investigate further, a bell in the center of town begins to ring, signaling that the ceremony will be starting imminently.
Yes, or failing that, someone who looks wealthy enough to attract trouble.