The morning breaks as most spring days do in Sandpoint. The dawn light glows on the salt touched buildings as they sprawl across the cliffs overlooking the bay. Gulls wheel through the sky, their hungry cries accompanying the gentle lap of waves against a pebble shore as the tide washes the nights detritus slowly out into the sea.
While natures natural cycle continues unabated, the hardy folk that make Sandpoint their home are acting far from usual on this most asupicious of days. The twon seems positively alive at a time when most folk would be sleeping quietly in their beds. Already, a small group of travellers have gatehred at the gates leading into town, cheerfully greeting the town guard who drew teh late shift for this watch. Within the walls themselves, a sense of business pervades mornign air as people busy themselves cleaning the streets and veranders of their homes in preperation for the Swallowtail Festival, a celebration of Desnas good fortunes and the marking of the new church's final construction.
At the front of the great church itself, Father Zantus busily hustles a group of his underlings in preparing the stadium for the mornings speaches and the opening of the ceremony. Behind him, two rather lost looking figures stand quietly, having recently arrived to present themselves to the churchman with their papers. The priest doesn't notice them at first, but eventually his turns at a gentle cough from the heavily armoured dwarf and smiles in greeting. As the two present their papers he frowns a little "I am sorry my friends, but I cannot give you the time you deserve. Today of all days I and my clergy are so busy as to have no time for the simple greetings between our faiths." He pauses, looking over the shoulders of the two visitors at the approaching Sheriff Hemlock. The big shoanti is quietly accompanied by a half elf dressed in the garb of a hunter. Zantus calls a greeting before continuing "Ah Belor, I was just saying to these fine folk that I am pressed for time. Perhaps you can show these folk around?"
Hemlock looks over the young womand the dwarf before him and suddenly breaks into a grin and gives the austere looking young lady a big hug. "Ah True, you have grown me girl. 'Tis a good thing to see you again. Unfortuantely my time is pressed as well. I'll have to get Idrian here to show you around the place I'm afraid. He's been in and out of town a few times and can tell you what's changed since last you were here me girl." he nods a greeting to teh burly dwarf, then turns to teh priest, the two of them walking off in an animated discussion about the plns for teh day.
The three new arrivals stand looking quietly at each other as around them the streamers and banners for teh days festival begin to rise on long poles in front of the church doors.
On the other end of town, where the road slopes down to the docks and the morning air carries the smell of fish and boat tar, three new companions stand watching brightly coloured crates of fireworks being carefully unladen fro the schooner Windsprite. A sall gnomish alchemist runs frantically around the hulking dockers as they lift and move the crates, the little man's voice cries shrilly as he demands they take care with the dangerous cargo.
All three are highly taken with the scene, and each for their own reasons. Behind them, the great rusted dragon creaks and groans as a slight breeze blos in from the bay and rolls gently up Salmon street. As the breeze dies down, the spicy scent of cooking curry wafts from the open windows of the Rusty Dragon as Ameiko Kaijitsu, proprietor and ex adventurer slowly simmers her famous curry spiced salmon in preparation for todays lunch.
The half-elf looks a bit uncomfortable when the sheriff introduces him. "I guess you heard. I'm Idrian. I still need to arrange for a place to bed tonight, but after that, I can show you around." He takes a step then realizes he did not give the others a chance to respond and stops and turns to listen to them before going off to find an inn.
Algus eyed the newly arrived cargo with a rather skeptic look, surprised that they'd bring in this kind of things to the town. a glass filled with a strange, deep-red fluid sits on top of the table he's currently using; in order to drink from it, he moves the mask as if it were a lid, "opening" it slightly and revealing for a moment a rather roughened up, scar-filled jaw. he downs the entire drink in one go, and quickly places the mask back into the usual position. then, he turns towards the Shoanti mystic that accompanies him on the table.
"So Jo'No, these are the things they'll use to celebrate the Swallowtail festival?...it seems rather ironic to me, seeing how their previous church was burnt down. I would've expected the priest to request something more...divine, perhaps? instead of volatile stuff like that."
True stands at least six feet tall, but the breadth of her armour and the glimmering shield with its starburst and sword are testament to the love and care she has spent on them. Long blonde hair trails down her back.
True listens to the words of Father Zanthus then accepts the hug of cousin Hemlock without a great deal of emotion...as usual.
As the pair turn away to discuss their plans she cuts through their speech and interrupts Idrian, "I will help set things up. I have no time for being shown around a village I grew up in when there is work to be done."
"Idrian, I look forward to meeting you again. Feldspar, I am sorry dinner with my family will have to wait. Do you wish to help too?"
True points at the workmen and villagers struggling with the poles and banners.
Taking in the general scenery, in which an artificer hustles frantically while she shares a morning drink with a new acquaintance and an old friend, Tania lets a peevish smile show. She jokingly admonishes the alchemist: "Don't make fun of the good people of Sandpoint Algus! Choosing fireworks shows spirit and a desire to move forward, not stupidity." She thinks to herself: I sure hope so anyway...
"Which reminds me, have you had a chance to see the new cathedral? I have been here to see my father for a few days now and, with all the conversations and friends found anew, I had but a flimsy look at it. I heard it is magnificent; a great step away from the 'unpleasantness'. I sure wish to have a better look during the Festival. Would you both join me later?"
She lifts the cup of strong coffee to her lips. Ameiko sure got the Varisian recipe right, she thinks. Filling her nostrils with the perfumed aromas, she signs softly, almost praying to Desna:
"While all is well,
May we share this light
With old friends
And new friends."
Feldspar smiles broadly and grips the hand of the half-elf with a little too much force. "Well met, Idrian. I would certainly appreciate a guide to your fine town, at your earliest convenience, of course. Be about your business; I will remain here, assisting the good townspeople however I may."
Feldspar's voice is as deep as any dwarf's, though far smoother and less gruff than usual amongst his kind. He is dressed resplendantly in a scale mail suit of armor and has a finely made large, wooden shield strapped to his back. His warhammer is on one hip and a dwarven waraxe on a second. The most prevalent features are the mottled red shape of a warhammer across his forehead and along the line of his nose.
He turns back to True and nodds agreement, stepping forward to offer his assistance in preparing for the ceremony.
"Ok. I'll be back." Idrian is relieved that the other two did not want to come with him. It allowed him to walk casually through town and get reacquainted with it. Idrian walked to the Rusty Dragon. With the festival it was sure to be crowded, but he hoped that Amieko would still have some room for him.
Once he was settled in, Idrian returned to the cathedral area to find his charges, even though he didn't want to, even though the woman didn't want his help. At least the sheriff will appreciate that I tried.
Algus now turns to face Tania. regardless if it was in a jokingly manner, he lowers his head slightly as if feeling shame. "I do apologize then, miss.", he says, with his usual soft tone. "It was not my intent to appear as if I were mocking the townsfolk. I am simply concerned about the danger of bringing such volatile stuff here, as another burnt down church would be a terrible incident. but anyways..." he raises his head to face her, as he pours more of the deep-red fluid from a flask of his own, into his drinking glass.
"I'd interested and happy to accompany you, yes. I'll be staying for another week or so in this town, and then depart for Magnimar....I'd like to have a bit of respite today, before continuing on my research."
Having a hard time to read Algus' expression, for a mask covers his face, Tania, not at ease, prefers to reiterate: "No worries, dear Algus, I was just teasing. I sure hope nothing bad happens with the fireworks tonight."
Hearing that her proposal for a visit is accepted, she turns to Jo'no: "And you my friend? Would you join us? Don't play hard-to-get, I know you would rather stay outdoors than keep your nose in musky tomes of knowledge." She blushes then as she realizes that it would perhaps describe more her behavior than his. Well, if it's in Thassilonian, I would not see the Sun before I've read the whole of it...
She looks at her now empty cup and wonders: "What is that ruby-shaped drink that you're having? Is it new? Do you recommend it?"
"oh? this is actually medicine, hehe." Algus puts the transparent flask of deep-red fluid on the table. as he looks at it, he feels a bit of pride in himself. "I brew it every day, in case I have an accident or two in my routine experiments. it is also good for drinking...has a rather bittersweet taste, though. if you'd like, you may drink from it."
Algus opens the flask and pours another serving into his glass. he then leaves it near Tania. "today I had no injuries, so you can have some. it will energize you a bit."
Jo'no nods at Algus's concern and then softly states, "I remember Sheriff Hemlock to be a cautious man. Have no fear, I am certain he has taken the necessary precautions." He takes a sip from his mug, smiling as he re-aquaints himself with the local brew.
"I have had a few chances to pass by the new church briefly but my mother has constantly had me running errands since I returned over a week ago. I have not had much time to explore the town. Her legs bother her terribly now adays, so I have found myself quite full of tasks." Jo'no smiles, "but its been a good change."
A slim grin appears on Jo'no's lips as Tania invites him to take a walk with the two. "Truth is, I now feel an equal alure towards studying all day at home as I do to simply sitting outside and feeling the sun and wind dance across my flesh. There is truely a sense of peace in both." Jo'no sighs when he realizes that he was answering Tania far too literally. "I would be happy to join you in a tour of the new church."
True and Feldspar - The work is done quickly and efficiently, with the two holy warriors strength aiding the accolytes and other labourers greatly. Before too long, the large banners are hanging high, moving gently in the morning breeze coming in off the bay.
As True turns away from the completed task she catches sight of something that causes her heart skip a beat.
Her mother is walking slowly up the road, along the cliff way. Her head is turned up and away, focused on a tall and well built man who holds her arm in a very affectionate way. The two of them appear to watching the town as it awakens and the newly risen sun light gleaming from the bay out beyond the towns boundaries. She had not as yet seen True.
Idrian - As the half elf makes his way quickly through town heading towards the Red Dragon, he sees more signs of people arising and preparing for the day. Behind closed doors can be heard the excited voises of children as they hirriedy finish their break fast in order to rush out and find some trouble to be had.
The walk is pleasent, and mostly down hill from the new church. As he gets closer to the inn, he notes a couple of burly men looking furtively around before disapearing quickly down a narrow alley. Something about the way they moved nagged at the ranger.
Tania, Algus and Jo'No - The unloading of the ship continues at a steady pace, the dockmaster working efficently and quietly ignoring the small gnome as his cargo was stacked on the waiting wagon. The sound of a loud crash further down the dock, followd by a loud curse and the solid smack of a fist striking flesh has all the dockworkers turning away from their tasks.
From their vantage point further up the road, the trio could just make out a scuffle starting between some dockers and a sailor. The trio were quickly surrounded by onlookers and even the overseer and gnome were taken in.
It was with some surprise then that the three of them watched four large looking men move from the shadows of the nearest alley and lift two of the crates of fireworks from the wagon, and quickly drag them back towards the alley.
"there seems to be a great commotion down the road. Jo'No, I hope Hemlock is still a capable sheriff...." Algus kindly remarked as he looked at the scuffle, lifting off his mask slightly to have another drink. it was at this moment that he could barely look as four large-looking folks began snatching a pair of crates containing fireworks. signs of alarm quickly sparked in his mind.
"A decoy!!", he proclaims to his friends on the table; the first thing that pops up on his paranoid mind. his usually soft, calm voice takes a louder, alarmed tone. "Friends, that street fight is a decoy!! a group of thugs is stealing away a couple of fireworks crates!! I don't think anyone's eyed them yet, so we must stop them!! who knows what they'll-" his alarmed ramblings are cut short by a sudden, rather heavy cough; as his throat is quite damaged and wrecked, the alchemist quickly felt the straining effects of pushing his voice to its current limits.
The warrior maiden claps a hand on the backs of some of the workers and Feldspar. "Good teamwork, everyone." With that she nods at a job well done, then stops as she notices her mother.
Politely True looks down at the dwarf companion, "Feldspar would you give me a moment, that's my mother."
Then she stalks over and stops in their path waiting for her mother to notice her, conflicting emotions hidden by her face.
"It's good to see you, mother." She says softly when they reach her.
Feldspar looks at the results of his labors with satisfaction. "It's always a pleasure to see the results of one's labors."
At True's request, he nodded. "May your reunion be a joyous one." he says with a smile.
"Hurry Friends, let's at least follow them!" She then stands up in a hurry and grabs her longspear, lying against the wall, and bolts towards the bandits.
This is a good way to get into trouble. Idrian thinks as he stealthily follows the two men.
Perception
Stealth
"Cursed thieves", Jo'no mutters under his breath. As the three make their way towards the alley, Jo'no keeps scanning around looking for the Sheriff or any of the local guard that he can get the attention of.
"please wait for me!!" Algus, still catching his breath, quickly grabs a hold of his crossbow and hurries along towards the alley. I wonder....why would they want to steal the fireworks? if it was such a tragic day, this celebration should be approved by everyone..., the man thinks as he catches up to his companions.
Feldspar looks at the results of his labors with satisfaction. "It's always a pleasure to see the results of one's labors."
At True's request, he nodded. "May your reunion be a joyous one." he says with a smile.
"I doubt it, our family do not respect or trust in joy. But it will answers some questions about the lack of mail or tithe to Iomedae recently," murmurs True to Feldspar, voicing her thoughts to the trustworthy dwarf.
True The woman stops in her tracks and stares in quiet surprise at her daughter. "True....It's good to see you dear"she states simply, obviously caught off guard by her daughters sudden appearence.
The man beside her smiles at True, his features browned by the sun and a thick beard covering his chin. From his clothes and weathered hands and face, there is no doubt that this man works the sea for a living. "Ah, this must be the daughter I've heard so much about." He drops his arm from the woman he has escorted to the clifftop and holds it out to be shaken. "Manius Crispin." he adds as way of introduction.
Beside him, Trues mother has a paled a little and her smile has been covered by the usually stoic features that the young warrior priestess was accustomed to. She speaks to her daughter, her voice more composed now. "I have been meaning to write dear"
Feldspar The dwarven Paladin watches as his new companion goes off the greet his family. The meeting looks a little more tense than might have been hoped for. The paladin is suddenly aware of a presence at his side, and the hint of flowers in the air. Turning, he comes face to chest with a tall young varisian woman, her eyes clouded over in blindness. She smiles a little and steps back from the dwarf, her hands reaching out instinctively to touch the Paladins arm in appology. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to approach so close. I heard the folk around the church talking of a dwarven worshiper of Torag helping them at their work and I came to speak with you. I believe I have a message for you if you would care to hear it." Her voice is light and bright, the hint of laughter seemingly waiting to burst forth at any moment, and always a slight smile plays on her lips. Before Feldspar can answer, he notices one of the accolytes walking over, a dark look on his face.
Idrian The Alley the two men disapeared into seems quite dark, the overhang of the adjoining buildings serving to block out the morings light. It is only a short trip for the hunter to reach the alley, but even so he nearly missed the two as they disapeared from view. The alleyway dog legs and turns forming a convoluted path between Bishop Lane and Prickleback street, which the two heavies seem to know quite well. Only the hunters amazing ability to be quiet while on the move prevents them from hearing him approach through the littered walkway. He pauses at the exit of the alley, observing as the two men calmly walk across Prickleback street and again look around to see if anyone is paying attention to them. They quickly move between two buildings, heading towards the Rusty Dragon itself. Something about the way they walk is still bugging the hunter, as if they were concealing something under their clothes.
Tania, Jo'no and Algus The four men quickly disapear from view, even as the three companions close on their position. The scuffle is dying as quickly as it started, with the two dock workers now backing away from the stunned looking sailor. The crowd begins to disperse and most folk return to their work, completely oblivious to what else has occured.
The trio come toa junction where it may be quicker to break right and try to cut the thieves off since that seemed to be the way they were travelling. However, the small alleys between the buildings at this end of town means they may have changed and moved off in another direction completely. Whatever their choice, they would need to act fast if they hoped to see where the stolen crates were going.
Feldspar steps back slightly and looks up at the young woman, face slightly red at the intimacy of the collision. "No need for an apology, lass. My name is Feldspar the Flamebeard and it's my humble duty to serve Torag. Is there any assistance I can provide? What of this message?"
He holds up a hand to the approaching acolyte to assure the man that he need not be concerned over the intrusion.
Idrian continues to follow the two men. Once he realizes they are heading to the Rusty Dragon he stops being stealthy and just calmly walks to the inn.
"Quickly! You two go ahead and hope to cut them off. I'll check the other alleys in case and join you soon." She then exhales a quick breath, lifting a leg slightly, as if she were a horse, then intones a short: "AVANTEAM CELERIS" She then bolts, quick as the zephyr, towards the possible other routes they could have taken.
"Pleased to meet you Manius. If the smile I saw on my mother's face is thanks to you then I am pleased for you both. It has been long enough since our father's death." True shakes his hand and feels the wiry strength through his calloused hand.
"Yes. I am glad you intended to write. However when we heard nothing for six weeks, my Sword Knight Iradock sent me to find out what had happened to our letters and the tithe to Iomedae."
True stops there unsure of how to phrase the obvious question. Then her teachings and composure re-assert itself. "I must write a report to my Captain so I ask what reason do I give for your delayed missive and lack of tithe?"
Jo'no manages to speak the words, "I don't think that...", but alas its too late as Tania bolts down an alleyway. Jo'no smiles slightly, recalling that his friend really hasn't changed and also realizes how futile it would have been to suggest to her not to split up in the heat of the moment.
Not having been able to get the attention of the guards, Jo'no begins to become concerned both for Tania's safety as well as Jo'no and Algus' as they continue to run through the alley in an attempt to cut the thieves off.
"she's quite energetic, your friend." Algus remarks to Jo'No as they continue to pursue the Thugs. "she didn't even take a drink from my brew...at least, I think she didn't."
he notices the concern of the Shoanti mystic, and agrees with such concern in silence. "We've no idea what are they planning with those things...it could be dangerous...and since they're carrying the fireworks, I can't use my bombs. if push comes to shove, I'll have to use the experimental vial...", Algus thinks as they dash through the alley, hoping to cut into the thugs' path and stop them.
True waits briefly then speaks out again, "so how are my sister and brother, mother?"
Tania runs through the alleys, as fast as she can, propelled by the arcane powers learned from her Varisian brethren. She tries to keep subtle, but forfeits stealth for efficiency. I must join back Jo'no and Algus fast, in case they stumble upon the thieves.
True - The atmosphere seemed to change visibly at Tues questions. Her mothers face, always impassive, became positively stony at her daughter. She opened her mouth to speak but Manius raised his hand and silenced her. "Your mother has seen fit to lend me the cash for a small venture I have. Your tithe shall be returned to your church, aye with interest, but you must wait until my ship returns in two months time.". He wears an easy smile as he responds, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "As for your siblings, they are well, though your sister has left home to make her own way in the world"
True's mother looked as if she were about to say something as well, but then thought better of it and snapped her mouth shut, turning her head out to look over the town instead.
Sense Motive DC12
Feldspar - The young acolyte ignores Feldspars upraised hand and comes up to the dwarf and the blind girl. His face is red with anger as he speaks immediately, interrupting the Paladin mid sentence "You have no right to be here Vesprin. Take your taint away from this holy site and this holy man!". The vehemence in his voice is surprising for one who follows Desna, a religion not known for its zealotry.
In response, the girl merely laughs, the sound like summer rain on a parched soul. "Well Sir Feldspar, it would seem my message and I are unwelcome here. If you would here it, then we must retire to a more suitable location. My home is not far if you would care to escort me there?". The question is left hanging, a small smile playing over the womans lips.
Idrian - The moment the men notice Idrian, their demeanor changes. They stop walking and lean casually against a wall, starting a conversation as if it was where they had intended to be the entire time. Idrian's path takes him fairly close past the two men, and he catches them eyeing him as he walks past, though neither of them says a word to the ranger.
Perception DC12
Tania- Her great speed amost works against the pretty young bard as she dashes off down the street. The combination of sand and pebbled road makes the surface quite dangerous, and twice the girl nearly lost her footing. Dashing into the entrance to the small alley, she thinks she catches the tail end of the group of thieves as they disaear around the bend. Just as she is about to give chase, she catches a glimpse of something lying against the wall of teh alley that looks out of place. A wooden lid of some type that appears to have been hastily dumped and is too clean to have been in the alley too long. Ahead she can hear the sound of childrens laughter and shouting.
Jo'No and Algus - The two young men watch a little helplessly as Tania dashes off at breakneck speed. Her magically enhanced feet soon have her out of sight. Both men continue on their way until the Alley opens out into a larger area between some of the buildings. It is almost a courtyard, except it doesn't seem to be used for any such purpose. At the moment a small group of children are playing a ball game using a tutles bladder and chaising it with sticks. The sound of their laughing and shouting echoes a little around the little space and they re covering teh ground quite rapidly.
Across from here, the tow young arcanists see the group they have been pursuing disapearing through loose fence pailing and onto what looks to be a larger street.
Perception DC10
Spoiler DC 12 (as for DC 10 plus)
Perception
This is not good. Idrian takes a couple of steps back once he notices what the two are hiding. He readies his bow and stares at them. He hopes that someone from town will come by, notice the now tense situation and runs for the sheriff.
Ready action to fire when they come at me. If they leave, I'll follow until I'm sure that the Rusty Dragon is safe.
"Mother, I look forward to meeting you and Honar at home after the festival. For now there is work to be done. Good day to you both and I look forward to seeing you later, it will be good to sit down and catch up."
True nods to the stony-faced Tabithe.
Whether or not her is answered, True turns away and heads back to help with the rest of the preparations. Doing so, her mind elsewhere, the priest walks straight past Feldspar; missing his conversation.
Slowing down at the sight of the thieves, Tania smiles: There you are... She marks the position of the lid, hoping to be able to get back to it later today. That lid will just have to wait.
She then proceeds with extreme caution, first making sure that they are passing where her two friends were heading.
If it's the case, she'll follow the thieves, taking great care not to be noticed.
If they're in a different place altogether, she'll first try and figure out where they are going.
Feldspar frowned at the acolyte's rudeness. "You are uncouth. Aren't all welcome within these chambers that they might discover the blessings of the Gods? If this lass has a message for me then I am bound to accept it."
To the girl, he says. "You may give it to me now, lass, and then I will see you safely home."
True -
Feldspar - The man in front of the dwarf looks shocked to spoken to so by one of the cloth. His face flushes red and he turns to leave, muttering about father Zantus and repercssions. As he walks off, the young Varisian girl giggles. "I don't think he liked your tone Sir Feldspaaaaaaaarrrrgh". The girls voice strains on the last words, her vocal chords seeming to thicken and deepen. The Paladin turns to face her again, his puzzled expression turning to one of surprise as he sees a change come over the girl. Her features seem to have sharpened, becoming more angular and dark. The skin of cheeks pulls tight across her beautiful cheekbones, seeming to writhe with the presence of bone trying push itself into some other form.
"Feldsparrr, note well the words from this vessels mouth. When the angel toucccccccched corrupted spawns forth the hungry green, only thooooooosssse of pure heart shall withstand the sins of old and save the pointed sannnnnnddds". Her voice breaks again on the last words, and the girls face seems to return to normal, going slack as she drops into a dead faint.
Behind the dwarf, a gasp of horror comes from the accolyte who had confronted them earlier, and he turns to flee into the church building.
Idrian - As the ranger readies his bow, both men stop talking and stare in shock "Desna's t@~+ man, what are you about!" one of them shouts in fear. His cries certainly bring attention from the the street which is beginning to fill with more people as the day grows longer. A woman shouts "He has a weapon! He's going to shoot those two men!" and a few more shouts are heard in a similar vein. Just as things are looking a little too interesting, a loud voice calls over the crowd, "Alright, town watch, let me through folks.". A tall and lanky man dressed in the uniform fo the town watch approaches through the crowd. He looks concerned at the scene before him, and stops a few feet from Idrian and the two men, his hand resting on the hilt of a short sword strapped to his waist. "What appears to be the problem here then lads?" He asks firmly.
Wrath
True looks around and sees that the work is in hand so she ambles back to Feldspar. Still with only half a mind on her surroundings, True reaches the dwarf and waits to one side.
Algus notices that the thugs have spotted them: beneath his mask a puzzled expression begins to form. were they aware of our pursuit from the very beginning?...it doesn't make sense. perhaps they wanted us to come...but that also makes no sense., he ponders in his mind for a moment before shifting his look towards Jo'No.
We must tread carefully now, my friend. these men are perhaps more clever than we thought. we'll have to think our moves carefully... Algus hastily tells Jo'No as they approach the fence where the Thugs passed through.
Idrian lowers his bow. "Watchman, I am Idrian, the bounty hunter. Those two have some tar under their heavy cloaks. I was making sure they didn't start any fires." He keeps his eyes on the two scoundrels.
Idrian lowers his bow. "Watchman, I am Idrian, the bounty hunter. Those two have some tar under their heavy cloaks. I was making sure they didn't start any fires." He keeps his eyes on the two scoundrels.
Feldspar is taken aback by the strange transformation that ripples through the girl, though his first reaction is to act with concern. He moves forward to catch her as she drops.
Kneeling beside the girl's unconscious form, he looks back toward where the acolyte had gone and wonders briefly if he'd made a mistake. Caution overriding him, he focuses his attention on the girl.
Then he checks her for any injury.
As True approaches him, he glances up briefly, his expression troubled. "I fear something...unusual has occurred here."
True snaps out of her private reverie as the girl collapses with Feldspar, making an instant decision she looks around for help from the watch, grabbing the acolyte before he can run.
"oh no you don't!"
When restrained, she calmly continues. "All that is is a girl fainting so why is there fear writ large across your face? How can you help us?"
Perception Check
If Jo'no has a chance to cast Daze (25' range) on the rear-most robber after they clear the courtyard where the children are, and before they reach the main street, then he will do so. (This is of course assuming that he believes dazing the rear-most one, wouldn't result in the crate being over-turned -- which is why he is not casting Grease). In case an in-game judgement call is needed then here's a d20 roll for an Intelligence roll or a Wisdom roll, which ever you deem appropriate:
Int/Wis Check
Concerned about the welfare of any innocent bystanders, Jo'no suppresses his instinct to shout out for the guards. Now deciding that the safety of others is more important than stopping the theives, Jo'no will slow down slightly, trying to just match the speed of the theives while trying to use any obstructions to block their view of him following.
Stealth Check
"Careful, we can't risk anyone getting hurt from those", Jo'no says to Algus
Tania, Jo'No and Algus - Tania moves cautiously towards the group of robbers, keeping an eye out for her friends along the way. As she edges closer, she notes that the alleyway opens into a courtyard with a small group of children playing a game. Across from her, she sees Algus and Jo'No, with the young Shoanti beginning to cast a spell.
As the wizard completes the incantation, there is a yell of consternation from the men in front of her. "God's o' mercy, must be 'de Gnome. Drop 'em and leg it lads!" There is a loud crash as the crates are dropped and the sound of footseps from the other side of the fence that Tania is following. As she gets near the gap, she is suddenly faced with the dazed and somewhat stupid look of one of the men as he stands their blinking in confusion. "Wha'"?
Idrian - Guardsman blunt's eyes widen at the accusation then he turns to the two men, who have an equally puzzled look on their faces. "Well then boys, show us what you're carrying then. And you" he states, indicating Idrian, "Put that thing away before someone gets hurt."
The two beefy looking lads look to each other a little sheepishly, before opening their coats. There are no pales of tar, but fresh pitch covered torches, in bundles, are being carried by both men. "We was just takin' em to the Vestrit, down the docks gov." the oldest looking man states simply. "Then this bloke comes over all hows yer father and pulls that dangerous weapon on us. He's a menace 'e is.". By now a small crowd has gathered to watch the scene, and there's a slight murmur from one man as he nods in agreement with the two men.
Marcus looks to Idrian "Well? Seems to me there's nothing wrong with carrying torches to a ship. Any more to say Idrian?". He seems calm enough, but his hand is still resting on his sword.
Sense Motive DC15
Feldspar and True - The woman moans quietly as Feldspar catches hold of her. He gently lowers her light frame to the ground, and comforts her while she comes to. His divine granted gift to sese evil washes over her prone form, and the faintest blush of red aura hangs over her. It's a remnant aura, like the faint hint of refuse in the air after a nightsoil cart has gone by. The girl herself certainly isn't evil, but evil has been here.
True, meanwhile, has collared the man who was running from the scene. He twists in frustation in her firm grip and answers angrily "She's no woman, she's a vesself or evil that should never have been allowed int his place. I told father Zantus as much, but he wouldn't listen. Well, now that shes manifested here in front of strangers, perhaps he'll do something about it!". There's a hint of vehemence in his voice as he makes the statement.
On the ground, the girl stirs and asks "Oh, did I faint again? Perhaps I should've had more breakfast before coming to the church" She seems oblivious to the events that recently occured.
Quick thinking Jo'no! Tania wished she could just jump the fence and follow the other bandits, but she realizes that Jo'no has managed to get the crates back and capture one of them with one simple spell.
She turns to the dazed bandit: "Now hold on lad! Looks like there's just you and us now. Make it easy on you and things will go smoothly, right?" She lowers the tip of her spear and stands ready to charge the man if he tries to leave. "No one wishes to get skewered on such a fine day, right? What's your name lad?"
A little shaken by what Torag's gift had revealed, Feldspar takes the girl's hand. "Please, allow me to assist you." He helps her up and gently asks, "Do you have any memory of what happened before you fainted?"
He looks up to True and beckons to her.
Sense Motive
Confident that the two rascals won't cause any trouble with the guardsman and crowd watching, Idrian puts away his bow. "It just looked suspicious to me that you would be carrying all that under such heavy cloaks. Maybe I've been out so long everyone's starting to look like a bounty to me." He says while looking at the two scoundrels before turning to Watchman Blunt. But it is odd that they are carrying all of that under their heavy cloaks, where that pitch could get on their clothes, rather than wrapped or in a box. They also seem to have taken a bit of a detour from Minster's General Store." "In any case, I offer my apologies for this embarrasing situation, Watchman Blunt. It seems like it was just a misunderstanding." It's rather obvious that Idrian does not think it was a misunderstanding at all.
"Acolyte, you are talking without thinking, judging without knowledge and not paying attention to your elders and betters. Speak another word of this foolishness and I shall tell Father Zanthus that he has a mewling, puking child for an acolyte! Understand this girl holds NO evil, your gossip will do far more harm. I will check with Father Zanthus later and if you have spread malicious and cowardly lies, I will see that you pay for crying wolf and everyone in town will learn of your behaviour. Now who will they believe, you or me, a Knight of Iomedae!"
True is having a bad day and she hates foolish whelps. The acolyte is thrown away spun to do his worst.
Then she kneels down to help Feldspar, her voice calm and all passion gone. "How is she?"
