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Hey guys - sorry to have gone dark. My business was affected by Hurricane Sandy and today's the first day I've thought about logging in. I'm pretty sure most of you have moved on, but I wanted to let you know that I'm still alive, just a little waterlogged (figuratively speaking). Hope to see you all around the boards again soon.
Hey guys - sorry to have gone dark. My business was affected by Hurricane Sandy and today's the first day I've thought about logging in. I'm pretty sure most of you have moved on, but I wanted to let you know that I'm still alive, just a little waterlogged (figuratively speaking). Hope to see you all around the boards again soon.
Noro's diplomacy check was sufficient. Also, untrained knowledge checks won't be successful, unless you're a bard. Noro leads the way to the docks, nodding and speaking to a number of people she recognizes. She walks directly to an old ship. She looks around for a moment before spotting who she's looking for - a grizzled sailor missing an eye and ear. She speaks a few words and the man nods. A few words are exchanged and Noro returns to the group with the following information. There's a rumor that that a pickup for a slave run has been scheduled for this very midnight at an old, boarded-up shoreline tavern. The tavern was once known as the Puffy Pelican - a faded painting of a fat pelican still graces the facade of the empty building, and the building's back features a half - collapsed wooden deck that hangs over the high-tide mark.
The woman hurries to follow you outside. "Yes. Yes I know where he is. There's an old, abandoned warehouse in Old Korvosa. I received a...message...my boy is in serious trouble." She describes the warehouse and its location and thanks you profusely. She informs you that she will head directly to the Citadel to inform them of your mission and await news of your success. Do any of you need to purchase or acquire anything before you go?"
Zograthy notices nothing. He is too offended by Arasmes' accusations. He says quickly, "Oh, so you knew all this before you entered my tent? Well, did you know that Natalya was, at least
Calming slightly, he smooths his robes before continuing. "There are so many names to name." He begins listing people that he personally knows - the names mean nothing to you. "The people of the streets whisper that the vanished folk are the victims of slavers who then
Volta:
There is nothing of value in the tent. Everything is a cheap fake of a fancier object. You've earned 600XP for successfully interrogating Zograthy.
"Gaedran and his thugs. Gaedran Lamm has my boy!" You've all heard the name Gaedran Lamm, a despicable low-life who missed his chance at being somebody big in Korvosa’s murky underworld. Well past his prime, the decrepit thief allegedly abducts orphans and forces them to support his despicable lifestyle with petty crime. Many of Korvosa’s lower class have had dealings with Lamm, and even a few of the city’s middle class and nobility have had their lives complicated by this foul old man. Yet no matter what he does, he always seems to slip away from the guards and avoid answering for his crimes. Andre:
Gaedran is a name you're especially familiar with. You've attempted to locate him over the past few months, as your investigations have often raised his name - perhaps not as a suspect, but as someone who might be able to divulge some information.
Your reveries are broken are broken by a commotion happening near the door. A number of heads have turned to see the new entrant, an attractive young woman. Her face is ashen and desperate. "Please - are there any guards here. Please! I need some help!" The gathered group parts and all heads turn towards your table. She pushes through the crowd and approaches your table. Addressing Pai, she says, "Please...you have to help me. He has my son! Please! I can't bear to lose him!"
"But of course," the young woman says. She bows her head, raises her arms and prepares to dance. Suddenly, her head snaps up and she begins to sway and move to the rhythm of her finger cymbals. She moves forward and back, spinning in circles and stomping her feet. The movement is trance-like. Perform: Percussion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Her movement matches her beat flawlessly - she is very talented. The crowd enthusiastically begins clapping to encourages her. She does several more spins, bows and gestures to Edrebertil to take his turn.
Zograthy takes the coins and places them in his pocket pouch. HIs smile widens and he places his locked fingers under his chin. "Now, you wanted to know how to contact Natalya Vancaskerkin, yes? Unfortunately, I am of little assistance in that matter. Even her Scarzni associates are unable to locate her." He senses that you're unsatisfied with this scant information so he adds, "Though I am uncertain where she has disappeared to, I have heard stories of many folks along the waterfront, both here in Beacon's Point and over in Dockway and Underbridge, who have been disappearing of late - a few each week, in fact, with many simply vanishing out of their very beds at night. I suspect that Natalya is among those who have disappeared in this manner." His voice adopts a slightly bitter tone as he continues. "As long as it's only poor Varisians and other destitute folk being targeted, the chances of the city doing anything about the disappearances are quite slim."
Graxlo:
Angus received forgiveness from the Temple and was invited to return to their employ. Angus didn't want to leave you, but his love for the Inheritor and his frustration with the corruption of the guard witnessed on your initial patrols made the decision for him. Last you heard he had been sent to Magnimar for some secret mission. You make your way to the nearby Aram’s Crown tavern and find an unoccupied table among the crowd. A young woman approaches your table and asks what'd you like to order. GM Only Dice Rolls:
1d5 ⇒ 4 Who is still in their guards uniform?
I'm going to advance the game, but don't let that dissuade you from continuing your conversations or tattling on Verik - we'll address any actions necessary in the next post. I just want to keep things clicking along. 2nd of Gozran, 4708 AR
The matter of Pilts and the "dead king" passed relatively quietly. You were reprimanded and forbidden from interacting directly with Pilts or attending a show at his theater - not that you'd ever want to - but that was it. The issue of the little boy, however, did not pass as quietly. The boy's family, refusing to be run over, accused Verik of blackmail, coercion and intimidation loudly and publicly. Their boy was quickly released from jail as witnesses came forward - many anonymous - to confirm the story. However, before Verik was removed from duty the charges were mysteriously dropped. The entire matter was dropped. Some of your fellow guardsmen claimed that Verik had a powerful patron pulling the strings for him, but most just assumed the family got what they wanted - their boy back - and chose not to push things further. Some of the notable people you've previously met have changed positions. Goldfist retired from the guard amidst rumors that he had developed an addiction to Shiver. Verik has - against all odds - been promoted to Watch Sergeant responsible for North Point. Through his increase in rank, his desire to meddle in your affairs decreased, so you saw very little of him (mysteriously, none of you have ever been assigned to patrol North Point). Soldado, meanwhile, has maintained his post, but has grown increasingly despondent of late. Though rumors of alcohol abuse surround him, they aren't as persistent or damning as those of Goldfist. He's continued inducting new recruits (of which there have been very few), so much like Verik, you've seen very little of him. Now that you're officially members of the guard, you have received a wage over the last 8 months - 20G/month. If you've lived at the Citadel, you've only faced minor expenses and have saved up 140G. If you've moved out, you have incurred whatever cost of living you've taken on (let me know if you need to know average costs per district). You may purchase any additional gear or equipment before we move on. Additionally, you each receive a bonus based on your individual patrols/duties. Bonuses:
Pai - you've honed your interrogation skills: +2 Bluff/Diplomacy/Intimidate (must choose one before beginning the interrogation) when questioning a suspected criminal. Andre - you've spent every waking hour not on the job looking for information about your wife's fate. You've also given up smoking. You gain a +2 bonus to resist fatigue. (Unfortunately, your investigations haven't gotten you very far to this point. Everything you're finding is leading you to believe that the murderer was a desperate drug addict who botched a robbery.) The rest of you have gotten to know the people of the district you patrol. You gain a +2 sense motive check whenever dealing with the individuals in this district.
Today, in a random chance, all of your patrols end around the same time. You decide to meet up at Eodred's Square in Midland before heading to a tavern for a drink. First to post, first to arrive. Again.
"Well, well, well! What have we here? The prodigal returns?" a female voice behind you says. "I don't suppose all that fancy learnin' taught you anything did it, Bert? Let's put those tests to the test!" Turning you see an attractive young Varisian woman cloaked in purple, orange and yellow scarves. "I'll wager a morning's worth of tips that I can earn more than you, Blackwillow." Bert:
You don't recognize her, but she clearly knows you. "Who wants to see what our dear Blackwillow has learned at his fancy bard's college, shall we?" she asks loudly to the potato-watching crowd. There is a cheer of affirmation - the crowd is hungry for further entertainment. "You simply make your choice of who you prefer with your coin - winner take all," she explains. Turning back to you she says, "Shall we play, Bert?"
And the contest begins! Totek: 43 Gorvi: 53
Ven Vinder: 46
The three of you tear into the potatoes. You struggle mightily to get the hang of transferring the slippery potatoes from the plate to your mouth, and you're never able to make up the ground. Moving into the second dish, no one looks as if they are going to slow down. Ven's lead widens, but his face begins turning bright red and he is sweating profusely. When tackling the third plate, Ven completely falters. He has lost all will to continue eating and simply sits there staring at the massive pile of potatoes remaining. You and Gorvi have no problem pressing on, but Gorvi, thanks to his lead on the first plate, manages to put away his last potato before you. There is a loud cheer from the gathered crowd as Gorvi finishes. The woman who recruited you runs over and raises Gorvi's arm - another cheer goes up from the crowd. The man who announced the contest loudly says, "And we have a winner! Stand up if you can, Gorvi. You've earned our respect, a year's worth of meals from our fine dining establishment, Risa's Place and, as promised, a small prize of gold - you may want to save some of that for some medicine - we're not sure what will happen to someone who eats that many spicy taters…" He turns to Totek and Ven, saying, "And for you, our fierce competitors we have...nothing but our respect. Take it with our thanks." You've not won, but you've increased your reputation in Sandpoint.
Lanalee claps in delight. "Oh, good. Come, my good fellow, leave these less-adventurous souls behind and let us test the limits of your fortitude!" She leads Totek a few paces to a large table. Two contestants are already seated - one is a large half-orc, the other a large man Local to Sandpoint:
You recognize the half-orc as Gorvi, Sandpoint's dung sweeper. The man is Ven Vinder, the owner of the Sandpoint General Store. Totek takes his place at the table. "Ladies and gentlemen! Gather round for the inaugural eating of the Potatoes - Sandpoint's first ever Spicy Potato Eating Contest!" booms a man, who looks very similar to the girl who recruited Totek. "Today, we have three fine combatants, each gifted in the gastric arts. The first is our beloved dungsweeper, Gorvi. The second, Ven Vinder, owner of the General Store. Finally, we have, well, a newcomer…Totek is it?" There is a loud cheer and a growing crowd as the contestants are announced. Gorvi definitely earns the most applause. "Alright fellas, let's see what you can do. You each have three plates of Risa's Place's finest spiced potatoes. Whoever finishes fastest wins the grand prize - free meals at Risa's for a year and a small prize of gold. But most of all, they will win the admiration of all who witness their victory." "All right then - get ready…and…CONSUME!" Ok, first, give me a Reflex check - you're going to be shoveling the potatoes into your mouth and this requires incredible coordination. Next, give me a Fort check. This is your second plate and your stomach is getting full - can you push through? Finally, give me a Will check. You're on the last plate and at this point it's more mind over matter.
"No...no...stay, please. No one else knows the city - or Vancaskerkin - as I. Please, surely we can come to a mutual agreement. You have the gift of a golden tongue - we could be great friends. I will give you my "friend" rate. How does 35 pieces of gold tickle your fancy?" Arasmes and Volta:
It seems that he really does have information of value - but is unwilling to part with that information without receiving a fee.
"I am not disappointed in the least," Verik says. "Simply surprised. After proving to be so completely inept over the last couple of weeks, I didn't think you'd manage such an easy task." After only a few more minutes, you find yourself at the local garrison. Verik takes the guardsman on duty aside and you're unable to hear what he is saying. Moments later, the man comes over and takes the boy from your care. He says quietly, so only you can hear, "The boy will be fine." Feel free to continue any RP during this exchange, but I'm going to press ahead a bit. The rest of the watch is completely uneventful and just as the sun begins to rise you make your way back to the Citadel. You don't see the other three, so they are either still out on their watch or have returned already.
Ekan:
You've heard the stories of ancient Thassilon and the various threats - giants included - that roamed freely. Most people dismiss them as merely fables, not historical threat. The major exception to that is Brodert Quink, Sandpoint's resident sage and historian. He claims to have have spent 2 decades of his youth studying with dwarven engineers at Janderhoff and 3 decades as a cataloger at the Founder's Archive in Magnimar - his obsession with ancient Thassilon, though, causes many to discount his theories. "Well, what have we here?" a woman's voice says, interrupting your conversation. "Don't suppose any of you lot would care to participate in a little potato-eating contest, would ya'? We need a couple more contestants and you lot look like you could handle a bite or two." She eyes Totek in particular. [b]"A large gentleman such as yourself, why you'd have no trouble, I'm sure." She appears to just notice Edrebertil. "Well, well, well! Look who's home! Your mother was just in last night - she didn't mention you were on your way. Did ya' come home to surprise her for the festival?" Local to Sandpoint:
You recognize the woman as Lanalee Magravi, proprietor at Risa's Place, a local tavern famous for its founder, Risa Magravi, an old, blind sorcerer, and its spicy potatoes and cider.
Zograthy's smile falters for only a moment. He listens to your group's ribbing of Arasmes before continuing. "Ah, yes. I know her. Beautiful, indeed. And popular. You are not the first to inquire about her. Secrets are my greatest trade - 50 gold is all it takes for me to answer the questions you have."
A few seconds later, you emerge from the market and see Verik, Malder and Karralo sitting on a bench and laughing. Karralo's head is wrapped in a comically large bandage. When Verik sees you approach his face breaks into a smile until he locks eyes with the small boy. His face turns to a scowl as he storms towards you. "So...you caught the...little scofflaw. What a surprise." He glowers menacingly at the child. "I'm sure your grandparents will be very disappointed that you were caught. I, frankly, didn't expect such an outcome." Turning back to you, he says stiffly, "Well done. You have surprised me. Let's make our way to the local magistrate to turn this boy in." He doesn't touch the boy, choosing instead to leave him under your watch. He motions to Malder and Karralo whose faces bear a mixture dumbfounded and angry and they follow him, presumably, to the magistrate.
It is early morning in the quaint, seaside community of Sandpoint. The sun has just risen; its warm glow marking the first day of autumn. A gentle breeze carries with it the smell of the ocean, a whirl of leaves just beginning to tinge vibrant fall colors, and despite the early hour, the sounds of rejoicing. It is finally the morning of the Swallowtail Festival. As you all know, this year's celebration is commemorating the loss of the cathedral to the goddess Desna in a fire that also tragically claimed the lives of Father Ezakien Tobyn and his adopted daughter, Nualia, five years ago, and its subsequent grand reconstruction. Ekan:
The big day is finally here. The past year's work has drawn to a conclusion and today, the town of Sandpoint celebrates the reopening of its new Cathedral. You've been a part of its reconstruction, providing experience gained from your time near Korvosa under the tutelage of Callum Caverngas, your magical mentor. You're standing near the stage, overseeing the final details of it and the podium - your contribution to today's festivities. Everything is going fine and a large crowd has already gathered. It's going to be a beautiful, relaxing day. The perfect exclamation point on the previous year. Looking out over the crowd, you note the two Shoanti newcomers - both have been in town for only a few days. You've been meaning to introduce yourself, largely to discover if either had ever encountered giant attacks in their tribes or over the course of their journeys. Perhaps they will stick around and you can catch up with them later today.
Edrebertil:
Sunrise invaded your room at the Rusty Dragon Inn far too early this morning, in your opinion. You arrived late last night and managed to snag the inn's last free room, deciding that you should put off the inevitable "family meeting" as long as possible. Rising, you don your gear and head down to the great room of the tavern and inn to find it empty. It seems everyone has already headed to the town's square for the annual Swallowtail Festival. You know that this year's festival is going to be larger than previous years, and you're looking forward to not being forced to perform or participate in the various plays, speeches and ad hoc street performances of your youth. You exit the inn and make the trek to the town square - perhaps the distraction of a festival will take your mind of the impending meet up with your family. On your way, you keep your cloak pulled high to keep a low profile. You don't run into a single soul. By the time you arrive, the square is already full with people milling about, waiting for the festivities to begin.
Cadas:
You arrived in Sandpoint two days ago, but so far you've had very little success meeting with the town's influential leaders. They've all been busy preparing for today's Festival, and have promised to give you an audience after the festivities are complete. In the meantime, you've wandered the streets, taking in the small town and its sites. You've been particularly drawn to the White Deer, a beautiful new tavern owned by Garridan Viskalai, a Shoanti whose parents were part of the Shriikirri-Quah (The Hawk Clan). Yesterday, he sat with you for hours, listening to your tales - he's confessed that he regrets his parent's choice to abandon the clan and settle in Sandpoint. And he's expressed frustration that his brother, Sandpoint's sheriff Belor Hemlock, has completely abandoned Shoanti tradition. You made your way into town this morning, out of both curiosity and an internal sense of calling. It is a beautiful day and the energy in the crowd is boisterous and gay, but you are on alert - your internal voice is rarely wrong. Arriving in the square you spot another Shoanti, marked by his tribal tattoos and tanned skin. You haven't met him yet, but perhaps there will be a chance once the festivities are underway.
Totek:
You awake in your room at the Rusty Dragon Inn before the sun rises. You have agreed to help Savah Bevaniky, the owner of Savah's Armory, set up a small archery range this morning for today's festivities. Savah has become a friend and companion during your time here, often staying up in to the wee hours of the morning with you to share stories, eat the exotic foods the Kaijitu's are famous for, and drink the various spirits the inn offers. Unfortunately, your sleeping hours are less enjoyable. You are haunted by dreams and visions of your tribe's attack. You awake often, anxious and sweating. You never forget why you have come to Sandpoint and your dedication to protect this community. You arrive in the town square to find Savah's already arrived. You help her set everything up - a number of scarecrows painted with goblin faces, bales of hay and circular clay discs will serve as targets for those who want to take aim with a crossbow or short bow. The work is easy and Savah monopolizes the conversation, sharing her excitement about the coming festival activities. After about an hour, the sun rises and the square begins to fill. There is a tangible feeling of excitement and joy in the air. You begin, for the first time since the attack, to relax and enjoy yourself a bit.
And so, you find yourselves in the town square in front of the magnificent basilica where a stage and podium have been erected amidst countless vendors’ tents and tables piled high with delicious pastries and tarts. Sitting and conversing quietly amongst themselves near the rear of the stage is a troupe of local notables. An attractive woman with short auburn hair takes the podium. A hush falls on the crowd as she begins to speak. Mayor Kendra Deverin’s Speech:
"Greetings, friends! As most of you already know, my name is Kendra Deverin and I proudly serve as mayor of this great town. It is simply wonderful to see so many faces, both fresh and familiar, accompanying us on this fine day. To any first-time visitors in the audience this morning I wish to extend my personal welcome and hopes that you enjoy your stay here in Sandpoint. And to any of you that I see more regularly, thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to enjoy all of the attractions today's festival will have to offer. I think I even see Larz Rovanky has managed to tear himself away from his work at the tannery to join us. And to think that I often joked that I wondered what old Larz would be doing if he hadn't been spending all his time getting his hide tanned." Laughter erupts among the crowd and many eyes turn toward a serious looking man with a sour expression. Kendra pauses to wave at him with a warm smile before continuing. "Every citizen of this town has done their civic duty of keeping this community strong even in times of tragedy and for that you all have my thanks. I wish not to keep you any longer from the festivities. So without further ado, let me introduce someone who readily will. Belor, get up here. Sheriff Hemlock, everybody!" After a round of applause a rather dour looking Shoanti man wearing an armored coat takes center stage and clears his throat after shaking hands with the mayor. Sheriff Belor Hemlock’s Speech:
"Thank you, Mayor. Citizens! Even in the heat of celebration we would do well to remember the sad events that brought this day of merriment to us. And also let us not forget the poor souls that were lost but five years ago. I would like to invite you all to join me in a moment of silence to honor those lost on that fateful night. The sheriff lowers his head and most of the crowd joins him as he whispers prayers to Desna. There is an awkwardly long silence before he begins to speak once more. "In remembering, we don't allow mistakes to repeat themselves. I am of the understanding that there is a bonfire planned for this evening and I urge all of you, especially those with young children, to observe caution during this event. Please enjoy yourselves responsibly and know that my watch will never be more than a moment away." He pauses to briefly scan the crowd. "Cyrdak Drokkus, the proprietor of our local theatre would like a moment of your time before the celebrations get underway." He gives a curt nod as the following applause is somewhat more muted than what Kendra had received and, unfazed, returns to his seat at the back of the stage, passing an older, brightly dressed man with a well groomed goatee who seems to be thoroughly enjoying the morning. As he reaches the podium he loosens his collar and winks to the crowd. Cyrdak Drokkus’ Speech:
"Well, Sheriff, I think I speak for us all when I say thank you for that uplifting oratory. Now I know this town has been through some hard times, but just look at what we've accomplished." He flourishes toward the new cathedral. "And I'm telling you, as overseer of fundraising for the project, no expense was spared with this place. Solid stone and completely fireproof. Father Zantus' chamber pot? Solid gold! I kid you not. That is your taxes at work, ladies and gentlemen. Of course it was also financed by some very generous noble families. I think even the church actually chipped in a silver or two! Now that I have your attention I'd like to take the opportunity to invite everyone to come and see the Sandpoint Theatre Group's latest production: The Harpy's Curse, debuting in just two evenings. Our female lead, Avisera the harpy queen, will be played by none other than that famous Magnimarian diva just to my right, Allishanda. Isn't she a thing of beauty, gentlemen?" He raises an eyebrow at some whistles from the audience as he motions to a haughty looking Chelexian dressed in noble's garb who readily poses to be gawked at. "And now, for the moment I know you've all been waiting for, let me hear some applause for the highest of holiness himself, Father Zantus!" The crowd cheers as Cyrdak motions to a surprisingly young man wearing the ceremonial robes of a priest of Desna. He smiles as he steps forward, noticeably abashed at the reception set up for him. He smiles and motions for the people to calm down, eventually beginning to speak.
Father Abstalar Zantus’ Speech:
"Thank you, Mr. Drokkus. Thank you, Sheriff. Mayor." He nods to each in turn. "Thank you, everyone, for taking me into your hearts and homes and letting me have the pleasure of becoming your new spiritual guide. I'll not bore you with another long speech, since you all appear to be eager to get to the celebrations. So, I officially declare the Swallowtail Festival underway! Please come see us here at noon for the climax of today's activities, the release of the swallowtail butterflies." He is drowned out by cheers before he even finishes the thought. Within minutes the crowd descends in all directions. Criers call out advertising activities of all sorts. All around you are carnival games waiting to be played, veritable mountains of free food and sweets begging to be eaten, shady folks gathering at Harrow tables piled high with coins, painted up pretty boys and girls of the Pixie's Kitten Brothel wandering about, drinking contests starting despite the early hour, and more. Each character will have time for exploring the town and participating in some activities before the Swallowtail Release at noon. Have fun!
Verik's commanding officer is Soldado. The arrest would simply need to happen and then an investigation could occur. Since the "perp" is a minor, you would face sending him to a juvenile detention center, which would take him from his parents without word or warning. You could go over his head, but it's difficult to know whether or not that would backfire, as the guard encourages and enforces its tiered command structure.
Zograthy frowns. "You speak as if I should know of whom you are talking. Speak clearly now. You obviously want specific information, but my services have been retained by countless women who could meet that description." Volta:
You notice nothing odd about Zograthy and he is telling the truth about his being employed by multiple people - he clearly doesn't know who Arasmes is talking about.
Zogarthy breaks into a wide grin. "Oho! The exotic visitor needs help wooing our Magnimar women, eh? I can provide advice, but it is twice the price of the secrets of the multiverse - women are more complex and mysterious, are they not? 100 GP and you will know all there is to know to bed any woman you meet."
Allysen makes her way upstairs just as the small boy emerges from the corner. He sulks over to Garridan and hands over the sling. He bows his head and awaits your instructions. You lead the boy back out towards Verik and the two other guardsmen. You have about a minute before you will reach them to discuss how you'd like to handle the situation.
It seems I should have looked at the characters in addition to the players behind them - we have some overlap in terms of backstories, but I think that's ok. Ekan and Totek have baggage with giants
I'm not sure yet how Ed will finalize his backstory, but there may be some there, as well. We'll use these commonalities as ties to one another rather than boring redundancies.
Within the stuffy, cluttered tent is a table covered in blue velvet stitched with moons, stars, and arcane symbols. A dusty crystal ball and a dog-eared harrow deck sit upon it. Behind this table sits an aged, bald, Varisian man with threadbare purple robes and piercing eyes. Upon your entrance, he gestures broadly and states in a tremulous voice, "The Amazing Zograthy sees all and knows all. A double fist of silver for a turn of the cards or a vision in the crystal; a treble fist of gold for the secrets of the multiverse."
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