1.) GM Edwin's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Insnare

I snort at Kalistrine. "Ah Shut up. We brought dis for Amy. It is rightfully her's an she dun hafta give us none of it. Our job was de greenskins an we's done dat. Dis was a fer fun side track we did fer free. Ya didn't hafta join us." I shove the ears at Kalistrine. "Ere! Ye want money so bad takem all an take de credit wy yer at it. I dunt need it. I got what I want." I say as I look pleasantly at the expression on Ameiko's face.

"Indeed," Liu Na agrees with Jorland. "I work for Ameiko and Takeshi. We recovered that which rightfully belongs to them - and we got to eliminate the tribe of goblins that killed my mother. I need no other reward than that."

The Tian half-elf turns to Ameiko and speaks in a quiet voice only the tavern-owner can hear.

Thanks Jor! I don't want you to ruin a comradeship over me.

Ameiko turns to Kalistrine and says gruffly, I did not ask for any of this stuff. And I sure as hell don't want any of this adulation people pour over me in this town. The only thing that would want from this chest is the chest itself. Just to see if it matches some of the old stuff in my home's storage area. I would suggest the group of you should split the contents amongst yourselves. You've earned it.

Feel free to add anything in between

Ameiko coughs a little uncomfortably and says in Tian

She then goes over to Takeshi, Tak, Tak may I see your wakizashi, I think it is a special one if Papa's stories were true.

Takeshi hands over the wakisashi. "I don't remember much of his stories... or rather he never told them to me. What do you know of the blade?"

Ameiko smiles at Takeshi as she takes the naked blade from her younger brother and says, "Father was a bit of a tough man and as you know he and I quarrelled on many an occasion which drove me away. I am glad that your studies enabled you to miss most of that nonsense. Anywho, the blade if I am not mistaken is called Whispering Shrike and it is a (+1) wakizashi of
incredibly beautiful design. Aha see, the sword is etched with images of
seven shrikes perched on a coiling branch that runs the length
of the blade. Yeah, yes, father told me about this you can, once per day, Whispering Shrike can be used to
cast shield other on any creature touched by the blade while its being
wielded. It is a remarkable weapon, it just needs to be repaired and check this out she smiles at Liu.

DC Bluff 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 to see if she knew about the secret compartment as part of the story of Whispering Shrike or because Liu told her.

She then unscrews the pommel to reveal the scroll. She then unrolls it and reads it. Although Liu summarized the contents, seeing her grandfather's writing makes her go pale.

Takeshi, you should definitely read this letter.

Kalistrine stands and towers over Jorland and Liu. "Oh, yeah a fun little detour where a huge spider almost killed me." she snarls. "I deserve to be paid for my work, just like any free person." she says, then eyes the bag of ears. "I won't take more than my share, don't you worry. I just want what's fair!" she says, looking slightly offended. Ameiko's words make her smile a humourless smile. "Thanks. It's no less than we deserve, but I'm glad ya did the right thing." she smirks and goes to look over the booty. She is dividing the coins as the others attend to the letter.

Koya coughs a little and she looks a wee bit weary due to lateness of the evening and meekly says,Did you have a chance to give me friend Megus, my letter?

DC 16 Sense Motive check vs. Ameiko's Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Liu Na listens attentively to Ameiko, amazed that her friend already knew the details about honorable Tsutamu's blade - including its secret compartment.

Koya coughs a little and she looks a wee bit weary due to lateness of the evening and meekly says,Did you have a chance to give me friend Megus, my letter?

"I'm sorry, Mistress Koya," Liu Na replies with an expression of sadness. "We found Mistress Megus, but she had passed away. We gave her a proper funeral near her home. We left your letter with her, so that your words of friendship could comfort her in the afterlife."

Walthus tries to hold back a tear, I will be going to speak with Mayor Deverin tommorrow and try to get in contact with her next of kin to handle her estate. I have her rowboat at my house in Marsh.

Koya sheds a tear as well, Thank you Warden Proudstump

Ameiko saysEveryone, I need some time to think, I will be going back home now, I hope you all enjoyed the show. I will meet everyone here for Lunch. You all have have earned a free night at the Dragon. Takeshi are you going to stay with your friends or go back to the house?

You should probably get your reward from the Sheriff.

Takeshi listens to the story about the wakisashi. "Perhaps you should hold onto it Liu Na. It seems appropriate, given it's nature and the work of your family."

I don't think anyone else can use it anyhow, lol. It's an exotic weapon that ninja's happen to have proficiency in.

Takeshi reads over the letter, his face registering shock. "I will remain with my new friends here. I think I would like to discuss things with them. May I share the contents of the letter once we are somewhere more private?"

"Sounds great." Kalistrine mutters as she parcels out the coin. "At least now I can get back to the caravan and get out of this town."

Ameiko looks at Takeshi and shrugs her shoulders and says, No problem, I still don't understand all the secrecy, tell them the whole story.

Kalistrine, do you stay at the dragon or go to the caravan?

With that she fills her flask with some more rye, says See you on the morrow!

Then she leaves the dragon to ponder what needs be pondering.

I nod. "Well Kali has a handle on de gold it seems. Hope ye enjoy it wherever ye be goin."

I look at Ameiko. "Ye take care now. If ya need me fer anyting, I'm here for ye."

I then enjoy an evening meal to myself and a bottle of mead. Once I finish I retire to my room for the evening unless anyone else has something they want to say.

I will just sum up the night's events.

After Ameiko leaves the Dragon for the Kaijitsu Manor, Takeshi fills the group in about the sword letter and of how this information was up until then unknown to both himself and, gathering from her reaction, Ameiko, as well.

Kalistrine makes her way back to the caravan camp and her soft caravan
bunk.

In the morning Walthus Proudstump wakes up and has some eggs and bacon at the Dragon with the group and says, "Twas an honor, ranging with y'all, I shall be taking care of Megus' estate with Koya at the Sheriff's, hopefully, he will be able to assist me in squaring it away so I do not have to make a run to Magnimar."

As Kalistrine is leaving the caravan camp on the way to see the Sheriff, she runs into Ameiko who is about to entire the camp, Ameiko says, Hello, I hope you liked my tavern. Feel free to stop by for breakfast. I will be there around noon to speak with your group.

Takeshi listens to the story about the wakisashi. "Perhaps you should hold onto it Liu Na. It seems appropriate, given it's nature and the work of your family."

Liu Na bows her head respectfully to Takeshi as she accepts the weapon. "I am honored to bear Whispering Shrike, the blade of Tsutamu, bodyguard of Rokuro Kaijitsu," she says solemnly. "I only hope that I can fulfill my duty to protect you and Ameiko as honorably as Tsutamu fulfilled his duty to your grandfather."

Did I prematurely move this forward? Kali, do you want to RP your interaction with the sheriff or shall we move this to lunch?

Kalistrine smiles at Ameiko. "Breakfast sounds great." she says without a trace of her earlier anger. "Your place is nice. Better than most I've seen on the road. I'll see you in the morning."

She walks off, heading for the Sherriff's office, the grisly sack of ears and a head hanging over her shoulder.

Did anyone else want to be there for this?

At the Sherriff's, she sets the sack down and with a grin relates the tale of their victory over the chief of the Licktoad tribe, deliberately leaving out the fact that she spent most of the fight lying in the dirt. She doesn't otherwise oversell her contribution, making sure to mention that everyone played their part.

Lina feels momentarily disappointed that Ameiko wasn't staying at her own inn for the night as she leaves. Unsure where to go from here, she tries her best to flag down one of the serving girls. "Uh, can one of you please show me to my room? I'm not really sure where to go."

I take Lina's hand. "Sure, this way." I look to Ameiko. "I'll set her up wit a room. I see ye in de mornin Amy. G'night." I lead Lina to a room. Before I leave I say. "If ye need anitin I be in da room at de end of da hall." I retire for the day.

Your on your own with the Sheriff's place Kali, have Fun.

The sheriff smiles at Kalistrine as she strides into his office and asks her where the rest of the group is and she then explains to him about the caper.

He then gives her 10gp per goblin ear and 300 for the head of the chief.

Gutwad, that rat bastard... I am glad you handled it.

He then orders his deputy to nail the head to the gate of town. The sheriff continues, Its been awhile since we have had a goblin chief's head as a decoration. Thank ya, Thank ya kindly.

Lunchtime comes around and Ameiko returns to the Dragon with Sandru, Shalelu and Koya in tow.

She says, Hello everyone! I spent last night thinking and this morning speaking with Sandru. And I have an announcement to make....

Does anyone know how many ears we got? >.<

Encounter 1 =5, Encounter 4= 3 dead, then 4, then 2, Encounter 6= 2, Encounter 7= 3, Encounter 8=5= 24.

Drumroll please

"Most of you probably know that I have been a bit uneasy in my retirement. Running two businesses which are completely different in nature has weighed on me since my half brother killed my father. I shouldered these responsibilities willingly, allowing my little brah Tak-Tak continue his schooling with no interruption. I have done this for my family, of whose history my brother and I know so little. With you bringing us, looking at Takeshi and then giving him a hug, the letter, family honor, or downright curiosity compels me to make the trip to Brinewall to see what secrets might lay in wait in that castle on the Steam River. I would like to invite the group of you to join me on this trip which should take about a month. Bethanne, I would like you to run the Dragon while we are away. We shall be moving north with Sandru's caravan, which I will be hiring to that end.

Ameiko pauses for questions

Liu Na frowns in displeasure at Ameiko's announcement that she will be leaving with Sandru and his caravan for Brinewall Castle - despite the dangers alluded to in the secret letter.

"My family has served yours for generations, Ameiko. My duty lies with you and Takeshi. Of course I will join you on your journey," Liu Na replies.

I step forward proudly to Ameiko. "Amy, I have been wit ye fer many winters now. I vow by ma strong arm to be with you and to protect you through dis endeavor. I am looking forward to the chance to adventure with you."

I then clap now hands together. "Now, just need some gear an some tings from de kitchen. As much as ye need a guard, ye also need a good cook. I be happy to serve as such. Also, I need some additional gear for dis adventure. I will check my savings. Are there any other preparation funds for this trip that we can use ta buy some of dat gear?"

Lina feels a lump in her throat Ameiko speaks. Could this be what Desna had in store for me? She speaks nerviously, "I'm no great warrior, but I hope I've been at least a little useful to those much stronger than me. If you'll have me, I'd like to come too."

Takeshi smiles, "That's wonderful! We can discover the secrets of our heritage hidden in Brinewall together! Another adventure with my new friends. This will be great." He then frowns adding, "But what do we need to hire on with that thief, Sandru?"

Liu Na nods in agreement with Takeshi's question, frowning again at the mention of Sandru. Then her expression lightens with the realization that if Jorland serves as the caravan cook, then the caravan master will be forced to eat the Ulfen's meals.

I would like to thank you for your support. I thought you would also agree Takeshi. she responds but then frowns at the negative comment towards Sandru from her little brother.

Sandru saved my life and he is a great friend to our family. Caravan is the only reasonably safe way to get up to Brinewall, anyway. With the addition of Koya and Shalelu this venture is much sounder than some of the crazy stuff I did when I was a teen... she then laughs.

She then turns to Jorland's question, What do you think you will need?
I think allotting you to be able to buy something in Masterwork, would be permitted

Kalistrine is very pleased with the pouch of coin she receives from the Sherriff. She makes her way back to the Dragon the next morning with five even-sized pouches for the others. Do we give Walthus a share?

At the announcement, she sighs and nudges Sandru. "So we're going to be babysitting the princess all the way to Brinewall?" she grumbles.

Sandru coughs and unrolls a gigantic map of Varisia and says, "Thanks Ams! Well, here is the situation: Brinewall Castle and its former settlement lay around 500 miles from Sandpoint. With the current complement of horses and wagons it should take, barring inclement weather and the like, about sixteen days to get there. We shall start north along the Lost Coast Road following the coast until the road turns west towards Windsong Abbey and we will then continue Northeast to Galduria, Wolf's Ear and following the Lampblack river and then briefly through the Churlwood towards Roderick's Cove. Kalistrine and I know of a not so often used smugglers track around Riddleport which would shave about a day off of our journey. This is also a good business opportunity to trade with those villages and such"

He then hands everyone a map of Varisia so that they can understand what he is talking about.

He also takes out a pencil with both types of compasses.

He then winks at Kalistrine and says under his breath "What do you care as long as the gold is the right color?"

Walthus declines any money, being glad to be alive.

I nod. "Well I was looking to get a few more weapons, I may also need some better armor as well. I could use a cooking kit and a few other travel worthy kitchen supplies and the like. If you can't afford it I understand and will make do with what I have. It served me well enough against the goblins, I though an update might help more." I say.

Will give each of you 500 gp for supplies.

Kalistrine chuckles at Sandru's comment, then with a little seriousness. "You know, with Ameiko backing the caravan, we can get a couple more wagons and hire a few more hands for the trip. Probably make some coin on the way, eh?"

Sandru looks at Kali and says That would be a stupendous idea. I will go to Wheen's place to have them make two more wagons for our journey, shouldn't take more than two days, knowing him he has one already ready to go. Then I will hire some people for the caravan at the Mercantile League and see if we can get some supplies from them and transportable goods.

Ameiko then says Great, two days should be enough time to brief my foreman and make sure my businesses are properly taken care of for the month or so that we are gone. OK, we will leave sunrise two days hence. Any questions or other pieces of information.

I am going to push it forward. Feel free to continue to RP and stuff you can also tell me what you want to buy

Two days hence you all meet with up with caravan in the center of Sandpoint at dawn and Kalistrine sees the two new wagons with their fresh coat of paint and each includes an additional horse train to speed the journey up. The caravan includes two supply wagons, an armored wagon, a fortune teller's wagon and a covered wagon.

You can also tell that the majority of the cargo does come from the Glass works but other vendors have also consigned wares to the caravan.

Sandru turns and starts directing the drivers to take their positions. He then guides the party members to the wagons they can ride on. After that, he makes one last round, checking that everything is ready and in place, and that nothing has been forgotten on the ground. He then climbs up onto the lead wagon and sits down beside Omar, who is driving.

With a nod from Sandru, Omar takes the reins and starts the wagon moving. The other wagons start moving soon after. The initial minute or so of the ride is quite bumpy as the wagons move off the rough terrain beside the road and onto the road itself. Once on the road, the ride gets a little smoother, but for those of you not used to riding in wagons, it's still somewhat on the bumpy side.

The townspeople gathered on the road move aside and wave as the caravan begins north along the Lost Coast Road. Amongst the faces, you can see Sheriff Hemlock and even the mayor. "Good luck!" some of them call. "Come back soon!" others say. After a few minutes, their voices fade into the distance and then vanish altogether.

The road follows the river north along the east side of Sandpoint. For the next several minutes, while you are still passing Sandpoint, you occasionally see a few people gathered on the other side of the river. They wave as you pass. Eventually, however, the road moves north of Sandpoint and turns to the northeast. In a little while, Sandpoint is out of sight.

dot

Are the wagons paid for out of Kali's 500?

Kalistrine seems happy to be back on the road, and she helps Lina get used to the rigors of caravan travel. She is also quite deferential to Koya, but you notice she is not pleasant towards Ameiko or Shalelu. She is often in the company of Sandru, however, and the two of them appear to get on very well together. She ignores the townsfolk and their farewells, but takes time to get to know the new drivers.

The wagons are paid by Ameiko

Despite having never ridden on a wagon before, Lina takes easily to the open road and quickly feels at ease, especially with the assistance of Kilistrine. The soft breeze and warm sun on her face just feel...right. She smiles pleasantly as her eyes stare unseeing into the distance, not even knowing the scenery she's missing.

Hey can you slow down a bit. I need to back track some and I need to buy some gear. I haven't had time yet and I'm not ready to leave.

ok feel free to buy the gear you need

Also I need to find out if I may have leveled somewhere along the line. A lot happened and I didn't see XP for some of it. I need to do a tally. Won't have that done until tomorrow. Also, I know Jorland didn't care much for the money but I do. Didn't we have a ton of stuff to sell? Was anyone keeping track of that or am I going to have to back track on that too. Guess I have a lot of reading ahead of me.

Kali broke down the treasure in the discussion thread. The group leveled once during the trip and Kali did that too I think... its in the discussion thread.

Sorry that took so long.

Before the wagon leaves I seek out Ameiko, once I find her I approach. "Hey Amy, I um...I got sometin I recovered from em greenskins. I thought it might it might look nice on ye." I offer her the hairpin. "Jest touht ye might like it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Ameiko really likes Bard themed items

Ameiko turns around and says, Well that is very nice Jorlo, can you tell me how you got your hands on such a nice hairpin?

She also likes adventure stories... So you need to tell the yarn to her.

I nod with a big grin. Jorland wants stories to be told of him. "Aha well that is the glorious battle at the greenskins fortress. I led de group inta battle wit me axe an shield. We stormed the tribe wit gusto. Dere were many foes all around an at times it seemed as do wed be overwhelmed! But wes a strong bunch an e team of stubborn jackasses te be sure. No matta how hard em greenskins tried, we weren't gonna go down easy. Do da fightin wasn't easy no. Both yer brother an Kali were badly wounded and fell befer da viscous greenskins. Me en Liu fought em off wit great vigor. I held de enemy off wilest Liu felled dere mighty chieftain."

I nod to Liu with pride and continue. "We's pleased te see Takeshi an Kali did not succumb to dere wounds an it twars Lina whom dun healed both of em. Once victorious, we den began ta take de spoils of war. It was den I found dis lovely hairpin and tought ta me self. "Gosh, would Amy look lovely wit dat in her hair. So I willingly forgone a cut of da loot jest so I could see you have dis lovely pin. I must say, it was worth the struggle for it."

Ameiko smiles and pinches Jorlo's cheek and says "I really like the part about smashing those goblins, I really loathe them, you know, and it is nice to see my brother fare so well. It's good to see he's done good...."

She loses concentration for a moment in thought almost shedding a tear and then continues "I will probably fasten it to my armor, you know me and my hair, i change it almost every day, hahahaha!" she giggles while covering her mouth.

Further, Your group is starting to gel, reminds me of Sandru and I back in the day... Oh, Well I still have a bunch of arrangements with getting provisions and cargo for the caravan and all."

Jorland you can add 2 to your relationship score.

Now we're off. Please RP with the different NPCs Please tell me which caravan role you will be playing up until the first encounter.

NPCs: Koya will be Fortune Telling(if you want to get your fortune done, we can do it)

Shalelu will be scouting and hunting for food and water.

Sandru will be driving

Ameiko will be putting her bard skills to work.

Day 1

After leaving Sandpoint, the caravan makes great time following the Lost Coast Road following the coast until the road passes Shank's Wood. You can still smell the vibrant brineyness of the salt water just out of view. At about noon, Sandru halts the caravan for an hour for lunch and Shalelu brings back a large buck on the back of her mare.

Kalistrine joins Shalelu in scouting ahead of the caravan, spending her time looking out for danger rather than hunting. On her occasional returns to the wagons she tells Sandru of what she finds.

"Good to be back on the road, eh, Sandru? How are our new passengers faring so far?" she asks. She is a little annoyed at how well Ameiko has adapted to the travelling life. "Tell me, Sandru, why did you and Ameiko work together in the first place? I mean how'd you meet?"