Gornak sleeps in (neglecting his morning meditation again...) and then heads into town to see if there was any further attacks during the night. Having satisfied himself that everything is okay, he heads down to the cathedral to offer his help.
Waking later than intended, Quar goes through his morning meditations, focusing I wonder what surprises today will reveal
After meditations and breakfast, Quar will stroll about town taking in the fresh air.
Gornak feels something of a sea-change in the village this morning. While in the past he has been the butt of more than a few puns concerning his size and parentage, this morning everyone seems to know him and have a good word to say.
"Good morning Mister Gornak."
"Morning Gornak - thanks for last night, it's appreciated."
"Hey Gornak, you sure showed them goblins what for!"
Quar, too, finds that his name is known to more people than he thought. He is respectfully greeted by a number of citizens, and overhears a few comments, along the lines of:
"... I tell you that elf's a powerful wizard, he is - they say he made a goblin's head explode just by lookin' at him ... oh! Good morning, Master Quar, sir, a right fine day isn't it?"
Gornak awkwardly replies to the well-wishers, obviously uncomfortable with the newfound attention:
"Aw, it was nothing. Anyone would do the same. I just hope those goblins leave us alone now!"
Seeing Quar walking about town, Gornak trots up to him eagerly.
"Mister Quar! That force shield you showed me how to use worked pretty good last night. I could feel those little buggers' weapons bouncing off of...well, something. You think you could show me how to blow up a goblin's head some time? I hope I never have to, but it could come in handy..."
Wandering into the street south of the square Thanadros sees a hale woman of middle years opening the frontage of a shop.
"Hi there!" she calls cheerfully. "I saw you yesterday - mighty handy with that bow you were! Listen, you need arrows, come shop for them here, I'll throw in some extra free! Hell, you or your friends need any weapons, I'm the person to see." She gives him a fierce grin and you can see past her that her shop is a treasure trove of forged goods including many fine weapons.
Hmm, have you bow that withstand Thanadros strength? Maybe trade? Thanadros checks the shop out, but probably doesn't have enough money or items worth trading. However he will remember this shop, when he has such funds. I Thanadros. What name pretty lady? Thanadros like store, will comeback. Thanadros holds out a hand to shake.
Quar accepts the thanks and compliments, and even smiles at the whispered comments. A powerful wizard indeed, I'd kike to see a wizard do that
"Good morning Gornack. You manifested you psychokinetic energy adequately yesterday."
" We shall see Gornack, Telepathy is a specialty of mine, and it requires a greater understanding of the mind."
Hector:
“Young master Hector!” A voice accosts him as he walks down Main Street. Alma Avertin, the middle aged owner of the bakery (‘Sandpoint Savories’ although it is her two daughters that now do the majority of the work there) is hurrying after him out of her shop.
”You are looking far to thin, they aren’t feeding you enough at that farm,” she thrusts a fresh baked loaf into his hands. “You get yourself strong now, if there’s more fighting ahead of you you’ll need it.”
Thanadros:
“Savah, Savah Bevaniky, that’s me,” she pumps his hand enthusiastically. “A bow like that will cost, but I’ll do you the best deal I can,” she draws Thanadros into the shop and there is a rack of composit bows.
“These two are the strongest I have in stock,” she takes two long composite bows down: one is plain and unadorned, the other is fine and elegantly carved with a pattern of linnorms etched cunningly into the thickest part of the stave. “There’s a bowyer out in the Sanos Forest makes them, and he only sells through me. If they aren’t strong enough, I can get something stronger but it will take time.
The plain bow is +2 Mighty, as is the second save that it is masterwork as well. The first is valued at 300gp, but Savah will let Thanadros buy for 240gp. The second is clearly worth twice as much. If he cannot pay the full price Savah will hold onto one for him until he can.
Rising early in the morning, Albrecht quickly goes through his morning ablutions and morning exercises, before leaving his small cell and seeing the large number of wounded still needing tending, he immediately seeks out Father Zantos.
"Father, I see that you must have been busy through the night. Is there anything that I can do to assist in any way?"
"Good master Albrecht," Zantos manages a weary smile. "Perhaps your skills would be best off employed assisting Sheriff Hemlock, he needs good men. You certainly were in the vanguard of the defence yesterday. I fear that this event may just be a harbinger of something else to come."
"Of course Father, I shall go see the sheriff immediately. May I suggest you try and get a few hours of sleep soon? You look very tired, and you have certainly earned the rest."
Once his conversation with the Father is finished, Albrecht would be off to find the Sheriff in the town, this time wearing his blade at his hip.
“Savah, Savah Bevaniky, that’s me,” she pumps his hand enthusiastically. “A bow like that will cost, but I’ll do you the best deal I can,” she draws Thanadros into the shop and there is a rack of composit bows.
“These two are the strongest I have in stock,” she takes two long composite bows down: one is plain and unadorned, the other is fine and elegantly carved with a pattern of linnorms etched cunningly into the thickest part of the stave. “There’s a bowyer out in the Sanos Forest makes them, and he only sells through me. If they aren’t strong enough, I can get something stronger but it will take time.
The plain bow is +2 Mighty, as is the second save that it is masterwork as well. The first is valued at 300gp, but Savah will let Thanadros buy for 240gp. The second is clearly worth twice as much. If he cannot pay the full price Savah will hold onto one for him until he can.
Good to meet, Savah He says, shaking her hand. Like this one... He points to the more expensive one. Save for me? No stuff to trade or money...Yet. Thanadros will come back, purchase great bow! He says his goodbye and leaves the shop.
hmm...Need money... Buy bow, buy shelter. Maybe see sheriff, maybe have need for Thanadros' bow...
Thanadros heads to where he thinks the sheriff would be to see if he has any use for Thanadros.
Aylmora sleeps in a bit later than she planned, and awakens alarmed at the time. The young girl dresses hurriedly and rushes downstairs to help Ameiko and Bethana with the breakfast crowd.
Once she completes her duties at the Rusty Dragon, Aylmora heads over to Aunt Niska's house to see about clearing out the third-floor bedrooms. On her way over, she makes a detour to Sandpoint Savories to pick up a loaf of rye bread and some sticky buns - Aunt Niska's favorites. She greets Alma Avertin warmy as she purchases her package of baked goods, asking about the health of the baker's family and discussing the aftermath of the previous day's excitement.
Albrecht:
Sheriff Hemlock is happy to Albrecht, and as all is quiet this morning, he suggests you walk through the town with a few other vigilant citizens - while he has the entries to the town covered, there is always the possibility of a few stragglers hidden somewhere. He does not want to detail guards to this because he does not wish to alarm the the town.
Thanadros:
Savah promises to keep the bow back for you, although she is unlikely to get other offers in Sandpoint in the near future, and urges you to tell the rest of your friends where to shop.
Aylmora:
Alma seems brighter and more animated than normal - she hasn't been herself for several years, since before you came to Sandpoint. Halfway through your brief conversation she hastens out of the shop to accost Hector and press a fresh-baked loaf on him.
"Who's that lad she's accosting?" Her daughter Aneka asks Aylmora curiously.
Albrecht agrees with the sheriff about not alarming the town, and he goes off to start patrolling the town, looking for hidden goblins and also getting a good look at the damage wrought, this time in the daylight.
|
"Thank you Alma," Hector replies with a smile as he accepts the loaf. "Don't worry, they feed me well enough - they just make sure I work it all off in the fields," he adds as his smile broadens.
He breaks off some of the bread and eats it. "This isn't bad. You know, if I didn't know better I'd say you did this for a living," he adds, his tone suggesting that he's simply joking.
Alma looks startled and then bursts out laughing from the comment.
"Oh get on with you. And call by if you need a bite to eat, young man."
She turns and makes her way back toward the shop.
---------------
As Albrecht wanders the town he sees several places where fires were started and extinguished. There are no signs of goblins anywhere, even the the small shadowy alleyways.
As Thanadros walks around town towards the sheriffs house, he runs into someone familiar. Ahh, Fire-Fist! Good day! He holds out his hand to Albrecht like before. Know good way make money?
Noticing his new friend Thanadros, Albrecht goes and shakes his offered hand.
"Making money? No, I'm afraid I don't. I tend to not be the best with money and generally give most of it away. I know that if we were still building the cathedral, you might have been able to get paid for that. Perhaps Sheriff Hemlock might be able to employ you as some sort of tracker or temporary guard? You might want to ask him."
Aylmora:
Alma seems brighter and more animated than normal - she hasn't been herself for several years, since before you came to Sandpoint. Halfway through your brief conversation she hastens out of the shop to accost Hector and press a fresh-baked loaf on him.
"Who's that lad she's accosting?" Her daughter Aneka asks Aylmora curiously.
"Oh, him?" Aylmora replies to Aneka's question. "That's Hector Malson. He's a hand at one of the local farms; been here around six months or so I think. I've seen him at the cathedral some while it was being constructed. He fought against the goblins yesterday - kicked one right in the face, then took its head clean off with its own dogslicer. Then he throttled another one to death with his bare hands. A good one to have in a fight... as long as he's on your side."
After sharing a bit more gossip, Aylmora gathers up her purchases and heads over to Aunt Niska's.
Noticing his new friend Thanadros, Albrecht goes and shakes his offered hand.
"Making money? No, I'm afraid I don't. I tend to not be the best with money and generally give most of it away. I know that if we were still building the cathedral, you might have been able to get paid for that. Perhaps Sheriff Hemlock might be able to employ you as some sort of tracker or temporary guard? You might want to ask him."
Hmm...Sound good. Good shop have great bow, I take you one day! Thank-you Fire-Fist! He gives the same bow that he gave the noble they saved yesterday and turns to make his way towards the sheriff's.
As he is walking to where he thinks the sheriff's place is at, he sees a familiar face leaving a bakery.
Inn-Girl! He yells to her as he walks up. Umm...Alymora...Right? He says scratching the stubble on his chin, then offering his hand for a shake, but then realizing that Aylmora has her hands full. Thanadros help? Carry things? Have nothing better to do! Show me Inn after. He says and starts to take her burden, not really giving much time for her to refuse. You more than Inn girl. Blow things up good last night!
"Oh, him? That's Hector Malson. He's a hand at one of the local farms; been here around six months or so I think. I've seen him at the cathedral some while it was being constructed. He fought against the goblins yesterday - kicked one right in the face, then took its head clean off with its own dogslicer. Then he throttled another one to death with his bare hands. A good one to have in a fight... as long as he's on your side."
"Oh," Aneka pauses a moment. "It's just he looks a bit like Casp ... and I haven't seen mother smile much in five years. I hope he's at least a decent man."
Casp was Alma's son and Aneka and Arika's brother, killed rather messily by 'Chopper' five years ago.
Gornak and Quar spy Thanadros across the square and Gornak races up to him.
"Thanadros! It's good to see you again. Have you heard any news about the goblins?"
Gornak and Quar spy Thanadros across the square and Gornak races up to him.
"Thanadros! It's good to see you again. Have you heard any news about the goblins?"
Again...? Oh...No. He corrects himself after misunderstanding Gornak's question. Very strange happening...too good for goblin. I think something else in charge, use goblin good. He gives a curt nod, to Gornak in greeting as he speaks and carries the baked goods. Gornak, right? Thanadros like simple names, easy to remember! You have mean left hook Thanadros laughs heartily at his own lame joke. Make good team, me, you, Aylmora, and Fire-Fist. Maybe we look into strange goblin problem? He says more to the group than to just Gornak. Maybe gather other three as well? Show goblin leader up good then...
Speaking up from behind Thanadros, Albrecht says "Looking for the goblins, and then bringing the fight to them? That actually sounds like it might be a good idea. They were remarkably well organized, and it does bring to question WHY they were attacking..."
"Goblins are easily manipulated and are not intelligent enough to coordinate such an assult merely to take our attention away from grave robbing, nor are they the kind to concern themselves with he dead. Some sinister force must be behind this. "
"Goblins are easily manipulated and are not intelligent enough to coordinate such an assult merely to take our attention away from grave robbing, nor are they the kind to concern themselves with he dead. Some sinister force must be behind this. "
Huh? When you get here? Thanadros then laughs. Thanadros not see you! Gornak block from sight! Funny! He says still chuckling a bit. Sorry, sorry. Good morning Quar!
With a half smile Quar acknowledges Thandros "One of Gornak's greatest qualities, a shady place to mediate. I sense this business with the goblins is yet to be completed, we must remain cautious. "
"Yeah Thanadros, I got a few good licks in. You and Quar and Albrecht did pretty good yourselves! I gotta admit I feel a little disappointed that we had to kill so many of 'em. I figured we could maybe just scare 'em off, but no luck."
Inn-Girl! He yells to her as he walks up. Umm...Alymora...Right? He says scratching the stubble on his chin, then offering his hand for a shake, but then realizing that Aylmora has her hands full. Thanadros help? Carry things? Have nothing better to do! Show me Inn after. He says and starts to take her burden, not really giving much time for her to refuse. You more than Inn girl. Blow things up good last night!
Aylmora is pleasantly surprised to see Thanadros and Albrecht. "Well good morning, Masters Thanadros Albrecht. Fancy seeing you two about town! And it's Aylmora, by the way. Aylmora Mvashti. Here now, you don't have to carry that!" the young girl protests with a smile as Thanadros takes her package. "But since you insist, I guess I can't say no! I'll be happy to show you the Rusty Dragon later, but right now I have to get to Aunt Niska's - it's just around the corner here."
Aylmora pauses as if listening to a far away voice, and then looks at Thanadros and Albrecht both with a considering gaze. "You know, I bet Aunt Niska would be very interested in meeting two of the new heroes of Sandpoint. Come along and I'll introduce you."
Aylmora turns to lead the way to Aunt Niska's just as Gornak and Quar arrive. "And good morning to you too, gentlemen," she greets the half-giant and elf with a friendly smile. "I was just about to take Thanadros and Albrecht to meet my great-great-great Aunt Niska. Would you care to join us? I'm sure Aunt Niska would love to meet Sandpoint's newest heroes."
"Oh, and Master Gornak?" she adds, turning toward the half-giant, "I tried to save a platter of curried salmon for you yesterday since you liked it so much, but I'm afraid the goblins ruined it. I told Ameiko how much you liked it, and she said to tell you to come by the 'Dragon any time and she'll fix some more especially for you."
"Uh...that's okay Miss Aylmora; Pa cooked me a big breakfast today, so I'm not hungry," Gornak fibs. "But I'll definitely drop by some time, especially if there's any garbage to haul away." He looks at his mud-encrusted shoes as if something interesting just appeared on them.
Vaclav Rennet trotted along the broad path he couldn't quite bring himself to call a road. Since he had spied the rooftops from a hilltop a quarter hour past hunger had pushed him at a faster pace than normal.
Despite his hurry he paused at the signpost near the bridge into town. Hanging from a bent nailwas a mirror and painted on the sign was the message: “Welcome to Sandpoint! Please stop to see yourself as we see you!”
Two days growth of beard marred his normally smooth cheeks. His short narrow goatee was powdered with the yellow dust of the road. The scar under his left eye had chosen to shine purple this morning, never its best aspect.
Involuntarily he looked down at his worn dust-caked leathers and considered the effect he would have in town. A rough club, obviously just a thick treebranch pressed into service. An outsized belt knife. A longbow, but no quiver. They'll probably take me for a particularly inept, deranged bandit-hermit.
He brushed the dust from his clothes and studded leather armour as well as he could and stepped down to the river to wash his face and hands. Returning to the road he checked himself again. At least the scar has faded a little.
The guard on the bridge looked at him sceptically and asked the usual questions. The mention of business with Father Zantus served to relax the guard and he waved Rennet into town. Vaclav asked him where he might find a bowyer and was told to "ask for Savah's . Turn right after the smithy there and up the hill."
Walking up the slope, Rennet spotted a tall man whose face was shadowed by a bony reptilian skull perched on his head coming out of the shop. His profusion of weapons proclaimed him a warrior; his rough attire, a barbarian. That must be Savah's.
Vaclav pulled open the door and stepped in. "I'd like to buy a quiver and score of arrows." He hefted his longbow. "Without them I feel like half a man." While Savah looks through her stock, Vaclav continues, "Who was your last customer?"
He leaves the shop armed with the arrows, the location of a pastry shop, and the story of the goblin raid.
The pastry shop smells wonderful and the young lady twins running it are friendly. Vaclav leaves full of sweet pastry and more tales of the goblin raid.
It shouldn't be put off any longer. I will have to seek out Father Zantus.
Vaclav looks up the hill and steering by the temple's tower begins to walk.
Vaclav stopped before entering the square in front of the church. Sandpoint Cathedral, is it? He thought that the structure was a little small for a cathedral, but couldn't help admiring its form and construction. Sandpoint was obviously a small town with ambition, and a proper devotion to the gods. If Magnimar or Korvosa put this much of themselves into a temple, it would rival the Thassolonian monuments.
Dreading the interview ahead, Vaclav squared his shoulders and marched across the bright square through the open door into the shadowed interior. Finding an attendant he said, "I'm looking for Father Zantus. I'm Vaclav Rennet from the House of Erastil in Magnimar."
Waiting was uncomfortable, but at least Vaclav couldn't turn back now. He spent the time looking at the interior detail and icons of the cathedral.
When Father Zantus arrived, Vaclav noted the butterfly on his stole and remembered what he'd been told in Magnimar. Zantus was devoted to Desna. He'll understand what can happen on the road. He might not be too harsh.
"Father Zantus. I am pleased to meet you, but wish the circumstances were better. My name is Vaclav Rennet. I was sent from Magnimar with gifts for the Cathedral, vestments, altar cloths, candlesticks, a cask of sacramental wine. These were to be tokens of friendship and congratulations on the opening of the new church here in Sandpoint from your Magnimarian brothers and sisters of the bow."
"Unfortunately, I fell in with thieves on the road here. We camped together in the evening, but in the morning all was gone and I was alone." Vaclav unslings the skin hanging over his shoulder and holds it out for the other priest. "The theives left me this skin of the wine. Please accept it and my earnest pledge to replace all that was lost while in my care."
"I also give you half of my own purse. The thieves did not take it. Perhaps they would not risk waking me. " It suddenly strikes Vaclav how little it is. He digs in his beltpouch one more time. And as sureity of my pledge I give you this symbol of Erastil, given to me by my mother. I will redeem it as soon as may be."
Diplomacy
Have I killed the thread? You guys were on a roll until I posted.
Great-great-great aunt? Sound old and wise... Thanadros respect elders, give good advise. Thanadros says as they make it closer to Aunt Niska's place.
One the subject of food:
Thanadros like red meat best, Rusty Dragon inn have good fish, how meat? ...Hungry already...
As we all walk and talk, we arrive at Aunt Niska's place...
"We should not forget the noble and his invitation. It is never wise to ingnore those of higher station and I would relish the opportunity to learn more of him. When dealing with nobles the opportunity is always there to profit."
Aylmora gives an unlady-like snort at the phrase 'those of higher station'.
At the Cathedral:
Father Zantos listens to your tale nods sympathetically.
"You are not the only one to have suffered misfortune," he sighs. "Suffice to say, you are not late to the consecration. As you may have heard, the town was infiltrated and attacked by a small hoard of goblins yesterday. Few fatalities, thankfully enough, and the little monsters were slain or driven off, but it completed disrupted our festivities."
He closes your hand over your purse.
"Keep this. You should not pay for such misfortune - although you should report this to the Sheriff, so that he can watch for such men. Be grateful that you escaped with your life, I would. Now that you are here, though, can I ask that you help with the consecration this evening? I will have some quarters set aside for you here and you can wash away the dust of the road."
At Aunt Niska's House:
Great Aunt Niska is sitting in her favourite rocking chair on the porch of her home, wrapped in a warm woollen blanket. In front of her is a small table on which she is laying out Harrow cards.
"So you brought the mind walker and the man who is no longer a man," she says without looking up, "and young Gornak." She looks up and smiles at the looming giant. "There's something waiting for you at the Inn. Oh, and don't forget the ceremony tonight. You have a new friend there."
"We should not forget the noble and his invitation. It is never wise to ignore those of higher station and I would relish the opportunity to learn more of him. When dealing with nobles the opportunity is always there to profit."
Aylmora gives an unlady-like snort at the phrase 'those of higher station'.
Ha-ha-ha! Thanadros agree with both you! Ha-ha-ha! Maybe go see, after Great-great-great Aunt!?
"So you brought the mind walker and the man who is no longer a man," she says without looking up, "and young Gornak." She looks up and smiles at the looming giant. "There's something waiting for you at the Inn. Oh, and don't forget the ceremony tonight. You have a new friend there."
Thanadros freezes...He did not like being reminded that he is now different, but being called "no longer a man," by someone he never met before, gave validity to some of his worst fears, making him feel almost ill. He would have to ask more about what she knew, as much as he did not want to know. But it would have to be when all of his new friends were not around. Thanadros breaks into a cold sweat. Uhh...umm...What you mean? Something at Inn and new friend? Thanadros says, trying to force the conversation on Aunt Niska's latter statements .
"No longer a man?" Gornak repeats confusedly before blushing and trying to keep his gaze away from Thanadros's trousers. "Uh...that's none of my business, I guess. How are you, Miz Niska? I hope the goblins didn't bother you none."
Stepping out from Gornak's shadow, Albrecht smiles and greets the elderly Madam Niska, "Hello Madam Niska, I will make sure that Gornak here will not forget the consecration tonight, have no worries about that. I hope we find you well this day. I hate to ask this, but anything may help so I think that I must, but can you tell if the cards have anything to say about the recent goblin raid? It was quite unusual."
"No longer a man?" Gornak repeats confusedly before blushing and trying to keep his gaze away from Thanadros's trousers. "Uh...that's none of my business, I guess. How are you, Miz Niska? I hope the goblins didn't bother you none."
Thanadros stares stone faced at the old woman as Gornak scrutinizes him. Hes not sure if he is relieved or further irked at Gornak's misunderstanding...
"What do you think I've been doing?" the old woman scowls, and then grins impishly. "Problem with the past and the future, boy, is that they aren't separated - change one and you change the other. Tell you too much, and things don't work out like they should. I've already said what I can."
She turns her gaze to Gornak.
"Not like that," she snorts. "Something in our friend there," she jerks her head at Thanadros, "was changed, and it shouldn't have been." She turns back to the Shoanti. "It won't go bad for you, though, and you'll have a lot of time to work it out. Don't worry about it for now," she shakes her head dismissively.
"Now, those goblins didn't vex me, but I need my rest at my age. Off with you, back to your Inn."
"Uh...okay." Gornak isn't sure what to think about the old woman's weird announcement.
He mutters to Thanadros, "Don't worry about what she says. My pa tells me she's just a crazy old woman."
...Lets go to Inn. Thanadros says, halfheartedly.
At the strange Aunt's words, Quar raise and eyebrow and Finally speaks. "I am intrigued by your gift of insight. perhaps at a later time we could speak further on the issue."
To Gornak he admonishes "Have you learned nothing of the power of the mind? It's a wonder you can manifest at all. Respect the powers of your elders and superiors even if you do not understand them."
"The Inn is an excellent idea, I hope the nobleman is around. "
At the Rusty Dragon, there is no sign of the young nobleman Count Aldern Foxglove, but Ameiko has a message from him - an invitation to go hunting in a few days time, and a purse of 50 gp for each of you, by name (including Lejes).
Lifting up the purse with his name on it, Albrecht says to nobody in particular, "Huh, well that was nice of him." Reaching over to hand a purse to each of the party, Albrecht is left with one extra. "I wonder where Lejes is; I think that I'll go up to the cathedral and see if I can't find him and give this to him," he says as he holds up the unclaimed purse.
"Good morning, Aunt Niska!" Aylmora greets the elderly seer. "I brought you your favorites - some of Alma's sticky buns and a loaf of her rye bread." The young girl places the package on the small table, careful not to disturb the Harrow cards. "If you're sure you don't need me this morning, I'll show these gentlemen to the Rusty Dragon. I'll check back by later today."
"Fifty gold coins?!" Aylmora thinks wonderingly as she accepts the purse from Albrecht.
"I know... That's more money than you've ever seen before in your life!" the silent voice responds in her mind. "You'd better give it to Niska to hold for you. Now don't you think you should go with Albrecht to check on Father Lejes? Niska said that you should go to the ceremony at the Cathedral."
"You're right," Aylmora says aloud, responding to both Albrecht and the voice in her head. "We should go check on Father Lejes."