@Barek: Running after the sherriff or walking?
@Tunder: Your well aimed punch is thrown off as you the inebriated half-orc stumbles into you on the follow through. That extra loss of balance means your mailed fist goes wide of the mark also. The orc, Gorvi, shoulders against you meaning to knock you down in the process. He's close enough for you to smell the foulness of his hide, and the liquor mist of his breath. He leans his massive weight on you and tries to slide a leg out from under you.
Your CMD = 15+4 vs trip = 19
Gorvi's weight and leg sweep would've felled a normal man, but alas he's fighting a sturdy dwarf instead. The result instead looks like a parody of the dancing up in High Town with both combatants pushing and lurching against each other.
"Fall, cursh you, and I'll stomp you into the earth you sprang frum," he whispers crudely into your ear, the breath hot and foul against your face.
@Aziza & Miri: The scarred man behind the bar smiles as Aziza gives the blessing and enter. "Vell missy, you have come to da right place. Vhat would a vee kinder like you be drinkin'? And as for roomz, we have dat and more to spare. Dormeetory, private room or master suite, eh? I can see you won't take up much room, but perhaps you haf a friend joining you?" he nods in Mirela's direction. "First round on de houz for two pretty ladies, you stay make Dragon a popular place wif de boyz, eh?" he chuckles and his cheeks bloom with rosy color. His voice is rich and sonorous and his tone is mirthful.
"Oh, poo, Lars, leave these poor girls be. They look like they've had time of it," interrupts the female hobbit servant. "With their traveling things and their hair all a mess, surely they want a nice bath and some lovely dinner a'fore they attend the common room. Go put some wood under the kettle, we'll be bathing these beauties tonight. She snaps her fingers at the male hobbit who is balancing a tray of cookware. "Morris, now! Take these ladies bags up to the private rooms on the third floor. Not the one with leaky roof neither, the one with the fine bed. Then carry the hot water down to the bathing rooms. Get a move on, lad we've got new guests to attend."
She leans forward and whispers confidentially bit of an addle-brain, that one. I'm Bethany and welcome to the Dragon. Let's get you a cold drink while the bath is readied.". She takes your arm, slides your bags to the floor and leads you a barstool. She steps up on a box behind the bar to pour a draft for each of you.
"Now," she says "tell me all about yourselves... She leans forward on the bar with her elbows, chin propped on her clasped hands.
A little exhausted from so much dance, Miri takes a bow to her last dance partner and waves off the remaining hopefuls awaiting to dance with her. "I'm afraid gentlemen, I do have to be going." Meeting up again with Aziza, Miri smiles and nods at her suggestion. "Absolutely, I'd love the company, but tell you what," pausing, Miri scoops up the little gnome with surprising athleticism and alacrity and laughs gently "this might be a quicker way to travel."
On towards the Inn, Miri talks with blue haired gnome of her past as well as some of her antics as a traveling entertainer; she is nevertheless careful to omit certain details of her past.
Upon arriving at the Red Dragon Inn, Miri grins mischievously and murmurs "My kind of place alright." With a flirtatiously look to Lars, Miri gladly takes an ale on the house and grabs one for Aziza. Holding her glass aloft, she toasts "To new friends. Cheers."
Addressing Bethany, Mirela bows courteously "You're too kind Bethany, I thank you for your hospitality." For the second time that night, Miri regales of her past.
"I'm going to rid you of your troubles, you drunken grub worm." Tunder continues to launch punches at the orc.
Spiked Gauntlet: hatred, power attack
to hit to hurt
Seldon will seek out Father Zantus, bowing his greetings. "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo, toror." he says with a smile. "I am Seldon, of Crying Leaf. I have traveled far to be here, I would be honored to take part in the Swallowtail Release on the morrow. I will give whatever aid I can."
He begins to walk inside, marvelling at the stonework and the stained-glass. "I can remember this place when it held nothing but the seven stones of Desna..." he says, mistily. "Pray, are they still here?"
After his visit to the temple, Seldon will begin to make his way to the Dragon, but the gathering crowd and a loud shout lead him instead to the source of the brawl. "Ed' elenea! What is happening here?" he says, voice swallowed by the crowd.
@Mirela & Aziza: Bethany hangs on your every word as you relate what you choose about your past. The ale is quite good and the music is exotic, foreign, but strangely soothing. After a few moments, Lars returns and announces the baths are prepared.
Bethany leads you downstairs. Four large copper tubs, separated by curtains, sit on the floor under a complex pipe works that feeds them from upstairs. Two of the tubs are filled invitingly to the brim with steaming water. Bethany indicates the Tien style kimonos and slippers, along with towels for your use.
”By now your things will be laid out for you upstairs. You can access the guest floor directly by these backstairs. Leave your traveling things and we’ll launder them for you tonight. Festival day tomorrow so you’ll want something pretty to wear anyway.
”If you’ve a mind, come down to the common room after for dinner, you won’t be sorry. Then Miss Amieko will sing for us all.”. She scurries back upstairs calling orders to Morris as she goes.
You find the baths to be the most delightful thing you have ever experienced. There is a herbal aroma added to the water that soothes and relaxes you. After, you do find your gear upstairs laid out professionally.
If you choose to come downstairs for dinner and entertainment, please let us know.
@Tunder: You push the beast off you with your left arm just far enough to catch him square in the jaw with your right. Gorvi staggers backward, arms pinwheeling, but just is able to catch his balance.
Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he raises his makeshift club for an overhead blow, when a shrill whistle sounds.
Behind you, stands the Sherriff, an imposing clean-shaven Shoanti man in chain mail. Behind him are 3 or 4 guardsmen with spears. The Sherriff indicates Gorvi, who has dropped his weapon and is hanging his head, and the soldiers take him into custody. This rowdiness is becoming a problem, Gorvi. Another scene like this and the town will have to revoke your charter.".
Yes, guvn'r," the chastened half-orc replies before the soldiers lead him away.
"Now Master Dwarf, tell me, the Honor of your Clan, and the name of your Maker. (These are the traditional dwarf words of meeting a stranger, with the Maker meaning your father.) Tunder knows these words well, but does not expect them to come from this brute.
The Sherriff eyes you and you can see he is taking your measure as he waits for you to reply.
@Barek: If you ran, you get there just as the whistle stops the fight. If you walked, you arrive just now.
Tunder eyes the human skeptically as he decides how to respond. "I am Tunder, son of Dugger, of the clan Stonepeak." He says, putting away his axe, while standing straight and proud, deciding to allow the human respect for knowing the traditional greeting. "And who might you be, Master Human? May I have the honor of your clan and the name of your maker? It would also interest me to know how you came to know a proper greeting?" Tunder finishes with a respectful tone.
Seldon stiffens, but turns with a serene smile on his face. "I am a priest, sir. I prefer to give thanks to the Dreamer by starlight, if it is all the same to you." he says curtly, walking to the ancient altar with sweeping steps and kneeling. "Will you join me?" he asks, the warmth flowing back into his voice.
<Well, we certainly seem to have landed on our feet with this inn, so far at least.> Aziza sighs contentedly and sinks back to chin height in the enormous tub of steaming water. <I'd never even heard of such a thing as bathtubs large enough that even a biggun could sit in them before, but here they are...> Eventually she decides that lingering in the bath any longer would cause her to grow gills. Hopping out, Aziza grabs the small kimono and slippers Bethany left for her use, then heads upstairs to dress again, leaving Mirela to enjoy her own bath in peace.
Despite the so far flawless hospitality shown by the inn, she's too experienced a traveler not to check that all of her things are still there after the halfling staff have laid them out in the room. Aziza grimaces a little when she notices the new tears and tatty condition of some of her clothing as she puts them on, wishing that she knew how to cast a mending cantrip. <Oh well, that's why mum insisted I always have a needle and thread on me, but using magic would be so much quicker.> Donning her single clean tunic and pair of stockings, she heads back down to the common room for the promised meal.
<Um, I hope I've got enough coin left to actually pay for this!> She frowns at the thought, <I knew I was going to have to find some paid work before much longer. Perhaps they can use some extra help around here during the festival?> Then, realizing that asking her hosts for work directly, before she's even paid for the room and bath, may not be the wisest course, <Or maybe they know someone who needs something translated? That at least I can do.> Addressing Lars at the counter, "Now that the road grime has been washed off the outside of me, I'd like a cup of wine to rinse the dust out of my throat, please!" Taking the cup once it's filled, Aziza asks coyly, "So tell me, do you know of anyone in town who needs a gnome for a job at the moment? I'm good with languages, if that helps any."
Barek walks after the Sheriff, knowing the man was probably capable of handling most things by himself. If it was something he couldn't handle, then Barek would be there in just a few minutes. When he arrived, the Sheriff was staring down the dwarf, getting his name. Barek moved around the guards to the side of the confrontation. He was surprised to the see the dwarf from before.
"You? I'm surprised to see you involved, dwarf. I thought you were going to find that ale."
"That and a place to bunk, when this orc decides he wants to tussle." Tunder spits as he says orc. "So I suppose you got that lumber delivered then?"
"I did. My name's Barek." He turns to the Sheriff. "Sir, can I take my friend for a drink and find him a room? I promise he won't cause any more trouble. "
Gladly accepting the hospitality provided by the Inn, Mirela blissfully sinks into the bath.
Mirela stays a long while after Aziza departs, and spends some time making herself presentable for the evenings festivities. Dawning an elegant set of clothes in the Chelish fashion, Mirela heads downstairs.
Seeing Aziza, Mirela waves at her to let her know of her arrival. Heading towards the bar, Mirela leans on the mantle to view the patrons gathering. The place was busy, no doubt anticipating some entertainment. Glancing back at Bethany, Mirela inquires "Busy night Bethany... when does Ameiko take the stage? I've heard good things."
Looking again towards the crownd, the young Varisian notices the large man she gave some water too earlier in the day was along with the dwarf she had been in line with.
"Well, I should go and say hello I should think."
Heading towards the two, Mirela winks and grabs Barek by the hand while playfully adding "I think one of you should buy me a drink, hmm?"
Barek jerks back instinctively as he feels someone grab his hand. He looks over and see the slip of a girl who helped with the water. It seems as if I'm crossing paths with the same people today. He laughs. "Tunder and I are headed right for that, miss. That is, if the Sheriff is done with his business." He inclines his head towards the Shoanti man.
He glances back to Mirela. "What's your name, girl? I'm Barek. Have you seen that elf too? I actually do owe him a drink. The Rusty Dragon has some of the best food in town too, and after a long day of manual labor, I could use one of Ameiko's stews."
@Tunder and Barek: The Sherriff raises an eyebrow and says in his deep baritone:"I'm not sure you are in a position to be asking question, Tunder Stonepeak, made of Dugger. But since this altercation does not seem to be your fault, I will answer." He draws himself up to his impressive full height and says proudly: "I am Belor of clan Viskalai, my Maker is Garri. However, my new name is Hemlock. Belor Hemlock, and as you can see I am Sherriff of this town. More by default than any doing of mine." He smiles sardonically, lost in a private thought.
To Barek: "Yes, I think taking our friend to bed seems like a good idea. I'll hold you to that promise, eh?"
Back to Tuder: "As I know more of Gorvi the half-orc than I would like, I am willing to grant you a pass on this disturbance, but I have a very busy day tomorrow, and I don't want to see or hear from you again during your stay in my town." He nods and as another soldier runs up he hustles off away to the next hotspot.
Barek has been here before and is familiar with the hospitality of the place. He has seen the lovely Tien woman singing, but not spoken with her to date. His dealings have been with Bethany and Lars.
@Seldon: A man steps out from behind the shrine of Sarenrae. He moves with the lurching gait of a cripple. As he approaches you can see he wears the cassock of an acolyte of Desna, but his face is scarred and his spine is twisted.
Aye, Master Elf, beggin' yer pardon, I am. Cain't be too careful what with the fate o' our last church here. I be Naffer Vosk, former pirate, but now sextant o' this fancy new place. Ain't no one burnin' this un down on me watch, Dreamer willin'. Yoo say yer ev'nin' prayers then, and I'll watch from o'er there.
"I be sure Padre will wanna meet yoo, but he is oot to a fancy dinner tonight. Come back 'fore festival if yoo wanna chat wit him, eh?
He staggers off a respectable distance and leaves you to your commune.
"Burnt down? Who would do such a thing?" the elf says, a deep sadness welling in his voice. "That... grieves me to here. But such a beautiful Cathedral in it's place." The elf smiles his farewell, with eyes that see not a hunchback, but a brother of the faith. "Goddess keep you, Brother Vosk. Lissen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva."
____
Seldon makes his way at last to the Dragon, eager to relieve himself of his pack but remembering his promise to the Varisians. He smiles as he enters the smokey inn, eyes wide with delight as he takes in it's exotic decor. "Almost as if I'd walked over the Crown of the World..." he murmurs, relieving himself of his pack and joining the others.
"Mae govannen, my friends! It is good to see you again." he says, warmly, pulling up a chair. "Might I trouble you for some wine, Lars?"
@Aziza: Lars listens to your questions about a job. No, mein kinder, I know no vun who es lookin' for a gnome for anytin'. 'cept mebbe fer tossin'." He roars with laughter at his own joke and heads turn your way.
Disappointed, you see the rest of the travelers you interacted with during the day arrive in the common room. First Mirela comes down dressed in her finery, then Barek and Tunder fresh from High Town. Eventually the elf priest also arrives.
To ALL: Bethany and Morris pull some tables together and allow you to sit in a group, if you choose. Soon all are fed, the food served is well seasoned and quite delicious. The staff keeps your drinks filled and the room begins to fill up, the buzz of conversation growing.
By and by, the Tien lady you had seen singing before returns to the stage, a foreign looking lute instrument in her hand. She is dressed in a revealing gown and it looks exsquisite on her lean frame.
She begins to sing and play exotic music from far away lands, but ends with some of the more common tavern and drinking songs.
The performance has the entire room enchanted including yourselves. When she finishes the crowd erupts in applause. She bows low, and descends the stage circling the room and conversing at the tables.
Eventually she makes her way to where your group is sitting. "Well, isn't this a motley crew? What brings you folks to my fine establishment this evening? I trust all has been to your liking so far?" She smiles a dazzling smile that catches you offguard at first. "I'm sure there must be story behind this group, tell me the tale and I'll tell you one in return." She pulls up an extra chair and sits, eager to listen.
After her first cup of wine Aziza will try to be a little frugal in both her drinking and eating, still worried by the lack of coin in her purse. She'll happily join Barek, Mirela, Seldon and Tunder at the same table to swap stories and have some company. At some point Aziza will ask Bethany, the halfling hostess, if she might know whom the old gnome that she saw near the cathedral earlier might be, with the intention of finding the elder before the festival gets underway tomorrow morning.
When the Tien lady who had been playing the enchanting music comes over, Aziza will, as usual, be anything but shy. "Your establishment? Then my compliments not only on your fine music, but also on the general excellence of your inn's hospitality. I think Bethany said earlier that a Miss Amieko would be playing in the tap room, so presumably that's you?" She stands up on her chair and leans over the table to shake hands with Amieko, "Aziza Plumbockett, but please don't hold that against me. Nice to make your acquaintance." She'll plop back down onto her seat to let the others introduce themselves.
Ameiko smiles warmly at the gnome girl's use of her native tongue and bows slightly. Oh, where ARE my manners. Yes, ít một (little one), I am she, Ameiko Kaijitsu, proud owner of the Rusty Dragon. How that came to be, now that is a story.
@Aziza: Bethany thinks and ponders when asked about the gnome gentleman. "Hmmmm. The only gnome I know in Sandpoint is old Vernutt Parooh, the cartographer. His shop is up in High Town and he rarely comes down here. He's a strange one, but aren't all gnomes...no offense miss." Then she bustles off to refill drinks for an elf lady sitting with a grizzled old veteran in the corner.
"I'll mind my own if that orc can mind his own." Tunder responds to the sheriff. Tunder goes with Barek to the Rusty Dragon. He grumbles a bit while they walk, "Not two minutes in this town and I'm attacked by an orc whose defended by a shoanti trying to be a chelaxian. I need a drink. Oh! I suppose I ain't introduced myself to you. I'm Tunder and the first rounds on me."
At the Rusty Dragon, Tunder secures a room and washes some of the road off him before enjoying the atmosphere. He sits with Barek and whomever Barek is sitting with. He's not very talkative until he's had several drinks.
Barek settles in with his new companions, enjoying a fine spicy fish stew and a cheap, but passable ale. As hungry as he is though, he's completely entranced by the Tien singer and barely touches his food while she's performing. When she finishes, he whistles and yells in appreciation of her talent.
When she makes her way over, he wipes his hand across his mouth to clean off traces of the orange soup and smiles. "So you're Ameiko! Barek Hisdren." He nods towards her in greeting. "You have a great place here. Best food in Sandpoint, I bet. My compliments to your cook. And some of the best entertainment as well!"
"Say, you related to the folks at the Kaijitsu Glassworks? I hear they make the best stuff, and a lot of it is in that new cathedral. Expensive stuff, glass, but I hear Kaijitsu makes everything top of the line!"
He shrugs at her request for a story. "Ain't much to tell. I'm just a couple days in town now, come out of Riddleport looking for a job. My family runs a dock business there, but I decided to stretch my legs a bit and see what else was out in the world. These folks helped me earlier today when I was in a bind. I owe them some drinks, so I pointed them here." He puts several silvers on the table. "And we can keep 'em coming, Miss Ameiko!" He grins broadly at those around the table.
His bravado quiets down for a moment as he looks her in the eye. "Say, you got a job here? I'm looking for some work, like I said. I'd be happy to help out some."
Seldon joins the others, quietly drinking his wine and listening to the others, managing to reveal little about himself over the meal, preferring to listen and learn about the rest of the group. His deep, gray eyes, seemingly devoid of whites, stare appraisingly at all your faces. He reaches for the pitcher and pours a cup of wine for everybody, raising his glass in a traditional Desnan toast. "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo. May a star shine on the hour of our meeting!"
___
He nods at Ameiko. "Very much to my liking, yes. Songs from across the Embaral Ocean! In all of my years I have never heard their like." he says, smiling. Very high praise from an elf.
___
"A fellow traveler I see, Barek Hisdren! I hope you find what you're looking for on this new road." he says knowingly, giving a cryptic smile and a tip of his cup.
___
As the evening grows later Seldon will say his thanks and farewells, and swaying only a little from the wine make his way to the door. He smiles at the clear, starry sky before making his way to the bright wagons, drums and singing to the north of the town, where he'll spend the rest of his evening dancing with the Varisians and teaching some of the youngest the names of the stars and constellations.
Aziza will bade Seldon goodnight when he leaves to go back to the Varisian camp; although she too favors Desna, the novelty of an actual roof over her head, and a soft, warm bed are too much to pass up. Raising her cup to Cayden Cailean (in the direction of any small shrine, if the Rusty Dragon has one), she thinks to herself that tonight belongs to the Lucky Drunk. The Swallowtail festival tomorrow will be time enough for the Great Dreamer.
@ Tunder: Aziza will ask if he's come from Janderhoff, and what may have brought him to Sandpoint in time for the festival, as in her experience not many dwarves follow Desna.
@ Mirela: Since she's trying to make her remaining coin last a bit longer, Aziza will ask Mirela if she wants to share a room? She promises that she doesn't snore.
At some point during the evening, Aziza will ask Amieko, "Do you know anything about the ruins? I mean, the Old Light, as it's called here? It's what I came to investigate; the festival is just a lucky coincidence for me. For that matter, if you're in the mood for stories, perhaps you could tell all of us about Sandpoint. It's my first time here, at least."
Clearly enjoying the performance, Mirela greets Ameiko with the respect she affords fellow performers that clearly display talent.
"Wonderful performance Ameiko. You're singing is lovely," pausing a moment, Mirela almost seems sentimental as she continues "reminds me a little of my mother. She too was a gifted singer, though she mostly sang in Varisian."
Leaning back in her chair, Mirela takes a quick drink from her mug before continuing "Anyway, if you're not busy tomorrow, you should check at my act at the pavilions." Suddenly appearing as though she has forgotten something, Mirela laughs lightly "Actually, you should all check out my act. I'm not too bad a tumbler." Though her words speak modesty, her body language suggests just the opposite.
As the evening progresses, Mirela finishes her drink and stands up "Thanks for the drink Barek! Anyway, I should get some rest before tomorrow." Throwing a coin or two on the table for a tip, Mirela looks over to Aziza, and appears relieved that she has someone with whom to share the boarding cost with "I'd be happy to split a room with you Ziza."
@Aziza: "I'm not here for the festival. I didn't even know it was going on. I've come back to kill goblins."
"Heh, that makes two of us Tunder, on both counts! I didn't know the Swallowtail festival here was going to be such a huge event, but then again I didn't know about the new cathedral either. Also I'm not overly fond of yrch myself. The little runts are nothing but trouble. Fortunately I have a remedy for that." Aziza's pleasant smile is oddly in conflict with the little arcs of electricity playing across her fingertips as she raises her hand to demonstrate...
Ameiko smiles and gracefully accepts all the praise for her singing and the quality of her establishment. "I have tried to make the Dragon a comfortable place for travelers and adventurers with stories to tell. It's like I would want if I were still traveling..." she trails off with a far-away look.
At Barek's mention of the glassworks, she snaps back.
"As you can see, my staff has things well in hand here, but I could use help tomorrow at the Festival. Our stall is quite popular with the locals, and I may need help keeping order around the festivities, especially once the ale starts flowing." She looks Barek over once, a pleasant sensation to be sure. "It looks like roughneck work may be up your alley."
To answer Aziza:"When I was a girl, my grandfather told me the Old Light was here before Sandpoint was founded. I remember wondering about that. Why would they need a lighthouse here before there was a town? He was old, and maybe confused about the timing. I have not been there myself since I returned, and after The Chopper's rampage, not many go that way."
To Aziza's question about Sandpoint:"What can I say? I grew up her and left as fast as I could. I came back 5 years ago when my mother died." Her face takes a pained expression at this."But was able to bring my friends back with me and buy this place. The town was had some 'Unpleasantness' then. Now things are quieted down and the festival gives nice closure to all that."
"What more can I answer for you?". She calls Bethany over. "NO arguing, Bethany, for these folks all services half-price. Tut, I said no arguing. Travelers in need with good stories are always welcome at the Dragon."
As Amieko speaks about the Old Light, something catches Aziza's attention. "'The Chopper's rampage'? Nothing called that could be good. What happened, who was this 'Chopper', and what had it to do with the Old Light?" She has the grace to realize she's being a bit hasty, "If you don't mind me asking, that is. I don't necessarily want to cause you any discomfort if it's a painful memory."
When the Tien woman then tells her halfling offsider that the group will be charged half-price, Aziza feels a bit stunned, as well as relieved since she was already worried about her purse. "Yuis ralasuraidirr air uyaswharnailr! Many thanks, Miss Amieko! If I can be of any assistance tomorrow, please let me know."
Seldon's serene smile cracks into a broad grin as Ameiko mentions her own travels. "I prefer to sleep on the open road, but perhaps I'll have to make an exception for your inn..."
"The Old Light was here before the town." he says with a conversational nod toward the gnome. He takes a long draw from his wine glass. "I should know. I saw it with my own eyes, and I pride myself on my memory. Rina, ta randír tel' taurnin ona. Memory is a traveller's greatest gift, as they say."
His expression turns grave at the mention of the violence five years ago. He has the sense to lower his voice. "This... Unpleasantness? Did it have anything to do with the burning of the Cathedral?" the elf asks, a level stare on his face. A close observer would notice him gritting his teeth and his hands shaking. "It grieves me to think such evil could come to such a beautiful place."
Barek roars in approval when Ameiko offers them half-price, and slaps Tunder on the arm. "So how many can you drink, dwarf? Seems like we can test those famed dwarven limits now!" He stands and nods his head in thanks towards Ameiko. "If you need me, just ask I'll be happy to help you during the festival."
Tunder sits quietly, listening to the others.
Ameiko sighs and begins to spin the Chopper's tale as only a master bard can. :
"I had just come back to town after the death of my mother." Again the pained look."In the cold winter of Abadius,5 years ago, bodies started piling up in Sandpoint. Over the course of that brutal month, 25 folks were found murdered, mutilated. Hands and feet cut off, eyes and tongue missnig from all. Folks started calling the killer The Chopper, and the local sherrif, that was Casp Avertin then, was at sea on how to find and stop this guy. He took to drinking himself"
"By Fate or Luck, the sherriff, after having a few to many, wandered into the wrong alleyway (still called Chopper's Alley) just as The Chopper was finishing a victim. There was a fight and old Casp was killed, but not before wounding the serial murderer. The Guard led by Sherriff Hemlock (he was then just a Shoanti soldier with a Shoanti name) followed the blood trail out to Stoot's Rock, an island in the shadow of the Old Light. There they found Jervis Stoot, an eccentric woodcarver who lived out there alone carving his exotic birds, dead. At first they thought him a victim of the Chopper also, but apparently, all the eyes and tongues of the victims were found in his basement along with, (they say) some demon altar."
"Stoot's Rock is still abandoned and the house is said to be haunted by the demon spirit to this day. As such, no Gods-fearing folk go out that way much these days."
Ameiko pauses and orders another round, on the house. "As you can tell, Sandpoint has an unpleasant history. The owner of this very place was one of the Chopper's victims and that's how I ended up owning it. I was able to bring my friends to come work for me and have been ever since. But The Chopper's Tale is only part of our troubled past. You asked abou the burning of the church, so you have some of that story already, but I will relate more, if you like."
"So Hemlock got his position as Sheriff by catching the Chopper?" Barek nods after a second. "Seems reasonable. We ran into him earlier today. Is he a fair and good Sheriff?"
"25 people, amazing." He shakes his head. "So he was using his victims as sacrifices to a demon."
"Yes, tell us about the old church. I didn't know it had burned down."
"Amarth faeg!" the elf cries, hand shooting to his mouth. He tries to maintain a stoic expression, but he is given away by the curse of his people, the deep, bright eyes that betray his every emotion. "... to think that men could stray down such a path."
He sits in silence and listens to what more Ameiko has to share.
"They just abandoned the place where this Stoot made offerings of his victim's eyes and tongues to some demon? They didn't destroy this altar!?" Aziza is shocked by the tale of the Chopper, but even more by the folly of not destroying the house and altar afterwards.
To Seldon, she says "So you saw the Old Light before the town was here? Then, master elf, I will have some questions for you too, but not just yet."
Aziza will sit back after that and listen to Amieko and the others talk, at least until she starts getting sleepy from the meal and the wine. Eventually her yawns will come too frequently to disguise, and she will have no choice but to excuse herself, bade everyone goodnight, and go up to the bed awaiting her.
Tunder continues to drink and listen.
To Barek: "Aye, as the man who caught The Chopper, Hemlock was elected Sherriff. He is a good and just man indeed, but he is a Shoanti, and that has caused some friction with certain town leaders. I cannot say if The Chopper was a demon worshipper or just a deranged man, the stories vary, but Hemlock who was there, could tell you more."
To Seldon's outburst: Ameiko nods her agreement and responds in the Elder tongue. ” Amin weera Yaaraer, the hearts and minds of Men are weak and easily corrupted.”
To Aziza:”I do not know for certain the disposition of the altar, but I am inclined to agree with you that evil thing to sit is a bad idea. Sherriff Hemlock may know more about that as well. I know for certain the house still stands, for I have seen it from the Gulf, but the shrine, I do not know.”
If there are no other questions, the lovely Tien storyteller picks up the thread again. "As I said, the murders were only part of the Troubles. Only a month or so after the Chopper was put down, the old Church burned. Father Tobyn, a benevolent man, who had been priest for years (since before I left Sandpoint, in fact), and his adopted daughter were killed in the blaze. No one is quite sure what caused the fire, but there is certainly speculation."
"The best rumor is that the fire was purposefully set from inside the building. I don't know if I believe that. Only the Tobyn and Nualia, the daughter, lived inside. Why would they have cause..."
Just then, Bethany the halfling hostess begins tugging on Ameiko's sleeve insistently, interrupting the story. Annoyed, the lady turns to the servant."Yes, Bethany, what is it?" The halfing looks warily at the assembled group then whispers to her mistress.
"Here?" Ameiko says to Bethany, then turning to you:"Excuse me my friends, there is urgent business I must attend to. Welcome to the Rusty Dragon, I do hope you will come see our booth at the Festival tomorrow, and your stay with us will be long and pleasant."
She looks at each of you once, nods, and disappears behind the bar with a swish of silk and a scent of jasmine following in her wake.
"Now," Bethany says, covering for the boss, "who needs a night cap?"
Aziza doesn't catch what Bethany says to Amieko, as she's getting quite tired by this point, and has consumed most of a pitcher of wine to boot. Besides, it's rude to eavesdrop...
Begging off Bethany's offer of a nightcap, Aziza will go up to bed, intending to rise early and go for a walk around Sandpoint before the festival starts, perhaps up to the Old Light itself, and to look over the cliff to see Stoot's Rock too.
With a smile and a wave, Miri bids their host a fair night"Good night Ameiko, again wonderful performance!
Leaning back in her chair, Mirela appears somewhat lost in thought "Well then, who knew this little sleepy village had such a dark past. Disturbing, no doubt."
Arms folded behind her chair, Mirela watches coolly as Ameiko leaves bar and murmurs "I wonder where she is off to in such a hurry..."
"I know not, my lady. But her face says trouble." he murmurs, but the grave expression on his face breaks into his faint, serene smile once again. "But I'm sure our hostess has had enough of our prying for one evening. With that, I fear, I must leave you. Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva, melloneamin. Perhaps I shall see you again at the festival."
Sense Motive
Tunder takes a swig of ale to her as she leaves. He pays attention to where she goes.
@Tunder Ameiko disappears behind the bar into what you assume is the private quarters. The Ulfen man behind the bar would be quite an obstacle if you chose to push it.[/b]
@Seldon: The parties up in High Town among the revelers, both Varisian and Chelish, show no sign of letting up despite the late hour. You dance and cavort among the people until the false dawn when everything finally starts dying down. You sleep under the stars and again thank the Dreamer for the gift of life.
No. Once she leaves his sight, he'll let it go.
Late into the night, but before the revelers stop, Tunder will make his way to his room and get some rest.