Boo heads off to speak with the very rude man.
Boo trundles off to see Headmaster Gandethus at the Turandurok Academy once again.
As she arrives she is told to wait in a anteroom to the man's opulent office. Finally, she is asked in by a meek assistant.
Well, girl, what is it I can do for you today?" he asks patronizingly. "My time is quite important and I have a tutoring session to attend in just a few moments, but I will squeeze you in. Now tell me your request, and be quick about it."
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"Your time is important," The grumpy dwarf interjects sticking a stubby finger into the man's gun. "Just vhat is so important that a man who supposedly commands the arcane powers could not be bothered to help his neighbors against a horde of goblins and instead left it to a group of outsiders to defend his town. Perhaps, your time is not so important as your abilities are impotent."
The Dwarf starts to turn away, and then decides he has more to say.
"Tell me longshanks, vhat vould it take to get you off your highhorse and out protecting your village? Vould giants stir you from your studies? Perhaps a dragon, vould that be enough for your excellency to grace us vith your presence? I tire of the fools of this village who think they are above their own problems and show their hospitality to guests by barking commands and orders and expecting us to fight your battles. Now, unless you vant me to show you how ve treat foolish vizards in Janderhoff, you vill be polite and helpful to the lady."
Taken aback by the dwarf's outburst, Tinuviel is nonplussed.
"Erm, yes, what do you know about this?" she finally asks, thrusting the runed object towards the not so nice man.
That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said about my play style Smoke, lol, I usually play medium or high charisma paladin's and barbarians. So playing a grouchy dwarf is new and fun.
Gandethus stares at the dwarf, too stunned to speak for a few moments, his mouth agape.
"How DARE you speak to ME that way!" bellows the old man. Do you know who I AM?!? I should turn you into a toad, if you weren't already a lower form of life...."
"And you!" he says turning to Tinuviel. "To think you would bring this...THING to my office after I had invited you to speak with me. It's beyond comprehension."
He storms from the room in a huff and a swirl of robes. The meek assistant enters after to show you out. He examines the artifact in your hand for a moment as you are still holding it out in shock.
"Is that Thassalonian? I bet Professor Quink knows what that is. His research library is right next to the Old Light (area map 8). He's got some wonderful theories about that crumbling ruin."
The assistant shows you both to the door.
"Perhaps I had best see this Professor Quink by myself?" she says to Rogar.
Boo heads off quickly to find Professor Quink.
"Bah! A toad would be preferable, at leas then I vouldn't vonder vhy you are such a coward," The dwarf retorts. "It seems I have a vizard's butt to kick, fortunately. Lucky for me vhen I kick it, I'll get your head as vell!"
He starts to slide his shield down his arm and make good on his threat when the assistant comes over. He shares the info and it seems Tin wants to follow. So Rogar slides his shield up and follows her out.
"Ha, did you see the look on that pompous magician's face," Rogar laughed and turned with a smile to Tin, who did not share in his mirth.The smug grin washed away as she suggested she go on alone.
"Yes, I suppose you are right. I...I vill find a blacksmith and see about improving the strap on my shield." and with that the Dwarf began to wander off.
Cadas, wondering how she can best fill in for the sheriff while he is gone, gets an idea and suggests to Smoke. Lets patrol the city walls once around and really get a feel for the place. It might give us some insight into how to defend the place and it will be good to be seen out and about.
"Sounds good to me. Oh, and before I forget-- your share of the spoils of war." Smoke takes the time to hand out the twenty gold to Cadas and Robin, making a mental note to give Rogar and Tinuviel their share when he sees them.
Stretching while watching the day begin to pass by, Smoke heads out with Cadas on a general patrol.
@Tinuviel: Flustered and bothered by the rude headmaster (again), you make your way towards the Old Light. Near it's foot you find a little cottage witih a neat appearance. Knocking on the door, it's not long before Brodert Quink appears. He seems to remember you from your meeting yesterday.
"Ah, my dear! I was wondering if you'd come see me yesterday. It seems our respected Headmaster was a little put out then, but I would like to see your trinket again, if you don't mind."
He smiles and bids you to sit at a comfy overstuffed chair near the desk. A tabby grey cat pads into the room and rubs against your leg mewling and purring as you wait for Quink to take his spot behind the desk, which is littered with stacks and piles of papers, drawings, etc.
@Rogar: (The smithy is Area 15 on the detail map.) Two large lazy red dogs lay in the grass outside the smithy here and are captured on the board sign for the place.
Red Dog Smithy is owned and manned by the foul-mouthed Das Korvut (who was running the Ogre's Hammer game during the festival). He looks at your shield and after describing it in crass detail, he agrees to help reinforce the handle strap for a small fee (2 gp).
He begins the work of heating the forge and finding the right hardware to set the leather strap grumbling new and inventive curses about dwarves and their shields all the while.
@Smoke and Cadas: You stroll through the town making a circuit of the limited defenses. The wall is in pretty sad shape, and there is no gate on the Tanner's Bridge or the south road.
Several town citizens wave hello or give a friendly greeting as you pass. Most say 'thank you' or similar sentiments, happy to see their heroes in the streets.
As you come around the Harbor side you see the Hagfish, the infamous seaside tavern (area 33 on the map), and across the road, Vinder's Grocery Map area 26)where two pretty young women are sweeping the front porch. One of the girls is tall and thin with dark black curls, the other is curvy and vivacious with flowing red hair that falls into her eyes. They both stop their activity, giggle, and watch as Smoke passes by, the dark haired one actually blows him a kiss as you walk by.
Soon your circuit is ended and the sun is beginning to wester over the Gulf. Apparently, it is near time to return to the Dragon for dinner.
As you turn for home, you see Daviren Hosk walking arm and arm with Hannah Velerin who seems to be limping a little, but doing much better than the last time you saw her.
@Robin: You make your way to the slightly-less-than-world-famous Sandpoint Theater (area 23 on the detail map). The marquee board says "The Harpy's Curse" starring Magnamarian diva Allishandal is showing, but penciled over the sign is the word "CANCELLED". The ticket office window is closed and the place looks deserted at a time when crowds might normally begin arriving for early seats to an evening show.
While passing by the two women, he smiles and waves-- but the blown kiss causes him to pause for a second before he turns back to Cadas with a sheepish grin. "I guess I'm popular," he says, once they're out of earshot of the girls. "That Foxglove guy seems like he has his eye on you. Best to let him know about the way things are before he comes back with a palanquin of treasures to buy you back to Magnimar with."
When he sees Hosk and Hannah, he waves. "Feeling better?" he asks, not planning to speak for long and interrupt their no-doubt busy day.
"Gladly sir. I am hoping you can tell me its significance?"
@Smoke and Cadas: You stroll through the town making a circuit of the limited defenses. The wall is in pretty sad shape, and there is no gate on the Tanner's Bridge or the south road.
Several town citizens wave hello or give a friendly greeting as you pass. Most say 'thank you' or similar sentiments, happy to see their heroes in the streets.
As you come around the Harbor side you see the Hagfish, the infamous seaside tavern (area 33 on the map), and across the road, Vinder's Grocery Map area 26)where two pretty young women are sweeping the front porch. One of the girls is tall and thin with dark black curls, the other is curvy and vivacious with flowing red hair that falls into her eyes. They both stop their activity, giggle, and watch as Smoke passes by, the dark haired one actually blows him a kiss as you walk by.
Soon your circuit is ended and the sun is beginning to wester over the Gulf. Apparently, it is near time to return to the Dragon for dinner.
As you turn for home, you see Daviren Hosk walking arm and arm with Hannah Velerin who seems to be limping a little, but doing much better than the last time you saw her.
Cadas waves at the townfolk trying to look happy, but thinking about her people. This is my duty, but not my tribe. she reminds herself.
Yes they like you Smoke. Cadas teases her companion a little. When he brings up Foxglove she looks more serious. That man would not thrive among the people. she notes. He has wealth but that is little among the grass and horses. A man must be brave and do good in the world. That one seems to live for his own entertainment. I hope I have made it clear to him that I am not interested in his advances.
Seeing Daviren and Hannah Cadas brightens and catches up with them. My friends. she greets them. How do you fare? After waiting for a response she continues. I must tell you about our meeting with Shalelu. How well do you two know her?
@Robin The halfling bard marks up the marquee board at the Sandpoint Theater and heads back to the Dragon, plotting how to put on a show.
@Smoke and Cadas: Hosk and Hannah stop their stroll to visit. "I am doing much better, thank you! That goblin knife cut deep and it may be a while before I'm ready for that action again. Bless Gozreh, at least I can still enjoy nature." Hannah seems to be in good spirits as well as improved health.
Hosk looks at you keenly as you ask about Shalelu. "Reckon we know 'er 'bout as well as any in San'poin', with the 'xception of Miss Ameiko, that is. She took over rangerin' in me stead when I laid down me bow. She keepin' them gobbies in line still, eh? I cain still shoot if'n she needs a han', yeah?"
Hannah smiles. "I don't think things are quite that desperate yet, Davy. Let's invite them to dinner with us at the Dragon, you can tell some of your war stories, and I can talk with Cadas about her Faith and the tribal ways, it's fascinating to me that we revere the same goddess but in such different ways."
They ask you to join them on the walk and to dine (along with your companions) if you it suits you.
@Tinuviel: Quink cursorily examines the trinket again. "Well, as I said, I'm quite certain this is the Sihedron Rune. It's old Thassalonian, to be sure. There is some debate about what it's significance is, but no question it was initially used to signify the virtues of being a benevolent ruler. Hmmm....I never remember them...Sabyl told us just yesterday....Do you remember?"
He shakes his head and scratches his little pointed beard, thinking. Ah, no matter. Anyway...the rune may have changed meanings as the Thassilonian culture shifted after the death of Xin the first king. Some say the virtues took on a darker significance. I have been looking into that, but no luck finding references so far..."
"Sorry, that's not much help. I should no more in a couple of days. I am expecting a few new texts from Magnimar then also."
He shrugs and smiles at you, clearly waiting to see if you have any more questions.
"War stories? I'm all ears," Smoke painfully jokes on the topic of the goblins. He chortles and then becomes silent when it's obvious no one appreciates a bad joke.
"Dinner is good. I'll eat dinner."
"I suppose the greatest mystery about this right now is why goblins would be interested in it? DID the Thessalonians use these runes for any purpose or have they ever been used for a specific purpose?"
"You done yet? A dwarven smith could have hammered a full shield in the time it's taken you to adjust my strap."
Rogar paced back and forth. Getting anxious.
@Smoke and Cadas: Hosk and Hannah stop their stroll to visit. "I am doing much better, thank you! That goblin knife cut deep and it may be a while before I'm ready for that action again. Bless Gozreh, at least I can still enjoy nature." Hannah seems to be in good spirits as well as improved health.
Hosk looks at you keenly as you ask about Shalelu. "Reckon we know 'er 'bout as well as any in San'poin', with the 'xception of Miss Ameiko, that is. She took over rangerin' in me stead when I laid down me bow. She keepin' them gobbies in line still, eh? I cain still shoot if'n she needs a han', yeah?"
Hannah smiles. "I don't think things are quite that desperate yet, Davy. Let's invite them to dinner with us at the Dragon, you can tell some of your war stories, and I can talk with Cadas about her Faith and the tribal ways, it's fascinating to me that we revere the same goddess but in such different ways."
They ask you to join them on the walk and to dine (along with your companions) if you it suits you.
Davy. Cadas repeats. I like it. She says with a smile as she slaps the old ranger on the back. Can I call you that? And dinner sounds good, except I am eating so much in this town of yours I'm sure to grow fat. My armor is already getting tight. And religious discussions are always welcome, especially with a fellow follower. she says warmly. It is obvious she enjoys this company.
@Rogar: The smith looks at you askance. "Hold your mother$%@$% horses, you bearded $#!~, or I'll stick this shield so far up your &*# you won't be able to sit down for a week. Now shut the %@@# up so I can finish." Despite his language and manner, you see the hint of a smirk on his lips.
Soon he is done fixing the strap. "No charge. I always do %^$@# for free..."
The rumble in your belly tells you it's nearly time for dinner...
@Tinuviel: Quink nods at your question. "The Thassilonians used runes for many purposes, including symbolizing schools of powerful magic. I do not know if this Sihedron rune was used that way, but I believe (though I'm afraid I have little proof) that it's seven points were symbolic of all seven schools of magic. Perhaps (and I'm guessing here) this was a very powerful rune."
"I will begin researching that very thing tomorrow and see if I can't uncover more of our mystery then." He pauses and looks at you before dropping his eyse to the ground. "Of course, I'd love to have a bright research assistant, if you have the inclination...not to be too forward..."
His face reddens and he stammers a bit, but continues. "I do not know what goblins would want with any runes, magical or not, I don't know much about them, but they don't strike me as a terribly arcane bunch."
He smiles and makes small talk until it is time for dinner. He walks you to the door. "I should have a little more information at this time tomorrow. Would you care if I call on you for dinner? I must meet Veznutt Parooh, for dinner this evening I am afraid."
@Cadas and Smoke: Hosk laughs, Nay, lass I don' ken how you're armor is gettin' ta tight. It's high time ya put some meat on those bones, ain't that righ' laddie?" He jokes with Smoke, elbowing him in the ribs. "Aye, yoo can call me Davy, jes' don' call me late for dinner, eh?"
Hannah rolls her eyse at the grizzeld old fellow, but takes his arm and they walk along. She beings asking Cadas questions, particularly about the flora and fauna of her home lands. What herbs are good for healing or fertility etc....
Smoke quickly bores of this conversation and begins to lag behind the others. As he watches the friends converse, lost in his own simple thoughts, a finger touches him on the shoulder.
Turning quickly, he sees the statuesque red-head from before. She is a bit startled by his reaction and flinches then laughes and bites her pouty lower lip.
"Hi, I didn't mean to startle you. I'm Shayliss, Shayliss Vinder. Aren't you one of those heroes? I have a problem that needs a big strong hero." Her big green eyes widen and bat at you and she tosses her red locks out of her eyes."Can you help a girl out?"
@Robin: You are first to arrive at the Rusty Dragon and Lars and BEthany compliment you on your town guards' uniform as they server your beverage of choice. It is not long before the others, Rogar first, then Tinuviel and finally Cadas, Hannah and Daviren Hosk arrive.
Bethany prepares dinner for all, but there is no on-stage entertainment, the Tien owner is absent this evening apparently. Bethany nods to Robin. "Go on then, man! You know we're all dying to see your act. Give us all a taste. Go on!"
Why were there so many pretty girls in Sandpoint? Was it some kind of reverse-curse? Smoke didn't understand it but he wasn't about to turn a girl down if she needed help with something.
Scratching the back of his head, he looks to Cadas. "Hey, I'll catch up, okay? Looks like I've got some hero-ing to do real quick."
He turns to the girl. "Hey, Shayliss. Smoke. What kind of problem?" he asks and touches his greatsword hilt warily. "Is it the violent kind, or the heavy-lifting or hey-you're-tall kind? Well, either way, Sheriff Hemlock made us the law 'round here while he's on towards Magnimar, so point me in the right direction." Smoke splits a grin and hopes that she isn't about to point to a cadre of devils crawling screaming from a pit behind her.
@Rogar: The smith looks at you askance. "Hold your mother$%@$% horses, you bearded $#!~, or I'll stick this shield so far up your &*# you won't be able to sit down for a week. Now shut the %@@# up so I can finish." Despite his language and manner, you see the hint of a smirk on his lips.
Soon he is done fixing the strap. "No charge. I always do %^$@# for free..."
The rumble in your belly tells you it's nearly time for dinner...
"I've always been amazed at the ability of Longshanks to do any sort of detail vork vhen their heads are so far up their own arses!" Rogar says as he straps his shield on. "Bah, well I guess for a limp wrist human, this is perfect. I mean a beardless dwarf could have done this but it vill do. It's vise you don't charge. So you can get more practice becoming adequate at your craft you fat oaf."
Rogar barely could hold back a laugh as he walked of and dropped a silver on the anvil.
Once he took his gear he made his way straight to the Dragon.
As he entered he nods to Bethany.
"One of your fine ales if you don't mind," He said with a nod.
@Smoke: She smiles when you agree to come and tosses her hair. "I hope it's not the violent kind, but more the something scary in my cellar kind...You see, I was in the cellar of our store this morning, and I saw a big RAT! As big as a goblin, it were!"
"I tried to tell my father, but he's so distracted by Katrine, (that's my sister), shacking up with Banny Harker from the mill, that he plumb left, without doin' anything about it. I need things from the cellar today, but I am afraid to go down there with that big rat about. Will you come see about chasing it away?"
She smiles sweetly and sincerely, but you can see she's plainly agitated by the whole affair.
Smoke nods, but feels a bit of trepidation at the concept. What if it's a goblin? A little goblin wearing a rat suit, just waiting for the right time to strike? "Just a big rat? I can give it a shot. You sure it's not a goblin? If it is, I can see if I could get someone else to tag along."
"And that's pretty rude of your dad. Don't worry-- you can consider this handled." Looking around, he remembered he had no idea where to go. "Lead the way?"
@Smoke: "I am so grateful a big strong hero like you can help me with my rat problem. It's down there, I'll show you," she says as you arrive at the General Store (Area 26 on Sandpoint Map). She leads you to the cellar stairs and lights a lantern. As you descend, she stays close behind, saying: "I need to show you where I seen him last."
The light from the lantern illuminates the cellar poorly and you see crates and boxes of dry goods and several barrels and casks. There are racks of jars along the walls and some old furniture and odds and ends in one corner.
"The rat was back there, behind the salt barrels. I'm sure there's more of 'em if I seen one." She points to a spot behind several of the barrels near a dark corner.
As the sun slowly sets over the Gulf of Varisia, the companions (less Smoke) gather and relax with potent libations and stories of their travels and adventures, the Dragon begins to fill again with patrons. The staff serves, and eventually Robin entertains the house with a part of his normal act.
Just as dinner is served, the door to the Dragon bursts open and a ragged looking woman enters carrying a tiny babe, another toddler in tow. The woman looks terrified and bedraggled. The babe cries and the toddler holds a bloody towel over a wound on his small arm.
"Where are the Heroes of Sandpoint? I heard they were here..." she yells frantically. Lars takes the tiny babe from the distraught woman, and Bethany leads her to where you sit.
All eyes in the place are turned to you as she speaks. "It's in my house!" the woman cries. "A goblin is in my house and it tried to eat Aeren. And Petal, oh poor Petal. And Alergast is all alone in there with it. Come you must hurry...I can't believe it's in my house..."
Smoke steels himself, prepared to draw his greatsword in case something comes leaping out of the darkness. He moves forward toward the area that Shayliss pointed out, ready for anything.
Rogar rises to his feet.
"Lars, Bethany, please look to the children," He says as he turns to Tin and Cadas. "Vhere's the bull and the fool? Ve can grab them on the way or leave vord vhere to find us."
He straps his shield over his hand.
"Ma'am, lead the vay."
She pauses and gathers her breath and wits. She sees Lars holding the babe, and Bethany looking over the youth.
"My house is about a three streets up the road. I'll try to explain on the way. Please hurry!" She may be calmer, but the edge of panic is not far away.
The woman leads you up the hill to a small house diagonally across from the Red Dog Smithy, where the 2 big red dogs are still lying in the yard. On the way, she relates: "Aeren is our 4 year old. He kept complaining about the closet goblin, but Alergast thought it was just fright from the Festival Attack. He saw a cat set on fire by a goblin." She sobs a bit, but thankfully keeps it together as you hurry up the street.
"Alergast was angry that he was afraid of the dark and wanted him to be a man, so he made me promise not to come when the boy cried out tonight. But then Petal, that's the dog, screamed in pain, and Aeren began wailing. I ran to his room and saw...that thing....chewing on Aeren's arm. Petal was dead...so much blood. It was horrible."
"Alergast went in there and was tearing around in the closet, and he told me to go get help. So I came running to find you Heroes."
As she finishes, you stop in front of small home like others along the road. The door stands open and a small trail of blood drops and smears leads out from the door, showing where the woman carried the wounded child out.
"Aeren's room is in the middle. Through there." she says, pointing to a door on the back side of the small kitchen.
The house is eerily quiet and dark. No unusual sounds are heard on first blush.
@Smoke: You looke in the place indicated by Shayliss and see....absolutely nothing. You look for droppings, foot prints, chew marks anything that might indicate a rodent presence giant or otherwise, but come up with nothing. The place looks neat and tidy (for a cellar). Instead, in the back corner behind the salt barrels, you see a made up cot.
Confused you turn and see...Shayliss has somehow slipped out of her bodice revealing only bare flesh beneath. Her signficant assets capture your attentions as she steps forward wraps you in her arms in a passioniate embrace, her mouth finding yours her tongue probing out between your lips.
She moans softly and guides you towards the cot in the corner. "Yes big hero, handle this for me." she breathes in your ear huskily.
You know what? Sure.
He handles it for her for a minute, because honestly, this is a much better surprise than what he was expecting, which was a goblin wearing a rat skin and carrying a scythe. He's not sure why it's a scythe, but to Smoke, it's a scythe.
But, he suddenly feels guilty and realizes why-- he might be able to handle Shayliss the way she wants, but afterwards, he won't be able to handle Ameiko the way he wants. I mean, she likes him, and maybe not the way he wants but maybe one day it will be. And he thinks about what it would be like to Ameiko to hear that he'd changed his mind. He's not sure if she likes him enough to feel bad, but to Smoke, she does and she does. It would be disappointing. Smoke would just be another feller who couldn't live up to expectation.
So it really came down to his feelings: he could keep his hands firmly on Shayliss right now and betray his attraction to Ameiko, who he knew as a person and not just a set of assets.
Or he could try to do what he thought was the right thing, if not the hard thing, and try to let Shayliss down easy, because if he handled her it would be because she was pretty and not because he actually liked her as a person. Being told 'no' would probably be very embarassing for her. He thought of a way how to tell her, almost getting distracted in the moment, but decided it was best to end it now even if he didn't know how to say it exactly.
Taking Shayliss by the shoulders, he disengages them. It's hard to not take an eyeful while the getting is good but he keeps his vision level with her face. "Shayliss, I'm sorry but I don't think we can do this. There's somebody else."
Smoke, having briefly grasped the heaven part of this situation, now prepared for the hell that was inevitable to follow.
Whatever happened, though, he was sure: If he had to give up Shayliss now to be with Ameiko later, he wasn't going to beat around the bush any longer. Dramatic forward steps would be taken to secure her affection. Any less and this gesture would be wasted, and he might as well have let Shayliss get her hooks in him.
"I would be honoured, good sir, to have dinner with you. Thank you for your help" Smiling, Boo walks away.
When she has passed out of sight, her stride gets bouncy. She returns to the inn, to catch up on things.