Naffer grins and you can't help but think that he looks more roguish now that you two seem to have some kind of plan
Heh, the mayor won't resist the wish of a cripple and another cripple with a criminal record, eh? Hah, that's the most exciting thing for years I'm in, heh. Oh yes, the tunnels, the sheriff was one of those who found Jervis' creepy altar below the isle's surface, yet he never spoke about the length of the tunnels or their qualities.
Together you reach the town hall and while entering, Naffer describes the properties of the building: The majority of the ground floor of this two-story building consists of a meeting hall, large enough to seat most of Sandpoint's adults. The upper floor contains the offices and some storerooms and the vault serves as the bank.
You're lucky and meet the small red-haired woman as she's about to leave the place. Naffer adresses her and after some kind words about the festival, the cathedral and the weather, he introduces you to her
Mr. Gerlick? Nice to make your acquaintance, the sheriff had told me that you were one of our saviours?
@Harry:
Vinder, Shayliss Vinder, daughter of Ven Vinder, owner of the Vinder warehouse.
Now Mr. Harry, why don't you join me then? What a nice dog you have, what's his name?
@ Nieve: As Bethana notices the chat between Harry and the young woman, she sighs and says
Here's your breakfast, dear. You should tell your friend that Shayliss means problems...at least when her father fids out.
@ Karlan and Kanyk:
After your breakfast you start your morning round as deputies.
This morning the local gossip consists of:
° Someone tried to pass the Hagfish test and failed miserably
° The Barret dog has barked during the whole last night.
° During the night the gang of Jubrayl Vhiski unloaded a wagon in fron of the Fatman's Feedbag.
"Thank you, Bethana." He peers over at Harry and sees the somewhat attractive woman, as he begins to dig into his food. Elyn is skittering around the plate, sniffing the contents.
"What's... wrong with her?"
At the mention of her name and her social station, Harry drops some of his bragadoccio charm and puts on a more reserved manner.
"Miss Vinder, this is my companion Thumper, loyal and staunch. I must apologise for my earlier overly casual conversation, I had no idea that you were a merchants daughter. I would be happy to escort you on a sightseeing tour of Sandpoint, what with me being a Sheriffs Deputy it would be proper"
Harry extends his arm for her to take it, far more gentlemanly than his usual self.
Gerlick bows a bit stiffly. "Madam Mayor. I wouldn't call myself a saviour, Harry and Kanyk, the half elf and the human did alot more then me." Gerlick pauses, and then smiles. "Naffer here has been a great help to me, personally. Oh, and I am not mister. Just Gerlick will be fine."
Looking around the building, Gerlick continues. "I am going to get straight to the heart of the matter. I was wondering what I would have to do, to claim Choppers Island for my own. I know about its history but, honestly, I am not bothered by it. I would like a chance to clean it up, and make it respectable again."
@ Nieve:
Bethana harrumphes, then whispers
She's her father's most precious possession...he loathes every man that gets near her...at least unless this man is either a paladin or a wealthy merchant, heh.
@ Harry:
Shayliss takes your arm and leads you out of the Rusty Dragon. Together you walk through the streets and nearly everyone you meet greets you very politely.
Now Mr. Harry, how does it feel to be a hero..and such a handsome one?
@ Gerlick:
Mayor Devrin arches an eyebrow
Chopper's Isle? Gerlick, are you sure? The place is said to be infested by some dark power...yet I don't believe such claims. We had Father Abstalar check it...spirit-wise, and he said the island was safe. So if I would permit its use, what are you planning to do with it.
"Possession? That doesn't sound... nice. Who is this...Shayliss's father?"
He glances again at the woman and Harry, as she leads him out of the tavern. Nieve's throat grows dry for a moment, and he seems to space out before he turns back to Bethana. "I...I'm sorry, I spaced out there."
Gerlick nods, and lowers his hood. "Well, for starters, I would build myself a small home. I would also want to clear out the tunnels that apparently lie underneath it. Eventually, I would want to open a free clinic for people in need."
Karlan goes about his daily business. He'll mingle. He'll learn names. He'll find out whatib the hells the hagfish test is. etc.
Kanyk strolls around the town with Karlan, enjoying the morning sun and doing his best to at least say a few words to people here and there. After hearing a few people mention the Barret dog he excuses himself from Karlan and finds his way to the Barret's house. A barking dog is no real issue so Kanyk is more curious than anything, wondering what would make a dog suddenly uncomfortable in it's own home.
@Nieve:
Bethana winks and says
I have already noticed you're rather the dreamer type, eh? But that's good, this town is a sanctum to Dens, the godess of dreams, where better could you be, tee-hee.
@ Gerlick:
Kendra Deverin walks some paces up and down the hall, sunken in thought, then she says
Well, Gerlick, why not, no one was brave enough to claim that island, so why not give it to you. I will have to have a word with the heads of the other three ruling families but afterwards we will know more. I'm inclined to support your idea. Maybe you should seek out the others and just ask them in the same way in which you asked me.
@ Karlan:
You reach the Hagfish (SM 33) at about noon. The building might once have been something like a captaincy office, but now it's a tavern of the rather shabby sort. The wooden walls are encrusted with salt and the whole thing lokks like it might crumble every other moment...
Yet it's well attended and about a dozen fishermen sit inside and have lunch.
It's rather gloomy inside, and you guess it's partly intentional so that the various kinds of stains in all sizes are not that visible...
Above the bar hangs a strange glass bowl in which an unbelievably ugly fish swims.
@ Kanyk:
The barret's home is a nice well kept white house in Prickleback Lane. No one responds to your knocking, but a neighbour working in front of his house adresses you
Something wrong, mister? You looking for the Barrets?
Gerlick bows, and straightens. "Well as long as someone can direct me to them, that would be fine!" He glances over at Naffer meaningfully.
"Probably to a fault, yeah."
He finishes the last of his pancake, looking at the halfling girl. He breathes hard as his shoulders sink slightly.
"I never thought life to be so... confusing."
He gazes down at the table and sighs. Elyn nips at his hand, rather unexpectedly, causing him to jolt his hand up; he accidentally knocks over his glass of water.
"By Shelyn's bloody feathers, Elyn, what's with you?"
The weasel skitters up his arm and curls up next to his neck. Blinking, he only gives Bethana an apologetic glance.
Not having a good day...
"Nothing pressing no and yes I am indeed looking for the Barrets. I heard their dog kept a few people awake last night and I thought I'd come have a chat and see if everything was alright."
Kanyk steps away from the Barret's door and strolls over to the neighbour, sticking his hand out to shake as he introduces himself in an attempt to explain his curiosity.
"The Sheriff deputised me last week, after that Goblin raid. Been trying to make myself useful since then and in my experience a dog won't just bark all night for no good reason. Oh, m'name is Kanyk, forgot to mention that."
Karlan goes inside cheerfully and gets to know the locals.
"Hello! Never been here before."
Gather information.
Harry gives his usual friendly laugh at the term 'hero'.
"Miss Vinder ma'am, I don't see myself as anything of the sort. I merely did what was the right thing to do at the time, when the Goblins came it was simply a case of stopping them the way we did with rival gangs in the streets of Riddleport. A stand must always be made, no matter what, even if only on principle. I might not be from Sandpoint, but in the short time I have been here I have been treated with respect and fairness, so the least I can do is look after those who looked after me. The Pirates Code is clear on this matter on two points: 'The friend of my friend is my friend', and 'touch one, touch all'. I did what was right, heroics plays no part, its about respect and loyalty".
"Anyhow, enough of such coarse manners, bloody matters are not fit for discussion with a lady of quality such as yourself, I won't bring you into scandal being heard talking of such tavernly matters"
Harry continues his walk with her, treating her well and very respectfully, walking with her on his arm...as well mannered as the Riddleport Quickwives taught him to be when dealing with their well heeled patrons.
@ Gerlick:
Naffer nods and together you leave the mayor. Outside the town hall, Naffer stops and looks south, where the villas of the Deverins, Kaijitsus, Scarnettis and Valdemars are (SM 47-50).
Surely not an easy thing to persuade those people...think we could need your friends Harry or Karlan. What do you think Gerlick? I mean look at us, we're clearly not the most charming fellows.
@ Nieve:
Bethana gives you a pat on the tigh and sighs
Don't be down in the mouth. At least it doesn't rain today.
@ Karlan:
The local Fishermen are rather shortspoken, but one of them says
If you wanne be one of us, a real Sandpointian, you have to pass the Hagfish-test!
the others cheer, laugh and applaud...seems like they support his idea.
The bartender and owner of the Hagfish, a one-legged guy that looks like the archetypical pirate, leaves the bar and heaves the large glass bowl from the board it was placed on.
Ahoy deputy, I'm Jargie Quinn, an' dere's nay need to sweat, heh. De test is easy, jus' drink a glass of de wadder de hagfish is in... an' keep it in yer belly fer at least ten minutes.
@ Kanyk:
The neighbour nods and replies
Yeah, the dog, the name's Petal, was barking the third night in a row, don't know whats wrong with him, was always a good animal, think it belongs to the son, Aeren. I'll speak to Alergast, the father, once he comes home from work, deputy.
@ Harry:
While playing with one of her long blonde strands, Shayliss gives you a convincing glance and replies
Mr. Harry, when you speak about such grizzly matters, they sound so far away that I imagine a woman was safe from everything in your arms. Do you have a wife or a girlfriend back in Riddleport?
Nodding solemnly, Nieve throws a glance out the window. "You're right. Thank you for the food, Bethana."
He rises from his seat, stretching his shoulders. "I feel like going down to the docks. I hope to talk to you later, Bethana."
Rubbing Elyn behind his ears, he sets out of the tavern, making his way down to the docks, while gazing up at the sky.
Mr. Harry, when you speak about such grizzly matters, they sound so far away that I imagine a woman was safe from everything in your arms. Do you have a wife or a girlfriend back in Riddleport?
"When you call me Mr Harry I almost feel as if I should be looking about for a more respectable man who happens to have a similar name. You do me a kindness with the title, one I hope to show worth of. No wives, Riddleport is not really the sort of place for a family or loved ones, girlfriends, well to some meaning of the term I suppose, but a 'gentleman' doesn't kiss and tell"
"It is true that I did spend a lot of time protecting the ladies from the worst excesses of the vulgar and vile of the City, and in return my Aunties saw me get a little schooling and enough care to become an employable young man, even if in a bit of a rough trade. Anyhow, that sort of business isn't really something I should be talking about in polite company, you'll have to accept me begging my pardon once more"
"A Merchants daughter such as yourself must be afforded the respect and decency due her station after all"
@ Harry
Shayliss looks a bit abstractedly to the sea and after a long moment has passed, she answers
Well, my father is a bit overprotective...he'd never allow me to meet someone like you... realizing that this could have also been an affront, she is fast to add I mean someone that does not have a ship, or a warehouse or a bank or something...But at the moment he is so absorped investigating the private life of my sister Katrine that I'm free to do what I want...with whom I want it...
Her eyes and posture become quite seductive as she utters the last sentence...she is clearly waiting for a signal...
@ Nieve:
The sky is clear, only a handful of clouds race fast from west to east...they remind you of the titanic warships of the Andoran navy which you have sometimes seen in Magnimar.
As you reach the harbour you can see about two dozen colourful sails of the small Sandpointian fishing boats that are out on the Gulf at the moment. The cries of seagulls and the low sound of the waves are in the air and you feel free, even though you're standing inmidst a town.
Her eyes and posture become quite seductive as she utters the last sentence...she is clearly waiting for a signal...
"And he is right to be protective, a woman such as yourself is a rare find, a true diamond, and indeed I am easily looked at as a ruffian and rough man, your father would be wise to caution you off my type. What have I to offer one of your station? Nothing of value, little of worth, and all of hardship. You can't blame your father for his eye wandering off you, the man has two daughters after all, sometimes the shepherd spends so long guarding one lamb from the wolf he loses the other to a fox. I apologise again, that was too forward"
He clearly struggles for a moment, the signal she gives off is fairly unavoidable, and despite his better nature 'Harry is as Harry does' and he moves in for the kiss. Delicate as he knows is expected from a subtle flower, the polar opposite of the wanton masculinity he uses on the barmaids.
In just mere moments he pulls back uncertainly.
"We shouldn't be doing this... should we?"
She beams at you and then a roguish smiles spreads over her face
This and more! The basement of the warehouse is a safe place, follow me.
She grabs your hand and pulls you to the Vinder Warehouse.
Despite knowing better than to get involved with a Merchants Daughter (farmers are one thing, people of repute are another!), Harry is as Harry does and he accompanies her to the Warehouse, Thumper being told to wait outside.
You accompany the girl to the back of the warehouse and follow her down some stairs into the basement.
With the sureness of a sleepwalker she drags some of the crates away and behind them there is a nest made of blankets on the ground. Noticing your surprised look, she says
OK OK, I hoped the situation would come out like this.
Grinningly she begins to lay off her clothes...
Maybe I could join the fishermen one day, to get a view from the sea...
He wanders along the pier, taking his time to enjoy the breeze from the sea. Elyn balances carefully on the edge of his shoulder, peering into the water. He lets out a few squeaks, climbing down his clothes to his leg. "Elyn?"
The weasel doesn't budge, peering down between the cracks on the docks. "You silly weasel."
Nieve bends down, admittedly curious now too, and he scoots Elyn up into his arms. He tries to peer between the cracks of the dock.
As you peer through the cracks, you spot a group of three quite large, (two palms) green crabs that scurry behind a big stone as you bend down.
Harry tries to hide his surprise, but carries on.
Looking at the houses, Gerlick ponders. "It is true that we are not the most charasmatic...hrm. I am not sure the others could help much and I am trying to keep them from getting involved with me. I dont want to get them in trouble. They have more important things to worry about...but...hrm." Gerlick stands and thinks for a bit, trying to decide what to do.
It shows that Shayliss is far more experienced than her father would've ever imagined and hoped...and while you are about to get into the magical phase of your amorous tete-a-tete...
Shayliss Perception Check
@ Gerlick:
Naffer is not much of a help and pokes a finger into his nose, waiting for your decision.
Gerlick grins. "What can you tell me about these people?"
Naffer returns from his daydream
Oh, yeah umm, the Deverins have always been the leaders of Sandpoint. Kendra Deverin is the last in the line of mayors. She won her election by a landslide against Titus Scarnetti. He controls the mills and the lumber industry and I think one of his forefathers was the man who attacked the Varisians here and stole their land. Scarnetti is a tough business man and his control of the lumber industry enables him to pressurize Belven Valdemar. Since Belven owns the shipyard and needs the wood critically. And last but not least their is Ameiko's father Lonjiko Kaijitsu, the owner of the glassworks.
"Who do you think would be the toughest nut to crack?" Gerlick asks.
The neighbour nods and replies
Yeah, the dog, the name's Petal, was barking the third night in a row, don't know whats wrong with him, was always a good animal, think it belongs to the son, Aeren. I'll speak to Alergast, the father, once he comes home from work, deputy.
Kanyk shrugs and steps away from the neighbour, ready to continue his stroll round the town. "Fair enough, any chance you'd know where Mr Barret works? I'll continue my rounds and if I pass his place of employ I can stop in and have a word."
@ Kanyk:
The neighbour looks to the harbour and answers
He's a ropemaker at the Valdemar shipyard, maybe you can find him there, kay?
@ Gerlick:
Naffer answers momentarily
Titus Scarnetti, no doubt.
Kanyk heads off in the direction of the harbour, trying to ignore the nagging feeling that the neighbour had been trying to get rid of him.
Arriving at the harbour, Kanyk wanders along the docks looking for signs for the Valdemar shipyard. Distracted by his search he nearly trips over a figure crouched down and staring through the gaps in the docks. Realising that he had just nearly tripped over Nieve, Kanyk coughs to get his attention.
"Uh, what are you doing down there? Drop a coin through the boards or something?"
@ Harry:
Simultanously Shayliss and you hear someone opening the door at the end of the stairs that lead up to the sale room. Then a deep male voice calling something to another person...
Desna beware! It's my father! Harry, he must not find you here! Hurry!
Harry jumps up like a scalded cat.
"Shhhh" he whispers to her.
Standing erect and with purposeful stride, he moves into the open "Halt! Who goes there!" he boomingly demands towards the voice.
Karlan thinks for a moment staring at the fish.
"Ah, so that's the hagfish test." Karlan furrowed his brow and then shrugged. "Sure why not."
@ Harry:
The descending man stops on the stairs and after a moment of puzzlement answers with an equally booming voice
Huh? Who's down there?! Here is Ven Vinder and this is my house!
@ Karlan:
The locals cheer and gather round you and Quinn as you take a deep gulp of the strangely viscuous water
@ Harry:
The descending man stops on the stairs and after a moment of puzzlement answers with an equally booming voice
Huh? Who's down there?! Here is Ven Vinder and this is my house!
@ Karlan:
The locals cheer and gather round you and Quinn as you take a deep gulp of the strangely viscuous water
@ Karlan:
The slimy stuff slowly runs down your throat, you expect something strange now to happen in your stomach, but the sensation fails to appear.
After about thirty seconds Quinn gives you a slap on the back
Well done deputy! Now you're one of us and you also won the Hagfish prize. Under the friendly applause of the other customers, he hands you a jingling pouch.
Huh. Karlan says not quite sure what the fuss was all about. Taking the pouch he put it away. "Sadly I can't stay and drink, duty and all that, but I'd love to stay for a bit and get to know the rest of you more."
@ Karlan:
The fishermen welcome you to their gregarious round and tell you alot of cock-and-bull-stories. Most of these include a strange fish that is said to live in the Gulf with the name "Old Murdermaw".
Those who pretend to have seen the monstrous fish report that it is a gigantic red monster with a maw large enough to swallow a whole fishing boat.
Huh? Who's down there?! Here is Ven Vinder and this is my house!
Harry maintains the charade and heads up to greet the voice.
"Glad you have arrived Mr Vinder, I'm Harry, one of the Sherrifs Deputies; all is well and all is secure. I assume that someone ran to fetch you about the disturbance. I have already checked for thieves but none are about and nothing appears broken. Your daughter, young Miss Vinder is ensuring everything is in order and nothing obvious is missing."
"A fine lady she is if I may add sir, I was a little lost on my rounds and she put me back on course, as she was pointing out your warehouse there was an odd sound that set Thumpers hackles on edge and we thought you might be being robbed, there are some very suspect lads about I've noticed, so I came in to investigate immediately. Nothing found, and the place safe, I allowed Miss Vinder in under my escort to see that all was well."
"As there seems to be nothing more than phantoms I will take my leave and return to wandering Sandpoint looking for any other disturbances. You might consider getting a nightwatchman or a couple of good hounds sir"
Bluff
Mr. Vinder, a man as robust as a Kyonin Oak, gives his basement a dumbfounded look
Oh...yeah...umm then, thank you deputy, I was just thinking, umm, yeah thanks. You want a coffee?
Meanwhile Shayliss has redressed and hidden your nest. She joins you now and pats her father on the shoulder
Mr. Harry is a great deputy, dad, ever alert and very helpful.
With a wink she leaves you and your father standing in the basement.
Oh...yeah...umm then, thank you deputy, I was just thinking, umm, yeah thanks. You want a coffee?
"Very kind good sir, but I should take my leave for now, if you'd like I can drop by from time to time to keep an eye on things."
Response given either way, Harry maintains his very official and polite demeanour until hegets out the door and down the street.
"That got a little close Thumper, a couple of minutes later and I'd have a hard time explaining why I was searching his daughter"
Harry allows himself a bit of a chuckle at the pickle he managed to get out of, and goes looking for his Cousins, and an alternative ready and willing bedfellow for the night where less questions and less catastrophe may be involved.
@ Harry: While you wander through the streets of Sandpoint, greeting people here and there and giving admoninishing glances to Jubrayl's Varisian friends, you meet the sheriff who is accompanied by an elven woman. She wears a close-fitting leather armor, two curved short swords and a large bow strapped to her back. She eyeballs you for a moment and with a melodious voice says
Heya, you must be Harry! Belor already told me alot about his new deputies - the Sandpoint Saviors. Nice to meet you, I'm Shalelu Andosana, the sheriff's eye in the hinterlands.
With a grin, the sheriff adds
Hey Harry, could you drum the other deputies and meet us again in about an hour atthe Rusty Dragon? There are some things I would like to discuss.
Harry gives the Elven woman the once over. Twice.
"I will gather them up over at the Rusty. Pleasure to meet you Miss Andosana, perhaps you can give me an overview of the hinterlands later this evening"
With that Harry picks up his game and gathers the others, making sure to fetch Mr Gerlick from the Cemetary.
