As Nieve throws the tiny weapon, it grows in its hand and hits the wall as a dagger of normal size only to return to its hand in a jiffy.
Bethana's eyes widen and she beams at you
You have experience in cooking?! How nice! Yes, surely you can assist me in the kitchen.
Harry looks amazed at the change in size of the Dagger "Well who'd have guessed that runty weapon would have that ability!"
"Oh yes, cake, reckon whatever you have lots of would be perfect"
"That would be terrific! I am not afraid of hard work, and I would be pleased to help when these boys don't have me running across the countryside chasing goblins and such."
Cooking, Profession
Nieve lays the dagger back on the table as runs a hand through his hair. "Um, Bethana... how is Ameiko holding up? Also...does Sandpoint have a library?"
Bethana shrugs and sighs
Well, I think she suffers heavily from the whole situation. She has slept at the Kaijitsu manor last night...I hope she turns up here during the afternoon. A library? No, I mean not really, yet there is the House of Blue Stones (SM 19), there you can find a large collection of books.
Then she and Calestra walk over to the kitchen to start preparing the cake.
Karlan drags himself in from the rain deciding the wetness would make climbing down the cliff too dangerous to take the sage down there this day. He waves to everyone he knows.
"I see you've got the stuff we dragged out of there yesterday all laid out. Anyhing interesting?
I will be in the kitchen with Bethana, boys. If you plan on heading out, just let me know and I will join you."
Retiring to the kitchen with the halfling, Celestra is delighted.
"Thank you so much Bethana for letting me help you out here. I absolutely love cooking. My mother taught me how to cook at our home when I was quite young. She was a chef at a place called the Dew Drop Inn. Oh my, your kitchen is wonderful. On board the Dragonfly I only had a very small galley to work in and just a few pots and pans to work with. This will do splendidly. So what can I do to get started?"
Profession Cooking,
"So tell me, luv? What do you know about that Harry fella? He is kind of cute. Is his name really Handsome?"
"I see you've got the stuff we dragged out of there yesterday all laid out. Anyhing interesting?
"Well the Ring there is protective, and the magical dagger returns to your hand, and the Longsword enchanted to hit better and harder. The polearm looks like it might net a few coins but nothing special apart from being a great showpiece over some lords fireplace"
While Bethana tells you what ingrediens she needs, she has climbed on a stool and stirs in a large bowl filled with flour, milk, eggs and vanilla
Mr. Harry? Oh yes, I think his name is really "Handsome". And I heard some of the local girls have already fallen for him, tee-hee. Why do you ask?
"But nothing indicating what was really going on down there?" Karlan frowned and picked up the sword testing it's weight and balance making note of its craft and make. "Well it sounds like we'll be in for more slaughter. Kind of scary thinking about how long those things might have been down there. I'm honestly hoping they're separate incidents considering the distinct lack of goblins or mephits in that cave."
Just at this moment the door to the tavern is thrown open and a puffing and blowing Bordert Quink enters, his clothes soaking wet.
Bah! What the heck is Gozreh thinking?!
As he spots Karlan, his tone gets friendlier instantly
Ah, Mr. Bladetwist, so good to see you. I heard you found some strange caves below the town?
Mr. Harry? Oh yes, I think his name is really "Handsome". And I heard some of the local girls have already fallen for him, tee-hee. Why do you ask?
Oh, no reason in particular. I hardly know the man, but he seems a bit of the ladies' man. I just want to make sure I'm not getting myself into anything over my head. I hope to be able to work with him on a strictly professional basis. What about the half-elf with that adorable weasel? He has such a cute pet, but he seems really rather stressed out after their last encounter. Have they told you much about their work? It seems rather intense. I bet I could do a lot to bring some hope and cheer into their lives."
Just at this moment the door to the tavern is thrown open and a puffing and blowing Bordert Quink enters, his clothes soaking wet.
Bah! What the heck is Gozreh thinking?!
As he spots Karlan, his tone gets friendlier instantlyAh, Mr. Bladetwist, so good to see you. I heard you found some strange caves below the town?
Karlan looks up somewhat surprised to see him and nods. "We found some old Runelord ruins yes. I was going to get you and show them to you today but the only access is a thin winding path on the side of a sheer cliff. I wanted to wait until the weather cleared and we didnt risk slipping off the path. There's more to it besides that. I think harry dragged a spear off a sculpture we saw if you want to take a lok at it assuming he didn't sell it yet.
Beyond the mutated goblins He held up the sword the goblin was wielding.The creatures out of nightmare and the winged demon thing, harry thinks it's a chelaxian devil of some sort but what it was doing doesn't fit a devil's m.o. there were also undead experimentation pits, magical rooms, and torture chambers. Fun stuff if you're a madman or evil cultist I suppose."
@ Celestra:
Bethana keeps on stirring the dough while she joyfully chats with you
Mr. Nieve? He's always very withdrawn. I think that something is heavily burdening his heart. Yet, he is such a handsome fellow, maybe he just needs some female advocacy.
I don't know much about their work, besides, they fended off the goblin raid and dealt with some crimes that happened in the aftermath.
@ Karlan:
Or a historian of great renown. I have to explore those caves. Do you think they're safe now - I don't wanna risk meeting one of those abominations... then he takes a closer look at the ranseur and after some short moments accompanied by a mumbled no...no...no that can't...oh..oh it seems...by Desna and Abadar...Mr. Bladetwist!
Brodert holds the weapon in front of him, his eyes bursting with excitement
THIS! Is an original piece from Thassillonian times! This is the ranseur of Alaznist, Runelord of Greed and Mistress of Bakrakhan!
Mr. Nieve? He's always very withdrawn. I think that something is heavily burdening his heart. Yet, he is such a handsome fellow, maybe he just needs some female advocacy.
"Well, whatever demons Mr. Nieve is struggling with, I hope to ease his troubled heart and cheer him up. Well anyway, I adore that little weasel that accompanies him. I think he calls him Elyn. I feel so bad that it was left out last night. Had I known, I would have brought it back to my room and let him sleep with me in my bed. The poor thing must have been so frightened to be left out here alone. I will make sure that doesn't happen again!"
"So what about Kanyk? He seems like such a nice gentleman. However I think I make him a little nervous around me. He seems very shy and difficult to make eye contact with, but I sort of like that about him. I look forward to getting to know him. However, did you see his hide armor? He must be a real mountain man. He looks like he will be a very useful companion to have out in the wilderness."
"Then there is one other one. I forget his name. He looks like such a young man. He can't be that much older than I am. Unfortunately, I really have not had a chance to speak with him. What is his story? He looks so strong, and the armor he wears must weigh at least thirty pounds. Although, I shouldn't talk. My own chain mail shirt is not much lighter. Well anyway, I notice that he wears a holy symbol of the Inheritor. He doesn't quite fit that image I have of a priest. I wonder if he is some kind of knight. Hee-hee. If I'm not careful, I may end up on some holy quest! I can only imagine what Dugmar would say to that! Oh Cayden, I better be careful!"
As the revelation is made about the ranseur, Harry's face breaks into a wide smile "Your lucky day then sir that we happen to be in possession of such a rare and valuable antique...and just the sort of crew who might be inclined to take you on an escorted tour of such a potentially perilous place eh?"
It's very clear the path his mind is taking.
Karlan clears his throat."Another day perhaps? The weather would likely dash us on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff considering the treacherousness of the trail down to the shore."
"Right you are Sir Karlan, so nothing for us to do but wander the streets on our rounds and partake of warm hospitality between rounds, in the meantime, let us sort out these items eh?"
"That fine weapon there might well be available for a private sale Mr Brodert, but such an artistic piece was otherwise destined for the fine chambers of some Riddleport gentlemen I know of whos tastes run to the exotic and the interesting, not quite my tastes of course, but with so many 'new moneyed' famililes there, they like to show off their worth with such displays"
Brodert begins to understand that you don't share his interest in antiques. He harrumphes and says
I'd gladly pay you 300 gold pieces for this piece Mr. Handsome. And since the tunnels should be save now, don't you think an entourage of town guards are enough to protect me?
@ Celestra:
Bethana has now put the dough in a mold and shoves it into the oven
Oh, you mean Mr. Bladetwist. Yes, he has childish features, but I heard he has wife and children back in...umm..Lastwall? I'm not sure. And Mr. Kanyk, yes, he's very shy, but I think he is a very tough fighter. At least that is what the women who saw him slaughtering the goblins told me, tee-hee...oh, don't look at me like this. Sandpoint is a frontier town, we're used to seeing blood be spilled.
"I didn't mean for you to take offence Mr Brodert, just that whilst I reckon such a thing is a fine piese of beauty to adorn a wall and cast ones mind back to different times over a good book, a man in my position has to be a bit realistic eh? That might be a fine bit of steel, but it wont keep a roof over my head nor food in the belly"
As you signal you're willing to accept his offer, Brodert arches an eyebrow
Oh, didn't think you would just agree-then take 350, that's fairer.
Oh, didn't think you would just agree-then take 350, that's fairer.
"Very kind of you sir, and I accept. I took your first offer rather than seek to haggle at you given you clearly had a bit of passion about the thing, and weren't just seeking a gaudy wall hanger. I thought it a bit rough to exploit such a decent motive eh? I might be from Riddleport, but that doesn't mean I have a heart of coal... 350 it is Sir, 350 it is"
Brodert excuses himself and returns after about a quarter of an hour with a heavy jingling purse, which he hands over to you.
Nieve stays for the most part out of Harry's haggling, glancing as the man Brodert takes away the ornamented halberd. When the man returns, Nieve does speak up. "Pardon, Mr. ... Quink, is it? I was wondering... Thassilon... Bakrakhan... could you tell me about them? The Runelords? Do you have any reading material on them as a subject?"
Brodert, already holding the ranseur in his hands answer abstractely
Yes, yes, I got a whole collection of books about THassillon at home, what are you interested in? Bakrakhan? The Runelord of Bakrakkhan, Alaznist, Mistress of Wrath, fought over the control of the area of today's Magnimar and Sandpoint against Karzoug, the Runelord of greed.
"The Runelords were enemies?" Nieve asks curiously. "I'm... wondering what kind of powers they had. Did Alaznist succeed in defending her domain against Karzoug?"
"No, I accept that blood needs to be spilled, especially when there are villains about. And trust me, I am aware that goblins are the most unwelcome of guests in a place like Sandpoint. I am just grateful you did not have to deal with ogres. Let's just say that they are a little more destructive. Now Bethana, you appear to be doing all the work while I chat away. Make sure you let me help. Now what else needs done here in the kitchen? If we are all set, I should be getting out to check on the boys and see how they are doing."
Brodert now turns his full attention to you
As far as I've found out, did Karzoug control an army of giants who build all these gigantic monuments like the Cyphergate in Riddleport, the Sunken Queen, the Lighthouse here in Sandpoint and the Irespan in Magnimar. Alaznist had a host of demons who served her. Their conflict wasn't decided when the empire of Thassillon was destroyed, so no one could tell who would have won that titanic war.
"How was Thassilon destroyed? And...demons? Truly?" Nieve remembers the horrible creatures that had 'greeted' them in the tunnels of the ruins... "Their powers were to control? Or lead?"
Will this bear any fruit...?
Having thought about it a bit Kanyk offers a solution for the slippery cliffside path. "If you're worried about falling from that path I'd be happy to string a rope to hold onto, just need to go buy some pitons first. Give me a few hours and it'll be a safe as walking down a flight of stairs. The caves on the other hand, still not convinced we cleared them out."
Having thought about it a bit Kanyk offers a solution for the slippery cliffside path. "If you're worried about falling from that path I'd be happy to string a rope to hold onto, just need to go buy some pitons first. Give me a few hours and it'll be a safe as walking down a flight of stairs. The caves on the other hand, still not convinced we cleared them out."
"Me neither." Karlan admits. "They had some sort of unholy altar in there which he had not the means to destroy. When the demon,devil,whateveritwas spilled its blood into it it produced....things. We killed the creature but the altar remains intact."
"I agree as well, should a gentleman wenture down there, he'd best be doing it with a few armed men, some armed with swords and and at least one with faith. That shrine needs a bit of sanctifying I suspect."
An expression of worry snucks on Brodert's face and he replies
Oh umm, then I will wait until the weather has gotten better, right? Maybe you could accompany me then, you seem to have quite some experience now with such things.
Turning to Nieve he explains
Oh yes, demons, mostly lower aberrations like barghests and quasits. By now we haven't found out what exactly caused Thassillon's fall. I support the idea that debauchery and decadence led to its ruin.
"Well then, to sort out these items then.. the matter of the ring the sword and the dagger. I am supposing that Sir Karlan would probably be in favour of the Sword, and Cousin Kanyk perhaps the ring? Mr Nieve, any particular fondness of the Dagger? I've not a passion for anything there, so am satisified to let them pass over to my fellows here."
"I suppose I'll take the sword since you gentleman seem more interested in blunt force trauma." Karlan smiles as he gestures towards the orcs huge heavy weapons. "You know a bit of finesse never hurt anyone. Well, it hurts them a lot, but you get the idea."
"Thats a fair comment Sir Karlan, we are rough men with rough weapons, it's in our blood perhaps, but then all the better for your fine example to stand out against eh?"
"Thats a fair comment Sir Karlan, we are rough men with rough weapons, it's in our blood perhaps, but then all the better for your fine example to stand out against eh?"
Karlan seems mildly embarassed by Harry's statement. "I think you do me a bit too much honor. I imagine if your circumstances were switched you'd have made a fine knight of ozrem."
"Yet the cards fell as they did from Desnas fair hand, so that's all there is to that. Though I was never destined for an order of knighthood some of it might rub off, even a copper gleams like a gold if you polish it hard enough, and now there's a well born lady with us too Kanyk and I might become proper gentlemen yet."
@ Celestra:
Bethana waves you out of the kitchen and tells you that you were a great help.
@ The Rest:
The smell of vanilla cake with berries is emanating from the kitchen and even Hemlock's (who just arrived) face lightens up as he scents it
Good you're still here. Shalelu is about to come round, but I wanted to prepare you for the things that are going to follow: She can confirm what Tsuto's notebook has already indicated - the goblins we're especially looking for are those of the Thistletop Shrine, I wasn't surprised if Nualia has somehow made it to their new mistress. But I still don't get how the girl could have survived the conflagration and what motives she has torturing Sandpoint.
"We can well put a stop to that crusade, reckon Thistletop might be worth the surprise visit; crush their skulls in their lair, before they crush our skulls in ours."
Coming out of the kitchen to catch the last bit of the conversation, Celestra chimes in, "Goblins, Shrines, Crushing Skulls. I'm sorry I missed this conversation. It sounds like you guys are plotting and scheming a battle out here! So catch me up to speed if you don't mind. From what I'm hearing, It sounds like you know where these goblins have come from. Crush before being crushed sounds like a good plan to me! I always wished the crew on the Dragonfly were so proactive!"
"Well if the crew of the Slippery Eel were as attentive as you are Celestra then she wouldn't now be residing at the bottom of the ocean, i'll tell ya it was a long and horrible swim ashore that night"
"Yes the matters do turn to cracking a few skulls and crushing more Goblins, seems the stupid runts are part of a bigger picture, so its time they got rubbed out"
Oh, my Drunken Hero! I am so sorry to hear that the Eel went to the bottom. I had no idea that you are a shipwreck survivor! Bless you, Mr. Handsome!"
"So tell me, who is this Nulia? Is she the one behind these goblin attacks?"
"Nulia is... was... the adopted daughter of a priest here in town. Ezekiel Tobyn, I think his name was? The goblins raided Sandpoint to steal his bones."
Nieve looks at the cake with half a smile. "I... I'm concerned. The goblins wanted Ezekiel's bones. Tsuto was allied with them. Tsuto came to the glassworks through the ruins under the glassworks, which supposedly belonged to the Mistress of Wrath? I don't think it's all happenstance..."
"Bethana, did... do you know if Tsuto ... hated ... Ameiko?"
The word is bitter on his lips. Elyn is coiled around his neck, making strange purring noises.
"Adopted daughter of a priest you say? That gives me chills, for that is the story of my own life. Poor Nulia! Do we know how Ezekiel died and why they would possibly want his bones?"
At this point the sheriff chimes in
Ezekiel died as a fire burnt the old cathedral down...we always thought Nualia died with him...which is not the case...I think. Tsuto's weird journal depicted her as some kind of demon and he stated that he loved her...I guess he became her puppet or something and that she is the real evil behind the goblins.
Bethana who also came out of the kitchen to follow the conversation, adds
I don't think he hated her...he rather loved her like a surrogate mother. I guess he wanted to persuade her to leave the city or join him and the goblins.
"Well, from what we gathered in Tusto's jounrla he took his bones to usse in some ritual to Lamashtu to expunge her celestial heritage and replace it with something darker indeed." Karlan shook his head. "Nasty stuff that. PArt of me feels like the goblins are just as much victims in this as anyone else."
"Celestial heritage! Are you saying that Nualia was an Aasimar?!" Celestra cries with shock in her voice as if an arrow had hit her heart. "Why would she possibly want to expunge her celestial heritage and replace it with something darker?!?! Could somebody please get me a drink? This tale is getting darker by the moment!"
Bethana hands you a small metal flask she had carried in her skirt
Drink this, it soothes your soul. Nualia was always bullied by all children, but her angel-like looks made the boys wild you know...then she became pregnant, but the guy ran away, even though he had promised to care for her...strange...but some weeks ago I heard that he was found in Magnimar, tortured and skinned. When I heard that I couldn't make up a connection, but now...