Alright guys, let's get started! I am excited to run this campaign. This is my first time running a PbP, and I am interested to see the different dynamics of it. With that being said, bear with me as I may be sort of blindly leaping here and there :p
Welcome to Sandpoint!
Located several miles north of Magnimar along the Lost Coast, the bustling coastal town of Sandpoint is busy and vibrant with the excitement of the upcoming Swallowtail Festival. Food vendors and peddlers of all kinds have set up stalls and carts throughout the market square and around the newly built Sandpoint Cathedral.
Several years ago, the old Cathedral burned down in a tragedy that claimed the life of the Cathedral's priest, Father Tobyn, and his beautiful daughter, Nualia. Father Tobyn was well-loved by the town's people, and his passing was mourned by all. Nualia was an exceptionable beautiful young Aasimar woman, who many say was blessed by the goddess Desna herself.
In honor of the completion of the new cathedral, the town is holding the Swallowtail Festival to renew the site's blessings from the gods, and the whole town is full of an immense amount of excitement. Much tragedy has befallen the town over the past years, and everyone is looking forward to a chance to relax and finally put the past behind them.
Each of you, for your own reasons, find yourselves in Sandpoint on the 22nd of the month of Rova, one day before the Autumnal Equinox, which is also the date of the festival (which you all are very excited to attend. It is supposed to be all the rage. The town is famous for its spicy food, and you definitely want some of that.) With the festivities beginning in the morning, you have each rented rooms at the local tavern, the Rusty Dragon. As dusk settles, you find yourselves making your ways to the common room to order some dinner and some of the taverns famous ale.
The bartender and owner is a beautiful young woman named Ameiko Kaijitsu, who is busily bent over the stove adding different spices to a stew boiling away in its pot. She appears to be in her mid-twenties, and of possible Tian ancestry. A tattoo of a dragon and music notes covers her left arm, a finely crafted rapier is hanging loosely from her shapely hip, and the air of an adventurer is about her. A sign above the bar ambiguously reads: "HELP WANTED".
She drops a tankard of ale and bowl of fish stew in front of you without a word, and quickly busies herself serving the steady flow of people who are entering the room.
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I am looking forward to seeing the festival activities, but am currently curious about the "Help Wanted" sign. When or if I can get Ameiko's attention, I ask her what type of help The Rusty Dragon is looking for.
Say there, lady: care to tell me what the Help Wanted sign is about?
While washing down the fish stew with the ale, I glance around the room to observe the other patrons. Perception:
A wide variety of characters are mingling about. Let's see, there's a gnome runt with a sword as long as he is; an odd fellow with pointy ears and some weasel creature perched on his shoulder; a fellow who seems to have a smug "holier than thou" look about him; and a dwarf with a holy symbol in one hand and scimitar in the other. If the rest of the festival crowd looks like this, it's going to be a very unusual day, I think.
Gonna need more than one tankard of ale to wash this measly stew down...
Finishing his mug, with a smile Arthur address's no one in particular: Ha that sure hits the spot. I got thirsty. A whole week waiting to get to town. he addresses the bartender: Tell me please, lovely miss what is that help wanted sign about? I wouldn't mind serving a few days at your inn if you need a waiter in the evening. Extra Cash to pay for room and food doesn't hurt. Especial if all your rooms are occupied during the festival.
Darlin slurps contentedly at the fish stew and listens to the conversations of the others. "This is some damn fine food here. That girl obviously knows her way around a kettle. I'll have to make sure I eat here as often as a I can!"
To the proprietor "This be some fine stew you have here"
Ameiko addresses everyone and no one in particular:
"Oh, that old sign... it has been hanging up since before I even acquired the place, tell the truth. I sort of like it there as statement then an actual invitation..."
She looks the two of you (Arthur and Ferdin) up and down. With a slight smirk she continues:
"However, you look like some strapping young men. Tell you what, if you all wanna give me a bit of help during the festival tomorrow, I'll knock off half the price of your lodging."
She lowers her voice to a whisper:
"The excitement has brought many strange folk into town, no offense sirs, and it may just be worth my gold to have a little muscle around. Of course, you will still be able to join in the fun tomorrow."
A tan-skinned Shoanti Man seems to have overheard your conversation and slides over towards you at the bar. He is of fairly tall build and has a definite air of authority, coupled by the longsword upon his belt paired with a set of manacles.
"Ah Ameiko, aren't you going to tell them the other standing deal at the Rusty Dragon?"
Ameiko blushes and the man flashes a wink your way and then continues:
"Gentlemen, Ameiko here is a singer and a musician of exceptional talent, and an adventurer of some renown. I understand it is common practice here to offer free food and drink to those soul able to entertain her with a heroic tale or a moving song."
While the man is speaking with Arthur and Ferdin, Ameiko leans over the bar and looks down at Darlin:
"So you like the stew, eh? It is not often a Dwarf takes so quickly to our famous spices. Where are you from sir, and what brings you to lovely Sandpoint?"
Thalrik scowled slightly as his neighbours at the counter started to chat up Ameiko and eachother. He turned in his seat to look for a vacant table somewhere to retreat to, but everything was just as packed as when he had entered the tavern and been forced to sit at the bar. He turned his head to Rikka with a sigh.
"Seems we are forced to hear some small talk Rikka. How about this stew then, any good?"
He held his bowl to his shoulder, the tiny mongoose leaning across to rest its paws on the edge before sniffing the air above the stew vigorously. Apparently deeming the dish acceptable, she dipped her nose down and started to eat, slowly and carefully.
It would seem Rikka agrees with your assesment Master dwarf.
He tilted his head towards the mongoose, looking as if he was listening for something, then added.
"As do I."
How he could make such a claim before having eaten any at all was anyones guess, and as he set down the bowl to start eating, he did not look at all surprised at the taste of the first bite. Rikka scampered down his arm to follow the bowl, sitting at its edge to continue eating, dodging Thalriks spoon effortlessly.
As the Shoanti man walked up and started talking, Thalrik sighed, his brow furrowing as he concentrated to try to ignore the conversation.
Between shrugging off clumsy advances and explaining (again and again) the reasoning of her HELP WANTED sign, Ameiko gives Thalrik a curious glance.
Without a word, she grabs his spoon and guides it towards a new bowl of stew, leaving an entire bowl for his tiny friend.
On the house, just because that thing is so damn adorable.
Thalrik and Rikka exchanged a long look, an unspoken conversation passing between the two. Then Rikka returned to eating, while Thalrik lifted his spoon out of the new bowl before handing it back to Ameiko.
You had struck me as smarter than that Ameiko. Rikka cant possibly eat an entire bowls worth. It would be a waste of food and money.
Rikka looked at him again. He turned to meet her gaze, and again the two exchanged a long moment before Thalrik closed his eyes with a surrendering sigh.
Oh alright, fine.
He looked at Ameiko.
All the same Rikka is flattered and thanks you for the offer.
Rikka noded with a satisfied squeak before returning to the food.
The bowl which he was still holding towards Ameiko, he instead placed in front of the Dwarf.
She wants you to have it instead, you seem to appreciate it as much as she does.
A handsome looking gnome has been sitting quietly to himself sipping a drink across the bar . He has a lute case strapped to his back and a longsword at his side. His clothes are obviously travel stained.
After a few minutes he stands up and walks over to the pretty barmaid.
I couldn't help but notice the help wanted sign you have up. I've just arrived in Sandpoint and I'm looking for work. What kind of help are you looking for?
Ameiko sighs rather heavily, and tries to count how many times a day she goes over this. She wonders why her awful stubbornness refuses to just let her take down the damn sign. But it reminds her of her mother, and so it remains.
"Gnome, I will make you the same offer I made these other gentlemen. If you wanna give me a hand tomorrow during all the festivities, you can get your bill cut in half. Mostly I will be needing some people to keep an eye out for trouble around here. Many of troublemaker likes to think the tavern is going to be too busy to notice a coin or a meal slip away for free... and I do not plan to appear weak by any means.
That isn't to say I can't take care of myself.. She idly puts her hand to her blade... but running a business during a festival shall take all my attention."
Dexter notices her reaction to his question
Forgive me if I did anything to test your patience. I would be more than happy to give you a hand tomorrow during the festival. Would it be alright if I honored you establishment with my lute playing? I haven't brought her out for the whole leg of my journey.
Diplomacy
By this time, the crowd begins to thin, but those who remain seem lively with drink. Ameiko gives Dexter a quick flash of a smile and says:
You are more than welcome to join me
With that, she pulls out a lovely samisen from behind the counter and begins to play a haunting melody as the bar patrons instantly hush.
Her eyes remain locked on Dexter, as if issuing some sort of bardic challenge.
*GM NOTE*
If you are unsure of what a samisen is... here is a modern example:
(>._.)> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RERXiliJfdI <(._.<)
The music is not lost on Thalrik, despite his best attempts to not be moved by such silliness, his ears twitching slightly to the tune. Rikka rears up on her hind legs, swaying from side to side like a cobra mesmerized by a flute.
Am I the only one who couldnt help think of this?
;p right?
After going back and forth slowly a minute, Ameiko says;
Come on, I'm with ya!
And then subsequently procreeds to break it down old school.
Dexter, go ahead and make a perform (stringed) check.
It is a DC 10 perform check to keep up with her playing, and a DC 15 to completely impress her with your own skills.
Dexter pulls his lute out of his case. He adjusts the tuning pegs for a moment, smiles at her, then begins to play.
Perform (string)
An obvious smile (the first one you have seen) dances across Ameiko's face. As your song gets more and more involved, the bar patrons begin to rise up and dance jovially about, and clap their hands and feet to the music. As that song begins to wind down, Ameiko says to Dexter:
Alright! You sure know your way around a lute... why don't you show me what else you can do with it!
Raising his Mug of ale Arthur nods his head toward the person next to him:
She sure now how to entertain that is for sure.
After has Ameiko finished her representation and has resumed service at the Bar:
Well Dear miss innkeeper you are sure indeed a woman of many talents and the rare beauty to go along with it. I will gladly help with work tomorrow. i'll report for duty on the morrow.
And with that Arthur bids goodnight and retires early for the week has been long travelling and he could use the soft bed.
Dexter begins to play a fast set of dance tunes.
Perform (stringed)
"Wicked quick fingers at work there! Flickering like some fire from the lady herself!" Darlin thumps his boot on the ground in a rough attempt to keep time with the performance.
Rikka scampers over to the bowl Thalrik placed in front of Darlin. She looks up at the dwarf, her paws on her hips, head tilted, as if saying Well, how about it?
Thalrik looks on with thinly veiled amusement.
Staring bemusedly at the rodent in front of him "Is your own bowl not enough for you? This stew be most excellent, so keep 'yer paws out of it until I'm done, ya daft little fluff ball. That little face might work on the barkeep, but not on me..." He grumbles under his breathe but reaches out to pet the little mammal anyway.
Darlin looks up to the wizard and looks back and forth between the bowls. "Aha, now it makes sense. Sorry, I'm not used to such a friendly reception from strangers." He draws in the second bowl and continues slurping away while watching the performance.
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Banging his tankard, Ferdin bursts into song:
Ale, ale, glorious ale!
Fill yourselves right up to here!
Drink a good deal of it,
Make a good meal of it,
Stick to your old fashioned ale!
Don’t be afraid of it,
Drink till you’re made of it,
Now altogether, be hale!
Up with the sale of it,
Down with a pail of it,
Glorious, glorious ale!
Thalrik chuckles under his breath as Darling scolds Rikka, oblivious to her meaning. He senses her anger rising even as the Dwarf realizes his mistake and apologizes.
She stares at the Dwarf for many long moments, then scurries back up Thalriks arm to her place on his shoulder.
You do your people justice Master Dwarf, if the books are to be trusted on the subject. And I trust them more than most. Finally someone worth talking to id wager? What brings you to this little town? Surely you arent a local? Im personally here to see the new cathedral. Well not really the cathedral as much as the books its likely to contain. Being able to learn of not one, but six of the gods all within one place seems almost too good to be true.
He stops for a moment, surprised and more than a little annoyed at his own chatty outburst. Sitting up straight he turns on his stool to face the dwarf fully, extending a hand.
Ahem, but im getting ahead of myself here. I am Thalrik Korun, apprentice to Rindal Korun, master conjurer.
He glances sideways at the mongoose.
And this is Rikka. She may not be willing to admit it presently, but she rather likes you.
Rikka looks away, closing her eyes and putting her nose towards the celling with a low squeak.
Darlin chuckles at the antics of Rikka. "I'm a wandering soul, who travels the surface preaching of the fires of redeption of the holy flame herself. I found myself near here for the festival, and figured there might be a receptive audience for the message of Sarenrae."
He pauses at the extended hand "But maybe we can discuss it at length another time. I'm Darlin. Darlin Dayhammer, of the Clan Dayhammer. Well met young conjurer. And well met to you as well, you wee mammal!" He adds to Rikka.
As the night and the merriment begin to wind down, Ameiko mentions she is closing up shop for the night and headed to bed. She hints that those who are wanting to help her tomorrow should be up early as well, turns on her toe, and disappears to her chambers.
Thalrik bid Darlin a good night and headed for the stairs, having a seemingly onesided conversation with Rikka.
See what happens when you get me all excited for these bothersome "parties" that everyone seems so fond of? I might just sleep all day, going to bed this late after a long days walk.
No, I did not find any of it "fun" at all...well ill agree it did qualify according to meaning of the word...no...no...okay so maybe I didnt completely hate it...
Up early as he had said we would arthur will ask ameiko at what time does she needs him to start work for the day. Then after breakfast is done, he will head out to see the cathedral abd the festival. (He will have his money pouch under his armor tied to his belt in case of wandering thievery)
He won't pay for many activities or game, but he will take his time to watch anything good.
Darlin arises and after his morning prayers to Sarenrae at dawn, he positions himself in the common room of Ameiko's. "That was the best night's rest I've been blessed with since Magnimar. A fine establisment you have here lass. I don't suppose your breakfast can match that tasty stew from last night, eh?"
Darlin spots Ferdin at breakfast and asks "You look like a solid bloke, what brings you to the festival?"
Dexter makes his way downstairs a few minutes after the others. He greats Ameiko, thanks her for the fun last night, and then picks up some breakfast. He takes a seat next to Darlin and Ferdin.
I believe we'll be working together and I don't think we've met. My name is Dexter. What brings the both of you to Sandpoint?
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Well met! I am Ferdin Grenling, pleased to meet you both. I am not currently employed, and came to Sandpoint on the news this big festival was going to happen. I heard it attracts people from thoughout the region, and that it might be a good opportunity to meet lots of people in one place at one time. Hopefully I can find someone who is looking for a guard, or watchman, or something similar - although, it would really be fortunate if Ameiko could use my talents, as that may end my search.
Ameiko chuckles at Darling and rolls her eyes.
Dwarf, look at me, of COURSE my breakfast is amazing. Everything I do is amazing.
And with that, she begins with her good mornings and starts placing heaping plates of ham, eggs, bacon, potatoes, the whole works in front of each of you. A few other bar patrons are scattered about the room, but the party is for the most part alone, save for Ameiko. You notice the HELP WANTED sign has a new addition which reads "At my discretion - Ameiko ^^"
Pleased to meet all of you guys, thank you for all the kind words. I really only have a bit for you to do this morning, and then you are all free to enjoy the festival as you best see fit.
Arthur, I will need you to get the stalls outside assembled and prepared. We are going to be selling a bit of our wares to festival patrons and I don't want them roaming in and out of my inn all day!
Darlin, I want you to sweep, mop, and clean the inside of the Rusty Dragon here. Mostly, because I do not believe I have had the pleasure of watching a Dwarf doing house cleaning, and I would very much enjoy seeing that.
Ferdin, I would like you to walk the festival grounds in general, and report to either myself or the Sheriff if you see any unsavory behavior. Sheriff Hemlock is a fine officer, and he should be around to introduce himself before the festivities begin, I'm sure.
Dexter, on account of your amazing musicianship, I took the liberty of contacting Cyrdak Drokkus of the Sandpoint Theater. It is my understanding he as been expecting you, and I do not wish to distract you from your goals... However, if you do wish to stick around, I could use a nimble hand in the kitchen to prepare the ungodly amount of food for today!
If Thalrik shows up.... well. I shall deal with him as the need arises. I do believe the man likes to keep to himself a bit.
And with that, she shuffles off, leaving you all the talk and finish eating.
Thalrik woke late the next day, around noon by his own reckoning of the suns position. Not wanting to deal with the crowd which was sure to be in the tavern below, he ate some of his trail rations for breakfast.
Perching himself on the window sill, he enjoyed the warm breeze while reading through his spell book.
Later, as the crowds started to move to the Cathedral, he headed out of the tavern to join them.
Yes Mam.and with that simple answer arthur head's out to accomplish his appointed task
Well met, Ferdin
Dexter walks toward the kitchens, planning to help out for a couple hours. Around noon he sets off to find the Sandpoint Theater.
Knowledge (Local)
Darlin digs into the feast before him. "Aye lass, for a feast like this I'll gladly tidy your common room."
He sets about, clearing and cleaning while engaging in conversation with stragglers to breakfast.
Hum, i can't wait to go see that cathedral, but with the festival there will probably be lots of people. Today should be a fun an interesting day is thinking Arthur as he works about.
The day starts out rather uneventfully. Everyone sets about their assigned duties, and remain rather busy for the better part of the morning. Ameiko is seen here and there preparing this and that, but she is mostly too busy to chat.
Sheriff Hemlock, a dark-skinned and solidly built young man, finds and approaches each of you early into the day. He has little to say other than thanks for helping out, welcome to Sandpoint, and pleased to meet you!
Late morning comes, and with it the opening speeches. Mayor Deverin, an older women of stern features, delivers a short and well-received welcome. She is friendly and obviously excited about the festival, and even mentions how Larz Rovanky, the local tanner (and notorious workaholic), has managed to make an appearance.
Next, the Sheriff delivers a rather boring (in comparison) speech about safety and asks for a moment of silence to remember the poor family that lost their lives during the fire, the reason for the whole festival.
Ameiko's father, Lonjiku, is supposed to speak next, but rumor is he has fallen ill. (Although any local could tell you the man takes no pleasure in festivals and being in the public eye). The Ameiko family is the wealthy owner of the Sanpoint Glassworks, and thus have a respectable place in the town's nobility. In his place, Cyrdak Drokkus plays a few of his most famous songs, and does a bit of his old magic show for the children. He even invites Dexter up on to the stage! He makes sure, of course, that everyone knows about the Gnome's skill, and also makes sure to plug his latest play, "The Harpy's Curse".
Father Zantus, the new priest, speaks last and he does not say much. He simply thanks everyone for coming and then declares the festival officially underway. Many different games and contests take place throughout the day such as sack races, hide and seek, weight lifting, horse shoes, and other common games of the like. The Rusty Dragon has even set up a drinking contest!
At noon, Father Zantus gives a brief story of how the goddess Desna first fell to earth, and was nursed to health y a blind child who then become a butterfly. Then, thousands of Swallowtail Butterflies are released from a large covered wagon, to great cheers from the crowd. For the rest of the day, children futilely chase the butterflies, never quite quick enough to catch one.
Lunch is provided free of charge complimentary of the local taverns, Rusty Dragon included. You all assist Ameiko is the huge rush for a free meal before helping yourselves to some. This also serves as a "best tavern" contest, as festival patrons vote on the best foods and ales. (Needless to say, Ameiko usually wins with her spicy curry salmon stew and winterdrop mead)
Arthur will gladly participate in all the games, he has a rather free going child like spirit (unfortunately just a few coppers or silvers to spare). He is really going for the fun.
He isn't much in for the fancier attractions like bard songs etc...
Although is all for more adult fin with a bit of singing (he has a passable voice) but loves dancing (where he is rather competent) and eyeing the ladies.
If possible he will ask all about the history of the church, and the reason why it was chosen not to be dedicated to just one god. He rather likes the idea of it having it been dedicated to multiple gods.
In the end he is really out there to entertain the "kid" in him.
A particularly strong looking old man eyes Arthur up and down. He sports an unkempt white beard and a lazy eye, and he is holding a large rope in his hands. This man is none other than Turch Sterglus, a retired fisherman and the owner of Sandpoint's finest fish market. He shouts to Arthur:
Oi! How would ya like to test your strength against me in a bit of the ol' Tug-of-War?
Thalrik followed the festival from his perch, scribbling in his spellbook and practicing the spells that he had yet to master, tracing the signs and muttering the words, but never quite finishing any incantation. He wasnt yet ready for their power, and hazarding a casting before its time could prove disastrous.
Every so often, Rikka would squeak for his attention, then as soon as he looked up from his notes, she would stare longingly out the window at the merriment going on so close by. By the 6th or 7th time he had had just about enough.
"Really Rikka, sometimes you make me wonder why I didnt just get a raven...Grandfather said they made for fine familiars, but I just had to insist on a mongoose didnt I?"
Rikka knew very well he was joking for once, but that didnt stop waves of indignant outrage from washing over him through their bond.
"Well come on then, the good Father has seen fit to grace the festival with his presence. Ill go see if I cant have a good honest scholarly discussion with the man. Meanwhile you can run around and have your fun while I have mine."
Walking down through the taven common room, he spared only a glance to those who greeted him, enough to acknowledge their greeting, but nothing more.
They were barely in amongst the crowd before Rikka was gone, the waves of excitement and curiosity the only clue as to her whereabouts.
"Well, the good Father cant be too hard to find." he muttered to himself, as he walked into the crowds, doing his best to avoid contact with anyone brushing past him.
"Well, the good Father cant be too hard to find." he muttered to himself, as he walked into the crowds, doing his best to avoid contact with anyone brushing past him.
[dice=Locate the Father Perception]1d20 + 12
It does not take Thalrik very long to spot Father Zantus sitting by himself in a secluded corner of the festival grounds under a tree. The man appears to be in his thirties, with thick dark hair and a finely trimmed goatee. He wears a jovial, if not possibly focused expression (he appears to be reading through notes for his upcoming speech).
Thalrik notices that the Father is dressed in modest garb, yet bears a butterfly shaped pendent about his neck that is barely visible and tucked into his tunic. He immediately recognizes this as a symbol of the goddess Desna, and putting two and two together, is lead to believe that Father Zantus is a follower of Desna himself.
Tug of War? Yea...... let's get Ready to rumble... and with that arthur test his strenght.