At first the young man seems somewhat skeptical about the heroes' arrival, but Justinius' charm quickly winds him over...
"I am called Daven," he informs the paladin, "Madame Mvashti is my great-grandmother. My mother, thinking that her grandmother's health must be failing by now, asked me to stay here for a few months and keep an eye on her, but it turns out there was no real need. She's sitting with someone right now; I'll go and inquire how soon she'll receive visitors."
Daven disappears through a curtain and re-emerges a minute or two later. "She'll see you now, this way please," he says with a smile. He leads the group through a series of several rooms each appointed similarly to the first, with the addition of various pieces of furniture. The final chamber he escorts them to is home to a large table at which are seated two woman: one looks to be in her mid to late twenties, the other must be at least eighty or ninety. The old woman has a full head of curly gray and white hair and though her eyes have grown rather sunken their striking purple color remains clear and bright. She is just finishing gathering up a deck of oversized cards when everyone enters. Looking up, she smiles slightly and says in a raspy old voice, "Please, gentlemen, have a seat. A koe rawa tuahine. This is my dear friend, Valanthe."
When her guest are seated, and Daven has left, she pours six small glasses of what seems to be a fortified red wine and passes them around the table. "We Varisians have a tradition that before any business is conducted among friends we must first share a drink." Raising her glass she declares, "Pentru sănătate și prosperitate!" before taking a swig.
After everyone has drank she smiles and begins collecting the glasses. "Six glasses... six people... six is an auspicious number here in Sandpoint. Six stones in the great ring, six god's in the Cathedral... perhaps our time together today shall prove a blessing... Now, for the simple business first- what kind of scrolls are you looking for?"
The young varisian woman, dress in simple but colorful traditional Varisian clothing, seises all of you from behind circular prism lenses, which gives her eyes a weird look. She puts her hand over her heart to greet the new arrivals, and drinks with them.
"Pentru sănătate și prosperitate!"
She gets near the Shoanti, and admires her tattoos. Maybe too close for a proper distance from them.
She salutes in the proper Shoanti way.
Jim looks around the entrance room while Justinius and the doorman exchange pleasantries. Once led inside and introduced, Jim once again removes his hat to nod a greeting at Madame Mvashti.
"Salutations, ladies."
After sharing the wise woman's toast, he studies the room's decor while she and Justinius conduct their trade and Valanthe inspects Graverattler.
and
if needed.
"Greetings Valanthe, I am pleased to meet you." Justinius says warmly.
"Greetings Madame Mvashti, we are honored by your hospitality and pleased that you have taken time to see us today. Some of my companions are interested in your services, and I was informed that you may be able to craft magical items that may aid me in carrying out my duties. Which I would, of course, compensate you for."
Valanthe seems impressed, and blushes, at the greeting and request of Justinius.
"Greatmother, he is.. well, they are those who defeated the giants, and saved the town. We are honored to meet you, and whatever I can do to you..." - she seems to realize what she is saying - "well, if we, the Varisian community, can help you somehow..."
She stops talking, embarrassed.
"I cannot tell you how pleased I am to have found such fine folk in residence here. If your greatmother is able and willing, I am seeking scrolls crafted at the highest possible duration. Justinius says warmly to Valanthe.
Then, addressing Madame Mvashti with a soft tone, "Namely, Bears Endurance, Resist Energy, Blur and Mirror Image. I am interested in up to two of each of these crafted at signifigant potency. We will be in Sandpoint for at least a few days, and if your schedule allows time to craft these things, I would be in your debt. And, of course, thank you kindly for the refreshments. Your hospitality is without fault."
Graverattler smiles as the women greet her in her native tongue and manner, joining in the toast as requested. She doesn't seem to mind Valanthe's inspection of her histories and achievements. Indeed, she seems almost impressed at Valanthe's understanding of their import, even if their specific meanings may be lost in translation.
She inquires quietly "Ko papa pai, no te tutaki koutou ki a ia? Kua riro te reira te wa tino Sime mai ahau i waiho toku iwi."
Sigh.....I really must have one of them teach me Shoanti.....
"Making scrolls, eh?" the old woman chuckles, "I don't remember the last time I actually made new scrolls, but how could I say no to such a handsome and charming young man! I'll have enough time this week to make four of those, at six-hundred and fifty gold a piece; I don't really work in illusions but I could make two each of bear's endurance and resist energy, if you like?"
There's nothing that sticks out to Jim to give him much insight into anything... though it seems a pretty safe bet that the cards the old woman was gathering up are a Harrow deck .
Valanthe smiles at Graverattler.
"So you are his daugther. I am honored to meet you. He is strong in his years, his mind wise and sharp."
Then Valanthe looks at Oliver, and greets him somewhat coldly (specially after seeing her react to Justinius).
"Oliver, glad to see you well. I was told you helped them to defeat the giants. Sandpoint owes you a debt."
Valathe interjects for Justinius.
"Grandmother! They are heroes, saviours of our town and our people. They deserve a discount. And I can help you with the Illusion magic, that as you know is my specialty. And it will be my pleasure to do it free of charge!"
"I am most grateful for your time and kindness, and I accept your offer, though, no special consideration is warented or requested." Justinius says with a slight bow to the older woman.
As the others talk, he discreetly counts out the gold for the 4 scrolls and either leaves the small purse on the table or gives it to Daven. Whichever seems most appropriate.
"Valanthe, you seem very knowledgable and passionate about Sandpoint and its people, I would be pleased to treat you to dinner in exchange for a conversation about histories and traditions. And perhaps then might be a good time to discuss what scrolls you might offer, and compensation for such."
Oliver nods his head toward Valanthe. Ah... Valanthe. A pleasure as always. Thank you for your heartfelt concern and Sandpoint owes me nothing. But I am glad to see you so eager to offer up your...eh...services... so readily to its newest heroes." Attempting to hide his unmasked smirk.
Oliver turns to Madame Mvashti. Bowing deeply. Madame Mvashti, thank you for seeing us on such short notice. Although, it would seem that our impromptu arrival was not completely unknown to you. Oliver eyeing the 6 glasses along with 6 guests, Including Val, and recounting the soothsayers words.
Not a lot o' show, Zenovia, but that don't mean she don't know what she's about; heck, ol' Nanny Tal always laid it on the thickest when she was sellin' naught but pipe dreams 'n bathwater.
Jim seats himself directly opposite the old woman and sets his hat down on the table beside him, now that the matters of more mundane interest had been settled.
"Aye, Madame, 'n I'm interested t' hear what else ye might see comin' fer us in the cards. How much fer a foretellin'?"
"It is good to hear such news. Thank you." Graverattler acknowledges. She takes in the conversation without further comment, but cracks a smile at Justinius' accidental flirtation. Her smile vanishes quickly enough as Oliver and Valanthe make their attempts at making Jim seem warm in comparison.
As Jim requests a reading, she takes a seat, her interest fully diverted to the proceedings.
"Valanthe, you seem very knowledgable and passionate about Sandpoint and its people, I would be pleased to treat you to dinner in exchange for a conversation about histories and traditions. And perhaps then might be a good time to discuss what scrolls you might offer, and compensation for such."
Valanthe gets even redder than before, and stammers out a response.
"Anything! I mean, of course, I will be, yes, of course."
The elderly Madame Mvashti sits silently, smiling politely and giving no indication that she can hear the younger people's conversation... until Jim inquires about the price of readings. Her eyes sparkle and a very slightly mischievous grin spreads across her lips, "Well, my dear pirate, that depends on your question. If you simply want a vague sense of what the future may hold, I can do the sort of reading you'd get at a fair for a few gold. If you have a question that needs answering ask it and I'll name the price to answer it."
Oliver stops smirking and becomes much more serious and listens intently as Jim and Madame Mvashti begin their conversation.
Hm...I wonder what burning question lies within the heart of this Orc...pirate... hero.
Jim nods and scratches thoughtfully at his neck for a moment. Promising...
"These giants be rowin' to a single chanty, pillagin' up 'n down the coast fer some new cap'n who's callin' the tune. Now I figure ye're not goin' t' hold the whole coast with a bunch o' squabblin' giants, 'specially if ol' Krotus was amongst the best they have - there's got t' be another angle.
"So what I want t' know is this: How's best fer me t' find the real plunder this cap'n is after?"
The old woman cackles softly. "Well... that is certainly an ambitious question. Ha. Most people come seeking answers about business ventures or love... The Harrow can reveal much but that would require numerous readings: a minimum of three, possibly many more depending on whether fate favors you. Nine-hundred and ten gold per reading, and I can only do one each day."
An excellent, if not quite altruistic, question. If we can learn what the giants were after, we may get some insight into their motives. And if we can get it first, we can foil what must certainly be malevolent plans.......
Justinius thinks as he observes the interaction.
Jim holds the old woman's gaze for a long moment, then grabs the coinpurse off his belt and counts out 1,820 in coin and gems, placing it to the side on Madame Mvashti's half of the table.
That's the pirate's life - easy come, easy go!
"There's enough fer the first two, Madame, then we'll see where we stand." Jim glances at Valanthe, then turns his eyes back to Mvashti. "Now, if ye've already spent yerself readin' the cards fer others today I understand, and can come back t'morrow if it suits ye better."
"Oh, not at all," the fortune-teller says retrieving the small pile of gold and gems, "my dear Valanthe's reading was a relatively simple affair. If everyone can hold their chatter for a moment..."
Madame Mvashti draws the top card from her neatly stacked deck of large cards and presses it to her forehead. Her eyes close for a moment and when they open again they are completely white. Six ephemeral cards composed of translucent purple light materialize around her head and begin to revolve there as she intones ancient arcane syllables. This continues as she lays out an elaborate pattern of Harrow cards.
"I am sorry..." she says as the ghostly cards fade away and her eyes return to normal, "I don't have enough yet to make sense of these images." She seems short of breath and looks much more frail than moments ago. "I see pain and anger... fire and death... I see the feminine... a woman, for sure... and this, the fallen angel, but that could represent so many things..."
She rings a small bell and Daven reemerges. "I'm afraid that's all I have for you this session. Come back tomorrow evening and we shall see what else the cards have to share." With her great-grandson's help, she rises from the table and begins making her way out of the room.
Valathe looks between Madame Mvashti and the group.
"Greatmother, do you want me to assist you?"
"Nu, mulțumesc, stai și să vorbească cu ei," the exhausted seer answers, "Daven va avea grijă de mine."
Oliver puts on his mask again as Madame Mvashti leaves and turns to Valanthe. Ive never seen her this weak after a reading. "Este ea o să fie bine ?"
After Valanthe responds. "These words are a bit more foreboding than I expected." Pain, fire, anger, death...and a fallen angel?
Valanthe bows to Madame Mvashti and see her go.
"Don't worry. Even in her years, she is strong. But she loves to make an exit. If you don't mind I would like to tag along, and get to know you." - She looks at Justinius - "and maybe find a way to reward you for saving the town."
Jim stands as the the old woman leaves her seat, and replaces his hat upon her exit.
"Well, Valanthe, I believe we're on t' the church next in this lad's never-ending quest fer more rolls o' parchment," indicating Justinius with a tilt of his head. "I won't mind admirin' the architecture again, either."
Justinius positions himself at the exit to hold the door for the old woman and Daven and thanks them both again for making time for us today.
"Actually, Jim, I'm only looking for a few more and I dont think they will be found at the cathedral. But if we are to make rounds and be visible, a tour of the town might be nice and I'm sure it would include a stop at the church."Justinius says with a warm smile. He thinks for a moment about responding to Jim with a comment about his 'investment', but thinks better of it in the preasence of Valanthe
- Ezekiah Tobyn, the benevolent and much loved high priest 'fell' (died) in the church fire.
- His Daughter, Nualia, was rumored to have some special blessing, she died in the fire too.
- Jervis Stoot, was a gifted artist and a great blessing to the whole community before falling into some kind of demon worship and murdering 25 people in a month (before himself being killed by the watch).
- Atsui Kaijitsu, the beautiful wife of town leader Lonjiku Kaijitsu (and mother of the Rusty Dragon's owner/operator Ameiko Kaijitsu) literally fell from her balcony overlooking the cliffs (she's dead too).
"It will be my pleasure to give you a tour on the town, so you can appreciate fully the community that you helped save."
She will be very happy to introduce them to the people around town (especially the Varisian's) and talk them about the places in town.
"Well then...I say we head to the Academy. It's been some time since I've seen ol' Gandethus. On the way, we can stop by the Cathedral for a spell". Oliver smiles to himself.
"Anyhow...Yes, Valanthe. That would be good for you to show us around. I have to admit, I do rather enjoy hearing your stories."
Outside the door Oliver bends down to pick up his scorpion and whispers... "Stay by me Sir Reginald"
Theres that grasshopper again.....so strange....
Valanthe will lead the others to the Catedral, talking about it, and the town in general.
Graverattler will follow, pondering the soothsayer's words while working a shine onto her newly crafted bone and ivory wand. She takes in Valanthe's words, putting them in the back of her mind for later examination while keeping an eye out for turtles.
"Oliver, you're welcome to walk with us, we won't bite. Well, most of us won't." Justinius says with a sideways glance and grin at Graverattler.
"Valanthe, if you think you can provide me with a few arcane scrolls, namely shield and mirror image, than I won't need the services of Gandethus after all. However, I wouldn't mind a meet and greet anyway, if time allows." He says to both Valanthe and Oliver.
"I'll have you know, I've never ate a whole human." she returns the grin.
"I am afraid I never learn how to write scrolls. But I can cast the spells. Let's see Gandethus, and he should be able to help us."
"If our stop at the church is t' be purely a social call, best t' skip it 'n head t' this Academy fer Justinius's scrolls. After that I wouldn't mind seein' this lighthouse o' yers, 'n any more bars ye might have hidden away in this town."
"I agree with Jim, we should see about business first. It seems I mistook your abilites, Valanthe. But not to worry, this lead of Olivers should prove fruitful." Justinius says with some disappointment.
Valanthe leads them south, passing a narrow alley.
"My grandmother's house is next to the academy, but we will have to walk around to reach the academy's entrance. This alley... Oliver, was here when we first met? With you jumping over the Academy's wall and me coming to visit Grandmother? I think so... well, nevermind."
After the ally you arrive to Market square, mostly empty today.
"Today is Wednesday, but on Monday it is a very busy place, with all the people in the farms coming to sell their produce. And in two days, on Friday, many a merchant arrives from Magnimar, Galduria, Nybor or far away places, selling many things. I once got a very cheap magic wand there. Not that they carry many of those, or more powerful items, but the price was very good."
She leads you west into Water Street and then to Main Street.
"This is the General Store, and is run by Ven Vinder, a good man, you can find many items here is you need them. If you see him angry is because her daughter was recently found in an inappropriate situation with Ludo Scarnetti, from the Scarnetti's family. The Scarnettis! They are all rich and mighty, and sometimes look us Varisians down... but they have their own sins to worry about!"
Valanthe lets a laugh out.
"Here! This is the Academy entrance. Lets go in!"
As the conversation progresses it becomes apparent that Valanthe has spent much more of her life speaking Varisian than Taldane , but there is a certain charm to her accent and some of her information could prove useful.
The stone walls of the Academy edge Water Street all the way from the Market Square to Main Street, and continue up Main street for a block before opening up to the gate. The heavy but decorative wrought iron gate is closed and a well dressed older man sits on a chair inside. As the party comes to a stop in front of him, the man rises and says in an overly formal tone, "Welcome to the Turandarock Academy, how may I be of service to you this evening?"
Oliver bows respectfully before Tegg Doran. "Greetings. I present to you the heroes whom helped save Sandpoint from the giants. Oliver gestures toward the party. We have come to see Ilsoari Gandethus. Our new friend Justinius would like to do some business with him"
Justinius gives the man a respectful nod and says "Greetings good sir. As said, my name is Justinius Redarm, these are my companions, Rimy Jim, a....sailor of some renown, and Graverattler, shaman warrior of clan Dustriver. We have heard good things about this academy and wish to do business with master Gandethus."
The gatekeeper sizes up Justinius and the others, scrutinizing Oliver's face especially, then asks, "What business do you have with the headmaster?"
"I was informed that the headmaster was an educated man in regards to arcane magics. Durring the defense of Standpoint, and since then, I have expended arcane resources and I wish to replace some of that stock in case my services in combat are required again. Rather than spend good gold at some merchants tent, I thought this school might benefit from some added income." Justinius says, adding "But, if Oliver was mistaken about master Gandethus' abilities, we can seek to sate our need elsewhere."