Tynan joins the others at breakfast, refreshed from a good night's sleep in his own bed.
As conversation turns to quickly heading to Egorian, Tynan speaks up.
"Don't forget, Governor Neff wanted us to speak with him once our escort of Allustan was completed. It's probably best to remain on whatever part of his good side we can manage. Perhaps we should head there after our meal?"
"Nothing that I can think of. Mind you, I hope it is understood that I owe this lot my life several times over. And as for the matter of pay. What does the Captain have in mind? The group seems to be taking care of their own accounting. I'm no good with numbers, but I don't want to take from their supplies if some other arrangements are planned."
Hourpen smiles at Mortimer's offer.
"I thank you for the offer. Let's call it a loan. I'm still not sure how the garrison will be compensating me, if at all. I would hate to see any of the treasure accumulated by the group taken from me. Orders are orders, I hope you understand."
"Oh, I definitely think you should come to Egorian with us!" exclaims the gentleman. "It's not as if we can take care of ourselves."
Solrisa smiles, getting Mort's joke. She laughs, waving a hand.
"Oh, I don't know what would be best. I think I should find that dragon and not sure we'll find it in the city. But then we might find more rumors of the dragon in the city, because so many travelers might meet there."
* * *
"Orders are orders, I hope you understand."
Solrisa downcasts briefly at Hourpen's mention of orders.
"So you probably won't be coming with uh, Hourpen? It was nice to know you," Solrisa puts on her best smile. "But orders are orders, huh? I remember when Rae used to order me around, that really helped me decide what to do."
Smiling.
"I'm afraid you've had little chance to get to know me Solrisa. I've spent to much time on my backside. As it is, my orders may give you an opportunity to get to know me. And perhaps I can become of some use. Who is Rae by the way? Does the spirit of your dead horse speak to you?"
"Don't forget, Governor Neff wanted us to speak with him once our escort of Allustan was completed [...] "
Arms folded across his chest, Mortimer glares at Tynan. Dang. I forgot. Yah. Good old one eye'd Neff. "Speak".
He considers pointing out the fact that their escort of Allustan was never in fact actually completed as such, but decides to keep silent. Instead, arms still crossed, tapping his index finger on his own shoulder, he chooses to continue to glare at Tynan."I thank you for the offer. Let's call it a loan. I'm still not sure how the garrison will be compensating me, if at all. I would hate to see any of the treasure accumulated by the group taken from me. Orders are orders, I hope you understand."
At these words, Mortimer winces.
Well, as far as I'm concerned, he's earned these. I'll pony up the cash if the others don't agree. His rolls his eyes and grins at Hourpen in appreciation."Of course," he gently laughs, handing Hourpen the bracers."Oh, I don't know what would be best."
At Solrisa's hand waving dismissal, Mortimer looks at Solrisa skeptically. Raised compromised eyebrow and all. Surely you know we need you... "You healed Marzena. We need you," he explains.
"I think I should find that dragon and not sure we'll find it in the city."
Mortimer exhales, scowls and bites his lower lip.
No... I intend to prevoke by going to Egorian -- to orchestrate a need for the Black Dragon to want to find us. There must be a way to draw It out and away..."Let's just go to Egorian, and find out what anyone knows. You never know what we might stir up."
Upon seeing that he is back at home base Eri starts moving toward his favorite fur trader out of instinct. He shakes his head and stops to listen.
"Let's meet over breakfast and plan our next steps, OK?"
mmm. Maybe I’ll start breakfast right now. He heads to the tavern to find a bath and a room and a gut buster of a meal. There will be room for wine and brooding, too.
This has been a wild time. I have been in a couple of close scrapes, but always on my own. That was much more scary, but less, too. I know how a wild boar thinks. Lizard folk are something else entirely. I like knowing Ascaria is there to pull my butt out of the flames. The rest of the crew … They have all saved my bacon. I think I like this.
Eri shows up for breakfast clean and ready to pack food into his belly once again. He still looks disheveled like he has never really been shown how to look proper. He no longer stinks, there is nothing hanging from his hair and his scraggly beard has been licked off by a cat. His hair doesn’t look like it’s seen a comb and maybe it’s the look in his eye or the way he stands, but he just looks messy.
"Don't forget, Governor Neff wanted us to speak with him once our escort of Allustan was completed. It's probably best to remain on whatever part of his good side we can manage. Perhaps we should head there after our meal?"
"Oh, right! Good memory Tynan, well done." he scowls though at the thought of the delay.
"I figure we'll buy and sell a few things in Egorian. So there's no particular need of shopping time now. Let's go see the governor this morning, right now, get it out of the way, and stop by Allustan's on the way back. Maybe he can send us there yet this afternoon!"
Ascaria seems jumpy, and quite ready to go. He barely finishes his meal. The thought of a proper city excites him more than he'd have thought, and he's having a hard time containing himself.
Mort pulls out his
Light weight metal foils or other light weight malleable pieces
Oil
Netting
Chunks of mesquite
A chef's knife
Dried Pineapple
Sun dried tomatoes
(plus to replentish the usual sundries on his list if necessary:
Cheese
Jerky
Apples
Mint leaves, fresh or dried as well as other herbs
Water
Clay
Tinder/flint
Dowel rods and pins
String or hemp or other lightweight cord
Torches)
"Hey, is there anything more potent than Alchemy fire? Do they have flasks of Chain Lightning or anything? What about -- Holy Water. Did we want some of that?"
He holds the door open for everyone as they get ready to leave for Neff's.
"I'm afraid you've had little chance to get to know me Solrisa. I've spent to much time on my backside. As it is, my orders may give you an opportunity to get to know me. And perhaps I can become of some use. Who is Rae by the way? Does the spirit of your dead horse speak to you?"
Solrisa stifles a laugh.
"Rae? Oh, no! That wasn't my horse. That was my sister. 'MemoRae' was the name of my horse. Totally, different. Well, mostly different," Solrisa explains. "Rae is visiting Mum and MemoRae died, which is sad. Both are gone from my life, but I'll make new friends."
Solrisa eats a bit more breakfast, thinking about Rae and her former friends.
"Hourpen, what are you going to do next? Spend more time on your backside?" Sol asks thoughtfully. "You seemed to do that in the lizardfolk fight as well! You must be really good at it!" Solrisa smiles, happy that Hourpen has things that he is good at.
"I'm good at sculpting, I think. I like doing that. But also following the Dragon. I like that too!"
"You healed Marzena. We need you," he explains. "Let's just go to Egorian, and find out what anyone knows. You never know what we might stir up."
Solrisa nods, but also shakes her head.
"Oh, I didn't heal Marzena. The Dragon did that. I just helped because it was the right thing to do," Solrisa explains.
* * *
Solrisa follows the group to Nef's and will be ready to go with Allustan after a brief trip home.
Laughing.
"I hope not to spend as much time on my backside. I've had quite a bit of practice at it, that's for sure. But of course, I cannot make any promises. Better to work at showing my use than spouting hollow words. I don't know much of sculpting or dragons. I prefer my flying creatures a bit smaller."
Hourpen gives Chasah a whistle as he walks a bit to find a clear view of the sky. Hollering back to Solrisa he asks, "Have you ever seen a dragon up close?"
”Mort, is there room for 20 bundled arrows in your fancy pack?”
[ooc]Check to see if Mort has a Heward’s Handy Haversack or equivalent.
If no room for the arrows then Eri will pick up a backpack, too and put the arrows in there, maybe?[/ooc]
"Have you ever seen a dragon up close?"
Solrisa thinks about the question for a minute.
"Yes, all the time...in my dreams. I speak to one every morning, but I can't really see it. It's there, though. I know it. But that's not what you mean, huh, Hourpen? That doesn't count. Rae used to say the same thing, but I think it counts. It counts," Solrisa emphasizes her final point with a cute head nod of affirmation.
"Have you seen a dragon? From your backside or other, Hourpen? Where have you been before you were here?"
"I haven't. I'm not sure I want to see one. At Solaria's question Hourpen looks off into the sky. Where I was before the garrison isn't there anymore."
"Mort, is there room for 20 bundled arrows in your fancy pack?”
Huh? OH -- this thing? Morimter pauses doing chin ups of off the Ascaria's balcony to look at the Handy Haversack he's carrying.
"Sure, it's where I keep my throwables. Does it buy you anything to put in there, or would you just prefer to tack it onto these?"he asks, pointing the the cords that he is wearing. "Then you could probably take them at anytime without a middleman? Otherwise, sure, they'll fit in the pack," he grins, hoping he's being helpful. "Are you sure you got enough arrows?"
He addresses the group as a whole in mid-chin-up.
"That goes for everyone -- if you don't have room for something feel free to have me carry it as long as there is room."
~~~
"Where have you been before you were here?"
Where have you been before you were here? ... Where was I? Mortimer intensifies his workout.
"Where I was before the garrison isn't there anymore."
Mortimer drops off the balcony. "Oh? Where was that called?"
"Southwest of Brastlewark along the Brastle river. If home had a name, I was too young to remember it. Not much there now other than the burnt remains of the village I grew up in."
Tidwoad is actually up when you enter the boarding house/jeweler's shop. He looks up, startled from paperwork. He listens avidly to your story, lending an assortment of ooo's and ahh's in the appropriate places. He even appears to write a couple of things down, holding up a finger to pause you, before waving for you to continue. When you trip into the part of your end story that indicates a likely trip to Egorian, Tidwoad looks about the shop, as he takes a quick inventory.
"Ah, er. No. I don't suppose I need to ask you for a little legwork once you arrive in Egorian. There are plenty of merchants who seem to be passing through Diamond Lake for now. Nyshire and Halmyris seem to stock up easily enough from the trade routes. Oh well. Best you enjoy yourself, once you get there! Big city has plenty to keep you occupied!" He bids you a good night, before returning to his paperwork.
When you settle into bed, as sleep takes you swiftly and without resistance, you catch a familiar green glow hovering above your desk, before your eyes fail to open again, until morning.
As you depart from your new friends, the evening you arrive back in Diamond Lake, you take your leave, and head to the Spinning Giant, surely the best selection of taverns in Diamond Lake. The blue shingles even seem discernible in the moonlight in your approach. For an Oathday evening, the bar is subdued, with a couple of garrison soldiers tossing darts, and the proprietor visible through the kitchen doors cutting up vegetables, and keeping an eye on the floor. He puts down his knife, and takes your coin, securing your room on the second floor. The night passes quietly enough.
Your return to the Garrison is uneventful. Trask debriefs you, then commands you to report to Neff in the morning to explain your trip to him as well. He seems perfectly happy not having to do it himself.
Heading to your bunk, a foot shoots out as you enter the room, and you find yourself on your backside one final time this day, thanks to Trovost Skunt, one of Trask's lieutenants. He smiles at you from his lower bunk, then spits at your feet, missing them to hit the spittoon next to the door. "You should watch where you're going, Whore-pin. Dogs on errands need to stay out from under foot. Looks like it's a hard thing for you. You need help, you be sure to ask me for it, alright?" A couple of the other soldiers in the room laugh, some of them, uneasily. Your sleep is uninterrupted, surprisingly.
Cinder is stabled easily enough. You catch the smell of applejack on Faraday's breath, but he seems in an amiable mood for an Oathday's night. He seems less flinchy, what with Rae in absentia.
Entering in the evening at Osgood's, you find the workers all tired from a full day's labor. Osgood himself is on the road to Nyshire, so he'll be missing for some time. Esobel has contented herself with a footrub this evening from a very-willing Wyon. The others have already passed out, tanking up on sleep for another workday at week's end on the morrow.
Allustan's embrace is stiff and unwilling, while Marzena's is soft and welcoming. Her hand rises to your cheek, and she whispers a thank-you for your healing. They, well, she waves to you as you see yourself out of the gate.
Your walk home is undisturbed, what with a workday on the morrow. You don't encounter a single stray, drunk miner along the way. Your rented room is quiet, and cold, when you return in the dark of night. The only thing to argue with you is a small patch of floorboards, which creak against your weight.
Returning to your boarding room, Stella is still awake, and welcomes you inside. She closes the front door, then comes closer to you, looking you up and down. "Tynan, my dear, you've been gone so long! What's kept you? Are you alright? I thought... well, I didn't know where you'd gone. Lazare couldn't account for your absence, when I inquired, but now you're back! Can I get you something to eat? Some tea? How long will you be staying?" You can tell that she has more questions, but is restraining herself. Your room is still your room.
...
Fireday morning, and Diamond Lake begins its workweek's end-day with a bustle, as miners move quickly to work in the warm morning's sun. A couple of elderly gents leave the Emporium on a shared walk of shame across the Square.
For breakfast fare at the Gar, you're treated to geese eggs, sunny-side up. A single one sits on top of seasoned rice, as large as three chicken eggs, combined. The juice is reasonable, although spare, so Berta supplements the drinks at the table with a couple of wine bottles. She only has a couple of warm milk mugs.
Berta diverts the couple of cups of milk from other patrons, but tries to keep it from being obvious to you.
When you answer Hourpen, regarding dragon sighting, something about your answer to him suddenly strikes you as wrong. You didn't mean to lie to Hourpen, but, until now, you weren't aware that you have, in fact seen a dragon, in person. The memory shyly slips from your mind for now...
Berta runs her fingers through Mortimer's longish locks of hair, asking the giant if he needs more eggs...
...
Once the group decides to see Governor Neff, the trip to Neff Manor is direct enough. A requisite sighting of Rastophan on the stoop of the Feral Dog, of course. He tips his leather hat, though his eyes remain obscured by his tinted glasses.
The guards hold you at the gates of the Manor, until Jillian arrives to escort you back to the now familiar meeting room in the free standing building off the main path to the Manor. She inquires if she can bring you anything while you wait for an audience.
This time, you only have to wait twenty minutes before Lanod enters the room. The governor is wearing a rich brown coat, white silk shirt under it. He is escorted by Captain Trask of the Garrison, who stands behind him and to his right, looking awfully official in his chain mail. "Welcome back from Blackwall. I understand you had quite the experience on the Mistmarsh. I can't wait to hear your story."
Hourpen is quite distracted by the meal laid before them.
Solrisa breaks her fast with a hearty meal, filled with her laugh and her smile. She eats well, her impossibly perfect breasts hidden by her casual leather armor. As usual, her sword is strapped to her back.
* * *
At Neff's manor, Solrisa lets others do the explaining. She contributes what she can that is important (like the butterflies) and things others might have left out (like the butterflies).
"Sure, it's where I keep my throwables. Does it buy you anything to put in there, or would you just prefer to tack it onto these?"he asks, pointing the the cords that he is wearing. "Then you could probably take them at anytime without a middleman? Otherwise, sure, they'll fit in the pack," he grins, hoping he's being helpful. "Are you sure you got enough arrows?"
”Oh, that’s perfect! Thank you. Yeh, I need more arrows. I hope to get another fancy quiver in the city and fill that one up, too.”
[b]”Where have you been before you were here?”
Hmm . . . creeping through the woods with no one watching my bass.
Eri smiles contently as he listens to his new friends banter. The smile continues as he quietly digs in to breakfast. He is quick to get as much bacon as he can.
When Neff speaks Eri looks to Ascaria to spin the tale adding a chirp of clarification here and there.
As Eri glances toward Ascaria Hourpen's attention suddenly shifts, as if recalling himself from hunger momentarily.
"Sir, if I may. I am afraid I spent a few pivotal moments on my backside so I cannot speak to all the specifics of the battles. But Ascaria here saved my life several times over. That should be said. Beyond that I can share a bit about the areas through which we made our journey together after Allustan wisely found safety in means only he possessed among us."
Hourpen goes on to describe the state of the outpost, swamp, and former home of the lizard folk if Neff shows interest.
"Ah, er. No. I don't suppose I need to ask you for a little legwork once you arrive in Egorian. There are plenty of merchants who seem to be passing through Diamond Lake for now. Nyshire and Halmyris seem to stock up easily enough from the trade routes. Oh well. Best you enjoy yourself, once you get there! Big city has plenty to keep you occupied!”
”Oh, no my dear friend. If I can conduct some business for you in Egorian, I’d be happy to do so for you. Provided of course it’s not too much. I’m no trader, and might screw up a complex deal.” he grins weakly. ”If it’s heavy I bet Mort’ll carry it for me too. So what can I do for you?”
- - -"Welcome back from Blackwall. I understand you had quite the experience on the Mistmarsh. I can't wait to hear your story.”
Ascaria prepares to speak when Hourpen begins, and tells the tale most excellently. He occasionally takes out drawings, to support Hourpens story, and passes them around by way of proving the truth of his words.
vs DC 10
Where's Nyshire?
He briefly glimpses Esobel and Wyon in the middle of a footrub ceremony/session, and pretends not to notice. Can't they do that somewhere where no one has to witness?
He pauses at the head of the stairs to the basement listening. Gotta do something about that at some point...
He shaves and showers.
I need sleep. Don't want to go to see Neff. What to do...? He drifts off, exhausted.
He awakens early, and scrubs clean his armor. He does all of the usual hygenie rituals, then shaves and showers again. It is nice not to be covered in grime.
"Southwest of Brastlewark along the Brastle river. If home had a name, I was too young to remember it. Not much there now other than the burnt remains of the village I grew up in."
Mortimer scratches the back of his head. Brastlewark? "Sorry to hear that... What happened? Is it anywhere near Nyshire?" Nevermind where I'm from. Where am I now?
~~~
Mortimer cocks his head while watching Berta. Why is she absconding the milk like that?
Berta runs her fingers through Mortimer's longish locks of hair, asking the giant if he needs more eggs...
Whhoaaa! What's this? This has never happened before... Does she like me? [...]
"Why ... Wait -- I mean, 'eggs'?" Why me? Are "eggs" a trick question? He looks up at her with mournful puppy dog eyes. His stomach rumbles loudly. "Yes, please?" It must be the Trident. That thing really sticks out.Mortimer completely ignores Rastophan as they pass him on the way to Neff's. Tacky door stop... Maybe it's the fresh air, the warmth of the sun of the fine day and the belly full of eggs and rice, but Mortimer is content to let the others recount their time at Blackwall Keep and the Mistmarsh.
He does however, keep a keen eye on Trask.
Mortimer scratches the back of his head. Brastlewark? "Sorry to hear that... What happened? Is it anywhere near Nyshire?" Nevermind where I'm from. Where am I now?
"I can't say the name is familiar. It could be."
Governor Neff sits back in his chair, listening while occasionally looking down on the desk to look through Ascaria's various drawings. He seems easily versed in listening to one person talk while distracted.
As Hourpen describes his less than stellar performance, Neff almost looks satisfied with himself, while Captain Trask visibly stiffens, clearly irritated by such a candid admission of incompetence. Hourpen's words, and Ascaria's support, are elegant enough to smooth down the ruffled feathers.
Neff looks directly at Solrisa, then Tynan, then Mortimer, then Eri. His eyes implore further contribution to the debriefing. When it appears that no further contributions are forthcoming, he sets down the papers, and stands.
"Alright then. Captain, I'll oversee the acknowledgments. Unless you'd like to..?" When Trask harumphs, Lanod continues, looking back to you all. "We'll meet in Memorial Square in two hours' time. Please arrive early. I promise I won't detain you very long."
...
Arriving in Memorial Square at the allotted time, you take in a smallish crowd gathered around a makeshift platform. Jillian greets you, then asks you to wait at the bottom of the stairs, while Lanod stands at a thin podium in the same clothes as before, save for a golden sash worn across his chest, and over a single shoulder. Trask is nowhere to be seen, though numerous Garrison guards are easily visible, scattered throughout the Square.
Governor Neff raises his voice unnecessarily. The crowd is largely a quiet one to begin with. "Good citizens of Diamond Lake! We are gathered here today to honor valiant souls, newly returned from our southern lands! They have successfully defended Blackwall Keep from falling to unwarranted attacks from the lizardfolk of Mistmarsh! We are a safer people because of these individuals!" He turns to you all, and waves you up the stairs, to stand next to him. Presuming you do, the Governor finishes. "By order of Egorian, stronger and wiser Sister of Diamond Lake, I hearby commend each of you, and award you commission in the amount of 500 gold, for going above and beyond!! Well done, you all, well done!!" He hands each of you a fine leather pouch, which feels like a mixture of coin and gem, once in your hands.
The crowd's reaction is mixed. From the porch of the Feral Dog, you're able to make out Rastophan who stands and slow claps for each of you.
For such an award to be bestowed from Egorian, regarding Garrison activity, Captain Trask is responsible for such an action. For the 3000 gold, it's unclear from where those funds flow. The coffers of Egorian Herself will likely replenish Neff's local ones.
Governor Neff shakes each of your hands, patting you on the back in a very fatherly manner, before encouraging you to leave the platform.
The crowd dissipates shortly thereafter. Jillian waits patiently, then asks you to sign for the pouches, indicating that you have, in fact, received your reward.
The requisition form you signed has several places where maximal and minimal amounts are listed, but you can't seem to pin down where in the 'contract' the amount of 500 gold is listed... strange...
vs DC 15
vs DC 15
Ascaria is pleased that the governor isn’t angry with them over some slight or other. He’s also happy to get free of his encampment, but he worries, a little, about the upcoming meeting in the town square.
”What is that about?” He can think of no good answer and so his mind takes on all manner of imaginative outcomes.
Later, in the square, when the governor is speaking, Ascaria has a hard time following. Everyone is looking at us! It’s not until the pouch of wealth is thrust into his hands that he realizes something good is happening. His worried expression turns to a smile, then a grin, all toothy and silly, but he can’t help it the relief is so great.
He signs for his pouch, wondering briefly what sort of contractual obligations he may have just made, but he drifts along happily and doesn’t worry about it.
Later, when the party is alone again (perhaps over lunch?) he says, ”Can you imagine that?! Cackle of Hyenas! That was unexpected!”
He grows serious for a moment, ”But we can’t lose sight of the dragon. Let’s get to Allustans after lunch and get to Egorian as quickly as we can. There is much yet to do.” He chuckles, thinking of what he can buy with his new wealth.
”Oh, when we get to Egorian, I want to buy a few things with our group funds before distributing the rest - if that’s OK with everyone. I want to get scrolls of Remove Blindness/Deafness and Remove Curse. Good things to have on hand if things go badly.”
”I also want to get some First Aid Gloves (link). If one of you goes down, and I mean all the way, I might be able to bring you back from the dead with a touch if I’m quick enough. I don’t ned to be the one to wear them either - any of us can for that matter. Might make sense to have on someone faster.” He looks at Eri.
"Sorry to hear that... What happened? Is it anywhere near Nyshire?"
When Eri hears Neff say . . .
”We'll meet in Memorial Square in two hours' time. Please arrive early. I promise I won't detain you very long.""
. . . He visibly tenses. Oh, is this part of the the life of an adventurer?
When on display he looks stoically to the trees in the distance and must be nudged as he is off in his own world.
”I also want to get some First Aid Gloves (link). If one of you goes down, and I mean all the way, I might be able to bring you back from the dead with a touch if I’m quick enough. I don’t ned to be the one to wear them either - any of us can for that matter. Might make sense to have on someone faster."
”Huh, what? Oh, yeh sure. I can do that. Can I wear gloves over these do you think? These look like they might glitter. Yes, I would like to see Allustan.”
”What is that about?”
"Well, you see...Captain Trask is responsible for such an award, not Egorian, It's unclear where the three grand is coming from. Egorian will probably give Neff that money later."
Hourpen silently complies with what the Governor asks. He takes a moment after all the hubbub, seeking out Captain Trask.
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Solrisa waves and smiles at the assembled crowd, quite happy to smile and enjoy the moment. She smiles both with her mouth and her eyes, no part of her not earnestly enjoying the moment. She knows she helped, but tried her best and has no doubts about her self worth. There are no lagging questions about deservedness nor inner anxiety...she just accepts it with smiles and love. She reflects her love of life to all, in wave and smile.
* * *
Solrisa smiles and enjoys herself over lunch.
”But we can’t lose sight of the dragon. Let’s get to Allustans after lunch and get to Egorian as quickly as we can. There is much yet to do.”
Her eyes narrow briefly at mention of the dragon and the evil it might be spreading, but then they open again to reflect joy.
She chit chats and eats and enjoys the meal. She is ready to move on, having little opinions on what to buy or what is needed.
As Hourpen describes his less than stellar performance, Neff almost looks satisfied with himself, while Captain Trask visibly stiffens, clearly irritated by such a candid admission of incompetence."Alright then. Captain, I'll oversee the acknowledgments. Unless you'd like to..?" When Trask harumphs, Lanod continues
Mortimer's demeanor conceals his thoughts regarding this interaction.
It almost looks as if Neff and Trask placed a meaningless wager on the halfling's life. He remains motionless stewing internally looking forward to leaving as soon as possible."We'll meet in Memorial Square in two hours' time. Please arrive early. I promise I won't detain you very long."
What?! We're not done yet??? He sighs, and approaches Trask showing his unarmed hands at his sides in a gesture of peace.
~~~
"Good citizens of Diamond Lake! [...]"
Mortimer uncomfortably scans the crowd as the Governor speaks, wondering why they're all there. He turns a couple of shades paler when the Governor beckons for them to ascend the stairs to stand on the platform, but does so albeit very reluctantly. We're no show ponies.
"Well done, you all, well done!!" He hands each of you a fine leather pouch, which feels like a mixture of coin and gem, once in your hands.
He regards the melancholy reaction of the crowd as well as Rastophan's less than respectful social commentary on the scene. He does not accept the Reward pouch.
Keep your spare change."Thanks, but -- I don't feel right accepting that. I did -- and maybe I speak for the others -- what I did because it was the necessary and right thing to do. I did it without the knowledge that there would be a reward, and I do it again without one if I had to. Why don't you take it -- all if it -- and instead open a soup kitchen for the poor children of this town?"
He shakes Neff's hand for the sake of appearance, but refuses the fatherly pat on the back.
He shrugs and grins sheepishly at Jillian, then detours away from her as he leaves the platform.
Nyshire is roughly 75 miles east from Egorian, 45 miles east of Diamond Lake. Brastlewark is roughly 500 miles due east from Egorian, 470 miles due east from Diamond Lake. Brastlewark is known as possibly the largest gnomish establishment in all of Golarion.
"Despite what he said about the time he spent on his 'backside', he's very much a stand-up Halfling in every regard, and deserves beneficial consideration."
Both men look at Mortimer, but only Neff answers. "Duly noted."
"Sir, may I speak freely? It was not my intention to embarrass anyone other than myself. I think we both know that the Governor does not like me. Truth be told it wasn't quite as bad as it sounded. The others.. there isn't a clear chain of command. Not something I'm accustomed to. And as for this sir, I'm not entirely sure it's been earned. I'm still unclear if I am under orders. The others have offered me a share of the treasure. What is it you would have me do?"
Trask looks annoyed to have to speak with you so soon after the meeting with Neff, but he tamps down his frustration, and listens to you. "You're a Garrison man, Hourpen. That you even question whether or not you are under orders... Of course you are under orders. I don't fault you for failing to escort Allustan back to Diamond Lake. But you represent the Garrison, and your self-admitted performance, in front of Neff of all people..." He appears to take a moment, again. "You have new orders, truth be told. You are to remain with your new associates. I understand your group is traveling to Egorian to research worms? Fine. Allustan has named you, so you will go. Keep what you earn. Do not expect your Garrison pay, for you no longer do Garrison work. I expect a full report when you return. You are dismissed."
...
"Thanks, but -- I don't feel right accepting that. I did -- and maybe I speak for the others -- what I did because it was the necessary and right thing to do. I did it without the knowledge that there would be a reward, and I do it again without one if I had to. Why don't you take it -- all of it -- and instead open a soup kitchen for the poor children of this town?"
Neff pauses to hear Mortimer reject his rightful reward. Something flashes behind his eyes, as he looks up into the eyes of the giant.
"Ho ho! Didn't I tell you these were valiant souls? Well, if you'll allow me, I will respect your wishes, and see that the money is put to good use for all of us in Diamond Lake!" He looks to the rest of you when he asks his next question. "Does Mortimer the Magnanimous speak for the rest of you?" He waits patiently, as does the crowd, to hear your answers.
Mortimer has likely made an enemy of Neff for daring to speak as he did, in front of the town folk.
Jillian watches uneasily from the bottom of the stairs, while the people gathered remain quiet, with rising whispers here and there.
Hourpen does nothing right, but remains still while he watches Neff. I don't trust this man, but he sure does know how to play to the crowd.
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"Does Mortimer the Magnanimous speak for the rest of you?" He waits patiently, as does the crowd, to hear your answers.
Sense Motive
Solrisa nods, understanding Mort's bravery and forethought...and his generosity.
"He speaks for me! It's a very good idea! We *should* share!!" Solrisa squeals with delight. It's a very good idea!
Solrisa opens her pouch of coins and begins to toss them to the crowd, smiling because she is sharing.
coins tossed to the crowd
coins tossed to the crowd
coins tossed to the crowd
She smiles as she does this, having much fun sharing with others.
Ascaria’s grin fades a little as the wealth so recently gained disappears again. I hope Neff doesn’t just keep it! he worries for a moment.
Realizing that everyone is still staring at him, he squeaks, ”Mort speaks for me as well!”
Eri is startled by the purse being placed in his hand. He seems to come out of a reverie and into a confused state. His brow scrunches and he looks at Neff in the eye and places the bag in his hand.
"Well, if you'll allow me, I will respect your wishes, and see that the money is put to good use for all of us in Diamond Lake!"
"See that it goes to the many of Diamond Lake, and not the few."
Not spotting a quick way to buy a bit of food for the crowd, Hourpen finds the nearest that have at least one small mouth to feed. He counts out 100g for each family.
"A good idea indeed."
Before Tynan can lend his voice to affirm or dissent from Mortimer's now-shared opinion, Memorial Square erupts in noise and scuffle. As Solrisa's coins fall to the cobblestones, several folk reach down to collect them.
Pushing turns into shoving, then hair-pulling, as a couple of women try and scratch at each other for the bounty. In another circle, three men begin to throw punches, while yet another, a child's cry of pain brings two mothers to blows.
As Hourpen finishes signing with Jillian, then approaches families with his new coin, his presence magnetizes many in the crowd, as they back away from the Garrison slip. It's not his intimidating aura, but that of the advancing guard, who have drawn their weapons, and begin to command the crowd to clear away.
Governor Neff looks on in dismay, holding onto several of your purses.
Tynan looks at the purse of gold in his hand, then at the chaos created by Solrisa's "good deed". He eyes Neff as he goads the others to join Mort in giving up their rewards.
Well, I certainly don't need another powerful enemy...
Tynan moves toward Neff, and speaks quietly to him. "Thank you for this reward. It will be put to good use. I apologize for Mort's short-sightedness."
Tynan then walks to Jillian, and reads the waiver she asks him to sign.
Well, that's rather vague...
Tynan nods to the Governor, and signs for his coin. He then makes his way off of the platform and disappears in the crowd.
Ugh! What now?!?
"Thank you for this reward. It will be put to good use. I apologize for Mort's short-sightedness."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I spend most of my time in the woods. The subtleties of town life come to me slowly. I did not wish to offend or cause this scene. I will gladly accept these coins and will put them to good use, sir.
Eri makes a slight bow and holds his hand out or gingerly takes the purse if offered.
He watches Solrisa move as she empties the Reward pouch into the crowd, her golden braids softly cascading alongside her impossibly perfect breasts.
Gods, she's beautiful when she tosses coins...
"Ho ho! Didn't I tell you these were valiant souls? Well, if you'll allow me, I will respect your wishes, and see that the money is put to good use for all of us in Diamond Lake!" He looks to the rest of you when he asks his next question. "Does Mortimer the Magnanimous speak for the rest of you?" He waits patiently, as does the crowd, to hear your answers.
Maybe it's me, but that sounds scornful.
"I said 'Soup Kitchen'. You know -- for the people here who don't have the means to feed themselves...?" Who is this 'Us'?
He watches the crowd erupt in chaos, his eyes wide open and frozen in abject horror. These people really need help...
"Thank you for this reward. It will be put to good use. I apologize for Mort's short-sightedness."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I spend most of my time in the woods. The subtleties of town life come to me slowly. I did not wish to offend or cause this scene. I will gladly accept these coins and will put them to good use, sir."
"Spend it however you want, I just thought it would be more efficient to cut out the middleman," Mortimer says to Eri, as he strides across the platform. In doing so he deliberately walks between Neff and Eri before anything is proffered again, ignoring Neff and his pouch pile as he passes.
He leaps off of the platform and disappears into the crowd calling for Tynan.
When Mort finds/catches up to Tynan, he tries to engage him and get him to stop his forward propulsion.
"What is it -- what are you afraid of? What's the big deal if we don't accept the 'reward'?" He pauses to catch his breath. "Didn't it --", he struggles over language for a second, " -- didn't it feel more to you like blackmail than a 'reward'?"
He pauses, panting slightly, gesturing more adamantly than usual with his hands as he speaks. "I mean, think about it. What was that crowd about -- all those witnesses? If it turns out later that we find out he's using this setting in order to blackmail us, all of those people could have said it was just a reward ceremony."
Solrisa takes the time to read the contract in full before signing, asking questions when she doesn't understand some point.
Solrisa covers her mouth as she sees the trouble her generosity causes, trying to hide her shock. She scans the crowd to make sure no one else is injured...and if anyone else, she will offer to help them. She seems both embarrassed for herself, but also confused as to why pelting hapless villagers with weighty metal could go wrong.
She follows along with the party.
Once the crowd has been calmed Hourpen signs for the reward wordlessly. He makes a point to inquire after what sort of care will be available for this injured. Not straying to far from the party in the process.
"Thank you for this reward. It will be put to good use. I apologize for Mort's short-sightedness."
" I will gladly accept these coins and will put them to good use, sir."
"I said 'Soup Kitchen'. You know -- for the people here who don't have the means to feed themselves...?"
Governor Neff listens to your objections and supplications, nodding with thin lips, and a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. As Tynan speaks, Lanod twists his neck, as if tamping down words better left unsaid to the giant.
The guards don't spend much energy dispersing the crowd, as the people find no reason to remain in the Square, now that the stone below lacks the color of gold. Lanod and Jillian are escorted from the Square by a small contingent of guards, leaving the disassembling of the makeshift platform to others.
...
Eventually, you all make your way back to Allustan's residence from your various around-the-town activities.
Marzena meets you at the front door, and welcomes you all with a touch on your shoulders as you pass her to enter. You all find your way to the now-familiar study, where Allustan is busy reading. As he looks up, he removes his spectacles to rest them on his book.
"Alright then. You asked if I would be willing to teleport you to Egorian. I have prepared. Now, which three of you will be going?"
Marzena meets you at the front door, and welcomes you all with a touch on your shoulders as you pass her to enter.
Mortimer acknowledges her with a head bow, then looks and sniffs at his shoulder to see if she got any juniper or cloves on him.
Wouldn't that be grand if it was some kind of ward against bad Dragons and Bureaucratic potential brother-in-laws?"Alright then. You asked if I would be willing to teleport you to Egorian. I have prepared. Now, which three of you will be going?"
Mortimer scratches his head, not having the slightest inkling about how magic works.
"Three? Only three? Why three? Is that a magic number? Did you need more gold to send all of us? How much?"
"Well, it's as much as my tether can manage to wrap, without risking serious error in controlling the endpoint of the teleport. Eligos hates intrusion, and has taken pains to prevent unwanted guests, so I'll need to make sure we're safe in the destination. Yes, three should be good, that way I can return immediately to continue my work with Marzena." He smiles past Mortimer, to Marzena standing in the doorway to the study.
"Am I correct in assuming it would be impractical for everyone or those who remain to travel by land to Egorian?"
"Oh, I wouldn't travel it myself, but the Coaches are here expressly for that purpose, seeing folks safely to and from Egorian. It's roughly three days' travel, but the roads are much safer to the west. The closer you get to Egorian, the likelier you are to spot Hellknights patrolling..." Allustan visibly shudders.
Earlier, he leaves his pouch with Mort, though he lingers when Mort departs for Tynan. When he's sure the aggression has died down, he'll channel once on the crowd to heal any minor injuries that may remain from the brawl.
- - -
Later, he responds to Hourpen nodding with Allustan, "Yeah, I bet we could get a coach, same as we did to the keep."
He shakes his head, "But I don't want to split us up either. I mean who would go? They'd be alone for three days with nothing to do. No, we should stick together."
"We can rent a carriage, travel in some comfort anyway. We'll be doing it on the return trip in any case. So we might as well get used to it." Ascaria grins, starting to look forward to the trip.
"Oh, I wouldn't travel it myself, but the Coaches are here expressly for that purpose, seeing folks safely to and from Egorian. It's roughly three days' travel, but the roads are much safer to the west. The closer you get to Egorian, the likelier you are to spot Hellknights patrolling..."
Solrisa brightens at the prospect.
"Oh! I could get a new horse like MemoRae! Memory of MemoRae I would call her! And I could ride next to the carriage! That would be fun!" Solrisa thinks this is a fine idea. "Oh! I bet we'll see lots of butterflies and birds as we travel too! And maybe we'll meet more dwarves! Yes, this is a good idea."