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When the winter's cold releases the Five Kings Mountains and the spring rains wash away the snows that blanket the area, the residents of Davarn celebrate the return of songbirds and trade caravans with their annual Spring Festival. The event occurs a full week after the spring equinox to celebrate Davarn's official reopening along trade routes to Druma, Isger, and Andoran.
Colorful banners decorate the public square surrounding the city reservoir, and the surface doors are thrown wide to flush out the stagnant winter air and replace it with mountain breezes and the smell of freshly baked pies and roasted meats. Traveling performers set up their stages to entertain the young and old alike with puppet shows, music, and death-defying stunts. Davarn's residents build temporary stalls to display their finest handicrafts, worked metals, and raw materials mined deeper in the cave systems beyond the town.
The Spring Festival is now well underway in the city of Davarn. Especially known for its tournament, the Spring Muddle, the Festival attracts merchants and visitors from all over Golarion. In the Spring Muddle, competitors undertake skills competitions as they vie for a prize of gold and magic items.
You've come to Davarn to enjoy the spectacle that is the Spring Festival, and perhaps even compete in the Spring Muddle. You've managed to politely push your way into a very crowded tavern, The Lucky Imp, and it seems you recognize a certain dwarf miner sitting at the bar with a woman resembling a fox. Some dwarves immediately stop to stare at you, some even glaring, as your kind is not often seen in such a place, but most are too drunk to care.
After your latest delivery of iron ore to the local blacksmith - or the blacksmith's wife, whom you'd been delivering ore to for about a week now - you've taken a break from your hard work in the mineshafts to enjoy the Spring Festival. Together with your servant-turned-family, Hinata, you head over to The Lucky Imp, Davarn's premier taproom. While enjoying a pint of stout at the crowded bar, a very familiar looking lizard-like creature walks in.
In serving your family, you've spent another morning helping the so-called "Supernatural Miner," Glorgrim, with locating the highest quality iron in a nearby mineshaft. Covered in soot and ash, you've both returned to Davarn proper to see what there is to see about the Spring Festival. After the two of you deliver your haul to the blacksmith - or the blacksmith's wife, as it had been recently - you stop at the Lucky Imp, Davarn's premier tavern, for a refreshment. Sitting at the bar with Glorgrim, your attention suddenly shifts to a bit of a surprise when a tall, smiling, armored lizard walks in, something not often seen in Davarn.
Early this morning, a familiar-looking dwarven miner and his fox-like servant dropped off their latest haul of iron ore at your husband's smithy, adding to the ever-growing stockpile of mined goods. They mentioned to you that they'd be going to relax and enjoy the festival, and after you told them about your missing husband, they grew concerned and suggested you join them later at the Lucky Imp to talk about it.
You've taken some time to make a stop at Davarn. How could you possibly miss the Spring Festival, anyway? It would seem like the perfect opportunity to put on a performance, bump into some familiar faces, meet some new friends, and perhaps even participate in the Spring Muddle. You stand near the entrance of the town, just outside the Lucky Imp, Davarn's premier bar, currently packed with visitors and locals alike. As you look towards the bar, you notice a tall lizardman walk into the Imp and swear you've seen him before.
Vingold absentmindedly worries at a thick cigar in his mouth as he watches the new people floor in and keeps an eye on the new talent performing. The stunts were new this year, and he appreciated the young ones willing to risk their lives for a good performance. He chuckles and taps off some ashes of his cigar. Storytelling and jokes will come later, night serves as a better atmosphere for them. As he's putting the cigar back in his mouth he sees a familiar-looking lizardfolk walk into the Lucky Imp. He cocks his head for a moment, then pushes off the wall he's leaning on and makes his way over. "Yizzy, right? Wait no, don't tell me...Yazzuk? Yizzik! That's it, Yizzik! Oh you ought to ring me for not remembering that faster, maybe a drink can make up for it though?" He gives a deep-bellied laugh. "Bartender! A stout ale for me, and one of whatever my scaled friend is drinking!"
It had been a pleasant walk into Davarn all things considered, the reptilian knight enjoying the brilliant colors as well as the many performances that introduced the Spring Festival. It had taken everything within young warrior not to bring out his own instrument and join in, though the cold looks from some certainly helped to remind him to keep himself in check. Hardly blaming any though for the looks, he decided perhaps to secure a lodging and a drink would help him out. Especially the drink where all these dwarves were concerned. His luck, as it would seem, would quickly take a turn for the better as he quickly recognized one of the bearded folk and a young fox girl, and even better, another recognized him.
"Haha, perhaps not the ringing but I'll certainly join a friendly face for a drink. It is good to see you again, Vingold, I should have expected to see you here among fellow performers. I'm glad to have some help calm others around here about my appearance," the lizard replied, offering a grin of his own as he gestured towards the bar and towards the others he recognized. He'd rest a hand on the miners shoulder as the pair joined the other two at the bar, ordering himself an Applejack to avoid getting drunk too quickly. "And it would seem I came to the right place as well to find friends, already I'm enjoying this festival!"
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Glorgrim leaned back on his stool as he downed the last of his stout, the bitter fluid running down his throat. "I tell ya Hinata, there's nothin' quite like a fine dwarven brew. 'Less ya count havin' a week off fer a festival." He wiped a bit of the drink from the corners of his mouth with his sleeve and let out a burp. "Can I get another round o'er 'ere?"
He heard the conversation between Yizzik and Vingold, rolling his eyes at the pair's exchange as he reached for the fresh flagon put before him. Upon feeling the hand on his shoulder he spun around on his barstool. "Ah, Yizzik, well met an' well come. 'Ave ya been enjoyin' yerself today? I hear they've set up quite a few games o' strength topside, did ya 'appen to notice'em as ya worked your way down 'ere?"
When she noticed the new lizard that stood out even among those that traveled here for the festival she immediately took interest and pointed him out to Glorgrim as she slid off to the shadows to watch him.
Her standard form, which seemed to be a kitsune that had gotten stuck mid transformation so they were now human with kitsune like features, normally made it difficult to blend in but with all the new arrivals and events going on it was much easier during this time.
Gigt steels herself for going out into the light... it's not as though it would change how irritated she would be if she waited for nightfall, anyway - though she still hoped she wouldn't need to. She moved through the town with speed of foot that was rarely seen amongst dwarves, and just as rarely seen on heavily armored humans.
She wore a breastplate with bats chiseled into it, a shield that bore a cavern mouth, and kept an axe-hammer hybrid weapon at her side. She seems to favor dull greens and reds. Atop all of this is a crimson metal mask, decorated in what could best be described as rings of teeth, nothing visible of her face, but her chin, a portion of her jaw, and her eyes.
With her, is a Dire Bat, which at the moment looks even more like a flying mouse than one would have expected. ( One who was wise in the ways of animals would be aware that the Dire Bat was not of the usual variety, at the very least. ). It fluttered seemingly contentedly behind the dwarven woman.
She wasted little time with pleasantries, but this was normal. She had a fox and dwarf to see at a tavern, to hopefully learn more.
Still, as she reached the festivities, she slowed, watching some of the newer acts, and looking at the unusual goods. She paused in place for a moment, resulting in Umber hovering for a moment, then landing behind her. It chirped a few times, which broke Gigt from her daydreams. There's a sharp exhale of breath, and then she's moving once more.
'He loved watching the performances, and sampling the wares from far away places... almost as much as he loved selling the things he made to foreigners.'
"Are people round here giving ye crap? Oh please, my buddy here could make a paladin tear 'is hair out with how righteous he is!" He gives another laugh and slaps him on the shoulder. He winks at Glorgrim. "Aye, dwarven brews are of a special kind, but ye outta try some of that stuff out in Katapesh. Them desert brewers make do with what they can and end up brewing this drink from cactus juice that'll knock ye on yer ass."
"Just the usual aura of distrust, nothing I'm not used to. Cold blooded isn't generally a compliment after all," the reptilian humanoid would respond with a slight shrug, moving to sit. He'd take the drink brought to him gratefully, raising the mug as a sign of thanks to his friend for treating him. A sigh of relief would follow soon after as he shrugged off the shield on his back moving it to rest by his feet but still within easy reach as he nodded at the miners questions, taking a swig of the cider before answering.
"Yeah, I noticed. Haha, I wanted to join in with the games and the music pretty badly, ended up having to skip it though for now. Wouldn't mind giving it all a go later on though!" he'd reply, noticing the young kitusne stalk off but saying nothing. For now he was comfortable just relaxing with the two dwarves, certain she'd rejoin them in a moment anyways seeing as he had caught the pair in the middle of some discussion. "Tell me though, what have you two been up to since we last met?
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"I've ne'er 'eard of a decent brew made o' juice. Wha' exactly is a cactus anyway?" Glorgrim looks over at Hinata and motions for her to rejoin them. He also motions for the barmaid, Falia.
"I cannae speak for Vingold 'ere, but I've been doin' 'bout the same as a'fore. The mines don't really change much ya see, we did hit quite a haul this week though." He pauses to take a drink, "Though, ta be 'onest, there 'ave been a few... odd occurrences 'a late."
Hinata frowns slightly at being called from, what she thought was, her great hiding spot but does as she's told and approaches the bar with Glorgrim and gives the new comers a small bow in greeting.
"Cacti are a plant normally found in dry locations that are structured to conserve water and some are known to have a chemical called mescaline which has hallucinogenic properties" She answers with a grin.
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Seeing the miner's hand move into in the air, Falla immediately takes notice of the familiar dwarf and smiles from further down the bar.
Standing four feet tall, the dwarf barmaid floats back and forth between patrons, filling mugs of ale, hearing stories, and sharing laughs. Her jet black hair is accented with deep royal blue strands. It's tightly tied into manageable braids and further tied with dwarven iron bangles. Her hair lies just above her generous bosom, held up by a golden brown girdle and white shirt.
Falla hobbles over to where she saw Glorgrim. It was as if she could part dwarves with her smile, as there no need for her to push through crowds nor ask anyone to move out of the way. She had a certain sort of authority and a reputation as a force to be reckoned with at the Imp, and no one dared get in her way.
"Aye, if it isn't the legendary miner!" She flashes Glorgrim a toothy smile "What can I get fer ya? And what did ya manage to haul in with ya today? 'Aven't seen some of these faces before," She looks curiously at Yizzik and Vingold, and continues, "but then again, I 'aven't seen 'alf of the people visiting 'ere with the Festival going on. Been great for business... and tips, I'd say!" She laughs heartily. "Also been great for the city and merchants, save for people like that huckster, Stinnison." She shakes her head.
Vingold gives a sideways grin at the pretty barmaid. "Long time no see lass, feels good ta be back. I'm sure I could probably find a tip for you somewhere." He chews on his cigar with a chuckle. Vingold's quest for pleasure becomes sidetracked by his quest for knowledge when she mentions a hustler. "Now that ain't right, comin' up on another man's territory! What ye been hearin' 'bout this Stinnison fella?"
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Falla laughs at Vingold's flirty remark, her face turning somewhat red. "I see the miner's brought the ol' charming comedian back with 'em." She turns a little more serious. "Aye, Stinnison.. The dwarf's got his own shop in town, Stinnison's Emporium. Sells sum kinda magical junk, and tried to pass off some kinda plain wooden cane, a staff, I think ya might call it, as though it could move earth." She shakes her head, mumbling to herself "By Torag... Moving earth with a staff... hah!" and continues, "One of the miner's took 'is life savings to buy it. When 'e realized he'd been scammed, well, Stinnison made sumthin up about the miner not being magical enough or some such... No refunds, o'course." She sighs.
"Now, Stinnison's not a bad guy, more of a misguided ol' dwarf who just made some bad decisions, ye know? He's currently tryin' to combat his negative image by sponsoring a team for the competition they're havin', Spring Muddle, 'as he does every year."
Vingold puffs on his cigar unhappily. "Maybe we can take a look at that ol' staff. Sure I can tell what it does. Spring Muddle?"
After recovering from her haunted thoughts, Gigt finally crosses the intervening space between the grounds where things had been set up, and the Lucky Imp.
She headed straight for the door, and moved through like a force of nature... or at least like a rather unwelcome draft from a window, at the very least a distraction. She takes a moment to look over the main room, before her eyes settle on the miner and his fox. She moves to grab two stools from out of the way, hooking her arm through the legs, and moving quickly to join them. She sets down both stools, with a pair of thumps that punctuated her uninvited movements.
Umber, the Dire Bat fluttered down onto it delicately, while Gigt unceremoniously pulled her weight onto it, and then turned on it to look at the miner - though her mask may have made it difficult to determine exactly who she was looking at. "Something Alcoholic, and something fruity for my friend." she finishes, before dropping a gold coin onto the counter, letting her weight settle into the chair.
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"Then it's nae the drink that knocks ya on her arse, it's the fruit it's made of. Maybe ya should bring some wit ya next time an' will see how it 'olds up." Seeing Falia move around the room, unable to take his eyes off her as she danced about the room he smiles. "Yer lookin' lovelier e'ery time a lay eyes on ya lass. The only girl worth settin' eyes on in this place." He smiles like a fool for a second before remembering his company. "Oh, but I'll be having' a plate of spiced p'tatoes an' sausage, an' another pint if ya please."
He follows this up with a stern look at Vingold. Brazen as always. He just nods as Falia explains what has been going on with Stinnison.
Seeing Gigt come in he scoots to the side around the table to make a bit of room, and to move a bit closer to Falia in the process.
For the most part, Yizzik remained quiet and watched the group of dwarves interact, stifling another chuckle from their conversation as he drank at his applejack. More than anything, he was simply enjoying being a part of the group, even if he wasn't involved in the conversation. His amber eyes would dart from one to the other as they spoke, finally speaking up when his miner friend ordered food, unable to resist. "Same for me if you don't mind Miss, though just the food for now, if you don't mind," he asked, giving Falia a smile as he took another swig.
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Falia shakes her head at Vingold, her eyes falling on the empty mugs. "Damn useless cane ended up snapped in half in anger by the same dwarf who bought it. Stinnison nearly got pummeled to death for it." She shrugs. "Not the first time Stinnison did such a thing, ya know." Noticing Gigt, Falia turns to her and picks up the coin she dropped on the counter. "The blacksmith's wife. 'aven't seen you much as of late, 'ow ya been?"
She blushes deeply at Glorgrim's remarks and smiles back at him. "With all that charm, I dunnae how ya keep the other girls off ya..." There's just the tiniest bit of sarcasm in her compliment, and it comes off as mostly sincere. "Now just give me a sec." She runs to the back of the bar for a second to put in the food orders, then heads to to the taps to pour five more drinks. She's fast, so fast that only a minute has past by the time she returns to serve everyone their beverages.
As she's serving, she continues, "I believe old Vingold 'ere 'ad asked about the Muddle. The Spring Muddle is the comptetion we 'ave for the festival. Ya climb up Spinebreaker Mountain, really just a spit o' granite peeking out of the Davarn Reservoir, collectin' flags along the way. The whole time, ya gotta watch out for the other team, they'll tryta just knock ya off!" She grins, getting excited as she remembers watching the contest in previous years. "Get knocked off and ya gotta climb back up. First group to the top takes it all!"
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Glorgrim smiles and stares a bit as she rushes off. What I wouldn't give. He shakes his head and turns back to his present company, "So tell me Gigt, to wha' do I owe the 'onor? It's nae about the iron I take it." He does look back as Falia returns with the food and drink, eyes lingering where they shouldn't for a moment before returning his attention to the blacksmith's wife. He scoots the plate with the sausages closer to Hinata as a peace offering, completely blocking out talk of the Spring Muddle.
Since the others were caught up in small talk with drink and food Hinata moved over to Gigt, or more specifically to Umber, with a curious intent and began to toy with him while the others talked among themselves.
"Fine." Gigt replies, "Save for coming home to a darkened hearth, before falling silent to simply watch the others once more. Once Glorgrim asks why she was there, she figures he understands the implication of her response, but answers anyway. "My husband was not home when I returned, and there looked to be a struggle. The trail was too cold to follow." she says, tersely. "I was hoping to find a trail here."
"And what happens if a team happens to have a flying creature as an ally?" Gigt asks, once the woman had returned with her drink, which is already touching her mouth by the time she's reached the word 'ally'.
The bat stands proudly on its hind legs as it gets attention, tiny nose snuffling the air between itself and the Glabro Kitsune. It's eyes watch her as she moves, clearly the most interesting (or at least, most interested in it) thing in the room. Occasionally, it spreads its wings a little, but for the most part, it holds them as if wearing a mantle.
It was at the mention of the female dwarfs missing husband that drew in the reptiles attention, turning from watching the fox and bat interacting to listen more intently. It certainly didn't sound good, and Yizzik would end up leaning a bit closer to Gigt to speak. "Your husbands missing? Do you think anyone living here had a problem with him enough to take him?" he asked, concern on his voice as he tried to learn more. He'd be willing to help the woman if she needed it, wanting to do good and help anyone he could as he had been in his past.
"Only the other blacksmiths that weren't as good. So... a lot of people." Gigt says, taking another drink. "But nothing that would give reason for him to be taken."
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Glorgrim shakes his head, "I think I see yer reasonin' 'ere lass, but let me stop ya a'fore ya make a fool o' yerself." He sits down his drink and leans forward so as to keep their conversation quiet. "I delivered the shipment as normal, save one thing. When I knocked a' the door I ne'er got an answer, so I took the cart round back and put a tarp o'er it. I jus' assumed 'e 'ad gone off to enjoy the festival." He sighs, "Too many people disappearing o' late, most I wouldn't say I'd miss ta be 'onest, but yer 'usband was, er, is a good man."
He leans back into a normal position and grabbing his fork in an effort to keep things looking normal, no one wants to cause a panic during a festival after all. "We should take a look around, see if we cannae find him a'fore we jump ta too many conclusions though, don'cha think?"
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Falia furrows her brow for a moment, considering Gigt's question. "Well, can't say that's ever 'appened before. I can see this little one 'avin some trouble holdin' onto flags." She curiously looks at the dire bat. "Ya gotta reach the top, but ya also get extra points for collectin' flags along the way, and those points is what makes a winner." She smiles.
She wipes down the table where the group is sitting, lifting each drink in sequence as she cleaned. Some kind of wax coats the underside of the cloth, quickly restoring the wooden table's luster as she cleans. When she's finished, she puts her rag down and turns a little more serious.
"Aye, the disappearances..." She shakes her head, her eyes closed for a moment. "Sorry to hear that. There's sum evil at work, I'm sure of it. Seems the Axebringers are the ones missin'. Coincidentally," She exhales as the name comes up yet again, "Stinnison says he's somehow related to 'em all. 'is grandma's sister is ol' legendary Delbera, I think. Uses the relationship to 'is advantage, even, suppose ya got to to stave off the popular opinion of 'im." Falia rolls her eyes. Turning to Gigt, Falia's lips wrinkle down to a half frown as she offers advice. "Ya should really be seekin' 'em out, if nothing but to ask a couple questions, and perhaps even beat some sense into the fool..." She laughs to lighten up the situation a touch, and with that, she nods to the group and disappears to the other side of the bar, continuing to serve patrons.
Vingold absentmindedly chews on his cigar as Falia gives them the information. As she walks away he grunts and nods. "Thank ye, I might just do that..." He muses. After a moment he snaps to attention. "Right! So you lot look like you're not doing much here, and I bet each one of you has a sense of adventure. What say you come back me up and we ask this Stinnison a few questions?"
"I'd say it sounds like a plan. The games can wait, it would be best that we followed up on this to find Gigt's husband as soon as possible," the Lizardfolk agreed, downing the rest of his drink. He'd lay a pair of gold coins down to pay for his meal and then some before digging into his meal. He ate it quickly, not wanting to waste the good meal while it seemed as if they'd be leaving any moment. He'd grab at his shield when he finished, not wanting to forget it as well.
If she'd allow, Hinata picks up Umber, including her food, and brings her to the group conversation. "Are we leaving?"
Gigt rises, placing another gold piece on the table, figuring that should pay for the bowl which contained the fruits she'd already paid for. "Think I'll do just that. Goban didn't talk much about his family, proud of it, but figured it only mattered if he wasn't making a good name for himself." She grabs her drink and finishes it in one long pull.
She watches Hinata for a moment, face hidden by the mask, but if she's upset, it isn't readily visible. With the first thaw only having just happened, there wasn't much in the way of local fresh fruit, but Umber seemed happy with its selection anyway. It mashes up a grape in its mouth, before chittering once more at Hinata. As she moves to pick him up, he doesn't seem to mind, especially since she brings the bowl with her.
Gigt seems satisfied, as she begins to head for the door. She pauses for a moment, "I don't know where Stinnison lives, so one of you should lead the way, or tell me where to go."
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Glorgrim nods at Hinata's question and stands. He turns around trying to find Falia in the crowd, which doesn't take long, and gives her a wave before calling out, "We'll be off then."
He turns toward the door and starts making his way out, "Odds are he'll be a' his shop this time a day." He pauses at the door for everyone who is going to catch up before walking out.
He then proceeds to walk towards Stinnison's shop, pushing through the small crowds gathered in the streets near stalls. He takes a quick look behind him to make sure his followers are still able to see him as he pushes past some taller folk.
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Falia waves at Glorgrim and the party as they head for the door. "Don't be strangers now! 'Ope to see ya back 'ere soon!"
Led by Glorgrim, the newly formed group of five heads towards Stinnison's Emporium, a much-loved but rarely trusted fixture in the merchant's guild. Located next to the Davarn Reservoir, the shop is small and unassuming, and a wooden sign outside indicates it specializes in "affordable magical solutions," quotation marks included.
The party heads inside the shop to reveal a myriad shelves stocked with various potions, alchemical goods, and other magical items. Behind the front counter stands a dwarven man with long, auburn hair, an enormous smile on his face outlined by a well-kept goatee.
"Welcome, welcome, friends! Five of ya, are there?" He sizes each of you up, looking over you one by one for a moment, before continuing, "Come for the Festival? It just so happens I'm lookin' for five replacements for the Muddle. The lot I had ditched before the final round... Dunno where they went to. Musta been a lot of idiots... And time is runnin' out..." He sighs and looks down for a moment, before realizing he's being rude and suddenly, he perks back up. "In the meantime, I got all kinds of deals! You name it, I got it! Magical brooches, wands that turn water to gold, it's all here! What can I do for ya?!"
Vingold eyes the shop and the man with the smile. Vingold smiles back with a sly grin. "Aye, we might be interested in that. I'd like to see that wand though, water into gold sounds like a good investment." You can't con a conman.
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"Indeed it is! A great investment!" The man reaches beneath the counter and pulls out a short wooden stick adorned with three eagle feathers held on by a piece of rough twine.
"What a wonderful piece this wand 'ere is. Now she only works for about ten minutes in the middle of the night, about two or three, and even then, the moon's got to be a perfect crescent! Ya just gotta take it out, pour some water into an iron pot, wave it over top fourteen times with yer eyes closed and booooOOOM!" He waves his hands in the air, gyrating his fingertips around a few times, "Yer rich!!" He smiles, putting the wand on the counter in front of him for everyone to see.
"Hmm, interesting. Interesting indeed."
"I'd love to see a demonstration sometime, just so that I know I can get it right. How about tonight?"
Yizzik watched the exchange with interest, peaking over Vingolds shoulder as he did business with the other dwarf. He couldn't seriously buy into that malarkey could he? The reptile surely didn't fancy himself a scholar of any magics, but water into gold? Seeing as he had no idea what the crafty bard was up to, the larger warrior would just sit back and remained quiet, a scaled brow cocked up in disbelief. After a moment, he'd give the salesman other 'magic wares' a look over. He had come to do business with dwarves, he hoped only the wand would seem like a ruse.
"Right. You should maybe wave the stick over your own cauldron to get rich." she nods to Glorgrim as he explains that some things are more important than gold. "My Husband is amongst the latest to go missing. What do you know about this?"
Umber looked in the direction of the salesman dwarf, before sneezing, and finally going back to eating her fruit.
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Stinnison smiles as Vingold answers him, thinking he's won him over. "Aye, it would be my pleasure! I'm not sure about the moon cycles tonight, but surely we can figure somethin' out." He looks off for a moment, plotting what to do next as he thinks of how he might continue to fool Vingold.
His face falls when Glorgrim and Gigt mention the disappearances. "So that's why you're here." He places his palms open in front of him, "I dunnae what's going on. Really 'aven't got a clue. Other than your husband, one of my nephew's 'as also not been around. Been about a week now." He shakes his head. "I'm not sure if he just decided to up and go on an adventure. Per'aps he joined the Pathfinder Society. Always was a bit of a traveler. It's possible nothin' bad 'appened at all, y'know? And what if that's also true with the blacksmith?" He seems honest in his words and doesn't appear to be hiding anything. He does seem to be in a bit of a rush, as he's already begun to move his items from the counter to a safe-like container as if he's closing shop.
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Stinnison stops packing up for a moment. "Yer right, I wouldn't pass up a sale! So here's what I got today," He says, pointing to a sign.
"Now listen, I'm real short on time 'ere, I only stopped by in case the odd tourist walked in, or five of 'em, but I need your help."
He walks out from behind the counter. "The Spring Muddle is startin' real soon. I know we just met, and I know you may not care for contests," He looks at Gigt in particular, "But you and I are both Axebringers. We need to stick together! And the rest o' ya just got this ... resourceful look about ya. I'm sure you'd do well! So 'elp me out. I'll pay your entry fee, you join the Spring Muddle. You win some prizes, ol' Luther here looks juuuuust a touch better for sponsorin' a team... And after we're done, we'll all sit down and talk about disappearances and what not sum more." He pleads with the group, desperation in his voice. "My cousin will also be there, but competin' on the other team. Ye can ask her about everything too once we're done." His eyes are wide as he holds his palms out. "Whatta ya say?!"
"Done. But you stay somewhere visible." Gigt responds, as she moves back to the side of the door.
Meanwhile, Umber chirps a few times, looking up at the furry fox-girl, hands and legs clinging to clothes as it closes its eyes for a nap.
Vingold worries at his cigar and leans in. "Are you telling us that you know the information we want, and ye won't tell it to us till we play in your local games?" He blows out a smoke ring, then grins. "Aye, sounds like a fine deal to me. Wasn't planning on missing out anyhow."
"I suppose if it gets us the information we need. Besides, these games sound kind of fun!" Yizzik would say happily, giving a little shrug at first as he sat back from the counter. He had seen an item or two that caught his interested, but he'd wait until after these little games were won. More than anything, he was happy to official be a member of this group, and was ready to prove himself to them all how reliable he could be.
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Luther smiles broadly. "Thank ya, ya won't regret it!" He offers handshakes to everyone, and then turns to the door. "Now, follow me!"
He leads the party outside of his shop, quickly locking the door behind him and walking towards the Davarn Reservoir. The festival grounds begin to thin out as most attendees line up along the rope barrier surrounding this reservoir. An angry-looking spur of granite pokes up from the water, carved into a spiraling obstacle course marked with poles, logs, and ropes.
The crowd bursts into cheers as the other semifinalist team and defending champions, the Davarn Chokers, approach the starting line. Their dwarven leader, Erna Stoneheart, waves to the crowd as they shout her name. Her teammates follow suit, waving and smiling as the chant of "Chokers! Chokers!" rises above the general cheering.
The course is outfitted with climbing nets and towers, balance beams, swinging ropes over the river, and red flags. A large bat familiar hangs lazily from a perch near the starting line, clutching an additional red silk flag.
"Here we are!" He slips an unknown amount of gold to a stocky dwarf who seems to be managing enrolment. "These five'll be enterin' to replace my cousins.. Still can't believe the idiots dropped out before the finals.. Now it's one cousin left, and she's on the wrong team!" He shakes his head with a frown on his face. "Alright lads and ladies, starting line is right there!" He points to where the bat is. "Are ya ready?!" His voice is loud and excited, and he's unable to contain himself as he hops around on each foot.
The young reptilian would clip his hurls to his back, needing it to stay secure as well as keep his axe from falling off as well. He'd give a few stretches as worked out his joints, giving a hiss of pleasure when a few popped in just the right way. He seemed ready to go, moving to the starting point as his tail slapped the ground once or twice. Inwardly, he prayed to the voice of Apsu to watch him find the way, turning to his new group with a grin.
"We can do this! Keep an eye out on each other and we'll win this!" he stated, his voice drippin with excitement as he flexed his claws for the climb.
Hinata is far too distracted by all the new shiny things to be bothered with the mans sells pitch as she looks around the room, changing between each item to quickly to be actually know what anything does but they looked pretty, her ears perk up at the mention of the contests."Games?"
Hinata quickly moves to the starting line as her eyes dart between their competition eager to start the game.
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Glorgrim sighs as he moves into place at the edge of the reservoir, "I 'ope yer all ready ta get wet." He shakes his head and looks out across the water to the course. "'opefully we won't be takin' more than two dips in the drink."
He eyes the bat familiar with the flag before turning to Gigt. "Ya might' wan' ta have yer little pet go after tha' one."