Seeing Leroy's consternation, Khaz continued:
"If you would be so kind as to converse in our tongue, it would be appreciated. My brother, Leroy, does not speak common. With that said, did I hear you right when you said Thassilon? My knowledge of history is not what it could be, but I seem to remember that Empire falling before Earthfall, and the quest for sky. What makes you think that there is anything left here in Sandpoint to find, when whatever ruins were here would have been picked clean ages ago?"
Khaz, and anyone else with Knowledge history may make a knowledge roll to see what they know of ancient Thassilon.
"I'm familiar with some of Thassilon; it was a kingdom ruled by a powerful wizard. All I remember is that he used magic to enslave dragons and giants, among other things, to built the empire."
Parii, I'm sorry, I should have been more clear, but if you don't have a rank in a knowledge you can't roll for it unless the GM says that you can, as it is a trained only skill. I was asking for those trained in Knowledge (history) to roll. Also, that will be about all you have heard about it, from various sources.
Khaz, that roll will give you about all the information you already wrote down, as I am ruling that having Knowledge history gives you a basic general knowledge of the times from just before earthfall forward.
That sounds fine. None of you know anything more about Ancient Thassilon by the way.
"So then, are you working on this alone? And why is a paladin such as yourself looking for something best left to scholars?"
"Ma'am, we may know nothing of the knowledge you seek, but if you need a safe place to stay, you're more than welcome to lay your bedroll with ours. We may not be a font of academic or historical knowledge, but if there is anything within my means for which I can assist, you need only ask. If you'd rather go your own way I can respect that, though you're still welcome to our humble lodgings for the night. I had no intentions here beyond seeing the festival and the new temple, but I suspect there are events occuring in this town that may call for action. I'd think a Paladin would be just the type of person this town needs, assuming my suspicions are correct. Perhaps you could join us in finding out, and perhaps we will find the answers you seek along the way."
As time slowly rolls by, the Burning Mother begins her descent, and Castrovel can now be seen in the sky.
Parii notices the sun setting. "Oh, it seems we've conversed longer than I thought. As for your offer, good sir, I will be delighted in laying my bedroll with yours. I also plan to stay for the festival, but after that I am not sure where else I can depart to. I may stay a few more days until I decide where else I can go."
As the group walked back towards the tavern, Khaz fell back to walk beside Leroy, waiting for a time when Parii and Grizmark were talking to each other. He said in a low voice, hoping that none buy Leroy would hear:
"Not sure that I like this. This gnome says she is a paladin, but what is a paladin of Kelinahat doing poking around looking for old ruins? Ruins, I must add, that have apparently gone undisturbed for thousands of years. If she is getting help in this, she hasn't said. And if she's doing it alone, then there must be something down there that a paladin wants to kill. What do you make of this?"
"A good day it's been then, I like new beginnings. Would care to join us for dinner as well? Not sure what to expect for tavern fare in these parts, but I myself and hungrier than a newborn goblin"
Khaz put his hand on Leroy's shoulder and nodded. "Aye lad, your right. I'd bet copper to bronze that there are undead down there as well who need dealing with too. And indeed, lost ruins do mean profit." Their conversation ended as they reached the tavern.
In response to Grizmark, Khaz strode forward, suddenly rejoining the group conversation. "We can expect the finest piss-water that mankind can brew, I'm sure of it. But let's go in, eat, and drink in toast to new friends." As he said the last part he nodded at Parii and walked inside to grab a table.
"Uh, piss-water?" Parii asked, raising an eyebrow, "Why not some clean water? Or even some ale?"
"Lass...I say piss water, because you won't find any real ale brewed outside of the mountains. But don't worry, I'm sure that the innkeeper will have something close to what we'd call ale."
"Innkeeper! We'll be havin' us some ale, n' some food! What be ye carryin'?"
"Ah, I see. I've had some dwarven ale before-not good for my head, I'll tell you that."
"Yes, some good ale for me please."
Grizark looks to the innkeeper and ask politely,
"A modest pint and a steak if ye will. Fresh bread and cheese if ye have it."
After sitting, to the gnome:
"I hate ta talk yer ear off, but its pretty borin' talkin' ta these two oafs. Known them most of me life, despite tryin' ta distance myself from me clan in persuit of faith. Which leads me ta ask ye, I'm curious what drew ye ta take up a sword for yer god? I've been happy as simple man of faith, helpin' and healin' where I ken, but I must confess bein' rather allured ta tha... martial aspects of faith. But perhaps that's just me dwarf blood, lookin' for a fight instead of philosophy."
The Hag-fish carries an impressive display of alcoholic products for a small port-connected tavern. this is due to the owner buying good ales as he sees them on ships, and then selling them for a higher price than normal. but as he is the only way to get these superior ales and beers, without making the oft dangerous land trip to Magnimar, many of the locals let it slide.
He has common ale, as is described in the core rulebook, and common beer, which is half the cost of the ale, but in addition to that there are these drinks to choose from.
Dwarven Rot-gut: A dwarven whiskey made from mushrooms. - Not for the faint of heart. 5 sp per shot, 2 Gp per bottle
Elven liquor: a softer product, but with plenty of alcohol inside. It is often mixed with fruits to produce pleasant tasting, but highly intoxicating daiquiri. 1 Gp with fruit, 5 Sp straight. 2 gp for a bottle.
Dwavern Ale: A fine ale, promenietly aclaimed by many around the world as the finest ale ever produced. This is the pride of all dwarves everywhere. double the cost of normal ale.
Wizard's brew: A distilled liquor mixed with herbs, it has mind altering affects which many old sailors enjoy drinking after being at sea without any available drugs for a while. 1 Gp per shot
and
The Gnomish mixer: A blend of three random alcoholic products on the list above, with a little bit of a "mystery brew" kept in a special keg on the counter. So named as it is different every time one orders it. 5 Sp
Other food prices are as listed in the core rulebook
"Cancel tha pint me good man, I kinna resist havin' a Gnomish Mixer, in light of our company this evenin'."
Sorry, Just noticed that. I'll edit it real quick.
Khaz left Grizmark and Parii to talk, reckoning that a man of faith like him would get along better with the paladin. Instead he ordered a full gallon of Dwarven Ale (4sp) and a meal consisting of stew (with whatever kind of meat was freshest), bread and cheese (3sp), telling the innkeeper to take if off the tab he already started for himself. Turning to Leroy he said "I've got myself a gallon of real ale. While those two talk about their surface gods, what do you say we have some fun? Order yourself a gallon, and the last one to finish pays for it all."
Your Gnomish mixer happens to be a rather strong smelling foamy mix. It tastes a little like the mushrooms from the fungal farms from back home, but it also has a sweeter side, tempered by the familiar flavors of good dwarvish ale.
P.s. Khaz, those prices would be correct.
"Here is a gold piece for the lot, and you can keep the change."
The barkeep accepts the tip gratefully.
note: for an easier connection to the page Khaz referenced: click here.
The fungal flavors of the rot-gut burns down your throat. Make a fortitude save.
"Suit yourself. But I've got a gallon to myself, so don't bite off more than you can chew."
There will be no brawl tonight unless you'll start one, which will likely get you kicked out. The barkeep runs a clean place, and as such many of the lowlife slink off to the Fatman's Feedbag, the most notorious tavern in town, as the barkeep likes his normal patronage, and being on the good side of the law, he keeps his place free of brawlers and bounces any who try to come back.
"Some of the Gnomish mixer, a slice of your finest meat and some cheese please," Parii smiled, handing the barkeep the price.
She then looked to Grizmark and smiled, "I found Kelinahat during my early days of wanderlust, and I discovered that many of my cousins were a part of the faith. So, I decided to take up She of Ebon Wing's sword and faith, and have been trying to find my place in this world with her guidance."
Your drink is an odd, but pleasant mixture of bitter herbs overtoned with sweet fruit. Make a will save please
I presume no-one really wants to get thrown out of the bar on their first night, and as such, if you guys wish, we could proceed to the next morning when the festivals activities begin...
Yeeehaw!
Grizmark rises with the dawn to meditate and prepare spells for the day. I'm going to look over list and will let you know if I make any changes.
Parii yawns, and stretches as she gears up, taking a bit of time to straighten up her hair a little. She doesn't spend too long with it, just long enough to make it clean.
Ok, then here we go…
The Swallowtail festival begins promptly as scheduled in the morning of the autumn equinox. It is held, as it is every year, in front of the church building, (the largest structure on the map given in the players guide.) The square in front of which quickly becomes packed with people just before the opening ceremonies. A woman steps up on a platform which was prepared the night before, and starts right into her speech. This happens to be Mayor Deverin, the third mayor of the small town.
The crowd is clearly buzing with excitement.
The Sheriff’s demeanor and words clearly numbs the excitement of the crowd, but the mayor imeaditly steps up to the plate"Sorry folks, but our next speaker, Mr. Kiajitsu came down with a cold, and will not be here today." There is little response from the crowd. "But, Sandpoint’s own Cyrdak Drokkus has agreed to fill his role for the proceedings." There is much applause as a handsome 30-some year old man steps up on to the platform.
As the riotous applause dies down the mayor steps up front once more, having been off to the side of the platform, as Drokkus steps off the stage. "Thank you Drokkus, for that excellent recap of these past five years. And now, for our last speaker, Father Zantus has a few choice words he would like to share with us."
There are numerous activities with which to pass you time, including sack races, weight lifting challenges, balance-beams, tug-o’-war, and even an eating contest. How would you like to spend your morning?
"Well, I can't out-eat Leroy, nor lift rocks like Khaz. I think I'll try my hand at tug-o-war. Good luck lads and lass, perhaps we'll meet for lunch.'
Grizmark makes his way to wherever the tug-o-war game is taking place and will participate.
Khaz will go with Leroy to watch the contest and to translate for his kinsman. While there he will chat with people in the crowd.
Khaz may also read the spoiler written above.
Parii, not sure what to truly do, decided to follow Grizmark to the tug-of-war and maybe find something else to do.