"You two really know how to take the wind out of my sails! I just hope they don't take their frustrations out on anyone in the mean time. Let us return the wagon then my friends. Who wants to drive?"
You turn the wagon about, and return to the two men in the road. The injured one is standing now, a bandage across his forehead.
"Well kiss me and call me Chelish. You got our wagon back!"
They both beam at you, tears in their eyes.
"Glad we could help gentlemen! We tracked them down swiftly and it was only a matter of time before the drunken robbers realized they were no match for Alexander Edwin LaCroix! Oh, and these guys too."
"In all seriousness, that's Toban, Satinder, and the man we call Hez. We hope the rest of your journey is easy, just a warning though we had a small run in with a goblin on our way here so I'd try and make it there ASAP without too much camping if at all possible."
Satinder gives the men a curt nod. "Next time, hire guards. Two men in armor with spears in hand will give most bandits pause, and it'll save you a bloody lip and wasting someone else's time retrieving your goods. Good day."
"Again, thank you, good sirs!" The men mount up and depart to the south.
As the wagon begins to pull away, Hezekiah snorts softly, "Yes, a couple of drunken buffoons were no match for Alexander Edwin LaCroix - so long as he had three more men with him. Part of me should want to see your self-puffery get punctured. On the other hand, I don't know if it would be you anymore."
Toban glares at Xander while he talks, having a good mind to smack his friend upside the head. "With that over lets get back to Sandpoint so we can report those two idiots to the sheriff."
"They'll no doubt make it back to Magnimar before nightfall, given the fact that they have horses."
Satinder snorts and returns to where he hid his traveling chest.
“Hello travelers.” I hail them all to avoid any alarm to my approach.
”Satinder, I have sought you many miles. This company you keep does not appear to be in the employ of the watch, and you’re out of uniform. I heard ill rumor of your career as your peers turned me away. I come with news about my father…the evidence you sought after before I believe.” I look to Satinder, hopeful and desperate that he recalls me and to remind him because when he last saw me my hair was not dread locked, nor nearly so long. “I am Jarek Prath, if the years have bleed me from your memory.”
Satinder grasps Jarek's hand, and he smiles. "Well met, Jarek! It has been to long." His smile fades quickly though, his mouth pulling into a grim line. "I regret to inform you that whatever rumors you have heard are likely true. I have been removed from my post in Magnimar, and no longer have any jurisdiction there. Still, I would hear this news of your father! Perhaps you can travel with us to Sandpoint, and share your news over a pint of ale at the Rusty Dragon?"
Jarek broods grimly, "Well I hate delaying. I know this is urgent, after these years...how far to Sandpoint?" Jarek is clearly dissatisfied at having to wait, and uncomfortable discussing such personal matters among strangers.
The trip to Sandpoint takes the rest of the day. Along the way, Satinder introduces Hez, Toban and Xander to Jarek. You all share stories, discuss the wine in Magnimar, talk of the harvest, and other topics in a fast-paced, bantering fashion.
The young man with the dread-locks is quiet, and grim, and yet seems as fringe as any of you. Toban is very curious about the make of Jarek's sword. Xander is intrigued by his grace, and the way he seems to flow even when walking. Hez is fascinated by the dedication to the martial form that Jarek appears to have embraced. "To study, whether in the mind or in a book, is still learning, and fascinating to me"
You find these four off-putting. You feel uncomfortable with just how comfortable you are around them, and even find yourself smiling. When you actually join in the banter by telling the joke you'd heard on the trip north, you can hardly believe your own ears.
"'A troll a goblin and a dragon are in a tavern. The dragon asks them what do you think it would be like if I ate you? The Goblin said, you’d have the squirts for a month! The troll said...'" You trail off.
When asked what the rest of the joke was, Jarek explained that was all he'd heard, the group had passed him on the highway, and he hadn't heard the rest of it.
The five of you laugh till your sides hurt, all the way back home.
To Sandpoint.
"Ah, good old Sandpoint. Just think Hez, Ameiko is within walking distance! Still, it is good to be here. Thanks for accompanying me everyone, it was a great trip!"
At the mention of Ameiko within a distance to actually see and speak to, Hez suddenly develops a strange coughing fit. "Confounded road dust."
When the company reaches Sandpoint, he parts ways with his friends, promising to see them soon, and heads for his home to get clear of the road dust. Before long, he's stopped by the Academy and Broder Quink's house. While he's walked past the Rusty Dragon several times (even when it wasn't precisely on the way) he has not gone in.
"Sure blame it on the road dust" Toban says clapping his friend on the back. As they enter town he turns to his friends "Well I'm going to the sheriffs office to let him know the best of the town guard has returned and to let him know what happened on the road today. I'm then going to check in on the kitten to make sure my cousins haven't gotten in any trouble I need to fix." With that he will bid his farewells and set off on his business.
"A fine journey indeed. I'll have blisters for weeks!" He grins ruefully and clasps Xander's hand. "Do try not to get in too much trouble before you take your leave, friend. I'll see you during the festival, I'm sure."
He turns to Jarek and claps him on the shoulder. "I thank you for your patience. If I may offer, my apartment is nearby. I have an appointment with my washbasin, and I want to hear this news of yours."
”Farewell all. Thank you for the...company. Yes, Satinder, let’s hurry there. You’ll want to see this before you refresh.”
Jarek follows Satinder to his apartment in silence. Keeping to Satinder's side, and a half step behind him the entire way.
Satinder studies the writing, tapping a finger against his lip. "How very strange. You see, this section here--" he gestures to one set of scribbles, "--seems to be the same alphabet used by giants, whereas here--" he points to another section, "--he's using runes of some sort. Very strange, indeed."
He glances over the writing again, then sighs and lowers the page. "I'm afraid I can't make heads or tails of it, though. I'm sorry."
Broder greets you with an opened arm hug, laughing with you, and asking about your "discoveries" in Magnimar. You share them with him, but all too soon you both find yourself avidly discussing similarities between the destroyers of Rovagug, and Zutha, the Runelord of Gluttony.
You leave his place with a belly full of hot cocoa, well past sunset.
Returning to your home, you find the front door slightly ajar.
So, what has Jarek discerned thus far? Along line of something like:
"Jarek_____ and________ I was on the __________ headed __________________ in the ________________ when that bastard ___________ showed up and said ________________________________________. That's why it's imperative ___________ you _____________________________________ and _________________. -Dads name". Or not even that clear?
There are some fans loitering about. Three or four young ladies titter near the entrance to the theater when you arrive.
Satinder thinks for a moment, then brightens. "Well yes, actually, I do! Master Aumvar, the student that was travelling with us! I believe that ancient runes are a study of his, or at least a hobby."
He considers the washbasin, then sighs and turns to the door instead. "Well, let's not waste any time. I do hope he's not too busy."
Everyone - Click -> Your home, Sandpoint.
He looks up, surprised and annoyed. "Toban. You come strolling in here? What is the meaning of this?"
Hezekiah comes up short at his door. He peers at it for a moment as though the door might leap out and attack him. He then pushes it open with his staff and peers inside.
Hez's Perception roll:
"Hello?"
Your entry room and living room are before you, shrouded in darkness.
"While I was gone, anything interesting happen? How are things down at the Kitten? I'm sure you've been in there to check up on things." he says making quotes with his fingers.
Arcane Performer rolls
Perform Acting Checks, DC 10 for cantrips
Cast 1 for flower.
Cast 2 for confetti effect.
"Good day to you, lovely ladies! Would any of you like a personal tour of the theater? I could use some help with my lines too...Perhaps one of you have the makings of an actress!"
Diplomacy
(Assuming the charming trait applies here.)I will also use seducer's eyes as a swift action (from my lust sin).
An unpleasant voice speaks from behind you. "Oh, Hemlock knows about Verik, boy." You turn to see Vin Vendor standing near the wall behind you. "Verik was working for me! He was protecting my shipment for the general store, the shipment you and your incompetent friends helped hijack!"
He tags along with Satinder. Still moving lithely but now a touch quicker, matching pace alongside him, extremely anxious to have an objective to see to.
Casting light on the tip of his staff, Hezekiah steps into his house.
Hello? Is someone here?
He sweeps through his house, refusing to jump at shadows...unless, of course, they jump at him.
"If there is someone in here, you'd best show yourself."