Journey to the Jade Empire - A Jade Regent Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Aeshuura

Town Map

The streets of Sandpoint are bustling with activity. On one street, three red mastiffs lounge in front of the Red Dog Smithy (15), as the tell-tale ringing of Das Korvut's hammer on anvil echoes out the door. On another, the women of the Pixie's Kitten wave down to passerby's, unlike the usual harlot, actually genuine in their friendship.

As the sun hits high noon, Ameiko Kaijitsu opens the Rusty Dragon (37), saying a happy hello to Hayliss Korvaski, the owner of the Sandpoint Boutique (41), as she sweeps dirt out of her shop across Market Street.

Titus rises out of bed and stretches. Having slept in a bed rather than a bunk or the back of a wagon for the first time since he was a small child he was unsure of what to do for the rest of the day.

Well, I guess in order to find something to do, I'll have to leave the room first thing.

He wanders downstairs to the common room of the Rusty Dragon, greeting Ms. Kaijitsu as he walks past, and makes his way toward the coastal side of town.

As he turns the corner onto market street, Julen slides past Titus en route to the Rusty Dragon.

If only the hounds in my stomach would cease with their howling

"Fair Ameiko, I am in need of good fare, good ale, and an ear lent to my ails before I am spent." he calls out.

G'morning to ye, Sir Titus, the young tavern owner smiles as Titus leaves, and then she disappears into the Rusty Dragon.

--

G'morning Jules, Ameiko laughs, Have a seat, Bethana will get your ale, and I'll be back with a plate. What has your mood bent this day?

The middle-aged halfling woman that tends the bar at the Dragon sets down a mug that she was wiping out and hops on the bar, pulling a clean mug down and deftly crouching to fill it at one of the taps. Heads up, young master Julen!

The frothy mug slides down the bar, coming to a stop a mere foot from Julen's bar stool.

hey just found this but I am off to my F2F game will check it out when I get back

Nikolia had already been up for an hour by the time the others got themselves up and moving. He cleaned the Hagfish's floors and tables, making sure that they were ready for when the few people who actually came in for lunch. The work wasn't enjoyable, but it gave him time to think through the day ahead of him. He had a few errands to run before his work tonight, but other than that the day was his for the taking.

He took his leave of the Hagfish and took out into the just dawning day. The sun was barely over the horizon and already people were bustling about the streets of the sleepy little town he had come to call home. He smiled and waved to people as they all started to move through their day. Merchants began moving their goods out where passer's could see them, a few hunters brought back the few kills they were lucky enough to bag early in the day, and a few children were already running through the streets chasing each other in small games that Nikolia hadn't played in years. He said hello to almost everyone he passed and while not everyone returned his warm smile, he wasn't deterred from continuing it.

He walked down to Market Street towards the Rusty Dragon. His other chores could wait for a bit. As he passed down the street, he noticed a small poster put up on one of the buildings. Apparently, Sheriff Hemlock was starting the bounty on goblins again. Nikolia pulled the poster off the building and deposited it into his belt pouch. He might have use of that later.

He continued down the street until he came to the Rusty Dragon. He headed for the door, just as a man was coming out. He didn't recognize the man, but he smiled and said, "Good morning, Sir." just the same. He walked in the front door and immediately saw Ameiko behind the bar. He smiled and waved to her before looking around the room. He gave a small frown when he didn't see Shalelu there. Apparently she was still out in the wild. He whipped the frown off his face headed towards the bar to sit down next to another man he had never seen before. He chuckled and said, "It's a little early in the morning to be drinking, don't you think?" He adjusted his scimitar on his hip so he sit at the bar and took the seat next to him.

It's High Noon, right??? Jeez. I went from Aeshuura's original post.

Julen's face cracks into a wide grin and he turns away from the newcomer for the moment.

Thank you mistresses, thank you. For tis not often foreigners receive such welcome or keep it so long.

He has only enough joy to support the smile for a flashing moment before it begins to fade.

In truth, my thoughts and wishes bend again toward Taldor, and my Dorothea shall depart with them on the wind 'fore long.
I am at last forsaken or in nearest future shall be.

Here, he turns to Nikolai.

But you are the Hagfish boy, are you not? I have ever thought you were too well kept for the place. Welcome, welcome to the dragon, have a seat here at the bar, lad.

Some Context: The concept I had for this character was that he's been in and around Sandpoint for at least a year. He came with his wife from Taldor. The marriage ended some months ago, and now (why not?) she is finally leaving town. I only hope this is palatable to everyone.

Arriving a few minutes late Lou hurries in through the kitchen door of the Rusty dragon.

He slips on his apron and does a quick check to see if he was missed.

then a quick check of the food on the stove. Lou adds some more fuel to the cooking fires then steps to the common room to check on the crowds.

looking for a familiar faces to know what meals to prepare.

Looks like that boy from the Hagfish is here, I believe he always liked the stew.

Lou heads back into the kitchen and grabs a bowl. he then adds his secret spice blend to liven it up juts enough.

Slipping back into the common room he heads over to Nikolia, Here ya go, one of my signature dishes. You hear anything from my sister? I figured she would head back to the hagfish when she returned.

since this takes place after Rise of the runelords, Lou's sister was out on that adventure. she steeled somewhere else by now but Lou always hopes she would come back and visit

Lou has lived in Sandpoint his whole life. his sister went out on an adventure (Rise of the Runelords AP) anyone that spends thier time at the Rusty Dragon, knows Lou. and his "signature recopies"

Titus nods to the man he passes as he walks out the door. He makes his way to the ocean and looks at the waves for a while.
I don't know what I thought looking at the ocean would do for me. I guess the poets who write sonnets about finding themselves in the ocean and comparing it to women with odd names have some sort of disconnect from any experience I've had. I wonder if that makes me odd or them?
Failing to find a sense of purpose in staring contemplatively at the ocean, Titus decides to meander on back to the inn where he had first risen, still wondering what to do with the rest of his day.

I assume this is Lou's sister?

This one and his sister fashion the greatest twin of contrasts
Julen nods to Lou and checks to make sure Ameiko isn't close by before whispering, Now Lou, if you sought out your sister you may yet have some luck, but Ms. Kaijutsu's legs demand more than your luck to unlock.

Julen clears his throat before proceeding with a pattern of nervous glances around the Dragon. Indeed, do you truly wish for your sister's return? For your soul is safer here in the Rusty Dragon's maw. Safest place for fifty leagues, until your sister should come back to town.

Lou's sister features fairly prominently in his backstory. If you have been here for a year, you have been around for some of her heroics. From the goblin assault at the Swallowtail Festival almost two years ago, to an attack by stone giants last month, she is a fierce pugilist with a fire in her belly!

Did I miss anything, Lou?

What IS he doing? It's like a boat but... not.

He decides that if nothing else watching this weird new activity will be amusing until breakfast.

Lou's sister features fairly prominently in his backstory. If you have been here for a year, you have been around for some of her heroics. From the goblin assault at the Swallowtail Festival almost two years ago, to an attack by stone giants last month, she is a fierce pugilist with a fire in her belly!

Did I miss anything, Lou?

that is about right

She sounds like a cool character. My impression is that she is a hero and a firebrand. As such she would be apt to get in trouble, right? If that's the case, I stand by what I had Julen say.
If she is a pugilist who had ties to szcarni boxing and such, maybe Julen thinks she is more trouble than she is worth. Feel free to disabuse him of the notion.
I had him say what he said so we can either talk about Lou and Ameiko or Lou's sister.
It is much more fun to work all this out in character though, yes?

Sorry about that. I guess that's what I get for skimming through when I go to actually write. I'll try to stick to the script from now on.

Nikolia had just sat down when Lou came into the room bringing him a bowl of stew. Other than searching for Shalelu from time to time, Lou's cooking was the reason Nikolia stopped into the Rusty Dragon often. He nodded in thanks to the cook and turned to the other man at the bar. "That I am, sir. Nikolia Guaril, pleased to meet you," he extended his hand to shake the man's own and continued, "I like it there and the people are nice enough. Plus you don't always want to stay where you work. Your views tend to be less crowded that way." he gave a small frown to the man and said, "I'm sorry to hear 'bout your family. Things like that could bring a man to drink anytime a day."

He turned again to face Lou and said, "Sadly, no. I haven't seen her since the giant attack nearly a month ago. I'll keep an eye out for her, though, and let you know if she turns up." He liked Lou's sister when she was here, and even though she could be a bit of a brute some times, she was always nice to Nikolia. He envied her bravery during the giant attack along with her companions. Yes, it has been whispered that she had less than legal associates, but Nikolia still believed that she was good somewhere inside her.

Nikolia became incredibly interested in his stew when he heard the man say that Lou would be better without her. He knew how close Lou was with his sister, and didn't know how he would react to the man. He hoped he wouldn't have to take his lunch to a corner away from an argument because there were still a few things he would like to ask Ameiko first.

I assume this is Lou's sister?

This one and his sister fashion the greatest twin of contrasts
Julen nods to Lou and checks to make sure Ameiko isn't close by before whispering, Now Lou, if you sought out your sister you may yet have some luck, but Ms. Kaijutsu's legs demand more than your luck to unlock.

Julen clears his throat before proceeding with a pattern of nervous glances around the Dragon. Indeed, do you truly wish for your sister's return? For your soul is safer here in the Rusty Dragon's maw. Safest place for fifty leagues, until your sister should come back to town.

Lou laughs at the comment. apparently he agrees to a point.

She is a handful most of the time. anyway you want some of the stew? or you up for some of my special Kasuri family recipe chicken?

Lou seemiong to want to change the subject.

Lou pauses to give a smile to Amieko as she walks by.
Luck is all I've got right now he whispers after Amieko passes by.

Ameiko smiles and responds quietly, You got friends.

The young owner of the inn pulls up a stool next to the nearby window and begins strumming her koto. Within minutes, she has moved beyond casual strumming into a performance for just the few of you within the bar.

Titus reenters mid performance and walks up to Lou, he stands close and speaks softly, trying hard not to disrupt everyone's enjoyment.

Mr. Kasuri, could I get some of that stew, please? Thank you.

He sits down a couple seats away from where the others are sitting, and quietly eats and listens to Ameiko's playing. When she finishes he asks everyone in the bar and nobody in particular about the strange man he had seen at the beach and what this strange pastime was.

Ameiko chuckles a bit to herself, Ah, you are probably referring to Kyrthe. He's a waterman in every sense of the word. I think he's got a connection with the sea like no one I have ever seen.

Those that have lived here for an extended amount of time at least know of him. He is, in effect, a water druid and accomplished surfer. He seems odd and has more friends of the animal persuasion than humanoid. Kyrthe has a deep appreciation for anyone that cares for the ocean.

Nikolai and Julen shake hands, and Julen admires the lad's strong grip. Then, Ameiko returns and Julen accepts a plate already heaped with Lou's famous chicken. After picking up his fork with a half-hearted chuckle he says,
"I think our proprietor has properly provisioned me for the afternoon. Already ordered, don't you know. Thank you, Ameiko. Thank you Lou it looks superb."
He checks to make sure Ameiko and Mistress Bethana aren't listening before he passes another whisper to Lou and Nikolai,
"Lou, it is a sorry affliction. I would mark her adventuring more than anything, as it has certainly marked her."
No longer whispering, Julen continues
"I will help the best you like, of course."

Next the Taldane man turns his melancholy attention to Nikolai,
"Family? Gods' justice, no. Not for a long time. It's been just the wife and I for a while now. And now it is just I.
Here he pauses for a sip of ale.
"Mark me now, I wouldn't touch the sour Varisian wines, and if you drink the water you may well be touched. After all, foul things fester in wells that do well not to suffer clean streams."
Julen turns to the bar and looking for Bethana calls out,
"But our lady Bethana may yet prove me wrong on all acounts, if she should ever find a good Opparan red, I will be impoverished as well as forsaken," and then he sets to cleaning his plate.

The halfling woman smiles and heads down to the wine cellar, returning fairly quickly, I apologize, good sir, our shipment of Opparan stock has not arrived yet, but I have a Galtan Sauvignon, if that'll do...

He certainly seemed connected to the ocean, even from a distance I could tell that there was nothing else he would rather be doing.

Titus' face falls back to his bowl, having returned to his own thoughts. Ameiko, Lou, and anyone else who has seen him in the Dragon regularly since he arrived in Sandpoint three days ago will recognize that his usual mood is quiet and contemplative, as it is now.

I wonder if I ever had that sort of look to me. That aura that people have when they're doing what they love and can feel passionate about. Did I ever have that face in my old life? I wonder if I've ever felt as passionately about anything as that man feels about the waves. Do any of these people have something that they like like he does? Could I tell? Does having that passion make someone happy? If it does, can someone be happy without it? How does one find something that makes them feel that way?

Ameiko laughs, He certainly loves spending time there! I don't think I have ever seen him anywhere else, since he moved here two years ago.

The young innkeep's smile fades ever so slightly, but returns her attention to her exotic stringed instrument.

quick post .... busy day will back tonight

Julen finishes his meal and mops himself up. "A shame to be sure, Bethana. Thank you and know your efforts are not wasted. For I now know I must arrive to darken other doors if I am to discover Dorothea a gift."

Lucky girl can ride back on the winds and rewrite her mistake below the sentinels of Cassomir. While my father still stands, I will not see home so easily. I must wish her well.

"Though I envy her freedom, I cannot help but spoil her. Does any free lady or lord know where the Taldane spirits are hid about this berg? For the poor slave, me, by my soul knows not."

Ameiko frowns a bit, You know Cyrdak, may be pompous enough to have bottles of Opparan Red in his private stash.

Lou serves his cooking and helps with serving some drinks.

Slipping an occasional sip for himself.

Stopping to admire Amieko's playing.

Taking a break lou takes a seat to enjoy a few drinks of his own

who is Cyrdak?

Cyrdak? Crydak? The Jewler?

Bethana chimes in with an impish grin, Cyrdak Drokkus, the pompous windbag that owns the Sandpoint Theatre!

Waiting until Ameiko heads to the kitchen, clearing some empty plates, Bethana continues, 'Meiko and the poofsack had a run-in back in Magnimar, in her 'venturing days. They have never been "fond" of each other since.

The mention of her "adventuring days" makes you wonder. Ameiko is maybe 20 summers in age, hardly a veteran adventurer's age...

At the mention of Ameiko's adventuring days, Titus perks up momentarily.

"Adventuring days"? Is she an elf and I didn't notice? She's barely old enough to be serving wine and you're telling me she's had "adventuring days"? You're making me feel old, maybe I should hang up my spears and find myself a cane to wave at children.

Julen chuckles at the image of Titus as an old ornery man. He says, "A cane? A cane for the soldierly stranger? How now? No, I think we shall know one another, for I am Julen Brelade and shall be an adventurer's friend always." He extends a fist before Titus in attendance of a bump.

To Bethana he expresses,
"Drokkus you say? The one with the lyre who promoted that strange A Summer Solstice Evening of Fantasies drama? O'fellow? Ricardo III?"
I would rather not, but where there's Taldane wine, there's a way.
"I would know more about the man before I meet his eyes. Tell me, where is this Cyrdak now? If it is mischief he is wanting, or poverty deserving, I think myself more than capable in the delivery. For I need that red wine by red life or red faces."
Julen is ready to shed blood or embarrass the man to seize the bottle as a gift. Honestly anything of Taldor or Calistria will probably suit Dorothea.

A new expression appears on Titus' face: mild amusement. He meets Julen's fist before saying about as much as anyone has heard him say in the previous three days combined.

Titus Rufius, stabber of things in need of perforation. I confess I'm between jobs at the moment and at that time when the loves and fancies of youth and the purpose you set for yourself and your father set for you as a young man have flown like birds from Irrisen in fall. So I find myself in Sandpoint of all places - if my grandfather knew I was here and not doing he'd probably have my hide for a cape to wear at a gala of hellknights - wondering what will come next for me. And who are you to carry an armory but speak like a thespian?

Julen frowns
"Home-born soldier, friend. We are alike in our innocence of Varisia's wild ways. Now do not mark me a thespian, for I will prove you wrong in my many faults. Battle is my one virtue as now I am bearded and beardless by decree."

By thespian I only meant to acknowledge your elegant manner of speech. Men-at-arms such as we are not known for our craftiness with wordplay, and I had the optimism to hope you weren't a Paladin or worse for me yet, an eagle knight.

Paladin? No, for I am on the hunt for a rare vintage, not immortality.
Julen walks back to the Bethana at the bar.

Julen retrieves his purse with a smile to pay for his meal.
I need to know more about this Cyrdak fellow so I can bring him something he needs. In every man want breeds, and in this man's wants I will have my wine.
He wags his eyebrows up and down conspiratorially. It probably looks ridiculous.

Bethana chuckles at Julen's comment, Anything that makes him look good, would be my guess. It's all about appearances with him.

She holds up four fingers, indicating the amount of silvers for the discounted meal before continuing, Good luck on your hunt, young fellow.

For the briefest moment a look of mild confusion crosses Titus' face as he listens to Julen.

Immortality? That's a power I've never heard attributed to the holy warriors. Maybe there's something out here that changes things for them. Unimportant to me in any case, immortality is only tempting to those whose goals extend past their lifespans. Not having goals makes that unlikely for me. Not that I expect many knightly orders would want me,.

When Julen gets up to leave Titus returns to his thoughts, that brief flash of sociability gone as he reverts to his previous contemplative mood, remembering an old barracks joke that was oddly appropriate to the situation.

He wants wine? That seems so fleeting, but I suppose revolving one's life around wine is about as Taldan as pretentious theater.

He pours six silver into Bethana's hand and heads for the door. On the way he calls over his shoulder,
If I am fortunate, he will shine and sing and share the cask then.

Julen pops out the door, takes a deep breath, and looks around the street.

Nikolia sat quietly eating his stew and listening to both the two veterans converse over wine and other things and Ameiko playing her instrument. He smiled slightly when the topic of Cydrak came up. The theater owner was known to scour the town for anyone who would let him sweet-talk them into joining one of his plays. He suppressed a chuckle at the thought of either of these two veterans up on the stage in one of his plays.'

As Julen headed for the door, Nikolia called after him, "Tell him you know me! He may part with the wine then!" He had helped with the theater in small ways since he came to call Sandpoint home and even if Cydrak was a little too pompous for Nikolia some times, the young varasian liked his work in the theater and Cydrak always paid well for the help.

Nikolia looked around the room and since no one else had come in or out he called out to Ameiko, "Do you have anyone else staying with you other than these fine gentlemen these days?" He tried to hide the real question that he wanted to ask beneath this vague question, but he wasn't sure how well of a job he did.

Ameiko responds from the kitchen, Not since the Heroes of Sandpoint purchased their own homes around town, Niko.

Then as if remembering something, she continues, Oh, we did have a traveler come by last evening, though I think her plan was to move on tomorrow.

Ameiko returns from the kitchen, wiping her soapy hands on her apron. She passes Nikolia's table, bending close to whisper, Oh, and SHE hasn't been by yet, though I expect her any day now.

With a reassuring hand on the young Varisian's shoulder, Ameiko continues to clean up the tables.

--

As Julen heads deeper into town, nearing the second largest building (Building 27) in town proper, he hears a pair of young actors chattering amongst themselves. They appear to just be about entering the theater...

hi all still here just recovering from a very busy holiday weekend. and kids going back to college

will look at posts and get caught up tonight

Julen saunters up to the actors and tries to catch a bit of their conversation before declaring,
"Good morrow gentlemen, please excuse my curiosity. Might I ask what production is at work?"

One of the actors smiles, Why, we are currently holding auditions for The Goblin King. Are you looking to try out?

Why? Me? Should I? Ah, what is this play about?
I see you are eager then, no doubt?

Lou takes some time with the lull in the action in the tavern to grab a bowl or two of chicken and rice. he goes to into the common room and takes a seat.

Amieko, here, have a seat and a bite to eat. things have quieted down a bit.

Lou motions toward an open chair across from him with another bowl of chicken and rice.

The actors smile, This one is special, since it is aimed at the kids. The play is about a runt goblin that fights his way to become king of the goblins before being defeated by the Heroes of Sandpoint. To be fair, it is a work in progress, but Cyrdak is fairly certain that he can be ready for our scheduled open date in three weeks.

--

Ameiko looks at Lou, and gives him a weary smile. You know, when I opened this inn, it was like a new adventure. I think that adventure has become more of a chore lately...

She draws in a long deep breath, savoring the scrumptious scent of the young man's creation. Ameiko takes a small bite and smiles. After swallowing, she continues, Maybe it will be time to take a little vacation soon.

Titus looks up.

I suppose quiet life wasn't what you were hoping for, was it? he says with a knowing look on his face.

I guess not, she laughs, Make no mistake, it's been fun. I have great friends, but with all that has happened in the last couple of years...

Ameiko takes another bite, letting her thoughts coalesce, Yeah, a vacation will be nice.