Vark is happy to pitch in with helping care for the animals with Vara and Mazra when he can. He volunteers to walk some of the smaller dogs (if there are any, he expresses his trepidation at not being able to control some of the larger dogs if they bolt after a rabbit or the like) and adds a bit of his own color to the basement. He sets to work crafting another much larger banner sporting the party symbol to hang over the downstairs arena.
He expresses sadness at the realization that Samiritha will one day be leaving the Goblin. He gets the idea that maybe he should stop by the Cypher Lodge to put in a good word for her and possibly inquire about any mages seeking an apprentice.
That all taken care of, he continues to perform and manage the other performers when he himself isn't on stage.
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None of the animals are fond of Bojask. They area all generally hungry, wish for mates and want to leave their cages. They avoid Bojask at all costs, except when they go to the fighting ring. If they win, they are treated well and relish in the chance. Pigsaw loves fighting, and is generally ill-tempered. He particularly enjoys winning, as it leads to more food.
"He kicks us when we don't win." the dog says. "When he smells strange like the underground, we avoid him. He's so angry at those times."
Tamiro has no understanding of why everyone is trying to treat the animals well, when in his mind they are completely expendable to the game, and indeed, looks forward to that part. He begins to grow a bit bored with the animals being pulled back at the last minute.
When the Goblin closes, Tamiro will often wander over to the Publican House to enjoy a night of revelry with the Cadenites. He enjoys nights that end in brawls immensely.
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Hearing Saul speak of the exotic liquor, he grins and tightens his belt, checking his blades,"Do not worry boss! No hand shall be lain!"
Seeing the state of the animals, Nel groans. Of course this had to be more complicated than it was worth. "Vara, you can add those things, but if you get caught by Zhincer, I will have to disavow you. Please be careful. Here everything has a price on it, even secrets." Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Nel offers the blond half-elf a crooked smile, to show that she was joking.
"I can take the dogs on walks when I walk the horses. They do need more nourishment, otherwise they will start to lose soon. Vara, help Bojask with the animals."
After a meeting with Saul about her new responsibilities, Nel continues to try to spread word around town about the gold goblin.
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Halfway through the week when Vara approaches her, Nel listens patiently and quietly, "Vara, I know that Bojask can be hard to get along with; I will talk to him about his duties. Have you considered that maybe he doesn't want to mess up your ceremonies, so he has taken to slipping away instead of being underfoot?" Mentally making a note about the vineyard, Nel weighs the pros and cons of following one of Saul's goons.
"If you feel like following Bojask, I won't stop you. However, keep in mind that everyone in Riddleport comes here for some sort anonymity. Be careful." Making a note to talk to Saul about Bojask's work ethic, Nel continues about her daily tasks.
When Sam expresses her interest in finding a Cyphermage to study under, Nel gives her a blessing and invites her to bring them back to the Gold Goblin, when she finds one. Nel fully understands the call of duty and excitement a goal can bring into a life.
When the birds start dying off in drove, Nel give Vara the day off to pray, meditate, or do whatever she thinks is best. Nel asks Sam to see if she can get into the Cypherlodge to see if their library has any mention of a mass genocide of animals similar to what is happening.
Listening to Saul's briefing, Nel nods. This would at least give them something to focus on. "Naturally, Mr. Vancaskerkin. We will see to it." Checking to make sure that her sword was at the ready, Nel gives everyone five minutes to prepare themselves before going off to the docks.
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He tells Nel, "Ah, that druid you have, she's a real boon to the hall. Our animals are fighting better than ever, our crowds are growing, and all for her own coin! You can see how excellent this is for the Gold Goblin."
Nel also receives a key to the Gold Goblin's wine cellars; the only key besides Saul's. It's a large brass key with little design work on it.
The one item that Saul refuses to have Nel assist him with is with the operation of the vault. In fact, he refuses to have anyone in the room with him as he opens the vault for any reason.
The fighting pit continues to operate while Vara improves the conditions for the animals. The Octahedron is packed every night as reefclaws fight in a large aquarium set in the sand- and straw-covered room to the amusement of a full house and Tamiro often has to assist with turning people away who want to see the fight but came after all seats were sold.
Vark expresses much concern about the behavior of the seagulls. He tries to recall if this is a common occurance in Riddleport or perhaps if there are some other, more sinister forces at work here.
Vark is hesitant to leave the stage to assist Saul with the matter at the docks, but if the rest of his friends were going to go help, he couldn't leave them without his inspiring acts on the field of battle!
"Yes, Lady Nel, let us be off to address this shipment post haste!" He brandishes his spear and waves the flag with just a touch of fanfare.
In response to Nel's thoughts on Bojask, Vara interjects, "The animals are suffering Nel. None von them, save the spoiled, grumpy boar care for ihm at all. They are beaten and starved if they do not vin. If you think it unwise to follow him, denn, I zhall not. Obthough, please, the beatings must stop. I do not so much care where he goes, or what this vineyard is, so long as the animals are treated well."
However, Nel's use of the key word, anonymity strikes a chord with Vara. She is hiding here too, from her past. Therefore, she does not follow him after all- for now. However, she does, in her subtle way, discuss what she has learned with her other companions.
"Vark, is there any place in town that would make a person smell like the underground?" She asks Mazra the same question.
On the day of the die off, Vara collects a seagull corpse and studies it. Does the bird seem to have some strange disease, or is its body intact, the life of it inexplicably drained? Is there any indication of what may have caused the death?
Cracking her neck, Nel turns to find Bojask and talk with him, just before leaving, however, Nel throws over her shoulder. "Vara, I don't see you getting on Tamiro's back for never visiting Kino. Why is this any different?"
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Mazra will look at Vara and say, "Sorry Mi Lady, I am too new hear to know where such a place may be. Plus I don't even have a clue what the underground smells like. I have spent my days either outside or in a Tavern." Mazra gives Vara a bashful smile.
Mazra is ready to follow Nel to pick up the casks.
She ponders the talk sullenly for a moment, her gaze lowered, and her arms crossed over her waist. Her head shoots up when Nel speaks to her over her armored shoulder. Vara answers Nel's question immediately before the knight turns around again, "I have not spoken with Kino- but I have never seen Tamiro kick or beat the horse for any reason either."
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The repairs of the Riddleport boardwalk are well underway. While it's clear that it will be some time until the area is back to normal, shops are operating normally and peddlers hawk wares to any passerbys that seem the least bit interested.
As the party approaches the dock, a man wearing the uniform of the Korvosan guard is talking to a dwarf that appears to be the captain of the ship The Foamrunner. The man drops a rather full gold pouch into the dwarf's hand and calls out to two other men stationed nearby.
"We've secured it, boys. Let's get this down to the arena before Saul's dogs get here," the man snarls. Seeing the party approach, however, he snaps, "I spoke too soon. Let's take out the trash first."
The dwarf captain pales at this remark, and scampers away, saying "I don't want to be part of another ruckus on the Riddleport boardwalk. Settle this among yourselves. I've got my gold."
The man in the Korvosan garb is wearing banded mail and carries a finely crafted longsword. His shield is exquisite and one of the finest crafted shields in the entire city. He wears a red cloak made of a fine material that bears the tower and crossed swords of Korvosa. With him are two men dressed in the typical garb of Zincher's guards
Initiative
Guard One
Guard Two
Braddikar
Vara
Vark
Nel
Tamiro
Mazra
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One of the guards yells back, "I got it, Braddikar!" before moving to Nel and taking a quick swipe with his short sword. He manages to hit true for 5 damage.
The other guard also says, "Got it, boss!" before moving to attack Tamiro with his short sword. However, he swings wide and misses Tamiro completely.
The man wearing the Korvosan uniform, obviously in charge, saunters forward and takes his longsword from its scabbard. He points it at Nel's throat and says, "Leave this fine drink to us, and we'll leave most of your fingers intact. After all, how could you dare to defeat me?"
Dodging the blow from the guardsman, Tamiro yells back, "Kutabare! Kino! Atakku!"
Drawing his blade he slashes at the man as his horse attacks.
Vara doesn't bother to draw any weapons. She hears the spout their nonsense, sees them attack her allies, and then raises her fists, which faster than an eagle's dive sprout thorns and turn to wood. She kisses one fist which then glows faintly green and golden.
"Gæti úlfanna, finna hnefa að mér!" She cries as unseen energies crackle around her.
Ready to fight, Vara wants to get behind the enemy to flank them.
Seeing no easy way past the horses, she throws caution to the winds leaps the gap between the path above the docks and the dock's edge, trying for what she can reach. If she falls short, she tries to grab onto the edge to then climb up.
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Vara manages to catch herself on the dock at the last minute, dangling precariously from the edge before pulling herself up.
Kino's bite punctures the man's armor. He appears woozy from the hit, waving on his feet some.
As Mazra issues his command, the man laughs and says, "Cayden didn't say "please" as he uses Mazra's distraction to slice with his sword. However, his sword barely clinks against Mazra's armor.
Saul's dogs? Could these be Zincher's men? That lying sneak! He said he bears Saul no ill will and wishes him luck in rebuilding! What a snake!
Vark branishes his spear-flag for all to see while lifting his voice in song,
"Your boss is a liar, the scum of the earth,
Zincher tells naught but lies around the hearth,
You may think you're here to make off with our liquor,
Unfortunately for you my friends blades are the quicker!"
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Inspire Courage and Flagbearer combine to grant +2 morale bonus to atk/dmg and saves against charm/fear to all allies that can see/hear Vark
Wincing as the grunt manages to draw blood, Nel nudges Gabraltar forward. "Really, Faje, you are offering me that generous of a bargain?" Rolling her eyes, Nel gives a side glance to Tamiro, assessing his stance. "I'm not letting you take the wine."
Drawing her sword, Nel nudges Gabraltar, as she pulls her sword. The shoanti-bred horse, rears up as it tries to hit Braddikar with its front hooves, before lunging in to take a bite. As soon as Gabraltar goes to bite, Nel swings with her longsword.
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With Tamiro's blade encouraged by Vark, he cuts down the guard in front of him in one swift slice.
The remaining guard moves around Vara before attempting to slash with a short sword. However, Vara is able to dodge the swing easily.
Braddikar laughs as all of Nel and Gabraltar's attack miss. He laughs and spins his sword in front of him lazily, says "I see that I have nothing to fear from any of you." He lunges forward, attacking savagely. The blade strikes Nel's unprotected arm . Seeing the blood, Braddikar smirks.
"Why, it is so nice of you to step right into my fists!" Vara says with mock sweetness after dodging the guard's blade. She then punches him twice, encouraged by Vark's brave song.
Tamiro tumbles from his saddle with surprising grace, hitting the ground in a crouch and drawing his second blade. He deftly moves through Braddicks blade, coming up behind him, he roars, "Shinu!"
"Kōsaten, inu no junbi o!! You can fear me!"
Letting out a roar of irritation as none of their blows land, furrows her brow as Braddikar mocks her. "Oh really? I'll make you regret those words." Nudging Gabralatar again, Nel hopes that with Vark's music that they will manage to land a blow against the former knight. "Should you even be wearing that shield? With how the monarchy in Korvosa is now? I hear that your King is dead, and your queen is nothing more than a sociopath."
Hoping that her words will throw the knight off for a moment, Nel presses Gabraltar into attacking again. Using the solid kick from Gabraltar, Nel swings her sword down using the momentum from Gabraltar's fall, and pays back Braddikar's injury with interest. "You know your problem, Faje? You underestimate your opponents. That is why you will lose." Swiping her sword to clear the blood off of it, Nel gives the remaining goon a cold stare, waiting to see if he will choose to flee or stay and fight.
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Nel's longsword slices through a slit in his banded mail, striking his organs. Braddick doubles over in pain and attempts to staunch the blood with his hand. As he does so, Tamiro's blade crashes into his head, and Barddick falls to the ground. Blood pools on the dock and on-lookers stare in horror and amazement.
Vara's fist knocks against the guard's head. His eyes glaze over but he continues to stand.
"We'll spare you vhen you tell us exactly what is going on here!"
Vara cries, placing a thorn from her wooden fist gently against the man's neck. She does not cause any harm, hopefully merely a fright, trying to sound as fierce as she may.
Vark steps up beside Vara, "Yes, I would like to know as well! What are Zincher's plans?" He aims the point of his spear towards the man's throat, trying to assist in intimidating the thug.
Vark addresses the dwarf, "We would have a few questions for you as well!"
Tamiro grunts, "Prisoners? Easier to simply finish them, knock them into the water."
Wiping his blade clean on their leaders clothing, he sheaths his blades before looking through the dead mans belongings.
"Small one, I can tell you their plan was to take this drink back to Zincher. Expensive import like this much. Much money. We should get it back to the hall as soon as possible."
Beginning to load the drink as best he can onto Kino, or whatever is available, he says, "Leave them for rabble."
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Mazra will look up at Tien man and quietly say, "Tamiro, being ruthless is seldom a good plan. They may know something of value, or become useful to Saul. If they prove that their intent is to continue to harm us or Saul, then I will take them somewhere and run them through myself. You would be welcome to join me."
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One of the guards gives out a yelp and says, "I don't know what you want from me. I was sent with Braddikar to fetch the liquor. You stopped us. I don't know anything else! Just like to go back to my job now. Please don't kill me!"
The other, recently reawakened by Mazra, groans and touches his shoulder. He winces in pain at the contact.
Vara pushes her knuckle thorns a bit harder against the mans throat, stopping just before she breaks skin.
"Well, some use you are!" She grumbles scornfully. "You hold still if you don't want a crimson rose to blossom on your neck."
She looks up at Tamiro searching the dead and then at Mazra healing the wounded. The lioness in her eyes calmed, though she still holds her thorns in the mans neck, and watches him out of the corner of her eye. She speaks to Mazra.
"I admire your hesitation to take a life, but the last man I didn't kill when I had the chance..." She looks down at the man beneath held in place by her thorns, and sees a different man from her past. Contempt blazes in her gaze. "I learned then, that if you let an enemy run, they come back for blood- oft the very next eve." She looks up to Mazra with a wry smile, "So are you suggesting we keep him? What are we to do with him - lock him up in the scullery?"
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Mazra will look at Vara, "They are not running anywhere. We should take them to Saul. Let him decide their fate. In Sandpoint, I worked with the Town Guard, we did not kill for the sake of killing, especially when one willfully surrenders. We took them to the Sheriff. I know Riddleport is different. And I am a stranger here. Though I may often disagree with Saul, he is still our employer, as the Sheriff was my employer in Sandpoint. Also, tomorrow I may be able to discern their true nature. If Evil, then we can dispense of them." Mazra will make sure he says the last part loud enough so that the captives can hear.
After being momentarily caught up in the heat of battle, Vark comes to his senses. He lowers his spear, putting a hand on Vara's arm to calm her as well. "Please, Vara, while I don't doubt that these men are vile individuals, I don't think putting them to the sword will solve anything. We've foiled their attempt at robbing Saul, let us do as Mazra suggests and take them back with us. Although, I'm not quite sure I'll approve of Saul's methods of punishment, either..." Vark looks at the other members of the party, feeling somewhat helpless.
Tamiro examines the equipment, and calls out to Nel, "Ken otome wa, watashi wa anata ni shiyō no kanōsei ga ikutsu ka no aitemu o mitsukemashita. Watashi wa karera no tame ni hotondo shiyō s@~+e imasu."
Walking over to her he hands the sword and shield over to her, "Anata ga koko ni dare yori mo korera no tame no ōku no yōto ga miidasa rerudearou."
Speaking up to the others he says, "I would assume she has more use of these these items?"
Walking over to the prisoners, he crouches down by the one next to Vara, and grins, "It is not your lucky day."
Speaking to the group in general, he continues, "It is doubtful he is evil. He is a footman. Does what he is told. You waste your time with him. Saul and Zincher are rival bosses, this man will not be returning to Zincher. It is doubtful the boss will let him. Even if so, Zincher will not take him back. He failed him. Tōku to aruku. Talk and walk."
Returning to his horse, he begins leading it back up the streets with the goods, yelling back, "We should return before any more rats crawl from the woodworks."
While Vara listens she kicks away the short sword the man had dropped, out of his reach. She tries to see him as a prisoner in her power, yet when she looks at him, she can only see another face. A bearded mask of cruelty, mocking her from her worst memories.
Even as the others speak of mercy she tenses as if she is about to tear open the man's throat, but stops at the word 'lucky'. "Belief in luck vill only get you killed," she answers Tamiro darkly.
She softens her press on the man's throat and looks at Vark and Mazra, complex emotions playing across her face, her eyes crackling with the inner conflict. "I should have gone to Sandpoint or Thistledown. Riddleport is more like the North than these small, gentle towns," she muses.
Her expression hardens, her eyes dark, she presses harder against the man's throat again. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, and then opens them again. With a deep sigh she says, "Though in the North we have the custom of taking our prisoners as thralls. Perhaps this one can prove his worth through service to us." She looks down to the man in her power. "What say you, thrall? Earn your life back by helping us carry these liquors back to Saul's place." She looks up, sees Tamiro ready to go, nods to Vark and Mazra, "Se Departe-" she withdraws the thorns from the man's neck by changing her fists back to normal. "You, help with the casks, now." She demands of her new thrall.
She begins helping the others gather up the liquors, though keeping a close eye on her captive, and making sure he does his part to help them carry the liquors back.
Nodding in thanks to the cleric, Nel takes a few steadying breaths. Although she won't say anything, the blow that Barddick landed had nearly put her down. Still slightly woozy, Nel takes in the situation with Vara and the helpless man. "Vara, let him go. Saul sent us here for the wine, not to bring on more mouths to feed."
Dismounting from her horse, Nel glances over to Mazra. "Mazra, this isn't Sandpoint. Let them go sniveling back to their crimelord, we have more important things to deal with. If Zincher has heard of this wine, chances are so has half the city." Feeling weary, Nel helps Tamiro load what remains of the wine onto Gabraltar, before picking up Braddick's body.
"We'll need to find a place to bury this old fool. After we get the wine back to the goblin, I'll see if the Besmarans are willing to take him off our hands." Giving Vara an odd look at her comment on belief in luck, Nel weighs her next words carefully. "Just because Desna does not smile upon you today, Vara, doesn't mean that she never will." Taking a moment to stage Braddick so that it isn't obvious that he is deceased, Nel shoulders the shield as well as the long-sword. She will take inventory after the wine and body have been dealt with.
Tamiro grunts at Vara's belief of luck.
"Believe what you will. I see little reason to take that man. More mouths to feed, more to look for. He will not stay. He will run the moment he can. The only honor around here is thieves honor."
Shaking his head, he continues on, "Perhaps you should have gone to Magnimar, or Sandpoint. You appear to expect too much of this city."
Nodding to Nel, he agrees with her, "It would be useful if the Queen of Pirates could take care of that."
Vara helps load up the wine on the horses, employing the services of her captive. After the wine is all loaded, she considers Nel's and Tamiro's words. She finally sees the man's fear, his powerlessness, sees him as he is.
"Zehr good." She says flatly, "I vill let him go. You are free thrall, now be off with you!" She sighs and watches the thrall leave, and then turns to the others, glancing at Tamiro and then looking at Nel. Oddly, there is a look of gratitude in her eyes. "If he comes back for blood, it shall not be my fault." She declares with pathos.
As the party is beginning to leave, and Tamiro comments on her 'expectations' she shakes her head and chuckles slightly, "I do not wish to be on the run forever- I would like to see the castle Magnimar one day though..." She muses.
She then thinks on Nel's words about Desna's smile. The words oddly seem to wound her. Her gaze is distant, her eyes the color of dull jade. "It is Desna's smile that I fear. I have had far too much luck in my life."
She places her hands on her belly, "I am already branded by the greatest of the gods. I dread to think what the smile or mark of another would do to me." Her hands clutch her belly, as if she were suffering from a bleeding wound. "How many more wars or blood feuds would people fight for me- how many more people must kill each other for the luck I bring- always to be blamed for the fortunes and failings of others!"
She takes a deep breath and looks to the sky, "The only cure is reverence, reverence of Nature is the way to peace." She smiles enigmatically, her eyes as bright blue-green jewels. Her composure is fully regained, "I am not lucky- I am blessed- or perhaps cursed. And I have the marks to prove it." She pats her stomach, and begins on her way with the others.
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Mazra, with Nel's approval, will take their weapons and cut them free.
Mazra will speak to the party in general upon returning to the Golden Goblin, "It is very likely we are making enemies. I suggest none of us venture out alone. Some say, 'Three's a crowd.' But, I say we should be at least a company of three when we leave this place for any reason."
Tamiro chuckles, "Welcome to Riddleport. Only a fool or a very strong man walks these streets alone. Enemies flow like water."
Grinning, he winks, "Fun eh?"
Still smiling, he grabs a drink from the bar and continues to Sauls office, banging the door, he enters, "Boss! We got the drink!"