The following events happen over the course of the two weeks following the fall of Cadore and his men...
The storm that raged in Blue Shell for the last few days finally starts relenting, and little more than the occasional drizzle is left of its past fury...
You start noticing that more people greet you on your daily lives. You gained some renown in the local community. Even a few of the city watchers know who you are. You may not be celebrities, but you aren't completely anonymous anymore... At least not this side of the city.
There are more workers (and working girls) by the docks these days (and nights). They no longer fear for their lives.
An influx of different people start appearing in the city, many come from beyond the sea, but more than a few come from inland. All of them here of the upcoming festival.... Speaking of which...
More and more preparations for the Purple Moon Festival take over the city. Even the Mad Shark is filled with purple-colored paper moons.
There are many colorful ribbons around the city, half of them purple, and another half split evenly between deep blue, golden and emerald green. Posters with pictures of a smiling purple moon in front of stripes of those three colors take over the city. Men, women and children alike are seen buying, selling or crafting different masks. In the Dragon District, you see workers crafting purple Imperial Dragon made of silk, similar to the ones seen in typical Tian celebrations. Wooden seats are built near the great circular lake found at the exact center of the garden of Alihana.
You see also many improvised stages around the city, telling many different stories. Most of them about the founding of the city and the first purple moon, mystical figures of the local folklore, intriguing stories about the festival's mysteries or scary tales of the lands beyond the city limits... While they vary greatly in tone and theme, a few similarities can be found...
- - -
Local Myths & Legends
The Moon-child, a purple-eyed boy who is portrayed as a benevolent trickster as often as he's portrayed as a villainous warlock. You figure this is the character reflect by the rather creepy-looking masks with black hair and purple eyes.
The Blood Dragon, a gods-sent monster who was colossal-sized even for draconic standards and burned a whole city with red and purple flames due to its inhabitants' greed and hubris, then flew to the sun. They say the city's towers can still be seen all the way from the Howling Mountains.
The River of Shadows, that supposedly runs underground the whole island and, some claim, all the way back to the continent. They say it can only be sailed by the dead.
The Lady of Flowers, who is responsible for nurturing the forests all over the island. She used to be the wife of the world's greatest druid, until her husband broke his oath to protect the natural order. He was punished by the gods, doomed to be eternally digested by a giant turtle. After this, the Lady of Flower inherited his duties.
The Beast-People, who turn into grotesque monsters every full moon and sacrifice their children to their Dark Goddess.
The Whisperer, who found him/herself in the land of the dead after drinking and wandering too much in the first Purple Moon. Now, every Purple Moon Festival, he comes back to Blue Shell wearing the face of someone long dead. He brings with him a legion of spirits who come to visit their families or have their vengeance on their enemies... Some versions of this tale say he kidnaps people who find out his disguise... Others say the spirits trick people into going back to the land of the dead in their place, or simply drag others back with them.
These are just a few of the more common tales you hear around the city...
- - -
News & Rumors
...But not all is festivities and folklore. The City Watch and Coastal Guard the have increased their patrols. The influx of visiting ship is accompanied by opportunistic pirates and ravagers. Two of which seem to be bolder than most... The Sea Rat and The Unsunken. A great reward is offered for the head of their captains.
Some say Halfling's Hollow has been taken over by evil fey... You can't find any visitor from that village to confirm or deny those rumors.
You hear about an private military excursion about to leave to Stony Brook, and then a bit further north. It's being funded by the Goldsmiths, the richest of the three great families of Blue Shell. The founders of Stonybrook and the most responsible for the mining of its silver mines. It's often said that every forge in Blue Shell uses either Goldensmith metal or Goldensmith hands.
Lastly, but not least... You see Ayren quite often around the docks. He even offers you a drink a couple times. Refusing it doesn't seem to discourage him.
Eitylen is not happy with his recently acquired popularity, he wanted to be a hero of renown but not with that much blood, bowels and scream of pain. In his sleep he can still see the faces of all the ones he have killed in the last weeks, besides, the words of the albino man still echoes in the elf's mind.
Eitylen just try to help regular people with their small problems, nothing big for now.
There are no battle to be fought, other than the occasional drunk getting too loud... Which are usually taken care of by Brenda or Joel.
Eitylen goes ahead and does many kindnesses to the common people around him... But try as he might, carrying baskets and holding ladders won't get him greater fame than killing Cadore and his men.
Ayren seems particularly amused by the elf's efforts...
"You know..." says the half-elf with a friendly smile. "If you really want to help these people, you should try to do something grand... Something that will get the big fish to care about this place... Or at least something that will put them in your debt, this way you can ask them to help the small folk. I do happen to know of a couple lucrative opportunities... And every earning could go towards a better cause than a mercenary's thirst for ale."
Eitylen is now comfortable with not getting more fame, the idea of being a hero of renown start looking like a childish thing to him.
To Ayren - You lied, multiple times last time,...
Ayren's voice is friendly, if a bit too proud of himself... "...And in the end, an innocent life was still saved and a concerned mother was still reunited to her child... Isn't that all that matters?"
No,...yes,...I don't know, still, nothing guarantee your personal goals will match the good cause this time
Ayren laughs.
"Well... There is always my share of the payment. I intend to keep it. Besides, I'd not dare to cross the heroes who put an end to all those awful criminals in their own headquarters! Quite the feat that was..."
Brother Cyrus stays busy between his stories at the Mad Shark and volunteering his divine prowess at goodly churches.
Occassionally he ventures towards the temple of Calistria but as soon as he is about to turn the last block, he shakes his head and heads elsewhere.
Ok, I will not stop you from making a proposal
"All we have to do is pick a few flowers... One that can be used for a very effective remedy to a very serious affliction... It has already been bought, but never delivered. My client sent someone extremely trustworthy to question the seller, but their envoy never returned. So now my client has no gold, no medicine and no trustworthy envoy." Ayren makes a sad face when he speaks. "Can you imagine? Being cheated out of your only hope for a cure and losing a trusted member of your family at the same time? What kind of monster would do that to a honest citizen of Blue Shell?".
If you want me to help you then tell the whole story now - SAys Eitylen with a non-surprised face.
"I'm not at liberty to tell you any details about my client's identity... Many rivals that would try and take advantage of this knowledge. The whole reason why I was contacted instead of someone like the Eagles is because my client prefers subtlety." says Ayren with a business-meaning tone. "I couldn't tell you anything about the affliction even if I wanted... I know it is rare and deadly, but can be cured... And that's about it. I'm not healer." he says, somewhat hand-waving it away, but then his sly smile returns to his face. "I know quite a bit about the flower, though... Where it can be found and what it looks like... Who has it and who needs it... But that's my personal safety net. I don't want any untrustworthy fellow to go without me and cheat me out of my fair share of the payment." he smiles and offers his hand. "Don't you want to save a honest (and rich) citizen's life? You will have the chance to breathe fresh air, see the world... And still come back in time for the festival. It's a win-win... Well, unless you die.. But a brave warrior such as yourself would never be afraid of a few skirmishes here and there..."
are you aware that your proposal is not interesting at all?, if you want me to participate I have to know the sickened person.
What trying times these last weeks have been... Even with the gift of foresight, Frederick still couldn't have seen how it tiresome life could be outside of Hermea.
First, it took days to find a ship that would to accept him. Even after he explained he was not a runaway, that he was legally allowed to leave, most captains still didn't like the idea of taking away one of the dragon's subjects...
Then, when he finally finds a ship willing him... They charge him for almost half his coin. And haggling has never been on of the young man's talent. At least I got nice cabin, I suppose..."
As if that wasn't enough, the ship stays almost 3 whole months on the ocean. He knew Blue shell was distant, but this is too much. A pirate attack gave him a chance to exercise and prove his mettle. The captain was impressed by his skills and grateful for his help... But he still wouldn't return any of Fred's gold. "Business are business, lad." he said without even blinking. The journey was boring, but not terrible... Though it was quite frustrating to finally see the shores of Blue Shell just to have to wait a week at sea because the captain didn't want to challenge the storm pouring over the southern half island.
Last but not least... After finally coming ashore he made the mistake of visiting the city's market, where his inexperience with haggling cost him more then he would like... In Promise, every good had a clear price and no merchant would dare to trick someone into paying more. Haggling isn't illegal, but it isn't seen with good eyes either... Here, it's like every salesman seems only a step away from a pickpocket. Frederick never knew how much they would charge for food and shelter. That he had to pay at all for such basic needs was expected, but seeing local citizens paying for it as well was quite shocking. No Golden dragons rule this island. I have to remember that.
Unlike Fred, though, those citizens haven't been convinced to pay for the most luxurious and expensive room. And they haven't been kicked out a week later when the tavern-keeper learned they were out of gold... Wondrous Welcome my ass! That has to be the world's worst tavern name! Luckily, Fred found somewhere where he could stay... Sure it was just a tiny, tiny room in the back and it grows cold in the night... but it would only cost a few silvers and the tavern owner seemed like a honest man...
All these trials and tribulations made it easy for Fred to miss the comforts of Hermea. And he almost wished he was back in Promise...
Almost.
The day Frederick chose liberty over comfort and freedom over order was the proudest day of his life. Like his parents before him, Frederick wasn't born to be the guinea pig to some dragon's great social experiment... No matter how well-intentioned the creature is.
So Fred refused to take his test. He decided that if he had anything to prove, he would prove it to himself. And keep my freedom of choice in the meantime! My mind is my own!
Blue Shell has is not just a booming urban center. It's now an important trade spot and tourism attraction. If either of his parents left Promise by ship, chances are they would end up here at one point or another. And that's not all! The so-called Purple Moon Festival has become increasingly famous over the last decade... And many know about its mysterious disappearances. If my parents wanted to vanish... This is the perfect place and the festival the perfect opportunity! And... If the worst has happened... I might still be able to see them...
With that in mind, Frederick refuses to be broken by hardship. He sharpens his blades and mind. Then goes forward, determined to find out his parents' fate.
Not many jobs for warriors lately... Apparently he arrived just after a vicious criminal was slain, and the citizens seem too focused on the upcoming festivities to commit any crime. Nobody wants to risk being incarcerated during the festival.
But the men who stopped that criminal are still around! At least two of them live in this same inn In much better room,s I'd bet. Surely they know of work fit for a warrior of Herema!
are you aware that your proposal is not interesting at all?, if you want me to participate I have to know the sickened person.
"Why? Do you only value the life of innocent people you personally know? I can assure you, the afflicted person is no criminal or evil-doer. And certain to be very grateful to whoever helps in this quest... If you recall, I never actually lied to you and your friends... But if you don't want a chance to help big and small people alike... Well, I can't force you."
You're not trustworthy, I am. I care nothing about money so I can help you for free, but If is some sort of illicit act then you will regret it
"Illicit? That'd be quite a surprise... There aren't many laws where we are going... Assuming you decide to accept the job, of course."
Ayren stands and sets foot to leave, then stops for a moment and speaks again.
"Oh, right! Call that priest friend of yours! I'd do it myself, but I am not a fan of visiting the city temples and he's in one or another of them all the time... I also invited your Tian friend, but apparently he's too busy crushing leaves and boiling water to save a life, so if you know anyone skilled, this is their chance to make a name for themselves."
Eitylen goes to look for Cyrus and tells him about Ayren proposal.
Frederick strides into the inn, trying to exude the confidence he doesn't feel.
This is really my only shot. Why didn't I learn a practical, safe trade like cobbling or baking?
He moves up to the counter and flags down the innkeeper.
"Hello sir. I was wondering if you knew where I might find these heroes I've been hearing about? I believe their names were Cyrus, Eitylen, and Leng?"
The burly man raises his eyebrows at Frederick's question... He stares at the young man for a while...
"Heroes, huh?" he says without emotion "I wonder about that...". He scratches his beard with his left hand, revealing the great shark-bite scars on his shoulder.
"I know the trio. And their mage friend, though that one hasn't been around here in a while... The bald Tian can be found at a tea shop in the Dragon District... The priest is always praying to one god or another. He's always visiting the city temples, but he is usually back by nightfall. He seems to enjoy telling tales to the clientele. The skinny elf with white hair likes to walk around the docks and help old ladies carry their bags home. He too should be back here before night."
He pours ale on three big tankards and gives them to an waitress who seems to take less than a second to pile them on her tray and dance away to one of the tables.
"I don't know what you want with them... And as long as you don't cause trouble my place, I don't care. Ask the girl at door to point them out when they come. Tell her I told you to do so."
Frederick smiles at him.
"No, no trouble from me. Thanks for your help."
Frederick finds the girl who was pointed out.
"Miss, would you be so kind as to point out Eitylen, Tai Leng, or Cyrus when they come in. The innkeeper told me to ask you."
You move away from the tavern-keeper and speak to the young woman sitting by the door and combing her light-brown hair...
"He did?!" She is obviously surprised, but doesn't seem to doubt your words. "I mean..." she says, quickly regaining her composure. "Of course, sir. I'll let you know when one of them is back. You should grab a beer to quench your thirst while you wait. This is the best beer in a hundred miles..."
Eitylen plans to learn something about the Witch enigmatic words, ask cyrus what he thinks about Ayern proposal but in the meantime the elf goes to the inn for the lunch.
As you arrive, you see the receptionist (whose name you recently found out to be Marcie) at her usual spot, sitting by the entrance of the Mad Shark, combing her light brown wavy hair and talking to Brenda.
She welcomes you as usual, though she does speak somewhat louder than usual.
"Hello, Sir Eitylen. How are you today? We have a free table by the window, our beer is still the best around and my mom still cooks a mean roast boar. You should enjoy a meal while you're here."
The waitress named Jenny leads you to a free table with good lighting and quickly pulls her little note book to write down your order.
You hear the light-brown haired young woman welcoming someone. And elf fitting the description of one of the men you're looking for. When you look up, you see her giving you a subtle nod and indicating the elf with her eyes.
He sits on a table not far from yours, led by a blond waitress, who gracefully dances away from his table after writing down the elf's order.
As you offer your services at the variety of temples around the city, you start seeing that they too are preparing for the Purple Moon Festival, but each of them does in a manner more fitting to its deity. The temple of Torag built a large moon made of reflective metal, the one devoted to Desna has butterflies made of purple light flying around, Cayden's temple offers tankards carved with an image of the Drunk God posing with his rapier in front of a large full moon... And so on...
Occasionally, you see members of the Callistrian church walking around the city in very provocative purple clothing. Whenever they see you, one of the following three things will happen: They will wave and thank you from afar, they will compliment your bravery and appearance then offer you at discount, should you ever request their services... Or whisper to each other and giggle, then move on.
Despite all this, you still see similarities among all the different cults. They all seem to display tapestry and paintings of the local myths and legends, with the Moon Child being particularly prominent. The Whisperer being a close second (specially at the temple of Pharasma).
Freferick nods politely, but sits down at the table without ordering anything...empty pockets don't buy much alcohol. When Eitylen is indicated by the brown haired woman, he waits a moment for the elf to get settled, then makes his way over.
"Excuse me sir, are you the elf known as Eitylen? One of the band of heroes who put away that killer recently?"
Not sure if hero, but Eitylen is indeed my name
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Frederick Forsythe. I'm new to these parts."
"I hate to bother you, but I don't really have any other options. I came here from Promise, and quickly lost most of my gold. My only real skills are with weapons."
"I was hoping, since you and your friends seem to be in the sort of business that needs someone martially inclined, I could join you next time you have a job? I promise I can pull my own weight. I just need a chance."
Cyrus finishes breaking bread with an acquaintance at the temple of Torag after finishing a bit of work before heading back to the inn when he hears Eitylen is looking for him.
On his way back, he passes a couple of the purple clothed ladies and upon hearing their giggling, he hurries away with a face flushed with red.
Oh gods, I need to figure something out about this.
Once he arrives back at the Mad Shark, he takes to the stage to earn his keep.
Cyrus weaves a rousing tale about a warrior king who rose from nothing and who dies saving his kingdom from a mighty dragon in his last moments.
When you arrive at the Mad Shark, Marcie, the receptionist greets with as affably as always, though not as discreetly.
"Hello, Brother Cyrus. I see you return from your visit to the faiths. My mother is in a good mood today, so her roast boar should be even better than usual. Sir Eitylen is already here... He seems to have made a new friend too."
Brother Cyrus makes a few coins, as usual. However, while pleased with his tale, the crowd isn't very enthusiastic about it. It quickly becomes apparent that they were hoping for a Purple Moon-related story... And that is what is given to them by the following Bard to take the spotlight...
"Good night, my friends!" says the man dressed like a jester. "Tonight, for your amusement... The tale of the Mother of the Moon Child!"
Twas 50 years ago when it happened...
The first time we saw the mysterious shade
The moon was purple when the sky blackened
All were in awe of the heavenly charade.
An young woman cried at night...
For she had no baby to care
Try as he might, her husband couldn't end this plight
And a childless marriage breeds only despair
But that purple night, The Whisperer came.
"I'll give you my, blessing", he softly said
"During the Purple Moon, set you love aflame"
"And soon you'll have another mouth to be fed"
"Be warned, though... My price is steep"
"And it must be met when I return"
"I'll have your flesh, and you'll weep"
"Yes!" she shouted with joy when she should have felt concern.
That night, she laid with her man
They loved and loved, as much as they could
And so it was, after a 9 months span.
Their firstborn to love, and love him they would
But 5 years went by and soon came the moon
The Whisperer returned as well, this time with an evil smile
"I see you got my gift. But I want mine. And soon!"
She honored the deal. Her body would belong to this creature so vile.
The Whisperer laughed and took her with hands cold as ice
The girl was sad, but no tears were shed
"Thank you" said the Whisperer "But flesh was my price"
He was gone before she understood what he said
But when she did, her soul was taken by terror
She ran back home, shaking in dismay
There, she finally knew her terrible error
Her child was gone, quietly taken away
She woke her husband and they searched all night
They searched and searched, everywhere
They were still searching when came first light.
But it was too late, now they knew real despair
The woman wept as she never had or ever would again
The man roared with hatred, but there was nothing to be done
She died shortly after, out of sadness and pain
Her husband disappeared, no one know where he's gone.
So don't deal with The Whisperer, friends
For the cost is always too high
And it'll be too late to make amends...
When he takes your child with purple eyes.
"I was hoping, since you and your friends seem to be in the sort of business that needs someone martially inclined, I could join you next time you have a job? I promise I can pull my own weight. I just need a chance."
Uhm, how to say it?, it is not an actual business, personally I just like to help people, it is mostly a unpaid job
Brother Cyrus doesn't take offense at being upstaged but he takes a seat with Eitylen and his new friend whilst making a quick order for some roast boar.
"So what brings you to Blue Shell?"
"I'm looking for one of my parents, or both if it's even possible to find them. I want to speak with them, or their spirits if the worst has happened. This seemed the most logical place to start looking."
"Unfortunately, I was unprepared for how pricey everything is here. I've gone through two hundred gold pieces on rent just this week alone!"
"I realize you're not exactly a business, but you must get paid sometimes, and fighting is really the only thing I'm good at. The guard probably won't have me, new as I am, so I need to prove myself somehow. Helping others with their problems is, of course, fortunate as well."
two hundreds this week? dude, you are more naive than I am. To tell you the truth I would not complain for a little help in helping others... - The elf soften his tone
-In fact I just received a job proposal, it's about recovering some medical herb for a sickened person... BUt I'm not so sure about the employer intentions
"Is he untrustworthy or something?"
The blond waitress comes to your table and delivers your orders, and casually mentions that Brother Cyrus has great taste for food. She then takes a break from serving tables and starts idly chatting with Brenda and Marcie...
Meanwhile, Joel is seen carrying large barrels from the back door and into the kitchen, where his wife shows incredible focus on her cooking.
A few eye-catching visitants enter the tavern... A small group of mountain-men, dressed in boiled leather and moose skin, a gnome couple with colorful hats, a woman with tiny horns and pointy tail, a dark-skinned knight bearing the symbol of Iomedae... And a trio of old mages in purple robes, two of them being long-bearded men and the least one an woman with rather thick glasses...
"Is he untrustworthy or something?"
Weeeeell, let's say that he likes to make up the truth
Weeeeell, lets you say that he like to make u the truth
"Is he untrustworthy or something?"Weeeeell, let's say that he likes to make up the truth
"How so? I don't really want to work for a liar. That could lead to trouble."
"How so? I don't really want to work for a liar. That could lead to trouble.""Is he untrustworthy or something?"Weeeeell, let's say that he likes to make up the truth
Well, last time he told us to rescue a cat but it turned to be a tiger-
Well, last time he told us to rescue a cat but it turned to be a tiger-"How so? I don't really want to work for a liar. That could lead to trouble.""Is he untrustworthy or something?"Weeeeell, let's say that he likes to make up the truth
"Well that's...technically true, at least. Maybe it's worth doing this one job for him again?"
I don't trust him, or like him, but there is a chance he is telling the whole truth now...what do you say Cyrus? -
"He's rather eccentric and there's often a twist in the details but more or less, the last job we did was for a good cause regardless. And the pay was pretty good too." Brother Cyrus says whilst enjoying the roast pork.
"I'm willing to stretch my legs for this anyhow. Whomever the person sick, it's pretty much my civil duty to see them cured of their ailments."