You have come to Sandpoint to attend the Swallowtail Festival and for the Grand Opening of the new Cathedral. However you have arrived a week early, and are looking to blow off some steam and look for some entertainment. No matter if you are a visitor or a long time resident of Sandpoint, everyone loves The Rusty Dragon, which is where you find yourself on this lovely evening. So come in, have a drink, and have some of Ameiko's famous fish stew.
Its been a long day working to unload the Orca, and Talon has finised stowing away the ship's cargo a little quicker than he expected. He begins to make his way to the Rusty Dragon - if not for the thirst that has parched his throat then out of curiosity about what strange new sight or new acquaintance he might happen upon - the Inn will surely be full tonight. With the additional traffic being driven by the coming festival work had been plentiful, with larger sums than usual being paid to ensure the it would get done, or at least to attract the able bodied to do it. The ship's purser was extra generous with the days wages. There would be no shortage of drink tonight, or this week, for that matter.
The streets were unusually crowded, and there was an exited energy in the air in anticipation of the cathedral's grand opening. The electric mood couldn't help but rub off on him. Talon thought to himself that, at least for a few days, all was good and that he would have nothing to occupy himself with besides having a good time. He had paid for his lodging at the Rusty Dragon a couple of weeks in advance - an important budgeting lesson he had failed to learn on several occasions, but made all the more important given the surge in the city's population and the demand for sleeping quarters.
Shortly, he made it to the door of the Tavern, good times awaited. He pushed through the solid Varisian oak door and surveyed the room. A few regulars, and several new faces, but it was early and he expected the room would be bustling soon. Talon catches Ameiko’s eye and raises both his brows in a salutary nod, raising his hand to signal his desire for an ale. He needn’t ask. Ameiko is already grabbing a glass from the stack behind the bar.
He approaches the bar and grabs his ale from atop its worn, familiar surface. His tab already established, he smiles a thank you at Ameiko and settles comfortably on a stool. He brings the strong, hoppy brew to his lips. 'Ahh ... finally.'
Dairkal comes down from the room that's been his for the last month since he arrived in Sandpoint. Ameiko at first was a little unsure about the Halfling being able to pay his way, but within a week that was quickly dispelled. Dair was always willing to help her out, did odd chores around the town, and made decent money on the side performing his juggling routine, or magic show. Of course, he was also able to supplement this through a little gambling, which he also shared with Ameiko as a way of thanks.
He smiles at her and takes a seat at the bar. He doesn't drink often, but is usually willing to buy others a drink or two. He takes out his dice and starts to play with them absently as he looks around the tavern.
Most nights, Olly Ackenthorpe would rather have been at Cracktooth's, waiting her turn for the stage, hoping that this time she'd catch the eye of a potential patron, or even Cyrdak Drokkus himself. That had been her routine for the past month or so since she got to town; no luck yet, but she was building up at least a few fans among Cracktooth's regulars, and certainly her repertoire of stories was growing.
But tonight, some noble type with a crowd in for the festival and cathedral dedication was having a private party, so no performing for Olly. But, what better excuse to venture elsewhere? Surely with all these people in town, there were plenty of stories to be had. And last night she'd made a few more coins in tips than usual, so she could afford the night out. Tonight she'd try out the Rusty Dragon and see what she could find. She had her drum, of course, because you never knew when a gig might arise.
Olly pushes open the oak doors, pausing to take in the surroundings. She'd been here once or twice since she got to town, but not often enough to have really learned her way around. The place is busy already, even early in the evening, what with all the extra people in town.
What has Ameiko done with her hair? That's wonderful! she thinks as she admires the tavern-owner's latest style and absent-mindedly pats her own seemingly haphazard pile of blue braids. I'm going to have to try that one. She makes her way to the bar. As usual for most places in Sandpoint, the bar is too tall for her to see over, so she climbs up on a stool near where Talon has settled in before she can order an ale. As the drink arrives, she smiles at those around her as she raises the glass and takes a sip.
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The docks of Sandpoint, though not as rough as other more bustling cities but it does have its seedy parts.
Tonight a small crowd has gathered torches illuminate a small side ally just off Pier 3. the crowd is moving into a small warehouse where, inside a fighting ring is set up.
The crowd gathers placing bets on the combatants in the ring. in one corner a scruffy looking woman in doc worker clothes squares off against what looks like tavern worker, a bouncer in fact.
I told you !!! I paid the debt and as far as I am concerned Jubrayl and me are square! the man yells at the woman.
Well you ain't shquare wif me She curses herself as her lisp begins to show once again. and at that the man begins to laugh.
Enraged You piecsh of ... never even finishing the sentence the girl lays into her opponent
the crowd goes wild as the fight begins quickly money changes hands as bets begin flying
her opponent staggars back you little Bi*** you broke my nose he yells at her as he moves in with a kidney shot.
There ore ooh's and ahh's as the girl Noro takes the punch
Noro takes the shot and feigns a severe injury Ha see boys what I tell ya she ain't nuttin the man gloats
but as he turns to gloat over the girl she attacks with a tumbling flip kick.
The crowd again eripts in cheers at the diplay of acrobatics but falls quiet again as Noro's attack has missed its mark.
The man is able to duck back just in the nick of time and punches the girl once more
But her flip has thrown off his calculated swing leaving an opening for Noro to exploit.
leaving him unconcious on the floor
Once again cheers from the crowd as money changes hands some congratulating Noro others cursing her.
think twicsh before making fun of a girl. she grabs his money bag left on the wager table and heads out the door
Outside the warehouse Noro meets Jubrayl Where's my cut, you know the deal Noro.
reluctantly Noro tosses Jubrayl a few coins. pleasure doin business with ya. he luaghs as he heads back to the Feedbag.
Noro decides to take her new winnings over to the Rusty Dragon she ows her brother a few silver and its time she paid him back.
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The tavern is already crowded must be the festival Noro thinks to herself.
Noro is just over 5' black hair done in small pigtails her one hand rubbing her side and some bruises on her face indicate she was recently in a fight. wearing raggedy pants and an old dock workers shirt with some blood stains in it apparently fresh yet she has now visible scars. she does not wear shoes.
she scans the crowded room for a familiar face. Amieko, busy with patrons, that halfling thats been hangin around here for tha pst few weeks and Talon at the bar.
Now there's a familiar face she says to nobody in particular. a friendly face from the docks.
Wait...do I own him money? she asks herself and she take note of the gnome by his side well that two-timing ...
even though her and Talon never were an item (heck he probably never even noticed her), she had hoped that one day she might actually wear a dress, and he just might be the sort of guy to wear it for. but fancy shoes are right out no way, no how and that was final.
Noro goes to the bar a couple of seats down from Talon and the gnome she tosses the barkeep a couple of silver coins. Give these to Lou for me will ya he's probably back there burning something.
It's still early afternoon as Chadron's steady, ground-eating strides take him into Sandpoint. It was a lonely camp last night, and a cold start this morning. But a few hours of steady walking had brought him in sight of his goal. He'd heard from a hosteler on the road yesterday that there was a cathedral dedication, and a large festival.
It should be crowded, busy. Plenty of chance to find some rumor of monsters, and treasures, and adventures. Maybe a band of adventurers to fall in with! Chadron thought to himself as he neared the Sandpoint Bridge.
As he walked through the town in search of a likely inn - somewhere not too expensive (a proper campaigner needs a horse, and my purse is only getting flatter at the moment), but somewhere with some life to it - Chadron noted some of the local goings on.
The docks looked no more run-down than most of the docks Chadron had seen in the last several weeks. Chadron's home in Bloodsworn Vale was inland, as were its local communities. Only since he'd left home 3 months ago had he actually seen the sea. Chadron had worked a few stretches along Conqueror's Bay as a deck hand, but found he was just as happy walking the coast roads. Chadron also found he wasn't partial to dockside taverns.
A bit farther into town, a warehouse floor was hosting a fighting competition of some sort. Though tempted participate, Chadron was late, didn't know the rules or organizers, and felt a bit uncomfortable. Chadron did pay his coppers at the door (with a muttered devotion to Kurgess). The crowd was excited and boisterous, though Chadron was a bit inhibited because he was carrying all his posessions, and he suspected that not everyone in the place was an honest citizen. Probably the most exciting element of the event was a dust-up with the bouncer as things were winding down. The bouncer put on a pretty good show, but she seemed a bit grumpy.
So, friend, where can I find a few pints, that might still have a bed free? Chadron's overture to some of his fellow spectators received some hearty responses - "The Dragon" "we're off to Omeika's Rusty Dragon for a pint!" Falling in with the most enthusiastic group, Chadron swept through the streets with his new friends-of-the-moment.
As the small crowd streamed into the tavern, Chadron pulled up a stool at the bar, securing his pack and heavier gear between the stool and bar. Looking around for someone likely-looking, he noticed a halfling seated neaby at the bar, who seemed comfortably settled in. Say friend, what's good to eat here? I've had a day of walking, and precious little food. And can I take you choice of drink as a recommendation?
After discussing victuals, and trading a few jibes with the crowd from the fight, Chadron takes a belated look at the other patrons of the Rusty Dragon. He notes the bouncer from the fight.
By the way, friend, my name's Chadron. I'm in town for a few days, and may be looking for some work. That brawny half-orc over there, indicating Noro, seems to be in my general line of work, and local. Though she seems a bit grumpy. Any idea how to get to talk to her without getting hit? he asks to Dairkal.
"That's Noro, I've seen her here before. And, ah, I am not sure how to talk to her without gettin hit. She's a little too mean lookin for me" He says with a smile. "Actually, that's not true. I'm guessing offer her a drink."
He notes Olly's drum and asks "Are you also a some sort of musician?"
Mid afternoon Tessara finally gets into town, Ah good to be back in a town, I am going to need to resupply. Oh lots of people around i have an idea on how to get some coin and fun. Tessara smiles to herself as she walks to the in. Having been here a number of times to rest and gather information.
She sits down at a table and offers up a game to those that will take it,
Gather round, If you wish to test yourself vs my charm. For a bet of 1 gold see if you can withstand my kiss, only one try today. if you win you get two gold in return, not a big bet but you do get a kiss from me just for playing, anywhere on your face, (she winks at that last remark)
Karas entered the Rusty Dragon a bit hesitantly. He had spent one night here before about two weeks ago when he was still on his way to Magnimar. Now things had changed and he would actually be here for a longer period of time, both to take part in this "Swallowtail festival" and to just be away from home for a bit longer.
He pulled his hat off his head as he had learned that the people here considered it rude to wear headwear in door, the reason why exactly had eluded him. He then sits down at the bar amidst the other patrons, not paying any attention to anyone in particular, though his eyes were drawn to the Gnome with the drums for just a second. Musicians were always good company. "Could you get me a pint of mead?" Ordering from these kinds of establishments was still somewhat new to him and he never knew quite what to say. It was a lot better than the first time though, back then requests were met with bouts of laughter.
Kojan sits in a booth in the corner quietly nursing his mulled wine, his brow slick with sweat in the dull heat and noise of the tavern. The drink effects him more than he'd like to admit. They have nothing of the sort on the steppes, and he sways slightly in his seat, and speech has begun to come slow and heavy, so much so that he's chosen not to speak at all. He's glad the locals seem to give him plenty of space. His Sklar-Quah bloodbrothers had taught him that the tshamek invaders lacked the mettle to look the true owners of this land in the eye, but Kojan is forced to admit that it likely has more to do with his imposing height, his broad shoulders nearly take up the entirety of a chair for two.
He stands, swaying in place and grabbing the table with a noisy bang that's thankfully drowned in the noise of the busy tavern. He shuffles toward Ameiko, clearly out of his depth, and as he opens his mouth to Ameiko she once again strides right by him. By the ancestors. She had stripped him of his axe and his spear and pressed the drink into his hand and left him to sit in the corner. Judging by the crowd he guessed he would never find a bed. With a heavy sigh he stumbles across to the bar, bumping into Ven Vinder and falling into a chair in front of Tessara, who he seems to notice for the first time.
"I..." the Shoanti stares at the elf woman with a look of abject horror on his face. He's clearly never seen an elf before, and her pale skin eerie green eyes bring to mind the ghost stories of his youth. She looks at him expectantly, and he notes the coins in front of her on the table. Uncertainly, he gingerly picks out a gold coin from his rucksack and places it on the counter, the wine flushing his face and fogging his mind, he has no idea what he's gotten himself into as the elf reaches over the table and plants a kiss on his lips as he falls backwards in shock.
He picks himself up, mortified, and shaking his head as the spell washes through his mind. He glowers at Tessara, the uncertainty still clear on his face as he reaches for an axe that isn't there. "What did you..." he begins, in a deep, rolling voice, the question sticking in his mouth as he glances toward the door and sees more faces than he's ever seen in one room turn to look at him.
Karas gets up from his stool when he sees the other Shoanti's aggressive stance and walks over to him, speaking in Shoanti in an attempt to calm him,
Zella walks downstairs into the main room of the Rusty Dragon, scanning the crowd in the hopes that maybe Cyrdak Drokkus has already sent a messenger here for her. When she entered town early this afternoon, she had left word at the theatre on where she could be reached and was still hoping for a response to her letter. Well, perhaps the best way to get Drokkus's attention might be to give a great performance during the Swallowtail Festival. Might even earn some decent money that way. For now I suppose I should just be grateful that Ameiko had a room left.I haven't seen her since out caravan was here last year, I really should catch up with her sometime this week just to talk.
As she walked though the room, Zella caught sight of the gnome with drums and thought: Why wait for the Festival? Tonight is as good a night as any to start performing. I've already changed out of my leathers anyway.
Speaking to the gnome: "Excuse me if I am interrupting anything, but
I was wondering if you would care to accompany me on your drums as I dance. Splitting in half anything we might get of course.
Olly smiles at the halfling on the next barstool. "Why yes! I am a musician, a drummer. And a storyteller. And always looking for new stories to add to my collection. Got any?"
Just then the big Shoanti falls out of his chair. Olly looks over, and chuckles. "I'm not sure if he won or lost, but looks like he got more than he bargained for either way."
She turns back to the halfling, waiting to see if he has any stories to share.
When Zella comes up, Olly smiles brightly. "Of course! I mean, if Ameiko is okay with it, I wouldn't want to make her mad. But I don't see anyone else performing right now." She waves, trying to catch the tavern-owner's eye. "Do you mind a bit of entertainment? Promise we won't break anything!"
Assuming Ameiko's willing, she'll hop down off the stool (bringing her drink with her, of course), and offer a hand to Zella. "I'm Olly." Then she'll look for an open bit of floor where they can set up.
Talon welcomes Dairkal at the bar, he’s been a regular and entertaining companion over the past few weeks and he’s learned not to take him up on offers of cards or dice. Talon’s pretty sure that tonights drinks are still being paid for with his money. ”Looks like it will be a good one tonight. I’ll be counting on you for a few laughs later.”
There has been a continual stream through the door since Talon arrived. The room has taken on a new life as locals and travellers alike have found their way to the comforts of the Rusty Dragon. He's a couple in by this point and his senses have begun to numb nicely, in part due to the strength of the ale, in part due to the overlapping sounds of dozens of conversations in the room.
He notices Noro as she walks in, a wry smile forms on his lips. 'Up to her usual tricks again, eh? By the looks of her I'd hate to see the other guy.' He tilts his head and gives her a look as if to say 'You should know better', smiles and says in an obviously feigned stern voice, ”Noro, what have you been up to?”
He glances over at the elven temptress at the table, intrigued by what tricks and 'crafts' she is working. People are just starting to have drunk enough to take her up on her offer. It serves as an amusing spectacle. The Shoanti brute was probably big enough and drunk enough to dull whatever enchantment she tried on him. Others were not so lucky, one sat slumped in a chair following his kiss from a moment ago, clearly under the effects of some spell. Talon thought about it, figured he was probably immune to her charms but decided against it nonetheless.
Acknowledging the gnome beside him at the bar, the drink in him urging him to be more social, he genuinely he asks, ”Have I seen you here before?” then coldly realizes what he’s said and begins to blush. ‘Too much or too little drink, always the case’. Noticing her drum, he tries to recover ”I mean, have I seen you play here before?”
Sard sits at a table by himself, but not by choice: much of the table space has been consumed by sheaves of papers, maps, notes, chalk rubbings of Thassilonian reliefs. The dwarf sits cross-legged on his chair, with a bowl of fish stew getting cold at one elbow, and a mug of ale warming beside the other.
As the music starts, he doesn't look up from the latest draft of his thesis, but he does begin tapping his pen on the table-top in time with the beat.
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He notices Noro as she walks in, a wry smile forms on his lips. 'Up to her usual tricks again, eh? By the looks of her I'd hate to see the other guy.' He tilts his head and gives her a look as if to say 'You should know better', smiles and says in an obviously feigned stern voice, ”Noro, what have you been up to?”
Noro looks to Talon with an expression of 'yea I know' but her verbal response Working, what else
Acknowledging the gnome beside him at the bar, the drink in him urging him to be more social, he genuinely he asks, ”Have I seen you here before?” then coldly realizes what he’s said and begins to blush. ‘Too much or too little drink, always the case’. Noticing her drum, he tries to recover ”I mean, have I seen you play here before?”
Noro takes note of Talon's flirtacious remarks and glares in his general direction so he wants to bang her drum heh? she thinks to herself.
She then takes note of the large Shoanti man two can play that game Noro tries to get his attention with her body language but seems obvious she really has no idea how to flirt and seems more comical than actually attractive Noro seems oblivious to her failed attempts to get his attention.
Seeing the small knot of entertainers self-organizing by the bar, Chadron senses he's lost his audience of locals. So if the locals are going to be clannish.. he thinks.
Shoanti? Shoanti! bawls Chadron, rolling up on Karas and Kojan. Why... I believe your uncle may have shot my grandfather at Hardass Ridge. Great story - though I seem to remember the ending depends on the teller.
Come here lads, let's see to these musicians over here. Perhaps they've got some aires from the Vale or the mountains.
James steps through the door to the bar, almost having to duck to get inside. He was recognized by several and nodded to them. Dragon's rather full tonight. Lots of travelers. Mayhaps travelers in need of weapons. James thinks as he looks around the tavern. He hadn't considered that when he left tonight, after Amelia and Michael had gone to bed. He often found it difficult to sleep and took strolls or friendly sojourns to the dragon at night, though he never had more than one or two drinks and kept his revelry from going far into the night.
James settled his muscular form onto a chair near the bar and watched the strange performers. A pair of women from far and away, dancing and drumming for tips. James respectfully tossed a silver for the entertainment and ordered a mead, enjoying the air of revelry and gawking at the elven woman selling enchanted kisses. He was tempted to see if it would bother him, but decided against it. Best not to anger the gods... or my loving wife. He thought with a wry smile. Finally he looks over the crowd with an eye towards business and is able to spot the adventurers easily. Should work while I drink I suppose. He thinks with a grin and steps in towards the group at the bar. "Welcome to Sandpoint strangers. Would any of you perhaps be in the market for weapons?" He asks, his blunt nature becoming clear in his approach.
The doors open and close, and the bar becomes a bit quiet at the new arrival. As you peak around the tables, you notice that a very small humanoid has entered the tavern. His cloak is up around his neck and a large hat on top of his head blocks his face from view. You can see a rather small short sword straped to his waist and a shortbow upon his back, along with a quiver of arrows. He's carrying a small device, looks almost like a compass, but you can see the glint of gold of some writing.
He clasps it shut and puts it into a pocket. He pulls out a scroll and walks up to the bar. He easily leaps up to a stool and motions for the barkeep. Ameiko walks over and you can hear the newcomer speak, "Excuse me, I am looking for the town Sherriff, I was told..."
The newcomer is cut off as Ameiko shrieks and begins to swing at him with her laddle. She knocks off his large hat and his large green ears unfurl from being tucked into his hat, his goblin features are unmistakable. The goblin is shocked from the out burst and is knocked on the floor, he struggles to get up.
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Noro seated at the bar almost instictivle moves to wrestle the goblin to keep him on the floor he speaks common and needs to be questioned.
What in all the hellsh!! Noro grabs the little critter attempting to keep him from standing hoping to pin his hands just in case he is some sort of spell caster. he speaks to nice to be of a local tribe but this could be a ploy to catch the town unaware
not sure what the device is he's holding Noro has no desire to find out the hard way.
Jamesh, you ushed to be town milishia go an fesh the sheriff
Alright ya little bugger why you here an what do you want wish the sheriff
Dair smiles back at Olly, "I have a few stories I could share with ya. Got anythin ya wanna share with me?" He says with a sly grin. "But I can also play me a mean set of pipes."
Assuming Olly takes him up on the offer, and Zell doesn't mind, he adds pan pipes to the dance of Zell.
When the goblin is revealed he breaks off his performance, as one hand dips into his shirt for a dagger. He then waits to see what might happen.
After a long days wagon ride into Sandpoint, Darius was looking forward to resting in an actual bed tonight. Still no luck in finding that beast. I'll find him sooner or later. He hops down from the wagon and heads into town.
As he walks down the street, many heads seem to turn as this rather tall, lithe, ebony skinned stranger with slightly pointed ears, makes his way from inn to inn looking for a place to stay. Perhaps even more curious were the two swords that he carried with him. They seemed to be long swords, but the hilt handles seemed too long to wield effectively and also appeared to have some kind of mechanism on the pommels.
Darius finally finds his way to the Rusty Dragon. He walks in the door just as a rather strong appearing woman pins a goblin to the floor. He steps out of the way as a man rushes out of the tavern. Well what wonderful timing. He thinks to himself.
The dark skinned Half-Elf leans up against to wall, arms crossed, and watches the following events unfold.
Talon, recognizing James torts back, ”Well that depends James, what end of the weapon would you have me on?” and smiles.
Just then the doors swing open and the room falls silent …
… seeing the confrontation between Noro and the Goblin almost in front of him, and slightly annoyed that he almost kicked over his ale when he stood on the bar, Talon jumps into action. . Talon stands and draws his rapier pointing it at the green devil as Noro wrestles him.
Karas more or less ignores the red-faced Chelaxian. The man behaves just like those idiots in Magnimar did and they just wanted to sell you things or rob you, which amounted to the same thing.
Karas leaves his fellow Shoanti alone before slowly and carefully approaching the clearly inebriated woman,"Put him down miss. That thing he holds there is a Wayfinder, a device carried by people who call themselves the Pathfinder Society," a weird sort of clan he always figured, "Let him explain himself, his grasp of your common language seemed quite good. Not all goblins are barbarians." The reaction to a simple goblin made him glad he hadn't brought his totem spirit along.
Olly quirks an eyebrow at Dairkal. "What, on the first gig?" she says, winking. "Sounds like we've got the makings of a fine little band, right here."
She turns to Talon, smiling a bit at his blushes. "I've only been in here once or twice, and never to play." "But I guess perhaps you'll have the chance to see me play now." She grins before hopping off her barstool.
When the stranger comes in, Olly looks up but doesn't stop drumming immediately -- not till Ameiko suddenly goes after him and he's revealed as a goblin. When that happens, Olly stops. What is a goblin doing carrying one of those?! And speaking common?! She frowns, then picks up the drumbeat again, trying to match the rhythm to Noro's grapples.
In response to Dairkal: "By all means, please join in with your pipes."
Lost in her dance, Zella doesn't even notice the little fellow come in, however when she hears Ameiko shriek she stops and tries to figure out exactly what is going on. Is that a goblin??
Kojan bows his head apologetically as he steps over the splintered remains of the chair, his fists unfurling and gingerly rubbing the back of his neck and his shaved head. Karas' approach seems to embarass the Shoanti further as much as calm him down, but he flashes him an appreciative grin nonetheless. He stares hopelessly at the approaching innkeeper before fumbling with his coin-purse, clearly unfamiliar with the contents within. He places a few mismatched coins on the tabletop before finally turning to the Shoanti away from the eyes of the crowd.
He pauses to examine Karas' tattoos before greeting him in his native tongue. Kel-grish my friend! Greetings!" he booms, grasping the young Shoanti by the hand and patting him on the shoulder, pulling back his hood to reveal the tattoos of the Spire-Clan before the red-faced Chadron approaches.
He mouths the words of the Chelish man, taken aback by just how... familiar these southerners act and seeming unsure whether he was being insulted. However, at the thought of a song the man falls in step behind the others, his steps still clumsy and head still reeling from the wine and the elf-witchery. "I am the one named Kojan. What might I call you?"
A Goblin Pathfinder? Well this town certainly some interesting events going on. A slight smirk crosses his face as he continues watching.
Darius scans the room briefly, and spots a lovely Elf sitting at a table with three or four men passed out around it. Mental note, talk to her a little later. Continues to smirk.
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<*snip*>
Karas leaves his fellow Shoanti alone before slowly and carefully approaching the clearly inebriated woman,"Put him down miss. That thing he holds there is a Wayfinder, a device carried by people who call themselves the Pathfinder Society," a weird sort of clan he always figured, "Let him explain himself, his grasp of your common language seemed quite good. Not all goblins are barbarians." The reaction to a simple goblin made him glad he hadn't brought his totem spirit along.
Noro looks to whoever advised her to let him go then back to the goblin in her grasp she whispers to him one wrong move and I'll wring your little neck. she lets the goblin go.
she then looks to Karas lets just hope you are right she then look to the goblin becuase if your not then... she moves her hand across her throat to indicate what would happen next.
Noro then moves away her hand on her side trying to hide her painful bruise from the fight earlier at the docks.
Ah, Kojan. Please call me Chadron. It appears there's a story developing right here. Your.. clansman?... appears to have some insight into this small green gent.
Then to Noro, Talon, Karas, and Ameiko, It seems everyone's in agreement that the Sheriff is wanted. Since we all want the same thing, maybe we can sit and wait for him, without fisticuffs? Unless, of course, our hostess has some other plan? he says, looking expectantly at Ameiko.
Meanwhile, perhaps this traveller can spin us a tale, as reward for locating a Sheriff for him.
"You can always kill him after talking, the other way around tends to be difficult." He smiled at the brutish woman.
As they were now waiting for the 'sheriff' anyway Karas turned back to his fellow Shoanti, "My name is Karas. What brings one of the Shundar-Quah to a place like this?"
"I got your back Noro." and gives her a wink. He sheathes his rapier and relaxes his stance ... a bit. He looks to Ameiko for direction "What's up?", ready to launch back into service.
Talon eyes the goblin, taking in what he can. He's not used to being this close to one and not having his sword drawn. 'Scourge.' he thinks to himself.
oh what is a goblin doing here, lets see what it has to say
tessara walks so she can see and hear what is going on around the goblin, her monkey on her shoulder taking a look around as well.
hi small one hope you tell them something so your not hurt to much more
With the situation calmed down a bit, Darius makes his way to the bar and asks, who he thinks is the proprietor, "Pardon me, but do you happen to have a room available?"
Scans the shelf behind the bar for a good drink.
That goblin's no pathfinder!, a shrill gnomish voice comes from the front entry way. Blixa's half out of breath as he leans against the door.
I've been tracking him since he snuck into town, bloody fast li'l mites.
This one... <gasps> is one of the Seven Tooth Tribe, they're reknowned scavengers and miscreants.
Give him to me! I know what to do with vermin like him.
Blixa brandishes a dogslicer and waves it towards the goblin.
Addressing the goblin, Nice try, but Bowser want his Revenge.
The crowded streets provide Gudada something he desperately needs, a distraction. The young Varisian is dressed far less vibrantly than normal for his ethnicity, but the darker colors make him less obvious in the crowd. Watching those flowing around him, he focuses on his oldest skill set: identifying strangers to town those who have enough to be worth taking, enough to not guard it jealously and little enough to not have the power to create a long-term problem. The most surprising part of that estimation is how common this combination truly is.
He verifies four old, comfortable escape routes through the crowd and out of sight before actually selecting a target. he manages to jostle another passer-by into the target as he quickly relieves her of her purse. In a single fluid movement he turns to follow one of his old routes and finds the path temporarily blocked by a stopped cart. Without hesitation, he keeps turning and follows someone else into The Rusty Dragon.
The first thing he hears as he steps inside is rather unusual. "What goblin? And why would you think a GOBLIN was a Pathfinder?"
The goblin gets up from being pin to the ground and brushes off the dirt from his coat. You notice now that even though he is traveled stained, he is still rather clean. He looks at Blixa and becomes wide eyed at the dogslicer in his hands.
The door to the tavern burst open once again and Sheriff Hemlock walks in. He surveys the room in a quick glance before heading over to the gathering of people around the goblin. He crosses his arms in front of himself and speaks in a demanding voice "What is going on here, I'm told a goblin was looking for me." He looks to Blixa, with a serious look that would make anyone shy away "I'd put that away, or I'll find reason to put you in jail for a few months"
The goblin holds up a scroll and presents it to the Sheriff, and the Sheriff in turn takes it, unfurls it and reads it. He begins to chuckle to himself. He rolls the scroll back up and hands it back to the goblin. "I see the Decemvirate has not lost it's sense of humor. So your the Pathfinder that's going to observe the Grand Opening of the new Cathedral eh?" The goblin nods his head, still a bit shaken from the "warm welcome". The Sheriff continues to speak "Well stay out of public until the Grand Opening, for your own personal protection. Ameiko, give him a free room"
As the Sheriff begins to turn, Ameiko begins to protest, but the Sheriff turns around, "No buts, he's here as a guest!" And the Sheriff walks out of the tavern
Karas' attention is immediately drawn by the Gnome brandishing a crude blade and threatening the Goblin and his hands already start weaving the simple pattern to call forth one of his allies in defense of the Goblin when the sheriff enters. Good, at least some people around here weren't so blinded by their own preconceptions that they simply condemned someone based on what they were instead of who they were.
He turned to the Goblin, "Don't worry friend, I'll help keep these biased bigots off your back. No one deserves to be treated like this simply based on what they are instead of who they are."
"OK, so, a goblin, a gnome, and a Shoanti walk into the bar. The Sheriff follows them, and duns the tavern keeper for a week's worth of lodging. Hmmm... I think that needs a bit of work. But there's definitely a story in there somewhere."
Turning to Ameiko, "Please let me be the first to stand our most unuusual Pathfinder to a drink. And please let met overpay outrageously to ease your lodging burden. Oh, and come to think of it, I'll need lodging for tonight as well. Seems a line may be forming, and I'm behind the goblin."
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Noro looks to the Sheriff At least it wasn't my fault ... this time
Noro gives these newcommers some quick look overs and straigtens herself up.
she goes to join Talon at the bar I got a bad feeling about this she whispers to him.
I need a whishkey...better make it a double ish gonna be a long night
after her couple of shots she looks to Talon ahhh ... ya ... ahhh ... got a place to .... ahhh ... shtay? tonight? she asks him a bit sheepishly.
Zella gathers up whatever coins had been tossed their way and gives Olly and Dairkal their share. "The mood appears ruined for now. Maybe we should take a break and grab another drink?
Zella takes her own advice, moving over to the bar and asking for something both fruity and highly alcoholic.
After the sheriff leaves, Darius slides over to the Elf and asks, "So.... What was with the guys at your table being all passed out?"
Stops a bar server and asks for a glass of red wine. "My name is Darius Valingarus, in case you're wondering." He says with a wink.
Glancing around the room, Gudada chuckles lightly to himself before heading for an open space near the bar. As he moves, he opens his new-found purse and slides the depressingly small number of coins from it into his own pouch before dropping the now empty one under a random patron's feet.
As he nears his target perch, another patron slides into it throwing money at Ameiko and talking about rooms. The darkly colored human turns, again, looking for a place to light. The small pile of bodies near the female elf provides the most space, but also attracts the most attention. Taking the time for another scan of the room, Gudada is surprised not only by the apparent wealth in the room, but also the obvious violent nature of so many of the people carrying it. He does spot a table of Varisian locals off to one side of the room. He goes to join them.
"It is a horrid night that finds a son in mourning with so many people trying to celebrate instead." He taps some of his recently acquired coins on the table. "Some wine for my companions and I, so that we may properly remember the departed!"
Talon has been enjoying his conversation with Noro now that the excitement has subsided. But he's not sure how to react to her inquiry ... Well, uh, yeah, um, I mean do you need a place? He'd hate her not to have somewhere to sleep.
He can't help but notice the character with two purses, examining one of them expectantly and then with mild disappointment. He recognizes a man who's trade is similar to own. He'll be sure to keep a close eye on him so that he doesn't try get one over on any of his friends. Otherwise Talon is indifferent to him plying his trade, even a little curious to see him in action.
"Clansman? No. But the elders believe that all Shoanti are of the one quah." he says, slurring slightly and smiling stiffly at Chadron. He is unfamiliar with the southern courtesy's, but the man's boorish laughter is infectious. His eyes glance to the commotion and the little green visitor but he snorts dismissively and turns away to speak with Karas. "I am on my Great Journey. The rite-of-passage of my people... Well, not exactly. I have earned my tattoos and taken my place among the Braves, but the elders think there is something to be learned among the southerners as well." he says, with a look on his face that tells you he doesn't entirely agree with that assessment.
"Oh." he says, as an afterthought. "It seems you have a goblin problem. I thought you southern folk kept hounds to keep them away?"
"Whichever side of the weapon keeps you out of trouble Talon." James answers with amused disapproval. "But truly I was-" He's interrupted by the scene with the goblin and as Noro asks he quickly nods and heads out to get the sheriff, walking in shortly behind the big Shoanti man as he heads in the door. James listens with surprise to the fact that the little goblin could be a Pathfinder and is glad to see the altercation resolved peacably. I'm still glad to have elected him, regardless of his roots. I'm glad the town is watched over by a man with a level head.
"I apologize on behalf of our townsfolk." James rumbles at the little goblin, trying his best to appear unthreatening. "They are... not the most accepting of your kind. Goblins have plagued us for many years and it is very unusual to see one on a mission of peace. I hope you can forgive them for being overly enthusiastic in protecting their families." He extends one mighty meathook of a calloused hand to the goblin for shaking. "I'm James Pollick, Son of John Pollick, Blacksmith and Weapons maker."
"Kojan of the Shundar-Quah, well met. There certainly seems to be much to learn here tonight, though I haven't learned much as yet."
"Goblin problem... Ha ha! A goblin problem indeed! I believe our friend goblin here may be thirsty - or at least a drink may do him good. I don't have any hounds handy, but there's definitely some barking going on," looking significantly at Talon and Blixa.
"Oh, pardon friend." Chadron says to Gudada as they nearly collide at the bar - Gudada gliding lithely aside.
Glaring at Talon and Blixa, looking at Noro, James, Karas, and Kojan, at Zelldania, Olly, Dairkal and tessara as they converge at the bar, and addressing the goblin, "But come, friend Pathfinder, with drink in hand and belly to bar, please do tell us your story. You've a goodly audience here. I'm sure our performing friends would be grateful for a worthy tale to recount, " indicating Zell, Olly, and Dairkal, "Blixa and Talon might have their horizons expanded; Kojan seemed interested in a tale or a song. And as for me, " suddenly earnestly, "as for me, I am intensely interested in the Pathfinder Society."
And inwardly, The Pathfinder Society may be that 'something more' I've been chasing. Or at least, a step on the right path.