With her attention fixed on Darius, assessing his physique, Zella was slightly startled by Gabriel's appearance and question. "Oh, well, you see I'm actually here to look for work as well. I haven't actually done any theatre work yet, but I want to be more than just a dancer."
Zella tries to wipe the faint look of worry from her face while she speaks of looking for work and smiles back over Darius. "Perhaps I'm in need of some relaxation too. I suppose it does no good to worry about the future, what will happen will happen regardless."
Blixa sheaths Bowser's Revenge and tries to lose himself in the crowd. He keeps his vision focused on the goblin.
Pathfinder or not I'll see that gobbo hanging by his giblets. They're all liars, right?. Maybe he's alright? Nah, what am I thinking? Forget that nonsense.
Just have to wait til he goes upstairs and a moment's distraction and I'll have my chance...
Pardon me, sir, I didn't mean to get underfoot, he smiles at the big lout that almost ran him down.
If he sticks around downstairs, I'll stall making idle chat when necessary and make it seem like I've given up on him. Bluff check and stealth up (use above stealth roll)
If I need a perception to see him go, Perception check
Blixa envisions gripping his dogslicer "I'll let the dogs at him"
but wait, they'll know I did it... even if they don't catch me...
who cares? he's a gobbo! they'll pin a medal on your chest
one less worthless gobbo soul in Avistan
you're doing Sandpoint a favour, right?
but it's murder, cold-blooded murder!
is it murder to kill a chicken or a pig?
gobbo's are on the same level, right?
well yeah, 'cept I wouldn't eat one...
don't imagine they taste right...
alright then let's do this...
The distance from Magnimar to Sandpoint was not long, yes, as far as journeys go, but the circumstances sorrounding it were tiring still.
Upon arriving in town, Marcus glances over across the Turandarok river to the south, where the setting sun crossed over Sandpoint harbor, bathing the edges of the town in a pale red-orange glow. Pretty enough, he thinks to himself as he pats Virtue on the rump and edges further into town.
He sees people moving hither and to, busy, scurrying around like army ants, flocking endlessly to and from the town square, where decorations, streamers and banners, and other paraphernalia blew effortlessly in the wind.
A festival of some sort then, he thought idly as Virtue trotted slowly through the busy streets. I don't suppose my Lord would have though ti proper to inform me about this? He sighed, casting his eyes south past the busy streets towards the inn he had last stayed at two years ago when he had last traveled here, searching for the resolution of business contracts with the town's noblemen.
He arrives at the front door and hitches Virtue to the post outside, and glances warily about him into the musky and obviously cramped quarters of the inn.
Certainly much more lively The inn is packed full of men and women, gnomes, elves, half-elves, halflings. He even thinks for a second he had the caught the barest glimpse of a goblin clambering slowly up the stairs. Marcus shook his head. He takes care to notice some the of the more roguish sort in the room before squezing himself into the barest of spaces next to bar.
The obviously Tian Xian women glances over to Marcus, eyes barely even registering his presence. Marcus beckons her over.
"What'll it be," she asks, bored, as if his presence was not much more interesting than the stool he sat on. Obviously the more lively this place got, the more dull everything else became.
"I'll have some water, my lady, if it's good enough to drink around here, and I'll also have some information, if it will please you."
Trawling for rumors then, is it? he thinks as he says it. My, I feel almost five and thirty again!
.
Gabriel once again speaks to Zelladania in his unusually deep voice: "Well, it seems best to relax tonight, but perhaps we can go together in the morning, and find who still needs parts filled"
Gabriel worries to himself It seems most are here to enjoy the festivities, hopefully that means actors will be in high demand. I wonder if anybody here has any influence locally...
Lohrgan spends nearly a minute standing in the threshold of the of the tavern as he takes in the room, his senses overwhelmed by the relentless murmur of the crowd, by waves of people moving through the room, and the mixing scents of dozens of individuals. He quickly steps to the side when he realizes he is blocking the door for the newest patron. "I, uh... I'm sorry," he mutters as shuffles to one side.
His eyes fall on the bar, tended by an exotic-looking woman. Keeping his head low and his hood drawn, he takes a few long strides towards the counter. He sees many people pushing their way to bar, shouting their orders, but Lorhgan simply stands to one side, idly fidgeting as he waits for them to disperse, though it soon becomes apparent this is not going to happen. Deciding that right now food is more important that unobtrusiveness, he shoulders his way to the front of the crowd. "Some wine would be nice," he says as the the bartender turns her attention to him, though he keeps his own eyes locked on the countertop. "And... I smelled fish."
The Shoanti spots the orc the second he enters the tavern. Brow furrowed, he seems to draw up to almost twuce his height, hostile intent clear on his face, but he does not approach yet, but merely curses in his native tongue under his breath.
"Perhaps I'm in need of some relaxation too. I suppose it does no good to worry about the future, what will happen will happen regardless."
Darius leans on the bar and says, "That is quite true milady, fate has a way of weaving a path around any obstacle to get to its destination. May I offer you a glass of red wine?" Raises a hand to get a servers attention. That's when he noticed the big cloaked individual at the door. My he's a big one, the Half-Elf thought. Turning his attention back to Zelladania, "So, you mentioned that your a dancer, correct? I might be tempted to ask you for a demonstration, if the current situation weren't so crowded. I do happen to have and play the flute. I'm no minstrel, but I play moderately well, if I do say so myself."
Aliyah steps inside the front door of the Rusty dragon. She hides behind a large half-orc in the doorframe, using his distracting visage to her advantage.
She is dressed in a corset, with a small jacket over the top, that comes halfway down her back, and has long sleeves that bell out towards the wrists. She wears knee high boots over her pants, and has her hair up in two buns, with several tiny braids trailing off of each.
Smiling at the music in the room, she moves to the bar, sidling up near a Shoanti, and a middle-aged man, as well as the half-orc.
The elf chuckles at the Varisian knowingly, as his fingers almost imperceptibly trace down to the missing purse on his belt. He raises an eyebrow. "It is a strange thief that sizes up his mark after robbing him," he says with a shrug, "but I've spent long enough with the caravans to know that this is but another test." he says, patiently, smiling all the while. "Mae govannen, my friend. Well met. You're too quick for this weary traveler." he says, with a defeated shrug, pulling up a chair and sitting beside the man, placing a hand on his shoulder. "The good Father Zantus would say that it's unbecoming to steal from a man of the cloth, but by Cynosure I'm an elf of my word. If you wish to buy the wine, I won't stop you. There's a magnificent bottle of Iadaran Merlot made from black grapes from Kyonin, waiting for two men of the road to share it. I've just come in from the cold and need something more to warm my bones." he says, before turning away from the bar and giving the gypsy a dull, grey-eyed stare that gives him the uncomfortable sensation he's being sized up himself. "... and if you've a tale for me I'll let you keep the rest of the coin." he says, extending a hand.
"Do you have a name, Varisian? I am Seldon, of Crying Leaf."
Sense Motive DC 15 - You sense he's slightly joking at being afraid of the gnome
Flit rummages through his coin purse, "I don't have much in the way of coin to pay you, what sort of rates do you offer?" Once they reach an agreement, Flit will shake hands with Chadron and head to his own room for the night.
As Olly listens to the banter of her fellow performers and the odd half-elf, she idly looks over the room. What a crowd - this is almost starting to look like home!
As Gabriel speaks, she turns back to the conversation. "With a voice like that, you should be a singer! My goodness. But it seems we're all here for the same things. Have any of you gotten so much as an invitation from the theater? You'd think they'd be hiring, what with the festival and all."
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Noro, Standing outside the front entrance of the Rusty Dragon, politely nods a greeting to each as they enter the tavern. still rubbing her side which has been recently re-injured, thanks to the crowd in the tavern tonight.
after a short time getting some fresh air, she turns to take a look in the window of the atvern to watch the festivities inside.
to many outsiders she thinks to herself.
subconsciously she soon finds herself watching Talon through the window.
After a bit of watching She can't help but take notice of the guy that wanted the goblin from earlier dead.
wonder what he is up to? this can't be good
after a few seconds of thought he means to kill that goblin I'll bet as quickly as she saw him she looses sight of him.
I'll be damnded if I let a murder be commited. she starts to head into the tavern again but stops just short of going in.
If I get involved I'll be implicated and me and the Sheriff ain't on the best of terms. suddenly in dawns on her; I'll fetch the law and that way I can regain some of my family honor, or at the very least I will have done right
Noro quickly takes off to the garrison to fetch the sheriff or at least the deputy.
Darius leans on the bar and says, "That is quite true milady, fate has a way of weaving a path around any obstacle to get to its destination. May I offer you a glass of red wine?" Raises a hand to get a servers attention. That's when he noticed the big cloaked individual at the door. My he's a big one, the Half-Elf thought. Turning his attention back to Zelladania, "So, you mentioned that your a dancer, correct? I might be tempted to ask you for a demonstration, if the current situation weren't so crowded. I do happen to have and play the flute. I'm no minstrel, but I play moderately well, if I do say so myself."
Zella accepts the offered glass of wine as she continues to speak to Darius. "Well, I regret to inform you then that you just missed a demonstration of my dancing abilities." Waving her free hand to indicate Olly and Dair, she continues: "My two fellow performers here accompanied me on their instruments during my dance. I think that our act was well received. Perhaps I can arrange another demonstration for you later."
Gudada raises an eyebrow as Noro chooses to leave, but he does nothing to either prevent her from doing so or to follow her.
The elf chuckles at the Varisian knowingly, as his fingers almost imperceptibly trace down to the missing purse on his belt. He raises an eyebrow. "It is a strange thief that sizes up his mark after robbing him," he says with a shrug, "but I've spent long enough with the caravans to know that this is but another test." he says, patiently, smiling all the while. "Mae govannen, my friend. Well met. You're too quick for this weary traveler." he says, with a defeated shrug, pulling up a chair and sitting beside the man, placing a hand on his shoulder. "The good Father Zantus would say that it's unbecoming to steal from a man of the cloth, but by Cynosure I'm an elf of my word. If you wish to buy the wine, I won't stop you. There's a magnificent bottle of Iadaran Merlot made from black grapes from Kyonin, waiting for two men of the road to share it. I've just come in from the cold and need something more to warm my bones." he says, before turning away from the bar and giving the gypsy a dull, grey-eyed stare that gives him the uncomfortable sensation he's being sized up himself. "... and if you've a tale for me I'll let you keep the rest of the coin." he says, extending a hand.
"Do you have a name, Varisian? I am Seldon, of Crying Leaf."
Gudada smiles back, takes the offered hand, and then tosses the errant purse on the tabletop at Seldon’s elbow. ”I am Gudada. You should know to be more careful with your words, if you have traveled with several clans. A true Varisian does not steal anymore than a hunter steals from the forest, a farmer from the fields, or a smith from the forge. We use the resources around us to meet our needs, nothing more.” The wink is quick, but meant to be seen. ”As for right now, I was simply looking to acquire supper, though that Iadaran Merlot sounds quite tasty.” He shifts in the chair so that the back is under his left arm.
”As for a story . . .. Are you familiar with the Varisian custom of calling a Varisian woman you don’t know, who is travelling without escort, Petra? Several years ago, before I was born, but possibly while you were young, there lived the beautiful, graceful, gentle and young Varisian woman named Petra. She was traveling as part of a caravan clan. All the men of the clan, and most of the men in villages they visited, adored her. Her life was good. When the caravan was at a village, she was responsible to dance with her cousins for tips and to sell flowers to the young men of the village, as are most young Varisian women. Given her beauty and grace, the clan went to great effort to have her visible in order to increase the tips.
”Eventually, the clan stopped at a village they had never seen before. They were cautious being in a new place, but went about their business as normal, because a clan is a hungry beast which always wants to eat. Petra was selling her flowers. She had some fresh, vibrantly purple and yellow, marvelously scented flowers. Many of the village’s young men were happy to provide her coin in exchange for a few words, a few moments, and a soft touch of her hand. The young man assigned to watch over Petra lost sight of her. Truth be told, he left to relieve himself. When he returned, her basket and flowers lay trampled in the mud, but there was no sign of her.
”The clan began looking for her, trying not to make their activity obvious or threatening. The caravan master even spoke with the village lawman, who refused to believe that anything foul had happened. Typical.” ‘Dada spits on the ground in a display of anger or disdain. ”The clan’s search lasted for three days, until they found her body discarded in a stream bed below the village.
”That is why we call an unescorted Varisian woman that we don’t know, Petra. The part that you may not have known is that is also why we call an insolent young man who shirks his duty, Petra.”
Zella accepts the offered glass of wine as she continues to speak to Darius. "Well, I regret to inform you then that you just missed a demonstration of my dancing abilities." Waving her free hand to indicate Olly and Dair, she continues: "My two fellow performers here accompanied me on their instruments during my dance. I think that our act was well received. Perhaps I can arrange another demonstration for you later."
Clinks his glass against hers and replies, "I would like that very much." Finishes his glass of wine, sets it on the bar and says, "Well, it's been nice meeting you, but I'm afraid that I need to arrange for some accomodations for this evening. I bid you a fair night, and a blessed morning." Bows to her, and in the process sweeps up her hand kisses it gentley. Then sets out to find a room for the night.
hmm, he's locked in
difficult to pick the lock
breaking down the door is difficult and would draw attention
I'll need to get him to come out on his own
or go in through a window if there's one
could I go in, exit the window and enter his room through his window?
Climb check (if necessary)
Stealth check (to do it quietly)
if that's not feasible, I'll try and bluff him out
"Complimentary Basket for our special guest"
Bluff check
Disguise check (disguise voice)
note: haven't applied favoured enemy +2 mod (if applicable)
if he opens the door, I'll Bull's Rush him, closing the door behind us (if possible)
After Darius sweeps off, Zella watches his backside for a moment before turning back to Olly. "Well now, what do you think of that one? Possibly worthy of my attention." Giving a little laugh and then finishing her drink, Zella thoughts turn back to the practical.
"I wonder if the local theatre is planning any entertainment for the festival? Perhaps in the morning the lot of us could head over and check to see if they have anything posted needing help. If they don't we can still go along with our idea to perform as a little group ourselves and see what we can earn. Maybe we might even catch the attention of someone in charge of the local talent."
James smiles as Darius leaves for the woman. "The gods save us from young amorous people yes?" He laughs and elbows Kojan lightly before noticing him tensing up over the half-orc. "Easy there son. Anyone's allowed in Sandpoint. Don't be prejudiced. If he causes trouble the Sheriff will deal with it. It's none of your concern."
'Some good, some bad. On the one hand, I'm employed by the Pathfinder Society, and paid in hard coin. Hurrah! On the other hand, I'm working for a goblin. ewww. He seems like a nice enough goblin, though.' Chadron continues to weigh the evenings fortunes as he beds down for the evening. 'Small room, but certainly not as tight as when the militia barracked at the Temple at Ardigh last summer.' He lays out sheathed sword, spear, bow (strung), and quiver accessible and not tangled with pack and other kit. Boots in their place at the foot of the bed. Armor piled order on a stool shield leaning against them.
Down to his breaches and light tunic, Chadron takes a last turn or the room - no window to secure, door locked. 'Seems like friendly territory, but it's the small rituals that make the difference between a professional soldier and a dead sword carrier. Chadron played Captain Marten's old adage through his head somewhat smugly. Then for himself, 'That, and getting paid.'
Olly grins back at Zella. "Well, he certainly thought you were worth his attention! And he knows his manners."
"I've been earning a few coins playing at Cracktooth's, over near the theater. They have a nice big stage and pretty much anyone can perform there. A lot of theater regulars show up there, so I'm hoping I'll catch someone's eye soon. But you're right, maybe it's worth going to the theater directly to see if they're hiring. In any case, I'd love to do more performing with you - maybe we can put together a whole evening's entertainment between the dancing, the music, some stories..."
Gabriel once again booms, this time towards Olly:
"Thank you most kindly for the compliment. I haven't had any singing training, maybe one day... assuming there are jobs around here to be found for aspiring actors. I haven't heard of Cracktooth's, what sort of place is it?
The goblin smiles, "I'd turn around and go back the way you came, friend."
Hearing a crash from the corridor, Chadron snatches up his shield and spear, 'no sheath to clear with a spear.' Chadron flings open his door and bursts into the corridor, looking for trouble.
Seeing all the doors closed, and a peaceful-looking corridor, Chadron moves to Flit's door. He thumps the door with the butt of his spear. Chadron calls through the door, "Flit, I'm coming in in 3, 2," and on '2' Chadron flings open the door, braced to engage someone on the other side.
'I hope that wasn't just "contract negotiation". And if there are leather and whips involved, I'm going to be very, very embarassed in front of the new boss.'
It's him or me!
Blixa tumbles past Flit...
oh crap...
to avoid him getting a shot in...
and...
strikes out with Bowser's Revenge
"I'll have to find him again tomorrow. Perhaps when we have some free time between performances. And speaking of performances, maybe over breakfast tomorrow we can coordinate what song and dance to do tomorrow?
Zella turns back to the bartender to order another drink as she contemplates possible dance routines for the next day. Must remember to keep all the dances appropriate for family entertainment...
The elf smiles, swilling his wine and taking a small sip. "... a tale that gets sadder by each new telling." the elf says, solemnly. He plucks a gold coin from his considerably lighter purse and tosses it to the man. "It is sad to know that so few can risk the roads at night, and sadder still to see such hatred."
"Still, Desna is kind, and you must count her blessings. Few of these townsfolk would know the joy of the open road, and fewer still may take their brothers and kinsfolk with them." the elf says, with a touch of melancholy in his smile. "I am not usually one for the top-shelf." he chuckles, "... but it's a small price to play for a taste of home." He stands.
"I wish you joy, this Swallowtail. Pray, take some time from lightening purses to enjoy the festival. Do you leave with the caravan? Perhaps we can travel south together."
"Ah, but I DO count Desna's blessings. She routinely releases me from the past." 'Dada stands and offers to shake Seldon's hand again. "Enjoy your celebration. I should be leaving soon enough, though I haven't picked a new clan, yet. If you stay on the roads, we should run into each other somewhere."
And with that, Gudada leaves The Rusty Dragon, headed to an empty hovel, well light by lanterns, to try to sleep on pallet in a different room than where the bed stands.
After paying for one of the last available rooms in the Rusty Dragon, Darius heads upstairs for some rest. Just as he turned down the corridor, he spots a man wildly opening a door, spear in hand. "Hey, you, what are you doing?!" He calls out to the man as a two-bladed sword seems to appear in the Half-Elf's hands out of nowhere.
The goblin doesn't even look startled as Blixa charges. In fact he seems to be waiting for Blixa to make the first move. As the gnome closes on the goblin, a loud thunderous crack is heard as Flit uses his snap shot ability to fire at Blixa
Blixa's Bowser's Revenge strikes true, but doesn't seem to phase the goblin. Another loud thunderous crack is heard as another shot is fired from Flit's pistol as he also slashes at him with his cutlass.
The cutlass goes flying as it goes flying from Flit's hand from the terrible attack, but the pistol still fires true.
Blixa falls to the ground, unconscious. Flit pulls Bowser's Revenge out from his side and drops it on the ground. He breathes heavy from the attack. He sees Darius burst into his room.
"Fetch the Sheriff... " Flit grabs a rope from his pack and ties up Blixa.
Looks at the fallen Gnome, then at Flix, "Are you sure you're okay? I'd hate to come back and find your throat slit." Looks again at the Gnome, "But then again, I doubt he's getting up anytime soon." Turns around to get the Sheriff, only to find him standing there with warrior woman from down stairs behind him.
Blixa's dreams are dark as he lies bleeding from holes on both sides where the two lead balls ripped through his body.
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That washn't what I was expecshting
Noro adds peering past the Sheriff.
She...I told you shomething wash happening here. and I ain't involved thish time.[b]
Noro eyes the other two having never see them in town before tonight.
[b] Sheriff, don't know mush about theshe two, don't think they are involved she adds then gives Darius a second look.
but if they are I might have to get myself arrested to she starts to think.
Qorin walks relentlessly, the journey from Kaer Maga has taken weeks. He fled his home after breaking ties with a powerful figure in the underworld there, and has come here seeking a whisper. Once, he heard, from those who knew him, his father had been a warrior, and had fought goblins with a man named Daviren Hosk in a place called Sandpoint. His father having long since disappeared and having no family left who care to acknowledge him, he has set off for this town. He is not certain why, except that there is no earthly reason for him to go anywhere else, and he needs the time to make sense of things.
He had recently discovered that he was not only honorable, but actually decent. He had almost died fighting thieves who were robbing some of the poorest people in Kaer Maga, because he could actually smell the evil in their souls. A priest of Iomedae had saved his life and taught him the goddess's way of righteous valor.
He had broken with his past and as he walked, he thought about this new creature he was becoming. He was strong and he could smell evil. He would be the righteous hand of Iomedae and destroy evil. That much was simple. The question was, where was the goddess's hand needed? How could he find the true enemy? For what purpose had he been given this strength? These were the questions he pondered as he walked through forests, mountains, swamps.
After many weeks, he came over a hill and he tasted the salt air of the sea. It was strange to him, having lived his whole life at the edge of the Cinderlands. It seemed as if the world ended, swallowed by an endless blue ocean and there was a town there, at the end of the earth. Qorin hesitated there for a moment, wondering if he should turn and seek his destiny somewhere else. Only a moment, though, and then he walked the last steps of the road to Sandpoint.