"Many names... Tribes names... Seven Tooth tribe is closest, makes armor from junk. Megekki never hear such thing. Mosswood fight Mosswood, unless stop now and maybe fight other. Birdcruncher at Devil's Platter, maybe not fight so much. Licktoad in Brinestump Marsh. Thistleltop on island."
"Hero names... Mosswood Gugmut, Hobgoblin and Boar. Seven Tooth Koruvus, rage, sword, and hiding. Or lost. Brinestump Vorka, Licktoad his food. Brinestump fat chief, Rendwattle Gutwad. Thistletop Ripnugget, best lair. Bruthazmus, bugbear, trades, hates elves."
"Seven Tooth come close, maybe catch when come?"
"In fact, it seems it is just a matter of taking a pick between so many potential enemies..." Zeriax ponders.
"In all honesty, it would seem we are still lacking additional information on how to proceed - I think I agree with Megekki: investigating the closest tribe is probably as good an idea as any other, as it allows us to stay closer to Sandpoint in case of an emergency, and we have no further consistent leads"
Trying to remember details from the recent attack, he adds: "From the ones that attacked just a few days ago, was any of these tribes more represented?"
After taking a sip while listening, Shelelu puts down her glass.
Right now, you need to stay in town, and help protect Sandpoint. If they attack again, you have the watch to help you. Out there, you are vastly outnumbered and the advantage is theirs. Do not underestimate them. Goblins may be small, but attacked in their lairs, they are not unlike a nest of wasp, and much more deadly. Some of these groups number in the hundreds.
For some time now, I have found it a much better use of time to insure that the infighting between the tribes continues. However, this attack on the town is very concerning. Despite their number, goblins do not have the organization or leadership to take the town head on. Someone let them into the town, somehow. Troubling, indeed.
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A flamboyant dwarf enters the tavern. You recognize him as VOLIOKER BRISKALBERD, who has owned and operated Sandpoint’s locksmith business since the town’s founding. Most of the town’s locks were built by Volioker. He appears to be in somewhat of a foul mood.
Ameiko! he bellows. I want your best ale...or whatever passes for ale in this place. Don't give me the watered down rubbish! He looks around. And mutters under his breath before sitting down.
Shayliss enters the bar and sits next to the monk. She jokes with everyone for a while before beginning to whisper 'sweet nothings' in the monks' ear.
Zeriax pays attention to the dwarf as he enters the inn common room, but no more than any other average patron - What is a Scarzni? - he wonders.
Turning to Shalelu he puts in - "I find the town immensely interesting, and staying around to make sure it is safe is not only enjoyable, but certainly something I believe we can manage competently..." - the monk seems to realize the sound of his own words, and blushes slightly as he throws a sideways glance at Shayliss.
Then, resolutely, he adds - "Besides that, according to your recount, it does semm the most wise course of action - we do not have the resources to take on a full goblin tribe, and we could well be overwhelmed sooner than later - our deaths would be pointless - I agree with Master Shalelu, we should stay, at least until the Sheriff returns with the needed reinforcements to guarantee Sandpoint's safety"
Zeriax sticks around enjoying the conversation while it proves informational, as well as Shayliss's company, never letting things get too far. As the evening wears on, when he finds it to be a suitable hour, he invites her for a stroll and then insist on taking her home for the night.
Brenton doesn't like waiting around town for something to happen.
This time he monk stands up and quietly faces the infuriated man - "I assure you sir, as I have done before, that my intents are nothing if honorable - everyone in this parlor can testify to this, as well I am sure your daughter can"
Zeriax does not want to fight this man at all - he is trying to understand the best way to approach this situation, and to avoid the man's anger.
With a more serious undertone, he adds: "By my honor, I have shown nothing but politeness to your daughter - I myself do not consume any alcoholic beverages and have been partaking solely in herbal tea, and we have shared our company only in public locations, in plain sight - you do not know me kind sir... I ask you humbly to respect my honor, as I have respected your family's"
Into the silence at the end of Zeriax' words, Megekki declares, "The doe comes to the tiger. The tiger has yet to pounce. Timid tiger. Brave doe. Angry bear, growls with eyes closed."
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As much as he has enjoyed the awkward moments, Zeriax' coy looks and blushes, he can see that this man is growing more and more agitated and another angry confrontation in the Rusty Dragon isn't going to help their cause.
Taking a drink he says:
Sir, you really have nothing to worry about with my friend Zeriax - haven't his actions over the last few days, not least during the goblin raid, demonstrated that he is an honorable man? Besides, if you fear for your daughters virtue, I think that ship has sailed long ago, so really there is nothing to get angry about is there?
Anywho, Megekki is right. The DC here is 18 (He actually has a low CHA...go figure given how much he's charming you all over) He's not going to slug you (hostile), but he is rather pissed. He's not very charismatic, so no bonus here.
Normally, I occasionally add bonus and apply penalties based on RP...if I feel the player's conversation convinces or pushes away an NPC's viewpoint, I modify the rolls accordingly. I felt that Zeriax's response was respectful enough to earn a bonus, so I raised it to a 19 (+4 is usually the max I give outside of some pretty extenuating circumstances such as returning a relative from the grave!).
Megekki, your zen like sayings are probably went right over the head of the man, who is too angry to look into their deeper meanings. However, it could give your team mate, Zeriak, more confidence in what he's doing. This is a great example of the words themselves 'aiding another'. I apply a +4 circumstance/moral bonus to your roll making it a total of 11. This is enough to 'aid another,' so, you add a total of +4 (Instead of the normal +2) since the super helpful trait you took comes in here). Total for Zeriax is now 23.
Emrys tries to help, but his words are laced with an insult. It's GREAT rp, but sadly, insulting to the old man nonetheless. While what he says is true, and it's SUPER likely the father knows it...NO father likes to be reminded of such a factoid. The truth hurts! It's not a total insult, so I only apply a -2 penalty here to his roll, giving him a total of 9. He does not 'assist another' with Zeriax's plea.
When I resolve diplomacy, the key character in the conversation is the one most responsible for the success of the diplomacy, and the others are always considered to be aiding another. I don't just take the highest roll and then say the others are supporting. Thankfully, the monk had the highest roll here...so it's all good. You all beat the DC by 5, so two shifts in relations is normally expected.
Your responses are enough to give him pause. Ameiko chirps up from behind the counter. Now, Ven...c'mon. Don't make a scene. These guys are saved the town, and have been working hard over the last few days making sure none of those creatures cause any more problems. Zeriak has done nothing...and I do mean nothing, to Shayliss, to cause her any harm or dishonor.
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The middle aged Ven Vinder unclinches his meaty fists and looks into the monk's eyes. What? Nothing? Seriously? He looks at his daughter.
It's true, papa. This man is the real thing. Strong. Centered. And he won't put a hand on me. And it's not for lack of trying.
After staring at her for a minute, he stands straight. Then a puzzled looks comes across his face. He grabs a chair, sits down, and speaks to Zeriak in a more hushed tone, as others go back to paying attention to their meal and drinks.
He looks a bit angry, and very focused. What? Is she not good enough for you?
Up to this moment, Shalelu has showed little emotion, aside from some anger in talking about the goblins. Now, you see another emotion that you have yet to see from the elf. Surprise.
She leans over to Emrys. This is why I prefer to spend most of my time in the woods. One day, you will have to tell me how you handle this day in and day out. She sips on her wine. watching carefully to see what will happen next.
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Honestly, Shalelu, I don’t understand where this man is coming from. But, usually I try to handle this kind of thing with patience and a smile on my face. I have never understood why humans spend so much time posturing when they are lucky to live three score years and ten. There are wonders out there that take our lifetimes to understand – both in nature and the arcane – and yet they choose to do... this. he laughs and shakes his head.
Still, it does make for good entertainment. See here, now the man is complaining that Zeriax hasn’t coupled with his daughter! Humans, they can be at once so simple and yet still so complex. At least you know where you stand with the goblins. Top up? he asks offering to refill her glass.
Emrys can’t exactly talk his way out of situations because of his lack of diplomacy but that doesn’t mean he can’t be charming. He just tends to say the wrong thing or, more likely, the thing which is most likely to illicit a laugh.
I attribute this partly to the fact he is a long-lived Elf. He does get confused why human(oid)s sweat the small stuff when they have only a handful of years to enjoy.
In this case though, as a pretty intelligent wizard, he was just applying logic to the situation – the way she’s been acting all talk of virtue is probably wasted air (no offence Z!). He knew he was being insulting too but it was all tongue in cheek, nothing malicious. Having said that I honestly think a -2 was hugely generous!
Zeriax nods as the man sits down, relaxing visibly - the fire in his eyes having begun rising to dangerous levels, his tail waving like a serpent.
First turning to the young woman - "Please Shayliss, allow me a moment's conversation in private with your father?" - If the girl agrees, he then pulls up a chair for himself sitting down next to the man.
"Thank you sir for giving me the benefit of the doubt, and allowing me to clear this issue once and for all - May I offer you some sort of beverage?" - If the man accepts, Zeriax will order whatever he wishes and add - "Where I come from, we are taught strictly that respect for your elders is one of the most important things in life, as regardless of their status in life, they carry with them the wisdom of years, something that is to be cherished. I would never slight you or your daughter in any way, by approaching in an unnacceptable manner"
"On the other hand, I understand that FRIENDSHIP between a man and a woman... simple friendship without romantic involvement, which is looked upon naturally in my country, in the lands I have visited is not considered possible..."
"I just want to say this without offending any of the involved - Your daughter is a very beautiful and attractive young woman - we have just met very recently but I find her very appealing, HOWEVER I have made no advancements whatsoever in that matter. Like I said, I would not do such a thing without your consent. For me, as I was brought up, things do not work like that - I am getting to know your daughter, but I am not courting her. We have had conversations, I had just offered to accompany home this very evening to make sure she is safe, but nothing else. I expect you to believe this, as I expect you to believe I am a man... well, actually a Tiefling as I was told..." - Zeriax chuckles - "of HONOR"
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He watches her walk to the back of the bar where she chats with Ameiko for a while. As you make your case, the man looks just a little puzzled, though somewhat pleased at the same time. Wow... you are one of those religious deals, like Father Zanthas. Look... I'm not stupid. I know what my daughter does. But more importantly, I know WHY she does what she does. She likes attention...and lots of it. You obviously pay her some attention. That's good. But you're the hero of the town. Hanging out with you gets her attention from others as well. And maybe some of that honor stuff you talk about would rub off on her...Pumpkin could use a little...honesty.
I overheard her talking to one of her friends yesterday. You're the first man who turned her down. She can't figure you out. That's good. Usually, men are only too happy to take advantage of her, and she gets bored of them quick.
But, you know...I'd like to see her settle down with the right guy. What father wouldn't? And, I guess you're about as good as she's going to get around this town. So, take good care of her, eh? The fact that you're from out of town, got a different way of thinking and you're an adventurer, might be different enough to actually make her consider being monogamous for once in her life.
He starts to get up, pauses for a moment, and adds, But don't wait too long, son. As you can tell, my pumpkin isn't a patient woman. Wait too long and she'll chase the next good lookin' man that walks into town.
Shalelu whispers to Emrys. This is why they have so many more children than us. Maybe we can learn some valuable mating rituals here.
You note the sarcasm in her voice.
Last call.
Brenton goes to bed.
Zeriax shakes the man's hand vigorously - "Again, thank you for taking the time to listen - some things cannot... I mean, SHOULD not be hurried - a flower blooming, a fruit ripening are examples. Feelings are another one. Have a nice evening Sir"
If the friends stay for more conversation, Zeriax stays too. If not he retires to his room with a short bow and a smile to Shayliss.
Under his mask, under his breath, Megekki muses...
"And the Tiger shall not lay down with the Doe. And the Bear shall sleep well."
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Mating rituals? he asks with a raised eyebrow. Interesting
Maybe. But perhaps my friend Zeriax isn't the best teacher. No thank you, Ameiko I have a mostly full bottle left. Shalelu here will help me finish and then I can give you a hand cleaning up if you'd like?
He pours himself another glass and offers his fellow elf the bottle.
So how long have you lived here Shalelu? And how did you come to have such enmity with the goblins?
I have been here for a number of decades and have watched this town grow from its founding to what it is today. Its people are brave. I have learned much by watching them grow together. As far as the goblins... they infest the forests, and threaten not only these innocent people, but many of the creatures in the forest. They have no concern for the sanctity of life or nature's cycles. Left unchecked, they would consume all around them, even to their own detriment. My desire to see no harm come to the citizens of Sandpoint as well as insure balance in nature, provided my motivation to decide to become a guardian, of sorts. At least, until they town can defend itself adequately against such threats.
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A noble cause! he replies cheerfully but without sarcasm. For my own part I've spent the last 80 years chasing ghosts across Varisia. Ghosts of the past that is.
He leans in and whispers.
You've been here for a long time. Do you know what happened with Ameiko and her father? I know she became an adventurer for a while but his reaction... as a man who adventured with his family, discovered so many wonderful things, I found that difficult to understand.
To be honest, Ameiko is one of my closest friends here in Sandpoint. At the same time, I do not totally understand the nature of the wedge between Ameiko and her father. Seems a part of it has to do with the fact that Ameiko doesn't really act like a noble.
She gets up.
I best retire. I plan to wake well before sunrise to do some early patrolling. Thank you. I hope we will have a chance to speak more in the future, Emrys.
When Shayliss returns, she spends more time with Zeriak before being walked home.
You all eventually retire and wake the next morning.
As you all sit together in the morning waiting for breakfast, you are approached by the halfling woman, Bethana Corwin, She’s obviously upset and asks to speak to you all somewhere in private. You agree. She pulls you to the back.
She speaks hurridly, I ... I work up earlier this morning to find that Ameiko hadn’t already started breakfast, for the first time I can ever remember. It concerned me, so I knocked on Ameiko’s door but didn’t get a response. Against my better judgment, I entered Ameiko’s room to find it empty and the bed unslept in. Worse, I found a crumpled piece of parchment near the bed—a note from Ameiko’s older brother Tsuto.
She pulls the paper out of her pocket and hands it to you.
Bethana goes on to explain that Tsuto was something of a scandal when he was born back in 4688 (a year before Ameiko), since he’s a half-elf. Bethana sagely notes, with big eyes, that neither of Ameiko’s parents are elves. It was obvious that old Lonjiku wasn’t the boy’s father, and his rage at the discovery of his wife’s indiscretion was the talk of the town for months. Lonjiku’s wife Atsuii never revealed who the father was, and it’s a testament to Lonjiku’s stubbornness that they remained married.
Tsuto was handed over to the Turandarok Academy to be raised outside of the Kaijitsu family, ignored by his father and forbidden visits from his mother. Ameiko told Bathana that she starting visiting him in secret once she learned about his existence at the age of 10, visiting him a few times a month to keep him company, bring him some food, and promise him that someday things would get all sorted out.
Her tone drops as she relates that it all changed in 4705, when they had a terrible argument in which Tsuto struck Ameiko. Bethana doesn’t know what the argument was about, but whatever it was sent Ameiko away from Sandpoint, during which time she made a living as an adventurer. She returned to Sandpoint a year later to attend her mother’s funeral. Tsuto was quite public in his opinions that his father had pushed Atsuii off a cliff to her death, and during the funeral there was a confrontation. Lonjiku nearly broke Tsuto’s jaw with his cane, after which Tsuto cursed him and left Sandpoint. Ameiko has tried to reestablish contact with him ever since, but was never able to track him down.
She concludes, I'm worried that Tsuto’s up to no good. Since Sheriff Hemlock’s out of town, you are the only ones I can turn to. Please, please head over to the Glassworks and find out what happened to Ameiko as soon as possible!
"We go. We choose first. We run, and point like arrow, every eye follows. Or we walk, and only many eyes follow. Is six hours now. Megekki say, we walk. Many paths, each who knows, takes some who do not. Megekki knows, but who comes with Megekki?"
"I still get lost around here. Lead the way friend!"
While preparations are being made, Zeriax goes up to his room to fetch his gear, fitting himself as usual to make sure he is prepared for what may lie ahead.
A few moments later, the monk appears back downstairs, his quicksteps bringing him fast to the front of the inn, lightly fitted and ready to go.
"So, where are these Glassworks located, and what are they exactly?"
"Glass is stone. Melt stone, clear like water, flows like honey. Cools, hardens, back to stone. Glassworks is where the fire is, makes stone flow like honey. This way."
"I wish she would have confided in one of us." Brenton mumbles as they head to the Glassworks.
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The halfling answered, I believe mistress Shalelu left extremely early this morning. She mentioned to me that she would be doing so on one of her early morning patrols.
When you arrive at the Glassworks, you find the building curiously silent. Neighbors mention to you that they've noticed the lack of traffic into and from the building, but since the furnace chimney still plumes with smoke, most assume that the building is simply closed to allow Lonjiku and his workers some privacy while they work on a big project.
A quick investigation of the building perimeter reveals that curtains have been drawn over the windows and all the doors are locked. There are skylights above that look into areas, through the climb up there looks rather difficult.
The rumble of the Glassworks’ furnace is plainly audible from within,
"Family shame, brother's secret. She goes alone. If already she comes back, it was right to do. But already she does not, it was wrong. Like sides of mask. Megekki looks through mask. Mask looks at Megekki. Two sides, both true."
"I think we should try knocking before breaking the door down. Someone is obviously inside and they could be in danger."
Zeriax raises a hand, while he listens intently - "There is something afoot... I can hear what sounds like highpitched giggles, shrieks, and breaking glass as well. Would this be normal for such a location?"
"Hey!!! you in there, are you in trouble? Do you need help?" Brenton yells. Getting no response and hearing shrieks and loud noises from within, he tries to break down the front door with a crowbar.
plus if there is a bonus from using the crowbar