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Chrona is in a bit of a haze when she finishes working. She barely noticed that the sun had set and cooler air now drifts into her candlelit room. As she opens her door to head down for a late dinner she is startled by the silent Ren who was just going to deliver her message.
"Oh my! Dear, excuse me I didn't hear you approach. Whew, I think hunger has me a bit wiped."
The news makes Chrona extatic, "Tomorrow! Wonderful! Come have a Hot Toddy with me love, is anyone else down there eating?"
Varak would return to the Inn, pleased to see everyone once more, especially after receiving such warm feelings from those he had met in town. It seemed food had been made and he could her Chrona talking excitedly as he entered and moved to join them. It looked like the ladies were having a good time. "Evening you two. I hope your day was well after this mornings little hunt. Next time, you'll all have to join me on one of my walks. People here are getting used to me so finally and this place has quite the charm to it. I'd love the company," he'd say as he joined them, grinning wide from his good day as he rejoined his comrades and ordered a drink and some of the food that had been prepared. "So what's tomorrow?"
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Arkon dispenses with the Stag to whichever vendor needs/wants it for a future promise of food. He then travels to the inn to meet with his companions.
"Greetings mistress Ameiko.. and to you all"
Arkon will take up a seat and sigh a little as he has been tromping around all day. Orz will run around chirruping for scratches and just being curious.
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Master Arkon and Sir Varak, In glad you found us. I will of course get your food in a moment, but first I wanted to tell you that Aldern Foxglove has invited all of us to a hunt at Foxglove Manor. He said he'd have horses ready for us tomorrow. I do hope that you plan on attending.
Without waiting for an answer she disappears into the kitchen to fetch food and drink for her newly arrived companions.
Once the captured goblin has been handed over to the authorities, Lackspell returns to his room at the Inn. Having just recently completed some alchemical work he spends a little time tidying his table and updating his notes in his journal. It seems to be becoming a slightly jumbled combination of working notes and diary and so he spends some time clearing that up.
With that done, Lackspell finds himself unusually unsettled in his room/workshop. Often this room or one like it is something of a refuge for him, but tonight he is restless and to his surprise, he realizes he wants to spend time with his companions. To that end he returns down to the taproom in the hopes of finding some of them.
If there's anything you wish to do before you attend Foxglove Manor you may certainly do so.
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After delivering her message, Ren heads up to her room and lays down in bed.
I sure hope I don't embarrass myself tomorrow. We will all look so nice in the fancy clothes he bought us. How nice it must be to be able to afford to outfit a whole group of strangers...
With that Ren falls asleep dreaming of what it would be like to be rich.
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Praetor lays out his fine clothes and places his greatsword beside them.
His sleep is restless. He is more fearful of social gatherings and politesse than battle. That night he dreams his tongue is swollen, his words falling from his mouth like molasses. He thinks for hours whether it would be better to wear his fine clothes, or keep them packed away and change when the mansion is near.
Lackspell eats a quiet meal in the taproom before retiring for the night to be fresh for the big day tomorrow.
The next morning, Aldern Foxglove himself is waiting for you. He greets you as you all come down into the common room. He had apparently gotten there early, and had Ameiko cook up a large breakfast of sausage, bacon and eggs for you all. He grins at all of you as you enter the room, and his eyes linger briefly on Chrona.
"My saviors! It is truly a pleasure to see you all again. Thank you, truly, for accepting my invitation. Alas, it seems I cannot receive you at the home of my ancestors; Foxglove Manor is in the midst of a reconstruction and restoration, you see. I had hoped it would be finished by now, but, sadly, delays have cropped up. Instead, I thought perhaps we could enjoy a hunt! The Tickwood Forest, nearby, is home to some particularly large boars. One would make quite a prize! We could return it here and prepare a feast in honor of the Heroes of Sandpoint. What do you think?"
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A wave of relief washes over Praetor, but a suspicious feeling lays in the undercurrent.
Odd, he didn't mention the construction earlier. A lie?
"A hunt? That would be wonderful. I speak only for myself, of course. I suspect Chrona will feel differently." Praetor grins, then looks down at his fine clothes and wishes he were armored. "Would you be bothered if I put on something more befitting a hunt? It would be a shame to soil these fine clothes so soon."
He eats breakfast but does not fill himself. Riding on a full stomach does not sit well.
Praetor, Aldern seems genuine, and quite happy to see you. He is quite fine giving you a chance to change.
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Chrona wanders down in her casual clothing, backpack of gear slung over her shoulder. When she enters the dining area to find Foxglove she is surprised and horrified.
Luckily her exposed mid-drift and leg distracted the wealthy man as she stammered to find composure. "I, I, Sir Foxglove! How WONDERFUL to see you HERE and UNANNOUNCED." This is a nightmare, I'm not dressed, I haven't done my hair, oh gods how does my skin look after sleeping?! I thought I would have time!
She slowly calms down as it appears Aldern likes what he sees. "A hunt! Splendid, no better way to get the blood flowing, as they say!" Chrona winks.
'Maybe things are still alright.. so, construction has done this to me? How on earth could that be unforseen?"
Chrona combs her eyes over the man as he is distracted welcoming the others.
'Oh to be that rich, impromptu remodeling.. he must want to impress me. Yees, I am winning him over.'
Varak joins the group as well after a pleasant sleep, nodding happily as he joins the others. While not distrusting of the noble Foxglove, he does catch himself scowling though oddly at the minor interaction between him and his ifrit companion. He does a decent job of shaking the strange irritation from his mind, his tail hitting the ground absentmindedly before returning to his breakfast. "I do hope the boar is truly so magnificent, Lord Foxglove. A large feast I think you greatly benefit the townsfolk here," he'd add, his voice at the very least still coming out friendly.
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Ren gets up early and sets about getting ready.
She picks up her daggers and begins to set them aside.
A hunt near the manor he said, and to be well dressed. Well then I shall need to bring my bow as the dress could get ruined with knife work. Hmmm so how to arrange this...
She finishes with her knives and lays out the bow and quiver on the bed.
As she laces up her corset and pulls on the lovely dress she glances in the mirror:
Clearly a quiver would destroy the effect if carried it over my shoulder, but if hangs from the girdle like a sword....
She attached the quiver to the belt and hangs both diagonally around her small waist. The belt hangs over her hips with the quiver blending into her skirt, giving her silhouette the illusion of being more of an hourglass profile then her sleek figure would normally provide.
Then she sits down and fixes her hair applying her silver hair net just so.
She pulls out her powders and using some of the skills she had to learn before entertaining Rippers guests, sets about hiding the worst of her flaws. Covering her weathered face, highlighting her eyes and adding a slight blush to bring out her cheekbones.
As she puts on her earrings and soft cloak she actually smiles at the mirror.
I feel like a princess from a storybook! Dressed like this it shall be great fun to tease Lackspell...
She grins quietly as she picks up her bow and turns to the door. Then she stops and reaches out grabbing her wrist sheath.
Well maybe just one knife... you never know
Then she locks the door and heads downstairs.
Good morning all! Oh are we having breakfast? she says as she takes a seat at the end of the group, trying not to interupt Chrona's attempts to entertain Sir Foxglove.
Rising early, Lackspell makes himself a small cup of tea, warming it over a burner in his room and then spends a little time reading part of one of his uncle's journals, trying to come to grips with some new alchemical ideas recorded in them. After a short while he closes the journal and sighs.
Well, I suppose I had best get ready. Some of the others at least will be keen on this outing so I imagine they will be early to start today. Best not to keep them waiting.
With that he commences to change into his fancy new attire. First he washes up and then combs out his usually unruly mop of brown hair. Then he changes in to his new outfit, fussing slightly to get the pants and shirt to sit just right before adding the long jacket over the top. The end result is broadly reminiscent of his usual attire only in fine grey cotton rather than dusty brown leather. With the jacket on he sets about carefully stashing away ingredients for his bombs and extracts. The jacket has been carefully tailored to not only fit well but also to provide a variety of subtly worked pockets that are largely hidden and set so as not to spoil the lines of the outfit. As a result most of it is tucked away out of site rather than just sitting on the bandoleer running down his chest. Even that is referenced however with a pale blue sash running where the bandoleer would normally rest across his chest.
When all his preparations are made, he checks himself one last time in the mirror before heading downstairs...
...Arriving in the room he starts to scan around the rest of the group, taking in his first view of his companion's new outfits. However, he only gets as far as Ren when he stops in astonishment at the change that has come over the young woman. His mouth opens and closes soundlessly a few times as he tries to think of something to say. As a result, initially, he does not notice that Foxglove is there or that Chrona is not dressed up in her finery.
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Ren catches sight of Lackspell as he entered the room and stands there with an open mouth.
Oh poor guy is nervous about approaching the group... maybe I should...
She meets Lackspell eyes for a moment then slightly pulls out and motions to the chair next to her, before turning to Arkon:
The fine clothing suits you Master Arkon. And look even Orz seems excited for the hunt. She smiles as she reaches down to pet the little Dino, quietly slipping him the one sausage she took with her light breakfast of eggs.
Looking directly at Ren, Lackspell can't help but see when she waves him to the chair next to her. As she turns away to talk to Arkon he blushes furiously...
By the gods! Just look at her ... she is... she is... amazing. Stop staring you fool... and your mouth, is it still open? It is isn't it? Well close it for goodness sake.
Firmly closing his mouth he moves to sit in the seat next to Ren, suddenly aware of how the collar of his new shirt is rather tighter around his neck than he is used to. He nervously runs a finger around it, trying to let some air in.
"Ah, good, the rest of you have arrived! Again, my home is rather unsuited for guests at the moment; it's in the middle of renovation. Instead, we shall enjoy a hunt! I have horses ready for you."
Aldern moves to leave, and if you follow, he leads you to the Goblin Squash stables. Mounts are provided for all of you. These are horses used to work, so no Ride checks are necessary.
The journey will take approximately one hour.
Once mounted and underway, Aldern addresses your group.
"It occurs to me that for those who have done so much, not much is known about you! The Heroes of Sandpoint are, by and large, unknown. Tell me, friends, what is your story? How did you all come to be our saviors?"
Varak would follow after one more large bite of food, taking care to keep pace. He had never ridden a horse before the act strange for both he reptile and horse he seemed nervous of one another at first. Eventually though, Varak was able to calm the beast and himself, mounting and riding with the others. He remained mostly silent, praying to Apsu as they traveled their path and only when he heard Aldern speak did he break out of his trance.
"Well...I can't speak much for companions, Lord Foxglove, but there's not much to me. After losing my clan and leader in these swamps, I simply sought to wander the world and help those I come across. As is the way of the great God, Apsu."
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Ren joins with the rest of the group displaying no trace of her normal shyness. For once she even joins in the laughter and engages in the small talk exchanged between the members of the group.
At the stable she waits only for the groom to show her a calm horse then mounts the horse side saddle and arranges her skirts just so as the others mount up. She rides out of town with her bow resting comfortably on her lap, and her back straight and proud.
Today, let them see me, all they will see is the dress. Even if Ripper saw me he would never recognize me looking like this. For this one moment I am Free!. At that thought a huge smile settles on her face.
It is in this joyous frame of mind that she hears Sir Foxgloves question and speaks up with very unusual assertiveness:
I actually came to town looking for some people I used to know. A family: husband, wife and daughter. We were separated some years ago in an attack by Ogres and bandits. I had hoped to find them in Sandpoint but unfotuently I have seen no sign of them. If they really are not here, I will move on once I determine there is nothing else I can help with here.
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Arkon not being much of a rider takes great pains to sit himself down correctly, especially seeing as he doesn't want to wreck the nice clothes.
Arkons armour and weaponry are safely stored in the saddle bags.
Orz leisurely runs along side the horses, he is much faster than them anyway.
"I was sent by Gozreh to these lands to learn what I can and to nurture them in Gozrehs name. I have found I can best do this if the people are my friends, so I help where I can."
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"Well, if we're going to be off then I'll need a moment..I'll be quick!" As Chrona excuses herself she notices their body language and gives Ren and Lackspell a curious glance. A grin grows across her face but she does not act on this intriguing development. 'How cute! I wonder if either of them have a clue.'
As everyone seems to be hunting in their finery, something Chrona finds slightly ridiculous as in her mind fine things are for tea, brunch, conversations, dancing, shopping... but never hunting.. 'Maybe it's the pauper in me, the beautiful of society are beautiful everywhere. I should have seen that, I, damn it!' She takes out some aggression on her bed with her fist as she dresses. Looking at herself dolled up and armed for the hunt, Chrona sighs and leaves the room wearing her finery with her two swords hanging to her side.
Chrona rides with her head high and in proper side saddle. She listens as her companions begin out speak of themselves. 'This might be.. uncomfortable..' Chrona sighs as there is a lull, "I came to Sandpoint on a rumor of some fine jewelry, supposedly a rare Artificer had discovered something worthwhile while on the isles across the bay. Alas, he didn't show. Simple as that, idle curiousity admist the start of festival season."
Though her story could be true, something doesn't seem right, she's hiding something.
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Ren leans over to Lackspell and whispers quietly:
See, there is nothing to be nervous about. With Chrona and Praetor around, Lord Foxglove will be so focused on her that he won't even pay any attention to us. We can just enjoy the ride in the country and possibly the thrill of the hunt.
She flashes one of her rare smiles to him as she says the last.
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Praetor takes up next to Aldern, across from his fiery friend Chrona. His horse, a great brown destrier, is much taller than the other slender, faster horses of his companions. The paladin sits proud and tall in the saddle, his half-plate clattering slightly.
The glory of the hunt will not be mine today. My duty is to protect Lord Foxglove and my friends. While they search for game, I will search for danger.
He listens to his companions' stories. Something about Chrona's tale strikes him as odd - in fact, much about the fiery damsel strikes him as odd.
There is some untruth there, something she is not telling us. I have heard her lie to others many times, what is to keep her from lying to us as well? Now is not the time, but I will get answers from that one.
"Lord Foxglove, I have served the Dawnguard and the people of Golarion for seven years. I wish to one day become a Lightbringer within the order. When the leadership sent me to Sandpoint to investigate goblins I turned up my nose and grumbled the whole way. I am ashamed to have mistrusted them. I will make them proud and eliminate the goblins and whatever drove them to attack this fine town. Maybe then they will see my worth. We live in a world full of peril, and I will do everything in my power to make it a better place." The paladin's head swivels from side to side as he speaks, scanning the wilderness as they ride.
"Enough about us, sir. Tell us about yourself."
Lackspell pulls himself up into the saddle competently, but not casually, displaying some familiarity if no great skill with riding.
Well that went better than last time I tried to ride a horse. How Cobble laughed...
Smiling quietly to himself at that memory, he is startled slightly when Ren leans over and whispers to him. Trying not to let his sudden nervousness show on his face he says... Oh, ah. That would be, umm... nice.
Holy Shelyn, she has a lovely smile. How have I not noticed that before? Actually, now I think about it, she doesn't smile much. I wonder if it is because of that family she is looking for? You're staring again man, stop it!
Turning his head back to his own horse he says Actually, I don't think I've ever been riding just for the enjoyment of it. Not that I've really really ridden all that often. My parents owned a couple of horses when I was younger, but they were for work on the farm, not for riding. But I can see that it might be pleasant, in the right company.
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No need to thank me Master Arkon. It is simply the truth. Both of you look quite dashing in your fine clothing. And I must say it feels wonderful to be out of the city for a bit.
Her thoughts are interrupted as Orz bumps her leg.
Even Orz seems to be in fine spirits today... Ren says as she smiles fondly at the little dinosaur.
The ride passes pleasantly. While Aldern is pleasant and charming to all, he seems most interested in Ren and Chrona, paying many compliments to their skill, power and beauty. He is certainly effusive and flowery.
After a half hour of riding, you reach Tickwood Forest. As the trees become dense, Aldern addresses your group.
"Those of you skilled in hunting may wish to ply your trade. The boars of this forest can be quite large and aggressive! There's no telling when one might strike."
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Hearing Orz get permission Ren leans down, rubs his head and says:
Are you ready to go Orz? Then lets go! I have not cooked with fresh boar in some time. This could yield a very tasty feast!
Ok, just remember what Alana tried to show you. Even though you never really thought you got it, you can do this!
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Chrona stays back and watches the others hunt, though if something ever gets close she will rain down fire onto it's poor beastly soul with Burning Hands.
Instead of hunting she flirts with Aldern and tries to learn more about him.
"Aldern, you must tell me about yourself! A powerful man like you must have some amazing tales to tell?"
"Tell me what your ancestral home is like?"
Chrona bats her eyes while trying to keep him talking and giving up information.
Chrona- Aldern tells you a bit about Foxglove Manor. It had fallen into disrepair for several generations, and the family had lived in a townhouse in the Alabaster District of Magnimar. Aldern's grandfather, however, decided to restore the ancestral home. It took several years, but the home was renovated. Aldern is in the process of new renovations and expansions.
Praetor- What's hunting?
Ren- You are able to find several large tracks. Based on the freshness, you think you could probably stalk the boar and find it. After that, you could set up an ambush for it. If you'd like to, you may roll a Stealth and Perception roll to find the boar.
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Ren gets off her horse leaving it with Arkon for safekeeping. Then taking her bow starts to track the boat. As she tries to silently move through the forest, she is doing her best to keep her dress clean.
This dress makes it so hard to be stealthy! At least Orz is doing a good job, I can barely track him.
Lackspell gets down off his horse and, preparing his light crossbow, attempts to follow Ren as quietly as he can...
Ren, despite the awkwardness of the dress, you are able to move stealthily enough. Orz is a ghost, and even Lackspell, deciding to join the hunt, moves well. After a minute, Ren leading the way, you find a small clearing in the forest. There, you see a large boar. It is alone and facing away from you, head down. It seems to be distracted, eating some berries. Notably, there are vicious looking spines on the boar's head.
If you wish, you may set an ambush. Retreating to your party and making a large enough ruckus will likely draw the animal to you. You have the area well enough to also launch an attack from your ambush position, though the boar would have concealment (50% miss chance). With your Survival rolls, you know boars are generally very protective of their territory.
How do you wish to proceed?
More than a bit taken aback at Ren's decision to attack the boar, Lackspell nonetheless tries to help her take it down.
He 'tuts' quietly to himself before taking cover behind a tree.
The boar is struck by an arrow, then roars! It is aware of you, and coming straight for you.