Ignoring the cat, Elwarien will perk up when the halfling mentions getting rid of goblins. Those nasty little things did much damage to this down and to Garridan in particular. Revenge is needed. I can offer the might of my magic in this endeavor.
Oh I will Purrin, especially if I need some samples of kitty fur for my elixirs. [/b[ He shakes everyone's hand except for the elf woman who he scowls at except for the halfling, the sorcerer and the catman. These he embraces with his little arms.
To Amren [b] Go good Shorty, maybe one day you will be as fast as me.
To the cat Thanks for being so kind to me when others always weren't scowling at the elf.
To Garridan I hope you can overcome the loss of your mother and live so that she can live in you
With that he exits.
The rest of the evening, Garridan does not say much... he broods over his drink and though he does not feel any hunger, he still forces some good into his belly. He accepts a hug from Ameiko before retiring to the room for the night. "I'll be okay, once I avenge her death, Ameiko." She nods a tear in her eyes as her best-friend departs for sleep.
That night Garridan consults his mother's.... now his own, Harrow deck. He shuffles the cards and draws a card... the Eclipse... Self-doubt and a lose of purpose. 'Self-doubt indeed...' After he lays back, but does not sleep well...
The next day Garridan joins the others at their table, looking cleaner, but not more rested. "I want to thank everyone who is willing to join me today. I aim to wipe these vermin from the area. No one else will suffer the same pain I feel now."
@Kast- To make a long complicated story short, once I made an oath and a promise to take care of her. It was...foolish of me but i must try. When my lord decided to disown her for her excess I intervened it was his idea that i be wed to his wayward daughter. She will either adapt and learn, or we shall both be swept under. . . Im hoping perhaps her having to actually do something to earn wealth might be the kickstart needed to get her to grow up.
@ the group at the table.
She was testing him. Even after he caved in, or perhaps because he did cave in to her 'demands' last night She was testing him. He bit back what he had been about to say. Instead he frowned at her. "Already?" He said simply rising from the table and moving back to the bar he ordered he and his wife a simple breakfast, consisting of bread and honey, with a few peices of fruit possibly. He returned and set the simple meal in front of her.
He nodded to the large feline and offered the creature a smile. "Forgive my wife she is something of a ...flirt and enjoys getting reactions from people. He explained caressing her cheek lovingly almost too lovingly considered the way she was trying to push buttons.
"So goblin tribes at this Thistletop? Sounds grand." He said lowly still racking his brain to how to handle her.
Seething at Calin she states I think that we should assist the young human in his revenge for the glory of Calistria and offer these goblins as a sacrifice to her in the name of his mother. Garridan you have the might of my magic behind you.
@Kast- "To make a long complicated story short, once I made an oath and a promise to take care of her. It was...foolish of me but i must try. When my lord decided to disown her for her excess I intervened it was his idea that i be wed to his wayward daughter. She will either adapt and learn, or we shall both be swept under. . . Im hoping perhaps her having to actually do something to earn wealth might be the kickstart needed to get her to grow up."
Kast nods, still wondering how this would help their marriage.
"I was hired to guide her to Magnimar. And she was to make a donation to the town to aid in our rebuilding. Did that happen?" Kast asks, concerned with duty and what one's word is worth.
"I will join you on this goblin assault," Kast replies while taking out the given pouch of 100 gold and removing 10 for himself. He slides the remaining 90 good back to Calin. "If I go, it is to honor my word to Garridan and to pursue my own scholarly work. My deal with your wife was for something different so I hope you don't mind amending the deal."
I tread my own path here; I would be free of her weight in this.
"Forgive my wife she is something of a ...flirt and enjoys getting reactions from people."
Kast makes a mental note to generously expand his definition of 'flirt', even to the point of causing large patches of overlap with some phrases that describe Golarion's oldest profession.
"Don't think anything of it. I wasn't really feeling myself last night,", Kast replies, shaking off the apology. "Besides, what woman can resist me?" Kast jests in return; his malformation always in the front of his mind.
@kast
Seething at Calin she states I think that we should assist the young human in his revenge for the glory of Calistria and offer these goblins as a sacrifice to her in the name of his mother. Garridan you have the might of my magic behind you.
Garridan seems to notice the beautiful elven woman for the first time. "Thank you, milady. You are most welcome to the company. Though you seem to know my name, I am at a loss for yours."
To his friends, Garridan's diplomatic nature seems to have returned, though there appears to be an icy countenance hidden behind his honey-colored eyes.
I am the former Lady Elwarein Lantherion, Garridan. However, as I mentioned to you earlier, we both lost parents yesterday. You, your beloved mother and I my wretch of a father. Now I am merely Elraien.
Kast approaches Garridan when there is a lull in the conversation.
"As I said yesterday, I will aid you in your revenge. I will do what I can to aid you, up to the point of ill deeds or risking the safety of innocents. What plan have you? Should we consult the Sheriff? He might have information about the attack yesterday."
At Kast, I regret that there is nothing left for me in Magnimaar, Kast. I will not need to travel there but you could show me around this quaint little town.
Looking at her plate, she wrinkles her nose at it, she offers it to Garridan. I will sup on the revenge brought to these goblins. You will need your strength to carry on. My goddess will hear my invocations
Amren returns the gnomes hug and smiles at him.
My friend, I will find you in Magnimar if I ever go there. You were brave to help our city, and I am in your debt. May Desna have our paths cross again my friend.
After the gnome leaves, Amren finishes his breakfast and motions Ameiko over.
My lady, do you know if Shalelu is in town? I had a couple of questions about the route to Thistletop, and perhaps ask her for a map to ease my companions lack of faith in my knowledge of the area. Also, breakfast was delicious as usual.
At Kast
We plan on sneaking to Thistletop, finding out what prompted yesterday's attack, and reproting it to the sheriff and Shalelu. You, of course, are welcome to join our little outfit. It seems we may very well have a small army by the time we get there, at this rate.
He then looks at Elrwarien.
I'll be blunt. I find it suspicious that you arrive mere hours after the first precedented goblin attack on Sandpoint, ever. Tell me, was this really such a coincidence? Do you truly have nothing to do with it? I may be small, but I love this town, and the people in it, and this attack cost a very, very dear friend of mine his mother. I will help him kill everything that had a hand in her death. Everything[/i].
He speaks to Garridan.
As soon as everyone is ready, and we meet Shalelu if she's in town, we'll be off. Soon, we will exact revenge and find out what the hell prompted this attack.
Looking at the Halfling, you see that there is color that comes to her cheeks. How DARE you, Halfling! How dare you make such accusations of me. Did you not stuff your face and drink to your heart's content last night because of MY generosity? Did I not make a sizable donation to the town to help build the shanty defenses up so that these goblins would not have such an easy time killing the people of this backward town? It was I who paid for the room for Garridan so that he would have some place warm to sleep and where he could privately grieve for she who he lost. And you dare to make such accusations. Short in height, short in brain and short in gratitude. she says as she shakes from such primordial anger and rage. By Calistria... she says as her hands reach into one of her pouches.
Calin was quiet as the halfling... requested... no accused his lady of implications with the goblins. That didnt sit well with him, in fact any who knew here would probably realize it was an icredulous accusation. Goblins were too ugly to catch her eye. He hoped she would just take it in stride... but it wasnt meant to be. He pulled her close and placed a finger on her lips trying to shush her as he met her eyes.
"Shhhhh! Love be still." he said but not softly almost in a commanding voice. "They have lost friends and loved ones and are upset, we will show your true mettle have faith." He added pulling his hand away.
"The lady just happened into town fleeing her father's watchdogs, unfortunately I caught up. Purely coincidence Amren."He said sincerely it was obvious that he didnt have a single ounce of belief that she could be a part of any goblin uprising. "You have our help should you choose to accept it, otherwise well then I will speak to this Shalelu myself and find my own route to investigate such things." He said as diplomatically as possible. He couldnt fault the locals for being angry, but the idea... it was just plain silly. Consorting with goblins indeed.
Amren takes careful stock of their reactions, more than their words. After they both speak, he sits back and smiles.
Your reactions tell me more than your words do. I don't think you had anything to do with it. You are welcome to come along, and lend your magics and steel to our cause. And my lady, your donations are more appreciated than you may believe. My thanks to you both. I hope you accept my apologies for suspecting you, but you must understand the situation we are in. I'm worried there will be more attacks, more death. That's not something I can allow.
He waves to Ameiko and orders a plate of her best breakfast, for the lady and her husband, and says
Eat up, it's a decently long journey by foot, and you'll need your strength.
She walks out of the inn not accepting either the food or the apology.
At Kast, I regret that there is nothing left for me in Magnimaar, Kast. I will not need to travel there but you could show me around this quaint little town.
Kast smiles, his eyes flickering to Calin.
"Of course, I would be happy to show you *and* my new friend Calin here around. I would like to report to the Sheriff anyway; we have much to discuss. I know much history of the town and aspire to make it educational."
At Kast
We plan on sneaking to Thistletop, finding out what prompted yesterday's attack, and reproting it to the sheriff and Shalelu. You, of course, are welcome to join our little outfit. It seems we may very well have a small army by the time we get there, at this rate.
Kast nods, earnestly learning and listening.
"That sounds fine to me. I'm not soldier, but it might be hard for all of us to sneak there. I can hang back if my armor is too loud," Kast say, cognizant of his limitations...and his leg. "When I show the Lady the town, I shall tell the Sheriff of our plan...in case...you know, just in case."
Kast listens on, only somewhat spitting up his food when Amren accuses the pair of being in cahoots with the goblins. He laughs inwardly as the Lady marches out.
He plans to go fetch her and show her around when he finishes this warrior's moot.
Aye Kast, alerting the sheriff is a good idea, you do that while I find Shalelu. Calin, sorry I angered your..... Wife? I just had to be sure.
Calin watched her storm out and his lips quarked for a moment into a tiny tight smile. "Forgive her please, like our friend who lost more she has lost, well her way of life. She will adjust I hope but I promise her heart, the one she keeps buried deep is good. You will have our support." He said rising and sighing just a bit as he tried to chase her down.
He thought about chastising her when he found her,instead he stayed most silent just collecting her into his arms and holding her for a long moment. "Don't fault them please lover, prove them and your father wrong, their is more to you than just lust and desire for comforts i know it. Remember the first day we met? How you saw through my silence to see the scared, confused and sad soul and convinced me i could be so much more and that you would lead the way to my greatness. Well you have, and together we can rise to greater things still. Let's see if Kast can show us about the town some, so we can get some supplies for this trip against the goblins.. and we can get you a local 'adventuring' dress to show off." He added hoping the idea of somethign local and less fancy and entirely more suited to traipsing the wilds looking for goblins might put her in a tiny bit of a better mood.
Don't decline, I can be a good husband to you I'm sure, for as long as it takes to restore your status. Just try...try to let me in, let me show you a higher path. he said taking the lead for once and kissing along her neck and up to her lips.
Calin, you find her around a corner out of sight, on her knees, huddled and weeping. As you gather her in your arms she weeps. How dare that little creature accuse of me such things. I lost everything yesterday and even before that I spent much money to help this pitiful town. HOW DARE HE! How dare my father! Faedrin called me the Wasp, I shall now seek my vengeance of any who wrong me, Calin. So help me Calistria, so I swear. That creature will rue the day he did this to me as shall my father
He held her close letting her rage play out. Shhh, dont speak so El, you are better than that." He whispered lowly. [
"Take it back." He began sounding earnest turning her to face him and rubbing her tears away with his thumbs. "you are better than such petty vengence, did the halfling know how much you gave, did he know how much you lost? You might as well swear vengence on me for failing you a year ago, or swear vengence on me for not being able to convince your father to completely forgive you. He lifted her chin up and kissed her softly.
"Come now my pretty one, smile for me, try to forgive i will do that thing you like for you tonight." he began coloring as he realized he was trying to bribe her with carnal things...whatever it took it seemed.
Calin, you will not speak of this moment of weakness to anyone. However, my vengeance from my father will be I will not only repay him but then cast him off when I have made my own fortune. As for the Halfling we shall see what Calistria has planned for him.
Amren, Ameiko believes that Shalaleu is in town. She thinks that she came in early this morning after hearing about the goblin attacks.
For a moment his heart fluttered intensely in his chest. She... she doesnt want to go back to her father that means... He shut those thoughts from his mind. His biggest fear was that once they paid back the insane amount of wealth she would leave him and annul everything to go back to her life.
"I wont make that promise, love, But i will promise that I will never do anything to bring you shame that is undeserved. This moment of being...unsure of yourself will remain hidden." He began kissing her forehead and hugging her for a moment. "Now lets head back inside to see if Kast is ready to show us the sights, try to apologize even for your... sudden outburst whether you mean it or not lover, I would prefer going to deal with goblins in a well armed group, not just the two of us." He added mentally thanking Shelyn that it worked out better than he thought it would have... so far.
I will show them the power of elven charm and elven magic, my sweet. she says as she stands. Now about that dress.
Amren gathers his things once everyone is finished with breakfast and speaks to the group.
Well, I suppose we should be off to Shalelu now. Kast, I assume you're still going to go to the sheriff and take the lady and Calin around the city? Let's meet back here at noon, and set off then. That that gives us plenty of time to get whatever supplies we need.
He takes everyone but Kast, Elwarien, and Calin, and goes to find Shalelu.
You find Shalelu actually coming to the inn. She looks a little distressed bur smiles when she sees you approaching. Hello little Amren, I was just coming to see you and your group of friends. Perhaps we can go back to Ameiko's and have a discussion? As you return to the inn, Ameiko is asked to provide a room for a short meeting that is large enough to accommodate your group.
Shalalu begins, "I have heard about your work against the goblins-well done. I've dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they're tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite.
There are 5 major goblin tribes in the region and traditionally, they're pretty good at keeping each other in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I've been able to piece together members of all 5 tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair number of the Mosswood goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up. and there was a lot of chatter about the 'longshanks' who killed so many of them. Now that I've met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you've made an impression.
In any event, the fact that they 5 tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don't get along unless they've got something big planned and big plans require big bosses. I'm afraid that someone's moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, what they're organizing seems like bad news for all of us.
"These are definitely not good omens. If they are starting to work together, we should stop it before they get organized. Maybe we will catch them while they are still getting ready."
Kast, sensing that the discussion in the bar is over and a plan has been made, pays his tab and goes outside.
"Why don't we meet at the church at noon? We'll get going then?" Kast says to cadre of miscreants vengeful murderhobos pre-stew goblinmeat brave heroes that Garridan has assembled.
He looks for Calin and the Lady, ready to show them about town. He will ignore the Lady's anger at all times and try not to let her rouse his ire. Kast will stop at dress shop and general store in case the Lady needs clothing or implements for the goblin hunt. He will show them the sawmill and the docks, the church and whatever else might catch their interest.
In addition, he will speak to the history of the town.
History
Eventually, he will wind the tour to the Sheriff's office wherein he will go in a report *all* the details (as he recalls them) of the last 18 hours. He will explain the group's plan to hit back at the goblins and that Shalelu will be consulted.
When that is finished, he will lead the tour to the church at noon. Kast is ready to go.
At the Sheriff's office you are greeted by the Sheriff. Thank for the report and filling us on in what is being planned, Kast. You have done well and deserve to be commended. As I understand it though, you were very personable last night with the elven lady, quite the change from when you left. A few people have commented on how good it was to see you relax and actually enjoy yourself. You did both, enjoy yourself and do your duty. Maybe your assignment was good for you.
Shalelu's response to the catman is supportive and she agrees with his assessment of the situation.
So, I was thinking of hitting them at Thistletop, finding their source of courage, and reporting it to you and the sheriff. Now, it seems we'll be going in an assassination mission.... Tell me Shalelu, do you think Thistletop is the place to hit? We have enough people coming along, if we stay hidden and quiet enough, we could be in and out before the tribes realize we offed their master. Any ideas?
His demeanor is calm, but he nervously twirls a dagger in his palm while he speaks.
Lokien speaks up now.
"Goblins now isn't the issue isn't it? Finding out who is behind this is. Stealth among us may not be suitable since not all of us are trained in the arts of stealth like yourself. We'll need supplies and more information like a map of the area. Knowing more of these goblin tribes would be a good start. Locals like the little missie here can tell us more."
He crosses his arms making the burly dwarf look even much more burlier than he is.
Shalaleu will respond to the dwarf and the halfliing, You are correct, dwarf. However is able to organize these cretins is very powerful indeed and should be stopped before their influence goes deeper than simply goblin raids.
Amren, I am guessing that would be the place to start. They are the largest of the 5 tribes and their defeat would be a major blow to whoever is leading this alliance of goblins.
Piping in, Helgarr adds -"Once arriving there, perhaps we can hold back while some measure of scouting takes place - information on the enemy is the biggest possible asset one can obtain. Afterwards we can make an educated decision on how to follow up, as indeed Master Forge has pointed out, a silent approach is probably not possible for all of us"
Whatever you think is best. I think that the more information you can find out about who is leading the attacks as well as putting down the goblins would be of great benefit to me, as one lone elf ranger, it is hard to deal with so many goblins, and the town. responds the elf.
Lokien, that was my plan indeed. If we can get close, unnoticed, I can sneak in and map the place for us. I would definitely not want to waltz into a fortress of creatures that wish to eat me, with nothing but my ruggedly handsome looks and my knives.
Shalelu will respond, It does look like you have much support for this kind of endeavor. It might be wise to take stock not only in weapons and gear but to see what your companions abilities are
Kast stands ready to march. His scale mail and longspear are at the ready (the latter serving as his walking stick at times), his backpack and heavy shield at his back. A rarely used morningstar is at his belt.
Admittedly, he hasn't traveled north as much as he had south. He knows the general area, but he has never been an active tracker or woodsman. He seems happy to let others lead, while he is happy to march, fight, and learn as he goes.
He hopes to represent the best of Sandpoint, born and raised...trying to protect his beloved town from aggressors.
Elrawein is going to ask Calin to help her pick out a suitable bow, either short or long. She knows how to use them but isn't too comfortable with the practicality of them, she would go for something pretty and not necessarily practical.
He was half dreading the shopping, her clothing was beautiful, it was finely made, it was...entirely unsuitable to be actually doing things in. With Kast's helpful knowledge of the town they found a shop to purchase a suitible sturdy dress, (preferably one with a few pockets about it). Good study boots were next followed by finally her request for a bow. He found a suitable longbow with a draw she could handle, purchased it with 20 arrows, and finally purchased some extra rations and a waterskin just in case. Luckily they made it back to the inn right at around noon.
Purrin will head to the temple and wait for everyone else to show up.
Shopping was one of Elrawien's favorite things to do, even as a child. It opened up a world of possabilities of color and material and texture. For a while she acts like nothing has transpired, like she did in Kyonin, trying on dresses for Calin until he reminds her of the budget that she has and then she begins to pout at how ugly the clothes were even though they were in the Calistrian colors.
As she goes to the bowyer she picks up the bow that Calin chooses for her and takes two practice shots. As only an elf could achieve she strikes two bullseyes and laughs. Speaking in elven she tells Calin, What a good shot I still am especially when thinking that the targets were my father and that Halfling as they walk to the cathedral.
Lokien proceeds to the temple, with a nod to the catman and mediates while sitted.
Purrin, you are soon joined by the elves, the dwarf and Kast at the Temple at Noon.
"Well met friends. Shall we head to the lair and make the vermin run for the border?"
Purrin picks up his gear. Anyone looking will notice that the only weapon he carries is a bow.
Calin was silent for the most part, hoping his ladies fury at the halfing would pass. He really couldnt fault the small fellow for his... worries. It was probably going to be a long journey, especially since he couldnt afford a horse for his lady just yet.. which meant he had her atop his warhorse while he walked. He hoped she knew how to ride and wouldnt well do anything foolish atop the large fearsome stead.
Indeed we are ready are we not my lady?" He said reaching up and patting her thigh with a smile to the others. He took the reins to lead the way as they traveled.