|
Uesugi unfortunately misses the animal, even prone, but the combination of Mr. Peppers force missile and Sir D's sand bullet proves fatal, ending the fiendish animal's life and clearing the camp of all traces of tainted goblins, bugbears, and dogs.
Nixa slowly opens her eyes as Sirettis heals her and abruptly jumps to her feet, wincing in pain as she remembers her injuries. "It's all over." She stumbles over to look at Mezodarath and stabs him through the throat. "One can't be too sure. What a disgusting creature he was."
She turns to look at you. "Thank you. I've been held hostage here for days. Who are you people, besides incredibly powerful?"
|
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
Mr Peppers slides his once potent battle wand into his belt, taking the compliment probably a little too well. "I'll leave the proper introduction to my man Gallix here, as he does it so well, but we're Pathfinders from Absalom. We were sent to help out Saringallow with its disappearing apprentices which eventually led to investigating your capture. Are there any other hostiles around we need to know of?"
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nixa looks surprised when Mr. Peppers mentions the apprentices and concern fills her voice. "What about Nolaria? I hadn't seen her in a day when I was taken and I started to look everywhere for her. Is she okay?!" She grabs Mr. Peppers by the cloak, demanding an answer, then releases him a moment later. "Sorry. I'm still quite shaken from all of this."
"I don't know if there's anything left out there. It's awfully quiet. Did you simply march through the camp killing every goblin in your way? Surely those that might have survived have run off if their chieftain is dead. Goblins are like that."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Mr Peppers' eyes go wide when she grabs hold of him, his hands twitch near his spell component pouch for a second before she lets go. He takes a step back and continues in a slightly less happy tone "First of all, Nolaria is fine, she's the biggest reason we new to come look for you. Secondly, please don't lay you hands on me, you aren't the only one that's had a bad day."
He glances around through the cave, seeing the tunnels continue "These go anywhere that you know of? Maybe we should take a quick look before we get you something to eat and drink and talk about things." He waves his hands and casts a spell and looks around the cave as well as Nixa .
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"My name is Sirettis. As Mister Peppers said, we are members of the Red Arm of Absalom. Saringallow has had issues with a chemical called Demon's Bile- terrible if ingested." Sirettis looks at the bile drooling from the goblin's mouth. "Mezodarath clearly believed he would use it to invade the town. Fortunate he found you useful."
"With his dying breath, Mezodarath mentioned Wormgnash. Did he mention this person, or thing before?" She clutches her mace, subconsciously.
She turns to Longjing. "Mighty Longjing, may I help you recover your injuries?" Her hair forms into a makeshift nest to help the micro-dragon recover.
Longjing rests, cradled in the healing nest of Sirettis hair. He whistles, breathing heavily. "Rawwwk. Thank you, milady." He stretches his wings, shakes and inspects himself, preening his feathers and tail. "It looks like no permanent damage. A dragon must look his best, though."
|
|
Nixa sighs and steps away from Mr. Peppers as he scolds her. "It's such a relief to hear Nolaria's fine. I was so worried."
Mr. Peppers detects the same distinct lack of magic he's probably used to by now, and he's able to tell that both of those tunnels end in dead ends filled with makeshift goblin beds.
When Cup offers healing, food, and tea, Nixa shakes her head, but winces all the same. "I'm... fine..."
"If it wasn't for your intrusion, I don't think I would have had the opportunity to escape. The bugbear's caution was lowered when he grew angry, so I thank you for that. And for everything else."
"Demon's Bile must be the purple liquid I'd seen them all jumping into. The bugbear kept saying it was a gift from Wormgnash, and he desperately tried to get me to share what I knew about Saringallow's defenses or else they threatened feeding the Bile to me. The wanted to know the layout of the towers, guard shifts; anything they could use to invade our town. I would not tell them a thing," she firmly says.
"Come on, I need some air. I've been in this cave for days."
She limps out of the cave and continues sharing what she knows.
"Mezodarath often mentioned the name Wormgnash in connection with the old Sarini Estate. He was always praying to Wormgnash or beseeching its favor.. I wouldn't be surprised if serious danger now lurks somewhere in or near that estate."
She turns to look at Gallix and manages a grin. "The Red Arm of Absalom. There's a name I won't forget! Alright, Red Arm, what do you say we get out of this disgusting place and make for Saringallow? Nolaria must worried sick."
|
|
Sirettis nods. "Miss Poshkettle takes good care of her friends and allies." She glances at Longjing. "Please, let her take care of you. We have a few days to march back to Saringfallow, so there is no need to go home wounded or tired."
Sirettis uses her wand this time. Her hair is in no mood to help Nixa further.
"The Sarini Estate. Home to many rumors of devil worship. The incidents there caused long term stigma against users of arcane arts such as myself." She looks out to the goblin camp. "Look at what it did to a town of goblins. I hate to think of what it would do to Saringfallow."
|
|
Mr Peppers takes out his journal to record numerous notes, first and foremost notes on Nixa and her story and anything she has to say about Wormgnash and The Sarini Estate. Its pretty time consuming, especially considering he needs to make notes on the camp and reminds Gallix of the peridots in the shrine.
"Once I finish making notes we should head back to that ruin we camped in last night, I for one don't want to get lost trying to head all the way back at night. . Since I'm going to need some time for these notes we should just have a solid meal now.. and some tea, we'll all need the energy for the hike, especially you Nixa."
During the meal he takes copious notes and shares some of his rations with Nixa, hopefully she won't be too disappointed in the lack of meat. He also does his best to make some amends for snapping at her earlier. "Sorry about what happened at the cave, I nearly died to one of those goblin dogs minutes before we came into the cave, and well, to be honest, people grabbing me and shaking me armed with a sword makes me nervous to say the least. Eat something, I've got plenty of dried fruits and nuts and some leftover bread."
|
|
"Tell me more of this Sarini Estate. If we walk to meet the true enemy there then I would know all that I can." Looking at the fort. "I would burn as much of this place and the goblins and their leader. I would not want it to be used for by others that will cause Saringfallow problems in the future."
|
|
"Nonsense. You haven't eaten well in a week, and I have halfling rations that my family made for me, and this great bread from Gunty's Hearty Breads, and some tea and jam. " She looks through her pack. "Also some fruit and nuts that I bought for Longjing, but for a dragon he eats pretty lightly."
Before Nixa knows it, she has tea with plenty of sugar, and some halfling made scones with jam on a teeny little plate.
"You're pretty good with those weapons. Are you a warrior, dear?"
|
Before the Red Arm leaves the cave and the camp behind, Gallix looks down upon Mezodarath and sees the large blots of purple covering his body. "We should destroy all that's left of the bile here," he says. "We saw what happened to that creature in the from eating a bile-infected goblin. Same thing could happen here, and that could wreck the whole forest. Let's make sure all these are dead dead, then one of you ladies can hit 'em with some of that positive energy from my wand to cleanse the bodies...as much as that's possible that is."
|
|
"Thank you. I suppose I shouldn't be so foolish as to march back while injured," Nixa says as Sirettis taps her with her wand.
"Sorry about what happened at the cave, I nearly died to one of those goblin dogs minutes before we came into the cave, and well, to be honest, people grabbing me and shaking me armed with a sword makes me nervous to say the least. Eat something, I've got plenty of dried fruits and nuts and some leftover bread."
Nixa smiles. "I can imagine that anyone would be a little shaken after charging into a goblin camp. Your bravery exceeds even mine." She gladly accepts some snacks from both Cup and Mr. Peppers as you head out of the camp.
"Tell me more of this Sarini Estate. If we walk to meet the true enemy there then I would know all that I can."
"The old Sarini Estate has been abandoned for decades - possibly even a century now - and dates back to Saringallow's founding. It lies about ten miles outside of Saringallow, down a road almost no one travels except for foolhardy youths trying to prove themselves," she says as she stifles a laugh. "The Mayor likely knows a lot more about it."
"You're pretty good with those weapons. Are you a warrior, dear?"
"I derive my courage and skill from my mother," Nixa proudly says. "She took the goblin threat on in heirloom armor during the Wars. Although she endured battle after battle, she survived, and I turned after her. I was always enamored by her bravery during the Goblinblood Wars and so I spent my youth training with her weapons and armor as much as my parents would allow, and now, here I am - one of the newest members of Isger's army. I've only a few months left in Saringallow before my deployment and so I came to visit my cousin while I can. Then this happened."
|
|
Cup's eyes tear up at Nixa's story. "My mother fought in the Goblinblood wars too. You're lucky to have her with you still as a role model. I would not mind meeting her one day."
Cup pulls out her wand, rolls up her sleeves and nods to Sirettis. "Want to help me clear the rest of this bile, Sirettis?"
|
|
Mr Peppers nods in agreement with the others as they discuss destroying any remaining bile "That's a very good plan, we don't want a bunch of it spreading through the forest."
When Uesugi talks about burning down the camp he has different feelings on the subject "Burning this place down would be probably for the best, but I'm worried it would attract goblins from far and wide... you know their penchant for fire. That and what if the fire spreads to the forest? King caterpillar would have our heads on a pike. If the town wants to burn it they can always head back out here themselves to do it."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Setting this place ablaze could be bad for the woods, I agree. But cleansing it is a different matter. I take it you've figured out some way of eliminating it?" Nixa watches on as positive energy from Sirettis' hair and Cup's wand blankets the goblin camp and destroys any traces of Demon's Bile that might've been left.
"Well, that answers that!" Nixa raises a fist high as the camp is cleansed of the demonic substance.
"Cup, perhaps you can tell me about your mother on the way back. We've got a few days travel ahead of us," she says as she heads back down the rickety stairs, stepping over the brown mold and moving towards the woods.
__
Travel back through the woods is safe and uneventful. You pass by Asiclassus on your way back and inform him of your deeds. He proclaims you Honor Guards of Asiclassus' Domain, although he insists you couldn't have done it without his guidance. He introduces you to his katroome batallion and tells them that they should consider selecting Mr. Peppers as a familiar some day.
Three days come and go with little incident in the forest, and before long, the walls of Saringallow appear just through the trees ahead of you. Nixa smiles brightly as the guards open the gate and happily marches through.
"Ah, it's so good to be back. Let's go see Nolaria right away. Mayor Trinelli will also definitely want to know about all of this."
|
|
Mr Peppers is fairly reserved on the walk back but seems to be getting along a bit better out in the wild. The familiarity of the area seems to be helping, although sleeping on the ground isn't. The day after raiding the goblin camp he'll start summoning a horse to ride to give his feet a break, offering it to others if they want to rest their feet as well for a while. He'll also look to see if Nixa's mother's equipment has any magic on them that he could tell her about.
"Sounds like this old Estate should be on our short list to take a look at." An old estate of a wizard family? Now we're talking...
Mr Peppers agrees with a quick meet up with Nixa and her cousin before urging the group to report back to the mayor quickly. "Its never good to leave those in power in the dark on goings on, especially in circumstances such as these, lets escort Nixa to the church quickly before meeting with the Mayor."
|
|
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
Isa has gotten less chatty on the way back. She seems a bit sleepier than usual. The wind howls more and more, and Sirettis is the only one to notice it. One night the wind is so bad she clutches Isa tightly.
"It's coming back Isa. Please, don't fall asleep. Not now." Sirettis pets Isa with her active hair, nesting the thrush but occasionally rocking it so she can't fall asleep.
"Sleep...this happens every once in a while. I know what you're going through right now. It's rough, yeah? Just remember. You are in control. Reap the whirlwind. And... don't forget..." Isa falls still and closes her eyes. Nothing Sirettis can do will wake Isa up. And the wind blows to the side, forcing Sirettis to turn away from Isa.
You had so much fun! Bending and twisting those goblin's minds! That bird is right, you can control whatever you want to. Go, do it!
"That's not what Isa...said." Sirettis blacks out until the morning.
Sirettis wakes up, startled. Her body is a little sore because she rested in a very awkward position. Even Isa on her shoulder feels odd. But somehow, she feels better. She actually spoke back against it. Through her friends, she was learning to assert herself.
Someday, she would reap the whirlwind.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Gallix chats with Nixa throughout the trip back to Saringallow, talking to her about her trainers and what methods they use compared to his own training. The young woman seems like she could make a promising warrior if she continues her training, and Gallix urges her to do so.
While they walk, Gallix thinks back over the events of the past few days, and his mind frequently drifts back to the living plants they faced and the dangers they posed. If either of them had gotten hold of me, it could've been real trouble, he thinks, I better find a way to avoid getting wrapped up. In the back of his mind, he can almost hear his old master's voice yelling at him, "Well of course you should avoid getting laid on your back, Idiot! And what have I told you about keeping nimble in a fight? The more you move the harder you can hit! Step into your punches!" More old lessons return to mind as the brawler thinks back on his years on Jalmeray, and with them, his skills begin to grow.
Gallix agrees that stopping by the church would be a good idea. "Nolaria did seem very worried about, Nixa. It would be good to swing by and see her. I think you should come with us to speak with the mayor, though. We pieced together a bit of what Mezodarath was planning and where the Bile came from, but you spent several days with them. You probably heard a good deal of important information the Mayor will want to know."
|
|
"I will take your words then and not set this place afire. Still the longer that it remains as such the more likely it is to be used as a base for any that might prey upon Saringallow." With that said he waits for the others to rid the fort of the bile and then proceeds down the path where he finds Yurei waiting for him where he left her.
"Nixa you have had enough hardship ride on Yurei I will walk and lead her."
Uesugi follows the others to the church and when he is able to finds the time to visit the Mayor alone.
"You have many things on your mind, Mayor so I will not delay you in your other duties. I look to inquire about your intentions with Saringallow's future. While other who are not from your town might see it as closed off I see you wish to only protect what yourself from outside influences that look to corrupt the minds of your citizens.
I represent a group of individuals that look to protect and create prosperity throughout the nations of the Inner Sea. We look to create a single vision that would end the petty arguments that many nation heads find themselves entwined in. Ensuring that no blades are drawn and no blood is spilt in the name of monarchs who find argument with one another but then use their own citizens as faceless pieces in their games uncaring or unwilling to change.
In light of the danger you find yourself beside I would hope that you consider hearing from those I represent to see if they can provide Saringallow with any aid. What are your thoughts on this matter?"
|
|
"Right. Sandra will want a full report of your deeds, and of everything I've heard from that fiendish beast. It's the least I can do for saving me. Let's make haste for her offices," Nixa says to Gallix.
After Uesugi stables Yurei, you enter into Mayor Trinelli's office for a third time. She looks up from her desk and promptly stands up as she notices Nixa. "Nixa! You've returned!" She says with relief in her voice. "And with our very own town saviors. It's no coincidence they're here with you, I take it?"
"Not at all. This is the Red Arm of Absalom. You should've seen them charge into the cave where I was being held, blasting goblins with sand and with their bare hands!" Nixa excitedly says.
"Oh, I've met them before. They saved all of our apprentices from that Bile. I'm so glad you're alright. Nolaria's been beside herself the past few days, each day growing more worried that you'd never come back. But here you are." She turns to you. "So tell me, has the goblin threat been eliminated? What did you find?"
When you start speaking about your faction, she at first sighs and even looks offended that you'd deal with such a matter given the current circumstances, but by speaking to the negative influential forces impacting the town, her attitude shifts.
"If there's a way to prevent our humble town from ever being corrupted with demonic influences, or things like Demon's Bile again, then it sounds like your organization may be a step in the right direction. I will cooperate with your faction so long as they can provide us with ongoing peace and with the assistance we need."
|
|
"Nixa fought bravely to fend off the goblins and their leader. Someone less brave may have been held hostage and made things more difficult." Sirettis turns to Nixa, complimenting her.
"The goblins are dead, yes. Their village lies abandoned in the forest. We did consider fire, but we were not sure how to contain it." Sirettis strokes her hair. "The leader, Mezodarath...he worshipped a terrible creature. One he called Wormgnash. He would often mention this and the abandoned Sarini Estate, correct?" She turns to Nixa to wait for her confirmation.
"It bears investigation. We should look through there to confirm the presence of demon's bile. Hopefully we won't find any."
A warm wind blows from Sirettis towards the mayor. Isa tweets and hops on her shoulder.
"I... I don't know..." Sirettis mumbles, unsure.
All of them are yours.
|
|
"It's as she says," Nixa nods with Sirettis. "Mezodarath was given Demon's Bile by someone, or something, named Wormgnash, and he used it to corrupt a goblin tribe. He plotted to attack Saringallow and captured me so that I'd tell him about our defenses."
The Mayor nods at Nixa's report, but her eyes are locked on Sirettis. She smiles as she speaks, "Thank you Nixa. And you, for eliminating the goblin threat. You've done us a huge service. Nixa's account is proof enough that the goblin threat has been dealt with for good."
After telling her about how many goblins you'd eliminated, Mayor Trinelli reaches into a chest and pulls out a large sack containing your reward of 320 gold pieces total. She hands it to Sirettis and sits back down.
"The Sarini Estate being mentioned is particularly troubling. More than a century ago, the family that founded Saringallow committed heinous crimes against the hard-working folks who toiled on their behalf. When all was said and done, these nobles - the Sarinis - kidnapped and murdered many local children. They were hanged for their crimes, but the bodies of the youths were never found, and our families still suffer those tragic memories today. After all of these years, they've never had closure, and our town has never been the same."
"However, not long ago, while I was searching the town archives, I discovered a few old letters that seem to indicate that these evil nobles kept records of their victims and diabolical rituals. Finding these documents would go a long way toward healing the deep wounds the Sarinis inflicted on our poor people."
"The evidence is presumably stored in the Sarinis old, walled estate, which is located some distance from Saringallow proper. Around here, superstitions regarding the Sarini family still run deep, and the good men and women of our town watch - bless their hearts - are reluctant to help. There's no proof, however, that any of the rumors about the Sarini Estate are real, so if that's where you're going to look next, please, if you will, bring me any records of these terrible crimes that exist. Once you do, I believe our town will finally begin to heal, and we may even find the source of this Wormgnash and demonic bile. The town hall's archives might be a good starting point to recover any historical documents that may help you. Find my assistant, Lupia Marietti. She's a kind woman and will help you with whatever you need."
Nixa offers handshakes to the six of you. "Red Arm of Absalom, you have my utmost gratitude. I'm off to the Temple of Erastil to see Nolaria."
|
|
Mr Peppers happily shakes Nixa's hand now that she's not flailing a sword around near him "We're happy to help, stay safe on your deployment, use your head, not just your sword arm. If you ever have any questions about the Arcane just ask for Mr Peppers."
With that he pulls out his journal to conclude this chapter and start a new one... The Sarini Estate. He turns over to Miss Cup "Sounds like we get to do some work in some dusty libraries, that's much more pleasant than hiking and sleeping on tree roots." He says without an ounce of sarcasm. Speaking of hiking.. "How far out of town did you say the Estate was Mayor?"
|
|
"Ah...thank you..." Sirettis whispers nervously as the mayor personally hands her the gold, like a good friend would.
"Mister Peppers, would you like to...take care." Sirettis hands the elf the sack of money and quickly exits the mayor's office. She leans against the wall of the building, inhaling deeply and trying to catch her breath.
If you stayed there, you would have gained even more money.
"Yes...you're right." Sirettis regains her composure. "If we're going to do this, we need more help. I must get prepared." She sets off to buy more equipment.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Gallix stands proudly before the mayor as she applauds the Red Arm for their work in disposing of the goblins, and especially when she hands Sirettis the fat sack of gold. Man! Who needs to get beaten up in the fighting rings when you can make this kinda money for taking out some goblins?! This whole Pathfinder thing is turning out to be quite a lucrative career!
Just as he is at the height of enjoying the moment, however, the mayor brings him right back down by instructing them to search around the town's archives. Mr. Peppers's enthusiastic comment to Cup makes his heart sink even further. Aw, maaaaannnn!
When Uesugi suggests they make their way to the Temple, Gallix sees an opening and takes it, "I could go to the Temple. I can pick up whatever supplies we need and check in on the kids and all that. Maybe Gunty will give us some more of that bread!"
|
|
Cup has a long talk with Nixa about her deceased gnomish mother, Bellona Poshkettle, and her defense of Umok. "We were so proud of her, but she never came home, and after that Daddy was never the same again. Still, I have learned from her example. You must fight for what you believe in, and never give up. It is better to face a thousand dangers than to hide at home, believing you can do nothing."
"Wait. There's research to be done? Really? When can we get started?" She's so excited, she is practically quivering as she bounces up and down. "There's one thing that I want to check out at the old warehouse, and of course I have to check the Post Office and pick up the shoes and clothes from Drummady and Petrello but after that... Oh, I can't wait to do reasearch!"
She grabs Mr. Peppers hand. "Come on, let's go to the Warehouse, and then we can check out those archives together! It'll be great!"
|
|
Mr Peppers gladly takes the bag from Sirettis as she makes a quick and slightly awkward exit. "We'll put this gold to good use, I'm sure there are some helpful supplies we could pick up, putting this money back into your townsfolk's hands."
Mr Pepper's eyes go wide seeing everyone else beg off for something else to do leaving just he and the gnome to go do research. "Off we go then I guess... you sure do have a lot of errands to do before the fun stuff.. but I guess." He allows himself to be dragged off by the small rubber bouncy ball with glasses. They're probably going to sit at the inn and drink ale and wine... I WILL have my revenge...
As he's dragged off you can hear his voice trailing off "Are you sure this is the best time to buy new shoes?..."
|
|
"Where can this assistant be found? We will speak with her at once."
"Lupia can be found in the archives just down the hall."
Gallix, Uesugi, and D make for the Temple along with Nixa while Cup and Mr. Peppers make for the warehouse.
The wooden door of the modest temple opens to reveal the familiar scent of cedar and lavender. Father Ildris is standing near the altar with Nolaria, who turns as the door opens and charges towards you with her arms wide.
"NIXA! You're safe!" Nolaria wraps the armored warrior in her arms, squeezing her tightly as tears run down her face. "I thought you ... were gone for good..." Blackfeather happily caws as he swoops around the two.
Nixa pats her on the back. "I'm just fine, thanks to these resourceful warriors and their knowledge of the Bile. You should've seen this one with his fists! And this one... He could speed up sand fast enough to destroy even the most beastly of villains!"
Nolaria steps back and smiles at you. "You'll have to tell me everything, sis*. These three and their other friends saved all of us from that same demonic bile. Gellion... That bile made him do things I don't think he'll ever let go." She says as concern fills her voice.
Father Ildris approaches as he notices the happy scene, and also offers a hug. "Ah, Nixa. Erastil's blessing are upon us all this day. We are forever indebted to you for your services, Pathfinders. There must be some way to repay you."
You head back towards Marcuccio Bravoni's abandoned warehouse where you'd originally found Gellion and the apprentices. The warehouse is exactly as it was, sans all of the Demon's Bile and still includes the crate Longjing was found in, but as you're entering, a familiar voice rings out.
"'Ey! If it ain't my favorite gnome! And the bookworm elf!" The large, muscular man - none other than Barry the Boot - approaches from the shopping district, bending down to offer Cup a hug. "You guys are still here? Wow! It's been over a week! Figured Cup would 'ave it all taken care of by now, bein' all smart and such!" He's holding a loaf of sourdough in one hand and his bag is full of folded papers and agreements.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Do you really think new shoes are a wise choice for investigating an old run down estate? You'll just end up ruining them you know. Best to wait till we finish all this business and head home. That's what I'm doing anyhow." He looks up to see 'The Boot' heading in their direction and swooping in for a mini hug.
"How's 'business' going Barry? Everything on the straight and narrow I hope? Its been a busy week, had quite the goblin infestation around here."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Rawwwwwk!" Longjing lands on Cup's head and eyes Barry suspiciously. "Who are you? This gnome is under MY protection, giant."
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Barry laughs at the 'dragon'. "I'm Barry. Cup and I go way back, don't ya worry!"
"Ya know, I got a little bit of this, a wee bit of that... I've arranged a rather lucrative trade agreement with Saringallow Sundries. Their finest cold iron weapons might be accompanied by some of Diobel's favorite beverages... well, ya know Barry doesn't kiss 'n tell! Hah!" Biceps whacks Mr. Peppers on the back as he laughs. "Well, I'll leave ya to it! I'll probably be leavin' in a few days. Come find me at the Witch's End if ya need me!"
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Mr Peppers winces at the bludgeoning "Cold iron hammers and cheap booze? What could go wrong there...We've got more work to do so you may be heading out before us. If not, I'll expect you'll arrange us a fine ride home won't you?" As they part ways Mr Peppers will turn to throw one last fast ball at muscles magee "We'll be sure to let Gallix know you'll be at Witch's, I'm sure you two could catch up over some of that cheap stuff you both like so much."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Cup waves at Barry. "We will come find you later!" She looks around the warehouse for the crate that the parrot had come out of.
"There it is! Now, Longjing, you said this crate claimed you were a dragon?" She turns the crate around, and sees a logo in Tien...
...next to the silhouetted image of a green dragon. She smells the packing material. Tea. But why would a parrot egg have been smuggled in a crate full of tea?
The parrot hops and flies over to the crate. He bends over and whistles as he studies the picture, proud as can be. "See? This crate was transporting dragon eggs. It's proof positive! I'm a dragon!"
|
|
Cup sighs, cleans her glasses, and looks over at Mr. Peppers. Really, she doesn't have the heart to argue with the bird.
"You're right. Mystery solved. Dragon it is!"
The little bird lands happily on her shoulder, whistling. She puts her glasses back on, and looks at Mr. Peppers. "Where to next? I'd like to do Drummady's but we can go to the archives first for a little bit if you wish, since you accomodated my sidetrip."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Mr Peppers helps look around the warehouse again, happy/hopefully not finding any remaining bile. "Maybe that dragon marking on the crate is the brand of tea? And the egg was layed in it? Or being smuggled inside? I'm not the expert on Tien and tea, nor on dragon parrots. I do know a fair bit about dragons though.
He gives Longjin a few sideways glances and shakes his head "Lets get these quick errands done first, the work with the town records will take some time and I don't want to be interrupted. Maybe we could stop at the Postmaster next to get some supplies from the Society." He heads back towards the front door.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Cup and Mr. Peppers head back to Golarion Parcel Service, Saringallow Branch, and the Postmaster hands them each a box containing all of the items they'd purchased, plus a note from Valsin acknowledging receipt for your earlier letter and congratulating you on a job well done. He mentions the Society is willing to continue sponsoring your time in Saringallow if it means serving the town and if it continues to benefit Society-Isger relations.
|
|
Father Ildris shrugs at Gallix, Sir D, and Uesugi. "Very well, judging by your silence, I take it you are content as Pathfinders with helping us. We can continue to offer you spellcasting as before, so if you have any need for our services, please do ask."
"Wait. If you're going to explore the Sarini Estate or even to investigate the archives, I'm going with you," Nixa says. "My knowledge of our town as well as my skill with a sword could be of some use to you."
Nolaria balks at the offer. "Really? You just got back! You're just going to leave again?! Come on, don't leave me, sis!" She grabs her arm.
She considers it for a moment, but she's torn between repaying the favor and spending time with her cousin who she dearly missed. "Alright, I'll take them as far as the entrance, and then I'll be right back here. Don't worry. You know I can hold my own, Nolaria," she says as she strokes Nolaria's hair in comfort.
"Fiiine," Nolaria says with a sigh. "But I can help too. I happen to know the layout of the Sarini Estate!" She takes out a piece of paper and some chalk and draws a rough map of the large property. "Here. This should help!"