Thrawn's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Thrawn007

Ninja Dot this thread. Dot is, then delete your post. This will keep this cleaner.

The Rusty Dragon one of two inns in Sandpoint, and the one favored by adventurers and others from out of town. Owned by Ameiko Kaijitsu, former adventurer, Sandpoint council member, and eldest living member of the Kaijitsu, the Rusty Dragon has quite the reputation for those wanting to trade stories with the more adventurous of the world.

Ameiko is known for giving free rooms to many of her friends and family, and friends of those friends when they are in town.

Shalelu Andosana, an elf who travels the lands around Sandpoint returning to the town only to resupply and to report on threats, is one of Ameiko's oldest friends, as such both her and her adopted ward are always welcomed warmly. They have found their way back into Sandpoint with a report about goblin activity. Shalelu has headed to speak with the sheriff and mayor, leaving Gozzamer to wait at the inn.

Sandru Vhiski, a caravan master working the roads between Magnimar and other nearby cities was once an adventuring companion of Ameiko, questing in the Mushfens, Churlwood, and the Fogscar Mountains. The two have remained friends, and he always stays at the Rusty Dragon. His "aunt" Koya Mvashti, and her other adoptee Dav are given the same free rooms that the caravan master is. Most of his caravan members have taken to staying at the inn as well.

Looks like the conversations are well underway, feel free to migrate the continuation into this thread as you all continue to meet each other. Also of note, I'm putting up some sandpoint info and character connections and such in the handouts and maps link.

Raiyume eyes the Nagajii up and down, slightly uncomfortable about the intrusion into her personal bubble but trying (and failing) to keep it hidden. "I shall try not to, friend...and let me know if I do." She looks out to the small group assembled, and spreads her arms out wide. "Come, let us have some drinks, at this Rusty Dragon. If you lead the way, I'll buy the first round. To new friendships!"

Dav gave another look too the foreign woman. You are in the right colors but your hair could use some styling. he mused.

Gozzamer takes his favorite place in front of the fireplace in The Rusty Dragon's common room. With hair brush in hand, the gnome is brushing the fur of his black wolf companion, Kobo. Although the sight of a wolf can cause alarm, most regulars have seen the wolf in the tavern before, and Kobo always seems well-behaved, right next to Gozzamer. Any loose tuffs of fur the gnome brushes off Kobo are tossed into the fireplace for a quick sizzle bedfore burning away.

Ameiko Kaijitsu is surprisingly not at the Rusty Dragon when everyone arrives, although an out of wind server rushes to keep up with the drink orders with the increased business of having a caravan in town.

There are over a dozen people including merchants, caravan guards, and a couple of locals looking to share stories.

As much as Ayame wished to go see Sandru, her legs made her move the other way to the Rusty Dragon. What would I even say? Hi Sandru-senpai, heard you're back, wanted to see you? Yeah that would go over well...

"How about the first round is free." Ayame said with a smile. "To new friends!" She laughed a bit.

Once she got inside and saw that her sister was missing from her tavern and the servers where running it she sighed. "I may be a moment with those drinks... I need to fill in a bit for Onee-chan." With that she moved to the counter and set her umbrella down behind it. She pulled her long black hair up into a bun before pulling long pick of silk from her sleeve and using it to the them back as to not make a mess with them. Once she was ready she jumped into the whole scene, making dishes of food and seeing to the drinks that had been ordered. She had learned a lot of this from Ameiko, and since the younger Kaijitsu never left town thanks to the older one, she had a lot of time to perfect things Ameiko had started.

Ji-hwan strolls over to the fire and takes a second, warming his hands by the glow, before crouching before the wolf and holding his hand out towards it slowly, offering a thin sliver of meat. As he does this he begins to speak to the man who is attempting to tame the wolfs fur.

"Well met Gozzamer-san, what news have you from the outer reaches? Where is your master gone today?"

The door opens anew in The Rusty Dragon. The gnome spies several humans, some are the tien brand of human, just like Ameiko. One of them he knows, and is coming closer. That's when Kobo begins a long, low growl. Gozzamer places his small hand on Kobo's chest, making sure the wolf does not snap at the tien man. Tien man! HA!
As Ji-hwan slowly offers the piece of meat to Kobo, the wolf sniffs it first. Finding the smell to be agreeable, the wolf takes the small piece of meat with his teeth, and eats in one gulp. The gnome whispers underneath his breath to Kobo, "That's a good boy, Kobo."
"Hello, Ji-hwan!" The gnome greets the fighter warmly. "I tell you, you are braver than most human when giving Kobo here a treat."
When asked about the outer reaches, Gozzamer face gets serious. "A band of goblins attacked a wedding not too long ago. An aggressive mood from the goblins as I've seen in a while. They may be organizing again. But you didn't hear that from me", said the gnome in a conspiratory tone. Gnome tone, HA!

After about ten minutes of food, drink, and conversations in the common room, the door opens again, and two female figures step through the door.

Ameiko's red armor and the white streaks in her hair make her instantly recognizable, even to those she hasn't met. He her head seems to hang, and her shoulders slump slightly as she walks in, much the opposite of her upright posture she usually shows, giving her more an air of control of any situation. She turns to a board just inside the door and posts a piece of paper. Even from a distance, the word "REWARD" can be read across the top, and a drawing of a goblin can be seen.

Reward Poster

The elven tracker Shelelu is much less recognizable, except to those who know her or spend a lot of time in Sandpoint. She seems much more businesslike as she enters heading straight to the fire as her friend puts up the poster, and slumping down into an empty seat near Gozzamer. Ji-hwan, and Kobo. She simply stairs intently into the fire without saying a word.

When Ameiko came in the door, Ayame got a worried look on her face. "Onee-chan." She said as she moved to her sister. "Something is wrong isn't it?" She asked quietly to her older sister. "And Shelelu seems down as well... What happened?"

Raiyume stands up, and moves to the board, nursing her drink as she memorizes the posting. Such a difference between your average goblin and these four. They must have dishonored someone important to warrant such a reward.

After a moment, she makes her way towards Ayame and her obvious relation. "You have a fine establishment, Miss Kaijitsu. I took notice of the posting you made a few moments ago. By chance, do you know where these goblins were last seen? I would much like to assist in their apprehension.

Both Gozzamer and Kobo get up from the fireplace to stand before Shelelu. The wolf puts his head in the elven ranger's lap.
"What wrong, Big Sis", asks the gnome in a quiet, scared voice.
This isn't like Shelelu at all!

"Imouto, Shelelu has brought grave news about the goblins. It seems they are on the rise, getting more aggressive. It's the worse it's been since they attacked the town a few years ago...when Chichi died." Ameiko wipes away a tear at these last words.

Noticing Raiyume's question, Ameiko immediately tries to regain her composure, although it's obviously a front. "They've hit a farm nearby, and even attacked a couple armed caravans. Shelelu thinks they were in Brinestump Marsh"

Shelelu nods at the mention of Brinestump Marsh, then expands a bit, "It's not often that a goblin rises to hero status among their kind. They usually are too frightened and don't live long enough to do so. In the past, some, like Rendwattle Gutwad, Koruvus, and Ripnugget turned their fame among their kind into positions of leadership, becoming chieftains of various tribes. It seems a new crop of heroes is on the rise, and the goblins are getting a lot of courage from somewhere. They usually would never make these moves."

Dav perks up at the mention of goblins. Poor little guys. They just need to be shown the right way.

He scanned the rest of the bar, and noted the lack of empathy coming from the non shelynites. They would rather take away life than let it grow.

I doubt a bounty board will be as effective as talking to them. All of you seem too eager to pass judgement anyway. Have any of you tried talking before paying for the death of living beings? Dav spoke up, aware that his own monstrous appearance was unlikely to help, but someone had to try. He had been taught by Sir Peter to come first with a rose, only using his sword if necessary.

DM you can use the fiend in Dav however you wish :P

It was only right in the half orcs eyes to give the goblins a chance. Maybe a good union could be formed and their culture could join that of Sandpoint. Think of all the new art that could be achieved... He found himself saying out loud. To throw that chance away without talking would be a waste.

Ameiko looks at Dav with no attempt to hide the annoyance on her face. "Last time the goblins got like this they burned down half of this damned town, kidnapped people for some cult, and killed my father. I don't think talking is going to do much. The mayor decided reinstating the bounty was the best course of action. If it wasn't for those kids drowning themselves trying to hunt goblins, the bounty would have never gone away." She wipes a couple more tears from her face, obviously emotionally vested in the current situation.

Shelelu calmly adds, "Most of the guests at that wedding were killed. The others are now missing. Ameiko has a point about them kidnapping for that cult. Perhaps that is where those missing have gone as well. The goblins claim the power of sky fire and the wolf make them stronger than ever. I don't know what that means, but I'm sure it isn't friendly. And anyway, goblin art is usually painted in the blood of others." The elf seems as detached from the situation as Ameiko is invested. To her, it seems facts are facts, and that is just the way it is.

"Will talking ease the sorrow of a mother's loss? They don't give out bounties for wearing inappropriately colored hats." Raiyume raises her head to meet the look of the half-orc (who has at least a half a foot on her). "If you believe that a bargain struck could lead to a lasting peace, then I am willing to travel with you to see it through. Or, at the least, to have your back if and when things turn sideways. It seems, at the least, that you are the only one calling for the goblins' ears to be spared."

The elf looks up from the fire chiming in again, "If wasting goblin ears is your worry, perhaps making a necklace or a purse of them would satisfy your sense of ascetics better. You could even dye them if you must."

"The Marsh isn't too far out of town. We could head there right away from here." Ayame said as she looked to Dav and Raiyume. "It shouldn't take us long to find them. If we're lucky it'll just take a day." The younger Kaijitsu said as she took down her hair.

"I need to change and gather a few things. Then I'll join you for this." Ayame said with a smile as she headed back the the counter to grab her umbrella.

Ameiko glares towards her sister. "No. There are plenty of caravan guards who can take care of this while the caravan gets resupplied, not to mention Shelelu. Goblins have done enough damage to our family already. You will stay here where it is safe. You have no idea how dangerous it can be out there."

Shelelu shrugs. "I'm afraid I need to get word of the goblins to the other farmsteads before trying to venture off into the swamps. If that wedding is any indication, none of the farms are safe, and I should not let them be taken by surprise." She looks to Ameiko. "Gozzamer here can keep your sister company. I will need to move swiftly if I'm to reach all the farms before more goblin attacks."

Gozzamer and Kobo step back to give Shelelu space to get up: they have seen the determination on her face before.
"You better take care, Big Sis", said Gozzamer sadly, looking up into Shelelu's face.. "May Desna watch over you!"
Kobo begins a sympathic whine, sensing the sadness from his gnome friend.
Gozzamer looks over to the girl identified as Ameiko's sister, and gives a nod of recognition, doing his best at a friendly smile, yet failing.

"I'm not just going to sit here and do nothing while these creatures rip apart our town even more!" Ayame stated as her hands balled into fists at her side. "Anata wa watashi o eien ni koko ni iji suru koto wa dekimasen Onee-chan! Watashi wa tasuketai, dōshite son'nani machigatte iru no?" The younger Kaijitsu slipped back into minkian, which is the language the two normally fought with.

Raiyume smiles, and takes a sip of her drink, watching the drama between the sisters unfold. "Every dove must learn to spread her own wings if she is ever to leave the nest. Some learn to fly harder than others, but it is their's to learn. She will not be alone," Raiyume replies, also in minkaian, "and at least she will not be far."

"You aren't a soldier. You have no business hunting goblins. You were too young, but I remember what they did. You are still a child. Who would protect you from the dangers of the swamps?"

Shelelu slips out the door on her journey to the farms, without any further comment.

"I will protect myself! I'm not the only one going out there you know. She just said she'd be out there as well!" Ayame pointed out. "I don't need to be a soldier to hunt goblins, you weren't a soldier when you ran away and left me alone with Otōsan and Haha!" She snapped. "Or after Haha's death!"

Otōsan-Father
Haha-Mother

Dav reached to his back, pulling forth his greatsword. It was a large weapon to say the least, counting the handle it was larger than he was. He unsheathed it and slammed the blade point first into the ground, showing off the single rose design on the flat edge. It wasn't a perfect sword or any kind of masterpiece, but it had been given to him after he was free of the fiend. It was designed to fit his appearance, much like everything else was. The massive blade not only felt at home in his hands, but added to the savage beauty he had. With it out he was imposing, though obviously not as skilled as some of the others in the room.

I have lead with the rose already. There will be no bloodshed until I am able to talk with the goblins! Dav said in a bellowing voice. He gave a glare to Amieko. Have you bothered to talk with them, or have you lead blade first like a savage? If I talk and they wish to fight, then fight I will, but talking will come first. Is that clear?!

He looked too Raiyume and Ayame. The two seemed to at least listen. He hid a smile. Thank you ladies, I would be honored if you accompany me. And miss, talking will help a grieving mother. Words are our best weapons. They aren't just meant to destroy, but are able to create and heal as much as any spell. I thank you for being willing to help me talk, even if you believe that it will not be successful.

"Who do you think is going to go with you? Planning to take poor Gozzamer with you? Shelelu just left him here for safety too. I certainly don't see anyone else jumping up at the chance to follow you into a swamp to fulfill your childish fantasy for adventure. Are you going with HIM to talk with goblins?"

Dav burst out laughing as Ameiko spoke. How about you listen instead of throw a tantrum. Did you not just hear what I said about words? Or is being the overbearing sister clouding you ability to see that your little sister is going whether you let her too or not. I don't remember any stories of people stopping you when you put your mind too it. Remember, a rose can only bloom if it is planted. You can't lock away a seed and expect it to become perfect.

In a huff and with tears running down her face, Ameiko retreats to the kitchen. Leaving behind an awkward silence now that she is no longer screaming at her sister.

Ayame bit her lip as she watched her sister make her way to the kitchen. Her heart hurt as she sighed and looked to Dav. "I'll... be right back..." She told him with a nod before walking after her older sister.

"Onee-chan.." She sighed as she closed the door. "Please don't worry. I'll be fine. It's just outside the town... I mean you didn't think I'd be here forever did you?" She asked softly as she went to her sister's side.

Davlamin watches with a smile as Ayame went to comfort her sister. This one understands words. I should make sure she comes back unharmed. Still, I was harsh on her older sister.

Dav did not move to follow. He would not interrupt the sisters, nor did he feel the need to apologies. Love is not born of evil, and her sister is good and just wants to protect. But that is not always love.

The half orc looked at the other patrons, waiting for them to make their move. He knew his appearance was unnerving. There wasn't a day where he hesitated to look into a mirror because of his eye. For all he knew someone could trow him out of the tavern for yelling and laughing at Amieko's desire to protect her sister. He would not fight them. Yet... No. I will not fight, they mean no harm.

He turned and started to exit the tavern. I will be heading to the swamps to talk with the goblins if anyone wishes to join me. I will wait at the edge of the town for you who have expressed interest in coming.

With the the large burly man opened the door and walked out, taking his blade with him.

You know I'm surprised he was let into the Tavern in the first place, even if he is a known shelynite. With his demonic looking eye and any rumors that could have spread about his possession, and his naturally bestial appearance aided by dormant Leonal blood... I'd kick him out. But thats me

"I stayed in this safe town, to give you a safe life. Now you want to just throw all that away. I know you are probably bored of this place. I certainly am, but I wasn't going to just walk out." Ameiko wipes her eyes again. "Tada iku"

Wait for me! Knowing my luck, I'd be waiting forever on the wrong side of town." Raiyume finishes her drink and leaves some copper on the table, knowing that nothing in life is truly free. She checks her gear to make sure she didn't drop anything, then rushes to stay with the half orc. "You're a big one, huh? What did they feed You? Whole oxen?" Raiyume says with a grin, happy to be out in the fresh air again.

"Onee-chan, I'm not leaving, I'm not throwing it away. The marsh is just outside of town. I'm not going away forever." Ayame said as softly as she could. "We've seen that even this town isn't safe Onee-chan... You can't protect me all of the time..." She leaned over to her sister and placed her forehead on Ameiko's shoulder. "I need to know... that I can protect myself. That, should I have to, I can protect you Onee-chan. You're all I have left of our family." She whispered as she fought back tears. "Let me try. Just let me try this. Then I won't go anywhere else unless you agree."

Sandpoint Hinterlands on slide 6

Gozzamer is watching the arguements, comments, and remarks fly across The Rusty Dragon's common room like an overexcited atomie. If Ayame leaves, the gnome and his wolf will likely follow.

Dav looked at the Tien woman and chuckled. She also seemed to know a part of the power of words. It was good to see that. To many around these parts would just kill the goblins, damage a culture, and believe that evil is a permanent truth. So few people knew what love could do...

Well, until I was three and a half years I ate rats and other meats that I dare not think of the origins. When I was found by my mentor Sir Peter I had things such as salads and breads along with beef and pork. I have never had a whole ox.

He gave a full bellied laugh. I have not fully met you have I? I am Davlamin Beau. But you can call me Dav. Don't mind my apperance much. Aside from the eye there is no monster. He gave her a well meaning smile.

Raiyume bows low. "Raiyume, formerly of clan Xiao. It is a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance." She finally takes the time to look Dav up and down, taking in his appearance. "No, I don't mind your appearance much. It means the bad guys will attack you first, and not notice me. You *definitely* look scarier than I do." Raiyume smirks for a second, then seems to stare out over the horizon. "I've seen that the true monsters tend not to show their ugliness on their skin, but in their hearts." She turns back to face Dav, meeting his gaze again. "I recognize that we may not agree, ideologically, about some things. Maybe in time you can see things my way, and I may see yours. I do feel, however, that we shall get along just fine."

Dav suppressed a smile. Do not take for someone obsessed with apperance. I am not so vien, and neither is Shelyn. You are right of course. A monsters true ugliness is in their heart. Love is not born of evil is what I have learned. Only the unredemable cannot feel love and see true beauty. But I doubt that is what these goblins are.

*DC's 10 or les can be done untrained

Sarhashil walks into the bar a bit later than the rest, having to stoop slightly to make it in. He looked around and tilted his head at the scene and the attitude the tavern seemed to have taken on. He was unused to it being so quiet.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

He shrugged, not hearing the two sisters in the kitchen squabbling and moved over to the board and stared at the poster for a minute. The Nagaji's mouth opened and mimicked the words that were written as he read them. He paused and read them twice more committing them to memory before making his way to the bar and sitting down to wait for one of the sisters to show up.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Making their way over to the younger Kaijitsu sister, Gozzamer with Kobo stop and greet her.
"Hello! Ayame, is it? My name is Gozzamer. I'm Shelelu's little brother. Well, not by birth, but by circumstance." Sensing the tension still in the air, the gnome adds, in a lower tone. "Big sisters, Am I right?"

Brinestump Swamp is just a hike down the coast from Sandpoint. It's a downhill walk that gets muddier and wetter as you head south. The main river split into many smaller waterways that feed the overgrown marshes and swampland that make up Brinestump. The main road circles east of the swamps, providing the only relatively dry means of travel. Unfortunately, the goblins you seek lie within the waterlogged overgrowth, which will make for a much more difficult and less comfortable portion of the journey ahead of you.

Knowledge local spoilers are above. I'll get geography and nature posted when I'm on my computer tonight. They will have similar scales so untrained rolls can still get basic info.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Dav Knows One thing. ITs not about the location he grew up in. That the parties job. He is here to sing, write, discuss religion, talk, know if people are lying, and make you all pretty!

*DC's 10 or les can be done untrained

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 | Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 | Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 | survival (if/when it matters): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
---------------------------
Raiyume keeps her bow at her side, as much as a weapon against danger, as well as keeping an eye out for tonight's dinner.

Earlier

Ji-hwan stood glaring at the Half-Orc, his fingernails digging in to the palms of his hands. He began to reach for the pouch at his waist, before stopping, taking a calming breath. As the others file out of the Rusty Dragon slowly, Ji-hwan walked in to the kitchen, coughing softly to announce himself and not scare the two women inside.

"I will go with Ayame and watch her back Ameiko, you haven't to fear. I will bring her back, I promise." He bowed, smiling slightly, before nodding towards the door. "Come, or we will be left behind. Better to travel in a group, rather than alone."

Brinestump

Ji-hwan walks slowly beside Ayame, keeping his eyes peeled and his mouth shut, watching his surroundings as he moved along the road, staring out in to the swampy undergrowth.

Knowledge(Geog)1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Knowledge(Local)1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Two 5? F+!~ing seriously...?

Earlier
Ameiko doesn't even turn to speak with Ayame or Ji-hwan. "Just go. And you had better come back in one piece."

"Deal!" Ayame said before she ran off to change so she could go with the group. "I have to go change! I'll meet up with you!" Ayame told Ji-Hwan as she ran past him.

Once out and about Gozzamer introduced himself and Ayame smiled down at the gnome. "Well met. Yes I am Ayame, and yes Onee-chan worries too much... She's been that way since father died... Always telling me I can't do something but never telling me why or giving a good reason or..." She sighed and shook her head.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"You know, there is a halfling that lives out here. They call him Warden I believe. We should see about find him. He may be able to point us the way we need to go in order to ensure we don't get lost." Ayame pipped up as she looked around. "But I can honestly say I have no idea where he lives..."