The final shade falls, and peaceful, though deathly, silence returns to the ruin. The sound of churning water can be heard from the new path that Zoli discovered, however.
After climbing a set of stairs, the party arrives in what appears to be a flooded chamber. The sound of sloshing water fills this room, which has almost entirely collapsed into a large tide pool. What few walls do remain intact here bear detailed and impressive carvings of incredible treasuries filled to overflowing with coins, gems, jewelry, and other items of value. Tot he east, the walls depict a carving of a towering mountain, its peak carved in the shape of a stern face just above a great palace. Below, the side of the mountain's valley cradles an immense city of spires.
In the pool, the remains of what must have once been an incredible treasury lie in the sloshing waters. Shattered urns, crumbled stone chests, rusted bits of once beautiful armor and weapons, and other long-ruined treasures from an ancient past lie below. Most impressive of them all is a large, coral-encrusted helmet sized for a giant, it's full-face guard bears an expression of twisted rage and fangs, and appears to be made of gold.
After a few seconds, the helmet down below suddenly shifts and moves, as if it were rotating to look at you all...
__________
"Whoa..," Eugeni says. "Xam? Zoli?" That looks like a lot of money. Wonder what we're going to do now that we're rich?
"No idea. . ." Xamarath begins, trailing off as he hobbles forward weakly on his staff. "I'm thinking blast it if it decides to be violent. Sound good to you guys?"
Zoli only pulls her eyes off of the ancient relics with difficulty. Tracing her button with one finger she thinks, even in my dreams, I didn’t think I’d really be part of a find like this. Who’s to say what we can learn of the past, and of our own present?!
"Hold tight, Xamarath. Who knows what it is, or what we can learn from it. Let's see if we can parley with it first."
Making a guess, she addresses the giant helmet: "Привет. Я Золи, из Сэндпойнт. Кто ты? Вы говорите на языке Thassilon?"
The helm begins a slow advance up through the water, as if sliding along the surface of the pool's walls themselves. After a few seconds, it finishes it's silent climb the helm finally cresting the surface of the water. Suddenly, the helm rises up to reveal a pair of immense claws and spindly legs. The claws snap together powerfully in a threatening display.
Xamarath unleashes his bolts of arcane energy at the thing, clearly causing it a significant amount of harm as it's shell cracks at the points of impact.
__________
Zoli shrugs toward her companions. "I guess that crab doesn't speak Thassilonian. Shame."
She attempts to slice into it with the scimitar Baern made for her as the crab scuttles toward them, but her blow clangs harmlessly on the massive helmet.
_____________________
HP 25/25
STR 15/15
Luck 5/8
Panache 4/4 (-1 if gets to parry)
Charmed Life 3/3
Buffs luck (round 1/3): +2 to hit, damage, skill rolls
Eugeni says, "I'm just going to watch for people who need healing. I'm not going to be much use in a fight until my strength comes back, guys." He moves out of the way of the others, and gets ready to cast a spell should things go badly.
”Aha! We shall eat well tonight!” Thal, mounted on Sir Bearington, lunges forward at the helmeted crab and strikes at it with his greatsword while the slobbery bear does the same with fang and claw. Thal’s greatsword misses the large creature, instead clanging off the beast’s helmet, while Sir Bearington manages to bite and claw at it.
______________________________________________
Zoli shrugs toward her companions. "I guess that crab doesn't speak Thassilonian. Shame."
She attempts to slice into it with the scimitar Baern made for her as the crab scuttles toward them, but her blow clangs harmlessly on the massive helmet.
Eugeni says, "I'm just going to watch for people who need healing. I'm not going to be much use in a fight until my strength comes back, guys." He moves out of the way of the others, and gets ready to cast a spell should things go badly.
”Aha! We shall eat well tonight!” Thal, mounted on Sir Bearington, lunges forward at the helmeted crab and strikes at it with his greatsword while the slobbery bear does the same with fang and claw. Thal’s greatsword misses the large creature, instead clanging off the beast’s helmet, while Sir Bearington manages to bite and claw at it.
Morythine delivers a pair of powerful kicks at the sea creature, one of which hits it square in the eye stalk, causing the thing to wince in pain.
The crab retaliates with it's powerful claws to great effect. It's left claw clamps down on the bear's neck and shoulder, driving it's face down into the floor, while it's right claw snaps shut forcefully about Morythine's midsection and lifts him easily up off the ground. The sound of ribs either being broken or popped out of place can clearly be heard throughout the small chamber.
__________
Seeing Morythene and the bear in the crab's clutches, Zoli quips, "Hey, watch where you put those things!"
With a spin her blade nicks just under the line of the helmet, spilling crabmeat onto the floor, but not quite managing to take it out.
_________________
”Agh, the food fights back! It will taste that much better, then!” Thal raises his greatsword and impales it into the crab’s face with a crunch, causing the beast to go limp. Sir Bearington, angry at the now-dead creature, mauls it a bit before Thal calms the injured bear.
___________________________________________________________
Once the crab is slain, the group takes their time to scout out every inch of the subterranean chambers making up the interior of Thistletop Island, and is now certain they have rid the place of its vile inhabitants to the last.
During the search, a weary Eugeni manages to locate an abandoned wagon behind the fortress, seemingly discarded for the moment. It appears to be in good enough condition that it could be used to help them return their treasures back to town as well as the bodies of their fallen.
After about an hour loading the wagon, and another few hours of slow travel, the group makes their way back to Sandpoint. They are greeted by Sheriff Hemlok and Father Zantus shortly upon being spotted by the town guard. Once word of their deeds is passed along, as well as of their losses, the cleric arranges for their bodies to be taken into the Cathedral and properly cleansed and blessed.
Shalelu says, ”I will give the Sheriff a full report, you guys go and rest, you’ve earned it.”
Eugeni nearly collapses as he makes his way to Zoli's house. He slips onto the cot she'd lent him and falls asleep immediately.
Roughly a week passes as the brave heroes of Sandpoint recover and mourn their fallen. A brief ceremony is held in their honor, before Thal Bearson agrees to take their bodies and personal effects with him to their homeland and families in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. A large portion of the town attends out of respect for their fallen heroes.
Prior to his departure, Father Zantus makes sure that the bodies are properly cleansed, blessed, and anointed with a magical salve to slow the rate of the bodies decay. Kala and Baern's bodies are then wrapped and placed in a wagon with a special harness made so that the Ulfen's bear can pull it, since there are no horses willing to approach the tame but vicious carnivore.
After the memorial service, the town becomes fixated on a pair of rumors going around. The first of which revolves around the drama circling the now vacant Glassworks. It would appear that there are several interested parties desiring it's acquisition. One of which is Xamarath, another is Titus Scarnetti, one of the other local families with stock in the Mercantile League in town. It would seem there is debate as to who the true owner of the business is now that Old Man Lonjiku has died. There are talks of a town meeting to be held later tonight in the Town Hall for any interested parties.
The other is that something apparently going on outside of town, as Sheriff Hemlock was seen riding out of town with a pair of guards earlier in a hurry, though he didn't take the time to explain anything. The speculation surrounding this ranges from another goblin raid amassing in the forest nearby to the Sheriff having quit his position and left to take a position in Magnimar. All of which, if pushed for reasons to support these claims, quickly fall apart.
A few short hours before nightfall, you each are greeted by Crichton, who, through labored, panted breaths, relays that Xamarath and Ameiko would like to speak with you all at the Rusty Dragon.
As you each arrive, you quickly note that there is a closed sign on the door. However, Bethana, Ameiko's halfling assistant is sitting on the porch and assures you all that they are waiting for you inside, they just closed the tavern for the night to make sure you had privacy and so they could attend the Town Meeting. Once inside, the pair greet you warmly, Ameiko seemingly recovering well from the tragedy she had suffered in the loss of the last of her family here in town as much of her previously jovial mood appears to have returned. Once the last of you arrive, Xamarath says, "Thank you all for coming on such short notice."
"Short notice, eh? Oi'll 'ave you know oi spent most of the evenin' chasin' this lot around town! You keep writin' it off like it was some easy task!" Crichton says from the bar, where he is lies flat on his back as if utterly exhausted.
Ameiko covers her mouth with her hand and turns her head to hide a giggle as Xamarath scolds, "Oh enough of that, Crichton! All you've done is complain since you got back. For something that is supposedly out of breath, you've hardly shut up about it! Now not another word, I have things to discuss with my friends!"
Crichton mouths a silent mocking imitation of his master from the bar before letting his head fall back against the table as he continues to put on a show of physical weariness.
"My apologies," Xamarath continues, "Anway, as to why I asked you all to meet us here. I don't know if you have heard, but my request to purchase the Glassworks from the kind Lady Kaijitsu here has been interrupted by the interests and claims of another interested party. He has presented claims to the Mercantile League that the property is not legally her property to sell, and we were unable to reach a settlement of the dispute privately. As such, Sir Jasper Korvaski has requested a town meeting to settle it on behalf of the town's best interest."
"Frankly, if you ask me, it's all a bunch of goblin shit," Ameiko says. "Titus just wants more power over the town for himself, and sees this as a golden opportunity to finally mold this town in his own image."
"Lady Kaijitsu has informed me that he is likely to have several witnesses and supporters make statements at the meeting to try to sway favor his direction. Being that I am even less of a local given my own far-flung origins, I have little in the way of favor in this town beyond our recent service in eliminating the goblins. I fear that alone will not carry much weight when it comes to determining the fate of one of the town's primary sources of export. And my own plans for the building may take some persuasion to show it's merit," Xamarath says before pausing to take a sip of wine.
"You see, I plan on developing something that is quite common in my own world. Something known by the general masses as a 'Red Wizard Enclave.' The purpose it serves is to provide a source of magically enchanted paraphernalia, ranging from simple potions and reagents to enchanted arms and other artifacts, at prices lower than what most merchants are willing to sell their goods for. The ventures, when left to their devices, never failed to produce incredible profits and draw in business from the surrounding area for the communities they were established in, and as such, boosted other businesses in the towns as well. Sandpoint's access to the sea as well as a nearby city the size of Magnimar provides a unique opportunity that I would hate to miss."
He lets the gathered heroes digest this information before adding, "I was hoping that with the combined testimony of the rest of the 'Heroes of Sandpoint' would help me to carry favor, especially since two of you are actual citizens of the town. If it is something you are not comfortable with, I would not take offense, but I knew I had to at least ask and see if you would be willing to lend me aid in this matter."
__________
Meanwhile, in the city of Magnimar, Destrina and Darius find themselves in the Lowcleft district of the city, eating some dinner at The Lucky Harper before they turn in for the night, Destrina having a plate of roasted whitefish and gooseberry tart with a glass of cider, while Darius helps himself to the baked trout with ginger and soft cheese and a glass of brandy. The food is very well prepared, and is the finest meal that either of them have had in quite some time.
At a nearby table, what sounds like a trio of mercenaries sit around a table enjoying their own plates of food, talking to one another. The conversation is loud enough for the pair of travelers to hear it quite easily.
"So, did you guys hear about what happened up in Sandpoint?" asks a fair looking man in chainmail with braided gray hair.
A beautiful halfling woman with tangled brown hair and large gray eyes replies, "No. What's have you heard, Beorhtio?" as she dabs some spilled brandy off of her half-plate armor.
"The town was raided by goblins. Apparently some demon banded all the tribes together and tried to destroy the town!" Beorhtio replies.
The halfling woman looks very anxious at his claim. A silver haired dwarf in banded mail sitting beside her puts a hand on her arm and scolds the man loudly, "Damnit Beor. You know Cora's aunt Bethana lives there. Don't say things like that unless you are going to let her know her families fate!" He then turns to her and adds, "You have nothin' to worry about, Cora. I heard the same tale Beor did. Turns out that very few people were hurt or killed in the raid. Word has it a group of adventurers fought 'em off, tracked them back to their holes, and killed the demon that was leading them. You didn't tell me that you came from a town of heroes!" he says as he claps her on the back.
Cora looks at the dwarf confused, "That's because I don't, Gili! The only adventurers that ever came out of that town were me and Ameiko, and she gave up the life and went back home. She bought a tavern there and settled back down. My aunt actually works for her. So I'm sure she's okay, Ammie wouldn't let her get hurt," she says with a scowl at Beorhtio.
The man grumbles and takes a swig of his cider, mumbling "Spoilsport," under his breath with a glare at the dwarf. He wipes his mouth with his sleeve then continues, "Anway, it sounds like quite the group. Weirder than us, even! They got themselves a dwarf, an Ulfen lady, some wizard from Absalom, some martial artist, a werewolf, and worst of all," he pauses for effect, then watches Cora as he concludes, "a HALFLING!"
Cora punches him in the arm hard enough to actually rock the man to the side, eliciting an "OW!" from the much larger man and a laugh from the dwarf.
Eugeni isn't seen much in the week following the group's return to Sandpoint. The aasimar has been laid up in Zoli's house recovering from his near death encounter with the shadows. Never had Eugeni felt so weak or desperate, even in the darkest moments of his childhood. While he was laid up resting, the young warpriest had a long time to think about the path his life had taken. He thought about the recent tragedies and losses in his community. How no matter how hard he'd tried and prayed, Erastil hadn't given him the power to save his companions or the innocents of Sandpoint. Sure he'd prevented some deaths, but it wasn't enough.
Eugeni grew bitter during his days of weakness. One dark midnight while lying awake in bed, he said his final prayer to Erastil. I'm done with you, you horned dick. You weren't there for my community when I needed you, even though I've lived the way you say I should and tried my best. From now on, I will rely on myself to get things done. We're finished.
When Crichton comes to Zoli's to find Eugeni, the aasimar is looking much better. He spent the days since his final prayer doing strength exercises and aerobics, slowly regaining his vigor. When Crichton comes, he finds Eugeni doing a handstand and trying to hold perfectly still (though not quite succeeding). After listening to the bird's request, Eugeni nods. He grabs his gear and makes his way to the Rusty Dragon.
***
Eugeni listens to Xam and Ameiko before answering, "I don't know that the people of Sandpoint see me as particularly important, but I will speak for you." Eugeni smiles less than he did before Thistletop, he seems grim and driven. He doesn't joke or compliment anyone during the meeting, and simply stares ahead with his jaw set when not answering a question.
Ameiko reaches over and puts a hand on Eugeni's furry arm. "They may not have before, hon, but they do now. And anyone who says otherwise will have to have words with me," she says with a grin as she gives his arm a gentle pat before sitting back again.
Prey. Delicious, meaty prey. But where? Ah, over there, beneath the claws of that metal-clad human, the fat one with dull, beady, glazed-over eyes, making mating sounds to one of its kin, the female one, also clad in metal. The prey is guarded, but the guard is distracted. Tasty, delicious prey..
Long and slender, with a fur of mixed colors, Crotchbiter sits on his master’s shoulder, staring intently at a piece of meat that rests on a nearby table beneath the gaze of one of the mercenaries, who takes no note of the little creature gazing at his meal.
As the familiar stares down the meat, intent on devouring it, the chunk of steak begins to float slowly and carefully, while the mercenary continues to talk to the halfling.
Yes, come, come to my waiting maw, prey. I command it. You will come here and I will devour you. Succulent, tasty, meaty prey.
The steak continues to slowly float towards the weasel when its owner spots it floating away. ”What the? Get back here!”, he yells as he stabs the escaping meat with his knife, pinning it onto the wooden table. The human looks around and sees the weasel staring at his meat, and eyes it suspiciously.
Spotted! The prey’s owner sees me! Escape! Hide!
Quickly, Crotchbiter jumps down his master’s collar and climbs around beneath his robe until naught but his nose is peeking out of his master’s sleeve. The mercenary shakes his head and goes back to his meal.
It no longer sees me, the fool. I will have my prey, my delicious, succulent prey.
The little familiar crawls down its master’s robe, stopping momentarily as he spies a one-eyed snake, only realizing that its his master’s snake, and it is not to be bitten, and continues down and exits his master’s robe and onto the floor. The weasel then quickly and silently runs across the floor to beneath the table where its prey dwells.
Slowly, quietly, stalk the prey.. yes, up the table’s leg, not the human’s.. quietly…
Crotchbiter climbs up the table’s leg and just barely peeks over the edge of the table, where the human with the steak continues talking, occasionally taking a bite out of the prey and drinking from his mug.
Ah, aha! That is how I’ll capture the prey.. the container of liquid the man drinks from.. I’ll distract him!”
The weasel stares intently at the man’s mug of ale, focusing his spell at the mug. Carefully, he tips the tankard over and spills its contents all over the man’s lap.
Quickly, as the man is distracted and cursing, Crotchbiter launches himself at the steak, grabbing it in his teeth and retreats back to his master, steak in tow.
Darius, having been enjoying his soft cheese, washed down with a swig of brandy, turns his head over at the noise at the nearby table. In the corner of his eye he spots his familiar, aptly named ‘Crochbiter’, running towards him with a steak as big as the weasel himself firmly clenched in his jaws. Darius smiles at the sight of the little weasel finally getting a hold of that morsel he had been hungering for.
As the weasel makes his way beneath Darius and Destrina’s table, the brute who had previously owned the steak - and whose lap is currently covered in his own ale - stands up and swears. He spots the weasel fleeing to Darius and blunders over to his table.
”Hey, you! Your damn rat just -”
Darius, having anticipated his approach, cuts him off. ”Tell me, ser, do you want kids?”
”Wha- what the hell are you talking about?”
Darius smiles and shakes his head at the man’s ignorance. ”Do you want children? Do you like using your cock? Because unless you go back to your table and sit down and leave us be, I’ll show you how a liberal application of fire - or acid, perhaps both - will ensure that you’ll never father children, nor be able to piss straight with whatever half-melted lump of cock I leave you.” Darius rolls a small ball of conjured fire in his hand as he speaks and switches it back and forth between fire and acid.
The man, at a loss for words, glares momentarily at Darius before finding his voice again. ”But he took my -”
”Steak?” Darius cuts him off again. ”It is not my fault you were too distracted to watch your food and let a weasel outsmart you. Perhaps I should sic him on you, and show him how he got the name ‘Crotchbiter’, hm?”
The man turns red and grumbles, before going back to his table and sitting down, occasionally stealing glares at Darius.
”Anyways”, as I was saying, “ Darius turns back to Destrina, ”I believe the little backwater piss-pot that the brute mentioned was where Xamarath headed off to. Sandpoint, was it? Can’t be any worse than this shitville, at least. Perhaps with the talk of goblins and demons, you’ll find something to kill in the name of all that is righteous and glory, eh Cuz?”
Darius smiles and takes a hearty swig of his brandy, all while his familiar continues to devour the steak it had stolen.
|
Destrina tosses a few silvers to the incensed man before fixing Darius with a level gaze. "You really ought to control that little mongrel. I bet I spend more silver paying for meals it's stolen than on my own meals..." After taking and swallowing another bite of the tart, she continues, "...and you're not maiming a man because he takes offense at that damned weasel."
Destrina sits quietly for a short while, taking sips of cider and thinking about the information she overheard, as well as Darius' take on it. Eventually she says, "Yeah, this Sandpoint might be worth a look. Haven't heard of a thing here since that pack of Corbies in that abandoned church a while back."
"Ah don't worry, it was just a jape. I'd have sooner let Crotchbiter have at his manhood than waste my talent on the lumbering brute."
Darius drains the rest of his brandy in one last swig and raises his glass. Lowering his hand and putting the glass back down as he waits for the serving wench, Darius continues, "Heh, yeah. I've heard that the town plays host to an ancient Thassilonian lighthouse aptly named 'The Old Light'. Whoever named that had piss-for-brains when it came to imagination, I'll tell ya. Plus, if this wizard is Xamarath, it would be good to find the lout and see how many bastards he'd have fathered by now, what with him having helped 'save the town', if the rumors are true. I'm sure the ladies would be drooling all over him. Well, more likely they're drooling because of the inbred backwater-f&$%s they are rather than fonding over that sod, heh."
Despite her exhaustion, Zoli wakes restless the first morning back to Sandpoint and finds she can’t get back to sleep. She opens an old chest in her room and fishes around for a couple things. Then she tiptoes past Eugeni, thinking He still looks so weak. And...maybe something else too. Troubled.
Heading out, she goes straight to the temple and navigates to the room that Father Zantus made into a temporary nursery for Thisstle. The little goblin baby is already awake, and a clearly ambivalent acolyte of Desna is trying to comfort her.
Zoli takes the babe from the relieved acolyte and sings a bit to her: a silly melody from the play Dreams of Spring, that her poppa used to sing to her. Zoli fishes in her pockets for her childhood rattle and a rag doll of an oliphant, handing them to the grabby little goblin. Zoli winces a bit as Thisstle starts to work her already sharp teeth on the Oliphant’s ear, but she finds herself smiling despite herself.
I am NOT going to get attached to a baby, Zoli tells herself. Certainly not a goblin baby!
Even so, she finds herself smiling a bit wistfully after returning the child to the acolyte, and she still has that smile on her face as she heads slowly out to the graveyard to visit her father’s resting place.
”Poppa,” She says, lifting her eyes from where his body lays and looking up into the heavens, ”Can you still see me, from Desna’s starry realm? I’m not the actor you hoped to make me. I won’t ever be, but the plays and sonnets and tales and tomes you surrounded me with may have saved our lives out there. I’ve learned so much from you. I’m making my own path now, and what I dreamt of is starting to come true! I’ve explored real Thassilonian ruins, discovered, real artifacts.” Her finger traces the Sihedron Medallion that rests above her breast. ”I hope you have peace with Desna, Poppa. More than you did here in Sandpoint. And if you see Chaldira Zuzaristan, thank her for me. She’s been lighting my way and watching over me.
“Watch out for Stinky Baern and his cousin Kala's souls. They gave their lives saving Sandpoint. And keep watching me, poppa, and sending your own luck my way. I have a feeling I haven’t run out of needing it quite yet!”
Zoli listens as Xamarath and Ameiko explain, and thinks with a grin, Am I the kind of halfling that people listen to now? Someone with clout?
When they finish she clasps Xamarath’s arm. ”Of course I’ll speak on your behalf. Sandpoint couldn’t have a finer man to take over the Glassworks.”
As the conversation ends, she can’t help but notice that Eugeni still seems out of sorts, even now that his strength has returned. She pushes a stool over right next to his and just sits as close as she’s able. She knows his faith in Erastil has been shaken, and she’s not really sure what to say. He was a comfort to her though, when her father died and again with Baern and Kala’s recent deaths, so she puts her hand onto the small of his furry back and leans her head in toward his shoulder.
Eugeni makes no move to move away from Zoli, but he doesn't return her embrace either. He looks down at his little friend and offers a weak smile instead, as if to reassure her he's "okay".
Well at least I didn’t die again, thinks Morythine, his broken ribs causing him to wince as he awakes from an exhausted slumber in his lodgings at the Hagfish. Of course, he could have stayed at Zoli’s, or at the Rusty Dragon, but after the ferocity of Thistletop, he had wanted to retreat to this grotty place – somewhere more in keeping with his frame of mind.
Kala dead . . .
Baern too, though the stinker had it coming. Still . . .
Morythine sighs. Could they have been called friends? Are friends even something to seek, when they die so swiftly? What of Zoli, Eugeni, Xamaroth? Sandpoint? Habit tells him it’s time to move on, but he can’t quite bring himself to set his tricorn upon his brow and head for the door. Not yet at least.
He winces again, and from his pocket pulls those tattered pieces of paper that have fascinated him so. He studies the writings, the grisly illustrations, and sets those exquisite surgical tools to work on this flesh again, as he did on Thistletop.
He learnt a long while ago that the blessings of the gods were a curse to his kind, but not this alien rituals the blades draw blood from his pallid skin, the profound ache caused by that crushing pincer subsides.
Strange. Morythine looks up from his ministrations to note that three cockroaches that had busily been scurrying over the remains of last night’s meal now lie dead on their backs. Not even twitching . . .
Then there is a fluttering from the window (perhaps calling it a window might be exaggerating – two planks missing in the wall could be more accurately descriptive). Morythine can’t help but smile as Crichton struggles to stay airborne, then struggles to deliver his message breathlessly.
= = = = =
At the Rusty Dragon, Morythine is genuinely dismayed on realising the implications of Xamaroth’s plans. He’d rather see the Red Wizard standing at his side than behind the counter of his enclave – which to the dhampir sounds like a good reason to attract all kinds of ne’er-do-wells to Sandpoint.
He’s surprised to realise how much he cares. Still, he keeps his thoughts to himself as he listens to the mage’s plans.
With assurances from the others of their aid, Xamarath and Ameiko lead them all to the Town Hall, where a respectably large gathering of townsfolk have surprisingly showed up. Those from the town quickly note that this is one of the largest showings for a Town Meeting that they have seen.
Inside, there are a pair of tables set to either side of a podium on a stage, with several rows of chairs lined up in the room facing them. Sitting on the table to the right of the stage are two men, one of which is a younger looking man with blonde hair and mustache, who is talking to the man seated to his left, an old, tired looking man in fine but worn attire.
Zoli and Eugeni can easily identify the younger man as Titus Scarnetti, head of the Scarnetti family and owner of Sandpoint's mills and lumber industry. The older man is Ethram Valdemar, the sole surviving original member of the Sandpoint Mercantile League and the owner of most of the shipbuilding facilities in town, as well as most of the fishing vessels that work the waters around town.
On the table to the left sits Mayor Deverin, as well as an empty seat. Ameiko turns to the group and says, "I've gotta go take my place up on stage. Good luck tonight," and then walks up and sits in the vacant chair.
The four of you are guided to reserved seats on the front row. Also seated there are a stern looking Ven Vinder, whose cold stare has not left Xamarath since the Red Mage entered, as well as several other townsfolk that appear intent to speak.
Scattered about the room are several more citizens of note, sitting further back and appearing to be in attendance to either see how things develop, because they have an interest in the proceedings, or are just looking to keep up on the gossip. Specifically, Cyrdak Drokkus gives an overly warm and public greeting to Zoli and the other adventurers. Sitting off to the side with a book in hand, Brodert Quink hardly looks up when the group enters, and Father Zantus gives the group a welcoming nod as they make their way to their seats.
Eventually, a man dressed in a blue and white tunic, wearing a large golden key on a chain around his neck makes his way onto the stage and to the podium. Also an easily recognizable figure in town, this is Sir Jasper Korvaski, paladin of Abadar and the day-to-day operator of the Sandpoint Mercantile League. He picks up a gavel and taps the podium with it three times before saying, "This public meeting of the Sandpoint Mercantile League is now in session. Everyone, please take a seat."
As the room quietens down, he continues, "We are gathered to discuss the terms of sale and rightful ownership of the property commonly known as 'The Kaijitsu Glassworks.' On behalf of the League, I have requested a public forum to allow any and all interested parties to speak their terms before all that have gathered so that the best interests of the town are determined and acted upon. I now, shall allow any of members of the Mercantile League to have the floor prior to taking public statements."
He then folds his hands atop the podium as Ameiko rises from her seat. "Good evening," she says, "My name is Ameiko Kaijitsu, owner of the Rusty Dragon and sole heir to my families holdings." she casts a steely gaze to Titus with this statement before continuing, "Several years ago, I made it clear to my father that I had no interest in the glass-making business, and set out on my own path, that eventually led me back home and to the ownership of my own business, which has done really well. I would like to continue to maintain my focus on this establishment, while making sure that the town continues to thrive on the coin that is brought in from the Glassworks, and I feel I have a potential buyer that could very well turn the property into an even more profitable business for the town than what my father and his father did with their glasswares."
"And what makes you think it is yours to sell, Ameiko?" Titus calls out from his seat before standing. Jasper takes his gavel in hand and appears about to silence Titus, but Titus interrupts him as well, "Don't even start with that, Jasper. I'm not some playwright that you can boss around behind closed doors, and you would do well to remember that."
Some muffled whispers and gasps ripples through the crowd, and Jasper's face turns scarlet before he gingerly puts the gavel down and allows Titus to continue.
Titus resumes his own speech as Ameiko stands silently. "As Lady Kaijitsu says, she made her wishes perfectly clear to her father several years ago, and at that time, he disowned her. As such, she has no claim to inherit the Kaijitsu holdings, and with no true living heir, ALL of the property that once belonged to Lord Lonjiku Kaijitsu defaults to the property of the Mercantile League, including her seat on this council, I should point out. As such, I do not feel she has any right to claim the ability to sell any of those properties."
The debate carries on for several more minutes, with accusations and insults being thrown both directions. Eventually, Jasper silences the mud slinging with the gavel and opens the floor to the gathered citizens.
Xamarath rises and outlines his intentions for the property. His eloquent speech, celebrity, and promises of wealth and increased prosperity of the town seems to sit well with those in attendance.
Then, Ven Vinder stands and speaks, making claims that Xamarath is nothing but a two-bit womanizer, and the town is far better off without his kind being here, despite their "heroics" on behalf of the town.
Father Zantus rises and attempts to contradict Ven's allegations, pointing out that Xamarath showed more heart, kindness, and mercy than most men he's ever met by sparing the life of a helpless goblin child during their cleansing of Thisteltop. He clearly expected a more positive result from this statement, but it would appear that most of those gathered were not aware of this fact, and given the recent goblin troubles, appear to be taken aback by this revelation. Realizing he has only managed to do more harm than good, the priest sits down quietly without another word.
It would appear that nobody else wishes to add anything at the moment, and Jasper takes his gavel in hand and raises it, appearing to prepare to close the chance for public speakers to make statements...
_______
Eugeni steps up and moves to the front of the meeting to address the crowd. He looks out over the crowd, nodding to them. "I've lived around here my whole life. Not all of you might know me, since I spend a lot of time in the forest, but I suspect after the recent troubles we've dealt with as a community you at least recognize me. My name is Eugeni Silva, and I'm here to speak for my friend, Xamarath. He came here from a far away foreign land, wielding magical power and great knowledge. When the shit hit the fan, what did he do? Did he take advantage and gouge the people of this great town? Did he refuse to help? No, he stepped up to the plate and risked his life for Sandpoint. I didn't see Titus anywhere when the goblins were killing our friends and families, but Xamarath was there protecting us. On top of that, the man is brilliant and well educated. Something Mr. Scarnetti certainly can't claim. If we allow Xamarath to buy the glassworks, it will prosper, and so will Sandpoint. In addition to the added benefit of having a powerful wizard hanging around should trouble ever come to Sandpoint again. Don't let Titus' mudlinging and greed make this an us versus them choice for you. Xamarath has bled for Sandpoint, he belongs here. Thank you," Eugeni says. He nods to the crowd again, and retreats from the spotlight.
Not my town, not my fight . . . thinks Morythine, decidedly awkward about being at the meeting at all, despite his desire to support his friends. He keeps the brim of his hat low, tries not to make eye contact with anyone, but at the very least nods vigorously whenever anyone says anything he approves of.
He also owns the sole surviving grain mill in town, after the others suffered from mysterious fires. He also despises Jasper Korvaski, due to his not-so-private relationship with Cyrdak Drokkus, which Titus views as an abomination.
Zoli draws in a sharp breath as she gets ready to speak. Speaking before the Mercantile League! Where do I begin? What would poppa have said...?
She touches her lucky Thassilonian button and rearranges her tabard as she rises to the full extent of her height (such as it is).
"Ladies and gentlemen of Sandpoint. This occasion calls to mind the classic Varisian tragedy, The Weasel of Wormwood Hall. For those unfamiliar, Yorwik the brave son of Lord Hawthorne, is at war in Belkzen when his father falls ill with the consumption. Yorwik returns victorious from the orc wars, only to find that his father passed on to the Boneyard six months prior.
"Yorwik prepares to take on his new responsibilities as Lord of Wormwood Hall...but he had returned from war with a half-orc lover, Claga Browntusk. Hawthorne's former vizier, in a move to increase his own standing, sows seeds of suspicion amongst the women and men of Wormwood Hall. Eventually (after many increasingly tragic miscommunications) events climax in Claga's murder and Yorwik's bitter suicide.
"I'm sure I don't need to tell you the coda. All of us know that Wormwood Hall lies abandoned and haunted to this day." Zoli makes a few crisp gestures and the distant sounds of a wailing ghost appear briefly. She pauses for effect.
"Let us learn from our history. Xamarath is foreign, yes. Will we judge him on his origin? Or on his character -- as a hero of Sandpoint -- and his vision for renewing the Glassworks?
"Let us show this hero-- nay, let us show ourselves-- that Sandpoint makes its decisions based on what is right, not on innuendo or fear!"
_____________________
Morythine nods in agreement at Zoli's words, then slams his fist on the table for emphasis as the halfling implores Sandpoint to make decisions based on what is right.
Xamarath smirks at Zoli's use of a cantrip as he himself had done so many times, but adds nothing for the moment. He nods in the direction of his friends at their helpful words, and the crowd murmurs after she finishes speaking.
Titus stands and retorts, "Everyone here gathered knows that I was in Magnimar the day the attacks happened, nor were my own house guards able to respond to the attack in time, as it took place in the northern part of town. Do not attempt to paint me in a negative light simply because I had not been present to even attempt to lend any aid. If we are going to be so simple minded in our claims, why not blame Shalelu for not being here to help. And where was Ameiko during the attack? I hear nothing of her exploits on that horrible day? No, that would be childish and beneath this organization, as clearly had any of us been in a position to help, we would have, just as you lot did."
He pauses to let his rebuttal sink in to the crowd before adding, "As to Miss Tileani's claims. Not once have I denied the wizard's right to purchase the property based on his heritage or origins. I commend him on his...creative...ideas and plans. However, what I do object to is that Lady Kaijitsu having the right to make such a sale of a business so central to Sandpoint's economic future. Do we just cast aside a way of life that has proved to be a keystone feature of this town for so many years at the whims of a single girl? The Glassworks brings in business from Magnimar, Korvosa, and beyond to this little town, who is to say that this new venture would do the same? What if it failed utterly? How much damage could the loss of that revenue do to our cherished town? You may have the privilege as 'adventurers' to not base your decisions on fear, Miss Tileani, but those of us tasked with the well being of every business, citizen, and visitor to this town, we do not have such a luxury. On a daily basis we fear what might happen if a decision we make has a negative impact on this town, and for how far reaching it may prove to be!"
Another murmur rolls through the crowd, and those assembled on stage attempt to eye the crowd to determine whether their words have had any impact on those gathered.
Jasper clangs the gavel against the podium to silence the crowd before stating, "I now close the floor to public statements, and call for a vote of the League. Lady Kaijitsu, on the matter of your right to sell the property known as 'The Glassworks' and your claim to the Kaijitsu holdings, how do you vote?"
Without even a moments pause, she calls out a "Yay."
Jasper nods, then says, "Lady Deverin, on the previously stated matter, how do you vote?"
She sits silently for a moment before stating, "Yay."
Jasper turns to face the other side of the podium, and says, "Lord Scarne..."
"Nay," he says loudly as he interrupts the paladin.
Jasper pauses only briefly to scowl at Titus before continuing. "Lord Valdemar, on the previously stated matter, how do you vote?"
The old man looks up feebly from his seat at the paladin, then casts a wary eye towards Titus before saying, his voice barely audible to the crowd, "Nay."
Muttering and whispers again clamors through crowd before Jasper silences them all with his gavel. "The League is at an impass. We now open the floor to a public vote. In order to break the impass, a clear majority of two-thirds of those gathered must be attained. All those in favor of the previously stated matter, raise your hands."
A sizable, but clearly not the majority, of the crowd raises their hands. Of note, Father Zantus, Cyrdak Drokkus, and Brodert Quink join those in this number.
After counting and writing down the number, Jasper calls out, "All opposed?"
The remaining people in attendance raise their hands, and Jasper makes the tally and calls out, "The impass has not been broken. As such, the Mercantile League cannot make a ruling in favor or against the motion presented before it. In order to come to a fair ruling regarding the situation, I hereby request that the Mercantile League send representatives to Magnimar to beseech the Justices of the city to weigh in on the matter."
Titus slams his fist down onto the table and proclaims, "You haven't the right or the authority to make such a request!"
Ameiko stands and says, "I am in favor of this motion! Lady Deverin, Lord Valdemar, how do you vote?"
Mayor Deverin stands and says, "Aye!"
Titus scowls and turns to Lord Valdemar, who with wearily nods and waves his hand before turning to his attendant and receiving aid in standing and making his way off the stage, clearly exhausted from the proceedings in his old age.
Ameiko claps her hands once in enthusiasm and takes her seat, clasping a hand over Lady Deverin's forearm and whispering into her ear excitedly as Jasper silences the roar of the crowd with his gavel. Meanwhile, Titus sits silently, a scowl on his face.
"Do we have any volunteers to take the journey to the city?" Jasper calls out.
__________
"Me. I need some time away from these ungrateful f!#&s," Eugeni mutters darkly, before speaking up loud enough to be heard. "ME!" He raises his arm and waves it around. After Jasper notes his hand, Eugeni crosses his arms over his chest and frowns. He glares daggers at Titus. It wasn't just one day, asshat. We've been saving the town for weeks on end and your limp dick hasn't been doing anything except salivating over the money you can exploit from the town's hardships.
Mayor Deverin beams with approval at Eugeni volunteering. "Excellent. Perhaps the rest of your group could accompany you as well? It's far safer to travel in groups, anyway."
Titus interjects, "I will not stand for them traveling along, allowing Xamarath to sway the Justice's opinion while they make the return trip! Certainly, Jasper, even you can see how biased this is."
Jasper says, "Very well, I think it would be fair if the group would be willing to travel with a representative of the opposite side of the debate as well, to make sure none attempt to sway the Justicar's stance on the matter. Would that be agreeable to you, Lord Scarnetti?"
Titus thinks silently for a moment, before adding, "I had planned on sending some men to Magnimar next week for some supplies, anyway. If these heroes would like to accompany them on an earlier trip, I can have my men prepared to travel at dawn."
"Then it is settled. You shall depart at dawn to retrieve whichever Justicar the Council deems fit to weigh in on the matter. This meeting is hereby adjourned until their safe return," Jasper adds, clanging his gavel on the podium.
__________
The next morning, you are given a missive addressed to Lord Justice Baylargentine of the Magnimar Justice Court, bearing the wax seal of House Deverin. The mayor hands it to Eugeni and says, "Lord Justice Baylargentine is the head Justicar of the Justice Court in the city. He will be the one to determine if the case is worth any merit, as well as whether or not a Justicar shall be assigned to handle the matter.
She turns to face all of the travelers, including Titus' men. [b]"It is a good thing you are doing for the town. Be safe, and may Erastil guide your path and safe return."
__________
That evening, after a long days ride from Sandpoint to Magnimar, the group finally arrives at the northern gates into Magnimar. However, the entourage is promptly halted by the city guard on duty there.
"Do not advance another step! Identify yourselves and why it is that you travel with a wolf-man!" the lead guard proclaims.
From within the city, Destrina and Darius both were preparing themselves for their own journey northward, when they both hear the excited murmurings of people rushing towards the gate. It would seem, according to the current rumor, that a werewolf just tried to stroll into the city, posing as a guard for a merchant caravan from Sandpoint.
Zoli steps in front of Eugeni, brushing her Thassilonian button for luck as she does so. With a bow she declares "Good guardian of Magnimar, you may be at ease. While his looks are deceiving -- particularly at a distance -- this man is no more a werewolf than Erastil is a common stag. He is in fact an Aasimar, the child of a human and an angel. In this case, a Hound Archon was his great grandfather. If you allow him closer you may well be able to see the difference yourself.
"I do not know if word of his deeds have yet made it to your gates, but this is none other than Eugeni Silva, one of the heroes of Sandpoint, who recently helped us to defeat a vile cult of Lamashtu there, after helping to thwart a coordinated goblin raid.
"If you need more convincing, know that we travel as emissaries of Sandpoint, bearing a sealed missive addressed to Lord Justice Baylargentine. With your leave, I will advance so you may examine the seal."
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"I told you a night at the Temple of Calistria would be a good time, Darius," Destrina says. The paladin smirks at her cousin and continues, "Well, hangovers aside, that is. Just be happy my vows are of loyalty and faithfulness, not chastity, or we'd never have gone."
As she finishes the last adjustments of the straps of her pack Destrina notices a commotion brewing ahead, and a crush of people crowd around the gate. "We should see what is wrong," she says to Darius as she strides forward, using her long handled hammer as though it were a walking staff, all traces of her reminiscence of last night's revelry gone. The crowd parts easily before the tall, tattooed, heavily armed and armored woman.
As she passes through the crowd the paladin hears whispers of a 'werewolf'. And it's guarding some sort of caravan of all things. "Foolishness. Probably a gnoll, hobgoblin, or bugbear. That's not totally unheard of with Kaer Maga only a few weeks distant," she thinks.
Finally making her way to the front of the crowd, Destrina sees a motley collection of what could be adventurers, standing in front of a small caravan. An impassioned halfling woman speaks in defense of a creature she has not seen the like of before. Not a gnoll, bugbear, or hobgoblin, and certainly no werewolf, or she reasoned it'd have someone's throat in it's jaws. Reflexively, Destrina called upon the divine might of the General of Vengeance, upon the first of his gifts, to discern that which is evil. Whatever it was, evil was not one of those things.
Destrina's ears perk up at the mention of the Mother of Monsters, and she turns to Darius after the halfling finishes speaking asking, "What was that about Lamashtu?"
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Destrina had been so intent on the dog man she'd nearly missed the shadowed man sitting on the wagon. "Darius, be careful of the man in the hat on that wagon," she says, hoping he'd make the connection without her having to spell it out.
"It's a very minor aura so perhaps he is merely on the path and is not yet damned." she thinks. "I must find out the nature of it though. If he is damned I will be the vengeance of those he has wronged. I hope it is otherwise."
With that, Destrina begins striding toward the newcomers.
Eugeni plasters on a grin, though he doesn't really feel like it at the moment. "Yeah, I aint no werewolf. What the halfling said is right, I'm an aasimar."
Eugeni scans the crowd and his eyes fall on the giant woman with the holy symbol of Ragathiel dangling from her neck. "Hey lady!" he calls to her. "You're not a paladin by any chance are you?"
The guardsman allows Zoli to approach, and takes the letter and looks over the seal and whom it is addressed to. He eyes Eugeni warily, but then returns the sealed envelope to the halfling.
"Very well. You may proceed, but a guard detail shall accompany you to be safe."
He gestures for a group of 5 guards to form up around the wagon, and he steps aside.
Once within the city proper, the group is treated to the sights and sounds of a bustling mecha of civilization, as well as the bewildered gazes of many onlookers.
When they arrive at the Usher's Hall in the Capital District, they are met by a secretary inside it's antechamber. She takes the sealed letter and adds it to a stack on her desk, and assures the group that the Lord Justice shall get to it at his earliest convenience. In the meantime, she suggests you find lodging, and enjoy the city while you wait.
__________
Happy to be through the gates, Zoli looks at the paladin who'd asked about Lamashtu. With pride, she answers, "Aye! There was a cult of Lamashtu growing in the shadows of Sandpoint. We tracked them down to the ancient Thassalonian ruin they used as their base. It was an epic battle -- and a costly one, taking the lives of two dear companions (even if one of them did stink from here to Elysium). Thanks to Chaldira Zuzaristan, and all the gods, in the end we slew a half-demon priestess of the Mother of Monsters, and a barghest as well."
Pointing to herself and her companions in turn, she continues, "Zoli Tileani, Eugeni Silva, and Morythene Ettes. Perhaps you've heard of our deeds?", she asks hopefully.
Before really allowing the imposing paladin to answer, she stares up at Destrina's cheek and continues "By the way, I like that wing-and-sword tattoo on your cheek...is that a holy symbol of some sort? It looks vaguely familiar, but I can't place it."
Morythine looks suspiciously at the paladin from under the brim of his hat. Such types tend to spell trouble for people like him.
"Yes," Destrina says, replying to the dog man's question. "I am a paladin. What of it." She seems to be somewhat distracted.
"Can you look into my heart, and tell them that I'm not an evil werewolf, please?" Eugeni asks her. Damn them that this is even necessary. How embarrassing. I'm never going to get a girlfriend at this rate.
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"I've never heard of you, little one," the paladin says. "Though I am a traveler myself, so that is no surprise. As to my tattoo," Destrina continues, touching her cheek with a gauntleted hand. "It is the symbol of my patron, the General of Vengeance, Ragathiel."
She turns to the dog man, perhaps an aasimar as the little one said, and says, "I have already done as much, and you are not evil." As she says 'evil' her eyes drift to the wagon for a moment, and she continues, "Though that does not prove you are no werewolf. If you would like to prove that, though I do not, of course, require such, you can simply touch my hammer. It is made of a special type of silver." With that she holds out the head of the hammer, gripping the haft with one arm.
Eugeni walks up and licks the hammer. Then sticks his tongue out at the guards. Racist bastards..
Morythine twitches nervously as he recognises Destrina's accent and realises that she, like himself, hails from Galt.
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After Eugeni licks the hammer Destrina says, "I didn't figure you for a werewolf anyway. Nobody's dead, and there's no blood on your teeth. Nasty thing, werewolves."
The Galtan woman pauses and looks as if she's suddenly remembered something. "Actually, now that I think of it," Destrina says, "I may have heard a rumor about you a few days back, but that rumor imvolved considerably more people. Something about a warrior woman, a wizard, and... a dwarf I think? They say goblins attacked some village up the coast to the northeast. They say some nonsense about a demon army, too." The paladin lets out a small laugh and continues, "More likely it was one little imp, quasit, or other minor fiend, if there was a fiend at all. If anyone wants to see an actual demon army, you can head to Mendev."
After about a week in Magnimar, word finally is sent to the Sandpoint delegation that a Justice Ironbriar would be accompanying them back to Sandpoint to make a ruling on the matter. Arrangements are made to meet up with the man at the same gates the group entered the city through.
The Scarnetti crew has their wagons loaded and prepared for travel within an hour of the notice, and eventually the group meets up with a carriage flying the colors and flag of the city. Two brown horses pull the vehicle, and a pair of drivers sit waiting for the group. As they pull alongside, you can catch a brief glimpse of the man inside. The elf sits with a sour expression, reading a book. He casts a glance of his black eyes to those outside his carriage before reaching over and closing the curtain without so much as a word.
By the time the small caravan gets underway, it is too late to make the entire journey before nightfall, and the Justice's drivers insist on camping. Once a suitable clearing is found, the two men set to pitching the Justice's pavilion. The moment it is completed, they go and open the carriage door for the elf and he walks straight inside, ignoring those he travels with entirely.
The scene repeats itself in reverse the following dawn, and several hours before noon, you all arrive back in Sandpoint. The Justices carriage travels directly to the Town Hall, while Scarnetti's men head for the lumber yards. As the group returns to town, Xamarath flags down the other heroes of the town before they can pass the Rusty Dragon. He calls them over and says quietly to them, "It would appear this is a more important meeting than just the sale of the Glassworks. Lord Scarnetti's allegations against Ameiko will have much more dire effects on the woman. His claim of her father's disowning her will remove her claim to all of their holdings. Including Kaijitsu manor and the families seat on the League. With his influence over the other noble families in town, eliminating her as opposition on the council may as well make him King of this little hamlet. That, it would seem, is his real play here."
By the time the sun reaches its peak in the sky, the Mercantile League has gathered to present their evidence before the Justice.
__________
Inside the Town Hall's meeting area, the same arrangement of tables and podium have been arrayed with one minor difference, which is a separate desk has been provided for Justice Ironbriar, who sits solemnly off to the side. The four members of the League make their way in and take their seats. Jasper waits for a few moments for any of the townsfolk who may have interest in the precedings to arrive, though it would appear that thus far, only Xamarath and Crichton seem to show interest in the immediate announcement. Although, this is not uncommon, given the size of the town and the speed at which word travels through it.
Once all who desire to attend have made their way in and had a seat, Jasper calls everyone to attention with his gavel. "This meeting of the Sandpoint Mercantile League has come to order, to settle the matter of inheritance of the Kaijitsu estate."
The various claims are repeated before the Justice, who sits emotionless through the entire thing. In fact, at times it would appear that he isn't even paying attention to the arguments being made. However, once all the statements have been made, he turns his eyes towards those gathered, saying, "I have heard the claims of the plaintiff and the defendant. I would like to now see the documentation that the late Lonjiku Kaijitsu prepared that revoked his daughters birthright," as he holds out a hand expectantly towards the council.
Titus appears surprised at the Justice's request. He looks first to Lord Valdemar, then to Jasper, before stammering, "L...Lord Justice," he coughs to clear his throat as he stands, "no actual written statement was ever formally made disowning Ameiko. However, it was common knowledge throughout town that he and his daughter had had a fall..."
"You mean to tell me that you summoned a Justice of Magnimar all the way out here to this pitiful excuse of a town to rule on something to which you have no real evidence!?!?" the Justice interrupts angrily, rising to his own feet as his rage overtakes him.
Titus does his best to regain some control of the situation. "Sir, if you would give us a moment to simply gather witnesses from the townsfolk that could weigh in on the matter, you will clearly see that he had cast her out and had nothing to do with her for years. As such, she..."
"Silence! I've heard enough. If their disagreement was not severe enough for a man of Lonjiku's business savvy and intelligence to draw up formal documents removing Lady Kaijitsu's claim to his properties upon his death, then the words of rumor mongering witnesses do not concern me," the Justice rants. He begins gathering his things from the desk, continuing to speak as he does so. "I hereby declare Ameiko Kaijitsu sole inheritor of the Kaijitsu estate, including the properties known as 'Kaijitsu Manor', 'The Glassworks', as well as all other items and positions of value included therein. This also includes the Kaijitsu seat on the 'Sandpoint Mercantile League.'"
Ameiko sits quietly, but is clearly beaming with glee at the ruling. Meanwhile, Titus stands fuming in silence, glaring down the elf as he makes his way to the door.
Justice Ironbriar pauses long enough to turn and say sternly, "The next time you dare to request the presence of a Justice of Magnimar, you had best actually have some quantifiable evidence to present. Otherwise, I will personally see to it representatives of this town will never be granted another audience within the Usher's Hall,"
He then storms out of the building and to his awaiting carriage, leaving town immediately.
During the group's time in Magnimar, Eugeni trains hard. He's up before dwan every day doing exercises and practicing with his bow. If faith wasn't enough to keep his friends alive, then pure badassery would have to do. His skills with the bow steadily increase, until he doesn't even realize that he hasn't prayed in days. He hasn't been wearing his holy symbol since the return from Thistletop, but on the last night in Magnimar he takes the final step of burning it. From now on it's just you and me, he thinks, examining his newly enchanted bow. Hope we'll be enough to keep my friends and Sandpoint safe.
On the return journey to Sandpoint he is less grim than he was in the days after Thistletop, but also less talkative than he used to be. He slowly begins to regain some of his humor, but it is decidedly darker and he seems to have kept the determined edge from those dark days.
Eugeni sits quietly during the ruling on the Kaijitsu properties. When Titus loses, Eugeni bolts to his feet, grinning despite himself. As soon as the Justice leaves the room, Eugeni flips Titus the bird. Finally something goes right around here. F#%% you Scarnetti, you'll never get your greasy mitts on this town.