Ameiko stares cooly at the scarred Orc, seemingly ready to respond with sharp words. However, Raimos' quick thinking and his eloquent manner with women manage to save the day. The lovely woman turns a radient smile on the man, making sure that Crokus is completely cut from her vision as she does so.
"You aren't the first man to think that, handsome. No, I am of Tianese descent. My family travelled across the Northlands by caravan many years ago to settle in Sandpoint, and now here I am."
Her smile turns a little impish as she continues to flirt with the bard. "I am afraid teh pleasures of your tongue will need to wait, dear Raimos. I must see to my customers and set the meals for teh day. Perhaps tonight the pair of us could perform together. I have a way with my hands that can make an instrument thrum, between the two of us we could tell a tale or two I'm sure."
With that, she swaggers away to get drinks and breakfast for the group.
Foxglove had watched the entire event with an amused smile upon his face. "Ha, my friend Raimos, careful with that one. She knows how to play the game my friend, and it seems she has taken you for a player as well."
"Now, I was wondering. If you genlemen are planning on staying longer in town, I am planning a hunting trip into the Tickwoods sometime in the next few days. I have asked a few of the local lords to accompany me and my footmen to see if we cannot bag one of the wonderous boars the local hunters brag about in these parts. Seeing as how you gentlemen have done me teh greatest of services, it would be my honour to ask you as my guests on this hunt, and to introduce to the people of note in town. Would you accompany me my friends?"
While he was asking everyone at the table, he was mostly facing Ira. It seemed as if the nobleman had taken the quiet and serious monk as a somewhat leader of the group.
Ira listens and observes.
Sense Motive
Perception.
*...wiping his face with a napkin...as much in case he was drooling as anything else...*
The game, you say? Well then...I only hope she's willing to break the rules.
...Raimos punctuates his words with a sly grin, and then turns to his companions...
I've never been on a noble hunt...there's certainly an appeal. We do have some oddments to sell...I suppose we might could handle that tomorrow...and I think the sheriff may want our help...but of course, I'm just here to write the stories...and tell them...hopefully for enough coin that I might someday be able to shower a lady like Amieko with exotic treasures...ah...sorry, my mind sometimes wanders when such a wealth of beauty is lingering.
So, my friends...it is indeed up to you...looking back and forth at Crokus and Ira...as you are likely to be the spawn of heroic tales to be written, and told.
Shall we?
"Hm, yes, it sounds quite fun indeed, Aldern my good man. What think you, Ira?"
"Hm, yes, it sounds quite fun indeed, Aldern my good man. What think you, Ira?"
Ira nods, interested in any challenge.
"However, we DO have some business to attend to before we may relax. I am still quite concerned about that graveyard."
Knowledge: Nobility (untrained):
...just in case I can get any insights for preparation, as it looks as though that's the consensus...
*...turning to Crokus...*
There's certainly something to that...tomorrow, do you think? After we've made our sales?
"Hm, yes. Who is going to make the sales, then? I could turn my charm towards the shopkeepers quite well I should think, but the rest of you are welcome to take a crack at it if you so wish."
*...Raimos smiles sheepishly...*
Crokus looks at his friend's smile and cracks one back.
"So it's settled then! Ah, tomorrow will be a busy day indeed!"
Yes, indeed...yes...indeed. Hmmm...it's been quite the evening.
...Raimos' eyes track the tavern...looking toward where Amieko headed...
I wonder how much it is to stay here for the night...I...rather like the ambiance.
"Hm, I'm not quite sure. Stay here for a moment and I'll go talk to that lovely woman who served us our drinks earlier about getting a room for the three of us. I quite think she liked me, don't you agree?"
It's ok, I'll find her.
Raimos stands, and heads off quickly, looking for Amieko.
Ira
The morning passes in pleasent conversation. Aldern is a witty man whom treats the men with respect and regails them with tales of Magnimar and his plans on restoring his families old holdings in the area.
Breakfast is superb, easily as good as the lunch that was provded during yesterdays celebrations. Foxeglove pays for everything, happily indulging in the others need for mead and any other want. By the end of the meal, he too is a little red faced from drinking the lite whine that he seems to prefer.
Both Crokus and Raimos approach the counter to seek lodging for the day and night. Ameiko greets the one with a smile and the other with a slight nod, and then states simply "All morning I've heard nothing but reports from my regulars on how you three fought your way through the golbin hordes in order to hold the north gate. For folks such as you, I offer you free board for the week."
"The West Coast is in need of people with such bravery." She turns her full attention to Raimos then and smiles impishly as she continues "I almost feel it nothing short of my official duty to see you well bedded".
With lodgings secured, a room for each, the group can easily store their gear and spend the rest of teh morning selling their wares.
Having finished the errands, they agree to meet with the Sheriff and discuss the raid on the graveyard that was mentioned during teh interrogation the night before.
Belor Hemlock looked exceptionally tired when they approached. He was grumpy and now sported a bandage around his left arm, having finally had time to get an injury from the raid seen to. He looked up as the party entered and nodded his greeting. "You boys here to help some more, cause Desna knows we could use the blades.?"
"Well, yes, we're here to help. Unfortunately, I have no blades to offer. Sorry. I use a hammer. But I'll definitely use it to help you!"
Crokus smiles at the Sheriff, oblivious to the strange look the Sheriff was now giving him.
Ira is unsurprised at the attention, given he killed the most goblins, without even needing a weapon.
Ira takes the attention as a sign of his being on the path of perfection, and heads toward the graveyard quite pleased with himself.
...taking a long look at his rapier...
...why yes, I suppose so...though I'm best at morale support...
Belor stares blankly for a minute before continuing, completely failing to see any humour in the event. "Right then boyos, Father Zantus was told about the goblins plans this morning, and he's asked for some people to go check it out. He has accolytes and such, but the folk in the church have their hands very full with injured and berieved at the moment. Plus arrangements for funerals. You lads go and see him and let him know I sent you. I feel you're more than capable, and if it turns out some of the little buggers are still there, I can pay well for you to clear them out."
With that, the sheriff turned back to his map of sandpoint and the work he had been doing before the three men entered.
The trip up the hill was a little surprising for the three of them. Twice they were approached by people in the street and offered thanks for what they did yesterday. Each time the thanks was offered, Crokus was avoided a little, but he seemed to still be included in general. More amazing was the way they occasionally caught groups of folk staring at them and whispering and smiling. Apparently killing some goblins in town meant something in these parts.
They finally arrived at the grand entrance to the newly opened church. The building showed no signs of damage from the raid, but the banners and bunting that decorated the area yesterday were gone. Outside, two young accolytes were talking with townsfolk as they arrived, organising the small crowd into priorities as they made their cases heard. Most of them were inquiring after loved ones, but some it seemed were seeking handouts from the church, to aid them for the damages caused in the raid.
AS the group arrived, the two accolytes looked at each and then bowed a little. "Welcome, friends. The high priest has sent word that if any of you three were to arrive, that you were to be sent straight through."
This was met with a few cries of dismay or outrage from the crowd, but the two young priests quickly began to deal with this as the party made their way inside.
The sounds of injured and the low hum of prayers could be heard throughout the building. People moved about with purpose, carrying foods stuffs and fresh linen. It was quickly apparent that the prayers of the priests were obviously outside the means of payment for many folk in town, so more traditional methods of healing were being employed. It seemed Abadar had some sway in this church, as much as Desna was the main religion.
They came across Father Zantus in the main auditorium, involved in a firm conversation with a strange looking priest of some type. The man was dressed in heavy cloak and travellers garb, concealing his features at first, but there was an unearthly glow coming from beneath the hood and something odd about the way cloak hung around his body. Almost as if it had shapes to conceal that were not entirely human.
Zantus turned an exasperated expression towards the trio as they entered, and forced himself to relax into a smile.
"Ah gentlemen. I am so very glad to see you here. It is rare we find men of such courage and talent in the westlands, and what you three did for us yesterday cannot be taken lightly. I was hoping you would come, and wished to offer you council and reward for your services, but today sees me somewhat overwhelmed. We have an issue in the graveyards, and now this ...fine gentleman, has called to offer services as well. It seems Desna plays her hand even now. That the three of you should arrive even as this gentleman has seems somewhat prtentious, don't you think."
He looked at them, then continued in somewhat of a hurry. "We have heard the goblins raided the graveyard last night. To what end we don't know yet, for I haven't had time nor men to go through and check. It concerns me they may have defiled the place, and I need it checked to see if any thing of their feral nature remains. Of course, discretion and respect is of the utmost value here. These are the resting places of Sandpoints departed. I would ask that this fellow of the cloth joins you in checking the graveyard for. You three have proven more than capable, and this man is one who should understand the correct manner in which to treat a place of teh dead. Would the four of you undertake this venture, then I cna truly put my mind to rest and will better be able to offer some assistance you for the aid you supplied to Sandpoint last night."
"Greetings, everyone. I have heard tales of your bravery most of the morning. It would be a pleasure to work with you." This was said with a bit of a halt between each sentence, as if Zair were reading off of a previously memorized script.
...looking this new person up and down, Raimos has an uneasy feeling...something...not entirely human? Lips curl into a forced smile, as Raimos does his best to not look anxious...
Well met, then...anyone the good father recommends must be worthy...
...Raimos offers his hand.
...well, then...to the graveyard?
Zair stares at the proffered hand for a moment before jerking as if remembering something.
"Ah, yes, of course."
Zair clasps his gloved hand in Raiomos' and jerks it stiffly up and down.
"It is...nice to meet you. My name is Zairis Alkovoran, but you may call me Zair if you wish."
"Ah, to the graveyard indeed! With a new companion!"
Crokus pauses for a moment, as if even he realizes his next question might be rude or out of place.
"So, if I may ask, what are you doing hiding under a cloak like that in this weather?"
...again, Raimos smiles weakly...watching closely...
...and I am Raimos, sometimes called 'the Speaker', and my doughty companions are the heroes Crokus...and Ira. He doesn't say much...
...gesturing to each, in turn...
"My...apologies? Mister...what was your name? My appearance is somewhat startling to most, so I have taken to covering myself when around strangers. I do not feel...comfortable revealing myself at this early juncture."
Ira nods.
"Well, Crokus, Ira, and Raimos, not to rush things, but I believe we do have a bit of a job to do, yes? Should we get to it?"
Why yes...yes we do.
...Raimos starts heading toward the graveyard...but he'll go slow enough to fall to the back of the group by the time they actually go in.
Ira goes toward the graveyard, indifferent to leading or following.
"Yes, indeed. To the graveyard!" Crokus exclaims as he runs to catch up with Raimos, outrunning him slightly in the process.
...as they walk along, Raimos warms up his voice, reciting an epic...not for effect, just practice...and to keep his nerve up.
...and the swords, they clashed; as madly, they dashed - the thunder crashed...omens of great portent were told...'fore the day was o'er, they'd breathe no more...their destinies had been sold...
"Aye, a good idea Raimos, let us lighten this day with a song."
Crokus clears his throat and then bellows this at teh top of his lungs.
"Ohhhh, a Wizard's staff has a knob on the end, and it's al-ways polished with care..."
Crokus' velvety smooth tones ring out through the autumn air in an ongoing bawdy tune. He finishes his verse and starts in on a new one.
"A Wizard when young has a staff that is small. It is puny and weak, ineffective withal..."
"Feel free to join in anytime my friends!"
Raimos positively beams as he turns to Crokus...
My friend! You have a gift! I never knew...with a little work, why you could sing the part of Gordasso the Great! It requires such a powerful voice, and the gravel hardly hurts...
As a group, you couldn't have picked a more motley crew. The men moved with much noise, and surprisingly, much singing, into the burial grounds of Sandpoint.
Around them stood the monuments and markers for the dearly departed. A mixture of old headstones, wooden crosses and elaborate tombs clearly showed the varience of wealth within the town. Given how long this site had served as a township, and a gypsey settlement before even that, it wasn't surprising that the graveyard itself was quite significant.
In the hours of mid morning, it seemed peaceful enough. Of course, if goblins were present, then their dislike for bright lights and the fact they had been driven from town the night before would mean they weren't likely to be found in the open. It was time to do some searching.
Perception:
Survival:
...upon entering the area of the graveyard, Raimos goes quiet, and stays behind as much cover as possible...
Stealth:
Perception
Knowledge: History
Upon entering the graveyard Crokus quiets as well, out of respect for the dead more than anything else.
Zair perks up a bit and becomes more alert upon entering the graveyard, and starts searching for tracks or any other signs he can follow.
The group were amazingly efficient at quartering and searching the graveyard. Within minutes, they had come across a series of tracks leading from the rear wall of the place. Zair, who seemed to have some skill in tracking, could tell a number of goblins were responsible. More disturbing was they appeared to be accompanied by a man sized humanoid wearing boots. While the Goblin's tracks were haphazard and diesctructive (seemingly going out of their way to crush vegeataion or to kick and scuff tombestones) the humanoid's tracks were far more discrete and a little difficult to follow. Whome ever it was had made some attempt to be discrete but hadn't a lot of success in concealing the tracks.
They followed them through the cemetary into the richer quarter, amongst some of the vaults and mausoleums. One of the vaults had clearly been tampered with. Its heavy doors were slightly ajar, and the tracks led both in and out of the tomb. Something moved within the vault, bumping slightly against the stone of the walls. Whatever it was couldn't be seen through the crack in the door, at least not unless it was opened wider.
Ira (Knowledge History results)
Crokus motions to the rest of the crew to stand back a little bit and then moves up to the cracked vault. He unlimbers his hammer and kicks the door open.
The door to the Vault slmmed into the doorframe before swinging back outwards. The heavy wood nearly clocked the scarred Orc on the face before he ducked aside when he realised which way it swung.
The light of teh day streamed into the vault, lighting upon a pair of skeletal figures that turned at the disturbance. Dry bone clacked as the creatures moved forwards, rushing towards the door to intercept the living beings that had come upon their domain.
Crokus sheepishly glances at the door for a split second before refocusing his attention on the two undead milling around in front of him.
He readies himself for combat.
Zair throws the folds of his cloak back to free his limbs and prepares himself to meet the foes hiding inside the mausoleum.
As he does so, the rest of the party get a glimpse of his red, chitinous arms between the armor, and can see his tail tightly curled around his waist like a belt.
The skeletons clacked forwards as rapidly as possible, their mouths open in what would be a scream of rage, if tehy'd had vocal chords.
Using the claws of their ony hands, they raked at the big ORc blocking the doorway, trying to slash and tear his life away. Whatever force had animated these long dead things, it certainly didn't like the living.
Despite their aggressive tactics, neither skeleton lands a blow.
Raimos, not knowing how dangerous nor how many of teh animated dead their were inside, began to chant a battle hym he remeberd from years before. The magic of words infused his friends with vogour and might.
Croku grips his hammer tighter and rears back for a mighty blow on the skeleton directly in front of him.
Zair finishes drawing his weapons and steps quickly forward. Thinking that his large companion is able to handle himself against the foe directly in front of him, Zair opens the second door in order to get a clear shot at the second skeleton.
If he is able, Ira will move forward to attack, otherwise he is holding until an opening appears
The skeleton in front of Crokus exploded into shards of bone as the big warrior brought his hammer to bear. The Orc's face was split in a toothy grin as he turned to see if Ira had witnessed his prowess.
Now that the danger was lessened, Zair moved in and unlatched the second door, giving him clear space to face teh second skeleton. As he moved, more of his body became visisble, highlighting to his new companions why he felt it necissary to go about heavily cloaked.
Ita ignored them both. He stepped up next to Zair, trying to finish off the second skeleton but was hampered by both the others in his party and the the doorframe itself.
Completely ignorant of the other skeletons demise, the remaining set of bones clawed at the armoured for of Crokus, desperate to end his life in a welter of blood.