Sharrd walks up, grabs his drink.
"We've discovered alot, Ameiko. As the Sheriff told everyone, the goblins have taken to attacking people with magical fire works, so we set off to stop the Reign of Terror. Piper, Silent but Deadly. Ash, Who Kept Us Alive. Alara, Swift and Silent Killer of Goblins. Masamune - Stalwart Goblin Devastator. William - Hero of the Walkways. And myself.
Shortly after we entered the swamp the Soggy River Monster tried to ambush us. But we heard it before it could attack and it swam away. Never really got a good look at it. Flush with our victory over the Fiend we went on to Walthus' Shack to find out more about the goblins, figuring our local expert on all things swampy would know. But while talking to what we thought was Walthus, Alara discovered the real Walthus locked inside some cupboards. The fake Walthus was a face stealing monster planning on having a little snack later. Well we fought Fake Walthus and chopped him to pieces. Then it was off to the goblin village."
At this point Sharrd leaps up onto the bar to pantomine the fighting on the walkways.
"They shot rockets at us, they threw spears, they threw themselves into desperate battle against our swords and magic. We were fighting on crude walkways that threatened to give way under our weight. Masamune and Alara fought and killed the Goblin King. The battle was Epic!"
Afterwards, we explored the swamp a bit and came across a ship."
He pulls the latern and ship's name plate out and presents them to Ameiko but doesn't say anything. He seems to be waiting for a response.
Ameiko laughs along with the rest of you, tapping some mugs of ale and occasionally dropping in a wisecrack.
"Piper, Silent but Deadly."
"That nickname stinks, Piper," she says, holding her nose.
Shardd jumps up on the bar
"I hope you have enough elbow grease to shine that bar, Mr. Muddy Boots."
But she is dumbstruck by the name plate from the ship and falls silent for a moment.
"The Kaijitsu Star?!? What's this?" she says, her bewilderment evident.
Alara tries to keep quiet during Sharrd's story.
She somehow manages to avoid laughing at Ameiko's wisecracks. Her amusement is evident.
At the mention of the name plate, Alara speaks up.
"The Kaijitsu Star was a shipwreck we found in the swamp. There's another wreck in there that we're planning to investigate once we rest up here." She says, fingering the red pearl hairpin in her hair. "I guess your family's older than Sandpoint, isn't it?"
"We found that, along with a few other trinkets that seemed to be from the Tian area of the world. We thought you might like to see them or could offer some insight, especially since the ship shares your name..." He says softly as he shakes his head at his brother's antics.
"Yeah, the family is older than Sandpoint. My grandfather helped settle the town, but I never heard anything about ships or the family owning any. My father even hated anything to do with ships. He refused to send anything by sea if he could get his way. Most things he sent to Magnimar he sent by caravan. His opinion was that if you found trouble on the road, like a washout, you could find a way around it, but the terrain itself moved around on the ocean and if you had a rough voyage you weren't likely to save your glass. I may send a few things from the glassworks down the coast that way, but that's one of the few things in which I can see his point of view. I ship most of my glassworks with Sandru."
She looks over the lantern. "The lantern's nice. Definitely Tian style. The old man made sure I knew that part of our culture. Tian-Min, I would guess, but there's a lot of mixing of styles among the Tian art I've seen so it could have come from just about any of the Tian states." She thinks for a moment. "It's actually a lot like a piece I've seen at my cousin's house on my travels. But I think she moved off to Westcrown way down in Cheliax, so I can't really compare them."
Sharrd jumps down from the bar and he quickly wipes the mud off it, glancing at Piper worridly, mouthing Sorry, I didn't put much thought into the nicknames. Then he turns back to Ameiko. "It's got to be your family's ship, or have something to do with them."
Piper frowns at the name that Sharrd gave him. But he shrugs it off. He writes: 'We figured that you would like to see what we found.'
Masamune chuckles at the nicknames, but remains quiet for now. He seems to be more focused on making sure that all of the stuff is cataloged.
"Thanks, Piper, Sharrd. I am glad you brought these things to me. I have to figure out if they mean anything though. Maybe there are things out there somewhere that the old man never told me about, not so big a surprise that," she rolls her eyes, but that I might want to know about."
"You say there's another ship out there? Have you seen it? Is that another Kaijitsu ship?"
Piper writes: 'We haven't gone there yet. We need to travel through the marsh. So we thought we'd take care of a few things in town and stock up on supplies before heading out.'
"Sure thing, Ameiko." Sharrd pipes in. If we find anything else, we'll be sure and let you know. Here." he presents the lantern to her. "The Latern's yours. We thought it might be nice if you had something from your family's ship."
Alara nods as Sharrd hands her the lantern.
"Well, how about those drinks?"
Ameiko laughs, "Second round of drinks, coming up. Now let's get some food out here for the goblin-slaying heroes!" And on that cue, a couple of servers bring out the daily special - ginger fish and noodles.
"And thank you, Sharrd. The dragon lantern will fit in well with the dragon motif of the bar. That's very thoughtful." She gives Sharrd a little kiss on the cheek.
The noodles are, of course, up to Ameiko's normal standards of cooking and so are tasty and a bit on the spicy side. Ameiko and the other locals have plenty of questions about the goblin adventure and many congratulations for an adventure well-accomplished fall on your shoulders.
After dinner and refreshment, there is still the meeting with Sheriff Hemlock. Business about town is already winding down for the day but some shopping could be accomplished if desired. Ameiko also lets it be known that she's expecting Shalelu to drop by the Rusty Dragon sometime in the next couple of hours. The town being pretty peaceful on most days, if you wanted to split up and do one or more of these activities, chime in.
I have posted a map and key for Sandpoint in the map links at the top of the page. The numbers on the map may be hard to read, but the key should give you a pretty good idea what sorts of things can be done or bought in town.
Alara eagerly slurps up Ameiko's noodles, despite the spiciness of them.
The mention of Shalelu possibly stopping by soon causes her to blush a bit. In all likelihood, it's not because of how spicy the noodles are.
I have to tell Shae-chan all about the trip! I have to! It'll be awesome!
Piper eats the noodles with much vigor. Hearing that Shalelu will be in town, Piper gives a smile. He decides to stop to meet with his father regarding the Goblin bounty.
After that, he does a little shopping, trying to upgrade his equipment and selling off the loot that the party doesn't need. He invites William and Alara, along with anyone else, to join him.
After that, he returns to the Rusty Dragon, hoping to meet Shalelu.
Alara follows Piper on his shopping trip, a bounce in her step. It sounded like as good a time as any to take a look around before Shalelu returns... and those enchanted arrows taken from Gutwad's corpse sounded like a good gift for saving her life.
While walking, Piper writes a question to Jacen: 'So, what can you tell me about Koya? I don't think I know much about her.'
Masamune will saty in the tavern for now.
OK, haven't heard for sure from Ash or Sharrd but so far it's just Piper going to see Sheriff Hemlock? Alara meeting Piper up for shopping. Masamune hanging out at the Rusty Dragon. So we'll start the discussion with Hemlock off and anyone else who wants to join can jump in on that too.
Sheriff Hemlock's office is relatively spartan except for some warrior art and gear reflecting his Shoanti heritage. On a writing desk sits a pouch that jingles with coins as he turns it over to you.
The goblin bounty. A shade over 500 gold coins and, of course, the thanks of all of Sandpoint. Now, what's this about there being more to the situation in the Brinestump? There haven't been reports of any other trouble aside from the Licktoads."
Selling most loot, I think, can be handled via the spreadsheet which is tracking sale price value (which is typically half new price for magic items and gear - but more like full for artsy or jewelry object).
Buying new stuff, Sandpoint is relatively well-stocked with mundane to masterwork gear and occasional magic items. Keep in mind that the price for a masterwork weapon is 300 gp more than a normal item, masterwork armor is 150 gp more than normal armor. Enchantments require masterwork items to start + the cost of the magic. So, +1 chain shirt costs 1250 gp (100 for the chain shirt, +150 for masterwork, +1000 for +1 enchantment.
Piper writes to his father: 'Well, when the Licktoads found the fireworks, they also found a map leading to more treasure. The chief sent a team to collect. However, they disturbed a group of skeletons that destroyed the village until Gobblegut gave back what he took. We're planning on taking care of the skeleton problem.' He pulls out the map and points out the second wreck, indicating that's where the group was heading.
Afterwards, Piper heads to the town to do his shopping. He waits for Alara.
"...they disturbed a group of skeletons that destroyed the village until Gutwad gave back what he took."
Alara finds Piper as she skips along outside.
"So, how'd it go?"
Piper writes to his father: 'Well, when the Licktoads found the fireworks, they also found a map leading to more treasure. The chief sent a team to collect. However, they disturbed a group of skeletons that destroyed the village until Gobblegut gave back what he took. We're planning on taking care of the skeleton problem.' He pulls out the map and points out the second wreck, indicating that's where the group was heading.
Belor looks concerned. "Skeletons, eh? I don't have much experience with the walking dead, but I have known other people who have. Skeletons may be under someone's control - a necromancer or someone who uses them as his minions. I would expect to face some danger smarter, worse than the skeletons themselves."
He sighs. "On a more personal note, Piper, we've decided to move your father out of the prison. His ravings have gotten worse over the last few months, you got a brief taste of that the other day and I'm sorry for it. But he's not well and his delusional spells only seem to be stronger and more constant. We will be moving him to Habe's Sanitarium - well, officially the "Saintly Haven of Respite"." He gives a little eye roll at the name. "Erin Habe is much more expert on derangement than I could ever be and he will be better able to keep Vincent under control and under treatment. I thought you should know."
Piper writes: 'Don't worry. We'll be careful. We just need to get rid of this threat for Sandpoint.'
At the revelation of Piper's father, the young bard's eyes widen. He stands there in shock before looking down and nodding. He writes: 'Thank you. I appreciate it. When is he being transferred?'
Piper looks down when the ninja approaches him. He looks up, pulled out of his thoughts. He signs: 'It went well. We got about 500 gold for our bounty. Also, Dad told me something about my... birth father.' He goes to his depressed thoughts.
Alara's face falls. The memory of Piper's father is still fresh in her mind, despite everything that's happened.
"Really?" She says as she steps up to the bard and places an arm around his shoulders.
Piper nods. He signs: 'Yeah. Apparently, his ravings have apparently gotten worse in the last months. Because of this, they're moving him from the prison to the Sanitarium. Dad says that Erin Habe should keep him under control.' He returns to his thoughts, leaning into Alara's side slightly.
Alara's concern for Piper is evident as the two of them begin walking down the street.
I thought you'd be happier, Piper-kun, to learn your Dad's going away...
"That's a good thing, right?" She asks, her arm still around Piper's shoulders. "That means he's getting help?"
Piper sighs. He signs: 'Yeah. But it still hurts a child knowing that their parent will be locked up in a Sanitarium. Part of me still wants to reach out to him. He is my dad, after all.'
Alara is quiet, watching Piper as he signs to her.
She pauses in her walk, turning to face Piper fully.
"Do you want to visit him? At least to say goodbye?" She asks, biting her lower lip.
Now that you mention it... I don't think I could handle it if Dad suddenly went mad. Or Mom.
Piper stops. He signs: 'I was thinking of overseeing it. From the prison to the Sanitarium.'
After a while, he writes: 'When is the transfer going to happen?'
Sharrd clearly enjoys the noodles and Ameiko's company, blushing a bright red when she kisses him. He turns to Ash and asks. I'm willing to donate my portion of the bounty for healing stuff if you know where you might be able to pick up a wand."
I checked the math, and yes we can afford a CLW wand if this purchase is fine with everybody we will have a CLW wand now.
Alara nods. "Okay."
The idea of someone being sent to a sanitarium puts a somber expression on her face. Her arm tightens a bit around Piper's shoulders.
Piper grasps the arm around his shoulders for comfort.
After a while, he writes: 'When is the transfer going to happen?'
Belor is forthcoming with a few more details. "It won't be for a couple more days. Habe's setting things up for him there then I and a couple of my men will transport Vincent and put him in Habe's care. I don't really expect him to go quietly, but he really must go. I want to keep his contact with other people to a minimum so I plan to do this in the morning before most people are up."
I checked the math, and yes we can afford a CLW wand if this purchase is fine with everybody we will have a CLW wand now.
A matter of a quick stop at the Sandpoint Cathedral and meeting with Father Zantus can get you a wand of cure light wounds. That's a good item for "party purchase" sorts of funds - skimming off the top before money is divided so nobody feels pinched for it (considering everyone will benefit from it). It has a full set of 50 charges.
As the evening closes in on Sandpoint and people start to depart from the Rusty Dragon for slightly more carouse-ish taverns, you notice that Shalelu has quietly entered. She hasn't come in from the main door, but you have the impression that her close friendship with Ameiko probably lets her come in any door, including the delivery entrance to the kitchen. It just seems that she's suddenly alongside the table…
Greetings, fellow goblin hunters," she says with a hint of a smile. "I hear you brought in the head of Chief Gutwad. Congratulations on a feat well done."
She focuses on Alara, a full smile breaking out. "And it is particularly good to see you in once piece, Alara. I trust the goblins did not do too much to undo my hard work of protecting you? For if they did, I should be very cross," she laughs.
"I would not have allowed them to undo your work, Lady Shalelu, it was my job to keep everyone in one piece..." His voice soft as he speaks to the woman who has near legendary status.
Returning to the Rusty Dragon with Piper in tow, Alara settles into a table with her boyfriend.
Shalelu's voice causes her to jump. Her face turns bright red.
"Sh-Shae-chan! Er--Shalelu! I didn't hear you come in!" She stammers. Clearly, she doesn't at ALL sound like a giddy schoolgirl. Nope. Of course not. That would be silly.
She rises from her table, clearing her throat. "No, not really. They didn't put up much of a fight, to be honest." She starts toward Shalelu, reaching into her satchel.
"In fact... they were kind enough to leave a few souvenirs." She pulls out the five enchanted arrows taken from Gutwad. "The goblin chief had these, and they're enchanted (or so I've been told), and I... um... thought you might like to have them?" She holds the arrows out, hoping to Desna she didn't just screw it up.
Masamune sits in the tavern just nursing a beer when everyone starts arriving.
Masamune nods as Alara hands over the arrows.
"Yes, I think we were all fine with that gift. I mean we are good enough to deal with any threats without magical items, but you on the other hand... Well obviously there is a reason for you being known for being so good at hiding. We can take out goblins without having to get shots off from the darkness."
Alara glares at Masamune. "For your information, Masamune, she saved me in broad daylight, right in the thick of it. AND she did it all with a bow." Her blush doesn't leave her face.
"Further, Brother, We went into the swamps as a group and Lady Shalelu goes out on her own to deal with threats. I believe she has earned a bit more respect than that..."
+4 if Charisma, +9 if Diplomacy