Not starting the campaign yet, but starting the gameplay thread, once the last two characters are made and everyone has made a dot post (just post here staying “dotting”) then we will begin.
dotting
Dotting
The town of Sandpoint. The date is Sarenith 2, 4711.
The words that most people use to describe Sandpoint are words like “sleepy”, “hamlet”, “quaint”. Those were the words that people previously used, right up until 4 years ago when a well-organized goblin raid almost tore the town apart were it not for four heroes stepping in and saving the day.
Sandpoint has mostly recovered from the events that transpired those years ago. Buildings were rebuilt, families moved on, and a sense of normalcy have come over Sandpoint once again.
Today is Fireday, the one day a week that sees people from around the Varisian region come to Sandpoint’s open air farmer’s market to peddle their wares. Today is a special Fireday, as Sandru’s caravan and all of those that accompanied him came back yesterday into Sandpoint. It is the first time that Sandru Vhiski will be back in Sandpoint since his adopted grandmother, Madame Mvashti passed away.
As the sun breaks over the sea to the east, the sleepy little town of Sandpoint slowly rises and makes their way to the Farmer’s Market anticipating what exotic goods they will find this time, but mostly anticipating seeing the exotic items that Sandru garnered during his travels.
You, along with most of Sandpoint, find yourself at the market.
Atop a black horse, a young man by the name of Kidlat makes his way through the crowd, trudging toward Sandru's caravan. He smiles at the thought of purchasing some of the exotic wares either for himself or as a gift for someone. In the rising sun, the light shines off Kidlat's scale mail.
"Almost there, Kabayo," says Kidlat quietly as he pats his steed on the side of his head.
Kidlat looks around the market, taking in the sights, familiar and unfamiliar, as he makes his way toward the caravan.
staying close to Sandru and the others who are apart of the caravan as they stroll throughout the market is a hulking blue-skinned figure wearing dark hooded robes, he picks up the occasional local produce or exotic fruit to look at, but has no interest in buying anything for himself at this time.
"Mmmmmm, Sandru-kun, quite the successful journey this past one was, yes?"
As the almost-orcish looking figure pats Sandru on the shoulder, proudly looking over the wares the caravan has acquired.
Chakki let's a bored sigh as she stares into the empty street in front of her family's market stand where they are selling some of there leather goods at the fire festival.
"no ones been stopping by ever since that caravan rolled into town. I need to get off my butt and go enjoy the festival because if I sit here any longer I'm going to lose my mind."
She thought to herself.
After making sure that her mother didn't need any help managing the stand she left to go find Amieko so they could go through the market together.
As she walked she thought
"I hope Amie isn't too busy with all the tourists that are here for the festival"
"OH MY"
Ela couldn't hide her feelings seeing all the merchants, people, travelers, of different color, race, gender.
"I've never seen anything like this before. I..dont know what to do and where to begin.."
Ela whispered as if she was venturing with someone else by her side
Kidlat, astride his horse, makes his way through the throngs of people in the crowds. A older man gives him a dirty glare, “Excuse me sir!” as he bumps in Kabayo, grumbling to himself as he continues forward. You find yourself at a stall next to one of the wagons that you recognize as belonging to Sandru.
Ela’in you find yourself in front of a stall next to a covered wagon. Standing in front of the stall is a well-groomed man with a large smile on his face, standing next to a dark-skinned hooded figure. This must be the stall that everyone has been talking about, “Sandru’s Caravan”.
The man himself is standing next to the stall having just come back from walking around the market with another person who is standing next to him. While he is wearing a dark hood, you catch faint notes of dark skin underneath the hooded robe. The giant figure appears to have just finished sayting something to Sandru.
”Yes friend” Kidlat and Ela’in hear Sandru exclaim loudly to the man with the dark skin, ”One of the more successful journey’s we’ve had as of late. It will be even more helpful when the wagon carrying those fireworks from Osirion come through. They’ll be here though, don’t worry.
Thank you once again for agreeing to be in my employ, you know how difficult it has been of late to hire good help. You are indispensable my friend. To thank you, I am having a little get together tonight at the Rusty Dragon with some friends, you will be there wont you?” He puts his hand on Butoka’s shoulder and gives him a warm smile.
Chakki, let off from her familial duty, darts through the crowd of people and makes her way to the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko is right where she left her, entertaining a group of adventurers who have come from the surrounding region for the market. ”And then from right behind the man Sandru looked at winked and stabbed him in the back! The man was so enraptured by my playing that for a second, he clapped at my performance and then fell over!”
The group around Ameiko erupts into laughter, filling the Rusty Dragon with even more noise. ”Chakki! Get over here you! I can’t believe that your family let you off for the rest of the day. Hey,” Ameiko gestures at the mass crowd of people eating, drinking, and laughing in the Rusty Dragon,”if you help me out the rest of the day, I’ll let you stay for the after party.” Ameiko gives a fake pout and looks with wide eyes at Chakki.
”Yes friend” Kidlat and Ela’in hear Sandru exclaim loudly to the man with the dark skin, ”One of the more successful journey’s we’ve had as of late. It will be even more helpful when the wagon carrying those fireworks from Osirion come through. They’ll be here though, don’t worry.
Thank you once again for agreeing to be in my employ, you know how difficult it has been of late to hire good help. You are indispensable my friend. To thank you, I am having a little get together tonight at the Rusty Dragon with some friends, you will be there wont you?” He puts his hand on Butoka’s shoulder and gives him a warm smile.
Butoka let's out a short laugh, going in for a friendly shake of Sandru's hand "Oooooo a party? not quite the way of the Sacred Mountain, but... why not! it's a celebration after all! I'll come and have a few drinks! Nothing like some good company after a successful haul like this one, aye?"
@SamuraiNitta
EDIT:
”Chakki! Get over here you! I can’t believe that your family let you off for the rest of the day. Hey,” Ameiko gestures at the mass crowd of people eating, drinking, and laughing in the Rusty Dragon,”if you help me out the rest of the day, I’ll let you stay for the after party.” Ameiko gives a fake pout and looks with wide eyes at Chakki.
"I don't know... I'm really exhausted from running our stand all day. You know how popular we are since my families wares are way cooler than whatever knick knacks your friends brought back in the caravan."
Chakki replied sarcastically.
"Besides, if I hang around you long enough a party breaks out regardless if I help you or not."
After waiting a few seconds with a stupid grin on her face so that patrons of the Rusty Dragon can stare awkwardly at her brilliant sense of humor.
Chakki replies "I'm only kidding girl. What do you need?"
"Oh, sorry sir," says Kidlat in response to the man that Kidlat believes he accidentally bumped into.
Upon reaching the caravan, Kidlat dismounts and approaches the two individuals. "Excuse me, but which of your wares here would you recommend would make a good gift? asks Kidlat as he looks the contents of the caravan over.
@SamuraiNitta
EDIT:
@Butoka Nikuyoku-YorokobiNoganbo
"Oh, sorry sir," says Kidlat in response to the man that Kidlat believes he accidentally bumped into.
Upon reaching the caravan, Kidlat dismounts and approaches the two individuals. "Excuse me, but which of your wares here would you recommend would make a good gift? asks Kidlat as he looks the contents of the caravan over.
Butoka's looks over to the man speaking to him "Ooooooo, sir you've come to the right folk, we've got quite the assortment of beautiful flowers or exotic fruits if you've got a lady friend in mind" Butoka says as he winks at the Samurai
"We've also got various wares, garments... say, why don't you just have a look around!"
Butoka takes another moment to look over Kidlat "Say, sir, Correct me if I am mistaken, but do I hear a slight Tien accent in you're voice?"
Kidlat looks up, somewhat confused at the man addressing him, "Oh, maybe. I am half-Tian after all. My mother immigrated a long time ago," he replies while smiling uncomfortably and scratching his head. "You seem like a well-traveled man; did you come here with Sandru's caravan?"
"Huh, well I too have Tien influence in my heritage! It's nice to see a fellow Tian-Shu about! Butoka says, also slightly confused at his unexpectedly accurate guess, realizing now the risk of seeming racist.
Butoka put's an arm around Sandru "And indeed I did sir! I was hired as a guard for Sandru's caravan not too long ago. Say what's your name sir?"
Kidlat looks up, somewhat confused at the man addressing him, "Oh, maybe. I am half-Tian after all. My mother immigrated a long time ago," he replies while smiling uncomfortably and scratching his head. "You seem like a well-traveled man; did you come here with Sandru's caravan?"
@Kidlat
Unsure of what to do next, Kidlat extends a hand toward Bukota in an effort to shake his hand, "Ahh, that explains it then! My name is Kidlat Jäger, Jäger being my father's surname. It's a pleasure to meet you..."
At that, Kidlat's eyes go wide, the uncomfortable expression remaining on his face, "Forgive me, I seem to have forgotten your name."
Kidlat looks up, somewhat confused at the man addressing him, "Oh, maybe. I am half-Tian after all. My mother immigrated a long time ago," he replies while smiling uncomfortably and scratching his head. "You seem like a well-traveled man; did you come here with Sandru's caravan?"@Kidlat
@Bukota
Unsure of what to do next, Kidlat extends a hand toward Bukota in an effort to shake his hand, "Ahh, that explains it then! My name is Kidlat Jäger, Jäger being my father's surname. It's a pleasure to meet you..."
At that, Kidlat's eyes go wide, the uncomfortable expression remaining on his face, "Forgive me, I seem to have forgotten your name."
Butoka looks up at Kidlat, now more fully revealing his Onish face, and shaking Kidlat's hand with a firm, almost but not quite painful grasp "Well, Kidlat-san, that is because I have yet to tell you my name!"
Butoka puts his hands together and bows, as he says "My name is Butoka Nikuyoku-Yorokobi Noganbo! And it's a pleasure to meet you Kidlat-san!"
Kidlat places his hands together and returns the bow, chuckling, "Well then, forgive my inattentiveness. As I said earlier, it is a pleasure to meet you." Kidlat stands up straight, "How was your travel then? Not too difficult I hope."
Kidlat places his hands together and returns the bow, chuckling, "Well then, forgive my inattentiveness. As I said earlier, it is a pleasure to meet you." Kidlat stands up straight, "How was your travel then? Not too difficult I hope."
"Ooooo it's never too difficult of a journey when Sandru has me by his side, ay Sandru-kun?" Butoka says as he lets out a loud, proud laugh
Butoka turns to Kidlat "Say, Kid-san, were you planning on attending Sandru's get-together at the Rusty Dragon tonight?"
At the mention of the Rusty Dragon, Kidlat's heart skips a beat, then begins to race. He chuckles nervously
"I wasn't aware there was a get-together happening, but I'd be willing to join if you're inviting me."
At the mention of the Rusty Dragon, Kidlat's heart skips a beat, then begins to race. He chuckles nervously
"I wasn't aware there was a get-together happening, but I'd be willing to join if you're inviting me."
Butoka looks to Sandru "I don't mean to over-extend an invitation here Sandru-san, but whaddya say we let another fellow Tian-Shu in on this get-together?"
Butoka leans in closer, to whisper to Sandru "He seems nervous, lets let the man have some fun ay? let him cool down a bit"
Butoka whispers as he pats sandru on the back.
Ela over-hears the word firework and says to the man she saw next to the stall
"Firework?? I heard so much about that! but I have never seen one.. will I see one today? Oh how rude of me, my name is Ela'in, heir of Hagaathar. How about you??"
Butoka looks to Sandru "I don't mean to over-extend an invitation here Sandru-san, but whaddya say we let another fellow Tian-Shu in on this get-together?"
Butoka leans in closer, to whisper to Sandru "He seems nervous, lets let the man have some fun ay? let him cool down a bit"
Butoka whispers as he pats sandru on the back.
Sandru looks at Butoka with a dead face ”Of course not!” he breaks into a smile and gives Kidlat a heart handshake.”Especially for someone that Butoka-san so correctly guessed has so much connection to himself. And you miss? You seem to overheard this invitation, I would not be a gentleman if I did not also extend the invite you one as beautiful as yourself. What do you say gorgeous, give me your name and a promise that I’ll see you tonight?”
Kidlat breathes a sigh of relief, and he shakes Sandru's hand. "What time would this get-together happen? I could meet you both there after I tend to Kabayo over here." Kidlat says whilst gesturing to the horse behind him, "I have yet to feed him today."
@Ela
Butōka turns to Ela and puts his hand together and bows ”pleasure to make your acquaintance Ela’in-chan, my name is Butōka-Nikuyoku-Yorokobi Noganbo! And good ol’ Sandru’s flirtatious gestures aside here...” Butōka says as he gives Sandru a friendly nudge on the shoulder ”We would love to have you at the Rusty Dragon!”
Butōka then turns to Kidlat ”and I’m actually not sure exactly when this little shin-dig is supposed to begin, but I’m sure you’ll have enough time to tend to your steed, Kid-San, don’t ya think so Sandru-Kun?” Butōka says as he pets the mane of Kabayo.
"Oh, I do think that should be no problem then." Kidlat smiles at Butoka petting Kabayo, then turns once again to the contents of the caravan to see if anything in particular catches his eye, paying most of his attention to the exotic flowers that Butoka mentioned earlier.
Kabayo snorts, then stops his front right foot twice, moving his head slightly towards Butoka.
Sandru stumbles forward from the strong nudge of Butoka “Yes, sorry Ela’in, I was too taken aback by your beauty and the melody of your voice that I simply didn’t even hear the name.
Of course they’ll be time to tend for your companion, and Butoka and I will see you later tonight at the Rusty Dragon. Farewell!” And Sandru, walks back behind his stall next to the wagon to apparently tend to something. ”Butoka, you’ve got the rest of the afternoon off, if you want it!” He shouts from behind his back as he moves to the wagon.
As the day progresses the sun eventually sets over the western end of Sandpoint and as it does, most of the townsfolk go back to their homes to spend the evening with family, fall asleep, and wake up for another day tomorrow.
However there are some that stay out, you have all been invited someway to make your way to the Rusty Dragon.
As soon as you walk into the Rusty Dragon you realize this is more than just a party however, it seems to be someone’s birthday, Koya Mvashti the Fortune-telling Varisian that travels with Sandru occasionally and raised him.
It is a quite ordeal, a few of the caravan guards, including Butoka, Sandru, Ela’in, Kidlat, Chakki, Ameiko, Shalelu, and a few random townfolks who know the Mvashti’s.
About halfway through the party, Shalelu is telling a story to those in the middle of the room. ”I kid you not Sandru! 200 meters, 8 goblins in a row, all through the eye. I am that good.” She finishes her story as Sandru waves his hand in a playfully dismissive manner.
Ameiko is helping her cooks to run out food to the party, while Koya is sitting by the fire just staring in to the flames.
[ooc]I understand you are new to Sandpoint but you have met Koya previously and had met Sandru, Butoka, and Kidlat this morning. The others you most likely wouldn’t know by name, unless you’ve been staying in the Rusty Dragon since you came to Sandpoint.
Ko..
Ela runs into Koya with all her strength as if she was trying to knock her out
"it's so great to see you again.. you.. you saved my life! there is nothing I can do to repay you! I mean I will do anything..ANYTHING!"
and she looks at Shalelu
" that is as awesome as story of my father that Ameiko told me about! tell me more about your extraordinary deeds! If I ever see goblins again..I would impale their.. I should stop there "
She stopped as she shook her head as if she was trying to resist the temptation and said a quick prayer
"I repent..my Lord..I repent..
Butōka lets out a hearty laugh in response to Sandru’s reaction to Shalelu’s story ”Well Sandru, 8 goblins? 200 meters? Sounds like something that’d be hard to do with merely a rapier ay Sandru-Kun?” Butōka says as he gives Sandru a heavy but friendly nudge to the shoulder and laughs even more.
Kidlat stands there awkwardly, unsure of what to do next. He sneaks a sightly judgemental glance at Ela, the strange woman who he kind of met at the market earlier that day. He looks at Butoka, "In fact, it sounds outright impossible to me."
"I just hope that you realize that you can't party as hard in this cramped kitchen! Make sure you take a break soon and get out here!"
Chakki shouts to Ameiko as she exits the kitchen with a tray of appetizers in each hand.
She approaches the table where the laughter has just died down from the stories of goblin conquest.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Would you like something to hold you over until the main course is ready? On this tray I have some 3 Pepper Ravioli's, and on the other I have some Garlic Bread Tater Tots."
Upon getting to the table she notices that not everyone seated there is a Sandpoint local.
As she passes out the appetizers she asks.
"So where is everyone from? Have you guys been enjoying the fire festival so far?"
Koya turns to the young elf woman who nearly toppled her over and stands up. She puts her hand gingerly on the hands of Ela’in and gives her a smile. ”My dear, you were the on that I ran in to out in the forest on the way here.”
She leans her face closer to Ela’in as if to let her in on a secret. ”There is one thing you can do for me, just don’t tell Sandru I wandered too far from the caravan. He hates it when he thinks that I’m in danger.” And with that Koya straightens back up grinning a toothy smile as she looks at the young woman in front of her. ”I see you made it to the Rusty Dragon, good, all good adventueres find their way here eventually isn’t that right?”
In the middle of the room a noticeable quite falls over the entire room as Sandru’s face becomes serious at the mention of fire, Sandru stands up. ”I didn’t want to bring this up tonight, but it’s going it’s going to be a relatively fireless fire festival this year Chakki. Before coming here I spoke to Sheriff Hemlock and he informed me that my wagon carrying the fireworks was apprehended by some goblins in the Brinestump Marshes.
Even sadder is the fact that all of guards besides Butoka were guarding that wagon, are now dead, alongside most of the rest of the people that I had employed. I imagine the rest of you will most likely leave now and I don’t blame you.
But I intend to find someway to take back what is mine. The sheriff also also informed me that he is reinstating the goblin reward in Sandpoint again, 10 gp per ear and 300 gp for the head of the Licktoad Tribe’s leader. I was going to send some of my guards,”
He looks at Butoka,”You’re the only one.
I need to look after what little I have left, but is there anyone willing to join Butoka as this adventure? Think of it killing goblins! You’lll be just like the Sandpoint Heroes!”
"I would be willing to help..." Kidlat replies nervously, while looking around to see who else takes up the call.
Butōka puts his fists together and bows toward Sandru as he says ”I would be honored to aid you by retrieving what has been stolen from you Sandru-San” Butōka rises from his bow and places his hand on Sandru’s shoulder, he then turns to address Kidlat and the rest of those who are listening ”I would be happy to have you on this quest Kid-San! Is there anybody else who has an itching to slay some of those pesky green rodents? That’s really all they are, aren’t they? Should be nothing!”
Chakki turns to Sandru and answers empathetically.
"I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friends and hard earned goods. I went to school for the arcane arts.I would be willing to help if you can promise I won't get roughed up too badly.
Kidlat smiles at Butoka addressing him, before looking back over the crowd.
"I wonder if..." he whispers to himself
”Thank you friend,” Sandru turns to look at Butoka. ”All I ask is that the three of you make haste and retrieve what is left of the fireworks as soon as possible. It’s late though, if you desire to leave now I won’t stop you but a good night’s rest and some predatory work tomorrow could do some good. Good luck”
Out of the kitchen Ameiko comes busting though carrying a tray, , she quites down as she listens to Sandru’s plea and witnesses three new heroes arise just like she saw four years ago.
When all is said and done, she walks over to Ela’in and whispers in her ear, ”Listen I know we’ve only know each for a week and you know I knew your father. If you want to be like him, you should go with Butoka. You may not find your father, but I think you’ll be one step closer to discovering who he is.”
And with that the party at the Rusty Dragon dies down as Sandru escorts Koya back to her home to rest. As soon as the birthday girl leaves, most of the other residents leave except for Ameiko who begins cleaning up the kitchen and bar in preparation for next morning.
As he's packing up to leave, Kidlat turns to Ameiko, and attempts to speak to her as a normal person. After all, there's nothing going on. This is a normal conversation. Normal people talk about things. They talk about things that just happened. Kidlat can do this. "It's a shame what happened to the caravan. Isn't it?"
After the party at the inn dies down, Butōka turns to those that remain ”Now then, shall we leave now? Or embark first thing in the morning?”
he waits for response...
Chakki answers Butoka.
"I know I could use the night to prepare the spells I will need. Though I received training, I've never actually experienced real combat. To be honest I'm a bit nervous, but I want to do what I can to help."
Just after she finished answering she realizes that Butoka doesn't know who she is.
Oh! I'm Chakki by the way. It's unfortunate that we aren't meeting on a cheerier note, but I'm pleased to make your acquaintance!"