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"And can someone tell me about this sihedron? You say it's Thassilonian? I thought everything those guys did died out a millenia ago."
Kast smiles, as if his entire existence had been called into question. But no, as a perfect-aspiring person, he would not take offense. Instead, he would try to explain as best he could.
He takes a few moments to compose his thoughts on Thassilon.
Know (history)- Thassilon
"Well...where to start? Let's go slowly so you have the foundation to build..." Kast begins to lecture as only a scholar and academic can about the Thassilonian empire can.
"Thassilon was founded by the benevolent emperor Xin, who first harnessed the power of rune magic. Xin was exiled by the mystics who ruled the nation of Azlant for promoting the belief that the Azlanti could learn something from and should cooperate with the other races of Golarion...<blahblah>" Kast pauses to be sure Hasslo is following along, "...he and his followers left the distant continent and traveled to northwestern Avistan to establish a new nation in the area now known as Varisia. In doing so, they brought advanced civilization to the people who lived there, known today as the Shoanti and the Varisians
...<blahblah>" Kast looks at BatIzo for confirmation before continuing his very accurate sermon, "...though exact dates from the Age of Legend are hard to gauge exactly, it is believed that Xin began the formation of the Thassilonian empire around -6530 AR. As the size of his nation grew, Xin divided Thassilon into seven fiefdoms and entrusted his advisors to rule them in his stead. Each of them specialized in a different school of magic...<blahblah>" Kast pauses to wonder if the beautiful Marigold Pottersmoot cares about such things, but is uncertain, "... and was guided by one of the Azlanti virtues of rule; they became known as the runelords. As Xin's personal influence over the nation waned, his ideals were also pushed to the wayside, making way for the villainy of the sinful runelords, who gained even more power than Xin, but did so on the backs of the people of Thassilon."
"And yes, you asked about the Sihedron? Well, look at my shield and this medallion around my neck." Kast offers a clear look at his magic shield and his neck slot item. "This represents all the evil that were the Runelords of yore. However, they are all dead, and just represent nice, powerful magics that we can harness to protect Sandpoint, you see?"
Kast looks at Hasslo to see if the newly companioned dwarf has any questions.
"It probably should be someone with a perfect reputation."
Kast takes the paperwork and offers neither anger nor resentment. This, after all, is his job and he would to it with the seriousness required as a duly authorized agent of Sandpoint. In order to be perfect, too.
"Yeah, I'll write up what happened in a report for the Sheriff. It's important that we annotate the events for our records, for future historians," Kast agrees as a scholar and historian of sorts.
With his reports to write, Kast returns to the Inn and gets to work. He will be ready to send his reports in the evening or morning as needed.
*a long discussion of important information*
Val, currently halfway back to the inn, feels a sudden and unexplained certainty that she has just dodged a metaphorical crossbow bolt. Or perhaps a sihedron-shaped shuriken.
When Valena comes out the shadows deepen and the audience shrinks back a moment, warily watching and listening to her speech. When Corioles’ body is unceremoniously dumped at her feet, the crowd seems appreciative of the spectacle. They also enjoy Seamus’ jumping and the magics that keep him from taking any damage from the fall.
The party disburses each heading their own way for the moment, and meet back up at the inn for a nice spot of lunch, having accomplished their various tasks - including turning pennies into gold!
When you all arrive at the inn, Kast is hard at work on his report. You’re pretty sure no one trailed you from the tower, though most of you aren’t terribly perceptive so it’s hard to know.
It’s lunch and you have the whole afternoon ahead of you, and quite a few precious objects to sort out.
In the time it took for her to head back to the inn and for the others to arrive, Val considered her late husband’s possessions. Just because they came from Cory does not necessitate that she keeps them, such as that loathsome razor, so why not consider who else might need them most? Kast might enjoy the extra mobility of the slippers and Izo often flies with his gargoyle form and thus may need a feather fall more often than not. She makes sure to pass on both suggestions when the boys return.
"That was a perfect exposition Kast" Izomandakus claps, Pachemu oinks with enthusiasm "The Knights of Ozem are gaining with you a true erudite"
"Do you know where Xin is buried? There is sure a good hoard there..." comments the boy as the group walks towards the market.
---
"It has been a fun time partying with you people" Izomandakus comments while eating half roasted chicken in the tavern "And very profitable I would say. It is a pity we never came up with a name"
The redhead smooths the snake skin tunic with a hand and puts over it the spellbook the group found at Foxglove's "I think I will keep this. Hmmm... I wonder if I can make it look more fashionable. Snake skin fashion passed away millennia ago..."
"That was a perfect exposition Kast" Izomandakus claps, Pachemu oinks with enthusiasm.
Kast blushes, and tries to accept the compliment with grace befitting a person seeking perfection. "No, I don't know where Xin is buried, much less that we has so much of old Thassolonia under Sandpoint. We just have our imperfect histories."
Kast is pleased to see the others as he puts the final touches to his report back to the Sheriff and the Sandpoint Mayor. He supposes he'll be able to hand deliver this one as the party was almost done here.
"If you do not mind, I would like to accompany you to the Lord Mayor Grobaras. I am eager to met personally that ludicrous man. They say he is quite wealthy. He has his own personal zoo" comments Izomandakus while nodding on the perfect sense it makes having imperfect histories "It would be quite a fun Xin was buried under Sandpoint" he laughs.
Val takes a long sip of wine. ”I have met the Lord Mayor six times. So six times more than I would like.” She makes no move to rise or otherwise abandon her seat, indicating her stance on joining the others.
Val holds up her hand to show her own protective ring. ”No complaints from my, Sea. Please take it. And we can definitely get you looked at at the temple. I think Hasslo and Izo might need some clerical attention, too.” She tosses her hair back. ”I remain untouched. I shall have to learn more tricks to spread the protections around.”
Kast sits back, putting his quill down. He looks at his share of the loot monies and offers a small smile.
Yep, it’s times to put up or shut up. Time to get to Lastwall. And with some coins to help get me there. Good.
He begins to roll up his report now that the ink might be dry.
”I’m not so that I need to speak to the Magnimar Mayor, and am thinking to head back to Sandpoint today or tomorrow to turn in my report personally to the Sheriff,” Kast notes. ”If the Sheriff wants to let the Magnimar Mayor know what’s happening, and he might, that’s his decision.”
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Each restoration is 380gp x3 = 1,140gp, which I’ll take off the group as it’s a healing expense. The church further offers to bounty your skinsaw masks, at the usual rate, so you get a good deal there too. They’re happy, as you’re buying wands of healing from them (four to plan for a possible future trip) which defrays some of their cash expenditure.
It’s evening by the time you’re done shopping, healing, and preparing notes for the sheriff and mayor of Sandpoint. There has been some discussion about trying to get in to see the mayor of Magnimar, but you expect he’s well insulated by bureaucrats, and will be hard to see - let alone at a moment’s notice.
You’d need to convince a variety of people all the way up the for chain from the desk sergeant to the mayor’s personal secretary. It could take days going through the front door as you have no real status in Magnimar.
So you seem to be planning to return to Sandpoint and make your report there and let sheriff Hemlock deal with it though channels. Either way, I expect you have a decent dinner at the inn and make your preparations for tomorrow.
Barring any nocturnal activities, you’ll arise the next day ready for action. It’s Lamashan 23, a Fireday. Do you try to reach the mayor of Magnimar this morning, or head out to Sandpoint? Also do your shopping and we’ll proceed.
He was disguised, but they’re pretty sure it was him. Not too many broad-chested elves out there. Most elves are spindly-thin, but the good Justice was very much not, and that’s a hard thing to hide.
- - -
Hasslo shifts in his boots. "I'm itching to get moving." He's starting to feel a bit uncomfortable staying in Magnimar too long. "Do we really need to see the mayor right now? He likely wont see us anyway. I say, just leave him a note and let's get moving!"
The dwarf starts pacing back and forth, thinking of the lamia and her sister. "I'd rather head to Sandpoint and talk to the sheriff. At least he knows our names."
”Oh the mayor definitely knows my name. That is exactly why I would not want to go.”
Val finally sees about getting Irreconcilable Differences enchanted. She also gets her cloak’s protective magics enhanced. Along the way, she picks up a cracked ioun stone that sounds potentially useful. Her comrades are relying on her methods for diffusing and delaying many of the nasty conditions monsters inflict, so she needs to make sure she herself does not succumb, too. To that end, she purchases a scroll to help protect against some enchantments she does not currently have covered. And, finally, she purchases a purely decadent indulgence: a Neverspill Goblet.
"I am staying, at least for some weeks" Izomandakus explains in great mood while counting the coins obtained in the Bazaar and giving the share on large bags to each of the heroes "I think with this money I can leverage enough investment to kick up the workshop in Sandpoint. There are far better investors here in Magnimar, but I will need some time to convince them, plus extra time to purchase all the tools and machinery... maybe hire some workers... humm... Probably I will attend some extra magic lessons while I wait for appointments and contacts to give fruit"
"As I am staying, I will likely try to contact Grobaras myself" Pachemu jumps on the boys lap and he strokes her head "I cannot leave in peace knowing the man's greed is on the lamia's sister eye, for most despicable the Mayor might be"
"You need a loan for your business, Izo? I can't ever imagine spending all this anytime soon. Unless I do, but investing it might be a better idea," Kast offers, hearing the bat(hu)man's plans.
Kast handles the coins and ponders, rolling the sack over in his hands. It's nice to have money, but it was nothing compared to having purpose and direction, and meaning. Which is why though the current months had paid well, he needed to get to Lastwall and find his destiny. With things cleared here in Sandpoint, and in Magnimar, it was time to get going. He wasn't going to have a better chance.
It's been a good few weeks, but it wouldn't last. He wouldn't want to go back to guard duty after what he'd seen and done. He knew he was ready for better, and ready to make a name for himself.
The Sihedron Scholar. Battling with the Iron Quill. Orcs and Undead beware.
* * *
"Good luck with the Mayor, Izo. I'll take our reporting back and maybe they'll have some input about it. Hard to know what they will do."
After shopping with 'Mus and the gang, Kast is ready to return to Sandpoint. He has reports to give and crushes to be too afraid to speak to.
"For Cayden's ale! Really?!" Izomandakus stands up excited "You would really invest the money? Th-th-that idea is great! I must talk with Ameiko. She should have inherited the factory and maybe has no plans for it" the boy smiles wide as ideas stumble all over his head "Of course Kast, I can make that money multiply. You will not need to make one more guard ever!"
Quickly after lunch, Izomandakus will go request a meeting with the Lord Mayor Grobaras to treat the menace of a cult trying to kill him and take his soul.
If that does no open immediately the office doors, he spends the rest of the evening from shop to shop inquiring about the different tools he will need to buy and their delivery schedules to Sandpoint.
He will also look for a library, wizard or some other source to learn spells that will help him in his endeavors.
---
The next morning Izomandakus joins the group's breakfast "If you do not need all the proofs, I would like to have the list of targets or the lamia's letter. In case I manage to talk with the Mayor"
He says goodbye to his friends "It has probably been the most exciting weeks ever. It was great to do all this together. Please, tell Aneka and mom I am ok"
The redheaded boy kneels to stroke Pachemu as the others leave for Sandpoint. The pig looks with glaring eyes.
The next morning over breakfast you realize that both groups, Izomandakus, and everyone else, need the letters, lists, and book for their respective tasks. The most obvious solution is to copy them, though translating a copy of the ledger will take days, so you might as well leave that with Izomandakus to work on. The other documents can be copied with a few hours work, and so you do.
The party mounts up and begins the ride to Sandpoint, with the exception of Izomandakus, who choses to leave, and remain behind in Magnimar.
- - -
The next day, Lamashan 24, a Starday, you ride on and reach Sandpoint by dinner, which I assume you’ll take at the Rusty Dragon.
This large structure is Sandpoint’s oldest inn, notable for the impressive (and quite rusty) iron dragon that looms on the building’s roof, doubling as a lightning rod and decoration. You head into the large welcoming pub on the ground floor of this multi-story structure.
To the right are a row of deep booths, to the left, a long bar, and in between, tables everywhere - with most of them full with a decent dinner crowd. It’s immediately warm and welcoming. The party takes up their usual table, and Bethana Corwin (a halfling woman, and manager of the ‘Dragon) comes over to take your orders, in person, and as usual.
She smiles brightly as she welcomes you back to town and meets Hasslo before mentioning, ”I heard you went down to Magnimar. I hope the trip was enjoyable. Did you see Ameiko Kaijitsu while you were in town? She’s still there trying to obtain clemency for her brother, poor dear.”
She tidies up the table as you talk, before returning to the kitchen to get your food. Let me know how you reply to Bethana, and whether you plan to deliver your report after dinner, or first thing in the morning. Also start to think about how you might spend the next few days.
- - -
Kast eschews dinner and goes to find the Sheriff and offer his report. He hopes he'll be able to find food after doing that.
To eat first just isn't right.
If he can find the Sheriff, he'll explain everything if the Sheriff wants to hear it. Or in the morning, once the Sheriff understands a bit more.
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Val looks over the note with an engimatic expression, musing on it for several moments before handing it back. "Thank you, Sea. I had hoped that he would not have gotten that far in so little time. I think he is a loose end we will just have to save for later. He will be on the run not just from us and the law, but also any remnants of the cult or allies of it, such as the lamia's sister. He will almost certainly get up to trouble again, I think, but we probably have time. Either way, the lamia sister sounds like a higher priority threat." She folds up the letter and hands it back to Seamus. "While we are on the subject, I want to thank you. You have been a true friend to me through-and-through and I have few of those. If there is anything that you ever need from me, I will be there to return the favor, no questions asked. Well, probably questions, but you do not have to answer them."
Val listens in as Seamus brings Hasslo up-to-speed on Kast's personality. "He is a quiet one. I would say generally self-possessed and following his own drive, excepting in areas of romance. He wants to go to Lastwall to prove himself for some reason I cannot fathom." Having to think about Kast makes her realize how little she generally worries about him. He just always seems fine, and he does all the responsible work she has no interest in, and she is hardly going to push him on that. Still, might be worth checking in. See if he is doing as alright as he seems to be.
Val waves at Bethana with a noble air and gives her order. When Bethana mentions Ameiko, Val is already sending a Sending to Izo before Seamus can finish asking her.
"Izo, Val here. Ameiko in Magnimar looking to get brother clemency. Please check in on her if you can. Make sure she is okay."
- - -
"Copy. Will ask around for Ameiko. Weather is good. I need to remind myself to not be afraid of negative numbers. Over and out."
Izomandakus does indeed take his time to translate the ledger realizing it would be impossible to understand otherwise for the authorities. They are likely to believe the translation as they probably know about the people who has been assassinated already and their identities, making the whole story even more plausible.
He also looks for his master, Toth Bhreacher, to give him access to his more advanced spellcasting books (in exchange of an appropiate donation to the Golemworks). Everyday after a full-time workday translating the document, he goes to the Golemworks and studies a new spell.
He tries to find these ones among his master's books:
greater magic weapon
carry companion
tears to wine
liberating command
On the second day he will do a little less work on the ledger and conduct an inquiry about Ameiko, starting by trying to pay her a visit in the Kaijitsu's manor, if Izomandakus or Pachemu know where that is.
Kast offers a quick synopsis, hitting the highlights, from the moment they met Hasslo, to the Stalkers to the lamia in the clocktower, and ending with the threat on the Magnimar mayor's life, and whatabouts at Turtleback Ferry.
"That's the long and short of it." Kast's stomach growls, as anxious as anyone to get this over quickly. He turns over this full report.
Hasslo finally has time to sit down and think about the whirlwind of the last day or so. "Ho boy! What an adventure. You'll have to tell me everything you guys have been up to. I've heard a bit here and there, but I would like to know details of everything."
He grins as he buys a chestnut colored mare named Lily (-50 gp) on their way to Sandpoint. He listens intently to Seamus and Val. "You mentioned the Glassworks. Weren't those operated by the Kaijitsus? What happened there?". He's heard rumors slowly make their way to Magnimar, but again, only snippets.
Hasslo then follows Kast to the sheriff and listens in to Kast's recollection of the adventure. Hasslo adds a few important details from his side of the story. "They clearly knew what they were doing. Who know so much evil was going on in the city! Clearly, there is more to be done though. What can you tell us of Turtleback Ferry?"
”Lord Foxglove huh. Brought their evil out here to Sandpoint. Well, they shouldn’t a done that. Let me have your written report and I’ll get it to the right hands in Magnimar right away.” He takes what Kast has written up.
”I should have a response from Magnimar in three or four days depending on how excited they are by your report. They may want some follow up I shouldn’t wonder. Though your reports are very thorough, there are always questions. Will you be around for a few days?”
”… What can you tell us of Turtleback Ferry?"
”Until this,” he smacks Kast’s report, ”I don’t know that’d I’d ever heard of it. There’s a lot of small towns here and there in the hinterlands scratching a living. I don’t think about ‘em much though.”
- - -- - -
You’ll discover her home late on Lamashan 26. Do you drop in (~8pm), or plan to stop by at a more reasonable hour the next day?
- - -
"Aha, so, there it is" Izomandakus smiles satisfied once they figure out where the Kaijitsu's manor is located "Let's visit it tomorrow at a more reasonable time"
The pig nods approvingly.
Depending on how long the visit to Ameiko turns to be, the other tasks might end delayed for a day or so.
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You call on her at a more reasonable hour and find her home! No servants, as you might expect, so she answers the door herself. ”My heavens, if it isn’t Izomandakus, and Dachmoe too!” She seems genuinely glad to see you, and your companion, though she did get the name horribly wrong.
She invites you in and puts a kettle of tea on. ”I’m afraid all I have to go with the tea are some rather dry biscuits. Been working to save my brother you understand. So how are you? Where are the others? Oh, it’s nice to see a friendly face from Sandpoint!”
- - -
Pachemu stares at the lively owner of the Rusty Dragon with killing eyes "Yeap. I am glad you are here. It was not easy to find the house"
The two get inside the house. The pig cleans her hooves on the entrance carpet. Izomandakus takes sit while gladly accepting the tea and trying to avoid any comment on the hard biscuits "Mmm... yes, the others went to Sandpoint. We have had a terrible week solving the sawmill assassinations and all." he places his hands around the tea cup taking the warmth "How is it going for you? Is the inheritance giving you a lot of work?"
Forcing himself to be polite about what seems to be troubling the woman, the redhead adds "Oh, yes, have you managed to discover anything about your brother situation?"
In the mornings, he stops by the temple to say a prayer to the local gods. If there is any construction or repair from the goblin raid, Hasslo insists he helps out as well.
”Mmm... yes, the others went to Sandpoint. We have had a terrible week solving the sawmill assassinations and all." he places his hands around the tea cup taking the warmth "How is it going for you? Is the inheritance giving you a lot of work?”
Forcing himself to be polite about what seems to be troubling the woman, the redhead adds ”Oh, yes, have you managed to discover anything about your brother situation?”
”Sawmill assassinations?” she asks lightly, not really paying that much attention and having no frame of reference for that particular phrase, ”Oh, no, the inheritance is going fine,” she mumbles, a little surprised at the forwardness of the question.
”And no, things are not going well for Tsuto. They want to put him in the lower levels of The Hells, and that’ll kill him for sure, I just know it! I’m trying to petition the Justice for a lighter sentence, but it’s been tough going. Tsuto did do some awful things, but not worthy of death surely!” Though she peaks a bit at the end, she calms quickly, ”…but you didn’t come here for that.” she smiles, and continues on with small talk.
- - -
"I await the next few days, but if it comes back with nothing, uhm...our new arrangement...where you have hired us to protect Sandpoint? Do you think it is almost done? I might...I might want to leave for a bit, make my way east," Kast asks the Sheriff. "If we think the threat has passed, I can begin making other plans."
For the next three or four days, Kast will return to his watch duties, and when not doing that, he will practice with his Quill and begin packing for a trip east...to Lastwall and his destiny.
Val spends the next three days training for the upcoming journey, focusing more on her body than her mind this time. If there is one lesson she learned from this past conflict with the undead, it is that she is too reliant on her mental tricks to hurt her foes. Whatever they have all gotten themselves into, she is going to finish it, and that means she needs to take it seriously. She goes on runs, stretches, spars, practices swimming, and so forth. She gets a feel for fighting with her new spiderclimbing, running up walls and back down, occasionally testing her ring out with a daredevil dive. The physical activity helps keep her occupied. She drinks during the nights and checks in on Sapphira every morning.
She does spend some time on one mental activity, something she has seen Sapphira do hundreds of times over the years but never had the patience to seriously pursue herself: psychometry. That latent ability is perfectly suited to investigations, and it would be a waste to leave it untapped. It is a more intuitive art, one that requires more practice and less reading, so she takes to it well.
She naturally spends as much time as she can with her comrades, happily tagging along if they are doing anything that is not completely dull, such as paperwork.
"The Hells is certainly not a welcoming place..." begins Izomandakus, noticing the troubled feelings of the woman "Have you been able to talk with him? Do you think he would accept a more honorable but likely as mortal alternative?"
When Ameiko asks about what brings him to her house, he takes a sip of tea and answers "Well, Valena was worried about you. Not that I would be surprised after the hard time you are going through and all the assassinations of infamous people." Pachemu jumps over the boys lap to bite one of the cookies "I also was interested to know about the future you plan for the Glassworks factory. I might have a project for it if you were to sell fully or partially the complex. It's your father's business, and I am not sure how attached you might be to it. But it might ease your dealings with the inheritance and grant you a bunch of money to handle things more easily"
"The Hells is certainly not a welcoming place…” begins Izomandakus, noticing the troubled feelings of the woman ”Have you been able to talk with him? Do you think he would accept a more honorable but likely as mortal alternative?”
”Alternative? Seppuku? An honorable death? No, these are not the things I want. He has caused others to suffer, and so he must suffer in turn, such is a civilized society. But I would not have him die for his failings.”
When Ameiko asks about what brings him to her house, he takes a sip of tea and answers ”Well, Valena was worried about you. Not that I would be surprised after the hard time you are going through and all the assassinations of infamous people.” Pachemu jumps over the boys lap to bite one of the cookies ”I also was interested to know about the future you plan for the Glassworks factory. I might have a project for it if you were to sell fully or partially the complex. It's your father's business, and I am not sure how attached you might be to it. But it might ease your dealings with the inheritance and grant you a bunch of money to handle things more easily”
She smiles, ”That’s very nice of you, and I thank you for your offer. I don’t know what I’m going to do with the Glassworks as yet. It employs a number of people, skilled people, and I wouldn’t see that end. It’s become somewhat famous, and reflects kindly on Sandpoint.”
She stretches, thinking a moment, ”I suspect I’ll hire a manager to keep it going as it is. There’s not a lot of room in Sandpoint for another factory, but perhaps you could buy up a few houses along Tower street? Or maybe you could buy the Rovanky Tannery (area 14). I know a lot of folks would like to see that foul smelling place moved across the river… at least.”
Larz Rovanky runs the tannery, but you’re not sure who owns it. Larz expects perfection from his workers and his products, and as a result often works long hours on his own during the stretches when he’s temporarily fired the help. His leather and fur goods are of high quality, enough so that locals generally don’t mind the extra wait for custom orders while Larz fusses with getting things perfect.
- - -
"I await the next few days, but if it comes back with nothing, uhm...our new arrangement...where you have hired us to protect Sandpoint? Do you think it is almost done? I might...I might want to leave for a bit, make my way east," Kast asks the Sheriff. "If we think the threat has passed, I can begin making other plans.”
”Well,” he considers slowly, ”I had hoped you’ll make this your home. Not for the pittance we’re paying you to keep an eye on things naturally, but because it’s a good place to call home. But I know Lastwall summons your heart, your spirit. When you feel the tug is overwhelming, go! Go, and we’ll make other plans here without you.”
”But know this. Our community will be the lesser for it, and Lastwall the greater. I wish you all the luck in the world.” he adds simply before releasing you to dinner.
- - -
Hasslo does some regional hunting and the like, enjoying himself as well. He’ll meet up with Shalelu Andosana (image) a local ranger who works with the town of Sandpoint from time to time - especially to help control the local goblin populations.
She’s a competent ranger as far as tracking and the like goes, but her real skill is blending into the background of the hinterlands and watching the various goings on from a position of stealth. In fact, she found Hasslo and seemed to step from a tree right next to the man by way of introduction while he was hunting boar.
As the picture suggests, she’s far more an archer than a melee combatant, but sparring with Hasslo (for she is willing) he has a tough time pinning her down, she dances all over the battlefield. (She likes to acrobatics away from your 4 attacks per round, forcing one shot from each of you in most cases.) That said, Hasslo tends to win their matches being more experienced.
Kast spends his days preparing to leave, though he does so quietly, so as not to attract the attention of his allies and friends as he plans to leave them behind as he follows his heart to Lastwall.
Valena spends the time on personal improvement, growing wiser with her recent experiences and branching out a little to other skills she hasn’t yet mastered.
Give me a minute with Izomandakus and we’ll proceed with the Sandpoint crew.
- - -
"Ah, of course, there is Hirabashi Yuto and the other workers who would be in trouble if the Glassworks ceased activity, I understand." Izomandakus smiles and taps his lips a couple of times with a finger "I think you actually got a good idea about the Tannery. The location has good potential to install a mill to extract power from the river waters... I will inquiry with Larz Rovanky about the possibility once I am back to Sandpoint. I would still need to buy a lot of tools and machinery, and adapt the place, but it would be a good start!"
"As about your brother... I am trying to have an audience with the Lord Mayor to prevent him from a looming danger to his life. If you wish, I can try to inquiry about your brother and ask for magnanimity..." he takes another sip of the tea "Do you have any particular idea you would like me to propose him if I got to speak with Grobaras? Actually... would you not happen to know personally Grobaras and be able to introduce me to the Lord Mayor?"
After the meeting with Ameiko, Izomandakus will work even harder on completing the ledger translation to see if he can meet with Lord Grobaras in the following days.
"As about your brother... I am trying to have an audience with the Lord Mayor to prevent him from a looming danger to his life. If you wish, I can try to inquiry about your brother and ask for magnanimity…” he takes another sip of the tea ”Do you have any particular idea you would like me to propose him if I got to speak with Grobaras?”
”Oh, I met with the Lord-Mayor already, though it took me a week to do so! I got the distinct impression that if I simply hand over a good chunk of my inheritance, the whole thing can quietly go away, but that’s not right either.” she shrugs, ”And I may have misread the signs too. I know Grobaras is corrupt, but his authority over the justices is slight at best. So even if I paid him, it might not work. And that’s not right either.”
”So I continue to press. I have an another appointment with the justice on the case, and I have hopes I can speak to his humanity, but we’ll see. He may not like half elves or something. But I’m not done yet.”
You finish with a little small talk, and she makes it clear, without being rude, that she has to head down to the cells and see what can be done about decent food for her brother. She wishes you well, and invites you to drop in anytime.
You work late into the night (no spell research tonight) but you complete the translations! You’ll be off tomorrow to speak to the guard captain who must sign off on your safety. Well, not yours, but the good Lord-Mayors of course. You have to convince him you’re no threat, and worthy of a meeting.
You already have a DC 21 Diplomacy going in. Anything you want to add to the conversation? I presume you go early the next day (Lamashan 28).
- - -
”I’ve heard you’re thinking of going to Turtleback Ferry, and points further out,” he gives Kast a look, ”but I’d encourage you to visit the Mayor first if you can fit that into your plans. He’s a powerful man, and not to be dealt with lightly.” he suggests.
It’s Lamashan 27, around 9:00 PM.
- - -
Val maintains a perfectly pleasant facade as the sheriff brings up the mayor’s request, even as she is internally screaming. He is going to ask them to do something unpleasant and to his personal gain, most likely, and they will hardly be in much of a a position to refuse. Especially with Val’s legal troubles up in the air. She would not put it past him to purposefully have held up any proceedings so he could use the leverage. They have always been politely pleasant with each other, but that means absolutely nothing in high society, and Sapphira’s sparring with him makes Val a prime target.
”I would be honored to meet with the Lord Mayor. I hope that he plans on taking these new developments seriously.”
Still got it, Val. Even as she congratulates herself for her quick tongue, she notes the sheriff’s meaningful look to Kast. “Points further out…. Oh gods, is that boy thinking of running off to Lastwall? Of all the nonsense! The second the sheriff leaves he is getting a talking-to.
Izomandakus approaches the guard with no weapon and just the bunch of papers on his hands, his tone compels urgency "Good morning Captain. I am an independent investigator contracted by Sheriff Hemlock of Sandpoint to solve a series of murders mystery" he shows any insignia or documentation he might have to proof this extreme "During the curse of this investigation I have come up with an information that seriously concerns the safety of Lord Mayor Grobaras himself. I do request an urgent meeting with the Mayor."
Seeing the likely initial desire to dismiss him he adds "It will not take more than 10 minutes"
Izomandakus insist, and he will wait even if it takes a few hours to deliver the documents personally. He will accept keeping distance, coming escorted and even leaving Pachemu outside if necessary.
Kast nods and says nothing official of his exact future plans as of yet. He is packing as if he's off to Lastwall, with a visit to the Mags Mayor before heading more east.
"Shall we leave on the morrow? I think I'll be packed and ready to go after first breakfast. I'll be good to get back on the road again," Kast asks the party, hoping for an early start to the rest of his life. "I'll need to spend a bit more time with Brodert before I go. There are some theories that I have that I'd like to run past him. All this sihedron business is weird."
On the way out of Sandpoint, Kast will take a last look in the mirror before he goes because he doesn't think he'll be coming back. Maybe not ever, and wants to see himself as others on the road will see him...The Sihedron Scholar Starts His Saga.
Val waits until they have all left the sheriff’s presence but are still collected together to speak. ”Kast. What did the sheriff mean by that meaningful look he gave? You are not planning on going somewhere, are you?”
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Izomandakus approaches the guard with no weapon and just the bunch of papers on his hands, his tone compels urgency ”Good morning Captain. I am an independent investigator contracted by Sheriff Hemlock of Sandpoint to solve a series of murders mystery” he shows any insignia or documentation he might have to proof this extreme ”During the curse of this investigation I have come up with an information that seriously concerns the safety of Lord Mayor Grobaras himself. I do request an urgent meeting with the Mayor.”
Seeing the likely initial desire to dismiss him he adds ”It will not take more than 10 minutes”
”Ten minutes ay? Do you have any idea how important the Lord-Mayor his and what ten minutes of his time might be worth? Why it’s more than you or me that’s for sure.” He chews on a bit of tobacco and considers you for a moment.
”Aren’t you a little… young, to be pursuing an investigation into murder?” He eyes the pig and chortles at whatever reply you provide. He continues, ”Just show me what you’ve got young man, and we’ll see if it’s worth the good Mayor’s time.”
You, presumably, show him the translations, and the letter, and lists of names. The Sergeant (not captain), takes his time with you (nice crit on the diplomacy!) and checks your list against those killed in Magnimar. By the end of the cross-referencing, he whistles low, ”Well, I must say, it looks like you might have something here. Not sure I’d worry the Lord-Mayor over it, as all you’ve got is his name on a list, and you’ve killed all the cultists, but sure - I’ll let you kick it up the food chain if you wish.”
He consults a list on his desk, ”Lord Farquar is the man you need to speak to today. He’s a noble, but a decent guy for all that. Head down to…” he goes on to tell you how to find this Lord Farquar, and gives you back your documents along with a stamped pass to see the Lord.
It’s nearly noon by the time you get free of the Sergeant, but you head over to the offices of Lord Farquar right away and petition for an appointment. Your name doesn’t get you anywhere, but the stamped pass at least gets you an appointment. Tomorrow (Lamashan 29) at 2pm.
You have the afternoon of Lamashan 28, and the morning of Lamashan 29 to yourself. As you’re having lunch prior to your appointment, likely at the inn, the party returns and joins you there! They’ve ridden from Sandpoint with news…
- - -
- - -
The party is together again, and it’s noon-is on Lamashan 29 in Magnimar. I think all the stuff you’ve ordered should be done and delivered by now, so keep that in mind.
”You are not planning on going somewhere, are you?”
”Maybe,” Kast replies, hauling all of his camping and outdoor equipment with him for this trip. ”If our work is done here, and I think it is, I’m going to do some traveling. I need to see the world and find my destiny.”
Kast goes to sit next to Izo and fill the man in, even as he orders his own meal and digs right in.
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Val holds out a closed hand, pulling down a finger as she goes through events. ”Allow me to clarify then. You, a watchman, find yourself drawn into defending your hometown against an invasion of goblins spearheaded by a would-be demoness from said town camped out in a Thassilonian tomb and using a Thassilonian runewell, you fight an invasion of undead and a serial killer that are both using Thassilonian runes, learn the leader of said cult has a sister who is doing the same type of weird Thassilonian garbage elsewhere. I should mention that you are a young man pit to prove himself who has also spent years studying Thassilon, to the point you can easily outstrip scholars.” She presses her fingers to her temple and shakes her head.
”And you think your destiny is in Lastwall.”
She has to take a moment to just fully take in the entirety of the moment. The answer is right in front of him and he just cannot see it. How does one…oh. Well, maybe she can understand refusing to see something others find obvious. She relaxes somewhat at that realization. ”Kast. Darling. You do not find destiny by chasing it. You find it by reading the room. And the room is covered in Thassilonian sihe-whatchamacallits.” She flutters her hand as she tries to remember the word. ”See I cannot even remember the word! You are part of the team. You remember these things!” She holds up her hand to point to the ring Seamus gave each of them. ”See? A team. I know we do not always get along, but we would hardly need to be a team if did not each bring something different. If Cayden has taught me one thing it is that you have to follow where your luck leads. And I think where it leads is pretty clear.” She looks to the others for validation.
When he sees the Sargeant doubting, he almost drops all the documents on his hands "Ok, if you won't let me see the Mayor, then you take all this documents. I have done my thing and is your responsibility now. I am morally discharged of any future assassination of the Mayor at the hands of this cult, and it doesn't matter how grey that might sound to Aneka's ears" of course the name reference does not pick anything on the Sargeant ears, but when the Sargeant finally seems to change his mind and suggests he being too young to be taken seriously, the boy smiles "That is funny because, you know... Aneka always says I am an old man trapped in the body of a teenager"
With that done, Izomandakus takes his pass and Lord Farquar reference and goes to the Golemworks, he greets everyone and accesses his master's books another day to learn a basic spell while his friends finish their work day.
And after that hour of study he hangs out for the rest of the night with his Golemworks friends.
The next day, on morning, he visits the sewer again, where he did leave the Snakeskin Tunic to see if they had been able to make it look less despicable and old fashioned, and more modern and dragon-looking, or anything else-looking for that matter. He pays with coin, but not without negotiating to the last copper.
Well dressed in his new tunic, and with some of the jewels obtained as "carry-money" in exchange of the sold items, he prepares and assists the meeting with Lord Farquar.
Taking lunch in the inn first of course!
"Awe! So you are back!" Izomandakus almost chokes surprised with some long thin pasta when he spots Kast entering the inn followed in short by Valena trying to reason the stout future Knight of Ozem about some topic Thassilion involved. He looks confused but shrugs and let's it be, but not without letting out a baffled laugh.
Pachemu does run to meet the group, oinking around them and sniffing at their legs.
"You know, with all this business of the ledger I had almost no time yet to look for machinery and recruit hands. I almost throw all the proof at the face of that obtuse Sargent and let him charge with the death of the Mayor." he then shows a stamped pass with a smile "But Aneka is right when she says I need be more patient. Guess who is getting to meet with Lord Mayor Grobaras himself?" he looks at you with bright eyes.
Hasslo waves goodbye to Shalelu. "Till we meet again, my dear elf. I'm glad to have made a friend here in town, something to distract me from the things that are going on.". Though he's not romantically interested in Shalelu, he feels a camaraderie with her (sort of like Gimli and Legalos). As they depart, he gives her a big bear hug. "We will return soon, my friend."
As the group travels back to Magnimar, Hasslo is in a sour mood. "The mayor is just meeting us for show, I'm sure." He feels a bit pessimistic about the whole thing. The dwarf is fairly quiet during the ride.
When Val starts berating talking to Kast about his destiny in Lastwall, Hasslo nods. "I was sure my destiny was to be living in the woods outside of Magnimar for my whole life. But the gods sure have a way with messing with destiny. Looks like you're stuck with me, buddy." He does manage to laugh. "But seriously, the gods are telling you that you are needed here - not Lastwall. At least for now."