GM Euan's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

While the others arrive Izomandakus observes the ear collection for a while before asking "I always asked myself why you hate goblins so much Daviren”

”The little f*&#ers are less than. They are less than human, less than most beasts for that matter. Even a dog has loyalty, but goblins, they ain’t got nothin’.” he spits, as if unable to keep the bile from his throat at even the mention of the blighters. You’ll notice three new, fresh, ears nailed to the board, one of them complete with a burned in name - 'Katrard'.

"Hi Aldern! Was the night good with Kizzy?" he looks around concerned the woman is not there yet "It is strange she is not here already"

”Ha ha!” the lord chuckles, ”We merely dozed over our drinks a little while, telling each other boring stories of our pasts.” He looks exceptionally happy to be on this hunt with you all.

When they lead the horses out of the stables, Kunala approaches the smallest of the herd. A little black mare with a piebald face and three white stockings. As he takes the reins, he turns to Daviren and asks, "What's this ones name?"

”Buttercup. Watch her head, she’ll run on you if you let her.”

Meg half drags Daviren into the stables whereupon she confides in him.

"Say, Daviren, can you help me with the hitchy-hitchy thing? And then, do you have a stile or boarding ramp around? I mean, I can probably swing it, but definitely need a bit of help making sure my stirrups are all stirrup'd and all," Kast smiles, not too ashamed to ask for help.

Aldern’s footmen, already helping others up to their steeds, bond together to foist Kast into the saddle, and without too much ceremony - just a simple lift, by three strong lads.

"Say, Daviren, what's my horse's name? Is it something awesome, like Shadowfox? Or NightRaven? Or Blessed Avenger? I bet it's Blessed Avenger, huh? That's it, huh?" Kast asks when he is finally ahorse. He tries to find the best way to carry his longspear while managing the reins. It's difficult.

”He’s Oakley owing to his fondness for eating leaves off the trees when left to his own devices.” the ranger smiles. "Here, put the end of your spear here, by your foot, and then you can lean the spear against your body, sort of cradled by your arm while you ride. Works pretty well at a gallop, but you'll want to hang onto your weapon at a trot- much more movement then."

The ride to the Tickwood takes a little less than an hour at a leisurely pace. Faster at a gallop, but this is a social engagement, not a rush. Aldern, as the host, spends most of the ride speaking of the high life in Magnimar so you can relax and just ride along, entertained. He tells stories about his mis-spent youth, and how he improved as he grew into adulthood. He speaks of lavish celebrations and small dinner parties. He talks of what the rich in Magnimar do for entertainment (pretty boring stuff really, though lots of dinner parties).

He leaves pauses and openings for you to talk as well, and he pays particular attention to Kizzy. Is her horse OK, how about the saddle, how’s the pace, etc. Ostensibly he’s asking these questions of everyone, but he always seems to be looking at Kizzy when he does so. In fact, for most of the trip, he has a hard time taking his attention from her. Almost as if the rest of you were just chaperons, or friends he must convince he’s a good man.

Finally, you arrive at your planned base camp. A servant already waits there with a couple small folding tables and a small fire upon which coffee is brewing. ”Spot of early lunch to give us the strength for the fight ahead? It will take some time for the beaters to get into position in any event.” he adds.

He seems to have thought of every comfort as you stand around eating substantial sandwiches, some relishes - including a rather fine cheese from Ameiko’s larder, and coffee. He pours Kizzy a cup and then pours for you all before returning the pot to his servant for a fresh batch.

"Oakley! That's a grand name, also because he's probably strong like a tree and that's why he likes eating those leaves," Kast notes keenly, seeing the regal manner of the horse beneath him.

"Can the rest of you ride okay? I'm not so good at it. I'm working at it, though, soon I'll be perfect. Just perfect."

Kast worries about getting back into the saddle, but does come down for a leisurely lunch.

"Did you want some coffee, Izo?" Kast asks as he pours himself one. If so, he'll bring one over. "Are you going to take up a spear against the boar, Izo? How many times in our lives will we have a chance like this?"

"I have had little opportunity to ride in my life, Kast, but I have enjoyed it when I did. Horses are just such majestic animals that it is hard to keep away." Meg pets the mane of her horse. "Strong, yet also delicate and refined." A certain almost childish wonder takes to the normally worldly Meg as she admires the animals. She allows herself to be taken by the feeling as it helps distract her from annoyances of nature, such as bugs and low-hanging branches, as well as from that pointed stare she received from Foxglove. Ironically, the more he talks about events that she herself remembers, the more she realizes that she simply does not remember him. That is not to say that she suspects him of being a fraud, but rather that she cannot place him. That she still cannot remember his name for more than a few moments makes the effort all the more difficult.

She drinks heartily of the coffee and consumes of the sandwiches and cheese with the etiquette her mother had quite literally beat into her as a young girl.

Izomandakus listens Aldern stories and really tries to stay close to talk with him, but all the time, when he thinks he is getting into it, the horse does something unexpected and he has to focus on not falling down.

Defeated for not being able to talk with the nobleman during the ride, the boy is surprised by Kast approach. He blinks and smiles "Coffee? Yes, please Kast" heating his hands on the cup as the man fills it Izomandakus takes a long sip "Mmmm... delicious! Much better than the school beverage, isn't it?"

The boy takes a slice of cheese and savors it while holding the coffe in the other hand "Oh, spears. I do not know Kast. I never got good with those things. Aneka keeps saying we live in a frontier land and I should learn to use those pointy things, but I do not know... how do I even hold it Kast?"

'Buttercup. and heck point any horse to the barn and they'll run on you.' Nodding to Daviren, "Buttercup and don't give her her head, got it." Swinging into the saddle he watches as the three young men help Kast Mount. Chuckling as Izomandakus makes plans to make a machine to help Kast mount. Turning the mare around he asks his friend, "Izomandakus how would Kast get the machine to Last Wall?" Shrugging he answers Kast, "I can ride ok, as riding goes. Don't ask me to fight on horseback." Turning to Meg he raises an eyebrow. "Hard to keep away from horses? Really? I don't have any trouble."

As the get going, Seamus lets the others move to the front; while he and the little piebald mare follow behind. Not worried about the mare wanting to pass the other horses, Seamus unshoulders his lute and begins to strum a happy little tune. When Aldern begins to share stories, he shrugs and tucks the lute behind his left arm. Watching how much attention the little lord pays to their swordswoman. smiling to himself. 'Well they say opposites attract. I wonder if she's figured out he's interested in her.'

Arriving at the base camp, Seamus dismounts buttercup and ties her off with the other horses. Helping himself to the sandwiches he holds one in his right hand as he accepts the coffee from Aldern with his left. 'Serving us with his own hand?' Lifting the coffee up in a sort of toast. "Thank you Lord Aldern. So once you have your house remodeled, will you be staying with us here in Sandpoint or moving back to Magnimar?"

"Izomandakus how would Kast get the machine to Last Wall?"

Izomandakus frowns and goes silent, thinking heavily on the matter for long minutes. Then he smiles back and approaches back to Seamus and Kast "I have come to the idea of building a metal horse. Is that possible? I think it is ingenious, isn't it? To ride over metal. Seems unthinkable, maybe the speed will be dangerous for the soul within our body. Need more research on that. We do not want Kast to go mad from speed. Would a human have enough reflexes to even manage at that speed? Need more research. Hmmm... maybe we can sell it if it works and become rich. Wanna try?"

"And what about this big fella?" She asked of her black gelding before they set out. "If he had antlers, he'd look more like a moose than a horse." She joked, giving the beast a companionable pat.

Kizzy rode along beside Lord Foxglove, mostly out of duty to keep him safe and also because it was easier to answer his frequent questions. But travelling and seeing new places always put her into high spirits, so she answered brightly. Yes, m'lord, she quite liked the horse and the saddle seemed fine. No, m'lord, she didn't ride often but she was willing to learn. Yes, m'lord, the pace was good for enjoying the lovely day. Yes indeed, m'lord, she was always eager to sit down to lunch!

She praised the spread and thanked Lord Foxglove gratefully as she sipped the coffee, enjoying the unique aroma and the way it warmed her to her core. "You don't spare the luxuries, even on the road, do you, m'lord? You must travel a lot. What's the most exotic place you've been, Lord Foxglove, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Strong, yet also delicate and refined."

Oh. Sort of like you, then? Kast looks at Meg, briefly, then away.

* * *

"How do I even hold it Kast?"

Kast smiles. He knows how he's supposed to hold and use the spear, but he can't do it they way everyone else does. He has to do it his way, because, well, he has a twisted mass where his leg should be.

So he has to use the longspear his way.

"I think you get to use it as you see fit, Izo. I would definitely suggest bracing it against something if the boar is ready to charge, but other than that, just focus on aiming it. Let the boar's energy do the work," Kast suggests the exact plan he was going to try.

"Mad from speed."

"Lol. I do not think there is any danger of that. I would try your machine, Izo, if you would let me. But is sounds like you're a long way from making that happen."

For those of you wanting spears, there are several, with a solid crossbar near the point to keep the boar from continuing its charge right up the spear. They act as longspears for proficiency purposes, damage, etc.

Arriving at the base camp, Seamus dismounts buttercup and ties her off with the other horses. Helping himself to the sandwiches he holds one in his right hand as he accepts the coffee from Aldern with his left. 'Serving us with his own hand?' Lifting the coffee up in a sort of toast. "Thank you Lord Aldern. So once you have your house remodeled, will you be staying with us here in Sandpoint or moving back to Magnimar?"

”Oh, I hope to split my time honestly. I love my apartment in Magnimar, and of course I do business in town as well, so naturally I must spend time there. But I love it out here too, especially in the fall and winter. So quiet. So clean. Quite different from the mud-ice slurry on the ground in Magnimar.”

She praised the spread and thanked Lord Foxglove gratefully as she sipped the coffee, enjoying the unique aroma and the way it warmed her to her core. ”You don't spare the luxuries, even on the road, do you, m'lord? You must travel a lot. What's the most exotic place you've been, Lord Foxglove, if you don't mind my asking?”

”Oh, no need to call me ‘lord’. We’re all friends here. I’m not, I must admit, well travelled. Oh, I’ve been as far as Korvosa, but I’d have to say Kaer Maga is certainly the most exotic place I’ve ever been. You must climb a thousand steps just to get in the city! And the tunnels and stairways are heavily guarded - and even so people making the journey are often attacked!”

”But all that is worth it. You should go to Kare Maga just to see the city.” he looks at Kizzy, ”Perhaps I’ll take you sometime!” he smiles warmly.

Properly kitted out the party sets down their coffee, and what’s left of lunch, to be cleaned up by the servant and you walk northeast into the forest. Although giant ticks are known in this wood, the primary denizens of this long, narrow forest of pines, firs, and redwoods are boars. The boars have invaded the wood, and are now more populous than deer, and far more destructive. They pollute water sources, steal vegetables and crops, and drive cattle from their feed troughs. There is a local bounty on the boars - not much, but enough to ensure good hunting, though it can be very dangerous.

You move deeper into the trees on what really is a very lovely day. Before long, Lord Foxglove holds up his hand, ”Friends, listen. You can hear the beaters.” Sure enough, if you listen hard enough you can hear the shrill cry of the servants sent to drive the boar your way! You quickly take up arms straddling a fallen tree as a boar appears charging your way!

It’s a monster of a brute, over four feet long, with huge tusks ready to gore you!

New map up. I’ve put you along the southern edge, but feel free to reposition yourselves a little if you wish. I’ve put a red dot on the boar, as the token rather faded into the landscape.

You all have a surprise round before the boar appears to prepare if you wish, so even those of you behind the boar in initiative may post, and are not flat footed to it.

- Round 1 -
Kizzy - 22
Izomandakus - 21
Seamus - 17+
Tickwood Boar - 17-
Meg - 15
Kast - 14
Aldern Foxglove - 10

First up - Kizzy, Izomandakus, and Seamus can react to the boar before the others (plus the surprise round).

Earlier conversation with Lord Aldern
'Hmmm, split his time between the two.' Nodding has he sipped the coffee, 'This stuff is worse than the plum wine.' Looking at the coffee, Seamus returns his gaze to Lord Aldern, "Interesting, what type of business are you involved in?"

After his conversation with the little lord, Seamus sets the almost full cup of coffee on the table. He begins to gently strum the lute, while he follows the lord around listening to his conversations with the others. Raising an eyebrow, 'Take her to Kaer Maga? I'd like to go the city of mystery, I wonder if I can talk Kizzy into taking me along. I could be a valet or something.'

at the hunt
As the group heads out, Seamus slings his lute securely over his shoulder, drawing the bow. He moves carefully beside the others, keeping a keen eye out. Hearing the 'beaters' around the same time the little lord pointed it out, Seeing the huge boar, Seamus shakes his head, "Next time couldn't' we just go to a tavern, throw darts and eat a ham sandwich?" He draws an arrow from the quiver on his hip notching it, waiting until he gets a clear shot at the beast he releases the arrow then steps away from the others hopping to get another clean shot before the beast is upon them.

Surprise round: waits until he can fire first round attack: short bow, 5 ft step
attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 for damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"I think you get to use it as you see fit, Izo. I would definitely suggest bracing it against something if the boar is ready to charge, but other than that, just focus on aiming it. Let the boar's energy do the work,"

"Let's see... like this?" Izomandakus very seriously tries to brace the spear against his foot. Despite he hits a toe, or two, the boy keeps trying. Spinning the spear around he bruises himself, and almost hits Kast once or twice. Nevertheless, he keeps trying.

------

"Where?!" Izomandakus looks towards where Aldern is pointing still surprised. Then, spotting the boar, he readies himself like Kast has taught him. Luckily Aldern is ducked behind the tree and the pointy extreme of the spear only styles the Lordly hair. In that menacing way the boy readies an action for the charge of the boar.

Surprise Round

Meg rushes up to take cover behind one of the trees. She may not know much about boars, but she is reasonably sure they cannot charge through trees.

Kizzy practices a bit with her borrowed spear, she'd trained with a number of different weapons, she just generally preferred her sword. As the boar came into view, she pointed it out, "Look at the size of that beastie. Get ready, here he comes!"
Swift action to issue challenge and standard to ready attack. All allies receive a +1 circumstance bonus on melee attack rolls against the target of her challenge whenever she is threatening the target. Kizzy receives a +1 dodge bonus to her AC against attacks made by the target of her challenge.

Ready Longspear Brace+Challenge: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15 Damage+Challenge: 2d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2, 8) + 3 + 2 = 15

Round Surprise, Init 14

Kast nearly drops his longspear when the beast is sighted. He remembers his training and immediate sets the butt of his spear into the ground, stabilized by his stronger right foot, with his left leg forward.

He hopes the boar charges.

"Get its attention! Come here, boar!"

Readied Longspear:
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 to hit;
2d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 2) + 6 = 15 damage.

Meg gets some cover behind a tree, ready to leap out. Seamus prepares himself and fires an arrow through cover, burying it deeply in the wild boars hide, inflaming its anger. Izomandakus readies a spell, which goes off as the boar charges Kast and Kizzy who each skewer the boar as it charges!

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 vs DC 14 or fall prone

The boar keeps its footing as it crashes through the underbrush charging the group in a panic. Kast and Kizzy spear the poor brute as it charges them. It cannot overcome their spears though, as it lays there bleeding, never to rise again. A Tickwood Boar is vanquished, by 3 beaters and 7 warriors.

We are out of initiative.

Lord Aldern lets out a cry, ”Well done! I’ve not seen a boar taken out with such speed! Usually someone will manage to spear it, and the rest will pile on in time, but this, ’woosh!’ And it’s done! Impressive my friends, and a fine specimen for an exceptional dinner!”

His beaters appear a moment later, and under the guidance of one of them, they field dress the boar, hoist it up onto a couple of spears, and begin to carry it to the horses.

The hunting party makes their way, at a leisurely pace, back to basecamp as Aldern rattles on about the kill (”Didn’t Kizzy do a wonderful job?”) and the lovely weather.

Phew! Totally thought we were going to have a Robert Baratheon situation here.

Kast digs in, lowering his spear to meet the charge. Secretly, he’s happy when the big keeps his feet and momentum over the grease, the momentum helping dig the spear deeper.

Be perfect, Kast. Perfect.

He digs in his stronger right leg to brace for the impact and is pleasantly surprised when both his and Kizzy’s spear find their marks. He does note that Kizzy’s spear is slightly better focused and accurate than his was.

”Nice work, KIZZY!” Kast rasps in deep breaths as he looks down at the kill. ”Lastwall fist bump!” Kast offers a fist to Kizzy to celebrate the kill.

She was better. I should learn from her. She’s good.

When he recovers, and is able to get his longspear out of the boar, he will help field dress (though he doesn’t know what he is doing, he’ll just watch and help) and lug (which he can do) the boar back. The lugging and lifting work is something he’ll do proudly, as it’s part of the job of boar kill and cleaning up one’s messes. Also, he’s so elated by the experience that he wants it to last.

”Izo? Did you see that!? That was amazing!”

ninja'd by Kast, will edit slightly
Drawing another arrow as the beast charges his friends, Seamus watches as Kast and Kizzy lower thier spears and finish the beast off. Returning his second arrow to the quiver he nods in agreement with Lord Aldern, "Yes, well done." smiling as his friends celebrate.

Keeping the bow at the ready, Seamus follows the others back. As the little lord brags about Kizzy's astounding effort Seamus smiles and interrupts nudging her shoulder., "Yes, she did do wonderfully." Winking at her when she turned "But I still drew first blood." He turns his bow, holding it like it's a lyre, Smiling. "Not the knight of Last wall, nor the guardian of nobles." He plucks the bow string once. "Just the humble lute play from junker's way."

Izomandakus nods slightly to Kast while they chop the boar "I saw, I was in first line! You are the Tickwood Hunters now" he does nod once more "I think I saw how to do it. I will do better next time with the spear. I am sorry I could not show up the movements you taught me, I was just too worried the boar could skewer our nobleman"

Once things calm down, Izomandakus profits the cherish of the moment to come by Aldern "Lord Foxglove, I have a business idea I would like to comment to you..." the boy goes in length detail about how he witness using constructs to work the farms around Sandpoint "...so what do you think? Does your manor include land around with farms where we could implement a test?"

Kizzy remained in good spirits throughout the day, though her focus was on the sights and the sounds of the land and the forests around them. She smiled noncommittally to all of Lord Foxglove's offers of outings in the future and such but it was clear to anyone who looked closely that her smile did not reach her eyes. She also kept up calling him "m'lord" despite his protestations and claims of friendship. Duty is your shield, she thought, the words sounding like Mistress Gray's voice inside her head.

Only during the actual hunt did she resume some of her usual exuberance. She got the fist bump right this time and complimented Kast's performance as well. "The spear does most of the work when using it like this, but you have adapted it's use well, Kast. And that spell really used the boar's momentum against it, Izomandakus. Looks like the bow works for you, Seamus. You must have an affinity for strings."

She takes a moment to thank the servants Lord Foxglove employed as well. They had taken quite a risk on themselves to flush the boar.
Robert Baratheon didn't have a Kizzy! XD
Also Kast should have gotten an ally bonus as soon as Kizzy was threatening the boar, so his attack roll would have been just as good as hers. ^_^

Ride check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
She rode along with a bit more confidence than she had ridden out. Or perhaps it was just eagerness to be back in Sandpoint and done with this day.

Meg taps the flat of her rapier against her shoulder as she strolls out from behind the tree. ”Well that was anticlimactic. That poor creature had no idea what was coming.” She frowns as she looks down on the corpse. She had thought this excursion might have helped her get more used to death, help her not flinch when she has to face her husband, but it just makes her sad. The world is so much heavier than the dream world she lived in.

Nevertheless, it would never do for her to be a downer. She smiles all the same and throws up a mock salute at the triumphant comrades. ”Well done, darlings.”

The servants thank Kast for his assistance, but assure him they’ve got it, and they do. They quickly truss up the boar and two of them start hauling it out at a quick pace, followed by the third to keep an eye on things.

The party reaches their basecamp where some fresh cheeses and some flavorful full bodied wines are laid out by the remaining servant. You stand around chatting a little further in excited tones about the hunt, short though it was. As you’d expect, the Lord praises Kizzy above all, though he doesn’t ignore the others input either. He just clearly favors Kizzy.

Once things calm down, Izomandakus profits the cherish of the moment to come by Aldern "Lord Foxglove, I have a business idea I would like to comment to you..." the boy goes in length detail about how he witness using constructs to work the farms around Sandpoint "...so what do you think? Does your manor include land around with farms where we could implement a test?"

The lord looks at the young man and smiles good naturedly, but doesn’t offer any farmland. ”Oh, I’ve found that constructs are very expensive, especially compared to farmers. Why I imagine it would take a lifetime to recoup the costs of just one golem, if even then!” He goes on to encourage Izomandakus, politely, but it’s clear he himself has little interest in such wild fantasies.

In time, you mount up, with the remaining servant and a well placed fallen tree helping you all into your saddles (especially Kast). The ride back is swifter, with Lord Aldern speeding to a gallop once you get to the main road. It's quite exhilarating, though perhaps a little nerve-wracking for those of you unaccustomed to mounted travel. The wind whips by you, with the cool autumn air stinging your eyes and the smell of rotting leaves and horse filling your nostrils.

It takes almost no time at all to return to the Goblin Squash Stables, somewhat breathless from the feeling of raw power beneath you and the speed. Lord Aldern dismounts easily before helping others from their mounts (starting with Kizzy). Cheerily he wishes you all a pleasant rest of your afternoon, ”…and I’ll see you all at the Rusty Dragon tonight for a boar roast!” A few handshakes all around, and the good Lord heads off to do, well, whatever Lords do in the middle of the afternoon.

Speaking of which, what do you do with your afternoon? You have three or four hours before dinner commences.

"Are you sure Lord Foxglove? You might be missing the opportunity to become outstandingly rich and put your name in history. How many ones have hated themselves for not investing in a clearly winning venture. Consider how often farmers get ill, or revolt against authority. They cannot even work while raining, no word about snowing. We can certainly lower the costs if blablablabla..." Izomandakus keeps trying to convince the nobleman but ultimately he does recognize when his time is better invested elsewhere.

Once back at the stables the boy is happy to rejoin with Pachemu "Oh, look at that! So you really caught five rats!? Deverin must be pretty happy with you"

As people says goodbye to the nobleman Izomandakus states his intentions for his afternoon "I do plan to report back to the Sheriff about the nature of the robes as we all but forgot to do it yesterday thanks to the Lord's well timed party. If anyone of you is willing to join just feel good to come"

Earlier
'An affinity for strings? Ha, she remembers how badly I hooked that bullet with her sling.' While he's putting his arrow back in the quiver, Seamus turns and smiles at Kizzy, "Yeah it's much harder to hook an arrow." He gestures towards the boar, "But I doubt if I'm getting my arrow back."

at the clearing
'Huh, tough crowd. Guess I should stick to the lute.' Not getting a rise out of anyone by his comment, Seamus unstrings his bow, tucking it in it's scabbard, he unshoulders the lute and begins to strum it. Listening to the others talk, he occasionally comments or eats a piece of cheese. When it's time to leave he quickly mounts without help and once again brings up the rear. As the other horses speed away, Seamus lets the piebald mare slip from the trot into a slow canter, but making sure he doesn't let her have her head. Knowing that if he did she would scrape him off on the door frame as she ran into the stable.

Arriving shortly after the others, he slows the mare to a trot, and then a walk, eventually bringing her to a stop, dismounting the mare, he hands the reins to Daviren. "She's a solid little mare, you were right, she fought the bit a little when the others took off." He smiles, "I let her come to a canter, but didn't let her have her head."

Hearing Lord Aldern remind them about the boar roast, Seamus turns and shakes the little lords hand. "Thank your sir, we'll see you tonight." As they start to leave, Izomandakus asks i anyone would want to accompany him. 'Tell the sheriff about the robe....hhmmmm, I'll think I'll pass on visiting the sheriff.' Shaking his head no, he gestures back to the 'Kitten.' "I still need to get caught up on some work, but I'll see you for dinner."

the afternoon
Pulling his hat down, hoping people don't notice him, Seamus heads back to the brothel. Heading to the attic first, he leaves his bandolier, lute and hat near his bunk and heads to work. One of the girls tells him that a bed was broken, so Seamus fetches the tool box, and spends a couple of hours working on the bed. Disassembling the bed, removing the broken slats, finding wood to replace the broken boards, cutting the wood, nailing them in place then reassembling the bed.

He has a couple of hours still, but customers had started rolling in; so he puts up the tool box and heads to the attic. Gathering his bandolier, lute, hat and cloak, he heads to the north of town, wandering around the old light house. He eventually goes to the edge of the cliff overlooking Junkers Beach, sitting, his feet dangling off the edge, he practices his lute until it's time to go to the Rusty Dragon.

To be honest, Kast doesn't know what to do with this afternoon. He's still geared up from the hunt, and the riding, and, of course, the coffee, and so he has a bit too much energy to do what he should do: go read or study historical military battles.

"I do plan to report back to the Sheriff about the nature of the robes as we all but forgot to do it yesterday thanks to the Lord's well timed party. If anyone of you is willing to join just feel good to come"

"Oh, of course! I can't believe we forgot to do that! Yes, I'll come with you." And like that, his problem of what to do has been solved. He goes to see the Sheriff and report back what they found out.

Once the nobleman had gone on his way, Qetsiyah shared the one piece of good news she'd gleaned from Ameiko the previous day. "Meg, I wanted to tell you, Ameiko said enough people have left now that she can set you up in a room of your own. It'll be much more comfortable than a cot jammed into the VIP suite." She said with a sympathetic smile.

Kizzy joined the boys to go and give report. "I'll come along too. I want to hear if the Sheriff has had any more thoughts about what the graverobbers were after." She said to Izomandakus and Kast. She was glad to keep busy, so she honestly hoped the Sheriff had some task in mind for them. She was of half a mind to skip the dinner tonight and finish off the rest of the food she'd brought with her instead.

Meg grins at Kizzy’s good news. ”How delightful! I shan’t be imposing upon you any longer. I will miss girl talk, though.” The romance of roughing it with the cot had worn out quickly, so the thought of her own bed immediately improves her mood. However, she is ultimately a social creature, and the thought of having to sleep in a room alone again is disappointing.

She had no more particular plans for the afternoon, so visiting the sheriff sounded as fine an idea as any other. It was what everyone else was doing and she preferred to be surrounded by friendly faces. ”Since going to visit the sheriff is the hot new trend amongst the group, who am I to say no?”

While the party travels there, she begins thinking about her lovely horse, and how much she shall love to brush her mane and give her treats and pamper her. She always liked the sound of the name Troia. She has absolutely no idea if it means anything, but it sounds good in her head and better on her lips, which is all that matters.

Arriving shortly after the others, he slows the mare to a trot, and then a walk, eventually bringing her to a stop, dismounting the mare, he hands the reins to Daviren. "She's a solid little mare, you were right, she fought the bit a little when the others took off." He smiles, "I let her come to a canter, but didn't let her have her head."

Daviren smiles, ”Well done, thank you.” He seems honestly appreciative that you, and the rest of you too, didn’t abuse your animals.

Most of the group heads to the Sandpoint Garrison, the most likely spot for the sheriff this time of day. Find him you do, as he’s going over some paperwork in his office. You are ushered in fairly quickly on your arrival, and the sheriff, happily, pushes aside his documents for the moment.

”What can I do for you? Have you found something out?”

”What can I do for you? Have you found something out?”

Kast straightens up and salutes, remaining at attention until the Sheriff gives leave to speak.

”...and so the robes are bereft of magics and shouldn’t pose any danger,” Kast explains what the gnome had told them. ”And also, High Lord Foxglove took us out on a boar hunt this morning, maybe you heard about that? Well, what you didn’t hear was that we were successful, as Kizzy here drillt it between the eyes and we’re having a boar feast tonight. You should come. It will be fun.” Kast beams with pride at his new friend Kizzy.

”...and so the robes are bereft of magics and shouldn’t pose any danger,” Kast explains what the gnome had told them. ”And also, High Lord Foxglove took us out on a boar hunt this morning, maybe you heard about that? Well, what you didn’t hear was that we were successful, as Kizzy here drillt it between the eyes and we’re having a boar feast tonight. You should come. It will be fun.” Kast beams with pride at his new friend Kizzy.

Qetsiyah grins and turns to Kast, giving him such a hearty pat on the back she nearly overbalanced him, catching hold of his jerkin to keep him from tipping over. "With your skewer through his throat, he wouldn't have lasted long, Kast. And don't forget Izomandakus' spell. That boar never knew what hit him. Big fella too. Might feed the whole town." Abruptly she realized this was not what they came to tell the Sheriff and cleared her throat as she quieted down, taking up a stance like a soldier at ease to let Izomandakus share what he'd found out.

Meg folds her arms and leans up against the wall, looking about for any wanted posters that have her face on them, while she waits to hear the sheriff’s reaction.

Izomandakus swells with pride when Kizzy remembers his actions with the boar "Did you hear Pachemu? It was epic"

Before leaving the sheriff, Izomandakus gives him back the robes "Apparently the skeletons we fought were created the magics of the robe, so maybe there was no necromancer after all. The robes are depleted now as Kast pointed out"

"And you should absolutely come tonight! It is going to be memorable!" although as he says, he reels back a bit, thinking maybe Seamus will not come if the Sheriff does.

Meg sees nothing with her likeness.

Sheriff Belor listens to your report and carefully considers it. ”Interesting. So the skeletons were recent additions, and they did steal the Father’s old bones. Can you think of any reason they might want his body, or what’s left of it after seven years?”

He rubs his left sideburn as he thinks and listens to your reply. Seemingly changing subjects, he asks, ”Do any of you know Shalelu Andosana?”

Kast rolls forward a bit at Kizzy’s physical pat, but is able to catch himself. He doesn’t have an answer about the bones.

1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 17 Know (Local)

”Shalelu?” Kast asks, and resists making a double-clicking sound like urging a horse to trot from a walk as he does recognize the name. ”Oh yeah, but I haven’t seen her in a while. She keeps an eye on the farmlands and forests around here, right? Heck, she might even know a bit about the goblin attacks, right? Oh...is she in trouble for not warning us about that?!” Kast’s mind slowly moves through a series of out-loud internal thoughts.

Sheriff Belor listens to your report and carefully considers it. ”Interesting. So the skeletons were recent additions, and they did steal the Father’s old bones. Can you think of any reason they might want his body, or what’s left of it after seven years?”

He rubs his left sideburn as he thinks and listens to your reply. Seemingly changing subjects, he asks, ”Do any of you know Shalelu Andosana?”

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"Can't say as I have any ideas about what someone would want with a dead priest, though. Did Father Tobyn have any enemies to speak of? It wasn't goblins that burned down the old cathedral, was it?" She was less clear about the details of the so-called 'unpleasantness' as people seemed to prefer not to mention it beyond referring to it as such.

Meg relaxes as she does not see any advertisements of “Wanted: Dead Or Alive: The Vile Murderess Who Looks Like This: Reward: 100000 gold.” ”I have not had the pleasure of making this Shalelu’s acquaintance, and I would remember, as that is an absolutely delightful name to sound out. Sha-lay-loo. Shalelu.” She begins wandering the office, casually prodding and piking up anything that catches her whimsy. The distraction keeps her turned away so that nobody can see the sadness on her face as she brings up a particularly tender subject. ”Did I not hear correctly that Tobyn had a daughter who perished with him? I have heard little talk of her. Perhaps she had enemies if he did not.”

Aye, that’s her. Shalelu has been a thorn in the side of the local goblin tribes for years, and that few in the region know more about them than she does. She was just in town a month ago, and is coming back in a few days - very unlike her. No, she’s not in trouble, at least not from me. Apparently a farm south of the Mosswood was burned to the ground by a group of goblins. The family just came into town to report it and get some shelter for winter. Shalelu was there and saved the family and has sent word of her arrival. Says she has news of goblins in the region.”

”I’d like it if you’d all attended the meeting. Kast will let you know when she returns to town.”

He pauses briefly, checking for nods and signs of agreement before continuing.

"Can't say as I have any ideas about what someone would want with dead priest, though. Did Father Tobyn have any enemies to speak of? It wasn't goblins that burned down the old cathedral, was it?" She was less clear about the details of the so-called 'unpleasantness' as people seemed to prefer not to mention it beyond referring to it as such.

”No, not goblins I don’t think. A month after I became sheriff…” he pauses, a somewhat haunted look in his eye, ”a terrible fire struck Sandpoint. The fire started in the Sandpoint Chapel and spread quickly. As the town rallied to save the church, the inferno expanded, consuming the North Coast Stables, the White Deer Inn, and three homes. In the end, the church burnt to the ground, leaving the town’s beloved priest Ezakien Tobyn and his beautiful daughter Nualia dead.”

"I do not think Nualia had enemies, she was an Aasimar. Adopted you see."

Meg laughs bitterly at the sheriff’s line of reasoning. ”Beautiful people have enemies just like anyone else. We are just as fallible as anyone else, not to mention the resentment that comes from people who think you are somehow more blessed than them.” She bats her hair away from her face. ”Maybe the original parents had second thoughts. Coveted a beautiful jewel of their own.”

Meg relaxes as she does not see any advertisements of “Wanted: Dead Or Alive: The Vile Murderess Who Looks Like This: Reward: 100000 gold.” ”I have not had the pleasure of making this Shalelu’s acquaintance, and I would remember, as that is an absolutely delightful name to sound out. Sha-lay-loo. Shalelu.” She begins wandering the office, casually prodding and piking up anything that catches her whimsy. The distraction keeps her turned away so that nobody can see the sadness on her face as she brings up a particularly tender subject. ”Did I not hear correctly that Tobyn had a daughter who perished with him? I have heard little talk of her. Perhaps she had enemies if he did not.”

Kizzy tilted her head to the side quizzically as she turned to Meg. "But if they were her enemies, wouldn't they want her bones? Or were they taken too?" She said, looking back to the Sheriff.

Izomandakus gets sad remembering the night of the fire when Nualia and Tobyn died "That was a terrible night... a terrible year I would say... my brother died that same year too"

"Maybe the goblins want the bones of a saint man. Anyway, their reasons are always unintelligible to humans, they just think different, they are goblins" exposes the boy.

K. local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
"Yes sure... mmm... I can come and listen to this Shalelu. Does that mean we are members of the guard now? How much does it pay off?"

"Sha-lay-loo. Shalelu.”

Yes, they know it's a multipass. "Multipass."

* * *

"Yes, of course. Of course, I will do this," Kast offers a salute to the Sheriff, and will of course be on the lookout for Shalelu when she arrives.

"Aasmiar?" Kast's head quirks at the unfamiliar word. He glances at Izo. "What does that mean? I'm not sure what that is."

Margareta "Meg" Alekto wrote:

"Sha-lay-loo. Shalelu.”

Yes, they know it's a multipass. "Multipass."

Chickaan Gud

Meg shrugs at Kizzy’s point. It is a valid question. ”I simply do not understand the mentality at play here, I suppose. I merely wanted to suggest that we should not deny out of hand that lucking out with your looks means you do not have the same problems as anyone else might. Just because I—I mean she—A” She makes a disgruntled noise. She plops herself down in a seat and pulls out her bottle of wine. ”Nevermind. Do not listen to me. I need a drink.” She unstoppers it and takes a big long swig. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand and lets out a long, slow breath as she relaxes into the seat. That’s better.

K. planes (untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
"Aasimar... I do not know, I think he means she was very beautiful and popular Kast. I was just a child, but I do remember she was very attractive" Izomandakus smiles remembering his childhood memories with Nualia "She hide me once when we were playing hide or hit and told the boys I was hiding at the beach. She took me to the Old Light and was playing slapsies with me the whole afternoon"

"It felt very special" the boy sighs.

"Do you have memories with her Kast?" the boy inquiries, Pachemu stares at the man interested.

"Maybe the goblins needed some aasimar bones for some goblin-ritual" offers Izomandakus as an explanation.

"Do you have memories with her Kast?" the boy inquiries, Pachemu stares at the man interested.

Kast shakes his head, not remembering her at all. He shrugs.

”Aasimar? Ass-is-more? And a beauty? Huh. I...uh...you’d think I’d remember a girl who’s entire race is named after their generous backsides. And renown for the beauty of them. Weird.” Kast shrugs. He’s learning though.

He turns to the Sheriff.

”Well, if there is nothing else, I’ll go start my vigil for Shalelu and will let you know when she’s back,” Kast smiles boyishly, happy to have a job.

The sheriff, not a handsome man, but quite familiar with crime and longing, shrugs at Meg's suggestion.

"Her grave is undisturbed. Only the Father's were taken. So I think that is where I shall focus for now. Thank you all for your time. Kast, see you tomorrow." He gestures to his desk, still covered in documents needing his attention.

"Yes sure... mmm... I can come and listen to this Shalelu. Does that mean we are members of the guard now? How much does it pay off?"

The sheriff laughs, ”Let’s say you are adjunct members shall we? And the mayor paid you for a little time yet I should think.” he adds with a smile.

”Aasimar are said to be descended from angels. Or the Azlanti, I forget which. They are special though.”

”Well, if there is nothing else, I’ll go start my vigil for Shalelu and will let you know when she’s back,” Kast smiles boyishly, happy to have a job.

”Well, she stays at the Rusty Dragon, and I hear there’s a boar roast there today, so I’d check there.” he adds dryly.

”But don’t forget you’re on market duty tomorrow. When she comes to town, she usually does so over a market day for supplies, so you might see her then.”

With that he dismisses you and you head back out onto the street (a few last minute questions aside), whereupon you hear delightful lute playing from not far away. It’s a little early for the feast, but they’re sure to have drinks ready…

"Mmmm... adjunct members of a public position? That is sure well paid" Izomandakus eyes open wide and he succinctly nods at the Sheriff "Ok, I will come then and listen. We can talk about money afterwards"

Once out at the street Izomandakus tells the others "I should change clothes and have a bath. The hunt was fun but quite tiring. Also I want to check out with mom and Aneka if they need help. But I count to see you at dinner in the Rusty Dragon"

She couldn't help but snicker at Kast's take on Aasimars, but the serious subject matter straightened her face soon enough.

Qetsiyah knew how to take a hint. "Looking forward to the meeting with Andosana, Sheriff. Sounds like she's been a Hero of Sandpoint long before they started calling us that."

She offered a hand to help Meg up from where she had plopped down and led the group back onto the street. "You know you don't have to get a room on your own if you don't want. We could just pitch in together on a bigger room, with proper beds for us both. Might be safer that way too." She wasn't sure what was troubling Meg, but recognized that she was troubled and wanted to help, as usual.

Kizzy gave Izomandakus a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Hey, I'm sorry for your loss. Sounds like that was a really hard time for you." Her own little brother was one of her very favorite people, despite his mischievous nature. But it didn't do to dwell in grief, so she pressed on into the next topic to the group. "The Sheriff said he would focus on Father Tobyn, but nothing says we can't look into this mystery ourselves. Do you know where Nualia is buried? Maybe our 'longshanks' visited her grave." She'd agreed to meet with the elf, who might be at the feast, so it seemed she would be going after all, but she was in no great hurry to arrive.

Got interrupted and then ninja'd, so it makes a bit less sense now. Was thinking to ask Pachemu to check for the scent, but can't manage that without Izo.

When Kizzy points out about finding more about the 'longshanks' and its visit to the grave, and where Nualia has been buried, Izomandakus changes his plans to go to Sandpoint Savories and help her mother "Sure, we are happy to help"

Assuming the group is granted access to the graveyard, Izomandakus will let Pachemu sniff around helping Kizzy to find where else the mysterious 'longshanks' has been "What are we looking exactly for Kizzy?"
Pachemu Perception (scent): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

While they do so, the boy looks around the graves trying to locate where Nualia has been buried and whether if she has been defiled too or not.