"Ahh... a loss of a loved one. That's something I can help with." the cleric sat down next to the woman. "Loss can be difficult to handle at times, but I don't think your familiar or your friends here would want you to be sad for too long. Don't forget that memory, but cherish your time with him. With time, you will make new memories with those you love. If you leave here, I can take you to a group that may help you to handle such grief better than I can." Her voice is quiet, but she maintains an interest in listening to her grievances.
Eyes with a faint infernal red glow followed the path of the halfling woman's complaints about her rowdy patrons. His fellow officers dispersed and made a start of it, each picking at least one problem actor and doing their best to reason with them. He gripped his badge, and eyed the dwarf particularly as he rose to a stand and brandished his fists.
With amazing skill at a verbal dialogue with both the drunken cleric and the rather ferocious Dwarf, that both of them had been disarmed in a way. The Dwarf in particular stood with a defeated and still drunken look and put out his arms down, his so called "weapons." The other two members of the adventuring group seemed to share the same idea and stood up quietly in a peaceful manner.
"I'm sorry well ummm... maybe I had a bit too much to drink," the cleric says, with the four gathering together, "We'll leave, what a rotten day it has been."
Marianne walks in front of the cleric, stopping there and settling her spear on her shoulder, as she insisted, "Best you resolve whatever's on your tab with the nice tavern keeper before you go. I'm sure you wouldn't want us paying you a visit again."
Abbott and Costello both look surprised, delighted, and serious all at the same time.
They both watch the former rowdy band, as they settle up and depart.
"Including the damages, what does this miserable group owe you?" Lucien says to the barkeep, motioning at the retiring troublemakers with a thumb over his shoulder.
If the lady names an amount, Lucien holds his palm out to the cleric until full restitution is made.
"Still the whole festival ahead." Hakklin reminds the adventurers, his tone one of mild consolation. In particular he looks at the dwarf, whom he knows is high on some street narcotic. "Pace yourself and get more time to enjoy it, spend less time passed out or hungover." He isn't sure if his advice for moderation will be heeded, but he offers it anyway. Leave time was like a march, he knew, if you went too hard at the start you'd be dead on your feet well before the end. That kind of freedom was something to savor.
"Sorry for your loss." He'd offer to the elf woman as well, and laid a hand on the pouch at his belt where he kept all his tokens and charms. There was a whippoorwill feather in there, bedraggled from time and handling. The Lady of Graves wasn't his deity of choice, but a death was a death.
"It seems like you just wanted to let out some steam, but you can't have that on other people's expense." She waited until the others had left the room.
"The tab for starters, and never to come back again. Think I've learned my lesson on half off drink nights for adventuring folk. My rotten luck," the halfling says, pleased that the members of the Edgewatch had managed to apparently help her get them out of her bar for the time being without any violence. The cleric would look for his coin purse, the likely one responsible for the coin in the group but seemed unable to find it before the roguish gnome came behind him and handed over several of the coins.
The elven woman seemed to smile, "Thank you," she speaks before leaving with the rest of her group outside.
Abbott (still standing all official-like on the stool) nods expectantly as the trouble-makers depart the Tipsy Tengu.
Edgewatch agents at your service!
Costello is seem smiling and waving his palms up in the air like the palm tree don't care!
Promotions for us!
"All's well that ends well, eh?" says Lucien to his new companions once the drunkards have exited stage left. "Should we report back to our commander then?"
Lucien is unclear on the protocol after completing a task for the watch but is a stickler for the chain of command.
"Good job." Hakklin nodded in approval to the others, and the stern mouth behind his spikey beard actually smiled, not a very good look for him. His was a face built more for scowling and looking fierce. He was relieved it resolved so peacefully. A good omen for their first mission together, he thought. If only walking the beat could always have such a rational resolution...
"Call us if you need us. Have a good night." The hobgoblin inclined his head to the halfling proprietor after she had been duly paid, and the adventurers seen off. To Lucien and the others, he said. [/b]"We report in. Keep your eyes open on the way back."[/b]
"It appears that the group was more in need of some time off the drink more than anything." She looked almost disappointed with how things were resolved. But that at least meant for a job well done. She would make note to see if the elf would indeed make a trip to the local church for consultation.
It also meant that she could take a look at the man's broken nose to see if she could do anything about it.
Unfortunately, she only succeeded in changing the shape of the man's nose. "On the other hand, at least you won't have to worry about anything else breaking your nose," she replied nonchalantly.
Marianne shakes her head at the tree's comment. "I think we'll need to prove ourselves more times than that before we could expect a promotion. Still, this seems to have been a job that's worked out well. Glad to see those four see sense. They didn't seem all that bad, once they'd sobered up." The young noble certainly was glad matters hadn't come to blows. and now it was time to go back to the station and report their success.
Reporting in, the elderly guardswoman, a Garundi, sat at the front desk nodded, handing out paperwork that would be completed. The placard on her desk read her name as Farai, neatly organized, unlike the desk of the lieutenant. She seemed polite, speaking with a tinge of an accent as she greeted you all back with a smile, "Lavarsus wants to inform you all that you may punch out for the evening after finishing your report. You are to come back in the morning for patrol duty. It will be a busy day," she says before returning to her work.
Lucien was pleased at a job well done. And it seemed the reward for good service was longer time away. Unless the others had plans together, he would retreat to his quarters, and spend a few hours practicing the forms taught by his former master. Discipline and hardwork are the keys to success after all. After his training, he would spend another hour on his knees praying in thanksgiving and supplication to the Inheritor. A bit of a simple meal, then off to bed, ready to get back to policing again in the morning.
Abbott and Costello seem both pleased at the praise (and free time for hobbies!) and a bit disappointed about there not being a parade.
Summoner and Eidolon do visit the proper commissary (after a few detours that involved engaging in conversation with most everyone that they pass) department for the prope fitting and attiring of Costello.
At the cafeteria, they enjoy a simple repast of everything that is offered. Twice for Costello, especially the pecan pie!
Having enjoyed their initial day on the beat, both Edgewatch agents retire dreaming a little dream of notoriety.
Marianne nods, somewhat satisfied, if a little concerned at the short turn around in their shifts. She supposed that was to be expected, so she bids her farewell to her comrades, after having provided whatever assistance was required to get Costello an appropriate uniform.
She then heads home to her own residence, quarters that she had admittedly gotten probably too good a price for given her name, though they would still be a little difficult to maintain for a long period on a guard's salary. Still, that was a concern for the future for her to figure out. For now, it was time to get some rest...
Elizabela nods and decides to get some rest. It has been an eventful day for her and the parade hadn't even started yet! Her mind raced towards what else they could face as she finished her meal and headed for bed.
Hakklin would remain briefly to chat with Farai after the others had left, asking a few polite questions about how to find his way around the new guardhouse, and a few questions about the district. In his former capacity, the Hobgoblin rarely got outside the Puddles, and this particular area of Absalom was still completely fresh to him. Satisfied, he'd give the friendly officer a crisp salute and excuse himself to find dinner and eventually his bed. Retiring early to ensure he was rested up for tomorrow.
After a pleasant night off, it would come apparent that you'd likely need the rest period as the next day was the official opening of the festival proper. A large-scale event with dignitaries from most of the nations of the inner sea, including those far and wide on Golarion. As you arrived at the station for your shift, you'd be, along with several other guard members brought into a larger room at the precinct and brought to find a seat.
Soon when most of the fresh faces and those grizzled veterans were gather and situated, an older Dwarf came into the room, "Alright, alright, settle down. My name is Sgt. Ollo. For most of you, welcome to the Edgewatch. This truly is our first day as a true part of the greater guard of Absalom. Lt. Lavarsus is currently dealing with the bureaucrats, but he wishes you all a splendid day and to keep the King's peace here."
"Now to business, when I call you, please state your name and badge number. We shall go by patrol," he says as opens up a large tome on the desk before him, small and looking as if it was put there momentarily, "We shall begin, starting with group one..."
Ollo continues on and on, giving out assignments until finally reaching patrol number 12, "Hakklin, Piousa, Morilla, Lightfoot, and... he seemed a little confused, "Abbot and Costello."
When called on by the duty sergeant, Lucien leaps brightly to attention, snaps off a smart salute, and calls out his badge number, waiting to see where his band will be assigned next.
Yesterday was just a trial, today was the real start of things. Hakklin had arrived dressed smartly in his new gear, though he somewhat missed the reliable if ragged suit of mail he wore before. He stood stiffly, eyes straight ahead, one hand gripping the bands of his shield, the other folded neatly behind his back. The spikes that made up his beard had a mildly chopped look to them, like the hobgoblin had made some kind of effort to trim them back into less of a bristly hazard. in which he was only partly successful. He didn't look any prettier, but someone was less likely to put out an eye if they got too close to him.
"Hakklin, sir. Number 004, sir." He responded crisply and audibly, removing his hand from behind his back to briefly place it over the antique badge pinned to his chest. Bronze and green with age, it did indeed display the simple number four. It was of a different style than the standard issue, dented and scratched with whatever excitement it had seen, but still polished where it could be to an aged brightness. Much like the hobgoblin himself, older and scuffed, but as presentable as he could be.
Marianne's response with her name and number wasn't quite so snappy when asked, apparently not the most enthusiastic about her noble lineage being revealed to most of her other comrades in this manner. Admittedly, her specific patrol didn't seem to be the sort who'd care but she knew she was bound to get a few stares from the other patrols who might be wanting to get a look.
Still, she was duty bound to reply, and so she did, looking straight ahead to ignore any whispers.
Go fish!
Seated at the back of the briefing room, both Abbott and Costello seem to be involved in a heated game of Go Fish!I. Each dressed splendidly in their crisp Edgewatch agents ' uniforms, badges pinned straight and proudly polish prestinely, the silver-scaled kobold and the palm tree both immediately jump to their feet, turn to face the Sargeant and Salute smartly!
Abbott and Costello reporting fer da dooties, sir!
They both pause, looking at each other's badges.
Badge number 12102314!
They both grin.
In the previous night, she stayed overnight at the local church of Naderi in case the elven woman decided to carry through with her suggestion for help. She would stay overnight whether she made it there or not.
The next day, she was in full uniform and ready to tackle the day. She made more of a response to the duo who apparently had the same badge number(?). But regardless she stated her own as well.
Abbott looks about the briefing room. The silver-scaled kobold's blue eyes roam freely from stoic face to mouth open gape to the seemingly frozen figure of the dwarven sergeant.
Being a kobold of action, responsibility and repose, Abbott begins sliding, slipping, side-stepping the folks still gathered about and apparently shrieking their duties on opening day.
Finding himself now standing on purpose before the frozen dwarf, Abbott pokes him in the armpit!
Wees bees need'n ours assignments fer dis da first ov da days of da festivals!
Costello shakes his palms in agreement....
The Dwarf nods, "You're got your assignments just an easy patrol, shouldn't be too much, walk this perimeter in a timely manner and then we can go on to your next route for the day, if you have any questions on directions if you are unfamiliar with the district as some are, we have directions," he says holding out several papers to pass back for all of the patrol unit. It seemed relatively simple and straightforward for the route looking over it.
"You are dismissed to go about the patrol. Do well officers."
Marianne reviews the papers, and seems confident after a few moments of reviewing the instructions, and comparing it with the directions provided.
"Yes, this looks straightforward enough. We can definitely handle a patrol this morn." Shouldering her spear, she starts to leave the room, looking eager to get going on the latest job.
Abbott absently passes the papers purposely into Costello 's palms. Smiling at the Sargent, the Kobold waits until the dwarf is finished.
Staring up at the bewildered dwarf, Abbott gives him a hug!
Wees sure dids appreciate you, Sargent Ollo! Wees kin brings you backs sum coffee when Wees comes backs!
Promptly standing at perfect attention, snapping a smart Salute, the Kobold agent turns on his booted heel and parades out!
Costello just grins in embarrassment before shrugging his palms and joining the others outside.
He gets excited.
Lucien will follow the others on patrol. He has some sense that with the festival going, there might be more to a simple patrol than just walking around, but at least the "goblin" and his tall counterpart look good in their regulation uniforms now.
"You can count on us, sir" he says saluting smartly before heading out.
Elizabela wordlessly nods and heads out with her crew on patrol with a neutral expression on her face. Once she was out, she decided to state her piece.
"I wonder who might show up this time around?' the cleric mused. "After all, it wasn't that long ago that the Whispering Tyrant almost made his presence known here."
A patrol was just the thing, he thought. Give them a chance to familiarize themselves with the district, and make the guard's presence known to the festival goers. He saluted smartly, and briefly joined Marianne to look over the map of the patrol route. He was unfamiliar with the district, but could read a map serviceably, though he'd probably leave the pathfinding to his companions more skilled at navigating.
"Don't borrow trouble." He cautioned Elizabela with a further knitting of his already wrinkled and scowling brow. The hobgoblin murmured something under his breath, and busied himself with fishing a token out of his belt pouch. It was a tiny stoppered sturdy little bottle with a fragile butterflies wing, blue and purple somehow placed within it. He gripped the charm in one hand as they walked. "All we should wish for today is good for the people."
Once the patrol was assembled, you were all given a nod of a approval before heading out into the streets, although the sergeant seemed to look at the goblin bemusement as you all left. As much as a sort of tense feeling was in the air for some with the whispering tyrants war on the city had left its marks here and there, the city was alive with visitors eager to see the sights of Absalom, sampling its cuisine or enjoying the festivities of the worlds fair. Both those foriegn and from the city would be there, and at the heart of it all would be your patrol, tasked with both representing the guard and the newly formed Edgewatch, but also the city itself to the people.
The patrols journey would be rather simple, a tour around the districts more residential area, away from the fair. Even if it wasn't in the main area of festivities, it was still busy, packed with shops and stalls, locals and rented spaces that made a sort of clutter that made things feel alive. Absalom truly was metropolitan of the inner sea, exciting the senses with delicious smells, spectacular artistry, and people from around the world.
As you walked, you would however notice small alleyways and sections that were boarded up. Remnants of when this district was nothing more than hanging off the side of a cliff after the earthquake that struck the city long ago. A guard would be stationed at key spots, some not part of Edgewatch but the cities regular army. Always on the lookout to deal with what lay beyond in sections yet to be repaired.
Both Abbott and Costello exit the Edgewatch Precinct excited and ready to finally start the day....
"It is remarkable at how much work the city was able to do here," Elizabela mused as she walked along the street. "Of course, there are parts that remain undone, but it's an impressive feat regardless."
She too would take note of all the different sights and sounds of the festival, as much out of caution as it was out of mere curiosity.
Hakklin nodded in agreement with Elizabela as they patrolled along their route. He'd been short of words on their walk so far, faintly glowing eyes watchful of the people and surroundings, especially whenever they neared ont of the cordoned off areas. Abadar only knew what decay still lay beyond those, and what might still make its home there.
"Good to see it restored to order."
Marianne does her best to avoid getting distracted by the unique sights and sounds of the buzzing repaired district, as she wanted to avoid doing anything unprofessional while she walking around in the Edgewatch's uniform. The noble scion kept her spear tight and close to her shoulder, and watched about as alertly as she could manage, while staying in close proximity to her companions. She admittedly wanted to point out all sorts of wonderful sights, but she remembered it was certainly not the time for such frippery.
Lucien took in the sights and smells of the city with a wonderous eye. AS a squire, he had seen many things and been many places, but most of that time was tied up with preparations of arms or gear, or waiting on his lord and master's needs. He had not seen this side of the city before, and was genuinely amazed by the variety.
When they got to the more seedy spots that were closed off now with a guard in place, he would nod smartly at the guard and keep a wary eye to make sure no trouble was brewing.
He noticed with a sense of pride that the rest of the unit were doing the same, and representing the Edgewatch well.
The street was crowded. Plenty of shop owners out with tables to sell their wares, making it look like any day out in the Coins. Even those not in business were selling something, food the largest among them. The smell of Goblin style fried oysters, Belkzen Grilled Beef, and the aroma of sweet Chelish Apple Dumplings wafted through the air among many other things.
However, even if it was crowded, the authority of the badge for most people on sight or the notice of uniform led many to clear the way. At least some of them did, other preoccupied or uncaring. It just enough to walk through the crowd without too much issue.
The smell of food and the dazzle of other wares didn't distract him from his duty, though it was a good atmosphere. As they walked along, he though tat this was how to a well-kept city should be. Safe, busy, chaotic, but the natural living chaos born of an overall order to living. One end of his severe mouth smiled at the sight of the rowdy children, an expression that didn't suit his face, and he kept moving so he didn't startle them.
Both the Kobold and the Eidolon are seen sampling the Goblin style fried oysters, Belkzen Grilled Beef, and the aroma of sweet Chelish Apple Dumplings wafted through the air among many other things.
Lucien does not partake of the delicious sights or distractions of the festival, but takes a very serious mien that he supposes befits the Watch. He raises an eyebrow in mild disapproval as A&C sample the wares of the vendors they are here to protect but he does not offer any other comment.
Marianne comes to a halt as their patrol made their way through the streets, some of her companions apparently enjoying the atmosphere, though she herself did her best to keep to a more professional posture. She nudges Hakklin, and then calls in a quiet but serious tone to the others, and points to a woman banging on a door and apparently agitated.
"That seems like a disturbance we might wish to look in upon?" She doesn't linger very long, already making her way over unless someone verbally stopped her.
Lucien follows along behind Marianne, trusting her instincts that there was something afoot here.
There didn't seem to be anything suspicious. People were merely reacting to how she had thought. That is until Marianne pointed out something amiss. She wordlessly nods and follows her towards the lady.
Abbott and Costello follow after the retreating forms of his fellow agents.
Hakklin paused at Marianne's nudge, and with her guidance noticed the disturbance that was underway. The hobgoblin followed the others toward the scene, letting the others take point, his attention shifted more toward the building she was apparently trying to get into, studying it. Was this a residential building, business, or city building? Privately he wished he'd thought to patrol this district on his own before taking the job, just to familiarize himself more with the territory.