Kisaiya’s stare grows more and more intense as she reads the letter. First, because she is trying to make sense of the unspoken context. Second, because she sees echos of her own relationship with her father. Third, because she does not recognize the names. And then fourth, because she actually does recognize a name. ”Kaijitsu…that is Ameiko’s last name. Maybe a relative?” She berates herself internally for not remembering Ameiko’s family tree and their given names. ”I don’t know.”
Hearing Mukluk say something about a note in the swords handle, Rory turns from the treasure chest and watches Kisaiya read the note. he listened as the dwarf shared his travels and the location of the castle, Rory had traveled abit also bit it had been more to the east and north. He was suprised the dwarf knew about the towns history. Maybe Mukluk was more educated than he looked. As Kisaiya interjected about Ameiko's last name, maybe it had been one of the bard's relatives, Kaijtsu wasn't that common of a name, at least not here. Rory didn't quite understand wh Kisaiya seemed to be upset with herself, having a gift for the obvious he pointed out. "We should go ask her."
Turning back he looked at the chest, "It would be nice if we could take the chest back with us." He looked towards Mukluk and smiles, "Pity you didn't bring Moose."
"Pity you didn't bring Moose."
"Ah nah, if he were here, he'd be complaining night and bray," Mukluk ponders it. "If I give the lantern back to Kiss'ya, I bet I can carry the chest for a bit. Might be a nice keepsake or some such for someone. It's pretty keen."
"If you guys can fight, then I can carry for a bit."
Mukluk will take the chest, and leave everyone else to carry everything else.
"I think we can begin to make our way back? Circle over to visit the witch, maybe? But also, do you all think these are the same skeletons that attacked the goblins? Whatdoya think happened there? The goblins stole the chest, and the skeletons came back and took it back? That's what I think, I do," Mukluk may be stating the obvious, but it's good to get his story straight now so that he can explain his day to Moose better.
"And it seems the witch didn't send the skeletons, so we shouldn't be bothering her. No need to ask to get murdert by her powerful curses. Now, do you all want to check out the shipwreck? Or are we good?"
Durgan nods along as Mukluk explains.
"Yes, Kisaiya, Rokuro Kaijitsu was Ameiko's grandfather. The letter was meant for the late Lonjiku Kaijitsu, Ameiko’s father "
"I can take a turn carrying the chest if you need a break, Mukluk. It is true that I would rather have my hands free to fight but I do hope we have dealt with the immediate threats around here. I would suggest heading back for now."
Chuckling at Mukluk's pun, Rory smiles, "Yes it would make a nice keepsake."
Raising and eyebrow when Durgan explained to Kisaiya about Ameiko's grandfather, Rory nods, he and the cleric may not see eye to eye on wands, but the fellow sure knew stuff. As Durgan offered to take a turn carrying the chest, Rory considers the options Mukluk had offered, he also believed he goblins had stolen something and the skeletons took it back, it wouldn't be that hard to figure out. Chiming in, "We can follow the Skeleton tracks back, see if they go from here to the goblin town." He shrugs, it wasn't a mystery he cared too much about. "Or we can just take the shortest route back to Sandpoint and show what we found to Kisaiya's boss." He smiles as Storm starts to prance a little, "I don't care either way, but Storm is ready to go."
Considering the chest and the sword, he points to the chest Mukluk had tossed on his wide shoulders, he asked. "Since it's Ameiko's family wouldn't this stuff belong to her?"
Mukluk begins to haul the chest back to Sandpoint. He's anxious to learn what might come of the letter by people who might know the family history even moreso than Durgan (and he's been impressive).
"Yeah, we'll see what Ameiko thinks. And Moose too. He always has something to say."
Leaving the swamp behind, someone climbs up the cliff face, perhaps aided by the ring and Durgan's proper climbing gear, then lowers a rope for the others, and to haul up the chest (and poor Storm!).
Eventually, you reach the top of the cliffs and survey the damp, dank, dangerous swamp below - pleased to be free of it. The walk back to town is no slower, with the dwarves taking turns carrying the heavy chest.
You pass the Sandpoint Mirror a little after three in the afternoon. A slow, sleepy time of day for everyone. I presume, as no one has prestidigitation, you each take a moment to get cleaned up before reconvening in the Dragon.
When you first come in Ameiko is in the back arguing with the vegetable vendor over the size of the onions this week, ("They're all skin!") and you have a moment to yourselves.
By the time they reach Sandpoint, Storm had recovered from the embarrassment of being dragged up a cliff-face by his harness and was again his happy self. However, Rory had not considered how much more difficult cleaning blood and muck out of chain links than just wiping off leather. Finding a quiet place by the river he stripped himself and Storm of their armor and began the process of cleaning the small links; realizing it would be easier to purchase some kind of barding, or to learn a new spell.
Having gotten as much of the blood and muck cleaned up as one could with a hairbrush, Rory dried the armor as best as he could, and re-armored himself and his wolf. Mounting they headed towards the 'dragon' seeing Ameiko in the back he began looking around for the others.
"I bet Moose will be happy to see me, since we're back early and all...and especially because I got him some good nuts this mornin'. Yeah, there is nothing better than a happy Moose," Mukluk says, having passed the chest to Durgan to carry for a bit.
"Yeah, I'm so happy to be back, I just might take me a bath. Wouldn't hurt a bit after mucking around in the swamp. Woudln't hurt a bit," he muses, following along after Rory and Storm.
He will let Kisaiya deal with Ameiko, as he doesn't want to get murdert over some unfortunate words or loose flatulence. She can do the talking and the explaining.
Kisaiya waves at Ameiko. ”Hi. We are back and we found out that the undead were guarding items that seem to belong to your family.” She holds out the letter.
"Ameiko... Did your father have a will? These items most likely belong to you."
Ameiko comes out eventually and sees you at the table. She makes a quick round of the room and ends with you so she can spend a little time.
Kisaiya waves at Ameiko. ”Hi. We are back and we found out that the undead were guarding items that seem to belong to your family.” She holds out the letter.
She takes the letter and begins reading it. Once she’s a few sentences in, her eyes jump to the bottom and she reads the author. ”That’s my grandfather. This is a letter to my father.”
She goes back to the text and continues to read. ”I don’t know much about Brinewall. Tell me how you found this. Tell me everything.” She sits down, rather heavily.
"Ameiko... Did your father have a will? These items most likely belong to you."
”What? Oh. No. Everything went to me and my younger brother, but because he was in prison in Magnimar for killing my father, everything comes to me. Why? What else did you find?”
”I don’t know much about Brinewall. Tell me everything.”
"Well, the first and most important thing to know about Brinewall is the quality of the ivy patches. Moose has seen them, firsthand, and assures me they are the best in Varisia," Mukluk answers with some very relevant information.
Kisaiya takes a seat across from Ameiko. ”The skeletons were guarding the various items and treasures. The leader was a samurai, so I tried to address him and find out what happened. He said they had failed their lord—who I take to be your grandfather—that they had crossed the Crown of the World with him but failed him. He mentioned something about ‘faceless ones,’ which may be responsible? It sounds like the goblins found the cave and treasures and took some, so the undead followed and took back what they could.” She shuffles her feet and looks down. ”I was not able to find out more. I was hoping maybe the samurai had known my grandmother, but he did not say, and we had little choice but to fight. We found this letter hidden in the pommel of magic sword.”
As the others wander in Rory joins them heading into the 'Dragon.' Following Kisaiya to a table near the kitchen, he dismounts Storm onto a chair and lets the wolf move under the table. Fortunately, the tall cook is the only one who needs much leg room, so Storm is able to spin around three times and lay down, tucking his nose under his tail.
Once Ameiko finishes with the onion seller and joins them at the table, Rory listens as the others provide answers and questions of their own. As the conversation turns toward the sword itself, Rory chimes in, "Who has the sword? We should show her the sword." He looks up at the Innkeeper, "I've never seen anything like it."
Of course his actual familiarity with exotic weapons was fairly limited. The gnomes in Sipplerose made quality enough weapons, but nothing fancy, and he'd seen plenty of unusual stuff when he visited Whistledown, but nothing like this. As he daydreams about the blade, he remembered Durgan had said he'd worked with many different crafters. Maybe the dwarf new how they created the wave at the back of the blade and worked such a fine edge.
"I've never seen anything like it."
”Me too. Me too,” Mukluk readily agrees with Rory. ”Ain’t never seen a whacky-slashy like that before either,” He will help present the sword to Ameiko. ”And right there is where the message was, just as you please. Right there.” Mukluk will demonstrate the hidden grip.
He scratches his armpit, wondering if he should eat and order food, or wait until he’s visited Moose. Hard to say.
"Shall we seek out Professor Idilkin again?
I regret to confess that there were some details of that letter that I did not understand. My education in Tien history, culture, and nobility is unfortunately lacking. A deficiency I will seek to rectify.
Faceless ones, however... We battled a Faceless Stalker, did we not? That is what Rory called it."
"Well, the first and most important thing to know about Brinewall is the quality of the ivy patches. Moose has seen them, firsthand, and assures me they are the best in Varisia," Mukluk answers with some very relevant information.
Ameiko smiles warmly, ”So you’ve been there. Overgrown is it?”
Kisaiya takes a seat across from Ameiko. ”The skeletons were guarding the various items and treasures. The leader was a samurai, so I tried to address him and find out what happened. He said they had failed their lord—who I take to be your grandfather—that they had crossed the Crown of the World with him but failed him. He mentioned something about ‘faceless ones,’ which may be responsible? It sounds like the goblins found the cave and treasures and took some, so the undead followed and took back what they could.” She shuffles her feet and looks down. ”I was not able to find out more. I was hoping maybe the samurai had known my grandmother, but he did not say, and we had little choice but to fight. We found this letter hidden in the pommel of magic sword.”
”It sounds like Tsutamu, a well known samurai connected to my grandfather’s service. His devoted bodyguard in fact. Rokuro, my grandfather, must have ordered him away with this message for Lonjiku, my father. And he never delivered it. Poor soul. All these years of suffering. I’m glad you put him out of the misery of his failure.”
Rory chimes in, "Who has the sword? We should show her the sword." He looks up at the Innkeeper, "I've never seen anything like it."
”Me too. Me too,” Mukluk readily agrees with Rory. ”Ain’t never seen a whacky-slashy like that before either,” He will help present the sword to Ameiko. ”And right there is where the message was, just as you please. Right there.” Mukluk will demonstrate the hidden grip.
She takes the blade carefully, noting the damaged grip but still partly secret compartment. ”A very fine blade. Masterwork at least, no doubt magical as well.” She casts detect magic to confirm as she sets it back on the table. ”This is all a lot to take in. I’ll have to give this some thought, and that’s a fact. Kisaiya, put the chest and the contents into the back room for me won’t you?” She casually casts prestidigitation to clear off some of the moss that’s grown on it, while thinking on heavier thoughts.
”Why don’t you all join me for supper tonight, here as my guests. We can discuss this further then. I need to think about all this and what it means.” She trails off a bit, thinking. After a moment, she snaps back to the present, ”But that’s for then. Thank you all very much for finding this! It certainly is a moment.” she adds seriously.
She gets up and gets back to the hustle and bustle of a going business, though it's clear her thoughts are elsewhere. You are left to your own devices for the rest of the day.
Do you do anything special with your afternoon - such as meet with the professor? Ameiko wants to hang on to the letter, but you can copy it out in Common. Let me know if you go back to the lanky educator.
Also, you hung out with Walthus for some time chatting about this and that. You likely would have learned that there used to be more of the faceless stalkers around here - back in the day. Or at least so the old stories go. Marsh was thick with them before the goblins.
”So you’ve been there. Overgrown is it?”
”Ah yeah, I’ve been by it a few times,” Mukluk says. ”Me and Moose, that is. It’s old and rundown. It supposedly was a fancy castle a few hundred years ago, but not sure it was ever finished or lived in proper. Hard to say why it is the way it is now.”
When the talk is over, Mukluk is happy to agree to further fooding over dinner. He will go visit the historian with others if that’s what is important to Kisaiya or Ameiko, but mostly wants to go check on Moose and explain what happened during the day. He has a lot to explain.
Watching Ameiko cast her magic around effortlessly, Rory listens as she speaks of her family and the weapon. A little jealous of her skills and the blade he watches as the innkeeper asks her employee to carry the chest in the back. When she invites them back to dinner he brightens up. "Dinner would be wonderful!"
As he conversation with the Innkeeper wains, Rory answers, Durgan, "Yeh I did call it a 'faceless stalker' other name is Ugothol. Walthus had told us they used to be more of them in the Marsh, before the goblins." He shrugs, "I don't know what I'd ask the professor, but I'd go along." He smiles, "Give us something to do before we eat."
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Durgan responds to Ameiko. "I thank you for the invitation and I would be honored to accept."
He then turns to Rory. "No need to bother the Professor anymore; I think we have what we need to proceed thanks to Ameiko and you."
He will accompany the group to the markets to ensure they get a fair price for anything they wish to buy. Then he splits off from the group to spend the rest of the afternoon in quiet prayer.
Some/all of you visit the professor again, and are once again welcomed into his sitting room. When you explain the letter and other things, he’s amazed, ”You bring me such interesting things to discover.” he says with a smile, his Adam’s apple bobbing in time with his speech.
He confirms much of what you already know, though there are things he was unaware of (like who Tsutamu was). However, he is able to shed some light on a name unremarked so far.
”Kortun in the text. That was the name of Brinewall’s last commander at the time the colony was destroyed. Andril Kortun. History doesn’t say much about the man - just that it was his failure to defend Brinewall. I hope he’s not risen as an undead as this fellow Tsutamu was. So many restless dead…”
Feel free to ask follow up questions, but the rest of the afternoon goes by pleasantly enough. You don’t have any loot from this one as you’ve given it all, likely rightly, to Ameiko.
”Kortun in the text.”
”Oh, I didn’t know that. I wonder if Moose knew that. I’ll have to ask him, but I doubt it,” Mukluk makes a mental note to ask Moose later on. He’s not expecting that mule knows, but it’s rude not to ask and just ass-ume.
Mukluk leans in to ask the professor a follow up question.
”Can you clarify one thing for me, Mr. Professor sir? Just a follow up, if you will. A small question that I’m sure everyone knows all about. Uh, if you don’t mind me asking, but uh, what happened to Ameiko’s parents? What happened to her dad? Shouldn’t he be the rightful one to receive all this?”
"Ahh yes, well. Her brother sort of lost it a few years ago. Tried to take over the town or something. Not sure what he was after exactly, but he killed their father in the process. Covered him in molten glass at their glassworks. Maybe he wanted his inheritance early, I don't know."
"He was tried for it and sentenced to Magnimar's prison for it. Died a year or two into his service I heard. Ameiko spent much of that time trying to free him from that dangerous place, but to no avail."
"Not sure what happened to Ameiko's mother. That was much further back. Might have even been childbirth, it's common enough - I don't know."
- - -
Kisaiya sighs. ”I grew up with Tsuto and Ameiko. Tsuto was half-elf and neither Lonjiku-san nor Atsuii-san was an elf. Do you understand? Lonjiku-san always treated Tsuto cruelly growing up, and it made him cruel in-turn. Nobody talked about the details, but I know he blamed his father for his mother’s death. I was not here when he murdered Lonjiku-san and did not expect him to go so far, but I would be lying if I said I was surprised.”
Her eyes grow distant as she tries to grasp how someone she knew when he was a little boy could do something so horrible. As much as she is unsurprised, she is still deeply shaken. ”You don’t coat someone in molten glass because you just want an inheritance; you do it because you want them to feel the most excruciating pain imaginable. And then see them twisted in the throes of that pain for eternity.”
Following along with the others, Rory sat in the meeting, trying not to daydream about being in the woods. His ears perked up a little when the professor said that the fellow covered his own dad in molten glass. As he considered how bad that had to hurt, he listened as Kisaiya pointed out that the kid wanted his dad to suffer. He'd known some messed up families, but that about took the cake in his mind. Thinking of cake, he wondered how Ameiko was so normal and what she serving for supper.
Looking up from his thoughts, Rory smile at the Professor, "Thanks for the help Professor." Standing on his chair, indicating he was hoping to leave, Storm got up from his place under the table, stretching the wolf moved to where Rory could mount.
Her eyes grow distant as she tries to grasp how someone she knew when he was a little boy could do something so horrible. As much as she is unsurprised, she is still deeply shaken. ”You don’t coat someone in molten glass because you just want an inheritance; you do it because you want them to feel the most excruciating pain imaginable. And then see them twisted in the throes of that pain for eternity.”
The professor shudders a little at the horrors people inflict on each other. "I see you know the local history better than I." he smiles because now he knows too. Knowledge was best shared.
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Kisaiya shrugs and scratches at her eye. ”None of it is history for me. History is books and dates and the weight of time. They were all-but family. Tsuto was practically a cousin, Lonjiku-san practically an uncle.”
The hollow of her eye becomes visible for just a moment as she adjusts the eyepatch. ”Two people that I loved as family are dead, one killed by the other. I can no longer delve into a memory of playing explorer with Ame and Tsuto without feeling a glass-melted corpse standing over us. I wish it was history. Maybe if it was history I could forget and feel something other than hollow.” She turns and walks out, not wanting to subject anyone to her melancholy any longer.
Sitting solemnly in the saddle, not having the words Rory bows his head. However, Storm, seeing the big cook leave, bounds after her wagging his tail. Unable to stop the wolf fast enough, Rory gives him his head so they at least distance themselves from their melancholy friend.
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”Two people that I loved as family are dead, one killed by the other.”
"Ah, I didn't know none of that," Mukluk says after Kisaiya has gone to take time for herself. "Did you know that, Roresy? I wish you woulda mentioned it before I asked. I wouldn't have asked."
Mukluk lowers his head.
"I didn't know. No one said anything. How was I supposed to know?" Mukluk shakes his head. He knows the pain of losing family, and also something worse: not having much of a family at all.
Mukluk, in his embarrassed misery, looks up to see Rory and Storm gone.
Ack! I didn’t even notice!
Hearing Mukluk saying something as Storm bolted out of the room, Rory makes a mental note to ask the Mule-tender what he'd said. Letting Storm run a little, Rory ponders what all of this meant. The Innkeeper seemed settled down, would she be even interested in exploring the old ruins Mukluk had talked about? He smiles to himself, wondering she be interested in some traveling companions?
As he turns Storm back towards the 'Dragon' Rory realizes that he enjoyed the different places he'd seen since he left home. He'd enjoyed his time with the rangers the northern woods. The trip here with Shalelu had been great. His time exploring around Sandpoint had been fun, even the swamp with his new friends. As he opens the door to the 'Dragon' heading towards supper with Ameiko, he wonders where the road may take them.
Kisaiya waits outside until the others come out to head to the Rusty Dragon. She had not intended to get so upset, but reminders of all that happened while she was away are still hard to take. She cannot help but wonder whether she could have stopped Tsuto should she have been there. He never listened to her, so the prospect of stopping him without violence is doubtful, but it also feels too easy to admit that. Kisaiya never likes easy, comfortable answers. They always feel like traps.
As she walks with the others, she is quiet at first, trying her best to make sure she has figured out precisely what to say before saying it. ”Sorry for making a scene. It is all still a bit raw I guess. I forget that not a lot of people know about how close we all were. And those who do probably don’t connect that large quiet boy hanging around the Kaijitsu kids with all his fingers and both eyes to, well, me. I’ll do a better job of remembering that.”
You while away the afternoon and rejoin that evening in the Rusty Dragon. For a Toilday the crowd is a little thin - probably just as well so Ameiko won’t be pulled away. Her staff takes care of your food needs, while Ameiko takes care of a few last minute issues in the kitchen.
Ameiko joins you for dinner, bringing her own plate out from the kitchen when the staff brings yours. She talks about all manner of things - even the weather! but avoids the topic at hand throughout the meal. Even if confronted with a direct question, she’ll just smile knowingly and boldly change the subject. She’s unmovable.
Eventually, as the flaming deserts are served, she looks at each of you keenly, and smiles, ”You ever form an adventurer troop before? Because I’m inviting you to join one now.”
She gives a moment for the idea to sink in as she scoops into the flaming ice cream - biting through the fire. Before you can properly ask reasonable questions though she continues, ”I’ve read the letter you found, and looked through the various items - all from my grandfather’s time. This whole thing has really put the hook in me to get back out there again - see the world anew. …and discover what my families role was in all this Brinewall business.”
”But I’ve been on adventures before, and I know they take some strange turns. So I offer you this. An adventurer’s partnership between we five. Share and share alike, the hardships and rewards, until we see this through - or disband at a time and place of our mutual choosing.”
She sits back a moment, stretching out her legs.
”I’m going north, and I could use some good people by my side!”
”Sorry for making a scene. It is all still a bit raw I guess. I forget that not a lot of people know about how close we all were.”
Mukluk lifts his hand to pat Kisaiya on the back, but then doesn't touch as he doesn't want to get murdert.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I didn't know at all. I just wanted to know," Mukluk offers a very weak apology. "I'm sorry about all that. It must be very difficult to have this brought up like it was. You and Ameiko both must be reliving a lot of old memories."
Mukluk really doesn't have the words and wishes Moose were here to help him figure things out, or at least provide a place to hide behind.
* * *
”You ever form an adventurer troop before? Because I’m inviting you to join one now.”
"Adventurer Troupe? Like with plays and acting and whatnot? Ah no, I haven't been. I don't have much of a way with words, nor with prancing or pratfalls, and not sure Moose would like me carrying on like that. No, that's not one of my skills."
Mukluk thinks more.
"I could use the money and the work, however. But me and Moose are a package deal. I'll have to clear it with him in any case."
Durgan is gracious throughout the meal and keeps to small talk as his host seems to wish. He talks a bit about the many lands he has traveled.
As she changes the topic, he stares into the flames of his own dessert and thinks before responding.
"It sounds like a mystery worth investigating, and I am intrigued. However, 'share and share alike' is rather vague, and I know that adventuring companies have many ways of handling matters. I refer not so much to the division of treasure (which I take from your words to be equal shares) as to the chain of command and the expectations of responsibilities.
Will we be an orchestra with a conductor? That is, will you be our leader? I could agree to that, and I would keep you informed of my capabilities.
Or will we be an ensemble of musicians each deciding what contributions of our own to add to the melody at any given time? I could agree to that too, and you would see that my contributions would be useful.
Mukluk, I am speaking figuratively. I do not expect us to actually be musicians. It is a metaphor.
I can take orders in a chain of command. I can be generous with my assistance of my own volition. I will attend to my own assigned responsibilities with diligence. I will consider requests for aid beyond such responsibilities, even to those who are barely more than strangers to me and whom I have known for mere days.
If that sounds agreeable, I would join you. I would follow Ameiko as a leader, or join in a partnership of equals."
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Keeping Storm at a pace where he could listen to Kisaiya speak, Rory listened, not sure how to respond. He listened as Mukluk apologized, not that Mukluk really had anything to apologize for, but he was right, it would have been hard. Sadly, or actually, fortunately, Rory didn't really have anything to compare it to. He talked about his people freeing slaves, but that had been in his grandfather's time. He'd grown up safe in Wolves Den surrounded by kinfolk. Sure, it was a rough life, but happy and healthy none the less.
As he pondered the differences between his upbringing and Kisaiya's, Storm moved closer to the big one-eyed cook, Rory realized the wolf was planning on licking her hand. This time, he didn't stop the wolf. Sometimes the best you could do was let someone know your there with them, and nothing says that better than a warm hand lick from a furry friend.
Relieved that Ameiko had picked a large table, Rory climbed into a high-backed chair and let Storm move under the table. As Rory took off his pack and dropped it to the floor, Storm sniffed everyone's feet and then spun around three times and curled up in a ball near Rory's chair (hoping the halfling would drop him scraps.) Happily, 'wolfing' down the food the Inn provided, Rory spent most of his time focusing the food and drink, instead of the conversation. He was surprised by the burning dessert, he never seen such a thing, and it was quite delicious as well.
Raising an eyebrow as Ameiko interrupted the dessert with her very serious question, Rory looked towards the others as he mentally answered the question. Having joined the Rangers for a small time, officially he'd been a part of a group but never actually 'formed' one. He blinked as Mukluk asked if she meant a 'Troupe.' Smiling to himself, the dwarf did have an interesting way of looking at things; Though Durgan's answer was more along the lines of what he'd expected.
Smiling, he wipes some of the desert from his mouth with his sleeve, "I'd love to join a group going north, see the world and all that." He nods towards Ameiko, "I can follow orders, or take votes." As he speaks he lifts the porkchop bone off his plate and slips it to the wolf, smiling, "Though Storm tends to like to do his own thing."
Kisaiya smiles at Mukluk's apology. "It's really no trouble. You didn't know. I don't like holding grudges to begin with, but even if I did, I would not hold one over something like that. I would probably have asked the same if our positions were reversed."
She does not even flinch as Storm licks her hand. She offers her hand to scratch the dog's head in return.
Kisaiya beams at Ameiko's offer. That she would have an opportunity to go out on an adventure and stay at her side is everything she could ever want in the world. "I am so deeply and thoroughly honored that you would offer me this chance, Ame." She takes a deep breath, trying to keep her composure and avoid too much overt emotion. If you asked me to pull the moon down from the sky, I would only ask how low you wanted it. If you told me to walk into the sea, I would only ask which one. So if you ask me for the thing I want most of all, to travel with you, how can I ask anything but-- "When do we leave?"
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"I could use the money and the work, however. But me and Moose are a package deal. I'll have to clear it with him in any case."
”Moose is certainly invited to come along, and may even have a job if he wants one.”
If that sounds agreeable, I would join you. I would follow Ameiko as a leader, or join in a partnership of equals.”[/b]
”You are a precise one! That will be helpful at times I am sure. Don’t want to run out of food for example.” She thinks, and replies, ”I had thought more a partnership of equals, between us - though there will be others in our employ, and a few hangers on.”
[ooc]I’m fine however you lot want to handle it, as long as Ameiko isn’t in charge. :)
How would crafting work if there are few shops? Where would we buy materials?[/ooc]
Smiling, he wipes some of the desert from his mouth with his sleeve, "I'd love to join a group going north, see the world and all that." He nods towards Ameiko, "I can follow orders, or take votes." As he speaks he lifts the porkchop bone off his plate and slips it to the wolf, smiling, "Though Storm tends to like to do his own thing."
Ameiko grins, ”Storm is most welcome.”
Kisaiya beams at Ameiko's offer. That she would have an opportunity to go out on an adventure and stay at her side is everything she could ever want in the world. "I am so deeply and thoroughly honored that you would offer me this chance, Ame." She takes a deep breath, trying to keep her composure and avoid too much overt emotion. "When do we leave?"
Ameiko smiles at Kisaiya, and avoids platitudes. Instead she answers her question, ”Oh, I imagine it’ll take a few days to sort out our affairs. At least.”
”As adventurers, let us share out the wealth from your last haul shall we? I would like to claim the jewelry, but against my share of course. Family heirlooms - you understand. And I know someone in Magnimar who will buy the Whispering Shrike at a fair price and treat it with the respect such a fine weapon deserves, unless any of you would weld it?”
”Now, we shall also need transportation and supplies. In anticipation of your acceptance, I’ve hired Sandru Vhiski’s caravan to take us north. It’s a two or three week journey to Brinewall, and there are others with their own itch who have offered to follow along as well.”
Koya Mvashti, whom many of you know as an elderly Varisian fortune teller here in town wishes to make a grand journey before she dies ”…a withered old crone” - by her own admission, laughingly told. She may be old, but she’s spry.
Also, an elf, known to some of you, Shalelu Andosana. She is a skilled goblin hunter in her own right, and she is joining you to Brinewall - a region she considers far north of her usual haunts.
”But only we five are in the company. The others will need to be paid. And between us, Sandru is a fine trader, and a decent man behind horse or mule, but he’s not good at planning. Would you, please, take that over from him? We’ll need provisions for 21 days, but we’ll be able to supply in a few towns along the way also. And do a little trade with luck. But otherwise, get what you think we might need.”
She puts a pouch of gold and jewels on the table for outfitting the caravan. It contains 2,000gp in wealth for caravan preparation.
"Mukluk, I am speaking figuratively. I do not expect us to actually be musicians. It is a metaphor."
"If we're not expecting to be actors, nor music-icans, then what are we supposed to be? Some sort of adventuring group, then? Ah, okay, I wish you had just said that to begin. I was a-mighty confused. Let alone me trying to asplain it to Moose," Mukluk says, agreeing to the deal. He would happily take another trip to Brinewall to let Moose have another frolic in the ivy patches, and Moose wouldn't object to that, would he? And if Mukluk could make more of a handsome profit off the travel, that would be a bonus.
"So, we'll need provisions for 3 weeks, aye? Well, that's no problem. With me stew of sisters three, we'll make it there and back, no problem. We'll want corn, peas, and gourds, and there will be no wantin' of good eating." Mukluk immediately begins a mental list of what might be needed for such a journey.
Smiling when Ameiko adds that storm was 'most welcome' Rory's starts thinking about all the ways he and the wolf would be able to help. Refocusing on the conversation, when Mukluk starts talking about his 'stew' he adds, "Storm and I can hunt, nothing brightens up vegetables like a little rabbit meat."
Durgan is glad to hear that Shalelu will accompany the party.
"I will handle provision of fresh water, and will additionally prepare a blessing to purify any foraged food that is questionable. I am also willing to handle trading for provisions if that would be agreeable."
I’ve pulled the ring of climbing for now, but someone should claim it. It’s just floating around until then.
Trader is a role you’ll play in a town. You can also have a role on the caravan in addition to Trader. So I’ll note Trader but, Durgan, you can pick something else as well.
The next couple of days are a blur.
The first day, you meet Sandru Vhiski (image), the caravan owner and resident of the road - though he winters in Magnimar. He’s having the supply wagon re-wheeled for the journey as the old spokes were just that - old. He greets you warmly, ”I’m so glad you’ll be coming along! We’re nearly full up, but we’ve just got room for everyone. Just a three week run up and then the same back so it shouldn’t be too bad. I’m itching to go further of course - it’s spring! - but this is the job before us.”
He’s an outgoing person, but his main goal is to get you lot where you need to go, and in some degree of comfort. He hopes to make a little coin along the way of course, but not so as it slows progress. When you explain you’re going to help with the books, and make some suggestions for improvements and the like - he welcomes it. ”I must admit the thinking parts sometimes twist me up, so any help in that direction is most welcome indeed! I’m better with people, and cargo, than manifests. It’s the reason I avoided becoming a ship’s captain - too much paperwork!” he laughs.
He does ask more seriously if any of you care to aid him in trade. ”When we hit a town, it’s best to trade quickly so we’re not lingering over the goods, you know? And that takes many hands - the more the better!”
Ameiko also asks you to check in on Koya Mvashti to ensure she is ready to go. Koya's (image) mother recently passed - she was the oldest person in Sandpoint - and it has freed Koya from the daily caregiving she had been providing. Now she can get back out on the road, and she is eager to do so before she becomes too old for hard travel.
She greats you warmly in her cozy little cottage, colorfully draped with brightly colored cloth and hidden continual lights to set the mood. ”Come in, come in, my children. Make yourselves at home, and help yourself to some zavarka tea from that samovar over there (image). Pot’s on top.”
”Now,” she continues when everyone is comfy, drinking tea, and eating some dry, but otherwise tasty biscuits, ”I understand from Ameiko that you lot have joined up and plan to head north. Well I plan to go with you! At least as far as Brinewall. Though Sandru may return you south, I will look for another caravan and head out rather further. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a long trip. Here, have another biscuit.”
She also offers to make potions for the party. She’ll do the first batch at cost too! ”I want you to see me as endearing of course.” she laughs as she makes the offer.
Kisaiya offers to shake Sandru’s hand. ”A pleasure to meet you. I am Kisaiya Shiraishi, and I have some experience with a caravan, as well as provisioning an inn kitchen, so I am fine with the details. I’m already thinking about how to make a daily menu suitable for such a trip.” She waves her hand over her and her comrades. ”So Durgan mentioned wanting to take the lead on Trade, I will obviously be a Cook, and I was thinking maybe Rory could assist Shalelu as a Scout, and maybe Mukluk help Guide the way?” She looks to her comrades for confirmation.
Kisaiya happily takes more biscuits. ”Did you make these yourself? I may have to ask you for the recipe. Not only tasty, but I think they would keep well on a long trip. I’m trying to keep that in mind for the menu.”
Meeting Sandru, Rory was quite relieved; Varisians were well known for their love of comfort, almost as much as halflings. Rory and Storm would have traveled with the others, even if the wagons used had been buckboards or covered wagons. But to travel with a Varisian train sleeping in a Vardo would be as comfortable as an Inn. He nodded politely to the 'caravan owner as introductions were made. Having a fondness for Kisaiya's cooking he was pleased that Kisaiya would be handling provisions and such. As sharp as Durgan's mind was for numbers it was wise to have him handling the trade aspect, who better than a priest of Abadar to handle the money. As Kisaiya mentioned having him assist Shalelu in scouting, Rory smiled and sat up straighter in the saddle. It would be good to work with his friend and mentor again. Having met Sandru, Rory was sure the fellow was the right man for the job. He seemed to know his own skills and willing to let others shine in theirs. Thinking of the Inn and how much Kasaiya enjoyed working with Ameiko it spoke well of the innkeeper and her ability to hire the right people. As they're heading back into town, he adds, "Seems like a nice enough sort." Turning to Mukluk he asks, "Have you and Moose met up with Sandru before on your travels?"
As they entered Koya's house, Rory admired the creature comforts as he steered Storm to the small living room. Surprised that the elderly woman would want to travel, he considered her Varisian roots and realized it wasn't that uncommon. Sampling the tea and biscuits Rory thought his friend was being overly generous about their flavor, they weren't as fluffy as the ones Kisaiya had made. Of course it didn't stop him from helping himself to seconds, it wasn't anything a little honey couldn't fix. When the elderly lady said she could help with potions, Rory nodded. It wasn't a bad idea having a few potions, and it reminded him he'd need to make a couple minor purchases. Pointing at the fancy tea pot he asks, "Are we taking that with us?"
Durgan talks some more with Sandru.
"How might I best support the caravan while we travel? I could work as a Healer. I am sure you know that charity is against my religion; priests of Abadar do not provide healing for free, other than to stem the spread of disease. However, should I assume the role of Healer as part of my contract, then I would be compensated by the transportation you provide. Healing, in whatever manner you direct, would be my way of paying passage."
Durgan is absolutely astounded at the immense sum of wealth that is distributed as his share. He tries to hide his shock.
Truly? A typical laborer might make a silver piece a day, so a thousand gold is... twenty-seven years of work if he saved every copper. A skilled professional such as an accountant might earn that much in two years. I just earned that in less than a week. What to do with it? Praise Abadar for my good fortune, may he guide me to wisdom in sound investments, and may I never take wealth for granted.
He has no idea what to spend this money on, having never had so much in his life.
Durgan tithes 10% of his earnings to date (so 100 gold) to the Church of Abadar, that they may build up their asset base to make loans in the community. He buys a Healer's Kit (50 gp) from the Church and saves the rest.
To Koya Mvashti, he is courteous and polite. He seems somewhat disconcerted by her offer of making potions at cost, but recovers quickly. "Thank you for your hospitality and for your generous offer. Though the Master of the Vault and the Song of the Spheres differ greatly, they are both patrons of travelers. Indeed, I myself have taken this oath, common among his paladins: 'I am a protector of the roadways and keep travelers from harm. No matter their destinations or goals, if they are peaceable and legitimate travelers who harm no others on the road, I will ensure that they pass safely.' I pray that I can keep this caravan safe.
Should I ask you to brew anything for me in the future, it may be another cup of this excellent tea. I thank you again."
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”Have you and Moose met up with Sandru before on your travels?"
”Nah. We don’t travel with too many others. Moose? Moose, ah…he’s a bit different. He isn’t always about traveling with others, besides me. We’ll be making an exception for this trip, however,” Mukluk responds with a shake of his head.
”How about you and Stormsy?” he follows up.
”… help yourself to some zavarka tea from that samovar over there.”
Mukluk does help himself to some tea, and without a lot of his usual fear about getting murdert. After his long friendship with Koya, where she’s had plenty of other opportunities to make him murdert, she has declined and so he’s not worried about it at all.
He sits and sips his tea politely and tries to enjoy the company and calm before the expedition leaves. He’s pleased to have Koya joining the caravan as an additional healing and calming influence.
He will browse the potions, but not buy anything yet. He’s saving his monies for something, but what that something was he wasn’t sure yet.
Mukluk will offer Koya a long and detailed update on his travels with Moose, and offer an even more detailed accounting of Moose himself if Koya has a mind to listen. Such things are important.
When an opportune moment presents itself, Kisaiya pulls Mukluk aside for a moment. ”I noticed that you still haven’t spent your share yet. There is something I need to pay for that I won’t be able to after we leave, but I’m short 600. If I could borrow it from you, I will swear to the Empress of Heaven to pay you back at the first opportunity. With interest.”
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Mukluk rubs the back of his neck, looking down at Kisaiya’s feet, unable to meet her eyes.
She has a keen set of eyes on her. Better at keeping track of my monies than I am. Or Moose is.
The truth of the matter is that Mukluk didn’t have a use for the money. He’s never had that much money in all his life, and hadn’t yet had time with Moose to discuss what they might want to do. He was in no rush to spend the money, that’s true, and Moose wouldn’t be either.
”Okay, yes, sure,” Mukluk says tentatively, maybe worrying just a little bit that refusing might get him murdert, but probably not. Probably.
”Yeah, sure,” he repeats with more conviction. ”I’ll want you to be prepared for the trip ahead and, yeah, ain’t no skin off my teeth,” he says as he counts out the monies.
He ponders asking for a contract, but that’s not his way. He offers his hand for a shake-on-it deal, finally raising his eyes to meet Kisaiya’s.
She offers her hand in thanks, grinning wider than Mukluk has ever seen. ”You will not regret it. I will make absolutely sure we are stocked up everything we need for your Three Sisters Soup. I was planning on switching up the menu every day, but I will make that one special for you every day if you want!”