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Knowledge Local/Nobility DC 10 Spoiler:
A ring-giver is a minor chieftain Ameiko steps forward and says, "You are embarrassing yourselves in front Mister Snaevald, before we take a course of action we need to know where this man is, once we can estimate his power then can we make a move. All of your assumptions are based on nothing more than conjecture and well we need hard facts."
Ameiko graciously towards the older Ulfen, then looks at Morthar and says, "I wish we had all of the time in the world to move the chess pieces around, however, we must make haste." Then back to older man says, "Master Snaevald, would you happen to know where this man resides?"
Ameiko draws a breath slowly and says, "I and my friends are here about an unusual item that you acquired a long time ago. May we come inside, the streets have ears, sir. And I am looking to reacquiring it for a price." The old man grunts again, then inclines his inside his home. "Aye. I'm always happy to speak with potential buyers," he barks, but you can tell he's playing along. He opens the door wide to let you in, revealing two tall Ulfen guards with blades drawn. He waves them away and leads you into a large den-like room with a blazing fireplace. The old man settles down into a thickly-padded chair while well-groomed servants rush in with mugs of warm ale and long loaves of bread for all. "Now, the majority of you never bothered to tell me. SO, who are you? What is it you want from me?" Fynn's clear blue eyes bore into you. Sense Motive DC 15:
Spoiler: You sense a smoldering anger beneath the elder's facade.
Ameiko smiles at Morthar and says, "Thank you, we can definitely use a guide at least for the next few days, our Ulfen native has a funeral so we can most definitely use your help sir. This samsaran to my left's name is Ahiko."
Ameiko puts down her bowl of rice and says, "If you are familiar with the city of Kalsgard we can definitely use your services... would you happen to know where I could find the merchant Fynn Snaevald or maybe his kin... he has a very important family heirloom of mine in his possession."
Ameiko looks quizzically at the man and says, "Sorry to have bothered you... Sandbox, we had a sandbox as a child but I have since built a gazebo in its stead." Ameiko waits for the service to come and orders herself sweet and sour pulled beef ribs with a large helping of rice. She then smiles at Ahiko and says, Tien Spoiler: "my chopsticking skill needs some work. I can handle the pieces of meat but not the rice... Can you show me Ahiko?"
Seeing the middle age man from the Inner Sea amongst so many people from the Tien Xa, she walks up to him and addresses him in Common, "Hello, you seem a bit distraught."
After a few moments of silence, Ameiko coughs and chimes in. "Thank you, Sandru. We'll find a capable guide, or this trip is going to be very short. I, for one, would love to see the Jade quarter. I have never been around more than a handful of Tian people, and those were pretty much my family, except for Ahiko of course.." She gives a sheepish smile.
"Thanks Ahiko, but Sandru needs it more than I, I wasn't even hurt." says Ameiko.
Ameiko looks at Kalistrine and says, "Why are you so upset with me, anyway?"
Ameiko looks at Vermundr and says, "I ain't a high nothing. I may be noble blood and in this case now empirical but doesn't mean I am royalty and definitely not now. In addition, Minkai may have been my grandfather's home but it isn't mine nor Takeshi's we grew up in Sandpoint... in Varisia." responding to Vermundr and Ahiko. She then scratches her nose and says, "I need to digest this information for awhile, I literally woke up out of a coma an hour ago." She then looks at Kalistrine and says, "You are what you want to be"
You haul the chests and the warding box up the stairs and through the throne room and out of the secret entrance again, you head outside with a new sense of urgency. As you emerge, the sun breaks through the cloudy cover as if Shelyn, Desna or whomever your deity may be has planned it for you, you can see the oppressive overcast of the last couple days clearing out to the southwest, leaving the open air crisp and cool and make the long trek through the woods back to Sandru's caravan. When you arrive, your friends are just sitting down for tea and lunch. Your appearance elicits cheers, laughter and many questions, but above all they are happy to see you back intact and healthy. As you step into camp, Ameiko comes over quickly, giving Takeshi, Kalistrine and Ahiko a strong hug in turn. She is perfectly healthy, but you can see she nearly quivers with nervousness and uncertainty. Her smiles to you are warm and she pushes back tears from the corner of her eyes. With a sigh and low chuckle, she shakes her head in wonder. "I don't even know where to begin. Do you... do you have the Seal?" She then walks over to Vermundr and says, "Hello, my name is Ameiko Kaijitsu er I guess Amatatsu, I have seen the lot of you in a vision but I do not have the pleasure of your name."
Ameiko listens to Jorland intently and says, Well, I know we are about twenty miles from the border but I do not foresee going international on this trip... I still have the Dragon and the family Glassworks to run. I am on the other hand open to a lot of option... Hehehehe!!! She takes a sip from her rye and continues, I am extremely excited about the secrets that lie with Brinewall, how bout you?
Ameiko turns to Takeshi, pats him on the shoulder as if to say 'it's ok' and says, "Stumbling around in the dark even with light would possibly give us away to any potential threat. Kalistrine Spoiler:
You find some tracks of some small forest animals and the scat of chipmunks. Later during dinner Ameiko decides to regale the group with her samisen and sings bruskly with a lot of vigor more so than usual. After finishing her set, she sits with the rest of the group and says, "I dearly thank all of you for accompanying me on this quest" [b]Sense Motive DC 29 Spoiler: Ameiko Bluff Despite her jovial demeanor, Ameiko looks a little pale, and you get the sense that she's doing her best to hide her true state.
Survival DC 12: Spoiler:
The overgrown trail looks like it hasn't been used in years "I suggest we go in force in the morning," chirps Ameiko lightly, "Wandering around in the dark seems like it is more problems than not, what do you think Tak-tak?"
Ameiko scratches her chin for a second in response to Liu's remark. She says, Well, that was the same year as the storm which could also explain the shipwrecks of the Kaijitsu Blossom and Star. That's what I remember from school. Knowledge History DC 15 Spoiler: Construction on Brinewall Castle began in 4442 AR, but quickly ran into troubles. It was plagued by funding problems and building delays, and was not completed until 4469 AR. The militia who patrolled Brinewall defended their keep remarkably until a still-unexplained occurrence in 4687. A storm occured and everyone living and working at Brinewall disappeared without a trace, leaving the buildings themselves untouched. Plenty of blame was passed around, but no trace of the missing was ever found.
Blame has mostly fallen on the Nolander barbarians, who were a constant menace to the settlement. Curiously however, the Nolanders themselves avoid the place, fearing it as cursed
Later, Ameiko goes over to Liu and says to her, Liu, I thought this would be a great time to talk and see how you are. Do you believe the tales of Brinewall are true? According to the history, a storm hit and then wham, the place became deserted.
Ameiko smiles at what Jorland says until she hears 'talk funny' then she frowns slightly realizing that it must be a learning mistake and then says in Tien Spoiler: "If you really want to talk funny right you should speak with Zhenzhen, Shalelu told me she is a native speaker. Are you going to go into Riddleport?
Ameiko looks at Jorland and says, "Sure, why not? What do you have for me this time?" After hearing Jorland speaking Tien. She squints at him and says back in Tien, Spoiler: "Well, Jorlo your pronunciation is pretty good... but my language is Varisian not Tien, I was born in Sandpoint, it may be my parents' language but not really mine. I am damn proud of my heritage which, if I had known more of, we wouldn't be going to Brinewall, hahahaha! As far as ninjas and cooking, ninjas need to be flexible, both in body and in utility to get their job done, a skill for cooking may well be in a ninja's arsenal of tricks... "
The group that goes with Shalelu and meets Zhenzhen stay out late at the taverns late into the night. Groggily you all make it back to the caravan for breakfast. Sandru fresh goes into town to do some trading with Kalistrine and set out getting the work done on fixing the wagons after the battle the day before. Ameiko sits with Liu, Takeshi and Jorland after getting the magical items appraised and she says, I appreciate you guys coming with me... and I have to say to my little Tak Tak that your magi training has somewhat impressed me, I still remember that little defenseless boy I protected from Tsuto... She turns to Liu and says, Dang girl you's got spunk, hide and go seek, wow... To Jorland, That gift you gave to me makes me happy and then she squeezes his cheek.
Ameiko flashes Liu a smile and says "I feel like dew on a Toilday morning, but in all honesty how are you doing Liu, you done took a beatin'"
Ameiko smiles and pinches Jorlo's cheek and says "I really like the part about smashing those goblins, I really loathe them, you know, and it is nice to see my brother fare so well. It's good to see he's done good...." She loses concentration for a moment in thought almost shedding a tear and then continues "I will probably fasten it to my armor, you know me and my hair, i change it almost every day, hahahaha!" she giggles while covering her mouth. Further, Your group is starting to gel, reminds me of Sandru and I back in the day... Oh, Well I still have a bunch of arrangements with getting provisions and cargo for the caravan and all."
Ameiko turns around and says, Well that is very nice Jorlo, can you tell me how you got your hands on such a nice hairpin?
I would like to thank you for your support. I thought you would also agree Takeshi. she responds but then frowns at the negative comment towards Sandru from her little brother. Sandru saved my life and he is a great friend to our family. Caravan is the only reasonably safe way to get up to Brinewall, anyway. With the addition of Koya and Shalelu this venture is much sounder than some of the crazy stuff I did when I was a teen... she then laughs. She then turns to Jorland's question, What do you think you will need?
"Most of you probably know that I have been a bit uneasy in my retirement. Running two businesses which are completely different in nature has weighed on me since my half brother killed my father. I shouldered these responsibilities willingly, allowing my little brah Tak-Tak continue his schooling with no interruption. I have done this for my family, of whose history my brother and I know so little. With you bringing us, looking at Takeshi and then giving him a hug, the letter, family honor, or downright curiosity compels me to make the trip to Brinewall to see what secrets might lay in wait in that castle on the Steam River. I would like to invite the group of you to join me on this trip which should take about a month. Bethanne, I would like you to run the Dragon while we are away. We shall be moving north with Sandru's caravan, which I will be hiring to that end. Ameiko pauses for questions
As Kalistrine is leaving the caravan camp on the way to see the Sheriff, she runs into Ameiko who is about to entire the camp, Ameiko says, Hello, I hope you liked my tavern. Feel free to stop by for breakfast. I will be there around noon to speak with your group.
Ameiko looks at Takeshi and shrugs her shoulders and says, No problem, I still don't understand all the secrecy, tell them the whole story.
With that she fills her flask with some more rye, says See you on the morrow! Then she leaves the dragon to ponder what needs be pondering.
Ameiko smiles at Takeshi as she takes the naked blade from her younger brother and says, "Father was a bit of a tough man and as you know he and I quarrelled on many an occasion which drove me away. I am glad that your studies enabled you to miss most of that nonsense. Anywho, the blade if I am not mistaken is called Whispering Shrike and it is a (+1) wakizashi of
DC Bluff to see if she knew about the secret compartment as part of the story of Whispering Shrike or because Liu told her. Spoiler:
She did not know about the secret compartment She then unscrews the pommel to reveal the scroll. She then unrolls it and reads it. Although Liu summarized the contents, seeing her grandfather's writing makes her go pale. Takeshi, you should definitely read this letter. Spoiler: " My son, my heir. You know now that I have kept secrets from you. You were always a perceptive son, and while you may not understand my reasons for secrecy, I hope that you realize it was necessary. Know that I was not angry with you for opening the warding box—I was angry with myself for withholding the truth from you and forcing you to seek out what I should have given to you. The words I spoke to you were from anger with myself, and it shames me to think of them now. I write this note as an apology, and to beg you to leave these secrets to history.
"The next few days will be the most important I have faced in many years. If our family’s enemies have, as I hope, forgotten us, I shall reunite with you and your wife, and your mother and I shall reveal the truth to you. But if they still seek the contents of the warding box, I fear that I may not speak to you again. The box holds our family’s greatest treasure, so I have returned it to Kortun’s care, and it shall remain hidden in the secret third vault under Brinewall Castle—obscured from our enemies, I hope and pray. I will not grant our foes the satisfaction of killing me themselves—if it comes to it, let my death, by my own hand, be my final act to protect you, so that our enemies believe our line ended. "I have instructed Tsutamu to keep this letter from you, delivering it to you only should I fail to return as I hope to. If I can, I will reveal all to you myself. If I cannot, this final missive from a father to a son must suffice as an apology in place of an explanation, and you must destroy this letter, flee to the south, and never return to Brinewall. If our enemies find what I have hidden, there will be nothing here for you. If they do not, they will lie in wait forever for your return. "I hope to see you again soon, my son. But my heart tells me I will not. I am sorry to have failed you. But I am proud of you, and I know you will survive this old man’s shame. You are strong, and you must remain so. For if you are reading this and I am gone, know that our enemies will never stop searching for us, and that is why I cannot reveal the truth to you until I know there is no chance of them finding us again. "Rokuro Kaijitsu. Sunday, 29 Desnus, 4687."
Thanks Jor! I don't want you to ruin a comradeship over me. Ameiko turns to Kalistrine and says gruffly, I did not ask for any of this stuff. And I sure as hell don't want any of this adulation people pour over me in this town. The only thing that would want from this chest is the chest itself. Just to see if it matches some of the old stuff in my home's storage area. I would suggest the group of you should split the contents amongst yourselves. You've earned it.
Ameiko coughs a little uncomfortably and says in Tian Spoiler:
You really shouldn't have kept the information from my brother and the group for that matter. I do appreciate the sentiment and the loyalty you have shown me though She then goes over to Takeshi, Tak, Tak may I see your wakizashi, I think it is a special one if Papa's stories were true.
For Shelyn's sake, don't break the damned thing open, it may break whatever is inside says Ameiko exasperatedly. She then examines the chest thoroughly. Let me get my picks from behind the bar, hey, where did you find this bad boy? she says to group as a whole.
While Takeshi is animated she takes a healthy pull from her whisky, nods her head while listening to her little brother speak. "Interesting, so you found some of our family ships that have gone missing. The Glassworks still run two or three out of the port. That reminds me I need to speak with the accountant about increasing the cost.... Well, what else happened?"
After the show and the barrel of Rye is brought up to the bar, Ameiko swirls the miraculous chocolate brown liquid in her glass while stroking her extremely large samisen. Shallelu and Sandru are sitting on either side of her and she can tell that you have something to tell her, "So, how did the Goblin stompin' go?"
Liu Na and Jorland get right back in the groove of working the Dragon's kitchen and after about two hours go by before Ameiko's band finishes its final encore for the evening. Ameiko then see Jorland and Liu and says Shoot, I thought I needed to hire some new staff members, being you guys been gone so long. Jorlo, Its time to celebrate, could you be a dear and get the cask of Valdemar Single Batch Rye? I have a thirst for the complex character of that spirit. Liu could you get the glasses?
Before Takeshi returns, Ameiko addresses the group,"Good Luck on your trip and keep Takeshi safe!" She smiles. Once Takeshi returns, She gives him a big hug and whispers in his ear. Spoiler: "Lil bro, goblins are silly but still dangerous, keep your wits about you and don't let what happened to me, happen to you" she tears up a little and pats him on the back.
@Liu, "You know me and bargains, I winked at the young Valdemar boy down at the docks and then he gave me these fish as a deal. Sandru is in town, damn I may actually sell these fish before they end up in some weird Ulfen Souljanka" [b]she chuckles. [b] "Maybe I will get Bethie to take care of it, should be a feast" @Takeshi: she squeezes his cheeks and says "You know Olsoria is always welcome in the Dragon, why doncha ya bring him along next time." Noticing a new but oddly familiar patroness, she walks over to Lina, "Ameiko Kaijitsu, welcome to the Rusty Dragon, proprietress at large, my joint mayn't be as classy as the White Deer but what it doesn't have in class in makes up for in spunk"
Ameiko trots in with enough fish for 150 people on a wheelbarrow, when she comes to the front door she gives it a brisk kick and wedges the wheelbarrow to keep the door ajar. "Hi, Liu and Bethanna, can I get a little help? Jorli should be able to do something with these?" as she points at her quarry. The three of them do it quickly and then Ameiko walks over to her brother. She then pokes him with her finger, playfully and says "That's what you get for missing my show, lil Tak Tak. Anywho, Good Morning!!!" |
