Hello, from Sandpoint! I hope y'all will stop buy and have a drink at my bar!!
Search Posts
It seemed from the journal that she wanted us to be a sacrifice of some sort? Evil minds. What turns people into murderers just to satisfy their own desires?
The next morning comes with no incident, aside from a wonder pus breakfast served a little late in the morning. The town is bustling, and it seems people are a bit more cheerful than usual. As you walk the streets, people are still thanking you for routing the goblins at the festival.
As things wrap up, and the crew cleans up, Ameiko heads over to Brenton while he's outside of earshot of Hardegon. They seem to have really hit it off, huh? She pauses for his answer.
A smile comes across the Tian's face. Hey, hey, what are you saying over there, Sheriff? You got something against nobility?
How you doing Hardegon? This can't have been what you expected. Magnimar, the big city, danger around every corner. And then you come to sleepy little Sandpoint where there's demons around every corner!Don't get me wrong. I have seen my fair share of blood on the rough and tumble streets of Magnimar. I used to hang out with a gang and there were constant struggles for control of turf. Sometimes a few skulls had to get cracked; occasionally a stabbing. But nothing like the demonspawn we encountered. They frighten me, to be honest. They're nothing I can tackle like I used to in Magnimar. I need to learn more about them and their ways I suppose, if I want to not only overcome my fear of them, but overcome them in battle... Sorry about that. It seems my brother was mixed up with that woman. I'm still not sure if she was bless by angelic blood, demonic, or both. Regardless, she was definitely into demonic rituals and the such. At least you put a stop to her. Permanently. She puts a strong drink down in front of the young rogue. You did the right thing...and you helped the others do what had to be done. The Sheriff mentioned that you might have a bit of a past in Magnimar, and they you're paying you debt to society...but here in Sandpoint, it is we who owe you!
Me? I've been doing better. Thanks again for your support. It's been hard, losing my father and my brother at the same time. And I already lost my mom. I guess I'm really alone now.... at least as far as family is concerned. But, hey, I've got great friends here in the community, like you...so I'm hardly alone. She puts away some of the glasses as she continues. She seems honest Now, we'll just have to see where things go from here. I'm a little worried about some of the news you brought about evil creatures and the such. Hopefully Shalelu can give us more information. I think, though, that with the death of those goblins, and that evil tiefling who lead them and my brother to betray our town, that we should be safe for a while.
As the food is being put out, Ameiko gets everyone's attention. Before we partake of this feast, as a celebration of thanks for these men who have saved our town from three seperate threats, I want for us to take a moment for a man named Orik. None of us outside of the heroes knew him, but I have been told that he was a man who worked hard to make up for the poor decisions he made, including playing a part in the goblin raid. He paid the ultimate price, and we should take a moment to pray that Pharasma see to his future, proper. ----
Yes...you missed him earlier in the week, bragging about how he took down the beast as you all watched and cheered. Somehow, I don't think it happened exactly that way... -----
...accept some hospitality! I've sent Bethana out to let the town crier know that we're having a banquet tonight, right here, in your honor! Give me a few hours, and you'll have some of the best boar you've ever tasted!! I'll be using one of my father's recipes from Tian Xia. It's wonderous! She walks over to Kyle, puts her warm hand on his sholder and drops her voice so that only he and a few others can hear. Thank you for taking care of that...demon. At least my brother's arrest has been revenged. He must still stand trial for his actions, but I rest easier knowing that she is no longer a threat to him, myself, or others.
As she awaits an answer, she turns to Hardegon. You're new around here, aren't you? You look like you've seen a ghost! Why don't you tell me what's going on?
Shalelu seems to be out, still scouting for any remaining goblinoid activity. As you return to the Rusty Dragon, Ameiko attends to you. So, how did it go, gentlemen? Were you able to find the woman who dug her claws into my brother? What happened there?
Assuming this happened during her outburst earlier. You!? You told her? Why would tell her that? What did you hope to gain? What did she pay you to loose your lips! I mean...what were you thinking? That I want the shameful acts that my family has done published in the Chronicles? I... At this point, her halfling friend walks to her. Mistress. Please. Do not work yourself up. I'm sure your friend meant no harm. You know how Lanilee twists people. Please... *Now* she goes up to her room.
You don't know Sandpoint the way I do. They'll be talking about this for months. And everytime I go to the store, or walk on the streets, I'll be a...a.... She half screams something in Tian, throws down the mop, runs upstairs and slams the door.
The town's dragon of rumor, Lanilee or whatever her name is...she heard a bit of news from someone about what's going on. She's wasted no time in shaming my name in the mud by spreading the gossip to all the townsfolk. She slams a mug on the table. Now, I'm not only the talk of the town ... and not in a good way, mind you, but I'll be lucky if anyone comes here to drink again! How did she find out? Only the five of us and the mayor knew that details of what happened. And Deverin knows better than to say anything damning around that woman. Ameiko continues to clean, in force, while speaking in Tien rather angrily.
As any of you walk into Ameiko's inn that evening, you see Ameiko. The bar looks mostly empty...unusual for this time of the day. Ameiko seems to be seething as she mops the floor
If you speak Tian: . Ameiko is cursing under her breath
Ameiko's eyes open wide at the exchange. Wow. I can't say I've ever seen guys fight over doing dishes before...much less do so in a such a spectacular manner. I wish I had this problem earlier! You? I'm the one who normally does the dishes, says the halfling, Bethana. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear they were fighting to get my attention! Both women laugh as they close up the bar for the night.
After serving another customer, Ameiko turns her attention to you. Didn't that journal you took off my brother say something about an impending goblin attack? The details escape me.
I wish I could tell you. I was a small child at the time. I don't remember much. From all accounts, it is one heck of a journey. One would have to travel thousands of miles over the crown of the world to get there from this side of the continent.
After Emrys described the horrors down there, I was very worried. I now see just how those concerns were warrented. It does trouble me that the little quasit got away. However, we've cleared that area of beasts, we've smashed the relic well she used to summon her minions, and we've kicked her out of her nest, so to speak. If and when we get a means to see that which is invisible, it may be worth another look through again to insure she has left and not returned. But, without the well, she is but a small threat by herself. She pauses for a moment, looking at the monk. Obviously, there's still the Thistletop Goblins, as well as the demon lady in my brother's journal. I believe the Sheriff is attempting to get aid to assist with that. I just hope he comes back before they attack again. She sighs. Suddenly, a smile comes back to her face as the charismatic Tian woman puts her arms around the shoulders of Zeriax and Megekki. But, to answer your question, Zeriak, I would most certainly qualify this as a victory. Sandpoint is much safer with that evil quieted. So, let's say we go back to my bar, and get something to eat! She laughs. Looking to Megekki, As far as what to say? Ask the mayor. I may sing songs about heroics, but I don't sing my own praises. That's to say, the others in the town won't hear a word from me.
They sounded like they're coming from...below? Did you all find a way down to a lower level?
I agree that the same fire that warms a home can burn in it to the ground, but I fail to see how a portal designed to spew forth demons powered by wrath could ever serve the causes of good. Odd, but didn't you tell me earlier how you refused to make a deal with a devil? She smiles at that. You were wise to do so. Trifle with evil, like my brother, and you take the first steps to becoming evil yourself.
Hmmm..I have to say I agree with Brenton on this one. I, too, share a strong interest in artifacts and magic relics. But, judging by the sinspawn she was summoning from the pool, what he did may have been for the best. At least we found what appears to be an ancient text out of it. I'm willing to bet that the Pathfinders would pay a tidy sum for that.
How can you be so sure? No offense, but you didn't put your hair trap out well after she went invisible.
Ameiko looks around carefully before turning to Megekki. She raises an eyebrow at his hair spread out all over the door. She may have gotten away. She was pretty fast in the air.
Ameiko looks around, angry. That little she devil got away. Some sort of invisibility magic. Combined with her ability to fly, we'll never catch her. She wipes off her rapier before putting it in the scabbard. It looks like that well or pool over there somehow created those creatures when she spilled her blood into it. It appears the magic is spent for now...but she did say something about the goblins somehow empowering it again.
The quasit that flies above, as small and fast as a dove,
Ameiko stays 5' behind the PFL and uses her standard to begin singing. All allies are inspired, receiving a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Ameiko looks at the wine bottle. My...my father ... this belongs to dad. It was in his office in the glassworks. I'm not sure what it is doing here.
As she floats around, she looks at the other objects. I do not recognize the book. It seems to be magically preserved...about a religion. The scroll is one of burning hands (CL3). The wand is Shocking Grasp...it has 28 charges. I do not use this type of magic myself.
Are you sure that wouldn't like...hurt your hand? It looks like solid oak!
Ameiko shakes her head. I'm afraid I'm not very skilled in picking locks myself. If one of you are strong enough and have something blunt...or maybe an axe, we could bash it in.
I'm ready, Ameiko says.
Well, you're more than welcome to borrow my dagger. Its coated in silver from my some silverware father gave me. The stuff was too fancy for me, made out of real silver and all. She smiles. Just make sure I get it back. Outside of that, you can check Savah's Armory. She sells all manners of weapons and armor.
Ah, I remember studying about various devils in the town hall library when I was younger. I believe I know of the kind you speak of. What did you wish to know? Perhaps I know the answer.
The father may not be there that late, but there's almost always one of his acolytes there. Is it important? If so, I can tell you where he lives.
You want to accompany us down there? He'll I'm not sure I want to go down there again! But I'd be thrilled to have you along, we could certainly use the help and I'm sure not knowing what your brother was up to must be playing on your mind. You all have already done so much for the town, and for my family and I. She pauses for a moment. I guess it's just me now. She takes the rapier off the counter. Anyway, I could use some fresh air. If I have one more person talk to me about nobility and the such, I think I'll say something I might regret. And anyway... It may be nice to take some of my anger out on something that's even loosely connected to my brother. You are leaving in the morning after the group rests? I will meet you down here an hour before dawn.
Daangerous enough to make the so called "heroes of Sandpoint" turn tail twice already. he drains his mug and adds; Brenton got eaten. I mean literally. Swallowed by some nightmare beast. We cut him out but he was barely breathing when we did. The place is full of devils and undead and mutants. Something far worse than those goblins is headed for Sandpoint. I had... I had no idea! She thinks for a moment, puts down the mug she was cleaning. She bends down behind the counter, and pulls out a rapier. Looking at it, you can see that it's very high quality, and has a faint glow to it. Let me come with you. I'm no stranger to handling threats. With the Sheriff gone, you guys could use some back up, and that's something I'm good at. The songs I sing here aren't just for show. She smiles at you. I have my suit of leather armor in the back. When are you going back in? She sees a somewhat surprised look in Emrys' face. Emrys, let me do this. I don't know any more about the history of those passages down there than you do. But, my brother is somehow, someway at least partially responsible for this. Let me help. I've already had to deal with the loss of my father. If my family ends up being responsible for the deaths of anyone else, especially you or your friends, I would not be able to show my face. Please, let me help.
Not at all. I knew from being there many times that the the basement was sealed off. And its clear from Tsuto's journal that there are some reasons he had it taken down, but I don't believe father had any idea. She puts down the mug she's cleaning for a minute and looks him in the eye. Just how dangerous is it, Emrys?
Oh, yes, thank you. I'm doing better. Have you all been able to figure anything more from your investigation of the glass works? How has that been going? I'm afraid Tsuto won't even look up from the floor, much less answer any of question from me or the watchman.
Ameiko steps to let Brenton tend to her hand. While she still looks roughed up, and somewhat drained, she has an air of confidence and self control completely at odds with what she has just been through. My brother spoke of working with some Quasit down there. They tend to both evil, and intelligent. And he mentioned something about her raising dark demons. I doubt she will stand by while the good people of Sandpoint raise another wall to trap her back down there again.
Her body collides into Zeriak and the tears continue to flow. First, my mother...now my father. And its his fault....and he'll be hanged. He betrayed the family. I'm ... I'm all alone... She drops the improvised dagger, blood dripping off her hand onto the floor. Her body collapses into Zeriak's as she continues to sob. Eventually she pulls herself together. Despite everything she's been through recently, there's still a strength about her. Looking at Tsuto she says, You will stand trial, brother. And I will testify against you. You will face justice. May Pharasma have mercy on you for betraying your people and your blood. As she walks out, she stops near Megekki. Without looking up, she whispers, I wish he was under some sort of mind control. He's not. And good luck trying to get any further information out of him short of magic. I know my brother. Threats of death won't dent his stubborness. A little louder she says, Thank you. You truly are... heroes. Give me a little time to clean myself up. I would like to talk with you.
You take her back up. One of the watchman is working with two others, and they are working to remove the two goblins. Tsuto is still tied up on the ground. He does not even look up as you walk in with Ameiko. She sees him, however.... What have you done to him? What have you done to... Her question hangs in mid sentence as she sees her father covered in glass. A cold silence hangs in the air, as her eyes widen. No.... She runs up to him. No...he can't be. No, not like this! No.... Her voice cracks under the weight of sadness and anger mixed together. She looks towards him. You. You did this!? Finally, he speaks. Not I. The goblins. The goblins YOU allowed in here! The ones YOU were working with!! I... He was mean! He was even cruel at times. But he DID NOT DESERVE THIS!, she screams. Tears flood down her cheeks as she her face turns red hot. She continues to yell. I ... I cared for you! And you think this is a way to repay that love? By attacking the town and killing papa??!? She looks around. She finds a long, sharp piece of glass, and picks it up tightly, ignoring the blood beginning to flow around her improvised blade due to her grip. I won't wait for Magnimar to hang you!! I will kill you myself!! She begins to rush towards him, glass shard hanging over her head!
What? Father? FATHER?? What...where is he???
Yeah...I... Her eyes widen, as her voice drops to a near whisper. Tsuto. He betrayed.... She chokes as she can barely get the words out. ...Sandpoint. Goblins. Where... is he?
Ameiko was unconscious and badly wounded... after the channel, she starts to move a little as the party enters the storage room that was just her prison. Shes bound by the wrists and ankles, blindfolded and gagged.
Last call.
Diplomacy Check Math:
The ship has sailed long ago? Really? You tell that to a "girl's" father? hahahaha! NICE.
Anywho, Megekki is right. The DC here is 18 (He actually has a low CHA...go figure given how much he's charming you all over) He's not going to slug you (hostile), but he is rather pissed. He's not very charismatic, so no bonus here. Normally, I occasionally add bonus and apply penalties based on RP...if I feel the player's conversation convinces or pushes away an NPC's viewpoint, I modify the rolls accordingly. I felt that Zeriax's response was respectful enough to earn a bonus, so I raised it to a 19 (+4 is usually the max I give outside of some pretty extenuating circumstances such as returning a relative from the grave!). Megekki, your zen like sayings are probably went right over the head of the man, who is too angry to look into their deeper meanings. However, it could give your team mate, Zeriak, more confidence in what he's doing. This is a great example of the words themselves 'aiding another'. I apply a +4 circumstance/moral bonus to your roll making it a total of 11. This is enough to 'aid another,' so, you add a total of +4 (Instead of the normal +2) since the super helpful trait you took comes in here). Total for Zeriax is now 23. Emrys tries to help, but his words are laced with an insult. It's GREAT rp, but sadly, insulting to the old man nonetheless. While what he says is true, and it's SUPER likely the father knows it...NO father likes to be reminded of such a factoid. The truth hurts! It's not a total insult, so I only apply a -2 penalty here to his roll, giving him a total of 9. He does not 'assist another' with Zeriax's plea. When I resolve diplomacy, the key character in the conversation is the one most responsible for the success of the diplomacy, and the others are always considered to be aiding another. I don't just take the highest roll and then say the others are supporting. Thankfully, the monk had the highest roll here...so it's all good. You all beat the DC by 5, so two shifts in relations is normally expected. Your responses are enough to give him pause. Ameiko chirps up from behind the counter. Now, Ven...c'mon. Don't make a scene. These guys are saved the town, and have been working hard over the last few days making sure none of those creatures cause any more problems. Zeriak has done nothing...and I do mean nothing, to Shayliss, to cause her any harm or dishonor.
Ameiko answers Emrys, My apologies. You men come here to relax, and deserve to do so. I'm sorry for my father's outlandish behavior towards you. He's always felt that those who adventure for living or for principle to be beneath him.
The cruel comments almost bring Ameiko to tears. Yet, as her father leaves, shouting, she picks up her ladle, and bravely declares “I’ll need a well-cleaned ladle now, since jackass stew’s not on the menu! The resulting cheers and laughter from the tavern’s patrons help her attitude immensely. She turns to the party, Thank you. Really. I want you stay in my inn for free for another week. Dinner's on the house! Everyone cheers.
Ameiko repsonds, telling her father (in common) to leave her inn (albeit with a string of creative and shocking profanity). Enraged, Lonjiku tries to grab her by the hair to drag her from the tavern, but she dodges and brains him with her soupy ladle, spattering fish stock and potatoes all over his hair and outfit.
Ameiko rushes into the front room, a ladle dripping with soup in her hand. You will NOT speak to my patrons in such manner!
|