Well, it was fun while it lasted. If this one gets back on its feet, I'll be around. ;)
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Ratimir is delighted with Trelland's sincere affection for the horses. "Thank you for lending us such fine creatures, Mister Trelland." He looks at the bay-brown horse, and then turns to Vanea. "I believe Beauty suits you well," he teases, playing with words as the half-elf often does.
Ratimir randomly picks the grey one in his mind, and draws a card to check on his choice. A smart one, he concludes with a smile. The cartomancer moves on and hops up on the imposing horse before him, grabbing the reins and moving closer to Shaedeen. "Trained horses are not that difficult. But they won't get any easier if you never get on the saddle," he says trying to encourage the girl. "Live and learn, learn by living."
Ratimir bids Ameiko good morning as she stops by to serve him his breakfast. He eats slowly while sitting on the bed; with one free hand, Ratimir spreads the harrow deck over the sheets and observes the cards, picking some of them up and concentrating on them. The arcane powers of the Harrow Patrons flow through the deck and into his mind, refueling his own magic powers. Once both his meal and ritual are finished, the cartomancer gets dressed for the hunt and heads downstairs. Finding Foxglove already there waiting for the group, the Varisian smiles and greets the man. "Good morning, Lord Foxglove. For my part, my night's sleep has got me well rested and ready for some boar hunting. Let's hope my skills match my good mood, or else we'll probably have to stop by the butcher to get our lunch," he says cheerfully.
With his usual calm, Ratimir remains sitted watching the episode unravel. Though his body is still, his mind races, making notes of everyone's reactions. Throughout the discussion, he covers his mouth, a smile under his hand. His smile is not one of amusement, however, but rather of satisfaction, for little by little he gets to know Serolt, Vanea, and Shaedeen a better every day. He cannot help but feel once again the bonds that fate seems to have placed on them. Just like the Harrow said in the day of the Swallowtail festival, he recalls. The mention of Alergats Barret, snaps him out of this though. His eyes wander to the floor, and remain there in contemplation until the Tian men storms out. He has trouble partaking in the laughter caused by Amieko's joke. He finally stands up and approaches Ameiko and the rest of the group, fiddling with his cards. "He's not completely wrong, you know? If we had been more diligent, maybe Amele Barrett wouldn't have to bury her husband."
Hey guys, I'll be away during the next week, and it's very likely I won't have decent internet access. I'll be back next Sunday, but please bot me as needed. Cheers!
Ratimr runs his fingers over his moustache and down his unshaved chin, an idea crossing his mind. He looks at the bag of coins and then winks at Shae, nodding towards the bag. He then bends over the table placig both arms before him. "How about this, Lord Foxglove: since you're going to Magnimar soon, maybe you can help put in a good for a friend of ours. As you put it, one of us is missing, and it just so happens that he is currently on his way to Magnimar to clear off a misunderstanding. You might remember a fire in the library of Magnimar? Well, our friend Haelvor might have played a part in that—accidentally, of course, since his love for books is something I've never seen in anyone. I'm positive that if a gentleman such as yourself spoke on his behalf, that would ease his troubles." He claps his hands and leans back. "In any case, we'd be delighted to join you. We have a great hunter among us," he finishes, slapping Serolt on the back.
After defeating the goblin, Ratimir is unusually gloomy. His thoughts keep returning to the poor widow. He makes the walk to the Rusty Dragon without uttering a word. When Ameiko tells them about Aldern Foxglove's visit, Ratimir turns around and looks at the man. The sight brings some small comfort, as it reminds him that if he cannot save them all, he still can help some of them. He presses his lips into a sad smile, and walks over to the aristocrat, following Serolt and Vanea. "I see you're physically well. I hope the scare has worn off, too," he says, taking a sit opposite to Foxglove.
Upon spotting the dead man in the hole, Ratimir shakes his head in desolation. His first thoughts are about Amele Barrett, now widowed—a trauma he is all too familiar with. He is still wondering how to break the news to Mrs. Barrett, later on, when Shae and Vanea move the body, releasing the furious goblin into the room. Quick on his feet, the cartomancer reaches for a pinch of wool on his pouch and presses it between his fingers, creating a burst of light right in front of the goblin.
Ratimir shakes his head. "That's a shame." He picks up a mug of ale and raises it in the air. "Got to give it to Haelvor though, for having the courage to go there and face it upfront. Fortune favors the brave. To Haelvor, and may Desna guide his path!" He takes a sip and puts the mug down, turning to the sheriff and the lady next to him. "More goblins, you say? Do you want us to take a look at it?" He then approaches the woman and her baby. "Calm down, we're here to help." The notion of being a hero is troubling to Ratimir too, but he has a hard time turning away all the people that seem to be placing their hopes on him and his newfound friends.
Ratimir catches Shae's glance and stands up, a look of surprise on his face. "Officers, we have spent time with Haelvor, and I can assure you it's all a misunderstanding: I'm yet to meet someone who loves books as much as he does. He'd never burn down a library, and if so, accidents are thus called for a reason." The cartomancer has dealt with lawmen enough to know that these words will not suffice to change their resolve, but still he hopes to imbue them with some a friendly disposition towards the unfortunate half-elf. "But, I can tell it's already decided, and this is more of an explanation than a consultation." He walks up to Haelvor and grabs his shoulders. "I wish you good luck, and trust you'll be returned to Sandpoint in no time. If there's evet anything I can do for you, send word through your adviser and we'll answer your call."
"Certainly, Miss Andosana. If you want to join us, well, the good lad here will tell you that we're staying at the Dragon—the Rusty one, it seems," he finishes, winking at the boy. "Come and meet us." He bows to Shalelu and Father Zanthus and takes his leave, following the message boy. Ratimir smiles and cheers up the kid. "Boy, lead the way, I think I've completely forgotten how to get there! A good thing the Sheriff sent me an expert on Sandpoint, so I won't waste my time with wrong turns. You first!" Upon reaching the Rusty Dragon, the cartomancer gives the boy a gold piece before parting ways. He enters the inn and finds the group gathered at the table. With open arms, he walks towards them, looking for an empty seat. "Ah! Supper!"
I'm cool with it. Thanks for taking over, GM Shady.
"It's beautiful", Ratimir exclaims, sharing with Father Zanthus his opinion of the new cathedral. "A skilled glazier should be able to restore the windows in no time." He takes a closer look at the bandage on Shalelu's arm. "Miss Andosana, I think you might find yourself in a tough spot if you try to fight Bruthazmus and his goblin friends with only one arm—especially when your altercations have been such a close miss on both sides. One less arm is quite a handicap to have in a fight," he says, drawing a card from his harrow deck.
"Then again, the Harrow implies that quick action could bring a good resolution to this particular journey. So, if you truly feel like you can go on, I won't be the one to prevent it... but I insist on accompanying you. Me and my recently-acquired friends are going back to investigate the tracks, and I insist that you stay with us, if you are to go back to the woods."
Not being one particularly fond of money, Ratimir hangs in the back when the group sets off to sell the gemstones, a task that is sure to bore him to death. The cartomancer decides to head back to the cathedral and offer further aid to Shalelu—in part because he is fascinated by the elven woman, and in part because that is an opportunity of looking around the new temple, something the Varisian has been longing to do for a while now. Before parting with the group, he lets them know where he is going. Reaching the cathedral, Ratimir walks up the staircase and sneaks into the temple. He smiles and kneels in reverence upon seeing the stained-glass window dedicated to Desna, . "Lady Luck, this is a fine house that suits you well. I'm confident you'll enjoy it." Ratimir gets up and takes a small bow to the other gods here depicted, out of respect more than of devotion. He then quietly advances looking for Shalelu and Father Zantus.
Whew, lots of posts to catch up with, but I think I'm up to speed now. Sorry for the recent absence.
"Let's get you some help, then, Shaelu." Ratimir than looks up and stares at the sky, wondering whether it's going to rain. "Hopefully this delay won't spoil our ability to track down the golbins again."
Ratimir sits in a stone, listening to the conversation while ripping some long leaves into fiber straws. He braids them together, still not uttering a word, but always listening. When he is finished with the task, he stands up, picks up the sticks and assembles a splint to hold Shaelu's broken arm. "We travelers always pick up a thing or two when it comes to first aid, right? With all the drinking and dancing that goes on in a merry Varisian caravan, comes a fair share of nasty falls. Let's say this is not the first splint I've had to fashion...", the cartomancer says gently.
"Miss Andosana, if you're back after a month, perhaps you bring news about the goblins? I don't know if you heard, but they just raided Sandpoint. It seems the tribes are banding together." He looks at her broken arm, and admires the elf's resiliency to pain, for she does not demonstrate more than some discomfort at an obviously painful injury. "I trust your expertise to decide whether we should go after that big one or get you back to Father Zantus, so he can take a look at that arm."
Ratimir crosses the battlefield in a hurry to check on the goblin's victim. Upon reaching her, he offers his hand to help her get on her feet. "How hurt are you?", he asks, observing her wounds and trying to assess her condition.
Ratimir draws a card from his harrow deck, seeking the blessing of its patrons.
"An yet, at times, it's a bit thrilling, isn't it?" Ratimir says to Shae as the group pushes forward.
"Let's agree to disagree on this matter, then. It's over and done," Ratimir says, annoyed with all the controversy. "I apologize for not complying with your request, but I trust the Harrow is a better judge of my actions than you are," he says flipping a card over from his deck, "So let's hear what it has to say about it." Ratimir smiles. "The unicorn. Suit of Crowns; it's ruled by chaos and kindness. It confirms my position: we're here giving ourselves to a quest that is not ours. The Harrow knows I mean well, despite my methods. Now, let's see about you," the cartomancer proclaims, looking at Serolt and Vanea. "Ah! The winged Serpent! Suit of Stars, a card of order and virtue." Ratimir stops and contemplates the card for a moment. "Hmm. I'm sorry indeed. There's wisdom in your words, and I had not given you credit for it. The Winged Serpent represents the bridge between the knowledge Shae and I sought and your moral judgement, a bridge we must build if we're to go on. That's what the Harrow tells me." A lot calmer than before, Ratimir bows to Vanea and Haelvor and says "From here on, I'll be more considerate of your opinions."
Ratimir notices Haelvor's disapproval. He approaches the half-elf and puts a hand on his shoulder, trying to clear the air. "Don't be mad, Haelvor. Your way of showing respect is steering clear from graves altogether; but I'm not touchy about death and graves, not after what I've been through. The dead care little about what happens around them, and they cannot hear or see us. Believe me, for there were many times I've wished they could, and even if I sometimes pretend they can." He looks down, the memory of Béa flooding his mind. The cartomancer sighs. "An innocent gesture like Shae's and mine, in exchange for a blessing from the Great Dreamer? I think the priestess would hardly be as offended as you seem. If she is, well, my apologies to her, and may Pharasma not hold it against me when we meet. Until then, let's not have such a small disagreement come between our new friendship. What do you say?" Ratimir stretches out his hand, waiting for a handshake to settle the matter.
Ratimir raises his hand to cover his mouth and nose, taken aback by the foul air trapped within the tomb. Recovering his breath, he answers "I'm good. She's still at peace." He circles around to the other side of the sarcophgus and pushes the lid back to its original position, with Shae's help. He closes his eyes and places both hands over the priestess' resting place, and makes a prayer to Desna on her behalf. "Great Tender of Dreams, keep watching over the wakeless sleep of this woman. Your stars and moon guide her path, and ours." He turns around to face Vanea, Haelvor and Serolt, a sly smile on his lips. "No harm, no foul." He winks at Shae.
Ratimir sides with Shae on the matter of opening the other sarcophagi. "I don't see much harm in a quick peek. Just a small opening is enough for us to check the coffins without disturbing their eternal dream." The cartomancer places both hands on the top of the high priestess' coffin and starts pushing.
I meant "Watching my back"... oops.
Ratimir smiles at Shae's impatience. "But of course, girl! I can think of no one else I would trust my dear life with!", he proclaims. "Word of warning, though: watching is a hassle more often than not, but I think you're no stranger to that," he says with a wink. Ratimir steps into the elevator, waits for Shaedeen to hop in, and starts turning the lever to lower himself to the bottom of the pit. He pulls one of the lights close to him, and it hovers close to his head to illuminate his immediate vicinity.
Ratimir raises an eyebrow and keeps looking at the robe before turning to Vanea. "Does it? I can't really tell, but if you say so..." He listens to Shae's plans and nods in agreement. "Sure, I can go, but I think I'll send my fireflies down first. Then we can decide on bodyguards." Ratimir bends over the pit and sends the animated lights flying all the way to the bottom, looking for any other signs of danger.
"Good eye, Haelvor," Ratimir nods back. "The question is, was it left here by the invaders, or buried with the former occupants of this crypt?" Only then it hits Ratimir that the skeletons they just destroyed likely belonged to the priests buried here. Ratimir closes his eyes and presses the eyelids with the thumb and index finger of his right hand, whispering some arcane words. When he opens them up again, his irises and pupils have changed to a purple hue, emitting a faint glow. He stares intently at the robe in Haelvor's hands.
Ratimir moves the floating lights around to illuminate the areas perused by Serolt.
Ratimir seizes the oppurtunity to strike the skeleton as it rises, its guard completely open. He swings his club aiming for the head.
Ratimir draws his club and swings it against the skeleton in front of him.
In response to the skeletons' charge, Ratimir utters arcane words and fetches a piece of cured leather from his pouch. The leather strap flares up with a bluish glow and magically wraps around his hand, setting off a wave of light that engulfs Ratimir's whole body while creating a semi-solid layer of energy around him.
"I don't think it will be dark like that, Serolt. This should probably be enough," Ratimir says, closing his hand slowly and then opening it to reveal four globes of light in his palm. The speheres move in circles in his hand, until he throws them in the air and assembles them in a line in front of the group. Even in bright light, it's still possible to notice their glow. "Now, let's go see what the goblins were up to." Ratimir walks up to the vault and, reaching its gate, sends the danging lights in; the globes fly around the room to illuminate all corners, giving a complete view of the chamber.
Ratimir slaps Serolt on the back. "Don't sell yourself short, my friend! You should see with a longsword before doubting your skills," he jokes. "But alas, it cannot be worse than what we faced yesterday, so let's take a look. Plus," he says drawing a harrow card with some showmanship, "We're in for quite a ride, it seems."
He shows the card to father Zantus. "Knowledge and madness. Any of your predecessors fit the description, father?"
Ratimir looks to the sides and, seeing the others hesitating to comply, turns to the Belor Hemlock and says, clapping his hands, "Of course, Sheriff! Just lead the way. And you, Father, I must visit that new cathedral of yours! I look forward to hearing you talk some more about The Great Dreamer," he says bowing slightly.
I apologize for my part in this, although I try my best to let my haracters develop organically. I've made an effort to weave the other characters into Ratimir's day, especially during the festival, and managed to have some interesting conversations with Vanea, Shae, and Serolt. Shae's backstory makes it natural that Ratimir would gravitate more strongly towards her, but I'm trying to interact with anyone in a way that doesn't seem forced. When Ratimir sat for breakfast next o Haelvor and introduced himself this morning (in game), I was trying to make them bond, too. :) Zhu seems to be out of the campaign, so it's just a matter of bringing Haelvor closer to the group. Personally, I feel that the toughest part of bringing a group together is finding a shared motivation, but the next plothook should help us with that, I guess. :)
"Ah, yes, I know where the sheriff's office is," Ratimir says, a sly smile on his lips. "But Sheriff Casp Avertin occupied the chair back in my day. Sheriff Belor took office shortly before I left town, so I don't know really know him." He takes a bite from a piece of bread and adds, as an afterthought, "Which is a good thing, I guess." He leads the group to the sheriff's station, strolling leisurely while talking about Sandpoint and its (not) many wonders.
Having drank and relaxed with the "heroes of Sandpoint", Ratimir retreats to his room. A little intoxicated by the mead, he slips into a nightgown and blows out the candles before sitting by the window to stare at the stars. "Busy day, Béa. You wouldn't have liked this year's Swallowtail Festival", he slurs. "But I still liked to think about you strolling down Festival Street and playing goblin toss. That was a good memory." He throws a kiss to the moon. "Good night, ladybug." The next morning, his head buzzes with the hint of a hangover. Ratimir fills a bow with the fresh water from the jar and sinks his head in, letting the water relieve the headache. Freshened up, he gets dressed and heads out for breakfast, greeting his comrades. She notices the half-elf from the day before sitting among them and sits by his side. "Good morning! A pity you didn't stay to party with us. Vanea told me you went to bed early yesterday. I'm Ratimir", he says, shaking hands. He then turns to the rest of the group and smiles watching Shaedeen's excitement. "Ah, so now you want to pursue that hero business they've pinned on us? That's a nice turn of events," he says with a wink. "I suppose we could ask to talk to Bodeg or one of the other goblins that were captured. Bodeg said the tribes had banded together... that's something that raises an eyebrow."
Shuffling the deck in his hands, Ratimir stands stil watching the Sczarni disappear in the night. Once they are gone, he draws one card and flips it over, its picture revealed by the moonlight.
Ratimir stares at The Paladin and smiles, satisfied with the outcome of the conversation. He puts the deck away and takes a few steps towards the cliff, watching the moon and listening to the sea crashing against the rocky wall. A few minutes go by, and as soon as he is confident Jubrayil is gone, he speaks up to Serolt and Shaedeen. "I think we can go now."
Ratimir looks up, thinking about Jubrayil's offer, and nods with satisfaction. "Yes, I think that's reasonable... with one condition. I'll be available, if my position proves to be of any worth, but I want Shaedeen out for good. Where you see potential, I see trouble. The first time I met her, she was trying to hide from me, but her boots were sticking out like a scarecrow in the open field. Sad, sad, sad" he shakes his head. "She's no Sczarni, and will never be. You let her go, and I'll keep an eye on her. Does that work for you?" He offers his hand for Jubrayil to shake.
Ratimir walks along with Jubrayil, but discreetly steers away from the cliff. "Ah, yes, I've met her. I was surprised you took her in, considering... well, you know, she's not like us," Ratimir says, referring to their Varisian ethnicity. "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure she is a good fit. Anyway, the point is moot, I suppose. I mean, what kind of anonymity can we hope for, now that everyone knows our faces and names? People and their need for heroes... with all the scrutiny we'll be under, I think it's time that Shaedeen and I bow out, before we unwittingly drag you into the spotlight. I would not forgive myself were I the reason of your troubles." He tilts his head and smiles. "Don't you agree?" Ratimir pulls out his deck and starts shuffling the cards absentmindedly.
Ratimir does not shy away from Jubrayil: he opens his arms and takes the Sczarni in a brotherly embrace. As they break away from each other, he grabs Jubrayil's shoulder with his left hand and smiles, answering his question. "A bit tired from killing goblins, but nothing a good night's sleep won't take care of. I got a message that you wanted to see me. Anything new? Surely it can't be about my return, since we've already discussed that subject at length... and I know you don't like to spin around in circles" says the cartomancer, shaking his index finger and winking at Jubrayil.
"Don't worry, you'll know the word when I say it. And I'm hoping a warning shot will be enough, if it comes to that."
Ratimir gathers Serolt and Shae and heads to the meeting point. "It'll be better if we get there before them to scout the place. I think you two should hide and let me do the talking first, and we'll se how things go from there."
Ratimir smiles at Shae. "You worry too much, Shae. I don't want to offend you, but... well, that amuses me a little." His face becomes more serious when he starts sharing his expectations. "There's one thing you should remember about Vhiski: he likes the shadows. And this goblin raid might have come to our advantage. You see how everyone flocked around us to thank us? Sandpoint is a very small place, and right now we're in the spotlight—and if we're muredered or disappear before this whole things blows over, well... perhaps that's more attention than Jubrayil would be comfortable with. I said before we lacked leverage... and we might just have got it. So, basically, my plan is to meet them for a candid conversation, yes. Jubrayil is afraid we spill the beans about him, and that's why he'd like us to be either dead or under his wing. All we have to do is show him we're trustworthy and that he has nothing to fear from us," Ratimir says, holding out the scroll he bought earlier, "And with magic, I could convince him of that." He smiles again. "That's the optimistic point of view. The other one is showing him that coming after us can be a real headache for him. Now let's wrap this up and go there." Ratimir walks up to Serolt and takes him to the side. "Good Serolt, I mentioned earlier that Shae and I had a meeting tonight... well, we're heading that way now, and I wondered if you still wanted to join us. Your presence would be greatly appreciated."
Ratimir gives a friendly slap o Serolt's back. "I, for one, am staying at the Rusty Dragon. It's a fine place, with the added benefit of an even finer owner. Miss Kaijitsu is full of intereseting stories to tell, and if you can match her narrative skills, she might even get you a room for free—or so I've heard." As he walks along the rest of the group, he spots Ameiko crashing against by Haelvor. "Speak of the devil: there she comes!" He walks up to them and bows to the Tian woman. "I was just recommending your inn, Miss Kaijitso", he says courteously. "Are you alright?" ------
Ratimir is touched to see the grieving families, being much too familiar with grief himself. He pays no mind to the adulation; instead, he approaches the goblin's victims, starting with the children, with his harrow cards dancing in his hands. Foregoing the usual randomness of the harrow, Ratimir separates the deck in two piles, keeping in his hands only the cards of good omens. He then walks up to the wounded and draws each of them a card from the deck, always accompanied by a smile and a word of encouragement, and touches them on the forehead. With every touch, the wounds heal a little, easing their pain.
When he's done, he gets back to the rest of the group and seeks out Father Zantus. "Father, where's the goblin I gave to you? We should speak to him."
Ratimir follows the group to the Cathedral. "Let's see if this is over. If the golbin tribes are really banding together, there might be other waves." He turns to the group. "Any of you have experience interrogating goblins?" His tone implies he might be half-joking in assuming so.
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