"Thanks for the all the local lore, Darius", Wayilant smiled as he rubbed his daughter's feet. "The walk would have been far less informative without you."
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Back Story:
"Well, you're likely wondering why I've been keeping us away from anything Pharasman. As some of you may know, this is not my first stay in Ustalav. And my last stay wasn't long. A foolish young cleric traveling South thought Cayden Cailean was welcome everywhere. Definitely not in Ustalav. Ustalav is Pharasma's. Other clerics when discovered have been rounded up, for trumped up charges, and left to rot in prison. A powerful inquisitor quickly deduced my faith. But to be fair, I didn't necessarily hiding it either. She chased for several days until I got outside the borders."
"The Ustalavan Heart is dower and content to be so. That's why I wanted a disguise for me and Julie. Other faiths are not welcome in Ustalav. If anyone needs healing, for example, I'll try to do it far from prying eyes. Understand?" Both Julie and Wayilant walk back to The Lodge, good and tired. The cleric takes off his daughter's shoes and starts massaging her feet and legs. Once tired feet and legs have rested, then the group starts talking about dinner.
Wayilant instinctively pushes Julie behind him; this decorative cane keeping the distance between himself and the old man, taking a step back.
Julie and Wayilant walk into the Caliphas's main area.
Wayilant will take Julie for a walk around the city . The two wouldn't mind company if they so choose. Maybe as they are out, the cleric can try and get a better look at the old man following them, if he shows. Wayilant makes sure to give any Pharsman temple a wide berth.
Wayilant looks up from the table, not looking at the window. When Julie started to look, his father said in a low voice, "Stop! You'll scare him." The cleric asked the tiefling, "'Rina. What do you recommend? Could your mental powers track him or hold him now, or do we need to confront this guy and hope he doesn't bolt?"
Wayilant blinked as Bryndis sat down. The cleric looked at the menu, then conferred with Julie. "Two grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for me, one grilled ham and cheese and one bread bun, for the little lady. I'll take two bottles of elven wine to start with, one for me, and one for the two ladies over there.", the aasimar nods toward Lady Talienda and Alina.
Wayilant takes Julie and walks over to the right. "We might be having an early lunch, by the smell of things", the cleric bend down to tell his daughter.
Wayilant and Julie are hungry. Let'sa go to the Golden Barrel!
Wayilant smiles as he takes the sealed parchment, then turns to go back to the others.
"I am Wayilant Arden, accompanying Lady Talienda Blackthorn, and the rest of her entourage", the aasimar nods.
"A thousand apologies, madam", Wayilant bowed. "An evening pass sounds like just what we need."
The finely-dressed cleric steps forward. "Thank you. We're looking for the Chief Curator, Ms. Nail?"
Hey! Good winging!!
Wayilant folded his hands. 'Doctor Trice, since you have made our 'Rina feel safer under your roof, we would like to take you up on your most generous offer. We will likely make other arrangements tomorrow. Thank you again, Doctor." "So, Flagon Slayers?" The cleric asked. "What should we do next? Investigate the museum? Maybe get some breakfast since we're on solid ground again?"
Wayilant glances at the other Flagon Slayers, than back to the good doctor. "She is our link to a group of human traffickers which have been raiding Varisia for young human females."
Looking over his notes, Wayilant looks up and asks the physican a question. "Doctor Trice, does the name Drusilla Amdis mean anything to you?"
"Doctor Trice, is there a room we could less disruptive to you, or is it acceptable for you to The Flagon Slayers to conduct our business in this greeting room?" Wayilant asks.
The cleric starts to rummage through his backpack. "Well, Flagon Slayers. Shall we stay here tonight under Dr. Trice's hospitality, or go across the street to the Golden Barrel, or the Sleepy Spoon?" "Either way, I want to review the information we have", Wayilant says as he read various notes he pulled from his backpack.
Has Lady Talienda, Alina, Julie & Wayilant caught up to the other Flagon Slayers, or are they outside with an handsomely dressed cleric and child in tow?
Wayilant figures it's useless to tell her she looks good, so he simply nods. "It will do. How do I look?" Father and daughter return to the sales floor in their new attire. Wayilant and Julie wait if Lady Talienda and Alina wish to change as well.
The tailor seems to perk up as you begin listing the items you intend to buy. By your account, he highly underestimated you as a customer and is now doing a “one eighty” in terms of attitude and customer care. He carefully picks up the suit and child’s outfit and then begins walking towards a set of smaller rooms towards the back of the store. “These rooms are private. You are welcome to utilize them for as long as you need my lord.” After showing Wayilant and Julie, who is obviously dragging her feet during the entire process, the two dressing rooms, he returns to the counter and begins sorting out the three dresses. “You four are going to look magnificent.” He says while pulling out a number of smaller boxes and an invoice book. "Would you like the dresses in boxes, or do you intend to change as well?” The tailor hears a call from the changing rooms. "I said I'll take care of the dresses. Please add those to my bill!" Back in the dressing room, Julie is outright refusing to put on the outfit. “Dad! I don’t want to wear that ugly thing.” She says with a fair amount of resolve. "Well, you are going to wear it!" Wayilant said with a stern voice. "We need to blend in here. Believe me, child. Your other clothes were too loud for the environment. And we're here on a secret mission, remember. Think of it as playing 'make-believe'."
Wayilant was faster with this coin bag than the ladies. "I'll take the suit, the dresses, the child's outfit, and top hat. And I'll splurge on the ring with the engraving, the cane, and the cufflinks." "I should like to change in to them. DO you have a changing room on the premise?"
"I would say all three looks especially lovely", Wayilant adds. "The style of sleeves on that first one is one I've always admired."
I was under impression the new members were a level behind. GRRR!
Admittedly, l'm a little curious why you posted a level 5 level up? Because I posted this on Feb 9th, and no one said anything about it.
Level 5 + 2 Con = 7hp Channel Energy now 3d6 +1 3rd-level Domain spell per day
Skills
+1 Profession (Bartender)
Feat Turn Undead
The shop keeper raises an eyebrow at Wayilant’s willingness to commit to the purchase before asking about the price. “Fine choice. The suit will stand out slightly, but not enough to draw attention. It should flag you as a man of some wealth without overstepping into the competitive realm of nobles. While taking a few measurements, Wayilant notices the man pause when he gets a good look at the Deverin crest on his blade. “You have an interesting crest my lord. Can’t say I have seen it around here before.” Wayilant's eyebrows raise, almost forgetting whay he bears. "You have a good eye. It is the crest of House Deverin. One of four families with significant holdings throughout Varisa." After completing the measurements, he walks behind the counter and pulls out two boxes. One contains a dignified looking top hat, while the other contains a larger-brimmed black hat with a leather hatband. The brim of the hat tends to sag slightly on one side and is folded up on the other. Its hatband has a metallic buckle mounted on its front and has two large, dark colored feathers hugging its back. “Either of these hats would look divine with the suit.” He states while sliding both hats across the counter. Wayilant compares the two styles. The swashbuckler look is more his style, but that is what the cleric hope to avoid while in this caydenite-unfriendly nation. "I'll take the top hat, please?"
After setting both outfits on the counter, he opens one of the other closets and pulls out a gentleman’s outfit. Its black stripped undercoat looks to be the highlight of the suit. The obviously loud strips, sets it apart from the rest of the plane, black, outfit. Beneath the sleeveless striped undercoat, and its black overcoat, a white multi-pleated swordsman’s shirt appears to be slightly visible through a couple slits that run the length of the overcoat’s arms. “This gentleman’s suit is likely the only outfit in my inventory that someone like you will be able to afford.” He says while looking back over his shoulder at Wayilant. "Now for the ladies, I may have a treat.” The cleric examines the ustalavan-styled suit, noting its high quality. "I'll take both outfits. The girl's dress and the suit. Do you have a perchance a hat to go along with it, for acclimate weather?" If Wayilant noticed anything, he's keeping it to himself.
"I'd wish you'd follow your mistress's example", Wayilant whispered coyly to the handmaiden.
Wayilant smiles. "I would greatly appreciate your help. Actually.. this might fall under your realm of expertise, Lady Talienda."
"Well", Wayilant sighed, sounded like he made a decision. "I shall inquire about purchasing some new clothes in the fancy place. If nothing else, they will kick me out and suggest some other place, hopefully close by."
Wayilant, with Julie in hand, walks into the fine clothing shop.
"That makes a lot of sense", Wayilant agrees. "Perhaps a more dower look to match the weather is best. Then investigate a place to lodge."
Wayilant smiles to himself, to receive such praise from such a woman as Bryndis. The cleric listens intently to what is being asked of him. "I shall be your Second, Bryndis. I shall do my best to record your actions in my mind. I am happy you found a deep connection with this Hellgor. May you live to tell him your exploits in person."
As the tiefling suggests using her powers to move the boat to shore, Wayilant smiles. "Wow! I'd recently love to see your attempt!"
Wayilant and Julie, ready!!
Wayilant thanks Captain Fizzledeck for his transport and hospitality. The cleric then ties Julie to his back, along with their combined belonging and carefully begins the descent off the airship.
Date: Calistril 5th 4712 AR | Time: Early Morning | Weather: Slightly Cloudy::
Once Julie awoke from her afternoon nap, Wayilant gave Julie a quarter of her big chocolate bar she bought last night. After she ate her huge treat, making sure to give her adoptive father a piece, both Wayilant and Julie go back on deck to find a clear space to practice Julie's swordplay. It was a little challenging, especially with the awesome views and occasional strong winds, but both daughter and father were able to get a solid hour in. After the swordplay, Wayilant took Julie over to the female members of The Flagon Slayers. The cleric asked Lady Talienda and Alina is they knew anything about putting ribbons into hair. Wayilant want to learn how to do it right. Wayilant also asked Bryndis about braiding hair, asking the ulfen bloodrager if Julie as the right hair for it, and some day soon, help teach Wayilant how to braid Julie's hair. The caydenite also asked 'Rina similar questions about hair. At dinner, both Wayilant and Julie marveled at the fine food. Alina took this opportunity to teach Julie (and Wayilant) the finer points of dinning etiquette. Julie ate most of her food with no problems, but needed encouragement from both Alina and Wayilant to eat half her spinach. During dinner, Wayilant goes over his life story, living in Vigil, growing up Iomedean, his religious awakening, and exodus. After dinner, Julie and Wayilant go outside on the main deck to look at the night sky. if other Flagon Slayers come out as well, they all have a great time, watching the stars closer than they have ever been.
Alina:
Wayilant quietly laments with Alina that they both have silk sheets on their beds without able to 'truly capitalize' on them. Both lovers gives passionate kisses before breaking off to go to their perspective rooms. Date: Calistril 6th 4712 AR | Time: Early Morning | Weather: Slightly Cloudy:: Wayilant and Julie quickly eat their morning meal to go outside on nthe main deck to watch The Mindspin Mountains come so close. Wayilant takes this moment to quiz Julie on what she knows about geography and vocabulary, testing to see what needs to be focused on in later lessons. The cleric comes to the decision to buy Julie a book to help her how to read. After duck sandwiches for lunch, the daughter and father practice more swordsplay. With frequent cajoling from Julie (and possibly Alina), Wayilant relents and lets Julie try out her new toy fencing kit, spending half the lesson trying it out. As a reward, Julie ate another quarter of her big chocolate bar. At dinner, Julie had no problems emptying her plate, ravenous with all the fresh air and swordplay. 'Rina and Bryndis bring up the notion of chucking apples at Julie to improve her reflexes. Julie laughs and was excited at the idea! After dinner, Wayilant regaled The Flagon Slayers about his exploits before becoming an adventurer, making sure to heavily edit the adult themes for Julie and Alina's ears.
Date: Calistril 7th 4712 AR | Time: Early Morning | Weather: Slightly Foggy::
Like the other Flagon Slayers, Wayilant is amazed by t4he blending of the arcane and the mechanical in the Blue Lever Room. Despite his own homespun education into Spellcraft, Wayilant is able to follow around the finer points of the Captain Fizzledeck's demonstration, pointing out some things to Julie, in hopes she will understand and learn from it.
"Um, Captain Fizzledeck?" Wayilant asked the gnome wizard. "Must we worry about strong winds at this altitude?" The cleric takes Julie's hand. "Is it safe for my little girl to be out on the deck at this height?"
Wayilant blinks to see the, dare-he-say-it, chipper bloodrager. "Good morning, Bryndis! Yes, we are all to meet at Captain Fizzledeck's airship at sunrise. We nearly have everyone ready. Go grab your gear." A smirk creeps across the aasimar's face. "It appears you had a good evening among your countrymen. You have a lovely smile. You should show it more often." Despite his and Julie's belonging, the cleric offers to help anyone else with their gear. Alina and Wayilant exchange smiles and glances as they get everyone onboard the airship.
Shopping Trip (Julie): The evening of shopping reveals a number of smaller merchants still looking to make a last-minute deal before rolling it up for the night. Although much of their wears are somewhat mundane, Julie embellishes at each and every merchant as if she has never seen such finery before. She begins pulling things aside that she likes and eventually ends up with a small pile of trinkets and toys that add up to around 20 gp. Within the pile, you see a small hand-crafted doll, which resemble a princess . Among all the bobbles and items that Julie has pulled aside, she seems to enjoy the dolly the most. In addition to the doll, you also count about 14 small jacks , 1 small bag of spherical stones , a locket with a pony on the front of it , a jump rope , 10 hair ribbons , a small glass container with something unknown in it , a small toy fencing sword with a scabbard , and an extra LARGE chocolate bar . “Dad, can I have this!” She says while pointing at a two-foot tall, fifty-pound hand carved castle that is currently sitting in a nearby shop’s window. The work of art displays refined detail to the point that it’s almost creepy . “That could be my dolly’s house.” She says in the most hopeful tone she can muster. Wayilant goes over the pile of purchases with Julie. "Oh! That is a lovely dollie. Okay." "Some jacks. And some marbles? Okay.""Ooo. That is a nice locket. Sure." "Jump rope? Nice!" "Ribbons?" Wayilant wonder how he could get them in Julie's hair without it looking like a rat's nest. "I'll get those for you, but I want your help in convincing some of the Flagon Slayers to show us how they do their ribbons, okay? Okay." "What the the heck is in that bottle? No way. Put that back." Wayilant eyes the toy fencing kit. "Okay, here's the deal. I'll get the fencing kit, but we won't be using it until you understand the basics better. If we work at it, I could see you using your new fencing sword soon. But we need to work up to it. Understand!" "Cayden! Look at the size of that chocolate bar! You can buy this with your own money, but you are eating this chocolate tombstone in one day. I'll hold on to it and you can eat it over the next four days, assuming you eat all your vegetables. Deal? Good." "Julie! Where in the 9 Hell do you think we're gonna keep that massive castle! No way! We're adventurers now! We have to travel light!"
Just trying to understand the structure of the flying ship leaves Govrina open mouthed and a bit stunned. "Uh oh, Julie. We gotta find and wake up Bryndis now Hurry up! Get dressed! Grab your purchases! We need to move!"
Alina and Wayilant:
In the near darkness, Wayilant's mind was racing like a quickling and aching. The cleric let go of Alina's hands to wrap his arms around her waist. "You need to stop being so amazing. You're punching holes in my argument." The aasimar kissed the half-elf's hair, as angelic fire began a low flame on Wayilant's head, always manifesting at times of great emotion and reverence. Wayilant tried to bat it out to little avail."I'm gonna need some time. To think. But I do love you Alina. ..dammit." The caydenite murmured with a pained chuckle, then sighed. "You're welcome to stay her tonight. I will be on my best behavior." Wayilant sighed. "I mean, I'll try. I'm a cleric; not a paladin."
Shopping Trip: She holds his hand, and watches with a smile on her face at Julie's excited reactions to Magnimar's multitude of stores and stalls. While they walk, Alina asks Wayilant more about his life. Pleased the handmaiden felt comfortable with holding hands in public, Wayilant went on about other aspects of his early clerical life. Slowing working his way south, learning how to properly tap kegs without making a mess, learning how to make different drinks, meeting other peoples and cultures and trying to learn from them. How his first girlfriend, a dwarven warpriest of Cayden Caliean, helped him learn Dwarven and understand complex dwarven ales and how they were made. The aasimar sensed the talk of past lovers made Alina uncomfortable, so he changed the topic back to life in Vigil.She also reveals that she's got some skills that some might look askance at a young lady for having, and reveals the ears she normally keeps hidden in her hair, the ones that mark her as a half-elf. Wayilant's eyes grew wide at the revelation. "By Thais's Five Wings! You clever girl! I had no idea! Wow!" Wayilant exclaimed as he leered at the reddening tips of Alina's exposed ears. "Do you speak Elven? I can! I learned it from a another Calistrian who helped me understand her faith better! No wonder you're so striking", Wayilant winked roguishly. After returning to the Rusty Flagon, Alina hugs and kisses Julie goodnight and helps Wayilant get her into bed. Once the little girl is asleep, She wraps her arms around Wayilant and kisses him passionately. The cleric could tell Alina's technique had improved since their last encounter, wanton abandon fueling the half-elf's fire. "Wayilant," she says after they both come up for air, "I love you. I love you in ways that I never suspected I could love someone. I want to be with you and Julie, but I made a promise to myself that I think you should now about. I saw what giving myself too easily could do to me before Lady Talienda's father took me in. I saw too many times women who were broken and little more than husks looking for their next high. I didn't want to be like that, and I swore the only man I'd ever lay with would be my husband, a man that I could and would happily pledge myself too, and he to me. I love you, and I think you could be that man. If you are, I..." Her voice trails off, as she finds that she's at a loss for words. Waylant's heart tightened slightly in his chest. The aasimar breathed. ”I knew this talk had to happen sooner or later.” The cleric helped Alina sit down next to him on the bed across from Julie's. Both lovers sat down holding each other, their backs supported by the wall behind them. ”Alina. Ever since we met I've felt the hand of The Gods, one God in particular, bringing us together. In a very short time I've gotten to know, you have invaded my waking thoughts.” Wayilant looked deeply into the half-elf's now-obvious slightly almond-shaped eyes. ”I am a huge sucker for a good girl. Likely my celestial heritage seeping through. Alina Caliean. You have a bright, beautiful soul. Who despite the horrors this world has given you, you still shine through it's gloom. And that great inner beauty has influenced your outer beauty. I can only imagine how mind-numbingly your womanly curves would drive me wild if I should finally seed them. As much as I've tried to fight it, I cannot deny my feelings for you. I love you, Alina Cailean. I honestly didn't think I'd ever feel this way about anyone, really. I feel like I want to hold you forever. In your kisses, I glimpse the rapture of Elysium. I would love to escort you into the heights of physical and emotional ecstacy” Wayilant said with a low growl of passion. The aasimar held the handmaiden for a few moments then continued. ”I've told you about my life in Vigil with my Mother. My father was never in my life. My mother refused to even tell me his name! Despite being raised by only one very overbearing parent, I eventually turned my life around and walk with Cayden now.” The cleric then took Alina's hands and placed them on his heart. ”As a caydenite, We value Freedom; for ourselves and others. The love I must feel for other must not be possessive. Even now, if you wished to spend time with Lioiterri or Darius or Talienda, for example, I would not try to get in the way.” Alina's keen elven hearing could catch the tremble and effort in Wayilant's voice. ”I sure, at one time, early in Golarion's past, the concept of marriage was a healthy pledge between two hearts. Then, one day, likely some aristocrat or wealthy landowner, said to his intended, 'I love you, darling..but let's get a lawyer involved!' You know, in Vigil, there are offices of barristers dedicated to divorce law!” Wayilant huffed. ”What I'm trying to say is I am in love with you, Alina Caliean! Cayden, help me, I am! But on a philosophical level, I am against marriage. On principle.” Tormented, Wayilant brings Alina's soft hands up to his brow and held them. ”I known married Caydenites, but rarely have I seen them happy.” The aasimar sighed. ”I want to be the man you want me to be. I”m a better man from knowing and loving you, but I can't be that man. I don't know if I'll ever be that man.” In the darkness of the room, Wayilant looks into the glassy reflection of light from under the door in his lover's eyes, and waited for the response.
“Please come in and have a seat. Have a seat and make yourself comfortable.” He says while pointing at a number of finely crafted brass chairs. “Sheriff Hemlock told me you were looking for a lift to Ustalav. All the way to Lake Encarthan. I'm here in Magnimar, trading Dwarven forged weapons for the dwarves of Kraggodan. I’m expected back in Kraggodan soon with the spoils of the trade, so I won’t be able to stay in Ustalav. What I can do is get you to Lake Encarthan and provide you with a dingy. I would dock at Caliphas but there are complications which prevent this from being an option. Anyway, I’m glad to help with what I can. The Sheriff said your mission was of utmost urgency but didn’t have the time to explain what was going on. May I ask what the emergency is all about?” He asks while taking a seat at a small desk. Well, Captain Fizzledeck", Wayilant began. "Sheriff Hemlock, along with House Deverin of Sandpoint, tasked The Flagon Slayers to stop the chain of human traffickers who appear to be taking the women to Ustalav." After allowing a moment for the group to process his request, he continues. “I intend to leave sometime early tomorrow morning. Sunrise to be more precise. When the sun comes up, we are heading out.” During his last comment, he wiggles his hand in the air like it's a flying fish. “Like this. This is how we sail.” He finishes with a light chuckle. “If needed, I have a lot of open rooms aboard the Comet. A lot of rooms, if you need a place to stay for the night.” The cleric smiled. "Thank you for the kind offer, Captain. We already have food and lodging secured at the Rusty Flagon. Julie and I will stay there." The aasimar turns to the others. "The rest of you are free to stay as you wish." Turning back to the gnome airship captain, Wayilant continues. "I'll do my best to make sure everyone is here at ready to disembark before sunrise, Captain." Alina: If Alina wishes, Wayilant will invite Alina along on their night time shopping adventure, mainly a chance for the two lover to spend more time together.
"Thank you very much for seeing us, Captain Fizzledeck", Wayilant voiced over the noise of the winds and machinery. "What a truly fantastical vessel you have!"
I feel like Wayilant could be a little more carefree. Strumming a guitar in a crowded bar kind of vibe. Plus, as a bard, Wayilant would have access to prestidigitation. With a messy child to look after, he'd have to ask Talienda to cast it a lot. And Wayilant is a Charm Domain cleric, so I think it would be a good fit. IG, I'd like to ask Talienda to teach him some bardic ways, if he goes that route.
Alina apologies profusely to Wayilant on the way to Fizzledeck's ship. She'd been keeping an eye on Julie, but had taken her eyes off the young girl for a moment when she looked over at what Bryndis was up to. "It's alright, dear" Wayilant whispered his sweet nothings. "I have my 'little girl' to watch over, you have yours. But as always thank you for your help!" She's quiet the rest of the trip to the airship's berth, though it's clear she's having to fight hard not to gawk at the strange contraption when it comes into view. The Caydenite notes the majordomo's demeanor as she walks toward the airship, and keeps it to himself, for now.
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