Mitnal listens attentively to the discussion and believes he's caught the key points. "So? I should smash it, right?"
Blackwing shakes his head side-to-side.
"Don't touch!" he squawks and flaps his wings in agitation.
Jessa's mouth falls closed as she was about to reply to the barbarian as well. But, seeing as her familiar has already given the shortest and most appropriate answer, she just smiles and nods.
"Listen to him," she finally adds, reaching up to pet the bird in gratitude.
Neil:
Neil:Spoiler:My solution, knowing that over half the players know some of the secrets of the various dungeons, is to not award experience points for those puzzles solved by those I know have read or run the adventure. So role-play away.
For Wicht:
Kenzo looks at the others and says, "Okay, we've leave the fountain alone for now, but what about the rest of this place. Has anyone been keeping track? Were there any tunnels we left unexplored? Or should we head back up? Let's not forget, there is an impending goblin attack to deal with as well."
"Has anyone been keeping track? Were there any tunnels we left unexplored? Or should we head back up? Let's not forget, there is an impending goblin attack to deal with as well."
"I believe we explored everything," Jessa replies, then hesitates briefly, "Well, there were those other tunnels that were collapsed. I suppose that means there's possibly more to these ruins, but at least they're closed off as well as can be expected. That should be enough to ensure the goblins can't use this place to invade Sandpoint from below. Or anything else that might be down here..."
She looks to Mitnal. "Thanks for helping us with the quasit," she tells him, "Maybe you should come with us when we explain everything to the Mayor as well? I suspect the council will want a report, too. I wonder how Ameiko's holding up with her new role as a councilor? It'll be interesting to see what news of this place beneath her father's Glassworks will have on the rest of the town..."
... blah ... blah ... blah ... blah ... blah ... blah come with us ... blah ... blah ... blah Ameiko... blah ... blah ... blah ... blah ... blah ... blah
Mitnal listens carefully and sifts through Jeslara's endless stream of blather for any words that really matter. He perks up immediately at the mention of Ameiko and starts to leave the chamber without waiting for the rest of the party.
Mitnal and I presumably have picked up our shiny objects, I try to follow the group movements, but heading back to town and trying to figure out how to get a decent weapon seems like a basic plan. but something is nagging at me...
"so, what next? I feel a little bit like this big ogre for forgetting, but what exactly are we trying to do right now? Root out and destroy evil beings I've mostly got, but with all the fighting I've lost track of the big picture."
I mutter an old Varisian proverb; "After the tree is shaken, never forget to pick the apples."
Then I wander around this strange complex, using detect magic and my eyes to see if we've left anything valuable or useful behind.
"I wonder if the Sheriff has returned, or if anyone has heard from Shalelu," Kenzo muses as the group heads back up to the glassworks
The room seems pretty well devoid of valuables, other than those that were on the deceased.
When the party returns up through the glassworks, they are surprised to find that there are several men, directed by Ameiko, who are working on cleaning it up.
"We have to make sure that the business does not die and the town with it," explains Ameiko.
The sheriff, the mayor and Father Zantus are all on hand outside the glassworks.
"Is it safe under the town now," asks the Mayor with grave seriousness.
The sheriff, the mayor and Father Zantus are all on hand outside the glassworks. "Is it safe under the town now," asks the Mayor with grave seriousness.
"As safe as we can make it," Jessa answers for everyone, "There's an ancient shrine of some sort down there. We slew a demoness after quite a struggle. So that threat's gone." She frowns as she ponders how to explain the next part of their report.
"But there's also an arcane pool from Ancient Thassilon below Sandpoint," she begins, "It's still active after all these years. So it could still be quite dangerous if disturbed. I recommend posting guards to keep the townsfolk and other ne'er-do-well's out of there until I've had a chance to discuss it with Brodert Quink...and maybe Gandethus. I have a theory for permanently deactivating it, but I need to counsel with them first."
"And...with your permission, of course..."
Guards are dutifully posted in the glassworks.
The mayor, in the meanwhile, offers the 'heroes' a night on the town (food and drinks on her) for their valiant efforts in fighting goblins, demons and other monstrosities.
When the companions make their way that night to the Rusty Dragon for their free meal, there is quite a crowd, anxious to hear the full story. Though, in all fairness, after a short while, you all find out there is a second reason for the crowd this evening. The brewery recieved one of their largest orders ever for a casino in Riddleport and the employees of the Brewery are all celebrating at the inn as well.
...after a short while, you all find out there is a second reason for the crowd this evening. The brewery recieved one of their largest orders ever for a casino in Riddleport and the employees of the Brewery are all celebrating at the inn as well.
"Hah! How fortuitous..." Jessa laughs amid the celebration, "You know, I usually don't drink to excess. But after facing that quasit, I can definitely appreciate the opportunity to drown some of those memories in something as tasty as...ummmm...what did you say this drink was again?"
The young spellcaster's words appear somewhat halting and unsteady, but not to the point of total drunkeness...yet.
"Say...does anyone like to dance?" she asks her companions, "Let's have us a tune!"
"A dance, you say..."
While Gyorgy and Jessa dance, a tall, gruff looking young man, a fighter by the look of him, approaches Eugen and Kenzo at the Rusty Dragon. He seems sullen and not entirely happy but he is anxious to hear about what was discovered in the dungeouns below and moreover if there is any news about goblins and or plans to deal with them.
In between the dancing and drinking, Jessa mingles with any of the townsfolk that cross her path at the Rusty Dragon. Thankfully, she leaves Blackwing outside so he can't observe her merry-making.
When the companions make their way that night to the Rusty Dragon for their free meal, there is quite a crowd, anxious to hear the full story. Though, in all fairness, after a short while, you all find out there is a second reason for the crowd this evening. The brewery recieved one of their largest orders ever for a casino in Riddleport and the employees of the Brewery are all celebrating at the inn as well.
Kenzo is happy to unwind and relax with his friends. When he has a moment, prior to the festivities, he meditates at the House of Blue Stones, and contemplates all that has happened to him in such a short time. In reality, in seems like more than year has transpired, and he wonders what the future holds.
While Gyorgy and Jessa dance, a tall, gruff looking young man, a fighter by the look of him, approaches Eugen and Kenzo at the Rusty Dragon. He seems sullen and not entirely happy but he is anxious to hear about what was discovered in the dungeouns below and moreover if there is any news about goblins and or plans to deal with them.
Kenzo is, at first, a little guarded and not sure what to tell the stranger. He also tries to figure out, through an ale-addled mind, whether he knows this man or has met him before.
Kenzo:
Jessa:
The subject did not come up in conversations with either.
I am feeling unusually perceptive at the Rusty Dragon, I suppose I am thinking about what we need to do next and feeling a little apprehensive:
I try to discreetly find out where the man is from and what his plans are for the future. I ask him if he has business that might be disrupted by the goblins.
Eugen and Kenzo:
I nudge kenzo significantly. eh? eh?
____
also on a side note, I ask around to find out if anybody will donate a sword to me, or if I can afford something reasonable for my measly 13gp.
Mitnal isn't paying much attention to anyone who is not named Ameiko:Perception 1d20+6=12.
Drinking, dancing and eavesdropping, what fun!
Perception (Lim doesn't dance). (1d20=8)
I don't really know what's going on, but all of this gossip is very entertaining.
As Eugen probes just a little on his own, the other introduces himself as Orik Vancaskerkin, originally from Riddleport. He says that he is in town on his way back to Riddleport from Magnimar where his father has just purchased a new casino. When goblins are mentioned he shrugs and says that he has some talent with a sword and his companion is a spellcaster.
"Well," Kenzo says as he raises his glass, "You would do well do stay awhile here in Shandpoint. Aside from the monsters below and the goblins without, it's a great place. Ha!" Realizing that perhaps his slightly inebriated state has loosened his tongue, he gestures toward Eugen. "Seriously, I imagine the people here would appreciate another sword or two, and we can tell you, they take care of those who take care of them."
*hic* "Gyorgy! Buddy, where are you? Hey! Bring Jessha over here! Meet our new friends! This is Oleg, and he says his friend is a spellcashter." Turning to the woman, Kenzo sloppily bows and extends his hand, and says, "I'm sorry mish, I didn't catch your name . . "
As Eugen probes just a little on his own, the other introduces himself as Orik Vancaskerkin, originally from Riddleport. He says that he is in town on his way back to Riddleport from Magnimar where his father has just purchased a new casino. When goblins are mentioned he shrugs and says that he has some talent with a sword and his companion is a spellcaster.
"Well," Kenzo says as he raises his glass, "You would do well do stay awhile here in Shandpoint. Aside from the monsters below and the goblins without, it's a great place. Ha!" Realizing that perhaps his slightly inebriated state has loosened his tongue, he gestures toward Eugen. "Seriously, I imagine the people here would appreciate another sword or two, and we can tell you, they take care of those who take care of them."
*hic* "Gyorgy! Buddy, where are you? Hey! Bring Jessha over here! Meet our new friends! This is Oleg, and he says his friend is a spellcashter." Turning to the woman, Kenzo sloppily bows and extends his hand, and says, "I'm sorry mish, I didn't catch your name . . "
Catching wind of my name I dance over to Kenzo and his new compadres with a flourish.
dance (1d20+5=16)"Gyorgy, pleased to meet you both."
However, I am enjoying the dancing and the moment there is a pause in the small talk I will invite the lady to dance (if Jessa doesn't mind).
The dark-skinned woman sullenly introduces herself as Lyrie. Her dark hair is braided against her scalp and she carries on her person several indications of being a spell-caster, including a wand. She seems ill at ease in the Rusty Dragon and not too disposed to friendliness. She refuses the proffered dance and instead nurses a cup of hot tea.
Gyorgy:
Mitnal isn't paying much attention to anyone who is not named Ameiko:Perception 1d20+6=12.
Mitnal:
Jessa winds up following after Gyorgy when he rejoins the others. With a flushed face and bright smile, she happily greets the newcomers as she catches her breath.
The dark-skinned woman sullenly introduces herself as Lyrie. Her dark hair is braided against her scalp and she carries on her person several indications of being a spell-caster, including a wand. She seems ill at ease in the Rusty Dragon and not too disposed to friendliness. She refuses the proffered dance and instead nurses a cup of hot tea.
"Oh...hello..." Jessa seems unperturbed by the woman's demeanor, "Are you a witch as well?" Jessa plops herself into a chair and shows clear interest in Lyrie's attire and presumed vocation. "I am, too!" Jessa announces, "Though I suppose some want to call us wizards. I prefer witch, though. I'm from Magnimar. Are you from around here?"
The dark-skinned woman sullenly introduces herself as Lyrie. Her dark hair is braided against her scalp and she carries on her person several indications of being a spell-caster, including a wand. She seems ill at ease in the Rusty Dragon and not too disposed to friendliness. She refuses the proffered dance and instead nurses a cup of hot tea.
"It's nice to meet you Lyrie," Kenzo says while stealing a glance at Jessa, "but it seems like you're not having much fun. Is there anything we can get you?"
" I'm from Magnimar. Are you from around here?"
"I'm also from Magnimar," says Lyrie, though without any great enthusiasm for a mention of her hometown, "But I am heading to Riddleport to seek a change of fortunes."
"It's nice to meet you Lyrie," Kenzo says while stealing a glance at Jessa, "but it seems like you're not having much fun. Is there anything we can get you?"
"I am fine, thank you," is the answer.
"Lyrie is not the most sociable of women," says Orik, "But sociable women are not always a blessing, huh."
I abandon the whiney one and move on to Orik. Just idle chit-chat about getting to Riddleport (land or sea, mode of transport, companions) and a few jokes about how drunk you could get on all of that wine.
If he's a gambler himself i'll suggest a game of cards later. Then it's back to the dancefloor; "My public, they need me!" :D
"I'm also from Magnimar," says Lyrie, though without any great enthusiasm for a mention of her hometown, "But I am heading to Riddleport to seek a change of fortunes."
"Oh...wonderful! Riddleport! I've never been there before. I hear they're having some kind of contest or game in one of the casino's soon. Everyone's talking about it. Perhaps you can find good fortune and win the whole thing?" Jessa smiles encouragingly.
"So who did you apprentice with in Magnimar?" she asks, "Anyone I might know from the Golemworks, maybe? Or are you hoping to join some of the Cyphermages in Riddleport?"
Mitnal justs sits there.
1d20+7=19
Even though Jessa puts forth a valiant effort to win over the other, Jessa seems to get nowhere in making friends. Lyrie answers non-commitally and with thinly veiled aggression to all of Jessa's inquiries. Jessa does manage to glean though that Lyrie has some knowledge of Thassilon and an interest in the ruins in and around Sandpoint.
Mitnal justs sits there.
And does a wonderful job of it too. After about two hours, Mitnal observes Ameiko enter the Rusty Dragon, but she does not talk to any of the guests, instead making her way towards the kitchen.
Mitnal justs sits there.And does a wonderful job of it too. After about two hours, Mitnal observes Ameiko enter the Rusty Dragon, but she does not talk to any of the guests, instead making her way towards the kitchen.
Mitnal stands up and starts to walk towards the kitchen. Then, turns around and sits back down. Then, stands up and walks toward the kitchen but doesn't go in. Then, leans against a wall in the vicinity of the kitchen like he's just hanging out there.
i notice mitnal acting strangely and eventually remember my subconscious seeing ameiko coming in. the problem solver in me decides to take action. I try to say something encouraging to the swordsman about being welcome to slay some goblins with me on our next trip out and then head over to where mitnal is standing.
"Mitnal, was that Ameiko who walked in in such a hurry? Let's go find out what was holding her up." i try to entice him to go looking for her with me.
Lyrie answers non-commitally and with thinly veiled aggression to all of Jessa's inquiries. Jessa does manage to glean though that Lyrie has some knowledge of Thassilon and an interest in the ruins in and around Sandpoint.
Jessa briefly contemplates discussing the Thassilonian pool in the shrine beneath Sandpoint. But, judging by the girl's demeanor, she figures that sharing information about that with Lyrie might get the girl curious enough to try investigating it. And, until she's had a chance to consult with Ilsoari Gandethus or Brodert Quink, it's probably best if they don't tell anyone else about it so the pool can remain undisturbed.
"Very nice to meet you, then..." Jessa offers as she wraps up their conversation. Spotting Gyorgy watching the musicians again, she grabs his arm and tugs him into another dance.
When Mitnal and Eugen finally work their way into the kitchen, they are greeted warmly by all the cooks and servers who are back there, but they also discover, unfortunately that Ameiko has already slipped out the back door. She is apparently not staying at the Rusty Dragon but has instead decided to take up residence in her father's house. The various workers at the Inn express their worry over her state of mind since the death of all of her family.
The rest of the evening speeds by in a whirl of dancing and feasting.
Sometime during the festivities Orik and Lyrie slip out of the Inn together. It turns out they were not actually spending the night in the Inn though they had arrived only that morning.