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...since returning from Thistletop, the PC's have been treated as returning hero's...
They first told the Sheriff, The Mayor, Father Zantus and other notable NPC's that the goblin threat had been eradicated, Tsuto killed, and Nualia destroyed.
Mayor Averin announced that as way of thanks and to celebrate there would be a feast the following evening and all were invited to attend! With a sudden smile that had not been seen on her face in a long while, she winked and exclaimed that she expected the local establishments to bring lots of food and to out do anything they may have bragged about in the past! The large crowd that gathered cheered and news spread through town like a joyful wild-fire.
The people of Sandpoint were overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. The town awoke as from a stupor and started to breath again after holding it's collective breath for far too long. They began to believe they could finally move forward and leave the fear and darkness behind them. Shopkeepers opened their business with gusto; cleaning and straightening, loudly offering huge sales to all who stopped in, drinks flowed freely and music was heard from many establishments. Even large dour Gorvi could be seen pushing his boys to get the streets cleared of any debris or trash.
The hero's themselves were given staggering prices on anything they wished to sell and huge discounts when they purchased. The store owners merely smiled, placed a friendly hand on a shoulder and exhaled a long satisfied breath, before stating simply that this was the least they could do to thank those that had saved the town.
As the afternoon wore on, Ameiko ushered the hero's to the Dragon and offered free drinks to the house before demanding the full and detailed story with an eager smile.
Taking her cue, the captivating bard Shae Cala stepped forward and began to play her flute. She played a simple catchy song that warmed the crowd up and then lowered the flute and smiled around the room as she started with the humorous story of a horse that smelled of pickles but acted with strength and bravery, until it was magically reduced to the size of a house cat and tossed into a sack.
She told of a horrible creature hanging in a cave that grasped the paladin Virgil and stuck a horrid long thorn straight through his armor. His near death shocked the crowd. With a smirk, he lifted his fine shirt and showed them the still pink scar healing on his chiseled chest.
She spoke of the mighty sorceress that could have spelled the end of them all if not for the heroics of Claura who charged forth regardless of the risk and knocked the magic user to the ground before dispatching her with a powerful swing of her scimitar. Some of the townsfolk looked back at Claura with new found respect and often ..with nervousness. The druid scowled back at them from where she leaned against the back wall enjoying her drink by the roaring fire, but noticed one set of eyes that did not look at her like a strange animal but instead seemed filled with something familiar. The young guardsmen watched her without smiling, but held a deep appreciation in his gaze. She realized for the first time that his features were almost.. Shaonti.
The Bard continued to play the crowd as she built up the scene of the battle with the notorious bugbear Bruthazmus and the sad end to the town betrayer Tsuto. The room erupted in angry whoops and cheers as she told them of his death, and then a sudden silence as they realized where they were and looked at Ameiko. The young face was wet with tears and her eyes held a deep sadness, but after a moment she took a deep drink and managed a smile as she saluted the hero's for helping her lost brother find his way back to peace.
With small uncomfortable nods, the adventures raised their mugs back towards her. Syeira, her hair tied back with red and golden ribbons and tiny bells and her outfit flowing around her with color and joy, moved next to Ameiko and placed her arms around the bar mistress as the bard started to play again. Ameiko smiled and rested her head on the lovely Varisian's shoulder.
After a few moments of bold brave music, with under-currents of strong sad notes that filled hearts throughout the room with both loss and hope, she stopped playing and began speaking. Her soft words filled the now silent room, weaving a sad heroic tale of salvation and sacrifice: The ballad of Coraline, the noble magic user from Korvosa that was rescued from the goblin horde. Shae told of how Coraline brushed herself of pickles and filth and dedicated herself to helping the party, fighting with bravery and stunning power before sadly falling in the final confrontation with Nualia.
The bard stopped speaking and began to play again as gasp and sobs filled the room. After a few moments, she resumed speaking again her voice slowly rising to a strong bold tenor. She told of how the evil disfigured asimar stood with one monstrous hand outstretched, pulling the very life essence from Coraline's crumbled arching body, and using that essence to strengthen herself.
Around the room, townsfolk glanced at one another and several took long drinks to hide fear. Solsta Vinder leaned over and tightened her hold on Vin, while he reached out to comfort his youngest daughter Shayliss and glanced around for his oldest, Katrine. Nearby, Aliver Podiker, his eyes wide and staring, seemed not to realize he was biting the old ratty hat that he gripped tightly in his stained thick fingers. The normally stoic sheriff Hemlock gave a start and then smiled when the young guardsmen Corrin placed a strong hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile.
Shae spoke again, now strong and full of energy as she told how, when things seemed the darkest, the brave and beautiful paladin Virgil was able to move in and end Nualia's reign of terror with his bright sword.
The room erupted into shouts of joy, cheers and cries to toast the valiant paladin. Virgil turned his head and let his long flowing golden hair shimmer in the torchlight as he smiled and toasted the brave townsfolk in return, taking a moment to let his eyes linger on the lovely Shayliss Vinder who watched him from beneath her own beautiful hair.
Shae finished her tale, the crowd enthralled to the end and then joined the party in drinks and food as the night wore on.
The evening finally ended as an exhausted and emotional Ameiko good naturedly banished the townsfolk to their homes and the guests to their rooms.
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Early the next morning, Virgil was awakened by a soft knock on his door. He opened it cautiously to find a flushed Shayliss Vinder, standing before him with a platter covered in fabric. He suddenly smelled something sweet and delicious. She pushed past him into the room, explaining that she wanted to do something for him and had brought him a pie. She put it down on the small table and when she turned to look at him, he realized that the pie was not what she was offering. Offering up a silent thanks up to Shelyn, very pleased that life had placed him in service of a goddess that place a high value on art, beauty and love, and encouraged him to delight in the gifts of others, he softly shut the door with a smile.
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The following day was bright and sunny with clear skies and crisp fall air. The town awoke with a purpose and life that had been lost in many years.
Syeira and Claura sat in the common room of the White Deer, enjoying an amazing poached egg and salmon breakfast when Katrine walked up and asked them if they had seen her sister, who was supposed to be bringing them a pie. They said that they had not and Katrine thanked them. They noticed as she turned to leave the inn, that she stopped by the table where Ibor Thorn and Banny Harker sat talking over empty plates and steaming mugs, letting her fingertips brush along his arm softly. They exchanged glanced and smiled.
A few moments later, they realized that they actually did smell pie and wondered about it. They were about to question Claura's cousin, Garridan about it, when Shayliss walked down the stairs trying to adjust her bodice. She saw them looking and smiled sweetly. She told them she had brought them a pie. She had given it to the paladin because she heard a noise and knew he was awake. She quickly excused herself and left the inn, not noticing the smirks and whispers that followed her.
Not long after her exit, Virgil sauntered down the stairs looking especially glowy. He literally radiated as he sat down at their table, smelling of pie. He noticed everyone in the room looking at him and grinning and exclaimed "WHAT?"
--
Preparations for the feast started early and were the main focus of the day for most of Sandpoint.
The party took the time to rest and heal and talk to some of the people they were unable to speak to the previous day.
As Syeira and Shae changed clothes and began using small magics and makeups to make themselves up for the evening, Claura sat and watched. The dark skinned druid pulled her hair forward over her shoulder, the part that had not been shaved smooth in tribal tradition, and glanced down at the feathers and bones. Syeira and Shae, catching the movement, looked at each other and then at her. "Would you like us to help you make yourself up for tonight" Claura paused for a moment with a furrowed brow, scrunched up her mouth and then nodded seriously. With a grin, they pulled her to the stool and sat her down, beginning the transformation.
When the feast started the square in front of the new church was awash in color and layered with robust mouth watering aromas. The mayor spoke first thanking the adventures for everything they had done. Then Father Zantus, a long pious speech already prepared that thanked each god and goddess that was worshiped in the area, stood up before the eager, hungry, and increasingly impatient crowd and in a moment of inspired observation, instead simply raised his arms and with a large smile declared it time to celebrate!
The crowd surged over the waiting food and drink, trying to get a bit of everything. They moved around the square stopping at tables and wagons, filling their own plates and bowls, and even sometimes eating off the plate of a friend who had something they had not tried before.
After the food was mostly gone, the music started and Syeira moved into the center of the crowd. A small circle quickly appeared as she began to move, weaving a magic of her own as she captivated and energized the townsfolk. She grabbed random people as she spun about dancing with them for a moment before moving on to the next person. Before long she had most of the young people and many of older folk dancing under the magically created lights and sparkles that floated overhead, thanks to some stage craft provided by Cyrdak Drokkus, who was now slightly drunk and boldy offering his hand to a surprised Shae Cala.
Corrin found the druid warrior Claura near the ale tent dancing with Eloy Ang, the dense muscular boy that recently became an apprentice blacksmith. She spun him around and sent him careening towards Corrin. With strong hands he caught the drunk Eloy before he crashed into the tent and offered to take over for a bit. The dizzy flustered teen nodded and reached for a wooden pillar for support as he tried to catch his breath. Claura stopped dancing as she saw him step up, and looked at him intently, uncomfortable with this unexplainable desire for him. He was dressed like a commoner, but carried himself like a noble and yet all she could think of when watching him was the strong handsome Shaonti warriors she had lusted after as a maiden. He swept her up and she lost herself in the dance once more.
---
Syiera waited, expecting to see the young handsome noble Aldern at any time. She had thought of him a number of times since that day they saved him and his hunting dog from the goblin horde. There was a sadness under his polite and cheerful demeanor, and she wanted to find out why and learn more about him. She liked the way he smiled at her as well.
But after numerous enquiries, he could not be found and nobody knew of his whereabouts. She was surprised at how little the locals seemed to know about him, considering his obvious wealth and generosity. And was shocked when one older gentlemen had frantically shook his head and said he did not wish to speak of Aldern and 'that foul place misgivings.'
---
Virgil was spinning a laughing Shayliss around when a strong hand grasped his shoulder and pulled him off the dance floor. He regained his balance and look into the rosy face of an obviously drunk Vin Vender. Shayliss gasped and Virgil wondered what would happen if he beat the shopkeeper in front of the entire town when Vin smiled and told him to come with him, 'I got sometim vor yu' in his thick accent. Not sure at the wisdom, but fairly drunk himself he followed Vin to a small alleyway behind some shops nearby and found a number of locals sitting around laughing.
They stood as he joined them and each in turn grasped his hand and thanked him. They sat him down on an overturned crate that had glassworks painted on the side, and Vin introduced him to a wonderful drink that a local Farmer Hambly is notorious for brewing in his barn. They called it Shine and Vin told Virgil he needed to have some. With a shrug, Virgil took it and drank. It was a strong sharp liquor that burned mightily as it rolled down his throat. He gasped and had to hold his eyes shut and concentrate hard to avoid vomiting it back up onto Vin.
The men around him roared with laughter and approval and pushed him to drink again. He did, more prepared this time, and then handed it off to Vin who took a might swig himself. The bottle made its way around the group as Virgil watched. As he sat there listening to Vin talk about something, but not hearing, he noticed that one of the men had started growing long ears and whiskers. Then another started to change colors, first a deep purple then to yellow and finally to red. Still another was revealed to actually be a large fish in workman's garb.
With a shock he glanced at Vin who was watching him and grinning. His eyes were warm and he slowly began to take on the appearance of a child's stuffed bear.
Virgil started to laugh, but then noticed a light behind them. He stood and saw a woman shrouded in light and energy. She held out her arms to him and beckoned him to her. Her voice floated around him, comforting him and he recognized her immediately as his goddess, Sheyln. "I am proud of you my love", she whispered as he moved forward and she took him into her arms and embraced him kissing him deeply.
He opened his eyes sometime later and felt warm and full of life. He looked around and saw a few of the men still laying around the alley and Vin watching him. Vin smiled and held out his hand, saying " Now ve haved Shined my friend. " His smiled and he embraced. "I must get home.. Oh and tis k dat you danse vit Shayliss.. please make sure she git hom safe k?" As Vin lumbered off down the alley, Vin returned to the party, and to Shayliss, feeling amazing and glowing like a host of angels.
As the night wound down, Claura found herself being pursued by multi men, including the young virile Eloy and the mysterious interesting Corrin. This was a position she had never been in. Between the drink and then new attention she found herself letting go in a way she never had before. She managed to coax both Eloy and Corrin back to the White Deer, and to her room. This was not something considered unusual in the Shaonti, but was not normally accepted in Chelaxian communities. She was not surprised when Corrin accepted without blinking, but was surprised when Eloy smiled at Corrin and then nodded.
Syiera sadly went back to her room alone, not having found any sign Aldern.
Shae found herself listening, instead of telling for once, as the charming Cyrdak told her elaborate stories of Magnimar and Sandpoint. They walked slowly back to the Rusty Dragon arm in arm smiling and laughing as they went.
Virgil returned to the White Deer with Shayliss, feeling bold and reckless and escorted to his room.
-----
The next morning, Virgil was once again awoken with a knock..
Sheriff Hemlock, face drawn and ashen spoke softly. "I am sorry to wake you.. Something.. terrible has happened.. Please gather your friends and meet me at the garrison as soon as you can."
Virgil , bleary eyed, and starting to remember certain strange things from the night before asked " what has happened"
The Sheriff sighed and said, " There has been a murder. The Vinder girl and the Harker boy were found a short time ago.. it's bad..."
He stopped as a gasp and cry comes from inside the room...
Hemlock moves to look past Virgil and sees Shayliss sitting up in bed a look of terror on her face.
...
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You should repost this in the Campaign Journals subforum and add any other cool sessions you run later. Very nice!
You should repost this in the Campaign Journals subforum and add any other cool sessions you run later. Very nice!
Yeah I noticed that a few moments ago. I have never really read through it but think I will check it out. Thanks!
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GM NOTE: I confess that I improvised this entire scene off the cuff and may come to regret it later. I was as wrapped up in the amazing role-playing that was going on and the heady celebration and I got a bit carried away. **shakes head** And yes, to answer your question, one of my PC's just slept with his goddess.. I suppose my pantheon is a bit .. modified now. I also gave him a perm +2 to knowledge religion when dealing with his goddess. I am going treat this like he opened a door and made a connection that cannot be closed. He will start received strange visions in his sleep.. things like a sky filled with black evil ravens, gambling rodents dancing and singing as they sink on a matchstick riverboat, etc :P
heh... or you could play up the "enchanted" hooch = runelord of lust = visitation/manipulation of the paladin angle. In other words, he only thinks he slept with his goddess. Just another direction you might go with it.
heh... or you could play up the "enchanted" hooch = runelord of lust = visitation/manipulation of the paladin angle. In other words, he only thinks he slept with his goddess. Just another direction you might go with it.
Enchanted Hoooch! Ha! Is that in the Magic Item Compendium? :P
Damn, I wish I had your group. So far, the closest we've come to roleplaying is our Incubus polymorphing into a little girl for Bluff checks and our resident (now absent) copper dragon selling his toe-nails to apothecaries. And of course there was the time that our drow assassin stabbed the druid in the leg so a bugbear could kill him. I think I need to work on my narration... and everything else.
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My group just returned from sacking Thistletop and I wanted to drop a few roleplaying opportunities with the locals. I might yank a few for our next session. Our fighter had an unpleasant encounter with Ven, but Shayliss is still infatuated with him, so now I think she might be delivering him a pie...