Tactfoof begings whistling and clapping in rhythm to bolster Toshe's confidence and engage the crowd in his performance.
Aid Another will save:
Frat! I'm too short to be heard in this crowd. Can you encourage him Viorela?
Tosh claps heavily and laughs loudly.
"Very good, very good! She dances well does she not!?"
Tosh steeles himself in the adulation of the shoanti dancer. As the applause begins to fade, Tosh steps up close to the mystery woman and speaks softly.
"Dancing? This is your plan to seduce the crowd against me? Are there not hundreds of dancing girls about today? Well, it was nicely done, but now I invite you to hear a story of my ancestors and see if your heart doesn't stir."
Tosh calls the people close to him, creating a stage-space of the empty ground between him and the masses. Seeing a pair of fraternal twins looking on curiously, Tosh hoists them onto a stack of crates so that they can properly see. He speaks to them.
"Milord and lady, would you please indulge a poor performer? When I signal, you lead the crowd in the gasps and cheers. Can you do that for me?" He winks to the children like an uncle sneaking candy to them against their parents wishes.
Tosh bows, then launches into an epic tale of ancient Thassilon and the fall of the terrible and mighty Runelords. He pauses often, signaling the children who entice the crowd into gasping Ooohs and deafening cheers. Tosh wraps up his tale with an homage to the people of Sandpoint, painting them as faithful inheritors of ancient honor and history. Then he bows. And waits.
Viorela looks down at Andwell, almost disapprovingly.
"Shh... He needs to concentrate."
The young girl first looks concerned for Tosh, but as the bard begins to speak and weave a grand tale - she like the rest of the crowd simply stand captivated.
Tosh claps heavily and laughs loudly.
"Very good, very good! She dances well does she not!?"
Tosh steeles himself in the adulation of the shoanti dancer. As the applause begins to fade, Tosh steps up close to the mystery woman and speaks softly.
"Dancing? This is your plan to seduce the crowd against me? Are there not hundreds of dancing girls about today? Well, it was nicely done, but now I invite you to hear a story of my ancestors and see if your heart doesn't stir."
Tosh calls the people close to him, creating a stage-space of the empty ground between him and the masses. Seeing a pair of fraternal twins looking on curiously, Tosh hoists them onto a stack of crates so that they can properly see. He speaks to them.
"Milord and lady, would you please indulge a poor performer? When I signal, you lead the crowd in the gasps and cheers. Can you do that for me?" He winks to the children like an uncle sneaking candy to them against their parents wishes.
Tosh bows, then launches into an epic tale of ancient Thassilon and the fall of the terrible and mighty Runelords. He pauses often, signaling the children who entice the crowd into gasping Ooohs and deafening cheers. Tosh wraps up his tale with an homage to the people of Sandpoint, painting them as faithful inheritors of ancient honor and history. Then he bows. And waits.
The Shoanti is angered by Tosh's words. "I'm not just a dancing girl." she says under her breath.
As Tosh entrances the crowd she grows increasingly impatient, audibly sighing as the crowd responds to the ups and downs of his story.
When he's done, she says, "Well, that was something. And now, for our finales."
Perform: Percussion -
Perform: Dance -
As she attempts to begin using her finger cymbals, they slip a little, making an unpleasant clanging noise. She is unable to recover and eventually gives up, dropping them to the ground in a flourish. One of her companions, a teenage boy, begins clapping out the rhythm she was unable to create herself.
Fortunately for her, her dancing is even more beautiful than before - her silk clothing and scarfs creating a whirlwind of color. A few moments later, she finishes to a cheer from the crowd.
The crowd breathlessly awaits Tosh's next story.
Viorela watches the Shoanti woman, smiling when she drops her cymbals.
Apparently she is just a dancing girl!
She glances at Andwell, Vors and Borhald, her look signaling her confidence in their storytelling friend.
I wonder if Tosh can sing, dance or play an instrument?
Tactfoot slips thru the crowd and gathers up the dropped finger cymbols. When the Shoanti look for them, he holds them out in an open palm and friendly smile. When she approaches close enough to hear;
'Twod be a shame if these were trampled underfoot. Such beautiful dancing as yours! Is a shame to see it compared to childhood storytelling. Singing! It's his weakspot. His voice is raspy from too much carousing last night. You can beat him with your song! Any song you offer will bring him to tears.
bluff
oops. So maybe she's a bit intimidating to a 3'1" Halfling.
looking her over closely for any, um, clues. Yea, looking her over for clues.
perception
As she attempts to begin using her finger cymbals, they slip a little, making an unpleasant clanging noise. She is unable to recover and eventually gives up, dropping them to the ground in a flourish. One of her companions, a teenage boy, begins clapping out the rhythm she was unable to create herself.
Fortunately for her, her dancing is even more beautiful than before - her silk clothing and scarfs creating a whirlwind of color. A few moments later, she finishes to a cheer from the crowd.
Vors realizes his mouth is hanging open, and shuts it with an audible snap. He joins the rest in applauding the performance.
"Well, that was...yes, well..."
Tosh snickers as the girl drops her castonettes and begins clapping out the rhythm with the boy.
", 2, 3, 4. , 2, 3, 4. There you go!"
Just before she ends her dance, Tosh unslings his mandolin and strums out a simple tune. His rich baritone voice fills the air all around.
"I sit beside the fire and think
of all that I have seen,
of meadow-flowers and city skies
in summers that have been;
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
in autumns that there were,
with morning mist and silver sun
and wind upon my hair.
I sit beside the fire and think
of how the world will be
when winter comes without a spring
that I shall ever see.
For still there are so many things
that I have never seen:
in every town and every spring
there is a different green.
I sit beside the fire and think
of people long ago,
and people who will see a world
that I shall never know.
But all the while I sit and think
of times there were before,
I listen for returning feet
and voices at the door."
Borhald remains quiet throughout the story, trying to absorb as much of it as possible. He does enjoy watching the girl dance, but can barely suppress a smile as Tosh taunts her by clapping along. Once he begins singing, however, the ranger is captivated by the simple universality of the tune, although he, of course, could not express it in such words. He remains pensive but when the bard finishes, he is the first to begin cheering.
As Tosh completes his art, Viorela is among the first to applaud, ensuring the crowd has no hesitation in commending the man's performance.
"Fine stories, music and singing!" she beams.
She turns to Vors and inquires aloud, "Playing a mandolin is much more difficult than cymbals, is it not?"
Viorela looks about to the audience, ensuring her question is overheard.
Vors laughs at Viorela's question, holding up his hands.
"Hamfisted as I am, I'd be lucky not to get a sour note off of either. The lady's dancing was quite impressive, to be sure, but I am much pleased by Tosh's song."
He claps a hand on Tosh's shoulder.
"I never had the pleasure of hearing your voice before it changed, but how anyone could be displeased hearing it now, I cannot ken. That includes your father. I'm sure he'd be proud."
Tosh gives a nod of thanks to Ash and holds up the 5 silver pieces to his two child helpers.
"You earned this. Go and get some sweeties, eh?"
Turning to his companions, Tosh smiles.
"How I have prayed you are right Vors. I think, I will see my parents next time I am in Korvosa."
|
Excellent show as always, my friend! with a nod to Tosh and Vors, Well, I am off to sample the venison at the White Deer Inn! I'll be seeing you all around town!
He shakes Tosh and Vor's hands before leaving, and gives a nod to Borhald, Viorela, and her little friend, whistling the tune that Tosh just finished singing...
Your bluff is unconvincing - she simply looks at you with disgust. "You're one of his friends, aren't you small one? Be gone."
As you look closely at her, you note a small, nearly imperceptible look of respect and affection on the young girl's face. Though outwardly defiant towards Tosh, it is clear she knows and respects him.
Upon finishing his song, the crowd erupts in applause and showers of silver coins fall around the Shoanti and Tosh. The teenage boy accompanying her scrambles to pick up all the coins from the ground and he begins counting them. The small twins Tosh featured during his story scurry around, picking up the coins for his performance.
"You've got about 74 silver here, Lodohah!" the teenager says to the Shoanti - Lodohah.
The twins aren't so quick to count the money. A kindly old man helps them count it out and add it up. He turns with a smile. "You've got 75 here, sir."
Lodohah, looks shocked for just a moment, but then bows her head. "You have won, fair and square, sir Tosh. My earnings are yours."
Borhald steps forward to congratulate Tosh. "Well done, my friend! Particularly since your competitor is far comelier than yourself!"
Tosh feigns a wound to the chest.
"You cut me to the quick Borhald! I am not yet fairer than the pretty dancer?"
Tosh can't keep a straight face through his melodrama. His wide smile cracks into laughter at the end.
"In truth, Lodohah is it? You are a fair and talented young woman, so please, keep your wages. I have felt hunger's bite and would not wish you to suffer it over good sport. But pray tell, why seek me out at all? I am not so famous that you could make your name by defeating mine, if that was your aim?"
Talent as skilled as yours is at least equal to Tosh. drops a silver into her tips. look. A tie.
He turns to leave. Pause. Turns back.
I am Tosh's friend, tis true. But I have room for more. I expect Tosh does as well.
Tactfoot loses himself in the crowd before she can respond. Leaving her to contemplate the thought he left with her.
Appearing next to Tosh.
My friend. Perhaps you should announce to this captive crowd where your next few performances will be. You never know who may wish to stop by.
With a wink and a nod, Andwell Tactfoot floats back into the sea of revelers.
"No doubt you are right Andwell."
Vestad emerges from the crowd to congratulate the many-talented bard. "I suspect you will have quite the audience this evening. But even more impressive is your charity. It would be the pride of wise parents."
Tosh blushes at the priest's admonishment.
"My mother always said, 'destiny is far kinder to those who are kind in turn.'"
Vors smiles, but scans the crowd.
"If y'all happen to see a girl about yay high, eyes of blue, long chestnut hair, in a homespun dress with blue flowers on it, give a holler. I want to remind my sister to check in back at the inn come sundown."
Tosh nods to Vors.
"What did you say her name was again?"
"Evelina. She's a good girl, but she's got a wild streak in her. I gave her some coin to enjoy herself, so she could be anywhere. Not too worried about her; this is a good town and she's got friends here."
With the challenge concluded, Viorela isn't one to dawdle about Tosh or the new-comer, and she is off exploring the sights and smells that are are Swallowtail Festival.
Now where is Ameiko? I missed her last night at the inn, and I'd like to see what this pursuit of adventuring turns one into...
Borhald nods to Vors, in assurance that he will keep a look-out. He then wanders off with the thinning crowd, looking for other performers, but mainly, for the many appetizing home-cooked delicacies that are in evidence, wishing to sample as many as possible.
Lodohah bows at your offer. In a solemn tone, she says, "It would appear that ALL the rumors about you are true, Besnik. I sought you out simply because I believed I was better than you and wanted to prove it. It appears I was wrong on that count. I admit, though, I am surprised that you would give up the money. I cannot keep it - it was won fair and square. My uncle would be most displeased if I kept it. Take it or leave it, I care not. Good day, Tosh." She allows a small smile to appear on her face before turning and walking away.
As you wander aimlessly through the crowds, a loud voice says, "'Oi, you there, Tactfoot, come o'er here." Turning, you see a small man with a scar across his face. It's Kal, a Sandpoint troublemaker. At last year's festival you…won…some gold from him in a shell game. "You up for another wager this little one?" he asks, a snarl on his face. "I got 5 pieces of gold that says you can't trick me this year."
After just a few minutes, you manage to find Evelina near some games. She and her friends are standing with their mouths agape; they are all entranced by the prizes available. You approach her quietly and put your hand on her shoulder. She nearly leaps out of her skin in surprise. "Vors! Don't sneak up on me like that! Ugh." Instantly, she turns on her sweet voice. "Brother, do you think you could possibly, maybe, win me one of those prizes?"
Your nose leads you to a large open court where food from various inns, taverns and homes is on display - and available for sample. A woman approaches you. "Hello there. I don't believe I know you - but you look like you have a healthy appetite. Would you be interested in participating in the inaugural Sandpoint Spiced Potato Eating Contest?"
Your eyes are peeled for Ameiko. You make your way towards the food court area, hoping she'll be there with her famous spiced food for sampling. As you get nearer, you spot her eccerentic hair - today it is pulled back with her ponytail in dread locks - and begin approaching her. Before you make it there, you are stopped by a old man. You can't place his name, but you do recognize him from the last time you were in Sandpoint. "You there. You're Mayor Deverin's niece, aren't ya? I've heard you've had some schooling. Is that true?"
Borhald bows his head slightly in greeting. "I would indeed, good woman. My only worry is that you have enough of them to sate my appetite!"
His rough frontiersman's voice is offset by his big smile, as he extends his hand in an "after you" gesture to the woman.
Viorela smiles back at the older man and nods.
I can't place his name, but he looks familiar.
"You're among the first to recognize me, good sir." she says politely, remembering her manners.
Choosing to be somewhat vague about her training, she adds, "And yes, I've been studying in Magnimar for several years now - how did you know?"
"I suppose I could do that. Just don't be expectin' me ta win you one of everything. It's a long enough walk home without an extra bag ta lug. C'mon, Evie, pick a game and show me what ya want."
Tosh smiles and gives Lodohah a shallow bow. Turning back, he sees his companions melting out of the square with the crowd. Until this evening, friends. Tosh follows his feet to the finished temple of Desna.
Once inside, Tosh finds to collection box and drops 1gp into it.
"Many thanks Mistress of Travelers, you've always been good to this wanderer. Consider this my offering, but I don't think I'll be leaving just yet. I have found good friends here."
That done, Tosh goes in search of other musicians.
Tactfoot** spoiler omitted **
Oy! if only I could make a better life for myself than running cons and shell games. sigh. Well, I could use the gold.
Kal! My good man. Always a pleasure. So Desna smiles on you today does she. Indeed lets find out.
Clearing a small area, Tactfoot produces three shells and a small "pea" (marble). Placing the pea under the center cup, he begins weaving them in a practiced pattern.
Round and round the shells do go. Pick the pea and your fortunes grow!
Pick my good good man
Lifts shell
slight of hand
Perception of Kal: ?
Rond and round they go again, pick wisely and you shall win!
slight of hand
Perception of Kal: ?
Keep you eye upon the pea. Who will Desna smile upon, you or me?
slight of hand
Perception of Kal: ?
Tackfoot watches Kal carefully. Wondering if his game is off to a lack of practice of late.
"Ah, very good, I'm quite studied myself. Tell me, what was the nature of your education? Mathematics? History? Cooking?" the old man asks. "I'd guess you don't recognize me - I'm Brodert Quink, librarian, sage, scholar and historian. I spent some time in Magnimar myself, you know."
You remember "crazy ol' Quink" from your earlier visits. He claims to have spent two decades of his youth studying with dwarven engineers at Janderhoff and three decades as a cataloger at the Great Library of Magnimar.
You step up to the table and see two other contestants. One is a large half-orc, the other a large man - you recognize him as the owner of the Sandpoint General Store, but you can't place his name. You take your place at the table. "Ladies and gentlemen! Gather round for the inaugural eating of the Potatoes - Sandpoint's first ever Spicy Potato Eating Contest!" booms a man, who looks very similar to the girl who recruited you. "Today, we have three fine combatants, each gifted in the gastric arts. The first is our beloved dungsweeper, Gorvi. The second, Ven Vinder, owner of the General Store. Finally, we have, well, a newcomer…Borhald is it?"
There is a loud cheer and a growing crowd as the contestants are announced. Gorvi definitely earned the most applause.
"Alright fellas, let's see what you can do. You each have three plates of Risa's Place's finest spiced potatoes. Whoever finishes fastest wins the grand prize - free meals at Risa's for a year and a small prize of gold. But most of all, they will win the admiration of all who witness their victory."
"All right then - get ready…and…CONSUME!"
"Umm…how about this one - the 'Ogre Crusher' - that sounds like fun!" she says, pointing. You look towards the game and you see an odd contraption. An iron weight has been set on one end of a board placed over a pivot and in a groove that runs vertically along the length of a split log. Along the edge of the groove are three colors painted at varying heights and at the top is a freshly forged bell, gleaming in the light. Next to the strange piece of carpentry stands a bald man with thick red muttonchops holding an enormous mallet in one hand and a foaming mug in the other. He reeks of stale ale and despite the hour looks like he's already knee-deep in flagons.
"You there, sir, with the little girl. Care to give it a go? Hit the board and ring the bell. Win a cute prize. Just three pennies it is." The enormous man motions to you, spilling a bit of the contents in his mug.
Kal stares closely at your hands, trying to catch your trickery.
Shell 1: Perception Check -
Kal loses sight of the pea and curses audibly.
Shell 2: Perception Check -
This time, he sneezes and completely fails to even pay attention to what you're doing. His eyes go wide with anxiety.
Shell 3: Perception Check -
Something catches his attention and he manages to spy the pea for just a moment.
"I guess...the middle shell. No...wait...curse you Tactfoot...yes...the middle one."
Lifting the shell, there is no pea. You reveal the left shell, no pea. It is under the right.
"NO! Unbelievable. You dirty cheat...take your money Tactfoot," Kal spits angrily. He starts to storm off and then turns around. His tone softens: "So...little one..how do you do that?"
|
|
"I suppose I could do that. Just don't be expectin' me ta win you one of everything. It's a long enough walk home without an extra bag ta lug. C'mon, Evie, pick a game and show me what ya want."
Ah, Sir Vors, I see you have found your little sister. Up to win a prize, eh? he waves to Evelina and looks around at the games. I am willing to bet that, this game would yield the best fruit for one with Erastil's eye...
With a little bit of showmanship, Ash gestures to large target board with little goblins on swiveling pins. He tosses three beanbags to Vors, and drops a couple coppers into a cup near the vendor running the game.
EDIT: D'oh! Too late! ;P
I like your game better, Ash. Let's do that.
** most of spoiler omitted **...your decision to share your secrets will also grant you an additional bonus.
I like your game better, Ash. Let's do that.
"Thanks, Ash. Tell you what, Evie. I'll give this one a go, and if my luck doesn't hold out here, I'll try the strongman game. You'll leave here with a prize; I promise ya that."
Vors steps up to the line with the beanbags in hand, tests the weight of one, eyes his targets, and takes his shots.
Attack Rolls:
Quite the curious old man!
"I was fortunate enough to study history, math, along with several languages."
"And, oh..." Viorela draws out the word, "there may have been a few other things I picked up, as well. Things that a girl might find useful, but she often isn't given an opportunity to study."
Viorela lets out a quiet whistle, hands clasped behind her back while gazing upwards, the picture of innocence.
Ref.
Fort.
Will.
Borhald looks at the three plates for a second before digging in manfully.
|
|
"Thanks, Ash. Tell you what, Evie. I'll give this one a go, and if my luck doesn't hold out here, I'll try the strongman game. You'll leave here with a prize; I promise ya that."
Vors steps up to the line with the beanbags in hand, tests the weight of one, eyes his targets, and takes his shots.
Attack Rolls: 1d20+2; 1d20+2; 1d20+2
Good shot! Ash smiles, Not quite like a bow, eh? The beanbag is a deceptively difficult weapon to be sure!
For Borhald:
Ven Vinder:
Ref
Fort:
Will:
The three of you tear into the potatoes. All of you struggle at first to get the hang of transferring the slippery potatoes from the plate to your mouth, but quickly get the hang of it. Moving into the second dish, you and Gorvi are neck-in-neck, with Ven falling slightly behind. On the second plate you and Gorvi continue your feasting. For just a moment you feel as if you're going to vomit, which gives Gorvi a one-potato lead on you. Ven continues to fall further and further behind, his face turning bright red and sweating profusely. But in the third plate, Gorvi completely falters. He has lost all will to continue eating and simply sits there staring at the massive pile of potatoes remaining. You, however, have no problem pressing on. Struggling a little, but successfully putting the potatoes away before the other two.
There is a loud cheer from the gathered crowd as Borhald finishes. The woman who recruited you runs over and raises your arm - another cheer goes up from the crowd. The man who announced the contest loudly says, "And we have a winner! Stand up if you can, sir Borhald. You've earned our respect, a year's worth of meals from our fine dining establishment, Risa's Place and, as promised, a small prize of gold - you may want to save some of that for some medicine - we're not sure what will happen to someone who eats that many spicy taters…"
Vors fishes in his pouch, comes up with two more copper, and drops them in the cup. Taking his ammo, he steps forward and tries again to bean some goblins.
Attack Rolls:
Vors shakes his head. "Looks like this isn't my game." He thanks the gamesman for his time, then heads back over to the Ogre Crusher.