These posters have been decorating several boards and posting poles throughout the town of Sandpoint since this morning. Even the Rusty Dragon has agreed to display them on the front door, which is only fitting with Ameiko's known fondness for the adventuring sort. The chatter is a cloud above Sandpoint today, citizens loudly discussing who might be so brave as to try to claim the bounty.
It is with great cheer from the entirety of the Rusty Dragon's patrons that Ameiko announces a free drink on the house. You are all enjoying the cool summer breeze from your table, next to the open window. When Ameiko comes carrying several pitchers, some held in oddly improbable locations, she's got a gleam in her eye that you haven't quite seen before.
"Here you go, she beams, handing you all pitchers filled with your favourite drinks. "Well, what're your thoughts? You lot would make a great team, I'd wager."
"Yeah, you'd be the ones I'd bet my coin for if this ludicrous wager makes it through." Sandru's voice is quite distinct through the cheer and song that has emerged - Bethana is running with several oversized platters with even bigger pitchers, a show quite on its own. Sandru throws an arm around Ameiko. You can hear a loud discussion about who the victors would be in a 'who can gather the most ears' competition buzzing. "And I'm not just saying that because of Ameiko."
"You'd think something like this would make Sandpoint morose," old Koya says from the adjacent table, her voice surprisingly clear and loud. "I for one am glad to see some life returned to my home, after all those goblin attacks."
Ameiko sighs, slipping out of Sandru's one-armed embrace with half a grin. Sandru looks slightly disappointed. Her voice does seem a bit... hollow. "Well, I have a tavern to run. Give it some thought, won't you?"
"Indeed! I'll see you later, Jasper. Anen," he bows to Anen and whisks away from the table with silken steps before she can even retort. Koya is laughing, a hoarse yet warming croak.
"Ah, to be young again..." Koya says wistfully. "Promise me, if you do attempt this perilous quest that you stay safe, and return to tell an old woman of the deeds of the young... I promised to meet Father Abstalar for some tea. You take care now."
She rises with surprising vigour for someone of her age. She smiles, a warm smile, before she leaves you all to enjoy your drinks...
Ceru is absorbed in the taste of her offered brew. "That flowery aftertaste, I can never quite figure out what it is... hmm?" And at last some of the words exchanged by Ameiko and her friends sink in, if only a little. "Team? Wager? Are people truly wagering on this bounty business? Seems a bit morbid, don't you think? Wait," she looks at the others at her table. "Are they wagering on us?" She purses her lips in a sign that the others know the wheels in Ceru's head are turning. "How much?"
"I don't know the wager Ceru, but if my brother is involved I'd think twice. Sandru plays to win, even if he's learned to lose gracefully from Ameiko."
Jasper runs a hand over his bald pate. Still, I wonder if this business has merit.
"If we can win some coin while freeing Sandpoint from the threat of goblin raids then I would like to pursue it."
Jasper leans back in his chair and sips his tea, waiting for the others to respond. His eyes close as he breathes deeply, the din of the tavern becoming a susurrus. The taste is distinctive, something Ameiko learned from her mother?
Half whispered over his cup, "Lavender perhaps?"
Thaddeus shakes his head slowly at the nature of the conversation, "It disheartens to think that so many Sandpoint citizens are only willing to stand up and do what is right for our great community when coin is offered. Present company excluded, I'm just making a general statement." He reflects before staving off the arguments before they can start "I understand that some don't feel that they can wager their livelihood on the idea of coin for ears, especially with the risk of loss of life. If more people just stood up as a community and acted of their own accord, then the creatures would not grow to be the threat they have become due to a lack of attrition."
He takes a measured sip of his dinner wine, before continuing “If I were to have a say in how this is run, I would instead offer the coin as wages for service to the militia. Encourage more townsfolk to join the goal of societal advancement, and build a prouder community.”
He ponders, before deciding assuredly, “It would be my honor to rid our environs of the plague of goblinkind that threatens our homestead. I will give the rest of you my whole share of the coins, if you all agree to give a tenth of your reward back to the community.” He offers, seeing a way to also motivate others to do good by the promise of reward. Not thinking that his offer may not even be necessary.
Parsifal drinks deeply of the offered mug, nodding in thanks to Ameiko, "Thank you kindly... This batch is very good... better than the last, I would say."
He sighs at Thaddeus' speech, Little wonder people often dislike those called by the gods... , but then says, "Not everyone can dedicate their lives to the militia -- and futher, many would make poor soldiers.. in fact, from my time there, I have seen this in some who have applied to become so. A reward helps generate interest and makes use of the skills of such individuals, rather than casting them aside -- and in many cases, allows someone to take up their bow or blade without needing to worry about hungry mouths at home.... or the costs of those arrows, blades and goods, for that matter."
He holds up a hand of his own to get a moment to continue, "I will join in hunting down thse goblins... a different tribe, I point out than the last who troubled the town, which were dealt with years ago by Shalelu and that band of adventurers. I will do so not because of offered coins, but because, like you, I felt a call that others do not, and have answered it. What you do with your coin is your choice. I will take mine, and tithe, as Abadar directs me, and use the rest to equip myself to handle even greater threats."
"But Jasper, if I heard him right, Sandru seems to suggest wagering ON us, and that would put the odds in our favor yes? It is flattering at least, even if I find it fascinating one might try to apply a monetary value to our skills."
She takes another sip of her drink. "It's the nature of civilization that we need money for food and shelter and herbs and spices and armor and the like. They're kind to offer the reward--as you good gentlemen note, it is also of the city's interests in survival of its good citizens to drive back the goblins, a reward wouldn't be necessary, but it would be--ah, what would one call it? Hazard pay. Surely some who face the goblins may need healing or supplies, or to replace wages lost while hunting goblins.
"Now, Thaddeus, if you have served the gods well enough, perhaps if you need healing or other services you can get them for free, but otherwise I might hold onto a bit of your own reward, just in the unlikely event something untoward happens, and you should need to replace a blade or an epaulet or a leg or hand or something. But if you wish to give it away, I won't stop you, and indeed, gladly accept any gift offered. Perhaps I shall save it, in case you find you need it later."
"You are correct Ceru, I only seek to warn you about Sandru. He is as skilled at games as you are, make sure you know the rules before you play. Of course, you don't need me to tell you that."
Jasper pauses to consider the matter of the reward.
"I try to live simply, I don't know that I need much in the way of reward. In any case, I'll not spend money I don't yet possess."
Thaddeus' father has denied my requests to build a shrine to Irori and spread his teaching, perhaps with coin in my pocket he will see things my way. Such is the path of Abadar.
"Buttercups. Ceru, that flowery taste is buttercups. I'm sure of it."
Kili takes another sip of the brew rolling it around in her mouth, thoughts tumbling for a moment, but then turning back to the discussion of the goblins and the reward.
"Isn't the thrill of chasing after goblins reward enough in itself? Especially a tribe named Licktoad? I'd go just for the story of how they earned that name. Ceru, if they really have toads, I totally dare you to lick one."
She spends a moment contemplating Bethana and wondering just how she manages to balance all of the pitchers, then turns and gleams wickedly at Ameiko and Sandru, "You're right to put money on us. But, how about us versus you?"
Parsifal nods at Ceru, whispering, "Well said. As one who serves the Lord of Trade, I understand the value of gold to folk and its use as a motivator."
She spends a moment contemplating Bethana and wondering just how she manages to balance all of the pitchers, then turns and gleams wickedly at Ameiko and Sandru, "You're right to put money on us. But, how about us versus you?"
Parsifal coughs a moment, Is she suggesting to bet against us? Oh, wait..., then laughs at his own initial response and smiles wickedly, "Oh, a race? How very interesting a suggestion..."
He nods his approval, "Very well, Ceru, I accept your interpretation. The idea of being payed more incentive money to cover the cost of loss or healing sounds reasonable. I would like to see more acts of good will, but I understand that not everyone is motivated by the simple desire to do good." he takes another small sip, "If the money is enough to get others to do the right thing, I can accept that."
Anen has been glaring daggers into Sandru's back, but turns to the others, a smile on her face, as Kili invokes the caravaner's name.
Well, for my part, I'd be pleased to help rid the area of some goblins. And if you don't want your reward, Thaddeus, I'll gladly take 90% of it. My daddy raised no fools!
If Ameiko thinks we'd make a good team, then I'm sure we would. Where is this tribe? Do we know?
Hearing all of the talk about money, Kili begins fingering the embroidery on her satchel and thinking how nice it would be to have a matching cloak.
When Anen replies she looks back up, "Now there's a girl after my own heart. Ready to dive right in. And, if we're going to make a contest of this, we'd best get started. Unfortunately, I have to admit I don't know have any idea where the Licktoads are...although I do love that name...but I've never been known for my shyness."
Kili begins whispering quietly to herself her hands moving quickly like they're catching something out of the air in her hand. You catch snippets of what she's saying, "...look at me...no, behave...ok, do your thing..."
Suddenly, Kili pops up from the table and starts quizzing a patron about what they know about the location of the Licktoads.
"What, you don't know?" "The bloody Licktoads live in Brinestump Marsh!" "Some say demons infest their midst." "Ain't a grubbin' demon, s'the soggy river monster!" "That's a myth!"
The chatter grows restless as you can all hear the fruit of Kili's information gathering. Shortly after, Ameiko approaches your table with a surprised grin. "You got them all riled up - probably for the better, means they'll order more to eat. Won't say no to the coin. How're you all holdin' up? Enjoying your drinks?"
They're delicious, as always, Mimi. There's been some debate as to the secret ingrediant, though - lavender, or buttercups?
And it seems like we may be taking you up on your suggestion. Daddy says goblins cause no end of trouble, and although I'm sure he wouldn't be too keen on me running off to fight them, mother might feel differently. Daddy hasn't said not to run off and fight goblins, at any rate...
Ceru muses softly, "Indeed, I wonder what flavor a toad has... but aren't some poisonous?" She should have paid more attention to her father's lessons on the creatures of the wilderness.
"Anyway, I won't say no to driving back the goblins either. Plagued me on the road all the way from Whistledown to here years ago--they seem intent on provoking one and all no matter what."
She looks up at Ameiko as Anen addresses her. "And what did I hear about a wager?"
"The tea is calming as usual Ameiko, thank you. It sounds as if we need to head into the Marsh and take care of these...Licktoads."
"I think we are decided to undertake this task, when should we leave? I need only retrieve my sword and pack and I will be prepared."
Jasper nods to the table and waits to hear their opinions.
Standing and shouldering the pack he had set by his side, he finishes his wine and adds "Agreed, Jasper, I have just finished my rounds on patrol, so I have my pack all ready to go." He waits slightly impatiently for the others, reminding them "The longer we tarry in our cups, the less daylight we have to perform civic duties." to Anen he adds, "It is not that I have no desire for the money, the idea is that I may use it to encourage others to give back to the community much the same way the authorities are."
Ameiko grins at you; she unbuttons a satchel that is hanging around her waist and hands it to Anen. "A little gift, for extra measure. Be careful. Just because they're goblins doesn't mean they can't kill."
"Well, would we be more likely to catch them off guard at night or by day?"
Ceru sees the closed pouch and leans close to Anen, eagerly hoping to see what's inside.
In Ceru's book, closed containers with hidden contents are a cruel taunt. If one should ever find a box belonging to one Pandora, best to let Ceru nowhere near it.
Parsifal inclines his head to Ameiko and says soberly, "A most generous gift. While I think I would have preferred the idea of racing, I appreciate the reminder that this is serious business. I remember the tales of the attacks when I first returned to town. Thankfully, Shalelu was able to lead a band to Thistletop and end that threat."
It should have been me, there, with her...
Parsifal turns to Ceru in response to her question, "A better question might be how useful we might be in the dark. If the moon is bright, then my eyes will adjust, but I worry that not all of us are as adept in the dim light as others -- especially because it is hard to sneak up on a group at night when carrying a light source."
Assuming the goblins put up sentries, of course... But surely if they're a large enough threat to have a bounty, they're at least somewhat organized...
Parisfal pauses a moment and then asks, "Has anyone made a trip to the marshes? How long should we expect it to take us to get there?"
Jasper considers Parsifal's questions. "I have spent time in the marshes training, moving as a group it shouldn't take too long."
Perhaps we are better leaving in the morning?
"Do we need to get there today, or should we leave in the morning if that would allow us more time?"
Considering the distance, Thaddeus tries to get an estimate of the amount of daylight they have left. "If leaving now will take us so long that we arrive at dusk or later, then we would be at a disadvantage. If that's the case, then we would be better off leaving early the next morning, maybe right before dawn." He suggests.
Considering the distance, Thaddeus tries to get an estimate of the amount of daylight they have left. "If leaving now will take us so long that we arrive at dusk or later, then we would be at a disadvantage. If that's the case, then we would be better off leaving early the next morning, maybe right before dawn." He suggests.
Parsifal nods, "I was going to suggest just that. We will be fully alert, while they will either just be waking, or just be preparing to sleep, depending on their cycles. Either way, it should give us an advantage..."
Parsifal then smiles and adds with a light tone, "..and ensure Thaddeus can see our wounds to heal them."
At Parsifal's jest Thaddeus replies, "Oh, my father is the healer, I am just a preacher. I have the divine guidance of Iomedae, only in as much as I am but a weapon in her arsenal against those that practice evil. Her grace protects me, and her will guides me, I am not a capable healer." he looks a little ashamed, before adding "It is this aspect of my studies that my father does not understand. I am neither priest nor paladin of her faith, but I am no less an instrument of her divine will."
Parsifal flushes at his error, "Apologies, Thaddeus. You seem almost more devout than I and so I had assumed that you answered a similar call... and I knew that you were not a paladin. I should not have presumed that you were a priest."
Worried that he upset his friend, he quickly replies "Oh, no worries. It is a common misunderstanding. I myself am still unclear as to exactly how I channel her power the way I do. I just know that it is not exactly how my father would prefer it."
You know from your earlier training that Brinestump Marsh is two miles south south-west of Sandpoint - an hour's walk with the small ones.
Jasper nods, his eyes closed, a slight sheen of sweat forming on his head from the summer sun.
"We all approach the gods in different ways, according to our callings."
Opening his eyes and motioning towards Ceru and Kili. "By my reckoning we should reach Brinestump Marsh in a hour. I will not guess on the time to locate the goblins."
Closing his eyes and wiping his hand over his head and down his neck, Jasper finishes off his drink.
This tea is just what I need to cool off. I will make sure we all have full water skins before we leave. Fresh water for six will be difficult to find in the marsh.
Anen nods at Thaddeus as he clarifies his stance on the "Take, and grins impishly throughout the remaining discussion.
I am told that goblins fear the daytime. Let us make them fear it even moreso. Anything to silence their noisesome singing! I have been told that it is awful indeed.
"Well, if I've been volunteered to be a hero and we are leaving soon to go a-heroing, then I ought get my armor on," Ceru replies, smiling amicably. "Where shall we meet to depart for the marsh?"
Worried that he upset his friend, he quickly replies "Oh, no worries. It is a common misunderstanding. I myself am still unclear as to exactly how I channel her power the way I do. I just know that it is not exactly how my father would prefer it."
Parsifal nods, "It is most interesting, indeed. The ways of the gods are strange -- even to those of us who heed their call. He then laughs and adds, "And I would worry less about your father's wishes if you are answering Iomedae's..." Of course, that might just be bastard-talk...
Parsifal smiles at Ceru, "I would suggest meeting back here to fill an aleskin before we go... but it probably makes more sense to meet at the gate."
"Well, you certainly sound ready for the challenge." Ameiko grins and starts collecting your pitchers, indifferent to whether or not you've finished your drinks; Bethana comes running with a platter, on which Ameiko puts the pitchers. "I have some business to tend to, sad to say... make sure you draw as much experience from this as you can, alright? Make me proud."
Kili lights up at Parsifal's joke, "I love it! Maybe we should take an aleskin for the goblins. It might be much easier to dispatch them if they're all stumbling around drunk."
Calling after Ameiko, she cries, "Thanks Ameiko, we'll do our best. I really can't wait to see why they're Toadlickers."
"Don't forget to fill your waterskins before we leave. Fresh water in the marsh can be hard to come across. Should we meet at the gate in half an hour? That will leave us plenty of time to get to the marsh and begin our scouting."
Jasper stands and prepares to gather his supplies, waiting only to hear from the rest of the group.
Oh, water. I guess water would be a good idea. Perhaps less of an adventure, but leaving room for more fun adventures than hunting for water.
Kili pops up from the table. "You got it Jasper! 30 minutes. Got some shopping to do folks. I'll race anyone that wants to come along to the Sandpoint Boutique! See you at the gate."
With that she races out the door, wooden totems clicking together as she darts through the crowd and out the door. "See you soon Ameiko!"
Make me proud.
Anen fairly beams at this prospect.
We will, Mimi. Don't worry yourself over us. It's about time someone other than you and the others did something about those little stinkers, anyway.
She winks at Ameiko before heading toward the door, following closely behind Ameiko.
Daddy, I'm off to train with some friends. People have been curious as to what mother's been showing me, and I'm restless to show them my abilities. I love you very much, you know that, right?
Oh, alright, there's a bounty on goblin ears. I'm ready for this, daddy, I am! Mother has taught me for so long now, and I can barely learn anymore just from theory. I know you don't think I can ever be the son you wanted - and you're right - but I can do this, and I will. Ireallydoloveyouokaybye!
She rushes out of the room, straight for her gear, and then to her mother.
Mother, I go now to honor your teachings. Goblins are an ancient enemy to men and elves alike, and I intend for there to be fewer of them to trouble us by this time tomorrow. I am in the company of several talented companions who will not allow too much harm to come to me. I love you. Thank you for your trust in me.
Anen bows formally to her mother in the elven style, and awaits a reply.
Anen can be found at the gates to the town, precisely a half-hour later.
Jasper arrives at the gate with a backpack of supplies and a temple sword at his waist.
"Anen, it is a pleasure to see you again." he says with a short bow.
Ameiko nods firmly to all of you as you take your leave.
The city of Sandpoint is joyous today; its wooden houses are bathed in the sun. The market square is filled with people, all discussing the reinstated goblin bounty, braggarts loudly proclaiming how they will bring back the most ears, fishermen trying to sell their fresh fish, farmers selling produce... it is a bright day.
You find your father, Elad, in the solar. He looks at you when you enter; and as expected, he sees through your lie. He sighs and gives you 'the look', but before he can say anything, you've rushed off. You can hear him shouting after you, his voice wheezing. "Get back here, young lady!"
He doesn't follow, as expected. After you've retrieved your gear, you find Vanyssenta in the back gardens, tending to her garden in her finest silk robes. She smiles at you as you bow, and she bows in turn - and with as much grace as an elf is expected to carry, she leaps forward to embrace you. "My sweet Anen. I will trust in your companions, and in you. Return to me and your father safely, that is all I will ask."
There appears to be a small crowd gathered when you meet at the gates of Sandpoint. "There they are!" "Ameiko says they'll probably succeed." "Sandru did too - he bet thirty gold pieces that they'd bring back at least twenty ears!" "Oooh, Jasper is here!" "Parsifaaaal!" "ANEEEEN I LOVE YOOOOU!"
Despite their fervour, your small group of fans keep their distance - yet you aren't the only ones there. Another group of people, donned in leather and chain-and-mail, with blades on their hips and bows on their backs, are gauging you with some interest...
Thaddeus runs up, huffing a little from the trip, "Sorry, I hope... *huff* I am not too late... *huff* I was saddling Glory, when I... *huff* realized she would be more difficult in the marsh than not bringing her." He finally catches his breath at the last, regains his composure, and straightens his clothing and holy symbol. "I am ready to go, but it would appear that a wager has been made on us. So that means we will have to hold up to what Sandru wants us to accomplish, or he is out his gambling money? I don't do this for his winnings, it's not like he's doing it for charity." He grumbles about Sandru's decision.
Ceru is indeed quite eager to make Ameiko proud, and dashes off to her room up the street to don her armor and gather any supplies she deems necessary before meeting her comrades at the gate. She arrives shuttling along as fast as her little legs can carry her.
Her ears perk about at all the various bits of gossip and wagers going on and looks about at the excitement brewing over this venture--and then notes the other group staring at her friends. She gives them a smile and friendly wave.
Anen waives to the onlookers, most of them (she notices without surprise) boys in their late teens. She smiles, addressing Jasper through her teeth.
A pleasure to see you as well, Jasper.
Waiting until the others are all in place, Anen gives the fans one last wave before curtseying to the other armed and armored group and raising her voice.
Anen Elaradre at your service. Who speaks for your group?
Oh, did I say something wrong? Anen seems on edge.
"I wouldn't worry about Sandru," Jasper says turning to Thaddeus, "he doesn't need the money. Betting on our success is his way of keeping score."
Jasper seems uncomfortable with the crowd and stays behind the others as much as possible.
"Thadd, do you recognize that other group?"
Parsifal smiles and waves at the onlookers who gathers, offering friendly responses to their comments: "She did, and she's very wise to say so... Twenty? A fool's bet, surely we'll get at least 25."
He approaches the gate at a slow walk, nodding to each of his companions as he arrives, and then turns, puzzled to look at the other group.
Hmm, perhaps it is to be a race after all... Let's find out...
Just as he is about to open his mouth, Anen calls out to the other group and Parsifal laughs again. That works, too.
"25 goblins?" Ceru squeaks quietly, though quickly puts a brave smile on.
She is happy to help, and wants to prove to her friends, especially to Ameiko, that she is a worthy explorer--but she doesn't hold great joy in going out and picking fights. She knows the goblins have been a right thorn in Sandpoint's side (she's had her own problems with them on the road to Sandpoint) and so has reconciled to herself that this goblin hunt is necessary--but 25 goblins? At once? Then again, Parsifal and the others are so very large that perhaps it seems like a smaller problem to them.
"25 goblins?" Ceru squeaks quietly, though quickly puts a brave smile on.
Parsifal whispers to Ceru, "The boast makes the common folk feel better and safer... and besides, it would be folly to march into the middle of the goblin encampment and fight them all at once. We'll try to grab them in small groups..." He then smiles wickedly and winks, "And besides, I'm rather certain most goblins have two ears..
*Thaddeus rolls his eyes at Anen's posturing for the crowd. This is serious business, killing off the goblin threat.*
He looks at the other 'team', that it seems they will 'compete against', trying to see if any of them are known to him from the circles he moves in.
To Ceru he reassures, "Don't worry about the number. The key is to bear in mind that each goblin by himself is a threat to our city's peace, and just remove the threat one at a time. You only count when you're done, and you find that you have been more successful than it looked when you were in the thick of it." to Parsifal he clarifies "I believe the intent is for one ear per goblin. So that they offer ten gold for one kill, not twenty. If I am incorrect, however, then the number will be much easier to reach."
He does not play to the crowd, acting instead as if they are not even there, despite his determination to retain his bearing and composure. Then again, it has been said that he's so rigid he even sleeps standing up.
From the small group of armoured folk, it is a man who steps forward; his face is a tangle of beard, his eyes amber with much the resemblance of an eagle. Strapped on his back is a great blade, the hilt sticking out behind his shoulder. "Aye, Anen it is. The reputation of your beauty is not exaggerated, I see."
He gestures forward, and he and his group advances yours. There are four of them; besides the leader is female elf whose attire seems to be more daggers and belt than conventional clothing; a half-orc with one eye and half a nose, with two axes dangling from his belt; and a half-elf, with great blond curls and a rapier hanging from his or... her...? belt.
"Name's Arther. These here are my companions," the man named Arther gestures to the folks beside him. "I hear you're heading to Brinestump Marsh? By the looks of it, you're fledgling adventurers, or am I wrong?"
Anen nods slowly, eyeing the man cautiously.
I suppose you might call us adventurers, ser. You might also call us concerned citizens, though. We're merely a group of friends who wish to see Sandpoint do well and live free of the threat of the malicious Licktoads. I, in turn, will assume that you are also bound for the marsh? You and your companions seem much more...seasoned than we are.
Thaddeus nods in approval and agreement at Anen's assesment of their small group as citizens over the term adventurer.
*These others are most assuredly adventurers, more concerned with the glory and rewards of the venture, than the deed itself.*
Jasper eyes the road out of town, speaking quietly to himself.
"Fledgeling is appropriate for those preparing to leave the nest, and we are going on an adventure. It is our motives that define us, but if we return victorious will we not be hailed as heroes and adventurers?"
Is that something I am prepared for?