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Soanso's Fireside Chat: Rise of the Runelords (AE)
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<blockquote data-quote="soanso" data-source="post: 6156357" data-attributes="member: 6684655"><p><strong>Session 2.2</strong></p><p></p><p>“Nay,” Aldern bowed deep in respect, and then stepped close to me. “To be saved from such savage beasts by a woman of your, countenance,” he said as his eyes explored my body freely, “is truly a blessing. Be you a citizen, or a traveler of the open road?” He read my roots right and I found that fact, at its base, charming. </p><p></p><p>Many treat us Varisians as though we are a fog. Seen but ignored, an impediment rather than an accoutrement in the landscape. But it is our land, our story, our history. </p><p></p><p>“I am quartered in the Rusty Dragon, perhaps you will come by for dinner?” His intent was laid out in his eyes. Mine strayed to his poor companion before returning his gaze. He had dark eyes and brown hair worn long, as is the style among Magnimar’s socialites. His fair skin told me the light of day splashed off his finery, not his bare skin. He was a noble, or at least wanted to be. Perhaps a merchant, but traveling alone dismissed this thought. We could use a nobleman…</p><p></p><p>“We-” I caught myself. That word again. I glanced over my shoulder as I pretended to check the battleground for signs of life, watching as Mundin, Shaiira, Caramour and Vohoi guardedly approached myself and the stranger. </p><p></p><p>Steady. </p><p></p><p>“We are also taking rooms at the Rusty Dragon. It would be an honor for us to dine with you,” I said, loud enough for at least Shaiira to hear, and glean my intent. </p><p></p><p>Aldern seemed nonplussed that I invited four others to dinner on his doubloon.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, it would be welcome company to have you and your, associates, for dinner. This evening, then?”</p><p></p><p>The dwarf spat onto the dusty street. “We ain’t associates-”</p><p></p><p>Shaiira simultaneously squashed her heel -hard- into the dwarf’s boot while wrangling him in with an awkward side-hug “Yeah, we’re practically family. We are the Heroes of Sandpoint, ya know.”</p><p></p><p>Vohoi and Caramour picked up on what Sis was saying, nodding and trying to look as heroic as they could. If only I’d mastered <em>prestidigitation</em> to make us all glow…</p><p></p><p> But the scene was apparently enough for Aldern. We exchanged pleasantries (he and I) as we walked back to the cathedral, parting ways as he headed to the Rusty Dragon and we headed to the North Gate, which we heard from some militia guards we’d passed was abandoned this morning. </p><p> </p><p>We stopped briefly at the White Deer Inn and spoke to the establishment’s owner, Garriden Viskail, who confirmed he did not see guards posted at the Gate, but chalked it up to the Swallowtail Festival. “I dunno- maybe they wanted more of a presence in town. It’s odd, sure, but Sandpoint ain’t exactly a hotbed of intrigue, ya know? Plus, the militia’s volunteer, it’s possible they stole away or didn’t show to get down to the festival- who wants to work on a holiday, right?”</p><p></p><p>We found the North Gate manned when we arrived, but the guards there reported the post was abandoned when they arrived for duty. Sandpoint’s militia is largely voluntary, it seems. We gathered that the Sheriff has records of the daily watch in his office, which is staffed by a solitary secretary. Sherriff Belor Hemlock is assisted by two deputies, Gomer and Goober, regarding the full-time policing of town. All three were present at the Swallowtail Festival ceremony, leaving volunteer militia covering all the accessible byways and inroads to and from town. Caramour scouted the area outside the Gate and found that at least 10 goblins were on scene this morning, as well as a ladder, perhaps used by the melon-headed monsters to infiltrate the North Gate. We also learned that there is local “goblin expert” by the name of Shalelu, but the elven ranger was on assignment at the time of the attacks. Through accounts given to us by Belor and our own tally, 36 goblins attacked Sandpoint today. This is a dark cloud. </p><p></p><p>We finally headed back to the Rusty Dragon to relax, thanks to Ameiko’s generosity. Mundin wanted to pass by Savah’s Armory, but we convinced him our meager coin, and the meager daylight, assured she’d be closed for business. We entered through the tavern and found Aldern had set out a modest feast for us, including Ameiko’s award-winning salmon, a few quails stuffed with cornbread and hot peppers, Parson’s cabbage, Korvosan-fried potatoes, wild kale salad, fey noodles with scapes, gold tomatoes and black truffles, and several carafes of fine red wine. </p><p></p><p>A tall mug of stout lager kept place for Mundin, who was more than happy to oblige. I must admit, I find the dwarf a welcome, if aloof, ally. Shaiira took to him instantly; I think young and reckless suits the dwarf just fine. It seems they both take to things with abandon, as if nothing holds them to this mortal coil; I wish I were as free. The Vudrani does not eat much; perhaps his culture forbids certain foods. Vohoi takes to the repast like a proper Varisian, indulging food, drink, and host with a wanton lust of life and frivolity. After a few glasses of wine, we all felt much better about the day and ourselves. </p><p></p><p>Aldern, of course, reserved a seat for me at his right elbow. I was happy to oblige- I am no fool. But I had already batted the nobleman about my head for the afternoon previous. What to do with him? Tis nice to be appreciated; but again, I am not an easy mark. It would be simple to turn his game around, to make him the fool, but then what? Passing on a friend to gain an enemy is not a circumstance I wish to visit. He made mention of Magnimar, perhaps I will leave it at that.</p><p></p><p> Over dinner, he asked after my family, my origin, but always politely. I simply told him that I was in town for the festival, and that I had relatives all over Varisia. He pressed to find if I had ties to Magnimar; I saw through this, based on what he’d already said. There’s Old Bull Farateldi there, but he’s more a headache than a relation, always whacked out on pesh or worse.</p><p> </p><p>Foxglove then invited me to his Magnimar estate, if I ever found myself in town, as it were. I smiled and thanked him. Sinister or delusional on his part, it was the right response as his guest. During an interlude in the meal, he pressed a small pouch into my lap under the table. I felt its weight before he spoke- “The first part of your reward, for saving me,” he whispered.</p><p></p><p>First part? Time to shorten the leash on this hound!</p><p> </p><p>Aldern then asked me if I’d accompany him on a boar hunt in the Tickwood. He suggested that success would let us bring it back for a feast, prepared by Ameiko. A small assumption for a nobleman; I’ve field-dressed many kills, and prepared the meal as well. I hoped for his sake Aldern had already asked Ms. Kaijitsu about this endeavor; but I assumed he had not. I saw Vohoi whispering something to Bethanna, the halfling matron of the Rusty Dragon. I hope he overheard Foxglove’s intent, Vohoi seems the type to advance plans, as it were.</p><p></p><p>“We’d love to!” I said, fueled a bit by the wine but more so by feeling suddenly alone. That word again. </p><p></p><p> Sha and Mundin were engaged in some sort of shenanigans across the table; intoxicated whispers led me to believe there was some sort of wager placed on the Foxglove incident. Caramour and Vohoi were all in for the boar hunt.</p><p> “Great! We’ll leave at first light!” pronounced Aldern.</p><p> </p><p>“Actually, we have a few things to take care of in the morning, if that’s okay,” I interjected.</p><p></p><p>“Of course, dear Sivoulette, as long as we get out before noon. The quarry sleeps the afternoon away.”</p><p></p><p> There was a boar/boor/nobleman joke there, but I bit my tongue. I could not place Aldern. On the one, he found me attractive and interesting, a parlay I held at arm’s length, and one I’d not experienced in some time. This made flirtation fresh and exciting, but I had a We, an Us to once again consider. I played the passing-through card, and he read my tell and offered his residence in Magnimar. He is obviously of noble rank, or at least has the means to pretend such. </p><p> </p><p>***</p><p></p><p> Wine tends to distract me from time, but nonetheless after the banquet, as we took brandy in the Great Room, I noticed a rather well-endowed and flaunting young woman approach Caramour. A semi-whispered conversation was, to my ears, a poorly laid attempt by the lass to rope the austere Vudrani into some sort of shenanigans. As the others embraced the fireside chat, I made note, and followed C as he left the Inn. Of course, I signaled the others to follow at a distance. Sha and I crept close, when I realized he’d been courted by Shayliss Vinder, one of Venn Vinder’s daughters and heir to the Sandpoint General Store. She led C on, claiming giant rats were attacking the stores in the basement. Caramour was wise to take his staff and leave the door to the store open.</p><p> </p><p>I padded inside, and got close enough to see the pair head down the stairs, C’s demeanor certainly not of the bedside sort. Knowing Mundin, Shaiira, and Vohoi were outside meant nothing when I heard the front door open with a bang. Praise Desna, the lamps were still burning low in the store, and I was a traveler. I feigned surprised as the man strode in.</p><p> </p><p>“Oh, um, are you still open? I am in search of a few candles so that I may write in my journal tonight. I am sorry to bother-”</p><p></p><p>“Meh! How’d you get-”</p><p> </p><p>My voice was loud enough to reach the basement, as Caramour led the young lady up the stairs while saying, “So I think the large rodents are gone, ma’am, and if they do recur, perhaps there is a local pest service you can reach.” I’m guessing by the bodice beneath her nightgown that there are no rats. I looked at C, and he looked at me. It was time to go.</p><p></p><p>“So, sorry if you’ve closed, I saw the light-“</p><p> </p><p>The merchant shrugged. “Meh, have a few on the house. Be on your way, we’re closed.”</p><p></p><p>We doubled around back and took the long way back to the Rusty Dragon, hooting as Caramour told us of his night that almost was. There are many cards here in Sandpoint, I must be sure to count them all.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="soanso, post: 6156357, member: 6684655"] [b]Session 2.2[/b] “Nay,” Aldern bowed deep in respect, and then stepped close to me. “To be saved from such savage beasts by a woman of your, countenance,” he said as his eyes explored my body freely, “is truly a blessing. Be you a citizen, or a traveler of the open road?” He read my roots right and I found that fact, at its base, charming. Many treat us Varisians as though we are a fog. Seen but ignored, an impediment rather than an accoutrement in the landscape. But it is our land, our story, our history. “I am quartered in the Rusty Dragon, perhaps you will come by for dinner?” His intent was laid out in his eyes. Mine strayed to his poor companion before returning his gaze. He had dark eyes and brown hair worn long, as is the style among Magnimar’s socialites. His fair skin told me the light of day splashed off his finery, not his bare skin. He was a noble, or at least wanted to be. Perhaps a merchant, but traveling alone dismissed this thought. We could use a nobleman… “We-” I caught myself. That word again. I glanced over my shoulder as I pretended to check the battleground for signs of life, watching as Mundin, Shaiira, Caramour and Vohoi guardedly approached myself and the stranger. Steady. “We are also taking rooms at the Rusty Dragon. It would be an honor for us to dine with you,” I said, loud enough for at least Shaiira to hear, and glean my intent. Aldern seemed nonplussed that I invited four others to dinner on his doubloon. “Yes, it would be welcome company to have you and your, associates, for dinner. This evening, then?” The dwarf spat onto the dusty street. “We ain’t associates-” Shaiira simultaneously squashed her heel -hard- into the dwarf’s boot while wrangling him in with an awkward side-hug “Yeah, we’re practically family. We are the Heroes of Sandpoint, ya know.” Vohoi and Caramour picked up on what Sis was saying, nodding and trying to look as heroic as they could. If only I’d mastered [I]prestidigitation[/I] to make us all glow… But the scene was apparently enough for Aldern. We exchanged pleasantries (he and I) as we walked back to the cathedral, parting ways as he headed to the Rusty Dragon and we headed to the North Gate, which we heard from some militia guards we’d passed was abandoned this morning. We stopped briefly at the White Deer Inn and spoke to the establishment’s owner, Garriden Viskail, who confirmed he did not see guards posted at the Gate, but chalked it up to the Swallowtail Festival. “I dunno- maybe they wanted more of a presence in town. It’s odd, sure, but Sandpoint ain’t exactly a hotbed of intrigue, ya know? Plus, the militia’s volunteer, it’s possible they stole away or didn’t show to get down to the festival- who wants to work on a holiday, right?” We found the North Gate manned when we arrived, but the guards there reported the post was abandoned when they arrived for duty. Sandpoint’s militia is largely voluntary, it seems. We gathered that the Sheriff has records of the daily watch in his office, which is staffed by a solitary secretary. Sherriff Belor Hemlock is assisted by two deputies, Gomer and Goober, regarding the full-time policing of town. All three were present at the Swallowtail Festival ceremony, leaving volunteer militia covering all the accessible byways and inroads to and from town. Caramour scouted the area outside the Gate and found that at least 10 goblins were on scene this morning, as well as a ladder, perhaps used by the melon-headed monsters to infiltrate the North Gate. We also learned that there is local “goblin expert” by the name of Shalelu, but the elven ranger was on assignment at the time of the attacks. Through accounts given to us by Belor and our own tally, 36 goblins attacked Sandpoint today. This is a dark cloud. We finally headed back to the Rusty Dragon to relax, thanks to Ameiko’s generosity. Mundin wanted to pass by Savah’s Armory, but we convinced him our meager coin, and the meager daylight, assured she’d be closed for business. We entered through the tavern and found Aldern had set out a modest feast for us, including Ameiko’s award-winning salmon, a few quails stuffed with cornbread and hot peppers, Parson’s cabbage, Korvosan-fried potatoes, wild kale salad, fey noodles with scapes, gold tomatoes and black truffles, and several carafes of fine red wine. A tall mug of stout lager kept place for Mundin, who was more than happy to oblige. I must admit, I find the dwarf a welcome, if aloof, ally. Shaiira took to him instantly; I think young and reckless suits the dwarf just fine. It seems they both take to things with abandon, as if nothing holds them to this mortal coil; I wish I were as free. The Vudrani does not eat much; perhaps his culture forbids certain foods. Vohoi takes to the repast like a proper Varisian, indulging food, drink, and host with a wanton lust of life and frivolity. After a few glasses of wine, we all felt much better about the day and ourselves. Aldern, of course, reserved a seat for me at his right elbow. I was happy to oblige- I am no fool. But I had already batted the nobleman about my head for the afternoon previous. What to do with him? Tis nice to be appreciated; but again, I am not an easy mark. It would be simple to turn his game around, to make him the fool, but then what? Passing on a friend to gain an enemy is not a circumstance I wish to visit. He made mention of Magnimar, perhaps I will leave it at that. Over dinner, he asked after my family, my origin, but always politely. I simply told him that I was in town for the festival, and that I had relatives all over Varisia. He pressed to find if I had ties to Magnimar; I saw through this, based on what he’d already said. There’s Old Bull Farateldi there, but he’s more a headache than a relation, always whacked out on pesh or worse. Foxglove then invited me to his Magnimar estate, if I ever found myself in town, as it were. I smiled and thanked him. Sinister or delusional on his part, it was the right response as his guest. During an interlude in the meal, he pressed a small pouch into my lap under the table. I felt its weight before he spoke- “The first part of your reward, for saving me,” he whispered. First part? Time to shorten the leash on this hound! Aldern then asked me if I’d accompany him on a boar hunt in the Tickwood. He suggested that success would let us bring it back for a feast, prepared by Ameiko. A small assumption for a nobleman; I’ve field-dressed many kills, and prepared the meal as well. I hoped for his sake Aldern had already asked Ms. Kaijitsu about this endeavor; but I assumed he had not. I saw Vohoi whispering something to Bethanna, the halfling matron of the Rusty Dragon. I hope he overheard Foxglove’s intent, Vohoi seems the type to advance plans, as it were. “We’d love to!” I said, fueled a bit by the wine but more so by feeling suddenly alone. That word again. Sha and Mundin were engaged in some sort of shenanigans across the table; intoxicated whispers led me to believe there was some sort of wager placed on the Foxglove incident. Caramour and Vohoi were all in for the boar hunt. “Great! We’ll leave at first light!” pronounced Aldern. “Actually, we have a few things to take care of in the morning, if that’s okay,” I interjected. “Of course, dear Sivoulette, as long as we get out before noon. The quarry sleeps the afternoon away.” There was a boar/boor/nobleman joke there, but I bit my tongue. I could not place Aldern. On the one, he found me attractive and interesting, a parlay I held at arm’s length, and one I’d not experienced in some time. This made flirtation fresh and exciting, but I had a We, an Us to once again consider. I played the passing-through card, and he read my tell and offered his residence in Magnimar. He is obviously of noble rank, or at least has the means to pretend such. *** Wine tends to distract me from time, but nonetheless after the banquet, as we took brandy in the Great Room, I noticed a rather well-endowed and flaunting young woman approach Caramour. A semi-whispered conversation was, to my ears, a poorly laid attempt by the lass to rope the austere Vudrani into some sort of shenanigans. As the others embraced the fireside chat, I made note, and followed C as he left the Inn. Of course, I signaled the others to follow at a distance. Sha and I crept close, when I realized he’d been courted by Shayliss Vinder, one of Venn Vinder’s daughters and heir to the Sandpoint General Store. She led C on, claiming giant rats were attacking the stores in the basement. Caramour was wise to take his staff and leave the door to the store open. I padded inside, and got close enough to see the pair head down the stairs, C’s demeanor certainly not of the bedside sort. Knowing Mundin, Shaiira, and Vohoi were outside meant nothing when I heard the front door open with a bang. Praise Desna, the lamps were still burning low in the store, and I was a traveler. I feigned surprised as the man strode in. “Oh, um, are you still open? I am in search of a few candles so that I may write in my journal tonight. I am sorry to bother-” “Meh! How’d you get-” My voice was loud enough to reach the basement, as Caramour led the young lady up the stairs while saying, “So I think the large rodents are gone, ma’am, and if they do recur, perhaps there is a local pest service you can reach.” I’m guessing by the bodice beneath her nightgown that there are no rats. I looked at C, and he looked at me. It was time to go. “So, sorry if you’ve closed, I saw the light-“ The merchant shrugged. “Meh, have a few on the house. Be on your way, we’re closed.” We doubled around back and took the long way back to the Rusty Dragon, hooting as Caramour told us of his night that almost was. There are many cards here in Sandpoint, I must be sure to count them all. [/QUOTE]
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