[Game Thread] Chapter II: Glass and Wrath

[Sassafrass]

14 Rova, 4702 AR
Kaijitsu Manor
Sandpoint, Varisia

He had been teaching her how to be quiet as she lurked, and she needed to be quiet. Father did not enjoy her lurking, listening to his private business, or doing anything, really. Father appeared to be nervous and angry a lot lately, but tonight, he was different. But her brother was willing to teach her how to get around Father. He had never liked him.... her brother didn't even live in the same house with them. And this was the largest house in Sandpoint. He could live here... if Father would let him.

The window from her room open, it gave her a full sight of Sandpoint below, the Manor large and lordly over the tiny towns. She was young, but Sandpoint was all that she had known in her 13-years of life. It was sad, really. A whole wide world, out there, and this was all she'd known. A few brief months in Magnimar made her glad to be home, but.... something was different. She had run away from home, after her brother had struck her, but she returned to find everything... somehow different.

Father was drinking tea, instead of his usual sake. He was calm. He sat in his study, looking over something budget-y, something about how much the Glassworks made. She didn't care for money. It only made people sad, so why bother learning how to use it? She had come in and asked if she could visit the Academy tomorrow, to see Benel. She always left her brother out of it. He had said yes.

He never said yes.

Sitting quietly on the ledge, a three-hundred foot drop below her swinging legs in the summer wind, she heard the door to the balcony open and saw her mother, elegant and beautiful, step out. Age had not yet caught up with her, nor had the two births she had suffered. Of course, only one had belonged to Father, and that was why Ameiko was the heir to the family. Her brother, the Half-Elf?

That was another story, one that not even her brother knew the answer to.

Her mother smoked. The smell was relaxing, but she had to cover her mouth with her gown's sleeve, her nightgown an elegant Tian style, called a kimono by the servants who still spoke Tien (like Bethana, the old Halfling who always bugged her about her shamisen lessons and her grammar). Her mother always had a look in her eye, despite her grace, like she was eternally sad, as if some great mistake had come over her and she would never be able to reverse it. Sometimes Ameiko thought the sadness was her existence: that she made her mother sad. If not for her, her mother could leave her Father and be happy somewhere. Of course, Ameiko hoped against hope that her mother would take her, and even her brother, and they would go back to Minkai and live there as the lords that Father presumed them to be. Certainly in Sandpoint, they were, but Tian Xia was exotic and distant. She had never been there, and according to her father, they would never go back there. He did not know why, only that his father had left for a reason.

He always spoke so bitterly about Sofu Rokuro.

The door opened, suddenly, sliding open with shiftness that caused her to gasp; her mother spied her. It was her Father. Her mother held a finger to her mouth, telling Ameiko to be silent: certainly, her mother would chastise her for being on the ledge like she was, but her Father... that would be a beating that would make her want to run away from home again.

She spoke in their native tongue, Minkaian. "Lonjiku. Are we talking again? I hadn't realized that our cold war had suddenly heated up. Is your bed that lonely, that no common whore can fill it?"

The fist found her face quite quickly. Ameiko gasped again.

She had seen them fight before, sometimes physically. It was only ever slaps, though. Never fists. The fist threw her mother to the ground, blood trailing on the ground. Her Father's face was stone cold, unmoved. His eyes... what were those eyes? She had never seen him look like that, as if he was not even there. Her Father was a drunkard, and always his eyes seemed to have an anger to them. But this? This was ice-cold rage. This was wrath.

"Lon... Lonjiku, husband—What the Devil are you thinking!?"

He kicked her, grabbed her by the hair enough to lift her up to his middrift, then put his hand around her lithe throat. She had been sickly for years, since Ameiko's birth. Some said that Kaijitsu babes were not easy on the body. It was the soul of the dragon within them.

And now, the dragon was awakened within Lonjiku.

"Common whore. Let me tell you about 'common whores,' you slut. Common whores are the women who invite Elves—dark skinned Elves, from Mwangi, no less—into our bed. The kind that produce offspring like that curr who spoke poison into my Daughter's ears, convinced her to run away to Magnimar. And why? Because a common whore produced her. Father was wrong to have me marry you. You may have been a noble vassal to our family in Minkai, but your family is worthless now. Your father, as dead as my own, and for what? To spare himself from the shame of having fathered you, I would imagine." She gargled something, Ameiko tried to make sense of it.

"Lon.... Ameiko.... she's—"

"Oh, don't worry. Ameiko won't know. She'll think her sick, embarrassed, honorless Mother killed herself, out of shame. She's still in Magnimar, is she not? Of course, we both know she finally came back.... but she just came back tonight, too. No one in Sandpoint knows she's here. Ameiko alone is worthy to carry the Kaijitsu name. Not you, and not that pointy-eared sub-Human brat you call Son." He slammed his fist into her stomach; she spat blood on his hand. Lonjiku seemed not to care.

"Something is rising, whore. Not lust, here, nor greed. No. Anger. Wrath. The purest of sins: the simplest, the most universal. And that wrath will make me do what I should have done years ago." He pushed her over the edge, showing strength Ameiko didn't know her father possessed. Her mother was held up, just by the strength of her Father. She gasped for breath, cried, tears mixing with blood and saliva on her painted mouth.

Ameiko, fighting her fear. At last spoke out. Her pure-black hair flew in the wind as she stood up.

"FATHER! STOP!"

And then, it changed again.

Lonjiku's eyes changed. Suddenly the watery sadness that he wore so casually appeared, and he strained as he became himself again. Leaning forward, he struggled to keep hold of his wife's throat. "What—?!"

The blood, the sudden sweat on his palm: it mixed around her throat.

And in an instant, she fell, slipped.

Ameiko watched her mother fall, to the depths below. To the bottom of the cliff, where she disappeared into the crashing waves. The night and the sea had taken her.

By the time the shock had worn off, her Father had pulled her back off the ledge, by force, and held her, crying, crying, struggling to find understanding.

"You're in Magnimar, my little cherry blossom... you're not here.... you're in Magnimar, still angry at your fool of a Father.... oh gods, Ameiko, you're not here....."

---

When she awoke, she was in Magnimar, in the apartment her family owned in town. The servants, including a tired Bethana, moved about, quickly. No mother, no Father, just her. Why were the servants here, suddenly?

They were packing, and quickly.

"Obasan, what are you doing here?"

The old Halfling stopped, staring at her for a moment.

"You don't remember, do you?"

Ameiko's brow furrowed. "Remember what?"

Bethana shook her head. "We received a message last night, from Sandpoint. A series of murders have occurred... and beside those.... your Mother. She threw herself from the balcony. She killed herself, dear."

She barely heard Bethana, wondering why she couldn't remember anything. Ultimately, her brow became even harder, and her mouth frowned harshly.

"Bull."

[Sassafrass]

24 Rova, 4707 AR
Sandpoint, The Lost Coast,
Varisia
Another day, another glad tiding.

To someone who enjoys morning.

No matter where they are at, walking outside gives a sure reminder of what happened the day before. The raids, the Goblins. The looks of utter delight and sheer impression from everyone as they walk around town, no matter if they are local, outsider, or even Sczarni dog. That part seems impossible on its own, and yet, standing members of society nod their heads and tip their caps to Rapid.

What a world.

The standing room of the Rusty Dragon is quiet, but not unattended. Bethana, sleepless, looks as though she hasn't slept in maybe eighty years. Which makes sense, given her crabby nature. Food is prepared and given out, though the hand outs won't last forever. Citizens and newcomers alike move about the room, though no music is played. Plans are made, and deals struck on the rebuilding, on business, on trade. Life goes on. It simply must.

And where are the Saviors of Sandpoint?

 

Out of Character Now your chance to decide. Where you at, folks? What are you doing? A few notes: Ameiko is nowhere to be seen, and the door to her room is locked. Gregan did not engage and simply would not, but the guards might, since his existence is not against the law, nor his faith. Guards can be found here or there. Other PCs beyond you four are yours to access. I wish they godspeed on getting back, but you four are the ones I'll focus on. Leo's character is not yours to command, he belongs to me now. So surprise me.

[Norse]

Doyle Costello Doyle stood broad and stern as Gregan backed off. He took the vile words for what they were. A mad man's ramblings. Who is the disillusioned one here? It wasn't until after the dark man and his presence had been cleansed from the immediate air around Doyle that he found he could breathe and relax again. He was not angry, but somewhat disappointed. With a sad look he turned to the two women at the end of the counter, he was not evil... the fact didn't exactly make sense for someone who had not trained every living day the past years to see through layers and scry the souls of men, so Doyle elaborated, His soul was only corrupted by the faith he had chosen to follow and the tyrannical leaders he had chosen to follow. Doyle turned to look at Rapid a sad smile tugging his lips upwards, better to smoke than that... That night, Doyle devoted double length of his prayers and meditation to Milani, despite his fatigue and weariness. He had seen much evil and maliciousness. Much destruction and crime. He organized his things neatly on the table in his room. the yellow pages of his journal spread out with the next blank sheet ready, his three sizes of charcoal neatly organized in density and the inkpot and quill standing to the right. Before him, with his fingers resting on it, the iron symbol of a spread of roses lay and gave him comfort. Scarlet bloom, rise from soil and soot Guide my hand. Find evil to uproot. The tools are many, your spread is vast Tyranny, slavery belong to past. He smiled. The Arch-cleric Sinon-Lynn, at the Tonal Heights Temple had often shaken his head in resignation and told Doyle that he rarely overheard initiates finding their faith's calling in rhymes, but he never dissuaded Doyle from creating these, some would say, silly prayers. Sinon-Lynn? What would he think of the days work? As the last job for the day, Doyle proceeded to make a sketch of Gregan the black knight and with curved letters, wrote down his experience with the man and the story, as Doyle gathered it from both Gregan and Rapid. Doyle enjoyed mornings and he enjoyed the olfactory stimulation from both the nearby sea and the halfling-controlled kitchen below. He was up with the sun and immediately turned to his morning ritual of exercise, cold shower and enough food to get his system working. Being close to the sea gave him the idea that he would add a slight diviation of an otherwise pretty strict ritual for his morning training. Equipped with nothing but a pair of loose britches a short-sleeved shirt and a little pouch with wild rose seeds, he ran through the outskirts of the town. Spurted up the hill to the old light tower and tumbled down the dunes to the beach. Then up again in a burst of climbing only to tumble down again. Again and again until he was drenched in sweat. He threw himself against the waves of the sea and splashed through it like a kid with absolutely no worries in life. Doyle enjoyed this moment. When he reached the beach again, he sat down in meditation and prayer for his Everbloom and dug little holes in the brink of the dunes, planting seeds of roses as an offer, a statement and for that lovely scent they provided. The sun warmed and dried his clothes and soon he walked through the streets to return to the Dragon Inn, refreshed and relaxed. Good morning, Bethana. I woke to a pleasant smell of your cooking. You must have been early up? If you need help tomorrow, please do not hesitate in waking me up. He went through the offered breakfast and was mildly upset to see that there was mainly carbohydrates and fat on the plate. He was early up so he snatched some of the sparse carrots, a loaf of darker, coarser bread with a thin slice of goat cheese on top and some weird peas roasted with little nut-tasting seeds. He sat outside in the sun, but decided that he would enter again as soon as the others in the inn started to file in. No point in sitting alone in the murky, empty bar room when the sun was outside to accompany you, huh? As he sat there, he came to think of the events of yesterday. There was so many things that he could set about doing. The hag that had obliterated the Gregan’s love, the goblins that had attacked the town, Ameiko’s drunken father – somebody needed to lecture him about a thing or two and Doyle remembered that he had offered to aid Ven Vinder, the merchant, to rebuild his house. He decided that there was plenty of things to do and he would need some advice as to what should take precedence. He shuffled back through the barroom and found the wee halfling busy in the kitchen, I was wondering if I could have a word with Ameiko? Do you know if she’s up already?

info   Dice Craft: Sketching - make a believable portrait of Gregan: 1d20+4 (9)+4 Total = 13   Doyle Costello sheet Level 1 Paladin (Knight Disciple) Medium Human, lawful good Armor Class 23*/12*/23* (+8 armor; +3 shield; +2 stance) CMD 17* Hit Points 16/16 Speed 20' Walk Hit Dice 1d10 Initiative +4* Condition - Stance: +4 initiative, +2 reflex saves, +2 insight bonus to ACSilver Crane Waltz Senses: Perception +6 Str 16 (+3) | Dex 10 (+0) | Con 12 (+1) | Int 8 (-1) | Wis 10 (+0) | Cha 18 (+4) Saving Throws Fortitude: +8; Reflex: +6*; Will: +7 Resistances - Detect Evil At Will; Move action to 3 round-study. Guardian Shield 5/5; +4 temp HP & Protection from Evil for 4 rounds; Only Ally; Activates with a strike Mark of Censure 1/1; Swift Action; All allies have DR 5/- versus the Marked; Only Evil Languages Common Boon Affected Allies Rounds remaining - - - Maneuvers Readied Expended Type Action DC Level By making a quick shield bash, the disciple taunts and aggravates his foes into striking at him solely. The initiator makes a melee shield bash attempt upon a creature, and if successful, they suffer a -4 penalty on attack rolls to attack any other target but the initiator.Angering Smash Yes [_] Strike Standard - 1 A shield is used for defense primarily, a basic martial truth. It turns aside harm, and the shield of a disciple of the Iron Tortoise can do the same thing in ways that others cannot. The initiator makes an opposed attack roll as if making a shield bash attempt at his full base attack bonus plus his shield bonus to AC against his enemy's attack roll to deflect a single enemy's melee or missile attack (that is not a spell or power).Iron Shell Yes [_] Counter Immediate - 1 Making his soul a wellspring of holy power, the disciple strikes out at a foe to unleashed his holy power to restore health to himself or an ally. The initiator makes an attack against a target creature, inflicting damage as normal, and the strike restores 1d6 hit points plus his initiation modifier to the initiator or to an ally within 30-ft.Enduring Crane Strike Yes [_] Strike Standard - 1 Using the insight of the Heavens, the martial disciple learns to read the tangles of fate to direct their efforts in battle. The initiator makes two attack rolls and uses the better of the two rolls to determine result of the attack.Silver Strike No [-] Strike Standard - 1

[Kapera]

Choni Kokip That Venka offered to aid Choni in locating a place to sleep was only a portion of what made the young woman smile. The offer to take her to a place far more familiar, to find a small taste of 'home' within the chaos it seemed she had fallen into, that measure of kindness brought perhaps one of the most honest and gentle smiles to Choni's face since she had arrived into the mess of a city. "Would you? Thank you. It is much to process, a place more familiar might lend to better sleep." The two women made their exit and another word of thanks and murmur that she would return to Ameiko's the next day, if only to keep her word with the young scalawag she seemed to have stumbled upon. Once settled within the inn run by at least one of her own kin, even if distant, Choni had tried to determine more about the Sheriff and in doing so, seemed to unleash a tirade. Perhaps Rapid had not exaggerated at all that those in power were possibly not the best to speak with. It did leave her with a conundrum though, one that a night's sleep seemed to provide little answer as to just what to do about her little discovery. It did dawn on her that maybe she should not have told anyone, should have just asked who was in authority and then dumped it on their laps, and she would not have known that they were apparently viewed as incompetent. Now, she was left with knowledge that she knew needed to be spoken of, and at an utter loss as to what she should do. At this point, if she did seek them out today, how exactly would she explain why she had not sought them out sooner. One tended to not take it well when one was told the general population thought of them as idiots. Granted those in authority also tended to not take it well when they determined if someone had kept something from them, and thus did Choni find herself awake early, her gaze locked outside her window on the small portion of a city she barely knew. She had promised to meet with Rapid, to return and see where the winds might take them, or at least what thread, what bit of pattern she knew she still sensed, might lead onward. A light meal and a demure farewell to the Shoanti who had at least offered her familiar foods and a shadow of home. The distance back to Ameiko's did not really leave much time to ponder anything, and before long she found herself back at the familiar tavern in search of familiar faces. It seemed that of those from the night before, the young knight was already on the move and the thought brought a small smile to her lips even as Choni tried to decide whether she might offer greeting to the young man and risk somehow incurring a lecture, or avoidance and possibly bringing on the same for the apparent rudeness. It was a shame that she had arrived before Rapid, she knew that between the two of them, the youth was the more likely of the pair to attract a lesson.

 

Choni Kokip
Level 1 Fated Champion Skald

CMD 13	Hit Points 15/15	Speed 30' Walk
Initiative +7	AC:14	Touch & Flat:12
Str 12 (+1)	Dex 15 (+2)	Con 13 (+1)
Int 14 (+2)	Wis 12 (+1)	Cha 14 (+2)
ST Fort: +4	Reflex: +5	Will: +4

Flare	Lullaby	Sift	Mage Hand
Animate Rope	Inspired Rage	Detect Magic	Cure Light Wounds

[Dressedtojazz]

Igna ‘Rapid’ Pigro SMACK! The lash of the belt came down on his back with tremendous effort considering the drunken state of the beater. SMACK! His own voice a muffled cry of agony. The darkness so very, very overwhelming and damp. SMACK! A third time, Igna looked up and expected to see his father's angry, drunken face glowing red in the gloom, but instead he saw his mother. She was pale as Choni, more pale than you could ascribe a Molthuni descendance and less... lively. Brief flashes of his mother dangling from the noose on the central plaza of Tamran washed over the image scene. At least the belt beating father was gone for the moment, but his mothers next words hit him harder than any piece of leather ever could. I blame you for not doing anything! The vision shifted and his mother drifted into an aberration between Choni and Igna's father. The words tuned out to a blur as Rapid was sobbing and crying louder and louder. Trezește-te. Ești rău pentru afaceri.Varisian: Wake up lad. You are bad for business.* Gressel Tenniwar's monstrous figure hulked over his bed and judging from the stressed look in his eyes, this morning had been worse than others. Igna had been granted a shag behind the Feedbag with Jubrayl's blessings and mostly Gressel was letting the young Varisian teen take care of himself, but when the nightmares set in he often came around to wake him up with more or less violent methods. Igna came to a dizzy sit and felt how the sweat had drenched both his shirt and the straw he lay on. At least he hoped it was sweat. The shag was quite dark despite the rising sun outside. Igna looked guiltily up at Gressel, Scuze.Varisian: Sorry* Igna murmured. The big man started edging sideways out of the warm, dark room and shook his head, Ar trebui să te duci să vezi pe cineva despre astaVarisian: You should go see someone about that.* And so, when Igna had found a new shirt among the forgotten things of past visitors at Gressel's rooms and hung the other to dry in the sun, he moved to see someone. Aurelia? Not quite. I could waltz in at the Scarnetti manor and ask to talk with her. If I'm lucky the pest of Erica is still sleeping out her vile plans... He wandered in these thoughts, kicking stones around and allowed the sun to bake his freckled cheeks warm. After a detour around the little town, he found that his legs had taken him back to Ameiko's tavern. He waltzed in to find both Doyle and Choni among the hungry patrons, What a chance? My two favorite heroes of Sandpoint... he glanced around for his third favorite, Where's Venka? Undoubtedly to Doyle's big regret, Igna pulled out his tobacco pouch and rolled a cigarette as he gave them a sly smile, So... I guess we won't be siding with Gregan on his mission to rescue a lost love? Through the self confidence, there was a hint of the weariness that Igna felt. The nightmares always left him tired and powerless hours after and he had not even had a cup of coffee yet. With the cigarette hanging in the corner of his mouth, he sprawled on the nearest chair with his dusty boots resting on the table. He flicked out a knife - the one that stabbed goblins to death the day before - and he started to clean his nails, but what about your quest, Choni...Varisian: Friendsurată She said as much yesterday, but was she drunk? I wonder if your request with Belor and his muzzle pigs went any way closer to an answer? He smiled smugly, I bet not. Igna glanced around and sat up straight, knocking the table with his nicotine-yellow fingers, Say what... How about we hit up Ameiko and Venka and take a closer look at the crime scene ourselves?

 

[Norse]

Doyle Costello When Rapid waltzed in, Doyle winced. There was an odor of sweat and piss from the younger man that would have resulted in a direct order to take a bath, had he been an initiate at the Tonal Heights Temple. Still, Doyle had been raised in the temple to judge those he worked with from a viewpoint of good and evil and how they stood in political terms. The first judgement demanded swift retribution if it turned out dark, but the other was a matter of verbal agitation. At least up until they acted against the law and it seemed eligible to do something about it... So Doyle smiled a pleasant smile to Rapid and pushed out a chair for him to sit in. He noted with disdain that the Varisian had learned absolutely nothing from his guidance the day before and he made sure to push a plate with carrots and beans closer to the boy, Have a sense of fairness. If you are so determined in forcing your deadly smoke fog upon my lungs, I must at least demand that you eat this plate of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein? The talk continued and Doyle listened while sipping from his glass of water and looking from Rapid to Choni. He also kept a perceptive focus on the kitchen and the stairs to the rooms above. He still had a mind to seek out Ameiko and as time passed it became apparent that she was either sleeping out last nights excess violence or had gone away very early. Then Rapid started talking about a crime scene... Crime scene? Quest? Doyle had been outside when the two others had visited The Fatman's Feedbag (and thank the goddess for that) and had not heard the story as it was. What is this about?

info   -   Doyle Costello sheet Level 1 Paladin (Knight Disciple) Medium Human, lawful good Armor Class 23*/12*/23* (+8 armor; +3 shield; +2 stance) CMD 17* Hit Points 16/16 Speed 20' Walk Hit Dice 1d10 Initiative +4* Condition - Stance: +4 initiative, +2 reflex saves, +2 insight bonus to ACSilver Crane Waltz Senses: Perception +6 Str 16 (+3) | Dex 10 (+0) | Con 12 (+1) | Int 8 (-1) | Wis 10 (+0) | Cha 18 (+4) Saving Throws Fortitude: +8; Reflex: +6*; Will: +7 Resistances - Detect Evil At Will; Move action to 3 round-study. Guardian Shield 5/5; +4 temp HP & Protection from Evil for 4 rounds; Only Ally; Activates with a strike Mark of Censure 1/1; Swift Action; All allies have DR 5/- versus the Marked; Only Evil Languages Common Boon Affected Allies Rounds remaining - - - Maneuvers Readied Expended Type Action DC Level By making a quick shield bash, the disciple taunts and aggravates his foes into striking at him solely. The initiator makes a melee shield bash attempt upon a creature, and if successful, they suffer a -4 penalty on attack rolls to attack any other target but the initiator.Angering Smash Yes [_] Strike Standard - 1 A shield is used for defense primarily, a basic martial truth. It turns aside harm, and the shield of a disciple of the Iron Tortoise can do the same thing in ways that others cannot. The initiator makes an opposed attack roll as if making a shield bash attempt at his full base attack bonus plus his shield bonus to AC against his enemy's attack roll to deflect a single enemy's melee or missile attack (that is not a spell or power).Iron Shell Yes [_] Counter Immediate - 1 Making his soul a wellspring of holy power, the disciple strikes out at a foe to unleashed his holy power to restore health to himself or an ally. The initiator makes an attack against a target creature, inflicting damage as normal, and the strike restores 1d6 hit points plus his initiation modifier to the initiator or to an ally within 30-ft.Enduring Crane Strike Yes [_] Strike Standard - 1 Using the insight of the Heavens, the martial disciple learns to read the tangles of fate to direct their efforts in battle. The initiator makes two attack rolls and uses the better of the two rolls to determine result of the attack.Silver Strike No [-] Strike Standard - 1

[Dressedtojazz]

Igna ‘Rapid’ Pigro Igna glanced briefly down at the health snack offered, then deliberately took a long suck on his cigarette. Only then, after having let out a great grey puff up above them all he spread out his hands on the table and looked to Doyle with feigned guilt, You wouldn’t dream of the amount of healthy stuff I had this morning. I am completely full, Doyle. If I force down a single... piece of that... I am sure to burst. Now that would be unhealthy wouldn’t it? The next question was a bit vexing. He had quite abruptly overstepped his boundaries and he just hoped Choni did not notice or did in fact want law-abiding and just people like Doyle to know about the grave robbery. He looked smugly at the pale-skinned Shoanti, That’d be your que, Choni. Was it even a crime scene?

 

[LittleBlueNA]

Venka Behrmenn After Venka had shown Choni to the White Deer at the north end of town, she found herself alone on the empty streets. It was time she went to bed, but she wanted some time to herself before going back to the Rusty Dragon. Unconsciously, her feet began carrying her toward the lighthouse, and her claimed spot by a fallen chunk of masonry, the spot she remembered from visits she made to the town with her father. For several minutes she stood there, eyes closed, listening to the waves lapping the shore down below and feeling the sea breeze on her face. Ameiko's face flashed through her mind. The troubled look she had at seeing the cart driver during the attack. The hurt, yet resigned look she had when her father struck her. How easily she seemed to transform back into the carefree woman she usually was. Venka wondered how much of it was a mask. She had wanted to talk to Ameiko, but didn't feel that would have been appreciated at the time, they just didn't know each other well enough yet. It wasn't like Venka had opened herself up or taken her own mask off either. As she stood there, she could almost hear the creak of a ship and the sound of sails being filled, straining against their ties. The distant and muffled voices of sailors as they went about their duties, the sound of the water moving along the hull. And, strangely, she swore she could smell a hint of pine tar. She opened her eyes, half expecting to see a ship in the water below her, but it had just been the triggering of a memory. With a soft smile, and a somewhat lighter heart, she turned and made her way back to the inn, ready to turn in for the night. Venka had woken early the next day, as was usual, but she was in no rush. She took her time in getting herself ready, and hearing very little coming from the tavern, fell back into bed to stretch and rest. Her back still ached since she had foregone taking a potion, and she figured a visit to the cathedral would be in order. She also needed to tell the sheriff about those bandits too. Standing up, she went to the desk in the room and retrieved some supplies and began to sketch and write. She wasn't a great artist, but she could do well enough with getting the basic facial structures down for the men she remembered, and wrote more detailed descriptions underneath each picture. By the time she finished, at least an hour had passed, and she could hear more voices coming from downstairs. She slipped on her armor, put the papers in her pack, and made her way downstairs to see Choni, Rapid, Doyle, and Bethana. "Good morning everyone, did you manage to sleep well?" Her eyes lingered a little longer on Choni, and she gave a warm smile to the Shoanti woman before turning to the bar. She greeted Bethana and made a cup of kahve while she waited for a plate. "Is Ameiko still asleep?" she asked the halfling while waiting for her brew.

 

Venka Behrmenn - HP 21/21
STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13	18	12	14	10	10
FORT	REF	WILL	AC	TOUCH	FLAT
+4	+4	+0	16	14	12
Polearm: Atk: +6, Dmg: 1d10+1, Crit: 20/x3, P or S, Reach, Trip, Finesse
Rapier: Atk: +6, Dmg: 1d6+1, Crit: 18-20/x2, P
Special: CMB: +8, CMD: 17(19 vs Grapple/Disarm), Attacks of Opportunity: 5 per round
Status:

Move Action:
Standard Action:
Free Actions:

[Kapera]

Choni Kokip The soft smile offered Igna had been open and honest, even if the expression was nearly a ghost of what most might call a bright smile. Granted for Choni to have had even a slight smile curve her lips was a change from the stony expression etched seemingly permenantly on her face, chizzled in the stone of sorrow and wrath. This smile remained fleeting though as Igna’s greeting, and more his stance, bound to draw Doyle and with it the amusement Choni had found she sorely missed, faded into a brash, bold statement that the youth had not even attempted to conceal. Choni paled further as Doyle’s lecture failed to reignite the light glimpse of a smile and fell upon the statement Igna had so boldy proclaimed. Two bright spots of pink rose on her cheeks as the woman stilled, tensed and found herself unable to speak. It seemed that Igna was perhaps utterly unaware of her discomfort, or perhaps reveled in it being she at the centre of attention as he deftly attempted to distract Doyle from the mission to feed the roguish youth and refocused the attention on her. Her mouth opened, a stuttered sound cut off as Venka descended to the room. Wide, pale eyes looked toward the woman without a break in the tense, haunted expression before Choni’s gaze flitted back to the two men. She never should have asked him, she should have kept her mouth shut or invented some ridiculous thing when she had understood just where Igna had lead her, she should have... A small, weak nod for Venka, instinctive more than thought out while her mind still raced. She should have stayed with the remnants if her family, the hunt, the drive for revenge and vow to cleanse the lands, should have... how could she have done anything else, that was the crux of it. The very earth had whispered, had driven her this way, but she was still too young, too inexperienced to understand why. Ah they had been right to call her foolish and yet, she had to, she must...she... The bright pink spots remained high on her cheeks, her back tense and the fine muscles about her eyes taunt, the finest furrow of her brow. "Crime, it is not the, ah proper word for it I think. Desecration? It is not my quest though friend..." The word was soft, in the common tongue, though there was a hint in the cadence of how she spoke it, an echo of Igna’s prior to suggest she had understood the word then, and now acknowledged it, even if warily. "This is not my town to know the reasons why goblins attack and graves are broken into, but connected they are and why... I do not even know who to inform in this city who is of honourable station." Again a slight stress on a word as Choni finally found her voice. Far softer than Igna’s bold declarations, but neither was it meek. Even spoken so softly though, the relative emptiness of the bar invariably allowed each word to be carried to the other defender of the city, whether Choni wanted it to or not.

 

Choni Kokip
Level 2 Fated Champion Skald

CMD 13	Hit Points 15/15	Speed 30' Walk
Initiative +7	AC:14	Touch & Flat:12
Str 12 (+1)	Dex 15 (+2)	Con 13 (+1)
Int 14 (+2)	Wis 12 (+1)	Cha 14 (+2)
ST Fort: +4	Reflex: +5	Will: +4

Flare	Lullaby	Sift	Mage Hand
Animate Rope	Inspired Rage	Detect Magic	Cure Light Wounds

[Norse]

Doyle Costello Doyle allowed the insolence of Rapid wash over him. He had been taunted by both the Half-Giant hermit, Kofir and later, when they had been saved from their imprisonment by the Milani justicars, Jania. While the former was a very gruesome form of taunting, the latter was a very pleasant teasing always accompanied by a giggle. Doyle felt a pang of sorrow rise through him and refocused. He leaned in and looked directly at Choni, Forgive me for not having paid attention to this subject before. I must have been blinded by all the mayhem for I saw no graves robbed? Did we not end the goblin threat at the central square? Who did desecrate a grave? And where is this grave? The questions tumbled from his lips as a waterfall from a cliff. A frown cut his forehead as he wrapped his thoughts around the little bits Choni had said, So... nobody beside Rapid and you know about this? For once, Doyle had to agree with Rapid. They would need to go and see what this was and get information, because as intoxicating powerful her voice was on the field of battle, it was dim and lacking detail here at the aftermath. Doyle needed to see for himself. It sounded like foul work and judging from the goblin he had had in his hands the day before, it demanded a smarter version of goblins to even agree upon the word “desecration”. Venka was there and Doyle forced himself to divert his attention long enough from Choni to stand up awkwardly at the bench and salute her with a slight bow, Goodmorning Miss. I have slept well, despite the grim work of yesterday. How about you? I am looking for Ameiko too. If you hear of her arrival, please let her know that I seek her advice.

info   -   Doyle Costello sheet Level 1 Paladin (Knight Disciple) Medium Human, lawful good Armor Class 23*/12*/23* (+8 armor; +3 shield; +2 stance) CMD 17* Hit Points 16/16 Speed 20' Walk Hit Dice 1d10 Initiative +4* Condition - Stance: +4 initiative, +2 reflex saves, +2 insight bonus to ACSilver Crane Waltz Senses: Perception +6 Str 16 (+3) | Dex 10 (+0) | Con 12 (+1) | Int 8 (-1) | Wis 10 (+0) | Cha 18 (+4) Saving Throws Fortitude: +8; Reflex: +6*; Will: +7 Resistances - Detect Evil At Will; Move action to 3 round-study. Guardian Shield 5/5; +4 temp HP & Protection from Evil for 4 rounds; Only Ally; Activates with a strike Mark of Censure 1/1; Swift Action; All allies have DR 5/- versus the Marked; Only Evil Languages Common Boon Affected Allies Rounds remaining - - - Maneuvers Readied Expended Type Action DC Level By making a quick shield bash, the disciple taunts and aggravates his foes into striking at him solely. The initiator makes a melee shield bash attempt upon a creature, and if successful, they suffer a -4 penalty on attack rolls to attack any other target but the initiator.Angering Smash Yes [_] Strike Standard - 1 A shield is used for defense primarily, a basic martial truth. It turns aside harm, and the shield of a disciple of the Iron Tortoise can do the same thing in ways that others cannot. The initiator makes an opposed attack roll as if making a shield bash attempt at his full base attack bonus plus his shield bonus to AC against his enemy's attack roll to deflect a single enemy's melee or missile attack (that is not a spell or power).Iron Shell Yes [_] Counter Immediate - 1 Making his soul a wellspring of holy power, the disciple strikes out at a foe to unleashed his holy power to restore health to himself or an ally. The initiator makes an attack against a target creature, inflicting damage as normal, and the strike restores 1d6 hit points plus his initiation modifier to the initiator or to an ally within 30-ft.Enduring Crane Strike Yes [_] Strike Standard - 1 Using the insight of the Heavens, the martial disciple learns to read the tangles of fate to direct their efforts in battle. The initiator makes two attack rolls and uses the better of the two rolls to determine result of the attack.Silver Strike No [-] Strike Standard - 1

[Kapera]

Choni Kokip That Doyle grasped the statement made and ran away with it was an understatement, at least in Choni's opinion. His nearness and intensity sent a small chill down her spine, the tingled warning that she did not like the pressure and being so off balance, the result of such slowly stoking her temper to bear. At the question if only she and Rapid knew, her cheeks darkened, Choni knew full well now at least that she ought to have kept her mouth closed, but what was had been carried out. Stony and silent a moment, her pale eyes flicked from Doyle to Rapid and then sideways to glance at Venka once more. A moment taken, her jaw clenched ever so slightly but Choni was able to respond. "While the fire burned, I know little of the strange buildings, we do not build like this, it is foolish to build so close, for the very reason of fires." She could not help it, Choni just had to comment on her overall take on the stupidity of how the town was built, even if the question she had to answer had nothing to do with that. "I followed where the sounds of explosions had carried. It was a place where they bury their dead, and within, a chamber of which tombs had been robbed of they who lay within them. Rapid brought me to one he thought might know what to do, he was in error, but then the answer as to who is still unknown... and so I do not know what to do with what I know." Slightly defensive, a faint edge and lack of tact all summarized her more detailed answer. Once dropped from her lips Choni was quite sure that at least part of it would not go over well with the young scamp who had lead her to the bowels of what Doyle might have had an apocalyptic fit at, but it was truth in her mind.

 

Choni Kokip
Level 2 Fated Champion Skald

CMD 13	Hit Points 15/15	Speed 30' Walk
Initiative +7	AC:14	Touch & Flat:12
Str 12 (+1)	Dex 15 (+2)	Con 13 (+1)
Int 14 (+2)	Wis 12 (+1)	Cha 14 (+2)
ST Fort: +4	Reflex: +5	Will: +4

Flare	Lullaby	Sift	Mage Hand
Animate Rope	Inspired Rage	Detect Magic	Cure Light Wounds

[LittleBlueNA]

Venka Behrmenn "I slept well enough, thank you." Venka replied to Doyle. "It's hard not to when a comfortable bed is available." That much was true, her years of sailing and traveling had left her with the ability to sleep in the most unpleasant of circumstances. Lying in bed in the Rusty Dragon, even with an aching wound, didn't even come close to topping that list. When Choni mentioned desecration though, the fighter's good mood vanished. As the Shoanti woman told her story, Venka sighed. "Who did you take her to?" she asked Igna, before cutting herself off. "You know what? Never mind that now. Choni, we should bring this to the attention of the town leadership, assuming they haven't found out yet. Father Zantus because he's the high priest, and the cemetery is under his care. Sheriff Belor because he's leading the investigation into the attack. And Mayor Deverin because everything that happens in town is her concern. They're all good people. I'd be happy to talk to them, if you'd just be willing to show us to the affected tomb?" She could somewhat understand the Shoanti's actions, being in a strange place with strange customs and not knowing what to do with such information, but Igna should have known better. She would find out where he had taken Choni later, and make up her mind about him at that point.

 

Venka Behrmenn - HP 21/21
STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13	18	12	14	10	10
FORT	REF	WILL	AC	TOUCH	FLAT
+4	+4	+0	16	14	12
Polearm: Atk: +6, Dmg: 1d10+1, Crit: 20/x3, P or S, Reach, Trip, Finesse
Rapier: Atk: +6, Dmg: 1d6+1, Crit: 18-20/x2, P
Special: CMB: +8, CMD: 17(19 vs Grapple/Disarm), Attacks of Opportunity: 5 per round
Status:

Move Action:
Standard Action:
Free Actions:

[Kapera]

Choni Kokip Even though Venka's first question had been directed at Igna, Choni's cheeks coloured slightly as if a child caught at some trouble, though she did not offer just who the lad had taken her to, and glanced to him in turn to see if he would volunteer the information himself. As Venka then proceeded to offer a list of potential individuals Choni ought to have gone to, she began to squirm slightly, it was almost as bad as one of Doyle's lectures, if only that apparently it was an obvious list of people to someone at least. The Sheriff listed did bring a small frown, though Choni did not say a thing, to try to explain Shoanti honour at this moment, seemed ill-advised. It took Choni a moment to gather herself at the end, more so that it ended with much the same thing as Doyle's comment, that she ought to take them all to what she had found. Choni was not entirely sure if she cheated to say that since everyone was of one accord, it was clearly a sign, but at the moment, it seemed easier to flow with the current rather than attempt any kind of resistance, not that she was entirely sure of what resistance she could offer with any amount of validity, just that at this very moment, Choni felt the urge to just end up being stubborn and ornery and possibly hit something. In the end she decided on neither of her first desires and after a slow glance to the trio, her pale eyes settled on Igna even as she answered Venka and Doyle. "I will show, perhaps you might understand that which I do not there, your dead are kept in strange ways..." Her gaze was still fixed on Igna as she rose slowly, as if she was unsure of the youth, confused or even conflicted. Still she had offered to show them and now, well it would be a retrace of her steps from the day before, thankfully this time without the fire and the smoke. "I did not stay with the fire, I do not know how these homes are built, I did not wish to be in the way and something pulled me toward where there had been such sound, from whence the wagon had come. And here..." Choni still felt she ought to explain why she had not remained to put out the fires as she lead them to where the dead had been so disturbed. "Here is what I found..."

 

Choni Kokip
Level 2 Fated Champion Skald

CMD 13	Hit Points 15/15	Speed 30' Walk
Initiative +7	AC:14	Touch & Flat:12
Str 12 (+1)	Dex 15 (+2)	Con 13 (+1)
Int 14 (+2)	Wis 12 (+1)	Cha 14 (+2)
ST Fort: +4	Reflex: +5	Will: +4

Flare	Lullaby	Sift	Mage Hand
Animate Rope	Inspired Rage	Detect Magic	Cure Light Wounds

[Dressedtojazz]

Igna ‘Rapid’ Pigro Igna had stopped the rocking on his chair and had slid the chair slightly away from the table. the accusations - subtle or not - was fierce and he found his eyes drawn to the door. An escape route if things got out of hand. He had a whole world of excuses. What kept him the most was the insisting gaze from Choni and his curiosity to see where it all went. As silence crept up on the little group, his arms folded over his chest in an unconsciously hope to protect himself from the barrage they were sending his way. Easy, easy. I doubt Miss Choni had any intention to hide anything. Focus away from me! Igna looked to the tip of his boots and shook his head, I took Choni to the only person in town who ever stood up for me... at least it was the truth. With him, several others would help Igna in any given situation, but it all started with Jubrayl. He told me to take care... of Choni and myself. Now when he spoke it out loud, it seemed that it was just about the only sane thing to do really. But again his curiosity was pressing for more details and he grinned, but I guess a short trip up the Restlands wouldn’t harm anyone? Finally, he had explained himself and he came to think of the positions the others had. He narrowed his eyes at Venka, curios though, that you’d be mentioning those people as the ‘right’ persons to go to? You’ve been here for... he quickly counted the days since he spotted her outside Cyrdak’s theater, five days? I’ve lived most of my life here and yet you know better? Igna sniffed, clearly offended by the lack of belief in his judgement. What exactly make them ‘good people’? Most of the people Igna knew better than just names and faces would swear that Sheriff Hemlock was not a good man and he served just as glorified prick towering over all the other pigs. Father Zantus was a good man, at least in faith, but he was way too busy and law abiding for Igna’s taste. He probably also had no clue what was going on in the Restlands. That hunchback grave digger would know more... Mayor Deverin... Ha! Who do you think you are? Kids don’t get to run around the mayor of a town that needs rebuilding and just survived an assault of goblins. With Igna having his thoughts sorted out, he came to rest again, looking over at Doyle and the two ladies, Well... what are you waiting for? Let’s go and see the destroyed grave and see who needs to know what?

 

Out of Character Rolled a Knowledge Local on Venka | 23 (got some info from Blue)

[LittleBlueNA]

Venka Behrmenn Venka held up her hands in a non-threatening manner when Igna spoke. "Easy, easy. I didn't say she was trying to hide anything," she said, then turned her gaze to the other woman, hoping she hadn't slipped and upset her Shoanti honor in some way. It had been a long time since Nybor, after all. "I hope I didn't offend you Choni, I have nothing but respect for you, and thank you for offering to show us." When Igna narrowed his eyes at her and questioned her though, Venka sighed. She didn't want to start a fight, there was no reason for it, but she wasn't going to let him walk over her either. "You're right, I haven't been here long. I've spent the last ten years traveling Golarion and sailing the Inner Sea. I've fought pirates, privateers, thugs, and bandits. I've been to more countries than you have cities. I've seen places run by scum, places run by devil worshippers, and places run by generally good people. I've learned how to gather information, and how to quickly get a feel for a new town. I'm sure they have their vices, just as anyone does, but I've seen how the people react to Sandpoint's leaders, and the lack of fear or hatred in their eyes. I saw the leadership spring into action when danger reared its head. I saw Father Zantus draw a knife to defend his flock, even though I wouldn't be surprised if he had never really had to use it before. I saw Mayor Deverin refuse to go into the cathedral before the rest of the townsfolk. I can tell you they're the right people because this is a fairly lawful place. You might not understand if you've lived here your whole life, but you wouldn't like a non-lawful one. Whatever problems you might have here, I can tell you they are nothing compared to having chaos reign, and truly evil people wielding power." She sighed again, trying to reign in her emotions, partly brought up by Igna's questioning, and partly brought up by the dark and painful memories that followed. "Besides, this isn't my first time in Sandpoint. I actually grew up not too far from here, and any place that has a butterfly festival is okay in my book." She told Bethana to let Ameiko know where they had gone, then stepped toward Igna with an outstretched hand. She figured she had gotten her point across, and decided to offer an olive branch. "Look, I don't want to fight. I think we all had enough of that yesterday, and my back's barely started healing from that goblin's blade. I agree, let's go see what Choni found. I wanted to see if they could offer any healing at the cathedral anyway." When Choni led them to the desecrated tomb, Venka frowned. She had never liked cemeteries, but seeing one violated was even worse. "I'll go find Father Zantus. I'd suggest nobody touch anything at the moment."

 

Venka Behrmenn - HP 21/21
STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
13	18	12	14	10	10
FORT	REF	WILL	AC	TOUCH	FLAT
+4	+4	+0	16	14	12
Polearm: Atk: +6, Dmg: 1d10+1, Crit: 20/x3, P or S, Reach, Trip, Finesse
Rapier: Atk: +6, Dmg: 1d6+1, Crit: 18-20/x2, P
Special: CMB: +8, CMD: 17(19 vs Grapple/Disarm), Attacks of Opportunity: 5 per round
Status:

Move Action:
Standard Action:
Free Actions: