Naomi Armastance, Glum and Talis
Head to the cathedral to take to Father Abstalar Zantus, a priest of Desna and the recognized religious leader of the town.  According to the sheriff he already knows about the missing body, so you may speak freely with him.  He is busy preparing a few funerals and a shortened version of yesterdays planned ceremony.  They are going to finish the consecration, in a brief indoor ceremony later, but he has a few minutes to spend with the towns new heroes.  "Father Tobyn was a good man and priest of Desna.  He moved here as a young man and took over after the original priest died of old age some 20 years ago.  Him and his daughter died in a fire 5 years ago during the "Late Unpleasantness".  He has no surviving family around here.

   I can't think of anyone who would go to so much trouble to steal his body.  As his student for many years I can tell you he wasn't perfect.  He didn't see eye to eye with everyone, particularly Madame Mvashti. She was the only one in town who could win an argument with him.  Come to think of it, I've never won an argument with her either."  He smiles fondly, "I think thats why she's lived so long, she's just too stubborn to die.

   Let's see, he was an outspoken critic of Mistress Tesarani bringing her girls here and was trying to convince the council to shut her down. [Private to Glum: his tone indicates that he disagreed with Father Tobyn on this issue]  But I can't see anyone hating him enough to steal his body or work with goblins."


Glum nodded and thanked Father Abstalar sincerely for his help.  Afterward, he said to Naomi and Talis.  "It looks like we've got three courses of action next, one to chat to people about conspiracy theories, another to talke to Madame Mvasti, and the other to talk to Mistress Teserani.  Do you agree that we should split up and if so, do either of you have preferences?"

"I'll go speak with Madam Mvashti. There are a few stray thoughts running through my mind, and she may be just the person to speak to. I'll be at Lord Alderns at sundown. If I'm not there, I'll leave a message at the Rusty Dragon with Ameiko Kaijitsu, the woman with strange hair. Good luck to the both of you, if you believe in such things." With that, Talis turns and huriedly leaves the temple, on his way to the fortune tellers abode.

Following Talis after his brief statement Naomi says to him "Some spells require the body of a deceased holy man by the way.  Though that may not be the main reason.  What do you think may be up with Madam Mvashti though?"

"I don't suspect her of any wrong doing." Talis paused for a moment, before going on. "at least beyond the surface of her actions." He pursed his lips and furrowed his brow, not sure exactly how to put his thoughts into words. "I didn't grow up in this town, but it was the closest town to where I lived. I heard the tales that the kids told as much as anyone, in my occasional visits. Now, despite all the nonsense of her being a dreadful old crone, there are a few facts in the stories worth looking at. They are;
One: she's a seer, and a well respected one. I would be hesitant to trust the word of a stone reader, were it not one who had my confidence.
Two: In her younger days at least, she had many druidic contacts. I've never met anyone more in the know, then a druid who had an interest. With birds, beasts, and the smallest of butterflies as your spy, it's not easy to keep a druid from what they want to know. If she can turn us to one, we may be better off for it.
Three: though she can read the future, she used to present herself as a historian. If she still pays attention to the past, then perhaps we can learn something helpful that isn't commonly known. In addition, I've never known a genuine seer who actually liked being pestered about the future. Our historic concerns may be refreshing enough to buy us some ear time. Maybe.
Four: Though I'm not as confident in the validity of this, I'm hoping it's true. The rumor is that she does not receive her divining ability from a god, but through natural magic. If it's true, we can count on her words to not be held bias by a religious disposition. So perhaps we can trust what she says me to mean what it means. A cryptic truth, I think, would be better then a well meaning lie."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:54, Wed 28 Jan 2009.

Naomi Armastance, Glum and Talis
as they leave the cathedral and head into downtown, you notice a Varisian woman following your group.

"So Talis, we'll see you later.  Have fun with Madame Mvashti.  Now, which of us two will talk to Mistress Tesera and which to the lady following us?  Any preferences, Naomi?"

Smirking a bit she says to Glum "I'll handle her quickly.  You gonna back me up or go on, this should only take a moment regardless" After saying that she turns around and heads strait over to the woman.

Once in front of her Naomi pulls herself up to her full Gnomish stature and looks up directly into the womans eyes "Why Hello there, Can I help you?  Story, questions, and inane comments are welcome" she says with an impish grin on her face.

The woman is dressed as a commoner with plain clothes and no weapons (evident).  As Naomi turns and marches back to her, she stops and stands there frozen. <like a deer in the headlights, if your characters knew what headlights were ;) >  It is a strange scene, the little gnome lass and the bigger human who is being cowed by her.  The woman quietly asks "Are you really touched by the heavens?" and then in a rush, as if she wants to get it out before her courage fails her "IwantababyandcanIhavealockofyourhairpleaseBlessedofDesna?" and then stands there looking at you with pleading eyes.

Talis nodded to the dwarf before setting off at a hurried pace, giving a single glance to the woman behind them at Glums mention.
Instead of heading to the seers home though, Talis instead changed course halfway, and returned to the Rusty Dragon once again.
Slowing his pace to seem less hurried, he approached the bar, slipping a hand into his money pouch as he took a seat. He set his sword against the counter and draped his cloak over it, before speaking up. "Ameiko, I could use some advice. I need to speak to the seer, Madame Mvashti, but I would like to enter and leave again on friendly terms with her. Were you in my shoes, how would you approach the woman? Polite? I've met a lot of elderly folk who appreciate manners. Blunt? Some hate being coddled, and prefer to be spoken too tersely. Others still just hate everyone, and some just like everybody. How do you think I should approach the Madame?"

OOC: This is assuming Ameiko is currently behind the counter. If it's someone else, feel free to edit my post to name them appropriately.

Glum hears what the woman says to Naomi and his jaw hangs open as he stands for a while catching flies.  When he feels quite recovered, he said, "I'll go see Mistress Teserani".
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Wed 28 Jan 2009.

<You're in luck, she is in>


Talis
You catch Ameiko as she is dishing up some exotically spicy dish.  She smiles at you, and reaches out and puts a finger on the arm in the money pouch "Your moneys no good here."  Her touch lingers just a second more than propriety deems proper before she pulls it back.  "Madame Mvashti..." she sits down and starts eating (even though it's the middle of the morning) "she's a hard read, I'm not sure she lives in the same world as you or I.  Her world is primal forces, spirits and first causes.  I would suggest patience and politeness.  She does things her own way, in her own time and the Varisians are in awe of her.  They will repay any slight 10 to 1."  She continues with a brief history.

- 40 years ago when the Sandpoint Mercantile League tried to found Sandpoint, they had problems with the native Varisians.  Part of the settlement to allow the town to be built was that they provide Mvashti a home.
- She was old even then, at least 60, with grandchildren.  She has outlived her children and is starting on her grandchildren.
- Ameiko has seen her cast both druid and wizard spells.
- While most Cheliaxians doubt her abilities, Ameiko doesn't.  She does have some talent for fortune telling.

"Before I forget, Aldern mentioned something about buying you and your friends a dinner sometime, do you have any idea when that might be?"

It's not easy for a young gentleman such as Glum to ask directions to a Bordello, but he steeled himself nad began to do so, asking around until he found someone willing to admit to knowing where Mistress Teserani's place was and directing him in the right direction.  Eventually, he stopped up on her doorstep, knocked and waited to be admitted to the anteroom of this fine-looking establishment.

You get directions from a Varisian with a smirk on his face.  Once located, the establishment is low key with no sign on the door, which is answered by a tough looking Shoanti and Glum is invited in.  The tough asks, "We don't get many dwarf customers.  So what kind of girl are you looking for?"

"Many thanks, miss Kaijitsu. I can assure you, your information will prove most helpful. Aldern? Rovagugs Pit," he cursed under his breath, having completely forgotten the noble who was watching them at the battle. "This eavening I believe... though we may have forgotten to agree on a time to meet him here. He is staying here, right? Tell him this eavening at sundown, though there is of course a chance it will have to be delayed. I'll try to get a message here if something keeps us away. Oh," he added, his mind a jumble of half completed thoughts. Grabbing his sword and cloak, he handed it over the counter to the woman. "I don't want to appear of any ill intent when I visit the Madame. Hold onto it till tonight for me, would you? If I pester you enough, perhaps my money will become valuable here once again."
Leaving the tavern, Talis walked slowly and calmly to Mvashit's home. Approaching calmly, he gently rapped on the door, awaiting the arrival of the old woman, or perhaps an aid of some sort.

As you leave, Ameiko says "You can repay me by playing your violin.  I heard you last night, you have talent, and I give discounts for good music and entertaining stories."

In reply to DM (msg #5):

Putting her hand to her forehead briefly in a manner a bit like a cross between a classic 'Doh' moment and consternation the Gnomish woman then looks back up at the human woman and says "Touched, yes.  By an 'Outsider' yes.  By heaven?  That would depend on your god of choice.  The being who aided me is not one of fertility however." Naomi says calmly still attempting to valiantly digest everything the woman said.  "But if you would wish only a lock of my hair, that is something I will part with gladly if it would help you out." After which Naomi drew out her knife and cut loose a few inches off of her hair on the left side and handed the shorn lock to the woman.  "May you get what you wish for."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Thu 29 Jan 2009.

   The woman is ever so thankful "Oh thank you, Blessed One, the Gods have surely filled you with their power.  Thank you, I am eternally in your debt, oh most beloved one" as she leaves.

   When Naomi turns around she finds Glum has gone off to the brothel(what?) and Talis has gone to see Ameiko at the Rusty Dragon, before visiting Madame Mvashti.  As she is wondering what to do, a handsome man approaches, she recognizes him from the day before.  He is Cyrdak Drokkus the actor/owner of the Sandpoint Theater.  "Welcome to my fair city fair lady, I am Cyrdak Drokkus, perhaps you have heard of me.  Anyway, I was wondering if I could buy you a drink and discuss a proposition with you.  You have a tremendous presence, and are very lovely as well.  I think you would make a splendid actress.     Are you interested in the arts?"

In reply to DM (msg #10):

Glum smiled, he considered for a moment, availing himself of the facilities of the house, but for the time being, he was on a mission.  "I was hoping to speak with the Lady of the House, if that's at all possible.  I promise that I am not police or watch or the like and am not here to interfere in any way with her business.  And of course, I recognise that her time is valuable."

<They are a legal business>
The guard smiles when Glum mentions the guard, but only grunts noncommittally as he  alerts his boss to the dwarfs request before allowing him into her office.  Inside is a woman, approaching middle aged, but very pretty.  "We don't often get dwarven customers or brothers from the monasteries either.  Are you looking for a good time or seeking a donation?".
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:23, Fri 30 Jan 2009.

In reply to DM (msg #14):

Naomi titters at the gentleman's statement.  Once she gains control of her Mirth she looks at him in complete seriousness "Though a Drink would be nice.  I am no performer, or thespian.  It is generous for you to think of me in such a way, and I am glad you think I have a great force of personality.  But I couldn't hold a tune or carry a line to save my life.  And that would be a detriment to an art of any kind." She says kindly then strikes a pose with her arms behind her back hands clasped and her chest thrust out at him.  "But if you think little ol' me can woo and carouse with such great folks as yerself I'd be remiss not to play." the last spoken as she looks up at him with sad doelike eyes and tracing circles in the ground with her right boot toe.

Cyrdak laughs with a twinkle in his eye, "My you are charming".  He escorts you to Cracktooth's Tavern <area 18> and has a drink with you.  Jesk “Cracktooth” Berinni the owner is a halforc that looks like a thug.  There is a stage at 1 end of the tavern, empty at this time of day.  Cyrdak attempts to entice you to reconsider.  Finally, "The offer is open, just come on by".  Otherwise, you have a pleasant time and find him charming and knowledgeable about the local situation.