Sandpoint, a sleepy little town just a few days walk from Magnimar, has always tried to be just that, and since the Heroes of Sandpoint putting down the goblin threat and the discovery of Xin-Shalast, it has mostly succeeded. That's not to say that there haven't been changes. Belor Hemlock's brother, Garridan, has sold the White Deer Inn and moved to the Storval Plateau to be closer with his people, the Shoanti. A new apothecary has recently opened up to compete with the Pillbug's Pantry and Bottled Solutions. Named Teldon's Tonics, it is also the home to Briana's Brushes, an art studio that was also opened recently. The two new shops are run by retired Pathfinders, a husband and wife, Teldon and Briana Moore. Business has boomed for them, despite the relative paucity of patrons, partly because of Teldon's father being one of the Heroes of Sandpoint and partly because of the constant business the shop receives from Pathfinders coming through town.
Yes, Sandpoint is nothing more than a sleepy town where nothing exciting happens. Unless you count the Chopper's rampage, or the burning of the old church, or the goblin raid on the Swallowtail Festival a few years ago, or the ghoul attacks shortly after that, or the giant attack a couple of months after that, or the Sinkhole under the garrison.
Or the recent spate of attacks by firework wielding goblins.
Come to think of it, Maybe Sandpoint isn't so sleepy after all.
Two of the Sandpoint Militia took aim with their bows, despite not knowing what to make of scene before them. Several travelers and traders had come in since the beginning of spring with soot-stained clothing and tales of goblins using Desnan Candles or Starfountains to attack them. Those attacks had proven mostly harmless, though frightened horses and oxen did more damage than the goblins. It wasn't until a week ago when a Varisian caravan had turned up with several of its members badly hurt that the attacks had gone from mildly dangerous and annoying to an actual threat. Sheriff Hemlock had reinstated the Goblin Bounty, much to Daverin Hosk's delight, and a group of five adventurers had gone into Brinestump three days earlier to take care of the goblins.
Now, though, there were three of them in front of the southern gate. The one in the middle danced, hooted, and hollered as the fuse on the brightly colored charge in his hands burned. his companions mooned the guards, chittering away as goblins are wont to do. Viska and Riska Chalmer just looked on, exchanging bewildered glances out fo the corners of their eyes. As the middle goblin began to sing, though, the two of them loosed their arrows, spearing him in the throat, and sending him to the boneyard. The charge in his hands flew up a few inches before plopping on the dirt between the goblin's legs. His friends, caught with the pants almost literally around their ankles only had a few seconds to puzzle out what had happened and realize what was about to happen. Both of them went to toss the charge just as the fuse finished burning. Their screams of terror were silenced by the thunderous explosion that followed, painting the gate with goblin bits and soot. Further away, over Brinestump Marsh, the sparks and crackling of distant fireworks could be seen.
It appeared that more than one group of adventurers was needed.
The Meeting at the Rusty Dragon
It had happened late last evening. Something had exploded at the southern gate last evening, and within an hour a runner had visited five of Sandpoint's more restless souls, informing them that Sheriff Hemlock would like to meet with them at the Rusty Dragon the next morning. Now they sit at one of the tables with two of Sandpoint's more notable citizens, Shalelu Andosana and Ameiko Kaijitsu.
"So, Belor's being his gruff self again and not saying things more times than he has to," Ameiko asks everyone around the table.
"It seems that way. I'm not that worried about that. I'm more worried about Koya and Sandru's caravan. They're supposed to be coming in from Galudria soon," Shalelu answers before taking a sip of the tea she was busy nursing.
Vigny is feeling chipper as she comes down the stairs for the morning meeting. She'd been feeling bored for a few days now. There is only so much of Sandpoint to see, and she isn't really given to wandering about in the forests and fields trying to commune with herself, or nature, or whatever that's for.
She slumps into a chair at the table where people seem to be gathering, rocking it back on its rear legs just a little, but not so much that her mug of coffee is out of reach.
Except for the elf the other people there are ones she's at least seen around once or twice. Vigny gives them all a vague wave and a "good morning", smiling lazily at them as she settles in. When the elf mentions Sandru's caravan, she latches on to it and perks up.
"Arriving soon you say? Where's Galudria? How does this meeting connect to the caravan?"
Emi sighs and drinks deeply of her tea.
Why must meetings like this always come in the morning? I'm sure I still look like I've just gotten out of bed... perhaps I should have done less dancing and more sleeping last night.
She fidgets with her hair and then smiles at the familiar faces gathered around the table with her. "I hafe not been told anything more than to be here this morning. I assumed it vould hafe something to do vith the firevorks last night. Has anyone heard anything about the adfenturer's who vent out to see vhat the goblin vere up to?"
Jerukh sat uncomfortably as the chit-chat and greetings took place.
The tall half orc barely met the eyes of the women sitting around or opposite him, awkwardly nodding when spoken to, but for the most part looking that he was silently willing to be swallowed up into the cup of tea before him.
At Emi's questions he first nods, then shakes his shaggy mane of blond hair in silent response.
Speak! Speak to them! It is easy Mamă says. Just a few words... but don't smile. You smile like you are in pain.
The brutish healer's brow furrows as if in deep thought, and he once again to peering intensely into his cup...
Ameiko chuckles at Vigny's sudden interest.
"Galudria's about a week away along the road to Riddleport. I'm surprised you didn't stop there on the way here," Ameiko says with a grin. "We're worried," she adds, her expression sobering, "because we don't know if the Licktoads have started attacking caravans coming in from the north. They're getting bolder if the 'attack' at the gate was anything to go by."
"Not that we can really call getting yourself blown to bits an attack," Shalelu remarks with a smirk.
Reiko sits in her chair - poised and composed as if she awaits a proctored test. The Tien woman smooths the front of her robe, then folds her hands in her lap. Her constant companion, the killing blade forged in the Dragon Empire, leans casually against the chair's side.
"It is to be hoped that Licktoad competence doesn't improve."
Vigny goes for her coffee mug, figuring it's the best way to mask some embarrassment.
Triple oops right there. Maybe I'll just be quiet and listen for a while.
First, she probably did stop in Galduria on the way, and either wasn't paying attention to where she was or already didn't remember. Second, it seems she had been running ahead of Sandru and might have found him sooner by simply staying where she was in Riddleport. Third, had she given away more about why she wanted to find Sandru then she intended to Ameiko, and possibly others as well?
Still tea-gazing Jerukh nods again - this time actually compelled to speak.
His voice is deep but low - his words pithy as usual;
"Sandru can handle any zburdalnică"
"Koya knows the road, it's in her blood, they vill be fine," Emi reassures the less confident Shelynite.
Then she stretches with a groan and leans back until she is fully laying on Ameiko. "Ikoooo," she says with a hint of childish whine, "I'm hungry... can I hafe some eggs and sausage, pleeease?"
"Every now and then, you get a goblin that's actually competent, but I don't think you have to worry about them, as a whole, getting much better," Shalelu replies to Reiko, "the problem is when they get cocky."
"I think they will be, too. It's only natural that you worry about friends and family though," Ameiko adds after Soliana and Jerukh reassure the others about Sandru and Koya's caravan. "As for the adventurers, I don't think anyone's heard from them."
At the sound of "Iko," Ameiko rolls her eyes with a smile, "I guess we could all use some breakfast. Who's hungry?"
A group of adventurers had arrived about the time Sheriff Hemlock reinstated the Goblin Bounty. The leader, a brazen Cheliaxian knight, had sworn that they'd end the goblin threat shortly before heading off to Brinestump three days ago. There were five of them. The cocksure Cheliaxian leader, an elven wizard that was by all accounts just as cocky, a cheerful halfling with a dizzying array of knives on his person, a blind woman in plate armor, and a tall, brawny half-orc that had many of the girls around town swooning.
The woman may be blind, but she could "see" things not too far from her. Her and the half-orc were more subdued than their companions, almost worried really. It also seemed like the half-orc's mood would shift dramatically when the leader of the band was around.
The group called themselves the Bronze Company. They apparently came from Riddleport after adventuring around there for a little while. The leader of the band is Caesar Vinter. The woman's armor looked like the same kinda armor those Gray Madiens wore back when Ileosa was queen in Korvosa.
Jerukh looks for inspiration in his tea cup whilst considering the offer of breakfast;
What if I look like a brute as I eat? Then if I refuse it may look like I do not like the cuisine here... Ach. What to do...
:
Emi smiles and quickly sits up. "Thank you, Iko," she answers playfully.
"I met these adfenturers vhile they vere in town," she continues more seriously, "they vere certainly fery sure of themselfes... How skilled they really vere, I can't say, but they vere sure the goblins vould be no problem."
"I noticed them too. Talked to a couple of them for a minute a few days back. They weren't all so sure about goblin hunting. The blind woman had some sort of second sight, and didn't seem as enthusiastic as the others about doing it."
"By the way, where's the sheriff? Isn't he showing up to his own meeting?"
Jerukh fleetingly looks at Emiliana, then Vigny as they discuss the adventurers he never met. His eyes widen a little at the casual observations and insights his companions display;
They are sharp like blades. Notice things. See people for what they are.
The half orc fidgets with his cup, then purses tusked lips;
What if they see me for what I am? Ah Mamă why did you bid me come here!
Just as Vigny asks where the Sheriff is, Belor Hemlock enters the Rusty Dragon. The shoanti's clothing and hair are disheveled, and from the bags under his eyes and fresh lines on his face, it appears that he's had very little sleep recently, and likely didn't slept at all last night.
"Where's Ameiko," The sheriff asks after a brief headcount. A few moments later, the Rusty Dragon's proprietor comes out of the kitchen with a wok full of diced potatoes, peppers, onions, eggs, and sausages all cooked to perfection. Bethana, Ameiko's right-hand halfling and main help around the Dragon, follows with a stack of plates almost as tall as she is and a heat scorched block of wood with a depression that matches the wok's curve. With a quick efficiency that is almost like magic, Bethana has the table set and the block ready for the wok.
"Mornin' Belor," Ameiko greets the sheriff as she sets the wok down and begins serving everyone's plates. Shalelu snickers at the impressive glower that Ameiko receives for her blatant cheerfulness. Belor's irritation is soothed somewhat by the plate of hot food placed before him as he just shakes his head with a bemused smile.
"Thank the gods you aren't like certain other nobles around here," he says before digging into the delicious smelling food. "The reason I called you here," he continues between mouthfuls, "is to see if you'd be willing to go into Brinestump Marsh and get rid of the Licktoad goblins."
Shalelu's eyes glitter as Ameiko begins to smile.
"Well, I've skewered more than a few goblins and I'm sure Shalelu is just eager to introduce Chief Gutwad to her blade," Ameiko says, effecting a slow, lazy drawl, "I'm sure we'd be--"
"Sorry Ameiko, the council wants you and Shalelu to attend an emergency meeting later this morning," Belor interrupts sternly, causing both Ameiko and Shalelu to look at him in surprise that slowly turns to disappointment.
"Sheriff Hemlock, I can see why Ameiko would have to attend, but why me," the elven ranger asks.
"Scarnetti wants you to present your expert opinion on if the watch, as it stands, can handle the threat the Licktoads pose. I've stepped up patrols along the Lost Coast Road and through the farmsteads, but it hasn't been enough to stop them. You know we've always run lean, and I'm trying to build a larger roster, but the bastard is trying to imply that I've been ignoring the problem rather doing what I can with what I have," Belor answers, his tone and eyes showing an uncharacteristic rage simmering within the sheriff.
"Which brings me back to why we're all here," he says as he forces himself to calm down, "would you five," his eyes fix on Reiko, Vigny, Jerukh, Soliana, and Emiliana, "be willing to head into Brinestump and put as many of the green bastard runts down as you can?"
Emi manages a real smile as the food is laid out before them. She digs into her bowl with such enthusiasm that she nearly misses what Sheriff Hemlock is asking. When he asks directly if they'll go she freezes with a bite halfway to her mouth for a moment before looking at her friend.
an adventure like Ameiko's?!? I guess not quite like hers, we'd only be out in the Hinterlands, but still it would be an adventure...
"Yes, of course," she answers quickly, "vhatefer I can do for Sandpoint."
Belor lets out a long, heavy sigh.
"Not one peep," he answers, "but I can't say I'm surprised. Their leader headed out saying they'd be back before supper. The thing is, well, I'm sure that Shalelu could tell you better than I ever could."
The elven ranger looks up and around the table, obviously caught a bit off guard.
"Th-the thing is, though Brinestump Marsh is small, barely a few miles across at its widest, the place is even more tangled than the Nettlewood. There are two, maybe three paths that cut through it, but much of it is trackless swamp thick with undergrowth and predators other than goblins. Traditionally, the dangers of Brinestump have kept the Licktoads from growing large enough to be an actual threat. It's also those dangers that have kept us from getting at the Licktoads to drive them out or put an end to them once and for all," she says quietly, her eyes looking to Belor as she finishes.
"Exactly, and when they didn't even prepare for the trip, it doesn't matter how formidable you are. All it takes is one lucky strike and even a goblin can fell the mightiest of warriors," Belor says grimly, "as far as I can tell, those adventurers went in with no supplies and it looks like only two of them were even thinking they might have to stay longer than their leader thought. All I know for sure is that we haven't heard from them, and the goblins are getting bolder. I'm sure you've heard about what happened last night," the sheriff asks.
"Well a few more showed up to taunt us at the gates this morning while I was making the rounds. It's why I was late. They're getting more confident and bolder. That's a dangerous combination to have in goblins."
Shalelu and Ameiko nod solemnly in agreement
Reiko's eyebrow raises slightly at Belor's words about Ameiko. Is she of a noble house or just the local nobility? She files the information away for later consideration.
"would you five... be willing to head into Brinestump and put as many of the green bastard runts down as you can?"
Reiko's head swivels. She casts an intense look toward a spot on the wall - or through it. After a moment, she fingers the sleeve of her silk robe then returns her gaze to the sheriff, "I'll need to change first." If she's joking, it's as dry as a desert.
Jerukh accepts his bowl of breakfast with an awkward smile;
"Mulțumesc..."
He proceeds to pick at his food with a deliberate grace, somewhat in opposition of Emiliana's enthusiastic guzzling.
As Belor speaks, the half orc listens intently enjoying the focus being on words of gravitas, not polite conversation.
Now this makes sense. Help put down the Lick Toad zburdalnică... Heal the wounds of our warriors if needbe.
When Emiliana agrees to the mission, Jerukh nods in support;
"I will go too. I can heal... and harm when necessary..."
Vigny grins. "Count me in!" she says, giving the table a rap with her knuckles for emphasis.
"Vell, let us learn from the first group's error and go get some supplies," Emi offers as she's sets down her empty bowl. "Soliana's question vas a good one though, vhat should we bring vith us, Shalelu?"
"Silk robes might be just a touch out of place in a swamp," Ameiok admits to Reiko's comment about changing clothes first, causing Belor to give a snort and Shalelu to chuckle.
After everyone has voiced their intentions, and have raised some good questions, Shalelu leans back in her chair.
"Well, if there's one thing Brinestump isn't short on, it's ways to do yourself in through carelessness. There's the gators, the snakes, quicksand, skeetos, and all sorts of other nasty bugs and vermin that can bring you down with disease and poison. There's also the rumored Soggy River Monster that's supposed to live nearby that people have seen over the past few years," Shalelu says, slowly becoming more engrossed in the subject, until Belor pipes up.
"Stick to the facts, Shalelu. I hear enough of that fisherman's tale from the rest of the town," he says sternly.
"Alright, alright," the ranger says while waving her hands in a placating gesture, "I'll refrain from embellishing the truth."
Belor grumbles something under his breath, but motions for her to continue.
"As I was saying, there's lots of dangers, but nothing that's unavoidable if you keep your eyes open and pay attention. As for what to pack, I'd stay light, only taking the essentials. You're going to be wearing yourselves out slogging through the mud as it is, no sense is making it worse by weighing yourselves down. Food that you don't have to prepare and will keep well is a must. The deadwood you'll find is going to be wet and rotten, so cooking is going to be hard unless you carry some firewood with you, but again, you'd have to worry about the weight. Plenty of water is also going to be essential. You can drink the swamp water if you really need to, but trust me, you don't want to know what it tastes like. If you can, get anything that'll help keep you healthy. I know potions can be expensive, but they can be vital if you find yourselves in dire straits."
The ranger looks down at the table thoughtfully for a moment before adding one more piece of information to the run down she had just given.
"Actually, if you want to be really prepared, I'd go see Walthus Proudstump. He lives in a house just a little before the New Fish Trail runs into the coast. He knows Brinestump better than anyone in town, myself included. He's not exactly the friendliest soul, nor does he believe in bathing regularly, but you can't go wrong asking for his advice."
"Just as well," Belor says as he stands, "That meeting is going to start in about an hour. Take your time and make sure you've got everything, and I mean everything, you need. I'd rather have explain why five well-prepared adventurers haven't left yet rather than why we have five more dead or missing adventurers. Ameiko, if you and Shalelu are ready?"
After wish all of you luck, Ameiko, Shalelu, and Belor leave you alone in the Rusty Dragon's common room. The sounds of Bethana preparing to wash the breakfast dishes and singing to herself comes from the kitchen.
Reiko looks to the other four and frowns. "I have perhaps 60 gold coins... Would that be enough for the necessary medicines?"
"I'm already vearing all my veapons and armor," Emi offers, "but I hafe a nice backback upstairs I can bring. And I hafe about forty gold I can buy things vith... If ve vant extra healing I can run to the Academy and see if Ilsoari has any scrolls I can use? Or, if ve're more concerned about poisons and diseases ve could check the alchemists' stores for anti-fenoms and such?"
Although she is clearly working on taking the preparations seriously, the Varisian girl's mood has obviously improved a great deal since the all sat down together.
Brinestump Marsh, while not nearly as large as the fabled Mushfens near Magnimar, is still relatively unexplored. It is a tangle of vegetation with few paths running through it and is home to the Licktoad goblins. Some say that an old Witch named Megus lives deep in the swamps heart, where she practices vile magics.
Jerukh looks at the half elf with eyes slightly wide in shock at being addressed directly
What do I think..? Yes. What do I think.
He speaks quietly, but as he offers his thoughts the half orc becomes more animated, and confident in his words;
"I do... I... could produce some healing potions of us this morning."
The alchemist smiles nervously, clears his throat and continues;
"Antiplague and Antitoxin would also be useful. I could try and make of the poison antidote, but it may take me too long... sorry."
Jerukh taps his various pouches, packs and poultices attached to his belt;
"I have herbal medicines also..."
He then shrinks back a little, suddenly conscious that he had spoken perhaps too much.
"How far away is the marsh? If it's less than a full day, maybe we should think about getting our gear ready today and leaving first thing tomorrow? After all, if we arrive there with only enough time to make camp before nightfall, we're offering ourselves as bait."
Vigny stops talking for a moment to think about that, then says brightly "On the other hand, maybe that's a good idea. If plan is to go there and hang out killing goblins until we can't find any more goblins, having them come to us would make things easier..."
"Oh, and if we should be traveling light, maybe we should compare gear to see if we're carrying more of some things than we'll actually need. If we leave extra stuff behind, we can even out the load to make everyone comfortable."
Jerukh looks at Vigny warily as she speaks, before answering defensively;
"I need my herbs! I need a pot to boil them! And my poultices and flasks I...I'm..."
The half orc seems to check himself, his head falls, and voice lowers back to its usual gruff whisper;
"Sorry...I'll carry what I need..."
Vigny looks at Jerukh with surprise, both because he objected so vigorously and because he spoke.
"Oh no mister, I didn't mean we shouldn't take any pots, just that if all of us show up with one, it's probably more than we actually need. We could get by with a couple of pots instead right?"
Then she thrusts her hand out to him to shake. "By the way, I'm Vigny. Just arrived recently from Riddleport. How do you do?"
The half orc alchemist listens, then looks a little flustered, before awkwardly takes her hand in greeting.
She feels the firmness of his grip, yet it holds rather than crushes.
"J-Jerukh... I am... I live... here. Always here. Yes."
You sense the big herbalist is not telling the full story on his residency in Sandpoint, and that Riddleport may have some significance to his chicanery.
Reiko seems unconcerned by Jerukh's outburst. She taps his leg with the lacquered scabbard of her katana, drawing his attention. Her voice is that of a quiet conspirator, "I travel light and my pack is large. We'll find room for your equipment."
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Vigny senses there's something a little off with what Jerukh tells her. She doesn't show it though. Riddleport is the kind of place where plenty of people don't want to say too much about themselves or their pasts. It's almost a matter of manners not to pry too much.
Fair enough. But in return I'll keep an eye on you. Just the discreet usual in precautions you know. That way everyone can be happy.
"My pack usually only carries more clothing, but I'll leafe those here," Emi offers, "so, I can carry some things too."
"And don't you vorry, Jerukh," she reassures the quiet half-orc, "ve'll make sure you hafe eferything you need to make your tinctures vhile ve trafel! Vhat else do ve need? I'm not used to sleeping in the voods, do ve need a tent or cots?"
Brinestump is only a few miles from Sandoint. You can reach it in about an hour.
"I have 25 gold I could throw in for potions and such. Who's doing the buying?"
"The swamp is no more than an hour's walk. If we complete our purchasing quickly, we could be there by the noon hour."
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"Vill there be dry ground for us to sleep on in this svamp?" Emi asks, wishing that Shalelu was still there, "and vhat about snakes and other fermin? Either vay I'll hafe to do some shopping, I don't efen hafe a bedroll right now."
"Jerukh, you know the most about vhat your potions and balms do... Do you think you hafe enough of those things or should ve buy more?"
"Well if it's that close give me ten minutes and I'll be ready."
Vigny runs back upstairs and throws her things together, leaving behind some nonessentials. In a few minutes she's back with her weapons and pack, along with the money she's mentioned.
Jerukh sheepish answers to all and none when potions are discussed;
"I can make a potion that heals in perhaps 2 hours. Each would cost 25 gold in materials..."
The half orc taps his belt pouch lightly with a melancholy smile at Emiliana before answering with more confidence:
"I have enough for one. With more coin I could make as many as time and materials allow... We could also buy, but they may cost us double..."