"Well I certainly didn't deserve my keep for being savaged by a pithy goblin", Broon says to Ameiko, "I denied that reward my lady. Thanks to Elena and Dashuun, or I'd be half eaten in a floor board too." He takes a mug of anything wet and winces at the split lip he got from smashing face first onto that family's fire stove. "I'll wager that these goblins have infested the entire area. "
Ameiko looks confused by your statement. No, I meant from the feast last night. Looks like each of you got around 30 GP after I took my cut for expenses! Ameiko puts a large coin-filled pouch on the table and pushes it towards Broon.
She listens in horror to Brron recounting the story of the dead father and dog and the two goblins who committed the atrocities. I will have to have those poor children and mother over for stew sometime.
"Oh sure, the feast", Broon stows away the bag, "Thank you Ameiko but this last incident has troubled me greatly. I'm going to scout the border woods today, see if I can find any signs of trouble. Any one else care to join me?"
"Scouting isn't really my bag, Broon. You all can have fun in the forest, but I'll find something to occupy my time here in the civilized town. I might run by the theatre. I might find some time to go to the library for a bit...or I might lounge around and be lazy for a bit, too."
"I'll come along. You could use someone to keep your blood inside."
"Your company is most welcomed. I think around the Alergast house is a good place to start. Ready? "
-Posted with Wayfinder
Over the rest of the day, Torg silently concocts various potions and things better left unsaid while Loriana spends the day in meditation.
Elena visits the theatre to practice for the upcoming play and visits the poor family from the day before with Ameiko in tow and two large hams with all the fixin's. Elena learns that Amele's sister is coming to take her and kids to Magnimar in a few days.
Broon, Dashuun and Maze venture off to explore around Alergast and Amele's house for any more signs of goblins, but they don't find anything much more beyond the general chaos that was found earlier. It seems these two goblins were trapped inside the town and bunkered down in the house.
"I'm so glad your sister wil be coming to help you to Magnimar. I'm sure there's so much more to do there, and the children will be much more happy with all the buzz and activity. I've visited a time or two, never for long, but it's always nice!". Elena was happy for them, as well as a bit relieved, wondering how Amele was going to take care of her family in the small town. Elena follows Ameiko back to the tavern, wondering how the others' days had transpired.
When the remainder returns, Elena fills them in on the news about the family quite excitedly.
Over the course of the next few days, Dashuun and Maze are able to venture off into the woods and explore the surrounding region, even going on a foraging run with the local Oread alchemist. Elena practices with her theatre troupe and is the talk of the town, while Broon alternates through the various aspects of the town, be it aiding the tanner with hunting down a rare albino bear for a fine rug commissioned from Magnimar to becoming the town jokester in the tavern. Torg and Loriana have kept to themselves for the most part, preferring to work on their own projects.
---
On the following Sunday, the town has an unexpected visitor that becomes the buzz of the town gossips. The Sheriff has called all five of his new deputies down to Ameiko's. As they arrive, they spot a tall, thin elvish woman in forester's garb. Everyone in the room looks to have just heard Grim news. Deputies, this is Shalelu, the elvish forester that I informed you of earlier in the week. She is an 'informal' member of the town guard and she has some grim news.
He introduces you to her as Sandpoint's newest crop of goblin-slayers and he explains that she has been a thorn in the side of the local goblin tribes for years, and that few in the region know more about them than she does.
Shalelu speaks up. We have a problem. Sandpoint has not been the only town that has suffered attacks from the goblin tribes. There's been an increase in goblin-related raids along the Lost Coast, particularly in the dale between Nettlewood and Mosswood... Only a day ago, a farm south of Mosswood was burnt to the ground by a group of goblins. Thankfully, I was nearby, and while the farm couldn't be saved, I was able to rescue the family and drive off the goblins. The family is staying at a nearby farm for now, but the goblin problem is obviously not going away.
She breathes in before starting again. "Belor's told me of your work against the goblins. Well
done. I've dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they're tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite."
"There are five major goblin tribes in the region, and, traditionally, they're pretty good at keeping each other in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I 've been able to piece together, members of all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair number of the Mosswood goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the 'longshanks' who killed so many of them. Now that I 've met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you've made an impression."
"In any event, the fact that the five tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don't get along unless they've got something big planned, and big plans require big bosses. I'm afraid that someone's moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, what they're organizing seems like bad news for all of us."
After Shalelu's speech, Sheriff Hemlock announces that he's taking a few of his guards south to Magnimar to see about securing additional soldiers to station at Sandpoint for a few weeks, at least until the extent of the goblin threat can be determined. While he's out of town, he's asked Shalelu to sniff around Shank's Wood, Brinestump, Mosswood, Devil's Platter, and other places
where goblins live to see if she can discover anything else about what's going on. He would also like his deputies to maintain a public presence in Sandpoint over the next few days, if they don't mind. "The locals seem to have taken to you," he says, "And seeing you around town will do a lot for keeping worries down over the next few days."
Once the meeting is over, Shalelu asks to join you for dinner at the Rusty Dragon; she'd like to hear more from them about the Sandpoint raid, and in return she's got a fair amount of goblin lore she can impart to you.
Elena welcomes the goblin warrior to dinner with the group. She fills her in on the contributions the group made to the town during the battle, fully mentioning e help they received from the local nobleman. "Together we were able to drive off most of the little things., thankfully.". She also informs of the unlucky local family that was assaulted by the two stranded goblins. "They have just been everywhere, it seems. I hope you can figure out how to put a stop to them," she asks Shelalu.
"Don't much care for being in the city this long, but if I can do half days, I will. Maze and I need to spend a bit more time under the moon."
"Well of course I'll join you, I've been scouting these woods to no avail. Maybe you'll have better luck. Tell me, do these goblins have any weaknesses you've been able to exploit?".
The only weakness of goblins are ones that everyone knows. They are bloodthirsty little biters who enjoy fire too much. She states over a mug of mead.
She goes on to exposit about the goblins. There are five major goblin tribes in the region. The closest to Sandpoint are the Birdcruncher goblins, who live in caves along the western edge of the Devil's Platter, although traditionally these goblins are the least aggressive of the five. To the south are the Licktoad goblins of the Brinestump Marsh, pests who are excellent swimmers. East are the Seven Tooth goblins of Shank's Wood, goblins who've secured a place for themselves by raiding Sandpoint's junkyard and rebuilding the stolen refuse into armor and weapons. Farther east are the Mosswood goblins, likely the largest tribe but one traditionally held back by feuding families within their own ranks. And finally, there are the Thistletop goblins, who live on the Nettlewood coast atop a small island that some say holds a passing resemblance to a decapitated head.
”Which these five are the strongest, if any? Or the most numbered? Must be hundreds of them right?”
"The goblins united is a dangerous state for all of us. I am always ready to hunt, if that is our need."
"What could the few of us do versus all those goblins? That would be a suicide mission, wouldn't it, unless there are any clever ideas I don't know. A handful almost wiped us out just a few days ago. Five tribes would massacre fifty times our number, I'm afraid."
"We don't have an army, and that's what it would take to kill so many goblins. But if we kill this leader uniting them, or find another way to divide them, then the problem is close enough to solved."
"That is what I was thinking as well, cause some disruption, and with some fortune, take out the leader with a well aimed shot", Broon taps his bow, then sheepishly "Lots of fortune."
Torg agrees with Dashuun, "I would rather not face a lot of the little beasts, but perhaps we could search for where their leader is located? Do we have any clues?"
Shalelu thinks on Broon's question for a moment. I can't say which is the strongest, but the Thistletop are the most driven at this point. There are whisperings of a new leader controlling Ripnugget, the goblin hero of the Thistletop. Big Gugmut from Mosswood is likely the most competent goblin hero in the region, but Bruthazmus will be the toughest. He isn't aligned with any tribe and frequently moves between the tribes. You can sense a hint of disgust at the thought of Bruthazmus.
Shalelu spits on the ground before continuing Bruthazmus has a particular hatred of elves, and we have fought on several occasions.
I have never gained the upper-hand on the beast, but I swear on Erastil's bounty that I will not be the first to fall.
She thinks about your proposed plans. There is so merit to your ideas, but it will be hard to infiltrate any of the clans. Let us follow the Sheriff's instructions before we attempt anything as we would not want to leave Sandpoint unprotected.
"The sheriff wants us to watch the town while he goes south", Broon scratches his beard with a frown, "Sounds like guard work".
"Guard work doesn't sound too difficult. And being seen around town isn't much different than what weve been doing recently. Sounds like soemthing we can handle."
Torg looks at the others and shrugs his shoulders, "So, we wait?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Broon convinces Dashuun to escort him to his new Alchemist friend and they procure two Potions of Cure Light Wounds to restock their supply. The Alchemist winks at Dashuun as he leaves.
Elena makes herself seen about town to reinforce the idea that the town is protected to the locals. A shopkeeper rushes out into the street when he sees her walk by. Please take this! I have made it especially for you and your friends! The man pushes a loaf of bread into her hands, but it feels a bit heavy for the size.
Torg checks in with the blacksmith who is crafting him some scale mail from the remnants of the goblins' armor. Haha. This is an art, my friend. I would think that it should be done within the week.
Loriana seems to be content to sleep in town at Ameiko's, but sequesters herself in the woods and plains surrounding the region during the day.
---
Upon rising the next morning, the group comes down to the main hall of the Rusty Dragon and sees an oddity. Ameiko isn't there to serve them, only a serving girl is there. As soon as the serving girl sees them, she rushes up to them. She is very clearly worried.
I wasn't sure if I should bring this to your attention, but this isn't like Ameiko and the Sheriff isn't around... She hands you a note.
I hope this letter finds you well, and with some free time on your hands, because we've got something of a problem. It's to do with Father. Seems that he might have something to do with Sandpoint's recent troubles with the goblins, and I didn't want to bring the matter to the authorities because we both know he'd just weasel his way out of it. You've got some pull here in town, though. If you can meet me at the Glassworks at midnight tonight, maybe we can figure out how to make sure he faces the punishment he deserves. Knock twice and then three times more and then once more at the delivery entrance and I'll let you in.
In any case, I don't have to impress upon you the delicate nature of this request. If news got out, you know these local rubes would assume that you and I were in on this whole thing too, don't you? They've got no honor at all around these parts. I still don't understand how you can stand to stay here.
Anyway, don't tell anyone about this. There are other complications as well, ones I'd rather talk to you in person about tonight. Don't be late.
Tsuto
Bethana explains that Tsuto was something of a scandal when he was born back in 4688 (a year before Ameiko), since he's a half- elf. Bethana sagely notes, with big eyes, that neither of Ameiko's parents are elves . It was obvious that old Lonjiku wasn't the boy's father, and his rage at the discovery of his wife's indiscretion was the talk of the town for months. Lonjiku's wife Atsuii never revealed who the father was , and it's a testament to Lonjiku's stubbornnes s that they remained married.
Tsuto was handed over to the Turandarok Academy to be raised outside of the Kaijitsu family, ignored by his father and forbidden visits from his mother. Ameiko starting visiting him in secret once she learned about his existence at the age of 10, visiting him a few times a month to keep him company, bring him some food, and promise him that someday things would get all sorted out. That all changed in 4705, when they had a terrible argument in which Tsuto struck Ameiko.
Bethana doesn't know what the argument was about, but whatever it was sent Ameiko away from Sandpoint for a year, during which time she made a living as an adventurer. She returned to Sandpoint a year later to attend her mother's funeral. Tsuto was quite public in his opinions that his father had pushed Atsuii off a cliff to her death, and during the funeral there was a confrontation. Lonjiku nearly broke Tsuto's jaw with his cane, after which Tsuto cursed him and left Sandpoint.
Ameiko has tried to reestablish contact with him ever since, but was never able to track him down.
Please track them down. This isn't like her and Tsuto has never had her best interests at heart! The halfling serving girl pleads with you.
"Well, I can certainly understand the father's rude personality a bit better now. But if he helped the goblins, then we have no choice but to bring him in. Ameriko would want us to follow up on her, I know it," Elena nods She pulls out the day old loaf of bread and offers to share it with the others. "A bit of bread for the road," she offers, as she tears off a small hunk.
”We should definitely go in her place”, Broon speaks up, ”Perhaps Elena can borrow Amieko's cloak as we approach the Glasswork, not spook Tsuto away?”.
"Well let's go see this fellow", Broon straps his gear on.
"I agree. Let us follow and aid however we can."
The main components of glass are all found in abundance nearby: sand, seaweed, salt-resistant plants (the ashes of which form an important reagent in the process), and lime extracted from stone quarried from the cliffs of Devil's Platter. All that remained was the technical proficiency to work these components into glass.
When the deputies arrive at the Glassworks, they find the building curiously silent. Neighbors have noticed the lack of traffic into and from the building, but since the furnace chimney still plumes with smoke, most assume that the building is simply closed to allow Lonjiku and his workers some privacy while they work on a big project. A quick investigation ofthe building perimeter reveals that curtains have been drawn over the windows and all the doors are locked. There appear to be skylights above that look into the building and are unobscured, and a character who climbs to get on the roof can look through them. The rumble of the Glassworks' furnace is plainly audible from within.
The climb appears to be fairly difficult as you are scaling the outside of a building. You might be able to find a few handholds to support your climb...
"Boys, if one of you is climbing all the way up there, you are on your own. I'd prefer to find another way in...you know, one with a lower altitude. I'm not the best climber in the world. Can any of you pick a lock?"
"Let's have a look around the building first", Broon casually but quietly walks around the side and back of the building, "Maybe a back door or someone out here. Come on.".
Dashuun follows behind Broon in his new habit of keeping the archer alive.
A quick investigation of the building perimeter reveals that curtains have been drawn over the windows and all the doors are locked.
"We could always knock out a window and let ourselves in that way, of course. A bit noisy, but we need to get in there. Why would all the curtains be pulled?"
"We are deputized, so let's deputize", Broon heads to the front door, "Breaking a window is same as breaking a door, just more climbing". He pulls out his great sword, see if possible to lever break the lock or chop through something.
"Has it occurred to you to knock?"