|
Chrona scans the area, she's interested in if there were shops and vendors around in this area. She'll also be on the lookout for anything suspicious, particularly anything along the lines of demonic markings. 'Is this nonsense your way of reaching out to me Ralxik?'
After hearing Ren, Chrona approaches the man who is already with a few of the others, "Are you alright? What is your name?"
|
Praetor removes his waterskin from the belt pouch and trickles water down the blade of his greatsword to clean it, then does the same to the spattering of goblin blood on his half plate. He shakes the blade once to shed the water droplets then sheathes it on his back.
"You are very fortunate, sir. A moment longer and those goblins would have had you." Praetor offers the man what's left in waterskin. He attempts to question the man, but not seem as though it is an interrogation.
"Do you know why the goblins would target you? Were you simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?" He pauses, remembering the slain dog that died protecting its owner. "I'm sorry for your dog. He was brave. Would that we could have saved him, too."
A hint of suspicion makes Praetor question the man, so he attempts to detect if the man is evil.
After this he turns to the five other fighters that helped defend the town. Praetor has seen their combat ability, their heart, they impress him. "The best hope for defending Sandpoint against more invasions is to go on the offensive. What say we bring the fight to them?"
After a rest, of course. It has been too long since I last had reason to run in my armor. Combat is exhausting.
Arkon approaches Praetor "So warrior I am Arkon and I like this town, shall we gather who we can and make sure it is clear of these foul goblins?"
Praetor nods as Arkon approaches him. "I am with you. There may yet be fighting." Praetor takes a deep breath and readies himself again. "You and Orz fight well together. Perhaps he can help us scout for more invaders."
Lackspell looks slightly taken aback at Ren's words.
She looks so young to be walking the road of adventurer. I wonder how she came to be on this path?
Yes indeed, young miss. He could very well be. Noble folk often get themselves mixed up in all sorts of strange business. But I don't know that I can offer any assistance. I am no adventurer like you and your friends. I am just a humble traveling alchemist looking for a place to call home.
At this point, the town guard is coming out in numbers, and the Goblins are being driven off. If you want to interrogate them, several have been captured alive, though you'll have to deal with the red tape of the town guard. Battle is dying out, and none of the defenders of Sandpoint look sorely pressed. This attack is unusual, indeed.
Praetor, you don't detect evil from the man, who is now offering his thanks and shaking your hand effusively.
"Good sirs, I am in your debt! Your skill, your bravery...what luck for me and for Sandpoint that such mighty warriors happened upon the festival!"
Then, he catches sight of Chrona and smiles brilliantly.
He walks over to her, and performs an elaborate bow. He is tall, thin and handsome, with long dark hair swept back in a ponytail. He is dressed richly.
"My lady, clearly your beauty is matched only by your power! I thought to myself, well, if I am to die, at least I have already been gifted with a glimpse of the divine!"
He turns so that he is addressing you all.
"My name is Aldern Foxglove. I'll be staying at The Rusty Dragon over the next few days, and you all simply must accept my gratitude. I'd like to invite you to my home, Foxglove Manor, for a day of leisure in the lap of luxury. Find me at the Inn, and we shall talk. I pray to see you all again soon!"
With that, he sets off, and a short, muscular woman walks around the corner, using a cloth to clean her rapier. She spots all of you and walks over as she sheathes her weapons. She grins amicably at you.
"Not bad at all!", she says, a hint of an Eastern accent creeping into her inflection. "We owe you thanks. I'm Ameiko, owner of The Rusty Dragon. And you just saved one of my regulars! He's a bit stuffy, but not a bad guy. Listen, I know how adventurers operate. There's probably a lot of followup you want to do. But whenever you need a place to rest, well, Sandpoint could use more people like you. Free rooms at my inn for a week! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to make sure none of the little bastards lit the place on fire."
She trots off to go check on her inn.
You guys are free to do whatever you'd like at this point! I'll get a loot list together for you later.
|
|
Chrona smiles and blushes at the nobleman's complements, "Thank you sir Foxglove," she coos with a curtsy, "You are too kind, it was the least I could do for a man of your stature and I will very much look forward to seeing you later at the Rusty Dragon!"
'What a lovely dressed gentlemen, I could still use some jewels..'
Turning to the group, "To be honest I'm not adventurer either, but I would like to talk with a goblin or two if the guards don't make it too difficult."
Hmm, the Rusty Dragon eh? That's nice. Their food was some of the best I tasted before the ... umm .. before the goblins ... AND it's close to the stable too, that's handy.
|
|
After he and Arkon are sure there is no more goblin-trouble in Sandpoint, Praetor finds a senior-looking member of the town guard.
"Excuse me. My name is Praetor Ryswell, of the Dawnguard. I was among those who fought to repel the goblin invaders. We may be of service still if you will allow us to interrogate a goblin or two. They may hold important information pertaining to the safety of Sandpoint. We must ensure that what happened today is not repeated."
The guard you find is clearly exhausted, and shrugs.
"Sheriff Hemlock will make that decision. You can find him at the guard post."
He gives you directions.
Varak had listened to most going on, trying to stifle a smile on everyone's admission of not being an adventurer. He wondered if the that would truly be the path for them set for their future, if they just hadn't begun walking it yet. Hearing the mention of the Sheriff though, that would seem like the most likely place to find any goblins they had managed to capture alive, the reptilian priest finally speaking to the group.
"I wish to speak with this Sheriff Hemlock, if only to see if he or a captured goblin could shed some light on this attack. I'd rather learn what we can before we go marching on the combined group of multiple tribes with too little as they did here," he'd tell them all, smiling before heading off to hunt down the Sheriff of this human settlement. At least now he had a better place to stay afterwards if he had the kind Ameiko's offer could be taken to heart.
|
|
Praetor agrees with Arkon, "We should enlist the others for help. We have strength in numbers, and the Captain will be hard-pressed to refuse us." He returns to the others with the information and the hope of gaining their support.
"The Captain of the Town Guard has taken goblin prisoners to the Guard Post. Any of you who think they can help convince the Captain to let us question them, or would like to participate in the interrogation, please accompany me. Either way, the Captain should meet the ones who risked their lives to defend Sandpoint. Once we have answers we can devise a plan. I expect this was only the first of many battles to come."
"This is acceptable, I'd like to be present for the interrogation. I'll follow your lead on this since I agree we'll need to be ready for whatever else these goblins have planned for Sandpoint," the lizard would reply to Praetor, giving a nod as he seemed ready to follow wherever they needed to go.
You are able to find the Guard Post easily. It's definitely busier than normal and it bustles with activity. At a desk, standing and poring over a map with three guardsmen, is Sheriff Hemlock, who you recognize from earlier. She seems to be issuing orders. You are free to approach.
Lackspell also follows the group for a while, but like Ren, hangs back, having nothing to contribute to the discussion with the Sheriff or to the interrogation if they do manage to convince the Sheriff to let them undertake one.
If either the conversation or the interrogation last more than a few minutes, Lackspell will in fact wander off... heading back to the Church in the hopes of talking to the Priest.
|
|
Chrona is in step with those at the front of the pack while they head to the Guard Post, "I'll stay out of the way until we're given a moment with the Goblin, but when it comes to the interrogation I will be pressing fear into the creature, heavily. Any of you can feel free to defend it in the hopes of gaining trust," she shows a side grin, "but to have the right tension I won't be easy on you either."
Once they're in the post Chrona hangs back and observes. When the time seems right, she nudges Praetor forward to approach the Sheriff.
|
|
"Sheriff Hemlock!" Praetor says with a smile, "I have come with the five others that helped defend Sandpoint. Six, if you count Orz. Each of them fought with courage, each did their part to destroy the goblin invaders." He pauses to allow the Sheriff to acknowledge the defenders.
"I fear our work is unfinished. As a member of the Dawnguard I must ensure that the threat to Sandpoint is eliminated. That's why we're here. With your permission we would interrogate two of the goblin invaders, find out why they came, and who sent them. Then we can ensure this never happens again."
"What do you say?"
Hemlock is actually quite relieved to see all of you. She looks up at your greeting and smiles when she sees you.
"Well if it isn't Sandpoint's newest heroes! Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for what you did today. If not for your swift, decisive action, things could have been so much worse. I'd have no problem with you interrogating one of the little guys, just...remember this is a civilized town. It's what separates us from them. So make sure you go about this in the proper way. Come on, I'll take you to the cells."
She leads you through the building to a stairwell, which does underground. These are apparently the cells, and they are empty, save for one Goblin. It's back is pressed to the wall of the cell and it watches you silently.
"Most of them either died fighting or got away. This one slipped on a slick cobble ton while fleeing and hit its head, so it was stunned and easy to capture. We haven't had a moment yet to conduct an investigation. We're too busy securing the city. So I would appreciate you sharing whatever you learn."
She hands Praetor the key, and leaves you.
|
|
Praetor looks at the skeleton key in his hand, then up to the goblin. For a moment, he feels pity - the creature is small, its head bloodied, the cell is dark.
It looks like a frightened child. The Dawnguard shows no mercy.
"Do you speak common, goblin? Listen carefully, you can cooperate with us now, give us the information we need and you will have nothing to fear. Otherwise your next meeting will be with the Sandpoint hangman. Understand?"
He unlocks the jail cell door and enters, hoping at least a few of the others follow him inside. "I'm going to ask you gently. My friends here may not be as gentle." Praetor motions to Chrona and the others. Once inside, Praetor shuts the cell door. He kneels down to its level and smiles, hoping to gain the goblin's trust.
But Praetor has forgotten to clean blood spatter from his right hand and arm. "This is very simple. Why did you attack Sandpoint? Who sent you? Where did you come from? How many more of you are there?"
The Goblin shrinks back from your blood spattered arm and begins to chitter in Goblin.
|
|
Chrona will follow Praetor in. She'll keep quiet at the beginning, wanting to see if Praetor's line of questioning will work outright. Though she does watch the Goblin with a menacing stare, snapping the fingers of her right hand to a casual slow beat. With every snap is a bright spark that momentarily lights the underground cell and then quickly fades, creating odd shadows for the mind to play with..
"You'd be wise to speak common if you can."
The Goblin gulps audibly, and seems to be on the verge of flat-out terror. It speaks, almost frantically.
"I speak Common! Speak Common good! I speak Common best for fire lady! Ummm...what you want me say?"
|
|
"You don't want to make her ask a second time."
Praetor pauses for a few moments to let the silence sink in. The only sound is Chrona's snapping fingers, and the short bursts of fiery light that jump from them.
"You must be thirsty. Hungry too. You tell me what we need to know and I'll make sure the guards bring you cool water and a warm meal. Tell me more and you'll get a cold pint of ale. On my honor."
Varak for the most part only watched as the other two handled this, not wanting to get too involved and make questioning the little goblin even more difficult. The little wretch seemed jittery enough as it was without a lizardfolk in the cage with him. "The tribes..." he said aloud to the two companions doing most of the talking. "Ask it why it's tribe was working together with the others. And which tribes are doing this as well," he added, keeping near the wall to stay as far away from the captive as possible.
Between the two of you and the promise of food and drink, it seems eager to tell you what it knows.
"Uh...I not knowing how many more. Warchief Ripnugget send us, but that's because longshanks told him to! Working with other tribes because we be killed if not! Attack Sandpoint because we ordered to, but I not knowing why. Came from all over wilderness, we did!"
It pauses, eyeing you plaintively.
"I help, yes?
|
|
"Yes, you help. What's your name, goblin?" Praetor reminds himself that his duty to the Dawnguard requires he eliminate evil from the world, but he questions what that really means. Perhaps the goblin can be turned?
"Where can we find Warchief Ripnugget and Longshanks? Is Longshanks a goblin?"
Praetor gets closer to the goblin. Do you have family? Do you want to see them again? We can help you with that. Help us get rid of the Warchief and his boss. Cast them down, turn your life around, and you will be happier than ever before."
"Jareth, I am called. Longshanks is...Longshanks. Like you. Shanks are long. Warchief...I not know. Some say he looking for big base."
Jareth strokes his chin.
"Chief and war chief not like Jareth. Say I too curious. I want to read! But, they not let me. No family. They die when young. Raised to fight! But...not much good."
|
|
"Longshanks is a human, you say? Interesting."
Praetor stops for a few moments, wondering what it all means. What would Longshanks have to gain by sending goblins to attack Sandpoint?
"Jareth, my name is Praetor. These five here-" he motions to the others "they killed many goblins today. I'll be honest, Jareth, I expected the same for you. But you are not what I expected, and you may be more helpful to us alive than dead. Now, I will have to talk with my friends here, and the Sherrif, but we may be able to get you out of this jail cell. In return, will you help us find Warchief Ripnugget and Longshanks? If you're good, maybe we can even teach you to read. What do you say?"
He waits for the goblin's answer, then motions for the others to gather around him at the cell door and whispers, "I have a plan. We can use this goblin's help to find the ones who organized this attack. Normally I would never- I have a feeling about him. We would need time to gather our thoughts, supplies, and to speak with the Sheriff and others. And we couldn't just let him free - the townspeople would tear him apart. But it could work, we could make it work. What do you think?"
"Whatever we decide, I promised this goblin a pint of ale and a warm meal for information. I intend to keep that promise."
|
|
Chrona listens to everyones perspectives. She has stopped her intimidation tactics and simply has her arms crossed.
"We seem to have our in with this one, and I trust you all will deliver the 'righteous justice' if he betrays you upon release. In such a case my talents are no longer needed here tonight, I'll head back with Ren and see how close I can get in with Foxglove. If his manor itself isn't a target of the Goblins, he'll at least be valuable with regional knowledge."
Chrona had tried to hide her selfish intentions with Foxglove's apparent wealth, she isn't sure if her feigned comradery was believed though..
Jareth seems to find this plan quite agreeable, and is willing to help. It is, however, getting late in the day, and the Goblin seems quite tired. You were not what he expected, either.
You are all starting to fee weary, yourself. A hot meal and comfortable bed is starting to sound rather appealing.
"Lord Apsu believes everyone deserves a second chance if they plead for one and mean it. If you believe this goblin means to help and make amends then I stand with the decision to give him that chance," the lizardfolk would nod, glancing outside as the twilight hours begin to hit. "Perhaps though after a day as today we should all find a warm meal and rest. We should join our friend at Miss Ameiko's. We'll have a long day ahead of us I'm sure tomorrow."
Jareth shrugs.
"I not going anywhere."
Lackspell meanwhile has gone back to the temple to see if any more help is needed tending the injured. He has no real skill at healing but is more than happy to help by simple fetching and carrying. If it turns out that everything is in hand and his help is not needed then he will simply check with the priest to ask about the church and the ceremony. Specifically he is interested to know if there would be any reason for the goblins to be either attacking the church or trying to stop the ceremony.
With that done, he will then head up to the inn he stayed at last night and collect his belongings and then head down to the Rusty Dragon and arrange a room there instead.
Lackspell, your help is appreciated. Father Zantus tells you everything he knows. The Swallowtail Festival is an annual holiday, sacred to Desna. There was no magical significance to the festival or to the dedication of the new cathedral. Zantus seems as baffled as you.
You, as well as everyone else, have quite nice rooms at The Rusty Dragon waiting for you. The inn is bustling with activity, but it's easy enough to find a table. Ameiko eventually makes her way over to you with trays full of pleasantly bitter beer and exotically spiced sausage and vegetables. You can feel free to eat your fill, and when you're ready, Ameiko will show you to your rooms.
Lackspell will gratefully accept the food but will ask for something non-alcoholic to drink. Having already stepped well out of his comfort zone this day he is, although happy to stay in the main room with all the activity going on, going to sit quietly and people watch for a bit.
|
|
Back at the Rusty Dragon, Chrona looks for Foxglove. She hopes that they weren't at the interrogation too late.
"Aldern Foxglove! I was hoping you'd be up this late." She lithely slides into a chair next to him with a warm smile, acknowledging anyone else who may be at the table.
"I hope the rest of you evening was less eventful. I'm so sorry about your dog, earlier as well. Such a cute pup." She rubs his shoulder in a caring and sensual way. "But let's talk about pleasant things, tell me about your manor! I'm sure it's lovely this time of year."
Chrona strolls to the bar. She lights up a cigarette and thinks about the day. When the bartender greets her, she mentions Ameiko and gets some warm food and drink.
She tries to not appear tired but fails miserably.
It seems that Aldern has already retired for the evening, it's not every day one almost gets skewered by Goblins!
|
|
Praetor gorges on more food than he should reasonably eat, and drinks as much and then some. He knows he shouldn't indulge like he is, but feels that he has earned himself some excess. Tomorrow might take me away from town to hunt the goblin warlord - tonight I will feast as though it is my last warm meal for a month.
The more Praetor drinks, the more boisterous and different from his typical self he becomes. At different points throughout the night he:
Flirts heavily with Chrona, telling her such a beautiful woman should have all the luxuries in the world.
Confronts Lackspell, Varak Suur, and Arkon at different times, telling them each how incredible they were while fighting the goblins earlier (and generally not knowing when to shut up).
Tells Ren that she is "more brave and beautiful" than she knows.
Boasts about his own exploits of the day, specifically repeating how he "killed five goblins in as many swings with this here sword!"
And finally, brags that he "met a goblin and now we're friends." This one in particular draws nasty looks from some of the other patrons - their own experiences with goblins earlier were not nearly so positive.
Only then does Praetor succumb to drunken weariness and stumble to his room where he passes out and snores loudly.
|
|
In response to Praetor, "I could not agree with you more!" she says with a wink. "If only I had a handsome man like you to bring them to me," she tries to force out and repay the compliment.
Though she fears she had over done it and seriously lead the drunk man on...
She soon retires to her bed as Praetor begins to tell battle stories. 'Tell me when 6 shrivel and burn in your grasp...'
Lackspell will sit and enjoy the evening in a quiet, slightly vicarious fashion. He does not really join in but he seems to get some satisfaction from being around people who are having a good time. He looks quite embarrassed and awkward when Praetor tries to tell him how well he did in the fight, not knowing what to say or where to look.
At some point, early in the evening he will pop briefly next door to the stables to make sure it didn't get attacked by goblins and to check on the well-being of his donkey.
For all that he tried not to appear nervous when near Chrona, he clearly relaxes a little more when she retires for the evening.
But apart from that brief excursion, he will spend the evening sipping at his fruit juice and enjoying the warmth of the room.
Varak only chuckles at drunken warriors boisterous antics, for the most part only listens and nods. He enjoys his company with the others, surprised to hear Chrona being flirty with the paladin as well. He'd chalk it up though to her fiery free spirit. Lackspell seemed to be cut of the same cloth as himself, both just preferring a quite evening after the chaos. The two of them seemed to stay awake a little longer than the rest, the lizardfolk ordering himself enough meat to satisfy his hunger and overpower the disgusting taste of goblin from his mouth and between his fangs. It was no wonder his teacher avoided eating the things. He'd offer a prayer to the Waybringer late into the night before finally turning in.
Lackspell is content to just sit and enjoy some quiet companionship with Varak Suur although his mind is awhirl at the thought of the day.
By all the gods, what a day! Who could have dreamed it. Before today I had never even met one of the lizardfolk, and now I am sitting at table with one, having fought beside him against goblins. Goblins! of all things...and those weird goblin-dogs of theirs. They didn't really look like dogs proper. I wonder if they are truly a breed of dog or some other thing entirely. It's a shame I didn't think to take a closer look at the body of one of them when we rescued the nobleman. If they're actually not related to dogs then they may have components of value to be collected. Silly of me to miss that chance but they'll probably be on some pyre by now.
He does not seem amused as Varak Suur does at the drunkenness of Sir Praetor, appearing instead slightly sad and a little uncomfortable, although he passes no comment about it.
The night passes, and you find yourselves much refreshed in the morning. Despite your revelry, Praetor, you made sure you had enough water to avoid the worst of the hangover.
When you all make it down for breakfast, Sheriff Belor Hemlock is waiting for you, clad in armor. She's seated at a table, and waves you over as you all come down, wanting to speak to you all.