As the goblin charges forward, Milah steps in faster than a blink and the creature finds himself wounded by her sharp blade. In his surprise, he lashes out at her with a very wicked looking piece of metal.
Horrified by the scene of rabid murder, Aurica summons deathly magic and throws it at the goblin to choke it of energy. She also changes her aura to protect her allies.
6/6 points remaining
Maerra swings her axe but catches more wall than goblin with the strike.
Milah easily bats the goblin's wild swing aside and as it gets ready for her counter strike, he suddenly finds himself without the strength to even heft his weapon. He ducks Maerra's axe just in time to catch Milah's blade in the throat. Before he can register the loss of his life, Zev's mace puts him out of everyone's misery.
Just as the goblin falls to the ground, the woman and her child come rushing in the room to see her dead husband lying on the ground. "Oh my gods no!", she screams. The young boy can do nothing but stare at the body as his mother goes over and kneels on the floor crying, the baby still in her arms.
Soon, a couple of guards come in, look at all of you and then at the dead goblin. One of them nods in your direction. "Seems not everything is back to normal, then."
Not long after, Sheriff Hemlock joins you at the home. "Well done. This isn't the first hidden one we've found, but hopefully it's the last." He pauses, putting a hand on the woman's shoulder, who cringes a bit. "Come, Mrs. Barett. We'll have Zantus look after you for a while. I'll send a message to your sister in Magnimar." He signals the two other guards to clean up the mess and escort the woman and her son out. When everyone is gone, he looks at each of you with an even more than usual grim expression. "Shalelu is in town. She wants to meet with you and the mayor in the morning. Come to the mayor's place after you have had breakfast and we'll share with you what she found out." He says nothing more as he leaves.
Aurica tries to comfort the new widow with a soft pat on the shoulder, but it doesn't have much effect.
Toilday, 24 Rova, 4707.The Day After the Goblin Attack
"Milah, the Fancy Sword Cat!"
"Lilyroot, the Walking Plant"
"Aurica, the Divine Spirit"
"Maerra, the Stout Warrior"
"Zev, the True Shot"
"Sorush, the Bravest"** spoiler omitted **...
Either way, I have a boy who seems to have witnessed the attack, and he saw a half orc that he didn't recognize as one of Gorvi's Boys. Am I getting the idea that there are any other witnesses? And did this boy see other humanoids attacking?
If he saw other normal humanoids attacking, then it's way too obvious a lie for me to try to convince people that some unknown out-of-towner half orc was leading a goblin raid. Otherwise, I'd like to paint this for the sheriff as possibly being the same humanoid that broke into the late Father's tomb.
"Huh, nasty little bugger..." Zev comments to no one in particular, then leaves and heads back to the Rusty Dragon to help Ameiko.
He rises early, and can be seen practicing out in the yard, working up an appetite for Ameiko's amazing breakfasts.
Then he eats heartily and waits for the others before going over to see Shalelu at the mayor's.
The rest of you eventually make it back to the Rusty Dragon as Ameiko is making dinner. "It seems you guys have made quite the name for yourselves around here. There's been a few new requests put up on the board specifically calling for you to help. I for one appreciate your presence." She smiles at each of you and then winks at Zev, turning to start the dishes.
Moonday, 30 Rova, 4707, 9:04am. 59 degrees, light wind.
In the morning, Zev is already up and ready when a messenger arrives to awaken the rest of you for your meeting with the Mayor and Sheriff Hemlock. After a light breakfast you head northwest, away from the Rusty Dragon and not towards the Mayor's manor, but up Main Street towards Tower Street. You are being taken to the garrison. Out front are a few extra guards wearing the Mayor's personal colors. You are brought upstairs to a large meeting room. Seated at the table is Mayor Deverin, whose face looks stern through the smile she gives all of you. Sheriff Hemlock is there with his constant look of concern and one new person. An elf, judging by her fine features, bright blonde hair that is up in an unkempt bun and piercing blue eyes that seem to be sizing you up, especially if you decided to bring any weapons with you. It is the Sheriff who speaks first.
"Please be seated, we have much to discuss." As you do, he introduces the elf. "You have probably heard Shalelu's name spoken here and there around town and have been wondering who she is. For all intents and purposes, she is an unofficial member of Sandpoint's town guard. She's been dealing the goblins in the country side for years and probably knows more about them than any one here. Shalelu, these are our newest crop of goblin slayers. Zev here helps out where he can with repairs and guides out to the woods. Aurica is a seer and from what I hear, a very good one. Maerra has also been working as a guide out in the country side as well. Milah has been working with the guard, attempting to teach them proper fighting skills. I'm sure they will prove invaluable in the future."
Shalelu nods at each of you in turn as Hemlock continues. "Our town hasn't been the only place that's been hit recently as you may or may not have heard. Long tale short, the 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. Shalelu was thankfully nearby, and while the farm couldn’t be saved, she did rescue the family and drive off the goblins; the family is staying at another local farm, but we don't know for how much longer they will be safe. Not only that, they've been attacking merchant caravans as well. Vinder came to me last evening telling me one of his shipments was hit. I've never heard of them hitting anything that big. Shalelu will tell you more."
He leans back in his chair and the elf woman stands, regarding you all, a very serious look crossing her face.
“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.”
The Sheriff nods as he stands. "As I mentioned, I will be taking a few guards with me to Magnimar in order to secure more troops in case of more raids like the other night. While I am gone, I've asked Shalelu to sniff around Mosswood, Devil's Platter and Brine Stump, among others, where the goblins live. Maybe she can find out more. Meanwhile, for the next few days, I am hoping you can stick around town, maintain a presence. The folks have taken to you here and they would feel more safe if you stay. What do you say?"
The long speeches and big words dismay Zev for a few moments, but then he realizes that the Sheriff, the Mayor, a nice lady, and the elf , another pretty lady, were saying nice things about Zev and his friends.
When the Sheriff winds up his last speech, Zen nods and says, "Zev will stay!"
Maerra leans back in her chair, "Yeah, I can hang around your burg easy enough. Last time the gobbos came up through the wells and sewers. Is there anything t' stop them doing the same again? Chasing from one fire t'nother is no way to fight a battle if their boss's half a brain."
Milah nods as she is introduced to Shalelu, and again in response to the mayor's question. "I've nowhere better to be for now; I will continue to help however I can."
Turning to Shalelu, she says, "On a related note, your name has come up in some of our investigations as someone that might know something about how the local goblins might be related to ancient Thassilon, or the goddess Lissala or the symbol of a seven-pointed star. Can you think of any connection between them?"
The elf ponders your words for a moment and then responds thoughtfully. "Unfortunately we haven't the power to simply go in and wage a war against the goblins. Though it seems whoever has their collective chains knows this. I've heard of this star you mentioned, but not of its meaning. I have not seen the goblins with it, but if it is showing up where they've been, perhaps the one controlling them would know more. I'll keep an eye out for it while I'm out there."
In response to Belor's request, Aurica says, "I am here to stay."
"What are these chains you mention? Some symbol or artifact of leadership among the goblins?"
"Perhaps my Taldane is not as good as I suspected," Shalelu says with a slight smile. "I mean to say that the one or two or whoever is getting the goblins to work together would know more about your star than the goblins themselves. Goblins are very easy to manipulate and scare, meaning easily controlled by one who is skilled at both."
"Is there anything we can do to assist you, Shalelu?"
The elven woman nods. "There is a lot of ground to cover. Perhaps if we were to split up the territory.."
"As long as some of you can stay in town.", Sheriff Hemlock says. "With me gone, who knows what some of our less savory folk would get into."
"Agreed," says Mayor Deverin. "I have grown to trust your group and Hemlock agrees, your presence would do much to dissuade troubles until we get a better handle on what's going on with the goblins. You are welcome to do as you wish, of course."
Aurica turns to her companions. "I think my strengths are better suited to being here in town. I, at least, will remain here to keep the peace and do what I can to keep the people's spirits high. What do you all think?"
"Will you stay in Sandpoint, Mayor Deverin, or will you be going with the sheriff?"
Mayor Deverin waits for your compatriots to finish speaking before she answers. "I will remain here. I trust Belor with this mission and he has placed his trust in you. That said, it is imperative I remain to show that Sandpoint will not be cowed by goblins."
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Milah nods once more, "As I said, I will remain here for as long as I am needed, or until something more pressing pulls me away." She smirks and adds, "After all, your militiamen would likely be lost without me keeping them on their toes each day."
"If no one's been down in the muck to stop the gobs coming in that way again I guess you need a dwarf to take care of it. If I'm wrong and someone has, then I'll head out with Shalelu. Agreed?"
"Sounds like it is settled then.", the mayor says. "May the gods smile upon you and upon us all."
You each spend the next few days patrolling the town and the surrounding environs, documenting the movements of the goblins and making sure certain elements in town keep their noses clean. It isn't exciting work, but it is necessary. You make a few friends and maybe even a few less-than-friends as well. Nonetheless, you have been accepted as a part of Sandpoint and have come to be trusted as capable troubleshooters. That is why it has come as no surprise when Bethana, Ameiko's elder halfling woman hired help comes to you one morning asking for your assistance.
Oathday, 3 Lamashan, 4707, 8:26am. 48 degrees, light wind.
"I don't know where she is! Ameiko is usually up early to start breakfast and she wasn't here when I awoke. I checked on her room and, well, it looked like her bed wasn't even slept in. I was worried, so I looked inside just to make sure and I found this," she holds out a note written in Ameiko's language. "Flip it over/", Bethana says.
It reads:
Once you are finished reading, Bethana continues. "You have to find her!"
Milah quickly grabs her gear and queries the halfling woman, "What can you tell us about the Glassworks?"
In the three days before, Maerra tries to map the sewers to find a few places where putting in a few bars or similar might impede a second goblin attack. Paying or arm-twisting someone into doing so is someone else's job, hopefully Mayor Deverin's.
On reading the note she asks, "Your translation, Bethana? Have you heard anything about this Tsuto bloke?"
(total 4.4 gp)
Aurica attempts to read between the lines of the letter...
Zev's eyes widen in alarm at then news that Ameiko was missing, looking rather lost himself.
He takes his turn at reading the note, slowly, his lips moving as he parses the words. Occasionally, he'll point to a word and get someone's assistance, smiling his thanks.
Finally , after some time, he's done, and looks up "Ameiko has a brother? "
Bethana nods. "Ameiko had been teaching me a little Minkaian. I think I have the gist of it." She sighs, choosing her next words. "See, Tsuto is a half elf. You may notice that Ameiko is fully human. Neither of her parents are elves. You get the idea. Needless to say, this was quite the scandal quite a few years ago. True to his stubbornness, her father, Lonjiku, stayed with his wife, but it was unpleasant. He treated Tsuto like he was a gutter rat. The two would argue often as not. Eventually, their mother became ill and she didn't make it through the winter. Tsuto blamed Lonjiku and they came to blows. When it was over, Tsuto left Sandpoint, never to return. Ameiko went after him and spent the better part of a year adventuring to find him before giving up and settling here. "
"Lonjiku has kept the Glassworks going, not surprisingly. He is one of the reasons Sandpoint still stands. People from all over come to see his creations. "
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"Did it look like Ameiko took much gear with her? Are her weapons still in her room?"
Bethana shakes her head. "No. Everything is still here."
"Well, let's waste no more time."
Aurica is leaving for the Glassworks.
Zev stands as well, "Yeah, let's go meet Ameiko's brother! "
He follows Aurica towards the Glassworks.
Oathday, 3 Lamashan 4707, 10:29 am, 52 degrees, light wind.
You approach the Glassworks, pride of Sandpoint and the Lonjiku family. In the last couple of weeks, it has been a busy place, being a major part of Sandpoint's economy, but today is different. Though the chimney is still smoking, no customers enter or leave the building and in fact, from the street you can see that many of the windows are covered as well...
Milah approaches the building, listening and looking for any clues...or, for that matter, anything out of the ordinary.
Puffing slightly, Maerra jogs up. "Wait up!"
She looks around to see whether there's any locals around, even if they're not going in or out.
If there's nothing to give her pause, Aurica approaches the first entrance she sees and opens the door to enter.
It is mid morning, so Glass Street is fairly busy at this point, the smell of Sandpoint Savories drawing a crowd as well as pilgrims to the House of Blue Stones just down the way. Most of the local folk around seem to be curious that the Glassworks are locked up, but they only watch as you approach the building. As Aurica attempts to open the front door, she finds that it is locked.
Aurica gives the door a push with her shoulder.
"This door is locked, and I can't get it to budge," she says to the others.
Milah waves the others over to the heavily-curtained window. "There's something going on in there; shrieking, giggling, breaking glass. Perhaps more goblins, but I can't be sure."
"Goblins in there? We don't need that." exclaims Maerra in alarm. She gets out her waraxe and bashes the glass in on the window near the door, then uses the sleeve of her armored coat to brush fragments away.
"Goblins? They couldn't have been holed up in here the whole time while the place was operational for the last several days, could they? Something else is going on here."
Aurica lets the others go first before she climbs through the window. She activates her Star aura .
As Maerra breaks the glass, you notice some of the local folk stop and watch. Pretty soon, a small crowd of people is starting to form. One of them comes forward. "Hey, is something wrong? Is everything okay in there? I don't think Kaijitsu will be very happy with you breaking into his place."
Inside the room with the broken window you can see several chairs sitting in a circle, all facing the center of the room and the squeals and giggles and breaking glass is much louder.
Zev, who at first had been thinking the same thing, finally realized what might be going on inside.
"Sounds like some gobbies got in are breaking things...we're gonna roust 'em" he says over his shoulder, as he makes his way to the window and levers himself inside.
Once he's standing inside, he plucks his flail from his belt and holds out his hand to assist the others in climbing through...
"Yeah, we don't need more enemies inside the walls," adds Maerra, "y'saw how that went last time. Get someone to keep an eye on the back of this place and see if any go out that way, right? Don't take them on, just see where they go." She accepts Zev's hand to get in quickly.
Aurica follows the others in through the window.
Before she can suggest a more surreptitious approach, the glass is shattered and Milah has missed an opportunity.
With the extra attention directed at the group, she tries to soothe the onlookers' concerns. "The doors are locked during business hours, and we heard suspicious sounds coming from inside. We need to investigate; surely you understand."
That said, she follows the others into the building, rapier held ready.
The speaking townsman nods. "Well enough then. We just want to make sure you were alright. Folks have been mighty jumpy of late, seeing goblins around every corner. " They disperse as you make your way into the building.
This room has two other doors leading out of it, both of which are closed. Other than that, there are ten total wooden chairs, all facing inward. If anyone inside beyond the doors heard you enter, there are no signs of it. Yet.
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Maerra pauses for a moment to judge where the noises are coming from, then opens the door which seems to lead most closely to that direction.