Gan considers the words of both Mvashtis and is deep in thought until Tybus and Lamsfel's words shake him from his contemplation.
Yes, perhaps we should be going. Don't want to keep our "admirers" waiting. He says with a smirk.
Tristan is puffed up like a toad at being named a Hero of Sandpoint, but he quickly deflates as his new friends rise to leave. He bows to Koya as he bids good-bye and wishes luck upon the house, then joins Lamsfel and the others.
Koya's own dresses won't fit Marcelina, but she's had several "daughters" who are closer to the younger woman's size. It takes very little time before Marcelina has what Koya considers suitable raiment for the event, a multilayered ruffled skirt and silk blouse, and matching head- and hip scarves to go with it.
Elsewhere in town, the men find that Sandpoint is slowly returning to something resembling normalcy, at least at fist glance - shops that were closed earlier have opened, and the streets have handfuls of people moving through them. In the eyes of the passersby, however, you can see a skittish fear hiding just below the surface. Sudden noises produce startled jerks, and many people are carrying weapons - hand-me-down swords that haven't seen a whetstone in two generations, bent bows that would be lucky to send an arrow straight for ten whole yards - who would never have considered such a thing before.
At the same time, though, you also see broad smiles and awed looks when the townsfolk recognize you. A few men and women even shake your hands, offering thanks for your acts of heroism last night - a couple make references to things you're not sure actually happened (the goblin bard didn't actually summon a fire elemental, you're fairly certain), but everyone seems to know that you stepped up to protect the town when most everyone else was just running for their own lives.
As the men reach the town square near Sandpoint Cathedral, they see Fanther Zantus, two of his acolytes and Sheriff Belor Hemlock holding an earnest and apparently troubling conversation in the graveyard behind the church.
I'll meander over to the sheriff's and priest's conversation and take a glance around the graveyard. You all have the look that says a storm's brewin', I'll say to them if they acknowledge me.
After getting the proper clothes, Marcelina thanks Koya profusely, apologizes again for any trouble she may have been, and then takes her leave.
Seeing as she is alone she'll run back by her room to drop off the clothes and grab her spear before heading to the ocean. She'll find a spot away from any hustle and bustle, perhaps a bit outside of town, and relax, go for a swim, and catch herself some lunch. Unless someone bothers her, she's quite likely to spend the rest of the day out by the water. This is the reason she came here after all.
Still, she gets back to her room in time to change and be ready for the event.
I'll meander over to the sheriff's and priest's conversation and take a glance around the graveyard. You all have the look that says a storm's brewin', I'll say to them if they acknowledge me.
The Sheriff nods an acknowledgement as the men approach, and Zantus smiles broadly, reaching out to take each of your hands and shake it vigorously. Zantus is a young man, and while he is deeply in tune with the ways of Desna (and generally fairly well educated on the topic of most of the gods of purity in Avistan), in other ways he is still fairly inexperienced. Today he seems young indeed, at least when he speaks to you all with a somewhat goofy grin on his face. "The brave warriors who saved my life and spared the town a great conflagration!" he beams, doing another round of handshakes. Hemlock raises an eyebrow, but Zantus doesn't seem to notice. "Welcome all of you!"
The priest quickly introduces his acolytes - two scrub-faced boys in their late teens named Zeb and Mattison - before turning back to Hemlock, who formally introduces himself in a gravelly baritone. Hemlock is clearly of Shoanti extraction, and there is a slight hint of an accent as he speaks. "You said a storm, sailor? That's as may be. Trouble's sure one word for it," the sheriff nods, pointing to one side. Following his finger, you see a gaping hole in the graveyard earth, in front of a large and somewhat ornate tombstone. Even from here, the words "Father Ezakien Tobyn" are clearly visible on the marker. "Father Zantus found that this morning," Hemlock continues, "after the attack, and just now he was telling me he found ladders on either side of the fence, apparently placed there sometime yesterday. And the trickiest part is this:" amd he hefts the sturdy, dirt-encrusted shovel in his hand. "Looks to be what they used to dig old Tobyn up." It takes a moment, but you quickly all realize the same thing: the shovel is sized for a human or elf - a goblin would have never been able to handle it effectively.
Seeing as she is alone she'll run back by her room to drop off the clothes and grab her spear before heading to the ocean. She'll find a spot away from any hustle and bustle, perhaps a bit outside of town, and relax, go for a swim, and catch herself some lunch. Unless someone bothers her, she's quite likely to spend the rest of the day out by the water. This is the reason she came here after all.
Still, she gets back to her room in time to change and be ready for the event.
The early fall waters are warm, and the many fishing boats that ply the Varisian Gulf are testament to the ease of fishing the blue-green waters of the bay. The coast here is all sharp cliffs and narrow stretches of beach only a few feet wide, but Marcelina can clamber down to one such with only a little difficulty, and you have the rocky beach all to yourself for the day.
Lamsfel shakes Father Zantus' hand - twice - with a smile and nods his head in response to the sheriff's introduction. After the sheriff hefts the shovel and waits for a reaction, it takes a moment for Lamsfel to realize why it's significant - and the anger on his face is clear.
He looks toward where they indicated the ladder was found and at the hole, not trusting himself to say anything just yet.
Tybus will greet the townsfolk with a grim smile. The gaping hole and vacant grave has dampened his spirits once more. Crossing his arms, and letting one hand stroke his chin, he studies the scene intently.
That's a big job for one shovel. Is that the only one ye found?
Then, turning to Father Zantus, The good father, was he in a coffin? It'd take more than one to get it over the wall. Or maybe...?
Survival
"A good thought. Maybe we can find footprints..."
Aid Another Survival
Gan waves a greeting to the men and looks a bit sheepish at the "hero" introduction.
Vile creatures! Graverobbing? Do they hold nothing sacred? And why would they take someone's corpse?
"Who would do such a thing?" Tristan bends down and examines the earth. Survival:
Tybus will greet the townsfolk with a grim smile. The gaping hole and vacant grave has dampened his spirits once more. Crossing his arms, and letting one hand stroke his chin, he studies the scene intently.
That's a big job for one shovel. Is that the only one ye found?
"It's actually one owned by the Cathedral - someone broke into the storage shed over yonder and took it out." Hemlock motions to the small building on the far side of the graveyard, near the fence. "Would be hard for one man to do alone, though, you're right. 'Course, everything's adding up so's to look like whoever did it wasn't alone."
Then, turning to Father Zantus, The good father, was he in a coffin? It'd take more than one to get it over the wall. Or maybe...?
Zantus looks chagrined. "I'm afraid I don't actually know. Father Tobyn died in the fire that destroyed the old Sandpoint Church, the one that our new Cathedral is replacing, and I came out here to help after that. Sheriff, do you recall...?"
"He was," Hemlock nods. A muscle in his cheek twitches. "More reason to think there were several people involved somehow."
Tybus finds no sign of drag or wagon wheel marks, but with Tristan and Lamsfel helping out, he is able to pick out the faint impressions of several footprints in the dirt near the fence, where the deep holes of a set of ladder legs still mark the earth. The footprints are mostly of Small-sized humanoids, but there is at least one set of Medium-sized ones as well. Some of the footprints appear to be deeper than others in the same ground, as though the creatures that made them were heavier. Exact numbers are impossible to determine, but a little more than half a dozen creatures altogether is likely in the right neighborhood.
Marcelina enjoys her time on the rocky shore, oblivious to any signs or news of grave robbing. She heads back to town a bit after lunch () and makes for the inn, looking and feeling very refreshed. Her goal is her room and the new clothes she acquired from Koya, though she does keep an eye out for her new friends as she goes.
Tybus finds no sign of drag or wagon wheel marks, but with Tristan and Lamsfel helping out, he is able to pick out the faint impressions of several footprints in the dirt near the fence, where the deep holes of a set of ladder legs still mark the earth. The footprints are mostly of Small-sized humanoids, but there is at least one set of Medium-sized ones as well. Some of the footprints appear to be deeper than others in the same ground, as though the creatures that made them were heavier. Exact numbers are impossible to determine, but a little more than half a dozen creatures altogether is likely in the right neighborhood.
Tybus exchanges glances with Lamsfel and Tristan after taking note of the soft footprints. He finally says what he's sure they're thinking. Goblins. Grave-robbing goblins, working with a man. Or a... He doesn't finish the thought.
Standing up and putting a hand on the basket hilt of his sword, he looks at his comrades. I don't know if celebrating be the right thing to do. Sheriff? What be your mind of all this?
Tybus finds no sign of drag or wagon wheel marks, but with Tristan and Lamsfel helping out, he is able to pick out the faint impressions of several footprints in the dirt near the fence, where the deep holes of a set of ladder legs still mark the earth. The footprints are mostly of Small-sized humanoids, but there is at least one set of Medium-sized ones as well. Some of the footprints appear to be deeper than others in the same ground, as though the creatures that made them were heavier. Exact numbers are impossible to determine, but a little more than half a dozen creatures altogether is likely in the right neighborhood.Tybus exchanges glances with Lamsfel and Tristan after taking note of the soft footprints. He finally says what he's sure they're thinking. Goblins. Grave-robbing goblins, working with a man. Or a... He doesn't finish the thought.
Standing up and putting a hand on the basket hilt of his sword, he looks at his comrades. I don't know if celebrating be the right thing to do. Sheriff? What be your mind of all this?
Shalelu patrols the surrounding area often. Perhaps she can track the creatures for us?
Storm clouds remain in Lamsfel's eyes as he adds, "I have to agree. Was there a trail that could be followed on the far side of the wall?"
Hemlock looks surprised when Gan mentions Shalelu. "Ah... didn't know you'd met the lady," the sheriff rumbles. "But no, no trail. Other side of the wall's the river bank - like as not they went in and across, it's slow and narrow enough to swim, and the coffin'd float - and who knows where after. But you're right; she does know the area." He pauses, looking you all over speculatively. "Tell you what. Do me a favor and come by my office over in the garrison after the ceremony's done. I've a thought or two I'd like to share with you, and like as not a favor to ask as well."
Well, there goes the hope of an easy trail of shed grave dirt as they carry the coffin through the woods.
As Sheriff Hemlock makes his request, a strange feeling settles on Tybus' heart. This "hero" label might bring more trouble than celebrations.
He nods to the sheriff. Aye. I'll be there.
Unless Amieko starts buying the rounds again. He adds, with a grin.
Lamsfel appears distracted, staring at and through the wall where the ladder stood. With a start, he looks at the sheriff and adds, "I will also be there."
"And I."
Quietly, Lamsfel adds, "You know, I've become accustomed that when I return somewhere I've been, there will be people that have passed on, especially since I spend so much time among humans. I never thought to ask how Father Tobyn met his end or how long he'd been gone." The elf sighs, "He was a good man. A very good man. He deserves to rest in peace as much as anyone I have met, may Desna watch over his soul. If your favor involves avenging this dishonor done to an old friend's bones, know that I will be there to do what I can."
I will be glad to assist in any way I can.
Gan will use sense motive to determine if Hemlock or Zantus is hiding something from us.
If I have to roll separately, take the first for Hemlock and this one for Zantus please.
Hemlock nods. "My thanks, gentlemen. Now, however, I think it is time you got ready for the big show. Before we put you through this, I want to tell you that I'm no small amount of grateful that you're willing to stand up for it. This town needs someone to look up to so we can all get past things. You're doing this town a favor."
Zantus nods enthusiastically, adding, "And those of us who benefited personally from your bravery want to say thank you even more! You really are heroes, you know!"
"One more thing," Hemlock adds as you ready yourselves to leave. "Word's gotten out about Father Tobyn's grave. Was inevitable, course, was way too big to keep someone from noticing. So far, most folks seem to think it was just a terrible goblin prank, like most of the other things they tried - horrific in its own way, but nothing to think too much on. The ladders and the shovel, though - I'd like that kept quiet, if you don't mind. We've got enough trouble as it is without adding to the pile our own selves."
"Agreed." Looking at the other 'heroes', he says, "I need to return to the 'Dragon to clean up. Shall we meet in the common room once we are ready? Or are you ready now - I can meet you somewhere closer to the cathedral."
Looking at the good Father and the sheriff, "Is there somewhere you would like us to meet you? This is really not our show - we are only the guests, after all."
Good idea. We'll keep the scuttlebutt down, for our part. We'll meet later.
** spoiler omitted **
Hemlock nods. "My thanks, gentlemen. Now, however, I think it is time you got ready for the big show. Before we put you through this, I want to tell you that I'm no small amount of grateful that you're willing to stand up for it. This town needs someone to look up to so we can all get past things. You're doing this town a favor."
Zantus nods enthusiastically, adding, "And those of us who benefited personally from your bravery want to say thank you even more! You really are heroes, you know!"
"One more thing," Hemlock adds as you ready yourselves to leave. "Word's gotten out about Father Tobyn's grave. Was inevitable, course, was way too big to keep someone from noticing. So far, most folks seem to think it was just a terrible goblin prank, like most of the other things they tried - horrific in its own way, but nothing to think too much on. The ladders and the shovel, though - I'd like that kept quiet, if you don't mind. We've got enough trouble as it is without adding to the pile our own selves."
I trust you, Sheriff. If you say that's the best course of action to protect the townspeople, I will abide by your decision.
Gan nods his head, preparing to leave.
Until we meet again...
Oh, Sheriff! A sudden thought has Tybus closing the gap between him and the lawman. He leans in, but speaks loud enough for his companions to hear.
Just so ye know, I do plan on letting Marcelina know what we've discovered here. Wouldn't be right to leave her out, seeing how me and Lamsfel are still breathin' thanks to her. But I'm sure she'll stay quiet.
Oh, Sheriff! A sudden thought has Tybus closing the gap between him and the lawman. He leans in, but speaks loud enough for his companions to hear.
Just so ye know, I do plan on letting Marcelina know what we've discovered here. Wouldn't be right to leave her out, seeing how me and Lamsfel are still breathin' thanks to her. But I'm sure she'll stay quiet.
"If you hadn't done," Hemlock replies, looking satisfied, "I would've. Girl's shown her quality, same's the rest of you. I'll be asking her to join us after the ceremony as well. In the meantime, you'd best be getting along. Time's short, and you've got an adoring public to meet."
Thus dismissed, the men make their ways back to the Rusty Dragon, where they meet Marcelina, who is sharing a cup of tea with Ameiko at the bar. As the guys get ready and come back down from their rooms, Ameiko surprises you all by hanging a "Closed" sign on the door and following you out, locking up behind her. At your questioning looks, Ameiko just laughs. "Won't be any business anyway!" she says, giggling. "And you'd have to be mad to think I'd miss this!"
The ceremony is scheduled to occur at the speaking stand in front of the Cathedral, and so you return to where you were last night, only this time you find yourselves placed atop the stand rather than in the crowd in front of it. Kendra Deverin, Sandpoint's beautiful but pragmatic town mayor, briefly greets you all, introducing herself and giving each of you a few words of encouragement before not-quite-dragging you up to a row of wooden chairs that have been placed near the back edge of the platform. Settling you in firmly, she turns and steps up to the podium to address the crowd.
Which appears to be basically the entire town.
Even Deverin seems taken aback for a moment as she looks out at the sea of upturned faces, but her politician's instincts rally to her rescue, and her pause is momentary only. "Good people of Sandpoint!" she calls out, quieting the murmur of hundreds of voices almost at once. "I am pleased to see how many of you have come out today, so soon after tragedy struck in this very spot! When I spoke to you yesterday, it was to greet you all to a festival of celebration. Now, however, we gather under the shadow of loss, and before we go any further, I'd like to ask us all to take a moment and pause in prayer for the souls of Alison Deberge and Alergast Barett, lost last night in the vicious attacks we all suffered."
There is a long silence of several minutes, while the townsfolk lower their heads and close their eyes. You on the platform can see that Deverin too has her eyes closed, and a small tear leaks out from beneath one lid as she whispers her devotions to her gods. Finally, though, she looks up again, and though the tear still glistens on her cheek, her voice is steady as she continues.
"As terrible as the night's horrors were, though, we all have heard by now that they could have been so very much worse. We lost our last church in a fire during the Late Unpleasantness - last night, the goblins came with their torches and their knives and tried to return that conflagration a hundredfold. They were stopped by the brave efforts of five people, both locals and newcomers to our town, who stood together against the onslaught and saved the lives of Koya Mvashti and Father Abstalar Zantus! They also stopped a wagonful of burning wood and fireworks from being tipped onto the roofs of Downtown, an act that wold surely have seen the destruction magnified far beyond what the goblins managed last night. These five people, these Heroes of Sandpoint, are here with us now! I'd like to ask you to greet them with me as together we recognize their deeds. Heroes, come forth!" A roar of applause follows behind her, and she turns to look at you all.
Lamsfel stands when bid to do so. He looks at the others before moving forward to the podium.
"Citizens of Sandpoint, it has been ten long years since I could count myself among your number. I guess that makes me both local and newcomer." He pauses and looks around. "I am grateful that Desna saw fit to bring me home when I was needed. May the Song of the Spheres guide all our paths."
With a short bow, he steps aside from the podium to allow the next speaker.
Perform (oratory)
Marcelina steps up, her long white hair spilling out of the deep red varisian head scarf and down across the dark blue dress struck through with flashes of that same red. She seems different somehow from even earlier that morning. Refreshed... almost as though there were a soft glow about her. And though a deep blush covers her pale cheeks, her words ring out over the crowd.
"People of Sandpoint. As happy as I am to be up here, to greet you all and see your faces. I know that I do not deserve to be. Truly we were in the right place at the right time. But I saw many of you who acted with just as much courage and bravery during the attack. You defended your homes, and your families even more fiercely than we ever could have. Yes, we did the things the lady Deverin said, but how could we have done else? To me... It is all of you who are the true heroes."
She gives a bashful smile, a bit self-conscious of having said too much, and steps back a bit hurriedly.
Tristan refrains from speaking, just taking a stiff bow and flashing a wide smile at the crowd. "What she said", he mumbles.
Tybus can't take his eyes off Marcelina. When she steps forward to speak, he stares enraptured, and the entire crowd seems to dim and shrink away.
When she steps back, he dares to take her hand and hold it. He stands and bows to the crowd, but his attention is always on her.
Gan steps forward with the others, unable to contain his excitement.
Friends, thank you for the kind reception. I am proud to be accepted as a man of Sandpoint. Though I am far from home, I feel blessed to be surround by such wonderful people. I am honored to have helped you in some small way.
He bows to the crowd.
Perform (Oratory), including modifier:
The crowd, apparently expecting something deeply moving or brilliantly insightful from Lamsfel, hesitates a moment before giving his short speech heartfelt but not overwhelming applause. Once their standards have been properly set, however, they all but shake the Cathedral down with their roars of acclaim for Gan's and Marcelina's words. They don't even seem to notice that Tybus and Tristan didn't say anything.
Once the shouting dies down, Deverin reclaims the stage, turning to face you even as her voice continues to carry across the crowd. "In recognition of the heroism of your deeds, the people of Sandpoint would like to express our thanks for your efforts. Though you acted without thought of reward, the outpouring of generosity I have seen in the last day from the townspeople should be all that you require to know how grateful we all are. As the Mayor of Sandpoint, I claim first right to offer you a token of our thanks: these pouches, each of which contains seven platinum and five gold pieces." She hands out small velvet bags to each of you, which clink softly as you heft them. "The funds within were provided by the Founding Families on the Town Council, and we are united in our wish to reward you."
Continuing on, Deverin says, "The Council may be first to reward you, but we are not the only ones who have expressed their desires to give you some token of esteem. I have here several gifts from various local businesses and worthy souls, each offered from the depths of sincerest gratitude by its giver." As Devein offers out the gifts, the crowd cheers its approval of both gift and receiver after each exchange. "From Savah Bevaniky of Savah's Armory, her finest chain shirt and six magically enhanced arrows! From Vorvashali Voon of the Feathered Serpent, a certificate good for any five magical scrolls, one of which may be of second level!" (There is a slight questioning note in her voice Deverin reads the "second level" bit, as though she's not sure what exactly that means.) "From Nisk Tander and Bottled Solutions, two vials of antiplague, two vials of bloodblock, two vials of liquid ice and two vials of alchemists' fi-" She suddenly breaks off, looking from the note in her right hand to the bag of softly clinking glassware in her left, and turns slightly green. She hands it off to you quite quickly, and the applause is much more subdued. A few people shuffle away from the platform, looking nervous. "From Hannah Velerin, five potions of cure light wounds, and last but not least, from Cyrdak Drokkus and the Sandpoint Theater, five tickets to see famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda in 'The Harpy's Curse' at the Sandpoint theater, opening this Starday night." Deverin's head snaps up and she looks out across the crowd, searching for someone. "Cyrdak! How did you manage to work an ad for your play into this?" Gales of laughter and applause follow after the question, drowning out whatever response the comedian and theater owner might have offered.
The gifts done, Deverin turns back to the crowd. "From this moment on, I am pleased to proclaim these good people official 'Heroes of Sandpoint!' One last time, let us them show our thanks!" And the crowd roars once more, loudest of all, and their adulation is a wall of sound that nearly batters you off your feet.
Deverin leads you down off the stage, but as she does, Sheriff Hemlock appears from around the corner. "Go shake some hands and kiss a few babies," he says with a tight grin, "but then come see me in my office at the Garrison, if you please." He disappears back around the corner, leaving you to your adoring public.
Perception
Lamsfel moves to the stairs after the mayor, but waves the others on ahead. "Well said, you two. You obviously struck a chord with the crowd and struck it well." He grins and shakes his head at Tybus, but says nothing. Lastly, he claps Tristan on the back and whispers something to him.
He laughs and follows the others down the stairs.
Perception
Gan is particularly excited about the prospect of getting a few scrolls, then:
Perception
Hmmm. Outside of a lingering glance, Tybus will do little about what he saw. While a bit giddy about the treasures and weighing his wants versus what he expects the others to desire, his heady feeling from Marcelina's speech carries him through the meet-and-greet. He shakes hands when they're offered, but excuses himself as soon as he sees one of his companions do so.
Marcelina lets Tybus take her hand, giving him an embarrassed smile that is only amplified by the reaction that the crowd gives her. She doesn't seem to have any idea what to do with it, but gives the crowd a little wave that feels to her to be rather silly.
Her first instinct at the offered gifts is to refuse them, but as the mayor emphasizes how freely given they were, she begins to feel that refusing them would be rude. So she smiles along with everyone else, not even really thinking about getting anything for herself.
The party over, she walks down with Tybus and sticks close to him as they move through the crowd shaking hands. It's pretty obvious even from the start, though, that the press of people unnerves her and she is more than happy to retire as soon as possible.
Knowledge (local):, Perception:
Tristan is a little giddy at all the attention and puzzled by Lamsfel's remark, but he follows the others into the crowd, smiling desperately.
It's about 15 minutes before you can sneak away from the crowds to meet with Hemlock in his office in the Garrison. The squat stone building is just up the street from the square, so once you get free of the crowds, reaching it doesn't take too long.
The lone soldier on duty, a woman named Terese, points you to Hemlock's office. It is a small, stone-walled room, lightened only by a few cloth coverings over some of the bare walls. The coverings are a mix of two styles: one is tribalistic, abstract geometric shapes in reds, greens and oranges mostly, while the other is much softer and more in tune with Magnimarian fashion, purples, whites and blues depicting small animal shapes. The tribal-looking designs seem to suit Hemlock; the others don't at all.
Hemlock himself is not alone in his office: there is a woman with him, an attractive elf in studded leather armor, carrying a short sword and composite longbow. Her hair is dyed green (though you can see blonde roots) and her ears are especially long, even for an elf. As you enter, her eyes flick across you in an assessing fashion, though her smile is warm and she does not seem displeased by whatever it is she sees.
There are a lot of chairs crowded into the space, but there are enough for all of you, though the elf woman continues to stand, leaning against one of the walls. (She is blocking one of the blue and purple hangings, one depicting kittens. You're not sure whether that's on purpose or not.) Hemlock greets you all again before indicating the elf woman. "This is Shalelu Andosana, an... unofficial member of the Sandpoint town guard. Shalelu, these are the recently proclaimed 'Heroes of Sandpoint,'" and he gives all your names. Shalelu smirks at Hemlock's description of her, but it changes to a genuine grin as he introduces the rest of you. She nods again at Gan and at Lamsfel as well, but she seems quite pleased to meet you all.
Hemlock goes on, "Shalelu's been telling me that the goblin tribes in the area have been getting more active for the last several weeks, though it wasn't clear until last night that it had anything to do with us. Mostly it's been lone travelers attacked on the Lost Coast Road, or raids on outlying farms south of the Mosswood. Now, though, with the attack last night, it looks like we have a larger problem." At this point, the sheriff turns the floor over to Shalelu.
"Belor's told me about last night - well done, all of you," the elf begins. "I've dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping the goblins in these parts from causing too much trouble, but they're tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite.
"Anyway, there's five major 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 from all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint last night. This morning, I broke up a goblin raid on a farm to the south; the house burned but the family got out alive and is staying with relatives nearby. Those were Mosswood goblins, but a lot of them were pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the 'longshanks' that killed so many of them. From what they said, I'm guessing that's you guys. Seems like you made an impression.
"In any event, what concerns me is the idea of the tribes working together like that. Goblin tribes don't cooperate unless they've got something big planned, and big plans require big bosses. I'm afraid someone's moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, whatever they're organizing is bad news for all of us."
Hemlock nods. "Like as not. So here's my plan: I'm taking a few men with me south to Magnimar to see about getting a detachment of additional soldiers for a few weeks, until the goblins calm back down or we can figure out what's going on with them. I've asked Shalelu to check in on the tribes in Shank's Wood, Devil's Platter and the like, see what she can learn. And in the meantime, I'd like to ask you to stick around town, be 'visible,' if you will. The locals have taken a shine to you, helped in no small amount by our good mayor, and I've a mind to use that. You'll make the town feel safe, and they've all got worries aplenty at the moment. I won't be here to provide that sense of stability, but you'll do just as well, I think - maybe better. You shouldn't have to do anything - though based on last night, I'd imagine you will if need should arise; the point is just to settle people's minds. What do you say?"
Upon seeing Shalelu, Lamsfel smiles broadly. "Hello, little sister. It is a pleasure to see you again!"
He listens to her report and the sheriff's request. He's nodding in agreement long before Hemlock finishes. When Hemlock stops speaking, Lamsfel says, "I planned to be in town for a while. Walking around town and catching up with old friends seems to be one way of doing what you ask. How long do you expect you and your men to be gone?"
I had thought I'd be heading down to Magnimar by now to look for another ship to sign on with. I certainly appreciate the offer and your town's thanks. He lets a beat pass. I'll stay on, a bit. There'll always be another ship. I know you're Captain here in Sandpoint, and hate to leave her in the care of others. For my part, she'll be here when you get back, none the worse.
I would be happy to stay in town and help however I can. Would it be beneficial for us to discreetly ask people if they saw anything near the burial site, or do you still want us to avoid mentioning that topic?
"You want us to walk around and be greeted as heroes? I can do that." Tristan's grin is almost too big for his face.
Listening intently to what is said, Marcelina just nods her head in agreement along with the others. She really has no where else to go, so if this is where she's meant to stay for a while, who is she to say no?
1d20+2
With a troubled look, Tybus will ask for a moment with her.We saw the good Father Zantus, and Sheriff Hemlock today. There was... something else that happened during the goblin raid. Something that we missed, while keeping the town from going up in flames. The former priest, the one who died a few years ago when the old church burned, well, his body was dug up and taken. The problem is, we found a good bit of proof that it was more than just goblins that did this. Someone used a man-sized shovel to do the digging. There were a lot of tracks, and a ladder to get it over the wall.
His look is of extreme concern. He considers for a moment before adding,
I don't know if this is the death that sets things in motion, or even that anything we heard means anything, since this is the Lost Age of Omens, but I'll have you know I'm with you. If there's anything to take from those cards, it's that I'm here, and I'm a bridge, whatever that means. If it means anything to comfort you, then take it, it's yours.
He pauses, thinks for a minute, then adds, By the way, the sheriff wants to see us after this ceremony. My thoughts is, he wants our help about what I just told you. And he wants the fact that someone was helping goblins kept quiet. Folks are scared enough as it is. All of us has agreed, and the Sheriff's said he'd be asking you, too. I figured you'd see the wisdom in it, but I didn't speak for you.
Once everyone agrees, Hemlock breaks into a rare smile. "Knew I could count on you," he says, satisfied. "In that case, I'll let you get on with your day - I assume you've got some things to pick up and sort out," pointing at the small stack of gifts, "and probably some drinks to get through at the Rusty Dragon as well." He chuckles good-naturedly at the thought.
Shalelu steps away from the wall at this. "That's not a bad idea," says the elf, turning toward you all. "If you'd be willing, I'd like to treat you all to dinner at the Dragon. We can talk more about the goblins, if you'd like - I have a few questions on that topic myself."