Midoris dismounts, securing her hose, then tries to follow Khrondak as quietly as possible and looking for tracks as well.
"Well this certainly is exciting Ironforged, don't you think Lady Midori?"
As Khrondak prepares to lead the hunt, "Do you think my rapier will be able to hurt the boar"
As the party moves down the trail, Lord Foxglove trailing, calls out every patch of mud to warn Midori. "Please my lady be careful there is mud everywhere."
When suddenly you hear a loud crash ahead, it seems you have indeed found a boar.
Khrondak
Midori
Aldern
Boar
Encounter Map
Boar Hunt, Round 1
Initiative Order:
Aldern 24
Khrondak 11
Boar 10
Midori 5
"Oh my its a boar,"Aldern says excitedly.
Vito leads you to the kitchen. When you arrive you see your uncle Jubrayl Vhiski sitting at his table eating his breakfast. Behind him is the enormously fat Gressel Tenniwar (who most people think owns the Feedbag) butchering a cow on a workbench. His large cleaver going up and down cutting the cow into various cuts.
Jubrayl motions for you and Vito to sit down.
"Breakfest Notick? Sure you do, Gressel get Notick a plate of food."
A few moments later a grunting and wheezing Gressel brings you a plate of pork knuckles and greens.
"Eat up, we got a lot about boy."
"So let me get to the point, why you hanging around with the law, you are supposed to be earning."
"Oh Notick, all of the things I have done for you, took you into my home after my sister died, gods rest her soul. And you try to go behind my back for all of my generosity?"
You return to the Rusty Dragon from the stables, you see Ameiko cleaning up after the morning rush. The taproom is mostly empty, Notick is nowhere to be found.
Ameiko smiles at you as you enter, "Back so soon, it seems if all of your friends have left. Oh by the way I have your coin for you for defeating the goblins. Lots of usable gear on those little runts."
"My father is Ven Vinder, he owns the Sandpoint General Store, the first store established in Sandpoint after the founding." Says a rather haughty Shayliss.
She looks around as you head towards the door at the Rusty Dragon.
"Hey sugar, where did your girlfriend go? No worries I can keep you company today. Let's just head up to my father's shop."
Shayliss leads you up the street to the store. "Mmm okay sugar here is problem, we have some big rats in the basement, I need you to kill them. I'm sure a hero goblin slayer like yourself can take care of them. I'll be right behind you. Let's go inside."She says rather excitedly.
Throughout the walk from the Dragon to the store, Bel'Tanis maintains his deliberate but gentle attempts to remove Shayliss' hand from his arm or shoulder or whereever else she tries to establish bodily contact.
"Rats? I can see how that would be bad for business but... ah, nevermind." He abandons his question before finishing, ruefully wishing in his head that Notick were with them.
Then, her earlier boast about the store being around since the town's founding finally strikes home and he asks, "Say, would your or your father happen to know much about the priest who served the town before Father Zantus?"
Midori swings her longsword at the beast.
Well, in it's general direction, I hope.
"Oh sure sugar my daddy was really good friends with the late Father Zantus. He was an average looking you could say. His daughter though, I couldn't stand her, such a flirt, she thought she was the best thing in Sandpoint. Enough chit chat, lets go kill some rats."
She pushes open the shop door. She quickly shuts the door and places the closed sign in the window.
"Now then, lets get busy. This way to the cellar. You go first sugar."
Scoria continues to follow Bel'Tanis and the...she wasn't particularly comfortable with labeling her a girl. 'Harlot' seemed much more suitable in her opinion. In any case, she kept close to the shadows as she tailed them, waiting a few moments crouched outside the door, before checking the door handle.
She keeps her ears open as she investigates, listening for the church guard and the woman. Where had they gone? Well, she supposed that if anything, she could at least say she was looking to shop if discovered.
Bel'Tanis will proceed down the stairs cautiously, half suspecting that there won't be any rats at all but still wanting to give this overbearing woman the benefit of the doubt. He peers around the cellar, looking and listening intently for any sign of the alleged rodent infestation.
As you reach the cellar and start poking around, looking for rodents, you are not really sure if there is a "rat" problem down here.
Just then Shayliss spins you around, "Okay big boy we are alone, you know what to do." Shayliss begins to disrobe.
You find the shop door unlocked and empty of anybody in the shop. You look around for Bel'Tanis and his "new friend." Then suddenly you hear some muffled talking coming from below the shop floor.
The oread monk hears the voices coming from downstairs, muffled. It seems that the woman had brought Bel'Tanis down there. She felt a little conflicted - technically, she was trespassing. But, as a member of the town watch, it was her duty to investigate any disturbances. There might be a goblin hiding down there, after all. So it was her obligation to go and find out.
Scoria slinks forward in stealth mode, looking for the way downstairs so she could take a look.
Just as Scoria reaches the entrance to the cellar, Bel'Tanis comes bursting out, nearly bowling her over, a panicked look upon his face. The aasimar is moving so quick she might even wonder if he'd also inherited wings from his celestial forbear. "AHHH! OH! Scoria! No rats! No rats! There are no rats! Must leave! Must leave leave leave! Faster! Let's leave faster!" He blurts out a storm of words as he rushes headlong for the exit. "Ah! Gods, why does this always happen?! Gah!"
Thaddeus nods gratefully at Ameiko, "Many thanks, Lady Kaijitsu. Now I can satisfy the logistical requests of the team. Speaking of the team, have you seen the young man, Notick, about anywhere?"
At the sight of the boar, Khrondak starts running in its direction, trying to keep safe distance to allow for some maneuverability in case the animal charges or changes direction suddenly. Unencumbered by armor, he jumps over trunks and roots as he quickly closes the distance between him and th beast, swinging the bolas behind and above his head.
Notick smirks at his uncle as he offers him food - well, forcing him food. His false appearance of generosity a tool his uncles used many a time to get his way for something. Notick cocks his right eyebrow high, taking a small bite of some of the food, letting his Uncle talk, not showing any fear. He allows an awkward pause as he takes another, larger, bite of his food.
"Cut to the chase, Uncle." he says between bites of his food. "It's unlike you to tap dance around your true intentions. You know damned well that I, in no way, have truly gone behind your back." He swallows his food, his half truths spinning his web of intricate fabrications. He fakes a scowl before spitting out his final point, "You've had Vito following me this entire time!"
He takes a napkin and wipes his mouth, throwing it across the plate. Leaning back far into his chair, he plays calm with his uncle. Locking eyes with him, he lowers his voice and softens his features, "Now - I helped this town from being robbed blind. From it's peoples being killed - the same people, need I remind you, in which you make your money. If that involves helping the law, then so be it." He pauses again before finishing his thoughts, "I have not gone behind your back, uncle" the venom on his words thick, "I have, if anything, saved it and it's livelihood."
Uncle leans back in his chair and slaps Vito in the back, "Ha, see Vito I told you the kid has some fire. Now Notick don't be cross I was only worried about you. Your family after all. But you need to show your loyalty to me, if you want to be a member of this crew."
Jubrayl leans back and strokes his goatee a bit, "Yeah Notick, you are going to have to prove yourself soon, but for now keep getting friendly with Sheriff's new sergeant. Make sure you two become best friends. And soon I will call on you to prove your loyalty. Now get out of here and go find them before they question where you have been. Vito will come for you when I need to see you again."
Suddenly Gressel's meat cleaver thuds down and the cow's head rolls off the table to the floor.
The boar snorts and charges through the underbrush at Khrondak.
The savage boar's razor sharp tusks drive through Khrondak unarmored form giving him a near fatal wound.
Ameiko smiles back after handing you the bag full of coins. No worries Sergeant, I hope you, Midori and the rest can use the money. As for Notick, I have not seen him all morning. I believe he has a room at the Fatman's Feedbag?
With the two of you nearly colliding at the top of the stairs, with a nearly undressed Shayliss in pursuit.
"Sugar come back, it's not fair, I deserve a big hunk like you."
Just then the shop door opens and an older balding man enters to see all three of you at the top of the stairs.
Shayliss trying to cover herself, "Oh Daddy thank the gods you arrived when you did, this man tried to take advantage of me."
The older man's face turns three shades of red,"What in the hells is going on here."
It wasn't enough that Scoria was nearly bowled over by Bel'Tanis as if he rushed away from his greatest fear, Shayliss in quick pursuit with her dress practically opened up all the way. Now that her father had returned (And where had he been before, that he left the store unattended?) the woman felt like she'd stumbled into a comedy of errors, like that one play she saw as a child. She sighed, turning towards proprietor of the store, doing her best to explain the situation before things could get out of hand anymore than they already were - why Bel'Tanis had to act like a scared child just because the woman wanted to bed him instead of trying to reason with the girl, she didn't understand.
"Your daughter appealed to us for help in exterminating vermin she believed were down in the basement. My coworker here went down with her, I assume that she believed a rat crawled up her dress and attempted to get it out," She comments about Shayliss' state of undress. "However, as there are no rats down in the basement, as we have managed to see, I fear that our involvement here is no longer required. I suggest that you should take a look yourself to see if your daughter's suspicions are indeed correct. Please report any disturbances to the town office," she requests, before grabbing Bel'Tanis by his arm, ready to haul him out of the store if the father lets them by.
Notick smirks at his Uncle, his entire being holding his scowl back and his utter hatred protruding through. He stands, turns on his heels and leaves the room without saying a word in reply.
He looks outside, cursing under his breath as he noticed the sun's height in the sky, and heads to the Rusty Dragon, thinking the hunt is too far along for him to go there.
Midori draws her sword and follows Khrondak, in time to see the boar gore him badly. She promptly moves up and casts Cure Light Wounds on him.
Khrondak is surprised by this boar's speed and ferocity and hardly has time to move before the beast plunges its tusk into his abdomen. Khrondak takes his hand to the deep wound and seeing darkened blood bleeding profusely, realizes the seriousness of the wound. He takes a step back and casts cure light wounds.
Ambushed now by Shayliss' father, falsely accused by Shayliss herself, and with Scoria trying to reason their way out of the rapidly worsening situation, Bel'Tanis' temper begins to ever so slightly awaken. Not wanting to impugn what little honor Shayliss may have left, Bel'Tanis looks to her father, "I assure you, sir, that I haven't laid a hand upon your daughter." There is a different quality to his voice than before, a subtle, deep resonance, "Now that you've been given my word and can trust there are no rats in your cellar, I strongly suggest you talk to your amorous daughter and GET OUT OF MY WAY."
If Ven backs down, Bel'Tanis will leave in a huff, a dark cloud of frustration on his face as light ever so slightly begins to leak from his eyes. Wordlessly, he makes straight for the Rusty Dragon and his room, hoping a few minutes alone will help him calm down.
Thaddeus finishes his counting, and makes a quick note for record into the back of his prayer book turned impromptu ledger. He gives his thanks to Ameiko, and makes for where he thinks the Fatman's Feedbag rests. He hopes to meet up with Notick, so they can get to work.
Khrondak:
HP: 2/12
Midori:
Spells:
0: 4/4
1: 2/2
Encounter Map
Boar Hunt, Round 2
The boar who only a moment ago seemed certain to finish off Khrondak, sees Aldern's swirling red cloak and charges the foppish noble.
The boar rushes Aldern, but is tangled up in the red cloak, missing him.
Scoria begins to talk Ven Vinder down from his rage at seeing the state of his daughter's undress, until Bel'Tanis flies into a rage at the man. Ven quickly backs up from the seething Aasimar. He begins to cower at the sight of his rage, "I...I...I, do...don't want an any trouble sir, jus just please leave m my store."
Near the stairs, Shayliss sobs, "Ohh daddy, I'm so sorry."
Notick you join Thaddeus in the taproom of the Rusty Dragon watching him finish counting the coins and giving out shares.
Soon after a frantic looking woman enters the Rusty Dragon carrying a baby and holding her hand is a small boy. The woman is sobbing hysterically.
"Are you the Goblin slayers? Please help us," she manages between cries of anguish.
Scoria is more than surprised at the sudden burst of anger that came from Bel'tanis, shouting at the shopkeeper - she couldn't help but feel a little intimidated herself, though he did not throw his anger her way. She looks at the quivering man and his daughter, offering them a silent bow, before following her partner out of the shop.
She is quiet on the trip back, hustling to keep at Bel'Tanis' pace, glancing at him and thinking to herself. "I understand your right to be angry. I certainly felt that woman was trouble from the moment that she walked into the inn," she tells him. "I feel though that we may have 'burned a bridge', as the saying goes. I do not know if they will keep this incident to themselves, but we are certainly no longer welcome at that store." She doesn't berate him for his rage, though she has to wonder where it all came from.
"Perhaps you should have just been honest with her and told her that you don't like women that way, but there is no point in dwelling on what could have been," She added. It seemed logical, considering how panicked he had been running out of there that way.
Once back at the Dragon, she waits for Bel'Tanis to fully calm himself down, having herself a small drink of water down around the bar. Spying Ameiko, she can't help but ask her some questions - surely she might know something about the priest and his daughter. "Miss Kaijutsu? I was wondering if you happened to know anything about the old priest, the one who's remains were stolen. If you remember what kind of a man he was when he was alive, or his daughter."
Midori slashes at the boar.
After stopping the bleeding, Khrondak feels his strength coming back. Focused on the boar, he is surprised to see Aldrin step in to draw the animals attention; when the boar makes a turn to attack the nobleman, Khrondak uses his klah to draw its blood.
He drops the bola and runs after the boar and, attacking it from behind, plunges it deeply the blade behind the boar's right leg.
Frustrated in a way that he hadn't yet been since arriving at Sandpoint, Bel'Tanis retreats to his quarters. It was always like this. People always looking to lay with him or be around him or have him lead. Always ever what they wanted without a concern for what he might want. Something about him made people want him and like him all without ever bothering to know him. And just like back in Magnimar, he made a royal mess of things. That was what he was truly good at it seems.
He sits down roughly on the side of his bed, instinctively massaging his left palm with his right thumb as memories of Magnimar, of his father's passing and his mother's blame, surge up again. Swallowed up by feelings of guilt and shame, Bel'Tanis sits in cold silence wishing everything were different.
Khrondak you catch the boar in the flank with your klar, causing the boar to squeal in pain.
Khrondak:
HP: 5/12
Spells:
CLW in place of divine favor
Special Abilities:
Destructive smite 4/5
Midori:
Spells:
0: 4/4
1: 2/2
Aldern drops his cloak and draws his rapier, and strikes at the boar.
Aldern's rapier easily gets past then enraged boar and deals damage.
Khrondak then flanks the beast and drives his klar into the creatures skull, finishing it.
After the beast dies, Aldern casually wipes the blood from his rapier. "I do believe I am getting the hang of this hero thing. Lady Midori are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm ok. It never went for me. Iron-forged here seems to be the only one who got hurt that I saw. Are you hurt, Lord Foxglove? And do you need more healing, Iron-forged?"
You both return to the Rusty Dragon to find the place nearly empty. Only Ameiko and a few diehards are at the bar.
Ameiko looks thoughtfully for a moment pondering Scoria's question.
"Well the late Father Tobyn was certainly a good man, he founded the church here. He always did what he could for the community.It was truly a shame how they both died in that fire."
"Nualia was a beautiful young girl, she was an Aasimar, her father was truly blessed. Nualia had a bit of a rebellious streak and very flirtatious. However it was nothing serious, just the normal teenager stuff. The only strange bit I can think of is that Father Tobyn allowed no one to see her the last five or six months before the church burned in the fire. However it didn't seem strange at the time as Tobyn told everybody she was preparing for entry into the Densa priesthood. But alas, that was a bad time in Sandspoint's history."
"There also was a murderer names Jervas Soot, now known as "the chopper". He went crazy and started murdering people in the dead of night,over the course of a few months. He even murdered the former Sheriff. Hemlock was the one who ended his reign of terror."
She then looks a bit sad, "and of course my mother also died during that time, she fell off the cliff near our family's home."
Thaddeus is relieved to see Notick enter, "I was wondering if I was going to have to go look for you. Shall we go about making rounds? If you would not mind, I would like to stop by the cathedral first."
As he wraps up all the split, and is ready to leave, the woman enters in her state of panic, "Dear woman, we were indeed at the fight. What is the problem? Tell us what help you need, so that we can assist right away."
Khrondak pulls out the klah and lowers his head, crestfallen.
"I... I apologize. This should have been a clean kill; instead, I made a mess of it by underestimating the power of this beast. It was my mistake alone, and it must not impact on how you view the shoanti people."
He then extends his left arm and lays his hand over Aldern's shoulder. "It takes courage to do what you just did, and I have misdjudged you. Where it concerns me, you have repaid your debt."
Finally, Khrondak replies to Midori, aiming to relieve her of any worries. "The worst of the injury is healed. I shall call upon my ancestors for further aid."
Scoria listened carefully to what Ameiko had to say. She was interested to learn that the daughter was an Aasimar, but with a rebellious streak. It seemed a bit strange to her that someone with such a free spirit would suddenly start preparing herself for priesthood like that. The oread hadn't truly started training herself with diligence until her late twenties, after all. Perhaps some event had happened to make her start thinking about her future in earnest.
She was also interested to hear about the other events that had transpired around the time of the church fire - a serial killer in the town, and her mother's sudden death. All certainly terrible things to happen in the space of a few short months, but she wasn't sure how they might be related. "I am sorry to hear of your mother. I recently lost a parental figure only a few years ago myself. Though his death was peaceful, I still sometimes wish for his guidance in my life."
It was around then that she noticed Thaddeus and the frightened woman with her child, excusing herself from Ameiko to go join him. "What's wrong? Has something happened?" She asks the sergeant, taking a look at the children.
Notick nods towards Thaddeus, a little surprised to find the man there at all. He replies his initial question, "Yes, I agree tha--" he turns his head, unable to answer in time before the woman walks into the Dragon in a panic.
Notick pats Thaddeus on the shoulder, motioning his head towards the door. "I'm going to check for trouble" he mentions before maneuvering himself just outside to check for any impending trouble.
If all is clear, he'll come back inside and stand next to Thaddeus as the woman describes her needs.
Hearing Khrondak's words makes Aldern smile, "Glad I could help, at first I froze with fear at the site of the beast. The I saw him gore you and I knew I had to do something."
After a few moments, he continues one,"But I must say it was exciting to plunge my weapon into him and see the blood spray. Maybe I will be a hero after all."
"Well Lady Midori and Iron-forged shall we return to the Dragon to prepare this feast for our dinner tonight?"
After a few moments of trying to calm the woman down, she begins to speak without crying.
"My name is Amele Barett, and these are my children. My son is Alren and this is my baby Verah. Something horrible has happened to us following the goblin attack. Little Alren here kept hearing noises in his closet the night after the attack. My husband Alergast (she sobs for a moment) could find nothing wrong. Well this morning it all went horribly wrong. Alern woke up screaming about a goblin in his room. The goblin rushed to attack him, and bit him several times several times."
She shows the boy's arms, which have several bite wounds on them.
"Our dog Petal came to his defense and fought the goblin, but poor Petal paid with her life. My husband then reached the room in time to save Alren from the creature. Seeing my husband, it fled into the closet. My husband gave chase and found a hole in the floor boards, he dove in head first after the creature. All (she sobs again) I heard were a few screams from him and then his body disappeared into the hole. I ran out as fast as I could to the town garrison for help. I was told to come here. I hope my husband is alright. Please help!"
She beings to sob again.
You scan the streets outside, but don't see anything out of the ordinary.
Bel'Tanis comes down the stairs, a cloud over his normally bright features and just catches the last part of the distraught woman's tale. Maybe here was a chance to do some actual good again.
Thaddeus' face grows serious as the woman speaks, and he moves to try and comfort her. "Mrs. Barett, direct me to your home, and I will do everything in the power appointed me to rid your home of this menace. Notick, I hope you are prepared, we have a threat to remove from the town." Noticing Scoria and Bel'Tanis had returned, he adds "I'm glad the two of you are here. Join us, this woman needs our help."
He moves to head out in the direction the woman points as how to find her home.
"Understood." Scoria doesn't question the man's orders - after all, he was put in charge, so she would do as he directed for the most part - should he happen to ask her to do anything unsavory, then she would stand her ground. She still hadn't a good grip on Thaddeus character. Notick was a rapscallion, Bel'Tanis was a tortured soul, Khrondak was a stubborn barbarian, and Midori was a flirt. She wasn't sure what to make of the sergeant. She wasn't even sure what kind of a fighter he was, either.
Notick shrugs helplessly as Thaddeus maneuvers off to the woman's house. He follows the man, patting the little boy on the head in reassurance. "Worry not young lad - we'll bring your father back to you". He nods assurance to the Mother, and then turns to once again follow Thaddeus to their home.
You follow the Amele to her home in Sandpoint. When she arrives she nervously points to the front door.
"Well this is my home, I locked my door on the way out. I'm not sure if it is still in there. I hope Alergast is well."
She reaches into her belt pouch and retrieves the house key. She then hands Thaddeus the key.
"May Desna guide you."
You return to Sandpoint in the early afternoon. Ameiko gladly takes the boar and assigns her kitchen staff to begin preparing the beast for a feast tonight.
Thaddeus draws his blade and says a quick prayer, "Iomedae, may your glory provide clarity in times of darkness." and his sword begins to glow with the soft light of a torch.
He takes the key from the woman, and looks her straight in the eye, explaining to her in as calm and soothing a voice he can muster, "Mrs. Barett, I ask that you and your son step back, we would not want you in harm's way if the creature were to try and flee out the door. Perhaps you would feel a little better at the Cathedral, and we will return to you with word of what we find."
His sword forward, he turns the key and opens the door, leading slowly inside with the point and light of his blade. He points two fingers to his eyes, and then inside, indicating everyone should pay close attention. He then steps in, regardless of the presence of the other warriors, as he could not in good conscience tell someone to enter where he was not in the lead. It takes a while for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior by swordlight, and he keeps throwing it off as he looks back to see the others following him.
Once the door opens and Thaddeus has moved beyond the threshhold, Bel'Tanis hurries in making a bee-line for the room and closet that the frightened woman described, hustling past Thaddeus if the soldier even slightly lingers.