Good Sheriff Hemlock's page

Sheriff Hemlock will look again at Severo, "I have no authority to bargain with you. Though we are an independent town, we have a protection agreement with Magnimar. These Stone Giant's fate will be left to Magnimar. It is they you will need to bargain with."

@Severo - I am just playing Sheriff Hemlock as I see he would react. He is not in a position to bargain. His primary concern was having party members to help guard the Stone Giants. If the Stone Giant's fate were in his hands, he would have them destroyed. His primary role is to protect Sandpoint. He is not the kind to let enemies loose that could possibly cause the citizens of Sandpoint harm. The jail here in Sandpoint is for short-term custody. Any long term prisoners are sent to Magnimar. It is justly called The Hells.

Sheriff Hemlock looks at Severo and smiles, "Good. Then you will stay and help guard them while your friends takes one to interrogate."

The Good Sheriff looks at Severo, "We are not great heroes. We are not equipped in our small town to handle such as these." He waves his hand toward the eight Stone Giants.

"We need your help. I have lost three guardsmen this day. They will be buried in the morning. Will you help us guard these or not? Hopefully, Magnimar will send enough force to take them to that great city. Magnimar has facilities to hold and keep them. We do not."

@Severo - The party members are far higher levels than just about everyone in Sandpoint. The Sheriff is effectively fifth level. Only Orik, which once was with the party, is of notable levels. Most of the guardsmen are no more than third level. Even in their weakened state these Stone Giants would be formidable. The Good Sheriff is quite frankly in fear that he will be left alone with his few militiamen to guard these.

Sheriff Hemlock will look at Devora, "Don't you all leave me here with these Stone Giants. Elektra and Stone have already gone!"

When Elektra returns and talk about going to Magnimar, Sheriff Hemlock speaks up, "Teleport! I have heard of such abilities. Could you go to Magnimar and tell the Lord Mayor of our plight, and that we have captured Stone Giants? It is likely that our courier will not arrive until tomorrow."

The Good Sheriff will then respond to Flynn, "We do not have a room here at the Garrison large enough for Stone Giants. However, the central courtyard at the Sandpoint Cathedral is a large enough area."

"I am uncomfortable about this. We need to separate them. It will take days for help from Magnimar to arrive."

When Sheriff Hemlock sees the party he quickly approaches, "Good. Thankfully, the Dragon did not do that much damage. But this is too many Stone Giants for us to guard alone. You will need to help us guard them. I have sent a courier to Magnimar with news of the attack and that we have captured Stone Giants. Blacksmiths now are fashioning manacles and chains large enough to secure them."

The Sheriff looks at the Stone Giants, "These will be a great prize for Magnimar. They need such as these to help maintain their vast structures and monuments."

Historical note: In our times past, defeated enemies were made slaves. When the Israelites rebelled against Rome and were defeated, hundreds of Hebrew slaves were taken back to Rome. Many were party of a great triumphant parade that is depicted on the Arch of Titus in Rome.

Sheriff Hemlock exclaims, "No!", upon seeing the Dragon. "It will burn the town to the ground," he says. "I need to go and organize fire brigades." He looks up a Brandark, "You got this!"

The Good Sheriff runs back toward the center of town.

Seeing Brandark approaching, the Good Sheriff does not get in the Dwarf Cavalier's way. He instead loads another bolt and fires. The bolt sticks into the bear.

Sheriff's Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 191d8 ⇒ 4

Every little bit. Dire Bear 1 91/95

Seeing Brandark coming aboard Abacus, Sheriff Hemlock takes a step out of the way, "Give 'em some room boys, the cavalry is coming."

He then fires a crossbow bolt at the Dire Bear. It sails over the big creature's body.

Sheriff's Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 111d8 ⇒ 3

There is a palpable since of concern in the air this day around Sandpoint. The Sheriff and Mayor have not told the general public about the giant attack for fear of a panic situation. But the flow of refugees from the north is causing apprehension.

Sheriff Hemlock visits the party early in the morning at the Cathedral, "Sandpoint's citizens are becoming on edge. We have warning horns should something start. Go out and let the citizens see you today. You are the Heroes of Sandpoint, your very presence will help to calm things down."

"A quick reactionary force, hmmm..." the good Sheriff ponders this.

Hot baths and a good rest finished the day after better fine food and drink. Ameiko promised the party that there would be no intruders in your rooms. You will not need to set watches, that is unless you want to.

Day Ninety-Two

The party is diligent and arrive at the Sandpoint Garrison several minutes before one hour past sun up.

(This is building 10 on the Sandpoint map above.)

Sheriff Hemlock is busy drilling some of the town militia. The Sheriff has not told very many people in the town about the raid fearing there would be a panic.

When he sees the party, he approaches, "There are essentially three approaches to the town, the north gate, over Tanner's Bridge, or the south way along the Lost Coast Road at Market Street. We are currently running 6 twelve hour watches, two at each approach point, a day watch and a night watch. Orik leads the day watch along at Market Street. I need leaders for the other watches."

The good Sheriff responds to Ameiko, "Of course."

He then turns to the party, "Tomorrow. One hour after dawn." The good Sheriff turns and leaves the Rusty Dragon.

Sheriff Hemlock looks at Flynn, "Dragon." The good Sheriff begins to calm down. He looks at Flynn and Severo, "I am the town Sheriff. You are welcome here with the Heroes of Sandpoint, as long as you cause no trouble." He then glances over at Devora and shakes his head.

Devora gives the Sheriff a wink.

Hemlock looks at Brandark, "We have not yet seen any Giants. But this morning several farmers from the north rode into town looking for shelter. They say that Ogres had raided their farm. But this is not terribly unusual. Groups of Ogres have ventured west of the Stovall Plateau in times past to raid farms. They usually take the livestock, and will only kill the owners if someone gets in their way. But this raid may be more than a coincidence. The farmers says there was a dozen of them. That is far more than usual."

The good Sheriff looks at the party, "Fine. Rest this night. But be at my office one hour after first light. We need to plan the defenses."

The party was less that an hour at the Rusty Dragon when a familiar face to some comes in, "Where are they," Sheriff Hemlock loudly calls out, then eyes the party, and moves toward you. Yet another familiar face, Orik Vancaskerkin, is not far behind. Orik's eyes are looking to the ceiling.

"You come and warn us that Giants are attacking and then you go away!" You could almost see steam coming out of his ears.

Father Zantus puts a Gentle Repose on the carcass. The party moves north. The rain continued steadily. Father Zantus comments, "Rain this steady is unnatural in these parts."

By evening you will come to the spur road that leads to the Windsong Abbey. Another merchant caravan was camped at the intersection. They were on guard until they see the good Sheriff. A rotund man speaks, "Sheriff Hemlock, what brings you north from Sandpoint?"

"The bridge over the Thistle River is underwater. We are hoping to catch the supply ship at Windsong Abbey. The Sandpoint Devil has been slain. We have its carcass," the good Sheriff communicates all this.

"Good be praised! The Sandpoint Devil has been slain." You will soon learn that the merchant is one Bentus Stock. He makes regular trips between Riddleport and Magnimar along the Lost Coast Road. Sandpoint is a regular stop along the way. He and his crew were amazed and asked many questions. So many so that the party elects to camp along side the merchants for the evening.

The night goes without incident.

Day Sixty

As the party is about to leave the next morning, Sheriff Hemlock comes into the Rusty Dragon. He approaches the party, "We found another note at the scene where we found the earlier murders. It is similar to the one that Elektra recieved." He hands the party the note. It reads:

Messrs. Mortwell, Hask, and Tabe

A deal has come about that I need capital for. It involves property and gold, and though I am not at liberty to tell you the exact details, it will make us all rich. Come to Bradley’s Barn on Cougar Creek tonight. We can meet there to discuss our futures.
-Your Lordship

"I am not certain how much it will help, but I thought you should have it," the Good Sheriff says sincerely. "Finally, when you visit the Sanatorium, give this note to Erin Habe. He should allow you to visit with the survivor from Bradley’s Barn." It is a simple introductory note.

"Ibor Thorn and Ven Vinder are being held at the Garrison, if your investigation here is complete," the Sheriff looks at the party.

Ibor Thorn

Harker’s partner Ibor is a young man, handsome if a bit narrow-faced. He is still in shock after having discovered the bodies when he arrived at work this morning.

Although the sheriff already interrogated Ibor, Hemlock admits that the party might be able to get something out of the miller that he could not. He cautions you to be gentle in their interrogation, though—Thorn’s been through a lot in the last few hours.

Ibor waits in a holding cell below the Sandpoint Garrison. His initial attitude toward the party is indifferent.

Elektra is perplexed by the note.

"It was pinned to one of the sleeves of the victims by a splinter of wood," the Good Sheriff adds. "Some may try to accuse one of you of the murders. But I know you were out of town, so none of you are suspects. Either way, we need to keep this as quiet as possible or panic could set in."

Sheriff Hemlock sighs, "OK, let's make it official. Raise your right hands." He pauses to see that everyone has risen their right hand. "Do you swear to protect and serve the citizens of Sandpoint? If so, then say, "I do." He pauses again to await a response, "You are now Sandpoint Deputies. This is what we know. The bodies are still at the mill. We have tried not to disturb the scene. But we need to move fast and remove the bodies for burial. We interrogated Ibor Thorn, a millworker. He was frightened and didn't seem to know much." The Sheriff takes a long pause then sighs, "My only suspect right now is Ven Vinder. His daughter was one of the victims. But I honestly don't think Ven could do such a thing."

The Sheriff sighs again, "Shortly after you left for Magnimar, we were notified that three men from the town of Galduria were found murdered in an abandoned barn south of town. They were con men running some sort of scam. Their bodyguard survived the assault but has gone insane and was sent to Habe’s Sanatorium. It is a privately run respite for the insane not far from town. You may need to go there too."

"And finally, and this is the weird part, some of the victims had a strange mark carved into them. We have no idea what it means." The Sheriff looks at the party, "Let's go to the sawmill."

I will pause here. If anyone does not wish to be deputized, then let me know.

The party is rushed under a gallop into Sandpoint and to the Garrison, and then into the Sheriff's office.

“Good. You are back sooner than I expected. We may not need a spell to preserve the bodies. First, let me thank you again for all you’ve done for Sandpoint. It’s fortunate you’ve proven yourselves so capable, because we’ve a problem I think you can help us with—a problem I wish I didn’t have to involve anyone with, but one that needs dealing with now before the situation grows worse."

He takes a deep breath and continues, “Put simply, we have a murderer in our midst— one who, I fear, has only begun his work. Some of you doubtless have heard about the Late Unpleasantness, how this town nearly tore itselfapart in fear as Chopper’s slayings went on unanswered. I’m afraid we might have something similar brewing now."

“Last night, the murderer struck at the sawmill. There are two victims, and they’re… they’re in pretty gruesome shape. The bodies were discovered by one of the mill workers, a man named Ibor Thorn, and by the time my men and I arrived on the scene, a crowd of curious gawkers had already sprung up. I’ve got my men stationed there now, keeping the mill locked down, but the thing that bothers me isn’t the fact that we have two dead bodies inside. It’s the fact that this is actually the second set of murders we’ve had in the last few days."

“I come to you for help in this matter—my men are good, but they are also green. They were barely able to handle themselves against the goblins, and what we’re facing now is an evil far worse than goblins. I need the help. But I’m afraid you’ll need the help too. You see, I’m afraid that this particular murderer knows one of you as well. That is why I was willing to send Vancaskerkin to Magnimar to retrieve you.”

The Sheriff hands the party a blood stained note that say, 'You will learn to love me, as she did. Give yourself to the pack and it shall all end.' The other side of the note says, 'To Elektra'.

"Tomorrow, let's chat with the Mayor," the Sheriff responds to Shalelu. "You know we do not have such magic here. Maybe you can find something in Magnimar."

"No. No," the Sheriff says looking at Brandark. "The Mayor would be upset with me if I spoiled her plans. She has been planning your return celebration for days. The day after tomorrow would be fine. Afterall, if the Devil attacks anyone else besides your party, the outcome may be regrettable."

"It has mostly been seen South of the Turandarok River. But since it attacked you North of it, the barren hills of the Devil's Platter along the southern edge of the Turandarok would be my best guess of where it might lair. That would also explain why it is seen so infrequently. No one lives in the Devil's platter save wolves, mountain goats, maybe an Ogre or two," the Good Sheriff responds to Stone's inquiry.

As the party begins to retire for the night, Sheriff Hemlock visits the Rusty Dragon, "We need to talk in private. This mercenary Orik told me that you fought and chased off the Sandpoint Devil this morning. Please, do not let this be known. For many in the town, it is but a myth. And it must remain so, to avoid a panic. I know it is no myth. I had before spoken to many farmers and herders that lost livestock to this creature. It usually avoids attacking humanoids and horses though. Either way this creatuse needs to be destroyed."

After someone relays the Orik and Lyrie story, Sheriff Hemlock will ask that them to accompany him to the Sandpoint Garrison.

Lyrie looks at Sheriff Hemlock, "I had rather not."

"Oh, I insist," the Sheriff gives a head nod and three other Sandpoint guards approach closer including Zandu, Sargeant of the Guards.

"We are lucky to be alive Lyrie. Nualia was doing bad things, they will want to question us," Orik gently grabs Lyrie's arm and follows Sheriff Hemlock to the Garrison.

Sheriff Hemlock looks at Elektra, "I will look for your report tomorrow. Now, what is the story with these two?" The Good Sheriff will look at Lyrie and Orik.

Sheriff Hemlock wades through the growing crowd, "Report. Will there be another Goblin raid?"

"Let Shalelu scout out to see if she can determine which tribe took the bones. In the meantime, we need you here in Sandpoint while I go to Magnimar for additional soldiers. When we get back, then we will plan the next course of action," the Sheriff reinforces his wishes that you stay in town until he returns.

Sheriff Hemlocks speaks, "I will be taking a few of his guards south to Magnimar to see about securing additional soldiers to station at Sandpoint for a few weeks, at least until the extent of the goblin threat can be determined."

The Sheriff looks at Shalelu, "While I am out of town, I've asked Shalelu to sniff around Shank’s Wood, Brinestump, Mosswood, Devil’s Platter, and other places where goblins live to see if she can discover anything else about what’s going on.

He then looks specifically at the party, "I would like for you all to stay here in Sandpoint. To maintain a public presence over the next few days, if you don’t mind. The locals seem to have taken to you. And seeing you around town will do a lot for keeping worries down over the next few days. It would be appreciated,” the usual stern man was far more gentle with his delivery, as though he was pleading to the party.

The Sandpoint Town Hall’s is a two story structure. The ground floor of this building consists of a meeting hall. The upper floor contains offices and storerooms, including the Mayor’s comfortable office. The Mayor rises from behind her desk as the party enters. The Sheriff rises from a cushy looking chair. An Elf Woman rises from a matching chair to his right.

The Sheriff speaks looking around at the party, ”This is Shalelu Andosana, an unofficial member of Sandpoint’s town guard.” The striking blonde Elf Woman smirks. The Sheriff continues, ”Shalelu has been a thorn in the side of the local goblin tribes for years There are few in the region that know more about Goblin than she does. She says that Sandpoint hasn’t been the only place in the region that’s had Goblin troubles. In short, there’s been an increase in goblin-related raids along the Lost Coast, particularly in the dale between Nettlewood and Mosswood. Shalelu reported that only a day ago, a farm south of Mosswood was burnt to the ground by a group of goblins. She 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 a nearby farm for now, but the goblin problem is obviously not going away.”

Hemlock cedes the floor to Shalelu, ”Tell this party what you told me.”.

A crowd begins to gather outside the house.

Sheriff Hemlock arrives in time to hear Amele's outburst.

When you relay what had happen; and he sees the dead Goblin, he says with a grim expression, "Thank you. I will arrange to have Amele and her children stay the night at the Cathedral. You did all you could do."

He then heads to the Sheriff and asks him if he knows where the goblin tribe that attacked the town holes up.

"We have scouts out now. I hope to hear back from them soon. And as soon as I know anything more, I will let you know," the Sheriff seems sincerely pleased at your interest. He too wants to take the fight to them. However, he knows that his numbers are too small to foray out in force and protect the town.

The Sheriff looks at the party upon inquiry, "Just keep me posted of your whereabouts. You represent my Reserves should we be attacked again." His tone is very matter-of-fact.

"Whoever stole Father Tobyn's remains likely left it behind. The tomb had been sealed," the Good Sheriff surmises.

Sheriff Hemlock will look at the party with concern etched upon his face, ”Please. We must keep this a secret for the time being. The town is already at edge from the Goblin raid. I do not even want to consider some of the panicked responses that would ring out if they knew that the raid was to cover the stealing of Father Tobyn’s remains. The purpose of such a thing cannot be for good,” he declares in a matter-of-fact manner.

"This is strange. Maybe they were led by a bugbear or a hobgoblin. It is known they lead those lesser vermin."

To provide some more information to the party, Sheriff Hemlock will overhear your comment.

"During further interrogations, the little monsters indicated that there were lead by a "longshanks' like us. As best we can guess, that would be either a Human, Elf or Half-Elf that is leading them," the Good Sheriff offers.

Looks over at the sheriff "Would you be so kind as to watch out for these?"indicating the sacks of goblin gear that he was intending to sell.

The Boneyard is deserted save the party and Sheriff Hemlock. Sheriff Hemlock says, "Yes. I will watch your possessions for you."

”Let’s go down and investigate,” the Good Sheriff says.

It is a very large crypt, the largest in what the locals call the “Boneyard.” The entry door is ajar. ”The crypt was sealed with iron straps,” Sheriff Hemlock points to where two wide iron straps lay on either side of the door.

Who goes first into the narrow crypt door and the darkness beyond?

At the Cathedral, Sheriff Hemlock sends the Sergeant back to guard the north wall, then more formally greets and introduces himself to the party. ”Thank you for coming. Your help yesterday was greatly needed and appreciated. How long do you plan on staying in Sandpoint?” The Sheriff asked quizzically.

The Sheriff continues, ”Father Zantus specifically insisted your presence. The largest crypt in the graveyard has been broken into; and there are sounds like something is inside, ” the Sheriff says leading the party toward the graveyard.

The next series of post are all related with several dice checks involved. I will go ahead and post all of the them together and wait until everyone has had a chance to respond. Thanks!

I will go ahead and post the continuing RP portions. Please feel free to dialog with any of the following at any point in time.

As the party returns back to the Cathedral square, Mayor Deverin, Father Zantus and Ameiko Kaijitsu are at the Cathedral’s top steps. The raid on Sandpoint is almost over. Sheriff Hemlock arrives from the south with a pair of Sandpoint Guards and two bound up captured Goblins. ”What’s left of them are fleeing to the north. Some of them jumped off the cliffs near the Old Light, likely to their death. We have no idea what they were after. These two don't seem to know much. But I will interrogate them further. I know of two deaths, an elderly visitor that had arrived by ship, and the teenage daughter of Farmer Caddik,” The Sheriff offers his report to the Mayor.

See Cathedral Square Map

A fit muscular Shoanti man begins to speak, “I am Sheriff Hemlock. I want everyone to be on their best behavior.” He continues on about how the guards are there to assist; and like the Sergeant at the town entrance, reminds those in attendance that there is plenty of room in the town jail. He reminds everyone to be safe around the evening’s bonfire, and finally he requests for a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the fire that claimed the town’s previous church several years ago. This brought the crowds jubilant excitement to a dour mood.