Shalelu_JCS's page

Ameiko does not fight much since her last adventure some years ago. It ended a bit...tragically. However, I have known her for some time, and Ameiko acts with honor. If her skills are needed to save lives, you can count on her.

Detecting a bit of sadness from Megekki, she adds, Do not worry, my friend. Ameiko does not hold harsh feeling towards friends for long. Give it time. A week or a month for now, I would be surprised if she even remembers the incident.

She refuses the dagger. You give it back to her personally, upon your return. To do so, with respect, is considered honorable in her culture. Not to mention, you may a more immediate need for it.

Shalelu leaves after showing you the way in. The Sheriff has asked her to patrol the other known tribes to insure they are not moving against the town while you all are attacking Thistletop.

Shalelu returns.

Ameiko is well. Or, at least she will be with some rest. I think she over-exited herself.

The Sheriff catches her up on the discussions.

Of course, I can lead you there. Then I will leave you to confront that evil, while I insure the Sheriff remains informed on any other movements of the other tribes.

Shalelu lowers her voice and looks even more serious than normal. There is not telling what evil festers within Thistletop. If a necromancer is working with the goblins as you suspect, it could lead to unexpected dangers.

Her face remains without any noticeable emotion, outside of the determination in her eyes.

Absolutely, Sheriff. If any of the other goblin clans make a move in this direction while they are gone, you will be the first to know.

Suddenly, her eyes widen, just a little, yet her eyes are still completely green. She says, Where is Ameiko?, to no one in particular.

I expected as much. Magnimar has never been very supportive of it's neighboring towns.

Shalelu walks in. Sheriff. Glad to see you have returned. Did Magnimar answer to your request in a positive manner?

Shalelu is surprised.

This is most, unexpected, Zeriax.

She looks at it carefully for a moment, sets it down, and pulls her own travel bag. She pulls out a very worn tool of her own. Most fortunate timing. This one was really starting to show its age. Normally, these things are quite durable, but I've had this for well over three...no...maybe four decades.

She looks at the one you gave her.

I must admit, the craftmanship in this one is certainly more attractive. Thank you.

Zeriax nods at the group decision, and with their permission follows along with Shalelu.

As Shalelu leads you to Thistletop, she shares some information with him.

The ancient site known as Thistletop has long served as a den for Goblins. Based on what you told me from Tsuto's journal, it may not serve as something more. I've avoided a direct confrontation with it for decades, because of the sheer number of goblins holed up there. But, it now seems that in order to protect the town from future attack, and to confront the one responsible for bringing the goblins together to attack Sandpoint, it may be necessary. I must warn you, you and your friends must be prepared.

You follow the lost coast east for about 6 miles before arriving, and Shelelu takes you through the woods.

There's a secret goblin trail leading to their stronghold through the woods here. Though, one must be careful. Its easy to get lost and the thorny, poisonous plants around this area add to the danger. There's also the main pathway in, but that would be better guarded.

As she shows you the parameter where you see several goblins 'guarding, she whispers, Thistletop is a curiously round island about 60 feet off shore, connected to the mainland by a rope bridge. The thorns that comprise the “walls” here are quite damp; the fog every morning and evening ensures that. As a result, the brambles don’t burn well. An attempt to smoke out the goblins or burn down their thistle maze would only results in a slow-burning smoky fire. You can certainly attempt reach Thistletop by the sea or by traveling along the beaches, but you would need to need to navigate the treacherous sea cliffs to get to the stockade built atop the island. She points to the cliffs as you draw close. I estimate the cliffs themselves at about 80 feet high, and the damp sea air would make those walls slick. I saw a goblin try once. It was pathetic, and somewhat humorous at the same time (though not for the goblin).

After showing you around, she returns back with you to Sandpoint.

It is decided, then. We will reconvene here at sundown to discuss what we have found.

Zeriak, I'll need a stealth, perception and survival check, please. Everyone else, is there anything you want to do with the afternoon?

It would take us a few hours away from town. And scouting parties are best kept small. It would be best if I took one volunteer, and the rest stayed to protect the town.

Brenton spends the morning studying as some of you went on patrol.

As you return, Shalelu offers,
Perhaps if one of you wish to come with me, we can scout the parameter of the Thistletop goblins. It will take the rest of the day, and it is not without danger.

If one of you want to go with her, that will take the afternoon for you. The rest of you can decide what you're doing this afternoon.

Perhaps. But I do not know if it is wise to leave the town before the Sheriff returns.

"If someone is trying to unite the goblin clans, would it be reasonable to try to talk to one of them to see what they can tell us of what is going on?"

You see Shelelu scoff at that one. Converse? With Goblins? Surely you jest. Do you have discussion with rats, or raging blood thirsty barbarians? Goblins are a mix of the two. Do not underestimate them. In numbers, they are quite dangerous.

She look at Emrys. The pleasure is mine. Your friends and I were having a discussion about the Goblins. I did a quick scouting of the closer tribes. I do not believe that an imminent threat from them exists. Thanks to you, each of the tribes lost a few warriors, and that still hurts. However...I cannot penetrate the Thistletop goblins. They're based in heavy forests that, in turn, connects to an island. And its one of the closer tribes...only a few hours away by foot.

Up to you...maybe you had something else to do, Megekki.

Shelelu responds to Brenton.Yes...the Birdcruncher goblins, the ones who live in caves along the western edge of the Devil’s Platter. While I would like to see all goblins eradicated or, at the very least, pushed away from all civilization and nature, these goblins are the least aggressive of various tribes around the hinterlands, despite the fact they are closest to the town.

I have certainly seen the effects it can have on both humans and elves alike. There are many things that we can take in excess. Regardless, your discipline is admirable.

Ameiko tells me that the Sheriff has asked you and your friends to help stay and guard the town. Perhaps, with their permission, they could spare you during the early morning hours. I would be happy to show you how I patrol the forests closest to town, and learn more about nature in the process.

Sudden, her face changes a bit. Is she smiling?

Of course. In the past I have been disappointed in trying to train the watch in the ways of learning to see nature...listen to it. For when we do, nature has much to tell us! While they have made many strides over the decades since this town is founded, I would love for them to be fully able to protect themselves from threats of bugbears and goblins that infest the forest in the hinterlands. And, the best way to do that, is to work with nature. I am glad to see one of the newest heroes of Sandpoint also recognizes the value of such training.

She looks up at Ameiko and signals. The Tian woman pulls out a bottle of wine. Judging by its markings, it would appear to be of Elven origin.

Care to join me in a drink?

Your initial relationship score with Shelelu was 2. It is now 4.

Shelelu listens intently. She always seems so calm. So collected. Sometimes, however it makes her hard to read.

Diplomacy Check, Zeriak. +3 additional bonus.

To be honest, Ameiko is one of my closest friends here in Sandpoint. At the same time, I do not totally understand the nature of the wedge between Ameiko and her father. Seems a part of it has to do with the fact that Ameiko doesn't really act like a noble.

She gets up.

I best retire. I plan to wake well before sunrise to do some early patrolling. Thank you. I hope we will have a chance to speak more in the future, Emrys.

I have been here for a number of decades and have watched this town grow from its founding to what it is today. Its people are brave. I have learned much by watching them grow together. As far as the goblins... they infest the forests, and threaten not only these innocent people, but many of the creatures in the forest. They have no concern for the sanctity of life or nature's cycles. Left unchecked, they would consume all around them, even to their own detriment. My desire to see no harm come to the citizens of Sandpoint as well as insure balance in nature, provided my motivation to decide to become a guardian, of sorts. At least, until they town can defend itself adequately against such threats.

Shalelu whispers to Emrys. This is why they have so many more children than us. Maybe we can learn some valuable mating rituals here.

You note the sarcasm in her voice.

Up to this moment, Shalelu has showed little emotion, aside from some anger in talking about the goblins. Now, you see another emotion that you have yet to see from the elf. Surprise.

She leans over to Emrys. This is why I prefer to spend most of my time in the woods. One day, you will have to tell me how you handle this day in and day out. She sips on her wine. watching carefully to see what will happen next.

After taking a sip while listening, Shelelu puts down her glass.

Right now, you need to stay in town, and help protect Sandpoint. If they attack again, you have the watch to help you. Out there, you are vastly outnumbered and the advantage is theirs. Do not underestimate them. Goblins may be small, but attacked in their lairs, they are not unlike a nest of wasp, and much more deadly. Some of these groups number in the hundreds.

For some time now, I have found it a much better use of time to insure that the infighting between the tribes continues. However, this attack on the town is very concerning. Despite their number, goblins do not have the organization or leadership to take the town head on. Someone let them into the town, somehow. Troubling, indeed.

Interesting, she says. I may find that information helpful in my investigations. Let me share with you what I know.

As I mentioned earlier, there are five major goblin tribes in the region. The closest to Sandpoint are the Birdcruncher goblins, who live in caves along the western edge of the Devil’s Platter, although traditionally these goblins are the least aggressive of the five. To the south are the Licktoad goblins of the Brinestump Marsh, pests who are excellent swimmers. East are the Seven Tooth goblins of Shank’s Wood. I suspect they've secured a place for themselves by raiding Sandpoint’s junkyard and rebuilding the stolen refuse into armor and weapons. Farther east are the Mosswood goblins, likely the largest tribe but one traditionally held back by feuding families within their own ranks. And finally, there are the Thistletop goblins, who live on the Nettlewood coast atop a small island that some say holds a passing resemblance to a decapitated head.

Goblins generally live short, violent lives. It’s unusual for a single goblin to achieve any real measure of notoriety, but when one does, it’s well earned. Currently, six goblins in the region enjoy
the status of... she hesitates for a moment. Hero. I've managed to find out something above each of them.[/b[

[b]Big Gugmut is an unusually muscular and tall goblin from Mosswood who, it is said, had a hobgoblin for a mother and a wild boar for a father. Koruvus was a champion of the Seven Tooth tribe, as well known for his short temper as he was for his prized possession—a magic longsword sized for a human that the goblin stubbornly kept as his own.

Koruvus vanished several months ago after he supposedly discovered a “secret hideout” in a cave along the cliffs, but the Seven Tooth goblins remain convinced he’s out there still, a ghost or worse, waiting to murder any goblin who tries to discover his hideout. Vorka is a notorious goblin cannibal who lives in the Brinestump marsh, a “hero” mostly to goblins other than the Licktoad tribe.

Rendwattle Gutwad is the obese chieftain of the Brinestump goblins, a corpulent monster who, it is said, never leaves his throne. Ripnugget is the leader of the Thistletop goblins and controls what the five tribes agree is the best lair. And then there’s Bruthazmus, an infamous bugbear
ranger who lives in northern Nettlewood and often visits the five tribes to trade things he’s stolen from caravans for alcohol, news, or magic arrows. Her tone drops half an octive and she looks slightly upset. Bruthazmus has a particular hatred of elves, and we have fought on several occasions. To date, neither of us has managed to get the upper hand on the other, but I vow that I won’t be the first to fall.

With that, she takes a drink of the wine in front of her.

Shalelu stands up. And, whoever wants to meet me tonight at the Rusty Dragon, please do. I am sure there is much we can discuss. Until then, good day. She bows her head slightly and walks out.

It is currently 1pm in the day.

I hope you would could join me for dinner at the Rusty Dragon Inn at sundown. I would like to hear more about the raid from you, and, in return, I would be happy to share more information about the goblins in the Hinterlands.

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.”