Knowledge, local 1d20
"Sheriff, I have some additional news. Just last night I found that a grave had been robbed from the boneyard next to the church. It was the grave of the Father Tobyn."
He goes on to tell the sheriff about his adventure earlier in the day of following the tracks to the cabin and the body he found there and then a vague telling of his fight with the goblins, leaving out his inability to get a solid hit on a few of them.
"Father Zantus said the dead man sounded like someone he knew named Gregar. I can take us all back there easily. There are still some goblins who need to be taken care of there..."
Their three interlocutor are all quite shocked by Venmirl's revelations. As Belor wonders who could have desecrated a holy man's tomb, Mayor Deverin speaks, almost as if thinking out loud. "This can't be random act of vandalism or a necromancer looking for a generic corpse. Still, I can't find who would want Father Tobyn's remains. He was well liked in town. We also don't have any conflicts with the Twilight Academy and their necromancers."
"Gregar, the trapper, dead? Poor man..." says Shalelu. "I told him that living alone in his isolated cabin was dangerous but he sure liked his privacy. I'm guessing the goblins and whomever is leading them used his cabin as some sort of staging point before the raid. But what you tell me is hardly surprising. Sandpoint hasn't been the only place in the region that's had goblin troubles. For a couple of weeks, there's been an increase in goblin-related raids along the Lost Coast Road, most notably in the dale between Nettlewood and Mosswood. Just last night, a farm south of Mosswood attacked by a group of goblins. I was nearby, thankfully, and while the farm burned to the ground, I was able to lead the family to the safety of a nearby farm. After this, I hurried here to report only to find that a major raid had happened here. One thing's sure, the goblin problem isn't going away."
Sheriff Hemlock adds: "I'll send a few men to Gregar's cabin later today. They'll be able to chase off any remaining goblins and return the corpse for a proper burial."
Calla perks up and looks around as talk turns to the goblin. "Sheriff Hemlock... if I may speak... I think that it was indeed wise to question the goblin regarding the raids. If he has been living here for more than a year, he could well be a spy for the other goblins. However... if we believe that the goblins are being organized by a human... does that not mean that anyone could be a spy? In fact, it seems unlikely to me that the goblins would use one of their own kind as a spy or infiltrator. He would be too easily noticed. I believe Darst is likely innocent. Because setting him free might be too risky, though... perhaps you would allow him to remain with us, under our guard, for the time being? If he is truly a spy, surely we will learn soon enough and give him proper justice. If not... then less harm will be done by setting him free than by keeping him imprisoned." As Calla finishes, she is visibly nervous to those who are standing nearby.
"So the goblin attacks were not just on our town only, hmmm. Whoever is the leader of these attacks needs to be dealt with very soon." Venmirl looks around at his new friends. "Sheriff, I believe our group would be happy...no, we need to help find the person responsible. Is there anything we can do? Possibly search for more goblins along the Lost Coast Road? We can't just sit around town and wait for another attack."
On hearing Calla's suggestion. Izbahn inwardly smiles. That's two for my suggestion, and one against. Still Naomi will not make this easy. He remembers all to well, the look of hatred in her eyes. I feel Darst may not live to regret this.
"A Sczarni? Now there's a group I can imagine being involved, even if at the very least to take advantage of the confusion caused by the raid. If you can locate this Jubrayl Vhiski and bring him in for questioning-do not arrest him though, that could put him on his guard-I might be able to see if he does know anything. Of course, any Sczarni might do."
With a frown, Belor responds to Naomi. "Well, Jubrayl's easy enough to locate, miss. He's always at the Fatman's Feedbay, that hellhole of a tavern next to the harbor. But 'bringing him in for questioning' as you say would require lots of muscle. I doubt he would come with me willingly and he's always surrounded by a few thugs." The mayor bolts at this. "The last thing we need at the moment is a huge fight in the middle of my town. Unless we have substantial proof of Jubrayl's involvement in all of this, don't make a move against him."
Calla perks up and looks around as talk turns to the goblin. "Sheriff Hemlock... if I may speak... I think that it was indeed wise to question the goblin regarding the raids. If he has been living here for more than a year, he could well be a spy for the other goblins. However... if we believe that the goblins are being organized by a human... does that not mean that anyone could be a spy? In fact, it seems unlikely to me that the goblins would use one of their own kind as a spy or infiltrator. He would be too easily noticed. I believe Darst is likely innocent. Because setting him free might be too risky, though... perhaps you would allow him to remain with us, under our guard, for the time being? If he is truly a spy, surely we will learn soon enough and give him proper justice. If not... then less harm will be done by setting him free than by keeping him imprisoned." As Calla finishes, she is visibly nervous to those who are standing nearby.
Mayor Deverin nods while Sheriff Hemlock holds his chin with his right hand. "You words are wise, Calla of the Shadde-Quah." says the Sheriff. "I'm almost inclined to grant you this but I'm not sure the population of Sandpoint would like to see him free and travelling with their 'heroes'. Besides, as your wizard friend pointed out, this goblin is a slippery one. I can't be sure you wouldn't slip through your grasp too."
Calla is surprised that the Mayor and Sheriff are so inclined towards her suggestion. She sees that they need a little more convincing, though, before granting her request. "Is there some way we could better guarantee that the goblin would not escape? I can personally vouch for my ability to track him down.... and slay him if need be.... but you are right that I have not seen how sneaky he can be. I do not wish to underestimate him."
"Yes he is a sly one, no doubt about it. Still, the longer he is by himself, the more likely he is slip through our grasp. Plus, we certainly can keep him in line, right?". He then gives Naomi a wink.
"Yes, yes we can. It did not seem like he would prefer to be behind bars than out and about, even with several watchful eyes on him."
"I must say I still shudder at the thought that a human could be involved in this raid."
"Is it possible he was inside Sandpoint and opened the gates ?"
"Perhaps one of the guards of that gate know more ?"
Belor nods. "Now that's a good question but the guard assigned to the north gate on that day is missing. His family says he never returned home that day and, I visited his home, all his things are still there. The goblins must have killed him during the attack and brought his corpse with them for some reason."
** spoiler omitted **
Mayor Deverin looks at each of you in turn before speaking again. "My mind is set. Shalelu, you will return to the wilds and do what you do best: sniff out the goblins' usual hideouts to discover what's going on and keeps us informed of any developments. Mr. Hemlock, I'm sending you to Magnimar. You are to appeal our case to the Lord-Mayor's Office, the Council of Ushers or directly to the Army, whomever will listen to you. Try to make them station additional soldiers at Sandpoint for a few weeks, at least until the extent of the goblin threat can be determined. I'm also sending my nephew Wade with you. I will lend more credibility to your story and check with our political allies and other 'unofficial' sources to see if anyone might be making a move against us." She pauses a couple of seconds before adressing you. "As for you my friends, it seems our little town has taken a liking to you. All I ask is that you stay in town for a little while longer, at least until the Sheriff can come back with the Army. It will reassure the people of Sandpoint to know you're still around to protect them. What say you?" Sheriff Hemlock rises from his chair to speak. "It will be as you wish, my Lady." Shalelu just nods and makes a little smile.
"It would be a pleasure to stay here for whatever time you require, Mayor. I do enjoy being here, despite all that has heppened so far, and I have no desire to see those filthy goblins wreak any more havoc."
"I won't say I'd rather not be out taking out the goblins with Shelalu, but I think I'd only be a burden. I'm better in cities anyway."
"Where do you want me to wait while I'm keeping the people's spirits up?"
"What about the goblins at the cabin just outside of town? I feel like we should take care of such an obvious threat and potential lead in this situation."
"I agree with Venmirl, we should check it out right away. Although they may have already cleaned up the area, it still would be a good test of our 'new friend', right?"
Syeira looks at the sheriff and sees his reluctance to leave his town in the hands of strangers.
"Sheriff, Lady major, I think I speak for the rest of us, that you can rest assured we shall do everything in our power to keep the citizens of Sandpoint safe."
She then turns to her friends.
"I also believe we should go have a look at the cabin Venmirl discovered, it might be abandoned by now ... but we never know what we'll find there."
"As for the goblin in the cells here ... I think that after a talk with Naomi ... He won't be so keen to run away."
"I agree that we should take a look at the cabin, before it's too late to find anything there. Don't worry, Mayor Deverin.... my family lives here and we mean to live here for a long time. I will do everything I can to keep Sandpoint safe."
"Very well, if you believe he will be useful to you, I will release that goblin to your care." says the Sheriff. "Note, however, that he's your responsibility. You'll have to keep him in check and out of trouble. I don't want to have to capture him again when I come back from Magnimar. As for the trapper's cabin, like I mentioned before, I will send a few men there later today to check it out and take care of any trouble. You're welcome to tag along if you wish. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some preparations to make before I leave tomorrow and I think we're done here."
The Mayor rises from her seat. "As you say, Sheriff. Izbahn, Calla, Naomi, Syeira and Venmirl, I thank you for coming and for what you're doing for us. Keep me informed if you stumble on something interesting."
Shalelu also rises to leave. "It was nice meeting you. I'll be staying at the Rusty Dragon Inn until tomorrow. You can come see me there if you need more information on the various local goblin tribes."
Shalelu also rises to leave. "It was nice meeting you. I'll be staying at the Rusty Dragon Inn until tomorrow. You can come see me there if you need more information on the various local goblin tribes."
"Shalelu, I am also staying there, and I think any information you can provide to me and my friends would be invaluable. I can talk to you later there, if you don't mind."
Once she has left, he turns to the rest of the group, and asks with a somewhat sheepish grin on his face, "So, who gets stuck with Darst the first night?"
"I myself intend to keep a close eye on him at all times..... but even great warriors need their rest from time to time." She smiles back at Izbahn, wondering what the man truly thinks of the goblin's situation.
"I'll do it," Naomi grumbles, "if for no other reason than to get it over with quickly..."
Bidding farewell to the Mayor, Sheriff, and Shelalu, Naomi goes to see Darst.
"Hello again, my name is Naomi.. I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, I did not fully understand why you were here instead of being kicked out of the city. Once I was told you lived here in Sandpoint, it became clear it was a way to keep eveyone, including you, safe. My friends and I have been told you can leave as long as you stay with one of us. I volunteered to be the first. Could you show me around the city?"
"I'll do it," Naomi grumbles, "if for no other reason than to get it over with quickly..."
Bidding farewell to the Mayor, Sheriff, and Shelalu, Naomi goes to see Darst.
"Hello again, my name is Naomi.. I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, I did not fully understand why you were here instead of being kicked out of the city. Once I was told you lived here in Sandpoint, it became clear it was a way to keep eveyone, including you, safe. My friends and I have been told you can leave as long as you stay with one of us. I volunteered to be the first. Could you show me around the city?"
Darst grins. "Yay! Nice heroes help me! Thank you! Can I go out now?"
"Naomi, do you want some company, or will you be alright on your own."
Darst grins. "Yay! Nice heroes help me! Thank you! Can I go out now?"
"As long as you stay with one of us." Naomi motions for a guard to unlock the cell.
"Naomi, do you want some company, or will you be alright on your own."
"It would be nice, yes, to have another one to explore the city with. Besides, if I lose sight of the guide here, maybe you won't."
Darst grins. "Yay! Nice heroes help me! Thank you! Can I go out now?""As long as you stay with one of us." Naomi motions for a guard to unlock the cell.
"Naomi, do you want some company, or will you be alright on your own.""It would be nice, yes, to have another one to explore the city with. Besides, if I lose sight of the guide here, maybe you won't."
Darst bounces up and down happily and runs out of the cell. "Thank you nice heroes! Is I have my pipes now please?"
Under orders from Belor, one of the town guard comes to unlock the goblin's cell and return his belonging. The most notable item is a bizarre contraption that appears to be a musical instrument. A series of pipes and a flute-like mouth piece are all attached to a central bag. The guard also has a rusty flip knife for Darst but he seems hesitant to give it to him. He looks to the group for guidance.
Under orders from Belor, one of the town guard comes to unlock the goblin's cell and return his belonging. The most notable item is a bizarre contraption that appears to be a musical instrument. A series of pipes and a flute-like mouth piece are all attached to a central bag. The guard also has a rusty flip knife for Darst but he seems hesitant to give it to him. He looks to the group for guidance.
Darst happily takes the item and holds it up to his new friends proudly. "They pipes! I's play 'em!" He brings the mouth piece to his mouth and starts playing. The sound is odd, but not unpleasant. The tune, however, disturbingly resembles the goblin song played during the raid.
Izbahn hadn't seen anyone play the bagpipes since he was a child, he found the sound unusual to say the least. When Darst started playing the Longshank song, he hurriedly interrupted, "Umm Darst, do you know any other songs, I am wondering if you ever heard of Caddifeirgus?". He then starts humming the tune to Darst.
Izbahn hadn't seen anyone play the bagpipes since he was a child, he found the sound unusual to say the least. When Darst started playing the Longshank song, he hurriedly interrupted, "Umm Darst, do you know any other songs, I am wondering if you ever heard of Caddifeirgus?". He then starts humming the tune to Darst.
Darst nods eagerly. "Yes! That great song, I love it! Okay, I plays it next." He turns back to te pipes and resumes playing.
Syeira first addresses Darst;
"That doesn't sound half bad Darst ... but know this ... we're keeping an eye on you ... So don't try anything funny ... !"
After that she reminds her friends of the roasted boar, and diner with Aldern at the White Deer Inn.
"I've already accepted Aldern's offer for dinner, so I'll be eating there. But perhaps I will join you later tonight ..."
"As for the rest of the day, I think I will go do some relaxing."
"See you all tonight ..."
With that Syeira walks away to clean up. She heads towards the White Deer Inn early to meet up with Aldern. And has no idea if she will really join her new friends at the Rusty Dragon tonight ... Aldern awaits.
The guard also has a rusty flip knife for Darst but he seems hesitant to give it to him. He looks to the group for guidance.
Naomi nods for the man to give Darst his flip knife, though she frowns as it's given to him. She doesn't like the idea of this.. goblin having a weapon, but if it makes him trust the group...
"So Darst, why don't you show us around town? I confess that I haven't been here long, and certain events stopped me from properly scouting out the city for the best places."
The guard also has a rusty flip knife for Darst but he seems hesitant to give it to him. He looks to the group for guidance.Naomi nods for the man to give Darst his flip knife, though she frowns as it's given to him. She doesn't like the idea of this.. goblin having a weapon, but if it makes him trust the group...
"So Darst, why don't you show us around town? I confess that I haven't been here long, and certain events stopped me from properly scouting out the city for the best places."
Darst takes the knife happily, and puts away his bagpipes. "Okay!"
Darst takes the knife happily, and puts away his bagpipes. "Okay!"
During the afternoon, as the others take care of some personal business, Izbahn and Naomi follow Darst the goblin through town. His 'best places' in Sandpoint aren't really what a civilized person would expect. He first shows them various holes and crannies where one can hide in the ruins of the ancient Old Light. He then shows them some more of his haunts in the small lanes and alleys of Sandpoint, including the best places to find eatable garbage. The trio gets a few confused glared from the townsfolk but no one is openly hostile toward the goblin, given those who accompany him. As the afternoon slowly turns into the evening, the goblin's constant jabbering and the tunes he plays with his bagpipes are starting to wear down on the two humans. They decide to head toward the White Deer Inn, where a diner should be waiting for them.
Meanwhile, at the inn, Calla, Venmirl and Syeira have already arrived and met Aldern. Syeira was the first to arrive and the nobleman greeted her extremely warmly, complimenting her on her beauty. Calla and Vermirl arrived at the inn not long after and now both Naomi and Izbahn enter the inn, still accompanied by Darst. When the large Shoanti innkeeper sees the filthy humanoid, his eyes go wide. "What is this doing here? This is a respectable establishment, I don't want his kind here. Out, out you! Scram!"
Naomi steps in front of Darst and glares at the innkeeper, icy blue eyes flashing.
"The goblin is with me. I am tired, have a headache, and would like to eat now. Our group has need of him, and he is under our guard. Leave him alone."
During the afternoon, as the others take care of some personal business, Izbahn and Naomi follow Darst the goblin through town. His 'best places' in Sandpoint aren't really what a civilized person would expect. He first shows them various holes and crannies where one can hide in the ruins of the ancient Old Light. He then shows them some more of his haunts in the small lanes and alleys of Sandpoint, including the best places to find eatable garbage. The trio gets a few confused glared from the townsfolk but no one is openly hostile toward the goblin, given those who accompany him. As the afternoon slowly turns into the evening, the goblin's constant jabbering and the tunes he plays with his bagpipes are starting to wear down on the two humans. They decide to head toward the White Deer Inn, where a diner should be waiting for them.
Meanwhile, at the inn, Calla, Venmirl and Syeira have already arrived and met Aldern. Syeira was the first to arrive and the nobleman greeted her extremely warmly, complimenting her on her beauty. Calla and Vermirl arrived at the inn not long after and now both Naomi and Izbahn enter the inn, still accompanied by Darst. When the large Shoanti innkeeper sees the filthy humanoid, his eyes go wide. "What is this doing here? This is a respectable establishment, I don't want his kind here. Out, out you! Scram!"
Darst takes his mouth from his bagpipes, trying to look pitiful. "Nono! I is nice goblin! I's never even steal! Well, once, but that is was disunderstanding, I no had any money! Anyways, it just apple, it no very valuable! I think, I isn't read, I isn't know what tag says. Is apple valuable?" Darst looks up at Izbahn. "I no think it is," he continues, "it only apples, you is get them on trees! Apples is should shared by people, anyways, they yummy and there lots! I is return next month, too, but he no want it! If person not want it, is it stealing?" Again, Darst looks to Izbahn. "I no know, but I is no think!"