About an hour and a half after you arrive, the cowering nobleman from earlier enters the Rusty Dragon. He is newly dressed in fine livery and has obviously taken the time to refresh himself. He glances around until he sees your group, then breaks out in a wide smile.
He glides easily through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with those in his path, until he makes it to your table. He smiles at all of you, then asks, looking at Zella, "May I have a seat, my friends?"
"Please, pull up a chair and join us. I don't think any of us got around to introductions earlier, my name is Zelladanyia."
Herri tries to divert the nobleman with immediate introduction. Herri stands and taps his brow in mild salute Good day Sir, Come share in the celebration of today's victory. It appears through all the commotion we were unable to truly introduce ourselves. I am Herri Olderfin, Blade of Iomedae and Varisian Fortune Teller. May I ask your name sir?
With the help of some food and time to reflect on what happened, Nover sobers up from his depression. His smile is back, he's talking with the friends that he's made and thankful for all that were not harmed. Being a gloomy gus does have the benefit of being able to listen in on others conversations. Hearing Bellamy turn the woman down he has a single thought.
Good thinking Bell, you may be a rascal but that never means you get yourself too far in before realizing it's too late.
Still wearing most of his armor he heads over to Zella's and Herri's table and pulls out a chair for the nobleman before pulling one out for himself and motions for the man to sit.
"The name is Nover, son of Gaven. Warrior of the Five Kings Mountains and bartender at this here Rusty Dragon. What'll you have?"
"How did goblins get in?", the little bard immediately demands. "Hmmph!" She takes a moment to 'compose' herself. Reaching out with her foot she nudges Herri and mumbles "Thanks for the healing by the way..."
The nobleman starts to talk with Zella but is pre-empted by the rising priest. The man smiles and gives a short, polite bow. He then proceeds to give each of you the same bow, sitting in the seat proffered by Nover.
"Aldern Foxglove, a minor nobleman of Magnimar. A pleasure to meet all of you! Nover, your hammer struck like the dwarven gods of old! Herri, your sword flashed brightly in the sunlight as you cleaved through your foes! Zelladanyia, your precision with your eccentric weapon was a dazzling display I was truly amazed to behold." He grins at her before continuing.
"I believe heroes do need to be rewarded, wouldn't you agree? Please accept this boon from me. A pittance compared to my life, which is what was returned to me." He places a small pouch on the table. It jingles enticingly when it hits the polished wood.
He appears to think a moment, then holds his right hand up, finger pointing upward. "I've got it! I was going to take that hunting hound on a trip through the Tickwood to hunt some boar in a couple of days. Perhaps you will accompany me instead? I would be most honored."
Nover glances at the pouch then back to the man somewhat perplexed. Would Ameiko give him a day off to go boar hunting? If he gave her one that he caught or something else she probably would let him get the day off.
"Boar hunting huh? I haven't done that in a while. You need the proper spears for it. But those are fairly common."
The nobleman nods, smiling widely. "Of course, of course! And horses, as well. And you shall have them, my friends! Lovely horses with the most luxurious manes from Goblin Squash Stables. Though not half so much as the lady Zelladanyia's locks."
He looks around at all of you, his eyes settling on Zella. "Are you locals, or gifts sent from the heavens to save the town of Sandpoint from the goblin menace?"
"Bellamy Tharriz" Said the arcane user as he stood near the table his friends shared with nobleman "I can see exaggeration is among your talents, we have simply been at right place, in the right time like most heroes I am sure" He continued as he smiled at Foxglove.
"I do not mind joining, but my hunting skills I am afraid are very poor...so you will have to settle for whatever enjoyment my conversation and magic bring you" The black haired man looked towards the sulking Elaina next "Gold and a hunting trip, wouldn't you say that is enough to wipe away your scowl? Although its frightening to say that I have mostly seen you with a sour expression" He let out a soft laugh "Be wary or you will be remembered as Elaina, the beautiful but dour dancer"
"A pleasure to be formally acquainted with you, Bellamy. And you as well, dour Elaina." Foxglove laughs at Bellamy's statement. "My friend, those were precisely the skills I was looking for! Most boar hunts end with the party coming back swineless, sad to say, but fine company makes such disappointment prove bearable." At this point his eyes flick back over to Zella.
"I can see that you are weary, and you likely want to get back to your celebration before you retire. I just wanted to thank you personally, give you a reward, and of course invite you on the hunt. Shall we meet at Goblin Squash morning after next?"
"Your kind offer of a reward and hunting trip is most appreciated. Even if no boar show themselves, a fine ride through the woods sounds rather relaxing. Especially compared to the day that we have just had." Is it just me, or does he seem to be staring at me alot?
It's been a while since Nover has seen anybody throw a pile of coins onto a table and his mind begins trying to calculate the amount of coinage based on the clink and size of the bag..
He calls over Ameiko to see if he can get the day off for the hunting trip.
"Hey Boss! Would you be alright with me taking the next few days off for a hunting trip? I promise that if I catch anything I'll bring it back to the Rusty Dragon for a feast and a good story.
He pauses and nods in the direction of Zella and Elaina.
"Well one of these two lovely ladies would be able to tell the story better than I. Weaving words is an art that I do not possess much skill in.
"Making an exceptional brew is an art that I do not possess any skill in. So if you will proved the drink for the story, I will provide the words."
Ameiko makes her way over to check on your table when Nover makes his request. She grins down at him, then smiles at the rest of you, winking at Bellamy. "Of course ya can, Nover. After ya helped saved the town today ya deserve some rest and relaxation. Just make sure ya come back refreshed, for I'll work ya twice as hard when ya return."
"Do not worry, I'll be sure he returns no worse than he was...I can't promise anything when it comes to holes in shirts though" He holds out the whole given to him by the goblin "It seems even I am not immune to such things" Bellamy laughs as he gives Nover a friendly pat on the back.
She grins at Bellamy and Nover, amused at the sorcerer's bluster. Her work is never finished, however, so she hurries off to look after her other patrons.
The sorcerer approaches Ameiko when she seems to have finally found a fcouple of minutes for herself, he smiles "Running an inn is its own battle" He said in a calm manner, before a feigned sad look came over his face coupled with an exaggerated sigh that escaped his lips "It seems that the sheriff had finally had enough, I am turning myself in, I know I have been quite a selfish guest" He held her right hand with both of his before hanging his head low "But may I expect a visit with some warm food every week or so?" Then he let go of her hand and over dramatically looked towards an open window to complete the scene.
Elaina is torn between the excitement at the prospect of riding a horse and jealousy that Zella is obviously the center of the mans attention. After some consideration she decides to let excitement win out. Maybe things weren't that bad, it's not like the entire town burned down. After this incident the people will be more weary, so it's not likely to repeat itself. "I'm not dour!" she snaps at Bellamy. "I have a headache. But I will accompany you on your hunt. If tonight was anything to go by you lot will need the boar lulled to sleep before a killing blow can be delivered."
She grins, pleased by the sorcerer's performance. "You're quite hopeless, Bellamy. Yesterday I would have said ya need to grow up, but after the fight I feel such a thing would be unwarranted." She chuckles, shaking her head. "A visit and warm food once a week? Aye, I might be able to manage that, sir." She winks at him, giving him a clap on the shoulder before moving off.
"My mistake Elaina, but should you wish to change the nickname that is already flying to the tongues of others" He points mischievously at Foxglove "I suggest a full day of smiling after your headache leaves you"
"Shut up Bellamy I don't have a nickname!"
Bellamy's grin widens before he makes to escape, not wanting to suffer the wrath of the young bard.
Zella begins to cough a little bit. Apparently a bit of wine went down the wrong way as she was laughing too hard at the verbal exchange between Bellamy and Elaina.
The party makes its way to the Sandpoint Garrison where an appointment with Sheriff Hemlock awaits. The guard out front recognizes you at a distance and opens the door to call inside. Belor Hemlock meets you on the front steps, Father Zantus surprisingly at his side. Belor looks irritated, Zantus looks troubled.
As you approach, Sheriff Hemlock says, "Thank you for coming tonight. My own forces are spread thin, and frankly are worn out and suffering from low morale. Father Zantus has a situation that needs to be addressed, and I would appreciate you looking into it with me."
"And me, as well," Father Zantus says with a tired smile. "In short, the former high priest, Father Tobyn, has a vault in the Boneyard. I found the door hanging ajar and fear that a goblin or two might be trapped in there. Perhaps it is simply nothing, but I thought to gather help instead of braving it alone, just in case..."
Good day Father Zantus and good day to you as well Sheriff. Father it would be my pleasure to help in the Boneyard. I am sure my companions would agree as well
Herri turns to see the party's opinion of the matter. Then turns back to Father Zantus.
Will you be traveling with us? We would always love the company.
"My good sir, it would not only be my duty to accompany you, but to travel with the Heroes of Sandpoint would bring me great honor." You see admiration in the Father's eyes, and a bit of teasing in his voice.
"That doesn't sound sinister at all. I'll have to change if we're gonna be fighting the undead."
Zella appears rather distressed. "What? Disrupting the festival wasn't enough? Now they may be desecrating the former high priest's tomb?" She shakes her head in disgust.
"Of course I will accompany you Father, though I would like a brief moment to grab a couple things from my room at the Dragon."
Sheriff Hemlock nods briskly at your request to gather a few things. Father Zantus cocks his head in confusion at Elaina's words...he had not mentioned undead, merely an abnormality in the vault. Still, if she was preparing for trouble, that was fine with him.
When you have all gathered your equipment (Bellamy, please grab anything you need, I think you are already fully equipped), Hemlock and Zantus lead the way to the Sandpoint Boneyard. The vault is a 20 ft square structure located near the wall. The ground has been churned up nearby, as if from several creatures walking or running. The vault door does indeed hang slightly askew.
Silence greeted the senses of Bellamy as they entered the graveyard. His blue eyes gazed across the grey stones, and then went to the night sky Grave robbers are not uncommon, but I have not heard of goblins involved in such a deed He walked closer the vault and trailed his right hand on its door "I do not that Goblins would to take a safe hobby like grave robbing, at least that is what I gathered from today's raid" Comments Bellamy as he scans the area once more.
The sorcerer turns his attention to the men who brought them here "So is it not unlikely that they are here? There is no one to kill or rob in this place, no? And if valuables are buried...well goblins do not strike me as patient"
Father Zantus cheeks gain some color as he shrugs. "As I said, likely nothing down there, but I felt it to much a risk to go in alone. I could likely take a goblin, but if luck failed me, goblins are neither patient, nor merciful."
"Hmph, goblins are opportunistic little creatures. After earlier today they might have well decided that it is easier to take things from a grave rather than a living person. We need to make sure that they have not disturbed the rest of those interred in this tomb."
Though it looks slightly odd, Zella took a minute to throw on her leather armor over top of her dancing outfit when they stopped back at the Dragon on their way here.
Elaina dons her armor and traveling clothes before heading out with her group. Her traveling outfit looks much like her dancing outfit save for the muted colors and the addition of a short skirt. Her eastern style armor looks somewhat out of place in Sandpoint. "Sometimes dead people get the best stuff, huh Zella?"
Elaina casts light, brightening the night. Sheriff Hemlock nods appreciatively.
"Let's have a look then." Elaina conjures up four glowing orbs of light that float lazily through the door of the vault and to the center of the building/room. The orbs spread out into a ten foot square while she peeks through the door.
Herri happily gazes about his surroundings as if enjoying it all.
I always loved the skyline of a graveyard in the evening. It reminds me of my childhood days. So what do we know about Father Tobyn?
Zella draws her short sword and makes the tip of it glow like a torch as she holds it out.
Through the crack in the off center door, Elaina makes out the sarcophagus in the middle, the stone lid cracked and broken beside it. A discarded piece of clothing lays beside it.
"There's probably a naked person in there. I'm not goin' in first."
Herri pulls his sword from his scabbard and readies with his shield.
Careful now... who knows what lurks in the shadows.
"Well, it won't be the first naked person I've seen."
Zella moves up with her lighted sword to take a look.
I sometimes forget that the humans require light for dark places
Nover peers into the room, figuring that a dagger might doo him a bit more justice. Rarely used, Nover prepares to thrust in the tight quarters.
He raises an eyebrow at the bards remark.
"And it most certainly will not be the last I assume."
A dart was unearthed from Bellamy's belt as he positioned himself in the middle of the group, his eyes looking to the stone walls of the vault, and its floor. The combined spells of Zella and Elaina, chased away most of the darkness and hand them covered in a bright light, extending and enlarging their shadows "A strange place to free yourself from your clothing" He commented out loud to no one in particular.
Zella is the first to enter the chamber, the door still pushing open relatively easily. She and the others see a disturbing sight, the sarcophagus has indeed been opened, the bones inside missing!
As she enters, from the sides of the small room skeletal fingers grasp for the bard!
Surprise Round: Nover, Herri, Elaina, Bellamy, Skeletons