Barek kneels beside the dog's body. "He was a good hound, m'lord. A faithful companion to the end. I hope you will honor him such. A good hound is worth his weight in gold and can be a better friend than many. If it wasn't for him, you might be dead."
He brushes his hands off and stands. He comes over to where Thorn is examing the bodies.
He shrugs at the symbols. "Some goblin ritual no doubt."
"Yeah, most likely, though I don't know, it seems that many of them have them, it could also be a recognition to a clan perhaps?" Thorn theorizes with Barek.
Seldon, exhausted, manages only a weak bow to the nobleman, waving his thanks as the man departs. You can see that the news that a man led the attack has deeply perturbed him. Collecting himself, he sets his healer's kit on the ground and begins to rummage through it, and arms filled with bandages, burn-ointment and sutures, makes his way back toward the Cathedral.
"That is no goblin craftsmanship. I can tell you that much." the elf says, gravely. "Hold onto it, and perhaps we will find somebody who knows more.."
"A man leading goblins? Who would do such a thing? Or why would the goblins even accept him?" Barek spits to show what he thinks of that.
"I wonder if the box came from the Cathedral. We should get back to see what the Sheriff knows."
"Keep this? It's only goblin-slag." Tunder says with disgust. "Not worth the bother. I was just hoping they'd have a bit of coin." He follows Barek back to the cathedral.
As the three of you (so far that's Seldon, Tunder, and Barek)stroll back into the churchyard the scene is freshly appalling. Fires still burn and bodies of townspeople, most covered by a tablecloth or cassock, still litter the ground. A few guards are hoisting bodies of goblins into the back of a horse-drawn wagon. A knot of villagers stands, shell-shocked, tears streaming down their soot-covered faces.
Father Zantus and acolytes from the church are tending to the wounded on the stage and steps which has been turned into a makeshift hospital. An elderly gnome man is having his head bandaged by one of the clergymen as you pass by.
Looking on the field, see the dozen or so goblins you battled with still lying about. Reflecting on that combat, you thank the higher power of your choice for the skill and luck that allowed you to survive the onslaught.
Farther, on you hear the lilting voice of Ameiko Kaijitsu raised in song. It's sweet notes and harmony are in stark contrast to the screeching chanting goblin-song that filled this square moments before. The song is in a foreign tongue, but the intonation and meaning lead you to believe it is a song of perserverance and triumph.
"Goblins would only follow a man or other race because of power and magic, just like kobolds." Thorn points out.
Thorn will keep one of the totems as well. Thorn will then turn to Aziza, "How are you doing little one, you look just puckered out." He will stay with her knowing how sorcerers or wizards are when out of spells.
Barek walks up to the Sheriff. "Some goblins were harassing a noble at the North gate. He says he saw them carrying an ornate chest and being led by a man, not a goblin. Is there anything missing from the church?"
"is that Amieko singing? Wonderful voice. Is she ok?"
"That's no goblin totem or symbol I've ever heard seen or heard of" says Aziza as she examines the corpses, "But I've no idea what it is or means. Perhaps Mister Parooh will know..."
She's so tired that she doesn't even realize that the gnome of whom she is talking is nearby. As Thorn asks her how she is doing, Aziza's attention snaps back into focus, at least a little. "I'm in desperate need of something to eat and a little sit down, but thanks for asking. All of you were magnificent during that skirmish, by the way, if you don't mind someone like me saying so, whom can't even lift a sword let alone swing one."
Looking around again at the bodies and the flames pockmarking Sandpoint at the moment, she sighs heavily, her shoulders sagging and her expression miserable. "So much for the Swallowtail Festival. And for that bloody foppish noble... he left his hound's body laying there after all. Thorn, help me bury the dog please? He deserves better after dying to protect his ungrateful master..."
With a second curtsy, Mirela waves farewell to Aldern Foxglove "Yes my lord, until next we meet." Once the foppish noblemen is out of earshot, Mirela laughs lightly while rolling her eyes "That one has got it bad."
Approaching the stockpile of goblin weapons, Mirela nods with Tunder's assessment "Yeah, this stuff is worthless." Curling lip in disgust, Mirela shakes her head derisively "Honestly, I don't even want to touch it... it's all rather disgusting."
At Aziza's mention of food, Mirela perks up enthusiastically at the suggestion "Good idea Ziza! I've worked up quite an appetite myself. I'll come with you, but I'll give you a hand with Foxglove's hound first." With a helpless shrug, Mirela adds "To be honest, it's not at all surprising. So many high born place little value on the lives of their servants."
Seldon nods at the girls as they take their leave. "Very well. I shall stay here and attend to the living. I will see you soon."
"Oh! And Aziza!." he shouts, handing her the two glass vials recovered from the goblins. "See if you can figure out what these are." he says, with a wink.
Thorn lays down the weapons he collected and lifts the dog over his shoulder, patting the poor canine on the head with gentleness. "Yup, I am going to get myself a dog, especially with so many goblins around. Where shall we take him, you lead and I will follow."
Tunder goes to get cared for at the cathedral. He'll stay around and help once he's see after.
After Aziza finds a grassy spot nearby to bury the poor hound, she asks Thorn and Miri if they would mind helping her dig a small grave for the beast. After burying the corpse and saying a brief prayer to Gozreh, she will offer up a wan smile to the Elven warrior and the Varisian acrobat.
"Thank you for this. I know there are plenty of dead and injured townsfolk here tonight, but I guess like most of my kin, I have a soft spot for animals." Looking at the freshly turned earth, she frowns again. "That bignob Foxglove didn't even mention the beast's name. Well, you're free of him now, pup."
Taking a deep breath, and letting the tiredness wash over her briefly, Aziza turns to face the other two. "Alright. Better now. Let's go ask the sheriff if the townsfolk need any more help cleaning up after this raid. If not, then I suggest we head back to the Rusty Dragon to change out of these bloody clothes, and grab some food if there's any available."
As she walks back with the others towards the smoke and ruin where just a short while ago the festival was taking place, Aziza will examine the two vials that Seldon passed to her before he departed...
@Barek: You approach the Sherriff and relay your news. He looks troubled by your revelation. "Led by a man, you say. And carrying a box? I will have Zantus search the cathedral for anything missing, but it may not be tomorrow before we know. There are still many wounded people to attend to, and there still may be goblins about."
"Aye, that is the fair Ameiko. She and her retinue are just over there. Looks like they are headed back to the Dragon now."
"By the way, thank you for yoru intervention tonight. Your group's quick thinking and skill kept this from being a real disaster. You all are heroes in my mind."
@Tunder: The acolytes of the Cathedral are deft in their healing and tender in their care. They rub some salve on your various wounds, wrap a gauzy dressing on them, and give you a blessing of Desna which makes your hurts lessen and your courage grow.
@Seldon: You tend to some of the more able wounded, a burn here, a scratch there. And work with the priess of the temple in their makeshift first aid hospital. The more seriously injured are taken inside on litters and the head priest is seen interceding for them. Abut the same time the dog-burying detail walks by, the line of walking wounded slows and stops, and you are free again to wander or re-join your new companions.
@Aziza, Mirela, and Thorn: You take a few steps outside the town gate and find a nice area to bury the brave canine in. Once you get him properly interred, you begin the sojurn back into the churchyard. You discuss whether or not you will meet the handsome nobleman for dinner, and Aziza examines the vials in more detail.
The vials both return a faint aura of conjuration. Examining them further, you can determine that the first is a potion of Cure Light Wounds. While the second is similar, it is uncertain if they are the same, but that is your assumption.
You come back into the courtyard and see Seldon just finishing at the cathedral steps cum hospital area. Tunder also sits nearby.
Tunder walks up to the dog-burying detail, An elf, a human, and a gnome come walking down the street... Sounds like the start of a joke. he thinks. "Seems I was wrong. This town does know how to throw a party. Just the kind of place I was looking for. He falls into step with the group. And you folks have trouble written all over you. Just the kind of folks I want to be around."
"It is my duty as an elf and that of a warrior to inter fellow protectors, I am sure that even foxglove will miss him, he seemed a stout canine." Thorn smiles to the two ladies once the dog is fully put to rest.
______________________________________
"Shall we get that fine meal foxglove was talking about, though either way I want to stow these weapons that were collected. I am off to the forge and will be back posthaste." He will wait for a minute before hustling off.
Barek joins the group burying the dog. He nods in sad acceptance that the hound fought well. "Brutus did good work. Kept Foxglove safe. Good boy."
On his way back, Barek goes to see how Ameiko is fairing. He waits until she ends her song to talk to her. "So did the goblins make a mess of things at your Inn? I hope none of your workers were hurt. Do you know why goblins like that would come to Sandpoint? We heard some of them escaped with an ornate box and were led by a man."
Seldon will see personally to Tunder's hurts, taking the time to make smalltalk with him as he cleans the dwarf's wounds. "You're some fighter, master Dwarf... this might sting a little ... From where do you hail? Did Desna guide you here from the mountains, or were you raised here in the lowlands? ...press this here..." Seldon smiles as he works, but you can tell he's trying to hide his exhaustion. "I have been to the Five Kings Mountains, you know. But I am afraid a grasp on the language of your kinsmen has always eluded me."
___________________
Seldon will eventually make his way out onto the temple steps, looking drained. He changes into a new cassock at the temple, but the smells of blood and upturned soil seem to hang on him all the same. "Mae govannen, my friends! Shall we be on our way? It seems there is little else I can do to help here, and I fear the promise of supper is too tempting to pass up." he admits, with a sheepish smile.
... That didn't sting, much "I was born close to here. I was apprenticed to Bofin made of Karbalt of the clan Sunderstone. When I was done, I came home to finf and kill goblins" Tunder winces as he presses. "Well that sing-song you call a language ain't all that simple either, so I guess we'll call it even."
The group finds their way back together and (it appears) decides to take up Aldern Foxglove on his dinner invitation at The White Deer. You remember this inn from near Northgate as being quite crowded, but as you approach it seems to be nearly empty. The ornate rearing stag sculpture over the gate has been hacked down and chopped to pieces, but the rest of the structure appears undamaged.
As you enter a tall, dark Shoanti man with a series of facial tattoos and his long hair pulled back in braids comes form behind the bar to greet you. Speaking in accented Common tongue he says:Hedos uv Sandpoint, velcum to Da Vite Deer. Ju are awl veddy velcome. A fire-brandy on da houz, ok?"
After recieving your stiffening drinnk, you inquire about Foxglove. "Ya, Meester Foxgluv ees in private room waitinG on yure company. Please eenter as you vill." He points the way through an ornately carved wooden door.
Entering you see Foxglove seated with a servant standing to either side. He rises to greet you, shaking hands firmly with the men, and stooping to kiss the hands of Aziza and Mirela. His hand lingers on the Varisian's for just a beat too long perhaps.
Welcome my...friends! I am so...happy you have decided to join me. Let us break bread...while you tell me...all about yourselves. How did Desna bring you...to Sandpoint? What are your...future plans?" Again, he seems to speak to all of you, but really only looks at Mirela.
The meal is roast venision (what else) and is well-prepared and delicious. Foxglove orders the best wine on the menu and it flows freely, as you tell your stories. Sometime during the meal, his hand creeps to Mirela's and he grasps it; the sensation is not unpleasant.
Seldon takes a mournful look at the ruined statue, making a mental note to prepare a mending spell come the morrow.
He does not shake Foxglove's offered hand, instead grabbing Foxglove by the shoulders and giving him a long, searching look with his deep-grey eyes. He then greets him in the traditional elven fashion, pulling him into a firm embrace. "Le suilon! Your invitation is most kind."
"Elë! Roast Venison! It has been a lifetime, perhaps two!" the elf says, glowing with delight. Before tucking in, he stands and offers a short prayer of thanks to Desna. "Great Dreamer, these hungry pilgrims thank you."
Thorn quickly rushed off to drop off his extra weapons at the forge, knowing that the sorceress is in capable hands, he would be like 5 to 10 minutes late at the most, especially if he finds some goblins to kill on the way.
Barek smiles as he sees the noble kiss Miri and Aziza's hands and then chuckles. Nobles, they were so amusing how they pretended to important.
Still, the large man sits with the others and is happy to share a meal with someone with such deep pockets. Barek helps himself to a large piece, with a hunk of crusty bread, and a glass of wine. "Well, you sure know how to eat, Lord Foxglove. This is great!" Barek shovels another piece into his mouth.
He washes the mouthful down with some wine and begins to burp, but suddenly remembers where they are. He covers is mouth, but the small burp can still be heard. He wipes his mouth and then responds to the man. "I'm Barek Hisdren. I'm from Riddleport, but come here to find some work. Maybe on the docks or one of the inns. Maybe something else." He shrugs. "I was helping to build one of the stalls at the festival and ran into these folks."
After laying the hound to rest, Mirela stands up and claps the dirt and dust from her hands. "Well, I'd better get back to the Red Dragon and clean up. I can't very well show up to dinner like this." Grabbing her backpack, Mirela moves with all haste back to the inn.
A long bath and a short nap later, Mirela emerges from her room looking a new woman. Her hair is done up stylishly, and she has adorned a tasteful dark colored courtier's outfit. Clothes of this nature aren't typically owned by gypsies like Mirela, but she appears as though she was born to wear this type of refinement. She looks the part of a high born girl, though she lacks the typical jewelry and trinkets they can afford.
At the White Stag, Mirela seems suitably coy around Foxglove. His prolonged kiss of her hand is even met by a slight rolling of her eyes and a hint of bemusement.
Though starving, Mirela resists the urge to shovel down the luxurious food and wine, instead choosing to observe proper etiquette. Where she learned such things, who knows.
"Well my lord, like most of my kin, I call no place home. We travel underneath the stars, following the path Desna sets before us." Using her knife to demonstrate aimlessness, Mirela adds "Here, there and everywhere. I happened upon Sandpoint when I heard of the great festival that was planned. It is a shame that those little monsters cut it short. These fine people deserved better."
Although she's had some time to recover from expending such a large portion of her arcane power, such as it is, Aziza remains somewhat subdued and quiet throughout the evening. The fact that her initial impression of this Lord Foxglove, when she first saw him cowering behind his dog when others were actually fighting the goblins, was a negative one does not help matters.
She remains polite and quietly convivial during the meal, answering questions if any are directed at her, but like all gnomes from the Sanos Forest will begin to get vague in her replies if asked about her home.
As soon as the meal is concluded, Aziza will place her napkin on the plate and turn back to the nobleman, "Thank you for the meal and the company, Lord Foxglove. I regret that I'm not at my best this evening, and I apologize if I've seemed unduly reticent or reserved. After using so many spells today while fighting the goblins, I'm just very, very tired, so on that basis I must beg your leave. Time for me to return to our lodgings and get some much needed sleep. Good evening!"
Tunder takes the time to wash the goblin stench off before dinner. He greets the nobleman and is only too happy to be quiet while the nobleman swoons over Mirela. When Aziza excuses herself, he sees his opportunity and does the same himself. "Uhh. Hold up Aziza. I'll.. er.. walk you back. This was a good meal and all that. Thanks."
Foxglove was momentarily taken aback by the lanky elf, but after his initial surprise, he returned Seldon's hug warmly. He demurely thanks you for the praise of his table and vintage.
Thorn's trip down to the Smithy is incident free. A couple on the street cheer when he walks by and two Varisians stop to pump his hand warmly a few times, but he makes to the Red Dog and spirits away his loot without Korvut (the foul mouthed smith) noticing him. He arrvies back at the White Deer shortly after the first course has been cleared away and is welcomed warmly by the host.
Foxglove marvels as Barek tells his story of emigration from Riddleport. "Did you really punch out those goblins... with your bare hands? You must show me how that's done...I was a bit of boxer myself... in school, you know."
He makes small talk with Aziza (yes, pun intended) but is careful not to tread to near items she'd rather not discuss. He also can tell her sense of general weariness. He is not at all offended by her fatigue and dark mood, but understands it's been a taxing day.
He asks many questions of Tunder as he has little familiarity with the Sons of Stone, and their ways are new to him. He his not offensive, merely curious.
But the majority of his attention is reserved for the ravishing Mirela, who appears with her hair and couture done just perfectly. Her coy flirtation and sensual nature have their effect on the man, it's quite easy for any to tell he is deeply smitten with her.
Just as the dessert is served, one of the servants whispers in his ear. Foxglove cries out:"Aha! A capital idea Mortimer! A capital idea indeed. That solves my problem...such an elegant solution." Barely restraining his excitement he turns back to the table. "My friends, Mortimer here has a most excellent suggestion...I am scheduled to go out to the Tickwood tomorrow morning...for a boar hunt...before returning to my townhouse...in Magnimar. The plans are all made and the supplies prepared... but I was wondering..." Again, he casts his eyes at the acrobatic courtier. "Would you all like to join me...on this hunt? It really is great sport...and it would allow us all to spend more...time together. It would be my great honor to be your host, and...I really must insist. We leave around mid-morning from Tanner's Bridge...and will be back before dusk. I have all the spears...and supplies...and mounts prepared, come now...you must join me."
"All about myself, you say? Well. I was raised in the village of Crying Leaf, not far from Riddleport, although I doubt the pirates know of it's existance." he says, unable to mask the sadness in his voice as he mentions his hometown. "But you don't want to hear about me." he says, perhaps a little too bluntly. He shoots Mirela an almost imperceptible wink.
His eyes hover on Thorn as he pours another cup of wine. "My kinsman here was raised there as well, though decades apart have left their mark on him. He almost looks like a stranger to me, I'm sure he has quite the story to tell." he says, looking at him expectantly.
Edit:
Seldon claps his hands together in delight. "A hunt! That would be marvelous. Though I'm afraid dear Aziza will not approve..."
The long walk down to Low Town and the comfortable beds of the Rusty Dragon beckon to you. As you walk down the once gay, but now forlorn streets, the town has made quite a transition from that morning. The crowds have evaporated, market stalls are closed, fires still crackle and smolder here and there. A few bloodstains mar the streets.
As you enter the cozy common room of the Dragon, a cheer goes up from the patrons. Lars pumps your hand till it hurts, and smacks you on the back warmly. Morris brings you as many free drinks from the other patrons as you can stomach. Even Ameiko gets in the act: "Free room and board for a week, for the Heroes of Sandpoint! Hurrah!". She then breaks into a heroic ballad about knights slaying dragons. You are shown to the baths and to your comfortable beds by Bethany, who beams at all of you in her motherly way.
As you slip into bed, you reminisce about the days events, the fun of the festival, the terror of the surprise attack, the questions that still remain. Before you can help it, you slip off into dreams, where Desna takes you far away from this troubled place.
"Of course I punched 'em out!" Barek laughs. "Best weapons I got. Can't be taken away from you. Plus, those buggers weren't that tough. That half-orc at the festival was tougher, though he weren't trying to knife me."
"Ah, you were boxer, eh? Fighting for real is a little different, but I could teach you some."
He nods in response to the invitation. "A real boar hunt! I'd love to go. Be a real treat. Never handled a boar spear before though. You'll have to show me."
*************************
As they return to the Rusty Dragon, Barek is shocked to find them being called heroes. He smiles though and shakes hands with Lars and a few of the other patrons. "Hell, if I knew this was going to get me meals and a room for free, I'd have been punching goblins long ago!" He laughs and stays in the common room long into the night, taking advantage of the free drinks and telling stories of their heroic encounter with the goblins.
Knowledge: Geography
"Sure. I'll go on da boar hunt."
At the Rusty Dragon, Tunder heartily joins in the party. The boisterousness is more to his liking than the stuffed shirt event he just left.
Seldon, sensing that he'll be needed in town for at least a few more days, and hesitant to sleep by the roadside once again, ducks his head inside the Rusty Dragon. He grins at the reception. "... and I was afraid there'd be no more singing!"
He accepts Ameiko's generosity and, already lightheaded from Foxgloves fine vintage, knocks back several more cups of wine. He stays up as long as he is able, ducking outside for some air and eyes fixed on Cynosure, the north-star, says his evening prayers. Retiring to his bedchamber, he tiptoes toward the well-made bed with an uncertainty to his step. At first he thinks he may need the aid of a prybar, but eventually he squeezes his way under the tightly-made linens. The unfamiliar feeling of sleeping on a soft mattress, along with several cups of wine, Seldon is helpless against his approaching sleep. He dozes of and lets Desna sweep him away...
Chiming in with her friends, Mirela smiles lightly and nods at Foxglove "A board hunt? Well, I don't think I have ever tried anything so sporting as that, and I have heard so much about the Tickwood." Taking another bite of her dessert, Mirela considers the proposal a moment and draws out her response as if the torture the wealthy nobleman "Hmmm, I think I should like to try that; yes my lord, I would be happy to join you."
As the dinner draws to a close, Mirela curtsies one last time for Foxglove adding "A wonderful evening Aldern. Until tomorrow."
After leaving the White Stag, Mirela immediately yawns and abandons the etiquette and niceties of high society "Well, time to turn in. What an exhausting day."
Arriving at the Red Dragon, Mirela happily soaks in the praise of the crowd but tries to maintain at least a scrap of modesty "Oh, it was nothing... really! Anything for the fine people of Sandpoint." After a number of drinks, dancing and singing, Mirela retires to the baths, somewhat more tipsy than when she had arrived.
Thorn will switch out of his leathers, he will wash up just a bit, making sure blood is clean of his weapon, body and leathers. He grabs some simple breeches and tunic from the forge.
Once he makes it to the White Deer he bows courteously and then quietly takes his seat.
"I am known as Thorn Omen bringer, where I go bad things happen or where blessings of the gods happen. I was hoping Desna would be the great impact on this site, it may have been, though the darkness followed as well, through my life this has happened many a time. Harsh times and loss of life has followed and preluded my path, though also great adventure and many friends and companions."
"A hunt would be great, and unless something of more importance rises I would gladly join you. Aziza can join me, I always welcome another pair of eyes."
Thorn will wait, and drink slowly on his wine and what he can snack on. He will wait for Miri, to escort her back to the Rusty Dragon, or he will wait for a signal from her to leave.
Once he gets to the Rusty Dragon, he will accept several drinks and speak with several that ask questions of him, though he tries to stay to the side unless pulled out into the center of it all with the others. Perception Check, to see selection of females in the room. Diplomacy check to improve a pretty lass's attitude toward him. If nothing pans out with the ladies Thorn will go out into the night to put out more fires. Then to retire to the Rusty Dragon after an hour or so to take a long bath then to bed.
Aziza will certainly make some excuse for not attending Lord Foxglove's boar hunt. Running about the woods with spears tormenting wildlife is definitely not her idea of a fun time...
While walking back to the Rusty Dragon with Tunder the desolation of the town after the goblin raid, compared with the gaiety of the festival only hours beforehand, begins to make Aziza even gloomier. In an effort to distract herself, she'll ask Tunder; "Um, I don't know if you'd be willing, but I'd rather like to learn to speak Dwarven. Although I'm very good with languages, we didn't meet a lot of your kin wandering the roads of Varisia with the caravans. Would you be willing to tutor me in your language while we're both in Sandpoint?"
When they get back to the inn and are greeted with such enthusiastic acclimation, Aziza will desperately try to play down her part in the day's events. "You're all very kind to say so, but all I did was scorch a few goblins... it was the warriors like Barek and Tunder here who did the lion's share of the fighting." She'll stay and chat with the patrons in the common room just long enough to avoid seeming aloof, then bid everyone goodnight and retire to her room until morning.
Seldon will watch Thorn's, search for female companionship, taking no pains to hide his amusement. As he heads out into the cold night once more, Seldon will grab his old friend and steer him back inside, pouring him a cup of wind. "Alasse, iant revanthas, eller naa ilyamenie tul're!" he says, steering him into a seat, still jeering. "If you ask me, mellonamin, it is the tattoos that scare them away."
His expression turns somber. "There are so many you look a stranger to even me, kinsman. The human lands have changed you much, in such a short time. It can only have been ten years. Perhaps twenty... Where have you been all of this time?"
All of you take your leave from the fabulous Mr Foxglove, Mirela last. He is disappointed by Aziza's choice to dig into some ruins or something instead of joining, but quickly gets over it when all the others agree.
Soon, you are all in the Rusty Dragon and in the midst of a celebration to your own exploits. The ale flows and the songs and stories grow longer and bawdier as the night progresses.
Barek regales everyone with his story of the boxing match with Gorvi the streetsweeper. Aziza makes peoples hair stand on end with the snap of a finger. Seldon sings and dances songs older than the town itself. Tunder says several times what poor quality the ale is compared to dwarf brew, but drinks many mugs anyway. Mirela chats flirtatiously with a few men, but it's all in good fun.
Thorn looking round the room you do see 2 quite attractive and available ladies. One is red-headed, full figured, and quite actively looking for company. Her companion is taller and leaner and has a mass of dark curls pulled back from her face. Before the night ends, your eyes and those of the red-head meet and she gives you a lascivious wink. She mock toasts you from across the room with the drink you send over, but just as you start that way, someone grabs you, wanting to hear stories of your fight for Sandpoint. By the time you get away and look over, both the ladies are gone. Just then Seldon chides you and strikes up a conversation.
Little by little, the common room empties and each of you drift off to your lodgings and soon are comfortably asleep.
End of 1 Rova
Dawn, 2 Rova 4707 Absalom Reckoning
Much much sooner than you'd prefer, a knock on the door announces that you have a visitor in the common room. Bethany whispers:"It's the Sherriff, and he's here on business and in a mood."
As you rise, the battle of the day before tells in your joints and muscles. Working out the soreness and stiffness, you make your way down to see Sherrff Hemlock tucking into a hearty breakfast.
Morris lays out eggs and sausges and fresh bread for all of you as the Sherriff speaks:
"Followed up on leads from last night, and thought you'd like to hear the update."
The large Shoanti talks more between bites of the breakfast which is quite exquisite, but doesn't stop the pounding in your head from too much carousing last evening.
"Zantus tore the Cathedral 'part lookin' for any goblin theivery, but didna see any. However early this mornin', the sextant, Naffer Vosk, reported footprints and damage out in the graveyard. Turns out that old Father Tobyn's vault is standing there ajar, and they're thinking maybe more gobbies'r holed up inside."
He looks up and scans your faces. "I'm headed over there ta check it out now, if it's not too early, wanta come along? I could use a hand from some Heroes 'bout now."
***Last Night as Seldon grabs Thorn...***
Thorn turns around and clasps arms with the other elf.
With that he pulls his shirt open even more allowing the even more intricate tattoos to be seen that are on his chest, some even seem to glow some.
"True the human lands are a bit harsh, but it is the creatures that plague them that make it harsh. That is what I have been doing with my last and now this life. Hunting down the evils and problems of the world. Yes it does change many of us, I see that Desna blesses you and your bow and sword have been put up. I know the rising of the Green was hard on many an elf. But that is the past and I have regressed to my past once more. Now let us do a dance that only an elf can appreciate..."
Tunder thanks Morris for the food and partakes heartily.
"Be happy to go with you, sheriff. Just need to get my things." Tunder hurries up to his room and puts on his armor. He straps on his waraxe and settles his bow across his back. He's back down stairs and ready to go within 10 minutes.
***The next morning to the Sheriff's call***
Thorn hearing the call to end an Omen speaks up quickly, "Aye, I will come with you Sheriff Hemlock, I need to get this banging from my head, loosen up a bit, and armor up. Allow us a bit of time, and I am sure that your Heroes will come prepared!" Thorn smiles the biggest anyone has seen him smile yet, well Seldon has seen it before, he puts out his hand to clasp arms in a show of offering his arm in battle.
Then he turns to see who is down with him, if Seldon is with the group he will ask his friend to help him collect his armor, if not he turns to Tunder.
Seldon cuts his breakfast into thin slices, picking at it and conjuring the last of yesterday's peaches to wash it down, offering them around the table with a smile. A smile that fades as he hears the Sherrif's report. "Desecrating a grave? Haven't these creatures an ounce of sense? They will pay dearly, in this life and the next. The Lady of Graves is not kind to tomb robbers... I will get my things."
"Although I am ill prepared for a fight. I've always believed in travelling light, but a bit of protection might not go astray if we're to fight more goblins, for me and Barek both."
Thorn asks those of his party that are down at the table, "It would be great if someone could give me a hand with my armor, it is over at the forge, though I guess I could handle it on my own, any takers any at all? Plus it is good to stretch and get the blood pumping."
Barek trudges downstairs, still slightly hungover from the previous night's drinking. He drops into a chair and slowly takes some bread and jam. At the mention of more goblins, Barek looks up at the sheriff. "You think there's some hiding in the crypts? Damn buggers. I wonder what they stole from there." He rubs his head, but says, "Yeah, I'll go. I guess I could use a workout to loosen me up before the hunt."
He grabs a greasy sausage and then trudges back upstairs. He comes down a bit later wearing a simple chain shirt and a belt with a few items. "Figure if they're going to try and cut me again, this should make it a bit harder." He stretches and the mail flexes with him. He cracks his knuckles and then bounces up and down, testing his legs, as a boxer will do before a match.
"Alright, I'm ready."