Aleks is going to go over the information provided by Ameiko, not because he currently doesn't trust her, more because it never hurt to check one's assumptions.
Here are the questions, in machine gun fashion.
- What was Tobyn like personality wise? Did he have many friends? Any personal enemies worth mentioning?
- What was Nualia like personality wise?
- How was his relationship with his daughter? Who was the mother?
- Can you describe the layout of the old cathedral? Were there any major fire risks like lit candles, burning incense, etc?
- Were there any signs of arson in the aftermath?
- What time did the fire in the cathedral break out?
- Why was Tobyn unable to escape the blaze? Was he trapped?
- Why was only Tobyn's body recovered? Not Nualia's? Is it possible Nualia was kidnapped and that the fire was to cover her abductor's tracks?
Viviana takes a seat and looks at the old man.
"The sheriff requested help to investigate the attack. During the raid a grave of local priest Tobyn was desecrated.
And apparently the goblins had human helping or leading them.
You have been in the town long enough, what can you say about the priest?
Enemies , family issues, anything that would explain why and who would involve goblins to get to his grave.
If we don't comprehend why the attack happened we don't know what will be the next move and everyone is in danger.
Including you and your daughter."
After the conversation is done.Viviana will tell the guardsmen to wait for her outside and will try to talk in private.
"The work you do with the glass is remarkable. This will fetch high prices in Taldor , and my father have the connections to arrange it if you are interested.
And one last thing , i won't poke my nose into your family affairs, but from what i have seen you and your daughter have some kind of problem. I can help you two to resolve it without yelling at each other if you allow me."
Situation may, at DM's discretion, also trigger the built in bonuses from my Parade Armor for an additional +2 circumstance bonus to my Diplomacy.
The old priest listens carefully to your questions. When you have finished he speaks in a sonorous voice that was once likely very resonant, but age has softened, like all things."These are all fine questions and there is much to tell, but this is family business and not for anyone to know."
He sighs deeply and looks at each of you in turn. "But I can see that you are all in this for the good of Sandpoint, and that greater good must prevail over the secrets of the past."
He sits on a low rock wall and begins to relate his story, over time this is what you pick up:
- Tobyn was a very kind and sincere man. He was dedicated to his job of ministering to the town, and as such never married. To Eamon's knowledge he would have had many friends and no enemies except those that are enemeies of the Good faiths everywhere.
- Nualia was not his birth child, but adopted, when as a wee baby she was left on the Cathedral steps. The childless Tobyn took her in and raised her as his own. The mother or family is not known, but it soon became apparent that the child was supernatural in origin.
- Nualia was aasmimar, that is, half-angelic half-human. Her beauty was unsurpassed and her tenderness and kindness were on full display. However, she was treated poorly by the rest of the town, sort of a counter curse, they thought she could cure small illnesses etc and hounded her to no end. She had no real friends in town as a result and trusted few.
- Tobyn wanted to send her to Windsong Abbey and have grow up in the Order, but she fell in with a Varisian boy, Delek Viskanta. Knowing her father wouldn't approve, Nualia kept the romance secret until, things beign what they are, she wound up pregnant.
- The father, Viskanta, fled and Father Tobyn flew into a rage, his plans for her at the Abbey now ruined. He locked her in the church and prayed over her morning, noon, and night requiring her to perform acts of contrition daily. Eamon was in charge of feeding the girl during this time and her resentment grew daily.
- Brother Eamon was away at Magnimar when the fire occurred, otherwise he might've been burnt too. He says candles were often kept lit with no fear as the Dreamer watched over them. The church then was a much simpler, wooden affair and it went up like kindling. He couldn't say why the family did not escape the blaze other than it must of been the God's will.
- He acknowledges seeing Tobyn's burned corpse as it was being readied for internment, and agrees that Nualia's body was never found. He shrugs agreeing that is possible Nualia was abducted and the fire started as a ruse, but that seems unlikely to him. He feels she burned in the blaze.
Please do not think poorly of Tobyn. He was an upset father and who among us would've acted differently in those circumstances. The story is too tragic to imagine." And with that, the old priest closes his eyes, and whispers a short prayer, and eventually looking up at the rest of you.
What more can I answer? This old man must get back to his studies and meditation before the next service."
Viviana
The old man continues his work as you ask your questions. "You want to know about Father Tobyn? He was a fine man, very civic minded, very good shepherd for the flock. No illusions of grandeur like our new priest Zantus."
He recognizes that the town is in danger and that is why he wanted to take Ameiko to their home in Magnimar. "You seem to have some influence on her, whatever you can do to make her see reason, and come safely with me, that would be greatly appreciated."
As for your offer of mediation, he frowns and his tone and features grow icy. "Our family past is not your concern. We will go on like the Kaijistu's have for generations. She will eventually succumb to my will.".
He is unimpressed with your familial connections and rolls his eyes at the insinuation that he needs more business.
With that the interview is over and the clerk reappears to show you to the door.
Aleksander resumes massaging his temples as the 'other' begins a frenzied pouring over the new information.
An assimar who was abandoned at the door of the church and was treated like crap by the rest of the village... The 'other' sighs cynically. Then she gets herself pregnant and 'daddy' finds out.
Poor girl. She's going to be almost as messed up as you.
"Eamon, what do you know of Delek Viskanta?"
------------------------------
Beagan frowns at the situation.
"These questions are interesting, but I don't see how they're related to the goblins coming to town causing mayhem. I think we should go check on Viviana and make sure she's okay. Besides, that old Mr. Juijitsu guy is kind of a jerk. We should go make sure he knows who the new bosses are in town!"
Beagan will head towards the door and wait for anyone else coming along.
------------------------
Aleksander, pauses for a moment to consider. "Beagan's got a point. I'm letting myself get distracted with the peripherals."
I still say cult. The 'other' intones softly, having fading back into the recesses of his mind to ruminate further.
"Brother Eamon. To the best of your knowledge, why would anyone want to steal the body of a priest? Someone's already gone to great lengths to do so."
------------------------
"Aye, it seems another tragedy in the time of 'unpleasantness'," Dolgrin says, agreeing with Beagan, "Let's focus on the now. Any connections to the past will sort themselves out eventually."
Viviana stare at Lonjiku with irritation and a shred of grudging respect, then says goodbye.
While walking the streets with sullen expression she notices Beagan and greets him.
Viviana explains what little she has learned obviously frustrated by her lack of success.
"That man is stubborn as kelish camel rider! People usually do what i want them to do,why doesn't he?!
Anyway , have you managed to learn something?"
Her mood improves slightly upon hearing that Nuala may be alive.
"So the girl could actually be alive and happy with her love? That's good even if its only hope.
But what should we do now? "
"So the old jerk didn't want to cooperate, eh?"
Beagan begins to ponder furiously, a mischieveous grin widening on his face.
"Alright. I'll go in and Grease him, then Alek will come in and dump feathers all over him. And that, my friends, is how justice is served..." Beagan exclaims, very proud of himself.
"Sounds hilarious."
Viviana giggles,then looks at the mischievous gnome.
"You wont try and actually do this, right? No need to make him laughing stock, he can do this himself.But it might be good idea to keep eye on the dragon. He may try to do something stupid."
"I just thought of something.
Are there any isolated farms and such outside sandpoint ? If theree are we should visit them and convince the inhabitants to move to the city for now."
"Aye," Dolgrin says coming up to Viviana and Beagan, "We're te be the law around here. But that don' mean we get te abuse tha' power an' prank the feller."
"Tha's a good question. Mayhap tha elf or tha mayor can say somethin' on tha subject."
"Yeah, I know, I was just joking..." Beagan says sourly, crossing his arms.
Theyre just jealous they didn't come up with the idea first!
Aleksander
Brother Eamon looks at you with his milky eyes and frowns. "Viskanta is a Varisian, and that means trouble. Tobyn didn't want his daughter with any boys, especially not that rag-tag bunch. He left town years ago when he found out Nualia was pregnant; hasn't been back since to my knowledge."
"As far as who would want Tobyn's bones?" he grimaces at this. "No one that I know of. Maybe some evil necromancer and enemy of Good is out there in the woods or swamps? I would think the body of a dead priest would make very powerful magic for someone. No ideas though, just speculating."
The old man suddenly looks quite drawn and pale. "It is time for me to retire. My stamina isn't what it once was. Any more questions before i trundle off to prayers?"
The rest of you decide it'd be a good time to head back to the Rusty Dragon to meet with the cold ranger, Shalelu Andosana.
"Easy there brother. I don't like what you're implying about the Varisians. There's good and bad sorts regardless of the culture so watch out who you're tarring with the same brush." Aleks raises an eyebrow.
%$#@ bigot. The 'other' snarls as he departs. Being Chelish doesn't give you carte blanche to act like racist trash.
"Either way, I've no more questions."
Aleksander nods a goodbye to Vosk and steps back out of the cemetery, deep in thought.
Girl socially ostracized due to her outsider status ends us falling for a cad. Any way this could NOT end in disaster?
"Love is blind."
And a poor judge of character, given that he was apparently more interested in the 'hump and dump'. The 'other' responds brusquely. Now go socialize... I've got a case to crack.
------------------------
"Dolgirn? You said you heard somebody in the graveyard? I want to check on who that might have been before heading back for our appointment with the elf. Which way were they?"
Gudada moves respectfully through the graveyard, looking to see if she's back, and curious about why she would be. Doesn't seem very respectful for the dead to try to stay with them instead of living as they would have wanted you to.
As Gudada peers around the boneyard, he spies the same half-elven beauty as yesterday at the same grave sight finishing her private moment, wiping her eyes and gathering herself together.
Eventually, all of you meet back up at the Rusty Dragon for lunch. Shalelu comes down from her slumber at exactly the appointed time, looking refreshed. She still carries her distant, cold manner however. She hugs Ameiko, it's clear they are old friends, but the Tien bard does not stick around long.
As Bethany lays out lunch, Shalelu unrolls a map of the areas around Sandpoint for your reference, she then begins speaking.
"Since you are now Hemlock's latest goblin-slayers, I am glad you came for this briefing. I wanted to give you a little more background on the goblins in the area."
"There are five major goblin tribes operating in the region. The closest to Sandpoint are the Birdcrunchers who live along the western edge of Devil's Platter, here." She indicates the portion of the map. "These guys have been around for years, but have never been aggressive to settlements before."
"There is also the Licktoad Goblins of the Brinestump Marsh. Their chief is obese monster called Rendwattle Gutwad. He is so fat it is said he never leaves the throne. These pests are good swimmers, and have been known to waylay caravans on the Road from time to time."
"To the east are the Seven Tooth goblins of Shank's Wood. If you look close you may see them raiding the junk and garbage piles at the bottom of the cliff near the Old Light. They had a champion named Koruvus, who used a man-sized longsword, but rumor has it he found a cave to hideout in, and hasn't come out."
"Farther east are the Mosswood Goblins, led by a tall muscular beast named Big Gugmut. This is the largest tribe, and the most aggressive, but they fight more among themselves than against any farms or towns."
"Finally, the Thistletop Goblins, led by Ripnugget a fierce chieftan. Their lair is on an island near the Nettlewood coast which some say bears resemblance to a decapitated head."
"As if that weren't enough, there's also Bruzathamus. That bugbear ranger has a particular hatred for elves, and he and i have scrapped many times in the past. I promise he'll fall to my arrows sooner or later. He leads a small group of outcasts and they often raid caravans or farms taking what they want by force and using violence indiscriminately."
"Now, I must get back on the road, but have a few moments to spare as Lars and Hosk prepare my mount. Since you're the newest crop of goblin-slayers I want you to be fully informed, ask me what questions you have."
"How did ye ken that the groups were workin' together? Just by the numbers or does each tribe have some manner o' identifyin' mark?" Dolgrin asks. "Also, if'n they be workin' as one, do they be livin' together too, or did they go back to their own camps?"
I've got this.
"Wait... what?"
Just be a minute...
"Miss Andosana." The 'other' steeples his hands, peering over with an coldly intense look of deep thought.
"What you've described would clearly explain the totems the rest of the undirected mob were carrying. However, when we engaged what appeared to be a goblin rearguard action, the warriors we encountered were wearing a symbol of a seven pointed star. I believe the gnome has a few. Can you identify this from experience?"
"Eye-witness reports indicate the goblins were directed by a half-elf during the raid. While undirected goblins were expended to distract the guard and cause havoc, a second team group into the Sandpoint Boneyard and escaped with the body of Father Zanthus, the local priest who perished in the fire when the previous church burned." Almost mechanically, the 'other' pauses to cut itself a neat slice from the nearest meat platter.
Do the local Goblin tribes respond well to outsiders and what would it take to band the tribes together? As the resident expert, have you crossed paths with this half-elf before? Also, do the Goblin tribes have access to reliable necromancy? I sustained significant wounds from a pair of animated skeletons I fought while investigating the break in at the churchyard mausoleum."
"I was originally hoping you were able to assist with the interrogation of a number of goblin prisoners captured during the raid. However, as it appears you are riding out post haste, I will have to find a local solution."
Aleksander takes a sip from his tankard, keeping his expression inscrutable as he waits for the ranger's response.
------------------------
Question Barrage Summary For DM:
- Can Shalelu identify the unidentified Goblin Totems?
- Do the local Goblin tribes respond well to outsiders and what would it take to band the tribes together?
- Does Shalelu have any experience with a half-elf leading the goblins? What can she tell us?
- Do the Goblins have ready access to necromantic abilities?
Coming around a corner and finding the same beautiful girl as before, Gudada stops, nods, and stands with his hands clasped in front of him, waiting for her to finish.
When she has composed herself, he steps closer. "Obviously, the person you mourn was very important to you. Would you tell me something about this person? A memory of joy that you shared together, perhaps?"
---
As she recounts the various tribes and how plentiful they are, he just sighs and shakes his head. "Buggers must breed fast."
Dolgrin asks the obvious questions, a good place to start, and 'Dada starts trying to think about how to expand past them intelligently, when NOT Aleks begins asking questions. Gudada's eyes go a little wide, and he turns his head, staring at what looks like Aleks as the serious of questions and commentary come streaming out of him. He doesn't QUITE have his mouth hang open.
To Dolgrin: "Aye, the sheer numbers are a part of it. The stories from goblin captives since, and the varied totems found on dead goblins tell us that several tribes were involved in the raid.
To Aleksander:It is true the goblins wear totems tying them to their tribe, but I have not seen this rune totem before. Where did you acquire it?" When you explain it came from a goblin in the Sandpoint Raid, she says: "It is not a totem of any of the five tribes I know of, unless they have changed? Odd that..."
"Goblins have always been out there, but have never attacked this settlement in force. Something stirred them to it. If you say it was a half-elf that's no less likely than I would guess. I do not know who this suspect might be, but aim to find out. "Find out what you can about this mystery man in town, and I will start sniffing around the goblin's lairs. I will start with the Birdcrunchers and Licktoads since they are closest."
"Necromancy is not common among goblins. They shun the written word, so learning is difficult in goblin tribes. Most necromancy wizards or clerics are learned in some way, and the powerful magics are avoided by goblin kind."
Hearing your request to interrogate the goblin prisoners she says:"That should've been done already, and now there is no time. Take the ranger Daviren Hosk with you, he can handle the emotions of the situation."
"Perhaps the skeletons that attacked were simply restless from their graves being disturbed? I know a thing or too about magic, and I know it's not the only way that the dead come back from the dead."
Beagan scratches his head.
"So, who do we know in town that's half of an Elf? Maybe we can start eliminating the possible suspects that way, if we had a list to go from!"
"Your assumptions are wrong, Gnome. Neither the gender nor age of the bones matched. I checked." The response is professional and even in its delivery, if coldly arrogant.
"All signs point to an outside organization and magical assistance. I will work on whatever I can unearth about this case in Sandpoint. Thank you for your time and assistance, Miss Andosana. "
He stands and makes to leave.
Done, and Done.
"Well, good luck to you then. Obviously you have no need for assistance, you've got it all handled."
"Give me a moment, Beagan. I've got something that needs to be sorted out. Be back in a moment."
Aleksander steps away from the table, massaging his temple.
"And... this is why I don't let you out."
Gnome asked a question. I gave a reply. The 'other' shrugs nonchalantly. Either way, I have the information I came for.
"You could have done so without being an ass to Beagan."
What's done is done. I suggest speaking to Ameiko now.
"At least let me smooth things over with the rest..."
Fine... The 'other' fumes at the distraction and consigns himself to doing all the actual work.
Dolgrin looks at Aleksander as he fires off the questions and then steps out. "Methinks the link te the half-elf be a tad tenuous. 'Tis likely true, but the eyewitness saw a humanoid of 'normal' stature, if'n ye will. Tha guards encountered a half-elven feller enterin' in a covered wagon, sayin' he was deliverin' fireworks fer the festivities. They were attacked right quick afterwards by the gobbos an' a dark cloaked person, but e'en they didn'ae make the connection. The helper an' the half-elf may be one an' the same, but we haven'ae anythin' solid te say so. Meanin' if'n we find a half-elf, we got nothin' solid on 'im, even were tha guards te recognize him, 'less he be carryin' somethin' te show he's tha one."
"Let us know if'n ye find that the goblins be holin' up together somehow rather than hangin' with their respective tribes. Meanin' tha one what influenced them be still around doin' tha influencin'."
Shalelu strides out of the Dragon and into the street where Lars and the ranger Hosk have her horse waiting. Without as much as glance backwards, she rides away like an arrow from a bowstring.
Asking Bethany to fetch the innkeeper, the fair Ameiko soon appears in the common room, a smile on her face. "I trust all is well with your stay? Whatever can I do for you? You know we'll do what we can to please the heroes of Sandpoint!"
She motions and Lars fills up several earthenware mugs with ale and brings them to the table.
"Sorry you had to see that, folks." Aleksander casually takes a seat at the table again. "He doesn't get out much."
"Apologies all around if he offended you, Beagan. If you want to ask about what just happened, feel free."The tone used is far calmer, warmer and a lot more glib than the icy delivery earlier.
He turns to the innkeeper. "Ameiko. If you could spare a moment of your time, I would like to speak to you in private. "
"It's about you and your father." He lowers his voice, letting the bustle of the inn drown it out beyond the table. "My companions here might disagree, but I believe that your family is somehow connected to the current troubles."
She rolls her eyes dramatically, but agrees to meet with you privately. "I think," she says with a grin, "you'll find my father is nothing more than a horse's ass. A big one no doubt and grandiose, but when you boil it all down, that's what's left."
As you step into the office of the Dragon, she sits behind the desk waiting.
Apologies in advance for the wall-of-text. Untrained Diplomacy if necessary.
Situation may, at DM's discretion, also trigger the built in bonuses from my Parade Armor for an additional +2 circumstance bonus to my Diplomacy.
------------------------
"I thought that was glue." Aleksander deadpans.
"And I'm going to apologize for maybe over-representing what information I currently do have. The others already think I'm crazy for pursuing rumors of an angry half-elf with desires to burn the town."
"But, I'm getting ahead of myself." He sighs. "There's not a lot to go by, but I'm starting to suspect all the deaths during the 'unpleasantness' were planned, even Father Tobyns... and if this holds true, by extension... your mother's suicide might not have been a suicide at all."
"Whoever this ringleader is, he's powerful enough to unite the goblin tribes. And judging by the obvious attempt to burn the cathedral and steal father Tobyn's corpse, it's almost as if they're trying to stage another repeat of the 'unpleasantness'."
"I'm actually concerned about your safety, Ameiko." He's fairly certain he managed to get that out without blushing. "I don't doubt your ability to take care of yourself, but out of all the people in this town I've encountered, have two, rather than one connection to the 'unpleasaneness'. The first is from your mother, the second from you taking over running of the Rusty Dragon from the previous murdered innkeeper."
"I hope I'm not asking too much, but if there's anything at all you can tell me about your mother's suicide, it might just help me crack this case before more blood is spilled."
------------------------
TLDR Version:
Inform Ameiko about his hunch that she is a possible target.
Ask for information regarding her mother's suicide.
Viviana stay silent for most of the conversation.
After the ranger strides out she turns to her friends.
"
So the goblins likely have magic using ally. We should look for similar assistance. Let us check what we can learn from the prisoner ,then I will go and ask the Mayor if there is someone with such skills in Sandpoint.Beagan, do you want to come with me? I know Shelyn rites but i have little knowledge about other forms of magic."
Ameiko stares at the soldier for a count or two, then bursts out laughing."You're joking, right? Right?" When she sees you're not kidding around, she suddenly turns serious, cold and hard, a look you've not seen from her before.
"I have my doubts about my mother's "suicide" okay. Even if my father didn't do it, which I can't prove he certainly drove her too it with his behavior and hatred. Either way, if it weren't for him, she'd be here still. It wasn't like her to jump but he could drive her to anything, I suppose."
"As for me, I am more than capable of taking care of myself, thanks very much. And I don't think the Unpleasantness was planned at all, it was too random and old Stoot was just a lunatic not a planner. The fire and Tobyn's death seems more like a coincidence than anything else. But you think the ringleader is a half-elf? Hmmm, that's unusual. Any suspects?"
Beagan nods at the lovely Viviana. "Sure, I'll go with you. What could go wrong?"
"I would rather go with you than wait here, unless you object?"
The goblins are held in the basement jail of the Sandpoint Garrison (Town map area 10). The jailor is a hard-core, tattooed Shoanti man who gives Gudada the evil eye. In heavily accented common he says: "Two goblins. Want both or one. In there." he motions his head at an interrogation room with a few chairs and a long conference table.
"In fact, I'd prefer if you joined us! It'll be a party! Anyone who wants to come interrogate goblins is more than welcome to join us!"
Viviana doesn't pay any attention to the shaoni man.
(unless his tattoos are exceptionally well made )
"How do we do this?
I say we start with the one we captured near the gate.He should have seen the mysterious man and the box."
Dolgrin nods, "One at a time seems best. Them lot may be wee ones, but they're all teeth an' chaos."
"One at a time it is, then. The one from the gate first? Why not." Gudada turns back to the Shoanti and gives him a positively annoying smile. "Do be a good servant and arrange that, will you?"
Good.Ask them abowt the leader,about the tomb and about the star simbol.Promise ...what do the goblins like? Viviana asks Alex or if he is busy improving the relations with the tien minoriti in sandpoint the other goblin experts.She also cast guidance to baegan asuming he will do the tqlking.
PP sorry i cant do ooc and bold from pfone will edit soon.
The tattooed jailer makes a rude gesture to the Varisian rogue, but does go to fetch on of the goblins from the cellblock.
A few moments later, a pitiful remnant of the fierce creatures you fought on Festival day enters the room. His ribs stick out and his eyes are sunken and sullen. Chains bind his hands and feet and a collar rings his neck. The captive goblin sits mildly on the chair at the end of table not looking up at any of you.