-----------------------------
As the last goblin collapses in a battered heap, Aleks lets out a sigh of relief.
Seeing a team of guardsmen closing to deal with the aftermath, Aleksander gestures over at the unconscious goblin he bludgeoned senseless earlier.
"Disarm this one and tie him up. Gods know what answers we're going to get from a goblin, but it won't hurt to try..." He pauses, noting the arrival of the Cleric from the temple.
"And get Mr. Purrun a healer now!"
He lets out another deep breath, letting the tenseness slip from his body, briskly crossing the courtyard and leaving the town guard to do their job.
"Here's to us!" He extends his hand in a firm handshake to the rest of the group, leaving the invitation to complete the greeting open.
Dolgrin snorts at Aleksander's 'greeting' and turns to search the nearby goblin that they had brought down. He glances up at the nobleman, ignoring the hand, before speaking. "Now normally, I'd say no and get me out o' this town, but with what's happened, I think I'll stay a time, keep an eye out. I'll gladly take ye up on yer offer for some good food. Now if, ye'll excuse me...," once finished with the goblin he moves to collect his javelin and to search any other goblins not already been touched.
Father Zantus gathers the heroes together and calls on the blessings of Desna to heal your hurts. From around the burning town, hundreds of swallowtail butterflies form again and alight on you, Where each one lands, your the tingling warmth of healing begins to spread, restoring your vitality and binding your wounds. The healing even effects poor unconscious Gudada who's eyes begin to flutter as a moan escapes him. He sits up to see a butterfly perched right on the end of his nose.
On the two bow-wielding goblins you find each one has: studded leather armor, shortbow, 15 arrows, and a long metal dagger tied to a stick (horsechopper). These are all small-sized and of poor goblin-make quality. Additionally, the 2 each have a small glass vial filled with a swirling blue liquid.
Hosk sees you searching the corpses and says, "Foun' 'nother like tha' vial o'er on the dead un's in a' churchyard. Also this here." And he pulls from his sack, a small whip, and a coin purse. "I ken these belong ta ya and yer mates; you did the killin' for it. The guard is stackin' the gobbies arms and armor and fixin' to burn them wit' the bodies. If'n you want any o' that trash you can grab it, but doan know why you would."
-----------------------------
Aleksander shrugs at the dwarf's nonchalance.
"And apparently, they ARE all dead..." he mutters as he retrieves his sap from the ground.
"I hope someone tied down that goblin in time. I DO NOT want to have to knock it out a third time."
Sauntering over, he extends a hand to the suddenly conscious Gudada.
"Unnhhhnngh! Well, I''m not dead, so we must've won. Thank you." As he reaches up to take Aleksander's hand and gets back up on his feet. "Have I mentioned how much I HATE open combat? Anybody missing anything important, like fingers or an arm?" The tone is not amusement, it is concern.
The fighting is finally over and Viviana sighs in relief.
"Here's to us!" He extends his hand in a firm handshake to the rest of the group, leaving the invitation to complete the greeting open.
Viviana hesitates for a moment , obviously confused as she isn't used to handshakes ,then shake the offered hand with smile.
With the close of hostilities, the nobleman approaches your group, his hand extended in friendship. "Amazing!...simply amazing! Especially, you,"he says looking at Viviana. "Never have I seen...someone act so...heroic on the battlefield. What a sight...simply amazing!" He looks her up and down nodding as he says it.
"I simply must insist you all join me for a late supper at my lodgings in the White Deer. It seems the least I can do to re-pay your heroics." He is speaking to all of you but his eyes are fixed on Viviana to the exclusion of the others.
Viviana looks at the man.
"You may want to introduce yourself before insisting on anything."She responds with polite voice
"Let me see this."Viviana examines the potion.
"I have little experience with potions but ...no i can't recognise it ,Beagan what you think?"
"What do we do now? I will go to the temple and see if they need help with the wounded. Maybe we should meet later?"
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Beagan sits down in the middle of the street, exhausted.
"Whew. That was tough. But hey, we all made it! Even Gudada!"
As Viv imparts divine wisdom to the gnome, he will cast Detect Magic on the potion(s) and attempt to identify it.
"Sure, we can meet up again in a little bit. As to where, how about back at the inn where we all spent the night?"
"Hey. Good shooting out there, Beagan." Aleksander gives the gnome a casual pat on the back.
He glances at the nobleman and shrugs.
"I'll be with the Sheriff if anyone needs me." Turning, he jogs over to Sheriff Hemlock, meeting him with a sharply snapped off salute.
"Sheriff Hemlock. Corporal Kramer, formerly Magnimar Watch. Figured this was an all boots on the ground situation. You need me anywhere?"
The young nobleman smiles his toothy, rakish grin at Viviana. "Of course, how forward of me. I am Aldern,of House Foxglove, and it is simply enchanting to meet you all." He bows low and stoops to kiss Viviana's hand if it is offered.
As the bedraggled Gudada speaks, Foxglove says:"Would that you had come a bit earlier. You missed seeing the troop of goblins absconding with some large ornate box. They came over that ladder there...and ran out the gate." He points back in the direction of the low stone wall that abuts the main town wall. It appears to be about 8 ft high compared to the 15 ft or so of the town wall.
He continues:"You also missed the man (I assume it was a man)leading them. He wore dark clothes and a hooded cloak and carried a bow. He barked out orders to the goblins who carried the box off out the gate. As I tried to follow, that one riding that rat-thing attacked me. And then you stepped in and saved me. Amazing!"
"While it truly has been a pleasure, I must see to my servants and things. Shall we say dinner in one hour at the White Deer? It has been my distinct pleasure to meet you, all of you" he adds swiftly at the end looking down into Viviana'seyes again. "Until later, then." And he walks off in his foppish way, his walking stick clicking on the ground ahead of him.
Beagan: The potions are 1 CLW, and 2 Cure Moderate Wounds. No other items register as magical. The pouch from Hosk contains 25gp.
Father Zantus offers anyone in need more healing before excusing himself to attend the makeshift hospital on the Cathedral steps.
Dolgrin: I forgot to mention, the goblins also had in their pockets all kinds of assorted detritus: a ball of twine, a silver whistle, a birds nest, 2 plain hairpins, and the mashed up remains of a pie. Additionally, each goblin had a totem on a string around their necks. All the fallen goblins near the gate had similar totems but the ones on the rest of the field had other types: a pinecone, a dead frog, a bird feather painted red, etc. (link copied to Campaign info tab).
Anyone looking at the totem:
OR:
Alexsander: The Sheriff instructs his men on hog-tying the unconscious goblin. (You see at least one more in chains).
He acknowledges your salute with a grim face, and doesn't return it. "Good work here soldier, you lot saved the town from a burning, and that's no lie. We have a little damage and a few casualties, but it coulda been a lot worse without your groups quick action."
"For now, stand down, son. Get some food and some rest. We will finish the mopping up. I'd like to debrief with you all in the morning, okay if I come over to the Dragon at breakfast?"
Dolgrin returns to the more knowledgeable types with the symbol. "Say, any of you may have seen this a'fore?" he asks.
Dolgrin raises his eyebrow as the noble walks off. "So he's sayin' that mayhap a human was their leader? How unusual is that?"
Turning to the Sheriff, "Did ye hear that Sheriff? A 'man' was leading them he said. An' went off that a ways with some stolen goods I expect. Ye may want a man te follow the trail a ways to figure things."
The young Varisian watches the "noble's" focus on Vivian and frowns, slightly. Were she a cousin, he would given plenty of opportunity to provide gifts before ever being allowed so close to her again! A shame this group doesn't know how to play that particular game. It can be quite rewarding. Bah, no one here to play Papa properly, though . . ..
In response to the good Father's offer of additional healing, "Thank you for the additional healing, Father."
In reaction to Dolgrin's question, "I've not seen it, no, but it look like little more than a circle of those poorly made blades."
In response to the question about their leader being a man, "As I understood the description, the leader was man-sized and man-shaped, but never really seen. Hobgoblin? Orc? Goblin's standing on each other's shoulders? There are a lot of possibilities, including it might really have been a man. We may never know for certain."
"Group effort, Sir. Everyone pitched in, did their part and took their licks. Heck of a scuffle. Might have ended badly if Hosk hadn't shown up with the cavalry. Can't speak for the rest though, but debrief over breakfast at the Rusty Dragon is fine by me..."
A thought catches him midway through his sentence.
"Sheriff. A question if I may... Goblin came riding in through the Northgate on that THING in the middle of the fight." He gestures towards the dead rat-dog.
"Something about that struck me as odd. I know today is a festival, but should the gate have been left open like that?"
"And..." He pauses to consider his suspicion for a moment "Was it open earlier...?"
-----------------------------
From Northgate, the mounted Gold Goblin races into the fray. Riding hard towards the ruined guardhouse...
Viviana tries to shake the man's hand,thinking that she has finally grasped the local customs , but is again surprised as Foxglove kisses her hand instead.
"Why don't you all go and relax with him. You have all suffered wounds. Besides he may have saw something important.
I will join you afterwards."
Viviana examines the star.
"Strange, this looks like the sign of the asmodean devil worshipers but isn't exactly the same.Maybe some weird sect or something like that.
If no one objects i will take it with me ,in the temple they probably know about the local cults."
Viviana will go to the Cathedral to see if her help is needed ,she will also show the star to the Father Zantus ( or Brother Phineas if Zantus is too busy) and share her suspicions.
After all this she will join the others in the White Deer(if they go there obviously).
The Sherrif's eyebrows go up at the mention of a man leading the goblins who were carrying something.
"This noble saw this, did he? P'haps you can ask him some more questions about it at this dinner. Where'd they come from? What'd the box look like?"
As far as following them:"Much as I'd like to, they can move faster an' see better in the dark than we. It'd likely be a run-around, or worse an ambush. Also, I have to secure the town first, there may be more o' 'em hidden here an' there, or there may be 'nother attack yet tonight. We may pursue 'em tomorrow, if no other leads exist."
Regarding the gate:"The gate shoulda been closed when the festivities started, and only opened on my order. I 'magine the goblins forced the gate or climbed it, and opened it on the way out. The guards who were on duty at this guardhouse were routed early. Most are dead. Only one is accounted alive, and he is seriously wounded. Perhaps we can talk to him tomorrow, or learn somethin' from the few o' these menaces we captured."
"Now while you're having dinner, I'll be ferretin' out any goblins and tryin' to put the town back in order, 'xuse me while I work"
Not unfriendly, just naturally brusque, he stomps off to see to the men securing the knocked out goblin.
Viviana - You see the makeshift hospital on the steps of the cathedral, the more seriously wounded are laid on stretchers at the top, while the minor cases stand in line waiting for a dose of healing. The brothers of the Cathedral, led by Zantus, seem to have the situation well in hand.
Spying Brother Phineas tying a sling for a sprained wrist, you approach. He smiles when he sees you. "I heard your group saved the town. We are quite thankful for that! How can I help?"
You show him the goblin token and he examines it for some moments. "It is not a symbol I have seen before or am familiar with. It would be odd for the choatic goblins to have a symbol of Asmodeus and this doesn't look exactly right anyway. Let's seek out Zantus, who has more knowledge than I of such things."
He leads you into the cathedral, it's breathtaking stained glass (a real rarity) reflecting firelight instead of sunlight. In the sanctuary, which has shrines to several deities including Sheyln, you find Zantus giving orders to a few other acolytes. He examines your token thoughtfully. "I do not think this is a religious symbol in our traditions. It may have some other meaning but I do not know it."
Beagan will keep the Potion of Cure Light Wounds, but will offer the Cure Moderate potions to Dolgrin and Gudada, claiming if they're going to get beat up again, they should hang on to these.
Being a talented linguist and scholar of words and symbols, Beagan sits puzzled over the goblin's totems. Once his companions are ready to resign to the Rusty Dragon, he will accompany them for food.
I've got a hunch the sheriff isn't telling us everything.
"Where have you been?"
He sighs inwardly as the voice of the 'other' begins to pace inside his mind like a caged animal.
Letting you do your thing, mostly. Didn't seem right to bother you while you were being shot at.
"Is there a point to all this?"
Force of goblins large enough to storm a town gate? Sure.
Gate guard conveniently ends up mostly dead and routed? Fine.
Nobody sends a runner to warn the garrison about a force of goblins large enough to seize the gate? There's a hole in the story right there.
"What are you suggesting?"
"Either the Sheriff is as in-the-dark about how this happened as the rest of us - which suggests that we have a quisling in our midst. Or the sheriff himself isn't on the straight-and-narrow."
"So we've got a man on the inside..." Unconsciously, he verbalizes his last thoughts, slowly massaging his temples as he watches Sheriff Hemlock depart.
You're talking to yourself again...
Aleksander straightens slightly, realizing he's slipping deeper into another one of his foul moods. Glancing down at Beagan, the gnome staring intently at a small stack of goblin totems, he raises a questioning eyebrow.
"What have you got there Beagan? Looks goblin."
-----------------------------
As Beagan offers him a potion, 'Dada nods. "I appreciate the thought, but I expect someone else will drink it before I do. I don't know about any of you, but if we are going to accept Alderan's invitation to the White Deer, I would like to get cleaned up first. I really don't enjoy being covered in blood, but especially not my own blood. This will be a day to put behind us, certainly!"
Dolgrin snorts. "That makes sense. I'd like te wash the stench o' goblins off o' me a'fore eatin', that's fer sure." He then accepts the potion and pockets it. "Thanks. Here's hopin I won't be needin' it."
"Here," he says, giving each member of the group 5 pieces of gold. "More spoils o' battle." He then looks down at the remaining coins in his hands.
Little bit embarrassed that she had wasted their time,
Viviana bids farewell to the priests and heads to the appointed meeting.
Once inside the Deer she looks around searching for her friends and Foxglove
After cleaning up, Gudada does what he apparently should have done before the festival, and dresses for the road, for the protection of those around him.
He leaves his juggling clubs in his room before heading to the White Deer, the pain and anger of the day still visible in his eyes.
Mechanics:
(Tracking)
DM was lavish with the details. As a player, the best way I can reciprocate as a player is to "Touch Everything".
Since the ground doesn't appear to be paved, checking for tracks near the wall, with the search centered on the ladder if a ladder is present.
There's a ladder right?
What's the ladder made of? Rough wood crudely hammered together? A proper one made by a craft person? Looks goblin made?
Footprints at the base of the ladder? Going to the ladder and climbing up? Heading away from the ladder?
If he thinks the ladder can support his weight, Aleksander is going to climb it after checking for tracks. I want to see where this is going.
So many questions...
-----------------------------
Hold up. Don't let this go. Trail vanishes with age.
"I know."
The ladder. The gent mentioned a ladder against the wall.
"Yes. Fine. I'm going, Mum."
Aleksander saunters over to the wall. Crouching low, he starts trying to piece together what happened earlier.
All of you, except Aleksander, meander back to the Rusty Dragon to wash up for your dinner with the nobleman Foxglove. As you enter the inn, you find a harried Ameiko at the bar. She welcomes you with a cheer.
"Here's to the newest Heroes of Sandpoint! Hurrah!" She offers all of you a weeks' free lodging and all you can eat and drink in the meantime. The patrons line up to slap you on the back or pump your hand or say thank you in their own special way. Everyone offers to buy you a drink and wants to hear your stories of your heroic role in the battle.
After you make your excuses, you find that Bethany has run steaming hot baths in the basement for each of you. (did i describe the baths already?). A Tian style kimono and slippers await you and the backstairs allow you to slip up to your room after the bath without going through the common room.
Soon, you are gearing up to leave for the White Deer, feeling a bit guilty to be dining at the competition.
Aleksander - With the inner voice plaguing you, you choose to stay behind and look for more clues in and around the battlefield scene.
Thinking about Foxglove's mention of a ladder, you do see a wooden ladder leaning against the low stone wall behind the guardhouse. There are several footprints going to and from the ladder. Many. maybe 6-8? look goblinoid to you, but there is at least one that appears human or man-sized at least. (see spoiler following for more info if you make the checks}
The ladder itself does not look like crappy goblin make, but a standard 8-10 ft wooden step ladder that any builder might have; looks well-crafted to you.
Climbing up, you see the wall actually sets off the Cathedral's boneyard (see Area 2 on the Sandpoint Map in Campaign Info). This wall is around back of the majority of the graveyard, but is still attached. There is another, similar, ladder on the other side of the low wall.
If you are going to join the others, it may be time to meet them. The White Deer is Area 3 on the Sandpoint Map, so you are nearby, but lose the benefit of washing up. If you want to stay and check things out, just LMK.
Mechanics:
-----------------------------
"There's a game afoot." Aleksander mutters to himself.
Someone was here... Loaded up on stuff and left in a hurry...
"Textbook Smash and Grab."
EXACTLY.
"And an awfully conveniently located ladder."
I don't like where this is going.
"Neither do I."
With a groan, Aleksander hauls himself over the top of the wall and slides down the other ladder, dropping down into the boneyard.
"Quisling?"
Quisling.
And you're talking to yourself again.
Looking for tracks on the other side, you see the prints of the gaggle of goblins and one human. You can follow them through the soft ground of the boneyard with relative ease.(DC 10 survival) They lead all the way to the far edge overlooking the Turandurok River. (there is a small structure just SW of the last town wall tower on the Sandpoint Map).
Getting a closer look, you see this structure is a small stone crypt of some kind which measures about 30'x30'. There is a short flight of steps that lead up to a large metal door which hangs slightly ajar about 4 inches (not really enough to see inside w/o your eye right up close).
Looking at the door you notice scuff marks all along the door and jamb as if they door was forced. The marks are below your waist level, indicating they were probably made by small creatures. Examining the area a little more, you find a short metal pry bar thrown in the bushes beside the crypt.
As you reach for the bar, a voice calls out: "Oy, what're ya doin' back 'ere, eh? I dinnit see ya come through the gate. It's dark out, ninny; the boneyard's closed. Now go back to yer old biddy wife and leave this sacred place till mornin'" The voice comes from a twisted and crippled old acolyte of Desna who holds a small lantern and stumbles up to you, raising the lantern to get a good look.
Mechanics:
DC10 Pass
-----------------------------
And you without a lantern, genius.
"Didn't see you complaining earlier."
It wasn't dark then, genius.
"You do realize that calling me stupid doesn't reflect too well on you either does it?"
Shut up.
Aleks half stumbles, half staggers his way across the boneyard, slowly making his way towards the crypt groping around in the dark. About to take a closer look, Aleksander is interrupted midway by the Desnan Acolyte.
"Not a mourner, brother." Aleksander's tone is respectful but exasperation bleeds through.
"I'm sorry for the disturbance, but did you know that there's a pair of ladder along the walls over there?" He gestures towards the north-western wall and the place is swarming with goblin tracks.
"And a crypt that's been forced open?" He finishes, casually retrieving the crowbar and brandishing it in the air like a club. "So, if the church has any men-at-arms, I'd suggest getting them now."
-----------------------------
A week? Dolgrin thinks as he dresses for the dinner at the other inn. Can't pass up free. I guess I'll be here a while. At least we can spare them one night of food expenses.
Dolgrin looks down at his axe and other weapons. I can't think they'll be back tonight. An' since I'll be coming back here rather than leaving town, I may as well leave them here.
The Rest (not Aleksander):The group (lacking Aleksander) finds their way back together and departs 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 from behind the bar to greet you. You recognize him as the unfriendly man with the hammer on the day of your arrival. (Was that just yesterday?)
Speaking in accented Common tongue he says:"Jew are da Heroes ov Sandpoint? Velcome to da Vhite Deer, ve are honored by your presence. Ve vill make our finest rooms available for your comfort if you choos to stay vith us. Meanwhile have a libation on da house."
After relieving your stiffening drink, you inquire about Foxglove. "Meester Foxglove is in de private dining room waiting on your company. Please enter 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 again kiss the hand of Viviana. His hand lingers on her's for just a beat too long perhaps.
"Welcome my friends!" he says expansively. 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 [b]Viviana.
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 Viviana's and he grasps it; the sensation not unpleasant.
"Seven Hells!" the man veritably shouts. Then regaining himself, he says, "Xucus me guv'ner that weren't very priestly...I am just a poor acolyte after all." He grins sheepishly his twisted back and lame gait making him look more like a beggar than a priest.
"That crypt weren't broken a-like that earlier t'day. Now who do ya suppose'd want to break into old Father Tobyn's restin' place? He were a fine man, he were. Took me in an' let me join the brotherhood, even if I'm an old crippled seadog."
"We ain't got no men-at-arms, matey, just the Town Guard. An' their all busy what with the goblins an' all t;'day. Wanta peek inside or should we get help firs'?"
Once at the table Viviana shows the star amulet with irritated expression on her face.
" I learned nothing ,except that the good priests of Desna are too polite to laugh at me. They dont think that this have any religious meaning."
She fiddle a bit with the star then smiles mischievously and toss it to the Beagan.
"Happy birthday!"
When Foxglove grabs her hand ,Viviana decades that he is going bit too far, but having experience in such situations ,she tries to address the matter subtle in order to avoid tension.
She gives quick warning glance to the man, then continues as if nothing has happened.
"So tell us what exactly did you saw?"
Beagan thanks Ameiko for her generosity. "A whole week! My, I don't know what to say! Except that I hope you do not grow sick of me before that point."
Beagan still smiles and jokes, but inside, he feels different. It wasn't the bloodshed... He'd seen that before in his travels and during his time in Korvosa. Maybe it's because he's never participated in a battle. The thrill and fear of being in a life-or-death struggle impacted Beagan in a way he didn't expect.
After finally being seated with Mr. Foxglove, Beagan clears his throat and addresses the man's questions.
"Well, my name is Beagan Burlesquetu. It's a pleasure to meet you and share this great wine! You do have quite the exquisite taste! Reminds of a time when my cousin Filch tried to make his own wine using cherries and bat guano. It was sweet, but..."
Realizing he's getting off-topic, he clears his throat again.
"Ah, sorry, where was I? Oh, I'm from Whistledown, though I lived in Korvosa for the last year or so. Decent place, but too stuffy for my liking. People are too tense there, they don't know how to laugh every once in a while. Always worrying about political schemes and other nonsense. But here? People here know how to have fun and throw parties! Which is why I've come to Sandpoint. I thought I could settle a new life on this coast where people are more carefree. I thought it was "my destiny" and all. But I never thought I'd get caught up in all that violence that happened today... I saw someone almost die. I didn't expect that."
His eyes look down in to his wine, lost in thought again.
Mechanics:
-----------------------------
"You'll have to tell me about this Tobyn sometime. But right now, I think we've got a bit of a crisis on our hands, Brother."
And... I don't think it'll keep.
"And... I don't think it'll keep." He echoes his inner thoughts out loud.
"Are you armed? If not take this." Aleks offers his blackjack to the Sea-Dog turned Acolyte. "Not much in a real fight, but its good enough for goblin work."
"And if the Dawnflower wishes to extend her blessing, that'd be swell too." He advances with weapon drawn. "Let's open this up."
Dolgrin merely grunts at the man, as his mouth is full. Not that I could get a word in edgewise with tha wee one a chatterin'. Fine by me, I says. I got no use fer idle chatter. 'Specially with this delicious meat!
Gudada tries to relax over dinner with his battle companions and this Foxglove guy, but he just can't.
As the discussion wanders a bit, bringing up the question of why people are in Sandpoint, he seems to withdraw more than he has previously, before finally speaking. "I am here to bury my mother. Nobody wants to pay attention to such business with the Festival happening, so I was filling the time until I could conclude her business with this world." And then there is the flash of his smile as he sits up and leans back into the group. "But that's not the kind of thing any of you want to discuss, is it? So, how do we celebrate our continued survival? Do we dance?" As he asks the question, he extends a hand to Viviana.
Ever the proper host, Aldern lavishes attention on each of you in turn:
He marvels as Beagan tells his story of emigration from Whistledown and Korvosa. "I find Magnimar a much more interesting place than Korvosa, don't you? All those imps always flying around gives me the willies"
He tries to makes small talk with Gudada he also can tell his sense of general weariness and then is revelation about his mother sombers the gentleman. "My parents both died when I was young. I understand how difficult that can be. You have my sympathy."
He asks many questions of Dolgrin 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 Viviana,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 priestess of Shelyn. "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."
You have heard the Tickwood, so named for the large blood-sucking insects that inhabit the place, is also a great spot for boar hunting. Many nobles use that preserve for their amusement. It's about a 1.5 mile ride from Sandpoint.
Aleksander -
The crippled acolyte smiles and brings out a long wooden cudgel with a spike sticking out one side that had been hidden under his vestment. "Oh, you can keep yer little blackjack, matey. Me an' Bessie an' Desna got yer back on this 'un. Tread careful now, boyo."
He intones softly for a moment, and a shimmering aura surrounds you flickering with a soft bluish light.
As you peer inside before opening fully, the crypt appears to be pitch black inside. Grasping the heavy door with both hands, you pull hard and it slides back a bit at a time.
Stepping up with some difficulty onto the top step, the acolyte shines his lantern inside the mausoleum. Inside, the light reveals two large stone sarcophagi, one with lid pushed off. The heavy stone lid lays shattered on the floor. Scattered around that tomb are 2-3 more of those small iron pry bars. As you eyes take in this ghoulish scene, you see movement from the two far corners of the crypt.
To your continued horror, 2 animated skeletons amble out from the rear, waving jagged scimitars and advancing.
Desecrated Vault - Round 1
14 Black Skeleton
12 Aleksander
9 Red Skeleton
1 Acolyte
With a speed that belies it;s undead status, Black Skeleton rushes from the corner, striking Aleks with it's ancient scimitar and leaving a weal of blood on the soldier's neck and shoulder as the blade bites deep.
Mechanics:
Round 1:
Standard Action: 2 Handed Melee Swing At Black Skeleton - Longbow as Improvised Quarterstaff
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You have got to be kidding me...
The reinforced leather strips worked into Alek's parade armor barely turn the blow and keep his head attached to his torso as he spits a gobbet of blood.
Sonova...
In the tight confines of the mausoleum, Aleksander reverses his grip on his longbow, and wielding it like a club, brings it crashing down on his assailant.
'Dada looks at Foxglove and considers the circumstances of the invitation for a brief beat. "Obviously, we are thrilled to be invited to join you on your hunt. I must attend to my mother's business in the morning. We'll see if it concludes early enough for me to join you."
Dolgrin's ears perk up at the mention of a hunt. "Now that be somethin' I can get into. I didnae think there be huntin' in these here parts. Glad te hear otherwise. The boar isn't a thing I be used te goin' against, but at least it'll keep me fresh."
Desecrated Vault - Round 1 - concluded
Surprised by fury of the attack of the skeletons, Aleksander strikes back by swinging his bow like a club. The blow smashes the skeleton into little pieces scattering the bones across the floor of the crypt. From the other side, Red Skeleton swings at the crippled acolyte with it's scimitar blade, but the man is more limber than he appears, blocking the blow and then turning to strike with his club. The blow falls hard against the skeleton, but it remains unaffected.
End of Round 1
Desecrated Vault - Round 2
12 Aleksander
9 Red Skeleton
1 Acolyte
"A hunt, hm? I must say, I've never done THAT before. Sounds dangerous! Count me in! "
Mechanics:
Round 2:
Move Action: 5 ft Step (Blue Arrow)
Standard Action: Improvised Weapon Attack
If I'm going to only hit on 20s... I might as well Fight Defensively... Maybe next turn.
Shielf of Faith (Ongoing): AC Boosted to 19 (+4 Dex, +3 ARM, +2 Deflection, +1 Buckler [Doesn't stack with Shield of Faith])
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Aleksander pushes forward slightly, focused more on driving the creature back than dealing damage and hoping to leave an opening that the acolyte can exploit.
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Shielf of Faith (Ongoing): AC Boosted to 19 (+4 Dex, +3 ARM, +2 Deflection, +1 Buckler [Doesn't stack with Shield of Faith])
Viviana smiles and shakes her head.
" Maybe some other time , i don't feel in the mood for dancing after all this.
Sorry about your mother .And for your parents too.
I can help you arrange the funeral if you want. "
She don't look very interested in the hunt talk, but when Foxglove mentions Magnimar she looks at him .
"If you are traveling to Magnimar perhaps you can do me a favor.
I didn't warned my father that i plan to stay here more then a day or two,and i am afraid that he will be very worried, especially when he hears about the goblins.
Can you deliver a letter to him?"