Bruin smoothes down his green cloak. "Well it'll certainly be different, at least. I imagine I'll be hopelessly lost for most of it. But I like learning new things and listening to people talk about their passions."
"Besides, perhaps the appearance of us as philosophers of a sort might help ease the sting of Viro's mountaineering exploits with the townsfolk," he says with a good-natured chuckle.
As the mage and halfling leave the Dragon, they search out the Curious Goblin bookstore. Just up the street from Vinder's General Store, which the heroes have learned to give a wide berth lies the location of the Society meeting.
The sign out front shows a wide-eyed goblin reading an upside-down book almost as tall as he is. Inside the shop is a testament to one man's obsession with the written word. Books litter every possible surface in the store, sometimes precariously heaped over the head of Bruin. Looking at some of the titles, the more learned members fo the party can readily see that the collection is quite complete, and some very expensive and rare books are found here.
The shop's proprietor, a round-faced man with a downturned mouth and long sideburns turns to you. "Welcome keen perusers of literary works! If I can avail myself to your service, please do not equivocate about garnering my consideration. Otherwise, peruse my compilation at your leisure." he nods at you knowingly, and returns to his reading, a large dusty tome in a language of symbols neither of you has seen.
It is not long in looking before your gnomish acquaintance and the esteemed Professor Quink arrive. They exchange pleasantries with the proprietor, named Chask Haladan, you learn and excitedly join you. "Ah, Mssr Loges, we are so glad you have joined us, aren't we Quink! So glad indeed, it will be capital to have you, and look you brought along a friend. Welcome master halfling, welcome indeed." The gnome, Veznutt Parooh pumps both your hands over and over as he continues to welcome you. Quink stands in the background nodding and smiling sagely.
Soon, the gnome leads you to the back of the store, where some sofas and stuffed easy chairs are arranged in a circle. "Have a sit, wise Loges and friend Bruin. Please make yourselves comfortable. We most certainly insist!"
After a few moments the rest of the Society arrives, a tall athletic woman with a bald head, wearing deep blue scarves and robes is joined by a tall bearded fellow wearing a scholar's outfit and pince-nez glasses balanced on the end of his nose. With long flowing white hair and a braided beard, this man has the air of someone in authority and power seems to exude from his presence.
When he sits the rest of the Society comes to order, expectantly. "I see we have some guests with us today." says the man in charge somewhat sarcastically. "I wonder who you might be, if you may be so kind as to provide your introduction and credentials?" he arches an eyebrow at you expectantly.
As Bruin and Loges head off to the philosopher's society to babble with blue haired Gnomes Beromar likewise rises from the table. He looks over to Viroleth with a stern gaze.
So Viroleth, next time ye gets into a situation like that, ye better stand yer ground an fight like a man. If ye wants I can teach ye a thing or two about fist fightin! Ye won't looks any pretty afterwards either keepin them pesky ladies off ye back!
Bruin bows cordially.
"Greetings, esteemed Masters of Sandpoint. I am Bruin Greenleaf, a priest of the Starsong, Desna. I come before you merely as a seeker of knowledge, a lover of lore, and as a friend to Master Loges. I am very pleased to meet your acquaintance."
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Loges arrives at the Curious Goblin.
As he enters the store, he stops a few times and he peruses any volume that catches his eye.
As the Gnome and Professor arrive to greet them. Loges places the volume down that he was reading and he smiles at their approach.
Gentlemen! It is an honor to be invited to such a prestigious event!
He shakes hands with those offered as he takes a seat.
I am Loges Grey--graduate of the Academe of Korvosa. I am honored esteemed Gentlemen.
Viro grins at Beromar, waving on for more beer. "Although beating up a shopkeeper won't do much for my popularity, running from him was probably worse. I'll take your advice. You know how to thump a man - or a giant - I'll give you that."
See they ain't given ye no more beer anyhows. Now I says lets do a lttle workout. Strappin young lad has to keep emself fit or he becomes old an saggy. Look at me! Beromar boasts as he flexes his impressive biceps. 49 years an still goin strong! All that ale gonna make ye all washed up lad!
Viro looks suspiciously at Beromar's massive arm.
"So ale does me no good. Should I be drinking whiskey?"
"Hrumph!" says the bearded leader of the Society. "So we are lowering our standards to admit Desnans and new graduates eh? The Acadamae in Korvosa is certainly not what it used to be what with the devil lovers hiding behind their walls while the city falls down around them. Pitiful, just pitiful."
"Now Ilisoari, let's not offend our guests," says the gnome Parooh. "After all they are the Heroes of Sandpoint!" he says this last with such a flourish and cheer that you can't help but snicker a bit.
The bookstore owner interrupts the response of the grumpy wizard leader. "How indubitably rude of us to not make proper introductions when presented with esteemed personages such as yourselves." He bows low, a pencil falling from behind his ear. "I am Chask Haladan, retired adventurer, and current bibliophile. This is my establishment, and you are most duly welcome." He nods to the man to his left.
"You may have already met Professor Quink. Brodert is the leading expert on all things Thassilonian. He left his position in Magnimar to join us in Sandpoint, studying the Old Light. Quink has some very peculiar thoughts about that old beacon."
"Yes," begins the soft spoken scholar. "I believe that old light house was not a lighthouse at all but a weapon of...."
"Not more of this nonsense," barks the bearded man again. "With him it's always Thassilon this, and Thassilon that. If that ruin is anyting more than a signal lamp for ships in the harbor, I'll eat my hat!" shouts the man gruffly.
Slipping his voice down a notch, the bearded man continues "You've met Parooh, our cartographer, so that leaves Sibyl and myself. Sibyl Sorn," he points out the bald-headed woman who has not spoken yet. "Is a disciple of Irori, and is the domo of the House of Blue Stones, which may contain the most extensive collection of scrolls and divine writings in all of Varisia. She is also wise enough to keep her mouth shut during most of our debates."
The woman stands and bows to you. "Welcome. Your bravery on our behalf speaks volumes about your character. We are well met."
Finally, the bearded man introduces himself. "I am Ilsoari Gandethus, headmaster of the Turandurok Acadamy here in Sandpoint. I am the president and founder of the Philosophical Society, and a collector of exotic artifacts and treasures. Welcome."
Parooh jumps in almost before the other man is done speaking. "tell us, brave heroes, what have you learned about the goblin attack on these parts? Clearly it was unexpected, but what is the pretense, eh? Do you have a notion?"
While the more enlightened members of the party are off being philosophical, Viroleth and Beromar are left in the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko is absent, but Lars is regaling the crowd with sea chanties from the north as part of the entertainment.
The Ulfen bartender is mid-swig of ale, when the door or the Inn bursts open. A young mother stands there holding a toddler. Blood stains the front of her dress, and her face is a mask of fear and shock. "Are the Heroes here? I was told the Heroes were here! I need help! It's Alergast, and poor Petal, and oh....it's so terrible!" her knees buckle and she is stopped from fainting/falling by the quick reactions of a bystander.
You can see blood pouring from a wound on the babies arm. Lars pours a stiff whiskey for the mother and as she shoots it down her eyes refocus.
"There's something horrible in our house! You must come help! Alergast is in there with it all alone!"
Bruin manages to hold his tongue at the harsh criticism of Ilisoari. Years of dealing with his father had given him an iron skin for these sort of things.
"I thank you for your praise. But truly we did little that Sheriff Hemlock and his guards didn't do. In fact, if not for his timely direction, I'm sure I would have given in to panic."
"I'm proud to have done a part, and flattered to be thought highly of for my actions, but really it's Sandpoint that deserves much of the credit. The way its citizens pulled together that night was inspiring."
He then stiffened at the talk of goblins. He was still unsure what he could share with the public at large. Common knowledge was likely safe he figured.
"Well, I know what you likely do already. The Mayor is seeking additional aid from Magnimar. Hopefully it's an unnecessary precaution. The attack itself seemed organized, which I'm told by those more learned than myself is unusual. Actually, Loges and I had hoped that you yourselves could lend a little light on the subject. You are after all the most educated members of Sandpoint. We would truly appreciate any aid you could lend."
Butter them up, and see how they dance.
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Beromar looks to Viroleth. Well looks like it yer lucky day. And no neither ale nor whiskey. Water. Maybe tea from time to time. But alcohol weakens the body and the mind. with that the Dwarf rises and approaches the young woman.
Well is only two heroes here... the others is gettin all philosphical. But we is pragmatic enough to help ye out! Just wait a sec while I goes and fetch me axe!
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"Water? I'm... I'm not dirty though. I'm thirsty. Well, maybe a little dirty according to Shayliss!" Viro starts laughing at his own joke, sees Beromar's face, and stops. He then hears the distressed woman and hops to his feet.
Viro rushes over.
That's one ugly baby.
"We can help! What happened? Slow down and explain everything while this feisty giant slayer fetches his axe."
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Loges locks eyes with the rude gentleman as he disparages he and his new companion.
As you have heard, it was we, along with the fine and courageous citizens of the town that pushed back the goblin attack.
He looks around the room.
It would seem that learned men--and women--also have need of a lesson in manners!
Loges then looks at Bruin as he says his peace.
We are honored to meet such persons of education.
But my friend here is correct. It is you whom we seek information.
Looks like sometin bit the babe. Sometin wit sharp teeth. [It'll go away but someone should treat it! Now tell us lady where ye live at and what happened?
At The Curious Goblin
The lady monk nods at Bruin's humility, smiling at his virtue. "Certainly there was much more to it than that, youngster. You and your friends went beyond the call of duty, as I heard it told." opines Parooh, your advocate.
Gandethus sneers at Loges. "Our manners are our own, mageling. And that's how it will stay. But yes, we are the intelligencia of this village, and whatever hep you may need, you are in the right place." he bares his peg-like teeth in a grin that has no good humor in it whatsoever.
Haldan, the book store owner, inquires, "Please expound on the usefulness of our assemblage to your august personages? What queries can we assist you with?"
Quink just quietly sips his tea, watching with silent interest.
At the Rusty Dragon
Revived from the shot of fiery liquor the woman regains her senses and her balance. "I am Amele Barret. My son here, Aeren, was bit by something, I don't know what. He has been complaining of a monster in his closet for the last few nights. My husband, Alergast, told him to be a man, and ignored his cries and complaints, but tonight...oh, it's horrible!"
She wipes her nose and dabs at her eyes sighing, before continuing. "Tonight, Petal (that's our dog) started barking then whined. Then Aeren screamed. Alergast threw the boy into my arms and sent me for help, while he went in there after whatever it was. And now here I am."
She leaves the boy with Bethany, who mothers over him and begins dressing the bite marks. Amele says "It's not far, I can lead you back there if you like, but aren't there more of you?"
The Philosophical Society members look at one another for a few moments, then Gandethus speaks. "None of us are experts on Goblins, youngster. Our studies are of a more advanced category than that sub-human life form. No one knows what motivates those fecund little rodents, besides love of food and fire. If that is all you have to ask, we should refer you to the local goblin hunter, or perhaps the stable master Hosk."
"I may have acquired a tome about goblin hunting," says Chask Haladan, "but it was written in Taldor and featured the Verduran Forest I believe. Not sure if that would be of any use here in Varisia."
Beromar nods to the Lady. Aye like I says. They out philosphering...ain't no thing. Two heroes should do the job just fine! Right Viroleth? Beromar boasts as he punches to astoundingly passive Rogue in the shoulder.
The shaken mother leads the boys to a small cottage not far from The Dragon. The house is dark, but somewhere in side a flickering candle casts a paltry light. The front door stands open, and Amele motions you inside.
The house is almost deathly quiet as you enter the front room. A hallway leads down one side, with two doors coming off it. The door to the master bedroom stands open, but that room is dark.
The door to the side, what must be the boy's room, is partially open and that is where the single candle gutters casting pale shadows to seemingly move along the wall opposite.
Viroleth cheerfully agrees with Beromar and heads into the house with him. They move into the house and Viro draws both weapons. He begins to creep a little quieter and turns to whisper to Beromar.
"So do we surprise it or do we draw it out?"
I says we try and find it first! Ye just stays behind me boy. I sees plenty well ina dark. The Dwarf hoists up his longaxe, well aware that it might be unwieldly in these quarters, and makes his way forward carefully. He then recalls the husband might still be around and calls out.
Mister Barret?
Perdeption
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Loges suddenly has an voice inside his head, reminding him of a symbol.
Oh, just as a curiosity, have anyone of you run across this symbol in your studies?
He draws a symbol of the star, using his finger to color the table blue.
School universal; Level bard 0, magus 0, sorcerer/wizard 0
CASTING
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
EFFECT
Range 10 ft.
Target, Effect, or Area see text
Duration 1 hour
Saving Throw see text; Spell Resistance no
DESCRIPTION
Prestidigitations are minor tricks that novice spellcasters use for practice. Once cast, a prestidigitation spell enables you to perform simple magical effects for 1 hour. The effects are minor and have severe limitations. A prestidigitation can slowly lift 1 pound of material. It can color, clean, or soil items in a 1-foot cube each round. It can chill, warm, or flavor 1 pound of nonliving material. It cannot deal damage or affect the concentration of spellcasters. Prestidigitation can create small objects, but they look crude and artificial. The materials created by a prestidigitation spell are extremely fragile, and they cannot be used as tools, weapons, or spell components. Finally, prestidigitation lacks the power to duplicate any other spell effects. Any actual change to an object (beyond just moving, cleaning, or soiling it) persists only 1 hour.
Bruin nodded calmly. Figures that the philosophers wouldn't actually know anything of value, he grumbled mentally. But then he brightened when Loges brought up the seven-pointed star.
"This is perhaps merely an intellectual exercise for you, but it's certainly beyond myself and my friends," he added. "Could any of you identify it? It might very well be nothing, but we're curious nonetheless."
At the Barret's
The guttering candle in a different room provides only the faintest light as the heroes enter the front of the house. This area is obviously the combination living area and kitchen. The place is modest, but clean and tidy.
Beromar calls out softly but there is no sound to answer even though he and Viroleth strain to hear.
Pushing through the front room, the pair can see the half-closed door to the north behind which the guttering candle lies. Stalking up to the door, Beromar peers inside.
Even from the vantage point of a partially open door, he can see the body lying face down on the floor in the room. It appears to be a human male, but his face and upper torso hang down into a ragged hole in the floor of the closet in the bedroom. Pushing on the door, Beromar is able to feel the resistance as it hits something semi-solid and won't open any further without a bit of force.
At the Curious Goblin
"As you command," says Chask Haladan brightly. The bookstore owner jumps up to search for the goblin volume he described earlier.
As Loges draws the 7-pointed star, the usually quiet and reserved Brodert Quink intakes his breath quickly. "I recognize that! It's a Thassilonian rune! I have often seen it in my studies, it's..."
But before the sage can continue he is cut off by the founder and leader of the philosophical society, Ilsoari Gandethus. "Quink, not that nonsense AGAIN!", thunders the headmaster. "Always and forever, not everything is a Thassilonian relic. This is no more than a goblin's finger painting, I am sure and has little meaning besides. Now let us get on to business without this folderol."
Quink looks quite crushed at teh abrasive interruption. "But, Ilsoari, this time...I mean, it's the Sihedron and..."
"NOT ANOTHER WORD!" roars the headmaster leaping to his feet. "I have spoken, and that will be enough on the subject!" Quink quickly bites his lip, clearly abashed and all the other members look only at the ground waiting for the storm to pass.
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Loges' expression sours as the loud-mouth, rude, and ignorant headmaster interrupts the gracious Master Quink.
I thank you, Master Quink, and fellow intellectuals for the invitation to view your meeting.
Alas, I am afraid we must be going. It is growing late and we have little to do tomorrow.
Loges nods at Bruin with a wink, standing and readying to depart.
He searches his mind for any information on it's the Sihedron mentioned by Quink.
Monsters inna closet? Beromar grumbles at the gruesome sight. He then steps into the room and motions for Viroleth to join him before attempting to move the body.
At the Curious Goblin
Parooh and the rest of the Society fall all over them selves thanking you for coming to the meeting and bringing such interesting ideas. The gnome cartographer pumps your hand vigorously several times and the wise of the village, with the exception of Gandethus who fumes silently, bid you adieu with promises to return at the next meeting should the circumstances arise.
At the Barret's House
Pushing on the stuck door, Beromar is able to force the bedroom door open. Behind it, formerly blocking the way, is the body of Petal, teh family dog. Stuck gruesomely in the dog's ear is a large hunk of metal that can only be the blade of a goblin's dogslicer. Wincing a little at the grotesque sight, the dwarf grabs hold of Alergast's feet and tries to pull him from the his position hanging into the closet crawlspace.
As the body, which appears limp and lifeless, is pulled out it is apparent that the face and upper torso have been shredded by the gnashing teeth of a carnivorous beast.
Just as you are about to look into the hole, a capering goblin laughing maniacally, leaps from the crawlspace and onto the closet floor brandishing another large, sharp goblin knife. The goblin's mouth is a horrific mash of flesh and blood, and his body is a bit bloated as if it recently ate too much.
Goblin in the Closet - Round 1
23 Viroleth
12 Goblin
11 Beromar
His eyes widening in horror.
"You little monster!" shouts Viro. He quickly rushes in, stabbing at the goblin, but his frantic attack goes wide.
"Hmm, sounds like we should approach this Brodert Quink tomorrow. An ancient, arcane Thassilonian symbol seems like an odd thing for goblins to unite under."
Bruin then smiled at Loges.
"I know that must have been a bit trying for you, but you acquitted yourself very well. You might have a career in politics yet."
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Goblin in the Closet- Round 1 - continued
As the slavering goblin appears out of the floor in the closet, Viroleth jumps into the fray, but his swing is frantic and not well-aimed and misses wide of any mark.
The goblin retaliates swinging his nasty knife at the Varisian's head. The knife misses decapitating the rogue who shifts at the last minute, but ends up knicking his neck anyway, drawing a well of blood.
Happy to be away from the Sandpoint intellectuals, Bruin and Loges return to the Rusty Dragon, surprised to find their companions called to duty elsewhere.
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Beromar, are you out there? I'll run his action tomorrow if we haven't heard from the dwarf monk yet. Remember the hard corner...
Flurry
Flurry
Beromar seeing Viroleth fail at slaying the Goblin tries his best but the door of the closet is in the way.
Goblin in the Closet - Round 1 - concluded
Beromar's fists slam into the closet door, but fail to connect with the insane goblin menace.
End of Round 1
Goblin in the Closet - Round 2
23 Viroleth
12 Goblin
11 Beromar
Back at the Rusty Dragon, Bruin and Loges hear the story of the mother and her injured babe. Bethany still holds the infant child on her hip as she scurries around the common room, serving here and there. The babe's wounds have been salved and it seems to be quite enjoying the noise and commotion of the tavern.
Viro lets out a yelp of pain,s tabbing out awkwardly with his rapier before his short sword comes in for a nasty stab to the gut. After he connects, Viro steps back to give Beromar room to attack, provided the goblin still stands.
Bruin channels holy energy into the woman and child and rushes off with Loges into the night.
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