"I think we've gotten all we can get from this one. Are there any questions left to be answered. I do not think he knows very much."
Did you find out where it lives? That is what we really need to know.
Rogar turns to the sheriff.
"Kill it before nightfall, leave the corpse strung up outside the city, He grunts. "It may not stop them from coming back, but the von't be so eager to fight this time."
The goblin leers at you as you ask about it's home. It hesitates, looks sheepishly over at the dog and says:
The Sherriff nods to Rogar. "It would certainly send a message. I do not think the mayor will allow such displays which may interfere with commerce."
"Why don't you slap it on the rear and send it home... and then track it, Rogar? That would tell us a lot more than whether or not it bleeds."
Smoke shrugs. Interrogation wasn't something he wanted to do. It would have been better if the goblin had died in battle, but there was little he could do now.
As you leave the City Jail, you realize it's just before the mid-morning time you agreed to meet with Foxglove for the Boar Hunt. As you recall, the meeting place was Tanner's Bridge and the Sherriff kindly instructs you as to it's location (just east of Area 14 at the base of the cliff below the Cathedral and Boneyard).
You pass the smelly tanner's shop where noxious fumes rise into the air and see the bridge before you. There at the far side stands Aldern Foxglove and his retinue of servatnts, along with a gaggle of hounds of various size and shape. Aldern is all decked out as befits a nobleman on the hunt, sylized leather armor, high riding boots, crop pants, a silly ascot tie, and a hunting cap. The bright red of his attire makes you wonder how he'll ever find any prey to hunt. There appears to be horses enough for all of you (a pony for Robin), and one of the servants holds an array of boar-spears.
Longspear Simple Weapon, Two Handed 1d8 ×3 — 9 lbs. P brace, reach; the small version does 1d6 but is otherwise the same.
Foxglove comes forward to greet you again bowing low. If Tinuviel is present he gracefully apologizes and asks her to reconsider joining them on the hunt.
His eyes alight on Cadas and he smiles warmly at her. "I am glad you have all come with us on the hunt. Let's mount up and be off."
He begins to regale you with stories about the high-life in Magnimar and about various hunting trips he's made in the past to the Tickwood and other places.
The nobleman mounts and his servants assist you to get settled. There is a rack to hold your spear as you ride. The ride is gentle and easy (no Ride checks required) and the early fall weather is beautiful. The sun warm on your faces; a gentle breeze blowing the leaves which have not yet quite started to change.
There is a well traveled road with some traffic (from those leaving the festival) that leads from the bridge along the southern banks of the Turandurok River. The upthrust limestone escarpment known as the Devil's Platter rises to your right. On our left, the ragged Ravenroost Hills rise; mostly scrub with an occasional tree dotting the ridges. As those hills subside, the Tickwood Forest comes into view.
The ride to the edge of Tickwood takes about an hour and half. The forest is thick but not terribly overgrown and paths are clearly seen going in and out. Foxglove motions to his servants and they begin to lay out a picnic lunch that includes a fine wine, pate, flat breads and various meats and cheeses.
During lunch he explains how the hunt will occur:
"Mortimer there is the hound master. He'll take the dogs into the woods first to scent the quarry. Then, when they have a boar holed up we come and surround him with our spears. We bait him until he charges and then impale the beast on our blades here."
"The danger is at the charge. If you don't spear him he can get at you, and we wouldn't want that." He makes eyes at Cadas again.
He signals for Mortimer to release the hounds into the woods and then leans back. "I am still amazed at your fighting abilities. You all must have some harrowing stories. Tell me all about them while we wait"
He pours more wine for any who will have some and sits back to listen. While the conversation goes on, he turns to Cadas and asks: "Tell me, lady, what does your Goddess think of the hunt? Is it upsetting to nature to kill the beast of the forest? I do enjoy it so."
After goblin fest, Boo goes off in search of Ilsoari Gandethus. If he is not yet at home, she will wait.
"Well it appears, you've found your courage. Standing firm before a charge takes at least a bit of stone in your soul," Rogar says begrudgingly.
As a spear is handed to him, he declines.
"Nay, I'll take no spear, nor axe, hammer or blade til save fell Foebringer. My javelins and shield vill be sufficient."
Rogar draws a javelin and balances it ins his hand, getting a feel for it.
"So you are not from Sandpoint, Foxglove? Vhere is your hold?"
Cadas greets Foxgloves informally and in a friendly manner. Thank you again for the invitation. This will be exciting. After giving Foxglove the appropriate attention she goes to inspect her horse, make friends with the hounds, and accept a spear.
As the group rides Cadas will tell stories of life in the glasslands that focus on living with nature instead of against it. Addressing his question Cadas tells Foxglove Gozreh loves a good hunt. It is the way of nature that the predator hunts his prey. And it is good to relish in the hunt, but not good to not consume the kill. The people use all of an animal, wasting nothing.
Smoke declines anything that's not water-- best to stay completely aware. He keeps an eye on the brush, spear at rest, quietly thinking things over as they walk.
Foxglove nods to Rogar and allows him to hunt with shield and javelin. "It does take courage to stand down the boar doesn't it." he muses. "Who would've thought -- me, courageous?"
To Cadas and Robin: "Aye, we will be feasting on boar tonight provided we stand our ground and strike true. We need not kill the boar to waste as the Goddess teaches but to sustain us." Maybe not patronizing on purposes, but certinaly grating on the nerves...
As Smoke declines the drink, Foxglove shrugs and refills his own cup instead.
Soon, The hounds begin baying, and as you hear them in the hunt, the sound of a trumpet braying signals you that the boar is cornered. Following the sounds of the dogs and horn, you come into a small clearing that's bordered by trees and a few rocks. The servant, Mortimer, is clearing the dogs back from the northern end, and signals for you to take your places.
From somewhere in the overgrown rocks you hear the angry scream of a boar, his ire up.
At the Hunt
Foxglove and the party walk up slow and quietly to the edge of the clearing. You can hear the sounds of the worked up boar, but cannot see it yet. Foxglove begins advancing quietly and motions for you to come along a big grin on his face. He readies his spear for when the beast comes bursting out of the bushes.
Smoke edges warily-- unlike Foxglove, he doesn't take amusement in the hunt, but the excitement still gets him on the edges of his face. Prepared to protect Cadas, he continues forward, as silent as he can be.
Cadas, moves forward with the group, assuming that maintain the line is important to contain the beast.
Rogar moves north about 10 feet as quietly as he can. His eyes and ears keenly searching for signs of the pursued beast.
Perception
Stealth
Standing his ground he raises his shield and javelin readying himself to throw his javelin at the beast as soon as he sees it come into range. (Readied action to throw a javelin at the boar at 30 feet out.)
You make the walk back to the Turandurok Acadamy only to find that Headmaster Gandethus is not in. One of the staff indicates he has gone to the Curious Goblin for his regular meeting.
Asking around, you discover The Curious Goblin is a local bookstore (at Area 22 of the Sandpoint Map). You head back down Main Street past the City Hall and the Guard Headquarters to the bookstore.
As you arrive there, you see the sign out front shows a wide-eyed goblin reading an upside-down book. Inside the place is lined floor to ceiling and wall to wall with shelves of book after book. Behind the front counter is bespectacled man with a pencil tucked behind his ear busily reading a leather bound book.
As you close the door, he looks up, then down to where you stand. "Hello fine lady, what salubrious tome strikes your fancy today?"
At the Hunt
The group draws closer to the overgrown rocks and all see the flash of the boar's flank and muzzle in the narrow space between the rocks. A fierce scream emerges from the cornered boar, who steps out of his narrow defile, pawing the ground, his feral eyes rolling wildly.
Round 1 - Boar Hunt
17 Robin
12 Boar
10 Rogar (javelin readied)
10 Cadas
5 Smoke
5 Foxglove
Foxglove is besides himself with excitement as the feral pig makes an appearance. "Hurry now, get into position!" he shouts. "Form a semi-circle and ready your spears, advance so he doesn't have a way around us."
He laughs a rather high tittering laugh that sounds more like fear than excitement. He does ready his spear and readies himself to step forward.
Round 1 - Boar Hunt
Robin advances past the line and readies his mini-spear in case the boar charges him.
The boar paws the ground then charges, turves of sod flying out behind his immmense weight. His attention is drawn to the halfling who has advanced past the line and his eyes are red with fury.
As the boar charges, Rogar releases his prepared javelin throw. but his throw sails wide as the boar gathers momentum.
Reaching out with his spear, Robin is able to scratch the side of the boar as it comes, but that only enrages the beast further.
As the bard scurries to get the spear braced again before the boar is atop him, he fails to hit with the point and boar is inside the spearpoint, goring at the halfling with it's razor tusks.
The bone tusks crash deep into the chest and side of the poor shield-less halfling causing terrific damage.
Cadas moves to intercept the boar, striking at the creature and trying to pin it to the ground.
Boo looks round in the shop. The sight and smell of so many books makes her a little giddy. Controlling herself she replies "Yes sir, I'm looking for Headmaster Gandethus, but my business with him can wait, if he is busy."
Rogar grunts at his missed spear and charges (use of the word not the actually technique) toward the Boar and tries to slam into the side of the boar, knocking it away from the foolish fool.
Not sure if it hits, but I'll roll damage.
"Hang on vee one," He shouts.
Round 1 - Boar Hunt
Cadas moves forward to stab at the boar, but her spear point misses the beast entirely.
Foxglove does advance, but strategically places himself behind the shield-toting dwarf. He does not lunge with his point or make any effort to stab at the boar preferring instead to stay in the protected area and not draw attention to himself.
"Propitiously, for you, the Headmaster happens to be in attendance at our weekly conclave, which is in session at this very instant in the private salon. I am confident you will find the discourse quite captivating. Now follow me, if you have a care, my love."
He leads you past rows of books and through a curtain into a comfortably furnished salon. There, gathered on easy chairs and soft cushions, is a rather odd assortment of folks, drinking tea and conversing heatedly. The conversation ends as you enter and all eyes turn to you.
You see an older felow with round rim spectacles, a balding pate with a thatch of white hair along the sides, and a neatly trimmed pointed white beard, petting a tabby housecat. You see another tall man with dark eyes, a shaved head and shaggy long beard. On a cushion on the floor sits an elderly gnomish gentleman. Next to him on a reed mat is a female human with dark hair, delicate features, and long flowing robes. On her head is a tiara with a large blue gemstone in the center.
Haladan introduces the characters: He indicates Veznutt Parooh, the gnome who stands and doffs his cap. The man with the housecat is introduced as Brodert Quink, master of Thassilonian studies; he inclines his head politely and looks at you with a curious squint. The bald, bearded man is Ilsoari Gandethus, headmaster of the Turandurok Academy. He barely notices your presence instead sipping his tea and looking away. The lady is Sabyl Sorn, initiate of Irori who's feature are hard to read, but her eyes show an innate intelligence.
"Now, Eldar One, elucidate for us the rationale for your presence at our esteemed assemblage," Haladan says.
Smoke clutches the spear tightly and charges the boar with reckless abandon.
He strikes true!
Smoke charges (what else?) across the field and plunges his spear deep into the flank of the raging boar.
End of Round 1
Round 2 - Boar Hunt
17 Robin
12 Boar (wounded)
10 Rogar (already rolled)
10 Cadas
5 Smoke (charging AC)
5 Foxglove
Round 2 - Boar Hunt
Robin steps back to allow his spear to bear, but his lunge at the boar goes off the pig's thick coat.
The boar veers, turning its tusks at the closest remaining target, Rogar.
The strike is quick enough to avoid the dwarf's shield and finds a weak spot in his scale male, ripping a gash in his thigh that starts to flow with blood. Rogar reponds bringing his shield down on the pig's head with ringing clang, but the beast still stands.
Smoke flails ineffectively at the creature!
Cadas, concerned for both of her friends finds the strength to stabs again at the pig. This time she drives the spear deep into the pit, pushing it away from Rogar.
Round 2 - Boar Hunt - continued
The Shoanti priestess, seeing the boar gore another of her companions, drives the point of the spear deep into the shoulder of the feral beast. The pig squeals and shudders and blood starts to run in rivers from the wound, staggering the great beast.
Meanwhile Smoke still winded from his run over, misses with his second spear thrust.
Foxglove drops his boarspear as the beast strikes Rogar and cringes behind the dwarf in fear.
End of Round 2
Round 3 - Boar Hunt
17 Robin
12 Boar (staggered)
10 Rogar
10 Cadas
5 Smoke
5 Foxglove (unarmed and cowering)
Rogar's face is stone, even as the blood pours out from the gash in his skin.
He then swings his shield up high and brings it down with all his strength at the Boar's neck.
Attack
Damage
Round 3 - Boar Hunt
Robin spears at the staggered boar to no avail then steps away from the wounded beast fearing for his own skin.
The boar meanwhile is still dangerous and making a desparate heave, attempts to gore the shield-bearing dwarf again.
The slowed boar's tusks are knocked aside by Rogar who brings the edge of his shield down again on the pig with another ringing sound. The pig stumbles to one foreleg but still tries to crawl to advance a bit further the fight not quite out of it yet.
Smoke lunges forward and, leaping a quick step, thrusts the spear into the boar's side.
Boar Hunt - Round 3 - continued
Smoke leaps and drives his spear into the crippled boar, finally killing it.
End of Combat
As the boar slowly expires, Foxglove is elated. "Capital, capital. What a hunt, eh? We really showed that beast who's boss. Did you see the size of it? It's the best hunt I've been on ever."
Turning to Cadas he says, "And you my dear absolutely spectacular. I really must take you hunting more often. Such style, such grace!"
He claps Smoke and Rogar on the back and makes sure the "Little Scratch" that Robin took isn't troubling him too much. "Taken worse than that myself before," he says with a wink.
Eventually he blows the whistle, and the dogs and servants materialize. One field dresses the boar, giving the entrails to the hounds. When complete the group assembles to head back to town.
"As victors, you shall have the prize," Foxglove says happily. "Mortimer shall deliver the beast to your lodgings at the Rusty Dragon and it should arrive just in time for supper. Unfortunately, I must prepare to depart for Magnimar and will not be able to join you. I'll be there in spirit!"
Trying to cover for him, Haladan offers you a seat. ”Our brain trust assembles twice a month, usually on the 1st and 15th, but with yesterday’s saturnalia, we deferred it. Obviously, today our motif has been the goblin sortie and its antecedent causation. It is our unanimous conclusion that you and your confederates shielded our municipality from a more detrimental outcome. You are welcome to our colloquy at your leisure.” At that the Headmaster makes a loud ”harrumph” and reaches to refill his tea cup, still not addressing you.
The sage, Brodert Quink, holds one of the goblin totems, with the strange rune you saw earlier, in his hand and says in a small squeaky voice "As I was saying, I know what this is, but why a goblin would have it, I’m afraid that’s only speculation. I do not know much about goblins, nor do I want to…” he adds with a wry look.
When pressed he says sheepishly, ”This is the Sihedron Rune. It is of old Thassilon make. It is the symbol for the seven virtues, one to a point….oh my, I seem to have forgotten the exact virtues…Sabyl can you assist an old man?” His face turns red in his embarrassment at forgetting a simple thing.
The only other female speaks in a clear concise voice snapping off her words precisely. ”The seven virtues of old Thassilon are wealth, fertility, honest pride, abundance, eager striving, righteous anger, and rest. These may not be the same as the seven traditional virtues nor those espoused by Irori, but that is not what you asked…”
”Nor is this a forum for religious debate,” interrupts the Headmaster testily. You can tell he is acting out for some reason, but it’s not clear to you why.
Quink steps in. ”Yes, Sabyl, quite so, quite so. These were the 7 virtues established by Xin, the first King of Thassilonia and bringer of rune magic. In his teaching these were the rewards for the wise ruler and the benefits of power. It is supposed by some, myself included, that the seven virtues turned darker after Xin’s death. I do not know the exact meaning of the Sihedron in that context, but could do some research, with the right assistance” He pauses and looks up at you for a moment, his gaze almost hopeful.
Again Gandethus interrupts: ”All well and good Quink, and of absolutely no value, like all of your suppositions. Why would the goblins have them, man? That is what we need to know. You and your damn fool Thassilonia...absolutely no use.”
Quink is taken aback by his outburst and spits and sputters for a bit. When he finally composes himself he says: ”There are many ruins of old Thassilonian structures across Varisia, some well-known to us, some hidden. It is possible that the goblins raided one of those structures and found these trinkets? Or copied them? As I recall they have a pictogram alphabet…Chask, do you have a book on that? No matter. Even our dear Old Light is an old Thassilonian ruin, I believe that…”
”Yes, we’ve heard your belief on that a thousand times, Brodert. Rubbish all of it. That tower was no more than the lighthouse it appears to be.” It’s Ilsoari again interrupting. This time he stands and dismissively waves off the others. ”Now it is time for us to adjourn. Maybe next time we can have a meeting without getting off topic...This fool elf girl can find me in my quarters tomorrow after classes, if I choose to see her then.”
The others all hastily rise and begin to collect their things and come to shake your wee hands and thank you again for your service to Sandpoint. Gandethus storms out, slamming the door behind him.
Haladan walks you to the door. ”My sincere apologies for the behavior of our esteemed headmaster. Please expiate him for his brusqueness. I welcome your presence at my simple library whenever the urge overtakes you. I am your humble servant.” He bows low again shakes your small hand and sends you out into the town.
The rest of the group makes the ride back to Sandpoint's Tanner's Bridge arriving early in the late afternoon. Foxglove is in high spirits and regales you stories of hunts and duels he's "participated" in, oblivious to his actual experience.
At the bridge, he dispatches Mortimer to carry the boar to the Dragon for preparation. He smiles broadly at you all: "Our time together has been magnificent, but I am afraid I must depart for Magnimar tonight. Business calls, you know. I look forward to seeing you all again soon. It has been my exquisite pleasure to meet you all." His eyes are on Cadas the entire time he speaks. With a wave and flourish, he turns his mount back to the north and rides off.
Tired and road-weary, you all ride back to the Dragon. Lars, Bethany, and Morris are busily preparing the pig roast. You have time to bathe, rest or explore in some other way before the dinner is ready in about 3-4 hrs.
Unless she has other ideas, you should find Boo in the Common Room when you arrive.