Cadas awkwardly accepts the praise from Foxglove as she inspects her friend's wounds. She does not say that in her opinion no amount of pork is worth seeing her friends hurt.
Let me tend to those wounds. she says as she channels positive energy.
Boo is in fact in the common room. She is moodily sipping a small glass of sherry.
"Thank you Cadas," Rogar says as he watches his wounds close and the bleeding stanch. He then turns to Boo. "Ho there Vizard. Vhat have you been up to as we were serving as meat shield for the longshanks coward?"
Immediately he turns and smiles to Bethany.
"Some of your fine Grog, if you don't mind?"
Cadas calls on the power of Gozreh to heal the wounds of Rogar and Robin who's hurts are bound and refreshed by the healing power of positive energy.
You do run across Boo back at the Rusty Dragon. Perhaps she relates to you her findnings of the afternoon? There you settle in as the boar is prepared for dinner. The smell of the roasting pig and associated feast is divine. Bethany brings all of you on-the-house drinks for the second night.
Soon, the dinner is laid out for you. There is enough meat to serve the whole Inn and then some. The seasoning and flavor is an unknown Oriental mixture but the taste is wonderful. Ameiko joins you at table and jokes, ”Between saving the town and feeding the people, there might just be a song about you yet.” She sits and listens, laughing along with your stories of the hunt and of Aldern Foxglove. Soon, though she excuses herself, ”I must go oversee more preparations in the kitchen for tomorrow's soup. It is our first time making this dish.” She rises gracefully and lithely departs, Lars the barman, following her into the kitchen.
A few moments later, the front door of the Inn flies open, slamming into the wall behind. A tall thin elderly Tien man stands there and screams in a high-pitched voice:”Where the hell is my fool of a daughter?” His eyes can the room which has become abruptly silent, with the many patrons, formerly feasting, now looking down squarely at their plates. As he searches the room, he soon sees your group at the head table.
”You!” he screeches. ”The so-called Heroes of Sandpoint. What are you doing here? Haven’t your antics caused enough trouble? Bringing goblin attacks on our town, burning and killing innocent people. Rogues! Scoundrels! I should call the Sherriff and have you locked up. Get out of this place!” His voice rises in volume and pitch until he is literally screaming. Spittle flies from his lips and his face reddens and hands tremble with anger.
Rogar stands up from his cups and waddles over toward the angry man.
"You address the Heir of Foebreaker, scion of Clan Orcwarden, so named for our zeal in driving the Orcish hordes back into Belzken. You vould do vell to vatch your tone longshanks fool," Rogar spits at the man's feet as he retorts. "Now if you vish to speak to me and my companions vith a civil tongue, you may start by apologizing and address us vith our proper names, I am Rogar Stefanssen. Who might you be?"
Rogar slides his shield down from his shoulder and over his forearms as he speaks, adding weight to his implied threat.
"That's going to help," Smoke says to his dwarven companion with a sharp glare at his shield.
He stands up and holds up his open palms to the man, trying to calm him down at best, offering himself up as the target of abuse at worst. The bold half-Shoanti's skull and wisp tattoos running wrist to shoulder on both arms are easily visible in the dim light of the Dragon. "Listen, sir? We didn't cause the goblin attack but we sure as, well, ended it. I... don't think our 'antics' have done anything but save lives and you can ask a few people around here their opinion on that if you want to stop shouting at me."
He maintains a civil tone, though if the person continues... he may be forced to grin and bear it some more. Smoke had a temper like a mountain stone-- hard to get moving but hard to stop if it started rolling.
Cadas turns a shade of red in anger at the old mans accusations. She slowly stands, and rests her hand on the still bloody boar spear where it leans against the wall. Her armor is of Shoanti design of horn and bone. Her newly inked tattoos across her face are still bright. feathers and shells dangle from her hair, and the holy symbol of Gozreh hangs from her nect. She looks anything but civilized.
I am a priestess of Gozreh and messenger of the Shoanti. At great personal sacrifice I have come to help this town. I have fought and bled already for it. You will not accuse me of such crimes and go unchallenged. Perhaps you would like to reconsider your words. She is already stressed from the boar hunt and is in no mood for diplomacy.
The old man scoffs at your protestations: diplomatic, threatening, or otherwise. "Lies and excuses, the stuff of villans. Perhaps from now on you will leave the fighting to trained professionals who might have saved the town from a burning. Instead this filty bunch of vagrants attracts nothing but trouble."
He is clearly playing to the crowd as well his words replete with over the top hand gestures.
Just as you are ready to reply, the kitchen door slams open and Ameiko storms out a large soup ladle in hand. "Father!" she yells. "What in the name of all the gods are you doing here, and acting this way! You should be ashamed!"
"Yes, I should be ashamed," he agrees. "My daughter is a rogue and a harlot and acts like a commoner when she should be treated like a princess." He slips into a native tongue that you have a hard time understanding, pointing his finger in her chest the entire time.
Ameiko replies in the same tongue vehemently.
You may not know Minkaian, but think you heard some rather descriptive curse words sprinkled in from her.
As you watch with dismay, the father snarls with rage and grabs a fistful of the lovely Ameiko's long raven hair and starts to pull her toward the door.
"HEY! LEAVE HER ALONE!" Smoke shouts, actually angry for the first time. Smoke doesn't realize he's doing it but he grabs at the old man by the seat of his pants and the neck of his shirt, fully intent on just hefting him over his head. He isn't sure what's he's going to do after that-- maybe throw him out a window or politely ask Ameiko where she wants him, but in either case, this guy just had to tap the wrong pebble on this mountain.
"Beneath the stones ve do not treat our daughters this vay, even if they have brought shame on our family," Rogar says as he steps between the old man and the door. "Now, I vill give you one last chance to show respect, you short-lived longshanks fool, before I beat it into you.
Instead of strapping his shield to his arm he lets it fall to the floor with a clang.
"Excuse me, sir. Have you considered not being all shouty and being polite? Who is your daughter?"
If his daughter were missing, Boo could well understand his brittle state of mind.
Bethany whispers to Robin: "I have never seen him before, but they do not get along well. He wishes her to be quiet and submissive, and that is not my Lady!"
Smoke leaps forward and grabs the elderly man. You can feel his frail bones through his Tien-style attire. As you grab him, he begins shrieking like a woman. Ameiko uses your grapple to spin out of her father's clutches, and in the same motion brings the soup ladle up against the side of his head in a fluid motion. The metal spoon connects with a resounding THUNK. Potatos and fish chunks spatter over the man (and Smoke) making a big mess.
The man looks stunned for a moment and turns and runs for the door. At the door he turns and shouts back at Ameiko:"You're as dead to me as your mother." And the door slams.
Ameiko looks off put, but only for a moment. She quickly smirks looking at the ladle and says: "Guess I need a clean ladle now since jackass stew isn't on the menu..." The crowd laughs more from embarrassment than the joke. The lovely bard smiles, leans up and kisses Smoke full on the mouth and bustles for the kitchen door.
The band starts playing again and soon the voices and hubbub of the inn are back to normal. After a long while, Ameiko appears again in the common room but is stoic and silent unless approached, her usually cool detached manner missing.
You can see she's been crying, her eyes red and puffy, streaks on her cheeks.
If you talk to her:
Ameiko does come to each of you in turn and apologize for the scene, thanking you for taking part in her defense. She offers you another week of lodging and comfort on the house.
Cadas does not notice the signs that Ameiko has been crying but she does not have to be too empathetic to know what Ameiko just went through was hard. She goes to Ameiko and says I'm sorry. and hugs the woman in a sisterly embrace. If you want to talk about it...
With a blush on his face, the barbarian takes a moment to collect himself before going outside to wash his arms and chest off with water from the horse trough. He takes a moment to thank Desna-- nothing bad happened and the water outside is cold, which helps still his thoughts regarding Ameiko. As much as he wishes he had the wits to return her affection on the spur of the moment, he was slow to act, like usual. Perhaps that should change.
Heading back inside, he finds her missing, and so spends some time reflecting on his plan.
Oblivious to her emotions, like Cadas, he engages her with a nod. "Hope I wasn't too forward there," he says, referencing her father and his half-trained attempt to pick him up. "Just thought I'd, uh, lend a hand."
She relates her past to Smoke? He spends a minute or two going over his past to Ameiko-- describing growing up in Two-Rivers, the ogre attack, the scar across his forehead, growing up and being inducted into the Skoan-Quah as an 'honorary member.' He doesn't talk too much, knowing girls prefer when you listen, but still, he hopes he isn't half as much mystery as he was before. Give and take. He jokes around-- tries to make her smile.
As they speak, Ameiko, Cadas and Smoke, he wonders how long he's going to be in Sandpoint-- how long Cadas is going to stay. He entertains the notion that, after Cadas leaves, he might stay here. This was nice. Perhaps, but perhaps not.
Ameiko is grateful for your comfort. She tells more of her story: from her grandfather's trip over the top of the world to found Sandpoint to her own father's abusive behavior and her mother's submissiveness. She also relates her mother's extramarital affair, and her father's wounded pride which made him hate her. Eventually she found the living too difficult and ended it all, 5 years ago, about the same time as the Chopper's Rampage and the burning of the church.
"I have my own questions about her death. Maybe he didn't kill her directly (maybe he did) but he sure as hell caused her to die. I'll never get over that. Nor will I ever give up my life to be his submissive daughter, married off to some noble who can keep the family business going..."
She goes on to tell you about her adventuring days and seeing the city of Absalom and the deserts and jungles of far-away places. Finally, she is weary of the telling and embraces each of you before retiring to her chambers.
For the rest of you, the evening is another typical night at the Dragon, beer flows, stories are told and a good time is had by all.
Sometime in the night, a guardsman finds you and makes you aware that the Sherriff would like you to meet in the morning at the Mayor's office. Shalelu Andosana, the outland ranger, will be there to brief them on goblin activity in the hinterlands.
Dawn, 2 Rova 4707
As the sun rises, you hear the familiar knock on your door. It's Bethany again. "Rise and shine, sleepyheads. You have business with the Sherriff. Shalelu has arrived and in quite a state. Hurry now and get yourselves together. I have breakfast waiting for you downstairs. You are wanted in the Town Hall within the hour. No time to dally, now!"
Coming down a hearty breakfast is laid out including eggs, sausages, flapjacks and bacon. Lars adds while you eat:"Tis wery strange dat Shalelu did not stay wif us dis time, ja? She must haf rode all night to come to da town dis time. Must be sum important news, no?"
You tuck in and eat your fill with enough time to spare, you make it to the Town Hall where your meeting is scheduled. When you arrive you are shown upstairs to the Mayor's office.
You remember seeing Mayor Kendra Deverin at the Festival speeches and in person you are struck by the drive and energy in her small frame. Despite the early hour and the stressful few days, she is a ball of fire tucked and welcomes you warmly to her office. The Sherriff is there also quiet and dour as ever. And then you see Shalelu (pic attached)
The first thing you notice about the elven woman is her lines. There is nothing soft or curved about her. She is tall and angular, thin and wiry. Lean muscles ripple as she moves and her face is set in a permantent frown line. She looks haggard and disheveled, indeed it does appear she rode all night. Her gaze, though, is penetrating and despite her obvious weariness, she does not seem to miss much.
The Sherriff makes introductions:
Hemlock motions for you all to sit around the long table. Then addresss you:"This is Shalelu Androsana. I guess you could call her an "unofficial" member of Sandpoint's Town Guard. She has been a thorn in the side of the local goblin tribes for years, and few know more about them than she does. Shalelu, these are Sandpoint's latest group of goblin-slayers" and he goes on to introduce each of you in turn.
Shalelu smirks at his characterization of her, but nods in greeting.
Hemlock continues:"Shalelu comes through town once or twice a season. She was just here a month ago, and wasn't expected until mid-autumn or so, but she has come at my request. On her visits, she brings us news from the hinterlands and keeps us apprised of any dangers growing in the region."
"To summarize the report she gave us while we were waiting for you, there has been an increase in goblin raids along the Lost Coast, especially in the dale between the Mosswood and the Nettlewood. Just yesterday a farm south of Mosswood was burnt to the ground by goblins. Luckily, Shalelu was there to save the family and kill a few of the vermin, but our goblin problem is obviously not going away..."
He then turns to the elven woman, ceding the floor to her to continue her briefing.
Shalelu says: “Belor’s told me of your work against the goblins —well done. I’ve dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they’re tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite." the first hint of what might be called a smile plays around the line of her mouth. It doesn't last long.
“Anyway, there’s five major goblin tribes in the region, and, traditionally, they’re pretty good at keeping each other in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I’ve been able to piece together, members of all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair amount of the Mosswood tribe goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up,and there was a lot of chatter about the ‘longshanks’ who killed so many of them. Now that I’ve met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you’ve made an impression."
“In any event, the fact that the five tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don’t get along unless they’ve got something big planned, and big plans require big bosses. I’m afraid that someone’s moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids,what they’re organizing seems like bad news for all of us.”
She sits back down. Cold and hard, all business.
Then the Sherriff continues:"Based on that information and the recent attack, the Mayor has asked me to take a few of my guards and ride south to Magnimar to ask for additional soldiers to be dispatched to Sandpoint."
"While I'm gone, I have asked Shalelu to sniff around places goblins are known to live like Shank's Wood, Brinestump Marsh, Devil's Platter and the like, to see if she can find out what's going on."
"I'm certain you'd like to join her, but I need your group to stay in Sandpoint while I'm gone. The locals seem to have taken a liking to you and the Mayor agrees that a public presence of the 'Heroes' will only make things calmer here. I'd ask you to stand as the law in my stead while I'm gone."
And with that, the briefing is over. The Sherriff makes to leave for Magnimar right away, shaking hands with you all as you depart. "Keep my town safe!" he says over his shoulder as he rides off.
As you are wrapping up, Shalelu address you: "I wish to dine with you this noon after I have rested. Meet me at the Rusty Dragon, where my friend Ameiko keeps a renowned kitchen. I would impart more knowledge and lore regarding local goblins to you there."
This is her method of asking, but it feels more like telling. She doesn't wait for a response, but shoulders her pack and walks off into towards the Dragon.
Cadas, up with the sun prepares for the day in her regular routine, communing for the first hour of the day with her deity. As she preys for her spells she also asks for patience in dealing with the city dwellers. remembering the incident the night before.
She comes down the stairs dressed for anything, leaving no gear behind. She eats a light breakfast and thanks her host while managing to ask about this Shalelu person.
At the town hall she nods to the sheriff, but asks How long will you be in Magnimar? And are we to be official in our capacity?
Smoke, in his leather armor and with his hellknight greatsword strapped to his back, looks pretty far away from the Sheriff, who in his opinion is far more... civilized looking than he. The eyeless sockets of the skull-esque designs on his shoulders glare out inbetween straps and leather padding.
Shalelu, of course, gets his attention. There was someone who was exactly like Cadas! The concept that these two people were very similar was enough to make him crack a smile that he was sure made her think him a fool, but try as he might, it was impossible to shake.
After the lithe elven ranger had left, he turned to Hemlock. "Guess my pressing importance about preparing the town for giant attacks has been put on hold, and for good reason. Ride swift, and I promise that the town will still be standing when you return."
The rest of his mid-morning to lunch? He dredges out some of the things they'd scavenged from the goblins and heads out to try to negotiate some sort of fair price or fee from one of the local smithies or armorers. He keeps an eye out on things now that he's a 'calming presence' according to the mayor. He spends time thinking that he should spend some of the coin he gets on something respectable to wear-- maybe the leathers weren't cutting it, but also maybe he needed something to wear that wasn't so... Shoanti. Mulling over what he might get if he split it five ways-- maybe a single coin-- he heads back out into town.
Hemlock answers the Shoanti priestess:"I will only be gone as long as it takes to get there, beg for soldiers and return. I sense trouble here and want to remain, but the mayor is insisting. Not sure anyone in Magnimar cares about us anyway. Should be 3-4 days tops."
"As far as official duty, my guardsmen will take care of most matters. The mayor sees your role as more figurehead, but I don't care for appearances. You have my trust, if you see a problem fix it, but the local drunken half-orc can be handled by the guards."
To Smoke: "It better be standing lad. I know you'll do your best." he pats him lightly on the arm and mounts up to ride off.
Boo is wearing her normal attire and has her staff. After memorizing her spells, she has a scant breakfast, then walks around outside a bit. She seems rattled a little.
After asking around a bit, Smoke finds out that the place to buy/sell weapons/equipment/armor is Savah's Armory (detail map area 12). He heads there and finds Savah is pleased as punch to have a real Hero of Sandpoint in her store. She agrees to give you (and the rest of the group) a 20% markup on sales and a 20% discount on purchases because of your heroism: especially if you are willing to say "I bought it at Savah's" from time to time...
Running Ka-Ching Total:
8 small heavy wooden shields - 3.5 x 8 for 28gp.
8 small leather armor - 5 x 8 for 40gp.
3 small studded leather - 12.5 x 3 for 37.5gp.
8 dogslicers - 4 x 8 = 32gp
2 horsechoppers - 5 x 2 = 10gp
2 shortbows - 15gp x 2 for 30gp.
Total: 177.5gp / 5 = 35.5gp each
Savah looks over the stuff. "It's pretty low quality and no one will use it, but I might be able to sell some of it as souvenirs at next year's festival. How about I offer you half normal resale then add back in your mark up? Best I can do..."
The mayor smiles at Robin. "See, I knew this was a good idea. We'll see what we can do to get a uniform tailored for you, good sir. I think just a public presence, you know, walking the streets shaking hands would do wonders."
Evenutally, a small tunic with town seal in the front, arrives sized pretty close for a halfling.
Soon, you all 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 the distant and cold manner however. She hugs Ameiko, it's clear they are old friends, but the Tien bard does not stick around long, claiming business outside the inn.
As Bethany lays out lunch, Shalelu unrolls a map of the areas around Sandpoint for your reference, she then begins speaking.
"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 decaptiated 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."
"Could this bugbear, Bruzathamus, be the one who is organizing them? And if it isn't him, then any ideas on who it might be? For all of the goblins to be acting together, wouldn't one tribe have to be on top?"
Answering Tinuviel Cadas shakes her head. No. The organizer was a human man. Foxglove would not have gotten that part wrong. Then asking Shalelu a question she continues. The goblin we captured and questioned said its home was Head Island. That must be the Thistletop Goblins. It worries me that the group located the farthest away was involved in the raid. I think it indicated that the longshanks that came with them lived there with him, but am not sure. All he specifically said was that he did not know the human's name. What do you know about the camp there at Thistletop? I suspect we will eventually have to go there.
She also asks what the group can be doing to fortify or make the town more ready in the next few days and more about the bugbear's group, including its other members and where she thinks they are now.
Shalelu agrees with Cadas. "Bruzathamus is a pirate and a troublemaker but he is not smart enough to organize the chaotic goblin tribes. He's also been operating in this area for years and not done so before. He is an unlikely suspect (at least for this). The cold fire burns more fiercely in her eyes as she discuss her arch-nemesis the bugbear.
"Thistetop is on an island at the far end of the Nettlewood. That wood is difficult to navigate and as the name implies full of stinging plants. I have seen Thistletop once before, but it was from a distance. The goblin lair is atop the island which has sheer cliff on the sides and is 100 ft or more in the air, so approaching by sea would be difficult. There is, I believe, a bridge which connects the island to the main-land. I do not know more than that so far."
"I cannot confirm that your mystery man lives among the Thistletop tribe; he could easily be with any of the five. I am heading to check out the closest first, Birdcrunchers and Licktoad tribes. But will get to Moss and Nettlewoods eventually."
"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..."
"Interesting. Worth investigating, then?" Smoke crosses his arms and regards the map with interest, looking up for confirmation from his friends.
"It seems we have our work cut out for us after the Sheriff returns-- investigate this Thistletop? Perhaps we'd best wait for you, though, ma'am, since you're the expert."
He's glad she isn't like Hosk-- a collection of grim goblin ears-- but wonders how the hold man is doing, and makes a note to visit him and perhaps see if he can find this Hannah lady to ask her as well. Mind drifting, he misses Robin's question, regaining his sense afterwards. "D'ya think they found it somewhere around here and just copied it? Or perhaps they've unearthed something. There's got to be a reason why they need the priest's body."
"It's a blasted infestation! By Toragvhat do you people do, leave table scraps out for them? Ten dwarves vith sharp axes vould put an end to these beasts."
Didn't that wizard fellow that Boo was taking to know about the the symbol?
Shalelu looks you over grimly. "I will be riding to the nearest tribes before checking on Thistletop, but yes if Hemlock returns you can check it out. If you want to meet with me, have the Sherriff send word and I will come if I am able."
"I knew the old priest but did not know him well. He died in the fire that consumed the church, such things happen and are unfortunate but not mysterious. I do not know why someone would want his bones; that is a bad omen indeed."
"From what I knew of him, Tobyn was not the type to attract enemies. Could someone have a hatred for Desna? There are foes of Good everywhere, so it is possible, but such a force is not known to me at present nor has it shown itself in the years since Father Tobyn's death."
Her eyes turn even colder (if that's possible) as she glares at Rogar. "The only thing ten dwarves would finish is a cask of ale, and that right quick. You are more than welcome to bring your kin and deal with our problem and I can retire in luxury."
Tinuviel bows to the ranger.
"I think I may need to inquire more of this headmaster about the odd object. It is an anomaly that requires an explanation."
If no other questions, she mounts and gallops for Tanner's Bridge and the road to Devil's Platter.
"Damn right, ve'd finish the cask of ale, that is the prize for doing a days vork, not that I'd expect the likes of you to know." Rogar responds with a laugh.
He turns to his companions.
"Ve should inspect the rune, fell magics should not be ignored. Once ve know vhat it is, ve vill know vhich tribe to investigate. Though ve should not vait too long, at current pace there vill be more blasted goblins than non-goblins in this area."