With gear gathered and breakfast finished, you set off for the Sandpoint Garrison. Ameiko gives you simple instructions to reach your destination, "Head west along the waterfront until you've passed the fishmarket and then turn right onto Main Street. The garrison will be on the north side of town, atop the hill." She gives you a cheery wave as you make your way out the door.
It is a cool Toilday morn. Above you, the nearly full moon still hangs in the pale blue sky. Almost no clouds today, but the sun has not yet burned off the mist of fog that floats upon the air, hazing everything distant into a grey void. But you can see the buildings and the streets well enough and so you begin your trek across town. Ameiko's words come back to your mind, it's back to business as usual, and indeed that seems to be what the town of Sandpoint is about today.
Across the street from the Rusty Dragon, a woman who looks to be Chelaxian is opening up her Boutique. Through the window, you see all manner of clothing, weapons, toys, artwork, books, and tools. Her chalk-written sign touts in a flowery script that she carries items from all over the world and indeed, they do look quite varied and of fine quality.
A bit further down the road is a rather large, official looking building labeled Sandpoint Mercantile League. It does not have a display window, but a number of important looking people bustle to and fro, many carrying ledgers and cases with distracted looks on their faces. Some of them wave or nod to you in passing, but in a rather absent manner. On your right, you pass by a shop with hams and ribs on display as well as chickens hung from their feet. Inside, Chod Bevuk chats away in an animated manner to a customer. Though you cannot hear the conversation, something about the excited telling makes you suspect that the fellow is recounting his supposed near escape from the late murderer called 'The Chopper' again. Ayup, a final gesture to his lost finger decides you, Chod is definitely going on again. He notices you watching and gives you all an exuberant wave before returning to his telling, the customer is nodding blandly with an increasingly bored expression.
The open air market is mostly barren, save for some folk setting up for the next Marketing day, which is tomorrow. The bright colors of Varisian clothing and wagons loom out of the mist as they prepare hawking stalls and display racks. A trio of children chase each other through the workers under the watchful eyes of an older woman. She cries out sharply as they wheel away into the mist, too far for her to see them and they sulk back closer to her before resuming their game. Clearly business as usual does not include letting the little ones stray beyond sight today, with the goblin attack still in recent memory. It makes sense, given that those who fell to Goblin blades that day were mostly the young and the elderly.
The salty tang of the sea grows stronger on the air, as does the odor of fish as you get closer to Main street. The open facade of the long building already holds a supply of of the early morning catch. Bins of cod, salmon, tuna, shellfish, and even the odd octopus await selection for someone's lunch or evening meal. Turch Sterglus, a retired fisherman with a lazy eye and a wild white beard is out front, trying to entice people to make a purchase. He hails your party as you go by. "If it isn't the heroes of Sandpoint! How are you liking this weather, eh? Barely has the autumn begun and already the summer is showin' us her retreatin' backside. How would you like to be takin' that octopus back to Ameiko, then? Lookit, so fresh it's a wavin' at ya! Ha ha ha! I hear tell Miss Ameiko can turn them into a right fine meal, and you be sure and tell her I said so, eh?" He grins and gives you all a friendly wink.
You make the right turn onto Main Street as instructed and pass by the General Store. Shayliss Vinder is busily sweeping out the store front while another young woman is cleaning the windows with a cloth. Shayliss is wearing a lovely headscarf in a blushing shade of pink today that goes quite nicely with her coloring. As she spots your party walking down the way, she stops her chore and waves, very pointedly not looking at Sabina. The other girl, likely her sister notices this dereliction of duty and snakes a hand out toward her, flinging out the tail of the cloth so that it pops Shayliss, getting her attention. "Katrine!" She hisses in embarrassment and immediately starts sweeping dust onto her sisters shoes for the offence. Soon they dissolve into playful shouts and peals of laughter that draws their imposing looking father, Ven Vinder out to chide them for being silly. The girls resume their work, but Shayliss makes sure to shoot a last smile your way before you are out of sight.
The large building across the street bustles with children as they go about studies. The windows do not show much, but the sign proclaims it to be Turandarok Academy. Next door to the school is a shop Cordwin is familiar with, the sign out in front showing a wide-eyed goblin reading a book nearly as tall as him. Chask Haladan sits inside speaking with a serious looking woman. He raises his hand in greeting as Cordwin passes by.
A delicious smell has been growing stronger as you made your way up this street. Though you've just had breakfast, these aromas cause your mouths to water and soon you see why. A cozy little bakery is blanketing this part of town with smells of fresh, yummy baked goods. Just after you've passed the open door, a plump, middle aged woman rushes out holding a paper sack. By the time she reaches you, she puffs a bit from the exertion from trying to catch up to your eager stride. "I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to thank you all personally for helping run those terrible goblins out of town. I'd have just been lost if my girls were hurt, just lost, I say!" Her emotions get the better of her for a moment and then she gazes at Tylur with a shocked expression. "Gracious, you look so... so like..." She seems to stop herself and then goes on again. "You look like you could use this. You're skin and bones, you are! And the winter wind will be a'blowing soon. Take these, I won't hear you say no, so I won't." She presses the bag into his hands and hurries off again back to her shop, seeming as if she needs a moment to settle herself, for she had tears in her eyes as she turned away. The sack is loaded with a variety of baked goods, including some savory meat pies.
You've been moving uphill for a while now and your calves are beginning to burn from the steep grade. You pass a number of closely spaced houses in varying states of upkeep. The moist sea air seems to wear at the painted finishes and rust most any metal left in the open. Finally, you arrive at the Garrison. This stone fortress is an impressive structure, serving double duty as Sandpoint’s militia barracks and its jail. The jail itself is located in an underground wing, while the above-ground portion houses the town’s guard. Sandpoint’s town guard consists of a dozen full-time watchmen and about twice this many servants and other experts (smiths, cooks, bookkeepers, couriers, and the like) dwell here as well. Guards patrol the city alone; there’s generally not much trouble beyond the odd drunk for them to handle, so usually only three or four are on duty here at any one time. They show you inside right away to speak to the Sheriff.
Sheriff Belor Hemlock looks like he has not had enough sleep this last night. "Thank you for coming. You might remember that we were able to take a few of the goblin raiders captive. I can't help but think there is more to all this than just the little buggers' greedy appetites, but I have had no luck in interviewing any of them. I don't know if they are refusing to talk because they are withholding information or whether they are too stupid to understand what I ask! Maybe I am wrong, but a good Sheriff makes use of all his available resources. You lot seem a capable group. Would you be willing to try and interview the goblin captives? If so, they are held below."
Tylur looks dumbfounded as the plump woman forces the cloth sack into his hands. "I..uh..well thank you." is all he can mutter out as the lady quickly runs back to her shop. Looking inside he feels a rush of warmth pass over him as he is genuinely touched by the lady's generosity. "It would seem that there is some freshly baked breads and treats for us." Looking back at the lady's store he smiles, "Cordwin you seem the most traveled of us here. Is this normal for strangers to be treated like this? I am at a loss for words. Can we do no wrong now? This place is so foreign from Cheliax. I did not think that such...kindness existed."
Tylur keeps quiet for the rest of the trip taking in the sights and holding the sack of baked goods protectively. He nods and smiles back to those that greet him on the street.
When they finally are taken to Sheriff Hemlock he listens intently to he man's request and then on behalf of the party he states, "We will do what we can Sheriff." Turning to look at the others he searches for suggestions.
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Sabina does her best to manage a gracious smile as Aldern takes his leave, not wanting to be rude to the man but glad to be rid of him. She enjoys the walk through town mostly in silence, but waves back to the old fisherman Turch Sterglus as they pass by.
"We'll pick up the octopus on our way back!" she calls out to the man. It had been a while since she'd tasted octopus; it was not a common ingredient in Chelaxian cooking, but Kintargo was fairly cosmopolitan and Tien-style seafood was not too difficult to find there.
Sabina can only sigh and roll her eyes at Shayliss' antics, hurrying along and pretending not to notice the girl. When the group finally arrives at the garrison and meets Sheriff Hemlock, she listens intently as he lays out the problem.
"Well, if it helps at all, I do speak Goblin. I have an uncle who survived the Goblinblood wars in Isger, and he taught me and my cousins...we used to use it as a 'secret language' when we were kids. I'd be happy to give it my best shot."
Cordwin happily lopes along after his companions enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of the busy town. Cordwin is happy to see the town so resilient and it brings a smile to his face. Cordwin does not know what to make about the octopus. Needless to say, octopus is not found in the deep underground caverns of the dwarves. He squints at the creature and it does seem to be waving to him! When Sabina says they will pick up the octopus on their way back he is ecstatic to be able to try such a delicacy. What does octopus taste like anyway? He asks his companions.
When Cordwin sees Shayliss approach, he holds his breath while shifting his gaze between her and Sabina. He sees Sabina roll her eyes, but either Shayliss ignores or doesn’t see her. Codwin thinks the former and not the latter. As the 'war' escalates between Shayliss and her sister, Cordwin is just glad that there will not be a war between Sabina and Shayliss!
As Cordwin passes Chask’s store he returns Chask’s wave vigorously and makes a mental note to visit the store again. Perhaps after they finish their business with the sheriff.
Cordwin catches a whiff as Tylur opens the bag the women presented to him and is so lost in the delicious smells, he doesn’t even realize that Tylur asked him a question. Uh…well…it is not uncommon for dwarven maidens to present returning heroes with strands of ribbon to weave throughout their beards. Dwarves who have been especially valorous will have several different ribbons weaved into their beards. In fact there was one dwarven hero, Ferus Stonehead who had 68 ribbons! The first ribbon he got was when he… Seeing that his companions do not really want to hear about Ferus, Cordwin just finishes with, No, it ain’t uncommon and I think I would rather be presented with baked goods than ribbons! As for us not doing any wrong, I would not like to test that theory! he says with a chuckle and pats Tylur’s shoulder good-naturedly.
When Cordwin finds out that the good sheriff wants them to interview the goblins, Cordwin kicks himself for not mastering the language. He knows a few goblin curses, but that is all. Hey Sabina, you will have to teach me that filthy language when you get a chance! He says as he follows his companions down the stairs. Looking for the most wounded goblin Cordwin will cast comprehend languages and say to the goblin in common, Hey little fellow! Looks like ye need a healer. Tell us what we needs knowing and we’ll see that ye get one!
René waves back at the little octopus. "Sorry lil'un; dun think you'd fit in me tum right now." He didn't think he'd ever tried it before, but it was probably similar to squid he imagined. He wasn't too fond of the stuff: too rubbery. But then, it's possible the guy who had cooked it for him hadn't really known what he was doing given how cheap it was. So maybe this time it'd be better.
He smiles and waves as they pass Shayliss, enjoying both her banter with her sister (part of him had always wished he'd had a sibling to go on adventures with, but that would've been a tad hard with his da most likely dead) and the obvious tension with Sabina.
When the baker gives Tylur a bag of bread, René quickly tries to grab one, managing to burn his fingers slightly on the still quite warm crust. He quickly starts blowing on his fingers to cool them off.
At the sheriff's office, after hearing what the man wants, René shrugs. "Ain't much fer makin' people talk ta me. Most jus' fin' me annoyin'n walk away. Also don't speak no lil' green man-talk." Probably a good thing Sabina speaks it; I'd have to wait until tomorrow to cast anything to help with speaking with them.
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Sabina approaches the goblins' cell carefully, remaining outside the cell. She begins by offering the goblins some water and a bit of her trail rations, then gets down to introductions.
(translated from Goblin)
"Hey shortshanks, I'm here to get you out of here. These folks won't let me until you tell them why you came here in the first place, and who sent you. But I've got some tasty charred pig for you once we get out of here, so hurry up and tell them."
(Sabina has a +2 to gathering information with Diplomacy that I haven't added in, because I wasn't sure if it would apply here)
Sheriff Hemlock nods in approval at your acceptance and Sabina's ability to speak the necessary language. He escorts you downstairs, showing you to where the goblins are being kept. They are separated enough to keep them from collaborating and he leads you to a crafty looking creature first. It regards you with beady red eyes and grins, showing far too many sharp teeth.
But before you can set into your interview, a guard comes down looking for the Sheriff. "Sir! I'm sorry to disturb you, but Shalelu is back in town and she's requesting to speak to you and the Mayor right away."
Hemlock receives this news with his usual cool demeanor, but you notice an urgency in his step as he calls to you on his way out. "I trust you can handle this on your own. Meet me at the town hall when you are done, I want you to meet our visitor."
The goblin listens to your words, his eyes widening in surprise and then narrowing in suspicion. He speaks to Sabina in his native tongue. "You let me out? Give me meat? Why longshanks do this? We come to eat and burn, burn and eat. We go where leader say go."
Cordwin is disappointed that he probably won't get any stories from the all-business sheriff. His face does brighten when it is mentioned that they will be meeting someone new. Oh! I wonder if she has any stories! He then remembers the task at hand. Ask him who the leader is? he asks Sabina since he understands the goblin from his comprehend languages spell.
René stands outside the cell, watching the completely incomprehensible interaction. Bored, he pulls out an apple and begins eating it after sneaking a carrot in to his hat. The two rabbit ears sticking out wiggle appreciatively.
As Tylur watches over the conversation he pays close attention. While the dialect sounded something like a dying animal he did his best to notice the goblin's reaction. He knew full well not to trust these creatures but it was their best lead so he prayed by the Dawnflower's blessing that they would get something useful out of it.
In the background he could hear that backwards ruffian chewing on his apple. 'Where in the world did he get all this fruit from?' Choosing to ignore René he waited for the goblin to reply.
The goblin shrugs as he answers Sabina's questions in his native tongue. "Who knows? Chief say go where leader say, do what leader say. So we do. Leader tall, have long dark hair." He turns and considers your companions a moment, finally pointing out René. "He kinda look like him there. Maybe that him? You longshanks all look alike. Ahahahahaha!" The goblin seems pleased with himself and his joke.
"And goblins come this way lots. Not afraid of dogs and horses! We just good at sneaking and you no be seeing us. Not bother with sneaking this time because leader say not to." He crosses him arms in front of his narrow chest as if expecting you to dispute his claim.
The leader is not a goblin? Cordwin asks incredulously. Cordwin looks at René. He said the leader looks like ye. Do ye have a twin brother? Cordwin next turns to Sabina, Ask him what tribe he belongs to? Cordwin asks more to satisfy his curiosity than anything else.
René pauses, the apple half way to his lips for another bite. "Don't got no family 'sides me ma." Wonder if 'looks like me' means that he physically resembles me or if he could be another Varisian or if he simply means their leader is human.
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Sabina turns to the rest of the group. "He says their leader is a human, tall, with long dark hair. I don't think we'll get much more of a description out of him. It sounds like whoever it is has some kind of hold over their Chief; I've never known goblins to follow a human like this before."
Returning her attention to the goblin, she says:
"So your chief follows this longshanks, and tells you to do what he says? Have you heard his name? What do you call him?"
Sabina gave the goblin a small, hard roll of bread that she'd been carrying with her as an additional enticement.
"One last thing: can you lead us to this leader, or at least your chief? I don't think they'll mind; after all, you'll be bringing them four tasty longshanks to eat!"
Cordwin, understanding Sabina, utters a low Eh? at the last part of her question.
When Tylur hears Cordwin's 'eh?' He isn't sure what to make of it but he knew that he would discover their plan soon enough. It seemed that the three others were familiar with the goblin race, where Tylur had little to no knowledge about these creatures. He decided if they were to engage further with these creatures he had better ask Sabina and Cordwin for some kind of information.
With food given as further incitement, the goblin comes up with a few more details. "Leader come to us, not know where he be. Chief not know either. We call him leader. He say goblins burn and eat and be loud while he go to graveyard, that all. So we was." He gobbles down the roll eagerly.
"It is a lead so I am willing to trust the goblin. Seems like an odd place to send us if it were lying."
René is too busy wondering what "looks like him" means to notice anything suspicious. His attention is caught by the word "graveyard". He frowns, clearly not liking the idea of going there. He keeps his dislike to himself for now though, not wanting to interrupt the interrogation. Absent mindedly he makes a sign to ward off evil.
Cordwin is ecstatic to go to the graveyard. You can learn a lot be reading tombstones! When do we leave? he asks anxiously.
The goblin considers this for a moment. "What you wanting with camp? Me Birdcruncher. Camp not far."
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Sabina replies to the goblin:
"We're looking for the leader, the tall man with the dark hair. If you can lead us there, I will go talk with the Sheriff now about your release."
Turning back to her companions, she finishes her translation:
"He says he's from the birdcruncher tribe, and that his camp isn't far. I think he'd be willing to lead us there if it means getting out of his cell. Let's go speak with Hemlock, and investigate that graveyard. I don't want to keep the Sheriff waiting, but reaching that graveyard before anyone can cover their tracks also seems pretty urgent."
Nodding at Sabina he looks at the others. "Agreed. Let us head to the town hall to meet with the sheriff. We can speak to him of our findings and indicate the urgency to reach the graveyard."
Appearing somewhat disinterested, René asks, "Do we wanna talk ta any of the other green-folk to call-lab-a-rate his story? Or jus' head straight up ta go talkin' 'bout whats yer found?"
Cordwin rubs his hands together in anticipation of the day's adventures. Remember he wants us to meet Shalelu, perhaps she can shed some light on all this! Cordwin does not know what Shalelu knows about anything, but he wants to believe she knows about everything!
"Then it is agreed we shall head to the town hall and find the sheriff there along with this Shalelu person he wanted us to also meet. Perhaps we should inform our...informant here that we will return after speaking with the sheriff. Do these creatures even have a word for sheriff? Regardless let us move off to find the sheriff he can also accompany us to the graveyard."
It's a short trip to the Town Hall as it is just across the street from the garrison. You are directed upstairs to a comfortable office where you find Sheriff Hemlock speaking with two women, one of whom you recognize as the Mayor of Sandpoint, and another you have not yet seen. The new arrival is an elf who appears fresh from the road as she wears much dust and grime and seems a bit disheveled.
The sheriff rises, "Good, I'm glad you could join us. You remember Mayor Kendra Deverin, of course, and let me introduce Shalelu Andosana. She is something of an unofficial member of Sandpoint’s town guard." The elf smirks at this description as she nods to you in greeting. "She often brings us news of the lands beyond our gate. She has been a thorn in the side of the local goblin tribes for years and no one knows more about them than she. It seems our fair town is not the only place in the region that’s had goblin troubles of late. In short, there’s been an increase in goblin-related raids along the Lost Coast Road, particularly in the dale between Nettlewood and Mosswood. Just yesterday, a farm south of Mosswood was burnt to the ground by a group of goblins. Shalelu was thankfully nearby, and while the farm couldn’t be saved, she did rescue the family and drive off the goblins; the family is staying at a nearby farm for now, but the goblin problem is obviously not going away."
"Shalelu, these are Sandpoint’s newest crop of heroes. They took down many goblins in the raid two days ago. Go ahead and tell them what you just told us." Hemlock cedes the floor to her and the elf steps forward to speak.
“Belor’s told me of your work against the goblins here — 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.
Anyway, there’s five major goblin tribes in the region, and traditionally, they’re pretty good at keeping each other in line with inter-tribal 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. You've just come from speaking to the Sheriff's captive goblins, right? Were you able to get anything useful from them?”
"We were Lady Shalelu and the creature did mention the birdcruncher tribe if that makes sense to you. It would be best for Cordwin or our Lady Sabina to retell our findings as they were able to communicate with the creature in its own tongue. I must impress urgency on our coming actions as we do have a possible lead."
He steps back and lets Cordwin and/or Sabina move up in front of him so that they can speak to the three town representatives.
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"The goblin I spoke to described a human man with dark hair who was leading these recent attacks; the goblin chiefs listen to him, for some reason. The attack on Sandpoint was a distraction to allow this man to do something in the graveyard. We should investigate it as soon as we can. The goblin also seemed willing to lead us to his village; I think he'd do just about anything to get out of that cage."
Mayor Deverin and Sheriff Hemlock exchange worried looks at this news. The mayor speaks to you first. "It's good that you were able to get some information from the captives. As Shalelu said, she suspects someone must be coordinating the goblins and directing their movements, but this description may go a long way to figuring out who it could be. I think we can save you a trip to the graveyard, though. Father Zantus reported the theft yesterday, after the consecration ceremony. We had hoped to keep it quiet as it would distress the citizens of Sandpoint to know what was taken. Graverobbing is a terrible crime..." She shakes her head sadly and steadies herself before going on. "I'm afraid the theif took the remains of our late priest, Father Ezakien Tobyn. What he could want with them, I do not dare to speculate."
Sheriff Hemlock puts a comforting hand upon her shoulder for a moment before he strides over to you. "Please, be discreet about the theft. Our people have only begun to heal from losing our beloved Father Tobyn. To know his grave has been desecrated will only tear open old wounds." He looks to each of you for nod of your understanding of this point before he continues.
"I know you are eager to be out there, tracking down this man and his goblin minions, but Sandpoint's needs would be better served if you would be willing to stick around for few days. This news bodes ill for us and I must ride south to Magnimar and request reinforcements. I will only take a small compliment of guards, so as not to take away from our town's defenses. But the people will feel safer if they see their recent heroes are here among them while I am away. I know it is a lot to ask, but the locals have really taken to you. Seeing you around town, keeping up a public presence will do a lot toward keeping worries down over the next few days. Will you help us?"
Not even taking a moment to answer Tylur steps forward. "I will help you and this town in whatever capacity I can, Sheriff," but as the words spill from his mouth he wonders What did I just get myself into? Turning to face Sabina he looks at her hoping she will help out as well.
Cordwin tries to soak in all the information. He then turns to the sheriff, mayor and Shaylelu, Well met Ms. Shalelu! I am sorry it was under such dire circumstances. This Father Tobyn, is he newly dead or long dead...and was his death...er...natural?
Cordwin nods at Tylur's offer. Ye can count on me! Ye all have been so hosipitable, I could not abandon ye in ye time of need!
Not really having much to add (and not wanting to draw too much attention to himself), René remains fairly quiet as the rest of the group presents their information to the higher-ups. He does seem relieved to hear that they won't have to investigate a graveyard, but his mouth twitches slightly in disgust (although unfortunately not surprise) to hear that a corpse/part of a corpse had been stolen.
There's a moment of awkward silence after the Sheriff asks for the group's help and everybody but him had eagerly offered it up. After another long moment, he shrugs, feigning indifference. "Eh, why not? Got nothin' better ta do." Man, how'd I get myself caught up in this sort of thing? Although thus far it's been relatively little effort or danger in exchange for room and board, so maybe this 'hero' stuff isn't so bad. So long as it doesn't go too far, least ways.
Cordwin tries to soak in all the information. He then turns to the sheriff, mayor and Shaylelu, Well met Ms. Shalelu! I am sorry it was under such dire circumstances. This Father Tobyn, is he newly dead or long dead...and was his death...er...natural?
Cordwin nods at Tylur's offer. Ye can count on me! Ye all have been so hosipitable, I could not abandon ye in ye time of need!
The Mayor explains, "Father Tobyn was our resident priest before the old chapel burned down five years ago during the Late Unpleasantness. He and his daughter Nualia perished in that fire. There was little enough of their remains left behind. But we buried what we found."
The Sheriff nods, "I was sure you wouldn't let me down, but thank you for your help. The townsfolk will feel more secure with you all here. Let yourselves be seen and explore what Sandpoint has to offer. You won't be disappointed. I must make preparations for my journey. Good day to you all!"
Corwin whistles. He's been dead five years and someone just now decided they be wantin' his corpse? That sounds very strange to me! Cordwin pauses a moment deep in thought. Is there anyone in town we can talk to about the fire? I am sure you all know about it, but is there someone who be knowin' more than others? Cordwin asks again more for his curiosity than for the investigation.
Mayor Deverin shrugs, looking sorry that she does not have more information to share. "Very little is known about the fire. Not even how it started. But those closest to the site were the most affected as it spread and claimed a number of other buildings as well. The White Deer and The Way North have both been completely rebuilt just as the Cathedral was built over the foundations of the old Chapel. I expect Garridan Viskalai at the Deer or Veznutt Parooh at the Way would be able to give you a thorough telling of the tragedy."
On his way out the door, the Sheriff stiffens as she mentions Viskalai, but his pace quickens and he is out and headed down the stairs before you can give it much thought.
Thank ye Mayor Deverin. Cordwin says wishing he could ask the mayor to tell him some tales, but he knows she has more important matters to attend to. I'm thinkin' we should ask them two what they know about the fire. I can't help thinking all of this is connected! Cordwin states.
Tylur strokes his chin. "We have no real leads just graverobbers, goblins and fire. Hopefully we can get more information from either of these of two before the next tragedy happens."
"Shalelu you have knowledge of these goblins. Is the birdcatcher...no birdcruncher I think is the name he told Sabina and Cordwin...regardless is that tribe within a day's ride? I'd rather not face these goblins at night. Also how much trust should we put in this goblin? Do you think it will actually take us to it's chief?"
We told the sheriff that we would stay around town. Cordwin says looking down. He really wants to hear about the fire. What if the goblins attack here while we're there?
Cordwin nods conceeding the point. Ye do have a point. I guess if we get back before he goes, no one can say we broke our word.
Shalelu precedes out the door, leaving the Mayor to her duties of running the town. "My greetings to you all. I was surprised to hear of your heroics from the Sheriff, most folk keep their heads down and look out for themselves. Are you an organized company of mercenaries? Do you have much experience with goblins?"
She listens to Tylur's questions, "Goblins don't establish permanent settlements like other humanoids do. They are nomadic and set up temporary camps and move them during big raids to prevent vengeful survivors from tracking the raiders back to the camp. Your little informant knows this, of course. I expect he thinks he can lead you to where they were camped before the raid and then feign ignorance over their absence. " She watches for your reaction to this news before going on.
"You talked to a Birdcruncher, you say? They typically camp on the western edge of Devil's Platter. You would be able to get there and back in a few hours, but I may know something that he does not. The Birdcrunchers are in chaos. Many have scattered into the wilderness. I have not been able to confirm my suspicions yet, but I think their chief was killed recently. Maybe even by one of you, eh?"