Tsuto provides no problem when the others leave. As he is tied up, he is unable to make an escape and he is now tight-lipped again. Whilst you wait you discover the entrance to the tunnel that the half-elf described.
Merwyn and Horatio make good speed in fetching the sheriff. Ameiko is quiet on your journey and asks no questions of her own - save the fate of her brother. You think she is reassured that he's not dead.
You go to the Rusty Dragon first, at her suggestion, and Hemlock is there. A quick exchange with Ameiko and he looks at you two. "Take me to the glassworks." His voice is assertive and reassuring. He will clearly take little convincing of Tsuto's guilt.
Ameiko thanks you for your help and your clemency with her brother. "He is a good man and once he sees the error of his ways, he can be saved - I'm sure of it."
A short time later and the sheriff arrives at the glassworks with Merwyn and Horatio. He makes no reference to the roc on your journey and he makes it clear he doesn't want to talk until you are all together.
"So, who wants to tell me what's gone on here?"
Giving the sherrif an appraising look as he asks them for the detail, Veryl steps away from the wall he was standing against and sheaths his sword "Kalig would have more details than I" He answered in a calm voice that seemed tainted by what annoyance he felt "In short, this would be conqueror" He pointed to the back of himself with his thumb "Is behind the goblin attacks" He continued before he stepped aside to give the sheriff room to enter.
"Breaca has the journal now." Kalig nods to Breaca. "He kept detailed notes on his plans."
She tilts her head at Horatio. "On your way in, did you show him the furnace room? With the corpse of this man's father glazed over like a bug in amber?"
Breaca holds the book out to the sherrif. "You'll find his journal and some maps, each detailing a different set of attack plans. One outlines the attack that occurred just recently. She turns the page to one of the other maps. "But of more immediate concern is this one. It appears that they may be planning another, much larger attack as well." She hands it over to him, tapping the note about the tunnels with a finger as she does so.
Horatio nods to Kalig, with a wry expression on his face. "It was kind of hard to miss." He turns to Hemlock, his face suddenly more serious. "The maps indicate that he has a force of two hundred goblins, likely due to his alliances with Ripnugget and Bruthazmus. He's not the ring-leader, though - his lover is, a woman he calls Nualia. Do you recognize the name?
[b]"The plan seems to be the sacrifice of Sandpoint to Lamashtu, in some kind of ritual that involves setting the town aflame. In addition, Nualia seems to be undergoing a transformation herself, removing her 'Celstial taint' and replacing it with her 'Mother's grace' - her adopted father's remains were involved, but we don't yet know how.
"In addition, Tsuto and Nualia are allied with a quasit, who seems to have a force of her own, in or near the tunnels below us, as well as something called 'Malfeshnekor'. The main base of operations, however, seems to be Thistletop - and that's probably here we should head next."
He looks at the rest of the party, each in turn. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't mind this town. It's not home, but I don't want to see it burn. I suggest we clear this place out, then onward to Thistletop. As for Tsuto..." He glances back at Hemlock, questioningly. "What do you plan to do with him? Will he be given a trial, or do you have all the evidence you need?"
Kalig nods to Horatio. "The world will not be served well by a town burning in the name of a fiend. I will help see this through."
Despite asking for one person to speak, the sheriff takes it in his stride as you take turns to fill him in.
He nods gravely when you mention Ameiko's father. "I feared something was up when he couldn't attend the Swallowtail Festival." He rubs his chin. "Perhaps I should have followed my gut instinct?"
Shaking his head, he waits for you to finish. "Seems like we are in agreement. If you're willing, I'd like you to clear out these catacombs. You may find some more clues as to what we're facing. Then come back to me when you're finished. Don't even think about taking on Thistletop until I give the word. Now I don't expect anything is going to happen here for a few hours, so if you need to freshen up, get supplies or anything, I'll have the entrance to the catacombs guarded until you get back."
On cue, three armed militia arrive, and the sherrif indicates they should wait here until you return.
"I'll take our friend here into custody. He'll stand trial for what he's done - make no mistake."
"Is there anything we need?" Kalig looks at the party. "Lighting? Ropes? I can't think of what I'd need, that I have money for. I do want to go back to the inn. I'd like to get some of this goblin filth off me. And maybe a meal."
"Torches or a lantern might come in use in these tunnels - unless one of you has enough lighting among your belongings. Other than that a meal would be welcome here as well." She chuckles. "And I suppose a bath as well. Though I suspect we'll be covered in it all over again soon."
"A bath sounds glorious," Horatio sighs, running a hand over his chin. He grimaces at the stubble he feels, adding "And perhaps a shave. A hot meal, a cold drink, and some music to lift the spirits before we go belowground." In a slightly less cheery tone, he adds, "And if we have time, I'd like to make sure Ameiko's taking care of herself. She seems glad we didn't kill her brother, but still understandably distressed."
As your discussion continues, an out of breath runner comes through the galssworks to find you. Through heavy breathing you get,"The sheriff has spoken to Ameiko...she wants nothing to do with Tsuto...or Tsuto's things...these were on him...the sherrif said to give them to you...says you were honourable...says you didn't loot a single body or goblin...says that deserves a reward...gives his thanks...and the town's...bye"
The runner hands over a potion of cure light wounds, a composite
shortbow (+1 strength), a ring of protection +1, masterwork thieves’
tools, a masterwork flute, some silver earrings (25gp,
6 pouches of gold dust (worth 50 gp each), 8 pouches of silver dust
worth 5gp each, 100gp.
"Veryl brought him down, he gets first take." Kalig says, though her eyes fall with some interest... perhaps not greed, but at least fascination, on some of the jewelry.
"And when we return to the Dragon, perhaps we should chat with Ameiko. We need to know what else she knows."
As they came out of the glassworks Veryl didn't bother hiding the long breath he took as he undid the top buttons of his shirt. The fresh air was a very welcome change to his nostrils when compared the scent of construction and odor of dying bodies that constantly stalked them in the glassworks. For but a few moments Veryl forgot about the goblins, Tsuto, whatever conspiracy Sandpoint was involved in and just stood there his memories threatening to take him away to more pleasant times, but before he could be whisked away he turned towards his companions who were now staring at their 'reward'. Veryl found the fact that all talk of rest and relaxation stopped once they had their eyes on the loot before them.
"Veryl brought him down, he gets first take." Kalig says, though her eyes fall with some interest... perhaps not greed, but at least fascination, on some of the jewelry.
Noticing where the half-orc's eyes fell looked over their spoils once more "While my kick was impressive" He begins as an arrogant half grin appears on his face "There is no need for me to get to pick first" He continued his voice going back to the calm tone he had used before entering the glassworks.
"But..." He said as he picked up the earrings in his hand and giving them an appraising look "I'll take these if no one has any objections, I am even willing to pay their value to whoever wanted them" His eyes kept studying the jewelry a bit longer as he waited for anyone to object.
After a few moments he gave off a sigh that sounded unbelievably fake "Oh I completely forgot Mel doesn't like to wear earrings, silly me" Spoke the swordsman, his voice echoing the obviously fake sigh he just released a moment ago "Well I'll be off, you can give me my cut of the gold later" He said as he began walking off stopping near Kalig for but a moment and then continuing on his way to the inn, for those that were staring they would clearly see him handing her something.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The inn came into view soon enough, Veryl had lost his way a few times before making it back, but he felt that he finally got the way there memorized. Pushing the door open with a soft creek, the well dressed mercenary walked into the establishment in non hurried steps, taking in the sights and sounds of the Rusty Dragon Tavern. His eyes skimmed over whoever was there and finally settled on Ameiko, he honestly felt sympathy to her plight, losing your family was the type of pain no one wanted to bare Might as well see how she's feeling He thought to himself as he made his way to her Its not like I have anything else to do for now
"Hello my lady" He said in the best tone his etiquette instructors beat into him when he still lived among nobles.
Kalig feels the cool metal pressed into her hand, and manages to somewhat convincingly suppress a smile. Somewhere on her heart, a callus softens. She wasn't accustomed to receiving gifts, let alone apologies.
The right thing might be to reveal the earrings after he leaves. On the other hand, she reasons, they are about the value of the smelling salts she used up on the half-elf oaf, and he might be insulted if she did not keep them. It was his right to first pick, and his right to choose what to do with it. She simply keeps her hand closed.
"Well, who's next?" She says to the others, back to business as usual. "I doubt there is much I can use there. Never learned how to use a bow. Definitely can't play the flute. And I have healing magic already. We can divvy up the metals. Perhaps buy more potions, yes? More healing, or something to make our weapons magic."
Once they leave the glassworks, Kalig pauses a moment to look at the sparklies in her hand. Simple silver teardrops--probably nothing special in many's eyes. To her, never in her life had she owned anything as nice as those. It didn't suit her lifestyle really, but they were very pretty and worthy battle prizes besides. She put them in her pouch for now while she thought about where to put them. If she put them in her ears, a goblin might try to tear them out, but perhaps on her clothing or in her hair... maybe pressed into her lightning-wood focus?
Horatio rolls his eyes at Veryl's obviously forced sigh, but can't help smiling a little as he notices him handing her something - presumably the earrings. I suppose even half-orcs want to feel pretty sometimes. "I suppose I'll take this," he shrugs, picking up the flute and turning it over in his hands. "Never played one in my life, but it never hurts to try something new." He holds it somewhat awkwardly, blowing a couple of flat notes and wincing at the awful sound. "Well, I'll stick at it for a while," he sighs, tucking it into his belt. "Selling the metals sounds like a fine idea, Kalig. And maybe once I've learnt how to play the flute a bit better, I'll teach you. In the meantime, I'll see you all at the Dragon." With that he gives a quick bow, and takes his leave.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
He finds his way back to the Rusty Dragon easily, striding through the door and breathing in the fine air. One thing that never changed was taverns: there was always ale, there were always people, there was always music - and if there wasn't, he knew how to fix that oversight.
Making his way through the maze of tables, he attempts to seek out Ameiko - only to find Veryl already talking to her. Paying the older man no mind, he inserts himself into the conversation smothly, bowing to the innkeeper in greeting.
"I'm glad to see trouble hasn't found you in my absence," he smiles, his eyes playful but the rest of his face serious. "Have you been alright? Is there anything I can do to aid you? I can't offer much more than a cup of tea or a song, but if you require anything of me, I'm here."
Ameiko is clearly putting on a brave face, not hiding away after all she’s endured but rather stoically remaining in public view, albeit in a sombre mood.
”I know I didn’t thank you properly before,” she says to you all. ”It’s been a rather uncomfortable past 24 hours and one I want to forget but I know I never shall.”
In response to your gentle questioning, “I don’t know what you already know so I’ll tell you all I can – which isn’t much. I know that Tsuto and several mercenaries were led by Nualia and he hinted that she’s got big plans for Sandpoint’s future. He offered me a chance to join his group at Thistletop. I said no and he set those goblins on me. They left me trussed up in that storeroom. And then you came along.”
There are tears in her eyes but she is able to complete her story without breaking down.
When Kalig arrives at the Rusty Dragon, she sees Veryl and Horatio talking to Ameiko. She figures crowding the girl would be foolish, so she instead seeks out Bethana. Ostensibly, she wants to order a bath and a meal (if anyone asks) which is true, but she also wants to ask Bethana a few questions if she has a moment to spare.
"I assume you've heard about what's happened. I was hoping you could tell me more about this--about the Kaijitsus... and why this town in particular might be targeted. You see and hear a lot here."
"I assume you've heard about what's happened. I was hoping you could tell me more about this--about the Kaijitsus... and why this town in particular might be targeted. You see and hear a lot here."
Bethana smiles weakly. "I can't rightly say miss. And that's not me being protective of my mistress - I really don't know why this town would be a target for anything. Many people said Tsuto was a bad piece of work and with a life in the orphanage and forbidden from seeing his family...well, it can turn anyone, can't it."
"That's not perhaps what you wanted to hear, but I can't say what I don't know. But what I can tell you is about Nualia. She was raised by Ezakien Tobyn who was here before Father Tobyn. She was so beautiful and this made her unpopular with the other kids. And some adults said her beauty was devil-made and of course that didn't help! When she grew up she became a recluse in the old cathedral and then came the fire. We all assumed Nualia had burned in the fire, along with Father Tobyn. How could we have known."
Kalig nods gratefully. "So Nualia was from here. I did not realize that. That explains a lot. And Tsuto... exiled for being a half-breed, I would guess.
[b]"The Tobyn family, do they go back far in Sandpoint?"
"Oh, she wasn't a Tobyn herself," Bethana explains. "She was an orphan raised by the father I understand. But I don't know much else if I'm honest about their family. Sorry."
Veryl gave a small smile at the almost forceful way Horatio inserted himself into the conversation Wouldn't surprise me if I heard that this kid found trouble in every tavern he ever stepped in The smile of the former guard grew as he resolved to be here when the bard bit on more than he can chew, maybe he'd even help him end the matter...if he asked in a pleasant enough way. Looking back to Ameiko who was still hiding what she felt behind a mask of bravery, Veryl wiped away his smile and settled for a more somber but not intense neutral expression.
"Ameiko" He said arriving at the decision to not bother with the overly formal he'd been using "I won't take up much of your time" I'll leave that to Horatio
"I just want to say that I understand what your going through, I've lost my family as well, and while its good to see you being strong, it won't hurt to talk about it...if you can get this bard to listen for a second without flapping his lips, but if you find yourself needing help you can ask me anytime" He said and then walked away from the bar.
As he walked up the stairs to his room, he noticed Kalig talking to the maid they had met prior to leaving on their quest to find Ameiko, he nodded a greeting to the half-orc and then continued on his way.
[dice=Bluff]1d20+5
"Well, who's next?" She says to the others, back to business as usual. "I doubt there is much I can use there. Never learned how to use a bow. Definitely can't play the flute. And I have healing magic already. We can divvy up the metals. Perhaps buy more potions, yes? More healing, or something to make our weapons magic."
"Can either of you shoot?" Breacca asks, looking at Miro and Horatio. "Or you, Veryl? The bow there looks of fine quality, but is a bit smaller than I would prefer unless I'm on horseback. I don't suspect there's much chance of that happening down in the tunnels.. As to the rest, I am fine with selling whatever else no one wants and splitting the gain."
______________________________________________________________________
Before heading to the inn, she stops by one of the merchants to purchase a few torches. That accomplished, she makes her way to the inn. Seeing Ameiko already speaking with Verryl and Horatio, she decided it best not to crowd the poor woman more than she was.
Instead, she finds one of the serving girls and ordered an ale and a bath to be drawn. When it is ready, she heads up the stairs to the room, intending to soak and wash the bloody gore from her body and try to empty her mind for a few moments, seeking peace and inner calm as she prepared herself mentally for the battle she assumed would soon find her and her new companions. She would have preferred to have known them better - to know their strengths and weaknesses, how they would react to pressure. They had done well so far, but had yet to face a true battle. She might have preferred a band of actual trained warriors behind her, but sometimes you worked with what the fates gave you. Sometimes, occasionally, the fates could decide to be kind.
And yourself, Breaca? A tribe of goblins, bugbears, maybe demons? You are a far cry from what you once were. Are -you- ready? She shivered at the question before closing her eyes and forcing the inner voices to silence. It did not matter. She had already made her choice. There was likely no one else to send. What would be, would be.
"I'm glad we found you when we did," the bard says softly, dropping his voice to avoid being overheard, clasping Ameiko's hand in both of his own. "You're safe now, and I'd like you to stay that way." With a smile and a wink, he slips away, heading up to his room.
He strides back downstairs sometime later, freshly-shaven and with his usual confident air back in place. Seating himself at a table with a mug of chilled mead, he busies himself with a sheet of paper and an inkpen, thoughtfully writing out the beginnings of a letter.
Dear mother and father, he begins, pausing to briefly consider how long it had been since his last letter, I apologise for not writing sooner, but Sandpoint has proven to be far more eventful than I'd anticipated.
My arrival here was met with a goblin raid, of all things. Can you imagine that! Since then, I've been hunting with a nobleman, ridden a horse (do try to contain your amazement, father; you know fully well there wasn't much opportunity on the streets of Bridgefront) and found a rather ragtag bunch of adventurers who've dragged me into all sorts of trouble. Dont worry, though; I'm keeping myself safe - even making use of those fencing lessons you gave me. I haven't been so much as scratched!
I'm staying at the Rusty Dragon - a rather nice place, with attractive staff and fine drinks. I'll be staying here for some time, so if you wish to write back, you can find me there... He loses himself in his writing, occasionally pausing to sip his drink, waiting for the others to return.
Kalig thanks Bethana and pays for a bath and a meal. She greets Breaca over the latter. "I hope we are not down there long, but if we are we shall be well fortified." Kalig always tended to eat like it was her last meal, and this was no exception. She never made a mess over it, however.
When the others re-gather at the Dragon, Kalig stands and indicates her willingness to move on.
Waking up to hear the same jovial sounds from the lower floor, as he did when he first ascended to his room made Veryl feel a sense of normalcy and routine that he didn't really feel while on the road. What surprised him though was how quick he was getting used to Sandpoint. Was it because he had decided that this town was now his turf and he wasn't budging from it? He wondered at that as he got up from the bed and walked to his nearby window.
No sense in staying on the road, its what everyone expects from a fugitive, but staying in a small town where I could invest in both connections and a respectable position...they'll only find me after I've had the chance to prepare myself for them Hazel eyes looked through the recently cleaned window, down to the people that littered the street that ran before the Rusty Dragon. After a few more moments of gazing out Veryl reached out to the his sword that was neatly propped against the wall, and he grabbed the hilt he felt a strange desire to practice...he knew they were pressed for time, but at the end his desire to swing his sword one out.
Veryl began the intricate but fluid motions of his practice regimen, falling into a stance after delivering a series of strikes of various angles, quickness and power. Countering non existent enemies, stepping away from unreal blows and striking back at different shaped phantoms. The mercenary forgot himself in his training for quite sometime and would have stayed in his mirage of a battle longer if his eyes hadn't fell on the window again to notice an increased number of patrons entering what for the moment served as his home Must be getting late Veryl sheathed his training partner, lamenting his lack of proper gloves as he descended down the stairs to meet his companions.
Miro is toying with his new lockpicking kit when he hears Veryl grunting. He sneaks over, then clears his throat to get the man's attention. He points to a clearing outside. "Morning spar?"
Veryl looks over towards the halfling and gives him a small smile "Maybe some other time" Said the swordsman as he walked over to Miro, his hand resting on the pommel of his sheathed weapon.
"Besides we should save some of that for whatever we find under the glassworks" The tall man stops in front of the rogue, his grin unwavering "If we are lucky it will just be more goblins" He comments in a serious tone that was subdued by his laid back words and manner.
"Tell me, had you known that all this awaited you in Sandpoint, would you have still got on that wagon?" He asked casually as he stood by the halfling and waited for the others.
"Had to. A business partner who was also a friend stopped contacting me. Don't mind getting rid of goblins though, things are damn pests."
After looking at one of his glove-less hands Veryl lets out a laugh "Indeed they are"
As they approach the entrance of the tunnel, Kalig looks and listens, for sounds both coming from the tunnel as well as the glassworks around them.
You conduct a routine search of the glassworks en route to the tunnel entrance and find quite literally nothing of note. There is an open safe - with the keys still hanging off the door - and you suspect this is where the precious metals that Tsuto had on him came from.
Otherwise it's just a glass factory - albeit with the signs that goblins had been running riot inside.
As for the tunnel itself, it looks stable and and serviceable as it winds on (and slightly downwards) as far as you can see.
As he stares at the entrance of tunnel, Veryl raps his fingers against the sheath of his sword, his mind attempting to puzzle would could await them and how they could deal with Goblins are a given, they could have hired mercenaries He steops forward putting his right hand on the edge of the tunnel.
"Breaca I think its best if you and Miro were with me at the front line, Kalig stay behind. Merwyn and Horatio stay at the backline" Veryl turns his head towards the bard "And try to stay there if there is no need for you to advance" Said the bastard sword wielder, his words hard with seriousness.
"Her superiority at melee is specifically why she should be in the back. If we hide our casters on the backline and something attacks from there they're going to get hit."
What Miro says makes sense. I don't see any side tunnels from here, but if there are any further on they would be ideal to ambush or to use to come at us from behind after we had passed by. Besides if all three of us go down, the rest should be fleeing. The tunnel looks about wide enough for two to stand shoulder to shoulder. I have this longspear, so my suggestion is for Veryl and Miro to take the lead. I will follow behind with the spear, which I can use to attack from over your shoulder, like in a shield wall. We can thus bring three weapons to bear on whatever may block our path. I can also turn and help the rear should we be attacked from that direction. Horatio and Merwyn follow, with Kalig guarding their backs, if she is comfortable with that role. She pauses, eyes sweeping the group as they consider.
Turning towards Breaca, Veryl gives the warrior a studious gaze An attack from the rear? I doubt it, but it never hurts to be careful Unsheathing his weapon Veryl partially turns back towards the tunnel, his hazel eyes still locked in a contemplative glance.
"We'll do as you say, I see no reason why we shouldn't" Facing the tunnel once more, Veryl steps towards motioning the others to follow with his free hand.
A long tunnel leads north and winds through the bedrock below Sandpoint. It continues on a lazy north-easterly route for just over 1,750 feet before opening into a 30-foot-diameter cave on the side of the cliff overlooking the Varisian Bay. The cave mouth slopes down to a narrow beach.
You immediately spot a crude collection of goblin beds and remnants of their meals strewn about the cave. Along the tunnel’s southern half, two side tunnels branch off.
One of these leads east to a collapse after 400 feet but the one to the west seems to have once been bricked over at the point where it diverges from the main tunnel. This westerly passageway winds for 50 feet before turning north for another 100 feet.
As the tunnel bears to the left, you area aware of light ahead but before you get that far, a cave to the right reveals a horribly deformed humanoid, hairless and emaciated, which lurches out of the shadows. Its unnaturally long arms end in three-fingered talons, and its legs bend like those of a dog. A writhing network of bulging veins form dark blue patterns across its pallid skin. But worst of all is its face — its nose is little more than a pair of slits, and its eyes are bulging and red. The lower jaw splits in half at the chin into two wretched arms that end in tiny three-fingered hands to either side an open gullet with a lolling tongue.
Miro pales at the sight of the creature, but moves forward quickly and stabs with his rapier.
The creature is clearly hurt by Miro's rapier but it remains on its ungainly feet and continues its attack.
The tip of Breaca's spear jabs down at the creature.
Breaca looks to find flesh but the emaciated creature evades the tip of her spear.
Kalig points at the creature and barks an incantation. A burst of light flies from her fingertip, exploding in the creature's face.
She then moves to get closer to the combat.
Kalig's efforts clearly dazzle the creature as it reels from the bright light in front of its eyes.