Blake takes Ameiko's hand and gently looks into her eyes. "There is no easy way to say this and definitely no easy way to hear it. Lonjiku is dead. I am sorry Ameiko, it seems Tsuto's internal rage about his history and relationship with your family was to big a demon to handle. I can not say if Tsuto killed him directly, but if he did not then he is at least guilty of letting the goblins do it. Your father is upstairs, if you wish to see him otherwise let us get you out of here. If you want to see him, I will go with you...you do not have to be alone."
Kesten is watching the prisoner like a hawk.
Ethan nods in silent approval at Blake's compassionate offer.
"There are no words for what was done. You have our heartfelt sympathy and our unwavering support."
She takes the news stoiclly, noding her understanding "Let's get out of this place..." she says.
"I'm sorry, Ameiko." Zizouket adds his condolences. As Ethan and Blake begin to usher Ameiko up the stairs, Zizouket turns to Runk and speaks more quietly: "We have any way to bar that door until we get back?" He indicates the one with the tunnel.
Runk looks at the door and gives a shrug. "Nothin' that'll hold long enough to matter."
"Any word how long we got? he asks, jerking his chin at the journal in the gnomes hands. "Seems ta me you gonna use a secret tunnel you don't draw attention to the place till you're `bout to come through."
I agree with Runk. This seems a move to an end. We might want to explore the tunnel. Maybe some get the trash out and come back with some supplies.
Furrowing his brow.
I for one want to get back at these individuals at the cause.
"It doesn't look like a plan was decided yet. And his journal reads like Tsuto had his own ideas about a few things. I'm sure flipping his sister and getting revenge on his father didn't matter to any of his allies. He doesn't sound like the most influential member of his group."
Zizou hands the journal off to Runk and Gorhan now, while the others attend to Ameiko, pointing out the relevant portions. After the group takes Tsuto to jail and takes Ameiko home, he'll show the journal to the rest on the way to the Mayor's.
Kesten keeps gazing the man down.
I wonder what's taking them so long?
They ditched you.
They wouldn't.
Then maybe they were eaten.
Without me hearing it?
Well, you *are* listening to us?
Damn it, shut up!
Heading back up from the basement you find Kesten continuing his watch over Tsuto. You gather up the prisoner and lead him out while escorting Ameiko home. You have no difficulties getting Tsuto to the prison and getting Ameiko home, although you do draw the attention of th ose you pass. Ameiko thanks you for your assistance with a deep bow and excuses herself.
Once Ameiko is safe and home and Tsuto is in the care of the garrison guard Blake offers, "Sheriff there is more going on here than we first suspected. Runk found a tunnel under the Glassworks and Ziz says that a second attack on our home is imminent. We must go back down there and see where the tunnel leads. I volunteer to go and swear to bring an end to this threat. I hope that the others will are with me."
Kesten nods in agreement.
Ethan nods and places his hand over the wooden symbol around his neck.
"I have a duty to protect the innocents of Standpoint. You may count on me."
"Do not fear Cousin, we will get to the bottom of this.'
When they emerge from the basement and find Tsuto is still alive Runk shakes his head and gives Kesten a sour look.
Ignoring most of the pleasantries Runk flips through the journal while the party makes it way to the mayors house. Once the group begins pledging their aid he adds, "`kids in this town all nuts? Who's the priests daughter? Sounds like she's in charge. We pay her a visit n' break this up. Whats a Malfeshnekor anyway?"
"Lower chambers might be that goblin fort. Start there, take that sneaky way in." Seeing many confused looks he flips the journal to Blake so the rest of the group can take a look.
Taking the book Blake flips through the pages...shocked. "That shouldn't be, she was burned up in the fire at the cathedral with her father. But it looks like, except for the demon wings..but..."
"Perhaps the tunnel you found leads to the lower chambers, we must hurry back.
The mayor shakes her head "This is grave news. See what you can find in these tunnels and if they pose any further threat. Sheriff Hemlock should be back in a couple days with more guards. I'll post a few guards at the Glassworks just in case." She sighs and puts her head in her hands "This is almost getting as bad as the late unpleasentness...."
"Lord Mayor, could I impose on you to open the armory, so that I may re-fill my quiver? I will, of course, pay you for them when we return."
She nods "Of course." She calls for her assistant and writes a short note that she has him deliver to the armory.
"I'm ready to leave when you guys think it opportune." Kesten was saying against noone in particular, when he hears about the armory.
"Lord mayor, would it be okay if we al were to look inside the armory to supply ourselves decently before continueing further down the rabbit... i mean goblin hole? Seems to me we have already gone far with what little we have."
Good idea!
Think that's where they keep the wages?
No, that's...
Yes, we could be rich!
...not why...
Exactly grandmother!
...I asked...
We should also ask for a steady fee for all the ri..
SHUT UP!!
"I trust you are all good for any materials you might use. We don't have much, it is your common armory but you are welcome to what you might need in the meantime."
While the others talk Runk makes his way over to Ethan and asks, "So what's Tsutos contribution?"
Ethan looks at Runk for a moment, unsure as to what he is asking, then nods in acknowledgement, and removes the ring and potion from his pouch.
"Let us see, shall we?" he replies
He places them on the table, and steps back.
"Zizouket, Gorhan, Kesten, Blake, your assessments of these would be appreciated."
Blake will study both the items, utter softly the words that open his eye to see beyond the normal and reveal the arcane. He looks first the vial and then at the ring hoping to discern what magical secrets they might hold.
Kesten is looking at both the items after casting the appropriate spell, and is wracking his brain trying to figure out what they do.
Guys, what do you think?
*silence*
Guys? Grandma?
*silence*
Oh come on, don't be like that. I shouted because you were annoying
*silence*
*sigh*
If you want to know, why not try it on?
Will you stop giving me the silent treatment then?
*silence*
When Blake passes the ring, he puts it on to see if he feels anything.
3rd Round: The strength and location of each aura. If the items or creatures bearing the auras are in line of sight, you can make Knowledge (arcana) skill checks to determine the school of magic involved in each. (Make one check per aura: DC 15 + spell level, or 15 + 1/2 caster level for a nonspell effect.) If the aura eminates from a magic item, you can attempt to identify its properties (see Spellcraft).
"Runk, I have a crazy idea. Can you try to hit me carefully, to see what kind of effect the ring has after the attack?"
Looking at the others, "Well these are useful. The ring will help protect the wearer from harm, while the vial contains a brew that will quickly mend wounds."
"Both are useful, we will need to decide how we can all best benefit from them," Ethan says, considering.
"Someone other than I should hold the potion, Erastil has already entrusted me with the power of healing. The ring would be valuable to any of us, unfortunately, there is only one. There is no clear answer as to who should have it."
"Blake and Runk have been getting hit the most. One of them should get it."
Blake flips the ring at Runk, "Here, you seem to be good at scouting and thus are more likely to get caught unaware."
"Well.... I'd think being good at scouting would actually include not getting caught unaware, but we know what you meant: scouting ahead makes him the first one attacked, since he's not the type to back down from a fight. Makes sense to me. Now let's get to that tunnel before one of Tsuto's friends wonders what he came here to screw up."
At Kestens request an evil looking smirk crosses the halflings face and a dagger pops into his hand. Before the result of the potentially dangerous experiment can be determined however Blake provides the answers without sticking or bleeding. Somewhat dejected Runk resheaths his dagger.
Never one to turn down opportunity Runk deftly catches the ring when Blake flips it to him, rolls it over his knuckles and then flips it into the air before sliding it onto his finger. He immediately gazes at his hands as if expecting some obvious magical effect to flow over him. When nothing is apparent he shrugs before looking at Blake.
"Thanks"
"Should we bring some manacles, in case we want to bring someone in alive? Probably faster than tying them up and Kesten won't have to play guard next time."
Admiring the ring as the conversation about gearing up continues Runk reaches into his pack and hands Tsutos flute, silver earring, six pouches of gold and eight of silver over to the party as well as 10 platinum pieces.
"Here." he states simply.
"You're welcome Runk. This nifty thing combined with the protection of my forefathers, it should help even the odds against the jabs of those little ones." Kesten says while taking the loot from Runk, and passing it onto the Erastilite cleric.
--
In the armory
"I would love to take some manacles, if you can find them. Also, if you're running across some pieces of leather to fix mine up, that would be nice!"
--
Afterwards
"I for one would like to rest up to make sure my magic doesn't fail me, as my power is running low. How about the rest of you?
Rest up and continue exploring tomorrow, or go now?"
Kesten yawns even though he's not tired.
"Your Honor," Ethan says, addressing the Mayor.
"Would it be possible to establish accounts with the town's treasury in each of our names? I will be happy to keep the records, if you do not wish to assign one of your clerks to the responsibility."
Devran nods to Ethan "That would be much appreciated."
"I think we should check out the tunnel now. If not a full-on assault against the goblin fort if it's at the other end, then at least just see how far it really goes. Runk can scout it, and we'll just stay back close enough to help in case he's discovered."
Gorhan and Boo wait patiently for the others to return as the guard the entrance.
Well Boo it seems we may be able to get our revenge after all.
Ethan procures enough arrows to fill his quiver, and hangs a set of manacles on his belt.
"No time to delay, we should go."
Kesten sighs briefly, then nods as they appear to be leaving.
"Man, being a city guard is exhausting."