Elery flushes, "Errr, that is not true normally, but you can still see some ant legs in the potion and the Robe of Bones does have little patches with pictures of skeletons on it. You can even see discolouration and some stray stitches where someone pulled the others off."
Eydor laughs a bit seeing the response he gets from Elery Yeah, sure, that's why you smelled the potion, because it had ant legs. He turns to talk to the rest of the group, still with a bit of a smile after the situation. Well, we should leave things as it were before the intrusion, and carry all we got back to the town, if that's okay with you all. Probably, they can tell us more about this.
When the lid scrapes to the side, you can see........... an empty sarcophagus!!!! The body has been removed.
"Well we have time we may as well take a thorough search for any more clues," Elery says moving forwards to examine the interior of the casket and then proceeding to go over the tomb in painstaking detail.
There are no further clues to be found at this time.
What would you all like to do next?
Elery begins heading back, "Let's go to the Feathered Serpent, if that Robe was purchased in Sandpoint it was probably bought from there - we might even get an idea if they will buy it once this all shakes out. Then I suppose we go tell Sheriff Hemlock what we found?"
Having considered both Eydor and Elery, Harness nods.
"I call that...a plan!"
Elery leads the way to the Feathered Serpent and enters calling out, "Excuse me Master Voon? Could we get you to take a look at this Robe please? We were hoping you might be able to tell us where it might have come from, and give us an idea how much it might be worth."
You enter a cramped store front filled with glass display cases, many showing exotic trophies from the owner's former adventures. The smell of spices and incense hits your nose at the same time as the friendly voice of the shop keeper does. A red-haired man who appears surprisingly athletic, for a spell caster, he steps around his counter and approaches you in the shop, Ah, another customer! Elery! You so rarely grace this roof with your kind personality, I feel blessed for another chance to try and make you blush. He winks to show that he means no harm in his ribald comments. What can I do for you and your new friends?..... My word, is that a warforged? I've not seen one for almost a decade, and that only in passing. He walks up to Harness and begins obviously eyeing him up and down, occasionally booking him with a finger (if Harness allows it). Where did you come from, sir? Madam? To which do you prefer? I never can tell. Then his eye catches another face, and he steps back, growing more serious. Ah, and you must be the ratfolk that they say helped save the town. A pleasure, I'm sure. He will acknowledge Girnt and Eydor in passing as moves back around the other side of his counter. Anyway, I've prattled long enough. I'm sure you have business that needs attending to. What can I do for you?
Flushing scarlet Elery hisses in mock outrage, "A gentleman would not point a girls cheeks out to all and sundry Master Voon! But we were hoping you could help tell us, well, anything about this Robe of Bones. Ideally who owned it, but anything you can tell us might prove helpful, even if you have ideas where it might likely have come from."
Girnt takes the time to let his gaze wander over the various goods. It always surprised him to see how many different items would wander into Sandpoint. It always made things much more interesting than his old home with the elves.
Eydor seems to lose all sight of what they came to do to the place the second they get in, instead wandering all over the shop, looking at the different articles and trying to find something that he might deem interesting.
Harness smiles at the kind attention and obvious interest from the Voo n fellow.
"I...prefer "Harness". As to the sir or madam - perhaps neither? I am of late returned from Magnimar, where this heroic ratfolk rescued me."
Harness stands still, unsure of what else to do. He keeps his eyes on the happy man behind the counter as Elery converses.
He takes the item from you and begins inspecting it closely, running the fabric through his hands, casting a few spells on it.
Well, it is an item most commonly referred to as a robe of bones. It appears to have been used as some of the patches are missing. I don't recognize the craftsmanship, but that, I'm afraid, isn't saying much. There are hundreds of other practitioners out there. Here he pauses for a moment and thinks before continuing. I believe that this particular item could be made both by those like myself, that study the arcane arts, and by those that derive their abilities from the divine. Makes the creator particularly difficult to narrow down.
He pauses for another moment, before eyeing Elery and the group. He hands the robe back as he continues. Miss Deverin, you've never been one to put yourself out there, so to speak. Pardon my bluntness, but what have you gotten yourself into?
"I most certainly do not put myself out there!" Elery says playfully, before taking the robe, "But thank you Master Voon, I appreciate you offering your expertise. As for what we have gotten. into, I am not sure we should talk about it, suffice to say we are assisting Sheriff Hemlock. Could I also ask for an estimate of the Robe's worth in its current state, should we cease to have need of it for evidence? I sit something you would consider purchasing? For future reference."
For you and Girnt, I would purchase it for around a thousand. I could see myself finding a buyer for it, it's a rather useful item.
"Good to know, thank you Master Boon, I am sure we will be back in the near future. Right, for the moment let's go and fiend Sheriff Hemlock, and fill him in..." Elery says, suiting actions to her words and setting off to find Sandpoint's lawman.
Sheriff Hemlock is relatively easy to find. He is overseeing the guardsmen's efforts to rebuild and repair the damage from the attack. This isn't their normal job, so they have all been converted into general laborers, lifting and carrying logs and such.
Sgt. Gaz, don't let those men slack off. You may only have one eye, but I expect you to keep it open and on those men. He turns at your approach. Ah, my detectives. Hopefully you've had some luck. This town could use some good news.
Harness worries, not particualraly sure that they have any good news that the town sorely needs.
Snyk worries as well, not particularly sure how exactly they became detectives.
we have news at least
Elery looks to her companions, then holds up the Robe of Bones and broken potion vial, "We found this Robe of Bones, and two skeletons that had been removed from it which we defeated. The sarcophagus had been emptied, and from this vial which we were able to ascertain contained a potion of Ant Haul, a spell that enables heavy lifting, likely by someone relatively slight, or who wished us to believe such. We do not know why the body snatcher would leave a valuable item behind, perhaps they could not control the skeletons and it was an accident, or they were disturbed? We asked Master Voon about the origins of the Robe, but sadly he could offer little assistance. Other than questioning Sandpoint's potion makers to see if any sold a potion of Ant Haul and to whom we do not really have any other leads. Do you have any suggestions Sheriff?"
"Was anything heavy found missing after the attack?"
"Just the corpse I think... Father Tobyn's corpse right?"
Sheriff Hemlock does not look pleased by this news, and understandably so. He steps closer to the group and speaks in a low voice. I'm going to ask you all to keep this quiet. I'll speak to Father Zantus as well about discretion..... If the robe yielded so little information, I doubt the potion will either. But you can try, I suppose. I'm going to have to move up leaving for Magnimar, I suppose. We will meet again tomorrow morning before I leave with any other developments.
"Tomorrow morning then. Do you have any objections to us selling the Robe to Master Voon Sheriff? If you are headed out of town I would feel better if we were better equipped, just in case the goblins make trouble again. If possible I would also like to claim any spoils from the goblins we slew to put towards similar ends."
I'd prefer you hold onto it until this whole mess is wrapped up. We can keep it in evidence storage for the time being. I'll be in my office tomorrow morning.
Their business concluded, Harness will head back to the Rusty Dragon.
"Hey Snyk, did we buy a grappling hook? If we had one, I could throw it up to a high place, and you could scamper up to that high place quickly. Then..."
"you mean this grappling hook?" drawing the grappling hook from his pack.
A long night passes in the unusually subdued town of Sandpoint. The locals retire early, leaving the common room of the Rusty Dragon Inn empty save for your group and the gnome bar keep, Bethana Corwin. She seems most affected by the attitude in town, moving about in short bursts of nervous energy before settling back down. You can hear an argument in the back, and eventually Ameiko and an older man that looks enough like her to proclaim family (probably her father) storm out through kitchen door, still yelling at each other in Tian.
The man stops when he sees you all sitting in the corner and says, "Filthy vagrants, always attracting trouble" before storming out of the room. You all also notice that he appears to have soup spotting his clothes and that Ameiko has a dirty ladle in her hand.
The next morning dawns to find your company already awake. The meeting with the town officials begins soon and holds a few newcomers for you.
Mayor Deverin is there, as you'd expect, looking exhausted and going over a sheaf of reports, a sparse breakfast half-eaten and cold next to her.
Sheriff Hemlock sits at the table, with a half-orc in guard uniform standing behind. Both look wound up, somewhat tense.
Father Tobyn Zantus also sits at the table, his eyes distant and contemplative. Another half-orc, middle-aged, sits at the table next to him, large and gruff looking.
You are all motioned towards seats, and as you sit you are informed that they are still waiting for their final person. Shalelu Anosana has long been their eyes in the outlying wilderness, and should be there any minute. Sheriff Hemlock speaks to his trip to Magnimar, that he will probably leave directly after this meeting, leaving Sgt. Sphen d'Velderon (he motions to the half-orc behind him) in charge until his return.
Father Zantus clears his throat and introduces Cavenn, sitting at his side, as a former resident of town. As he is speaking, the heavy doors to the building burst open, the light outlining two figures. Taking the lead is an Elven woman, garbed for travel and armed with a bow and short sword, she is covered in the dust of the road and few less pleasant places. She strides forward confidently, nodding to Sheriff Hemlock and addressing the mayor directly. The other figure resolves behind her, showing a half-elf woman who looks like she has covered herself in grass and small twigs.
Mayor Deverin, I do not have great news. The goblin tribes seem to be co-operating. They've stopped their raids and squabbling between each other, even after the failure of the raid that happened against the town. A few tribes worked together to burn down one of the outlying farms last night. I chased them off and the family is safe, but I couldn't save the building. I don't what's going on, but I've heard them arguing about "big bosses", which means if we can find and eliminate whoever is forcing these goblin tribes to work together, it'll be much safer for the town.
"Don't worry, you won't look like a vagrant once you clean that soup off, well not a filthy one. I have create water prepared if you like," Elery calls innocently to the man she assumes is Ameiko's father.
After the meeting she frowns not sure how to respond, "How can we find them though?"
The mayor pauses before responding to Elery. I'll be sending Shalelu back out to investigate the various tribes, after a night's rest of course, and see if she can pinpoint where this "big boss" is staying. I"ll be sending Girnt with you, so make good use of him. She redirects her eyes to Elery, However, you will not be finding them, young lady. Once located, this will be dealt with. But you will stay here and assist Father Zantus, not go off gallivanting and putting your life at risk.
Elery looks slightly sulky, still having something of the young miscreant in her make-up, and in her tone when talking to her Aunt, "Boo, I'm a magical goblin slaying badass, but fine what good would a follower of a nature god who can turn into a giant do against goblins in the woods? True I couldn't keep up with Girnt and Shalelu though. I guess we'll just standby then."
No Elery, the mayor continues. The others will be on standby. You will NOT be going. Your parents would never forgive me.
"What! Be reasonable Auntie Kendra, you cannot expect me to leave my comrades, and Sandpoint in danger and not help. I respect you, but at the end of the day my mandate comes from Erastil and I will follow him and my conscience, not dictates you have no authority to make. I appreciate everything you have done for me, letting me into your home and all, and I know you never had to, but I won't abandon what I see as my duty no matter what you say." Elery says, going from quick anger to a respectful and reasonable tone after a single word.
The halfbreed takes in the scene from the doorway. Her vivid green eyes seem to bore their way into those of you with a soul... The odd, yellowed skin stands out sickly vs her long green hair stretching down her back. The woman shrugs off her heavy pack, which lands nearby with a *THUNK* Grasping a wooden emblem resembling a fern that hangs from her neck, she speaks.
"Uh, hello there. Is this a bad time? I was under the impression my heavenly quest was to start here...but it seems I've walked in on a family disagreement. My mission has brought me a long way from home...and it will take me further I 'spect. It is of the utmost importance!"
Looking towards Shalelu, she inquires "Are you sure this is the right place?'
Clearing his throat at the somewhat uncomfortable discussion, the half orc sitting next to Father Zanthus rises. He wears a travelers long coat and a pair of dusty, road worn pants and high, well worn leather boots. His hair is well groomed and you notice he has several tattoos crossing his upper chest and neck, the largest one depicting an exaggerated star knife. You might not even guess him to have orcish heritage were you some distance further away. After standing, he turns to those in the room and raises his left hand in greeting. “Well met. I am Cavenn the Black. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Father Zanthus has filled me in on the recent events. I want you all to know that I want to help root out the source of this goblin problem. That is, if you will have me.”
Seeming a little more distracted, he drops some of the more formal tone in his voice. “I can handle myself with blade and bow and can offer some mystical energies as well, should the need arise. I spent a portion of my youth here in Sandpoint and though many things seem to have changed, it still feels like home to me.” As he sits back down, you notice that his eyes have no discernible pupils, though certainly this is not possible.
When the two half elves enter, he asks the gnome barkeep for a glass of ale and a bowl of soup. ”Or whatever you have in the back. I’m not too picky this time of the morning.”
...
When the two half elves enter, he asks the gnome barkeep for a glass of ale and a bowl of soup. ”Or whatever you have in the back. I’m not too picky this time of the morning.”
Harness sees the man is angry, but cannot discern why he might think there are dirty vagrants in the inn. Harness cannot see any.
Harness has a fair bit of trouble following the discussion, and now it seems they are to do nothing, with some extra folk. Or something. He tries to whisper to Snyk, but forgets to whisper.
"Snyk? Are we in trouble?"
@Elery:
Fine! Impudent child! Do as you wish! You always have! It's what got you here in the first place! And the mayor stands up from the table and walks to the end of the room, her back turned to the room.
From Sheriff Hemlock:
Shalelu, you brought this creature to the meeting, so I presume you think it will be helpful. But I have questions.[/b[ He redirects his gaze to Tess, [b]Let's start with the obvious. What are you and why do you look like you're sick?
@Harness/The group at large:
Father Zantus leans over the table and says quietly, his eyes cutting to the mayor's back across the room; No, you aren't in trouble. Just a family dispute.
Sheriff Hemlock speaks again, louder than Father Zantus. I'm sure we'll have plenty to do soon, but not until we have more information on where to send you. Until then, let the townsfolk see you around. The "heroes of Sandpoint" can do a lot to help boost moral after the raid.
Cavenn seems not to care too much about the dispute and turns his attention to the sheriff. "Anything specific in mind, sheriff?"
Looking over the others in the room, he seems interested the most in the warforged and ratfolk. "Is that a warforged? And a ratling? Or is it ratfolk? Can't remember the proper term. Always something new passing through Sandpoint I guess. Always liked that about this place."
With a deep breath, he places his hands behind his head and mumbles quietly. "It does feel a bit like home.'
'Strange creatures' considers the half-elf.
"Sick? I'm not sick. It's from the touch of the Blessed Robori. His love is the source of my power." replies the woman. "I am the ordained warrior of the true god. They call me Tessa Faundral, but Tessa is fine."
Taking the half-orc's lead, she adds "As for my skills, his wisdom grants me the ability to summon allies to fight for his cause. I can also hamper the heathens of the world with devices of my own creation."
"For reasons beyond my knowledge, he has sent me down this path. It seems our roots or to be entwined from this point forward through the foreseeable future." Turning towards Snyk and Harness, "I recognize that's a large rat...but what in the world are you? You don't seem....of natural design."
Elery silently moves over and gives her Aunt a hug, "I was a silly wilful girl, and maybe I still am; but if I don't take a few risks I believe are worthwhile I will never have a chance to make up for that. I want to make you and everyone proud. I'll even ear the smelly armor Grandpa sent me - promise."
Walking back to the group, cheeks flushed bright crimson at airing family business out in public she coughs and says, "Welcome. Tessa? Right? I've never heard of Robori, but please bear in mind others of us believe in different gods, calling one true seems to imply others are false, so I would appreciate it if you did not keep that up in my company please."
"But they are fa...." stopping herself midsentence, she looks to the numerous symbols around.
'Why would you send me deep into the heathens den Robori? WHY?!'
Shaking her head, she offers a sympathetic smile. "Certainly, I'll try to remember that. Where I'm from...I don't see many that follow other 'gods'."
'The poor things are too stupid to realize their gods aren't real."
"I gathered you are Elery. What of the others?"
Elery smiles, "That is alright then, you think want you like and I'll do the same. Yes I am Elery, I am a Cleric of Erastil, healing turning big, divine spellcasting and what not. So is Robori an elven god?"
"Elven? No... He's...." Trailing of she considers her options here. 'Can't spread his good name without sharing...but if I give away too much....'
Making her mind up, she continues. "He's the god that has kept my village safe since before the stories began. He dissipates mana storms, makes our crops grown, touches each and every one of us when we're young." she indicates her yellowish skin. "He makes us stronger so we may survive this turbulent world."
"He's one with nature. In a world warping the natural fabric, he fights to fix the corruption, to make it safe for all. Even now, he reaches outward, desperate to show his love to the whole of Golarion!"
"You sure he isn't just Erastil by another name? Gods have lots of different names in different places, sometimes I think; Though I don't know what a mana storm is, sounds mighty similar. How does he feel about bows? In any case his values seem almost identical, so hopefully that means we ought to rub along well." Elery says, cheerfully before turning to Cavenn.
"Um, I can't help ask why "the Black?" Its a bit villainous sounding..."