Rhianni moves to the woman and gently puts her arms around her, comforting her and feeling her pain. "My lady, be assured that if they can be found, they will be. If I may, I will accompany this gentleman," she nods at the handsome man beside her, "with your blessing to seek them out, starting at the Glassworks. Rest as much as your soul will allow until we return with news."
She turns to the man, "Se ruen daes ij haber cet salour se fure? Ij nather durander mystainir te ro urania kashnidor durth hylasria, tur'n cathinder." she bows her head slighly, before helping Amieko towards her quarters.
To whom do I have the pleasure of addressing? I would be most grateful to travel with a representative of the law, under their protection.
Returning she picks up her possessions silently, placing them in the folds of her cloak. Bending over the table she picks up the drink, bringing it to her lips and emptying its contents, a sweet smelling aromatic liquid. Once she is done this she once more to the man, "Please lead the way, it would seem our fates are interwoven in the fabric of time. It is an honor to walk the same path with such a handsome and well met man." As she moves off, her hips seem to sway in an attempt to mesmerize the eyes of men.
Quinion nods, changing to the common tongue for the benefit of Ameiko, "Quinion Trepanar, at your service. To the Glassworks, then. I believe I saw it earlier."
As they are walking out the door, Quinion says lightly, "So, do you read the Harrow?"
Rhianni's head remains hidden under her fur lined hood. With some reticence she answers Quinion, "No unfortunately the Gods have not seen fit to let me understand the Harrow. But what little skill I do have, lets me interpret the ways of these cards and the crystal globe. Are you a believer in the way of the fates and the fortunes read through the cards? Though it is not always easy to interpret the truths behind what the fates fortell, I am not always so successful as I would like. " Her voices rises in lightness and tone as she seeks to change the subject. "So tell me what do you think brought you here, you seem more than just a lawman?"
"A believer? Are you a believer in the ground beneath our feet, or the chair you sat upon in the Inn? It is a given that Prophecy exists, though it is less than it used to be...so no, I'm not a believer, but I acknowledge the forces around us."
Quinion shrugs, "As to why I am here...a lawman is what I am, and what I aspire to be, and Sandpoint...well Sandpoint is the place I think I'll be allowed be one."
Quinion and Rhianni arrive at the Glassworks just in time to see a group leaving, including a dark-skinned human male with dreadlocks and a dog by his side, and a charming looking elven male.
Once outside of the glassworks. "We're going to report to the sheriff. Are you coming, Praxim?"
I guess that must be them...
Approaching, Quinion raises a hand, Hail there! Are you the group deputized by the Sherriff? The mayor suggested I offer you what aid I could while the Sheriff is in Magnimar."
Praxim scans the area for evil. Once glumly satisfied that the creature has escaped them, he nods at Markum. "Very well. Let's go. We can at least report a partial success."
Praxim turns to greet this newcomer. "We are indeed that group. You wish to offer assistance? Did you happen to see an invisible creature, about yay big with wings fly by here? Probably not, given that it was invisible."
After the initial introductions in which Rhianni gives her name, she eventually adds "Yes, we are searching for the lady Ameiko's father and brother, who came to investigate here earlier. The town is awash with stories of the father's death at the hands of Tsuto Lonjitsu and his goblin friends. I wis to understand this so that we can take the news to Ameiko in as gentle a way as possible, she is already greatly upset. I would be more than happy to aid you in bringing justice as the fates decree."
A ghost of a smile flits across Quinion's face, "As you say, I've not seen any invisible creatures"
He bows formally, "Quinion Trepanar, at your service."
"We just left there. You want to come with us?"
Seeing Quinion bow, Rhianni looks at the new people and nods her head down with a small movement, but not taking her eyes off them. "and I am Rhianni Verdani, teller of fortunes."
Rhianni is unsure about following the others until she has found out more about Tsuto Lonjitsu or his father. "You mean you found no evidence of Tsuto Lonjitsu or his father? Did you come across anyone when you were in the Glassworks?"
"We found them both. One was dead and we killed the other." The Shoanti says gruffly.
The woman is shocked, not just by the news which was half expected, but by the directness of it's delivery. She stops and looks at the man, before continuing, "Oh, it's gonna be hard for her to take, tell me what went on? When next we meet with Ameiko she can know the truth, in the meantime I will join with you as our destiny's are connected." She continues to listen to the story of what happened to the two men and how Tsuto met his end at the hands of these heroes, or what they will tell. She will use all her charisma to retrieve as much of the story as she can, saying she will help make the tale one to be told when heroes are celebrated the world over, using her bardic skills.
"Pretty much as expected, though unfortunate", Quinion pauses to consider, "You came out seeking an invisible flying creature...it sounds like he wasn't alone in this. Do you have a next step in mind?"
The heroes of Sandpoint recall what written in Tsuto's journal, concerning the attack on Sandpoint, and the origin of the attack. They share these entries with the newcomers.
Tsuto leather-bound journal contains about two dozen parchment pages, most of which are maps of Sandpoint or erotic drawings of the same woman.
The maps depict different attack plans. One set of maps shows plans for an attack on Sandpoint by a group of thirty goblins, and one of these maps is circled; this looks like the attack that happened days ago. Following the circled map is the following passage: The raid went about as planned. Few Thistletop goblins perished, and we were able to secure Tobyn's casket with ease while the rubes were distracted by the rest. I can't wait until the real raid. This town deserves a burning, that's for sure.
Another set of maps shows another attack on Sandpoint by a force of two-hundred goblins, but none of these circled, and some of them have been scratched out. Following this second batch of maps is another passage: Ripnuggest seems to favor the overwhelming land approach, but I don't think it's the best plan. We should get the quasit's aid. Send her freaks up from below via the smuggling tunnel in my father's Glassworks, and then invade from the river and from the Glassworks in smaller, more focused strikes. The rest, except Bruthazmus, agree, and I'm pretty sure the bugbear's just being contrary to annoy me. My love's too distracted with the lower chambers to make a decision...says once that Malfeshnekor's released and under her command, we won't need to worry about being subtle. I hope she's right.
Most of the erotic drawings of the woman depict her as a normal aasimar. A drawing on one of the last pages, however, shows the woman with demonic hands, bat wings, horns, a forked tail, and wings. Right before this drawing is another written entry of interest. My love seems bent on going through with it - nothing I can say convinces her of her beauty. She remains obsessed with with removing what she calls 'Celestial taint' and replacing it with her mother's grace. Burning her father's remains at the Thistletop shrine seems to have started the transformation, but I can't say her new hand is pleasing me. Hopefully when she offers Sandpoint to Lamashtu's fires, her new body won't be as hideous. Maybe I'll luck out. Succubi are demons too, aren't they?
Rhianni is ashen faced as she reads the journal entries, "Do you know of whom Tsuto refers as 'his love'? What do you intend to do now?"
"He's dead. It doesn't matter."
Nualia is Tsuto's lover. She was thought to have died in the fire that burned down the cathedral five years ago, along with her father, Father Tobyn, the head priest of the cathedral at that time.
Ripnugget is the leader of the Thistletop goblin tribe.
You have no idea who Malfeshnekor is.
...
After your introductions, you all spend several nights sleeping at the Rusty Dragon Inn, at no charge from Ameiko Lonjiku. After a week and a half has passed, word is sent for you. Sheriff Hemlock has returned from his quest to gather soldiers from Magnimar and he wants to meet with you at the garrison.
When you arrive, Hemlock, Mayor Deverin, Father Zantus, and a female elf that introduces herself as Shalelu Andosana are there to meet you. Hemlock, Deverin, and Zantus introduce themselves, as well, to Rhianni and Quinion. Sheriff Hemlock is clearly frustrated when he starts to speak. "After days of dealing with their bureaucracy, I could only get the city of Magnimar to afford me a dozen green soldiers, unfortunately. I've more to say, but before I do, I'd like to ask, is there any pertinant knowledge about the goblin raid you uncovered since I've been gone?
Markum looks to Praxim to give their report.
"Me? Well, all I know is what I've seen since joining the group. We penetrated some ancient catacombs, where we found several deformed goblins, an entire room full of zombies in pits and a quasit who seemed to be in charge. Unfortunately, we almost had her, but she used her invisibility to escape us."
"All I can really add is that it seems our next destination is this Thistletop goblin tribe."
"Your people should have told you what we told them already." Markum begins. "We went in and found that Ameiko's brother, Tsuto, was in league with the goblins that attacked the town. We already turned in some papers that prove that. He had killed their father and kidnapped his sister. We killed everyone." At that last statement, Markum looks sad for a moment before continuing. "Everyone but Amieko, that is. Anyway, the papers mention their plan and some others he'd allied with, including a bugbear, a quasit, whatever that is, and someone named Melfnekor or something. They plan on another attack against the town and his true love plans to sacrifice the remains of someone named Toby to Lamashtu." He punctuates his report by spitting on the ground and crossing his arms. Vuvo lets out a short series of barks. "Fine! He thinks that the papers also referrence some weird creature we fought in the catacombs."
Rhianni will copy the fragments of the journal over the few days they spend together in the Inn, and retain the copies should the originals be given to the sheriff.
Rhianni adds, "In the journal that Markum and Praxim found, Tsuto says that he is doing this for his lover, who was Nulia, but she died in the cathedral fire 5 years ago. If she is alive, the remains could be those of her father, the priest Tobyn. She is now maybe a creature of darkness and evil, for to us the remains of one's own father in such rites, surely desecrates the memory of a much loved priest. This might shed new light on the fire too, for Sheriff, what is known of the fire and how it started? Surely we must guard and protect the remains of the Father if we can?"
Quinion thinks for a moment, "While it's impossible to say if they'll keep to this plan, I still think it prudent to collapse the tunnel under the glassworks in order to reduce the avenues of attack."
Father Zantus responds excitedly after Rhianni speaks, "YES! Yes, the Thistletop goblins have Father Tobyn's remains!" He further clarifies: "After the goblins attacked us, one of the priests came to me and let me know that Father Tobyn's grave had been dug up and his remains were stolen. Since then, I have attempted to find out where they could have taken them, and through many divinations, I have determined that the remains are located at the lair of the Thistletop tribe."
Sheriff Hemlock adds, "I had you come here to let you know of this...and request that you investigate Thistletop. There is another reason, though. For those of you who haven't met her yet, Shelalu here is a scout for us," he nods at the elf. "She has been tracking the behavior of the five goblin tribes, recently." Hemlock turns to Shelalu. "Please, tell them."
Shelalu nods and starts, "It seems you may have discovered this for yourself, already, but I've also discovered that the leader of the Birdcruncher tribe, a bugbear who goes by the name Bruthazmus, has joined forced with several humanoids and moved into Thistletop. I do not know why Ripnugget has allowed Bruthazmus to stay at Thistletop, but I intend to find out. I will accompany you to Thistletop."
Mayor Deverin addresses Quinion, "The problem with your proposal, is that these tunnels lie under our city, and if the tunnels were to be collapsed, parts of the city would likely collapse as well."
Shelalu shares her knowledge of the goblin tribes.
"The closest to Sandpoint are the Birdcruncher goblins that live in caves along the western edge of the Devil's Platter. Even given their proximity to this town, this group is traditionally the least aggressive of the five. Bruthazmus is actually a bugbear who runs this tribe. He's an infamous ranger who lives in northern Nettlewood and often visits the five tribes to trade things he's stolen from caravans for alcohol, news, or magic arrows. Bruthazmus has a particular hatred for elves, and I've fought him on several occasions. To date, neither of us has managed to gain an upper hand on the other, but I vow I won't the first to fall in our feud.
"To the south are the Licktoad goblins of Brinestump Marsh. These pests tend to be excellent swimmers. Their leader, Vorka is a notorious goblin cannibal who lives in the marsh, more of a "hero" to goblins other than the Licktoad tribe.
"East are the Seven Tooth goblins of Shank's Wood, goblins who've secured a place for themselves by raiding Sandpoint's junkyard and rebuilding the stolen refuse into armor and weapons. Koruvus was a champion of the tribe, well-known for his short temper, as well as his prized possession - a magic sword sized for a human that he stubbornly kept as his own. However, he vanished several months ago after he supposedly discovered a secret hideout in a cave along the cliffs, but the Seven Tooth goblins remain convinced that he's still out there, a ghost or worse, waiting to murder any goblin who tries to discover his hideout.
"Further east is the Mosswood tribe, perhaps the largest tribe, but their history of in-fighting among feuding families has held them back from becoming dominant among the tribes. Their hero, Big Gugmut, is an unusually muscular and tall goblin, who is said to have a hobgoblin for a mother and a wild boar for a father."
"Finally, the Thistletop goblins live on the Nettlewood coast atop a small island that some say holds a passing resemblance to a decapitated head. Ripnuggest is their current leader. He controls a lair that goblins from all five tribes agree is the best location to have."
Sheriff Hemlock speaks of the fire, "No one knows how the fire started."
"OK. Let's go then."
Rhianni, taken aback by Markum's immediate request to leave, replies Your enthusiasm does you credit Markum, but maybe the old adage less haste more speed maybe appropriate here. We cannot go blundering through the goblins lands, without first considering our plans, to give us all a safe passage there. Quinion, do you know the lay of the land there where we can take the safest route through to the Thistletop? I have my own ideas, unless Sheriff you have a route?"
Shelalu interjects. "I know the land. If you follow me, I'll take you exactly where we need to go."
"Done!" Markum replies. "Any other objections?"
Shelalu adds, "It'll take two hours to get there, and two hours to get back. There's no telling how long we'll be there, though. Take with you whatever you need to get by for at least a day."
Praxim has little need to spend gold, other than on rations for a few days in the wilderness. He will pick up a pair of manacles, just in case there are some goblin prisoners that need interrogating, if such things are available. He'll also pick up several sets of caltrops.
I suppose I should get some healing magic. Anyone want to pitch in for a cure light wand? I can put in 250GP for one.
Quinion weighs his pouch, "I have enough that I'll pick up 2 days of trail rations, but magical healing is beyond my means."
Tobyn will sell up to three CLW potions and three CLW scrolls for half the listed price.
Markum and Vuvo will be behind Shalelu.
There's some initial pushing and jostling behind Shalelu as the resident hunky elf paladin tries to get into a good spot behind the hopefully hot elven guide, reluctantly giving way to Markum.
In the end, he takes up the rear, an arrow knocked on his bowstring.
You travel east along the road for an hour and a half before reaching a river, where you turn north and head into the forest.
Nettlewood is a forest full of thick tangles of thistles. Shalelu guides you through, pointing out patches of poison-thorned plants - either stinging nettles or goblinberry patches - and warning you to avoid them. After twenty minutes of travel through the wood, you reach a tall wall of undergrowth.
The briars and thistles that grow so rampantly in Nettlewood grow even more dense and tangled here, close to the shore. Although not quite dense enough to block the sound of waves crashing on the unseen shores to the west, the undergrowth is certainly thick enough to block sight and access to the coast. Few trees grow this close to the edge of sea, but the briars themselves often reach heights to rival them; here, the patch is nearly twenty feet high. The thorns that comprise the walls here are quite damp. Above, the thorny canopy grows thin enough that tiny slivers of the sky above can be seen.
As you enter this section of Nettlewood, it becomes apparent that these walls, that couldn't have been made naturally, form a maze.
Eventually, you come to a section of the labyrinth where a tangle of vines hang from the thorny ceiling, each suspending a clattering collection of bird skulls, rib bones, teeth, and other bits of gruesome decor. In a few places, the vines droop all the way to the floor. Half-eaten dead birds and rats indicate that someone dwells here.
"Longshanks!" is screamed by a shrill voice. Just then, Shalelu cries out in agony as stream of fire blasts her in the chest. From the direction of the blast is a goblin, hiding in the underbrush, wielding a flint wand in one hand with wisps of smoke coming out one end, and a blade of flame in the other hand...the brush around him doesn't seem to burn. It's clothed in fine leather armor and a beautiful, dark green silk cloak.
Markum Initiative
Markum yells something at the goblin in a primal language as he hurtles past Shalelu to attack.
Druidic
Markum Scimitar: to hit
Markum Scimitar: damage
confirm crit
Markum Scimitar: to hit
Markum Scimitar: damage
Vuvo jumps at their foe
Vuvo Bite: to hit
Vuvo Bite: damage
Vuvo Bite: trip
Praxim steps forward and tries to get a clean shot through the low-hanging scrub and past Markum.
Miss chance:
Attack:
Damage:
Round 1
Praxim fires in the direction of the goblin. The arrow bounces off the side of the goblin's armor and into the wall of thicket.
Round 1
Shalelu draws her bow and fires, missing. Markum attacks and hits the goblin, while Vuvo fails to hit.
The goblin lashes out at Markum with his flame blade, making a solid hit (10 dmg). It screams something in return.
Rhianni a mess of blurred coloured robes moving in small strange jerky movements, sounds of ancient Varisian come from her mouth, before a small burst of energy flashes in front of the goblin.
"Something odd here," Quinion thinks, as he draws a sap into his off hand.
Quinion moves up, striking only with the sap at this point.
The goblin easily shakes off the enchantment before getting slapped in the face with Quinion's sap. The goblin snarls at Quinion and sets himself to attack again.
Druidic
Markum and Vuvo try to maneuver to flank the goblin druid.
Markum Scimitar: to hit +2 if flanking
Markum Scimitar: damage
Vuvo Bite: to hit +2 if flanking
Vuvo Bite: damage
Vuvo Bite: trip +2 if flanking
Round 2
Praxim fires again and misses while Quinion swings his sap and fails to connect. Shalelu shoots another arrow, but misses as well.
Markum moves into the thorny brush unhindered, and his dog follows suit (Refl DC 20 or take 1 damage). They attack the goblin from either side and Vuvo is able to snap its teeth into the goblin's leg, ripping the goblin's flesh. At that moment, a high-pitched hissing scream sounds from the northern direction. A red-and-black-striped cougar barrels down the path and leaps at Vuvo, biting the dog from behind. (7 dmg). The goblin capitalizes and takes a step deeper in the brambles, then burns Markum with his flame once more (4 dmg).
Vuvo squares off agianst his dark twin
Vuvo Bite: to hit
Vuvo Bite: damage
Vuvo Bite: trip
While Markum continues to slash at his.
Markum Scimitar: to hit
Markum Scimitar: damage
Rhianni pulls out her crystal ball, weaving her hands over the ball, she starts to speak, the group hear her oratory of a future in which each is a hero, inspiring them to greater deeds. "The High Sheriff Trepanar, spreads justice and law from the authority given by the council at Sandpoint. It is written that his successes have placated the region bringing civilization to the wild races and tribes that once threatened the city, through his noble deeds, his fairness and mercy."