For years the trade routes around Sandport were calm and mostly safe, even the old “goblin bounty" was discontinued. But now a group of goblins seems to have gotten their hands on firework and started to raid caravans again, disrupting trade and travel. Fearing that they'll spark a new wave of monster activity Sheriff Hemlock renewed the bounty, pledging 10 gold coins per goblins ear and an additional 700 for the eradication of this particular tribe. Determined to ensure the safety of the town and convinced the money best goes to you, you met up with some old friends and likeminded strangers at the Rusty Dragon tavern to plan your foray into the marsh.
You heared that a group of old friends and likeminded strangers wants to team up in Ameikos tavern to end the threat once and for all and save the nice sum of money for themself.
Cerana sits lonely in the old manor. Silent of all footfall she can hear the slight groan of the aging wooden boards. She has come to know every step as she walked about this house maintaining it well for the past 40 years. Seeing the place built was a marvel to even Cerana, she knew little of building houses and structures before Sandpoint was settled. Though she quickly learned as house after house was constructed before her eyes.
Adjacent to her study place is a large window that looks out over Sandpoint. Seldom she gets visitors but a young man comes walking towards the front door of the manor.
I wonder what that could be...?
Cerana hears a slow knock on the door, she gets up to go answer it. Silently walking across the floor she opens the large oaken door much to the surprise of the young man.
"Buh.. didn't hear you coming, sorry to disturb you Ms.Whisperwood the Sheriff knows how you've protected us before and asked that I give you this."
Cerana takes the letter that the man procures and starts reading it.
"So, erm.. I'll be off now. You don't really need me here for an answer I don't think."
She courteously nods at the man and he wanders off.
So goblins are raiding caravans again, this won't do. Come to the tavern to meet others interested? Hmmm, well, little Koya did say I need to meet new people. Heh, I guess this as good a time as any. I don't think they'll compare to the ranger groups from the forest but it'll be something I suppose.
Cerana furls the scroll up and walks back inside, she prepares her a small pack and a spell pouch. Gathers up a few things and heads off to the Rusty Dragon. Locking the manor up as she leaves.
Approaching the tavern she can hear a small ruckus coming from within.
Ah as busy as ever. I wonder how Ameiko is, haven't seen her in a few years. She must be a lovely young lady by now.
Walking in she is greeted by song and dance as people are gathering for this foray in goblin territory. Cerana takes a seat at the bar front and flags Ameiko down.
"Hi Ameiko, doing well I hope. Do you perhaps have any good wine from the Varisian borders? I think a little liquid courage is needed for the day ahead."
Ameiko is cleaning glases as Cerana approaches her.
"Varisian border? Well, there are still a few bottles of the 75er Goblin Field from my fathers cellar, but they just got more even more pricy than last time you were here. Besides that, only a dark merlot from a small vineyard by the name of "Harnin's Orchard". Most folks around here prefer ales."
"Haven't much the taste for ale I'm afraid, I think I'll try the dark merlot. I think I'll keep trying something new today seems a time for it." She chuckles a little "The tavern kept you busy?"
She talks on while pouring you a glas.
"Jup, so far it's still not getting boring here. And, considering how often I've got to take out drunken brawl, it even helps staying in form."
"Hmmm, well what do you think about this bounty thing the sheriff has put up? Would've thought you or Sandru take a jump at some easy money."
"Honestly? To much dirty work for the gain and the marsh is getting uncomfortably cold this time of year. Also there seem to be enough ready to takle it, it's only a few goblins after all."
A small weasel pops out of Cerana's hood, she quickly presses it head down trying to give it a hint to return to her hood. The weasel just squeaks and lies its head on her shoulder.
"I'm sure you just prefer the comfort the hearth of the tavern gives you. Did well for yourself getting this place after all, might as well revel in it?"
Ameiko just nods "EhHmm"
The door of the tavern opens and Gorag enters. As always the old Alchemist walks braced on his staff.
Greetings turning to Cerana and nodding his head towards her Cerana and then to Ameiko Ameiko.
Hm, now we are missing only Koya to assemble the council of elders. Seems that the sheriff hasn't found some younger blood with interest in a little walkover in the marsh.
A small figure enters the establishment, she has vibrant purple colored hair that is wild about her head and a dark pink complexion. Her eyes are a deep violet and shine with life and joy. The small figure wears a suite of breastplate armor, her open face help hanging from her pack and gloves in her belt. At her side is a morningstar and shield in the shape of a black butterfly (it has been white washed and a puple butterfly has been painted and shows sign of wear and use). A small black crossbow hangs from her pack in easy reach. A small silver butterfly hangs prominently from the gnomes neck on a silver chain.
In a chipper voice she greets everyone, "Merry meet!"
She makes her way to a table and puts her small back on the ground under the table and climbs up on a chair. When she catches sight of Ameiko she waves and greets her, "Meet meet my friend. How about a nice ale and some food for a good friend?"
As Hideo walked into The Rusty Dragon he took a deep calming breath. You could never tell how things would turn out when you put Ameiko and him in a room together. Much like the tavern she ran, Hideo often compared of his sister to a fine bottle of brandy. A little bit could be pleasant, warming even. But too much could quickly sour your stomach. Briefly Hideo though of his departed father Lonjiku. He had been young when the elder Kaijitsu died, but he had heard of the fights that his sister used to have with him, and for a second he wondered if she had felt about her father the way he felt about here. It wasn't that she didn't care, because she did. No the problem, was that the line between protecting and suffocating often seemed to blur together when it came to Ameiko and Hideo. His meditation complete Hideo took another deep breth and went up to the bar.
Hello sister, I'll take an ale. Setting a few coins on the bar, Hideo looks over his shoulder at the gathering group and then back to Ameiko as she hands him the ale. Picking it up he braces himself and casually moves toward the group near the fire. If she's going to say something it's going to be now... As he starts to move away he raises his mug to the rest of gathered individuals. Hey Cerana! It's been awhile. Announces Hideo looking around at the rest of the group. Who are your friends?
Cerana nods back at Gorag.
"We might get some new folk, how are you anyway? I haven't seen you in a quite a few months. Does not help our paths never really cross anymore. Much trade in alchemy these days?"
Greeting Hideo with a smile.
"Yes it has, I guess today was just a good reason to leave my books. Well you've probably met Gorag before. That happy girl over there I have no idea. Fond of butterflies though I take it."
Ameiko can't supress a small laugh as Gorag approaches her.
"Council of elders? Well, I'm not sure if a girl of my age should feel honored or insulted by such an invitation."
She quickly starts to fill to mugs of ale.
"And here is the ale, one for my dear, hopefully not soon-to-be-drunk brother and one for you. In town once again? Right now I can only offer you hot stew or some bread with sausage and cheese."
Striding up to the table Hideo takes out a seat and slides in while simultaneously setting his ale on the table. Nodding in recognition Hideo greets Gorag. Yea, we have met before, but only in passing. You sell potions and salves right? Taking a long pull on his ale Hideo brings it back down to the table before turning to the purple haired gnome. Your friends with my sister then? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but I don't recognize you. Did you know when she was still traveling with Sandru?
Turning back to the bar Hideo half-yells over his shoulder. I heard that sis! Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Besides if I did drink too much then I might lose control, and I can't let that happen...
Cerana swirls her drink around a little taking a sip. "Such a young boy drinking, what would your mother say to that? Drinking with all us oldies here? Since when did you grow up so fast?" She teases.
I wander what it is like to have siblings. Doubt I'll ever know.
After some time Sheriff Hemlock arrives. "So, you are the merry lot that wants to volunteer to rid us of the goblins? Well, while I don't know all of you, those I do know I trust enough that you know what you are getting yourself into."
He produces a very crude map of the marsh.
"As far as we know it is a tribe of at least 30, maybe more, goblins that got its hand on some old firework and now start to shoot that at travelers. While so far nothing really serious happened, only small burns and destroyed trade goods, it's only a matter of time until someone is seriously hurt. And we also don't want any other rabble getting false ideas.
So it has to stop.
I would send some of my boys, but we are kinda busy right now and the marsh is treacherous and well, wet. Frankly, my men don't like to go in there."
The gnome nods eagerly to Ameiko, "That sounds scrumptious! Yes, please."
After a sip of her mug of ale she looks to Hideo and bows and speaks in Tien, "An honor to meet you, brother of Ameiko."
She quickly changes back to common, "Yes, I know your sister. My kin and I have crossed paths with her here and there over the years. She has been an inspiration of both my sister and myself."
She tilts her head as she looks at the samurai, "You know, I might have seen you before, but you your were, smaller then." she shrugs, Or it was someone else. That was many years ago now."
"I'm Aloria by the way. A disciple of Desna." she introduces herself.
While the sheriff talks Ameiko comes and brings Aloria her food which is quite exactly like advertised. Not wanting to interrupt him, she silently hands to the gnome and also listens in.
A short hooded figure enters the tavern. Her footfalls are heavy, despite her size, and through the lamplight her marbled skin can be partially discerned. On her back she carries a scythe and staff, while her belt is adorned with a single scimitar. She sits down upon a stool and addresses the general group in an awkward sort of declaration: "I... was told there were monsters that needed killing. I'm... here to help, I guess..."
To Cerana:
I'm fine. The last years had given me some time to settle in Sandpoint. It was quite an culture shock for the first time, but now i have found my place here. And I can't complain. My servives are often needed.
To Ameiko:
I can already see, you're intentionally misunderstanding me. Of course I didn't wanted to call such a beautiful yound lady an elder. But I know that your eyes have seen much more as others of their age.
To Hideo:
That hits it quite good.
To the sheriff:
In any event, we should be careful. I have seen, what goblins can do with fireworks and alchemical substances. These tiny pests are quite talented with those things.
Aloria nods her thanks and digs right into her food. The gnome munches away as she listens and takes a long pull of her ale before she comments, "Bah, goblins!
She looks about at several others, "We seem to have a nice group to go in and deal with these little scrubmunchers."
She stands up on her chair and peers at the crude map and then at those assembled, "I don't suppose anyone knows there way about this march?"
Current AC: 21 (19 Flat-footed / 13 Touch)
Current HP: 18 / 18 remaining
Current Weapon in Hand: none
Spells (0-level, DC 13, at will) Create Water, Detect Magic, Spark, Guidance;
(1st level, DC 14) Bless, bless, bless, longstrider(d)
Channel Energy (1d6, DC 14) 6 of 6 uses remaining
Bit of Luck (Sp) 6 of 6 uses remaining (Any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result) (6/day)
Agile Feet (Su) 6 of 6 uses remaining (ignore all difficult terrain for 1 round) (6/day)
Sheriff:
"Well, as far as we know you have three choices: Either go directly searching for the goblins as I heard they were often seen near the old fish trail. Or you go and visit old Walthus, the ranger, and ask him for directions. He lives near the new Fish Trail here and I guess he should know where those goblins exactly are."
He points to a line on the map.
"Or, you could try to visit Old Megus, the swamp witch and ask her for help. Well, I'm not completely sure about her, but I guess the rumors about her evil ways are greatly exaggerated. She is quite a strange old fellow through."
"I'd like to meet a witch..." Zeema says hopefully. Perhaps someone like that could offer some insight into the more unorthodox methods of her own magic...
Hideo starts to bristle at Cerana's joke, before he quickly raises his tankard to his lips to cover him taking a short breath. Relax Hideo, its Cerana. She has known you your whole life. Come to think of it, she probably thinks of everyone in this town as young. Composed again Hideo fixes a smile on his face and turns to the diminutive gnome. Chuckling Hideo takes another pull on his tankard. It's possible I suppose, we are all small at one point. Either way, its nice to meet you. As the rest of the group begins to fall into discussion about the possible options and Sheriff Hemlock gives the gathered individuals the map, Hideo clears his throat. Gods know I'm no expert, but I have lived here my whole life, and I think I can get us to the swamp pretty easily. Shalelu and I are friends, and we have talked about the goblins in the area a little bit. She hates em and I don't blame her. Anyhow I think I can get us close. When we get there though, I think we should go talk to Walthus, I bet he would know if there was anything strange going on. What does everyone else think?
A sudden commotion at the door, of voices raised in surprise and patrons moving quickly out of the way, heralds Nicat's late arrival to the gathering.
"'Scuse me, clear the way, please, watch out!" says the short, black-haired youth with the top of his left ear missing, "Sandru once said I couldn't juggle 5 bottles of ale all the way from Junker's Way to the bar at the Dragon, and I'm about to prove him wrong!"
Nicat approaches the bar with a grin on his face, but stumbles over the tavern's cat and sends two bottles of ale smashing to the ground, sending the cat screeching away. He manages to catch the remaining bottles and sets them down on the bar. Looking down, he sees one of the dropped bottles, half-broken, still holds a fine brown ale. Nicat picks up the jagged bottle, drinks down the ale, and turns to face the group discussing goblins. He raises the bit of glass and says "Well, Desna certainly smiled on me there, wouldn't you say, uh...Sheriff?" His sentence fades away as he realizes who he is facing - the sheriff who has witnessed so many of his youthful misadventures.
"Right, well, anyway - what are we talking about? Taking care of goblins? I'm your man! With Desna's smile upon me, upon us, we can take care of those critters no problem!"
"And I know where to find Walthus and Old Megus - though she's a bit creepy... Let's go find Walthus and see what he can tell us, eh?"
Ameiko eyes Nicat sharply, having seen him wreak havoc at the bar a few times to often.
"Well, before YOU go, you can surely clean up the mess you made. I guess the goblins can wait those few minutes. Or I clean it up for you, but then you get charged my full price, hired adventurer and so on. Your choice Nicat."
Such a lively group of individuals, how Koya used to keep up with such people is beyond me. Well no harm in trying now is there?
"I think I'll agree on seeing Walthus first. He probably has seen quite a bit of what might be going on. If we don't get enough to find these goblins from him I won't object going to see Megus."
Cerana opens up her spellbook flicking through the pages.
I wonder, it has been a while since I needed to cast spells for a fight. What would help these young people? Hmmm let's have a gander. These should do.
Taking a small inkpot from her pouch she uses simple telekinesis to prepare the words and rotes for a few spells that she will utilise throughout the day.
0: Detect Magic, Daze, Ray of Frost, Light.
1: Mage Armour, Grease, Summon Monster 1, Colour Spray, Sleep.
Nicat smiles at Ameiko, saying "Come on, you know I always clean up after myself! Well, unless I've broken bones or something. Or the sheriff's busy with me. Or there was that one time where there was the riot - a small riot, though, I'd say... Uh, anyway, I'll clean up in a moment, okay?"
Turning back to the would-be goblin hunters, Nicat says to Cerana and Zeema "Forgive me for not introducing myself to some of you. I'm Nicat Brightluck, blessed by Lady Desna herself, and ready to fight all the goblins we can find."
With a broad smile for Aloria, he says "You must be Aloria! I've heard about you for a long time, and wanted to meet you. An adventuring acolyte of Desna, that just makes sense - never did understand why the Desnan priest here never strays from the new cathedral. Can't wait to get to know you!"
With a nod to Hideo, Nicat greets him "Hey, pal. I see your sister's still riding you, eh? Seems like a good idea to get out of town and get a little more adventuring under your belt, eh? You and I will be like Sandru in no time, known and respected far and wide."
And finally, Nicat turns to Gorag with a slightly embarassed look "Guess I still owe you for that alchemist's alembic-flask-vial thing I broke in your shop, don't I? I'm totally good for it. Tell you what, why don't I buy you a nice pint, and we'll see if I can change your mind about never again letting me through the door of your establishment?"
Ameiko:
"Well Nicat, I just hope you don't manage to kill Hideo, or anyone else for that matter, with one of your "stunts" or not even Desna'll save you."
She turns to her brother
"Oh and Hideo, take this. It's still from fathers old stash. Might be that you or one of your companions'll need it. While I doubt that you'll have too many problems with those goblins, lately some of the fisherman talk about a spooky and mysterious new monster in the marsh. Apparently they have named it the "Soggy River Monster" and it is even said that it took a few lone fishermen. While I don't know how much there is in those stories, better be carefull."
Feeling a bit left out of the conversation, Zeema decides to introduce herself as well:
"And I'm Zeema. Zeema Domh'an. Druid. I can change size and cast spells and heal. I'm also pretty good with my scythe and quarterstaff. I know I don't know many of you, but I've been around for a bit, getting rid of some of the nasty creatures in the woods."
To Nicat
The first time, I see you going through an entire week without shattering anything, we can talk about this topic. Till that happens, my shop is taboo for you. It will be better for this town, when you don't blow the shop in mmid air.
To Zeema
Well met Zeema. I'm Gorag, the owner of the local alchemist's shop.
The gnome starts to wolf down her food as the discussion turns to visiting the ranger, Walthus. She also watches as Ameiko hands a potion to her brother and shrugs and comments to herself, "I suppose they are siblings." She then down her mug of ale and then hops off of her chair and grabs up her small backpack and places her small helm on her head.
"Lets get this goblin-bashing party on the road!" She looks up at all the large folk in the group, "Oh... I'm Aloria, for those that do not know me." She eyes Nicat having herd him mention Desna many times and smiles.
Current AC: 21 (19 Flat-footed / 13 Touch)
Current HP: 18 / 18 remaining
Current Weapon in Hand: none
Spells (0-level, DC 13, at will) Create Water, Detect Magic, Spark, Guidance;
(1st level, DC 14) Bless, bless, bless, longstrider(d)
Channel Energy (1d6, DC 14) 6 of 6 uses remaining
Bit of Luck (Sp) 6 of 6 uses remaining (Any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result) (6/day)
Agile Feet (Su) 6 of 6 uses remaining (ignore all difficult terrain for 1 round) (6/day)
Nicat looks wide-eyed at Zeema and says in amazement, "You can change size? Incredible! Could you change my size? Make me into a warrior giant, or a sneaky little shrimp? Those goblins will never know what hit them!"
He then glances at Gorag and mutters under his breath, "Not break anything for a week? Can anybody do that?"
Seeing Aloria hop up and get ready to go, Nicat moves over to her, saying "All right, some action! I'm ready when you are. Shall we go everyone?"
Where most would be happy to receive such an unexpected gift, Hideo glumly pockets the potion and gives Ameiko perfunctory thanks. Ah yea Nicat, shes still protective as always. Your right though, it will be good to get out of here for a little bit. As the party rises, Hideo runs upstairs and collects what few possessions he has. Returning down to the tavern floor Hideo is bedecked in an armor of eastern make, and he has a beautiful red-lacquered katana embosses with white cherry-blossoms hanging loosely at his side as well as a composite longbow of elven make strapped to his back next to a leather quiver. As he goes to leave he quickly steps upto the bar and gives Ameiko a short, confident nod. I'll be ok sis. Really, I will. But thanks for the potion... and ah, thanks for not making a big deal about this.
Zeema blushes at the sudden attention that Nicat shows her. Unfortunately, this registers on her stony face as somewhat unsightly black splotches on her cheecks. She pulls her hood around her face and nervously responds: "Erm, yeah, I can double your size for approximately 120 seconds, but I can't... shrink people. It also takes a little bit of time for me to cast the spell that can, well, enlarge you. I'm actually better at changing my own size rather than others, though."
After her face returns to it's original shade. She joins Nicat and mumbles, "I'm ready to go too."
Cerana nods and gets up.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
You thank Ameiko and the sheriff and start moving towards the marsh and arrive there after following the Lost Coast Road for about an hour.
The wetlands are an unwieldy tangle of nettles, reeds and other swamp plants broken only where larger vegetation like cypress, oak or willow trees forced their way up. Before you lies one of the few trails through this mess, a small path leading to a couple of fishing holes and to the wardens house.
While you see quite some snakes in the thick vegetation, non comes near the trail and after about 20 more minutes you arrive at the wardens shack.
Before you is an quite old, two-story building, its walls saggy with moos.
As you approach you see an middle aged halfling step out of the building, eying you narrowly.
Most of you recognise Walthus Proudstump, ranger and self-proclaimed warden of the marsh.
Zeema is very quiet during the trip, but holds her scythe with the blade slung over her shoulder like a hobo's bindle, at the ready should there be any trouble.
Nicat waves and smiles and calls out to Walthus, "Hello, friend! We've been sent by Sheriff Hemlock to root out a nest of goblins in the area, and he said you'd likely be able to tell us where to find 'em, or at least where to look for 'em. I'm Nicat Brightluck, perhaps you've heard of me?"
Stepping upto the old saggy house Hideo waves a greeting to the elderly halfling. Hey Warden Proudstump, Its good to see you again! Its like my companions have said, Sheriff Hemlock mentioned you might have some information concerning anything odd happenings about the swamp, I thought you might have some news or a map of the area you could share with us in exchange for some of Ameiko's Double Stout Dragon Bitter? I brought a couple of bottles with me just in case! Cracking a smile the young man reaches into his backpack and withdraws several dark brown bottles. Why don't we go inside and you can tell us what you know over a couple of beers? What do you say?
"Ah, yes, yes, the goblins. Well, there is a goblins village near the end of the old, disused trail. It is very hard to miss. But I think I have to reject your offer to trink some beer, I'll have to hunting later and it's better to do that sober. Also my house is a mess right now, in no shape to show to visitors. I don't want to give your new friends a wrong impression about me."
Confused, Hideo slightly tilts his head. I'm sure we have seen worse. Is everything ok? You seem really upset. Holding the bottles forward in a peace offering Hideo continues. Did we come at a bad time?
"Yes, yes, everything is fine, I'm just kinda busy right now. Maybe come back in a few days?"
As Aloria amkes her away along with the others she finds the walk into the swamp rather enjoyable with the current company as she gets to know something about each of her new companions, those that wish to share.
As they near the small home of the halfling ranger and noticed that with the continued questions something might be amiss, she gauges the haflings response.
The gnome frowns... And eyes the hafling with some suspicion as she catches on that something really is amiss... She whispers to those close to her, "He's hiding something."
She then moves forward and takes the direct approach, looking the halfing eye to eye, hands on her hips (which might be amusing if the small figure was not so, serious), "Care to explain what you are not say?"
Current AC: 21 (19 Flat-footed / 13 Touch)
Current HP: 18 / 18 remaining
Current Weapon in Hand: none
Spells (0-level, DC 13, at will) Create Water, Detect Magic, Spark, Guidance;
(1st level, DC 14) Bless, bless, bless, longstrider(d)
Channel Energy (1d6, DC 14) 6 of 6 uses remaining
Bit of Luck (Sp) 6 of 6 uses remaining (Any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result) (6/day)
Agile Feet (Su) 6 of 6 uses remaining (ignore all difficult terrain for 1 round) (6/day)
At the assertion that Walthus is hiding something, Zeema immediately stiffens and becomes more guarded. Her relaxed stance of her scythe slung over her shoulder shifts into one more akin to using the scythe's long grip as a walking stick, the point of the blade now facing her right rather than pointing behind her. It isn't a fighting stance, but it's a moment away from becoming one. Trusting people was not something that came easily to her. Not anymore.
Nicat also senses that there's something Walthus doesn't want them to know. Intensely curious by nature, he decides to do something about it. He takes a couple of steps closer to the ranger and says in a low voice,
"Walthus, I don't know if the sheriff mentioned this to anyone else, but he told me he's got his suspicions about you as well. I didn't believe him when he said it, but now it seems like you might be leaving something out of your story. Why don't you tell us what's going on, and let us take a look in your place, and we can sort things out with the sheriff together?"
Cerana has been patiently waiting through most of the talk though is realizing from the worried chatter of her new found group that something might be awry. She keeps her crossbow on hand just in case anything bad were about to start.
He seems quite surprised by that accusation "Oh, what should be suspicious about me? I'm only an old fellow living my life in the marsh. But I still have to ask you to respect my privacy as one of my snakes, Big Betsy, is shedding inside. That is for one thing quite disgusting for most humans and to disturb her is also just rude."
