Idril pulls up the board and lays it aside.
"You know, I thing there may be something here..."
She tries to peer inside the space. If it's too dark, she'll pull her star knife and use Prestidigitation to put a candleflame in the tip and use it as a minor light source (5ft, dim light).
Blurry visions had clouded the sorcerer's mind: people drinking in a tavern hitting their glasses, accompanied by loud noises, then he saw Avizzi laughing as he always seam to do, his voice still echoing Gold is one thing, but a hunt is another altogether. He turns his gaze at Little Chammady seeing her serving wine to the patrons before setting up at the table then to Idril running out through the door in the distance.
When Isorion raised his head up again after the bow made to the girl, he was in the sky circling around something that seamed to be his body laying on the ground in a pool of blood. You half-elf weakling! That was the last thing he heard before seeing his body engulfed by flames.
Isorion woke up suddenly all sweaty and coughing blood, looking confused at the priest and at the first sight of Ven he drops himself from the bed and runs towards the room exit before falling on the ground from all the pain.
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Aldren Foxglove stops by to remind the party still at the Rusty Dragon about his proposal before retiring to his room. Remember, come see mee *hck* kay? We huntboarsand boar o *hck* kay? Goodnight. Obviously he has had his fill on the Rusty Dragons finest.
"Boars can be dangerous, sure, if you're frightened of 'em. Anything can be." Avizzi leans forward as if conspiratorially. "The biggest thing to fear is fear itself, you know!...I think. Bah!" The man waves a hand and grins. "Point is, I'm sure you'll be fine, and there's nothing to worry about."
The man does pause at her mention of Aldren. "He's an odd one, I'll give 'im that. But the only thing I dislike is that he's pushy with paying for drinks. A man's got to stand on his own two feet!" The Ulfen slaps his leg to emphasize his point and winces again, apparently missing the irony in his current sitting position.
As soon as the door closes Isorion crawls back on the bed checking the damage on his body. He grabs the bread and starts chewing on it rapidly, taking from time to time small breaks to talk. Best bread I ever laid my hands on. Desna guided his daughters well. Both are unharmed.
It's not like I would be able to say the same thing about myself. Thank you Desnaaaa.
How long was I asleep?He takes another bite fallowed by some water then glaring into the eyes of the cleric Why haven't you ratted me out?
Ratted you out? To who? For what? Listen, I am the towns priest so I should not say such things, but the truth is everyone in town knows about the Vinder daughters. Outsiders are the only ones fool enough to take them up on their charms. Trouble is though, I am sure their father will "rat" you out so to speak soon enough. As the founding member of the town's merchant guild I am afraid you will be paying premium prices for goods around here. Best be on your way when your up for it. The father says as he continues to get ready for sleep.
Idril bolts straight up.
"Goblin!" She shouts and tears out of the house by the front door, looking around for the little vermin.
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Peering around looking for the little vermin, Idril heard a horse in the adjacent barn. Wondering if it was the goblin, Idril whispers a Message spell to the father. Careful, I think it's in the barn. Cautiously she approached the barn.
And opened the barn door to look inside.
Nevermind... After finishing the food Isorion's head falls heavily on the pillow his voice tone changing sounding more serious and somber.I was forced to leave my house twice first leaving my mother then the rest of my family. I cannot run from my problems and most of all I cannot run from whom I am. Have a good night.
He closes his eyes then only opens them half way through shaking his head slightly.And father, you know, your goddess has a mischievous sense of humor.
Idril sees her opportunity and as a swift act uses her second use of Mythic Power to do a Trickster Attack: Fleet Charge (Ex).
She moves up to 30 feet towards the goblin and make a single melee or ranged attack, adding your trickster tier as an insight bonus on the attack roll. Damage from this attack bypasses damage reduction.
for a possible cutting damage.
If she's still too far, she'll throw her star knife.
for a possible piercing damage.
Fresh from a good night's sleep Chammady begins the morning service in the inn. Nodding at Avizzi when he appears, she find a bowl of porridge with a little extra bacon for him. "Do you know where Isorion is? I haven't seen him, since he left with that girl yesterday and he hasn't returned?" she asks with a smile.
Avizzi once more spends his night on a space on the floor by the fire, and rises with much cracking of joints and giant yawns. "Thanks, lass," he says as he takes the porridge, biting off a piece of the bacon. "I can't say I've seen him, but I'm sure he's fine. How much trouble can a full-grown half-elf get into with a single girl?" Oblivious to the possible answers, the man spoons up some porridge, pausing midway to pull out a flask and down a shot.
"What do you think happened to him?"
"It will be nice to put my feet up in front of a good fire, with a decent brew," he comments conversationally to Shalelu.
When told about the Goblin attack, though, Sergei's face darkens.
"Those little vermin have indeed been getting bold! I am glad to hear that they have been driven off. I will do whatever I can to help..."
Sergei dutifully follows Shalelu to the meeting.
Little Chammady Idril, and Avizzi go looking for Isorion and find out he has been at Father Zantus' house. It is good you came for him, the lad had a rough night. Since you are all here maybe you would like to come with me to a town meeting of sorts? The mayor is holding a meeting with the sheriff and some more...adventuring types.
They must have been a stout band to fight off a horde of those vermin. I wonder what sort of stuff they are made of?
Father, you shouldn't have said that. Now they'll think I'm a drunken brawler, that is, if they didn't get the wrong idea. He chuckles checking the state of his wounds and appearing highly enthusiastic. You have no idea how happy I am to see you again. I thought I passed on the other side and I feel like it too. But enough about this silly half elf let's get moving before the mayor gives the job to someone else
"Hah! I knew he'd only get into trouble with that one." The Ulfen grins and claps a hand on Isorion's shoulder. "Best to keep watch over your company from now on, eh?"
Avizzi looks to Father Zantus. "Where is this meeting? I've got nothing else to do today."
The Mayor welcomes you all in the the town hall. Already seated and enjoying an ale is a stout looking male Dwarf and an Elf woman that appears to be more muscular than most female elves you have seen. She has a long bow on the table in front of her and two quivers of arrows with many variants of arrows.
Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I am sure you are all aware after the events at the festival that there is a real threat in the area of Goblins. Honestly I need some help with this and am seeking advice from those who seem capable in handling this situation. You lot certainly fit that description, and allow me to introduce two others who have proven in the past to be helpful with such things, Shalelu, a local hunter and his holyness Sergei. The Mayor sits and asks that you all do the same after you introduce yourselves. Sheriff Hemlock comes in and sits down as well.
Automatically, Idril straightens her clothing and hair.
"Well, yes of course. I am Idril Ssethan, out of Korvosa; I was just here for the festival."
She curtsies gracefully.
"I will help as well as I can of course."
Sergei raises his mug to acknowledge the new arrivals, and the Mayor's introduction.
"Sergei von Janderhoff, at your service. I am a humble servant of the Forge Father. I happened to be traveling through the area on business when I heard about what had happened here.
Now, I have no problems with killing Goblins; the fewer of the little vermin that are around, the better, I say! However, as Torag teaches, 'aim high, plan well, strike while the iron is hot'. We should sort-out a plan for a counter-attack, and strike whilst they are still reeling from their defeat, here."
Avizzi grins to the strangers. "New company's never a bad thing. Avizzikazimon Tolo'kazzagekki's the name, but it's long, so just call me Avizzi. Or, you know, 'Hey, you!' That'd probably work." The man pulls a flask from his body and throws a swig back. "As for goblins, I'm happy to help. But tomorrow I'm full up wrestling boars in the woods, so maybe the day after? You can plan while I'm doing that," the Ulfen suggests.
I will give Shalelu the floor because she has some important information, please be seated everyone and I will call for more drinks. The Mayor Gestures to the Elf hunter who remains seated as she speaks.
Unfortunatly Sandpoint is not the only place ravaged by recent goblin attacks. Farms across the country side have been burned to the ground. I rescued one family from Mosswood, but the town was not able to be saved. A disturbing revelation came to me upon witnessing these crimes. Not only are these attacks more sophisticated than I have ever seen by goblins, the five tribes are working together. In the past infighting has kept the five tribes of goblins in the region in check, but now something else is driving them. Shalelu sits back and seems to contemplate her own words.
Thank you Shalelu. Sheriff Hemlock is going to Magnimar to seek out reinforcements to boost our towns security. I would ask the rest of you to stay here in town until he returns to assist in any future raids that occur. I will pay 1 gold piece per goblin ear you bring to me while you remain in town, and Mr. Hosk at the Goblin Squash Stables says he will match that bounty so that's 4 gold per goblin head. What do you say? The Mayor speaks quickly getting straight to the point obviously worried after Shalelu's report.
Sergei nods gravely.
"Goblins organising and destroying entire settlements? That is alarming, to say the least..."
He then grins.
"I need little excuse to crack goblin skulls; a 4gp bounty per pair would be a more than adequate inducement for me to stay!"
"Hare, hare!" Avizzi says after Sergei's comment, botching the phrase but clearly meaning it. I think he'll be a good friend, that one, the Ulfen thinks.
Isorion looks around the town hall checking the style of arhitecture then gazes at the muscular elf woman in front and for once decides to avoid meddling too much in the discussions. However he still gets close to Avizzi so he could whisper in his ear, counting the coins in his mind. What about Foxglove's hunt? Not that don't mind being paid for staying in town but... we will each have to bring ten heads to be worth it.
Isorion smiles and nods to the dwarven priest.
The hunting grounds are not far from the city and it would probably be a good opportunity to scout out the area. I will talk to Mr. Foxglove and see if he could do the hunt tomorrow morning before the Sheriff leaves. If you could take the road up to the west river, an hour out of the way of the hunting grounds, you could ensure there are no surprises for the Sheriff. Beyond the river is Shoanti territory and they are good about keeping the land clear of goblins. If you do this I will give you each ten gold pieces now and another one hundred when you return from the hunt. Mayor Deverin says in response to Isorion.
That sounds like a good plan, I will scout out the immediate area myself now. It was nice traveling with you Sergei I will see you soon I am sure, why don't you join the others for the hunt tomorrow? Shalelu says as she stands gathering her bow.
Avizzi laughs aloud. "A hunt for boars and goblins? The only thing I'm not liking here is how much gold is being thrown around!" The Ulfen grins. "Not that I'm against it."
Sergei's smile widens as the Mayor outlines the terms of employment.
"I would certainly be happy to agree to those terms!"
He then nods to Avizzi with a twinkle in his eye.
"Gold is the grease which helps the wheels of commerce to keep spinning. Collecting it when you can is simply good business sense; I would certainly never say no whenever someone decided to throw it in my direction!"
When Shalelu prepares to leave, Sergei stands, and bows awkwardly, before adding gruffly:
"It was a pleasure to travel with you, too."
He then returns to his seat to finish his ale...
Isorion who was up till that moment distracted by the new figures and the sum of money turned a shade of pale. Did you say the Shoanti territory? The lands of the seven quahs?! Surely this must be a mistake. Aren't there any closer hunting grounds? Like, just outside the city gates?
He cuts his way through the people standing around him, going towards the door. Excuse me, I need to take some air. After getting outside he took some deep breaths supporting his back on the town hall door. 1 per ear,4 per head, 10 now,25 tomorrow, 125 at the end. Come on Isorion, you can do it.
Opening the door he squeezes his hand through the crack.
Applying for the task. he says with an unsure tone but loud enough for everybody to hear him. 1 per ear, 4 per ..
Idril hesitates, then nods. She worried about her budding career, but she couldn't shake the memory of the swarm of Goblins hacking down women and children.
"Yes of course I agree. Keeping the Goblins in check is clearly something we can help with."
Oh have no fear, the Hunting grounds are not Shoanti territory, the area beyond the river is, that is why I do not need you to travel beyond it. Is he going to be ok? The Mayor inquires to the others as Isorion makes his way outside.
I will send word to Mr. Foxglove, he owes me a favor so I am sure there will be no issues there. Here is the promised ten gold pieces each. Good luck to you. The Mayor pays you and leaves the meeting following Shalelu.
Sergei grins at the small pouch containing the 10gp that he was just given.
"Well, this is certainly a nice way to be greeted upon arrival in town! Tell me, do any of you know where a Dwarf might find a good place to eat, drink, and sleep? It sounds like we will have a busy day tomorrow..."
Avizzi also takes the gold graciously, slipping the coins into his purse. "I've been staying at the Rusty Dragon, though if you want a drink..." The man gets a sly gleam in his eye--more sly than a person would expect from him. "How about the Hagfish?"
The coin just keeps coming, Chammady smiles at the thought while she listens to the conversation. Getting paid just to stay here and fight goblins, which I would have to do anyway by the sound of it. She finally decides to join the conversation: "It sounds like a lovely proposal Madame Mayor, I will be happy to accept.
She is a bit puzzled by the gleam in Avizzi's eye. Something is wrong, she tells herself. What is it about the Hagfish? She turns to the dwarf "No matter what you decide Father Janderhoff, you'll be welcome at Rusty Dragon.
After spending one or two minutes outsides Isorion and hearing what the mayor had to say through the door he comes back more relaxed to receive the gold coins. He looks at Sergei rubbing his chin and measuring the dwarmf before handing his hand. Isorion usually not so crazy Belilmandel, Master of the arcane!.
He smiles at the others and points toward the exit:
To the Rusty Dragon Inn then!
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Shortly after you arrive at the Rusty Dragon, Mr. Foxglove approaches the party. I have just finished talking to the Mayor, a boar and goblin hunt! How exciting! I can not wait. I will meet you down here in the morning. Mr. Foxglove seems oblivious to the dangers of such a task and rushes off to brag to his fellow lordlings.
Sergei eyes the retreating lordling's back with mild bemusement.
"He looks more like he would accidentally stab himself, than a boar or Goblin. Still, he seems keen enough..."
He then turns to Avizzi.
"This place seems fine; I am curious, though - what was this 'Hagfish' you spoke of?"
"He seems almost too keen. Nobody should be that happy about hunting goblins but me! And he's too loose with his coin, but that seems like a common fault in this town," the Ulfen grumbles good-naturedly. "As for the Hagfish, they have a specialty drink that's quite refreshing. Very... unique." Avizzi grins at the dwarf. "Not everyone can handle it, though."
Sergei grins back, with a twinkle in his eye.
"That sounded almost like a challenge..."
"Now, now boys, there is plenty to drink here, no need to go elsewhere." Chammady smiles at the odd conversation between the tall Ulfen and the short dwarf. "Let me know what you would like and I'll fetch it," she adds. Focusing on Avizzi she continues: "There is something about that Foxglove. I am afraid, Sergei was it?, is right."
Isorion looks through the window to check if Foxglove was really gone before expressing his idea Nonsense miss Chammady, he is just a slightly queer fellow looking for some fun. With the women around here it might just be safer to go hunting boars and goblins. And there is nothing wrong with being loose of with the coins as long as they are falling in our direction. He hits the table with the fist That's a man that respects the value of an adventuring spirit.
"Now, now Isorion. Have the women of our fine town been mean to you?" she teases him. "I will trust your judgement of his fine nature," she continues, this time clearly sarcastic.
Sergei nods to Chammady.
"Sergei von Jandehoff, at your service. I am not suggesting that we try to dissuade the young lordling from having his fun in the wilds; just that we should recognise that he may need careful handling. I think we can all agree that the last thing any of us want is for him to go and get himself killed..."
He then raises an eyebrow at Isorion's comment, and grins.
"Either the women of this town are well known for being particularly fiesty, ugly, or both, or you have a story to tell, young man! Anything that you would care to share over a pint?"
Avizzi grins back to Sergei, but is interrupted by Chammady. "Nothing against this inn, girl, but it's the contest of the Hagfish I'm thinking of."
He shrugs. "The drink here is easier on the tongue. And as for Master Foxglove, I agree--the man probably doesn't know which end of a spear to hold!" The Ulfen laughs. "Course, neither do I, but I won't be trying."
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The next day...Aldren Foxglove meets you early in the morning. He is dressed inappropriately as if going to a ball, and carrying a boar spear that is sized for a small race, possibly from one of the Shoanti tribes that trade their children's spears to the varasian gypsies once they reach manhood. I am ready for my adventure! He announces proudly.