Flit laughs softly, his eyes swimming a little as he stares around the Inn. He had been wrong about this Noble. He was a great man, a great man indeed!
"Mistress another ale please and keep em coming!" A hiccup creeps out at the end of his sentence before he can catch it, followed by a belch that has the unfortunate after taste of this mornings breakfast on it.
"Bloody..."
... Cayden Cailean! With a start the Halfling shoots awake, staring up at the clear blue sky of morning. "What a wretched go... Why the hells am I staring at the sky?" pushing himself upright he looks around, slightly confused, to find himself in an alley, behind the Inn.
"What the...? Groaning he stumbles over to an open drain and heaves till his stomach is empty, before getting to his feet once again. "CONSULTANT!" groaning and limping he begins to make his way towards the Rusty Dragon.
"Oh the White Deer's servings are fine enough, if you don't mind Shoanti food. And thank you for both your offer for to help and your concern for my safety. You're more than welcome to aid in the repairs, and food and drink will of course be on me, but with how the team is going now I wouldn't be surprised if the Rusty Dragon is as good as new by sundown. Luckily I was away from Sandpoint proper during the attack. I had some...family business that required my immediate attention. Bethana there was in charge while I was gone."
"I had a feeling that I'd be seeing you today. [He responds to your inquiries.] It is good to see one so concerned. There were a few minor wounded brought to my attention, but after gathering them together and praying for the comforting energy of the dreamworld to wash over them they were soon as good as new. I've been informed that with so many of the watch out of commission it has been requested of you to aid in the protection of the town. Is that correct?"
Alyoma uses her best manners with Lord Foxglove (or Aldern, as he wishes to be called). She is witty, friendly, and determined to stay out of a "romantic" entanglement with his Lordship. She does agree with his idea of hunting boar, as it seems to keep him happy.
Alyoma is slightly taken aback by the offer of a room, but accepts anyway. After all, she will be seperated from her family if she accepts the sheriff's job.
The next morning, she rises early and decends to the common room to see if any of her companions are about. If there are some, she intends to join them. If not, she intends to familiarize herself with the city that she might have to defend.
After talking with Zantus, Gorgoron moves about the parishioners for a while, making conversation and asking after their health and that of there loved ones. He'll offer blessings if any are asked, and answer any questions anyone might have about the Dawnflower. After that, he'll spend some time in prayer and contemplation at the shrine of Sarenrae, then hed back to the inn around lunch time.
'Families can be alot of work,' Tardek looks over to Dehrisan. 'Do you know what the word on the street is about last night? It is logical that an innkeeper, even one with a wounded inn would have good access to such information,' as he talks Tardek pulls a few ingredients out of his pouch and grinds them in a small transportable pestle.
As you wander the streets you bump into Cyrdak Drokkus' plump form. He smiles as he recognizes you and makes an interesting offer.
"Alyoma, right? What a fine morning to bump into you. I haven't seen you try out for The Harpy's Curse yet. It premieres tomorrow morning evening and we are still short a few parts, but the show must go on, as they say. You and those friends of yours from yesterday are the talk of the town, eh? I'd bet you'd really bring in the crowd acting alongside Allishanda. Care for a part? We could use anything from extra members in the chorus to the mermaid siren. And if any of your new acquaintances have talent send them along to me as well. I know that the Magnimarian mistress already expressed and interest in having that half-orc drop by for aid with special effects. And of course if you would do the honor of joining the play all of your friends will be given free tickets."
"Breakfast? Thank you, Aldern. I am delighted to join you in a short meal," Alyoma remarks politely to the noble. "But I did promise to the sheriff that I would check out the town, so I can only stay for a brief time."
Later with Cyrdak...
"I'm honored that you find our talents so, facinating. I have some small skill at dance, if you could use such a thing. And i will inform my companions about your generous offer. When should we arrive to discover if we have talent for the stage, Master Drokkus?"
Aldern Foxglove seems to spend most of the meal fawning over Alyoma, complementing every aspect of her personality, appearance, and abilities. The meal goes rather quickly, and the local girl sitting at the table seems a bit shut our while she stares off a other patrons. Before long you are able to take you leave graciously.
"Well, I've seen the women in your family dance before and have always been impressed. There should be no need for an audition if you yourself are interested and can learn the chorus song and dance quickly. Anytime today or tonight they may come and find me if they are interested. I'll likely be near the theatre."
"Ah, well, I'm sorry to bother you with old questions..." Dherisan fishes around in his pocket for a moment before producing the handkerchief. "This is the silk that we found. Is this accessory familiar to you?"
Sense Motive:
"It resembles many in my family, I don't blame the sheriff for thinking it may be linked to me. [She turns briefly back to the hole in the wall that is being repaired to direct some of the laborers.] I'm afraid I don't know whose it is or how it may have found its way to the cemetery."
"Ah, well, I'm sorry to bother you with it again." He gestures to the hole as he tucks the silk away. "So how can we help here? I'm afraid I don't know much about construction, though I have a few spells that might be helpful, and if not, I can carry lumber as well the next man." His gaze falls downwards as he regards his own wispy frame. "Well, almost as well."
Finishing his work with the pestle, Tardek looks up at Ameiko. 'If you had this to any cement of plasterwork, it will dry to become a very strong adhesive, and keep waterproof and strong for a long time.' He scrapes the sludge onto a small sheet of parchment, 'Its a meager help, but its what I can provide, aswell as Dehrisan I can offer some physical aid.'
After Shayliss had left Ansruath leaves the inn to go find the sheriff. Once finding him Ansruath says "Hello, sheriff I came to see if there is anything I can do to help with the defenses of the town or other odd jobs you think I might be helpful in."
Stumbling from their joint room, Flit downs one of the Alchemists Kindness, before heading to find Dherisan at the Rusty Dragon. Praising his Consultant's magics, Flit smiles before choking softly. "CINNAMON!
Ansruath thinks for a moment than says "Very well shreiff I will go meet this Shalelu. I have a few questions to ask her." With that he goes back to the White Deer to get his pack and his equipment. With his armor on he heads to the Rusty Dragon to speak with this goblin hunter.
Carrying a basket of bread, fish and cheese, with a bottle of wine and a bag of fresh fruit, balanced on top, Flit walks slowly through the wreckage of the inn, towards Tardek.
"Idiot Consultant, your joke is getting old, but, lucky for you, I am in such a good mood, I do not care about your transgression!" Grinning happily, Flit took a bite from an apple and propped the basket on the counter.
Alyoma continues to walk through the town, eventually arriving at the Rusty Dragon.
"Greeting all. I've seem to have found a great number of you here," she says.
Shortly after the majority of the group reunites at the Rusty Dragon that afternoon an elven woman with long, pulled back, blonde hair wearing finely crafted leather armor saunters into the tavern. Her brown woolen cape (pulled over one shoulder) almost hides the longsword at her hip, which is engraved with elven runes, but she has a longbow and quiver across her back which are quite noticable. And those among you with sharp senses notice a couple of dagger stashed away in her knee-high boots. She head to the bar where Ameiko is serving drinks to patrons and laborers since the majority of the repairs are nearing completion.
"Really, Ameiko? I'm gone for less than a tenday and you let goblins into your bar? How distasteful, I thought you had standard. [She flashes a friendly smile.] You are all right, aren't you?"
Miss Kaijitsu seems excited to see and rushed around the bar to greet her.
"Shalelu! I was wondering if you were going to come and see me after what happened yesterday. Yes, I'm fine, I was...away when the attack occured. I take it you've heard about the goblin raid...?"
"I've spoken with Belor just hours ago, he'll be meeting me here tonight. After taking a look around and resupplying at Ven's and Savah's I came right over. Your kitchen wasn't damaged, was it? Iron rations are filling, but they can't compare to your cooking."
"Have a seat wherever you would like. And don't fret, you're usual room as remained untouched. Let Bethana and I find you some real food."
After a short conversation with Ameiko, the elven warrior goes to sit at an empty table off to the side of the taproom, leaning her bow against the wall, and stopping behind the bar briefly to pour herself a glass of wine from a dusty bottle and dropping a couple of gold peices on the countertop. She leans over to check out the window once seated and sees that it is still fairly early in the afternoon and props her chin in her hand as she lets her eyelids droop.
Ansruath looks over when hearing the elven woman's name remembering that it was the name as the goblin hunter. Standing up from his sit he goes over to her than says "Hello Miss Shalelu, I am Ansruath I helped stopped the goblins that attacked the town. While I was searching the bodies I noticed that they had different symbols on their clothing." He than pulls out the two symbols he ripped from the goblins clothes. Showing them to Shalelu he than says "Could you tell me anything about the goblins that wear these?"
Opening her large, elven eyes Shalelu looks you up and down for a moment, smirking as she does so.
"You must be one of those 'local heroes' that Sheriff Hemlock mentioned this morning then. He had told me a handful of warriors helped the guard repel a goblin raid. [She takes one in each hand and quickly looks them over.] This one, the one with these six triangles. That's the emblem of the Seven Tooth tribe. They inhabit Shank's Wood just a couple miles east of the town, and tend to sneak down to the junktoss along the beach every once in a while to scavenge trash to make weapons out of. They're generally pretty harmless, and run when they see people unless they have a fairly substantial advantage. This other one belongs to the Birdcruncher clan. Probably the weakest out of all of the goblin tribes, and traditionally the least aggressive. They live in caves along the western edge of the Devil's Platter eating fungus. These two are the ones I'd least expect to risk themselves in an assault on a human settlement. [She pauses, looking pensive.] You seem awefully curious. You know goblin hunting is my job, don't you? Not trying to muscle in on my territory are you? [She smiles and laughs.]"
Ansruath thinks about what was said after the battle than says "The group that helped stop the attack or 'local heroes' as you call us were wondering why the goblins attacked. If you said that these two would be the ones you expect the least to attack than they must of had a reason. I just wanted information on the tribes. Thank you for answering my questions. "
Gorgoron arrived at the Dragon in order to meet up for lunch with the others. He takes note of the arrival of the elven hunter, but makes no move to bother her just yet. She appears to have just arrived in town, and Gorgoron decides to leave her to settle in for a while. He finishes his meal and then gets up to help stack the lumber being shuffled about by the carpenters.
Taking a large tankard of water from the bar, Flitter hops down off the stool and moves to the corner, eyeing the Elven woman with an intense look upon his face. "Yours and mine both, dear Lady! You say that these tribes are the least likely to attack a human settlement and perhaps you are right. But I do not believe that is exactly what happened. This was no Golblin raid, it was far too organised and bold. This was, as we have already discovered, a clver cover, instigated by a human. What say you to that?"
"I'll be happy to answer your questions anytime. The more people know about the cretins the safer they'll be from them. The reason for the attack is what I'm going to try to find out. By all account there were all five local tribes involved and that is disturbing. I'm supposed to catch Ol' Belor up on what I've uncovered on the matter so far, but it seems I'm a bit early. Feel free to sit in once he arrives if you want to know more. It never hurts to have an extra few soldiers in the know. [She turns to regard Flitter; first looking eye level with where a human would stand, but then dropping her gaze and leaning back in mock surprise to see a halfling had approached.] So you're a goblin hunter as well then, eh? You best watch out for Bruthazmus the Bugbear. He's an archer with skill to match my own, and well on his way to becoming a true Goblin Hero. We've tangled a handful of times and he always manages gets away. If you see him, try not to be be killing him; he's a necklace made of my friends' ears that I intend to reclaim personally. But what is this about a human? I was aware that something brought the buggers together under a single banner. That meant there was or still is a big plan, which means there is a big boss, but I was expecting a warcheif. In all of the years I've dedicated to keeping goblins from causing too much trouble around these parts I've not seen any of the tenacious runts rally beneath a 'longshank'. Belor mentioned that something was amiss at the graveyard though."
Ansruath looks at Flit than back at Shalelu than says "I already said I would help the town. " Turning to Flit he says "Flit she was just stating what she knew about the local goblins. Which as she is familiar with the area more than what we know."
"I do not know the full details, Friend Dhrisan and Consultant Tardek would be more able to fill you in." The Halfling frowned softly before taking a seat across from the Elf woman. "You have quite a name around here. I applaud your choice of career and you, for sticking with it for so long. I'd hazard a guess that you will indeed have your revenge, should your reputation be all it is meant to be!" He smied, eyeing up the bow interestedly for a moment before turning back to the table.
"Forgive me for interrupting Ansruath. I just felt I needed to speak with the Lady Shalelu!"
Sitting down to the right of Flit Ansruath says "That was all I had to say Flit. We wait than to find out more." With his arms across his chest Ansruath sat waiting for the others to come to speak with Miss Shalelu.
Tardek is happy to let the others talk to the elven woman, he has no interest in presumably listening to Flitter talk shop with the fellow goblin-slayer.
Instead he goes to the bar and talks to Ameiko. 'Ms. Kaijitsu, I'm glad myself and my companion could help with your inn. I was wondering, why is it that you are renowned for having such a soft spot for adventurers?'
"It may surprise you, but not too long ago I, myself, was an adventurer. I traveled very far seeing many marvels of the world, and many horrors as well. After I...finished with all of the adventuring, I took my own wealth, not my family's as many believe, bought the oldest tavern in town, and renovated it. I like travelers and explorers coming through my inn. I like hearing their stories. It reminds of the better times when I made my own way across Glorion with friends of my own."
Brushing back an unruly strand of hair, Dherisan turns first to Ameiko. "Ah, nostalgia. You speak fondly of your past, Ameiko, but what made you give it up? You don't strike me as the type of person who would take up a life adventure just to get rich quick, and age has clearly not yet robbed you of your skills. Couldn't you have that life again? Ember!"
The fox had been curiously sniffing the heel of Shalelu's boot,and at Dherisan's call, it cringes before offering a defiant bark, as if to say "we're in town now, I'm going to enjoy myself." For his own part, Dherisan shakes his head with a weary sigh before addressing the elven woman.
"I apologize for the fox. We... he so often forgets his manners when he leaves the wilderness. So it seems that the Seven Tooth and the Birdcruncher tribes are working together, but you say these are two of the weakest tribes in the region? Do you think that denotes anything unusual?"
"My career had its ups and downs. After my final adventure I decided to get out of the game while I still had my skin. The same cannot be said for all my companions. [Ameiko expertly dodges expanding upon her answer by going to help the halfling woman, Bethana, with a hefty tray of food.]"
Shalelu raises an eyebrow as Dehrisan's furry friend, before leaning down and offering the fox a few bits of trail jerky from a belt pouch with a smile.
"Quite the spirit he has, eh? [To your question the elf nods.] Very unusual. This type of sudden violence I'd expect from the Mosswood Goblins to the south, the largest tribe, if they could ever get their act together, but they are usually held back due to fighting amongst their own ranks. Perhaps the Thistletop goblins of Nettlewood Coast, they always aim to be on top. But if a human was responsible for organizing an attack of this magnitude involving even the cowardliest of tribes, I'd place my gold on the Licktoad tribe of Brinestump Marsh being involved. They are the least fearful of outsiders and regularly associate with Boggards and other beasts. Stealing corpses seems like an odd goal however, and I'm inclined to curiosity as to what the goblins were promised to make them set aside their differences and work together."
Ember's ears draw back and his tail dips even as he chews the jerky, mirroring his master's frown. "And yet we found only two insignias on the fallen? This is bad... The goblin we questioned - he confessed to last night's raid being a distraction, but promised that Sandpoint would burn eventually, and it seems they didn't attack in full force..."
He cast his gaze to the floor as he melts languorously into a nearby chair. "We need to find out who is holding this alliance together. Shalelu, if we could remove this figure, or the prospect of whatever they've promised to the tribes, do you think it would be enough to dissolve their union?"
'Could it be that bugbear you spoke of? Although, the goblins wouldn't call him a longshanks. No, its safe to assume a human, or similar being has rallied them. How and why is the next big question. On top of the already big one, what did they want with what they took. The creation of a powerful undead seems likely, but hopefully that would take time.'
Tardek sits on a barstool mostly talking aloud to himself, clearly running through the problem in his mind.
"It seems that what we need is information - we don't exactly have a strong sense of direction at the moment... Maybe we should try to capture a few of the rogues? They have fragile wills, and they'd likely surrender more knowledge given a gentle nudge."
"I doubt Bruthazmus is involved, or if he is, he is likely a minor player in these dealings. Generally he's been happy making a name for himself through sheer viciousness in battle and collecting a handful of goblin woman to join his disgusting harem. If we are able to find and dispose of the leader then they will likely fall back into their petty squabbles. Though if a human was cunning enough to secure the aid and trust of all five goblin tribes they are likely smart enough to cover their tracks well. It could take some time. I'll be heading out soon to see what I can find out in the wilderness. If I do learn anything of substance I'd be happy to report it back to you as well. For the time being it might be best to remain in Sandpoint. With the town weakened who knows when they will try to strike again or what other dangers may prey upon the town. [She looks to Dehrisan.] I generally interrogate goblins the old fashioned way. They break easily, but if you are referring to magical means, then perhaps..."
She is cut off by the door to the tavern swinging open. Cyrdak Drokkus, one of the speakers from the morning before wanders in. He looks unhappy and perhaps a bit harried. Ameiko meets the man's eyes from across the room and they lock glares for an uncomfortable moment before pointedly looking up and away from one another. The tension between then is palpable. The plump theater directer walks up to your table and smooths back his hair. He tugs his goatee nervously as he speaks.
"Miss Andosana, a pleasure. But I have a request of your company real quick if you don't mind. Belor said that he was taking off with most of the guard for Magnimar and if I needed trained aid I should speak with these fine folk. This morning a wagon was supposed to arrive containing the vast majority of props and fireworks for the Harpy's Curse's opening tomorrow. It still hasn't arrived. Karlanis is never late. He follows the trail South of Sandpoint and follows the coast. I'm afraid he and his may have ran foul of a firepelt cougar or other hazard along the trail. Normally I'd way another few hours before I'd begin to fret, but with goblin troubles and Allishanda in town-"
"South of Sandpoint? [Shalelu cuts him off.]"
"Yes. Is that bad?"
"That trail passes both through the Brinestump and skirts the Devil's Platter."
"Yes...? [Cyrdak inquires curiously.]"
The elven warrior turns to your group with a knowing and serious look.
Ansruath stands up from his sit than says "Seems that the goblins are not done with causing trouble. It would be a good idea to check to see if we can find out what happened to Karlanis."
Ember perks up as Dherisan rises with a nod, the butt of his staff sounding a sharp rap as hit strikes the floor. "Of course, we shall look into it. I'm sure they've just broken a wheel, but we can offer aid regardless." He clasps a hand over Tardek's shoulder. "I think that after putting a building back together, it will be an easy feat!"
He offers a placating bow to Cyrak before turning to his companions, his voice dropping to a whisper. "If that's goblin territory, we'll need to move quickly. I usually merit caution, but goblins have no talent for mercy. Shalelu, you're familiar with the area? Do you think you might be able to guide us along this route?"
"Certainly. The Brinestump is only a few miles South of Sandpoint. If Karlanis had run into trouble that is where it is likely to have happened. Even wit the terrain we can probably make it within the hour if we hurry. Does anyone need to grab anything before we head out?"
Shalelu bolts upright and shoulders her pack, seemingly ready to mobilize immediately.
Alyoma listened as the Shalelu discusses the goblins with her companions.
When Cyrdak enters with his problem, she decides to wait until the group is on the road to mention his offer. After all, if all the props were gone, would there be a show?
"Let me fetch my club, and I'll be with you shortly," she comments in passing. "Or we could walk past my family's wagon, and be on our way."
"Should we take those horses Foxglove mentioned? We might get there that much sooner, and be better able to make chase if they have any more of those foul rodent-dogs they were riding..."
Ansruath says "That is a good idea Father. Mounts would help us greatly. "
"Not to mention the unholy fear the thing possess of horses. They might scatter just at the sight of them." Dherisan begins making his way towards the stable.
"It might be difficult for horses to move through the Brinestump if we need to move off the trail at all, but if you can secure mounts quickly it will certainly expedite our trip. I've my own horse grazing just outside of town. I'll get it saddled and ready. Meet me just across the bridge on the Southern edge of the village on the Lost Coast Road. I'll answer any other questions you have along the ride."
Shalelu stands and gathers her bow, quickly heading out of the rusty Dragon.
As you approach the Goblin Squash Stables you see a middle aged Varisian man with specks of gray in his hair tending to horses and ponies of various sizes. He looks up from where he is training a stubborn colt and smiles and nods at your arrival.
"Greetin's gentlemen, and lady. I'd like to help you folks this afternoon if ye' be lookin' for horses, ponies, or dogs, but a fine young noblemen as already paid me good gold and had me set my best stock aside. It'll be some time before I get more trained fo' ridin' or fightin'. [He glances around the group, wearing armor and carrying weapons, and particularly at the half-elves and dwarf.] Actually, it seems like you folks might be the ones I heard 'bout. Ye' wouldn't be friends o' Mister Foxglove, would ye'?"
Ansruath looks at the man than says "We know Mister Foxglove yes. We came to see about the mounts he said he had gotten for us. Could you show us the horses?"
"But o' course, sir. Right this way."
The Varisian man ties off the young horse he had been working with and leads your group inside the stables. There are several well bred and stately steeds lining one side, while wilder, yet-to-be-broken mounts line the other.
"All o' th' horses on me right are those Mister Foxglove wished to set aside for you. You'll not find a better collection in all o' Varisia. If there be one t'ing I know, it'd be horses. Pick ye'r favorites- most of th' fresher beasts don't even have names yet, but they're all good for ridin'. And Mister Foxglove had me set my finest mare aside for one Miss Alyoma. [He motions to a large, black horse speckled with white spots.] Her name is Midnight, she's the offspring of the strongest horse who ever carried me across the countryside. Trained for combat too; nothin' frightens her. And I had been told there'd be a shorter fellow amonst ye, so I gots both a dog and a pony for ye'r choosin'. [He thumbs to a small, yet sturdy pony in the back, dosing not far from it a heavy mastiff.]"
Looking down the line, there appear to be seven horses for the remaining four human sized party members to choose from. Two young stalions are solid red-brown, except for white tufts atop there hooves and a spot upon their eyes, one on his right, the other on his left, probably from the same mother. Another mare stands just beyond them her tan coat and brown mane wild; judging by her size, she probably came from the cinderlands, but seems well tempered enough. The next pen over houses a shorter, stouter gelding with a white coat spoted with grey. The next three are all chocolate brown, the first two mares, though streaks of darker hair run through the pelt of the colt in the final pen, giving it a bestial, almost primeval appearance. The pony is shaggy and off white, while the mastiff is a deep brown, spotted with black.
Looking at the horses than to the merchant Ansruath says "Neighbor could you bring the tan coated one and the dark brown one in the last pen out here for me to look at better? I want to see how they will react to me before I choose."