Dherisan nods. "I've convinced them to flee. Whatever desires of retribution you might harbor, keep in mind how quickly they felled Alyoma, and how many of them there are here. I'm far more concerned with getting them away from the townsfolk than I am with exacting vengeance."
Ansruath says in a whisper "There is not that many and it seems the one in charge felled Alyoma if the ones that attacked the father and me are any measure. If we stop him the others should run. The problem here is even if you get them to flee now is they will come back later knowing the layout of the town. While also knowing that they just left because you talked them into it. So we should really think about what we should do."
"I'm not so sure. They've already confessed this attack was meant to distract us from some other scheme, one being perpetrated by a human. They may be a destructive force, but deprived of a guiding element, they will pose little threat to Sandpoint. It is that which gives them direction that we must ferret out and put an end to."
Ansruath sighs than whispers "That may be all good but until we stop that guiding force we should let them run around killing everyone? We have to find a way to stop them from doing anything to Sandpoint until we find this boss. The easiest way is to just kill them or at the least knock them out so we can find information on this boss."
"I dread to imagine a world where everyone did things "the easiest way." I can assure you that there is merit to mercy. If you lift your blade now, you do so for vengeance, not to protect."
Ansruath looks angry than whispers "Not for goblins. The problem you keep failing to see is they are an enemy army. That the enemy will keep using until we doing something about them. So I will put it bluntly it is either we kill them now so we save lives or we do it as you wish and they kill more lives while we try to find this boss. So how will you deal with it?"
Dherisan shakes his head with a sigh. "A false dichotomy. You offer two choices when more exists. You have no guarantee of what destruction they might inflict should we allow their escape - and keep in mind that a certain degree of predation is a part of the natural order. They have a place in the ecology of the world just as you or I do. If they attack again, I will fight them, but at the moment, their hostilities have been curbed, and I will not destroy something merely because I find it loathsome."
Ansruath tries to remain calm than says "How is it false? They will come again unless we stop them they prey on the weak this town is weak because of their attack. What other choices exists? This is not about natural order they attacked by their own word by someone else order to kill everyone here. Also what is stopping this boss of theirs from using them again to attack other innocents? Do not give any but what if the boss wont use them again this boss will send these beasts out again they did once they will again. At this moment they may be fine but later is different."
Gorgoron responds to the others in hushed tones
"There is truth in both points of view, but I believe the broader view is the wiser here. If there is another threat, a human one, yet undiscovered, and these creatures are willing to leave without further bloodshed, we should let them go, for now.
"Ansruath, we are nearly spent. We are unarmoured, and ill equipped; we have expended nearly all our available magic and alchemy, and there may be another unknown battle to fight. We could probably defeat these last few, but in what state would that leave us?
"Dehrisan, I think to let these creatures go without consequence would be unwise. Predation and conflict may be natural, but to let it pass without reprisal invites repetition.
"Once the crisis has passed, the incursion should be investigated. It is even possible that they felt provoked, in which case a diplomatic solution might be best. However, if it was not, a threat to the people of this village should not be ignored, and further conflict may prove necessary. However, that can be figured out later, once the immediate crisis has passed.
Ansruath looks at the father than whispers "I doubt they were provoked. And while I still think it will end badly to let them go fine let them go. About our party other than the mounted leader the others would fall before my blade as the ones in the inn but if you say so father. I have just been trying to say that we should not let them go so they can harm others again. Also a diplomatic solution possible with goblins?"
"It's been done before. They might be inclined towards cruelty, but they still have minds - simple as they may be."
"There are a lot of 'ifs' here Ansruath; I don't propose just letting them go, but their are more issues to be concerned with than just this. they leave without further incident, we can get to the bottom of this and even track them down later if need be.
"It might cause greater trouble, but I doubt it. They caught the village by surprise; a delay favours only us. We can mobilize a defense, mount sentries, be prepared for further conflict. If they had greater numbers, they would most likely have brought them on this raid."
"As for provocation, Goblins are not mindless, and we have no idea what their motivation is, but they can be reasoned with. Later we can discover if some farmer tilled their sacred fire pit or whatever else might serve as provocation in their minds. If there was no provocation, as you are likely correct about, we can see to it that such raids are... discouraged in the future.
Dehrisan, if they do not leave immediately, or surrender, without causing further harm, we will have no choice but to conclude this encounter as it began. With violence.
"And to that I'll not object. I'll not shy away from violence when innocents are threatened, but I prefer to see problems resolved without bloodshed when possible."
He turns to the goblins, speaking once again in their crude tongue. "Best go quick!" he says as he shoos them with a flick of his wrist. "More humies on their way! Not so understanding, and with big swords and horses!"
Ansruath whispers "I would not assume on the numbers father there was at least two tribes in this raid. I do not know many tribes are in the area or how many tribes this boss has under their control. Sorry for sounding the doubter but these are things we should worry about. But this is all I have to say lets have our neighbor who can speak with the goblins talk to them to see what they will do but if they loot or harm anyone I will stop them."
"but if they loot or harm anyone I will stop them."
To Ansruath, "Agreed."
Tardek watches the arguement ensue through narrowed eyes. He finds himself agreeing most with Gorgoron's balanced path, but finds himself unable to speak through his swollen lips, and unwilling to make his presence obvious to the goblins in his new horrific appearance.
Glaring down at the Goblins below, Flit strokes his crossbow menacingly.
"Best they run now. If someone comes along and sees me letting these here Greenies go, my reputation will be ruined!" Swinging his gaze to the nobleman, Flit chews his lip angrily. "Oi fatman! You okay?"
As Dehrisan speaks the goblins all go wide eyed with terror, the grunts visibly quake. Only the one mounted on the strange half-rat, half-dog monster doesn't look to be nearly wetting himself with fear. The goblin warriors chitter and squak in their tongue until the leader silences them with a quick motion.
With a wave of his hand the goblins begin to scurry off, hardly in any organized formation as head toward the edge of town, a couple snatching bits of grilled fish or sweetrolls from tables on the way out, but none stopping to seriously loot or destroy anything.
The nobleman in the alleyway nervously inches forward on shakey footing, until the goblins are out of sight; then he releases a heavy, relieved sigh as he smiles bightly, nearly running towards the group as he brushes himself off.
"Quite fine, sir, thanks to you. [He Salutes to Flitter with two fingers as he advances, appearently not focused enough to hear the moniker.]Oh, sweet saviors! Thank you, friends. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! You drove the buggers off. Magnificent! [He goes to shake each of your hands in turn, bowing respectfully (and most gratefully) each time, pausing to kiss the back of Alyoma's hand if offered with admiring stare.] You were all so calm, so poised, so practiced. Where are my manners? I'm Aldern Foxglove, of the Magnimarian Foxgolves. I'd like to reward you properly, but my coin is all at my private room at my inn - I'll be in town for a few more days yet. Find me at the White Deer sometime over the next few evenings. You'll be glad you did; I'll simply keep you swimming in drink and fuller than you could ever imagine, along with granting you a healthy stack of gold. [He pauses to take a deep breath after speaking so rapidly and slows his pace to something much more collected.] I hope you are all all right. [He brushes his finely groomed hair from his face as he locks eyes with the sorceress and smiles warmly.] Especially you, Lady-?"
"Please call me Alyoma," she replies with a smile and a polite curtsy. "I am glad to see that you are safe, Lord Foxglove."
"But most surely I would not be if it weren't for someone as generous and brave as yourself. [Now that the shock of danger has worn off, young noble Aldern seems intently focused on Alyoma.] This could not be the first time you and your have fought such fecund little freaks, judging by your swift action. Alyoma I will tell of your virtues and heroism to all in town who will let me speak of it, and spread word to my home in Magnimar as well after I return."
Tardek seeing the Goblins in hand, and the noble waxing lyrical rolls his eyes, and looks up at Flitter with his stiff, enlarged neck. The halfling is probably suitably disgusted, never did like pretty boys or pageantry.
Seeing the ranger above him, he offers up a single swollen green hand to swing the halfling down, keeping the far end of the alley in his peripheral in case the goblins return.
"Dherisan Shiarzik," the witch offers in curt introduction. He does not spare Aldern a second glance, though, and steps back to allow Alyoma to deal with the young nobleman's attentions. Looking around, he spots Tardek and Flit and waves them over to where the rest of the party is gathered, and begins speaking in a hushed tone, not wanting to alert Aldern to his concerns.
"We shouldn't tarry too long. This group has retreated, but there might be others about, and even if the raid is over, I'm afraid we have more serious matters on our hands. The leader said that this attack was meant as a distraction, something to draw our eyes away from their true scheme. No goblin I've ever dealt with possesses that kind of forethought - I'm afraid they're being directed by a far more cunning individual. They mentioned a 'longshanks' was key to their planning, so I imagine the best candidate is some opportunistic human."
Gorgoron only acknowledges the nobleman briefly, "We are glad to see you are alright, sir."
"Dehrisan, did the Goblins give any indication of where this other threat might lie? We need to find it quickly, and in time to stop it, or we'll have let those creatures get away for nothing."
"Yes. Whatever villainy they were perpetrating, it was to happen at the 'boneyard,' which I can only assume means a cemetery. They had orders to retreat before sundown, so if we want to get over there before they've finished with their business, we'll have to hurry."
Dherisan looks in turn to each of his companions.
"Where is the cemetery, exactly?"
Ansruath eyes open wide than he says loudly "Their leader would disturb the dead? " Shaking his head Ansruath cannot hide his disgust.
"I have seen where the cemetery lies; I toured the new cathedral when I first arrived in town. I suggest we find our way there immediately."
Looking at the pompous ass of a Lord, Flitter sighs. "Yes yes Fatman you are welcome. Now pump those meaty thighs and go find the Sherrif. Tell him we are on our way to the Cemetary. Run now." Turning to the group, Flit shrugs his crossbow higher on his shoulder. "Aint gonna stop now lads and lady. We have business to attend to. Ansruath at point if you will. Father you and me next. Alyoma to the centre till we can heal you. Yes? Let us get going!"
Ansruath looks over at Flits than says "Very well lets see what evil was done at the cemetery." He moves to get ready to go towards the cemetery.
The noble's intent stare on Alyoma is broken at Flitter's words. He seem's a bit confused at the moniker of 'Fatman', not being portly at all, but rather on the lean side, especially for a noble. He backs up a step and glances back at the sorceress, if overly disgruntiled at the title he hides it well and seems to still be most grateful for your group saving his life.
"Until we meet again, my lovely savior. Thank you again, all of you. I'll find Sheriff Hemlock for you. Remember, the White Deer. You'll be rewarded fairly, I promise you that. [With a final bow he is on his way, turning only to wink at Alyoma.]"
As you exit the alley and twist and turn through the cobblestone streets toward the grand cathedral you noticed the sounds of combat and pained screams all but gone. From the diminishing clouds of smoke it looks as though the majority of the serious blazes are quickly being quenched and judging by the swell of people out on the street, alive if not at ease, the raid has been mostly repelled.
A handfull of bodies litter the streets, thankfully mostly goblin corpses, though a human lies dead for each of maybe a dozen slain runts. The wounded are more numerous, though little of it serious and the new, young priest is rushing about with a polished silver wand, tending to the most serious cuts and bruises. Ahead there is a trio of guardsmen keeping a gaggle of onlookers out of the cemetary while the Sheriff and the Mayor are a short way down the hill, walking amongst the gravestones and quietly conversing amongst themselves.
A woman in the crowd holding a babe does a double take and points at you.
"Those are the ones! The heroes who saved me husband and son!"
A round of cheers go up along with a flood of civilians going to shake your hands and ask all sorts of questions of your deeds. Belor Hemlock and Kendra Deverin are distracted by the noise and turn to see your party, steadily approaching.
Tardek seems to grow smaller and less fierce over the walk, returning to his original shape and size, his fangs now barely noticeable protuding from behind his lips. He still carries the crude club, and his shirt is in tatters, sprayed with blood from when he was shot by a goblin archer, he looks as though he was been through the wars despite his relative health.
Seeing the crowd he keeps his head down, uncomfortable with the attention, and works his way through, heading for the Mayor and Sheriff with his new companions.
'It was no trouble, please if you'd just let us get to the Mayor,' he mutters as he tries to make his way, his voice quickly buried in the noise of the cheers.
Alyoma again curtsies to the noble, and then hurries off with the rest.
"The Boneyard? I can think of no one buried there that would cause such a raid to occur?" she says, thinking about it.
"And Master Flit, please mind your tounge," she berates the halfling. "Politeness costs nothing, and stirring an empty-headed noble can cause trouble for others. My family travels, and problems with nobles do not aid in smooth travels. Even if you are correct about him, saying so does not help matters."
She sighs. "Thanks to your ill-tempered words, I will no doubt have to endure his company more than I would wish, for the sake of my family."
At Tardek's urging the crowd parts and makes way for the group at one end while the other does likewise for the mayor and the sheriff. The stern faced Shoanti man speaks first, jumping in without preamble, while the harried mayor tries to straighten herself out.
"We've heard about your exploits. This woman says you've saved her family. A nobleman visiting for an annual hunt was by not moments ago telling of your grand victory in sending the goblins running off scared after but a few moments in combat; I'm assuming you are the Varisian beauty whom he felt saved him from certian doom at the end of a goblin blade. [He nods, motioning toward Alyoma.] Even Mayor Deverin said you all jumped right in while I was gone during the Father's speech and surely rescued her and many others. After capturing a few goblins we were about to interrogate them when we learned there shadowy figures up here, in the cemetary. When we finally made it here we found something rather troubling. Since you've been dealing with today's trouble as much as my watch and I perhaps you might have some insight to share on the matter."
He turns and stalks off from whence he came, only turning to motion for you to follow. The Mayor smiles with relief, though her eyes are filled with worry and confusion.
"You all have done us a great service today. Care to do more? [Her good natured attitude showing through even in dire times.]"
Still looking put out and overwhelmed by the noise and size of the crowd, Tardek nods at the Mayor and hurries after the Sheriff.
'What is the troubling discovery Sheriff Hemlock? Myself and my halfling companion are trouble shooters as such for local law enforcement, and I'd be happy to see if I can lend any knowledge to the situation.'
"Nobles take and take Alyoma and give nothing. Though he may be slender of waist he is fat in purse and self entitlement. If I have made things awkward for youI apologize, truly. I will endeavour to fix that. But for now... One problem at a time."
Turning to the Sherrif, Flit grinned. "Sheriff Hemlock I am Flitter Whistle, Monster Hunter and Freelancer. A pleasure. lead on to the Graveyard and speak as you go please. If we can help we will!"
Dherisan goes wide-eyed at the sight of the approaching crowd and quickly steps behind Tardek, using him as a shield against the oncoming throngs. A few deep breaths and he regains his composure, but he's visibly flustered by the sudden attention. When the party is approached by Mayor Deverin and Sheriff Hemlock, he leaves his 'cover' and bows his head in an ominous nod. Leaning in towards the mayor, he speaks to here in a hushed tone, confident that the roars of the the masses will conceal his speech beyond a few feet. "I am Dherisan, I'm with you as my companions say, but there are pressing matters at hand. We were able to ply some information from one of the goblin captains, and it seems that this attack was merely intended as a distraction for some other deed."
"Under different circumstances I'm sure it would've been a great pleasure to meet you fine folks. [Kendra Deverin forces a smile as the sheriff only grunts in accordance.]"
The Sheriff and the Mayor grimly lead you through the cemetary to where a pit, perhaps six by six by six feet rests in the middle. Next to it is a mound of freshly dug earth, a spade still protruding from the pile. At the bottom of the hole is a fine wooden coffin, pried open (none too gently if the splintered wood is any indication) and bare save for the soft linens lining it. The empty grave is just before a duo of tombstones, though there is only a single casket. They are larger than the rest and carved to resembled oversized butterflies with intricate markings about the wings. The epitaphs read: 'HERE LIES FATHER EZAKIEN TOBYN, GOODLY PRIEST OF DREAMS AND FAVORED OF THE SPHEREWALKER' and 'IN MEMORY OF NUALIA, MYSTERIOUS DAUGHTER OF THE HEAVENS'
"Graverobbing. [The stern faced Belor Hemlock speaks with open distaste.] A crime most foul, and likely the reason for the distraction that sir Dehrisan spoke of. It is troubling that but only this grave has been disturbed, and more disquieting that the body was taken along with the baubles. I am to understand that one of you is a priest of a friendly faith and other spellcallers are among your number. And many some of you sound as though you have come into contact with goblins before. Have you heard of any profane rituals that require the body priest?"
Kendra pipes in briefly.
"I shutter to think what those disgusting cretins plan on doing with the father's bones."
Flit pulls a rope from his backpack, before dropping it on the ground, adding his crossbow and battleaxe, before his hat and cloak go in to the pile. Walking over to Tar, Flit hands him the end of the rope with a grin.
"Hold this you worthless Consultant and make sure to hold it tight. I think all that rich food I had last night has swollen me!" Turning back to the hole, Flit frowns, before moving to the edge and beginning to climb down.
Upon reaching the bottom, Flit begins to peer around, taking note of everything he finds and commenting on it.
Kneeling next to the grave, Dherisan slowly traces the spiral of Pharasma over his chest. "Aid the living, honor the dead," he whispers. "This incursion merits swift action. Flit, may I see that handkerchief?"
Dherisan examines the handkerchief (assuming Flit complies), comparing the creatures coiling around it to those he saw on Ameiko's plates earlier in the day.
Knowledge (Arcana):
Clmbing back out of the hole slowly, Flit stretches and brushes the dirt from his clothes, before handing the slip of silk to Dherisan. Moving to the Sheriff he places the other valuables in his hands with a small frown. "These were left behind. Best you keep them until we can see this man properly buried once more!"
Dherisan furrows his brow as he examines the cloth. "These designs... I think I've seen them before." He looks up to Deverin and Hemlock. "What became of Ameiko Kaijutsu during the attack? She wasn't among the hostages at the Rusty Dragon."
Belor and Kendra exchange quizical glances.
"You don't really think she was involved in this nafarious plot do- [The mayor begins, awestruck, before being cut off by the sheriff, who snaps his fingers and motions to a guard, who promptly hurries over.]"
"Find Mistress Ameiko and ask her to meet me at my office with haste - you know what needs to be done should she decline- and round up anyone who claims to have seen her after she tended to the midmorning meal crowd at her cart and bring them too me first. I want this matter resolved quickly. [He commands. The guard salutes and nods before marching off.]"
"Come now, Belor, I've known the girl for years. She couldn't possibly..."
"You know how much I respect you, Mayor; and I know the Kaijitsu family is respectable. That is precisely why I wish to eliminate any involvement on Ameiko's part as early as possible."
As they converse another guard approaches, this one struggling awkwardly with a 15 foot ladder. He huffs up to the local leadership and salutes, briefly bowing at your group before focusing back on the Mayor and Sheriff.
"Sir and Ma'am, this was found along the South Eastern wall of the cemetary. A similiar one was placed opposite it. It would explain why nobody saw anyone hop the gate by town square."
"Don't make much sense to me, burning her own Inn but ten again... I aint a Criminal Mastermind." Scratching his head softly, Flit sticks another cigar between his teeth and lights it up, before exhaling a ring of smoke and turning to the Sheriff. "I'd like to be present when you question Mistress Ameiko, if you please Sheriff!"
Looking at the ladder, Flit frowns softly. 'Not an easy thing lugging a corpe up a ladder. I'll go take a snoop later. See if I can make out any tracks!'
"There are many possibilities, many explanations..." Dherisan sighs as he rubs his temples in frustration. "Too many to lean towards any one of them with the limited information we have at the moment. Connected to the attack or not, though, it's a good bet that Ameiko will know something about this handkerchief, and that's all we have to go on right now. We need to find her."