Gorgoron looks over the assortment of odds and ends that were left behind in the casket. He makes a familiar gesture and mutters a brief prayer.
"This deed is curious indeed. With a body, you could resurect the deceased, but only he was willing to return to the mortal realm. After such a long time I can't see him being willing. Other than that? His body could be used to create an undead. That would be an abominable fate the body of a holy man, but in truth, the resultant undead would be no greater than that made from any common man. I suppose though, that if he knew something, some bit of information someone needed greatly enough to warrant all this trouble, having his body might enable them to speak with him and compell him to share it. It is unfortunate that we were to late to prevent this."
"I would not suspect Mistress Ameiko to be involved with this," Alyoma speaks up. "She has always shown my family kindness. And does she not have family here herself? There is her father, Lonjiku Kaijitsu, who runs the glassworks, and would have access to such a hankechief also."
"I'm no undertaker, so I don't know how much of his body would actually remain after five years. He may just be bare bones by now. I'm not much sure what can be done with that. It just gives me shivers that someone would upset this grave after all of this time. And I can't think of any information that he would be privilaged to that the sheriff and I are not. He was a good priest. [The mayor anounces rather unhelpfully. She turns to Alyoma.] Yes, the Kaijitsu are affluent people around here, they come into contact with many people. I'm sure this bit of cloth must've just been gifted, stolen, or passed on in some way. I just can't imagine any of them involved in anything this heinous."
'There are other baubles in the coffin. I assume Father Tobyn was buried with tokens from the community? Is it not logical to infer that the hankerchief was on of them, and could be the gift of any Kaijutsu, or indeed anyone who possessed a hankerchief with Tian stylings. Which could be anyone?' Tardek asks.
'On the subject of bodies, though it would be quite decomposed, there are ways to remove or return the flesh of a set of bones, and I think Fr. Gorgoron is perhaps hasty in assuming that the body of a holy man who died in a fire couldn't become some more heinous undead. However, we are overlooking another possibiilty? Could the attack have been personal? Did Father Tobyn have any enemies who would want desecrate his body so badly?'
"None of the tokens give off the aura of magic; nor does the casket show any signs of enchantment. I do not even see a hint of a glow to suggest that anything magical ever lay within."
Gorgoron spends a few minutes looking over the articles pulled from the cloth of the casket.
"Shadows! None of this refuse means a thing to me. Some of these may have been mementos of the the cleric himself, but where are his holy symbols? I cannot see any holy man being buried without a sign of his god, let alone a man of good standing as this was said to be."
Gorgoron gets a pensive look on his face and steps away for a few moments as if losing himself deep in thought. After a few minutes he turns back to the mayor.
"Your honour, were you present when he was originally laid to rest? If so, can you recall what was placed into his casket with him? Anything of significance, if even only to his grace himself?
"Of course, the man died in a fire. Not all who die in fire are burned, since many more die from the choking smoke than any flame, but from what I have heard he had likely been burned; is this correct? If that was the case, there was probably no public viewing of the body. Who laid him to rest, your honour? With no other Priest about, who assumed that duty? Could you summon them hence? With luck, they remember something about the entombment that is no longer obvious now, such as anything beyond the remains themselves that might be absent."
Ansruath listening quietly while the others in the group investigate the grave. Not knowing much about the burial rites of the area he just watches for now.
The mayor looks from Tardek to Gorgoron nervously.
"Father Tobyn died from the inhalation as I recall, but he had some serious burns as well, though he crossed over whole. We couldn't get him to safety after he had passed out, someone had barred the door. We all assumed it was just another attack of Stoot's during the Late Unpleasantness. After all, he had few enemies and none worthy of holding a grudge for five years and able to rally goblin tribes. The only noteworthy adversary he faced was his daughter's suitor and that curr wouldn't have the willingness nor the ability to organize something of this magnitude. I'd not be surprised if his body is rotting in a gutter in Magnimar as we speak. We did have an open burial; it was presided over by Madame Mvashti in absence of a true priest. Everyone in town loved him and each presented him with something to be left with for the ages. He had numerous holy symbols as well, but they seem to be taken with the body. The only specific item of value, monetary or sentimental, that I can think of that was placed in his casket was the gold butterfly locket of his adopted daughter, Nualia. Her body was never recovered. All they found was her necklace, the poor dear. She must've burned up in the blaze."
Alyoma will bow her head, and make Desna's holy sign.
"I recall my father talking of such sadness and happening at that time," Alyoma comments. "My family stayed away from Sandpoint because of what was happening here, but we still heard the news from other traveling families, and our kinfolk that live here."
"I can recall noone that would have wanted Father Tobin dead, and I can still recall Nualia. Her beauty was unmached, surely she was touched by Desna, and everyone here truely loved her."
"It was a great tragedy that they both perished in that fire."
"Yes, a beautiful lass. [The sheriff drops his head in a brief prayer.]"
"She was angel touched that one. But as much as she was loved she was misunderstood. The lovely girl never really fit in. You know the stories - how their hair brewed into tea can predict a young girl's true love, and their tears curing sickness, and all of that. She was lucky to have been adopted by the priest. He was lonely for all his work too. They needed one another. [She reminesces sadly.]"
Clearing his throat softly, Flitter steps forward, staring up at the Mayor and Sheriff. "I do not wish to be insensetive here, and if I come off as such, I apologize but... For every moment we stand here talking the trail grows colder." He pulls the hat from his hed and squashes it gently in his hands.
"We need to round up everyone left standing and those who were on the outskirts of the city. See what they know. Also, I suggest we comb through the Goblin fallen and see what they have in the way of clues, perhaps gather up those still living and lock em up tight. With a touch of... excuse me for saying so... persuasion, I am sure we can make them talk!" Nodding softly he looks up at the Sheriff, meeting his eyes steadily.
Ansruath steps forward than says "Flit is right. We need as much information as we can on how they might attack again if they would and more details on why they attacked this time. We also have to make sure we do not leave any goblins to cause any trouble in town."
"You're right. The more time we waste the harder it will be to solve this mystery and there are few enough clues already. Unfortunately I've lost a fair share of my, already small, watch to goblin hordes and there are many matters I need to deal with this evening, including tending to the wounded and seperating out goblin prisoners from the dead. And while I'm disgusted that one would disturb the final resting place of one of our own, it is a low priority compared to everything else and I simply cannot justify focusing on it. Mayor, with your permission I'd like permission to offer a paid deputization to these fine men, and woman, to help out until I can plan trip to Magnimar to lobby for a stronger force in case of a repeat attack. [The mayor nods in agreement and the Sheriff turns back to the party.] I can offer you each a sum of 30 gold to help keep an eye on the town over the next couple of weeks and investigate this foul deed. Interested?"
Ansruath thinks for a moment than says "Thank you for the offer Sheriff. I will be glade to offer my blade to help the town."
"To be honest I'd do it for room and board and you can keep your money. The town is going to need it to rebuild. May I suggest starting a Militia perhaps? Arming those willing to take patrols with whatever we can find and spending the next few days training them in. I would be willing to instruct some of the younger men in Ranged weaponry. We could set up points on the roofs of the city. I am sure the Father here could help with the wounded and Ansruath could train some in the use of a sword. Dherisan Tardek and Alyoma would also be instrumental in this rough time, they are quite skilled in their areas, or so I have witnessed! I can only speak for myself of course..."
Dherisan raises a hand in a gesture of deferral. "Gold won't be necessary, Sheriff. I make it my business to involve myself in matters such as this. I wouldn't say not to some arrangements for food and lodging, but either way, I'm with you until this is resolved."
He stands, brushes the dirt off the hem of his robes. "So, we need to find Ameiko, hunt for any goblin stragglers, and see if anyone knows anything we aren't considering. We may wish to investigate the whereabouts of Nualia's former lover, while we're at it. As to Flit's suggestion," he adds, "I have some skill healing. If we can make a sweep through the town and gather any wounded, I should be able to offer them some respite. Which reminds me, there are some herbs in the area I need to gather..."
"Quite. From what I've seen, with the exception of a few extreme cases, thankfully the structual damage to the town was minimal, and while we've many wounded there are few dead citizens. I don't know whether that means Desna has smiled upon us today, or whether she has laughed. But matters could've been far worse. One of the locals had set up an archery range for this morning's festivities. I had already told him to keep an eye out for any good shots among the towns youth. I'll make sure you are given a list of their names within a couple of days. [He pauses and concentrates for a moment, raising his face to the sky with closed eyes.] From the sound of it folks are already starting to get back into the festival spirit. [He glances up and over to where the crowd had gathered outside the cemetary.]"
"Never underestimate the resilancy of Sandpoint. [The mayor offered with a shrug.] It took no time at all for Father Zantus to get everyone back on their feet, eh? And you've already more than earned the gold. I insist you keep it. We'll have it ready for you in the morning. Please exert all of the athority you need to in town over the coming days to make sure something like this never befalls us again. I know that Miss Kaijitsu normally puts up adventurers for free, but if you need a place to stay until we get a chance to find her and get matters sorted out then head to the White Deer or Risa's Place and tell them to put the rooms on my tab and I'll get it all fixed up come tax time."
Spirits seem relatively high just up the hill. A pile of goblinoid bodies has already been made at the far end of the square and cheerful families and friends are joyously regrouping.
Flit nods softly and bows to the Mayor. "If I may speak for my Companions here, we thank you Mayor. We will endeavour to protect you and your citizens as well as we can. While we are here no ill shall befall any of you!"
"I'm just glad we were able to help. In any case, this might be a good time to talk to the citizenry. The bulk of the folk will surely be speaking of the attack - we ought to see what the gossip is about, and make sure we address any wild speculations."
Dherisan takes another look at the disturbed grave and gives a somber shake of his head. "I don't think there is anything else for us to find here." He tosses a handful of dirt back into the grave as he whispers a short prayer to Pharasma, then collects his staff and begins heading towards the wilderness. "I'll be in town shortly, but I must see to those herbs first."
Propping his Crossbow on his shoulder, Flit saluted the Mayor before hurrying after Dherisan. "I will accompany you if I may Friend Dherisan. I would not want you to get ambushed and I feel like some open space!" Smiling up at the Half-Elf, Flit strolled along beside him, casually reaching down to stroke the Foxs back as he did.
Ansruath turns to group than says "Neighbors what do you think we should do? Flit and Dherisan are off for herbs. Maybe we should help with defense or help with the live goblins?"
"It sounds as though there may be a number of wounded. I think I'd best help them."
"I'll be close at hand. I don't think they shall catch us unprepared if they do return. I'll round to the inn and collect my arms before heading out again. If need arises, I will be there as fast as the Everlight wills me to move."
'I'm with Gorgoron, my doctor's training is at no use without application. YOu should accompany use Ansruath, its useful to have an orderly with a strong arm when trying to preform stitchings and minor surgeries. What about you Ms. Alyoma?'
"I should check to see how my family has fared in this attack," Alyoma replies to Tardek. "And perhaps ask my father if he can recall any more about the Late Unpleasentness that occured here."
She then sighs. "And then there is that noble, that Foxglove, to deal with. Perhaps we should all gather at the White Deer Inn, and partake of his generosity while we discuss what to do next."
'A great plan! We shall all meet there later on, though I'd have a preference for the Rusty Dragon, the wall of that establishment being gone, it might be quieter, and this Ameiko is apparently very sympathetic to those of the adventuring persuasion.'
Ansruath looks at Tardek than says "I will help neighbor."
With Dehrisan's knowledge of herbs and plantlife and Flitter's sharp senses and survival training, you manage to collect a decent supply of what you were after, likely more than enough for several victims in case the young boy was not the only one suffering from inhalation.
In the wake of the attack things seem to be going rather well. After folks have calmed down many are remembering the antics of the insane goblins' less successful attempts to cause harm; ranging from burning one another with torches, to be torn to pieces by small family pets, to falling off of buildings. It seems even the handful of citizens who were assumed dead have been turning up all right, bringing the death toll down from low to minimal, with people either coming in from out of hiding or waking up after their grave wounds have been magically knit. Even children now are running about with wooden swords, holding mock combat against imaginary goblin warriors and saving damsels in distress.
After working for some time the sun has started sinking rather low in the sky and the young priest approaches you with a good natured smile.
"Thank you, friends. It is kind of you to lend your services on this day. I was afraid my spells and this wand alone wouldn't hold out against the tide of wounded, and tending the old fashioned way by myself wasn't practical with the numbers I was seeing. Now at least people will be able to finish up with their festivities. I've advised bedrest, but you know folks around a carnival - even in the wake of a goblin assault. [He rolls his eyes a bit incredulously, but follows it by drawing Desna's sacred butterfly over his heart with one finger.]"
'A pleasure to ply my trade that is all. You are most welcome Fr. Zantus,' Tardek says, washing his hands in a barrell, the sleeves of the new shirt he had grabbed from the Inn rolled up to his elbows, he now had weapons lying nearby in case of further danger.
'We should probably go and meet the others at the White Deer then. Time is getting on,' he says to Gorgoron and Ansruath in his cool tones. I wonder what trouble the halfling got into?
Ansruath looks at Tardek "That seems like a good idea neighbor my armor and blade could use some cleaning from all this fighting. I should bath as well."
Gorgoron helps Father Zantus finish cleaning up, and then moves to a water basin to clean the blood from his hands.
"You have to render no thanks, Father. As a servant of the Healing Flame, it is merely my duty to aid when I can. She teaches that compassion is one of the chiefest of all virtues, and that we should strive to act on it, whenever we can. Our lore also teaches that Sarenrae and Desna have long been allies when it comes to opposing creatures of darkness, and so it is a pleasure for me to do likewise and stand side by side with a with a servant of the Great Dreamer on a dark day such as this."
Gorgoron hears Tardek grumbling and smiles.
"Your small friend certainly does appear to have a flare for trouble, and no small measure of sand when it comes to danger. I have a feeling that knowing him will make life much more eventful, while I am here. I take it he has had that affect on your life? You must be a man of great patience; I admire that."
Once the treatments and cleaning up is done, Gorgoron will suggest that we make our way to the inn, as was suggested.
Father Zantus bids your small group farewell after offering his unending thanks several more times for the aid in tending to the wounded.
"That was a terrible passage in Sandpoint's rather short history; a whole mess, a bubbling pot of evil that was just below the surface of society, waiting to boil over. It was like Varisia itself spewed forth negativity and bad luck from deep below. One night an echoing scream issued forth from across the harbor. Ol' Lonjiku's wife fell from a balcony high on Kaijitsu Manor and smashed on the rocks below, the tide pulling away her mangled corpse before it could be recovered. We all would've thought it was just bad luck, except those that conjecture foul play, but something greater must've been at work regardless. For that was the night simple Stoot finally went mad. His addled brain had always been a thing of beauty, allowing him to paint magnificent murals of birds upon shop walls, but it became a horrible contraption of chaos when he unleashed whatever pent up rage he had held. For the next couple of weeks he mercilessly butchered anyone who he perceived as doing him wrong over the years, apparently starting with Priest Tobyn, or possibly his daughter. He locked them both in the temple and burned the place to the ground. Poor Nualia was pregnant at the time too, her unborn child's father leaving her for the city. Bad business to be harming a girl when she be with child. Now why would you want to be asking about that though? Not the sort of thoughts to be occupying a mind on festival day."
Tardek looks around at the others, then shrugs his shoulders and moves to join the nobleman at his table, his eyes however are scanning the room, making mental notes and paying close attention to the details, wobbly table legs, scars in the rings and whorls of the wood.
Better to know one's surroundings, he thinks as he goes to sit down.
'Good evening Mr. Aldern. It is kind of you to offer to share your table.'
Flit takes Tars lead and goes to sit at the table, indicating for a serving wench to bring him some Ale, before he smiles and bows graciously to the Nobleman, electing not to speak.
Alyoma, fortified with the knowledge that her family is safe, and bursting with new information, makes her way to the White Deer Inn.
Seeing the nobleman and some of the party already seated, she joins them.
"Good meeting to you, Lord Foxglove", she says with a quick curtsy. "And greetings to you, Dehrisan, Master Flit and doctor Tardek."
If the good lordling does not move to do so, Gorgoron will leap to his feet to help the young lady take her seat. Once he has her comfortably seated, he'll make his way to his own spot.
Gorgoron finds himself a seat at the table, taking a moment to drop his cloak around the high chair-back and hooking his sword-belt around one corner of the same. His highly polished sword rests even with his back as he sits down, now both out of the way, and easily at hand.
"Good evening my new friends. It is a pleasant thing that we can catch respite together after such a day as this. Regardless of what has happened, I must say it has been a pleasure to meet you all, and so I am glad that at least some small good may have come out of this."
Gorgoron raises a hand to catch the serving girl's attention"Ah, young lady, would you be so kind as to bring me something to drink; beer I think, anything from Janderoff will do nicely if you've got it, otherwise whatever the barkeep thinks is best. And I could do with food, and plenty of it. I'll take what you've got, but if there is a choice I'd like red meat, a rich stew, or something else good for filling hollow bones. Add some hearty vegetables, easy on the green, and fresh bread with churned butter. I swear I am famished!"
"Oh it is no trouble at all. How could I not offer my table to those who saved my life only this afternoon? [He responds to Tardek, nodding to each of you in turn as you enter and approach, focusing most of his attention on Alyoma once she stops in.] It is good as of this moment, thank you very much. [He smiles wide. Standing to properly bow to the sorceress] Can I order you a drink perhaps? Or maybe you are hungry? And please, you may just call me Aldern. There is no need for you to observe such formality."
He pauses to draw forth a coin purse and lay out a few neat stacks of gold of Magnimarian origin on the table. He slides a pile toward each of you. There is ten gold in each in stack, with the exception of Alyoma's which contains twelve coins.
"I know that it may not look like much of a proper reward for saving me from those disgusting creatures, but that's just a bit of spending money. I've also taken the liberty of purchasing you each a suitable mount from the Goblin Squash stables; you may browse Hosk's beasts at your leisure over the next couple of days and choose your favorites. Finally I'd like to invite you on my next trip into the Tickwood to hunt razorback boar - I'll be heading out in three days, the morning after The Harpy's Curse premieres at the Sandpoint Theatre, if you are interested that is."
While the noble speaks the Shoanti serving girl returns to Gorgoron's side with a hearty platter piled high with marinated meat and spiced vegetables. A few loaves of a heavy, dark flat-bread, and fresh butter.
"I hope that pork is all right. And Janderhoff ale. [She sets down a hefty flagon and beside a smaller cup.] And Shoanti rotgut, free of charge, traditional upon greeting warriors."
Tardek eyes the rotgut the cleric received warily, and looks around at his companions.
'It is indeed nice to have a break. All of that fighting and medning is tiring thirsty work. Excuse me miss, could you fetch me some wine, a local vintage will happily suffice,' he asks in a pleasant tone, though he does not look up as he sets to counting his coin then placing them methodically into his belt pouch.
Ansruath turns to the serving woman than asks "If you have chicken or fish could I have either with onion and cheese soup if any is made along with some water? Turning to the Doctor he says "Yes it is neighbor."
"I would be happy to join you on your hunt," Dherisan chimes in as he enters the conversation, taking a seat next to Tardek. "I'm fairly familiar with the local fauna."
And perhaps I'll be able to prevent you from slaying them for the sake of mere sport... he thinks to himself.
Dherisan puts on a gregarious facade, though his smile quickly fades when the mug of stinking ale is placed before him. He gives it a cautionary prod as Ember looks longingly at the stuff. "Ember," the half-elf sighs, "Your curiosity will be the death of you. This is not a distillation made for the consumption of animals, and it's safety to humans seems suspect as well, but..." Pinching his nose, he throws back the mug, taking a hearty gulp. His eyes pinch tightly as he shakes his head and sets the mug back on the table. "Desna, that's some foul stuff! Certainly strong though."
He leans in towards Tardek and whispers in his ear. "Amekio was spotted returning to town this evening. I'll be stopping by to see her about it tomorrow, and I was hoping you might join me - you seem reluctant to jump to conclusions, and I would appreciate having such a mind handy for a second opinion"
Everyone is served well throughout the evening. As people file in to top off the night with some drink more than a few recognize your party as the group who had rescued so many earlier that day. It quickly becomes difficult to keep track of whose offering to buy you drink in which order, and there are countless requests for retellings of the day's events from your perspectives as well as other tales of your potential past 'heroing'. Any in your group who is wearing armor or carrying visible weaponry is served a cup of Shoanti Rotgut with their meals, and room and board is charged to the Mayor's tab. All the while Lord Aldern Foxglove loudly praises your group, but spends most of his time fauning over Alyoma.
Your accomadations are clean and spacious, with two beds to a room, however the sorceress is given a private suite, encompassing fully half of the top floor of the establishment, and decorated with fine silks. The stern faced barkeep claimed it was for the sake of an unwed lady's modesty not to share a room with men.
The following morning, any who were actively over-indulging in celebritory drink are feeling the painful after effects of the Janderhoff ale, Shoanti rotgut, and sweet Varisian wine. In the wake of the excitement of the festival and fatigue of combat and the hot baths provided behind the White Deer many find it difficult to rise with the sun. Still, early in the morning, the scent of eggs, fresh bread, and sweet late summer fruit drifts up the stairs to rouse the weary.
Down in the taproom bleary eyed citizens enjoy their meal in relative silence, nursing their hangovers. Aldern sits comfortably at the same table you all occupied the previous night, appearently unfazed by drink if his cheerful demeanor is any indication (though he had little liquor comparatively). Across from him sits an attractive young lady, who ceases her conversation and turns to smile seductively as she sees Ansruath.
"When I had heard the tales of strong warriors protecting the town during the raid I just knew it was you. [She stands and moves to embrace the half elf.] After seeing what you did to that carnival game there wasn't a doubt in my mind that you could topple any goblin. I just wanted to come by and thank you personally. If it hadn't been for you who knows what might have happened me and father and the shop..."
Ansruath steps back than says "Hello Shayless, It was not just myself who stopped the goblins there is no need to thank me. Well I best be off. Have to see what they are doing about defenses after the attack."
A wide yawn introduces Dherisan to the morning taproom, with his fox mimicking his groggy stretch. He looks dismissively to the plates being set before the patrons as he remembers the cooking he might expect at the Rusty Dragon, assuming the kitchen still works. He offers a casual wave to Aldern as he passes. "Morning, Lord Foxglove. I'm sorry to say I must dismiss myself from your company, but I have business at the Rusty Dragon. If my companions happen by, will you please let them know where I've gone?"
He steps outside, making sure he has the dragon-stitched handkerchief before he goes, and then proceeds to the Rusty Dragon.
Approaching the Rusty Dragon you see a team of a half dozen carpenters and stone-workers laboring even at this hour to repair Sandpoint's iconic inn. Outside, aiding and directing is Ameiko herself. Despite the damage to the building, including the gaping hole in the wall, there is still a small group of loyal patrons being served by a halfling barmaid carrying a tray of sweet-smelling pastries.
Ansruath shakes his head than says "No I have to make sure the defense are done well. The sheriff asked for some help with the town. After that is done I might be able to help you with your problem."
Gorgoron wakes early, and leaves the inn discretely. He makes his way to the temple, both to check in with the father and visit the shrine to Sarenrae. When he finds the young priest, he'll ask if there are any wounded to check on this morning.
Ember rushes towards the inn with a quick 'yap' and begins prancing about the feet of the workers before Dherisan's sharp whistle brings him to heel.
"Lady Ameiko," comes Dherisan's pleasant greetings. "I'm glad to see that you are uninjured - we were a bit worried when you we did not find you among the villagers at the inn last night. I'm just sorry we didn't arrive in time to prevent this...." he gestures to the hole in the building. "This goblinoid ventilation. In any case, I'm relieved you're still in business; I don't know what I'd do if I had to subsist on the fare at the White Deer. In any case, I was wondering if you might need help with setting your inn to right?"
'A sound plan Mr. Dehrisan. I will happily accompany uoi on the morrow.'
Tardek finishes his half bottle of wine, then retires to bed, rising early to brew three vials of alchemist's kindness, leaving them with Flitter for any sore heads the rest of the party may have.
He leaves early finding that Dehrisan has gone on ahead to find the man chatting with Ameiko at the Inn. Walking over he inclines his head to the half-elf 'Good morning Mr. Dehrisan. I got your message from Lord Foxglove and thought I'd tag along.'
Turning to face the Tian woman, Tardek bows his head respectfully. 'And you must be Lady Ameiko, it is an honour. Like my friend here, I'd be happy to offer my services. I know of ways to fireproof wood and mix cements to make stonework harder and more resilient. Though I also offer my arm work if alchemical solutions are not required.'