"Mmmmnfh... let's try finding the elf-maiden tomorrow, she sounds calmer. I'm in no mood for an old hunter's war stories, especially after what we've been through today." Nero chimes in with a mouthful of food.
"Yes, I expect someone who is still out there fighting is more likely to have relevant information for us. Let's start with Ameiko for directions to where she might be in the forest."
As they dine, he asks Zella: "Where would you like to stay tonight my dear? We have already established our rooms at the Fatman's Feedbag but it might be safer to stay here with our new friends."
"Since we'd like to talk to Ameiko tomorrow, we may as well stay here. Besides, I think the food at this place is better."
"I'll hang around until you're ready to turn in," Blikx says, "but I need to get home and check on my Uncle Bill. He doesn't leave the docks much, and I doubt that the goblins got that far into town, so I'm not too worried."
At the mention of Blikx's uncle, Nero pauses mid-chew. With wide eyes, he mutters something in broken elven.
"Oh no,Gallian! How could I forget!
"I need to check on someone myself, I'll be back shortly. If everyone else is staying then so will I. Oh, and here. This was a gift from the man we saved, said there's more where that came from too..." He says, dumping the bag of coins on the table as he reaches over to grab a few legs of mutton for the road.
After getting a restful night of sleep, you awake to find Sandpoint a much different place. Before, the town was packed with travelers, with all sorts of races mixed in the small town. Now, most of the people have left, having headed out before sunset or risen early to get away quickly. The festival atmosphere of Sandpoint is completely gone. Instead, there is a depressed, weary mood throughout the town.
Ameiko is in a better mood than yesterday, bringing out fresh cooked meals for group. You find that even her breakfasts contain spicy items as well as meat.
With so little people left at the tavern, Ameiko's day is quite the opposite of yesterday's business.
"Uncle Bill was fine," Blikx announces as she joins the group at the table. "The goblins only attacked the part of town near the Square and North of it towards the cemetery. He didn't know anything was even wrong until it was mostly over."
She helps herself to a bit of sausage and eggs, and tries her best not to wolf it down.
Why do I always wake up so hungry the next morning whenever I use a lot of power?
Orisons
Create Water
Light
Detect Magic
1st Level
Bless
Protection from Evil
Domain Spell - Floating Disk
Zeladania eats her breakfast, appreciating Ameiko's talent in the kitchen. "I think that makes it even more suspicious. It makes it seem like they had a target, hit it and then got out. Though for the life of me, I cannot think of any plan that would make sense for the goblins. Aside from managing to grab one long deceased body and killing a handful of people, they didn't actually accomplish anything that would be useful to them."
Ven picks at her food slowly. "I'm a little distracted by the timing of the whole thing, the goblins coming in and starting fires as the new church was being consecrated, when the old one burnt down. I just assumed the fire back then was an accident or something; Beatrice, you know anything about that 'Late Unpleasantness'? Was the church fire on accident?"
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Blikx stiffens a bit at Ven's use of the popular euphemism.
"No one knows for sure what started the fire," she replies. "It burned the old Cathedral to the ground and almost took half the town with it. Ezakien and his adopted daughter were engulfed, and killed by the flames."
She pauses, swallows, and takes a deep breath before continuing. "Some say that the fire was caused by an angry spirit; the ghost of the madman...the ghost of the Cho...the Chopper..." she sucks in a breath and gives a sniffling sound through her nose. "Others," she continues, "think it was a local legend...the Sandpoint Devil, but no one's ever even seen it, unless you believe the late night tavern hearth tales." Her tone lightens at the change of reference from being clearly upset by even mentioning the Chopper to slightly amused at the notion of the Sandpoint Devil.
Zella shrugs. "It could even have been something as simple as a knocked over candle. I'd believe that more readily than any story of an angry ghost or made up devil. Regardless, I doubt that had anything to do with goblins. If they had been the ones to set the old church on fire, EVERYONE would know about it since those little buggers cannot do anything quietly. They would have burst into town, singing and yelling and causing a fuss just like they did last night."
"I rather wish we knew where those goblins made their camp. I think that it would be a good thing if someone could retrieve the old priest's body so that it could be re-consecrated in it's vault again."
Ven is briefly torn between whether she should try to apologize for clearly bringing up something sore, or if it's better to just let Blikx distract herself with this talk of the 'Sandpoint Devil.' Her awkwardness wins out, and she stands from the table and goes up to the bar.
"Excuse me, Ms. Kaijitsu," Ven says pleasantly, easily pronouncing even the unfamiliar syllables. After a winter spent among Vax'vel'ihln's who get insulted when you say their name wrong, she's learned to say it right the first time. "I've heard of a ranger who's around these parts, Shalelu, I believe, who keeps an eye on the monsters in the area. Do you know how I might get in contact with her?"
Osru considers Zella's words about the goblins' aim. "It almost appears that snatching that old corpse WAS their goal. But why?"
When Ven approaches the bartender, he watches carefully for anyone else interested in their conversation.
Ameiko sighs as she hears Ven begin talking. "Ameiko. Call me Ameiko," she says sternly. "I do know Shalelu. She usually comes and goes when she wishes, but she stays here during the off chance that she stays overnight. We are trying to get ahold of her as well, though, as you've heard right about her; she keeps an eye on the goblins around these hinterlands. She should've been here days before the goblins could have launched any attack." She pauses for a moment here, looking conflicted. "Something very well may have happened to her."
The door to the bar opens up as Ameiko finishes, revealing a young man in a crisp uniform. Averaging height and build, the man sports a thin, well-kept mustache. Though a stark difference to his earlier attire, Osru, Raniero, and Ven recognize him from the festival: Jodar Provolost, or Jody.
Jody's eyes catch the group sitting around a table, the only current patrons, and approaches them with quick clips. "You are the ones that fought off the goblins yesterday, yes?"
"Excellent," he replies, nodding. "Figure'd a few of the sharpshooters were part of the chaos. Anyway, the sheriff has summoned you to the town hall. He didn't give much information, just told me to collect you five."
He joins Ven at the bar and says gently to Ameiko, "Don't worry. We will track her down. Do you know if there's any locations she frequents in the hinterlands?"
Osru replies, "Aye, Desna guided our arrows in defense of her new cathedral."
"Very well. Let us quickly collect our things. Any news on the goblin attack? Does anyone know what were they aiming for?"
"No-" Ameiko starts, before the door cuts her off.
Jody shifts at the question, looking uneasy. "Well...we know a few things, but...well, you should just talk to the sheriff about that. I'm not at liberty to dicuss it right now."
Ven listens carefully to Ameiko, picking up the note of distress and nodding, but Jody enters before she can reply.
Ven cannot quite hide her sudden interest. "We were just talking about how strange it all was. I acted according to my conscience, but if there's more to be done I'm only too happy to help." She takes a step forward, ready to follow Jody once everyone's good to go.
Nero sits at the table as the others converse, gulping down mouthfuls of whatever he can get his hands on. He listens closely, although it is obvious to the others that he is taking his time comprehending the situation. A few times during the pauses he moves to speak, however his embarassment gets the best of him as he returns to his meal.
As the others begin to leave, he silently stands and wipes his face clean.
"Thanks for the meal, Ameiko." he says, trying his best to pronounce her unusual name. He picks up his sword and straps in into place on his back, and with a satisfied grunt heads toward the door.
Blikx takes a moment to approach Ameiko and put a reassuring hand on the woman's arm. "We'll find out what we can. If we find out anything, I'll let you know."
Leading the group out, Jody takes them down the the street to the town hall. It is two-story with stone for walls, a rare sight in this small town. Inside, the group is led to a large chamber, where a large, square table adorns the middle. There are not many items decorating this chamber, but a large map of the hinterlands is against one wall, while the four standards of the noble houses of Sandpoint hang on another.
Seated at the table is the woman you recognize to be the mayor. With fine, crisp clothing and not a hair out of place, she strikes an authoritive figure as you walk in. Behind her, standing, is Sheriff Hemlock, now in a clean uniform.
As you walk in, the mayor nods, her gaze passing over each of you, and resting a litle longer on Blikx. "Thank you all for coming," Mayor Deverin starts. "I am Kendra Deverin, the mayor of this fine quaint town. But please, just call me Deverin. And your names?"
"I have a few reasons for calling you all here. First, I would like to thank you all for helping us during the goblin raid yesterday. You saved many lives, and there can not be thanks enough for that. And with the speed of talk here, you'll be seen as heroes before long."
At this point, she pauses, trying to make the mood a little jovial. When the mood doesn't change, she finally grows more serious.
"You all, even you Blikx, have proven yourselves as fighters. And we have a task for just such people as you. Brodert Quink is our local historian of sorts. He's also the one who cast the spell to send the rain last night as well. Recently, he fell in with a man from Magnimar named Mersoolian Threce. The connection was made through his niece, Lucendi, when the two started to court.
"Mersoolian was a lover of ancient sites, much like Quink. However, Quink has grown older, so Mersoolian has been traveling to these locations with his niece instead. Recently, they made some discover and gathered a group to fully explore their findings.
"Their group left over a week ago, for a three day trip. With this goblin raid, we fear something may have happened to them as well.
"Brodert Quink has offered any party willing to check on their expedition a hundred gold pieces each. Because of their show of strength during the festival, I wanted to approach you with this offer before some fools run off and hurt themselves. Will you accept?"
Having finally finished what was an obviously prepared speech, she folds her hands and waits patiently. Her face is completely unreadeable as she looks to each one of you slowly.
Blikx doesn't give her name or say anything in response. Instead she blushes a bit and gives a sheepish wave of her hand.
I'm sure you know who I am, lady, and no doubt you're enjoying how uncomfortable this is making me.
Blikx perks up at the idea of being called a hero by the people of Sandpoint, and even more so after being complimented by the Mayor. She said something nice about ME! Finally, I won't be glared at when I walk down the street anymore!
Her mood lightens considerably and she looks to the other members of the group with a gleam of excitement in her eyes.
A hero! Not the town pariah! Not some sad local yokel, destined to marry some drunken sailor and spend the rest of my life wondering if he's died at sea and left me with hungry mouths to feed!
"My name is Zelladania and this is my companion Osru."
Zella looks up at Osru, trying to gauge his reaction. "I will accept. Do you know if Quink has a map of the route they were taking?"
"Ven Nicolae, at your service. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Mayor."
Ven's eyes light up. And here I thought those damn goblins would drive off any chance of work. And the man Quink is a historian, perhaps could learn something about about the field from him. "Historical study and adventuring in the wilds, that sounds right up my alley."
Osru nods slightly to Zella. "Thank you for this opportunity, Deverin. I think it's safe to say we are all committed to ridding Sandpoint of this goblin menace once and for all. One more question for you: Do you have any idea why the goblins would have stolen a corpse?"
"We've made a basic map of their site. It is simple, only half a day's journey there," the mayor says, pulling out a small rolled up map. "The x is where the site is, as it has not been placed on maps, yet.
"As for our goblin friends, it is still all a mess. I have our people looking into it. Apparently, our north gate was left open and unguarded during the festival, which is how they got in. For now, I believe the goblins were simply trying to raid the town as they often do to our farms in the surrounding countryside. Stealing a body is unusual, but most things goblins do seem unusual to me. We're trying to contact a local expert on the subject, though.
"Is there anything else you need?"
"Um...so how soon are we supposed to leave...I mean...are we waiting for Selelu to show-up first, or do you want us to go now? And what about food and camping gear?" Blikx asks in a quiet, only just audible tone.
"I am Raniero, son of Leandro Cavalcante. I'm glad to have been of service to you and your people, Lady Mayor."
"Sounds like a worthy hunt... Count me in." The ranger says with a grin.
"Alright, then," Deverin says, missing Blikx's quiet voice altogether. "If you're ready, then I would request you leave soon. It is still rather early, so you should be able to reach the site and return before sundown." Deverin sliding the map across the large table.
Leaving the town hall, the group gathers around the eastern bridge, preparing to depart. The map is quite normal of the surrounding hinterlands, but this site is marked with an X in the middle of some wooland. It might get tricky without an actual road to follow.
As they leave the Lady Mayor's office, Blikx says to the others, "if you are interested in buying any gear for this trip, I can take you around to the various shops to get what you need. I know they said we could make it there and back in less than a full day, but that's also assuming we don't run into any problems there or back, too. I can probably bring our mule, Dusty, to carry any heavy stuff, and she knows her way back to town if we get lost. Just thought I'd offer..." She trails off at the end of her statement, as if unsure anyone is listening, or interested in her suggestion.
"Zella and I are used to life on the road. I have supplies for several days and I expect she does too?" He raises the intonation on the last word and looks to her to confirm. He looks back to Blikx and smiles. "Thank you for offering. It's handy having such a knowledgeable local around." He winks at her.
"I have a few days worth of rations, but I'm confident if we're stuck out for longer than a day we'll be able to hunt for our food." Nero replies to Blikx.
Nero studies the map as the group makes their way toward the town gate. "I'm not local, but there are a few features on this map which should help us find our mark. I've spent much of my time out in the wild, I'll lead if there are no objections." he states with confidence.
Raniero takes the lead with the map, striking a course straight into the woods and directly to the spot. Though a little rough on the trip, it isn't long before Raniero announces that you're there.
The steep footpath finally levels out into a clearing. A large tent lies pitched to the east across from the western tree line of the clearing and backed against a sharply-slanted cliffside. To the north in front of you, a massive, time-worn statue of a figure dressed in ornate robes and holding an open book stands, chiseled from the natural rock of the hillside. A wooden scaffold and ladder stand next to it, while a dark passageway smashed into the rock lies open to its right.
Directly in front of you is a simple campfire that is currently lit. Surrounding it are five goblins, gleefully tossing small items into the flame and watching them burn. The items are mostly coming from the tent itself and appear to be tools and supplies.
As soon you reach the clearing, they stop, their ears perking. They gleefully laugh as they pull out their strange blades, ready to fight.
Osru 20
Ven 17
Blikx 13
Goblins 12
Raniero 6
"This does not bode well for those who we were sent to find..."
Zella casts Bless upon her group and then draws her crossbow.
"Yes it is doubtful anyone in those tents has survived. We shall avenge them if nothing else." He steps over in front of Zella and fires at the nearest goblin.
Recalling the Goblin Bard from the previous day, Ven glances at each of the goblins, looking for any sign one or more could be a spellcaster; any wearing less armor or lacking a dogslicer would catch her eye.
Osru's arrow plunges into the nearest goblin, slowing it down for a moment.
Blikx takes a step to her left and then steps back, positioning herself to the immediate left of Zella. She extends her hands at the nearest standing goblin and unleashes a blast of hail and freezing wind at the foul little beast.
Ven draws her sword and steps forward to challenge one of the goblins.
You do see one goblin up on the scaffolding in front of the large statue. It appears to be distracted at the moment, simply staring at the statue and seemingly not hearing the fighting.
As Ven steps forward, a cold icy blast shoots past her into the chest of the nearest goblin, freezing the spot where Osru's arrow had only just landed. The goblin falls forward onto its face into the mud.
The others run forward, intent on attacking these intruders. The first wildly misses Ven, but as two more attack her, one manages to slash her side with its blade.
Another, seeing the distracted Raniero, runs at him in a full charge and headbutts him before stumbling back a few steps from the impact. It looks annoyed that Raniero didn't fall.
Zella attempts to shoot one of the goblins attacking Ven with her crossbow.
Nero growls at the goblin, annoyed that he allowed himself to be caught off guard by such a foolish trick. He lunges out, grabbing at the goblin in an attempt to bear hug the smaller foe.
Annoyed that all of the goblins have entered close combat with her companions and fearing that she might accidentally hit one of them with her poor aim, Zella chooses to drop her crossbow and draws her morning star instead.
As Raniero tries to bear hug the goblin in front of him, it slashes at him, forcing him back.
Osru throws down his bow and does a short charge at the goblin in front of Blikx, snarling and gnashing his fangs.
Osru's charge barely misses the goblin as it ducks under his bite. The goblin is rather short and uses it to its advantage as it prepares to attack back.