"Thistletop is about a X-hour ride north of 'ere. If we go to the top of the light'ouse, I could probably point it out, Eloviel. Vanea, that seems like a good idea. Also, now that Vire 'as brought me back to caution, I wonder 'ow we could find out more about the priest they untombed. Perhaps 'e 'ad some enemies or even an old love who can't live without 'im? Or even information that they want to extract from 'im!" Blue's eyes go round at the thought.
"We can ask the current churchground caretaker."
Blue suggests that the group split up and spend the day talking to townsfolk. They should meet again for dinner at the White Deer Inn (notice how he squeezed that into the plan so adroitly?) to discuss what they've found out. If there's nothing else to delay them, they could scout out Thistletop and watch them from a distance as Vire proposed.
Specific questions that come to his own mind include:
Who were the old priest's family and friends? Are any still around? (I know the fire wasn't THAT long ago.)
Do any of these people know if the priest had a conflict or long-running feud or public altercation with anyone who might nurture a grudge?
Has anything else in Sandpoint 'gone missing' that the goblins might have stolen? Perhaps they or their organizers had more than one target.
I just had a terrible thought, but: Is there any reason to suspect the priest might have been dead before the fire broke out?
If there would be anyone that knows about feuds, it would be the sheriff.
"C'mon Blue, the sheriff would definitely know about those, especially since it has been a few days since the goblin attack." Eloviel pulls Blue along with her to follow the sheriff to the cathedral and ask him about Blue's questions () once he is done handling affairs for Amele.
Unless they find something conclusive, Eloviel will propose that they 'visit' Thristletop while there's still light.
I'll be at the Pixie's Kitten.
Someone chuckles....
"Of course...perhaps since there's plenty people to inquire there? ^^"
It's a place where plenty of different people come and go. So it's a good place to get some information and gossip. Besides, it could be an interesting place for a faithful of my goddess, to spread... the holy news.You can come along, of course, Natalia.
A smirk shows on her face.
"Why not. A friend of mine, the daughter of the baker, once surprise-hauled me there so i'd score a date for an upcoming party. We both were the only ones not yet to have one to go with to the dance."
And did you score?
"Sort of. We asked 2 guys and they were "unsure if they had time".
It was shortly before this that i had mastered color spray......."
You should try a little spell to influence their minds, if you don't want to waste too much time. People don't know what's best for them sometimes.
"So true, but this caught both of them at the same time. It's either that or i'd have to really sweet-talk them into doing something. This also left them almost unscathed. I swear, Trixie's a mean swing with a dough-roller. She carried that under her jacket, so aside from a bit of numbness, blindness and sleep i've saved them from a big lump on the head."
It would have been a first for them to have a "big lump", maybe. Too bad it would have been on the head.
Blue finds it hard to get anything of much use from towns folk. By the time you get to the cathedral he has already left the woman in the care of Father Zantus.
Vanea on the other hand learns that Tobyn had a daughter, an aasimar child he had found on the church doorstep that he decided to adopt himself. Her name was Nualia. She also died in the fire that claimed Tobyn and the old church.
Everyone goes about their business for the day. In the evening Sheriff Hemlock sends word to you all. He'd like you to meet him at town hall.
At whatever time Blue gets the information from Vanea, he suggests that they check out the cemetery at some point to make sure this Tobyn's daughter's grave hasn't also been desecrated.
When Blue gets the sheriff's message he asks for clarification. "Wait, are you sure he wanted to see all of us or did he just want to see me?"
The deputy answers Blue, "The message was for all of you."
Eloviel wakes from her slump feeling of sleepiness and sits up sharp and alert, "Looks like he found something... Let's go see."
You may have a point, Blue. We should check on the cemetary for Nualia's tomb if nothing more urgent happens with the sheriff.
A little crestfallen by the deputy's reply, Blue responds to the others, "The cemetery's kind of on the way to the garrison anyway, ain't it? Wait, 'e said the town 'all. I've never been there."
"You haven't, i have. I'd say it's modest, nothing superfancy but not bad either."
On the way to the townhall Natalia brings up a topic to Vanea from The Pixie's Kitten.
"That out of towner, the young kid, 20 maybe? Did you see the color on his face shift when he asked what the "Kitten" stood for? Keeping my mouth shut and him then asking the owner was such a laugh."
Vanea
Another char of mine has just recently upset a cleric of Calistria by being angry over a lecherous old man who was almost "feeling up" another female partymember he was accompanying. And ouch...he didn't know she (the cleric) was a 76yo sylph, while the man in question was also in his early 70.
Blue swings by the cathedral first to ask Father Xantus about Nualia's grave. He'd like to check it out to make sure that it hasn't also been desecrated, robbed or worse. It seems like important info to have when he talks to the sheriff.
"Who knows? The sheriff might be very grateful for the information. And he might with to express his 'gratitude' over an ale this evening.", thinks Blue on the way.
Eloviel is whistling a tune as they walk towards the town hall, but suddenly she bumps Vire's shoulder gently and says "What's the matter? You seem to be brooding silently since our last encounter..."
Vire smiles at Eloviel,
"Ah, forgive me Eloviel; I hadn't realized I was so reserved until you said something. I suppose I'm just drawing in this new information. I think we find ourselves in a bit of a mess; something isn't right about these events, but I can't say what. Maybe the sheriff can she'd more light on the subject."
"How about yourself my lady?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Oh, I'm fine now that I know there are people who will look out for me, even if I do end up unconscious now and then." looking up and Vire's face, she winks happily before adding, "I'll try not to make it a habit though. I was just passing by to perform as living, so adventuring is a new concept to me. It seems to pay-off better though, so I think I will stick around if you don't mind."
"Your company is more than welcome by me, Eloviel."
Smiling in return to her as they walk.
-Posted with Wayfinder
When you reach town hall your greeted by a woman and asked to have a seat untill the sheriff gets there. after a few minutes he shows and takes you all to the mayors office where she sits in company of an elf in leather armor. The sheriff introduces you as the other folks who helped during the goblin raid. Mayor Deverin expresses sincere gratitude while Shalelu kind gives off an appreciative vibe but prefers to get down to the matter. After but just a moment Hemlock asks Shalelu to repeat what she's already shared with him.
"Belor's told me of your work again st the goblin swell
don e. I 've dedicated the last several years of
my life to keeping them from causing too much
trouble around these parts, but they're tenacious
and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite.
"There are five major goblin tribes in the region,
and, traditionally, they're pretty good at keeping
each other in line with inter-tribal squabbles and the
like. Yet from what I've been able to piece together,
members of all five tribes were involved in the raid
on Sandpoint . A fair number of the Mosswood
goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty
beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the
'longshanks' who killed so many of them. Now
that I've met you, it seems obvious from their
descriptions who they were talking about. Seems
like you've made an impression.
"In any event, the fact that the five tribes are
working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don't
get along unless they've got something big planned,
and big plans require big bosses. I 'm afraid that
someone's moved in on the goblins and organized
them. And judging by these recent raids, what
they're organizing seems like bad news for all of us."
After she finishes speaking the sheriff says he's taking a few of his guards south to Magnimar to make an attempt at securing additional soldiers until the extent of the goblin threat can be determined. He asks Shalelu to do some recon. He asks the group to keep a public presence in town until he returns and he informs you that he's also asked another group to do the same. They stay at the Rusty Dragon.
Natalia waves with a small hand gesture at Shalelu.
Afterwards she takes all the information in.
At the mention of another group though she leans forward curiously.
"Another group you say? By any chance, might they be the scattered individuals who were at the square during the fighting?"
"Guys, we could see what's going on over there, provided we'll not be too occupied with other matters.
I've got my own work in the mornings."
"Agreed. I was beginning to think we we're the only ones who cared, aside from the town officials." Eloviel thanks the sheriff for the update and hangs around a bit to give time for Blue to make a move.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I recall a few unfamiliar faces before that goblin commando ko'ed me."
Blue appears a little deflated at the thought that the sheriff will be out of town for a while. "Magnimar? Are you marching or riding? It must be a good couple of days away on foot? 'ow long do you reckon you'll be gone?"
"Are we being appointed temporary deputies or somethin'? Responsibility without authority's never a 'appy thing. I don't suppose there's money in that, either?"
"By the way, I checked up on Nualia's grave. You know? The orphan girl Tobyn adopted? I wanted to make sure the goblins hadn't disturbed her or any other family members as well."
He turns his attention to Shalelu. "So you're the famous Shalelu. Quite a few stories about you making their way around Ember Lake. Nice to finally make your acquaintance. The stories never mentioned you being so... statuesque."
"I deed Natalia, most of them were present there as well." Hemlock listens to Eloviel before answering Blue. "It's about a days ride, which is our method of transport. Don't get ahead of yourself here though Blue, Standpoint can't afford to take on a dozen extra guards. But I'm not asking you to take any sort of responsibility either, just if youd be willing to stick around until I get back. I can work out lodging there at the White Deer for you."
As far as lodgings and Entertainment are concerned, I'm more a Pixie's Kitten kind of girl, if you don't mind.
Vanea smiles and adds
Just like Natalia, in fact.
"I see," says Blue with a coy smile. "This is just meant to be a 'favor'. Well, I'm game for a little 'tit for tat'."
"Do these other (cough) heroes (cough) need our assistance with anything?"
Just like Natalia, in fact.
"Oh?, was the reaction with a smile, i don't recall needing to be a participant. But it's a good laugh as you can pick the prude from the crowd."
"Well Blue, I'd describe it more as a public service. In fact, free rooms at the White Deer just to stay in town is more like payment for nothing more than a favor asked. The only reason I ask is because the people think highly of you all. They'd feel much better with you around in my absence."
Blue sighs exaggeratedly. "I see what you're sayin'. You do what you think is right at the moment and suddenly everyone thinks you're a 'ero. 'Uneasy lies the 'ead' and all that. Fine. But you better put in a good word for us with your brother."
The sheriff's eyes dart away at mention of his brother. He thanks you all and dismisses everyone. Shalelu exits with you all in hopes to accompany you for lunch.
On the way out of the town hall, Eloviel walks beside Shalelu and asks "Is that a longbow? You must be strong to be able to handle one..." she points back to the shortbow strapped across her back and adds, "I'm still learning how to use one, so I started with this. Would you mind giving me some pointers later when we have the time?"
"Of course, I'd be happy to."
"D'ya think we should go meet these other adventurers? It might be kinda embarrassing to just run into them in the street again. Maybe you'll fill us in on the strengths and weaknesses of these Thistletoppians on the way, Shalelu." Blue prompts.
If you don't need me right now I have some business to attend on my own.
The other group is ahead of you on the timeline