Gritz is still knocked out. Hopefully he's having a nice dream about delicious scraps, singing songs, and helping to plant trees that don't need to be sunk into the water to survive.
Gubby is very clearly holding onto his prize, digging his claws into the dirt and making scrap marks as Drax tries to move his meal. He just has his teeth sunk into them, and he is not letting no stupid dragon take his rightfully earned prize away!
Seeing the friendly goblin at least no longer bleeding out, Jes nods to Matthais' suggestion. "Yes, we should secure the goblins that are still alive in jail and then question them!" She looks back at the still injured friendly goblin then looks to the others "He will be especially helpful in any interrogation. Does anyone have skill to heal his wounds? If not perhaps we should take him back to the cathedral and see if the Father can help us?"
The name 'Foxglove' triggers some ping of recognition in the back of Shae's mind; Did she know the name from her time in Magnimar, perchance?
Hollie's comment about Shae having caught Lord Foxglove's eye brings all sorts of thoughts and possibilities to the teen.
"Oh, I could never ask him to accompany me to the play," Shae replies to Hollie. "He's a noble and I'm...well...I'm just me."
Turning to Jessalissa, Shaedeen nods. "Perhaps we can summon the priest here, though. I don't trust that...ratdog...not to attack if we try to move his master."
Matthias nods worriedly. "I'd rather stay far from the ratdog, personally. It makes me quite nervous. But I'll help find and move our prisoner!" Matthias makes his way back to the church to find the unconscious and bound goblin.
Hollie nods. "No matter what we do, we need to get someone here with some sort of actual authority. I'll see about finding Sheriff Hemlock and Father Zantus, maybe even Mayor Deverin."
Before leaving, she turns to Shae and adds "And don't sell yourself short, Shae. He has an eye for you, and I wager even more so once he sees you in that dress later!" she says with a conspiratorial wink before turning to Drax and adding "Come on, big guy! Let's go get the Sheriff and the others!"
She and the dragon then run off back towards the festival grounds to try and find the folks in charge.
Matthias, Hollie and Drak make their way back through the streets to the courtyard before the church. Along the way you see the injured being helped to their feet, goblins being bound and hauled off and bodies being covered or carted off. Fortunately the major fighting seems to have come to an end.
When you reach the fair grounds you see a number of guards are now stationed about the area and Father Zantus is tending to a small crowd of people many of whom seem more shaken than injured.
At your approach is looks up and calls, "Ah Hollie there you are. I was worried when you weren't in the plaza after we came out of the temple. Are you well?"
”Yes, Father. Draxtherian kept me safe. Well, him and my new friends here. And another couple back by the wall that you may have met. They all helped defend the town. That’s why I’ve come to find you and the Sheriff, we’ve got what may be the first helpful goblin there, he came to our aid and fought against the attackers. He was knocked out in the fight from his wounds and needs your assistance. And may have information to help us understand what is happening,” Hollie says in reply. ”Can you come help?’
"The Sheriff was here long enough to station these guards in case of a renewed attack but has gone off to see to the towns security elsewhere. A helpful goblin you say?" he seems a bit dubious about the concept. "Be wary my child, goblins are malicious and unpredictable. You've seen first hand the destruction they can cause. But I trust your insight and will aid this creature if you think it will be of benefit to the town."
With that he issues a few orders to nearby acolytes and heads back to the rest of the party with you.
Once there he takes a moment to scan the area before asking, "Is this the goblin?" indicating the colorful goblin laying in a pool of his own blood.
Matthias nods, nervous in front of the revered holy man. "Y... y... yes. This is he."
Gritz doesn't put up much of a struggle. He can't, honestly. And Gubby doesn't seem too concerned, still chewing on the leg of the goblin leader from earlier. He does seem to pause once in a while and tilt his snout in his master's direction... but goes right back to his meal.
When Hollie, Drax, and Matthias return with Father Zantus, Shaedeen repositions herself between the fallen goblin, his caretakers, and the goblin-munching rat-dog. She grasps a sap in her right hand.
"We've got to remember to loot whatever's left of that goblin leader...once it's safe to do so," she calls back softly over her shoulder to anyone who's interested.
”Maybe once he is conscious and can call off his...rat thing,” Hollie replies as she walks over to Shae’s side. She turns to Jess, Matthias and Shae and asks ”What do we do? I mean, it did help us, but Father Zantus said they are dangerous and unpredictable. Should we vouche for it?”
Shaedeen shrugs at her new friend.
"Honestly, I thought he was turning on us when he started speaking to the mounted leader, but maybe he was trying to convince him to call off the attack. But then he and...Ratdog...attacked the other goblins. I say we at least vouch for him enough to keep him alive for further questioning. I have no idea what he was babbling about when he was going on about the 'pretty lady Shelly in the sky' or whatever he said."
After a pause, Shae concludes: "Goblins are weird."
Matthias rubs his paws over and over each other worriedly. "Umm... I think we should t...t...t...t...trust him a little. Not too much.". He tries to pour a little water down the helpful goblin's throat and wake him.
Father Zantus nods before taking a deep breath to focus himself. Kneeling he places a hand on the fallen goblin's chest and intones a prayer of power.
Feeling a peaceful comfort, any concerns you might have about how you got here or even where you are float away on the pleasant breeze. Turning your attention back to the town below you begin to pick out landmarks and realize that it's the town the humans call Sandpoint. The temple you worked so hard to defend stands proudly, the sunlight reflecting back from the stained glass in a myriad of colors.
Smiling you enjoy the view for a few moments or hours, it's hard to say how long, when a grim feeling begins to tickle the back of your neck. Gazing closer you notice a pooling darkness rising like a malign mist around the town. Despite the midday sun it darkens and starts to flow over the walls. Worse yet it seems to flow up within the city itself, darkening the streets. Slowly but inevitably it chokes of one street after another like a noose closing about the temple.
Anxiety rises within you until your attention is stolen by a serene warbling just beside you. Looking over you see a surrealy beautiful bird, white of breast but with a rainbow of colorful feathers making up it's tail and crest, perched upon your shoulder. It looks at you unafraid and warbles it's siren song once again before cocking it's head and taking flight towards the town. As it flies a trail of flowers spring up on the ground below it as if a trail leading you forward to the town.
Your eyes open to see an older human crouched above you, his hand planted firmly on your chest. You lungs scream and demanding you suck in a deep breath that is immediately followed by stabbing pains from the grievous wounds you've suffered.
The goblin's eyes open wide and he draws an audible breath. Matthias moves to his side and offers him some water as Father Zantus steps away and speaks to Hollie.
"The Great Dreamer has healed him in her grace. I will leave his care to you and your friends. I hope your instincts about him are right but warn you to keep a close eye on him regardless. If you need me I will be at the temple seeing to the injured. If you wish to seek out the Sheriff I know he has ordered all captured goblins be taken to the jail and will no doubt eventually return there."
Louder he adds "Thank you all for what you have done this day. The destruction caused is tragic but would have been far worse had you and those brave souls like you, not taken action. May Desna bless the path before your feet."
As the others discuss their trust of their new goblin friend and their lack of trust she rolls her eyes a bit "I will vouch for him. He was in fact trying to get the other goblin to stop and he has been nothing but helpful. I know the town has just been terrorized by goblins, but he obviously wasn't a part of it and, quite the opposite, was a big help in stopping whatever they had planned." She lets out a "hrmf" after speaking her mind to the others.
Matthias nods at Jess's comments and pipes up, trying to be helpful without offending anyone. "He did seem to mean well..." He then becomes immediately distracted from the discussion as he realizes he should be more prepared should they encounter more goblins. He pulls out a small bound book and mutters to himself "The formula for arcane coolness transforms thus..."
After a few seconds he snaps the book closed and looks up. "Oh! My manners!" He turns to Gritz with anxiety at making new friends. "Ummm... oh... err... uhhh.... Matthias! What's yours?" He grimaces at his horrible sentence construction but hopes the goblin understands.
Gritz sucked in some much needed air, almost regretting it as his sides hurt... but not as bad as when he was knocked out! Was he... out? Asleep? It was hard to tell, precisely... his bug eyes dart about as if expecting to see something horrible, only to find... nothing?
Reaching for his polearm and planting the handle to pull himself to his feet, he seems almost... dazed. Or ponderous. It's hard to say. He keeps twisting his head as if expecting to see something, but nothing comes... aside from a greeting from Evil Books Fuzzy Guy. "Math-y-iss... Math-yass... Ma...thigh...is... Matthias" Obviously, he's having a bit of trouble actually speaking it, but he gets it after a couple attempts of sounding it out. "Gritz... Gritz is Gritz, was from Licktoad goblins, but not like water, so Gritz and others make Treestrider goblin tribe."
Gubby's chewing caught his attention, realizing it was the goblin leader from before. He bowed his head, shaking it. "Gritz try to stop fight... but other goblins not listen... Gritz try..." He turned to Father Zantus, guessing he must've used magic like he did to bring him back. He bowed, nearly hitting his head on the ground, before straightening back up. "Gritz is thankful. The Pretty House for Lady Shelly is safe now, yes?" he asked, before his eyes glazed over, recalling his... dream? It still stood... but for how long?
As Father Zantus thanked them, Gritz stamped his glaive into the ground, nodding back. "And may the Pretty Lady Shelly bring you to shiny treasures." he replied, evidently attempting to mimic Zantus' blessing. After a moment, he glances around again, before bowing to the others. "Thank you for helping Gritz. Gritz knows longshanks not like goblins much... but Gritz had to protect the Pretty House. He not let the shinies break!"
Shaedeen watches in a modest fascination as the old priest heals the good gobbo's near-fatal wound. She frowns a bit when the funny little green guy wishes shiny treasures to the priest but none for her!
Not wanting to seem impolite, she offers Gritz her smallish hand. "My name's Shaedeen; Shae for short. Welcome back to the land of the living." Pointing to the ratdog she adds, "Your mount may be eating our spoils of battle...."
Father Zantus pauses and stares at the goblin for a moment as if searching for something. "It does." he finally replies. Turning back to Hollie he says, "You have found some interesting companions."
Hollie smiles and puts her hands on her hips. ”I think so. They all were willing to put their lives on the line to protect the town, even the goblin. So I, for one, am glad to be able to call them friends,” she says in reply. She knew he may not approve of all of them, but they had seemed nice so far, and what she had said was true.
She then looks to the others and says ”We should escort this...Gritz, to the Sheriff Hemlock and explain to him what happened before he is persecuted unfairly. And we will be able to see what state the town and festival are in.”
Matthias nods, happy to see everyone getting along. But talk of shinies also perks his interest. He understands over to check if the spell casting goblin they defeated had anything of interest. He would check the chief too but doesn't like the way Gubby looks at him. Then he hurries to catch up with the rest on the way to the sheriff's.
As Matthias approaches the fallen goblin Gubby's eyes dart to him and he makes a noise somewhere between a low growl and a screech though his teeth never unclamp from the goblins calf.
Matthias stays back. "Mr. Treestrider, when your friend is d... d... done, may I please check the body? There seems to be something there..."
Fritz kept looking around, as if expecting something to show up any moment... and a couple of times, he stood on his tip toes to get a better look over the wall and out of town. He was on a hill... maybe he could see it from here!
But when the others mentioned they wanted to inspect what was left of the goblin leader, Gritz pounded his pole into the ground a couple times, catching Gubby's attention. "Gub Gub! Come! The little goblin dog seemed reluctant at first to abandon his prize, but a couple more thumps from his master made him tear a hunk off and trot to the goblin's side to finish his meal in peace.
Matthias nods gratefully and moves toward the mutilated goblin. He opens a pouch on the goblin's belt.
With the group up you take some time to check the bodies to see if any remain alive as well as to rifle through their gear. Most of the goblins carry little more than wicked looking short blades they call "dogslicers". On the mounted goblin, in addition to what Matthias found, you note that he has a remarkably well made polearm, a suit of studded leather armor and a shortbow with 15 arrows.
Returning to the area before the temple you find little of interest on the goblins but do find that the bard carried a small vial Mattias identifies as a cure light wounds potion, a set of studded leather armor, dogslicer, shortbow with 20 arrows a whip and 20gp.
Matthias comments "These potions could come in very, very handy. Who wants to carry them? I think they should belong to all of us." He looks at Gritz. "Do you want this nice weapon?"
"Gritz has the magic from the Pretty Lady! Not need the drinks." Gritz said proudly, thumping his chest, but taking a good look at the polearm, heaving it up and investigating it. "...yes! Gritz shall take the pretty weapon! Gritz shall collect them!" he declared, clearly happy with his new acquisition and professed new hobby. It seemed appropriate to him, at least... he'd already rescued one weapon, so why not another? And seeing that the shortbow was his size two, he opted to grab it for himself as well! Not as pretty, in his opinion... but who was he to judge?
Shaedeen slips the four gold coins into her belt pouch, plainly looking disappointed there's not more of it. She claims one of the dogslicers as a trophy, saying it might look good over the mantle.
"I'll take point, in case we encounter any more goblin raiders en route to the sheriff's office," the girl says boldly, again sheathing her rapier in favor of her shortbow. A moment later, she sheepishly turns to Hollie and whispers, "Um...which way is it to the sheriff's office?"
As she leads the party onward, Shaedeen's mind wanders wildly as several thoughts distract her from keeping a good lookout:
Hmm...I don't actually have a mantle yet to hang my dogslicer over....
I'll bet Foxglove Manor would have a mantle or three, though....
Shaedeen Foxglove.... It really doesn't sound so bad, if I dare think it....
Lord Aldern is awfully old for my tastes....
Hollie giggles and says ”I’ll show ya, but wait on a moment, I need to get something,” before starting to walk off. She pauses before turning to Father Zantus and giving him a hug and muttering ”I’m glad you are safe,” before turning and heading off to her room in his house. Once there she picks up her crossbow and straps her bolt quiver to her hip before turning to the wash basin on her small bedside desk. She wipes some water over her face and stares down into her reflection staring back at her.
This all feels like before. When I was actually adventuring with Gregor, Hothrogar...and...and Alizra. But this is different, right? We aren’t a band of mercenaries...we were just some folks defending the town! And we didn’t fail...we didn’t lose those we loved...
She stares at the calming water, and looking back at her she felt as if she could feel her sister’s judging gaze looking back at her for abandoning her and leaving her here to die, alone. She could see her eyes welling up with tears, as her sister’s must have so many times while she was gone. Hollie splashed the water to disrupt the image and wipes her eyes as she takes a deep breath.
When she returns, she is carrying a crossbow and says with a smile ”Just in case! Hemlock’s office is this way!” before pointing down the road towards it.
Matthias patters along happily and quietly near the back.
Making your way down Junker's Way you can see the remains of the old lighthouse ahead. Before you reach it you turn south on Main Street and approach the garrison and town hall. In the plaza between the two you see members of the towns militia, clearly called in haste, guarding the area. One of the Sheriff's men is giving orders to small groups who quickly depart after given their tasks. Runners can be seen entering and exiting the barracks.
When Shaedeen sees the sheriff's office--and the throngs of militia gathered there--she slows her pace and suggests to the others that they sort of surround Gritz, both to hide and shield the good gobbo from angry or vengeful citizens. Then she approaches the deputy, saying the group has brought captives...and a very special informant who is something of an expert on goblins in the region. She asks if the sheriff's available for a quick conference.
Matthias nods eagerly, agreeing to this plan. He stands as tall as he can to help conceal the good gobbo and lends him his cloak to make his appearance less obvious.
Gritz just follows along, ordering Gubby to stay close... though to anybody who threatens him or Gubby, he just plucks one of the fresher flowers off his armor and offers it as a sign of peace, along with a big smile.
Matthias' offered cloak is taken gratefully, though as he puts the hood on his head and fails to set his arms in any sort of sleeves, it's very clear he doesn't grasp what the point of it is.
Hollie and Draxtherian stay in front of and near Gritz, looking to the deputy and other militiamen and looking for familiar and friendly faces. She seems out the one she knows best and says ”We need to talk to Sheriff Hemlock. It’s about the attack. We have a captive as well as a goblin who actively fought against his own kind and defended the Cathedral and our neighbors.”
Should any of the militia or guards attempt to accost Gritz, Holli and Drax will both stand between them and the helpful goblin, but will not come to blows with their neighbors.
The party approaches the area outside the barracks passing by various members of the militia on the way. While they certainly aren't hardened warriors it is obvious that they're also not untrained. The air of the place is one of readiness but with easing tensions. Those on guard are alert but acquaintances of your group smile, if grimly, or wave. None challenge your approach as it seems both goblins are guarded well enough. The bound goblin woke along the way and has been variously calm, furiously trying to slip his bonds, biting at the nearest person or yammering out strings of angry sounding goblin which those who can understand the language know to be curses and threats.
Hollie speaks with one of the Sheriff's men, Conrad, whom she'd met before. "Oh hi Hollie, glad to see you're ok. Did you and Drak get caught up in any of the fighting? Caught some goblins huh? You can bring I can have some of the militia take them to the cells for you if you want."
Meanwhile Shae goes to speak to the deputy issuing orders to the militia groups. "And I want another patrol on Junker's Way. We don't need any more coming from the beach. You lot head down Water Street towards the bridge.
As the latest group scrambles off he turns to face Shae and listens to what she has to say. "Expert? Is Shalelu here? Abadar knows we could use her help with this mess." he says craning his neck to look about. Not seeing who he was looking for he looks back to Shae, "`Spose that would be to much a bit of luck. Regardless, well done Ms...? Capturing these beasts is no easy feat. You can turn in the captives to the militia over there." he gestures to a group of men and woman near the door to the barracks. "The Sheriff is inside as well but he's a bit busy for visitors right now." He pauses a moment and considers, "But if you say you've got some useful information head on in."
Turning towards the door he yells, "Oiy, Garret! This one to see the Sheriff." One of the men standing next to the door looks over and nods.
Hollie smiles warmly at Conrad. ”Well, only one captive really. Like I said the other one actually helped us fight against the attacking goblins. We all thought he could tell Sheriff Hemlock what he knows. He’s tried to be very helpful and cooperative so far.”
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Matthias nods fervently and nervously stammers out "Oh.. y.. yes! He's really good with a weapon and that monster of his is completely crazy and v... V... Very aggressive."
He winces at his poor choice of words and tries to smile to soften things but just looks like he's nervously baring his teeth in a terrified grimace.
Jes grabs one of the shortbows and arrows, just to have something in case another fight breaks out, then follows her new found friends to the barracks.
Jes chimes in as Hollie tries to clarify "That's right, our new friend here has not come to be imprisoned. He fought against his kind during the attack, and I clearly heard him trying to talk one of them down from further confrontation. If anything, he could be extremely useful in identifying the other goblins and possibly helping to question them."
Conrad looks down at the goblin for the first time noting he is unbound, armed and with a rather large rat dog next to him. The man gasps and almost goes for his blade before Hollie and Jess's words sink in. His eyes shift suspiciously towards Mattias for a moment before returning to the goblin.
"I don't know the Sheriff is pretty busy and said all goblins are to locked up." He looks past the party and gives a head jerk to call over a few more men.
As the other goblin struggles and hisses out curses and swears, Gritz does his best to shush him every so often. He was really not helping his case...
As Gritz listens to the others speak, Gubby growls lightly, clearly nervous at having so many large creatures looking none-to-friendly at them. It's not until Gritz reaches down to pat his head that he calms down and sits quietly next to his master. "It okay. Gritz know he makes the other longshanks nervous, and other goblins not like him after he try to protect the Pretty House... if it make other longshanks feel safe, Gritz go in cage. Gritz has nowhere to stay anyways. Gritz only ask he keep his pretty weapon. Pretty Lady Shelly ask him to protect it. It very special! And Gubby. Gubby get scared without Gritz."
Even so, he had a few questions for the other goblin with them. Turning, he planted his glaive into the ground and looked at him sternly. He wanted a few answers, if he could get them... perhaps, now that they had him captivity, he'd be more willing to answer.
"...look, it's important. Something evil is coming. I can feel it. I saw it from one of the hills by the town. A dark mist... even in the bright sun, it looked black as night. It swallowed the town whole... and if it's not stopped, I fear it will spread to everything. Including the other goblin tribes. You have to tell me what you know."
Matthias looks absolutely terrified at Gritz' talk of black mist. He also is very intimidated by the men surrounding them. He gulps "Umm... Uh... Listen to Hollie! She's right!"
"Shuh-lay-who?" Shaedeen asks, not feeling entirely comfortable inside a building of lawmen. Absently, she wonders if this Shalelu might be the same 'Pretty Lady Shelly' Gritz keeps going on about. Although it's rude not to answer, Shae's too cautious to give the deputy her name.
She does give the fellow her most charming smile and a noncommittal nod before heading inside to speak with the sheriff. She explains to him about Gritz's aid against the goblins during the attack and vouches for his good behavior, but warns that the little green guy has a creepy ratdog pet that's not so well-behaved. Shae suggests the sheriff conduct any interview outside where Gritz can better control his pet.
Walking into the stone fortress you note arrow loops and s sturdy set of doors. Inside you find a beehive of activity with servants moving briskly about as well as guards and militia going here and there. Stopping one of the people passing by you are directed to the Sheriff's office.
Along the way you have to step to the side as two bound goblins are dragged down the hall, one kicking and screaming, the other laughing maniacally. You see them taken down a set of stairs at the end of a hallway to what you assume are the city's jail cells.
Continuing along you reach the entrance to a well kept office. Inside a man and woman are speaking and two burly looking guards stand at the door. They nod to you but indicate for you to wait. Through the door you can hear bits of conversation.
"The attack seems to be contained...chasing a goblin here and there...patrols on all the major streets and gates....North gate...Fires are out..." After a few moments the woman thanks the man and exits. She looks at you, gives a strained smile and makes her way down the hall with the two guards flanking her. Having gotten a better look at the woman you realize it was Mayor Deverin.
Glancing back into the office you see the Sheriff rubbing the bridge of his nose for a moment before catching sight of you. He seems a bit confused to see you. "Shaedeen isn't it? What brings you here lass?"
The captive goblin breaks down into hysterics out of the blue before taking a sudden bite at Matthias who barely manages to avoid it's teeth.
Meanwhile the guards seem a bit thrown by the goblin's use of more than three words in a row. "Ya there's something odd about this one" Conrad says.
Jes holds up her hands, not thinking of her size in relation to the man, and expects the guard to stop what he is doing "Hey, listen here. Our friend said he will go peacefully. Let's not make a big scene of this. Take that one and throw him in with the others." She motions toward the hysterical goblin, "But don't treat our friend poorly just because he was born to a race of mostly crazy, murderous monsters. Just like you and me, it seems not all goblins are alike. We've just been out fighting goblins and helping the town too and he was a big part of that. So if you have to lock him up because those are your orders, that's fine, but do it with some respect." She finishes off, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at the man.
Hollie places a delicate hand on Conrad’s arm and looks at him pleadingly with doe-like-eyes. ”Conrad, you know me. Would I lie about some thin like this, in this situation? His goblin helped our town against his own kind. He doesn’t deserve to be locked away.”
Gritz' ears folded down in a bit of defeat at the goblin's reply. He knew that was probably going to be the response he got... but he was still hoping it would help a bit, being a fellow goblin. The longshanks would not trust him, and his fellow goblins would hate him... the road he walked would be long and lonely... but not as lonely as he feared. The others seemed willing to vouch for him, and that gave him hope.
About willing to give up his questioning, Gritz paused, before turning back to the captured goblin and giving him a firm expression.
He held very little hope that he'd get an answer to this, much less an affirmative one. Goblins hated books... and perhaps the one he'd found was only meant to be seen by him. But maybe if he had that book, showing the other goblins what he was talking about would be much easier.
He'd let the others speak with the guards... Hollie in particular seemed very persuasive, though he was grateful for Jess and Matt for also sticking up for him.
Hey.... where did Shaedeen go? Wasn't she here just a moment ago?
Matthias nods firmly, though he is afraid, and maintains the protective shell around Gritz.