"It's not that I think you're lying Hollie..." Conrad says. He looks down at the odd goblin a moment before seeming to make a decision. "Alright if you're willing to vouch for him then he can stay with you." Motioning to the two other men he says, "Take that one to a cell."
Gritz looks a the goblin and speaks to it again in goblin. The creature goes still and stares at him with wide eyes. For the first time it actually seems scared.
The two men come and each grab one of the goblins arms before lifting him and carrying him into the fortress.
"Give me a minute and I'll see if the Sheriff will see you." Conrad says as he turns and heads into the building.
Shaedeen starts getting panicky when the sheriff knows her name even though she's only been in town for a short time.
He's on to me! He knows I run with the Sczarni!
The young burglar tries to drum up enough courage to seem unintimidated by the sheriff, but her voice sounds meek and scared when it comes out of her mouth.
"Um...yes. Uh...there's this goblin...he didn't attack any citizens. He actually fought the others. He's outside. I...um...thought maybe he might have some information. But he has a ratdog! I...err...figured you wouldn't want that inside. Hollie knows me--and him--and will vouch for him."
A knock from the doorway forestalls further conversation. Looking over you see a uniformed guard waiting to be recognized.
"Yes Conrad what is it? More trouble?"
"No sir, we've received no reports beyond individual or small groups of goblins mostly on the run. Hollie...err..Ms. Skyborn is outside with a group of locals. They have a goblin with them they say aided in defending the town and thought you might want to talk with him." the man reports.
"A goblin..." the Sheriff looks your way, "Is this what you were trying to tell me? Well let's have a look then."
After a minute or two of waiting you see Conrad returning with the Sheriff and, oddly, Shae in tow. When they reach the party Conrad takes a position just behind and to the side of the Sheriff with a hand resting casually on his sword pummel. The Sheriff, a large man of obviously Shoanti descent, approaches and greets the party, "Ms. Skyborn, Ms. Maynet, Mr. Mattimeo, Draxtharian, it's good to see you all well. I've heard reports that you and Ms.Valzanar acquitted yourselves impressively this afternoon. You have my, and Sandpoints thanks for your bravery. I've also been told you have a goblin I should meet?" His gaze shifts to Gritz.
Back with the others, Shaedeen manages a weak smile when the sheriff singles out the efforts of the hodge-podge heroes who'd defended Sandpoint.
He knows my last name, too!
Matthias nods, trying to stick up for their goblinoid friend. "Thanks, but he was brave t... t... t... too!! I think he can help us prevent more things like this!"
Hollie curtsies to Sheriff Hemlock as he approaches, and smiles at him, Conrad, and Shae. ”Yes Sir!” she replies as she gestures to Gritz. ”This little goblin actively defended the town and its people, nearly dieing in the process himself to the blade of one of his own kind. He has yet to show any violence towards any of our people, and we felt he deserved to be treated humanely rather than like those who were actually responsible for this attack. So we felt it best to seek out your wisdom in this matter.”
"I see. You might see Father Zantus for wisdom but we shall see if I'm up to the task." he says with a ghost of a smile.
"Does he speak common?" He looks back to the goblin, "What are your name and tribe? If what these folk say of your actions is true then why would you defend Sandpoint against your own kind?"
Gritz follows quietly along, patting his leg for Gubby to tag along closely. Once inside, he remains silent, listening to the longshanks speak before being addressed. OH! He remembered seeing this one before too, while he was getting food out of the Fatman's Feedbag's trash! He recalled him pulling another longshank along in chains around his hands... and he was scary!
"Hello again, Mr. Scary Big Chains Guy!" Gritz said, bowing his usual overly deep bow before speaking again. "Gritz is Gritz, of Treestrider goblins! We like Licktoad tribe, but we hate water, so we go find trees to live in! Gritz saw longshanks were building the Pretty House for the Pretty Lady in the Sky. And then longshanks have party... Gritz know goblins like to break parties. But this party was for the Pretty House, and Gritz had to protect it!"
He reached down to pat Gubby on the head, who seemed utterly indifferent to the whole affair. "And this Gubby. Prettiest goblin dog in the world. The Pretty Lady in the Sky gave Gritz the Pretty Picture Book he found in the junk by the water, and it have Gritz and Gubby on it! She rule over all things pretty and nice and love. She told Gritz to make pretty things! ...but Gritz not very good at it... he not good at anything other than fighting... but then, Pretty Lady Shelly showed Gritz that he can fight to protect the pretty shinies!"
He held up his rusty little glaive proudly, showing it off. It WAS well made, if a little dirty. Certainly nothing a goblin could've made by himself. "The Pretty Lady has one like this, but it has souls in it! It ate them! But Gritz is on Great Quest of Goodness to free one from it! But Gritz can't leave now... evil coming..."
Matthias nods affirmatively. "I believe that the deity he calls 'Pretty Lady Shelly' we call 'Shelyn.'" He gulps nervously. "Uhh... Sir. Sorry for int... Int... Interrupting..." He quiets back down. What a dreadfully difficult situation. I find speaking in front of strangers, particularly prominent ones, agonizing! But I must help in such a grave situation...
The Sheriff looks at Matthias, "Thank you Mr. Mattimeo, that does help decipher things a bit. Tell me do you believe he's a devout of Shelyn?" The mans gaze is steady but not unkind.
To the Gritz he asks, "How did you know the goblins would attack the festival? Was your tribe involved in the attack?"
"Gritz didn't know. Gritz just know goblins like to break parties. And when the longshanks finished the Pretty House, Gritz heard longshanks talk about a big party! Gritz isn't sure if other Treestrider goblins were involved... Gritz hasn't been back in a while."
The goblin's ears fold down in concern as he grips his weapon to his shoulder. "Gritz is... worried, though. Other goblin say 'leaders' said to attack... but should only be one leader. Chiefs not work well together. Too much sharing. But Gritz doesn't know who 'leaders' are... that worry Gritz."
Matthias nods to the sheriff.
Growing somewhat more comfortable speaking, Matthias affirms "His appreciation of beauty, namely in the flowers, his use of divine magic, and his constant reverential references to 'the Pretty Lady Shelly' seem conclusive."
The Sheriff nods to Matthias seeming to consider the ratfolk's thoughts.
Responding to Gritz he says, "You are correct that multiple tribes were involved in the attack and I agree that is quite unusual." He seems ready to say more when a call comes from nearby.
Looking over you see a young man in loose robes approaching at a quick pace.
"Sheriff Hemlock, Sheriff Hemlock..." he stops short, placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. Noticing the group gathered his eyes stick on Hollie for a moment and he blushes a bit. "Oh hi Hollie."
The Sheriff clears his throat and the boy's focus snaps back. "Oh..uh..sorry...Father Zantus sent me. Someone's been into the crypts in behind the temple. He asked that you send men to investigate" His message delivered the young man awaits the Sheriff's response, his eye darting to Hollie from time to time.
The Sheriff moves as if to call something to one of the deputies in the area but then stops to consider.
"Ms. Skyborn would you and your friends be so kind as to escort me to the temple and have a look?"
Jes, not concerned the question was asked to Hollie, answers "Let's see what is up. Might be more goblins up to no good. They've already ruined the festival and probably made tonights performance get canceled. Who knows what they might be up to in the crypts. They are ruining everything."
She huffs in frustration, then realizing her words she quickly turns to Gritz and smiles "Present company excluded of course."
Matthias nods hesitantly, the idea of more danger and exciting a little overwhelming to him. "Y... y... yes... I think we should probably go immediately..."
Hollie smiles and waves at Bertrum, listening politely to his news as unsettling as it is. At the Sheriff’s request and the others eager reply, she simply grins and says ”Looks like they’ve decided themselves! Let’s go!”
"Good. Conrad I want patrols to continue until night fall. See that any wounded are sent to the temple. I should be back by dusk but send a runner if needed."
"Yes Sheriff." Conrad replies before heading off to carry the word.
"All right then, shall we?" asks the Sheriff.
As you make your way back across town the Sheriff makes conversation with various members of the group.
"Ms. Valzanar, you're rather new to town if I recall correctly. What brings you to Sandpoint? How are you finding the city?"
"It's good to see you in town again Mr. Mattimeo. How are things at the Abbey?"
"Ms. Maynet I got word this morning of an bit of disturbance at the light house. Brodert assured me everything was fine but perhaps you could explain what happened."
"Ms. Skyborn you gave an excellent speech this morning. The crowd seemed truly inspired."
"I haven't heard of the Treestrider clan before. Where do they call home?"
Matthias nods, grateful to speak of the peaceful place. He sighs deeply, remembering his secluded home on the cliffs. "Well, as always. Thank you for asking. We have made great progress lately I our understanding of Ancient Thassalonian religious poetry. And the breezes from the sea have been enthralling as always. Has there been any trouble save this past incident in Sandpoint?"
It’s Hollies turn to blush at the compliment from the Sheriff. ”Thanks,” she says as she tucks a strand of her raven hair behind her ear. ”I’m not used to that sort of thing. It felt extremely awkward.”
"It was pretty speech, wasn't it!?" Gritz piped up, butting in between Hollie and Sheriff Hemlock's legs, Gubby trailing slightly behind. "Bestest words ever! Until the next one, and that will be the bestest words ever too!" he exclaims, clearly happy for Hollie's efforts on Shelyn's behalf. Even if his standard for producing a great speech is simply that you spoke it... but at least he means well.
"Treestriders were Toadlick tribe goblins... but we not like water. We find trees to sleep in! Much dryer, and less snakes!" Evidently, Gritz's standards for livable conditions are... low. "Treestriders might not have been in attack... Chief Gutwad laugh at us for not liking water, so we not talk to him much. He stupid anyway!"
"Nothing beyond the usual thankfully. Most of the town was absorbed in the preparations for the festival which kept things fairly quiet. Are you here just for the festival or will you be staying with us for a time?"
"The spotlight can be a difficult place but you handled it well. Did you meet your companions at the festival or did you know each other before?"
Hollie looks at the goblin giving her praise, and doesn't quite know how to respond, but when Sherrif Hemlock gives her praise as well, she replies to both with a "Thanks, I appreciate the kind words," and a slight blush.
At Hemlock's next inquiry, she answers "I knew of Matthias from before, but we weren't really friends like he and my...well, you know. As to the rest, I've only just met them today, we happened to share a table at Ameiko's and decided to take in the festival together. We even planned to go to the play later together, but...I don't know if it will still be shown."
"Hmmm... well... I was just supposed to be in town today to help with some errands... so I probably should go back to the Abbey tonight... B... b... but if there's something I need to help with I'll do that! Hopefully I don't get in too much trouble..." He wrings his small furry hands in concern while scampering somewhat briskly to keep up.
The furry ears perk up when Hollie mentions not being friends in the past tense. Gramattically, that seeems to imply I just made a friend? That doesn't happen very easily... He smiles uncertainly as he continues along. A reptilian snout pokes out of his backpack and takes a peek around as well as they head toward the most recent trouble.
When the sheriff gets to asking Jes his question her face turns bright red "Uh yeah... about that. It was just a little alchemical accident. I had added a bit too much powder, and hadn't titrated down enough of the reagent to account for the variance in mass. So... long story short, there was a bit of an accident." She smiles and nods to herself "I mean of course, no one was hurt and I just need to replace one of the windows on the house."
Quick to turn the subject she adds "Of course, I was going to try and take care of that between the festival and tonight's play, but what with all this nonsense with the goblins... well I know you know it has been a rough day for the town."
Oh no--he knows my last name!
Shaedeen tries to remain calm and semi-aloof as she answers the sheriff's questions.
"Yes--I came up the coast from Magnimar a couple weeks back. I was thinking of traveling perhaps as far as Riddleport but realized I didn't have the coin to get that far. So...I took a job at one of your locals taverns. Thus far, it seems like a nice place...except for the goblin invasion."
Matthias pipes up nervously to vouch for Jess. "Sh... sh... she really is a great alchemist... just hard to rush a job like that without risk..." He keeps padding along as fast as his short legs will carry him to keep up on the way to the latest disturbance.
The Sheriff is a well known member of the community and enjoys support from most in town. He was elected after his predecessor, Casp Avertin, was killed by Chopper, whom Sheriff Hemlock is generally considered to be responsible for stopping. Since then he has worked hard to live up to his mentors memory.
You also know that the sheriff was formerly Belor Viskalai and changed his last name to Belor which is it's Chelish translation. While this pleased the mostly Chelish town, it upset his brother Garridan.
It's rumored that the Sheriff is in a romantic engagement with Kaye Tesarani.
While the Sheriff's knowledge of your companions gives you pause, it occurs to you that on the occasions you've spoken with him he does always seem to be very knowledgeable about what's going on in town.
In regards to Bertram, you've long realized he has quite a crush on you.
"Well Desna certainly smiles on us to have such able individuals meet just as the town needs them the most." the Sheriff says with a smile.
Frowning sternly he says, "You must be more careful Ms. Maynet. I'm glad to hear no one was hurt but I don't believe it would be the first time if memory serves. Your talents are impressive from what Mr. Quink tells me, but please take care in applying them." Continuing he adds, "It has indeed. My understanding is that the show will go on but in two days time out of respect for those who died or were injured."
"I see. Well the Abby is fortunate to have you among their members."
That's quite the journey. It's been awhile since I was last in Magnimar. Did you grow up there? How are things in the city?"
At about this time you reach the temple. The courtyard before it is still a mess but people are moving about to clean up already. The burning wagon has been put out and bodies are being put on carts for removal.
Father Zantus sees you from the temple steps and comes down to meet you.
"Ah Sheriff, thank you for coming so quickly." Lowering his voice a bit he continues. "As we walked the grounds to be sure everything was secure I noticed that," He looks to Hollie with a pained look before continuing, "Father Tobyn's crypt was open. I hate to think what desecration the goblins might have done in there but I thought it best to have you with me in case some remain there."
The Sheriff nods grimly before looking at the group, "Would you mind accompanying me a bit further?"
Matthias shrugs his small shoulders in embarrassment at the sheriff's compliment. "Well... I... uh..." but when they arrive at the temple his uncertainty is gone. He nods once silently and firmly then looks to the others to see what they say.
”Indeed!” Hollie replies to Belor, but then remains quiet as he talks with the others. She keeps tabs on Bertram as they walk, not wanting to ostracize him, but also not certain how she feels towards him yet. It was an awkward situation.
One that grew even more so once they arrived at the cathedral. When Father Zantus cast his troubled eyes her way and shared his news, Hollie’s world seemed to grow as dark as...as the darkest night she could recall.
Father Tobyn! What could these monsters want with him? Why? Why would they...why would anyone do this!?!?
Her legs grew unsteady and her stomach was in knots as her hand reached to Draxtherian for support, which he readily provided. Her tan face seemed as pale as the dragon’s scales. When Belor asked for them to accompany him, she reflexively took a step away, but Draxtherian slipped his tail behind her and gave her back a gentle nudge forward. After her brief moment of uncertainty, she swallowed down her fear and simply nodded to the Sherrif as she began, slowly, walking toward Tobyn’s crypt.
However, as she advanced, her apprehension was soon replaced with fear of what had happened to the body and grave of the man who raised her, and her slow walk soon broke into a full one sprint!
When Hollie began running for the crypt, it caught even Draxtherian by surprise.
”Hollie! Wait!” he called after her before darting after her, trying to close the distance before she got too far ahead...
Gritz followed along, puzzling the interactions between the others. As the resident... non-resident of this group, he felt it prudent to remain quiet until an area of his expertise came up... which mostly pertained to swamps, trees, pretty things, goblins, or goblin dogs. Gubby just trailed lazily behind, clearly not bothered by the whole affair.
But when they got to the tomb, Gritz had to admit... he was stumped! Why would goblins want a bunch of old bones and things? It's not even good for food... and that's coming from a goblin! The wheels in his head turned, trying to riddle out why his fellow goblins would want a bunch of bones... and the truth was, they wouldn't! Not to his knowledge, anyways! But an idea suddenly clicked in his mind... these enigmatic "leaders" the goblins spoke of... they were the only other factor that could change things!
...so what did THEY want with the crypt?
Gritz's careful train of thought was broken by Hollie suddenly darting off in a sprint! She seemed so scared about it, but now she was running towards it? "Pretty Dragon Lady! Wait! Gub Gub! Come!" he ordered, before taking off after her!
As Hollie, Drax and Gritz start to run ahead Jes raises her hands in the air "Why are we running?" Not particularly looking for an answer she pulls out her newly acquired bow and runs to catch up.
"Gritz doesn't know!" the goblin called back, trying to keep up with Hollie.
Matthias runs as fast as he can to keep up with Hollie but has a lot of trouble. Between panting breaths he calls out "Tobyn helped raise Hollie. *pant pant* He was like a father to her!"
Shaedeen finds that the truth (more or less) will suffice in answering the sheriff's questions to her.
"Well, actually, I was born and raised in the grand old city of Westmarch in Cheliax, but my parents moved to Magnimar a few years back. They were murdered by some street gang and I spent three years in a orphanage. Parts of the city are quite beautiful, but others are ugly and dark. The crime there ultimately drove me to seek out greener pastures."
******************************
Catching Bertram glancing occasionally at Hollie, Shae ponders if he's infatuated with the pretty woman or if his interest might be of a more sinister nature.
******************************
When the sheriff asked the group to accompany him to the desecrated crypt, she nodded confidently. When Hollie unexpectedly broke into a sprint as the party neared the crypt and Matthias gasped an explanation of what the dead priest had been to Hollie, Shae yelled for Hollie to slow down and then broke into a sprint herself.
[spoiler=Shae]Trying to be subtle you eye the young man and his occasional, self conscious glances towards Hollie. You quickly decide he must be nursing quite the crush on the young woman but you don't sense any malice in it.[/ooc]
"I'm sorry for your loss. It must have been difficult for you." the Sheriff responds with apparently sincere sympathy on his face. He seems ready to continue with Father Zanthus approaches the group.
The party makes it's way around the temple, the late day sun causing it to cast a long shadow but also glinting in rainbow hues from the stained glass. Rounding the back corner you see a well kept graveyard behind the building. Tombstones and other grave markers stand silent vigil over the remains they honor. Towards the back a few stone mausoleums sit, ivy and in some case roses growing up their sides.
As they come into view Hollie's pace suddenly quickens and then turns to a run towards one of the buildings. Looking towards it you can see the heavy door stands partially ajar.
"Ms. Skyborn!" the Sheriff calls, missing an attempt to catch her arm.
"Hollie wait!" Father Zanthus calls out.
Both men quicken their pace to keep up.
Hollie continues her pace all the way to the door of the mausoleum, though once she reaches the door her sprint comes to an abrupt halt as she scans the inside to take in the chamber she had been avoiding for five long years...
Draxtherian closes the distance as well, coming up just behind her.
Matthias runs up behind. Completely unsure what's going on, he decides to trust in scholarly matters he feels he understands.
Gritz chases up after Hollie, panting as he catches up with her before looking at the ajar door, then up at Hollie as she stares at the tomb, considering Matthias' words. Parents mean very little to goblins, as the tribe usually raises them as a bunch (in cages), so individual caretakers don't mean much to him. But he grasped that this fellow, whatever a father was, was important to her. And it was his fellow goblins who caused her this grief.
Turning and bowing, Gritz looked back up at Hollie. "Pretty Lady Hall-ee, Gritz is sorry other goblins do this. Let Gritz go first. Gritz is goblin too, he should be first to clean up messes of other goblins." Although Gritz didn't grasp the connection, he knew it was important to her, and he felt it only polite to ask first before just stalking inside.
Assuming Hollie agrees, Gritz orders Gubby to follow along, before slowly moving to the open tomb and peering inside to check. Presumably, it's darker inside, so his darkvision should cut through the shadows easily!
Shaedeen rushes up and listens to Gritz's words, nodding in agreement. Turning to the others she asks, "Does anybody have a torch or know some sort of light spell?"
Matthias shakes his head "Not today..." but looks around with his darkvision.
The group manages to catch up when Hollie pauses at the tomb door, appearing conflicted about opening it. Gritz offers to do so and give the door a solid push. The well oiled hinges swing open with little sound but as the fading light enters the tomb an unnatural moan issues forth.
Moving with jerky, preternaturally quick movements three skeletal figures turn to face the party.
"No, Shelyn please, not this...not this..." Hollie says as her knees give way and she slumps down to the ground, shaken to her core at the sight of the skeletons, one of them very likely Father Tobyn, making their way towards them.
Terrified, Matthias stammers "D... d... don't worry, Hollie. I won't let them get you!" He then uses up the last little bit of his magic and creates a slippery surface on the steps up out of the tomb to keep the horrible things at bay.
Draxtherian, either uncaring or unawares of the magic worked by Matthias, darts to get between the undead and Hollie! The moment his claws hit the slippery tile, however, he turns his momentarily to the floor with a confused look on his face. However, he maintains his footing and takes a snap at the nearest skeleton.
__________
As Hollie drops to the ground and Matthias speaks, Jes moves where she can get a clear shot. Seeing the skeletons inside she takes aim with the shortbow. The small confines and her allies standing in her path prove difficult for her aim as the arrow clanks against the crypts wall.
Shaking her head at the miss she shouts out "Hollie, get out of there!"
Gritz blinks as the sight of a number of longshanks skeletons shamble towards them! Taking a brief hop to put himself between Hollie and the monstrosities, he readied his glaive for battle, as Gubby followed suit and snarled at the creatures.
Draxtharian rushes forward to defend his friend, biting down on the closest skeleton's arm but finds no flesh to rend.
The skeleton, undeterred, slashes at the dragons face.
The first attack flies wide but the second digs deep gashes.
Perhaps drawn by the blood or the warmth of the living the other two skeletons move forward and attack.
Again he manages to avoid the first strike but fails to defend himself against the second. Another deep line is gouged in his scales as the third skeleton finds purchase.
Behind the party the Sheriff draws his longsword while Father Zanthus moves closer.
"What is it!?" the Sheriff calls out in concern as the men try and see past the party.
Shaedeen moves forward courageously, even though she's not well-equipped to deal with fleshless, undead opponents. Drawing her sap, she enters the crypt and moves toward the rightmost skeleton before going into an awkward tumble in an attempt to slip past it.