Sami draws herself up to the best of her ability though being slightly overweight it is not that impressive.
"It is what good people meant to do. I am sorry about your dog, I am sure it was a loyal companion. Can we escort you someplace safe? A tavern, it is good to be with people after trauma."
She looks around remember others might still be in trouble. Best get him inside and be on the look out, get back to the square. At least I think I sound right.
"We're not heroes, sir. We just saw some trouble and tries to help as best we could. The situation seems safe at least for the moment, though there may be more goblins still around. Gathering with others is a good idea, Sami. We could also gather up any others who need help too."
The man thanks you all, but seems most interested in Sami as he grins and regards her, smiling.
"You, my dear, are as deadly as you are beautiful! And what a wonderful weapon! It is loud, but was certainly effective."
Then to all of you, "Thank you again, you have clearly saved my life. I am in town fro a few more days, but I would love to speak with you again, once things have calmed down." He looks over his shoulder nervously, as if expecting another goblin to pop out at any second.
"I am staying at the Rusty Dragon. Come see me, and we'll see if I can muster up a reward worthy of your skill..." and then directly at Sami, "and worthy of your beauty!"
In the shadow ofthe goblin attack, Sandpoint is hardly interested in finishing up the Swallowtail Festival. Citizens retreat to their homes to hide and recover from the day's horrors, yet as they go, they take the time to thank you for saving them.
A lady in particular, Ameiko Kaijitsu, seems very impressed. "You have all clearly saved lives this day, and it is the least I can do to put you up for a few nights... no, make it a week! Come stay at the Rusty Dragon this week, free of charge for the heroes of Sandpoint!"
Lucien watches as the apparently well-to-do man leaves. ”Fop.” he mutters, under his breath. The attack apparently over, the tall elf allows his psychic blade to dissipate, and shakes his head. ”A town this size, and no one was watching for goblin attack? Even those illiterate vermin know that a distraction like this festival provides perfect cover for an attack.”
When the gentelman speaks Sami clearly looks over her shoulder for someone else with loud weapon before making a nice someplace between a giggle and a cough. Mention of the Rusty Dragon gets her bearings back.
"Ahh yes, lets get you to the Rusty Dragon then. Er.. Then we make sure eveyone else is safe." she looks around "Not to speak for you folks."
When they get to the Rusty Dragon she is much happier. "I would not call us heroes my lady. We did what all would do if they had the tools I think. That said the Accidental God smiles on this tavern it is plain to see."
Tiyuvi's mouth twitches in amusement as the newcomer lavishes so much attention on the short half-orc. "Well Sami, it looks like you caught someone's eye."
Tiyuvi spends a few more moments surveying the area to make sure there aren't any more goblins hiding behind carts or in barrels. "I know what you're saying, Lucien, but the town has known peace for so long it's hard to remain viligant."
After one more glance around Tiyuvi addresses the others. "Alright. Looks clear. Let's take the lady up on her offer and stay at the Rusty Dragon." He winks a cat eye at Sami. "I think there's someone there waiting for you."
Your host at the Rusty Dragon is true to her word, and gives you rather nice rooms for free. Furthermore, you find that her award winning recipes are not reserved for the town festival - the food is excellent here!
It is late in the day, and you can choose to retire for the evening, or try to chat up some other guests. Or do something else.
"My compliments on the cuisine. I usually stick to elven fare, but this is quite good." Lucien says to the proprietor, pleasantly surprised despite himself with the quality of the food.
"I never turn down free lodging. Thank you miss Kaijitsu."
Syrix enjoys the amazing food and finally starts to relax a little. She waits until everyone has finished and then speaks tot he group.
"I don't think i've ever been called a hero before. It just seemed the right thing to do so i helped out. I've been through this town on various occasions before and i've always found it to be a friendly and pleasant stop off point between Riddleport and Magnimar. It certainly would have been a shame if those little green pests had caused more damage. When we're done eating i must go check on an old friend. Does anyone else have people they know living in town?"
While the compliment from the man they rescued threw her off Sami enjoys the attention from the guests at the Rusty Dragon. I am sure they all want to know they are safe after their home was attacked. To her being a paladin is being a true hero and maybe the attention of the town will get her god to look her way.
"My uncle is in town but it is late to go see him, I am suprised he is not here in all honesty. I will stay here and make sure the Accidental God knows he is welcome in this Inn."
Sami will spend a good deal of the night attempting to make sure the good people know that all is well.... and drinking.
Despite the disturbance, the people in the Rusty Dragon eventually drink enough to start to forget their troubles. After an hour, a familiar face appears - the man you saved.
"Another round for my heroes!" he exclaims. "Never let it be said that Aldern Foxglove doesn't appreciate someone saving his skin!"
The man waves his companions over to a free table, and stops by to say hi. "Listen, folks. You deserve a good night here - so I will be picking up your tab tonight. I am leaving in a few days, but I have planned a boar hunt in nearby Tickwood Forest, and would like to invite you to join me. I'll provide the horses and supplies."
As Ameiko refills your mugs, she smiles and says, "You bring me a boar from your hunt, Mr. Foxglove, and I will treat you to a roast like you have never tasted before."
As soon as Foxglove arrives Same moves to greet him and immediately becomes embarrassed.
"I am not a great rider but that does sound fun, as long as the town is safe of course." she looks expectantly for any of the other people who fought with her to join in.
"So your heading home in a few days? Where are you off two if you don't mind the question."
"Hunt a boar then have it cooked by our hostess here? That sounds quite enjoyable. Sure, i'm in!"
Syrix continues to enjoy the taverns hospitality while making sure she doesn't overindulge too much.
"A boar hunt? That sounds a little more fancy that anything I've ever done. But sure, I'll go along with it." Tiyuvi relaxes and enjoys the food and the company. He remembers that only a few years ago he was running around in this very inn and up to all kinds of mischief.
Lucien hesitates. Boar hunts can be quite a bit of danger for little reward. Meat can be bought in a butcher's shop. Especially if this fool is one of the sort who likes to hunt with knives.* When the others all accept though, he feels obligated. "I have no doubt such a meal would be exquisite." he says, with a nod of assent. Best practice manifesting a longspear.
*I've got some friends who are that kind of crazy.
"Excellent! Wonderful! Let's do it day after tomorrow." Foxglove gives you the details.
Then, as he answers Sami's question while taking her hand, he says "Why, I have a few estates, but these days I make my home in Magnimar. You should absolutely come and visit!" He kisses her hand.
You notice a young lady giving sideways glances at Tivuyi from time to time, and then giggling with her friends.
The rest of the evening is spent fairly relaxed, and the mood lightens considerably. More than a few patrons come over to thank you for saving their families, and more than a few offer you drinks or discounts if you come by their shops.
Eventually, you all retire for the evening. The rooms are nice, and you are able to make yourselves right at home. The next morning, the air is crisp, the sun is shining, and you are feeling pretty good about yourselves.
The hand kiss is too much for Sami and she quickly turns to get another beverage. She stays up for a bit more and goes to bed happy. In the morning she takes some quiet time in her room to prey that she will become the paladin she always wanted.
With a day to kill Sami will first go visit her Uncle and help out at the forge, assuming he will want free help.
Tiyuvi rested well. It was nice to feel like he was finally paying back to this community that had put up with him as a youngster. After grabbing a quick bite to eat in the main room, Tiyuvi heads out to explore the town. Pretty much all of the old shops and buildings are still where he remembered and in good shape.
When he finds himself outside of the lumbermill, Tiyuvi enters. He spots a young looking boy pushing a cart of rough boards across the yard and stops him. "Hey, I'm looking for your boss, Thorn. He around?"
This has been a long day. Lucien thinks, yawning. Turning to the others, he says "Early to bed, early to rise, as the elders always told me. I will see you all in the morning." With that he retires to the rooms that have been so generously provided for them.
You each go your separate ways in the morning.
Sami finds her old smithy, and as she approaches, hears a few children at play.
"Here comes crazy-man Das Korvut,
Mad as a cut snake in a wagon rut.
See how his chops go bouncity-bounce ?
How many people has he trounced?
One! Two! Three! Four ... "
Once in side the Red Dog Smithy , she finds her uncle, Das, pounding on a sword. He looks over at her, grunts a simply acknowledgement, and then points to a broken piece of armor that needs mending, simply expecting Sami to pick up where she left off years ago, without even a word.
Tiyuvi heads to the Sandpoint Lumber Mill . This long building was one of the first to be built when Sandpoint was founded. Asking a few questions, Tiyuvi finds that Ibor Thorn is still running the place, although it is owned by the industrious Scarnetti family. With his partnet, Banny Harker, the mill has been running its insidiously noisy logsplitter into the wee hours of the night as they rush to keep up with demand in the face of Magnimar's increased hunger for lumber.
For the others, who are getting a later start to the day, hear a knock on their door. A boy informs you that Sheriff Hemlock would like to see you if at all possible. Apparently there was an incident at the Sandpoint Boneyard, and he is interested to see the town's heroes' take on the matter.
As she passes the children Sami smiles and waves, despite the none too flattering song. With luck they have caught this hero business and will run off. No need to uncle to be grumpier then normal.
Sami responds to her uncles 'greeting' with a tight grin. She grabs the armor asking "Who is this for?" as she begins to get situated. Her works is slow because she is taking her time and enjoying what she is working on. Near the end she works in a pair of tankards in a not obvious position.
Sitting in the tavern, enjoying a late breakfast after spending the morning studying his spellbook, Lucien looks the child up and down, shrugs, and say "Fine. I'll head that way shortly." After quickly finishing his breakfast, he asks Ameiko for directions to the Sheriff's office and heads that way.
"What? You guys have been running the mill all night? Doesn't that bother the neighbors?" Tiyuvi chuckles a bit as he thinks of the ruckus this must make. "Oh, and I don't know if you remembered, but that fire I started, long ago? I'm really sorry." If a catfolk blush was visible Thorn would see Tiyuvi's face bright red. "I was pretty foolish then. I like to think I've grown up a bit."
After a hesitation Tiyuvi offers a paw for a handshake. "If there is anything I can do to help, either now or in the future, just let me know."
The men at the lumbermill are very busy, so they barely take notice of Tiyuvi. "Don't light any fires... that would help."
Lucien eventually drags himself over to the Sheriff's office. "Where's your friends? No matter, let's head over to the cemetery. I want you to see something that happened last night during the attack."
As you walk, Sheriff Balor talks. "Thank you again for your help yesterday. You and your friends saved many lives. So, what are your plans? Going to stay with us a while?"
When you arrive at the Boneyard, you meet Father Zantus. "Thank you for coming, Sheriff. I didn't realize it last night, but one of the tombs here has been desecrated! It is my predecessor, Ezakien Tobyn's vault."
Hemlock asks Zantus to wait in the Cathedral once they reach the Boneyard, but asks Lucien to aid him in investigating the scene. The vault in question is a 20-foot square stone structure that stands near the wall. Used to house the remains of previous caretakers, priests, and acolytes who served at the Cathedral, the stone door does indeed hang ajar. The ground around the place is churned up as well.
Tiyuvi recognizes the curt responses from the men and realizes that he's pretty much just in the way at the moment. As if by chance, he spots Lucien walking with the sheriff past the lumbermill. "Ok. Nice talking with you." he nods to the workers and jogs out to the street to catch up with Lucien.
It doesn't take long for them to arrive at the cemetery and get the gist of what is concerning the sheriff and Father Zantus.
Tiyuvi tries to look around but doesn't spot any obvious clues.
"Excuse my uncle, I will come back to this over the next few days."
With that and not waiting for a replay Sami quickly belts on her holster and various other gear itmes and joins the group.
"Where are we going? You look so... oh the cemetery."
Once they reach the tomb she squats down and looks at the ground.
"Not just goblins. Something bigger though I have no idea what. I know this tomb though, Father Tobyn was a good man."
She waits for the others though she is happy to go in first.
"There is something about a place where people are laid to rest that always feels a little unsettling. Maybe it's just the way it reminds us of our own mortality?" ponders Syrix out loud.
"Something bigger than a goblin that is an ally of the golbins. Well that sounds strange to me. I guess we should be prepared for anything then." she says as she retrieves her spear from her back and stands to one side of Sami.
Mumbling to herself more then anyone.
"I have seen goblin paladins, things are not so green and white." then to the others "Yes prepared for anything."
After Sami points out the prints, Lucien takes a close look at them. "Yes, definitely someone bigger than the average goblin. Looks like probably a half-dozen or so goblins and someone closer to our size. Goblins are mercurial at best, but I wouldn't put it past some outlaw to make a temporary alliance with them" He says, before looking back to the tomb. "But why this tomb? Was the priest buried with valuables that they came to steal, perhaps?"
Sheriff Balor responds, "I was sort of hoping you all could help me determine that. There shouldn't have been anything of value in there. Father Tobyn was a pious man, and of course he died in that awful fire along with his daughter, so there wasn't much left of his possessions anyway."
"Do you want to look inside? We haven't touched anything yet."
[i] Investigating a tomb. Sounds like something I should be doing. [/b]
"Lets have a look, my faith will protect me."
With that she will try and open the tomb door with one hand and her pistol in the other.
Lucien follows Sami in and looks around carefully.
Sami opens the door, and then backs up in surprise. Two animated human skeletons awkwardly come shambling out, broken scimitars in their hand.
Tiyuvi watches with a mix of curiosity and anxiety as Sami opens the door. A surge of adrenaline rushes through his body as soon as he sees the skeletons.
Syrix sees the things and tries to recall useful information.
"Animated dead! These skeletons are bony, so use bashing weapons against them. Blades and arrows will do very little. They are also immune to cold or mind effecting spells, so keep that in mind."
Using his branched spear, he steps back and attacks from 10' range, fighting defensively.
The skeletons shamble forth. One slices Sami's shoulder, while the other continues out to close on Syrix and stabs her in the side.
"OUCH! Should have seen that coming."
Quickly taking a step backwards Sami brings her pistol up, sure that at this close range she cannot miss. The trigger pull feels good but she does not feel she got all out of the shot that she could have. Bloodied she reloads to be ready for more.
"Bashing. Right." In a moment, a glowing blue mace appears in Lucien's grasp, and he advances on the skeletons.
Unfortunately, the pistol shot just missed shattering the skeleton's spine, but still did significant damage.
Tiyuvi jumps into action. He takes a wide step around the skeletons and comes at them from the side. He looks at the rapier in his hands. Rapier thrusts will just pass straight through the gaps in the skeleton bones. It will be useless. Instead Tiyuvi aims a kick and the skeleton's leg and tries to knock it to the ground.
Syrix continues to fight defensively, but offers combat advice to Lucien to crush the skeleton with the blue glow in its eye sockets.
The skeleton doesn't wait and swings at Lucien, while the other side-swipes Tiyuvi.
Tiyuvi almost stumbles from his first attempt to trip the skeleton but he tries again.
Sami stumbles backwards another step as she again pulls the trigger.
Getting into the flow of things her hands fly as she reloads again.
Sami blasts a bullet into the red skeleton's skull, dropping it to the ground. Tiyuvi trips up the blue one, and then Lucien steps in to swing his magically summoned mace at it.
Syrix again offers Combat advice to Lucien, seeing how helpful it seemed the first time.
The blue skeleton stands up to attack. Lucien takes advantage of the opportunity to smak him again.
This time, the skeleton doesn't get back up.
The sheriff shakes his head, and let's out a sigh of relief. "Again, I have to offer my thanks. Whatever is going on here?"
"Is everyone ok!"
Sami scans her companions to make sure no one, outside of her that is, is injured. Seeing them in good shape before poking her wound gently.
"Seems awaful odd for a goblin attack now doesn't it. I would love to know what those bigger footprints are."
"Yeah, I'm fine. And yes, it would be nice to know what those are but maybe if we enter the vault we will find out."
"Point made. Not sure how eveyone sees in the dark."
Gun pointing forward she leads the way into the vault, ready for any hiding skeletons as best she can be.
"There are larger goblinoids. Bugbears, hobgoblins, and the like. Not sure how likely they are to work with goblins, though." Lucien follows Sami, mace at the ready.