A search of the vault's interior turns up two things of interest. First, a discarded robe lies in a corner. Second, and more disturbing, is the fact that the sarcophagus that contained Ezakien's body has been opened and his remains stolen.
Looking around Sami is at a loss.
"Why would they want the body of a priest? Was the attack just a distraction?"
"Yeah, that doesn't make sense." Tiyuvi examines the vault carefully, hoping for a clue.
"I think you have guessed it. That goblin attack made no sense, but if it was orchestrated as a distraction, the clues do seem to line up. But who would do that, and why?" The sheriff scratches his head in contemplation. "Listen, until we have more answers, perhaps we better keep this information quiet for now. We don't want to create more panic, or drive off anyone that might be involved."
"Best we close this thing up and go about our business then. It bears keeping an eye on though. Has the rest of the cemetery been checked?"
Sami looks around, clearly she has no idea what to do in a situation like this.
"Maybe we can follow the tracks."
You close up the crypt and search the area, but you don't find anything else. Unfortunately, this is a mystery for another day.
Heading back to town, the sheriff and priest both thank you again for your help, and promise to keep you informed if anything else comes up.
"I would suggest we thank the accidental god for allowing us to defeat those skeletons so easily. I will buy us some drinks and we can tell the tale... wait, no we cant but still we should give thanks."
It's a little before lunch.
If there's nothing else pressing, Lucien will try to find Brodert Quink, on the mission the University originally sent him for.
Sami shrugs "Probably a little early to celebrate. I guess I will go and work some on my uncles projects unless there is need elsewhere. Plus I need to heal up a bit I guess."
Before heading to the blacksmith Sami will look for Father Zantus to see if he will heal her up. Thought the conversation she is embarrassed that she still has not been favored with the powers of a paladin.
Father Zantus is happy to help as he can. Magical healing is limited, but he does what he can, which is enough to heal you up today.
Brodert Quink is not available today, it seems. Knocks on his door go unanswered.
After spending the day doing what you do, you all congregate back at the Rusty Dragon. Tiyuvi notices a girl at the bar seems to be taking quite an interest in him.
Tiyuvi sits with the others as they joke and recount the day's events. From time to time he spots a girl at the bar looking in his direction. At first he thinks it is nothing but then he notices her looks getting more direct.
"Well gents," he says suddenly. "I think I have some business at the bar." He stands and approaches the girl.
"Hey there. I'm Tiyuvi." He sits on a stool next to her.
Giggling in response, the girl replies "I know who you are. You have become quite famous here. My name is Shayliss. My daddy owns the General Store here in town. Wanna buy a girl a drink?"
"Well, uh. Famous huh? I don't know about that." Tiyuvi smiles, obviously happy with his growing reputation. "Sure, I'd love to get you a drink." He signals to the barkeep.
After a drink and some small talk, she coos at you. "You are so strong! Listen, I have a problem at the store I am sure an able bodied gent like yourself could help me with. There are some rats in the store basement. Father has been so distracted with my sister, he hasn't kept up with pests. Why, just yesterday, I swear I saw one the size of a goblin hiding behind a barrel at the far end of the basement! Father don't believe me... but surely you can handle it for little, ol' me? Why, we could go right now!"
Tiyuvi stands and puts his chest out. "Yeah, I'm sure I can help." As they walk by the table Tiyuvi was at before he moved to the bar, he speaks up to his friends. "Hey guys. I'm going with Shayliss here to the general store. Should be back soon."
-----------------General Store---------------
Tuyuvi
---------------------------------------------
She giggles again as she takes you by the hand and leads you down the street.
You enter a building with a big sign which reads "Sandpoint General Store". She unlocks the door and leads you to the back, where there is a door down into the basement. Once you get to the basement, she turns on you realize she has undone her bodice, and rushes to embrace you - pushing toward a cot that seems all too conveniently set up in the corner.
Well, we won't play out any details here... but we can assume you are enjoying yourself. You can simply respond with an "Oh my!"
Describe how you do it, and make a Bluff or a Diplomacy check to see how it resolves.
-----------------Rusty Dragon----------------
Lucien, Sami
---------------------------------------------
Lucien is just about to retire for the night, when he sees a man that matches the description of Brodert Quink walk in and sit at a table.
Tiyuvi is shocked for a moment at the unexpected turn of events. But what does he have to lose. He opens to her embrace and then things happen.
-----------------General Store---------------
Tuyuvi
---------------------------------------------
You hear footsteps coming down the stairs. It gives you just enough time to react...
Tiyuvi's ears perk up at the sound of footsteps. He glances at Shayliss. "Do you hear that? Who could it be?" He jumps from the cot and starts pulling on his clothes. He checks to make sure that his rapier is still leaning against the wall and within reach.
”My father! What is he doing here?”
Sure enough, an older man comes down the stairs and finds you adjusting yourselves.
”What!?!? What is going on down here, Shayliss! Following your sisters footsteps? And who are you?” He points at Tiyuvi and clenches his other hand into a fist.
"Me? I'm Tiyuvi." He glances over to Shayliss then back to her father. "Shayliss brought me down here to fight off some creatures that she said were bothering you guys." He tries a charming smile. "But really, nothing happened."
Lucien walks up to the man and clears his throat. ”Excuse me, sir, are you Brodert Quink?”
--------General Store---------
"Why I am going to skin you, boy! Get outta here before I really get mad!"
He chases Tiyuvi around a bit, but being nimble and quick, Tiyuvi can make his way out, if he likes.
"I don't care if the town thinks you are heroes... don't be expecting to buy anything in my shoppe!"
--------Rusty Dragon--------
"Why, yes... yes, I am Quink. And who might you be, elf friend?"
Tuyuvi easily dodges around the man and skips up the stairs. Halfway up he stops and waves back at Shayliss. Then he disappears the rest of the way up the stairs.
Once outside he heads back to the inn. He chuckles at himself as he strolls through the streets.
Tuyvi returns and sees Lucien talking to some old man.
"Where you been?", Syrix asks. "Well, I am ready to call it a night. That hunt with Foxglove is tomorrow, and I think he means to head out early."
Once a days work is done Sami will head back to the inn to, hopefully, meet the others for a meek.
"I was just checking out the store." Tiyuvi ignores the obvious point that it is past normal business hours at the store. "So, I suppose we all should head to bed. We've got that hunt tomorrow, right?"
Another peaceful night at the Rusty Dragon, and you wake in the morning to smells of roast pork and fresh biscuits. As you head down for breakfast, a few people seem to point at Tiyuvi and mutter to each other. Some of the looks are of disdain, a few others seem mirthful.
As you start to eat your breakfast, Aldern Foxglove comes strolling in. "Excellent! It is a great day for a hunt! Finish up your meal, please, and let's get moving! Does everyone have a horse? If not, tell my manservant here, and he will go buy you one while you eat."
"A horse, no... I considered it but, never mind, no I don't have one. I am not a greatly skilled rider but will give it a go. Just a moment and I will be ready."
She quickly downs the last of her food and waits for the others.
Aldern beams when he hears Sami's plight. "Why, of course, I will be happy to teach you! Manuel, fetch me a beauty but calm steed for my lady, will you?
Sami, dear, you will need to stay close to me, won't you?"
[ooc]These horses and saddles are your's to keep - Aldern is just giving them to you. So feel free to add to your sheet. They are pretty standard riding horses and saddles. If you want upgrades, you can trade them in for better later.[/b]
It's a mile-and-a-half ride to Tickwood Forest, just north of the upthrust limestone escarpment known as the Devil's Platter. Despite its ominous name, Tickwood is actually a relatively safe woodland, one well known to be the home of wild boars , deer, firepelt cougars, and the rare giant ticks (for which the wood is named).
The ride to Tickwood takes about half an hour. Aldern starts by taking special care of Sami, but eventually begins to address everyone. "So, please, all of you. Tell me about yourselves? Do you have any harrowing tales of adventure? How did you rise to become heroes so early in life?"
Sami is still a bit confused by the attention but will not turn down a horse. A paladin needs a trusty mount, this is a sign for sure.
"All right, I will stick close if you think that is best."
During the ride Sami, not being over shy even if nervous at times, tells a bit about her life. Growing up in Sandpoint with her uncle.
"Adventures, just life really. My father was a bit of a pirate so not much for raising a girl really. He did what he could I guess, gave me this gun that I had to fix up so that was a good start. Sent me to Sandpoint."
She pauses
"Despite him and being trained as a smith I know I have a calling to be the champion of the Accidental God. I am sure he will smile on me, er, and this hunt."
When the time comes to ride out Tiyuvi eyes his prospective mount with a bit of skepticism. Eventually he pulls himself up onto the saddle and spends a few minutes to get comfortable with the ride.
Once at the forest Tiyuvi takes Aldern up on his invitation. "Well, to be honest, I didn't start out that honest. I was a bit of a scoundrel, really. I like to think that I've grown out of that phase though. I'm back at Sandpoint to try to make ammends."
A few snickers from the hired help behind Foxglove, he overhears it and starts laughing.
"A scoundrel I hear you still are! The General Stores daughter? I hear he is quite livid about it. Might be a good thing you are out of town for the day."
Tiyuvi grins. "Well, I guess I'll just have to lay low for a while."
The hunt goes well, as you continue to discuss various topics. The way Aldern Foxglove keeps leading the conversation to your role as heroes, you get the feeling he is doing research on how to become a hero himself.
Finally, you find a boar nest and are able to give chase.
Seeing the boar Sami suddenly finds herself one hundred precent in her element she looks at Foxglove and quickly quips.
"Hold my beer." Before drawing her pistol and laying into the beast. You can tell she is trying to be extra flashy to impress him with her first two shots if she is can get within range.
Aldern gives Tiyuvi a musket, but it feels pretty unfamiliar.
Sami, however, makes some excellent shots and gets herself a boar.
You continue the hunt, but not much more exciting happens. Foxglove is excited. "Excellent! We shall take this back to town, and perhaps that girl at the Rusty Dragon can cook it up for us!"
You head back, and Ameiko is of course happy to roast your boar. That night, you all have a party, and the food is wonderful. Foxglove keeps making comments about the great hunting skills of the Sandpoint heroes!
Suddenly, a surly visitor slams the tavern's door open and bellows out a sharp -tongued command in a strange language.
Suddenly distracted, he points at a kitsune at the bar. "You!" Then he sees Sami and Tiyuvi, and barks at them too. "And you! Heroes? I think not. You endanger the townsfolk with your ill-advised "antics" against those goblins... you should have left the defense of the town to the city guard and other trained professionals!"
Rising from his seat to his full height, Lucien looks down at the man, a frown on his face. "Sit by and watch while innocents are terrorized by goblins? What sort of cowards do you take us for, sir?"
"Taking it upon yourselves? Another group looking for adventure?"
The man barks a derisive laugh, rolls his eyes, and says,"Just what we need-a filthy band of vagrants to attract even more trouble to town."
Ameiko rushes into the front room, a ladle dripping with soup in her hand, to find out what all the ruckus is about. "Father! Leave these people alone. What are you doing here?"
The two start arguing in another language and then he tries to grab her by the hair. She dodges and brains him with her soupy ladle, spattering fish stock and potatoes all over his hair and outfit.
As soon as he moves to grab Ameiko Sami closes the distance putting herself between them.
"Sir, you do us wrong as well as you daughter plus you may spill someones drink. Calm yourself, we have brought no hardship to you or the town and you will know it. Have a drink and relax, allow the accidental god will calm your sole."
Tiyuvi stands to the challenge when the man starts to shout but before he can intervene Sami jumps in. He moves to her side to confront the man and try to calm him down.
Vulpidin hardly glances up when some man barges in and starts shouting. He was still... not sure how he felt about his first real taste of battle. It had been necessary, but... was this really why he'd been blessed with these powers? Certainly he was glad enough to not have to steal for a living anymore, but he wasn't sure goblin-slaying was really much of an improvement.
The continued discussion managed to rouse him from his reverie at last. One of his two tails twitches as his ears swivel slightly to better focus in on the discussion. Well, argument was probably a more accurate word. He tenses slightly as the man and the barkeep (his daughter?) come to blows, but when two other patrons step in he decides he doesn't need to interject personally... yet. Instead he turns his head just slightly, one amber eye keeping watch on the situation while he continues to pretend to ignore it.
After he sputters for a moment, the man looks back to Ameiko and utters, "You're as dead to me as your mother," before leaving the tavern.
That comment clearly was meant to wound, and it almost brings Ameiko to tears, yet as her father leaves, she bravely picks up her ladle, inspects it, pulls a hair out of the mess, and says, "I'll need a well-cleaned ladle now, since jackass stew's not on the menu!" The resulting cheers and laughter from the tavern's patrons help her attitude immensely.
Turning to you, she says "Thank you for your help. The old man is stuck in the ways of the past, and just doesn't understand. Anyway, I appreciate the support, and please consider your stay extended another week!"
"While it is appriciated it is hardly necessary. You have to make a living after all."
As she speaks her eyes catches on the kitsune and they go a little bit wide.
Wow, a kitsune! Must be here for the festival.
She smiles to the newcomer and sends a drink his way.
Vulpidin flashes the half-orc a hint of a vulpine grin and gives her a slight bow as he catches the drink, though he doesn't start drinking it.
"My thanks," he says, eyes gliding over the group. "You were also involved in the... recent unpleasantness, then?"
A woman carrying a young child comes into the inn, eyes full of tears.
"Heroes of Sandpoint, I beseech you! My husband is dead, and my child has been attacked!" She shows you the baby's arms, covered in bites.
Responding to Vulpidin.
"Everyone did their part, I am an aspiring paladin and the accidentl god would not look kindly on my not helping I think. Can't let goblins run around unchecked."
She stops talking as soon as the woman rushes in carrying the child. Quickly downing her beer she simply says "Where?" as she draws her pistol.