Claudia will attempt to determine if anything is magical, and if so what the nature of it is.
Rotomo looks askance at the goblin equipment, "No want."
Only the potions are magical. The whip and shortbow are both masterwork quality. You can take for the sell pile if no one is interested in the whip.
Claudia cannot identify the properties fo the potions, but after her efforts, the sheriff says, "We already had Father Zantus examine the potions. According to him, they are minor healing elixirs. Equivalent to what an acolyte could cast. The church will take the potions, if you don't want, but you earned first shot at something useful like that."
Aviel sat at a table near the centre of the Rusty Dragon sipping a mug of mead. The only indication that she was relaxing was that her straight black hair was not tied back but instead hung to her shoulders. Her pale complexion easily marked her Chellish heritage.
Against one side of the table a heavy shield is propped, simple designs decorate the edges while a small stylized symbol of Iomedae adorns the center. At her hip is a longsword with the crossguard wrapped in fine black cloth while the hilt is wrapped with strips of red and black leather. Her scale armour bore the marks of extensive use but was impeccably maintained. A quiver of javelins is slung over the back of the chair.
On the table to her left is a pair of gauntlets with a helmet sitting atop them. On her right is the mug of mead from which she takes occasional sips and in front of her is a letter that she is in the middle of composing. Four empty chairs were arranged around the table she sat at. As people enter the bar her dark green eyes glance up at the doorway then back down at her writings.
She was penning a letter to her brothers to update them on what was happening so far. The festival had been taking all the attention of the local businesses and she had not had an opportunity to speak with anyone so far. However, not to let the time go to waste she had attended the festival and tried many of the local foods and drinks to see if there was anything of note. The local wines paled in comparison to those back home. She had, however, taken quite a liking to the local mead. She would be sending back samples with this letter.
She also wrote about the goblin attack. While at the festival she had been without arms or armour thinking that the town was secure and was thus caught totally unprepared for the incursion. During the chaos she had made her way back to the inn, but by the time she was armed the goblin invasion had been repelled. This presented a complication: it was clearly an opportunity to lend her assistance and garner some goodwill among the townsfolk, however the fact that an incursion of this nature had occured in the first place deeply concerned her.
Finally a group of three individuals enter the Inn. As she had done many times she glanced up, however this time after taking stock of the newcomers she then looks over to the inn’s proprietor who nodded. These are the heroes of Sandpoint.
Aviel stands up, her mouth in a tight line. ”A savage, a slip and a gypsy. The goblin raid overwhelmed the militia and this is all it took to send the vermin packing? Aviel made a mental note to pen her concerns about the stability of the town and indeed its possible longevity given the shocking state of its militia.
After a mental sigh, she smiles and approaches, extending her had to Claudia ”Hello, my name is Aviel Taithrosima, you must be the heroes of Sandpoint. I was just discussion the events of last night with the proprietor of this inn and had expressed my interest in offering my services to help bolster the guard. She suggested that you might make better use of my skills. Please, have a seat.” she motions to the table she was just sitting at. As she takes her seat she asks ”Will your fourth member be joining us?”
Claudia takes a half-step back when approached by the armored woman, then when she extends her hand, Claudia smiles and says "It is nice to meet you Aviel. My name is Claudia Iancu, this is Rotomo, and this is Pris" she indicated each one in turn "As for being the heroes of Sandpoint, I think that's a rather oversimplified statement. A great many Goblins were fought here, and several people sacrificed their lives to protect others. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time and each did our part."
Taking a seat, Claudia would add "So how exactly would you like to assist us?"
Rotomo nods to the sheriff as he gathers up the gear, "We sell or keep."
After arriving at the inn and meeting Aviel, "Drink first then talk," the Shoanti insists. After his drink arrives he is ready to converse, "Yes tell."
Aviel nods in acknowledgment as Pris and Rotomo are introduced and then takes her seat. She is about to answer Claudia's question when she is interrupted by Rotomo. "Of course" she replies and waves over the waiter "A round of mead for the Heroes of Sandpoint"
Aviel rolls up the letter and puts away the writing implements as she continues ”As I mentioned, in discussing recent events with the proprietor of this inn, Ameiko I believe is her name, I stated my intention to assist the guard, perhaps offering my experience in helping to train and organize them better. She made a convincing argument that dealing with the immediate threat now would give plenty of time for training later. If you are planning on pursuing the matter of the goblin attacks, I would like to place my skill at arms at your disposal if you would have me."
Aviel pauses as the drinks are served before continuing "I am a soldier, trained as heavy infantry. I have experience fighting alongside both regular and irregular units and am no stranger to battle.
And, if there is any other way I can be of assistance, you have but to ask.”
"Not know what infantry is or other things you talk about," the Shoanti states matter of factly. He takes a large gulp of the mead and continues, "But you warrior you can help kill many goblins. I like you come."
"Your arrival is well timed, as it appears that the Paladin who was among our group has decided not to pursue the matter further with us. I have no problems with you joining our hastily constructed group, but I believe we should all have a say before it becomes what passes for official."
Turning, Claudia looks and Pris and says "Pris?"
Pris crosses her arms and gives Aviel a once-over, standing on the seat so that she can maintain eye-level with the group as a whole. "Hmm. Quite noble of you to want to join us." She takes a swig of the free drink, shrugging. "I suppose if you want to come with us, that's your own call, I don't mind having another body between me and the greenies." She grins playfully, finally sitting cross-legged on the chair, eyes just peeking over the table.
”Excellent, it is decided then.” Aviel raises her mug ”A toast, to new compatriots, may we find nothing but success in our campaign against the goblin vermin.”. Aviel takes a drink and sets down her mug again.
”So, if I may be so bold, on to the business at hand. If I am to apply my skills to their fullest, I will need to know what to expect from each of you in an engagement. No?” she pauses and looks at Rotomo, taking a moment to reconsider her words. ”How do you like to fight your enemies?”
”And at the risk of sounding demanding, where does your investigation currently stand and what is our next move?”
Rotomo answers with a grim smile, "Close, to honor my Quah and Ancestors."
He pauses and looks puzzled as he considers their next move. His brow furrows as he asserts, "Find and kill many goblins."
Claudia takes a sip from the ale, winces, then sets it back down gingerly before continuing "Here's what we have learned so far..." She then explains about the attack, the group's battles, the discovery at the tomb, and the questioning of the Goblins.
"So here is where we stand. We have been invited to dinner with what passes for a local person of import this evening, and tomorrow we're going to meet with a local ranger and Goblin tribe expert, who can hopefully answer some of our questions and point us in the right direction. It's clear that there's a bigger force at play here, but we've only seen the edges of it so far."
"As for how I add to our combat capabilities, I am an arcane spellcaster. I also appear to be the party's spokeswoman, as I have been doing most of those duties."
"Yes woman talk much," Rotomo agrees with Claudia. "Easier to change course of river then to get woman stop talk."
Priscilla carefully polishes the bow they took off of the goblins, trying to sand down any markings that may link it to the green folk. When asked about her own combat capabilities, she smiles weakly - she had been a bit ineffective in the pair of combats the group had found themselves in, but was determined to prove her worth in the fights to come. "I hunt for a living, and rats and gobbos aren't much different in my eyes. I'd like to stay out of any real melee, but close enough so I can still get 'em in their soft bellies. Big armored distraction wouldn't go awry." She shrugs, picking off a bit of dried blood from the bow. "I know my way around a lock, too, if it comes up."
The halfling pauses for a moment and takes another sip of alcohol. "Lumberfoots herding goblins are probably dangerous. From what we've seen, they don't like to get along much, so whoever it is, is probably pretty scary."
Aviel frowns as Claudia winces after taking a sip "The mead is not to your liking?" She waves over the waiter again "Bring this woman a new drink, whatever she would like." She waits for Claudia to order something more to her liking before settling in to listen to recent events.
Aviel listens intently. ”Front line, archer and arcane. I can work with this.”
She looks at Pris "I assure you, I will be more than a mere distraction."
She cocks an eyebrow as the “person of note” is mentioned. From Claudia’s description this did not seem like a personal meeting between friends, more like a noble who wanted to be seen with the new heroes, so Aviel tested the waters ”Who is this person that has asked you to dinner? If it is not too presumptuous, may I fill the position of your missing member at your dinner this evening?”
The druid shrugs, "You come eat. Be fine."
Claudia waves away the server and say "I don't really drink alcohol. Thank you though!"
At Aviel's question regarding their host for the evening, Claudia will say "Oh, I don't think you coming will be a problem."
She then glances at Pris and grins.
”If there is no other business, I will prepare and meet you back here before dinner.” She stands and collects her items before saying ”Thank you again for this opportunity, I look forward to working with you.” and taking her leave.
For the rest of that afternoon, Aviel asks about for any information on Foxglove and also what the local customs and norms are expected when dealing with nobility.
She will then head back to the inn and change into something more appropriate for a meeting with someone of station.
"Odd duck," Priscilla mutters as Aviel exits the scene. "Pretty bold to just volunteer for something like this... unless she just wants to go to this fancy Foxglove dinner." Pris shrugs and starts rustling through the loot they've collected, sorting out what the group doesn't want. "Maybe I'm overthinking it. It's not like the guy's gonna even realize it's a different knight, I'm pretty sure the only one he could possibly recognize is Claudia." Pris wraps all of the things into a small piece of leather. "I'm gonna go sell whatever y'all don't want. Don't worry, now, I'll split the gold evenly." With that, the halfling prances off to unload the loot.
"I go with," Rotomo insists as he remembers the incident at the front gates a few short days ago. The big man gets up and accompanies the Halfling.
"Having another female among our number will likely mean he'll be less touchy, or will spread it out more."
Pris and Rotomo set off for the Savah's Armory, the local place for adventurer's to buy and sell gear. Savah Bevaninky is a matronly woman just past her own adventuring years, She has thick pink scar on her neck that reveals she may have her own stories to tell. Savah is pleased to have the Heroes of Sandpoint in her shop, and makes no bones about telling you so. "Shop all you want, my friends! But makes sure you tell them you bought it Savah's! I offer you a 10% discount of list prices due to your bravery and renown." The shop sells all manner of weapons and armor, including a few masterwork and exotic items like a spiked chain, a dozen MW shiruken, and a repeating crossbow with a darkwood and ivory stock.
What the friendly proprietor does not have in stock, she assures you, she can have in from Magnimar in a week or two.
The White Deer is the fine inn you saw when you first entered the village of Sandpoint, and near where you battled the last set of goblins, saving the nobleman Foxglove. The inn is made of white birch with a long split rail fence enclosing the yard. A wide open-air verandah runs the perimeter of the dining area, with some guests dining outside.
The inner common room has a great fireplace and a fine bar made from highly polished birch. The innkepper, a great Shoanti man who you made unfortunate acquaintance with earlier in the week, gives you a dark stare as you enter the place, but a serving girl quickly directs you to a private dining room where Foxglove awaits.
The nobleman rises and greets the group warmly, with smiles and handshakes for everyone, expect Claudia, who is subject to a clumsy attempt at a hug. Ever the gentleman, Aldern introduces himself to Aviel. "I don't believe I have had the pleasure. You see, these fine heroes joined me in a goblining yesterday. Fought a pitched battle with the damn creatures. It was a near-run thing, but with their help, I drove the goblins from the village! Seemed the least I could do is offer a dinner to celebrate our success!"
The meal is quite sumptuous and no expense is spared in the courses or the wine, which is quite fine. "Tell me more about yourselves," he says to each of the heroes. "I really insist! I'd like to know how you fared so bravely in the heat of combat yesterday."
Rotomo looks at the halfling, "We keep potions."
" I am Rotomo true man of the Shriikirri-Quah," he folds his arms not willing to share more with the inquisitive noble.
Later that evening Aiel joined the group. She wore a black dress with red trim that while simple in design was never the less well made. The only decoration was a little red lace around the neck.
Arriving at the dinner, she bows her head and gives a small curtsey ”Lord Foxglove, it is an honour to meet you. I am Aviel Taithrosima of Chelliax. I have just recently offered my services to the Hero’s of Sandpoint and as Alden was unable to make it, I was offered the opportunity to meet you in his place, if it pleases your lordship.”
Aviel waits a moment for affirmation that she is welcome at the Foxglove’s table before taking a seat. As she sits she sizes up the noble. His description of his involvement didn’t quite square with Claudia’s. Between the talk around the city, her assessment of the nobleman and their earlier conversation Aviel was more inclined to believe Claudia’s account over Foxglove’s.
During the dinner whenever a question is asked Aviel always defers to the others. It would have been disingenuous for her to speak as one of the Heroes of Sandpoint when she had little to do with the goblin raid. When asked directly, however, she is more than happy to talk about herself and her family with more than a little pride. ”Until recent troubles compelled me to resign my position, I served with distinction in Baron Kirst’s third heavy infantry. Since then I have been working with my brothers, Godurim and Tethris to explore new trading opportunities. I felt compelled to lend my assistance after the goblin attack. That the people of this town should be subjected to such a lack of security is shocking. Sandpoint was fortunate to have the likes of your lordship and these heroes to stem the invasion.”
As the dinner progresses, Aviel gently probes to try to find out what kind of business the Foxglove family is involved in.
Aldern nods his head as Aviel makes her introduction. "The pleasure is all mine. You are welcome to join us, most certainly." Aldern listens attentively to Aviel's stories about her service in the army of Cheliax, and he agrees about the security of Sandpoint.
It is difficult to tell what sort of business Foxglove is in. Mostly sounds like old money, but perhaps something to do with construction or trade between Magnimar and other points in Varisia.
As Aldern hugs awkwardly hugs her, Claudia gives Pris a 'See, I told you so!' look, then quickly takes her seat opposite him.
During dinner, Claudia is surprisingly introspective, though she will still engage in conversation should it be directed at her.
At the White Deer, Pris feels a bit uncomfortable with the extravagance of the whole affair - certainly, she isn't above enjoying the finer things every once in a while, but the grandiose nature of Foxglove's speech grates on her. She clambers up the human-sized chairs and, in order to be at eye level with those at the table, uses her backpack to boost her sitting height. She sits next to Claudia if she can manage it, grimacing at the uncomfortable contact between the mage and Foxglove. She is, however, all right with pushing her services a bit in this encounter. "I'm a freelancer," she responds to Aldern's query. "I make my trade taking out threats to others, so I was just fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to help." 'Threats' may have been an exaggeration, but the goblins in this case were certainly more threatening than anything else she had driven off recently.
The dinner drags on with the conversation slowly winding down. Foxglove asks you to replay the battle against the goblins again, or at least re-tell the story from your prespective. He listens captivated during the telling.
Finally, as the evening draws to a close, he makes a suggestion. "I have a capital idea! I have to leave Sandpoint for my home in Magnimar tomorrow, but before i do, I would so like to get a hunt in. You know, wild boar. It would be so grand if you would accompany me on this hunt. My huntsman has previewed the Tickwood and believes it to be a fine place for the sport. You will join me of course? Splendid! Capital!"
The arrangements are for 8AM tomorrow to meet at the Northgate. Foxglove says he will prepare mounts, meals, and hunting spears for all.
Aviel listens to Foxglove, making small talk asking about Magnimar and Sandpoint. She is a little disappointed on learning of his family’s business. She has no interest in construction and being traders only puts him in the position of being a potential rival. However, a friendly contact is valuable in its own right, especially a noble one.
She sits quietly at the retelling of the goblin raid as she has little to offer in the way of a story.
”I’ve never participated in a hunt before. Boar hunting is a privilege reserved for nobility in the forests around Egoran. I would be honoured to accept such an opportunity. You are most generous your lordship.”
”If I may make a suggestion? I know you have your own huntsman in your entourage, however perhaps Rotomo may be interested in displaying the skills of his people in hunting down a quarry?” Aviel looked at Rotomo who had been largely silent for the dinner. Although she didn’t have any proof he was a tracker she simply assumed that coming from the wild lands to the North he was a skilled huntsman.
Foxglove claps his hands, in delight and surprise. "Of course! Of course! Trackign the boar himself! What a capital idea! That will be a delightful learning experience. I insist! I do!"
Provided you agree to join him in the morning, sounds like Rotomo's got a job...
"Yes, hunting sounds...delightful." says Claudia, at a loss for how to tell a nobleman no without offending him.
Rotomo smiles at Aviel's suggestion, "Yes, I track and hunt boar. We will have much meat." His smile widens, "Then we hunt goblins."
"Marvelous!" cries the nobleman with sincerity. "I will have all the arrangements ready in the morning, and we shall see what the Tickwood gives up, shall we!"
Unless you care to stay for more tepid conversation with the scintillating Lord Foxglove, you can retire now and return to the Dragon or any other setting you deem appropriate.
Claudia takes the first opportunity to excuse herself from the meal.
Rotomo bids farewell to the eager nobleman, "Sleep well, tomorrow we hunt." He retires to his room for the night.
Pris is eager to escape the awkward social situation, but doesn't relish the idea of hunting with this man. However, as Claudia tentatively agrees, Priscilla grimaces and nods as well. "Yes. Hunting. Great." She slides inelegantly out of her chair over the course of a few moments, waiting for Foxglove to be engaged in conversation with someone else before attempting to stealthily exit from the inn without notice. She will head back to the Dragon and have something to drink before heading to bed. Ugh. Boars. I can already tell that tomorrow is going to be a long day...
The night passes uneventfully. Time spent in the Rusty Dragon before sleeping is a haze of wondrous performances on the stage by Lady Ameiko, fine food, good company, and delicious foods.
The beds are warm and comfortable, and the service staff wakes you early enough for a few bites of tasty breakfast before you leave to meet Foxglove for the hunt. The bacon is crispy and eggs are cooked just right, with a hint of pepper and spice. A few gulps of exotic coffee and a crust of bread and you are out the door to meet the facile nobleman once again.
"Well met!" cries Foxglove cheerily as you arrive at Northgate. He and his servant hold the reins to a herd of ponies rented for the occasion. A bundle tied with a half-dozen long boar-spears is already on the back of one of the mounts.
Mounting up, the group heads along the Lost Coast Road north and east towards the Tickwood. First are the hills and rises of Ravenroost, a series of craggy hills that shelter Sandpoint to the east. Where possible, arable land is cultivated and a few farmhouses dot the landscape with fires burning in many hearts, lights twinkling merrily in the early dawn. Descending from the Ravenroost, the green treetops of the Tickwood are obvious with a foggy mist hanging voer the canopy.
The huntsman calls a halt to the ride, and asks everyone to dismount. He hands spears to each of you, including a small-sized one for Pris. "Good luck to you sir." he says in clipped tones, and handles the horses while you look into the woods to begin the hunt.
Claudia arrives at the Dragon shortly after Pris does and orders a some hot water for tea. Taking a seat at her table, Claudia says "I think I'm starting to dislike that man."
With the party winding down Aviel says "Thank you for an outstanding dinner my lord. By your leave I will excuse myself for the evening and make preparations for tomorrow's hunt."
Aviel waits a moment for Foxglove to reply before heading back to the Rusty Dragon with Rotomo. Claudia had seemed eager to leave at the earliest opportunity and Aviel had no idea when Pris left, though the fact that she had sneaked out of a noble's dinner without so much as a good evening to the host irked her. She didn't know how people of station were treated in these parts but that just smacked of general rudeness regardless of who was hosting.
"Have a good evening Rotomo, I will see you in the morning" she said when they arrived at the Inn before heading up to her room to perform her evening ritual and get some sleep for the morning's hunt.
As the next day dawned Aviel performed her morning ritual and prepared her equipment. With everything in order she met with the others for breakfast. "Good morning, I trust everyone slept well?".
Aviel took a sip of the coffee and savoured it for a moment "This is quite a remarkable drink, is it made around here? she inquired before enjoying the rest of the cup.
Upon meeting with Foxglove Aviel snaps to attention in her armour. "Lord Foxglove, it is a fine morning you picked for the boar hunt" Aviel rides with the group taking in the sights of the surrounding area. Considering the events at Sandpoint she marvels that any of these farmsteads have managed to survive in the wilds.
As they travel Aviel chats with Foxglove some more, asking about his or his family's accomplishments.
When they arrive at the forest Aviel dismounts and takes a spear. She holds it with confidence and naturally adopts a ready stance with it. "Rotomo, as the leader of this hunt, how would you like to proceed?"
Rotomo intensely gazes into the mist shrouded woods as if trying to learn its secrets. After a few moments his gaze lowers to the forest floor looking for a game trail, "Hunt boar easy. Get boar to run at you and stab with spear."
Rotomo is essentially right. The boar-hunt usually consists of using hounds to scent and hold a target at bay, then the men come round, and using their boar-spears to protect them, advance slowly until the boar charges. The person on the receiving end of the charge sets their spear and hopes they are strong enough to hold it as the boar impales itself on the end. The boar-spear is just like a normal spear (for game purposes) though not weighted to be thrown. The only difference is a long iron cross brace about halfway up the shaft which is supposed to keep the impaled boar from reaching the wielder with its razor-sharp tusks.
The woods are moist with the mist and morning dew and the walk is pleasant in the cool breeze. As you get deeper into the woods, the breeze dies off and the humidity rises. Clouds of mosquitoes dance among the boles of the large trees, making it a bit uncomfortable. Patches of sun sift through the heavy canopy at top.
For the first hour or so, Rotomo can find no sign of boars. Foxglove is not deterred in the slightest. "I am certain we are on the right path. I believe I say spoor just back there. The hunt is going beautifully so far, don't you think?" he is addressing Claudia whom he insists on standing next too as the group crawls through the woods.
"I don't really know Lord. I've never been on one before." said Claudia, clearly out of her element.
Lord Foxglove seems to be enjoying himself so Aviel is not too concerned that they have not found a boar yet. Not all hunts are successful after all. Still, giving him the spectacle of a boar kill would be preferable.
With Claudia keeping the lord's attention, Aviel kneels down beside Rotomo as he stops again to look for signs of a boar's passing and says quietly "Is there anything I might be able to do to help you Rotomo? I am not skilled in the art of tracking, but if there are any signs you can teach me to be on the lookout for I might be able to assist you."
Rotomo wanders around the unfamiliar landscape unable to find any sign of boar. At Aviel’s offer of help he responds with a grin, ”Unless you have a pig in your pack I no need help.”