"If you actually loved her, you would care more about her wellbeing than her getting revenge. Loving someone means bringing them to their senses, and saving them from themselves, such as when they are being used as pawns by demons." Zarque says calmly, with a hint of pity.
"Thank you for your cooperation. I'll be sure to tell Nualia how helpful you were." says Moa'Taar as he exits the room.
Once they have all left Tsuto's presence, Aurica speaks.
"We know now that Erylium and Nualia have a relationship of some kind. Perhaps it was Nualia who bargained with the Sczarni for Erylium's release. I don't know what to make of it that we heard this name "Malfeshnekor" in the catacombs and that name belongs to a monster that Nualia seeks to release....could the monster be nearby, underground? If so, why is Nualia excavating Thistletop?"
Milah shrugs, "Either way, that's our clearest path forward. The guard has its reinforcements, so they should be able to handle things while we're gone. I am assuming we should wait until we have spoken to the mayor, however; Moonday, was it?"
Moonday, 7 Lamashan 4707, 9:22am. 40 degrees, moderate wind, Deverin Manor
After a quick breakfast at the Rusty Dragon, still minus Ameiko, you head towards the mayor's manor so that you can finally meet with her and tell her your findings. As you make yourselves comfortable, you are joined by the mayor, looking somewhat perturbed, as well as Sheriff Hemlock, who is always perturbed, and the elven woman some of you know as Shalelu. She has what appears to be a fresh wound on her arm that has been bandaged up. When all is settled, Mayor Deverin speaks.
"Thank you all for coming. I was worried when I heard that some of your company left for other parts, it didn't seem to do well with the morale of the locals. It seems however that you have recruited a couple of them to join you in your efforts.", she nods towards Zarque and Moa'taar. "While I don't usually condone such things, times are hard with the goblins in a huff and we're no closer to stopping them or at least getting them back to bickering amongst themselves. Then they will leave us alone. Shalelu?"
The elven scout clears her throat and her voice sounds raspy, as if she's been breathing hard recently. "More and more farmers have been reporting attacks on their livestock and crops. A couple of farms have been burned down and some kin are missing as well. They show no sign of slowing down. "
Hemlock then speaks, his voice as gruff as ever. "With the reinforcements from Magnimar, we could hold off a raid like the last one, but if all the tribes attacked at once, we'd never make it. They'd burn us to the ground. We don't have enough to send into the Hinterlands to hunt them all down. We need to know who is getting them riled up and stop them. Moa'taar, you're good at this sort of thing, have you found anything since you've been working with them?"
Moa'Taar nods and stands, pulling out his notebook. "Ma'am, sir." he nods to the sherrif and the mayor in sequence, before beginning his report.
"Based on the rather fruitful conversation we had with Tsuto Kaijitsu, we know that he is working with the adopted or real daughter of the former priest of Sandpoint, who has turned to the worship of the mother of monsters and is, in fact, attempting to become a demon of some stripe. We know that Tsuto used the tunnels under the glassworks to facilitate the attack. For his part, Tsuto believes that he is in love with this Nualia, and he is trying to see her goals to fruition. Fortunately, he seems to be a puffed-up, self-important peacock, as well as a coward, so he didn't want to get his hands dirty. Had he directly intervened, he would have undoubtedly made things much worse. He was also responsible for taking the body of the former priest."
"Now, this is just conjecture, but I believe that Nualia is planning to perform a ritual using her father's body to facilitate her transformation into some kind of monster, at a place called Thistletop. Duing the attack, or shortly thereafter, a demon was released from imprisonment, although I'm not sure if that was related to the attack, or someone taking advantage."
"Based on what we know, Nualia, and likely cultists of Lamashtu, are the villains in this attack, like something out of a bad stage play."
Having finished his report, Moa'Taar sinks back down into his chair with a small grunt of pain.
Zarque pipes up, "I haven't seen as much of this affair as some others, but what I have seen leads me to suspect Tsuto, and likely Nualia, are being manipulated into this. Nualia supposedly suffered a great injustice here in Sandpoint, and if that is true, then it would be a simple matter to manipulate her into seeking revenge, and from there, giving in to hatred and evil. Easy enough that even one of us here could manage it, if we were so inclined. A demon could do so easily. While Moa'taar's report is likely accurate for the extent of Nualia's involvment, it still leaves the matter open that if she is being manipulated into this, then by whom, and for what goal? Also, Tsuto speaks of love, but he really seems more infatuated than in actual love, and that leaves the possibility of an enchantment as very possible. I can't be certain of course, these are just my suspicions of things to consider and look out for evidence, confirmitory or otherwise."
While the mayor looks decidedly shocked at some of the things Moa'taar and Zarque say, she doesn't say anything in response, allowing Sheriff Hemlock to do it for her. "I should like to take Tsuto and hang him out in the square for all to see. Lady Kaijitsu has claimed that her family in Magnimar will handle it and Mayor Deverin has allowed this." A sigh from the Shoanti man tells you that he is unhappy with this decision. "We can not have some demon running around loose in the area and if Nualia is trying to make herself into another one, someone is helping her. Or, something, rather. Either way, it sounds like Thistletop is where you're going to find answers."
"What information do we know about the place?" Moa'Taar asks the group in general, but directs his question primarily to Shalelu.
The elven naturalist nods at Moa'taar. "Plenty and not enough at the same time. Thistletop is a sort of island off the Lost Coast, about two hours by foot from here along the road, then a bit more through the Nettlewood. It's home to the largest of the nearby goblin tribes. Chief Ripnugget rules them. He also has some help from Brut, an old.. acquaintance of mine. Finding the place will be difficult if you aren't familiar with the terrain. People have gone hunting in Nettlewood and not come back."
"Since it sounds like you have been there, would you be willing to provide us with a map or set of directions to find it?"
Shalelu nods with a slight frown. "Very simple. Follow the Lost Coast Road East until you hit the Thistle river, then head North into Nettlewood. Once in there I can't help you other than to tell you to look for the trails that the goblins leave through the brambles. If you can find one of those, you'll find the way through. I've only been there a few times and each time the path is different. Sorry."
Milah looks to the others, "While I'm willing to traipse around in the wilderness, I'm not particularly good at it; do any of you think you could follow those trails?"
"I'm afraid I won't be of much use in that regard. I've never had an eye for small signs of a creature's passing like I have for the cards," she says, referring to her practice as a harrower.
"While I am far from a skilled tracker and huntsman, I do have a good eye for detail, which should hopefully serve us."
Mayor Deverin frowns for a moment. "Perhaps Shalelu would be kind enough to accompany you to the site. Her expertise in the area would come in handy, I think."
Shalelu nods. "I could do that, if you're willing."
Milah smiles, "That would be helpful, I'm sure. I don't relish the idea of losing our way in the forest."
Moonday, 7 Lamashan 4707, 3:55pm. 42 degrees, moderate wind, Lost Coast Road, South of Nettlewood at Thistle River.
After seeing the mayor, spending some time purchasing provisions from Vinder's place, and having a hearty lunch, you set out on the Lost Coast Road, headed East, with the ranger Shalelu as a guide. Traveling along the road is fairly easy, the wind only blowing the changing leaves into your path. Though it is still the middle of Autumn, your visible mists of breath tell you that Winter is not far away. Subconsciously you huddle your cloak as a deterrent from the chill wind, but you notice that Shalelu does not seem to mind it, her attention on the ground in front of her. In fact, unless spoken to, Shalelu doesn't speak to anyone other than to warn them of a rut in the road or an overgrown root or in this case, "We are here. This is where the river bends and we now head North. Stay close and watch for goblins. Or anything else."
You spend another hour or so travelling North into the Nettlewood, quickly finding out why it deserves such a name. Though the trees here are short and wide, the brambles and briar that join them are almost as high and are heavy with thorns and vines.
Moonday, 7 Lamashan 4707, 4:58pm. 42 degrees, light wind. Somewhere in the Nettlewood.
Shalelu stops briefly for a moment, her breathing slowing as she seems to be attempting to calm herself. She looks to each of you. "We've been okay so far, but as the night grows nearer, the goblins tend to come out more. I'm going to take us a bit further into the woods and then set up a place to rest for the evening. We can continue on in the morning. Unless you would rather push through the night?", she looks at you quizzically, her elven eyebrows raised.
Milah shrugs, "I wouldn't mind going for a bit longer - I can see in the twilight as well as you, I'm sure - but I can't say I would enjoy raiding a goblin encampment without having slept. Let's go ahead and scout out somewhere to sleep."
The soft glow of Aurica's star aura has accompanied them throughout their trek , aiding the group's level of alertness. When they come to a stop, Aurica replies to Shalelu, "I agree with Milah--I'd rather come upon the goblins' home in the day."
Zarque seems unbothered by the hike in a general sense, though she still seems mildly bothered by the cold given the way she wears her clothes with no loose openings and wrapped around her neck and head, she at least seems comfortable enough that she isn't huddled against the wind, which seem interesting given that she pops from tree to tree and wind is always stronger higher up.
Zarque spends much of the time out of sight and up above, seemingly playing an overwatch role during the trek, occasionally being far off and other times being nearby, and a lot of time somewhere unknown. Her ability to disappear from one place and appear somewhere else certainly aids her ability to "ghost" as she calls it, and she freely uses that ability.
She does return to the ground from time to chip in on any small talk but never for very long.
When everyone stops to decide on camping or not however, "I'm fine in the dark, but the way I see it, at night they will likely be more active, but also several will likely be away from the nest handling various tasks. If we wait till day, they will be less active but mostly all at the nest. So that kinda evens out. Though if we can find them sooner without being detected, then we can watch for a bit and pick a good moment to move in and do so with more knowledge of the opposition."
For his obvious intelligence, Moa'Taar has not seemed to enjoy the march. by the time the group breaks, he is clearly in pain, though he hides it well, and is walking with a limp that has only gotten worse as the day progressed. As the group rests, he takes something from a bottle, which seems to ease the pain.
He then addresses the group: "I believe that we should rely on the suggestion of our guide. She knows the area around here best, and has the most experience dealing with Goblins. My vote is to rest."
Shalelu nods and turns to lead you further along through the forest.
Moonday, 7 Lamashan 4707, 6:09pm. 40 degrees, light wind. Somewhere in the Nettlewood...
After a time of making your way through the ever thickening trees and shrubs, some with thorns that keep catching your clothing, Shalelu halts the group and points your attention to what appears to be another giant thornbush. She pulls aside some of it and you can make out a small tunnel in the brush.
"This is one of their passageways, and if I am correct, it should lead us right to them. Let's set up camp back in that clearing we found earlier and we'll go in at dawn."
You head back and spend some time making a camp, setting up hammocks in trees and as little on the ground as can be. Shalelu creates a small fire, but digs a small hole first to keep the light from it hidden as much as possible. Rations aren't the best food at this point, but it keeps you full for now. You know that tomorrow you will be attacking goblins in their home.
Shalelu spends part of the evening telling you about the tunnels. "...only big enough for a single goblin to get through. Or Zarque. We will have to crouch, which means if we encounter any of them, fighting will be difficult at best. This path should take us right to the entrance, but we won't know for sure until we take it..."
Toilday, 8 Lamashan 4707, 7:12am. 37 degrees, light wind. Somewhere in the Nettlewood.
The night passes coldly, each of you waking covered in frost. Though the sounds of movement in the forest kept you from getting any real sleep, you weren't bothered in the night from anything goblin or otherwise. Taking a bite of jerky from your rations, you begin your morning preparations and clearing the camp before heading out to explore the goblin tunnels and find Thistletop...
As they had approached the tunnel entrance the previous evening, Aurica stopped the emanation of her aura so as not to draw attention to their position because of the light. She tried to remain mindful of such concerns, and so she left it off for the rest of the night.
After Shalelu finishes her discussion of the tunnels, Aurica sits down on the ground by herself and pulls out her harrow deck. Looking up at the few stars she can see through the Nettlewood's canopy, she prays quietly, "Desna, guide us," and then begins working through a harrow reading.
Milah drops to the ground and stretches, then sets readying herself to leave. "If we can only fit in the tunnels single-file, and if we're going to be cramped besides, then I feel that I should be in front. If anyone else has any preference for where they might fall in that line, let yours be known."
"I'm fine with not being in the lead. I'll stick to the middle and try to guide from there."
"Given the tight quarters someone who does not rely on swinging a giant stick would probably be best. Followed up by folks with long spears who can then support from behind. Same to the rear. However, I should perhaps take the lead. I won't be hindered by the size of the tunnel and I can easily scout ahead and return, and if needed I can actually get to the other side of any goblins so we can pincer them from both ends."
As she draws her cloak around her, looking small and wrapped up, "Also, if they don't get a good look, they may mistake me for a goblin. Probably not, but just possibly."
Milah shrugs, "I will be more effective with my rapier in tight quarters than I would be with any spear, but if you would like to lead, feel free."
Shalelu speaks up as well. "I'll be better able to cover us from the back, so I will trail back here a bit. Just follow the tunnels until they open up to Thistletop.
You travel back to the entrance to the tunnel that Shalelu showed you previously. The briars and thistles that grow so rampantly in Nettlewood are even more dense and tangled here, close to the shore. Although not quite dense enough to block the sound of waves crashing on the unseen shores to the west, the undergrowth is certainly thick enough to block sight and access to the coast. Few trees grow this close to the edge of the sea, but the briars themselves often reach heights to rival them; here, the patch is nearly twenty feet high. The tunnel beyond the briar door that you carefully remove so as to not get scratched by thorns is not so high. Zarque ventures forth easily, but the rest of you must crouch. As you come through, you see the four-foot-high tunnel winds through the dense briars and nettles. The floor is hard-packed earth, with patches of wiry plants growing stubbornly here and there. You can see that the tunnel continues on quite a ways and then also branches off both left and right.
Milah looks to the others. "Anyone object to just following the right-hand wall? We're bound to reach something eventually, right?"
Sighing at the sight of a maze, Moa'Taar says "That's fine. I'll stop at each turn and mark our path."
As the first right-hand turn, Moa'Taar reaches in thorns at the base of the patch, pricks his finger, and colors a single thorn in red, one that naturally points the way that the group was going. When they reached the next turn, he would repeat the process, except this time he would cover two thorns in red that again pointed in the same direction.
"I'll follow your lead," Aurica replies to Milah.
You travel for a few minutes, until the tunnel branches again. Towards the right it continues towards a bend and towards the left the thistle tunnel opens into a large cavelike chamber. Above, the thorny canopy grows thin enough that tiny slivers of the sky above can be seen, while below, the ground consists of trampled dirt. To the west, the distant sound of sloshing waves echoes up from a hole in the center of the clearing. You can see two other tunnels branching off from there.
You stay to the right, trying to keep yourselves from getting caught in the brambles and burrs. You follow the tunnel around to find it splits into two. On the right, it goes on a bit and then splits again, going left and right. On your left, Zarque holds up a hand to halt the rest of you. Just around the corner you see several dogs with goblin like faces scratching at the dirt and pulling at the makeshift tie outs they are attached to. At the moment they don't seem to notice the small kobold looking at them. Continuing to the right would require you to be as quiet as you can...
Milah whispers, "I don't think we should leave these creatures behind us..." then looks for confirmation from the others.
"If we can do it without drawing attention from elsewhere...it would be nice to know these won't be coming up from behind us," Aurica replies. She looks to the others. "Shall we?"
Zarque keeps her voice low, "I'm not a fan of attacking things that haven't attacked us, especially something kept as a pet and is simply trained rather than fighting of it's own accord. And we are the invaders here, good reason or not. Pets don't understand the difference. Yet there is wisdom in not leaving them behind us, although, if we do something to them, it coukd raise the alarm before we are ready if they get discovered. Anybody have something to keep them asleep for the next few hours, or perhaps good training with animals?"
Aurica looks askance at Zarque's philosophical statement about the innocence of pets. "Those are goblin dogs. They are disease-ridden pests that ought to be exterminated so as to protect the health of good folk everywhere. As for making them fall asleep, I can do so, but it lasts mere seconds. Though long enough to strike a clean killing blow, it certainly doesn't last hours--and I can only target one at a time."
Milah nods at Aurica, then looks to Zarque. "As much as I agree that these creatures may not be naturally aggressive - though I doubt that's the case - I think we can all agree that these beasts were likely trained to be so. We should deal with them now, rather than allow the opportunity for them to be used against us later." With that, she begins moving toward the goblin dogs, rapier drawn.
"Unless we can sneak around them. Then they become a distraction that makes people waste time to come and get."
While the rest of you discuss what to do, Milah starts moving towards the goblin dogs. She gets to the edge of the clearing and then sees the four of them look up lazily. She manages to get within a few yards before one of them starts sniffing the air around him...
With a flick of her hand, Aurica wills the closest goblin dog to fall into a deep slumber.
The first dog falls asleep as Aurica's spell completes, its body returning to its previous lazy position.