Sounds great Dorin. Danaris and I will be glad for the help. Gar, we can swing by and grab you at the docks after everyone gathers at the Cathedral, or would you just prefer to track us down, friend?
Thank you son, and please convey our thanks to Sir Foxglove.
Malcolm turns to Dorin and Danaris. Well, it appears as if we have been rewarded beyond a mere Boar Hunt! I suggest that we divide the reward when we are all together later at the Cathedral.
That's wise Malcolm. Dorin, it is good to have your company. Are you sure you are fulfilling your duties at the Rusty Dragon? I understand the lure of adventure, but some day the adventures end, and you want to be sure that you have a strong reputation in town when that day comes.
Dorin looks at the boy running back to the White Deer, then the sack of gold in Malcolm's hands. Three hundred gold! he thinks. Three hundred divided among six people, that's fifty pieces each! More than I've ever had at one time. Dorin looks at Danaris. If we don't have to donate some to the Cathedral...
Danaris' voice brings him out of the daydreams of mithril armor and adamantine weapons. The cleric was speaking to him. "I, uh, think Ameiko will let me. We had a long talk this morning. About...stuff." he stammers. The metal in his burlap sack clinks as he hides it behind himself.
Dorin is going to say
"The goblins broke into a grave? What would goblins do with a dead body?" He turns to Danaris and Malcolm. "Goblins don't eat dead bodies, do they? And why this one?"
"This seems, to me, to be clear evidence that the raid of yesterday was not a random occurrence. Someone must have been directing the goblins' actions. But who would want the remains of a local priest? Is there anything we ought to know about Father Tobyn? Any reason his remains would be important enough to attack our town? Can we see Fr. Tobyn's crypt?
Danaris tries to think of a reason that goblins or anyone else would be interested in Fr. Tobyn's remains.
Gar will go back to the shipyard, fed and happy. And looking forward to a little fun in the woods soon. If he hears any trouble he will come running. Otherwise he will look for the others around dinner time at the tavern, if he is not fetched before then.
Robin, Danaris, Dorin
'Yes Zees , it also means you but if take this as a license for shenanigans , I warn you it would be a BAD mistake . You surprised me in a good way yesterday . Do not disappoint me now.'...
"Thank you, sir. Your faith in me is well place. However, while patrolling seems appropriate for Kast, I think my knowledge and skills could be put to better use. Surely something is being done to track down these goblins. They were from different tribes which just doesn't happen unless there's a cleric or bugbear or something else behind it. Something is going on that needs to be investigated. Of course, we could do that while we were patrolling. It would probably be easier if we had nice shiny deputy badges." Prestidigitation for a badge which probably looks like a kindergartner's clay project. "Kinda like this, but, uhm, shinier. Just in case anyone doubts our authority."
Kast, Zees : ** spoiler omitted **
"Oh yeah, I'd love to help guard Sandpoint! I can talk to Malc, Gar, Danaris, and Dimples? Dunnchin? Duckskin?...uh, and the other guy as well. Did you want 24 guards? If so, just the six of us can probably do it...it's just some long shifts...."
Kast pulls a Zees and begins to brainstorm, talk, plan, and cancel ideas even as the words are coming out of his mouth. Finally, he composes himself and asks Belor the following:
"A few final questions:
1) How long do you need us to patrol Sandpoint and assuage the citizenry?
2) Do you want 24 hour guard?
3) Do you have any reason to suspect more attacks?
4) Like Zees, I wonder what we can do to prevent further attacks?
Also,we were invited to go on a hunt with Mr. Foxglove on the morrow, I'm happy to postpone it in lieu of this duty."
Turning and listening to Zees talk about badges, Kast politely steps in:
"Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges. We'll be back in a bit, Belor..." After getting any answers from Belor to his questions, Kast will drag Zees out the door before his friend does or says something even more silly.
I wrote a 30 page paper for Master Gandethus detailing my research into the differences between wizards and sorcerers. I had the papers bound and Chask Haladan at The Curious Goblin even let me put it up for sale--it's in the back on the bottom shelf, in the corner, behind another book. If you can find it, it'll be like finding a buried treasure. Haladan said it was best that way.
Kast will return to the cathedral and try to gather the ears of all, swinging by the shipyard to get Gar.
Kast will explain that the Sheriff has an assignment for us and would like the group entire to help guard the town. He will invite everyone back to see the Sheriff as he recognizes there will likely be lots of questions he can't answer.
"...which means that we probably can't go on the boar hunt, sadly."
If and when they are ready to hear more, Kast will return to the Sheriff.
Gar will come along to the see the Sheriff, a little worried at the somber mood.
Danaris says a short prayer to Erastil upon entering the defiled tomb. He then spends several minutes looking for any details that Fr. Abstalar might have missed.
Seeing Kast and Zees at the cathedral, Danaris smiles, hoping the two youths will have news to lighten the mood.
Kast, Zees, an unexpected surprise. Have you come to pay your respects to the gods who look over this town? Perhaps to make a donation to the cathedral? Danaris laughs, knowing that the two men have very little intention of contributing to the cathedral at this stage of their lives.
Being informed of the sheriff's request, Danaris's features again become serious. Then we should go immediately. When we have a private moment, we need to speak with the whole group: Malcolm, Dorin and I have uncovered some shocking information that leads us to believe that the attack on our town was not merely the result of unmotivated goblin idiocy.
Then we should go immediately. When we have a private moment, we need to speak with the whole group: Malcolm, Dorin and I have uncovered some shocking information that leads us to believe that the attack on our town was not merely the result of unmotivated goblin idiocy.
At Danaris' words, Kast grunts.
"Harumph. And interesting. I want to hear more...but, well, first things first. Let's get to the Sheriff, eh?"
Dragging Zees along with him, Kast is happy that Zees is being so compliant and nice now that he has the prospect of getting a badge.
This happiness will probably only last about 24 hours, but might as well enjoy it while I can.
Kast revels in Zees' silence.
Before leaving the Cathedral, Malcolm addresses the group. When leaving Sir Foxglove's establishment, he sent a messenger with our reward for yesterday's work. He has given us 300GP. Divided equally, that comes to 50GP each. We should just all take our shares now, since we are together. He takes out the pouch of gold and divies up the shares.
Kast flinches at the idea of more guard duty and walking around, but is still very eager to help.
Marching. Always more marching. I can feel my leg throb already...but for Sandpoint, I will.
Kast doesn't have any questions as he is too full of excitement to think beyond the immediate idea of being 'promoted' (no matter how temporary).
Kast looks at Zees and his complete silence (Still thinking about the badge, I guess.) and wonders how long that is going to last. *bliss*
I will gladly take on this task for the safety of the populous of Sandpoint. On Abadar's honor, I shall be vigilant and serve. I am concerned about my duties to the cathedral, but if you assure me that things will be cleared with Abstalar, then I am anxious to get started. Should we divide into groups, and if so, is there some method by which we can signal each other in the event a threat manifests? A whistle or a thundersone, perhaps?
As the Sheriff's words sink in, Dorin is momentarily stunned by the assignment. Wait, we're deputies now? Seven tribes of goblins? Mayor Deverin tells us what to do? he thinks. Then the implications set in. What am I going to tell Ameiko? the boy worries. Dorin is silent otherwise.
Malcolm's words break his trance. "But-t-t Sir Foxglove wanted us to go on a boar hunt with him. Today or tomorrow!" he blurts out to everyone.
Well, needless to say, if we take this assignment we may not have time to go on the hunt. Sheriff, is there any time off in which all six of us could be absent for a half day, or are at least some of us required to be on duty at all hours?
"I'll stay behind, Malc, if need be. I can't risk getting hurt on a hunt when the town needs me. As much as I wish it otherwise, this is more important to me."
Kast holds up the whistle now strung around his neck on a cord.
"Whistles should work well. Maybe we all should have them?"
Then again, if we are not expected to start our duties until tomorrow evening, we can leave today for the hunt and return early tomorrow in time for our deputy rounds. Thoughts?
Dorin thinks quick when the Sheriff snaps an answer to Malcolm. "We won't start until Master Scarnetti gets back tomorrow night. That means we can still do a quick boar hunt in the Tickwood if we're back at the same time as Master Scarnetti. Then we're deputies for the next week until Sheriff Hemlock gets back."
"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Sheriff. I am sure that, when the town is ready to officially call on us, we will be ready." Danaris gets up to go, assuming that, based on the sheriff's tone, he is ready for the group to get out of his office.
As the party leaves, Danaris says: "Is there a place we can talk in private? We can organize our watches, and there are some other matters we need to discuss."
I agree, let's head back to the Cathedral. We can speak in private there.
Fr. Abstalar has asked us to keep what I am about say quiet. He doesn't want to upset or scare the town on more than necessary. It appear that, during the goblin attack, some of the goblins broke into Fr. Tobyn's crypt and stole his body. Needless to say, that is not typical goblin behavior. This seems a further indications that someone is behind our recent troubles. But I'm baffled when I try to comprehend why someone would steal Fr. Tobyn's body. Danaris is both perplexed and disturbed by his news. Perhaps it would be wise to make some very discreet inquiries about Fr. Tobyn around town. Maybe he hand enemies that we don't know about?
In Private
If it's not too late to ask...
There were 6 different tribes involved with the attack of Sandpoint, the seven was also supposed to be there . I have no informations on why they did not come . The goblins did not know much. They were under orders from their chiefs to obey a human but for goblins all humans are the same so I have no description to give you . The human staid with the thisteltop group
Zees would have inquired about the missing 7th tribe (was it the Thisteltop group). Also, is there any information about where to find the Thisteltop group and the 7th tribe (if different from Thisteltop)?
"They did what?!!" Kast yells, perhaps too loudly as they talk.
Lowering his voice, Kast resumes a more measured whisper, "They stole his body? Those priest mucking little green bastards!" Kast tromps back and forth, muttering, trying to figure out how and why someone would want to steal the body of an interred priest.
This is getting pretty weird. Something is going on...I'm sure of it!
Kast notices that Zees has come to and stopped babbling about the badges.
"This is just weird. I don't feel right about going on a boar hunt...especially not now. I feel like I need to stay here and help in any way I can...or at least do some research to learn more. You guys go to the boar hunt."
In his heart, Kast recognizes what he is losing, but feels to strongly about Sandpoint, soldiering, and learning more to risk getting hurt on the hunt...let alone if something happened while he was gone.
Keep in mind that Titus Scarnetti has gone to check his lumber operations in the Whisperwood, where the Boar Hunt is to take place. It is possible that we could cross his path prior to tomorrow evening when he plans to approve our status as deputies.
"Very aware, Malc. Just don't like leaving at this time. Doesn't seem right. But I'm sure you guys will go have a great time and I'll regret it for my life. I'll spend the day practicing with a sword and reading in town. I'll just feel better about it."
In his heart, Kast recognizes what he is losing
Dorin listens to Danaris, Kast, and Malcolm talking on the way to the Cathedral. Then Zees speaks up about the other goblin tribe.
"We've had some hunting parties at the Rusty Dragon before." Dorin says from behind the older men in the group. "And we might be able to find some goblins in the woods. It'd be nice to take the fight back to them." he adds viciously.
"Aye..a Goblin Hunt has a better ring to it. I don't see mounting one of their heads on the wall though...unless as a dart board."
"Very aware, Malc. Just don't like leaving at this time. Doesn't seem right. But I'm sure you guys will go have a great time and I'll regret it for my life. I'll spend the day practicing with a sword and reading in town. I'll just feel better about it."
"Already back to your teacher ways, Kast? I thought you enjoyed actually doing something. Guess not. Back to training and teaching and TALKING for you? Maybe you can talk the next horde of goblins to death.
I say we go on this hunt. Maybe we'll get lucky and find some goblins, or their trail, or Shalelu Andosana for the sheriff, or someone who knows something. Kast can join the town in waiting for the goblins like pigs for slaughter. Here (prestidigitation) let me clean you up so you look nice. I'd hate for you to get dirty or feel bad."
Slap Kast, then slapped him again.
Kast looks incredulously at Zees.
is this the same guy talking as the one who hid in his room last night out of fear of tales and ale?! He points his finger at me?!!
Kast takes a step towards Zees, fist raised, before regaining his composure.
"You really don't get it, Zees, do you? It's about being the best at what one does. It's about training until one can do it perfectly when it's needed. I have a dedication to my dreams, my goals, and my responsibilities that you'll never understand. You sit there accusing me when you piss away your potential like a drunk passes his excesses!"
Kast anger lessens a bit, continuing, "Until you finally dedicate yourself to something, Zees, you are wasting away."
Stepping away form the bickering, Gar turns to Malcolm and Danaris"T'was before your times, but the late Father died when the old church burned. I don't like the connection, of the fire, the goblins, and the day the new Cathedral is dedicated...and that a human might be leading them..disgusting!...um no offense meant to you and yours."
Slap Kast, then slapped him again.
Kast looks like someone slapped him. Maybe someone should, but it wouldn't be me. Seriously. I could barely injure that unconscious goblin. I probably hurt Soldier Sensitive's feelings. Guess I better make him feel better. You'd think I ruined the taste of his favorite ale....today.
"Look Kast. There is a time for training and a time for action. Now is the time for action. Surely a teacher like yourself has an appreciation for knowledge and the fact that we're sorely lacking knowledge about these matters. Perhaps some info could be found in town, but I also suspect some can be found outside of town. There are plenty of dumb soldiers (can't stray too far from CHA 10)who can deal with the goblins if they return. We need our leaders to help find their leaders."
Robin: Zees will rack his brain about:
Whisperers tribe location, history, etc
Knowledge geography, local, history have same modifier.
Thistletop tribe location, history, etc.
Knowledge geography, local, history have same modifier.
Father Tobyn and his death in the church fire
Knowledge local and history have same modifier.
"Look Kast. There is a time for training and a time for action. Now is the time for action. Surely a teacher like yourself has an appreciation for knowledge and the fact that we're sorely lacking knowledge about these matters. Perhaps some info could be found in town, but I also suspect some can be found outside of town. There are plenty of dumb soldiers (can't stray too far from CHA 10)who can deal with the goblins if they return. We need our leaders to help find their leaders."
To his surprise, Kast finds himself nodding in agreement with Zees.
"ZEES!! Yes! You're completely right. We should use this free day to examine and look how the goblins got into town. And then examine the burial plot of the priest...to see how they got in and where they took the body! There are so many unanswered questions here in town!"
Kast looks relieved that his friend is actually putting his mind to good use.
"We should do a circle around town to see if we can figure out how they got in."
Deep down inside, Kast really wants to go over his section of patrol from yesterday and see if the goblins came in through there. He hopes to find no traces, but is secretly worried there might be.
Kast, the crypt has already been searched to no avail. It appears as if Gar, Zees and Dorin are in agreement to head on the hunt first. Danaris, what say you? Kast, it may be a good idea for us to stick together based upon how well we worked as a group, despite our differences.
The hunt would be a fine reward for our efforts defending the town. It would be a shame for anyone to miss it. However, I understand Kast's desire to stay near Sandpoint in case there is another attack. There is no reason to force Kast into Foxglove's little party. And, if we are worried about leaving Kast alone, I would be willing to stay in town and do some investigating with Kast. Danaris sighs, pulled towards getting out of the city and into the country for a while, but seeing the wisdom in Kast's arguments.
"ZEES!! Yes! You're completely right. We should use this free day to examine and look how the goblins got into town. And then examine the burial plot of the priest...to see how they got in and where they took the body! There are so many unanswered questions here in town!"
With as straight a face as he can manage...
"Okay. It's settled then. Today we look around town. Tomorrow we go hunting. Let's go look at the crypt. Then we can stop on the way to the walls to leave word for Mr. Foxglove that we'll be ready tomorrow."