Round 1
Sparrow recoils from the creature's strike, calling out in pain from it's blow. Twaning her bow, she calls forth armor to protect her before drawing her cutlass. "Sonuva, that hurt!"
That zombie hurt me!
The big half giant readies for another attack.
As surprising as the attack is, the response as is swift. Only two of the monsters remain; the skeleton on Sparrow and the human zombie on Brin.
Round 2:
Alkaid
Kaddoc
human skeleton
Sparrow
Cilyanka
Brindolfin
human zombie
Alkaid=1, Brin=2, Cilyanka=3, Kaddok=4, Sparrow=5
The skeleton once more attempts to claw Sparrow:
The human zombie also continues to attack, switching to Alkaid as her kick misses it:
Alkaid does a kick and a punch to the undead.
Kaddoc attacks the skeleton engaging Sparrow:
Kaddoc crushes the skeleton on Sparrow.
Alkaid's first kick misses, but the second connects to the unusually swift zombie, damaging but not destroying it.
AC 14, touch 10, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +2 natural)
hp 12-7=5
Seeing the zombie survive Alkaid's kick, Cilyanka slashes at it with her rhoka.
Standing over the zombies with her smoking blade, Cilyanka looks almost as is she is going to continue hacking at the corpses for a few second before calming down.
The ineffective and damaged half giant looks up with complete exasperation.
"Thanks for pulling my weight this time."
Looking at his wounds, "Any healing ready?"
As you check each other out, recovering from the surprise of such an assault here, you also notice a few things.
This outer vault appears to be for lesser priests and acolytes. There is, or rather, was a set of double doors adorned wth the symbols of all six of Sandpoints gods set into the center of the rear wall. Those doors have been torn down and descerated. As you approach the entry you see a set of atairs leading down to the main crypt.
On the stairs you see a crumpled black cloth, which, upon examination, proves to be a tattered robe of some kind.
As you advance into the main crypt, you see that one of the sarcophagi has been opened, it's granite top cracked and askew beside it and Desna's image below the nameplate stratched deeply.
The sarcophagus is empty and the nameplate reads: Ezakien Tobyn.
Alkaid speaks angrily
"Who ever did this act is a horrible person.
Desecrating a great priest's resting place."
Cilyanka, still holding her drawn blade, answers Alkaid.
Whoever did this is a dead man. He can explain his desecration to Pharasma in person.
"And not only her, but Desna as well."
Bring investigates further.
Little besides what you've already seen can be determined here. Father Tobyn's remains are missing, and you don't beleive he was one of the undead you fought.
Outside, however, even though the grounds around the crypt are churned badly, you can locate tracks. Many small, booted prints and one larger set.
The smaller tracks are gobiln prints while the larger set is from a medium sized humanoid. Following them leads to a point along the town wall where they must have climbed over.
Can anyone Identify those tracks?
Nope. Looks almost recognizable, but I can't quite make sense of it.
"Sorry, that's outside my are of expertise."
"Sparrow, you say the tracks lead into town OVER the wall? I'll boost you up and you can follow them on the other side."
The tracks continue northeast along the coast and appear to have been joind by goblin survivors of the raid.
When you report this to sheriff Hemlock and Father Zanthus, the as that you keep the desecration and theft a secret, so as not to panic the town further. He also asks if you will come and meet with him at the Garrison.
It's one thing for the little miscreants to run amuck, necromancy is something else entirely. Why would goblins kidnap a priest or raise the undead?
"Your right it, does not follow their regular hijinks.
The fact that bigger tracks are found here means they had non-goblin help or it the one doing the orders
and made the undead."
The giant seems to keep his blade out almost constantly since being caught without it on the island and with the cult. The blade seems to be made of similar material as the giant's 'shield'.
"The town needs our help. I am sure we can handle any goblin incident."
You follow Sheriff Hemlock to the Sandpoint Garrison and he escorts you to a small office occupied by one other person – Shalelu.
”I knew the heroes he mentioned had to be you folks. Congradulations on your handling of those goblins. But things may be much worse than we thought.
[b]Let me explain. As some of you know, I've dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they're tenacious, fecund little runts.
Goblins have always had a strong presence in the Varisia, and quite a number of tribes call its western regions home, especially the Lost Coast. Recent expansion of human settlements have forced the native goblin tribes into fierce conflict with the newcomers, particularly around the town of Sandpoint.
There are five major goblin tribes in this region and, traditionally, they're pretty good at keeping each other in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet, from what I've been able to piece together, members of al five tribes took part in the Swallowtail Festival raid. A fair number of the Mosswood goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the 'longshanks' who killed so many of them. You seem to have made quite an impression.”
She smiles briefly before continuing. ”In any event, the fact that all five tribes were working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don't get along unless they've got something big planned and big plans require big bosses. I'm afraid that someone's moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging from recent events, it looks like bad news for us.”
She pauses, taking out a packet of notes. ”Here's some of the information I have on the local goblin tribes.
Of the five local tribes, the strongest are the Thistletop goblins, who take their name from their off-shore base of operations in the ruins of the island fortress of Thistletop and the nearby Nettlewood forrest. They're the most powerful goblin tribe in western Varisia, and take their name from the ruins they call home, and which allow them to maintain their powerful position.
The small Birdcruncher goblin tribe lives in caves along the western edge of Devil's Platter. They're not particularly aggressive for goblins. Their name comes form their diet, they snare wild birds to eat them raw.
The Licktoads goblin tribe lives in Brinestump Marsh. They are excellent swimmers who like to search the marsh, in their free time, for little white toads. These toads, if swallowed, provoke intense visions and dreams.
To the east are the Seven Tooth goblins of Shank's Wood. They're the ones most likely to be raiding Sandpoint's junkyard and use what the steal to arm themselves.
Even further east are the Mosswood goblins, the largest tribe, and the one most torm by internal feuding.
There are dozens of minor tribes in the area as well, but those five are the ones that seem to have been involved in the raid.
She looks at you, as if expecting questions, then continues. ”While goblins tend to live short, brutish lives, some do manage to survive and make a name for themselves. Currently there are six of these goblin 'heroes' in the area.
Big Gugmut is an unusually tall and muscular goblin who claims to be the son of a hobgoblin mother and a wild boar.
Koruvus is -or was- a champion of the Seven Tooth tribe. He's noted for an unusually short temper, even for a goblin, and for using a human sized magic longsword. He hasn't been seen for several months, after claiming to have discovered a secret hideout that he was going to move the tribe to.
Vorka is a notorious goblin cannibal, formerly a member of the Licktoads. She has a hideout somewhere in Brinestump Marsh and mostly preys on her old tribe.
Rendwattle Gutwad is the obese Licktoad chief, who, they say, never leaves his throne.
Warchief Ripnugget, the Thistletop leader controls what all five of the other tribes concede is the best lair.
Last, but not least, is Bruthazmus, a bugbear ranger from northern Nettlewood. He trades things he's stolen for booze, news, and magic arrows. Oh, and he hates elves. Even more than I hate goblins.”
Sparrow commits the information to memory as she thinks on it, drinking from a small flask before speaking up. "Well, if we don't know what they're trying, might as well at least try to stop the attacks at least. If they're working together, how about we set them back against each other? Find a few of these Mosswoods, a scouting party, and bring their bloody carcasses to the Thistletops. Find one of their patrols, plant some bodies, lay some blame. Have 'em start killing each other. Whoever's controllin' them will have to step in then, and maybe we can find 'em out."
Sparrow drains the flask's contents before continuing, "Or of course we could just start slaughterin' them and hope to find somethin'. That sounds like fun too."
"I am ready. Although I like to lick toads as much as the next guy, how about we go after the closest group. Sheriff, if you have no prime suspects, point us to the closest group."
He nods to Shalelu and opens an arm in an inviting gesture, "You seem to be the most informed. Which goblins would you start with?"
"I would have to agree with someone taking control of the goblins, given the larger than goblin foot prints and their level of organisation at the swallowtail festival."
"Has anyone thought to ask how the little blighters managed to infiltrate the town?"
Sheriff Hemlock says "I'll keep your ofer in mind. however, I have a different request for you. I will be taking those of my guards able to travel with me to Magnimar to ask for troops to cover until the extent of the threat can be assesssed. shalelu here will continue to explore the areas around the goblin tribes to learn more of the situation. I would like to deputize you folks to cover Sandpoint while I'm gone. It shouldn't be more than a week, and the townsfolk seem to like and trust all of you. I'll be leaving tomorrow, so please, if you accept, meet me here first thing before I leave."
After the meeting, you all head back to the Rusty Dragon for your party. Shalelu comments ”I heard that you're also mighty hunters. May I join your party? I'm staying at the Dragon anyway.”
The party is rather enjoyable, though once again, Lord Foxglove seems to pay attention mainly to Alkaid, though as a good host, he does speak to everyone, even graciously welcoming Shalelu. All of you are the subjects of toasts and offers of free drinks all night long...or at least until the door to the Rusty Dragon flies open and a middle-aged Tian man most of you recognize strides in.
”Where is my daughter?” Lord Kaijitsu demands. He looks around the tavern with contempt.
Sheriff Hemlock says "I'll keep your ofer in mind. however, I have a different request for you. I will be taking those of my guards able to travel with me to Magnimar to ask for troops to cover until the extent of the threat can be assesssed. shalelu here will continue to explore the areas around the goblin tribes to learn more of the situation. I would like to deputize you folks to cover Sandpoint while I'm gone. It shouldn't be more than a week, and the townsfolk seem to like and trust all of you. I'll be leaving tomorrow, so please, if you accept, meet me here first thing before I leave."
"Oh. Well, if we're gonna get paid to sit on our behinds and make sure nothing happens to the place while you're gone, I'm up for that."
After the meeting, you all head back to the Rusty Dragon for your party. Shalelu comments ”I heard that you're also mighty hunters. May I join your party? I'm staying at the Dragon anyway.”
"The more the merrier, I say."
The party is rather enjoyable, though once again, Lord Foxglove seems to pay attention mainly to Alkaid, though as a good host, he does speak to everyone, even graciously welcoming Shalelu. All of you are the subjects of toasts and offers of free drinks all night long...or at least until the door to the Rusty Dragon flies open and a middle-aged Tian man most of you recognize strides in.
”Where is my daughter?” Lord Kaijitsu demands. He looks around the tavern with contempt.
Knowing she was at least going to have to feign responsibility for a week while Hemlock is gone, Sparrow resolves to have a good time tonight. Right up until Lord Kaijitsu enters. Sparrow responds, her legs propped up on a table while leaning back in her chair, "Aren't ya s'pose ta buy a drink 'fore you start askin' questions in a' inn?" Laughing at the not so funny joke, she suddenly falls backwards in the chair she was sitting in rocking back too far.
as soon as Shalelu enters the Rusty Dragon
in a cheerful voice
"Welcome back Onee-sama."
Sheriff Hemlock says "I'll keep your ofer in mind. however, I have a different request for you. I will be taking those of my guards able to travel with me to Magnimar to ask for troops to cover until the extent of the threat can be assesssed. shalelu here will continue to explore the areas around the goblin tribes to learn more of the situation. I would like to deputize you folks to cover Sandpoint while I'm gone. It shouldn't be more than a week, and the townsfolk seem to like and trust all of you. I'll be leaving tomorrow, so please, if you accept, meet me here first thing before I leave."
"I would not mind keeping the peace here, while your gone."
After the meeting, you all head back to the Rusty Dragon for your party. Shalelu comments ”I heard that you're also mighty hunters. May I join your party? I'm staying at the Dragon anyway.”
"I'm not a hunter per say, more like a shepard keeping wolves at bay.
And I don't mind if you come along."The party is rather enjoyable, though once again, Lord Foxglove seems to pay attention mainly to Alkaid, though as a good host, he does speak to everyone, even graciously welcoming Shalelu. All of you are the subjects of toasts and offers of free drinks all night long...
Alkaid dines, chats and has a dance with Lord Foxglove
...or at least until the door to the Rusty Dragon flies open and a middle-aged Tian man most of you recognize strides in.
”Where is my daughter?” Lord Kaijitsu demands. He looks around the tavern with contempt.
being polite and diplomatic
"Good sir, it's bad manners to burst into a public place and angrily demand something with a look of contempt for everyone."
"Is it also good manners to seduce children from their duty to their parents? Why did you not return Ryu? Why should I listen to a bunch of adventurers?"
He calms for a moment then turns from you. Whatever is influencing him, whatever he wants, he seems beyond listening to reason.
"Or my townsfolk, so busy lauding violent strangers, rather than their own."
As he speaks, Ameiko, alerted by one of the servers, comes out of the kitchen, still holding a dripping ladle.
Lonjiku steps toward her, snapping out something in Minkaian.
Ameiko, startled, responds in the same language.
Ameiko, recovering, just says "No!" and turns to walk back to the kitchen.
Lonjiku, once more furious, reaches for her as she turns, grabbing her by the hair.
Ameiko, now as furious as her father, spins around and smacks him over the head with the ladle, dumping the remaining contents, apparently stew, over him.
Lonjiku almost snarls as he pushes her away and turns, walking to the door with as much dignity as he can manage.
At the door he pauses, and, speaking in common, as calmly and coldly as possible, says "You are as dead to me as your mother." He then turns and leaves.
A stunned silence has fallen in the Rusty Dragon as Ameiko straightens up, looks at the ladle, then at the room. Spotting Mai, she hands her the ladle, saying"I guess you'd better wash this for me. We're having pork after all, not jackass stew."
With that she turns and walks calmly to the kitchen, pulling the door shut behind her as nervous laughter fills the room.
"Well that was awkward..."
Sparrow returns the arrow she had pulled when Lord Kaijutsu had struck Ameiko, trying to do so without drawing attention. Standing back up from where she had fallen, she rights her chair and turns to Kaddoc. "You ain't kidding there. Don't s'pose anyone understood what they were sayin'?"
From the dimly light corner where she has been quietly sulking most of the night, Cilyanka answers.
I wish I did speak that particular language. Somehow I don't think think things went well for poor Ameiko.
Pausing to look down at the cup of warm milk she is drinking, Cilyanka continues.
I suppose I should have known Lord Kaijitsu would not take this well. I guess we'll just have to surprise him with our vigilence. I just hope this goes well. I would hate to disappoing Ameiko again.
The night continues, albeit slightly less merrily.
As the party breaks up for the night, Lord Foxglove tells Alkaid that he has business he must attend to in Magnimar, but extends an invitation to his manor, Misgivings, once he's finished.
In the morning, all of you who wish to meet with Sheriff Hemlock and Mayor Deverin, who officially deputize you before the sheriff and Shalelu head out on their separate missions.
The first two days are relatively calm, with a few easily handled incidents that indicate the local criminal population is testing you out.
The third day, however...
Those of you staying at the Rusty Dragon come down to the main floor for breakfast to find Bethana and Mai at the small table behind the bar, looking at something and in deep conversation.
Bethana looks up and waves to you, signalling for you to join them. She looks worried and Mai looks angry.
"Could you help? In private? We have a problem...Ameiko is missing. We found this note, crumpled in her room, with no indication she'd spent the night. It's in Minkaian, but I can read it if none of you can. Ameiko was teaching me."
Hello, sis!
I hope this letter finds you well, and with some free time on your hands, because we’ve got something of a problem. It’s to do with father.
Seems that he might have had something to do with Sandpoint’s recent troubles with the goblins, and I didn’t want to bring the matter to the
authorities because we both know he’d just weasel his way out of it. You’ve got some pull here in town, though. If you can meet me at the Glassworks at midnight tonight, maybe we can figure out how to make sure he faces the punishment he deserves. Knock twice and then three times more and then once more at the delivery entrance and I’ll let you in.
In any case, I don’t have to impress upon you the delicate nature of this request. If news got out, you know these local rubes would assume that you and I were in on the whole thing too, don’t you? They’ve got no honor at all around these parts. I still don’t understand how you can
stand to stay here.
Anyway, don’t tell anyone about this.
There are other complications as well, ones I’d rather talk to you in person about tonight.
Don’t be late.
Tsuto
"Could you please check this out? Without telling anyone?"
Brindolfin begins to get somewhat bored the first two days and queries at least half seriously,
"Do our duties include protecting the virtue of the local human females from Ryu?"
Upon hearing the translated letter.
"Well, that is it. Off to the Sandworks. I hope that Tsuto doesn't consider me a local rube. I have honor, just not fancy manners like these noble dandies called Lord Foxglove."
"I feel our little family dispute might have taken a darker turn, we had best check out the glass factory."
Sparrow lets out a long string of elvish curses under her breath, "Agreed, we better go find out what happened. I bet that sonuva Kaijitsu found 'em out or somethin'. After the other night, feel good to beat the crap out of him. And yer right Brin. How dare that Tsuto call us rubes? Gonna kick his rear too."
We should hurry, Ameiko is the closest thing I have to family since.. Cilyanka's stops for a moment, a faraway look in her eyes ... in a long time.
We should be careful though. We don't know who wrote that note.
"We do know who wrote the Letter as it's signed Tsuto.
Is he her brother?"
When I was young, we carried a great many important documents stating our business and granting us rights of passage. Very few of them were real.
Would you like me to write a letter, in your handwritting, telling Lord Foxglove of your desire for a secret rendezvous?
"And how many people in town know Minkaian, as I believe that's a language of the Tian, and I'll willing to bet that this language is only taught within the family."
I will grant, not many. But its usage by Ameiko and her family are not secret.
I am asking only that we keep open minds. We can figure out what happened after we find Ameiko.
"Wanna bet a meal and a drink that it's really from her brother, Cilyanka?"
Sure.
Race you to the glassworks.
The group heads to the Glassworks, only to find every door locked. There is smoke coming from the chimneys, indicating that the furnaces are running, but no one answers your knock.
The neighbors, when asked, say that the lack of traffic is unusual, but perhaps Lord Kaijitsu is working on a secret project. No one remembers seeing him enter, though.
"Hmm....I don't like the feel of this."