Satisfied at finally killing one of the goblins that had plagued him, Feldspar turned and made his way toward the large dog threatening the others. He tries to step into a flanking position and attempts to put the beast out of its misery.
Confident his fellow adventures have dealt the dog a lethal blow, Jo'no looks around for any other immediate threats.
In a flailing of weapons, the goblin dog is brought to a brutal and very messy end. It did not even get the chance to yelp, between Tania's spear thrust and True's vicious overhead strike, the creature was obliterated.
As the group stood panting and catching their breath, the sounds from the town below them seem to have calmed. In the distance, beyond the walls a strange horn blares two whining notes. Idrian identifies this as a goblin warhorn, most likely sounding a rally or retreat. It would appear as if the attack on Sandpoint had ended as rapidly as it had begun. There was suddenly no sign of goblin attackers, the survivng creatures having melted into the darkness and fled the town completely.
However the town was not quiet. Wailing and shouts of command come from different areas as the fires that have sprung up are being fought. The occasional sound of an injured person calling for help also echoes up through the cooling night air, for night has truly fallen now.
The festival of Desna was over but the towns troubles were only just beginning it would seem.
If it appears all immediate threats have been dealt with, then Jo'no will quickly make sure everyone in the group seems okay. Jo'no knows his mom is a fairly capable wizard and is not too concerned about her immediate welfare. He glances towards his mother's house and looks to see if there are any fires in that direction. Jo'no will start heading that way and will join in, on any "bucket lines" on the way to help put out fires.
Tania helps with the fire fighting for now, supporting the work, helping with the heavy lifting, and using her grasp of oratory to keep motivation and mobilization high despite the dark outcome of the festival. Why such an attack? Who put them up to this?
True takes a moment to thank Iomedae for guiding her blade. She also touches the holy symbol again, when all the other wounded party members are near.
Her last few steps should ensure that the holy warrior is close enough to the far man and his dog's body.
"Sir, the battle is over, the goblins are fleeing some out from behind the barrel and help us with the town fires now."
True looks about at the others assessing the capabilities, "what next? Shall we pair up or go out in threes to deal with the fires and general chaos? There is may be the odd knocker sorry goblin, out there. Who are you again?" pointing at Jo'No and Tania. "I am True Vigileon and thank you for joining the fight."
well...the raid seems to have been pushed back. in my current form I'll just spark up more alarms...so I must hide for a while... Algus thinks as he sits along side his wounded mentor, waiting for the effects of his potions to wear off. he feels disappointed that there was no combat test, but relieved that the mixture of potions didn't cause any unwanted side-effects....as far as he can tell, at least.
"True, you don't remember us? I am Tania, and this is Jo'no. We sometimes played together when we were children. I have spent the last few years wandering the country with Varisians. I came back to see my Dad. The town has changed a lot, in good and less good ways it seems. I'm glad we saw those no-gooders trying to steal the fireworks. I'm sure they would have done more damage then where the goblins ended up lighting them."
Feldspar turns away from the dead dog, returns his hammer to the appropriate belt loop and runs off to help with the various fires, calming panicked citizens and bandaging the wounded.
Jo'no feels the radiance of True's healing magic wash over him, and notices the gash on stomache change to a small scratch. "Thanks True. I would like to talk with you and Tania later to catch up on old times." The Shoanti turns his attention to the fires and begins helping.
The man hiding behind the barrel stands and looks with awe and gratitude at True as she stands before him vctorious. He carefully moves the girl out from hehind him and it is only now that the group can see he is dressed in clothes befitting a noble while the girl herself is dressed more in the common clothes of the townsfolk.
"My thanks to you m'lady" he stammers somewhat shakily as he looks around to see if any more goblins would show up. "This child had been chased by one of the brutes when I stepped in to save her. However, no sooner had I run the thing through with my rapier than the big mob turned up. I set my hound Rufus onto them and tried to protect the girl, but there were far too many, and the big one was decidedly deadly." He pauses and looks long and hard at True, gratitude shining in his face. "Truly, we owe our lives to you and your friends. My name is Aldern Foxglove, I am staying at the Rusty Dragon over the next week. Please, come see me when the town is recvered and I shall see you are sitable rewarded. All of you"
He seems to realise then that the little girl is still clutching desperately to his pants. "Ah, yes. I must see this girl to her mother. Thank you.. again"
As the two leave, heading into the town as the girl tugs on his hand to show him the way, Foxglove glances once over his shoulder, as if to get a good look at True one last time.
After that, the evening is spent in fire and hard work. While the upper end of town seemed almost unafected by the creatures arson attempts, the lower portion was not so lucky. Some of the buildings near the Hagfish had caught were burning merrily, while elsewhere the timber mill was smouldering dangerously, though folk seemed to have got there quickly to douse things. All around panic and chaos ensued as the townsfolk rushed here and there, trying to fight fires or find loved ones after the raid. Amidst it all, there were still the occasional Goblin, screaming in panic as it was discovered in its bolt hole and ran screaming in terror away from those who had found it.
Choose a skill you feel is most likely to help in this situation and provide a roll for me. You can back it up with suitable words or actions if you'd like, and they may net you a bonus to your roll if appropriate.
Knowledge (local):
True sets up a healing infirmary in or near the Hagfish, ordering oen or two local girls into nursing and providing comfort for the sick and burnt, the shocked and homeless.
The minor burns and cuts receive bandages and salves while the worst will get the opportunity for three more channels of positive healing. But True uses her common sense to ensure that the healing reaches all those who need it most before it runs out.
If the healing is not sufficient then True sends word to Zanthus for assistance.
Feldspar seeks those who are injured or frightened by the goblin attack, binding wounds or helping the most badly hurt before seeing that they're taken to the new church for more long term care.
He also does his best to comfort those who have lost a friend or family member even as he directs those who are unsure what to do in tasks to see that the injured get where they need to be, children are returned to their parents or dragging away bodies (goblin or no) to be dealt with safely later.
Idrian helps find the injured and anyone trapped by fires. He keeps a sharp eye for any goblins that may have missed the opportunity to escape.
Perception +2 v Humanoid (goblinoid)
The effects of the brew having passed, Algus carries old Viznett to a safer place. he hears from the townsfolk about the infirmary set up on the Hagfish, and so heads to there. in there, he also proceeds to volunteer to help out in tending to people's injuries, as well as craft any healing salves that could be needed. if needed he'll go to the wilderness to look for any useful herbs to treat any wounded.
Tania's skill at keeping people motivated and on task serves well at the water bucket lines. With the young woman urging them on and encouraging the exhausted men and women, some of the lower fires are quickly dowsed and the people here can move to other areas of concern. As the last bucket line finishes up, Belor Hemlock moves up to her and claps a hand on her shoulder. "Grand work Tania. You'll do." he states simply in gratitude before moving tirelessly off to continue getting the town sorted.
True, Feldspar and Algus set up a small Triage which quickly becomes filled with locals and out of towners alike who suffered during the raid. The injuries ran from smoke inhalation to severe injuries from fighting the goblinoids. Part way through the night, True's brother Honar appears at the triage carrying a young dockworker in his arms. Both men were black with soot and great blisters stood out on Honar's arms and face where he had obviously been burned severely. The man in his arms was worse, and all three healers knew he wouldn't last he evening without serious magical aid. Magical aid no one in town was now capable of providing.
The man's death obviously affected Honar, even though he tried to hide it behind a veneer of calm. True, so busy with the wounded really had no time for comforting her brother, but when she next looked up she noticed Feldspar deep in conversation with the young man. At the end of it, the burly dwarf clapped her brother on the back and returned to the triage work. Honar sent his sister a smile, small and tight, but a smile none the less, before heading back into the evening to help some more.
Algus healing of fire burns and blisters was superb, his skills at mixing elixers coming into play as he created salves for the victims to smear across their injuries. In a twist of irony, the woman whi earlier in teh day had shouted abuse from her window at the twisted man and his mask, desperately pleaded with him to help her boy who had recieved a burnign brand across the face. The boy was in desperate pain until Algus laid his unguents across the burn. He would scar, but the unguent would reduce the pain and speed in recovery. The womans gratitude was as big as her build as she enveloped the young alchemist in a crushing embrace. "Oh thank the gods, my boy, my boy!" she crooned over and over again.
Idrian and Jo'No worked in tandem, trying to locate areas where trouble was likley and root out any more of the little goblins. They never found any of the things during the night, though twice Jo'No found smouldering brands left where fires would start anew if not taken care of. Both men managed to prevent these from getting further underway, but ony they were aware of these minor blessings.
By the time the morning light of Sarenrae (the great sun), broke across the horizon, the town was almost fully recovered from the raid. A pall of smoke hung heavy in the cool air, not yet displaced by the breezes oof the ocean. All the fires were contained and the dead and injured had been sorted. Sandpoint was safe, thanks in no small part to the actions of the six travelers.
True does not notice anyone outside of her healing work, her focus had become more intense with each new arrival. As Honar and Feldspar share a moment, True is trying to save the life of her childhood friend, the halfling Dashiell (the woodhound seller). The poor mite had been crushed under falling timbers trying to save some young hounds.
As the minutes tick by and more victims are brought in, True wishes Zanthus would hurry up. When help does arrive, a voice calls over to True, "how is the dog seller?"
True stops cleaning her hands.
"Dead."
True - Honar's Tale
"After father died, Mother became obsessed with her work and trying to keep the sermons of Iomidae alive in the area. For months she petitioned the mayor and Father Zanthus to build an extra shrine in the chapel for our beloved god but the priests would not budge, saying the consecrated ground already had six faiths imbedded within the hallowed walls. Father Zanthus was good about it all, but there was no bending the other accolytes and priests."He sighed then, and looked deep into his sisterseyes. "Mother was gutted after that. She kept the business up but her heart wasn't in it." At True's protests about not being informed, the young man held up his hand in defense "Mother refused to let us write and tell you, saying that iomidae would prevail and your training was far too important to be disrupted. That's when the Captain came along. He swept her off her feet, and she was suddenly happy again. I thought it was fantastic, to see the life return to her eyes, but our sister was less than pleased. Her and Mother quarreled something fierce and one night she just left. None of us know where she's gone to. But..." again the look of desperate sadness comes over his face. "she was right. The Captain is not what our family needs. He has taken control of the family, in a way father never did. We must address him as the Captain. He controls where mother travels and has started telling her who she can and can't minister too. He has even started to control how long she can pray for and has insisted we pray to all the gods, not just the beloved Iomdae. Last month, he convinced mother than her money should go into his venture to Cheliax on board the Vestrit. In her blind affection for the man she cannot see what he is. He is a petty tyrant and is using the family for his own gains. I confronted him over it, but Mother took his side. He has "offered" to take me on the trip, to "Toughen me up" in his words. I fear what that trip will mean if mother agrees". He hugs his sister fiercly again "I'm glad you're back. We must make Mother see what is happening here, before she sends me away too."
Observing the aftermath of such a spirit breaking end to the Festival, Tania will go and see Cyrdakk Drokus, the master of the local playhouse: Sir, with all that's been going on in the town yesterday, the townsfolk need the help of the artists to find meaning and solace in these troubled time. May I suggest you quickly stage something outdoors for noon; something to stir them, to make them laugh and forget, for a moment, their grief?"
Afterwards, she will find Marcus to get some news on Banger and the Creedy boys, and their involvement in yesterday's events. Surely they had a master steering them. I need to find out who he is!
She will then get back to the Rusty Dragon to meet with Jo'no and her new friends, to see what they did and found out.
After such a tiring night, Algus begins the day with a renewed resolve. he quickly begins brewing a new batch of extracts, as well as new dose of Mutagen. after that, he proceeds to check up on Viznett to find out more information about what exactly happened in his workshop, as well as find out if anything in there can be salvageable.
Then, he proceeds to the Mayor's location, in order to see if she has any place where Viznett's history recordings and tomes are stored, in order to pry more information regarding previous incidents or suspicious happenings. if there is no such place, he'll simply head out to the Rusty Dragon.
After that, he proceeds to meet up with Tania, Jo'No and the other fellows that defended Sandpoint, expressing his concern about future raids, and the identity of the person responsible for the Goblin raid.
Idrian will offer his aid to Sheriff Hemlock.
Once the trickle of injured and worse stops, True takes a corner and sits down to rest. Her head in her hands, she hides the terrible pain of losing Dashiell until now and shoulders heaving True lets go. Before long the tears descend into sleep.
In the morning, True watches to make sure that the care is being maintained then she tries to find the Sheriff and Father. All the time she tries to spot Feldspar to include him in her discussions with Zanthus.
The holy warrior seeks out the Father to talk through the words of the blind woman but she will only go into detail if Feldspar is there.
With the sheriff, she tries to get corroboration on Honar's story. Although he has always been a truthful lad, this matter is too serious without checking everything. Naturally if the Sheriff proves helpful, True uses the opportunity to talk about how to find out more about the merchant seaman in question, his past and present behaviour.
Tania - Cyrdak merely looks the young bard up and down, his eyes curiously devoid of their usul spark. "Too soon, girl"he states dismissively. "There's dead to be buried and work to be done before people will need my kind of help." He moves away then, returning to his play house, the curiously dead look in his eyes still there.
She had far more luck with Marcus, however. The young guard looked tired and bloody from the nights work. It was obvious that he hadn't rested or had a chance to clean up after the raid. His eyes were glittering and his hands shook with an energy that Tania found intriguing. She was exhausted herself, barely able to focus let alone talk rapidly or work hard like she saw Marcus doing. When he saw her approach, his face lit up in a big grin. His teeth were stained red, and she suddenly knew where the energy had come from. He was chewing Shintriss root, something the Sho'anti used to keep their energy up for the long migrations before the winter. He was buzzed now, but when the roots juice wore off, he'd crash like a new born child.
As she questioned him on the Creedy's, his smile faded a little. "Those boys are trouble enough on their own, but I think you're right. They wouldn't have the stones nor the brains to orchestrate somethign like this, but they were certainly involved. When this settles, we'll be looking into it more thoroughly. Take care though Tania" he says, placing his hand on her shoulder and leaning in closer. She could smell smoke, blood and the bitter smell of the Shintriss on him. "Rumour has it the boys sometimes work with the Sczarni, and they're follk I don't want you getting involved with. "
(The Sczarni are as much a legend as fact in these parts. Apparently soe form of organised cime syndicate responsibel for smuggling and worse. Real criminals to be sure, if the organisation truly exists)
Algus - Algus finally gets enough time to rest and recover after the evenings work . When Father Zanthus and the other priests declared Viznett well enough to return home, the young Alchemist helped the little gnome back to his house and both of them fell into a deep and soul reviving sleep. The day was half over by the time he had woken, but hunger and the need to remix his brews drew the man from his bed. Another hour or so's work at the gnome's benches and he was ready to see how the town fared. Leaving Viznett still sleeping heavily, Algus ventured out to see what he cold about the raid.
He has no luck getting hold of the mayor, as she is completely swamped with planning and helping the town out. He does find the local teacher however, and gets access to his records of the region. As far as he can tell from an afternoon of research and study, the goblins have never risen to this scale before. It is almost unprecedented to see different tribes to be working together, and raiding the town on that scale never occurs. Smaller settlements and farmsteads have certainly been hit in the past, but never the town itself.
Idrian - Sherriff Hemlock quickly accepts the rangers assitance with a firm handshake and sets him to work clearing debris and working a rotating shift with his remaining guards so they can rest and watch teh guardhouse where their one reliable lead to what may have been the cause of this is being held. Banger was a prime material at the moment, and Hemlock wasn't going to risk him being freed, or killed, by those responsible.
Feldspar and True - With Father Zanthus
Father Zanthus is easy to find, as he and the entire priesthood of Sandpoint come to the makeshift infirmary about midnight and stat there working tirelesssly. Unfortunately, their small supply of healing magic is used up early on the more seriously hurt and so some folk simply cannot be saved when they come in after this point.
True and Feldspar discuss the oraces divination and her warning with Father Zanthus. The priest looks genuinely concerned that the young blind girl had predicted the events of teh evening, likening the "hungry green" she mentioned to the ravenous goblins that had attacked Sandpoint. As to the rest, he has no immediate answers but promises to make his library available to both of the holy warriors should they wish to investigate more. His time is then spent returning the injured to their homes and getting the temple of the six gods consecrated in the final ritual that was disrupted the previous night.
Feldspar - The dwarven Paladin makes quick drop in to check on his blind friend and finds her sipping tea in the kitchen of her home. He face lights in a beautiful smile as Feldspar enters and she thanks him warmly for coming to check on her. "I was in my home the entire time. When I heard the trouble start, I merely locked my door and stayed out of sight. I was lucky they didn't come to burn this part of town". The last is said with a mysterious little smile, as she reaches down and pats her little cat.
After finishing his visit, the exhausted knight returns to working with the townsfolk for the remainder of the day, quickly earning the thanks of many of the people in town.
True - Sherriff Hemlock is exceptionally busy by the time True gets around to seeing him. He frowns at her question, slightly annoyed at the seemingly irrelevent question when so much other trouble has happened in town. "He seems a decent sort to me, but there are folk on the docks as don't like him much. He has a fairly abrupt manner with those he finds to be folish, or so the dockmaster tells me. This is the firstseason I've seen him in town. Probably best to check with others about this, True, there's other issues I have to deal with".
For all
True offers to help the sheriff in any way she can after that comment, thanking him for taking the time to help her.
She will agree to meet up with Feldspar in the Rusty Dragon to discuss the day and blow the froth off a beer or two.
Once relieved, Idrian will return to the Rusty Dragon for a meal, some company, and rest.
After working all night trying to help repair structures for the good of the community, Jo'no feels very tired and hungry. A wave of exhaustion hits the Shoanti, but he manages to push through it and finds his second wind.
Jo'no will check in to see that his mother is fine and then proceeds to the Rusty Dragon to order a large meal. His current plan is to eat a filling meal, drink a few glasses of wine, and then return home for a much needed sleep.
The Rusty Dragon is quiet when the group gather in dribs and drabs for the nights meal. Most folk have now left the town or retired to their own homes after the exhausting events of the last two days.
Ameiko Kaijitsu, the young proprieter of the Dragon, looks tired as she serves the group their food and ale personally. Looking around at the almost empty dining area, she sighs and serves herself a meal and ale as well before joingin them at the table. For many of those gathered here, this young woman was a childhood friend or at least a child they knew of when they grew up in these parts.
She slowly lifts her mug and offers a salute to you all before stating simply "To the new heroes, or so the townsfolk are callinh you!". She clinks her simple pottery mug with all of those present before drinking some of the fine beverage.
"A little birdy tells me you lot were involved before the goblin raid as well. Something about the flashybangs and some trch bundles." She leans forwards in a conpiratorial manner before whispering "So what's up with the raid then? You've been asking about town all day, what have we found hmm?"
Her face is open and friendly, and her interest obviously peaked by the chance of gossip and rumour.
"Hero....it's certainly a new thing to be called, for me." Algus says as he takes a sip from his own brew, having politely declined the ale Ameiko had offered. his own beverage always felt more energy-filled than anything else he'd drank before. with the dining area empty, his mask lies on the table, and his hood is down as well; a sign that the young Alchemist feels more at ease at that time.
"it was a horrid night...but if I may say so, it was a rather fun time." he says with careless amusement, proceeding to eat up his meal. after downing a bit of it with his beverage, he begins explaining his futile search for information.
"it was an interesting, but rather useless read. all I found was that no organized attack of this scale had come into being since this town's got history records....though farms and cottages have been raided at times." he takes another sip, pausing. "These critters were always unorganized and bickering amongst clans. for someone to have united them like this...it must be a considerably powerful person...or that person must be backed by something higher than him or herself." after that, he simply remains silent, eating his meal and pondering about just what kind of person would have such power over the Goblin clans.
After Algus shares his piece of information, Tania talks about what she learnt of teh Creedy's
From what can be gathered, someone managed to convince or coerce the goblin tribes to work together and co ordinated help within the town itself. As the small group are talking and sharing their meal, the nobleman they saved during the raid walks boldly up to their table.
He is dressed in fine regalia, clearly sowing his wealth in the selection of fabrics and leathers he is adorned with. The gloves are Wyvern hide, made supple and adorned with jewels, while the weapon he carries is clearly the work of a master craftsman, and bejeweled as well. He smiles broadly when he sees the group, opening his conversation by bowing low to them before grabbing a chair and sitting as best he can with the party.
"I am quite glad to have found you this night." His accent is cultured, showing the rounded vowels that the Magnimar nobility like to use. "As I promised, I would like to offer a reward for saving me and the child from those goblins. Your efforts were stupendous, and certainly should not go without recogniton." With that he reaches under his fine cloak and removes a back, heavy with coin. He carefully places it on the table, pushing it slightly towards Tania and True who happen to be sitting nearest to him. "I am sorry it is so little, but my funds were not so great this time round. I would like to further add to this little gesture by inviting you all on hunt I have organised in two days time. I have it on good authority that the boar in these parts are stupendous hunting and even better eating. I would be honoured to have such fine folk as yourselves accompaany myself and a few of the other nobles from town on the day. It is the least I can do". His look is earnest, and his eye gleams with hope that the people who saved him will join him for the trip.
"After today, such an expedition sounds like a fine idea."
"I agree with Idrian. it would be a fine respite from all that...after all, I'm resting for the next step of my journey."
Jo'no frowns a little as the bag of money is placed on the table. It occurs to the Shoanti though, that not everyone would help their fellow townsmen in a time of crisis, and this is this nobleman's way of acknowledging that. With plans in mind to donate his share to the church to aid victims of the attack, Jo'no gives a confident smile and thanks the man.
"I haven't been on a hunt since I left the Plateau, and I look forward to joining yours." The wizard's smile slightly dims to a more serious look as he says, "Nice gloves by the way... always happy to see that there is one less wyvern around."
After speaking the words Jo'no feels a bit of shame ripple through him. He knows that continuing to harbor resentment against wyverns is contrary to his mother's teachings and guidance of being non-judgemental and non-vengful. The Shoanti's glare fixates on the gloves momentarily, until he regains his composure and resumes eating his meal.
Suddenly weary after the travel, long night of battle and tending to the ill combined with a day of aiding the locals, Feldspar silently accepts True's suggestion of meeting at the tavern later that evening.
Once at the Rusty Dragon, he orders a large meal and two tankards of beer to help keep his energy up. He listens to the tales told by the others without comment, though he perks up a little when the nobleman approaches.
At the offered reward, Feldspar shakes his head. "There is no need for a reward in doing what the Gods expect of all righteous men. Better that such coin go to the families of those we failed to save."
"As for this hunt; if a share of the meat will go to those in need, then I will accept your invitation, assuming that the town has then recovered from the attack enough that they are no longer in need of my assistance in other ways."
True slides onto the bench next to Feldspar, weary from her lack of proper sleep and too many problems to solve at once. She mechanically eats and drinks listening to the others discuss what they saw and did during the night and day before the noble arrives with his purse and offer.
True opens the purse and sorts out the money into piles pusihing each towards a person. "I intend to give half of this to the Church so that our Father can use it to care for the sick and homeless at this time. The other half I shall keep so I can better find out who started this and stop this from happening again. Ameiko, thank you for that fine meal. Here is a gold piece for this and the next few meals I intend to eat with you and these new friends."
"As for your hunt Feldspar is right as usual. The town of Sandpoint comes first, hunting for meat second, but if I can I would enjoy accepting your offer. Thank you, my Lord."
When and if the noble leaves, the warrior priest settles back and tries to maintain her focus, rubbing her face.
"I have another problem in this town, one which my take me away from the rest of you. Feldspar knows some of the details but my brother has filled in the blanks. Essentially my mother is being taken for a ride by a smooth talking captain, she is under his spell and has now given him her money for his own business ventures. How do I find out on the quiet if this one is to be trusted. I have my doubts. If I walk onto the docks and start asking questions I think it will all end in tears and jail."
With most of the party having agreed to accompany him on the hunt, the young lord takes his leave of the party and retires for the evening.
As Ameiko listens to True's tale, she frowns slightly and starts clearing the table. Just before leaving, she leans in close to the young Knight and whispers
True (anyone else trying to listen in DC15 perception)
Having cleared the table, she then takes her leave and bids the group a good night.
As the meal and ale sit in Jo'no's stomache, he feels quite weary from the day's events. "I must excuse myself, before I fall asleep at the table. It was a good day's work everyone and I enjoyed being in your company when things got out of hand. I suspect that may not be the last of the goblin raids though. There are obviously agents within this town that want to see it destroyed. I look forward to working with each of you to stop this from happening."
As Jo'no stands up he sees Ameiko whisper to True.
As the waitress leaves, Jo'no clasps his hand on True's shoulder. "From your story, it does sound like the Captain could possibly be a con-man. I will ask around town in the morning about him, and I suggest that others here do the same. Chances are, if he is a con-artist he has likely pulled this stunt before."
"I will return here tomorrow after breakfast to see where I can assist any of you. Although I have complete confidence in Sheriff Viskali's ability to investigate the matter, I don't think a little poking around on our behalf should greatly hurt -- especially when the town's continued safety is at stake." The Shoanti lowers his voice to just that above a whisper, "I know we shouldn't really mess with Sczarni affairs, but if the Creedy's are working at their direction, then the Sczarni should be deemed enemies of the town -- and should be brought to justice".
"Good night all", Jo'no says in a weary voice. He exits the inn and heads home for a good night's sleep.
While the others pledge portions of their reward to 'greater causes', Idrian quietly slips his into his purse.
Perception
"I also intend to look into the coming and going of these Creedy fellows. It grates my gut to think they conspired with goblins to destroy the town." He says. "I'll meet you here in the morning, Jo'no, and we'll get about finding out what we can about the Creedys and the Captain."
Feldspar listens to True's story with solemn interest, and politely turns away as Ameiko bends close to whisper into her ear.
After the woman has walked off, he looked back to the True. "Of course, you have whatever aid I can offer. I fear I have no words of advice, however. Amongst my people, when such a thing is suspected the offending party is confronted directly and given a chance to speak for himself."
He took a thoughtful pull from his mug.
"I know it is different amongst humans, however, and I admit to being out of my element. Perhaps we could speak to Father Zanthus and ask his advice? Is there anyone else who could speak of the man's character or lack thereof?"
"These...Sczarni, yes?...they may not be so mythical after all, if the Creedy's are working on their behalf. it could be someone riding on the myth, though..." Algus says as he finishes his meal and puts his potion bottle away. he gives a rather stern look at Jo'No as he dons the mask once again, his voice carrying a vague hint of anger. "Sheriff be damned; we'll be able to work it out far easier if we do it outside that circle. the raid seemed far too easy of a deed for the Creedy Boys, so it means that there may be a chance that some of his guardsman may be...tainted, so to speak."
He gets up from the table, putting on the cowl back again, and strapping the Crossbow back on. "Don't get me wrong, however. I mean no disrespect towards the Sheriff. but if this is really some legendary criminal organization...they should be able to easily muster an offer that can bend any will...whether they like it or not. so best to stay alert." before leaving he hands two gold pieces to Ameiko in thanks for the meals, and any possible future assistance.
"I'll meet you both here as well, Jo'No and Idrian. if you're going to follow that lead I wish to be of assistance. curiosity compels me as well...He tells the Shoanti mystic and the Half-elf hunter before heading back towards Viznett's laboratory, to check up on him, and see if he has any information regarding that mythical organization.
Having mostly agreed on a course of action, the small party split for teh evening and take some well deserved rest. Sleep comes fast and deeply to most of them, thouygh Feldspars dreams are troubled by the words of prophecy from the blind oracle. The words seem to burn across the night sky in a blaze of purple fire, trailing the sound of a thousand screams of despair and anguish.
The morning is greeted by spring rains, cooling the air, but cleanisng the town of the cloying smell of smoke from the goblin lit fires. Most of the people who were injured are back on their feet, and even Viznett is back on his feet, though he grumbles incesently at the itching his potions are causing him as they regrow the burnt skin.
The Rusty Dragon is moderately busy for the breakfast, with the last of teh visitors for teh festival rising early in order to depart today, despite the foul weather outside. Additionally, with the town returning to a semblance of normality, the usual early morning labourers have come for a warm brew and some hot food to start their day.
Ameiko smiles a warm greeting to the group as they meet at her tables, but this time she is too busy to join them.
Int check
Idrian has no social skills and a 7 cha. He uses the grab-somebody-and-smack-them-until-they-talk approach to investigation. He's just as happy to stand in the back and look menacing though.
"I suggest we go to the jail and have a word with Banger. We should be able to get him to talk one way or the other."
True is grateful for the kind and helpful words of Feldspar and especially Jo'no.
"My brother is young at heart and needs my help with this. But I am not subtle. I will go down to the docks to see what I can learn, it is what he would expect. Maybe Feldspar, Zanthus can help but he is sorely busy at the moment but my intention is to be direct and face this man on his own turf, I would like your support. Then perhaps Jo'no you can separately follow up on this in a more careful way."
"I do not like trickery, but you are right this could be a a time such."
"Well True, it is your familiy so I don't feel comfortable providing any advice. I would suggest though that before you confront the Captain, that you let us try to find out some information first on him this morning. If he is indeed a con-man...", thoughts of what he would do if his own mother was the victim of a similar scheme flood through Jo'no's head, "then I will give you all the assistance I can provide in bringing him to justice".
Jo'no will leave the inn after a quick breakfast and will begin his canvassing for information. First, he will start with Garidan Viskali, probably one of most trusted contacts in the city.
First Jo'no will as Garidan of information about the Captain that he may know. He will even explain that he suspects the Captain is involved in a con involving a friend of Jo'no's... specifically his mother, and he is curious if this has occurred before. In Shoantiy, Jo'no will say an old Shoanti saying, something along the lines of, "There are few greater offences, than those against the family".
Once Garidan has responded, Jo'no will then switch the conversation. He will start with, "Garidan, the subject I need to talk to you about it quite serious and perhaps unsettling. Worse yet, if your brother were to find out I were asking questions on this subject he would be very angry with me. The town's continued safety and prosperity is at stake though, so I feel it is important though. Although I feel dubious for asking this, could I ask you my next question without you telling your brother what we talked about?" As he considers my query, I speak another Shoanti saying, "The worse offence, is an offence against the tribe". Jo'no then switches back to common, "To me, our community here is our tribe, and we have been attacked."
If he seems very uncomfortable, or responds no, then Jo'no thanks him for his time and leaves.
After my discussion with Garidan, if he was unable to provide any useful information on the Captain, then Jo'no will go to areas that he feels the Captain would frequent and where Jo'no might have associates or past acquantances that could assist him.
Knowledge (local):
Any that Jo'no knows of to be slightly unsavory, he will try to coerce their assistance by giving them 2 gold coins.
Diplomacy: