Ameiko grins at Arelian. "Oh! Excuse my manners! I'm Ameiko Kaijitsu. This is my inn. I hope you enjoy your stay."
Bethana bustles off to get Jordi's meal. It arrives with cole slaw, chips, and vinegar.
"Ilsoari must be so proud of you." Ameiko gives Glundur an inscrutable look.
Ameiko looks Viorec over with frank curiosity. "Hello." Then she shifts her attention to Dred's words. She listens to his tale with interest, then answers his question.
"Oh, you mean the old Kellesta place. It's not actually in Sandpoint, it's about a half-mile east along the Lost Coast Road. You know, out the Northgate, toward Riddleport."
"No one has gone there for years. well, until some kind of Magnimar money took an interest in the place, just about two weeks ago. Whoever it was in Magnimar contacted our Mayor, to hire someone to re-model the place. Kendra hired Gustaff Hass, and his crew to do the work." Ameiko pauses to take a sip of her whiskey, then goes on. "Gustaff is not a shaky character, he's done good work for me, but Kendra told me he was terrified. gave her back the retainer, and swore that he would not go near the place again. Not for love nor money."
"Naturally, Belor sent a pair of guards by to check on the place. They found it abandoned, and quiet.'
Ameiko shrugs. The goblins round here have been acting up again, lately. Sheriff Hemlock doesn't want to draw guards away from that threat, so no one else has been up there that I know of."
Ameiko contemplates the amber liquid in her glass, then she adds: Sheriff's offering a silver piece bounty on goblin ears, if that sort of work is in your line."
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"A silver piece per goblin ear isn't a bad price. If we come across any at least." Arelain spoke nodding at Dred's story. "We were hired to look a bit more into the Kellesta place, the new owner wants to move their holdings here. Did Gustaff ever mention what terrified him while in the house? Supposedly Kellesta was an alchemist of sort, but that doesn't usually end up in ghosts or anything."
"How and where are the goblins in this area? Arelian asked Ameiko. "Would they be near the Kellesta house?"
Nym watches as the food arrives and realizes that he has not ordered.
"That looks and smells terrific! Could I please have the same? I love fried fish!"
That taken care of, he listens to the others speak.
"Thank you, m'lady, for both the wonderful refreshments and the information." Sarden says with a slight bow.
"I am Sarden Turoc, devotee of Sarenrae, and pleased to meet such a delightful woman as yourself and what a wonderful establishment you run here, if I might add."
Between careful bites of the fried fish, Glandur interjects on the bounty. "Just so I get this straight, does this mean we get two silvers per head? I mean, we can get two ears per head, and a silver per ear..." At the thought, the sharp thinking elf pauses to take another bite of the fish, followed by a sip of the mead.
He nods at Arelian's question, and looks to Ameiko to see if she has any information on the goblins' whereabouts.
Viorec pulls out his notepad to jot down notes on the bounty and also on the locals. Observing the locals and taking notes.
"The Carpenters Guild is at the corner of Festival Street, and Bishop Street. Master Hass can usually be found there, workdays. If not, they will know where he is working." Ameiko's expression is slightly apologetic. "I haven't really spoken with him since then."
"They might be. Goblins plague this area. That's why the bounty. Lately they've been more troublesome than normal." Ameiko tells Arelian.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sarden." Ameiko gives the aasimar a pleasant smile. She has a smile for Nym as well, the complement is appreciated.
"Yes, that's generally how it works out. Goblins seem to prefer to keep their ears attached, so ear collection requires that you must kill the goblin to facilitate the ear removal process."
Ameiko grins. "There was this one fellow, with a clever sword hand. He was clipping the ears off goblins without actually killing them, so you may find a few with only one ear.'
Ameiko gives a sigh of mock sadness. "I don't think it worked out for him, no on has seen that fellow for quite some time. I'm pretty sure the one eared goblins got their revenge."
Hah, I can blame the little pests for it Remarks Jordi with sarcastic voice.
Not a great fan of taking trophies or hunting anyone for money, but if they are a menace to a pacific town, take for sure I'll pass them by sword . And getting rewarded afterward for it is acceptable.
But I'm more to take on the root of it, if they are more active than usual, perhaps its worth investigate and unveil the cause of it.
But that will have to wait until we resolve the haunted manor mistery.
With that last said with a wide smile and barely a laugh, Jordi focuses his attention to the served dish.
"...but if they are a menace to a pacific town,.."
Nym nods in agreement with Jordi's sentiment.
"Iomedae will not tolerate such a threat to the people of this town, and neither will we! Beware goblins, and watch your ears, for if you cross our path, you will surely loose them both!"
"The Shank's wood tribe started first, about a month ago. Then the Nettlewood tribes, then Mosswood. Now, three days ago, even the Brinestump goblins are acting up. They seem to be competing, rather than cooperating, but the Sheriff and his men are run ragged, trying to defend against all the scattered raids."
Ameiko tilts her head to one side, listening. You all can hear it too, the sound of voices and footsteps approaching.
"Ah, they've finished the play. I'm afraid I won't have much more time to speak with you. It's going to get busy in here. Folks like to gather and talk about each production. Even one as timeworn as, A Midsummer Night's Tempest.
Glandur laughs at Nym's pronouncement. "Indeed. I'll toast to that." He raises the mead and takes a careful sip, letting out a sigh at the subtle sweetness.
"Thanks for the time, Ameiko. I've always enjoyed a good night unwinding here, and tonight proves no different." He looks towards the door in anticipation. Perhaps some from the academy took the time for the play...
Viorec tenses very slightly. Anyone has the capacity to be a threat.
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Arelian nods to Ameiko "Certainly! Thanks for the information. If anything comes of it we'll definitely let you know!"
Turning back to the party once Ameiko leaves. "Well, the few disappearances could be chalked up to the goblins starting to act up. If they are competing against one another, then that means they are out and about from their tribes. Someone traveling could easily be caught in the middle of that."
"Though that is just an idle guess." Arelian said "A bit more of a similar guess than ghosts."
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Dee has remained quiet until Arelian speaks. "That's a nice and tidy little story, but Goblin's aren't exactly the nice and tidy type. They don't tend to hide what they're doing or move bodies about from what I hear. I think there could be more to this. Can't just all be Goblin-doings," she says looking at where Ameiko stands across the room.
All this goblin talk isn't helping us at the moment, but are they related? We'll see...
Dred turns to the rest of the group and says"Half a mile isn't too far, but I think we should rest for the night. How about we check out the manor in the morning and see if we find any clues during daylight? If none, let's see if we can find any goblins before going back there by nightfall."
As the conversation goes on, Jordi finishes with his dish and beer. That was really good. Time to go rest.
Sure, just do not forgive our agreement to talk to the Sheriff first. Or did we changed our minds?
"Sounds like a good plan. Lets get up early so we can talk to the sheriff, then get on the road to this 'haunted' house."
The elf cringes at the thought of an early morning. Still, work is work, and they are getting paid well to take care of things...he hopes. As he finishes the mead and the food, he looks to the group. "At sun up, then?" With a nod and a thanks Arelian for the round, Glandur retires for the night.
"Yes, hauntings are much less intimidating in the full light of day." Sarden says with a wry smile.
The Rusty Dragon fills with patrons of the arts. That is to say, young, Sandpoint locals, who enjoy a play, now and then. Glandur does see some of his class-mates, who drift by to say hello. Everyone seems mostly to want to talk about tonight's performance, and how well the actors played their roles. The scene stays festive, though Ven Vinder does cause a scene when he drags his daughters away home. Everyone agrees that the man is overly protective. On the other hand, there have been disappearances of late, so who can really blame Ven. His eldest daughter is the apple of his eye. Everyone knows this.
The party lasts long into the night. Not by coincidence, the inn's walls are thick, so that it is fairly quite in the bed rooms. The beds are warm and comfortable, providing a good night's rest.
Sunday, 14 Lamashan. 4714 AR
6:48 AM
Sarenrae's Dawnbell chimes once from Sandpoint Cathedral as the sun rises. It is the start of a new day. Outside, the air is chill, and calm. A pale, thin mist encloses the streets of Sandpoint. Few people are to be seen at this early hour. At the Rusty Dragon, only the cook and his helpers are stirring. The cook is a iron-grey haired man, of late middle years and large girth. He seems to know his business, the kitchen smells delicious. Ameiko is nowhere to be seen. It's safe to assume that she would still be sleeping. The party ran long last night.
Dred was still sleeping when suddenly one of the drawers next to the bed crashed to the floor. He wakes up and grabs his quarterstaff leaning next to the bed, holding it defensively.
He looks around the room, his accursed clouded vision portraying everything in dreamy black and white. Alas, he finds nothing.
Probably just the ghost haunting me. At least it's useful this way..
Dred carefully prepares his gear and visits the privy to cleanse himself. Minutes later, he comes out of his room completely ready to go. He looks down at the main hall to see which of his companions are there, and goes back to wake those who are not.
Dred knocks softly on the door at first followed by a hushed "[Name], wake up. Let's have breakfast before meeting with the sheriff."
At the sound of the Cathedral, Jordi wakes up, cleans his face and washes, and then cleans his face again until becoming fully awake. Once done, he starts his morning prayers to Iomedae when, suddenly, someone knows to his door.
"Jordi, wake up. Let's have breakfast before meeting with the sheriff." Says a voice through the door. Jordi recognises it as Dred, and answers in loud voice.
Sure, I'll go in no time.
Nym, having lived all his life at the Windsong Abbey, is up and ready at the break of dawn. Having already said his prayers and meditated for the day, he helps out in the kitchen, fetching and hauling wood, water or whatever else is needed. Once he is no longer needed, he heads for the taproom to eat a breakfast of oatmeal drizzled with honey in goat's milk, a thick slab of bread covered in fresh butter and some sort of preserves and a small tray of cheese and cut fruit.
He happily greets everyone as they come down the stairs.
Glandur half stumbles out from the room and down the stairs, half-dragging his backpack with him. Realizing his frazzled state, he coughs and straightens himself, hefting the backpack into a more comfortable position. "Ahem, I'm on my way." He joins the group and catches Arelian's question. The elf grins wryly as he responds. "I try to avoid running into him. Perhaps we can try the Garrison?"
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"Why are you so bloody loud?" Dee's voice comes through the door with a weak, groggy undertone to it. Moments after Dred steps away from the door Dee opens it in her smallclothes. She peers out into the hallway, squinting against the harsh light.
"Oh it's you. Let me get dressed." She closes the door and a few minutes later joins the other downstairs. Her skin is slightly paler and more sickly than it was the previous day and last night and the color from her lips is gone.
"Hello, all," she says with a weak wave.
Sheriff Belor Hemlock can indeed be found at the Sandpoint Garrison, a two story stone blockhouse. A guard guides you to the the Sheriff without question. Sheriff Hemlock sits behind a sturdy table loaded with documents and maps. A plate with a half eaten meal sits to one side and a steaming mug occupies a spot within easy reach of the sheriff.
Belor Hemlock is a Shoanti man, in the prime of his life. He looks up from his paperwork with a piercing gaze, and speaks: "I'm Sheriff Hemlock, I keep the peace around here. What can I do for you this fine, brisk morning?"
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Dee looks tired and possibly hung over, but she manages to push through it. "Sheriff, we're folk of the traveling sort in town on a certain kind of...errand for an employer of ours. We promise we won't be of any concern to you and yours and that we'll do our best to respect the laws of your fine city, but part of our work involved some questions of the kind that would be best suited for a man of your position within the city government to answer," Dee says.
"Yes, as Dee says, our employer said you were the man to talk to about circumstances surrounding the manor East of here. We are tasked with evaluating its condition. Any information you have would be most welcome, good sir."
Seeing Dee handing the conversations ever so smoothing, Glandur nods as a sign he's paying attention, and leaves the conversation for the silver tongued tiefling for now.
The sheriff's brow furrows in thought. "An errand eh?" The manor East of here..."
Belor's expression lightens. "You talking about the Kellesta place? Sgt. Hawkeye tells me it's vacant, with no greater threat than some vermin, and dry-rot. Of course, Master Hass had some sort of supernatural encounter while he was there. So he says, and I tend to believe him."
The sheriff shrugs. Whatever was, or is there, doesn't bother the town, so It's not at the top of my case list."
"We can look into that, if you don't mind of course. We were looking to seek your permission just to make sure we do no breach any laws here. Any additional information that you can provide will be of great help of course." says Dred.
Viorec stands silently, letting those who are better at diplomacy speak.
Jordi speacks to the sheriff Hamlock with respect, but decided tone.
We heard about the missing people, so we understand that is your priority now, so we will take care of the "haunted" manor mistery, and inform you whatever relevant information we get once finished our investigation. That way you will save resources and time.
Then, to his companions, he says:
Perhaps is nothing, but we can talk to Master Hass and try to get some clues of what we will confront.
As Glandur listens to the conversation, he pulls out a cookie from the stash he stowed a couple of days ago. The elf takes a small bite, and frowns as he looks around. I need some coffee for this...
He nods at Jordi's suggestion. "Sheriff here said it's not on the top of his case list. We can infer that it is at least on his case list. Perhaps we can be of assistance in lightening that case load for him."
"Perhaps a quick word with Master Hass, and a look around the place after that?"
Sheriff Hemlock gives a tired smile. "I appreciate the courtesy."
"Armed bands that just show up in town, kind of raise a red flag."
"So it's nice when folks let me know that they have legitimate business here in town. Master Hass may be at the Carpenter's Guild House. Or he may be home at his home. It's Sunday, but he might have a rush project to finish. His home is on High Street, in front of Risa's."
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"We're more than just an armed band," Dee says decidedly. "We're an armed band with a piece of paper that tells us that we're getting paid to do something. It sort of lends it that air of us having been responsible and important enough for someone to entrust us with something--nevertheless, we're not here to distrupt anything," Dee adds.
"Should we head that way now?"
Glandur hurriedly adds, "We'll be on our way now. Thanks for your time, and let us know if we can help in anyway!" The elf quickly gathers up his belongings and steps out the door, sighing and letting a bit of tension out as he scopes out his current location and tries to remember which way to the Carpenter's Guild House.
Nym nods to the sheriff as the group troops out of his office and heads over to the Master Hass's home.
"Maybe I should head over to the stables and get our horses ready? I never know what to ask in these situations anyway, and it seems Dee is pretty good and asking the questions."
With that, Nym moves off towards the stables to take care of their mounts and have them ready to go once they have finished with the carpenter.
The Sheriff gives Dee a long look. "Gustaff Hass is a fine, upstanding citizen. I suggest you treat him with respect."
Sheriff Hemlock stands. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have much to do."
Jordi takes some time, while hesitates between going to the stables or in search of the carpenter. Finally decides that he has enough curiosity to priorize the last.
Do not worry, sheriff Hemlock, we will polite to anyone we meet. Says the tall man before leaving the office.
That sounds like an idea, Arelian. I second it.