Edlethron waits for Alphonse to strike while flanking and then steps back. Again he sternly repeats, "Terhat Morgul," and casts Disrupt Undead. A bright yellow light launches from his outstretched hand toward one of the skeletons and destroys a portion of its ribcage.
Father Zantus rushes up just as the one skeleton falls and the other is blasted by Edlethron's spell. Raising his holy symbol of Desna high, a burst of light rushes forth from it, disintegrating the staggering and damaged skeleton.
"Desna help us. What has happened here?!" he exclaims, surveying the scene.
Edlethron sheaths his unused sword and arches an eyebrow at Father Zantus. What has happened here?! Isn't it obvious? What more does he want? The elf wonders to himself, since the father presumably can see what they see.
"A better question would be why has this happened here?" Edlethron replies.
"Do these undead resemble Father Tobyn and his little girl? If not, let's see if their bodies are undisturbed in the tomb. And do you recognize the previous lives of the skeletons?" The elf questions the sheriff and father.
"Why in the world would they raise the dead, and then just leave? Are they protecting something inside the crypt?" Sejanus slowly inches forward to look inside the large stone tomb.
Father Zantus shakes his head, examining what is left of the bodies even as Sheriff Hemlock carefully approaches the tomb's entrance. "No... Father Tobyn was a very tall man. These can't have been his remains." He sighs with relief, apparently not having come to this conclusion without Edlethron's prompting. He turns to the pile of still-smoking ash that resulted from the positive energy's assault on the second skeleton. "And little Nualia... what little we found of her in the ruin was charred to ash. We couldn't even recover enough of a body for a burial." His face is fallen as he recounts dark memories.
Sheriff Hemlock sweeps the entrance of the tomb with a light crossbow and reports to the others, "All clear inside." He shoulders the weapon as he addresses the group. "The sarcophagus is open though... and Father Tobyn's body is gone."
"So the skeletons were not the original occupants of the tomb. Therefore, they were left as either a surprise or guardians by a necromancer." Edlethron finishes his conclusion with a grimace and spits on the ground to clear the last word from his mouth.
"Now we have at least two actions to take. One, we need to scour the inside of the tomb for any potential clues. Two, we need a good tracker to examine the cemetery to potentially find the recent tracks of the villains. They probably did not leave by the way we arrived."
Sheriff Hemlock nods his approval. "I've no experience with following tracks - I'll search the tomb to see if anything else has been disturbed."
Alphonse fashions a makeshift club for any future skeleton attacks and follows the Sheriff into the tomb. "I have far more experience with the work of necromancers and the defiling of graves than I do with tracks. "
Alphonse proceeds slowly, examining the defiled mausoleum with an eye for traps or any indicators of tampering.
Dolgrin immediately freezes in place to prevent trampling over any possible tracks, and tries to carefully back away from the scene without disturbing anything further.
Sejanus crouches and examines the area in front of the crypt, searching for tracks and clues.
Edlethron enters the tomb and methodically searches for clues.
While the hard stone floor leaves little to go on for tracks, a few scuff marks and disturbances in the light dust indicate that likely a single human-sized person entered the tomb and stood by the sarcophagus as it was opened.
In the corner, Alphonse discovers a crumpled pile of rough grey cloth, which he quickly realizes is a discarded robe.
The outline of where the remains once were is clear within the sarcophagus, though the body which once lay there is now missing. Father Zantus and Sheriff Hemlock look over the robe, but neither has seen it before.
Edlethron looks over the tomb. "If the robe did not originate from the tomb, whoever entered probably used it to sneak into the town. Maybe if we ask around, a witness may tell us more about the person. If no one else can find any clues within the tomb, I suggest we look for the villain's tracks outside toward their lair."
Upon checking the boneyard for tracks, you discover a set of footprints leading from the mausoleum, but they quickly rejoin the mess of footprints from the main road, and the trail becomes impossible to follow.
Sheriff Hemlock and Father Zantus thank you for your assistance, and Hemlock suggests that you keep what you've discovered to yourselves, so as not to worry the townsfolk any further. "After all," he says, "They've been through enough."
Alphonse conducts a thorough examination of the robe searching for any unique qualities. "One thing I can say for sure: We are dealing with a full size man, or woman, or at least two clever midgets. "
"I just hope that some bugbear or hobgoblin didn't elect himself chief over these gobbers. Most goblin-kin are dumb as rocks, but a half-wit leading no-wits would be more dangerous."
Sejanus feels fairly let-down by his streak of poor performance this morning, and nurses his hurt ego with a pint at the Rusty Dragon. If I'm going to feel sorry for myself, I might as well have Ameiko's rear-end to admire while I'm doing it.
An attractive young woman slips onto the bar stool beside Sejanus, smiling at him. Sejanus has seen her around town, and recognizes her as Shayliss, the younger daughter of Ven Vinder, who owns the general store. He's seen her around the Rusty Dragon, and the two have met on a few occasions. "So you're a big hero now, huh? I heard all about how you saved the town during the raid." She blushes slightly as she speaks, resting her hand gently on his. "I wondered if I could ask a favor from a hero... papa's been too busy lately to take care of vermin in the basement of the store. Why, just the other day I saw a rat as big as a goblin hiding behind a water barrel down there! I'd be ever so grateful if you could take care of them for me... I've got a key to the basement and we can go right away." She looks at him hopefully.
Sejanus pauses for a moment before answering. He knows a come-on when he sees one.
Sejanus gives his best dashing smile. "Why, I couldn't allow a rat that fearsome to distress you, Shayliss. Please, show me the way to the store's basement."
Edlethron watches the local mating ritual of the humans with mild interest. He continues to mentally review the events of today's attack and revelations at the cemetery. Perhaps the Father can introduce him to the Thassilonian scholar tomorrow.
Alphonse wonders whether he should aid Sejanus in his noble quest for recreational coupling, not because he thinks he needs help to flirt but because a "little rat" could quite possibly be the avatar of some forgotten Rat God who must be sustained by the blood of the sexually frustrated on a regular basis. If this life has taught me anything the smaller a problem is made out to be; the more chance there is that it ends with bite marks upon the unmentionables.
Following the investigation of the graveyard, Dolgrin stomps along behind the Sheriff and waits for a moment when the two are alone and says gruffly, "Now 'at we be alone, ah wanna 'ear everythin' ye know abou' me brother an' wha' 'e was gettin' inta while 'e was 'ere. Ah 'ave tha right ta know. Ye got bloody necromancers roamin' abou' yer town, raisin' yer dead, an' hurtin' me kin fer goin' on nigh se'en months now? Wha' in the Hells be goin' on around 'ere?"
"I wish there was more we knew. He was tight-lipped about where he'd been off to - just insisted that he didn't need any help, and that he'd make sure the town was safe. He seemed almost... obsessed. Like he was hunting something." Hemlock looks pained as he responds to Dolgrin's questions. It dawns on the dwarf just how young this man is, even for humans. It seems likely that a human so recently grown would rarely be forced into a position of such authority barring the strange circumstances which have befallen this town. "I do know he always left town down the east road, along the coast," he adds, trying to give whatever information he can to help. "I am truly sorry, Dolgrin. We sent guardsmen into the wilderness to search for him. For two weeks." He chews his lip uncomfortably as he falls into silence.
---
Shayliss leads Sejanus to the basement below the town's general store. The light of a lit candle flickers from below, providing only dim light as the hatch closes behind the two. As soon as they are alone, Shayliss's bodice falls off, and she slides herself into an embrace as she leads Sejanus over to a cot that has been set up in the corner, smiling seductively at him as they touch.
After a few moments, barely enough time for Shayliss to begin playfully removing Sejanus's shirt, the keen-earned guardsman hears heavy footsteps above, coming from the shop above and near the hatch down into the basement.
Dolgrin grinds his teeth and clenches his fists at the ineptitude of this young sheriff. He does his best to contain his discontent, but it is an impossible task. "Clearly Ah'm gonna 'ave ta take 'is inta me own 'ands. An' Ah ain' no detective, so 'is is gonna take time. I doubt 'e's still alive, but on the off chance 'e is, 'at may nay be somethin' 'e 'as lots of. Ah kinnae stay in a tavern fer 'at long, it'd be ta darned expensive. Ye know of any 'ouses fer rent in 'is 'ere town? Where did me brother stay?" he rants as he paces around the sheriff, his footsteps falling heavily against the floor.
Sejanus' eyes go wide and he briefly considers his options. He leans in to Shayliss' ear and whispers, "Later." He stands, hands the bodice to her, and fixes his clothing. "LET'S SEE IF WE CAN FIND THAT RAT." His booming voice is obviously meant for whoever is in the store to provide cover for their re-dressing. "DON'T WORRY MISS SHAYLISS. WE WILL TAKE CARE OF THAT VERMIN."
"Kordin stayed in a house on Undercliff Way after a few weeks in town. I think it's been unoccupied since," Hemlock responds. "I'll speak to the owner for you."
---
Light from above floods the basement from the store above as the hatch is lifted. The booted feet of Ven Vinder, Shayliss's father, come into view as he stomps down the stairs, moments after Sejanus and Shayliss have hastily re-dressed. He carries a lantern with him as he looks between the two. "What in the hell's happening down here?" be growls suspiciously.
Dolgrin nods and waits for the Sheriff to lead the way.
Sejanus gives Ven Vinder a salute. Sejanus Corvus, guardsman on duty, sir." He gives an arcing motion with his hand to take in the whole cellar. "Shayliss told me that something was down here, and giving her an awful scare. It's likely just rats, but with the recent goblin attack, I had to be sure."
Vinder glares suspiciously between the two, but seems to decide not to toss about any accusations. "No rats or goblins down here as you can see, Mister Corvus. " He clears his throat loudly and jerks his head toward the stairs. "I suggest you clear out, seeing as my daughter don't need no help."
---
Sheriff Hemlock leads Dolgrin back into town and introduces him to the owner of the house in question, an elderly half-elf woman named Dolores Flynn. She extends her sympathies for the loss of his brother, saying that he had been a gentleman and a fine tenant. She says the house is available if he wishes to rent as well.
---
That evening, an excited Aldern Foxglove drops by the tavern (and sends a messenger to find anyone who might have been missed). His exuberance is diminished somewhat when the 'lovely Lacuna' is nowhere to be found, but he is still genuinely pleased to see the others. He extends an offer to head into the nearby Tickwood tomorrow morning to go boar hunting, and informs the group that he plans to buy each of them a horse from the local Goblin Squash Stables.
Edlethron thanks the excited Aldern Foxglove for offer of a horse. "I have no interest or desire in boar hunting. Nor do I need a horse, and I thank you for the gift. However, is this some human custom in which I am obliged to participate? There is a local Thassilonian scholar whom I would much rather meet tomorrow."
Aldern looks hurt but assures Edlethron that while it would be his great pleasure to have a Mierani elf along to witness their prowess at hunting, he would not wish to impose upon his time if he has important matters to attend. "If a horse you do not need, please take this then instead." He hands the elf a small purse containing fifty gold coins. "And please, if you, any of you all, pass through Magnimar in the future, I welcome you to come visit me at my holdings there."
Edlethron replies to Aldern, "You look hurt, kind sir. I hope I did not make you that way. That was not my intention. Human customs are unfamiliar to me. Thank you again for the gift. You are most generous."
----------
To Dolgrin, "Master Girndmar, what did the sheriff reveal about your brother?"
Later that morning, shortly after Aldern (and whoever joins him) departs for his hunt, Edlethron makes his way to the address where Sheriff Hemlock indicated that the scholar Brodert Quink lives. Knocking on the door prompts a long delay during which creaking footsteps can be heard moving with the pace of the elderly towards the door. The door swings open, and an elderly, bespectacled human man stands in the threshold beyond.
"Master Edlethron, I presume!" He says excitedly. He reaches out and grasps Edlethron's hand with both of his, shaking it as vigorously as his wizened grip allows. "Young Belor Hemlock tells me you're a scholar of ancient Thassilon and said to expect you! Please, do come in, do come in. I've made us some tea, if you like. It would be an honor to share my research with you, and hear about some of your own studies!" He steps to the side to allow the elf entry.
Edlethron smiles and enters. "The honor is mine. Let us compare notes. The elf believes the Thassilonians caused the Earthfall but keeps that pet hypothesis to himself while looking for evidence to support it. He gladly shares whatever he has discovered with the human scholar.
Brodert pours the pair tea and brings Edlethron over to a low table upon which are numerous tomes and unfurled scrolls containing historical accounts and archaeological studies of ancient dig sites. "I'm sure you're aware of this town's significance as a Thassilonian historical site. Much of Varisia is built on the ruins of the empire, in fact, though most don't realize it. The foundations of many of our structures are built upon the stones once used to anchor the works of ancient Thassilon!" The two discuss all day, touching upon several points. Brodert seems to be a bit eccentric, but his analytical mind is spot-on, and he agrees with Edlethron on several theories which are unpopular in 'mainstream' theories about the magical civilization. "...which leads them to claim that Thassilon's 'fall' occurred nearly two thousand years after Earthfall! Which is rubbish, of course. Numerous artifacts recovered sustained damage which only could have been inflicted by that great catastrophe. I maintain that Earthfall ended Thassilon's reign, and that the empire existed alongside and in an unstable peace with ancient Azlant! Nothing else could have unseated such a mighty civilization. This report here proves..." Sensing that he's at last found someone who might take his most outlandish theory seriously, he smirks and unveils his greatest work, a thick book detailing the theory that Sandpoint's own "old light," the broken-down lighthouse, is constructed upon the ruins of a massive Thassilonian superweapon - a tower capable of unleashing magical fire to scorch land and sea alike. His evidence is somewhat scant, but Edlethron can find nothing directly contradicting the theory.
Sejanus is quite relieved that the shopkeep did not catch him mid-coitus with his daughter. Because, you know... reasons.
He is, however, quite delighted to accompany Aldern on their jolly boar hunting. "I'm not accustomed to firing from horseback, but I would love the chance to try."
"Amazing," Edlethron replies while he examines the thick book. "Have you discovered any physical evidence inside this lighthouse to corroborate your idea?"
Brodert leans back in his chair. "Circumstantial. The tower's base shows traces of channeling powerful magical energies. I'm no wizard myself, but there's many a mage who knows less about magical theory than I. The strongest evidence comes in surviving accounts of such towers existing all along the coast of present-day Varisia. It stands to reason that the tower's base, which is undeniably Thassilonian, likely was part of such a structure."
"Interesting. Do you have any books or scrolls detailing what to expect of the tower's structure? Have you found any other evidence inside the tower itself?"
Dolgrin rides along on the hunt with the humans, but most of the time appears to simply be focused on staying in the saddle than watching for boar.
Brodert's tangible evidence is scant, but Edlethron definitely sees that his theory could have merit. He mentions that he'd happily pay for any field research the elf performs on his journeys, including any Thassilonian relics with historical value. The two talk late into the afternoon, and around the time the sun sets, Edlethron encounters the others as they return from their excursion.
The hunting trip is an enjoyable affair, Aldern being an interesting conversationalist. He spends much of the ride out to Tickwood inquiring about the group curiously, obviously impressed with their skills. In particular he hopes to get some tips on the use of a crossbow from Sejanus, admitting that he's a better hand with a bow, but was astonished by the guardsman's skill with his weapon. In turn, he shares some tips on the best ways to aim while riding. The hunt takes much of the day, but by the end, the group bags a giant boar, and carries it back to town triumphantly. Aldern suggests offering it to to Ameiko at the Rusty Dragon, who pays each of the hunters 25 gold for the beast and promises a massive feast that very night.
Sejanus has a great time on the boar hunt, and learns a thing or two about staying steady in the saddle while shooting. This guy isn't so bad. Maybe he's not just a pretty fop after all.
Returning to the Rusty Dragon, Sejanus is delighted at the mention of a feast, and changes clothes and washes to prepare for the meal. He takes a seat at the bar. "A pint of mead, when you get the chance, Ameiko." Keen observers might notice his eyes linger on Ameiko's backside as she is filling his mug...
Edlethron, dizzy with Thassilonian ideas, enjoys the feast and accounts of the hunt. For social fairness, his new acquaintances ask him about his day, but the elf stops his exciting recount when he notices their eyes glaze over.
After a while, he asks the dwarf, "Dolgrin, do you have a lead on your brother's whereabouts?"
Dolgrin had been in a sour mood before the hunt, with a lack of information on his brother's fate. Fighting to cling to his horses saddle all day didn't help matters either.
The idea of a feast, however, was a relief. He was enjoying himself thoroughly until mention of his brother by the elf reminded him of his floundering investigation.
His reply is short and curt, "Nay, lad. Seems ta me tha' 'is town don' worry 'emselves ta much aboot people gettin' 'urt an' 'en goin' missin'."
The party is in full swing, and the consensus throughout the common room is that the heroes of Sandpoint are first-rate hunters as well as warriors. Sejanus is far from the only one lusting after Ameiko, whose cooking skills are rivaled only by her appeal among the young men of the town. He joins the others in shared disappointment as she disappears back into the kitchen after the platters are brought out. Shortly after the main course is served and the tavern's patrons begin to enjoy their roast boar, the doors to the tavern burst open, and an elderly Tian man storms into the room. He bellows in a foreign tongue as he enters, looking angrily about the room. "其中，到底是我的女儿?!" The bar falls mostly silent, people focusing intently on their plates as conversation stops.