Amaya's weapon is unable to cause any significant damage. But the creature of legend howls as Serolt and Mruf's missiles pierce its flesh. Regin manages to tear into the creature as well, but cannot trip him.
But even in her frustration, Amaya manages to notice the hilt of a sword sticking out of the right flank. The weapon pulses with light, and the Sandpoint Devil howls again in pain.
The still goo-bound Devil rears its head back and unleashes a gout of flame.
; +5 vs magic or poison
The fire engulfs Beromar, Mruf and Regin. And for a terrifying moment, it is impossible to believe that they could be anything but dead. But the flames die out and the three are revealed alive, protected by a white mantle of energy that absorbs the flames.
Amaya: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Mruf: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Serolt: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Sandpoint Devil: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Bruin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Beromar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
AC 22 (18), HP 16/94
Bruin dashes forward while continuing his sermon. He takes aim with his crossbow and fires. But the bolt skids off its flesh.
Beromar shakes off the fire breath attack, amazed that his amazing beard is still in one piece. He then yells and lets loose with his weapon.
There is a mighty crack, and the Sandpoint Devil's neck snaps violently to one side. It then falls to the ground--very dead.
Bruin looks around. Checking to see if anyone is hurt. And he is utterly amazed to find that everyone was all right.
"Sweet Starsong! I can't believe that went so well. You all did amazingly."
He then looks up the sheer walls that go up and up. There is clearly an opening to the outside world in the ceiling, some hundred and fifty feet up. But there is also a ledge only twenty feet up.
"What do you all think? A nest of some sort?"
Bruin breaks out a rope and a grappling hook. After a couple of tries he manages to secure the rope.
"I'm not much of a climber, who here wants to give it a go?"
Amaya's eyes are drawn to the sword sticking out of the dead Devil's flank.
"That was incredible, Beromar!" Mruf was still amazed that the fire hadn't so much as singed his whiskers. "And I think I owe you a drink, Bruin."
Slinging Rowl on his back, he went over to attempt the climb to the ledge.
Well ye never seens a Dwarf fightin before me thinks!
Beromar replies to Mruf as he tries to downplay the compliment.
Now get yer hairy arse up there...we didn't pay ye fer compliments!
Amaya sheaths her weapons and approaches the creature, moving towards the sword sticking from it. Cocking her head curiously, she reaches down and pulls the sword free.
Amaya pulls out a beautiful mithral shortsword. It glows blue for a moment and then fades back to normal.
This is a +1 Mithril Shortsword of Bane (evil outsiders). This weapon was likely weakening the Sandpoint Devil. Perhaps a hero's final desperate attack.
Mruf easily climbs up the rope onto the ledge. He finds a rotting corpse of a half-elf woman. Its chest has been caved in from repeated stamping. Her armor a worthless chunk of metal.
The only things he can recover are a golden ring set with seven gems, a siler holy symbol of Shelyn, and a leatherbound book that survived by some miracle.
Serolt prepares to offer to climb, and chuckles when he's too slow. He reaches down and pets Regin for the well done fighting as he cleans the blood from his fur with his rough tongue.
He replenishes his arrows, just in case, and stands guard as the others search.
When magics are produced, he does what he can to identify them.
"That's a pretty nice ring. A little protection , but it lets you turn into a small songbird one, two, three..." he counts the gems, "seven times a day for about ten minutes each time. Pretty sweet I think."
"Sorry though, I don't know what the sword does, though it looks very nice." he grins at their success.
Bruin whistles at the description of the ring. "Sounds useful."
"It is" Amaya replies, not taking her eyes off the blade. "This blade tears through demons and other creatures like our friend here." She gestures to the creature on the ground. "Poor damned thing was probably in excruciating pain."
"Would anyone like to make further use of this fine blade?"
Mruf had brought the corpse down with him, and set it down before answering.
"Good thing we put it out of everyone's misery. I'll take the sword if no one else wants it, but I have a feeling it'd be of more use in your, Serolt or Beromar's hands... if Beromar is willing to give up that hammer." Mruf's jaw opened in a feline grin. "I'm partial to Rowl here, myself. Though sometimes it's nice to have a cutting edge on you."
He gestured at the body of the half-elf. "Someone's probably missing her. Figure we can give someone peace of mind and the body to bury." He cracked the leatherbound book open to see if there was some clue to who she was in it.
Serolt nods at Mruf, "Good call. We should definitely take her back."
He passes on the very powerful sword, "It's too powerful to leave on my hip most of the time. I suggest, if no one really wants it, we sell it and hope to obtain items that are more particular to our skills." he laughs, "Of course Sandpoint might not be the Mecca of Magic we need. Still Magnimar is not too far away..."
He looks at the ring, "Too bad this doesn't last longer. Someone could fly to Magnimar and back after doing some shopping there."
Beromar shakes his head at Amaya's enquiry.
Too Short fer me likin! Actually I'se been likin me hammer's reach! Allows me to Keep them beasties away from ye sissies better!
Mruf opens the leatherbound tome to find the journal and sketchbook of Dalura Cobble, a paladin of Shelyn. Each page is brimming with not only private notes, but fanciful doodles and portraits. Occasionally there are poems or songs. And everything is written in beautiful caligraphy. One page shows a half-elven woman hugging a dwarf in leather armor, a human with a bow and halfling with a wand--they are all smiling. And below are written the words, "My family."
On another page there is a nearly perfect reproduction of the shortsword and the words, "Devil Slicer."
"Sandpoint does better than you might think for magic items since it has an advantageous position between Magnimar and Riddleport. The Feathered Serpent has a pretty varied selection."
"But we're getting ahead of ourselves. We should round up all of the bodies that weren't hobgoblins and take them with us. We can give them a proper burial at least."
Bruin then scratches his chin.
"Not sure what we do with the devil here, though. Seems pretty heavy, not to mention all the glue."
"Sandpoint does better than you might think for magic items since it has an advantageous position between Magnimar and Riddleport. The Feathered Serpent has a pretty varied selection."
"But we're getting ahead of ourselves. We should round up all of the bodies that weren't hobgoblins and take them with us. We can give them a proper burial at least."
Bruin then scratches his chin.
"Not sure what we do with the devil here, though. Seems pretty heavy, not to mention all the glue."
"Oh?" Serolt's eyes widen, "I had not thought Sandpoint was such a location. Very well then, this town certainly has its surprises!" he smiles, re-evaluating what he thinks he knows.
He nods when Bruin discusses the bodies. "We're not far from town, I can run back and get a small cart if we think we need it. Might be more respectful than carrying them like sacks of potatoes."
If the others agree, he shoulders his bow and sets off at a brisk trot back to town, Regin running alongside him. When he arrives, he looks for Daviren Hosk, the stablemaster at the Goblin Squash Stables. He'll hire a cart or wagon for whatever the going rate, strap his heavy warhorse into the trappings, and lead the horse back to the group as quickly as he can.
He struggles with the horse a little, so noble as steed doesn't like being strapped down to a heavy wagon. But he manages with some difficulty.
The Heroes use Serolt's idea to tie together some branches to fashion a crude sled. It takes some doing--the bridge over the spikes was particularly harrowing--but in the end they manage it well enough.
Then they go back and retrieve the other bodies. But in the end they are too deteriorated to transport. So intead they are identified using the journal, and laid to rest, with Bruin saying a brief prayer for the dead.
And then they trek back and enter the town of Sandpoint as conquering heroes. The body of the Sandpoint Devil becomes the talk of the town, and a local wizard and retired adventurer named Ilsoari Gandethus offers them 1,000 gp for the body. He wishes to have it stuffed and placed in his personal museum.
And of course the heroes also receive 400 gp each from Mayor Deverin who is all too happy to have the threat over.
Conditions = Protection from Fire (0/84hp)
Weapon Equipped = Longbow
Cold Iron, Silver Blanch = 24/24
Blunt, Silver Blanch = 8/8
Cold Iron, Ghost Salt = 8/8
ranged: Attack: BAB +3, Dex +4, Focus +1, Magic +1, (rapid shot -2, deadly aim -1) Damage: Str +2, (deadly aim +2)
melee: Attack: BAB +3, Str +2 Damage: Str +2
Animal Focus (Su/Swift) (3/5m)
Songbird (Sp) (5/7)
Rod of Reach, lesser (2/3)
Spells (Caster Level 5, Concentration +7)
Zero (12): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark
First (13): (4/5) Animal Messenger, Aspect of the Falcon, Calm Animals, Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Summon Nature’s Ally
Second (14): (1/3) Barkskin, Burst of Radiance, Shield Companion, Summon Nature’s Ally II
Conditions = Shield Companion (+1 AC (included) +1 Saves)(1/5h), Protection from Fire (17/84hp), Barkskin (0/50m)
Animal Focus: Bull (+2 Str - applied)
melee: Attack: BAB +3, Dex +7, Size +1, Amulet +1, (power attack -1) Damage: Str +2, Amulet +1, (power attack +2)
Tricks: Attack x2, Come, Down, Flank, Heel, Sneak, Watch
Serolt moves along with the sled making sure they don't lose any bodies on the way home. A couple times, he turns into a Songbird - mostly for the experience, but also to scout up and ahead slightly when they near choke points in their journey.
He's quite pleased with the financial gifts from the city, and enjoys the praise just as much. At some point during the proceedings, he takes the priest aside, "I don't suppose you know where we might obtain a wand of Cure Light Wounds do you? Our group is beset with injuries, and I'd like us to have a way to extend our health. You understand."
He hopes there's an option open to them for such things.
Abstalar Zantus, the high priest of the Sandpoint Cathedral nods to Serolt. "I can have just such a wand prepared for you in two days time."
"Great, thank you Father."
Bruin makes time to find Zantus and pays him the last 325 gold he owed him.
"Thank you for that scroll, Brother Zantus. I think it might have saved our lives."
Zantus nodded at him.
"Of course, you're welcome, Brother Bruin. I am glad to hear it. It wouldn't do to lose a Hero of Sandpoint."
Bruin looked chagrined.
"That actually reminds me of something. I wanted to tell you that I'll be leaving in the Spring."
"Leaving?" Zantus asked alarmed.
"Yes. Originally, I was only ever passing through Sandpoint on my way to Riddleport. I was planning on taking a ship to Absalom and then from there book passage elsewhere--possibly Andoran or Sargava--I haven't decided yet. If not for the goblin attack, I would have kept moving. And then after that I felt I owed it to the town to help rebuild a bit.
"But everything is better now--especially now that this business with the Sandpoint Devil is concluded. So there really isn't much of a need for me to stay."
Zantus looked sad, but nodded. "Well, Brother Bruin. When the road finally calls you, I wish you Good Journey. Until then, I look forward to having you around. But tell me, do Officer Beromar or Lady Ameiko know that you are leaving?"
"No. And please don't tell them. I think Ameiko suspects, but she hasn't said anything. I'll tell them both when the time is right. I worry about speaking too soon because I think Beromar would go with me if I asked, but he seems happy here working with the town. I think Hemlock is grooming him to take over for him as Sheriff someday. And I wouldn't want to disturb that."
The mayor invites the new heroes to stay as guests of honor for a feast to be held in their honor in one week.
Bruin and Beromar are asked if they would like to speak at the event as they are local celebrities.
Amaya is asked by Ameiko about her opinion on selling their father's mansion so they can open up the Glassworks again, and bring more jobs to Sandpoint. It turns out that their father had more debts then he led on.
After a couple days, Zantus delivers the healing wand to Serolt.
Serolt will excitedly agree to stay for the feast.
He will seek accommodations in the inn if there's room. If not, he'll 'slum' it on the outskirts of town, on some greenway. He's comfortable either way.
He spends his week trying to get to know the locals a little. He knows he's a stranger here, and while he isn't looking for the kind of recognition that Bruin and Beromar are receiving, he is hoping to settle here and do a small business as a ranger to the people - guide, guard, etc. for trips into the nearby wilderness.
He's a little itching to explore the nearby region to see where some good routes might be for guiding folks, but for now he stays in the town and tries to get to know the common folk.
Mruf, too, was happy to stay for the feast. He wandered the streets in the meantime, familiarizing himself with the town - especially its taphouses and brothel.
Ameiko offers Serolt and Mruf free room and board at The Rusty Dragon.
Serolt is very gracious in his acceptance of Ameiko's offer. He tries to be a model guest, knowing he's not paying much, and at least tips well for the services he's given and will occasionally buy a round of drinks at the pub - for which he makes sure to pay well.
At their return, Amaya feels strangely satisfied - The knowledge that the devil has been stopped would bring some peace and safety, and the pride that comes with knowing you helped. Ameiko is of course quite relieved to have Amaya back in one piece, and the two have a celebration for longer than they should, but shorter than they'd like.
When Ameiko brings up their father's debt and mansion, Amaya's heart tightens. Her life had been complicated by their father in his life, but Ameiko's was complicated even in his death. "Sister-mine, I want you to have this." She says, and takes out the bag of gold she earned. "I don't know if it will help much, but I've been too long not being a big sister to you."
She grins, "And if that doesn't make a dent, yeah, let's sell the old place. I don't figure either of us really wants to spend time there." Her grin fades as she wonders how much more debt their father had, or what other secrets he may have harboured in life. She also wonders if she might be able to earn more money finding some other kind of monster to kill, and easing the burdens of Ameiko.
Not surprisingly Serolt is a big hit with the Rusty Dragon's staff. Although he's not quite as popular as his companion Regin. The Fire Pelt is absolutely spoiled by the staff. So much so, in fact, that Serolt makes a point get the big cat some extra exercise. After all, Regin needed to be in fighting shape.
***
Mruf meanwhile makes a few visits to the Pixie's Kitten and is treated like royalty. His attention and patronage is very much sought after. Truly a hero's work is never done.
***
Ameiko politely refuses Amaya's bag of gold. "I appreciate the thought, Sister. But I'm doing well in my own right. I just want to see the Glassworks open again. It's probably one of the few things our father did that was truly worth a damn. It brought money into Sandpoint, and gave people purpose. And, frankly, you're right about the mansion. I never want to see it again. The few good memories are overshadowed by the bad."
Ameiko then makes arrangements to sell the Mansion and find a new manager for the Glassworks.
Amaya manages to find a silver holy symbol of Desna that belonged to their mother. Probably one of the few things their father didn't sell after her death.
***
Bruin informs the mayor that he would be happy to say a small speech at the feast.
***
And Beromar notices that his favorite beard comb has gone missing. He searches for clues, and concludes that someone's definitely been sneaking into his home. But he doesn't have enough to track.
The day of the feast has arrived. And essentially the whole town is in attendance.
Bruin gives a passable speech. Although it's quite clear to those in attendance that he's more comfortable behind a lectern than on a stage. Still he manages to relate the story of the defeat of the Sandpoint Devil with all the appropriate detail and with a bit of drama for flavor.
He gives all the heroes their due, and in the end he reminds everyone of the bravery of his companions both old--he says with a wink to Beromar--and new. "Sandpoint is a beacon of light and hope. And I know that because of this it will never lack for heroes."
There is a round of applause, and then Beromar adds, "Now let's eat!"
***
There's food, music and games. Many of the local children run about pretending to be the new Heroes of Sandpoint. And the laughter and joy in the air is infectious.
The Heroes are clapped on the back and congratulated throughout the entire festivity. There are many calls for the story to be retold, with the Tanglefoot Bag becoming a particular favorite moment.
Except for the murders, it was a very good night.
Early the next morning, the town Sheriff, Belor Hemlock arrives privately to each of the Heroes of Sandpoint and asks them to meet up with him just outside of town.
When everyone arrives he gets right to it.
"First, let me thank you again for all you've done for Sandpoint. It's fortunate you've proven yourselves so capable, because we've a problem I think you can help us with-a problem I wish I didn't have to involve anyone with, but one that needs dealing with now before the situation grows worse.
"Put simply, we have a murderer in our midst--one who, I fear, has only begun his work. Some of you doubtless remember the Late Unpleasantness, how this town nearly tore itself apart in fear as Chopper's slayings went on unanswered. I'm afraid we might have something similar brewing now.
"Last night, the murderer struck at the sawmill. There are two victims, and they're ... they're in pretty gruesome shape. The bodies were discovered by one of the mill workers, a man named lbor Thorn, and by the time my men and I arrived on the scene, a crowd of curious gawkers had already sprung up. I've got my men stationed there now, keeping the mill locked down, but the thing that bothers me isn't the fact that we have two dead bodies inside. It's the fact that this is actually the second set of murders we've had in the last few days.
"I come to you for help in this matter-my men are good, but except for Beromar here, they are also green. They were barely able to handle themselves against the goblins, and what we're facing now is an evil far worse than goblins. I need the help. But I'm afraid you'll need the help too. You see, I'm afraid that this particular murderer knows one of you as well."
At this point, Hemlock passes a bloodstained scrap of parchment to Beromar. His name is written in blood on the outside of the folded parchment. And inside is a short message.
"We have spoken of this before, my master. Now it begins. Join the Pack and it will end."
Amaya looks shocked and disappointed at the Sheriff's explanation. Murders were something that happened in bigger cities like Magnimar. Sandpoint was supposed to be quiet, it was supposed to safe. Pushing her feelings aside, she began to ask for more details. "You said this is the second set? What happened with the first?"
Sheriff Hemlock says, "Three con men from the town of Galduria were found murdered in an abandoned barn south of town a few days ago. Their bodyguard survived the assault but has gone insane and was sent to Habe's Sanatorium--a privately run respite for the insane."
Mruf stared, wide-eyed, at the Sheriff and Beromar. He leaned in to read the message over Beromar's shoulder with no particular care for the dwarf's personal space.
"'Your Lordship?' Are there any dwarf nobles in town? Maybe one caught the dead people cheating him and..." His ears flattened at Beromar's look, and he edged over to Amaya's side. "It could happen," he muttered defensively.
"Let's talk to Thorn, and see if there were any other witnesses," he suggested, tacitly accepting the Sheriff's task. "Other than the crazy bodyguard."
There's food, music and games. Many of the local children run about pretending to be the new Heroes of Sandpoint. And the laughter and joy in the air is infectious.
The Heroes are clapped on the back and congratulated throughout the entire festivity. There are many calls for the story to be retold, with the Tanglefoot Bag becoming a particular favorite moment.
Serolt thoroughly enjoys himself though he tries, and fails, to keep Regin from sampling everything in sight. He himself absent-mindedly slips him a morsel or two from his own plate out of habit.
As much as he can, he lets the others tell the stores. He has not much skill with such things, and tends to focus on details no one cares about. But when he does speak, he praises the others thoroughly - and Regin.
- - -
When Sheriff Belor Hemlock rousts him the next day he feels a bit thick, but not overly hungover. Serolt is not a big drinker, but did have more than usual last night! He quickly packs his gear and follows though in the early sun with Regin at his side.
When he speaks of the murders he grows dour. That is never a good thing, kin killing kin in a community this small. He hears Amaya and the Sheriff converse and Mruf put in his input, but he doesn’t hear an offer to help. Just questions.
”I’ll do my part to help. The mill will be well trampled, but perhaps there are still tracks at the abandoned barn. I could perhaps see what I could find there. Sheriff, can you spare a man to guide me there? I suppose I should see the bodies in the mill too. Though I’ll likely glean less, it is fresher.”
"Following up on the Barn Murders might be a good idea. But the most recent murders took place in the Sandpoint Lumber Mill--the bodies are still present, and little has been done with the crime scene. I recommend you start there, if for no other reason than we would like to bury the dead, and we can't do that while it's being investigated. I can tell you where the barn is afterwards."
This is odd... Beromar grumbles not sure if this has anything to do with the fact that someone broke into his place recently...
Ayes I agree wit da Sherif. We investigate the Mill first. Then we goes to the Asylum...
Then on the way to the mill Beromar reluctantly tells his companions about his recent unbid guest, clearly Feeling somewhat uncomfortable in doing so.
"It wasn't me!" Mruf quickly assured him, hugging his shooting contraption.
"Agreed - Mill first. Then farmhouse. Then Asylum?" his voice raises at the last, and he's clearly not comfortable surrounding himself with sick people.
When Beromar describes the petty theft, he suggests, "It is festival time, and that does tend to bring out the thieves. Hopefully it was a one-off event and you won't have further trouble."
"If it happens again, I'd be happy to try and track them down if you like. hard in town what with all the other traffic, but we might learn something if we're lucky and Desna smiles upon us."
"Thank you for you help. To simplify matters, I am officially deputizing all of you--except of course for Beromar, who is already a Sergeant of the Watch."
He then directs you to follow him as he leads you to the Lumber Mill.
"There were two bodies found at the Mill. Banny Harker, who was the owner, and Katrine Vinder. They were rumored to be lovers."
"I have already interrogated Ibor Thorn, the man who discovered the bodies at the lumber mill, and I don't suspect the man knows much more. But feel free to speak with him, of course.
"Ven Vinder is the father of Katrine. And he was evidently not happy about the alleged relationship between her and Banny. I don't believe he did it personally. But that's admittedly just a hunch at this point. You should investigate him further and come to your own conclusion.
[b]"Any other questions?"
Serolt takes his time and tries to piece together the relationships. Yeah, the father might be involved for sure. he thinks simply, having no particular head for this sort of thing and grasping at the obvious.
"Thanks for the deputization. I'll try to earn it." he says seriously. He heads over to the Mill with the others, having no further questions - at least not at this time.
Once they reach the mill Beromar begins to take in the crime scene first trying to discern what the cause of death of both was.
Mruf, too, poked around the crime scene, looking for any clues as to the perpetrator.
Serolt will join Mruf in seeking clues.
Perception
The Sandpoint Lumber Mill stands on the shore of the Turandarok River. A sizeable crowd has gathered outside by the time the heroes arrive, and groups of nervous looking town guards stand at the mill's entrances.
The guards have already been informed by Sheriff Hemlock of his intent to deputize the heroes, so they simply nod silently and step aside to allow them entry.
The mill is a well-built wooden structure with very thick walls. The roof is of wooden shingles, and doors are simple timber and unlocked. The mill machinery is currently turned off.
Although, Beromar and Bruin are aware that is is not uncommon for the mill to be open late at night--a bone of contention among those that live nearby.
The mill interior is coated with sawdust strewn with footprints and splashes of blood.