"It would seem to me that all the answers to all of our questions lie at the goblins camp. It may not even be all that difficult," Ilya taps his chin thoughtfully. "There's at least one non-goblin among them... Once we find them, half of our confusion is resolved."
Nicat scrunches up his face in puzzlement, and almost scratches his head as he thinks through what Ilya has said, but manages to stop himself. "I think you're right, Ilya, we should go to the goblins' camp after we see the sheriff. But I think when I try to listen carefully to you, I'm lucky if half my confusion is resolved."
With this said, he looks around the mausoleum, says, "Anyway, let's get out of this place," and moves off after Fulko towards Sheriff Hemlock's office.
"I think you're right, Ilya, we should go to the goblins' camp after we see the sheriff. But I think when I try to listen carefully to you, I'm lucky if half my confusion is resolved."
"Exactly! Now, just imagine, once finding the answer, having to wait for the question to be asked! Wait..." Ilya looks around the mausoleum once more. "We haven't found the answers, yet, have we? How droll... asking the question first! Well," Ilya shrugs his thin shoulders, "whatever suits you."
Ilya collects the robe from Sylvia. "I can't seem to recall how we unlocked the mystery of this robe. Perhaps Eostre will remember. Either way, these things always seem to come to me in time."
"We could definitely use Eostre's help. Her talk of cyphermages and the like certainly indicated she had a breadth of knowledge," Ekan agrees
Ameiko folds her arms. "Well, I suppose we can work something out. How long are you planning on staying, Eostre?"
Father Zantus nods. "Very well, then. Thank you once again for this."
The group walks back through the streets of Sandpoint, the size of their group drawing more than a few stares. Some of the townsfolk whisper to each other, perhaps gossiping on what the group has been up to as of late.
The garrison stands opposite Sandpoint's town hall, as imposing and sturdy as ever. The guards show the group inside and direct them to Sheriff Hemlock's office.
The sheriff's office is quite plain, with only a few chairs, a desk and a bookshelf decorating the room. Sheriff Hemlock looks to the group as they walk in.
"Well, that didn't take very long. What happened in the graveyard?" He asks, leaning back in his chair.
”Skeletons, Sheriff!” shouts Nicat, then looks around quickly to be sure there’s no townsfolk lingering nearby that might hear. In a dramatically lowered voice, almost a whisper, Nicat continues, gesturing wildly, ”Skeletons, Sheriff! We went to check out the mausoleum, and when we went down the stairs we got attacked by skeletons! Father Tobyn’s bones got up and were trying to kill us, and some other ones too. And we found a magic robe on the floor, and tracks outside – mostly little one, like goblin-sized, but some bigger ones too, so someone is working with the goblins!”
He pauses to draw breath and glances at Hemlock’s face, and sees that the sheriff is simultaneously trying to digest all this information while trying not to laugh out loud at Nicat’s manic delivery of it. Nicat restrains himself from launching into further description, looking to his friends and saying, ”Did I miss anything?”
On the way to the sheriff's office, Fulko did his best to catch any stray words that were spoken a bit too loudly, he looked at the people's faces and expressions and even stopped casually to ask a few questions and inquire on anything the town people might have heard or saw.
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Fulko was very amused with seeing the halfling give the sheriff the story behind their little adventure in the graveyard, he only responded when Nicat was done and that was by shaking his head "I'd say that was about it" Added the man with the stubble "But we still don't know why...it didn't look like there was anything valuable there or that anything was disturbed besides the coffin of Tobyn" Fulko looked to the sheriff "Oh and we found a robe there, its got something to do with magic...but that's all we learned so far, still its a clue and its enough for us to go looking for our robe-less missing friend" The warrior grinned at his own joke.
"Well, to be fair, we're not sure that any of the skeletons were the animated remains of Father Tobyn. I'm afraid that we don't have the proper means of identifying any of them. All we do know for sure is that the good Father's sarcophagus was disturbed, and that we were attacked by four skeletons," Sylvia adds, watching Nicat flail around in his delivery. "None of the other tombs were defiled, so unless Father Tobyn was buried with three others, it is likely the skeletons were from an outside source. That robe might be able to tell us more. We were hoping to find Eostre, as she seems to have more knowledge in this department, and she did help us in the raid. Perhaps she can help us yet again."
"Father Zantus asked us to keep quiet on this lest it raise undue panic, and I must agree, though, ultimately, that final decision is up to you and the mayor," she concludes, folding her hands in front of her with her glaive resting in the crook of her elbow.
Ameiko folds her arms. "Well, I suppose we can work something out. How long are you planning on staying, Eostre?"
"...Indefinitely?" Eostre replies with a blush. She realizes now that she hadn't really thought this whole thing through. Once in Sandpoint, she had no clear idea what her next step was.
"It's a lot of work, really, organizing a troop of goblins to use as a distraction. Then breaking into a mausoleum is no easy task. But, nobody can identify anything in the casket with enough value to be worth stealing." Ilya begins to pace the office floor as he enumerates the clues.
"Somebody wished to desecrate that particular tomb, and disturb the remains of that particular man. They wished to do so on the day of the swallowtail festival. Something Ameiko told me... no... it is an extraordinary leap of conclusions..."
"But, still... A Desnan Cleric on the anniversary of Desna's great victory over an avatar of Lamashtu..."
"So you think a Lamushtu worshiper might be behind this?"
Ameiko chuckles. "Indefinitely? Well, you've got one week free of charge. After that, you'll have to start paying for a room."
Sheriff Hemlock listens patiently to the party as they explain what happened at the graveyard. When Ilya starts explaining his theory, his eyes narrow. The robe Fulko hands him causes his brow to furrow.
"Hmm..." He looks the robe over. "I can have old Ilsoari take a look at this to see what it does, unless your dwarven mage friend hasn't given it a once-over yet."
"As to the idea of one of Lamashtu's faithful being behind this..." He sighs. "I honestly have no clue. But if one of them really is behind all this, then that changes things."
He looks up at the party again. "I'd appreciate it if you kept this quiet. It's been too soon after the attack, and I'd rather not have panic hit the streets again."
He stands up from his desk. "Simply put, if Lamashtu has someone guiding the goblins, I can't just let you go running off after them without someone at least letting you know what on earth you're getting yourselves into. Goblins don't make elaborate plans like this; if it were just them, I wouldn't have a problem with you going off to hunt them down."
He looks Fulko in the eyes. "Listen, I know you're eager to start, but I can't leave Sandpoint this poorly defended if you're going to do this. Goblins on their own, we can handle. Someone intelligent leading goblins? It's too great a risk with the forces Sandpoint has now. I need reinforcements from Magnimar."
Ameiko chuckles. "Indefinitely? Well, you've got one week free of charge. After that, you'll have to start paying for a room."
"And how much is that?"
"The common room will run you about two silvers a night, a private room will cost you five silvers, and if you want a suite, that'll be two gold pieces."
"So you think a Lamushtu worshiper might be behind this?"
"Did I already say that?" Ilya asks surprised. He thinks for a moment. "No, I would've remembered. So, that means you've reached the same conclusions as I have."
"It makes the most sense of course. But..." Ilya's eyes begin to dart around, following images nowhere, or perhaps no-when to be found. "... just like the robe, the culprit is hidden from my sight. Often the when is less important than the why. But, I have no idea why."
"In the absense of knowledge, the sheriff is right... plan for the worst. You need soldiers from Magnimar... How can we help?"
Sylvia listens to Ilya with an odd look in her eye.
Is he becoming even more unstable?
She shakes her head out of her reverie and listens to the sheriff. "As we promised Father Zantus, we make the same promise to you. The events of the graveyard will not come from us," she emphasizes her point by placing a warm, strong hand on Nicat's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "If the events of today are to be known, it is not our decision to make. We will remain silent about it. Very silent. As if it did not happen," her gaze now fully steady on Nicat, her light blue eyes echoing her silent but sad smile.
Sheriff Hemlock's look softens. "My thanks, Miss Jahlyn."
"As to how you can help..." The sheriff folds his arms. "I'm going to make arrangements to leave for Magnimar tomorrow. Depending on how long the trip is, and how much hell I raise there, I should be back with reinforcements in at least three days. You've proven to be reliable sorts, if rather..." He shrugs. "...unconventional."
"I would like you all to look after Sandpoint while I'm gone. I'm offering to make you my unofficial deputies for the time being, effective when I leave town tomorrow. Can I trust you with this?"
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"D-d-d-deputies!" cries Nicat. "I'm going to be a sheriff's deputy, everyone!" he says again, jumping up and down, bashing Fulko on the leg and smacking into Sylvia in his excitement. All of a sudden, his bouncing ends and he raises his eager eyes to the sheriff, asking, "Will there be badges? Of course you can trust us, sheriff! We'll be as - what was it you said, unconventional? We'll be reliably unconventional and unofficial, both of those things!"
He begins to dart off, saying to himself, "I gotta tell my folks!" then skids to a halt, turning back to Sheriff Hemlock and saying, "We'll keep Sandpoint safe while you're gone, never fear." He then stops himself from darting off again, walking quickly back to the group while muttering, "I'll tell my folks later, got deputy business to talk now, I figure."
When his little whirlwind of activity settles down, he looks at all his companions and says, "So, you guys gonna be deputies too?"
Sheriff Hemlock briefly has a look of anxiety on his face when he looks at Nicat.
He briefly glances out his office window, presumably looking for flying pigs.
"That sounds like a worthwhile plan. I would be happy to help patrol the town, and ensure it stays as peaceful as these good people deserve." Ilya nods enthusiastically.
Fulko's hand went up and down the back of his head and his face showed a surprisingly somewhat disheartened expression "Never really did much guarding, and I usually try to stay within my line of work, but I guess I can make exception, more guards mean we can go about this goblin hunt before more competition shows up" Said Fulko before he walked closer to the sheriff, not missing the uneasiness that passed over his face when Nicat expressed how he felt about being assigned this new position.
"You know sheriff, its not too late to put up that bounty on that rambunctious halfling your always talking about, you could probably be done with the paper work before you leave to Magnimar" Fulko's smile spread from ear to ear, showing his full rows of teeth.
Nicat looks a little disappointed that Fulko isn't more excited about this new assignment, but the halfling's expression brightens as the big barbarian sees the bright side. "That's right, we'll be deputies, and then when our back-up gets here, we'll be goblin hunters. We can really do it all."
As Fulko talks about a prospective bounty, Nicat's excitement returns. "A bounty on a halfling, right here in Sandpoint? We could be deputies, bounty hunters and goblin fighters all in the same week! What's this rambunctious fellow look like..." he winds down as he sees Fulko's enormous grin. A fierce look crosses Nicat's face for a moment, but it's soon chased away by peals of the irrepressible fellow's own laughter, as he says, "You got me good on that one, Fulko! But I won't forget, you'll get yours!"
"The common room will run you about two silvers a night, a private room will cost you five silvers, and if you want a suite, that'll be two gold pieces."
"Any appreciable difference between a private room and a suite?"
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Ekan considers Nicat a friend, but even he looks a tad alarmed at the thought of the halfling having the proverbial keys to the city. However, he carefully schools his features after but a moment, and then says, "We'll do our very best, Sheriff. Thank you for your trust."
It could be worse. At least we won't be WRITING the laws. Irori knows where that would lead.
"Well, the suites here are bigger than private rooms and have stuff like private baths. I've offered you & your friends free private rooms for a week." Ameiko shrugs. "I take pride in keeping the Rusty Dragon's rooms neat and tidy, but if you want to stay in a suite, you'll have to pay for it."
Sheriff Hemlock nods. "Thank you all. I owe you one."
"And truth be told, as much as I'd like to put a bounty out on Nicat, at least I can trust him to try to do right." The sheriff dryly quips. "I'll save my bounties for people who deserve it."
"Now, I should start getting ready for the trip to Magnimar. Is there anything else you need?"
"Take care sheriff" Fulko gives the sheriff's hand a firm shake and then walks out the door, his mind occupied with the many questions they have uncovered by visiting the graveyard So Tobyn's body could be stolen, it sounds like someone with a grudge but... The bounty hunter stops in his tracks, his eyes taking in the town; a group of children were playing not far from where he stood, to his left was a woman talking in a friendly manner with a trader who was showing a her a piece of silk, a group of young boys ran past him and just ahead of him he could see a couple happily walking together, whispering into each others ears Its like Zantus said, there isn't really a reason for someone to hate a small town like this...but there is always a dark side to things, and sometimes you have to look for it A beastly grin came over his face This is getting more exciting than I thought it would...I'll leave the others to find out about the robe, and I'll look for answers from people who would know best about the town's less honorable and legal side Without hesitation Fulko made his way to the Scarnetti estate, intent on seeing if the rumors about Titus are true and if they were...then he would be the one to ask about the things the more respectable citizens wouldn't dream of mentioning.
Uncomfortable with the idea of being a deputy, Syvlia heads back to the Rusty Dragon for some lunch.
I'm not sure how I should feel being responsible for the safety of everyone when I know not if I am capable of such a task...
Though he's curious where Fulko is setting off to with such a determined stride, Nicat is eager to share the exciting news with Eostre. He sees Sylvia heading back towards the Dragon and calls out, hurrying after her, "Sylvia, wait up! We have to tell Eostre we're deputies! Isn't it great?"
As they make their way back to the inn, Nicat casts suspicious glances left at right, sometimes at people he's known all his life. I'm a deputy now, gotta keep an eye on folk! No tellin' what they might get up to, and there's gobbers about too. Maybe one of these very people is in league with them. Maybe old Jem the cobbler there? Nah, probably not, doesn't have a tooth left in his head...
When they return to the Dragon, Nicat spots Eostre chatting with Ameiko and he rushes over to tell them both the news. "Eostre! Ameiko! Did you hear? Sheriff Hemlock made us deputies while he's off to Magnimar!" Realizing that others can likely hear, he drops his voice to an almost theatrical whisper, "I'm sure I can tell you guys. Sheriff said we needed to protect the town while he got some reinforcements from Magminar." His eyes widen as he realizes Eostre doesn't know about the events at the mausoleum and he says, "You know what, maybe we should talk somewhere private?"
He gestures at Sylvia and any of the others who have returned to the inn to join him, and asks Ameiko if there's a private room they can use, "for deputy's business, you know. You can come too, Ameiko, if you want. Since it's your place, and you're now putting up a bunch of deputy sheriffs."
Once they're somewhere quiet and private, Nicat relates the tale of the fight at the mausoleum, highlighting Sylvia's role in defeating the skeletons, and leaving his friends to fill in any of the many blanks he's left in his version of the story.
Ekan accompanies others towards the Rusty Dragon. He smiles to see Eostre and let's Nicat do the talking for the most part, though he does confirm, "It's a great honor" at the mention of them being acting deputies.
Though he's curious where Fulko is setting off to with such a determined stride, Nicat is eager to share the exciting news with Eostre. He sees Sylvia heading back towards the Dragon and calls out, hurrying after her, "Sylvia, wait up! We have to tell Eostre we're deputies! Isn't it great?"
As they make their way back to the inn, Nicat casts suspicious glances left at right, sometimes at people he's known all his life. I'm a deputy now, gotta keep an eye on folk! No tellin' what they might get up to, and there's gobbers about too. Maybe one of these very people is in league with them. Maybe old Jem the cobbler there? Nah, probably not, doesn't have a tooth left in his head...
When they return to the Dragon, Nicat spots Eostre chatting with Ameiko and he rushes over to tell them both the news. "Eostre! Ameiko! Did you hear? Sheriff Hemlock made us deputies while he's off to Magnimar!" Realizing that others can likely hear, he drops his voice to an almost theatrical whisper, "I'm sure I can tell you guys. Sheriff said we needed to protect the town while he got some reinforcements from Magminar." His eyes widen as he realizes Eostre doesn't know about the events at the mausoleum and he says, "You know what, maybe we should talk somewhere private?"
He gestures at Sylvia and any of the others who have returned to the inn to join him, and asks Ameiko if there's a private room they can use, "for deputy's business, you know. You can come too, Ameiko, if you want. Since it's your place, and you're now putting up a bunch of deputy sheriffs."
Once they're somewhere quiet and private, Nicat relates the tale of the fight at the mausoleum, highlighting Sylvia's role in defeating the skeletons, and leaving his friends to fill in any of the many blanks he's left in his version of the story.
Eostre blinks in surprise when the others return and give him the news.
"Protect the town? From what, more goblins? If that's all we have to worry about, I'm certain the Sheriff could handle it on his own. I have to start making preparations for digging at the Old Light. I can't do that AND patrol a town I'm not even a citizen of!"
When Nicat explains about the undead, however, Eostre's tone quickly changes.
"Ah. That makes sense, then. I'm sorry I wasn't able to assist you in the battle. I was at Brodert Quink's house discussing archaeological collaboration. Though it sounds like the situation was well in hand. I agree we should probably take this discussion elsewhere. That is, if you're including me in this deputy business."
"Of course, you're included, Eostre!" exclaims Nicat, once they're out of earshot of the taproom, "you fought off the goblins same as we did, and would have fought the skellies too. We're a team, right?"
Turning to Sylvia, he says, "You've been kinda quiet since we talked to the Sheriff, even I noticed. Is something wrong? If you're concerned that we won't be taken seriously if we don't have badges - 'cuz I was worried about that, for a bit - I think it'll be okay. Folk saw us fighting goblins, and pretty soon they'll know we're the law around here."
He looks at Sylvia's expression as he speaks, pauses, and says, "Uh, is that not what was bothering you?"
Ameiko, with an arched eyebrow, follows the team into another room as they discuss being hired as acting deputies for Sandpoint.
"Wait. Wait a minute--let me get something straight here." She holds up her hands. "Sheriff Hemlock appointed Nicat as one of his new deputies." She looks at Nicat with a measure of disbelief. "The same Nicat who is notorious for going out of his way to get himself into no end of trouble, thus giving Hemlock a headache whenever he finds out about it. And he made him a deputy."
"Does that sound right to you?"
The walk to the Scarnetti manor takes you out of town across the Sandpoint bridge and along Schooner Gulch Road, circling around Sandpoint's harbour. It's not difficult to find the Scarnetti estate: it's the only manor across the harbour with a distinctly Chelish look to it.
The front doors of the Scarnetti estate are large and lovingly carved from maple. They bear the image of a small dragon and a small devil locked in a yin-yang pattern. The windows of the manor are mostly dark in the afternoon light, but a couple of lights can be seen inside.
"Wait. Wait a minute--let me get something straight here." She holds up her hands. "Sheriff Hemlock appointed Nicat as one of his new deputies." She looks at Nicat with a measure of disbelief. "The same Nicat who is notorious for going out of his way to get himself into no end of trouble, thus giving Hemlock a headache whenever he finds out about it. And he made him a deputy."
"Yes." Ekan says in a nod.
"Does that sound right to you?"
"Perhaps the sheriff thinks Nicat's years of finding his way into trouble make him an expert on dealing with it," He suggests.
"So, regular patrols? Checkpoints? Citizen informants? Wait... where are you going?" Ilya follows Fulko briefly as he sets off with a purpose. He watches him set off across town, but a brief glimpse of the future shows their paths diverging, so he rejoins the others.
"We should probably set up our command at the Rusty Dragon. If I'm going to man the watches... then I'm going to need some more coffee!"
"Does that sound right to you?"
"Hmmm.... That's what I heard... though I've been wrong before." Ilya looks around to confirm his memory with his companions.
"Tell me, where did Father Zantus purchase that marvelous thunderstone? We'll need to be able to summon one another to trouble spots, and that strikes me as an excellent method. Don't you think?"
"If you're looking for stuff like thunderstones, you could try Bottled Solutions or Pillbug's Pantry." Ameiko chimes in, cringing.
"Go out of my way to get into trouble?" asks Nicat in a tone that blends surprise and umbrage. "Are you talking about that time with the old cathedral bell and the pig farmer? Because it's true I was up in the steeple, and that's not where you'd expect to find me, or anyone really, but I was pretty sure I saw a little purple flashing light up there and I thought it might be a sign of Desna - she's always favored me you know? - and I..." He can tell his explanation isn't getting him anywhere he wants to be, and he winds it down.
When Ekan offers an explanation, Nicat isn't sure it's meant entirely positively, but he grasps at it nonetheless, "That's right, Ameiko! The sheriff wanted an expert, someone who knows the ins and outs of Sandpoint, knows every back alley and quiet corner...I'm sure that's what it was." He nods firmly at Ekan, as if to say, See? Some people just don't get it.
"Why the sour face there, Miss Kaijitsu?"
"Well, it's mostly because both options aren't really that good for your health." Ameiko shifts from foot to foot. "Bottled Solutions is run by Nisk Tander, a well-meaning if eccentric half-elf. He thinks he's a better potion-maker than he is." She shifts from foot to foot again. "His potions and creations work as intended... most of the time."
"The other option is Pillbug's Pantry, run by Aliver Podiker. He's a better alchemist than Nisk, but he'll gouge you for money if you let him. And I'm not entirely sure that some of the things he sells are entirely legal here. Or anywhere around here."
"I...see. This Podiker sounds like he'd fit in fine back home in Riddleport. Might need to pay him a visit."
The walk to the Scarnetti manor takes you out of town across the Sandpoint bridge and along Schooner Gulch Road, circling around Sandpoint's harbour. It's not difficult to find the Scarnetti estate: it's the only manor across the harbour with a distinctly Chelish look to it.
The front doors of the Scarnetti estate are large and lovingly carved from maple. They bear the image of a small dragon and a small devil locked in a yin-yang pattern. The windows of the manor are mostly dark in the afternoon light, but a couple of lights can be seen inside.
Green eyes took in the Chelish styled building, it almost seemed like it wasn't part of Sandpoint...like someone had plucked the estate from Korvosa or Chelliax and planted next to the relatively quiet town Hmmmmm, someone really put a lot of effort into making this place look fancy Fulko's focus fell on the door next Wonder if this supposed to mean something He couldn't lie to himself, he would have loved to tour this place and see how different it was from all the dwellings and houses he's been to, he wasn't a stranger to Chelish design as he had been Korvosa but never to the noble districts.
Come to think of it, this is the first time I'll be dealing with a noble...I wonder if he has any work for me Before Fulko's greed could spread its dominance any further, the warrior approached the door and gave it a firm knock I'll keep that in mind for later He smiled to himself as he awaited a response from inside.
"I...see. This Podiker sounds like he'd fit in fine back home in Riddleport. Might need to pay him a visit."
"Excellent! I'll join you. Maybe we can peruse the wares at Bottled Solutions, as well."
"On the way, perhaps you would be good enough to give this robe some thought. I'm afraid I can make neither head nor tails of it. But, some trace of an enchantment remains tethered to the fabric..."
"Give it to me."
Eostre takes the robe and lays it on the table. She closes her eyes and begins tracing sigils in the air as she intones. The tattoos around her eye take on an eerie greenish glow. When she opens her eyes, they have the same glow as she stares at the robe, almost through it.
Her mind seizes upon the patterns of magic that flow through it, trying to determine what it might have been.
No one answers your knock at the door for a few minutes.
Eventually, the door opens slightly and a young man with messy blond hair and green eyes pokes his head out. "Yes? What do you want?" He asks, irritation clear in his tone.
"I imagine Riddleport's a charming place to live, then." Ameiko says, dryly.
Fulko smiles at the young man's annoyance "Do you treat all your guests this way or just the scruffy looking ones?" He half asked, half joked, really not feeling anything beyond slight amusement at the unexplained mild hostility he's received.
"Well since your here why don't you make yourself useful and show me the way to Titus Scarnetti" Said Fulko as he stood against the side of the door, putting half his body in to make sure the blond man doesn't try to close the door in his face.
"I think he'll be interested in what I have to say, so don't waste my time kid" Fulko's winning smirk continued shinning through as he waited for this irked young man to do as he told him.
The boy snorts. "Fine then. I won't."
He slams the door in your face. Some time passes before an older gentleman dressed in dark blue noble's garb opens the door again. This must be Titus Scarnetti.
"Yes? Cyrus told me you wished to speak to me?" He says, his green eyes sizing you up, his tone gravelly and bored.