Ameiko's offer of free room and board was almost as sweet to Theron's ears as the offer of a free lifetime of drinks. He takes a few minutes to quickly clean and bandage his arm in his room, then moves back downstairs to fully reap the benefits of being a hero for the day and try to put his near-death experience out of his mind for the time being. He shares drinks with the others he fought beside earlier that day, and as the evening wears on, with anyone who seems willing to drink with him -- particularly several of the young women patronizing the Rusty Dragon that evening. By the time he drags himself away and upstairs to bed, half the young ranger's excited speech is in his own regionally-accented Varisian. The amount of alcohol he'd drunk didn't make it much easier to understand.
He awakens the next morning surprisingly clear-headed, though bothered slightly by the throbbing wound on his arm. He unwraps the bandages and examines it. Nothing too bad, but it sure stings. Guess I'll get it looked at instead of having it bother me for a few days. His mind made up, Theron makes his way out of the tavern and down the road in the direction of Hannah's.
A gaunt looking dwarf wearing simple brown robes heads into the Sheriff's office.
"Sheriff, got a minute? I know I caused you some amount of trouble in my youth, but I am here to let you know that I have reformed. "
You also noticed an interesting interaction between Zantus and Brodert Quink. Zantus shows the scholar a wand that he found recently, and seemed particularly interested to learn about its arcane properties.
Aria found Aldern Foxglove to be a rather strange individual. Surely there's got to be gossip about somebody like that! Curiosity piqued she decided to ask around. She started at the Rusty Dragon, pestering the staff, "He's boarding here right, what's he like?" Thing was with the town in uproar nobody had any time to stop and chat and to her annoyance she was ignored. Next she decided to try some of the higher end shops, the kind of place she imagined nobility frequenting. Places like The Feathered Serpent, or Bottled Solutions but they where shut. A little non-plussed and smarting from the battle, Aria decided that she really ought to lie down and get some rest.
Wendell wandered at the comotion brought about by something so simple as defending oneself from those who would bring harm. Wandering how often such things have occurred in the past Wendell decides that the best place to check would be at what passed for a museum in Sandpoint. Its proprietor, Ilsoari, might know where to locate the information he sought but getting on the old proprietor's good side might prove a bit daunting.
At some point in the afternoon, a young boy you don't recognize runs up to you on the street.
"Excuse me! I have a message for you!" he says, holding out a piece of parchment for you to take.
The parchment contains a note from Aldern Foxglove, who invites you to join him for dinner at the Rusty Dragon the following evening.
Brandor continues to try and see what makes the Sheriff tick. "So, you have been Sheriff here for quite a wile. Ever seen anything like this goblin raid?"
After a time, Theron finally goes to speak with the shopkeeper. "Hannah, right? I'm Theron," he introduces himself, a friendly smile on his face. "I think I've seen you before, but I'm not sure we've actually met, have we?" He grins sheepishly and shrugs. The young man holds up his bandaged arm. "I was hoping to get something to treat this, or at least something for the pain. Maybe wolfsbane, somethin' like that. Damned goblins nearly did me in, and somehow this is all I really have to show for it. But I gotta say, the collection of things you've got in here is pretty impressive."
Theron continues speaking with Hannah, pointing out a few things nearby and using those to engage her in conversation. He tries to emphasize his familiarity with a number of the ingredients Hannah appears to use, though he is willing to admit he doesn't have much in the way of formal training as an herbalist.
Wendell takes the proffered note and reads it over twice before pocketing it for now. Thinking it over he decides that if one is going to find information in Sandpoint that there is really only one place to start and that is the Rusty Dragon which just happens to be run by the rather gregarious Ameiko Kaijitsu.
Wendell enters the bar at the Rusty Dragon Inn. Familiar with the surroundings he makes his way the bar to speak with Ameiko. He smooths his trousers and takes a seat on a stool. Wendell gives his beard a stroke hoping to smooth any stray whiskers before he starts speaking. "Greetings Ms. Kaijitsu. I hope today finds you doing well. I have a question you might be able to help me with. Have you heard of the Foxglove family? One of them sent me an invite to dinner tomorrow evening."
"I don't know much about him, honestly. He arrived here a few days ago, saying that he had business nearby, but that he wanted to attend the festival. He didn't seem to know anything about Sandpoint other than that, and he's been a courteous guest - though a bit of a flirt. If he actually does have business in the area, it's not anything to do with our town - I've never heard of his family before."
Nobody seemed to have time to speak to her at the Inn, but Aria wasn't so easily deterred. But first things first, she was hungry! She rummaged through her pockets and found a couple of silver coins and put one down on the table. Now with coin on display the serving lass had enough time to take an order. One of Ameiko's recopies, something spicy. A little while later, appetite satiated, Aria decided to try her luck once more with the bar staff. Surely somebody knew something about Foxglove? There had to be gossip, she knew it!
"I don't know much about him, honestly. He arrived here a few days ago, saying that he had business nearby, but that he wanted to attend the festival. He didn't seem to know anything about Sandpoint other than that, and he's been a courteous guest - though a bit of a flirt. If he actually does have business in the area, it's not anything to do with our town - I've never heard of his family before."
'Mmm.' thought Aria, 'Here for the festival, like everyone else, but not it seems for business reasons. Religious perhaps? Oh flirt. Well he's not my type for sure, he'd better not get any funny ideas...'
Lucino goes to see Father Zantus again and engages him in a discussion about the Acadamae in Korvosa - whether he knows any students who attended or what they focus their studies on. While interested, Father Zantus doesn't seem particularly impressed with Lucino's knowledge.
Through various methods - in person for some, through a messenger or with a note left at the Rusty Dragon for others, Sheriff Belor Hemlock requests that you meet him at the Sandpoint Cathedral just after sunset - he was impressed at how well you handled yourselves during the attack on Sandpoint, and he has a favor to ask of you.
Lucino leaves Father Zantus a little disappointed. They'd not hit it off especially well, and although the priest was still his lifeline to Desna and to the people who'd gotten him out, he was also a bit of a bore, to be honest. Of course, Lucino had trained himself to forcibly internalize such honesty, so the chance to become closer to the priest remained open.
Lucino looks at himself as he passed a shop window. His vest and shirt had become filthy: long travels, throwing his various concoctions, and tussling with goblins who probably bathed in sewage and troll fat - if they bathed at all - had contributed to the undoing of his normally faultless presentation. He asks a local where to find Vernah's Fine Clothing, and makes a prompt beeline in its direction. As he arrives, Sheriff Hemlock himself happens to be walking nearby, and approaches Lucino to invite the halfling to his meeting this evening.
When their business is concluded, Lucino continues into Vernah's and negotiates for services to clean his attire. He also examines their wares in case he decides he needs additional items of clothing or accessories.
Wendell is left to ponder what Foxglove's motive or motives might be behind the dinner invitation. Perhaps it truly is a wish to express thanks, but then again perhaps it is a way to try to ingratiate himself to the locals here in Sandpoint while he is in the region. Either way that is a matter for another time.
While sitting at the bar another note is dropped on the bar in front of him by a passing waitress. Now what is this? Wendell picks up the folded missive and reads it over a few times. He makes a note of when this missive was delivered and where it was delivered. He then places the folded note in his journal. After taking time to finish his drink he wanders out of the Rusty Dragon.
Wendell slowly takes a stroll through the village taking in the sights, sounds, and smells as he does. Sandpoint truly is a lovely place when its wants to be.
Theron leaves Hannah's shop pleased but a little unsure what to do with himself. Now that room and board were covered for the foreseeable future, Theron realizes he doesn't have to go out into the hinterland to hunt or gather supplies to sell nearly as much as he did before. Having a secure source of food and lodging provided a certain level of comfort he wasn't entirely used to, and it left him with a bit of unease.
Puzzling over his newfound free time, Theron finds himself sitting near the market square, watching people pass by and otherwise enjoying the afternoon. During this time a messenger passes him a note from the sheriff. He reads it over before hastily folding it tucking it into one of his pockets. Guess I'll still have plenty to do for now.
Aria was rather surprised when one of the Rusty Dragon's staff handed her a letter, doubly so when it turned out to be from the Belor Hemlock. Of course she would set out at once to see how she could help the good Sheriff. As she walked to the rendezvous at the Cathedral, she wondered what he might want. Perhaps he was looking for eye witness statements about the goblin attack? Or perhaps he really was impressed and there'd be a job offer. Well she'd soon find out!
As you arrive, you see both Sheriff Hemlock and Father Zantus standing at the door of the cathedral.
The sheriff greets you first, thanking you for joining them on such late notice.
"The good priest here came to find me a few hours ago, letting me know that he noticed something strange in the Sandpoint Boneyard that I'd like your help checking out. Go ahead Abstalar, tell them."
The serious-looking priest picks up the story.
"Yesterday was so chaotic that I didn't notice, but when I was walking near the Boneyard earlier today, I noticed that the door of one of the burial vaults was open. I went only a bit closer to discover that it was the burial vault of the former priest, Father Tobyn. I went straight to the sheriff, fearing to explore it myself."
"That's where you come in," Sheriff Hemlock cuts in. "I don't expect it to be more than a goblin or two hiding, but I'd appreciate some backup in checking it out, all the same. Would you join me?"
Once you agree, he leads you toward the Boneyard.
"Of course, I will be happy to check it out. Goblins seem likely, but maybe a couple rowdy kids, too. You know how the young can act without fully contemplating their actions and unintended consequences."
Brandor tries to reassure the Sheriff, as he accepts the request. But it seems that overcoming the man's past prejudice might be a more difficult road than the dwarf expected.
Lucino nods his head as Brandor speaks up, before chiming in. "Happy to help. We really need to be sure all the goblins from the raid are gone, one way or another."
Not having had the opportunity to study the sheriff before now, Lucino tries to take the measure of the man before him.
"Of course Mr Hemlock Sir, I'd be delighted." replied Aria at once and looking around she was gratified that the others from yesterday seemed willing to oblige too.
One thing had been bugging her since the other day, how had the nasty little goblins managed to get into town? History had a nasty habit of repeating itself so she asked, "Sir, has anything like this happened before? I've heard all sorts of stories but it's hard to separate truth from the tall tales..."
Wendell looks at the Sheriff Hemlock with a bit of curiosity before speaking. "Sheriff, I have to ask a question. Why us? I am sure you have deputies or others in the town who would be more trusted in matters like this." Wendell carries on to his next thought without waiting for an answer to his initial question. "Besides if I had to take a guess on why the burial vault door is open the most likely answer would be that a goblin or two opened it looking for treasure and are now either dead or long gone from Sandpoint." Wendell's stream of consciousness comes to a sudden halt as he realizes he has just been talking without stop.
"Oh, just one more question. Is there any pay or reward for assisting Father Zantus with this task?"
"Pay 'n' all is good, but it's not like I was busy anyway," Theron replies. "Besides, if there are still goblins running around, they need to be dealt with. So sure, I'm in."
Sir, has anything like this happened before? I've heard all sorts of stories but it's hard to separate truth from the tall tales...
"Sure, we've had trouble with goblins in the past - but nothing like this, never a full-fledged assault on the city. There are five tribes of goblins in this area, and I've not once seen more than two or three at a time."
Sheriff, I have to ask a question. Why us?
"Sandpoint is a small town, and our resources are limited. But sure, I have a few deputies I could hand this over to. But to be honest, having a group of adventurers around could be very valuable, and I'm worried there's more to this than just a simple assault - even as rare as that is. You seem like the types to be able to help me in this type of situation, and I hope you'll keep this to yourselves while we try to figure this whole thing out."
Is there any pay or reward for assisting Father Zantus with this task?
"I'm afraid we don't have any pay we can offer, but I'm guessing you've already started to experience the hospitality of the locals. We need your help, and I think you'll find plenty of reward that comes with offering that help."
You enter the Boneyard, and the sheriff directs your attention to vault in question. About 20 feet on all sides, the stone structure stands near the wall, and the stone door does indeed hang open. As you get closer, you see that the ground around the vault is churned up, as if the area had been walked over by a number of creatures recently.
Theron follows along to the Boneyard. He whistles appreciatively at the size of the vault itself, but his eyes are quickly drawn from the structure itself to ground surrounding it. The presence of larger non-goblin footprints mixed in with the others becomes readily apparent to him. His eyes narrow. "Goblins, but not just goblins, he says, pointing out the different tracks in the dirt. "Bigger creatures too. Humanoids." Theron steps forward, kneeling and bending low to the ground. His eyes dart from one point to the next, his fingers lightly tracing over the dirt as he tries to make sense of what's before him.
Lucino takes up the rear as they make their way to the graveyard. Terrific place for an ambush, if you ask me. He peers over his shoulders nervously, every few steps.
At the base of the imposing stone edifice, he shudders involuntarily. "What do you think we're going to find in here, Wendell?" he asks nervously while looking around.
He hears Theron talking about a larger humanoid, and the halfling points to one of the footprints. "You mean like that?"
"Goblins. You're gonna find goblins in there," Theron says over his shoulder. He pauses. "And yeah, like that."
The more distinct sets of prints he can find, the less excited about venturing into the vault Theron becomes. "Things can never just be easy," he grumbles as he finishes counting.
He stands with a sigh. "Sure hope you folks weren't planning on taking the evening off," Theron says dryly as he reaches for his bow. "I count maybe seven different sets of footprints here. Six are goblins, one's bigger. Maybe the one who turned 'em loose on the town."
"Goblins don't scare me. They have big heads... easy to hit, despite being nimble little creatures."
When everyone looks ready, Brandor holds his hands out. "Let us pray."
"Very well Sheriff. We'll deal with this minor issue and see you again shortly I am sure." Wendell follows the others into the graveyard.
***
"If I had a hazard a guess I would say the bodies of whomever is interred here. If there is anything or anyone further I would be surprised given the overall nature of small towns and the local religious beliefs." Wendell pauses for a moment while Theron addresses the found foot prints. "Now as I was saying. Most folk will keep valuables that the deceased owned either to increase their own fortunes or because it can be of use to them or their family."
"You are quite correct Brandor. Goblins tend to be easy targets but in groups they tend to be a bit more difficult to handle. Best ro remain conscious of that fact so that you don't find yourself overwhelmed."
Wendell taps the top of his staff and a torch like glow emanates from it. "After you folks. I prefer to have those with the sharp implements in front of me lest we come upon any issues."
Lucino nods in turn to both Theron and Wendell's responses, and then smiles involuntarily as Wendell's staff lights up. For years and years, I wouldn't have dreamed to see a mage so brazen as to do such a thing so casually, so easily. He pulls out a handkerchief and stifles a sneeze, then places it back in his pocket. He then draws two daggers and enters behind Theron and Brandor, looking around.
Aria concludes "So something new is a-foot then, we'd best investigate thoroughly, wouldn't do to have another invasion! Everyone has folks they care for in town, Savaha's been good for me and Amiko, you've got Kaye. Yeah we'll do out part Sheriff."
Aria nods to Theron, "For warned is forearmed." She drew her rapier when Brandor said he wasn't afraid, she grinned in reply "Lets find em!"
Cautiously she entered and peers about.
The light from the moon and Wendell's staff shines into the back of the vault when you push the door completely open, illuminating a horrifying sight. Three skeletons turn to look toward you, claws outstretched.
The skeletons surge forward, slashing with their claws at the nearest targets. Caught slightly off-guard, both Aria and Brandor let a claw slip past their defenses and feel it slash into their skin.
From behind the group, the sheriff shouts "use blunt weapons if you can!" before drawing his shield from on his back.
Wendell sends his staff flying forth to smash into the furthest skeleton. The staff sails from his hand and returns with ease. Unfortunately due to the fray occurring before him he is unable to get his aim correct and badly misjudges the skeletons relative position.
"Fresh outta clubs," Theron quips as he fits an arrow to his bowstring. "This'll have to do." He aims and fires quickly, and his arrow whizzes by Aria's head on its way to its target.
Lucino grimaces to see the horrible things clawing at Aria and Brandor, but he swallows his fear and keeps a clear head. He coolly sheathes one of his daggers and moves away from the door to give Aria and Brandor a little more room to maneuver as needed. "Aria, Brandor! I've made a little space if you can use it. We can draw these skeletons out!"
'Blunt weapons... Drat!' though Aria, she had a small warhammer back at her lodgings but in all the excitement she'd forgotten to bring it!
Well she'd just have to make so, with a thought she sent a fraction of her power into her blade which caused it to glow with a soft blue light. She thrust at the nearest one before stepping back.