Niza whips her club into position, readying to strike any enemy that gets close and carefully protecting the route to her fellow gnome. Fromagalli ducks inside and decapitates the nearest goblin before it even got a chance to speak. The head flops to the ground at the feet of the bugbear.
The half-orc eyes the enemies through the open gate and begins casting his favorite spell, hoping to lullaby the enemies to sleep. The enlarged half-elf yells his challenge and readies to strike the first goblinoid that shows aggression, which happens quickly as a goblin steps in towards the woman and stabs at her, though sadly Liet-Gar's long weapon is unable to hit that one. He grips the handle and eyes the back goblin, that steps away and shoots at him, also just outside his range. Both creatures seem to be wreathed with fiendish energy.
for
The goblin's sword zips out and stabs the lady in her thigh, her wound beginning to fester from the fiendish energy. The arrow from the back goblin misses wildly. The bugbear screams, spittle flying from his tusks. Stepping forwards he lofts his holy symbol high and yells, "PUNISH THEM, LADY OF MONSTERS!!!" A cloud of painful energy erupts from the holy symbol, harming all living creatures in range. Liet-Gar, happy that he finally has a target in range, strikes at the fiend, but can not work his blade through his armor.
The woman clutches her teeth as the sword stabs her, but is able to resist the negative channeling a bit. She looks at the group, "HAHA! I KNEW HELP WOULD COME! YOUR DAY IS DONE MEZODARTH!!!" She steps back, picks up a rock and whips it at the nearest goblin. The rock zips past the small target, but you can tell this isn't her first fight.
Dimple
Niza & Albis
Fromagalli (-4 NL, -6 HP)
Kasvot (Shield 15/20)
LGZ (-12 HP, Enlarged 6/20, Fatigued 3/10)
Goblins Red (-4 HP) & Blue (-4 HP)
Bugbear
Lady Person (-6 HP)
Bold may Act!
Dimple inspires her allies, including a possible new one. Unlike her usual inspiration, this one comes in the form of a song...
Niza moves forward and whacks her goblin target upside the head. You hear a snapping as bone breaks and the goblin collapses into a pile on the ground. Albis craws a threat towards the rest of the enemies.
Liet-Gar unleashes his mighty weapon, slashing across the bugbear's chest and opening up a large gash. Kasvot's spell completes, his soft lullaby descending upon the creatures attacking them.
The sorcerer manages to shove his spell effect through the fiendish energy protecting the goblinoids, but only manages to take one down with the sleep spell. He follows the sleep spell up with a daze effect, but it has no effect on the Lamashtu worshipper.
IC is UP!
Dimple
Niza (-2 HP) & Albis (-2 HP)
Fromagalli (-4 NL, -6 HP, Will Save vs. earlier Channel Pending)
Kasvot (Shield 14/20)
LGZ (-14 HP, Enlarged 5/20, Fatigued 2/10)
Goblins Red (-12 HP & down) & Blue (-4 HP & Asleep)
Bugbear (-9 HP)
Lady Person (-6 HP)
Bold may Act!
The Fortress Commander easily ducks below the blade and then reaches over his back to unsheathe a large curved two-handed sword, swinging it wickedly down towards the half-elf. The blade slices right across Fromagalli's neck, blood spraying everywhere. The bugbear turns and points his glistening blade at the rest of the group and sneers, "Who's Next?" Beside him, Fromagalli collapses to the ground, bleeding out.
for
The woman steps forwards and snags a small sized blade from the Goblin in front of her. Answering the challenge with Bravado, "I'll GUT YOU WITH YOUR OWN MINION'S SWORD!"
IC is UP!
Dimple
Niza (-2 HP) & Albis (-2 HP)
Fromagalli (-4 NL, -29 HP & unconscious, DC 12 Con check to Stabilize)
Kasvot (Shield 14/20)
LGZ (-14 HP, Enlarged 5/20, Fatigued 2/10)
Goblins Red (-12 HP & down) & Blue (-4 HP & Asleep)
Bugbear (-9 HP)
Lady Person (-6 HP)
Bold may Act!
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"OH PISH!" Dimple runs up to Fromagalli. "ICK! That is SO MUCH BLOOD. And now there is a puddle of it. You are so lucky I haven't bought my rainbow boots yet. They would have been totally ruined!" She pokes the fallen swordsman with her wand. "Ewww! The hole is so big. Like I could shove the entire healing stick in there, like a plug." She shouts across the chamber to Liet-Gar, "Can you get better at fighting so we can finish this up? You are doing really bad. Like, horribly. You still have all those arrows in you. Didn't they teach you to NOT get hit? You should get a refund from fighting school. Cuz, right now, it looks like they robbed you."
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"I'm not that bad." spouts LGZ "And, you talkin 'bout these?"
Quickly snapping the shafts off the arrows and dropping them to the ground, he winces. "See? Better now...no mo-ore arrows."
"NICE SHOT Niza! That's gunna leave a mark fer sure!"
As the boss man falls, he turns to the human woman. [b]"So, who are you? I'm Liet-Gar Zirulak."[b]
Niza whacks the bugbear squarely across the back of the head. Briefly stunned, he staggers forwards towards Fromagalli who takes advantage of the move to hold his sword up and let the monster impale himself on it. With a grunt and a gasp he mutters, "I have failed you, Lamashtu."
Falling to the ground, the bugbear continues to bleed out. The woman looks at her little pig sticker and then tosses it to the ground, going to grab the boss's falchion. She walks over to the back goblin while answering LGZ, "Nixa Volsetti at your service, I was kidnapped from Saringallow by these bastards. They've been taunting and torturing me for a while now, but it seems I'll get the last laugh!" With that she coup de grace's the sleeping goblin. She starts moving from fallen goblin to bugbear and beyond with all the intentions of doing the same to them. A grim look is plastered on her face, "You all gonna help me make sure the buggers don't pose a future threat?"
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"I don't really think...I mean...you shouldn't do that..." stammers LGZ.
Moving towards the lady, he stops and considers the situation. "They are no longer a threat. We don't have to heal them up and all that, but we shouldn't just cut them to pieces...Do you really feel this is necessary?"
Moving towards the goblin she already killed, he cuts off the ears. "There's the whole chance of redemption thing to consider."
She takes a breath between swings and looks at the half-elf, "Maybe a regular goblin, sure. But these? They've been infected with fiendish taint, see the purple boils there? There is no recovery from that. It just makes them dumb animals that want to kill everything. I don't know how the bugbear even kept his sanity, though I guess it seemed he was losing it at the end."
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Aghast, Dimple cries out as Nixa goes about her business. "Wait...how could...but redemption...and...stuff...oh pish! Look lady, how do you know they cannot be helped? Are you an expert? Did YOU make the icky goo that is corrupting everything? I mean, that would be the only way to be sure you know what you are talking about. Unless the teeny, tiny town of Sarringhallow has yet a third alchemist. I think you are guessing. and needlessly killing them for revenge. I mean, if they are nothing but animals, how did they sneak into town and kidnap you?."
She does indeed go about her business, at least killing the goblin and bugbear in the immediate area. Stopping to rest while leaning on her new weapon Nixa replies, "Well, even animals can drag prey back to their nest so I think you are maybe a bit over-stressed about this whole deal. Besides, based upon the ear collecting your friend is doing, I'm guessing you all took a contract for goblin bounties so... why again are you here with them? I didn't even see you pull a weapon out." She sighs, "Please don't tell me you are a civilian.'"
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Dimple, quite unappreciative of the woman's tone, waggles the wand a bit. "Do they give THESE to civilians? Look, all I am saying is that animals don't kidnap. They hunt. To search the town, find you, and take you all the way out here, days away, seems like there is something you are not telling us. Oh, and you're welcome by the way. You have yet to thank us for saving you, which we did. Maybe you are the civilian here."
Dimple cheeks turn red as her dander rises. This may quite possibly be the most upset the easy-going gnome has been in weeks.
She turns to the others, "She's a mean lady. And probably too bitter to fall in love. That's like half of the songs ever written mean nothing to her. HALF! Dumb rock-thrower."
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Kasvot watches the interplay between Dimple and Nixa, enjoying the rising tension. He laughs out loud at Dimple's final barb.
"Well, Nixa, seems you'll not have love songs to entertain you for some time. Sorry for that. Dimple does have a few good questions, though. Why you? The goblins didn't just happen to nab the only capable fighter in Saringallow by chance, did they?"
Nixa rolls her eyes, "A nicely polished stick? Wow, such a rare item. Look here, the gobbos didn't get me. That assbag Gellion cheap shot me and knocked me out. I wake up outside town as six of the buggers are dragging me into the forest. They probably didn't even get into the town, just finding me on the edge of the forest. As to how it all ties together, I'm pretty interested in finding out too. What do you know of this fort? All I saw was the buildings when I was carried through and then the inside of the cage."
All the banter aside, most of the group works together to resolve the issue. Items are found, goblins are hacked into smaller pieces and glares are thrown (mostly from Dimple towards Nixa).
Nixa also informs the pathfinders that during her captivity she overheard the bugbear jabbering on about something named Wormgnash and that Mezodarath (bugbear) often mentioned that name in connection with the old Sarini Estate. The bugbear seemed to be either praying to this Wormgnash or beseeching its favor, leading her to theorize that a potentially serious danger might now lurk in or near the estate.
The group catalogues everything and heads back towards Saringallow with several large bags of dripping and soon to be rotting goblin heads.
Upon return, any bounties they’re owed by providing proof of the goblins’ death are given. They also describe the scene at Highfort and generally explain the situation to Mayor Sandra Trinelli. She seems quite concerned that there might be someone else out there dealing with the demon's bile who may be unaccounted for. She promises to look into it and asks you all to stay close.
Money weighing the group's pockets down, free stays at the inn and being loved already by the townfolk mean that most of you stay nearby.
Although it’s covered in a layer of files and paperwork that indicate its official nature, this office is also eminently comfortable, with its plush carpet, velvet-lined oaken furniture, and ornate serving carts bearing colorful fruit and fine drinks. The soothing smell of sage and apple blossoms floats on a warm breeze wafting through the large, open picture window.
At the center of the room, behind a solid and polished wooden desk, sits Mayor Sandra Trinelli, her long fingers folded together in thought. Her face is solemn as she surveys her visitors. “Thank you for your quick attention to my request,” she begins, motioning to the oversized chairs in front of her. “As you can imagine, it involves a delicate task that promises results of great significance to our beleaguered population. Let me explain.”
”The history of this town, I’m afraid, is written in blood. More than a century ago, the family that founded Saringallow committed heinous crimes against the hard-working folks who toiled on their behalf. When all was said and done, these nobles—the Sarinis—kidnapped and murdered many local children. They were hanged for their crimes, but the bodies of the youths were never found, and our families still suffer those tragic memories today. After all of these years, they’ve never had closure, and our town has never been the same.”
“However, not long ago, while I was searching the town archives, I discovered a few old letters that seem to indicate that these evil nobles kept records of their victims and diabolical rituals. Finding these documents would go a long way toward healing the deep wounds the Sarinis inflicted on our poor people.”
“Unfortunately, the evidence is presumably stored in the Sarinis old, walled estate, which is located some distance from Saringallow proper. Around here, superstitions regarding the Sarini family still run deep, and the good men and women of our town watch— bless their hearts—are reluctant to help. There’s no proof, however, that any of the rumors about the Sarini Estate are real, so I’d like to hire you help me solve this matter. Please, if you will, bring me any records of these terrible crimes that exist. Once you do, I believe our town will finally begin to heal. I trust that you are capable, and I hope that a reward of 100 gp will be enough to persuade you to help.”
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I am Vie Vsetko. I have read the auguries! The fates have foretold, a seeker into the mysteries of the future shall ensure your success. The figure is attempting to sound portentous, but comes across as just pretentious.
The Elf wears plain grey peasant's clothing. But you can see arcane symbols hand stitched (poorly) into the sleeves, collar and hem.
The mayor drums her fingers upon the desk, "Okay then, I'm assuming by that comment and the rest of your silence that you all accept. We have quite a bit of information available about the time period in question in the town hall’s archives. I suggest that you start there. Find my assistant, Lupia Marietti. She’s a kind woman and will help you with whatever you need."
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Dimple nudges Liet-Gar. "Hey, its a real elf. Do you guys have a secret handshake or something? Ooo! Can you teach it to me? That would be so cool."
The bard walks up to the elf, "Hi. I'm Dimple. I wanted to impress you, but no one taught me the handshake." This last bit is directed over her shoulder toward Liet-Gar. The gnome then continues, "I think he might be a little embarrassed being that you guys only taught him half of it. Which half did you teach him? The first part? Last? The middle doesn't really make any sense. I'm guessing the first part. Otherwise, how would he know when to start. That's pretty smart actually. So, when do I get to learn it?"
****************
I have read the auguries! The fates have foretold, a seeker into the mysteries of the future shall ensure your success.
Rather abashed, "Well, I never finished reading the argue-y book myself. As for the mystery, I thought we solved that a bit ago. It was the kid doing all the stuff. By the by, how does one 'seek' into the future anyway? Is that like pulling back the curtain? What color is the curtain? And can anyone tell me how curtains are different than drapes? Why do we need two words? And, are shutters just drapes made out of wood? Wait, is THAT the mystery we're gonna solve? Nice! We'll be famous!"
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Vie gets an odd look on his face then shrugs and decides to answer.
1) If there were a secret handshake, which there isn't, I wouldn't tell you and certainly wouldn't teach you.
2) If there were a secret handshake, which there isn't, they would have only taught him the last part since he wouldn't be expected to initiate the contact.
3) You don't because there isn't one. Though if you want to make up your own, I wouldn't stop you.
4) One would 'seek' into the future by looking for the pre-reflections in the near past.
5) It is not like pulling back a curtain. It is more like finding the images in a hidden picture book.
6) The color is octarine.
7) Curtains separate spaces or block vision. They have a function. Drapes are mere decorations.
8) Functional shutters are curtains made of wood. Decorative shutters are drapes made of wood.
9) No. The mystery we are going to try to solve is the fate of the past victims of the Sarini. He looks up for a moment while he goes over the short conversation to make sure that covered all the questions.
To the others, I believe it is time to head to the archives. In a whispered aside to Fromagalli, Why is the child here?
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Dimple thinks on what has just been shared. Then, with a mixture of concern and empathy, she reaches out and places a hand on the wizards arm. "Look Viva Las Vestko, its okay to be overwhelmed. All the numbers and making up colors? It is obvious that you feel a little out of your depth. Its to be expected. WE can help you with that. However, you have to want the help. No more gibberish and obviously made up colors like periwinkle, chartreuse or amaranthine. That is simply silly talk." Then, with an encouraging pat on the shoulder , "Now, your insights on window coverings was impressive. It's good to know your strengths. Stick to that." Then she leans in and gives a knowing wink, "And don't worry. We can alk-tay about that andshake-hay a little later on."
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Under Pharasma's Boneyard, is he going to answer every question she asks? We'll never get anything done! Kasvot takes the first opening in conversation and prods the group to action. "Okay, now that that's all settled, let's head to the archives, shall we? Let's find out what we can and hopefully be able to prepare for the dangers we face."
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Niza gasps and looks at the other gnome. She whispers to Dimple, "I didn't know you spoke Iguan! It's such a rare language to know. Can you teach me?" Albis, perched on Niza's shoulder, flaps his wings which gets the attention of the entire group. Their fellow companions notice a change in him. His feathers now appear to be crafted from marble and he radiates a sense of serenity.
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"Pssshhh. A real elf? I'm as close as you need..."
Suddenly, he tugs an ornate stick from his pack. "OH! Dimple, I've not skill with these things, but I thought I should supply my own. You seem skilled with them and I'd rather not burn out of yours selfishly."
The white-haired man watches silently as the newcomer and dimple go back and forth...shaking his head slowly. Several massive weapons strapped to his back show remove any doubt of his purpose in the group.
"I do apologize for the little one, she's a tad...excitable? I promise you Dimple is quite helpful in a scuffle."
The mayor smiles at the banter, "Ah yes, that is the group I've grown to expect. Seems like you have an odd way of doing things, but the results do speak for themselves." She waves her hand dismissively and the group wanders out to find the town archives.
As they wander outside one of them notices a plaque on a door in the hallway that reads, "Saringallow Archives".
Stepping inside there is a woman flitting about multiple stacks and shelves of documents. She sees the group, smiles and introduces herself, "Oh hello, I heard the Mayor was bringing in some outside help. I'm Lupia." She offers a handshake to each, "What can I find for you? I'm happy to help find information about whatever topics you need researched."
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”I am Fromagalli student of the ways of the eldritch knight and as such a student of still magic.Either my spells require no somantic components or or last long enough there will still be time to put my armour on afterwards. Perhaps we should compare spells some time Vie?”. The half elf is wearing a breastplate and carries a fine quality sword
Later
He shakes hands with Lupia
”Hello Lupia what can you tell me about the archive and what does it tell of us of those old dark times?”
trying to read from what they put on record on how the old family liked to present themselves and seeing if anything looks off from what such families usually do
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"I didn't know you spoke Iguan! It's such a rare language to know. Can you teach me?"
"I do? Huh? I guess I must. Sure, I can teach you. It has to be really easy, cuz I didn't even know I knew it."
**************
While the team is distracted, Dimple grabs a chair and walks up behind Liet-Gar. She climbs up so she can better see the back of his head. The gnome pulls a dagger. With a quick grab of some hair and a slice of the knife, she cuts off part of the warrior's mane. She slides her knife away and plops down on the chair. With extreme effort, she tries to braid the hair she just removed. Dimple then ties it to the wand Liet-Gar handed to her. She looks up at the others, "What? How else am I supposed to tell them apart? After a while, they all just look like sticks. Besides, what does he know about magic. What if his wand is a dud, or turns people into butterflies? Ooo! That might be fun." She goes back to eyeing the wand, now daydreaming about turning members of the team into gently flying insects.
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"Well, then we'd become purple-goo fiends like the rest of the insects we've encountered. Would that be fun McDimple?"
Turning his attention to Lupia, Kasvot begins his research. "I'd like to learn more about the Sarini's estate--the land itself, the property. Can you help me find something in the archives about that?"
Lupia smiles at Fromagalli's first question and answers proudly, "Well the archives consist of thousands of documents, but thankfully, they are all meticulously labeled and indexed. I should be able to find anything based upon keywords you all provide. I'll go see what I can find about that time period."
She comes back with a stack of documents for Fromagalli or anyone else to begin perusing, "Here ya go, lotta history about the town to work through but it has some information about the time period you are looking into."
______________________________________________________________
She drops a second stack down and adds, "This is a stack of correspondence from around the specific time you asked about, all bundled together. Seems to be about missing persons."
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She turns and listens to Kasvot's question, then heads into the stacks again. Returning with a large file of blueprints and documents of building codes and notes she sets them down, "Here ya go. Should be in there."
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...
"I do apologize for the little one, she's a tad...excitable? I promise you Dimple is quite helpful in a scuffle."
Well, I know it is our duty to instruct the young. But you let this one participate in combat?!? That seems... Irresponsible. {shrug}
-----------------
.... No more gibberish and obviously made up colors like periwinkle, chartreuse or amaranthine. That is simply silly talk."...
Deaf people hear no sounds. Does that make the dragon's roar 'obviously made up' as you put it? The Morlok can see nothing does that mean that 'yellow' is gibberish?
Just because you have not or can not see something, does not mean it doesn't exist.------------------
"... I'm Lupia." She offers a handshake to each, "What can I find for you? I'm happy to help find information about whatever topics you need researched."...
Your assistance is much appreciated Miss Lupia.
Let us see what we can find...
Miss Lupia, this document has been altered. Might there be an older master copy that we can see?
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"Uh...you realize she's not a kid, right? That's a full grown little person."
"HEY! That's my hair. You could have asked...I don't know if we'd have gone the hair route, but surely we could have come up with something... As for the magic...I bought it from a guy recommended by the Lodge so...it should be healing magics...to be safe, you may want to hold it away from yourself the first time you activate it."
"Anyway, looks like time to read some old books..."
Perusing the first and last stack of documents with interest, he turns to the second. Within seconds, his eyes seem to cross and the man begins rubbing his temples. "I can't make heads or tales of this tian wordage...But it seems your little town here has had a few name changes in its day...and I agree with my companion. There are some rather obvious discrepancies in these blueprints."
Lupia shrugs, "That is the master document."
She seems intrigued as the group starts chewing through the documents and sharing information, "Anything else you need me to look for?"
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Are there any local elves, or other long lived races like us, who might have been around back then?
Have you found any records by people who have been to, or at least near, the place in recent times?
Any other lands owned by the family?
Have you hear of any unofficial records, tales, accounts, rumors about the place or family?
Her answer to all the questions can be mostly summarized by the following, "This is unfortunately a records hall, so any rumors or unofficial information would not be stored here. The town population is quite full of things like that so I would suggest chatting with them. There are quite possibly some races that lived back then, but again, their thoughts are their own unless they have written them down somewhere."
You can actually tell that she is trying very hard to not be condescending with her answers, working to tread around your questions to lead you all to ask about things she can actually search for. She does point to the list of titles and deeds and confirms there isn't anything else, "That is all the land that the family name has legal ties to, though they may have holdings that aren't associated with their name."
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Going back to well known locations, the pathfinders are greeted with smiles and offers to help with whatever they need. When they ask about the Sarini estate, they get a variety of answers. Unfortunately, none of you have any ways of knowing the veracity of the claims.
“The Sarini Estate is haunted! Hungry ghouls and ghosts lurk in the shadows!”
“Some folks say they’ve seen little blue people near the estate!”
“They say there’s a funny smell coming from the estate, and it’s the smell of rotting corpses.”
“Those evil Sarinis were hanged—they were hanged high! Ever think where the ‘gallow’ in Saringallow comes from?”
A well-known nursery rhyme starts as follows: “All Sarinis, red or blue, slit your throat or we’ll hang you too!”
“The Sarinis worshiped demons and devils, and they held unspeakable revels at their estate back in the day!”
“The Sarinis kidnapped children and drank their blood.”
“Goblins have taken over the abandoned Sarini Estate! The town watch ought to do something about it!”
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