"There were some stairs going up from the temple that had been blocked. I assume they were going to building here in town. Do you know anything about that? I wasn't able to determine how long ago it had been done," Lavanor adds.
"No, I was unaware of anything under our town other than various root cellars and a couple basements. Perhaps we could see if Guildmaster Battlehorn will go down with you to try and evaluate the blockage. He's a carpenter but still, he is a dwarf. Hopefully Sheriff Hemlock will return soon. Is there anything I or the town need to be concerned about at this moment? Any threats? All of this seems to have dropped on us all of a sudden much like the issues five years ago."
"If Nualia has adopted the worship of Lamashtu and received gifts that are transforming her into a demonic creature, she's very far gone," interjects Isabella. "But all of this... it seems like she had some way of 'getting revenge' on Sandpoint for the suffering she endured as a young woman. This was planned, and she won't back off so easily."
"I think the town is safe for the moment," she says in reply to the mayor, "but it does sound like the local goblin tribes are becoming feisty again, and we should probably nip that in the bud."
'Ah yes, Mayor, is there someone who could be available to do some research on the town's behalf? We're coming across a name, which none of us know, but is linked to the assault and whatever Nualia's trying to do to us and herself.
"Anyone involved in the criminal element in town we should most likely go to the Sheriff. If he does not know them then it would likely require some investigation. Of course, you mention Nualia has transformed into some sort of demon. In that case you may want to try and speak with Brodert Quink, he is the town sage. If you go out to speak with Quink, be sure to swing by the carpenter's guild and ask Master Battlehorn to look at your tunnels. Then please put together your findings and bring them back to me. Hopefully, the Sheriff will be back by the time you are done and we can discuss our options with everyone together."
"Sounds like a plan of action," says Isabella. "Um, Brodert can be a bit... eccentric; anyone here a fan of obscure historical trivia and arcane lore?"
Camil shrugs at Isabella's question, I'm not an expert, but I know a little bit about a lot of things, maybe that'll be of use?
Looking to the rest of the group, Shall we go see Quink and then seek out Master Brattlehorn? I'm betting Brattlehorn will be more receptive later in the day, especially if Brodert is as ... eccentric.. as Isabella says. Alternatively we could split up, with Isabella, Fhable, and I going to see Quink, and Lavanor, Zandril, and Runt?going to see Brattlehorn? I'm good either way, just don't know what's easiest for us?
Waiting just a second longer, Camil continues, If we do split up, we should meet by dinnertime at the Rusty Dragon and share what we've learned, but no going adventuring without everyone, no tunnels this time Lavanor. Camil finishes with a grin and laugh at the ranger.
It's all obscure trivia to Runt. And she is becoming a fan. She wonders if that is enough. One thing is for sure, talking to a dwarf is always a pleasure as she does not get a neck kink.
"Sure, I'm up for talking with this Brattlehorn, though I'd prefer us to stick together to tell you the truth. More fun that way."
Zandril nods at Camil, "That sounds good to me. While we're investigating, maybe we should have the mayor post a couple guards by the glassworks to alert us if anything comes up the tunnels."
Lavanor shrugs his shoulders and smiles. "Yeah, maybe we should try to stick together this time," he says to the group.
He then turns back to the mayor. "Do you happen to know who has lived in town the longest? Maybe they could shed some light on the underground temple," he inquires.
"All of the heads of the mercantile houses came to setup the town 40 years ago. However, Madam Mavashti has lived in the area far longer than that. She lives in the manor next to the theater. If you go to speak with her, I'd recommend taking a gift." The mayor says in response to Lavanor's question. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to finish up this paperwork and will craft a message for Magnimar. I'll send a pigeon and perhaps find out if the sheriff has left the city yet. Let me know what you find out after you speak with Quink."
What do I know about Madam Mavashti?
I added it to the campaign links above.Keeping your own list would be good. I use the names from the book but others, such as guards, the secretary, and random people I make my own names.
Mavashti is exceptionally old, no one is sure just how old. She is highly respected by the Varisians in town. Those of Chellish descent tend to think of her as a witch.She knows many stories of the surrounding area.
Well then, lets head to Quink's shop and see if we can get him to talk to us? Camil suggests as the party departs the mayor's office.
The group decides to stay together and head toward Quink's place. Camil and Isabella are familiar with its location though neither has visited him before. Zandril has had an encounter with the man about seven years ago and had to work a summer in Quinks garden for having shot an arrow through the man's closed window (bow training gone awry).
They arrive on his doorstep and knock. Quink opens the door after a moment and looks everyone over. "So, to what do I owe this visit?" The old man asks not immediately inviting you in.
Thinking quickly, Camil bows, introducing himself and companions, Greetings Master Quink, I don't believe we've met, but my name is Camil D'este and it is a pleasure to meet you. Glancing to his companions he continues quickly, We're, um, investigating some unpleasantness in town, and you were referred to us as someone who is quite knowledgeable and maybe would be able to help us with some questions we have. May we come in?
Camil's eyebrows pick up as he gestures into the interior of Quink's home and he smiles.
On the way over to the house, Lavanor stops by the market to purchase a quiver of cold-iron arrows and a silver dagger.
Not knowing anyone in town, he lets the locals speak for the group.
"Sure, sure, come on in. I was just doing some reading." He gestures everyone in. His home sets the standard for the stereotypical wizard or sage. There is a small entryway that opens on a sitting room. Based on the size of the house, this is by far the largest room. It has a cushioned chair in one corner, a six foot table next to it, and bookshelves along every wall. The shelves are full of either books, trinkets, or stuffed animals. Scattered around the floor are more books and items. An interesting thing you note is that his wall sconces give off a soft even glow instead of the flickering glow of flame.
"What can I do for you folk?" He asks once everyone crowds in.
"Well... in the wake of the goblin attack, we have done some investigating, and we discovered that the Kaijitsu glassworks facility connects to a series of old tunnels. This is probably how some goblins got into the town. We found many oddities down there, including a statue of a Runelord and a strange magical... well?... that created monsters. We were wondering if you could tell us anything about this, as one of the local experts on Sandpoint's history," asks Isabella.
Runt is quiet but observant, pausing to scan the book spines and check for titles. She's never read much, books being something reserved for her betters being almost always on a topic involving gaining power or the glories of spreading destruction.
"A statue of a Runelord you say? Old tunnels? I must see these. And a well?" Brodert says his words stumbling over one another in their haste. "I will need to see the statue of course and the well." he says to himself as he gathers books from shelves and meanders around the room looking for others. Then he asks, "Were there any maps?" He spends several minutes gathering books and muttering to himself. He answers questions as they are asked but does not stop his search.
Once Brodert has gathered the items he feels are best suited he finally says, "I need you to take me to these tunnels."
"Just to be clear, we think it is safe now, but we can't be certain," says Isabella. "And parts of the tunnels are collapsed. We can take you down and try to protect you, but there is some risk. Just so you are aware."
Master Quink, as Isabella has said, we cleared the temple of Lamashtu there, but we cannot promise it is completely safe. We did come across a name however, that one of your knowledge and expertise may know, Malfeshkor? Camil hopes to distract Brodert with thinking of the name, so they don't have to re-enter those tunnels again.
Thinking quickly, We can draw a map certainly for you to help, and we are very willing to accompany you, but it will be very dangerous there... We do need to speak with Master Brattlehorn about some construction techniques, and a few other folks around town as well. Perhaps we can wait a few hours and then you can accompany us?
Zandril listens to the conversation from the back before speaking up, "Oh, and don't forget Nualia, remember her, she's now possibly a succubus and coordinating the goblin attacks here in Sandpoint."
Isabella looks downcast at the comment about Nualia, but says nothing.
"Oh, you don't understand about the map. I was hoping for a map of the surrounding area from the days of Thassilon. Think about it. A statue of one of the runelords? There is hardly any information on them. If you found a runelord statue then it must be some sort of burial chamber or possibly an ancient basement complex once used in old Thassilon. We could learn a tremendous amount from it."
"I'm not too worried about my safety, I'll have you with me. The heroes of Sandpoint, I'll be fine. As for Malfeshnekor, I'll have to look that up. I may have something on that name."
"Ok, I'll put together my stuff in a more organized fashion while you talk with Battlehorn. I'm just excited to get down there to see it. This will support my idea that the old light was a weapon if we have other structures in and around it."
Nodding at the scholar's assertations, Camil grins and turns to his companions, Well, lets go see Master Battlehorn, mayhaps he'll want to accompany us again. I can't believe we're going back into that mess. Camil shurgs his shoulders resignedly and heads for the door.
Before he leaves he turns back to Brodert, We'll be right back, maybe you can find a lantern to help light the way? Maybe that'll keep him out of trouble while we talk to the Dwarf...
Runt is amazed when the scholar gets all wound up about a silly temple. Takes all kinds she guesses. She just nods agreeably with the others as they warn him off, though she doesn't really see the need. The place HAS been wiped clean, so to speak. But she doesn't want to cause friction with her new friends so she just agrees.
"Onward, to the dwarf!"
She looks a bit awkward, wondering if that was offensive. She never liked being called a dwarf or midget herself, but, dang it, being a dwarf-dwarf is a bit different than being a dwarf-human.
Conveniently, the Carpenter's Guild, which is where Master Battlehorn can typically be found on a work day, is across the street from the theater and two doors down from Madam Mavashti's house. The team takes about ten minutes to meander from Quink's place to the Carpenter's Guild. The guild is a standard business so they enter. Inside are various examples of the work the local carpenters can make for clients. A large mahogany table dominates the center of the room with ornate wooden chairs surrounding it. Other pieces of furniture line the walls and hang from the ceiling by cords. A low counter sits to the right of the door. A young man in a working apron sits behind the counter carving on a block of wood. He looks up when you come in but does not say anything. The young man is a familiar face to and of an age with Camil, Zandril, and Isabella. His name is Deacon. He grew up with Camil and Zandril and Isabella has seen him around since she came to town several years ago.
"Good day, Deacon," says Isabella cheerfully. "Is the Guildmaster in today? We could use his assistance with a problem."
Deacon, maybe later you'll join us for a quick run of cards at the Rusty Dragon after supper? Its been a while friend, and we should catch up! Camil works to hopefully get where they want to go with his old friend, I still owe you another chance to win back that funny old book we gambled on when we were teenagers, and I'd welcome the opportunity later today. Camil finishes with a grin, adjusting the scarf about his neck and removing the floppy hat he seemed to have acquired somewhere.
Runt is gawking at the finely crafted items and runs her hand along a smooth looking table top. Jiggling her purse with the unfamiliar weight therein, she wonders if it contains enough to buy a comfy chair her size. The new place is not built for someone her size and it would be nice to have a comfortable place to sit.
Selfishly totally hijacking the conversation she asks, "And how much would it cost to have a comfortable chair built for someone like me?"
"Isabella, Camil. I think he's in the back. As for that book, you can keep it and I think I will avoid playing cards with you. I've heard some stories. But, I will take you up on a supper. Now let me go see if Master.." About this time Runt asks her question. "Of course, we have some in stock. Not much since the halfling population is somewhat limited here in town. They run about fifteen silver for a basic chair up to 5 gold for a much higher quality chair." Then he steps to a door behind the counter. You hear muffled speaking before he comes back to the counter followed by a curly haired dwarf with brown hair that seems to have a hint of green in it.
"What can I do you for?" the dwarf asks.
Runt sighs at Deacon's answer. Some humans with dwarfism are normally proportioned, but Runt had the misfortune of being disproportionate, having very short legs and an almost normally human proportioned upper torso. Which means that chairs made for halflings would be too high and the back would be too short.
So, now the question is whether she should embarrass herself by explaining what a monstrosity she is or just fade into the wall. Or, since he did mention a high end chair...
"I would like a custom made chair. A really nice one sized to fit my particular needs."
Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods, please don't ask what I mean by 'particular needs' in front of my friends!
Hurriedly she adds, "I can come back later and explain!"
Laughing at Deacon's jest, Fair enough then, we'll settle for dinner then. It will be good to see you again, its been an age since before all this madness started
Turning to Master Battlehorn, Greetings Master Battlehorn, we um, found some tunnels under town as part of our investigation. They led from the Glassworks into a tunnel, and then into a creepy old temple complex. The mayor suggested we come speak with you about examining the construction. We're wondering about how these tunnels were sealed off, and when they were sealed off to get a sense if this was something recent, or much older, like the structure itself.
Looking to his companions he clears his throat, This temple was dedicated to Lamashtu, and we cleared all the obvious threats from it, but there could be dangers present in the temple. So we wanted you to know that first. We'll be heading down there later today with Brodert Quink, if you'd like to join us.
Turning to look at the rest of the party, he concludes Did I miss anything? Please feel free to jump in if I did.
"Do you guys think there might be an entrance to the place we did not see. I just wonder about having a temple that can only be gotten to from the glassworks. And the strange things we saw there would attract a lot of attention if they did come though town and the glassworks. I dunno, but it just doesn't make sense to me."
"Yes, ma'am, we can get you a custom chair," Deacon responds to Runt.
"An underground temple? Doesn't the mayor realize I'm a carpenter? Anyway, I know some things about stone, so, I guess I can take a look. Meet you out at the glassworks then? In what, about an hour or later? I'll bring a couple of my boys just in case."
Seeing no one add anything Camil bows to the Dwarf,sweeping his floppy hat off his head, Thank you Master Brattlehorn, it is most appreciated, we'll see you in an hour!
Departing with the companions, Camil asks, Is there anything else we need before we re-enter the fallen temple with these several 'helpers'
Runt shrugs, happy enough to go with the current plan.
"Not that I can think of," Lavanor responds. He's guided people as a scout before, but usually to a destination in the forest, not undergound. He hoped that they had cleared out all of the inhabitants.
An hour later you meet up with Quink and Battlehorn at the Glassworks. Quink has a backpack stuffed with various devices and books. He is also wearing some old pieces of armor he apparently had laying around the house, most do not match. Battlehorn seems to have taken your warning seriously. He shows up in a hide breastplate and carrying an axe. He has also brought two other dwarfs with him. These younger dwarfs are dressed in studded leather and each carries a light warhammer.
In the catacombs you find you were apparently successful and run into no resistance. Quink stops at various locations demanding to sketch it and copy any inscriptions (statue, lamashtu altar, study, floating room, well room). As for Battlehorn, he checks out the entry tunnel, the various halls, and both of the collapsed stairwells. Finally, you head back up.
Quink does not want to talk about his theories yet but insists on traveling back to his house to further research and confirm some information. He declares he will have information for you in about two days after he studies. Battlehorn is a little more forthcoming. The entry tunnel had previously been blocked by a brick wall that had been laid about twenty years ago. The stone inside the catacombs seemed to have been laid ages ago as with the collapsed stairwells. It is impossible to determine just how old.
Of note, you also notice that the main tunnel continues past the side tunnel that leads to the catacombs. A quick jaunt down that one has you popping out near junkers edge. A large sea cave there has a stone shelf that forms a natural quay. Three row boats are tied up along the quay and a half dozen pallets are along the wall. Battlehorn again ages the main tunnel at about a few decades old, hard to be exact. However, since Sandpoint was settled about 40 years ago, he is pretty sure it was dug after the founding of the town.
Once out of earshot of the NPCs runt suggests,
"I think we should have a guard set in the caves. The thing is, I think if we suggest that, we might end up BEING the guards and I hate just sitting around and watching nothing."
Nodding at Runt's suggestion, Agreed, this old smugglers' tunnel is probably how some of the goblins entered the town, and perhaps how they got the remains out of here. The sheriff will be back soonish, so maybe we see if there are some guards we can put here to keep an eye on the tunnels and then the sheriff can get it bricked up?
Armed with little more information than they had before, but something being better than nothing, Should we quickly report to the mayor and then find supper and our beds for the evening? Oh, can anyone think of anything I can pick up to be more helpful in a fight? I'm a card player, but I'm getting better with this bow we found.
"We could suggest that they set up a guard at the quay while the town has some laborers build a new wall to shore it up and prevent people from coming into the city via those boats," suggests Isabella. "Basically wall it back up again."
Just to clarify, it was the catacombs which had been bricked up recently. Good idea though to have the smuggler tunnel bricked up.
Zandril tries to recall who might be using the smuggler tunnels, but comes up short of any knowledge.
How long have the boats and pallets been there? Did Battlehorn know where the stairs might have gone to before they collapsed? Where in Sandpoint they'd come out?
After returning from the catacombs Zandril nods at Camil, "I think we should report back to the mayor, maybe he can set up a guard at the glassworks. Then food sounds good. We also need to discuss what to gift Madam Mavashti when we visit her. She may have some insight on the catacombs and who knew about them."