Camil nods at Isabella, I agree with you, let's see if we can press our position with the goblins. I mean we did remove the bugbear, and have prisoners of the two behind us; but Zher's right, we shouldn't just slaughter them without cause.
Oh, give them a chance. I'm sure there will be a cause.
"OK then, let's go confront them."
After some cajoling, the goblin is convinced to take you to the chief. You make it past the angry horse who seems to have no issues with others besides goblins. Back through the halls and into a large room with several goblins, a couple of goblin dogs, a giant lizard, and the obvious chief.
The guide, one of the earlier wounded goblins, rushes up to the chief to tell him what transpired. The chief looks quizzically at the goblin and then looks up at the group of people.
"Speak, then be gone." the large goblin barks.
Lavanor goes back and forth between leaving with their small victory and pressing forward to achieve total victory but risking failure. "Without the 2 women here, the goblin king may lose control of the alliance between the tribes. But if not, we may never have a better chance than now to eliminate him. Let's see what we can do to further weaken his position," he says.
Runt still has a death grip on the one goblin they captured, and gazes balefully at the goblin chief. For now he lets Lavanor do the talking.
Lavanor scans the assembled group, trying to measure the strength of their opponents.
Camil clears his throat, Okay there your kingship. he begins with a strong start, We want to know why you all were getting ready to attack our home pointing over his head at the unconscious women, Was it just because of them?
Looking around the room, the gambler attempts to read the room, and keeps working - either brilliantly or digging himself deeper, and you aren't quite sure which it is...
How many tribes are gathered here? Why do you come together? Our town has done nothing to get you all to come attack us. Now we've attacked you in response. How this ends is up to you there King... He looks directly at the king, You can all leave here, or else we'll come back and make your children orphans...
He looks back to the group, Little help please?
"The woman drawn here by Lamashtu. The Mother had plan she not share with tribe. Woman sought to destroy town. Drew many tribes together. We do her bidding cause she favored by The Mother. You have defeated her. She is no longer favored. Other tribes return home. My tribe always been here. You take her and go. We go back to how life was. The chief says and nods toward the door.
As he finishes speaking, two other goblins push their way into the room from a side door.
”The families of the people you murdered in your raid on Sandpoint can’t go back to how life was just because this ’favored’ has been defeated.” Forest says. ”You can’t honestly expect to attack a town and get away for free just because it wasn’t your idea.”
Isabella finally has enough. She snaps, "This is how this is going to work. We are taking our prisoners. Your people will not come within twenty miles of Sandpoint. No raids. No sneaking around at night. No picking through the dump on the beach. The town is off-limits. If we see any of your people, we will end them."
"Your alternative is that we fight right here, right now, and finish this one way or the other."
"Choose your outcome."
The aasimar looks determined, hardened—for a moment, almost like Nualia.
Camil, seeing where this is probably going to go, puts his hand on the ever diminishing quiver of arrows on his belt, and prepares for the worst.
They better know we aren't bluffing.... we aren't bluffing right?
"Fine, kill goblins if they get too close. Now you go away!" The chief says sounding as if he is beginning to get aggravated.
Isabella clenches a fist briefly, then lets out a hard breath and says, "Fine. Let's go." She rounds on the party with determined eyes and says, "Let's hoist up our prisoners and get out of this... pit."
Lavanor seems relived that Camil and Isabella were able to handle the discussion with the king. While he seems pleased with the result, he has doubts that the king will keep his word. When Isabella mentions taking the prisoners, he realizes what it will take to carry them back to town. He pauses and turns back to the king.
"Whose horse is in the courtyard?"
"Not theirs," says Isabella before the king can reply. "Goblins hate horses. So it's stolen. Which means it's coming with us."
"It is a monster. Take it with you." the chief says absently rubbing at his left shoulder.
Isabella doesn't hesitate. Intead she hauls up Nuala's shoulders and says, "Someone grab her feet."
She glances at Runt and says, "Sorry. Another time. Let's get out of here while the getting is good."
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Camil grabs Nualia's feet, and helps Isabella drag her outta there!
Runt releases his goblin prisoner with disgust. She is not crazy enough to take on all the goblins alone and backs away from the impossible fight. She scowls. She growls. She spits in their general direction. But she does not say anything and, more importantly, does not start a fight.
Lavanor nods when told they are taking the horse. He then pauses to watch that Runt isn't going to start something. When she seems done, he ushers her out the door. He tries to pick up Lyrie, asking Zandril to help if he can't carry her on his own. He then motions to Orik to start moving as they make their way to the courtyard to get the horse before leaving.
The situation at an end, the team moves out of the goblin fort, the starving warhorse in tow. They find it rather rough going as the area is known as Thistletop for a reason. The thistles are thick and even the path they find is made more for goblins than people. Everyone continuously gets snagged or poked by a thorn of some sort. After nearly an hour of picking their way through the thistles in the dark the sun begins to crest the horizon. With more light, the weary team finally picks their way south of Thistletop and clears the multitude of briars.
The team remembers the boatman who had brought them. Walking the cliff side they eventually find him and his boat on a small rocky beach. He confirms all is well and that he was going to wait until after lunch to head back if he had not seen them. With prisoners and the horse there are too many to take the boat so they send him on and head out overland. About an hour before lunch they come in sight of the northern gate of Sandpoint.
Camil happily does an exultant shout upon returning to town! We made it! We did it! Desna definitely guided our steps and brought us back. He smiles at the others.
I'm not much for many of the things we brought out of the goblins' lair; but I could probably use the scrolls or that wand if no one else can. I say anything we don't want, we sell for certain.
Turning to the newcomer, Forest, Hey Forest, you seem a pretty decent sort, and that rescue was timely. Let's get a drink and talk about you helping us out more in the future. the Varisian man smiles broadly.
I suppose we should bring the prisoners to the sheriff and report in? Unless someone has a better idea. I do want to question the man Orik, and see what his story is. Providing there is no dissent, he'll go with everyone to the sheriff's office and help report in.
Camil happily does an exultant shout upon returning to town! We made it! We did it! Desna definitely guided our steps and brought us back. He smiles at the others.
I'm not much for many of the things we brought out of the goblins' lair; but I could probably use the scrolls or that wand if no one else can. I say anything we don't want, we sell for certain. Actually I could use the scroll of see invisibility so I can learn how to make it, same thing with the scroll of comprehend languages. That way I could do eiher a whole bunch of times?
Turning to the newcomer, Forest, Hey Forest, you seem a pretty decent sort, and that rescue was timely. Let's get a drink and talk about you helping us out more in the future. the Varisian man smiles broadly.
I suppose we should bring the prisoners to the sheriff and report in? Unless someone has a better idea. I do want to question the man Orik, and see what his story is. Providing there is no dissent, he'll go with everyone to the sheriff's office and help report in.
Isabella is practically mute for the entire trip back to Sandpoint. When she arrives safely inside of the city she drags Nualia to Sheriff Hemlock's office and drops her unceremoniously on the floor.
"We found out who was behind the goblin attacks. Nualia. She's become a disciple of Lamashtu, blames the town for the horrid circumstances of her upbringing, used the goblins to try to get her revenge."
"Do with her as is appropriate to someone who incited the goblins to attack the town and kill innocent people."
She numbly turns and leaves the office without so much as another word, before the sheriff can even ask her anything, then simply crouches down next to the corner of the building just outside the door, buries her face in her hands, and starts sobbing uncontrollably.
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Camil follows a distraught Isabella outside, Excuse me all, let me see if I can help her....
Seeing the weeping cleric, Camil sits down on the ground next to her. Hey Isabella, he starts, unsure of where to begin, I knew you had history with Nualia, but I didn't understand how much would be tied into your own life too. He fishes in a pocket for a handkerchief, and finding none, offers her his spare Varisian scarf.
I'm sorry about your husband, and what you went through... I didn't realize what you must have been going through in Thistletop. And your one-time friend; its a lot on you. He pauses, looking across the street.
We've all got our own stories, our own problems; but not like that, at least not so I know it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you need to talk, I can listen because it seems like you got a lot going on; and we all rely on you and your faith as a guidepost for us.
The gambler sits a moment, and see what the response is...
”Well. I wasn’t much use.” Forest mumbles to himself as he leads the horse back to town. He had been sent to reinforce the heroes of Sandpoint but all he’d managed to do was lose three men and a magical boat. Not a total failure, however. The group had been extracted. That was something. The goblins were not dealt with as far as he was concerned. There would need to be diplomatic missions with them in the future - openly hostile neighbors living a fortress could not be allowed.
”Yes, Camil. That sounds good.” Forest says when Camil invites him to potentially join them. ”It’s not like I had anything else planned anyways.” In a somber mood, he leaves the others to inform the families of those lost at sea what happened to their loved ones.
The sheriff asks after the others and upon hearing of their loss he offers to go with Forest. With Camil and Isabella walking out so quickly, he asks that one of the remaining team (Lavanor, Runt, Zandril, or Zherxikas) carry the word to the mayor. She had already been informed of their survival by the sailor who returned but she does not have the details. He also asks that everyone take some time to rest and recover then meet him back at his office tomorrow morning to discuss the tunnels under the town.
Runt gets over her disappointment quickly, particularly when returning to the town victorious with the miscreants in tow. As far as she is concerned, gobs will be gobs and she has no doubt with them so close by there will be another chance for revenge. Yep, it was a good day!
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Camil follows a distraught Isabella outside, Excuse me all, let me see if I can help her....
Seeing the weeping cleric, Camil sits down on the ground next to her. Hey Isabella, he starts, unsure of where to begin, I knew you had history with Nualia, but I didn't understand how much would be tied into your own life too. He fishes in a pocket for a handkerchief, and finding none, offers her his spare Varisian scarf.
I'm sorry about your husband, and what you went through... I didn't realize what you must have been going through in Thistletop. And your one-time friend; its a lot on you. He pauses, looking across the street.
We've all got our own stories, our own problems; but not like that, at least not so I know it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you need to talk, I can listen because it seems like you got a lot going on; and we all rely on you and your faith as a guidepost for us.
The gambler sits a moment, and see what the response is...
Isabella gratefully accepts the scarf and dabs at her eyes and her cheeks. It takes her a little while to get her composure back enough to be able to speak, and even then she occasionally halts, hiccups, or stifles another sob in between words.
"Thank you, Camil... it's been so hard. I just feel like... like I'm being constantly tested."
She looks up toward the cathedral and then back to Camil and says, "After the goblins took my husband and my... my ability to have children, I was distraught. Destitute. My home was destroyed. I was sorely wounded, permanently injured. I was lucky enough to live, though it didn't feel like it at the time."
"I rebuilt my life here, in Sandpoint. I met someone like me, Nualia, another aasimar. But she didn't have control of her own life. She'd been kept under strict rules by the old priest, Father Tobyn."
She sniffs and dabs her eyes again. "Maybe it's because the townspeople had already become used to Nualia, but I didn't have as much of the... burdens put upon me. The idea that as... what we are, we were somehow 'expected' to be great, to be holy, to be sacred warriors come to save and purify the town."
"I don't know what turned Nualia but... something was too much for her. She fled the town and nobody knew what happened to her until now. I was still in training when that happened... learning more about the ways of Reymenda after finding references to her in old texts, and praying for guidance to know what to do with my life."
"I never expected things to go like this. I never expected to be tested like this, to have to... give mercy? To the goblins? To the very people who took my life away from me?"
"It's just... every day is so hard. I try to not to show it but... I worry about the day that might just make me snap, make me like Nualia."
She rubs the scarf idly and offers it back to Camil.
"I don't believe that the gods ordain our lives. I don't believe that they fate us to things. I believe that they give us tools and advice, or whispers and temptations, to challenge us, to get us to show who we really are. To help us to learn. But this felt like... like I was being toyed with. Like my life was just suffering and I had to keep facing it over and over."
"I don't know what to do," she says miserably. "I feel like I'm just barely keeping it together." She takes her wedding ring in her hand and rubs it worriedly.
"Yes, I too would like to copy the scroll of comprehend languages into my spell book" he says as he examines the other scroll, "Yeah, this one is divine or such as not something I have components for"
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Camil looks at Isabella, and draws a deep breath Listen Isabella, You serve as an inspiration to many people, not because of your ancestry, but because you are a good person. I'm sorry the weight of the world feels upon your shoulders because of that. But what I've learned is that people are people, and you are good people.
He perks up slightly, I wouldn't say we gave mercy to the goblins, I saw it as we were negotiating our way out to ensure we all survived to another day. But Mercy is an important quality, and one you've certainly got plenty of. Many people facing what you've faced just give up; and you didn't.
Inhaling deeply again and exhaling, I'm sure your husband would be impressed by the woman you are today, and that the strength of your character holds things down so much for many people.
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Isabella sniffs and gets a little control of herself as she says, "Thank you, Camil. I sure hope this doesn't turn around and become a problem for Sandpoint a year later. I'm just glad we were able to stop Nualia and at least keep everyone safe for now, I guess."
Her head flags a bit and she says, "And all of this doesn't really change the circumstances of my life. My husband is still gone. I still can't have children. Not that this makes me a bad person or anything—but it's a reality that I must face."
She looks up at Camil and says, "Just have to take it one day at a time, right?" She takes a shaky breath.
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I'll be all right. It was just... all too much and it... overwhelmed me all at once."
After the unpleasant business of dealing with the deceased's families, Forest makes a quick trip to the stables to check on his horse and (presumably) his new companion, the so-called evil horse they rescued from the goblins lair. With the likelihood of a goblin attack at an all time low, the ranger doffs his heavy armor and shield, keeping only his scimitar, and saddles the gray stallion. The magnificent beast was clearly ready for some fresh air. Forest was an amatuer rider and the warhorse almost more than he could handle, but he had a good way with animals and was quickly learning to control the proud equine. Instead of mounting immediately, he leads the horse, Sato, into town. Riding was a fine luxury, but it felt good just to walk without the plate armor.
Forest stops at a food cart to purchase dinner and an apple for Sato. After some wandering he runs in to one of those he 'rescued'. The one with the passionate feelings regarding goblins. "Ah, Runt, was it? You, ah, have some very strong feelings about goblins. Was that why you volunteered to assail Thistletop?" While Sandpoint seemed to Forest to be out of immediate danger, there was the possibility he would be working with the heroes of Sandpoint in the future, so he may as well get to know them.
Camil stands and smiles at the cleric, offering a hand to help her up, Come on, let's go get a stiff drink. The lads and Runt'll take care of whatever paperwork they need to. I'm sure Amekio can be convinced to part with some of the good stuff.
As they walk along he adds, Plus, Sandpoint's better off with us alive, and I'm not certain we'd have all made it out of that room with the goblin king. In year, they can find a new group of folks with more bravery than sense to go in there again.
"Ah, Runt, was it? You, ah, have some very strong feelings about goblins. Was that why you volunteered to assail Thistletop?"
Runt seems almost surprised that the man asked her a question, like she is used to being ignored.
"Uh, me? Yea, hate the things. But I'm not crazy. I wouldn't be tacking a nest of goblins unless my friends were going. Mostly I went because they did. "
Though, if truth be told, she probably nudged them more than a bit in that direction out of her intense dislike for the vermin.
The Mayor is in a very agreeable mood. The four relay their information about the fort, the capture of the prisoners, and the bargain at the end. She congratulates you all on a job well done and says she will be along at the Sheriff's meeting in the morning. The four who depart the mayor's office as well as the others who spun off for various reasons soon find that word of the arrival has spread. Just like the day after the goblin attack, the people of Sandpoint seem extremely grateful for your efforts and happy you have returned. Some off some small gift of food or a trinket of appreciation, others merely come up to shake your hands and thank you personally.
Everyone finds some sort of distraction that evening (feel free to share what it is you do, such as Forest going for a ride) be it food, drink, exercise or some combination thereof. Finally, you settle into bed. The next morning you arise feeling great after a long rest even though some of your muscles are feeling the strain of the previous day. You head downstairs and Ameiko hustles everyone to a large table where she demands you wait for breakfast.
Camil stands and smiles at the cleric, offering a hand to help her up, Come on, let's go get a stiff drink. The lads and Runt'll take care of whatever paperwork they need to. I'm sure Amekio can be convinced to part with some of the good stuff.
As they walk along he adds, Plus, Sandpoint's better off with us alive, and I'm not certain we'd have all made it out of that room with the goblin king. In year, they can find a new group of folks with more bravery than sense to go in there again.
Isabella accepts the hand up and says, "I think drinking might be a bad idea for me right now. I think I'll head home and turn in early. Some sleep will do me wonders, I'm sure I'll be right as rain in the morning. Thank you again, Camil."
~~~~~~~~~~
The following day she meets with the team for breakfast, a bit subdued but clearly on a more even keel.
"Hey... couldn't miss the chance to have one of Ameiko's breakfasts with some of my favorite people. How's everyone doing today?"
Runt heads out to do a little shopping and has no idea what to do with all the attention and friendliness. Her go to reaction is suspicion, suspecting they are manipulating her and want something, but she's smart and eventually figures out it is authentic. But instead of making it easier, it makes it harder. She has absolutely no idea how to be sociable, and the friendliness leaves her palpably uncomfortable and at a loss. Her answers are short and as polite as she can make them but after a while she finds an out of the way and quiet corner in the inn and hides inside her helmet and armor.
This new life of hers is so different it is scary, so scary she is almost tempted to go back to the temple and cleaning up after goblins. Except that she can't, for any number of reasons.
While she is out, can she get that medallion identified?
It seems like Vorvashali Voon would be the most appropriate pick to check it out.
Forest enjoys a not-so-slow and not-so-quiet gallop around the coastal evening countryside. He felt good. A journey to pick up a small inheritance had turned into saving lives. All told, a very successful trip and it seems the mayor has more work for him.
====================
Forest gathers in the common room and finds himself at the hero's table, hardly even sore from his unexpected swim and wrestle with the tentacled cave beast. "I am doing well. Went for a swim, a hike, and a ride yesterday. And besieged a fortress. All in all a good day."
Camil wanders in for breakfast with the group, even though it is out of his way. Morning all, how's everyone doing? Say I was thinking, what if we just sell everything we aren't going to use, no mess- don't even bother trying to get more for it? Camil looks at the others, So we're talking about the tunnels and the old temple we found today? I thought they were going to seal them up?
Voon is able to identify the medallion while Runt waits. It is a protective medallion even in death (+1 resistance bonus to all saves, gentle repose while worn) and it draws forth false life to gird up the wearer (cast false life once per day CL 5).