Valtyra bemusedly looks at Aldern and chuckles, "You're welcome. See you tomorrow for lunch!"
She turns to the others, "Does anyone know how to follow tracks? I wonder if they'll come back anytime soon."
"Sure. Goblins are easy to follow. But why? You really don't want to visit a goblin's lair." Runt wrinkles her nose in reminiscence, which, considering how she stank just a little while ago, is saying something.
Considering the retreating goblins, Camil shrugs, re-wrapping his scarf around his neck. "Zandril, I couldn't agree more! And a free lunch tomorrow as well! Truly Desna shines on us today."
Thinking about Valtyra's words, "Well, they are gone, and I doubt they'd come back here after we stood up to them. Unless people truly think we should chase them into the wilderness?"
Camil dusts off his floppy hat, settling it back upon his head. "By the by all, nice work there. Master Dwarf, you feeling better? " Camil glances around the assembly looking at each of them in turn. "We sort of saved the day, huh? I wonder if there is a reward for that? Maybe we get a parade?"
"I hope that's the last of them. Good job everbody! Those of you who are injured, please come over here. I still have some healing magic left."
Rowan positions himself so that none of the goblins are healed by his channel and waits for the injured party members to be in range.
Rowan turns to address Valtyra and Camil. "I don't think we need to track down their lair right now. They won't have the numbers to try something like this again for a while. We should make sure there aren't any more of them left in town though."
Rowan walks off through the town, looking for more goblins, injured citizens, or fires.
Valtyra smiles at Runt's question, "'Want' is a strong word. It's more of a notion that they might be trouble in the future once we're not here anymore."
She nods at Camil and Rowan's words, "You're right they probably won't return immediately and the free lunch will do us all good. Before I leave town, I'd like to get together some like minded people and check up on them to make certain they won't soon return."
"Good point Rowan, there may still be some lurking around the town. Let's split up and flush any of them out, see you back here soon." she concurs and then turns to head off into town to look for goblins.
Trunt clears his throat and says, "We also have the unconscious goblins over by the temple. We should at least ask them a few questions before getting rid of them. At least tie them up before they wake up." Trunt goes through the goblins belongings looking for any interesting knickknacks and looks to see if the goblins belong to any band that he recognizes.
Seeing the wisdom in Trunt's words Camil nods, "Well, maybe the sheriff can aid with that task? Tying up goblins seems more like his job than any of us concerned citizens, right?"
Camil tags along with Rowan and Valtrya checking for more goblins hiding in buildings or things on fire. "Why do you think they got all the nerve to get into town and attack the cathedral. Wait, how did they get to the middle of town? That makes no sense..."
Upon being healed by Rowan, Wrath lurches into a sitting position. The wild look in his eyes fades when he realizes the fight is over. "Thank you," he says looking up to Rowan. "I owe you my life, you can be sure that I will be there when you need my aid."
Wrath takes Zandril's hand as he helps Wrath to his feet. "I should be saying that to you, looks like you were at least able to keep on standing through the fight." He turns to Camil "Well, I've sure felt better. Hopefully the rest of town is safe. Now I know what you all meant by those goblins on the road. The group riding those rat dogs could have just come through the North gate. The first group seemed to jump up out of the dirt. How could they have gotten in?"
"Thank you for tying up that goblin," Wrath says to Isabella. "Should we take it to one of the guards? I am sure they are probably busy, but it will be good to know why and how they attacked Sandpoint."
Wrath follows the group going around town looking for goblins or any way he can help. "I for one would join you Valtyra. They might be gone now, but they may have just been testing the defenses. Then again, they weren't very coordinated. It looks like they found a weak point if they were able to get into town without anyone noticing." Looking to Camil and Zandril, "Our monastery had many tunnels and secret entrances, could there be something similar here?"
Trunt clears his throat and says, "We also have the unconscious goblins over by the temple. We should at least ask them a few questions before getting rid of them. At least tie them up before they wake up."
THIS should be interesting. Wonder if anyone will get bit.
"You're better off just making sure they stay unconscious. Goblins have an alarming ability to escape bonds. I'd be happy to see to that."
Searching around town the group helps subdue a couple more well beaten goblins. While they are making their rounds, Sheriff Hemlock rides up with six constables with him. He has his men gather up the subdued goblins (4 in all) and has them haul the creatures off to the jail. When asked, he says anyone will be able to come in and question the goblins as long as one of the constables is around.
"I hear the town owes you a debt for stopping the main force of the goblins. Thank you." the Sheriff says. "I wish I had been here but an hour beforehand we received word of a goblin raid on a caravan from Magnimar. We hustled out to find it was merely a small skirmish. It sounds like the main action was here in town. So again, thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a goblin raid to investigate." With that he rides off.
Trunt starts checking the goblins. When the sheriff arrives, he has one of his constables organize a citizen patrol to pick up the bodies. Within the hour they have two teams with a cart picking up the dead. Another team of citizens, led by Father Zantus joined by Hannah, wanders through the town helping to heal the wounded. Focusing on the carts, Trunt is able to count two dozen suits of goblin leather armor, two dozen small wooden shields, an expert quality goblin halberd, and two dozen goblin swords. He also notices the markings on the shields and armor. He counts five different tribal symbols though he only recognizes one, the Mosswood goblins. At the time of his counting the goblin belongings none of the citizens seem interested in the goblin stuff.
Isabella help bring the tied goblin to Dheriff Hemlock. With a nod to Wrath she says, ”I want to find out how they got inside the walls. If it happens once, it can happen again.”
Rowan chuckles a bit at Wrath's dramatic response to being healed. "Don't thank me, thank Erastil. He does all the work. I just point him in the right direction."
While the group is discussing the attack, Rowan adds "I suppose they could have a secret way in here, but I kind of doubt it. Goblins are sneaky little bastards. They probably just slipped in while everyone was distracted by the festivities."
After the sheriff explains his story, Rowan says "I don't think the sheriff and his men being out of town for this was a coincidence. Seems like the goblins were trying to draw him away so they could attack Sandpoint without interference. That's more clever than I'm used to seeing from goblins. Are they getting smarter or is someone else leading them? Either way, someone needs to investigate. Valtyra and Wrath, I'll come with you to find their lair."
When Isabella arrives, Rowan says to her "I saw you help during the fighting, but I don't believe we've met. I'm Rowan Ellis, priest of Erastil. Pleased to make your acquaintence."
”Hello, Rowan. Isabella Monstrance, priestess of Reymenda.”
Valtyra looks concerned at what the sheriff said, "So, they coordinated well enough to draw out the constables while they attacked the supposedly defenseless town."
With the addition of Trunt's information she continues, "Five tribes? There were five tribes of goblins involved in the attack and it was coordinated with ambushes on the road outside town."
"I'm no expert on goblins but that sounds suspicious to me. I've never heard goblins mentioned favorably when there is talk of coordination and cooperation involved," muses Valtyra.
"Thank you Rowan for helping out with our desire to put an end to this. But first, a bit of recovery, good food, and good drink. I think we've earned at least one evening of relaxation."
"All this talk of goblins being smart makes me thirsty, and I think she has the right of it. Zandril's probably right that someone will buy us a glass or several for what we did today. I've seen some of you around a bit, but I'm Camil. Thanks for all pitching in with that messy bit today."
Camil waves to the assembled group with a quick grin.
"Ah, a fellow servant of the divine." Rowan nods approvingly. He then stops to think, trying to remember if he has heard the name Reymenda before.
His religious education failing him, Rowan says "I don't think I've met a follower of Reymenda before. What is she a goddess of?"
Responding to Valtyra, Rowan says "Of course. I think we could all use a rest after that. I think I'll head back to the Rusty Dragon for some drinks. You are all welcome to join me."
"I might be able to track them, but I don't think we are in a position to go looking for a tribe of goblins right now. We need to rest up before taking on such a challenge. Besides, we've been offered a free meal for helping. Don't want to miss out on that," Lavanor says before returning to help sweep the town.
"I would agree that it is troublesome that the goblins were coordinated in their attacks. With the additional knowledge that 5 tribes were involved would seem to me that a more powerful creature is commanding them. I don't think the tribe leaders are smart enough to do that on their own."
"I think we all could use a drink after today's activities. Hopefully the night is peaceful."
Runt listens avidly to the discussions but does not contribute anything else to the theories on goblin motivations. She considers herself a bit of an expert, but she's also at a loss as to why the little buggers would be working together.
Hanging around at the fringes of the group, feeling awkward and self-conscious, she waddles along behind them when they eventually wind down and head to the Rusty Dragon. She fully intends to make full use of this free drinks and food thing as heavily as she can. Besides, the goblins are someone else's problem right now.
Trunt Turns to Runt and nods when she mentions difficulty with keeping Goblins bound but twirls his dagger and responds, "Oh, I was thinking something more permanent," but about that time, the Sheriff shows up and takes custody of the goblins. Trunt gladly lets them do so, shaking his hand says, "Happy to help good sir, always looking to help out the community!
While he has the Sheriff's hand, Trunt moves in close and says, "I think there was some sort of organization behind these attacks sheriff, I've spotted 5 goblin tribes including the Mosswood clan." While saying this, Trunt moves in to try to steal keys for the what ever passes for the jail.
Trunt sees the sheriff's cautious eyes and "trips" into him and says, "Oh, I'm sorry, lost my footing a bit there."
Trunt pockets the keys for later.
Trunt has the keys.
Everyone continues with general introductions and small talk. As it turns out, several of the newcomers are staying at the Rusty Dragon so the locals join them in the common room of the inn. As expected, word of their valor today has spread already and the saviors of Sandpoint, as some have started calling them, pay nary a copper for food or drink.
At some point in the evening everyone retires to their homes or rooms, or so they say.
Camil will play several low-risk hands of cards with any of the 'heroes' of the day, teaching as he goes, laughing and making sure no one loses too badly.
Camil will retire to his small room, and in the morning will prep two extracts for the day - Cure Light Wounds - Infusion and Tanglefoot spittle. Before heading out into town for the day, stopping to the Red Dragon to see what all these new folks in town are doing for the day.
Rowan spends the evening celebrating with the others in the common room of the Rusty Dragon. He drinks a responsible amount, not wanting to take advantage of the generosity of the townsfolk. The response to the group's heroism was overwhelming. He had come to Sandpoint to help, but had not expected to be hailed as a hero within one day. Rowan plays a few rounds of cards with Camil and the others, picking up a trick or two along the way. His mood is jovial, laughing and telling stories of his home village. Eventually, he returns to his room and swiftly falls asleep, his exhaustion from the day's activities overpowering any lingering worries about the goblin attacks.
Rowan sleeps in late. When he wakes, he begins his day as he always does, with an hour long prayer to Erastil. He prays for the wisdom to uncover the truth about the goblins and the strength to protect Sandpoint from any further harm. Once he is finished, he decides to take a walk to familiarize himself with the town and see what else had been damaged. If he runs into any of the other party members at the inn, he will inform them where he is going and that he will be back in time for lunch with Mr. Foxglove.
Zandril spends the evening accepting the drinks given to him and telling those who will listen of his heroism (including the others here and there). As the night goes on the tales of his deeds get more and more elaborate.
In the morning he takes his time getting ready and then takes a the long way back to the Rusty Dragon, looking over the damage done the previous day and reflecting on the situation None of this adds up. Sure, goblins attack caravans and travelers, but I've never heard of them attacking a town like this. Plus it sounds like it was organized and timed, and during the festival. It doesn't add up and if someone or something is pushing these goblins to attack, there's bound to be another.
After his walk, he'll make it to the Rusty Dragon before lunch time. If any of the heroes from the previous day are there he'll sit with them and strike up conversation.
Valtyra has a great time socializing with the locals, learning their names, and getting to know something about as many of them as she can. She's a gregarious person who comes from merchants, so most of her life has been spent socializing. She drinks a reasonable amount, enough to enjoy herself, but not enough to have even a touch of a hangover.
With all of the excitement and energy of the day, she's bone tired. She snuggles into her bed for a good night's sleep. On waking, she'll go down and have whatever bread, cheeses, or fruits they have for mornings.
Runt has no idea how to behave, what to do. She watches the others carefully and tries to follow suit. She eats more slowly than usual and drinks more heavily than usual. She's not altogether unfamiliar with alcohol so she does not get drunk. Drunk = dead. Most of the time she is wearing a bemused look on her face, but rather liking how this new culture works. She is tempted to try a goblin joke on them, but decides against it.
In the end, well fed and rather content with life, she retires to a room, makes her nest in a safe corner, and falls asleep with one eye open.
In the morning she tags along with whatever group will have her like a kid following her big brother around.
Trunt makes his way to the Rusty Dragon with the others and enjoys a good time at others expense. He even joins in the game with Camil and Rowan if a couple coppers will interest anyone. When he sees the game, he goes over and says, ”mind if I join? I like a good game but the buy in was to rich for me at the festival.” After breaking the ice, Trunt clears his throat and says, ”You guys ever had run-ins with goblins before? I’ve been lucky and haven’t but I’ve heard a lot about them.”
After the evening winds down, Trunt makes his way back to Fatman’s Feedbag and looks for his contact, fingering the keys in his pocket. If they don’t know anything useful, I might have to sneak into the jail and see if anyone is there. I don’t think they would be there but you never know.
Trunt also picks up the expert halberd to take and see what it’s worth.
"Ah, a fellow servant of the divine." Rowan nods approvingly. He then stops to think, trying to remember if he has heard the name Reymenda before.
[dice = Knowledge Religion] 1d20 + 5
His religious education failing him, Rowan says "I don't think I've met a follower of Reymenda before. What is she a goddess of?"
"Reymenda is the Lady of the Martyred Womb, Empyreal Lady of Loss," says the aasimar woman. She gently touches the holy symbol on a thong about her neck - a black rose floating on water - with a small ring over it. "I... came late into her service after a goblin raid destroyed my home. I have lived in Sandpoint these last few years since then."
The next morning, those at the Rusty Dragon head down to breakfast. Rowan announces his intent to walk about town and several others, who had spent the night there, decide to join him (I assume Runt at least follows, others who do not state an action will be assumed to be touring with Rowan). As they leave they run into Camil who greets them enthusiastically and offers to act as tour guide.
Their trek takes them up market street into the Sandpoint Market. Because of its unique trading relationship with Magnimar, many merchants being drawn to acquire blown glass from Sandpoint, the market is rather robust for such a small town. They peruse the market for a bit (you may search for bargains if you wish) before moving up Festival Street past the Theater which advertises "The Harpy's Curse" starring Allishanda from Magnimar showing through the next week. Then up Raven Street toward the town hall, where Camil points out Bottled Solutions, a local alchemist shop. As they cross the green toward Tower Street they see Trunk, one of the gnomes from yesterday, entering Savah's Armory.
Market Bargain Hunting (you may search for a bargain once per week) d20 Roll
1–6 A piece of adventuring gear, clothing, food or drink, or trade good of your choice (chosen from any in Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Equipment) at 10% its normal price.
7–12 An alchemical item of your choice (chosen from any in Ultimate Equipment) at 10% its normal price.
13–16 A weapon of your choice (to include expert or masterwork) at 10% its normal price.
17–19 A potion or scroll of your choice (chosen from any in Ultimate Equipment) at 10% its normal price.
20 A magic item of your choice at 10% its normal price.
Zandril heads out along Water Street and turns to go toward the market. At the intersection of Main Street, Shayliss, the attractive and flirtatious older daughter of the general store keeper, comes running up to Zandril. "Hurry, I think one of those goblins is in our basement." She says breathlessly. He can't help but notice she has a rather revealing blouse accentuated by a tight vest.
Zandril, lost in his thoughts, is taken a bit off guard by her approach but quickly gains his composure, "Hello Shayliss. Has it hurt anyone? Lead me to it.". He lets Shayliss lead him to the shop. He'll enter first making as little noise as possible with his sword at the ready.
Valtyra wanders around the market for a while and in a dusty stall amongst a number of other weapons she finds a dinged up cold iron heavy mace. "If we need to go out in the forests around here, something to deal with evil fey can't hurt." she comments and pays the merchant.
"Hey, can I borrow five silver pieces from someone? I found this really interesting Ioun torch! I'm just a little short, but I can probably win it back tonight and pay you in a few days!" Camil looks around the heroes from last night with a grin and excitement glittering in his eyes.
If he can get 5 silver, he'll purchase an Ioun Torch for 7.5 GP
Jubrayl has a wicked smile but he seems to share it with everyone. "Your a pushy one, you know it. I have a suspicion they went to Magnimar. Don't be jumpin' just yet though. I have a man due here in a day or two. When he gets in I should have a better lead for ya. But you better have enough to make it worth our effort. Travel to and from Magnimar ain't cheap. That's a lot of man hours." Jubrayl says.
Zandril slips into the building quietly, Shayliss follows, not as silently but pretty good. She points to a door behind the counter. They both go around and through the door to a small hall with three doors. The one on the right is slightly ajar. She moves up so she is body to body with Zandril and points. "I saw it down there," she whispers breathlessly.
They quietly stalk down the stairs and into the storage cellar. It is well organized with various dry goods, tools, a handful of weapons, and even some pickled items. She motions to the back of the room. Zandril leads. The round a final shelf and the place appears to be empty. A small bed is setup next to the wall with a chest next to it. When Zandril turns to ask where the goblin was he finds Shayliss topless.
"Your actions were so heroic yesterday I thought you deserved a proper reward," she says and kisses him deeply.
Week 1 bargains so far:
Camil: ioun torch
Valtyra: cold iron mace
"Reymenda is the Lady of the Martyred Womb, Empyreal Lady of Loss," says the aasimar woman. She gently touches the holy symbol on a thong about her neck - a black rose floating on water - with a small ring over it. "I... came late into her service after a goblin raid destroyed my home. I have lived in Sandpoint these last few years since then."
"I see. My condolences. That sort of tragedy is all too common around here. With any luck, we will be able to wipe out these goblins and prevent it from happening again."
”mind if I join? I like a good game but the buy in was to rich for me at the festival.” After breaking the ice, Trunt clears his throat and says, ”You guys ever had run-ins with goblins before? I’ve been lucky and haven’t but I’ve heard a lot about them.”
"I have. One of my main duties as a priest back home was dealing with the fallout from goblin attacks. Healing the injured, putting out fires, that sort of thing. Even killed a few of them with my bow, but they just don't stop coming."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
While on his walk with some of the other "heroes", Rowan decides to look for any good deals in the market.
He finds a nice looking used backpack on sale, and decides to buy it. When Valtyra mentions dangerous fey, he also decides to buy some cold-iron arrows.
Runt wanders about and finds a vendor selling an abandoned vial of alchemist fire dropped by a fleeing goblin. The merchant has absolutely no idea what it is.
"Say, that man over there is selling some 'sticky fire that burns real good' and I don't think he knows what it is. He has it labeled 'lamp oil'. We would be doing him a favor if we bought it from him. 'cept I have no money so one of you should buy it."
After checking the last corner of the basement Zandril sheathes his sword and turns around to mention how tidy the room is for having had a goblin, but is taken aback as he sees Shayliss topless. He smiles and takes her in as she approaches, "It was pretty heroic, wasn't it." When she kisses him he instinctively checks that his belt pouch is still there before putting his arms around her. By Shelyn's grace, how do I find myself in these situations?
Zandril
A few moments later the deed is done and Zandrol finds himself on top looking into her beautiful brown eyes when from behind him he hears, "What in tarnation are you doing to my daughter?"
Zandril glances over his shoulder and sees a big man standing at the edge of the back shelf. It is Vin Vender, the owner of the store, and he looks fit to be tied. He begins pulling his sleeves up.
Sword and pants lie on the floor, next to his boots and shirt. The space is 10'x10'. Vinder is 5' away. Zandril's action. The only route out is past Vinder.
Valtrya, Thank you for the loan! I'll make it back quickly to repay your kindness!" Camil says setting the Ioun Torch to float gently by his head. "When did you say you were leaving town again?"
Turning to Runt, "Oh Alchemist fire? Sadly I'm now broke and need to win a few card games before I could pick that up. That's actually something I know how to make given the time and resources. But certainly it could be worth purchasing."
Camil will wander about until lunch at the appointed hour. Showing people about town and generally chatting.
By Shelyn's grace, how do I find myself in these situations?
Zandril turns to the big man with a smile, "Good morning, Mr. Vender." Zandril begins speaking at a fast pace to completely dominate the conversation trying to speak faster than the big man can think, all the while moving to the edge of the bed and putting his pants, shirt, and boots on. "I'd tell you this isn't what it looks like, but I wouldn't want to insult a man of your intelligence. You see, what really happened was I was simply out reflecting on yesterday's happenstance, you know, when the goblins attacked the festival and then myself and my intrepid band of heroes fought them back into the woods. Anyway, as I said, I was out reflecting on these events when your beautiful daughter ran up to me distraught. She suspected one of those filthy goblins had gotten into the basement here. What was I to do, but help her? I snuck down here to make sure all was safe. Being grateful for my help and heroism she asked me to teach her about the love and beauty of Shelyn and I certainly can't forsake my god. And that's when you walked in right at the end of my . . . sermon." Though, she might have taught me more than I taught her. . Hopefully by now Zandril has his pants, belt, and boots on and he's standing up putting his arms through his shirtsleeves.
After the evaluation, Trunts eyes light up and he says, "That is most generous! Can I get your name so that I can recommend you?"
When Jubrayl leaves the table, Trunt stays in his seat drumming his small fingers on the table nervously for a few minutes. After calming himself down, he goes to check on his donkey then heads to his room to sleep for the night.
As part of Trunt's morning routine, Trunt hides 2 of his daggers in his layers of colorful cloth so that he is always protected.
Strolling through town with his donkey the next morning, Trunt browses the shops looking for anything of interest. Trunt picks up a potion of Invisibility at a bargain price!
After this, Trunt heads to the Rusty Dragon for lunch with Aldern Foxglove and will greet anyone from the last night that he recognizes.
Wrath follows the group to the markets to see what it's all about. He chuckles a little when Camil asks for more coin, and smiles big when Valtyra gives him the money. He starts to look around, see if there is anything interesting to buy.
Wrath finds a potion of Air Bubble on discount. Apparently the liquid had become somewhat viscous during transportation into town, prompting the drop in price to a stunning 2.5 gp! He promptly buys it.
While strolling by the stalls Wrath looks up at Valtyra, "Maybe we should look for Brodert Quink before we go to lunch. I know the attack just happened, but I don't want to forget why we came."
"I'm here doing research, so quite a while I'd expect," she says to Camil. "I've never seen an ioun torch before, that's pretty useful. I think I'll keep an eye out for a reasonably priced one myself."
Looking a bit surprised at Wrath's comment, "In all the excitement I nearly forgot that!" She laughs and says, "We should definitely do that right now."
Wrath and Valtyra head off to find Brodert.
Vin just gets redder the more Zandril talks. As if he was waiting for it to be a fair fight, he swings once Zandril gets his pants on. The man’s heavy fist connects making Zandril’s eyes water.
Hearing Valtyra and Wrath mention Brodert, Camil gives them simple directions on how to get there. Then he leads the others back the way they had come to the Rusty dragon in order to be on time for lunch.
Wrath and Valtyra finds Quinks house easy enough. They knock and he answers the door. He adjusts his spectacles and asks, ”May I help you?”
Zandril takes the hit in the jaw and mutters under his breath, "Ok, maybe I deserved that." He then regains his composure and gathers the rest of his possessions off the floor while trying to reason with Vin, "I'm not going to fight you sir, I have too much respect for both you and your daughter. Why don't I buy you a drink at the Hagfish."
As he stumbles over his words he sees the look on the man's face; Zandril then attempts to tumble past him up the stairs.
"Say, that man over there is selling some 'sticky fire that burns real good' and I don't think he knows what it is. He has it labeled 'lamp oil'. We would be doing him a favor if we bought it from him. 'cept I have no money so one of you should buy it."
"I still have some gold left. I'll take it. Might come in handy later"
His shopping trip concluded, Rowan heads back to the Rusty Dragon.
Turning to Runt, "Oh Alchemist fire? Sadly I'm now broke and need to win a few card games before I could pick that up. That's actually something I know how to make given the time and resources. But certainly it could be worth purchasing."
Alchemist's Fire? Hmmm. That's right. Normal people don't use those goofy goblin names for things. I need to remember that.
Runt doesn't say much during the day, just soaks it all in. The crowds are are a bit difficult for her to manage. Some of the folks give her a dirty look, mistaking her for a goblin, but she's used to all kinds of looks and it doesn't faze her. What really bothers her is that she is too short to see over everyone and she feels like she is missing out on a lot.