Bumbo stutters a bit when the Mayor looks upon him, then lowers his eyes in a bit of embarrassment. Heard about that, did you...well, to tell the truth, that pup helped me more than I helped him. His face turns up in a smile, and he claps his heels together and snaps off a clumsy, though well-intentioned salute. Will do, boss, we'll do what we can!
He then turns and rushes after Dol, his stomach growling. Did someone say breakfast?
For Everyone heading to the Rusty Dragon Inn:
As you all enter the common room, the morning light behind you as your eyes adjust, a voice calls out to you. Quickly you see "The Fop" from before, seated at one of the tables with a glass and waving you over. He is wearing new clothes, still of fine make but slightly less so this day, and his belt still holds no blade.
Ho! Friends! I was hoping to see you this morning. Bethana said you'd already been out, but I'm glad to see you've returned in time for breakfast. Come. Sit. Let me pay for your meal and your drinks. Bethana, please. Meals for my friends. My saviors. Whatever they want this find morning. His voice is grondiose and carries across the room. Another patron in the corner seems to almost audibly roll her eyes.
Bethana comes around from behind the bar. You're Dol Stormmaul, right? And Bumbo'kla? Aventail, of course. Ameiko heard about everything you guys did. She's said free room and board for the lot of you and the three others (I'm sorry I've forgotten the names) for at least a week. She takes any orders for food and drink before heading back to the kitchen and bar.
Aldern seems to slump at that, Well then. I'll just have to think of something more to repay you then. Something more personal than just this, of course. He says as he begins to pull out money pouches from inside his jacket. He hands one to each of you (and has enough for all the PC's). Please accept this as a reward for saving my life. Really, for saving so many lives. And... I know. I had intended to go hunting on the morrow. The Tickwood nearby is known for it's great boars. Perhaps you'd like to join me? I'll pay for the horses and spears, of course. He smiles broadly at the group, We'll need to find a truly impressive animal to carry around Aventail, of course. But you seem agile enough to be worth the effort. What say you all? Interested.
For those staying at the meeting:
If anyone is there, the sun moves slowly as the council discusses labor costs, reports of sick, injured and dead, taxes to cover the efforts, etc. It is rather dry and tedious. Council members come and go, rarely all meeting at the same time, with only Mayor Devrin staying through the entirety.
The warm welcome pleases Aventail, and she accepts the profferred lodging, pointing out she requires no victualling nor hydration. When the fop Aldern proffers a reward Aventail accepts her coin pouch gracefully. She seems unsure about riding, or for that matter, hunting.
"I am not inclined to join you for your hunt kind Aldern." the adamantian replies clearly.
"Tis fine. Whatcha tracken? Shud wes eat first?"
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Dol smiles and clasps Aldern's hand. As Bethana relays Ameiko's offer, Dol laughs.
"Ah! Multiple offers of a free meal? Truly this attention is unwarranted, but who am I to refuse? We will simply have to endeavor to eat and drink twice as much, eh Bumbo!? Bring us some breakfast ale, Bethana"
Mindful to pass on the generosity, Dol hands Bethana a silver as she goes to fetch breakfast.
As he pockets the bag presented by Aldern, he considers the man for a moment.
"I can't say that sport hunting has ever really appealed to me, Aldern, nor the danger inherent in hunting something as fierce as a boar. However, I will gladly join you on the hunt if others among my friends are interested."
"I'd intended to hunt greenskins, but they seem to want us to stay in town. But we will have time soon enough."
Raz perks up at the offer of a free meal, but the tightness of his lamellar around his gut holds him. "Just the ale for me"
"I do not hunt for sport, I do not begrudge you if you choose to. I would not go into The Tickwood until someone gets to the heart of the attack."
While Loth listens intently, it eventually becomes apparent there is little he can offer. Not only that, while he's certainly not a stranger to long meetings, he finds himself a little impatient after a while. During a break in the discussions, he excuses himself and leaves.
Once he's out, without really noticing it, he hurries to the Rusty Dragon, hoping to find the others there.
After years of mingling with merchants, are these fighters the company I start to prefer? Curious.
He enters the Rusty Dragon and perks up when he sees the (fellow?) Heroes of Sandpoint.
"Hey there, what'd I miss?"
Bumbo gulps loudly, the thought of hunting...especially boar...weighing on him heavily. I'm sorry Aldern; I certainly appreciate the reward, but I don't think that my, um...friend...would like to go hunting - at least not in this sense. Plus, as good Razkiv here said, we do have some business to attend to first. Why, now we're officially in the employment of the town!
He beams at that, obviously quite proud of himself.
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Waving Loth over to the table, Dol fills him in. "Loth, pull up a chair and grab some food. We've been given free lodging by Ameiko for the week."
Waving to Bethana, he calls out for more ale for Loth. "Also, Aldern here was thanking us for saving his life with some coin and an offer to join him on a hunting excursion, though so far nobody has taken him up on the suggestion.
Have you any interest in boar hunting?"
@Dol: You Sense Motive reveals that he seems eager for your (the groups) approval. You begin to realize that he has romanticized the situation a bit and wants to be in the company of heroes. For that is how the townsfolk see you, even if you don't.
@Everyone: Aldern's disappointment seems to grow with every rejection. But he seems undeterred in his friendliness. () Ah. Very well then. Not your cup of tea. Well, I refuse to allow you to not be properly thanked. As I said, money is a poor substitute for true gratitude. He seems to pause for a moment as he thinks.
Bethana appears with a tray of mugs full of a light ale mixed with honey and milk. She balances the tray expertly considering it is almost as large around as she is tall, and passes out cups to everyone. Good for filling the stomach, but with little alcohol to it this early in the morning. A "breakfast ale" as requested. Breakfast will be up shortly. Eggs, sausage, bread, oatmeal. Yell if you need anything else She heads back to the kitchen after smiling broadly at the group.
After she leaves, Aldern continues. I have an idea. Pampering. IF a hunt is not to your liking, then how about a spa? The Pixie's Kitten here in town has a lovely bath house and a very skilled masseuse. Amongst it's other services...... he coughs into his hand and trails off for a second. Either way. If not that, then name your reward. Please.
Raz places the reward into a pouch, without looking at the contents, and enjoys the ale.
'It is not a Kegback, but I am not either, not anymore'
"I'd be happy to take you up on your offer of this Spa, but I would want to wait till after this trouble has passed."
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Dol chuckles at Bethana's reaction and gives Loth a light elbow as she heads back to the kitchen.
"Looks like you've got an admirer. Maybe this hero business might be to your liking."
Returning his attention to Aldern, he smiles and tries to be accomodating. "A spa, you say? Well, working the bellows does tend to make the muscles a bit sore. I won't say no to a good soak.
I'm expecting someone here in the next hour, but if we don't end up with anything else that needs our immediate attention, I'll take you up on your offer this afternoon."
Loth joins the others and gratefully listens as Dol brings him up to speed. "Hunting? Well... It wouldn't be my first time, admittedly, but with the town in this state it hardly seems like the proper time..."
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Loth looks at Dol a bit, then Bethana as she walks off. "What? Nooo, you're just saying that." he responds, failing to conceal a grin.
As Aldern starts talking, Loth listens.
He then leans towards Dol and whispers. "I'm not sure what is or isn't allowed as a follower of Torag, but I do feel like I should warn you that the Pixie's Kitten is more about the girls than it is about the spa.."
After Dol's statement, Aldern stutters out a response. No no, good dwarf. Not exactly. But they do offer certain, more companionable, services. If you understan.... He is interrupted by the return of Bethana with your food.
It's a brothel, She says bluntly. Not the bad sort, mind you. And they've got more than just girls there, boys to if that's your fancy. Never been myself, but I do prefer a handsome fella. She quickly eyes Loth again as she hands out the plates of food. As she places one in front of Aventail, she says Not sure if your kind eats, or what. But if there's ought else you'd prefer, let me know.
Aldern blushes slightly at Bethana's uncouth words. Yes. That it is. But clean, and reputable. Not that I've taken part in those services, mind you. But it is a welcoming place.
Bumbo seems mostly oblivious to the exchange from earlier, so intent is he upon his food. He smiles broadly at Aldern and reaches out to shake his hand. Why, good sir...you have a deal! Don't worry, Dol may be a bit of a prude, but I wouldn't be a good gnome if I missed out on a good pampering.
He seems to think a bit, then looks at Aldern over the food. Say, what's your take on this goblin threat...think its something the townfolk should be worried about? I know we're a hardy lot, but an attack like the one from yesterday, well...does it make you think twice about how you go about your day?
Razkiv keeps his growing discomfort at the conversation, and the food that he is working to avoid, barely covered.
He almost breaths a sigh of relief when the talk goes back to action.
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"Oh, I see. Well, I've nothing against a bit of mutual beard washing with a proper dwarven lass and if there are those willing to provide a service, and others willing to pay for that service, I will not speak against it.
However, these types of establishments typically seem to run outside of the law, in human lands at least. Even where the practice is legal and regulated there is also the spectre of women who are forced or tricked into the life, and unable to leave."
Dol considers Aldern for but a moment, and nods, unsure of the truth of his words, but taking him as honest.
Digging in to the food, he continues. "It seems you are also wary of the risk of supporting the practitioners of vice, though your use of euphamism in describing the place tells me that you do not believe the facility to be completely legal."
Taking a long swig of ale, Dol leans back and smiles at Aldern. "Aldern, you have nothing to prove to me. Just coming to eat and drink with us, and inviting me into your community is more than enough thanks. If you feel that more thanks is needed, I would encourage you to find a way to pay it forward to someone who is more in need.
If there is ever anything else that you need from me, you have but to ask. Now, let's eat and talk of more cheerful things."
Loth can only nod in agreement with Dol's response to Aldern's friendliness.
"Your offers are generous ones, but after last night, I don't think many of us are in the mood for carousing. Once all this blows over, though, I hope you don't mind if I take you up on the boar hunt."
Jumping in with Dol's attempt to steer the topic, Loth turns the conversation back to Aldern.
"Yesterday's chaos made for a poor chance of introduction, so allow me." He stretches his arm out to Aldern. "Loth Dalveran, from Magnimar. I came here to attend the Swallowtail, but it seems I'll be staying here a little longer. How 'bout you? Do you live in Sandpoint, Aldern? Or were you visiting the festival as well?"
Aventail finds the biological impulses and their resultant resolution difficult to parse and even harder to empathise with.
"I agree with Dollstorm. I have no requirememt for pampering...though it sounds...luxurious."
The mechanoid warrior sits still, quietly observing her new friends.
So much of their facility is eased by culture and conditioning. And yet, how much of it is just as much a trap?
@Bubmo: as pertaining to the goblin attack, From what I understand, goblin tribes practically surround the area. I guess I'm almost surprised that this hasn't happened before. But every town has its dangers. The people here will adapt, get more guards from Magnimar, build a better wall, etc. But I do believe I'll be carrying around a few extra daggers for the next few days. Just in case.
@Dol: pertaining to the brothel, Oh no! Nothing of the sort. Not here at least. Bethana chimes in from the counter, Definitely Not! Aldern continues, There may be some there who didn't have a lot of options, but the mistress doesn't abuse the people. Town like this wouldn't stand for it. Everyone there is there by choice. He hesitates, As to why I don't partake..... Well, that is a sad story for another time. His right hand drifts towards his left before jerking back. Anyone who looks close can see the outline of a ring on his left hand, a ring that isn't there anymore. His dropping expression brightens, though somewhat forced now, as Dol continues. Thank you friend. Companionship can be difficult for me, so I appreciate the sentiment.
@Loth: after the introduction, Ah, the Dalveran family. I've meet your parents. I am from Magnimar as well, and head a small mercantile concern. We invest primarily in exotic goods, spices and the like, and have arranged some joint shipping with your family. Among others. A pleasure. As to my visit, pleasure and business. I grew up a few miles south of town, though the old house is now long abandoned. I like to come visit for the festival and was also hoping to arrange some glass wares from the factory here. However, with the recent travesty, I don't think now would be the best time. I'll be returning to Magnimar tomorrow and I'll check again in a few weeks. Once things have settled down.
After all of this, he finishes his mug and stands, giving the group the smallest of bows. And now, my friends, my new friends, I'll beg your leave. I've need of a few new blades since my last broke. And then I'll off to arrange some appointments at the Pixie's Kitten for us this evening. Until then.
@Everyone: Shaleleu is set to arrive in about 30 minutes. What does everyone want to do? If nothing, we can fast forward to her arrival time.
50 gp for each of you
As Aldern shows he recognizes the Dalveran name and family, Loth tenses up considerably and falls completely silent. Only at the end of the reply does he notice his posture, lets go of Alderns hand and sits back. "Right, you're absolutely right. I'm sure the last thing on the factory's mind is trade right now."
Bumbo gladly devours anything before him, and will often gesture at others' food about him. Gonna finish that?
@Aventail: You did indeed. But they've had a lot on their mind lately.
@Everyone:
After Aldern leaves, you all sit around the table, most enjoying your breakfast and companionship. Bethana comes by to offer refills and the like, still using the tray that seems like it should be far to large for her.
Close on the one hour mark, Shalelu walks into the bar. Stopping just inside long enough for her eyes to adjust and dropping a travel pack along the wall near the door, she quickly spots the group (and Dol in particular) and heads over to the table, waving off Bethana who greets her with clear familiarity. Propping a longbow next to her and taking Aldern's empty seat, she says nothing as she scans the faces of those sitting around her. Her eyes are sharp and clear, and focus with an intensity that is sometimes unsettling to those who aren't used to it. (Again, she wears sturdy traveling clothes of brown and green and light weight armor of leather. Now that she's out of the Town Hall, she carries a long bow, quiver of arrows, and several knives.) She eventually turns her gaze to Dol and asks simply, What?
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Dol smiles warmly, and stands as the elf approaches the table. "Good morning. Shalelu, was it?
Please feel free to help yourself to any food or drink."
Unfazed by her blunt query, Dol goes right to the heart of the matter. "We hear from the Sheriff that you are the town's tracker.
You may already be aware, but after the attack, we were called to the tomb of the late Father Tobyn and his daughter. There, we found summoned skeletons, and the father's empty sarcophagus.
The nature of the theft, the complicated ruse to attempt to explain away the theft, and the timing of the attack on the town leads us to suspect that the whole affair was staged in order to distract us. Perhaps the theft is at the core of this affair.
Clearly, there is a mind behind this that is more clever than a typical goblin.
Anyways, we were unable to locate any tracks around the tomb. So, we were unable to investigate any further. Perhaps we could go take a look now and see if you can help us to locate where the missing bones were taken?"
Without a word, not looking at the proffered food or drink, without even looking at the rest of you gathered around the table, Shalelu stands and heads towards the door. Stopping to pick up the pack, she turns and says Come, then. Show me. And then heads out the door without waiting.
Anyone who stands to follow her sees Bethana shake her head and say to you, Don't take it personally. She's like that with everyone except Ameiko.
Not realising this might be untoward behaviour displayed by Shalelu, Aventail rises and follows.
”Shalelu Andosana. What a lot of syllables you have in your name...I am not sure goblins had anything at all to do with the tombs. Perhaps the skeletons, the sarcophagi and the general disturbance there has more to do with the “late unpleasantness” Sandpoint experienced recently, and nothing at all to do with goblins wreaking havoc? Did you know Father Tobyn or his daughter?” Aventail blurbles.
”Have you seen Ameiko’s father recently? He was notably absent from the festival...before it became notably absent... itself...
Pleased to be away from the temptation of the breakfast food Razkiv hops up, half turns, finishes his second ale and heads out the door grabbing his shield at the door.
Loth gets up and follows the others outside, but not before saying goodbye to Bethana. "The breakfast was delicious, not to mention the service. I'll definitely come back for more."
Bumbo lingers, but only to make sure that he finishes everything Razkiv had left behind. He grins widely at Bethana and winks. I'll be back for brunch, ma' dear...a fine place you have here!
He then gets his short legs churning, belly bouncing, as he hustles to catch up with Shalelu.
As the others stand, Mizzug follows suit, snagging her bowl as she stands. "Tanks *CHEW ChEW* tis gud" mumbles Mizzug.
Follow the others out, she continues to shovel food into her mouth.
@Aventail: Shalelu cuts eyes at you when you mention "the Late Unpleasantness." That was over 10 years ago. Not likely any goblins still alive from that time. As you continue questions, she continues answers. Aye, I knew Father Tobryn and Nualia. Good kid, little mixed up. Good priest, cared about people. Shame that. When you get to the senior Kajitisu; Been out of town for a few weeks. Don't spend time with him anyway. (Insert rude name here)
Loth: As you speak, Bethana blushes and says Promises.
Bumbo: After Loth's words, she barely even responds except with a distracted Yeah. A bunch.
Mizzug: As the door closes behind you, Bethana seems to snap out of her blush and you can barely hear, Wait. Was that our bowl?
@Everyone: As you make your way across town, Shalelu is quiet unless you ask her direct questions. She moves with a swift and purposeful stride. Eventually reaching the graveyard, she begins a quick but thorough inspection. Trailing around the building and between the crypt and the wall, she occasionally bends over to prod at something on the ground. When she concludes, she shares her findings in as concise a way as she can. Four goblins. One humanoid, medium sized. Light build. Came over the wall here with a ladder, went right to the crypt. Knew what they were looking for. Left carrying something. Probably the missing bones you mentioned. Took the ladder with them.
After she concludes, she just looks at the sun, then back down to all of you. Obviously wanting to get on her way, she is willing to wait and answer your questions.
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Struggling to keep up with the long-legged Shalelu, Dol welcomes the pause as she investigates the surroundings to catch his breath.
He nods as she confirms the party's suspicions, "Straight over the wall? My goodness! They knew what they wanted, knew exactly where to go, and had a plan to hide the theft from notice.
The event was so well planned, that the discarded robe almost makes me suspicious. Was the incongruity a deliberate plant to encourage us to follow this trail?
I suppose it doesn't matter one way or another. We need to attempt to follow where they took the bones if we are going to learn more about what danger the town is facing."
Turning to Shalelu, he bows his head in thanks. "Thank you for your expertise. I am not sure what your assigned mission is. We will likely attempt to follow this trail. If that aligns with your plans, we would love to have your help. If not, I look forward to seeing you again in the future."
"Well planned, Aye. but they are using blunt tools, the goblins likely entered the crypt on their own."
At the wall,
"I think I can pickup the trail once we are outside the wall, I will ask the green to assist me."
Loth follows along with Shalelu and closely observes her methods as she works(Without getting in her way, of course!), clearly impressed.
When Shalelu has shared her findings, Loth follows Dol's example and bows. "Your skills have been a great help."
When he's had the chance to process the results, he turns to the rest of the party. "Perish the thought... But it's starting to sound that whoever was helping the goblins might have some pretty good knowledge of Sandpoint. I don't want to imply anyone in this town might be part of this goblin raid... But perhaps it could be a good idea to check if anyone has exhibited special interest in the tomb these past few months?"
"That said, if we're going to do some tracking, best do it as soon as possible. Those tracks won't be getting fresher after all."
"PHery Phgphud" announces Mizzug, finish the last of the food.
Looking around inside the crypt, she shrugs and sets the empty bowl down on one of the coffins before heading back outside. "Yes. We follow if kin."
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Dol stare at Loth in shock, his mouth hanging open for a second. "Someone inside of Sandpoint?!?"
Recovering, he shakes his head. "I hope that isn't the case. If there are impurities in the steel, even a master smith's blade will shatter.
It is a troubling thought, but not one that should be discarded. Perhaps we should take this thought to the Sheriff and have him look out for any citizens that are unaccounted for while we follow this lead."
Aventail blinks as Shalelu uses most colorful language to describe the elder Kaijutsu. When Loth speaks Aventail nods.
"As much as it pains me to agree, all of this current unpleasantness [here motions her eyes ever so slightly to Shalelu] does seem unerringly...targeted. The timing of the attack to coincide with the festival. A tomb of a recently deceased local priest."
Aventail shrugs.
"Let us hope Sherriff Hemlock has not left for Magnimar yet..."
Bumbo seems a bit taken aback by the speed with which Shalelu essentially shows them all up. Well, um...thanks....I had seen that too, just wasn't sure it... He shakes his head and kicks some dirt. Right, no...that was good.
At Dol, he grabs his nose, an odd habit when in deep thought since it gave him a nasally voice. What would someone inside the city gain with the bones? Is there some sort of ritual they could perform?
With all the things said, Shalelu's answer is short and probably disappointing. Other side of the wall is a city street. You'll never be able to follow the tracks there. Especially now. And without another word, she adjusts her pack and heads out the gate, going north through town without saying goodbye.
@Dol: There are literally dozens of rituals (both magical and/or religious) that can be done with bones.
@Raz: If you have some specific ability to let you find the tracks (spell, supernatural, etc), let me know. Otherwise, the street outside is to hard packed and well traveled to distinguish specific tracks at this point.
Raz deflates a little at Shalelu's words, "The huntsmans gifts won't let me track across a well traveled road."
He looks around frustrated and a little lost. "I've a feeling this unpleasantness is just getting started. I am in need of a few things if that is the case, any of you want to join me for a little shopping?"
"Shop-ping? Fer what? Duncha has all you needs?"
"If ya needs, I go with. Show me this shop-ping." announces Mizzug.
'Neat. At home, we just share tings needed...or take by force. How hooman's do it?'
Bumbo snorts at Shalelu's departure, then adjusts his pants to make room for his round belly to protrude over it. Well...guess that's a bit of a dead end, then. What about Ameiko's father...she said that he's been out of town, but is that the end of it then? Maybe we should head over to the Rusty Dragon and see if she does actually want our help...then maybe she could point us in a direction.
He nods at Razkiv. Sure, always up for that...maybe we can get another meal or two while we're about, then. How about we shop then head over to see Ameiko?
@Bumbo: Going back and reading what she said, I can see where it is unclear. But it wouldn't take you long to find out that Shalelu meant that she'd been out of town for a few weeks, not Lonjiku Kaijitsu. Also, I apologize if I am not consistent with my spelling. Some of these names are difficult.
@Everyone: Shopping! Huzzah! Won't make you roll checks to find them, not for the heroes of Sandpoint. But what kind of shop are you looking for. Thing about this town is that there is usually two stores that do the same thing. 2 alchemy shops, 2 books stores, 2 metal workers, etc. And this would be a great time to introduce even more NPC's. Sooooooo, what kinds of thing are people interested in buying with their new windfall of gold?