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Prolog
The sounds of their boots on the hard stone floor reverberated through the halls of the Sandpoint Garrison. Marek and Tolvar were returning from their nightly rounds and were looking forward to returning to their homes.
A loud voice came from behind them "Where is he? I need to speak with him right away!"
Marek turned to see Calvin Rimstone marching quickly in his direction "What is it this time Calvin?"
Calvin did not attempt to hide the exasperation in his voice "Another of my caravans was attacked yesterday. My drivers can't control their horses with all those fireworks going off. Something has to be done!"
"Fine, we didn't see the sheriff go home during our shift so it is likely he is still here doing paperwork." replied Marek.
Tolvar added "Ha! He is probably asleep. I sure wouldn't want to be the one to wake him. He is going to be in a foul mood. You better watch yourself."
Pushing his way past the two guards Calvin proceeded down to the end of the hall and knocked on the door of Sheriff Belor Hemlock's office.
A loud snoring came from behind the door which was interrupted with an angry growl "Go away and let me sleep!" came a voice from inside the office that was surely a suddenly awakened constable.
Marek hastily opens the door and before he quickly heads back down the hall, he warns "Calm down, we don't want any trouble. My shift is over and I don't want to have to make out a report on another incident."
Calvin bursts into the office totally ignoring Marek's advice "Sheriff, I need to speak with you immediately. These attacks must stop! We need to speak with the mayor. I'm losing money to these goblins and if we don't do something quickly, the officials at Magnimar will notice. We all know what that means and none of it good."
Looking out the window and seeing a rising sun peek through the trees, Belor responds "Oh, its morning already. I don't need this headache. All right, I'll head over to the Town Hall and see if I can get Mayor Kendra to convene a meeting."
Some appeasement appears on Calvin's face as he turns and heads back the way he stormed in. As Belor's head falls into his desk with a smack "Another fine day in Sandpoint." he falls back asleep.
Around noon, the town's deputy Galthanas Silverthorne an elf with arcane skills had organized the meeting that Calvin demanded. The leaders from the town were gathered faster than usual based on the deputy's insistance. "Please everyone, we need to get this meeting started."
The large meeting hall in the Town Hall of Sandpoint was rarely populated during the gatherings of the four noble families: the Kajitsu, Valdemars, Scarnettis and Deverin. Mayor Kendra Deverin was also a lawmaker, judge and general peacekeeper of Sandpoint and this fireworks business gave her a great deal of stress. Today's gathering was unusual as several of the town's business proprietors as well as a great deal of ordinary townsfolk were in attendance. With a bang of her wooden gavel Kendra bellowed so "To order! We must begin. As you all know, recent events have interrupted our normal shipments along the Lost Coast Road. Despite our attempts to quell these distirbances with additional patrols, our merchants are still suffering from attacks by goblins."
Mr Rimstone as head of the merchant's guild that services Sandpoint interjected "Yesterday three travelers were severely injured. The panic from the caravan's team of horses is getting worse than the goblin's attacks. What is this town planning to do about this!"
Mayor Kendra again banged her gavel " Please don't interrupt! It will only prolong this meeting. Sheriff/Deputy do you have a plan that can help us put an end to these attacks?"
Without a good night sleep Sheriff Belor is slow to respond. An opening in the dialog provided Galthanas an opportunity to respond "Yes. The sheriff and I have discussed the matter and we agree that we should restore an old practice known as the 'goblin bounty'. It is crude, but effective. A bounty of 10 gp will be paid for every relatively fresh goblin ear delivered to the town hall. Our reports indicate that the group is known as the Licktoads who are led by a goblin named Chief Gutwad. Once their leader is killed/captured, this disruptance should cease."
Another loud bang of the gavel is followed by "Very well. We should vote on this proposal, all in favor raise your hand."
All the leaders raised their hands immediately except for Ameiko Kaijitsu the owner and propertier of the Rusty Dragon an inn/tavern located just past the southern bridge overlooking the Turandarok River. These meetings bored her and she never liked having to attend them and did so only to honor her father's wishes. She could have resigned her duties entirely after her father past and no one would have blamed her. Most residents of Sandpoint knew she desired more than her peaceful existance here in Sandpoint. As all eyes in the conference room turned to her (as votes of this type needed to be unamious) Ameiko let our a heavy sign and raised her hand "It looks like we have no other choice."
Later that day Sheriff Hemlock managed to hastily get dozens of flyers made to distribute around the town. As he entered the Rusty Dragon, he noticed that the inn was deeming with customers which did not surprise him at all. Ameiko was the best cook in Sandpoint and people from both the town and travelers came here to partake in her excellent cuisine. "Here is today's flyer to add to your Help Wanted board."
In addition to running the inn, Ameiko hosted a message board to help travelers and townsfolk with requesting/providing needed goods/services. "Thanks sheriff, always a pleasure." Ameiko says with a smile that only the most disciplined could resist. "When your finished stop by for some mussel and vegetable soup. The salmon and coconut rice dish is also very tasty."
Belor grins and turns to leave and whispers to himself "The food in this place is going to make me copperless."
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Filona came to the Rusty Dragon for lunch after a busy day. She has been helping Bilivar Wheen with the extraordinary orders for working wagons. When she enters the inn, she immediately sees Ameiko being busy with the patrons and waves energetically.
Ameiko and Filona have become very close and their friendship means the world to the little gnome. She comes close and says "Well, big girl, how about you get me some of those anthological meals for my lunch. Will you join me for a bite?"
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Ameiko heads over to the table where Filona has settled and smiles at her story telling friend.
"Hi Filona, you're lucky you got here before the lunch crowd. Once they start rolling in I won't have the time. Give me a second and I'll be back with our early lunch."
Ameiko heads back into the kitchen and a few minutes later returns with two mugs, two plates, couple of bowls and some utensils. Deftly placing the items from her tray onto the table, she hands the empty tray to a serving girl who takes it back into the kitchen.
"Raspberry mead, curried salmon with fragrant coconut rice and some green vegetable dark broth soup with thick wheat flour noodles for lunch today. Enjoy the coconut rice while you can. I've used the last of my stores in today's batch and Calvin doesn't know when he will be able to bring more. He's been very upset over these goblin attacks recently, did you see the flyer Belor placed on the Help Wanted board? The council has agreed to reinstate the goblin bounty"
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Filona's mouth waters as Ameiko describes the lunch. She tries not to get upset by the goblin attacks and says "You know, Bilivar has been getting a lot of business with a new wagon that's been ordered. I haven't really gotten any time to look at the flyer. Bounty? Are people getting paid to kill? That's not nice..."
Only then does she start with the salmon and enjoys it eating in big mouthfuls. She says before swallowing "What do you make of all this? Were you ok with it?"
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Ameiko lets out a heavy sigh
"It's definitely not my first choice, but the mayor and the sheriff are in a bit of a pickle. The caravans traveling along the Lost Coast Road are getting raided or at least disrupted by those fireworks and the patrols won't go into the Brinestump Marsh - that's where the sheriff thinks they are holed up anyway. The best they can do is just try and guard the road.
I wanted to dissent at the town meeting, but I felt like I didn't have a choice - everyone else had already voted to allow it. This is why I don't like sitting on this council, I always feel pressured to compromise - for the good of the town - all the businesses that would suffer - that sort of thing. The only reason I stay on in the first place is to respect my late father's wishes.
But I've told you all this before - anyway, can we talk about something else? Tell me another one of your stories."
Her face brightens at the thought of hearing Filona describe her adventures
I really would love to be able to join you one day - to be able to explore and do daring deeds
Zura steps into the Rusty Dragon, her stomach rumbling at the prospect of real food over trail rations. Koya had given her permission to get lunch, and she had been more than happy to get away from the wagon train, even if it was only for a few moments.
Glancing around the room, Zura spots Ameiko talking to a gnome and makes her way through the crowd to get the woman's attention. Zura's wild hair has been wrestled into a braided ponytail, and she walks a little self consciously, smiling and saying hello to a few familiar faces and friends she'd met on trails past.
Shoving past a dwarf and a half-orc comparing battle scars, Zura steps up and is about to tap Ameiko on the shoulder when she hears the request for stories. A smile brightens her face at the prospect of hearing a new storiy, and she speaks up. "Excuse me, miss Ameiko? I don't know if you remember me...Zura Mvashti? Koya sent me to ask what you were going to be serving for dinner." Looking over at Filona, Zura nods. "Pardon me for interrupting, but if you're going to tell a story, can I hear it too?"
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Filona listens to her friend and thinks She is so brave. I don't know what I would do in her position. When Ameiko mentions storytelling, her face brightens up and she begins without having to be told twice.
Zura steps in and Filona absent-mindedly points towards a chair.
She starts "Do you know the one about Nalum, the great warrior? She was a princess, destined to marry a man she didn't know. Now, in this place, Shinah, women weren't supposed to be warrior. Deep down, she felt she didn't like these obligations and decided to become a soldier..." Filona goes on to tell how this princess fought to gain respect and used her cunning and perseverance with the help of her baby dragon friend Shumu to be come a legendary warrior who saved her country from invasion. The story ends satisfactorily with Nalum being a master of her own destiny and the rule of no women warrior abolished.
The door to the Rusty Dragon swings open and in walks the the half-orc known as Baradim. Taking his hat off and brushing the sweat from his brow, he gives a toothy grin at the busy workings within the building. With surprising grace, he dodges a server and makes his way over to an open seat nearby Ameiko and Fillona were, settling his hefty pack onto the ground with a huff.
The half-orc had arrived in Sandpoint shortly before an attack by goblins, the little bastards numbered in the dozens and swarmed the town. He had been caught off-guard and was nearly killed when his sunshine sailed over a nearby wall like light cresting the horizon. An arrow flew true from her strike and his threat laid dead. Since then, he had entreated her to practice with him and teach him how to move so fluidly. It was like his own dance yet somehow better. It was also an excuse to be in Shalelu's presence for as long as he could.
He was a wanderer by nature, an adherent of the Dawnflower who had come into town. Despite his bestial appearance and the usual coldness that was given to his ilk, Baradim was a warm and welcoming presence. Quick to laugh and forgive, patient with others. Yet in the few moments that he been driven to anger, there was something unsettling in those fierce, red eyes.
Clasping his hands together, he silently prayed for a moment before smiling that same, almost goofy grin at the serving girl that approached.
"Ah, thank ya. I'll have some of..." He breathed in, smelling the delicious meal wafting over from where the two others sat. "...whatever they're having. Thank ya."
the door opens once more this time more gently as an elven man with forest green eyes long hair and a scar across his eye walks in. He looks around before locating Ameiko, when he picks her out of the crowd he ventures over to her. He comes in right as Filona is finishing her story and cuts her off the moment she concludes it, "Any chance you'd be willing to give a bulk discount to the church, we are setting up a soup line again and were looking to procure some well-made soup for it."
Only then does he look around and realize he may be intruding, "Sorry, didn't realize you were minding your personal business. is there anyone else I could talk to about it?" he asks before adding "Temur by the way."
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As Temur arrives at the table, Ameiko realizes that lunch hour is rapidly approaching and she has been neglecting her duties. To the serving girl that approached Baradim's table she tersely says "Mead, salmon, veggie soup"
She quickly finishes her meal and stands up "If you would please excuse me ladies - duty calls. Filona, I loved the ending of that story." Taking Temur by the arm, she leads him back into the kitchen area. "Hello Temur. The Rusty Dragon is always happy to help out those in need. You need to talk with my sous-chef Synstril. He can help you with making a special batch of his 'Top of the mountain' soup. I will see to it that he stretches it to feed as many as possible. It's always nice to meet someone who cares so much for others. Thank you, Temur."
After a quick introduction and some soup making instructions, Synstril grabs the biggest pot in the kitchen and starts to work.
"How about yourself Temur? Do you have time to sit and enjoy a meal while the soup is being prepared?"
Realizing she neglected to respond to Zura's question, Amekio pops back out of the kitchen and heads over to Zura and Filona's table.
"Hi Zura, yes I remember you. Sorry about earlier it gets so busy around here it is difficult to keep track of everything - and everyone. Please tell Koya that tonight's dinner is roasted chicken with rosemary and basil accompanied by steamed broccoli with pine nuts with fresh watermelon for dessert."
Zura smiles as she responds to Ameiko. "That's one of mum's favorites. Thank you Ameiko!" Settling in her seat and relaxing a little bit, Zura turns back to Filona. "I'm sorry again that I interrupted your story, but that one was amazing. Where did you hear it?"
Gundar enters the Rusty Dragon. He had hoped to get there before the lunch crowd, but just could not get motivated this morning. With the goblin attacks, Sandu needed all the guards he could get and it seems like as soon as they escorted one caravan in another went out. Today was one of Gundar's rare days off and as much as he wanted to make an early appearance before the lunch crowd...well... he slept in.
He sees some people gathering around the message board and decides to see what all the fuss is about? Goblin ears? Well we certainly have killed enough of the little buggers lately!
He then turns away from the board to find Ameiko and sees her speaking to a gnome, elf and half-orc. He also sees Zura who he knows from Sandru.
He approaches the group, but before he reaches them, Ameiko leaves. He sighs. Stupid for sleeping in!
Morning Zura! Who's your friends?
"Thank you, Desna smiles upon the generous." Temur replies to Ameiko. He continues "I suppose the cathedral can soldier on without me for a while, Zantus should have it well in hand. It saves a trip after all" He finishes with a smile after which he will return to where the others have gathered.
With his meal in hand, Baradim makes one last prayer before digging in eagerly. Eating quickly and savoring as much of the meal as he can, he quickly slides a seat closer to the others gathered there.
"Thank you, Ameiko. My compliments to the chef." He says to the retreating woman, his focus turning back towards the others. Temur he recognized for a bit; he was one who seemed to frequent his sunshine just as much as Baradim did. The others he had seen bits and pieces of when he came into town to rest and relax on his wanderings. Moving closer, he cleared his voice as an introduction and smiled at the others.
"Dawnflower bless you all. Thank you for the story...Filona was it? It was quite the tale to listen to." He would offer his hand out to her fist, the wooden symbol of Sarenrae dangling a little as he leaned over to make sure he met her height. "I am Baradim Walks-The-Earth. A pleasure to meet you." He would repeat each introduction, going from Filona to Zura, from Zura to Gundar. His grin grew wider as the follower of Desna returned, his hand reaching to grasp the elf's in a firm grip. "Temur! It feels like I have not seen you in ages since Shalelu introduced us. Good to see you."
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Filona half swallows her salmon to reply to Zura "Well, a story is not something your hear and pass on forward, you see? Every time you tell a story you've heard, you put a little bit of your soul into it. This one is actually something I dreamt a few years ago. Then I added some details and flavor. Did you really like it?"
She refilled her mouth with food in time to hear Baradim's introduction. She replies "Hi, I'm Filona, yes!", excitedly.
What she is really interested in, however, is Temur's effort. She asks "How does your soup give-away go? Can anyone volunteer?" She is clearly thinking of volunteering, but hasn't really thought it through.
as he grabs a seat next to Baradim Temur nods as he says "It has been a while hasn't it; how is Shalelu we've heard so little of her escapades recently!"
He then grabs a tray from the server and bites into an apple before registering Filonas question, "Oh, of course, we are always looking for more help! We get volunteers on and off but never enough of them. You would be helping to prep the plates and distributing them, any of you would be more than welcome!"
looking over at the dwarf Temur will say "I'm Temur representative of the Sandpoint Cathedral." as he reaches out a hand "I heard you mention goblin ears, what's that in reference to?"
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Filona turns red and says "Uhm, I'd love to help. But I've been helping Bilivar with his orders of wagons. Maybe I can come by after? What time do you need help the most?"
Then, at the mention of the ears, she says sadly "Well, Sandpoint will be paying money for each goblin killed. I think it's a barbaric solution and will only contribute to more killing." The gnome doesn't seem to realize she just intruded in a conversation she wasn't being part of.
"Hi Gundar," Zura says, smiling at the dwarf. "This is Filona. She just told an amazing story about a woman with a dragon who ran off to be a warrior." Zura brushes a strand of wild hair out of her face as she re-listens to the story in her head, ignoring the conversation around her for a time.
"Zura Mvashti," the changeling responds, a little delayed and distracted from re-listening to the story, as Baradim greets everone.
She perks up when the talk turns to goblins. "Gundar and the other guards have been working hard to keep mum and Sandru's wagons safe from the goblins. I tried to sneak out of the wagon and help fight off the last attack, but mum caught me and grounded me."
When Filona mentions the bounty, Zura's face takes on a thoughtful expression. "Where are these goblin attacks happening, by the way? I should probably make sure Sandru knows to keep the wagons away."
As the stalwart gnome dismounts his war-wease, he glances up and down the streets. "It has been a couple years Walnut, but not much has changed. I suppose Sandpoint has been here for a while, so why should it change?" He pulls forth a brush and gives the weasel's brown fur a quick going over before feeding her some nuts and berries. "You be good now girl, while I go in for a bite, and to see what is going on. I daresay this is the place to find out."
The road wear gnome ties the weasel up to a post, removes his riding gloves, and slaps them against his legs, tossing up a considerable amount of dust. He slides them under the edge of Walnut's saddle, checks the fit of everything, and turns to face the Rusty Dragon before heading on in through the front door.
Once inside, the familiar, and yet foreign smells and sounds assail his senses. Before moving towards the bar, or a table, the gnome moves to browse the jobs board. "You never know who may be needing legal representation, after all," he mutters to himself. However, not finding anyone seeking his services, he reads the posting regarding goblins raids, and the newly reinstated bounty. "A bit barbaric of an accounting metric, if I do say so, I mean, certainly subject to trickery. Best to pay for them in pairs, or perhaps only lefts, or rights. Although, enough of their ilk are missing one, or another of their auditory organs, that perhaps that doesn't work either." Having memorized the pertinent details of the posting, he moves to the bar, seeking out the hostess, and approaches Ameiko.
"You may not remember me fair mistress, for I have been off to Magnimar for several years. Poshment Stemtimple here. I am returned with thoughts of establish a legal practice, but I see the community may need my more martial skills, as there seems to be bit of hubbub with the goblins again. I don't suppose you are aware of any groups looking to form up to assail these pests?"
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Sheriff Belor Hemlock returns to the Rusty Dragon shortly before the busy lunch hour. As he strides up to the bar, a noticeable growl from his stomach catches Ameiko's attention.
"Finally finished putting up all those flyers and I'm famished. I'm ready for your daily special Ameiko."
His order was met with her standary reply "Coming right up Sheriff" to Posh she adds "I'm not aware of any, but perhaps the sheriff here can help."
As Ameiko heads into the kitchen and Belor notices the gnome looking over his recently posted flyer. "I couldn't help but overhear your question to Ameiko. Let's discuss it over lunch on me - have a seat my good fellow. I recommend the daily special - actually *everything* here is good - Ameiko is the best cook in town. But since I come here so often I get the specials - it's the only way I can afford to eat here."
Ameiko returns to the bar "Just be a minute Sheriff. You'll have to enjoy the rice as I'm almost out of coconut. Calvin tells me that my shipment was destroyed in that last goblin attack."
"Yeah, sorry about that." Belor replied. "Calvin tells me that three travlers were injured in that last attack. I ran into Father Abstalar over at the Cathedral dropping off the flyers today and he told me that they are doing well. He managed to calm them down and agree to a voucher for another trip rather than get a refund."
Ameiko sighs "Well thats good to hear. Sounds like Calvin will be making another donation to the Cathedral this month. A few of my customers have noticed your flyer. You might want to consider taking a more outgoing approach."
A serving girl returns with the order and she places a mug, plate and bowl in front of Posh and the sheriff. It contains the same fare as the rest of the group were eating - as was typical of most patrons. Ordering anything other than the daily special was only done by the most affluent customers.
When he finishes his meal, Belor decides to take Ameiko's advice. He taps on the bar and clears his throat.
"Good day. I suppose you've heard of the latest attack. The Licktoads have become dangerously brave and their firework attacks have grown bolder. The town leaders have put out the call for goblin exterminators. Since this has become a serious goblin threat, I've revived Sandpoint's goblin bounty, pointing to the parchment he pinned to the notice board. The town'll pay ten gold pieces for every somewhat fresh goblin ear delivered to the Town Hall and an additional three hundred gold pieces for the group who can bring in the head of of the Licktoad's leader, Chief Gutwad. You interested?"
Gundar smiles as the introductions are made and exchanges pleasantries with each in turn.
When Temur mentions about the goblin ears, Corwin motions to the bulletin board with his thumb and is just about to speak when Filona tells the tale. Gundar smiles at being upstaged by the little gnome and laughs heartily.
"Hi Gundar," Zura says, smiling at the dwarf. "This is Filona. She just told an amazing story about a woman with a dragon who ran off to be a warrior." Zura brushes a strand of wild hair out of her face as she re-listens to the story in her head, ignoring the conversation around her for a time.
Gundar cocks his head, bewildered. If she was running around with a dragon, who'd fight her?
She perks up when the talk turns to goblins. "Gundar and the other guards have been working hard to keep mum and Sandru's wagons safe from the goblins. I tried to sneak out of the wagon and help fight off the last attack, but mum caught me and grounded me."
Aye! And the rascals seem to be getting bolder by the day! A caravan is more likely to be attacked than not!
At the Sheriff's announcement, Gundar shrugs. I'm in. Anybody else? he asks glancing around his new-found companions.
Posh, sitting right across from the Sheriff, cannot help but recognize that Abadar has placed this opportunity in his path.
"Trade is being restricted? Due to goblin attacks? I cannot resist this calling, for a calling it is. I shall make a go at it, for sure."
Posh studies the Sheriff's poster, and consults a tomb on law from his pack...
...to determine if the way the sign is worded leaves enough ambiguity to permit a cunning adventurer to obtain 20 gold from the death of each two eared goblin.
"Me too!" Zura says, standing up, her eyes shining at the prospect of adventure. Provided Mum doesn't find out. But what she doesn't know won't hurt her, and the gold could be a bit of a help.
Hunting goblins could give the much-needed experience to aid Shalelu in the forest. Temur considers for a moment before asking "Would you all mind helping out with the soup line so I can leave the Cathedral on a good note?
Posh assesses each of the volunteers, one by one, as they chime in. He pays special attention to the attractive young female gnome.
"It is a shame that things have gone so poorly with the local goblin tribe. I was hoping that there could be some level of peace..." Baradim murmured, finishing off his water before he rose with the others. "I will help. Perhaps with this removal of this chieftain, the Licktoads will become more passive." There was a grim determination in the half-orc's voice, his hand moving to rest onto the hilt of his scimitar.
"Have they always been so violent or is this a recent change of theirs?" He shared the young gnomish woman's fears; a bounty of ears would only result in retributive violence. More lives would be lost and the divide between them and this tribe would deepen. He had little chances to see if there were any redeeming features of these goblins, if salvation in Her light was possible. If it was impossible, it would be best to excise them as swiftly and cleanly as possible.
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Upon hearing several responses from the patrons, Belor looks at the burly dwarf and replies
"Say, I recognize you. You're a guard on one of Sandru's caravans. Sandru is a lot more cautious with his routes - not as much trouble as Calvin's. Looking for more action, eh? Well, good! So, what we know from Calvin's last report is that most of his caravans have been hit along the Lost Coast Road. Our patrols haven't found anything but they won't go into the Brinestump Marsh. That's were we think those goblins are - someplace they know our patrols won't search. The Brinestump may not be as large as the Mushfens, but that swamp is mighty dense and tangled. It wouldn't take much for someone to get lost in that place."
The sheriff pauses and finishes what is left of his drink.
"Nobody's ever drawn a detailed map of the marsh because there's nothing worth going in for - except for maybe a fishermen and some kind of herbalist. But there is someone who does know his way around the marsh - an eccentric old Halfling named Walthus Proudstump. He considers himself the warden of the swamp. I guess his advice would probably be most reliable. You can find his shack at the end of the New Fish Trail. Heed this warning, never venture far from this trail as it winds through the northern portion of the fen. Nothing good there that's for sure."
Ameiko grabs the sheriff's empty mug and before she goes to refill it, she decides to include her own bits of knowledge on the subject
"I've heard a group went out three days ago looking for the Licktoads - even before the bounty was imposed. They must have wanted to get a head start on that gold. But no one has heard anything from them since than they entered that marsh. There are deadly things in that swamp, so you should be careful. If you do decide to go, you should make a plan and take precautions."
When Baradim speaks up, she adds
"From what Calvin tells me, the violence started just a few weeks ago. The patrols always had a handle on things until the fireworks starting going off. I don't know this Walthus fellow, but you can learn more about the Brinestump from the fishermen down by the wharf. They bring me shrimp and catfish from the marsh along Sog's Bay. If they give you any trouble, tell them Ameiko sent you."
Gundar seems to rise a few inches in his seat when the sheriff points him out, a small look of pride showing on his face.
Aye! I am one of Sandru's caravan guards. I think it will be good to get to the bottom of the trouble so all the caravans will be safe!
When Filona speaks, he winks at her and says, Aye Lass! It sure sounds like an adventure!
It was Baradim's first real test and part of him was only slightly disappointed that Shalelu was not here to witness it. He had been trained for this moment though and as a member of Cult of the Dawnflower, working with others that came from diverse backgrounds and trainings would be essential to success. It appeared that this reclusive halfling was going to be their best bet to try and learn about the situation there. At Ameiko's piece of advice, he would give a nod of appreciation.
"Regularly contained but now they were too much of a danger? There had to be a change either within the tribe or an outside force influencing it. May Her Light shine upon the truth." Baradim thinks to himself before taking in account of his comrades. They were a strange group but no stranger than himself, he would imagine with a grin. Six against a tribe, not bad numbers if they were as good as they were posturing themselves to be.
"Indeed, the beginning of an adventure...and perhaps the start of fellowship." Outside of Temur, he had seen the others, volunteered at the Temple of Desna, but he had not grown particularly close. It was strange for him to stay in a place like Sandpoint as long as he had, only his sunshine's presence kept him here. "Let us have bring back good news for our dear friend, shall we Temur?" The lithe half-orc said with a grin, nudging the studious elf playfully.
Posh listens intently, and when the opening presents itself, he asks, ”what’s all this about fireworks?”
"That's always the hope isn't it!" Temur will respond as he sarcastically rubs the spot where Baradim elbowed him feigning pain. "you know much more about the redemption half of the equation than I do so you can take the lead there, I'll try to get you the knowledge it'll take to convince them!"
Zura bit her bottom lip nervously, but she put on a brave face. She'd never been in combat before, and now it was looking like this idea for an adventure was actually going to happen. Desna, protect me, because if something happens to me on this venture, Mum might kill me, she prays, before looking over at Posh.
"The goblins are shooting fireworks at the caravans traveling on the road. They do it at night, so the horses get spooked by the lights and noise and the wagon-folk can't see or hear much of what's going on until the attack is over."
Looking back to Gundar, Zura nods her agreement and stands up. "I'm going to go see to my horse. Let me know when we're ready to leave." The girl walks outside a little quieter than when she left. They're just goblins. They're smaller than you, and they aren't that bad, otherwise they wouldn't have a bounty on them, right? Her inner thoughts swirling through her mind, Zura goes to check on Denny, making sure his saddle isn't loose, and brushing his mane. "No matter what happens, you'll be with me the whole time, right Denny?" As if agreeing, the horse lets out a whinny and nuzzles up to Zura.
Posh shakes his head, "Thank you milady, but I mean, where did they get the things and learn to use them? Any idiot can light a firework and get it to function, although arguably, some idiots may blow themselves up doing so. However, not just any idiot can make them, and it seems unlikely that one of the goblins suddenly became a fireworks expert, right?"
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Filona looks thoughtfully at Posh. She says "You're right... Maybe someone is working with the goblins? Why would someone do that? I mean, help the goblins attack the caravans... I think we'll have to ask them."
The gnome puts the last chunk of salmon in her mouth and says "I'm going to get ready. I meet you here so we can go?" Without waiting for an answer, she takes her plate and brings it to the kitchen to help the serving lady. Then she goes to her room and gets ready. She changes into something more suitable for the road, dusts off her crossbow and checks that everything is in her backpack before coming back to the common room.
On her way there, she thinks about her crossbow. Her father gave it to her and she thought she would never need it. For the first time she is excited to carry it. It means she'll start an adventure just like in the stories Ameiko told her. She couldn't wait.
"Right now do you mean?" Posh looks surprised. "Walnut and I have just arrived to town, so our gear is all packed, to be sure, but even so, I could use some more rations in my pack, if we are to be out for any length of time. But the rest of you are just come here for a meal. Surely you need to gather some things for the trek first? And I've only just begun my meal, poor Walnut needs fed."
Gundar smiles at the gnome. Aye! Finish up your meal With any luck, we will work up an appetite for dinner!
As a caravan guard, Gundar is used to packing light and after a brief return to his room to get his gear he returns to the Rusty Dragon to await his companions.
"I need to at least drop off the soup when it's finished and really should help serve. In an hour or two I'll be ready and can meet you all back here."
I am all ready so if you need help serving the soup, Temur, I can help. Gundar offers.
"An hour or two? Excellent, it gives me time to go to the wharf. Maybe the fishermen have some insights that can help us get to the halfling." Baradim said with a grin, paying his due to the inn before shouldering his heavy backpack once more. "I should likely get an animal or something, maybe a mule. This pack is too damn heavy to fight well in." The half-orc grumbled, giving one last wave to his newly found comrades before heading out into the streets of Sandpoint.
The first thing Baradim goes and does is inquire about a pack animal. He is shortly directed to Calvin Rimstone, the caravan owner who shipments are most directly impacted by the attack from the goblins. Making it known his desire to rent an animal for a small time and his direction to go and fight the goblins, the caravaneer seemed willing to make a deal and let the half-orc rent the animal for a gold piece. Taking his very last gold piece, Baradim pays the man and leaves with a rather friendly, if stubborn, mule name Karissa.
After placing more of the non-essential supplies upon the mule, Baradim makes his way over towards the wharf where Ameiko suggested. The half-orc tries to be as friendly as he can, talking with the various fishermen and dockers to find out what they know.
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Untangling fishing nets and cleaning boats, Baradim crosses paths with a grizzled, seasoned fisherman. He begins making inquiries into Brinestump Marsh and Walter Proudstump.
The fisherman is a little leary at the sight of the half-orc until he sees the dangling holy symbol of Sarenrae. After a moment to consider he responds, "Your first time to Brinestump, eh? It's well-passed tangled and overgrown, infested with all kinds of critters. Careful where you step and how much you carry with ya. My advice's not to wander off - stick to the New Fish Trail and ye can't go wrong. Err, spottin' details inside the marsh can be tricky as the trees grow real tall and thick-like. And the fog's fullest at dawn and dusk. All the navigating can make one tired and frustrated."
Overhearing the conversation, another fisherman pipes in, "Bring repellent for the bugs - they sure have a bite. And, 'ware the Soggy River Monster. Many a tale has been told of the pale monster dressed in rags with legs that bend like a dog's. Its hunting ground be the shores of the Soggy River and we've had at least five disappearances in the past year."
A third fisherman stops working on his nets and chuckles realizing that the other two haven't said anything about Walthus. "The New Fish Trail leads from the Lost Coast Road directly to Walthus’ shack in the swamp. He's a little feller - what'cha call a halfling. Been there quite a few years now, been told he likes snakes. Can't figure out why me'self. You won't miss the weathered marker - travel down the Lost Coast Road; it's roughly six miles southwest from town. It'll take you a good two hours on foot, if you're walking at a steady pace. Brinestump Marsh is just over two miles long and less than one mile wide. But you should find Walthus - he's better than any map."