Izomandakus observes how Kast examines the warhorn and almost feels compelled to give it back, but some ache in his stomach makes him take it back as fast as possible "Look, you only blow from this side!"
"See? That blow means someone is coming!"
---
"Those are a lot of goblins Shalelu" Izomandakus takes a couple of sandwiches and gives one to Pachemu who devours it in a few seconds "We do not have to worry, Sheriff Hemlock is going to bring a full army from Magnimar and will clean the region from all those pesky green faces in a tick"
”And the Glassbreakers, right? We encountered them along the way here. Just from a distance.” She takes another sip to give herself a moment to finish a thought. ”If they like to break glass, does that mean the Licktoads lick toads and the Birdcrunchers...crunch birds?”
”Those were Breakbag goblins, and they’re far enough away from us that they’re not really a factor. They harass the trade down by Magnimar. Strong tribe though. And yes, their names are representative of their clans. Goblins are simple creatures.”
”It is truly impressive how much you know about them. How long did it take you to learn so much about them?” Just slip that little personal question in there to creek that door open slightly.
”Not long,” she says missing the point and making it about goblins, ”Goblins are a stupid, clingy mess, and they often wear bits of whatever to show their allegiance. So the Licktoads may actually carry toads, Birdcrunchers will have bits of feathers, that sort of thing. You just have to look for it.”
Nodding as Meg mentions the glass breakers, he adds, "Nick and Nichole filled glass bottles with alchemical fire, when they broke the bottles they caught themselves on fire." Taking the fourth and last bite of his sandwich, Seamus readjusts the other five sandwiches around the plate, then continues listening to the conversation.
”I’ve met them, but hadn’t heard that trick. Good idea, and with that lot it’ll likely work for a long time.”
When the elf arrived she chuckled at her greeting, "Don't worry, I think everybody liked the sound of your name too much to call you anything else." She said with a grin at Meg and Kast. She listened to Shalelu's speech about the different tribes of goblins and gave a slight shudder at the mention of a decapitated head, flashing back on poor Alergast and her nightmares. She waited for a pause to interject her question. "So which tribe was it that raided the town, then? Is there a way to tell?”
”Our sheriff checked the bodies of the dead goblins, and found them to be from all five tribes. That’s why I’m concerned. They don’t usually organize like that. Unless there’s a new goblin hero.”
Later, she brought up what she had asked her friends. "Assuming there were still goblins hiding here among the shops and homes, how would we go about finding them and flushing them out before they harm more people?"
”Goblins are stealthy sure, but they’re not patient. A goblin will hide to escape, but they’ll try and depart as soon as it’s dark. They won’t lie in wait until the next meal comes around, they’ll go get it. They’re industrious little beasts in that regard. So I’d be surprised if any were still hiding in Sandpoint.”
"Those are a lot of goblins Shalelu" Izomandakus takes a couple of sandwiches and gives one to Pachemu who devours it in a few seconds "We do not have to worry, Sheriff Hemlock is going to bring a full army from Magnimar and will clean the region from all those pesky green faces in a tick"
”Oh, I’d expect him to bring back maybe six soldiers. Twelve at most. Sure, he wants to protect the town, but funding is limited you understand. Sandpoint has been pouring money into the new chapel, so they’re a little thin on reserves just now.” She doesn’t look all that concerned, but it is a factor.
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"See? That blow means someone is coming!"
Kast looks around, trying to both watch Izo blowing the horn and to see the effect of people nearby. He doesn't predict there will be much, but is slightly worried that people will begin to muster for war.
"I'm not sure you should blow that all willy-nilly. People might be confused...or might not come when you really need it," he explains his worry. "Maybe I should carry it so that there are no more false alarms, huh?"
* * *
Kast enters the Rusty Dragon when he gets there, seeking the party and plocking his way in behind Izo. He grabs what he assumes is a ham sammich meant for himself.
"No, of course, not. You're not on the watch, are you? No, we'd never say that," Kast worries that something has been misunderstood. He takes a big bite of the pig meat as he listens to Shalelu. He's trying not to be too in awe of the known goblinslayer and ranger.
"How do you suggest we keep Sandpoint safe in the meantime? Until the reinforcements arrive, that is? What should we be doing?" Kast asks seriously, because he's very serious about protecting the town while its in his care.
He grabs what he assumes is a ham sammich meant for himself.
Skootching his chair forward so Kast could lean his spear in the corner, Seamus, looks dumfounded as his friend picks up one of the sandwiches from off of Seamus' plate. 'What the...' Looking from his friend towards the now imbalanced plate. As Kast takes the seat to Seamus right, the lute-player slides the plate a little to his left and shrugs. 'I can always order more.' Rearranging the other four sandwiches equally distances on the edge of the plate then turning the plate so the upper most sandwich points north.
As the others ask their questions, Seamus picks up the sandwich on the 'northern point' of his plate, and takes a bite washing it down with a sip of the small ale. Wiping the froth from his lip he asks Shalelu; "Um how long are you going to be in town?" Pointing the sandwich at Izomandakus, asking his friend, "Hey Izomandakus those whistles you got, should we give one to her?" He then takes a second bite of his sandwich.
Meg almost laughs at how unsurpised she is that Shalelu would turn the subject back to goblins. "Oh, silly me about the name. I suppose I just associated them so much with glass-breaking from what we saw of them." She takes a sandwich and bites it enthusiastically, knowing that part of staving off a hangover is keeping food in your belly. "The town is lucky to have you, Shalelu. I doubt the goblins would have been half as successful would you have been about." She says the words before she even begins considering their implications, especially considering the goblins have someone bigger helping them. "Maybe that was intentional? If they have someone helping them who knew you would be away."
Kast looks to see if Shalelu is going to take a sandwich, and wonders if he might sneak a second.
”Goblins are stealthy sure, but they’re not patient. A goblin will hide to escape, but they’ll try and depart as soon as it’s dark. They won’t lie in wait until the next meal comes around, they’ll go get it. They’re industrious little beasts in that regard. So I’d be surprised if any were still hiding in Sandpoint.”
Kizzy scratched her head as she seemed to be getting conflicting advice from the ranger. "Alright, but would you have been surprised one was hiding here last night? It hasn't been long, just four days since the festival and the raid, I think. I know you said that one must have gotten trapped and nearly starved. But what if one is hiding in a root cellar somewhere? With plenty of food to eat while it heals up."
She shared what little they knew of the 'longshanks' who might be directing the goblins. "I'd say they were fairly tall, probably not heavyset, based on the footprint. So while I'd guess a male, it could be a female. It's bound to be someone with some tie to the former priest or maybe the church. Based on what they did in the graveyard, of course. I don't suppose that sounds like anyone you know of, does it, Shalelu?
Noticing Kast looking around for another bite, she pushed her plate toward him. It took a lot to dampen her appetite, but the horrors of the previous night and the worry over how to do a better job next time had left her stomach roiling.
Izomandakus grasp the horn with strength when Kasts suggests to save it for him "I actually said exactly the same to Aneka, but she was so insistent... You know, I fear she will get angry at me if she sees me without the horn actually" the boy nods reinforcing his argument, making sure to hide the horn very well where Kast cannot longer see it.
---
Pointing to Kast, Izomandakus answers Seamus "Actually he got the whistles, but yes, it seems like a good idea for Shalelu to get one"
Worried for Shalelu's answer about reinforcement, Izomandakus frowns and just listens for the questions the other companions asks to her.
"You know, I fear she will get angry at me if she sees me without the horn actually"
"Oh, okay. Sure, that makes sense," Kast tries to watch where Izo stashes the horn in case it continues to be blown all willy-nilly, like in the middle of a busy street. Or while Seamus was sleeping, right in his sleeping ear.
Kast reaches forward to grab at Kizzy's offering, taking the leftovers like a boy hungry to grow to manhood.
"How do you suggest we keep Sandpoint safe in the meantime? Until the reinforcements arrive, that is? What should we be doing?" Kast asks seriously, because he's very serious about protecting the town while its in his care.
”Well, what I do is,” she leans in, ”I kill the goblins when I see ‘em. You should do the same. And have from what I hear.” she leans back smiling.
As the others ask their questions, Seamus picks up the sandwich on the 'northern point' of his plate, and takes a bite washing it down with a sip of the small ale. Wiping the froth from his lip he asks Shalelu; "Um how long are you going to be in town?" Pointing the sandwich at Izomandakus, asking his friend, "Hey Izomandakus those whistles you got, should we give one to her?" He then takes a second bite of his sandwich.
”I leave town tomorrow. As you heard, I have goblins to track. You can keep your whistle.” she seems rather averse to any formal trappings. She’s not a team player.
Meg almost laughs at how unsurprised she is that Shalelu would turn the subject back to goblins. "Oh, silly me about the name. I suppose I just associated them so much with glass-breaking from what we saw of them." She takes a sandwich and bites it enthusiastically, knowing that part of staving off a hangover is keeping food in your belly. "The town is lucky to have you, Shalelu. I doubt the goblins would have been half as successful would you have been about." She says the words before she even begins considering their implications, especially considering the goblins have someone bigger helping them. "Maybe that was intentional? If they have someone helping them who knew you would be away."
”I’m here so little it wouldn’t take much observing. I doubt their attack was timed to avoid me.” she curtly dismisses the suggestion with a waive of her hand.
She digs into another sandwich, having gotten up and grabbed a few between questions (so no, she’s not stealing Seamus’ food).
Pointing to Kast, Izomandakus answers Seamus "Actually he got the whistles, but yes, it seems like a good idea for Shalelu to get one"
”I really don’t need one. Thanks.” she refuses the whistle.
"Alright, but would you have been surprised one was hiding here last night? It hasn't been long, just four days since the festival and the raid, I think. I know you said that one must have gotten trapped and nearly starved. But what if one is hiding in a root cellar somewhere? With plenty of food to eat while it heals up."
”Yes, I would be, most certainly. How was it trapped? Goblins don’t raid root cellars and stay in hiding for four days. It’s not in their nature.”
She shared what little they knew of the 'longshanks' who might be directing the goblins. "I'd say they were fairly tall, probably not heavyset, based on the footprint. So while I'd guess a male, it could be a female. It's bound to be someone with some tie to the former priest or maybe the church. Based on what they did in the graveyard, of course. I don't suppose that sounds like anyone you know of, does it, Shalelu?
”Well there are, from time to time, goblin heroes that arise. But none seem to fit the bill.”
”Big Gugmut is an unusually muscular and tall goblin from Mosswood who, it is said, had a hobgoblin for a mother and a wild boar for a father.”
”Koruvus was a champion of the Seven Tooth tribe, as well known for his short temper as he was for his prized possession - a magic longsword sized for a human that the goblin stubbornly kept as his own (despite the fact that it was too large for him to properly wield). Koruvus vanished several months ago after he supposedly discovered a “secret hideout” in a cave along the cliffs, but the Seven Tooth goblins remain convinced he’s out there still, a ghost or worse, waiting to murder any goblin who tries to discover his hideout.”
”Vorka is a notorious goblin cannibal who lives in the Brinestump marsh, a “hero” mostly to goblins other than the Licktoad tribe.”
”Rendwattle Gutwad is the obese chieftain of the Brinestump goblins, a corpulent monster who, it is said, never leaves his throne.”
”Ripnugget is the leader of the Thistletop goblins and controls what the five tribes agree is the best lair.”
”And then there’s Bruthazmus, an infamous bugbear ranger who lives in northern Nettlewood and often visits the five tribes to trade things he’s stolen from caravans for alcohol, news, or magic arrows.” Shalelu notes that Bruthazmus has a particular hatred of elves, and that they have fought on several occasions. To date, neither of them has managed to get the upper hand on the other, but Shalelu bitterly vows that she won’t be the first to fall in their private war. She also doesn’t think it’s him as it’s not his style, and his boot prints are rather large.
Taking a third bite of the sandwich, Seamus smiles when Shalelu answers the question of 'what to do?' by explaining 'What she does.' Stuffing the rest of the second sandwich in his mouth, he washes it down with another sip of the small ale.
Nodding and listening while he's eating and drinking. He mentally notes some of the leaders names. Big Gugmut... Mosswood, Koruvus...Seven tooth but hiding in a cave, Vorka Brinestump marsh, Redwattle Gutwad Brinestump. Ripnugget ... Thistletop.'
When Shalelu begins to describe Bruthazmus he raises an eyebrow, 'Hmmm, maybe she'd let us help her.'swallowing the bite of sandwich in his mouth. "In northern Nettlewood?" He gestures around the table, "We did a pretty good job on a boar hunt, maybe we could help you."
Kast listens to the goblin names, trying to take in each one like he goes the heroes of Lastwall, from his histories.
”Wow. There is a lot of tribes and a lot of goblins. It seems like Sandpoint is surrounded. Are we surrounded? Should we build a wall or something?” Kast asks, wondering about relative numbers.
”If they are getting organized, then we should worry...just a bit, right?” Kast asks before chomping again at his sandwich.
Qetsiyah blinked at the onslaught of named goblinoids. "Oh... ah. I meant more like someone who lives here in Sandpoint, or maybe someone who used to? You had said a human was likely leading them before..."
About the goblin who hid beneath the boy's closet, Kizzy seemed almost embarrassed to admit. "That one was wounded in the fight. I guess it holed up in the structure of the house while the family was out enjoying the festival. Then they came home and the dog kept it trapped." She still felt guilty over having called the boys away from their pursuit of the warchanter. Alergast had been a fool not to listen to his own son, but he hadn't deserved to die for it.
When Shalelu begins to describe Bruthazmus he raises an eyebrow, 'Hmmm, maybe she'd let us help her.'swallowing the bite of sandwich in his mouth. "In northern Nettlewood?" He gestures around the table, "We did a pretty good job on a boar hunt, maybe we could help you."
She eyes you up and down, briefly, but shakes her head. ”Easier to slip through the woods unseen when you’re alone,” she answers crisply.
Kast listens to the goblin names, trying to take in each one like he goes the heroes of Lastwall, from his histories.
”Wow. There is a lot of tribes and a lot of goblins. It seems like Sandpoint is surrounded. Are we surrounded? Should we build a wall or something?” Kast asks, wondering about relative numbers.
”If they are getting organized, then we should worry...just a bit, right?” Kast asks before chomping again at his sandwich.
”That’s why the Sheriff is getting reinforcements, and why I must get back out in the field.”
Qetsiyah blinked at the onslaught of named goblinoids. "Oh... ah. I meant more like someone who lives here in Sandpoint, or maybe someone who used to? You had said a human was likely leading them before..."
About the goblin who hid beneath the boy's closet, Kizzy seemed almost embarrassed to admit. "That one was wounded in the fight. I guess it holed up in the structure of the house while the family was out enjoying the festival. Then they came home and the dog kept it trapped." She still felt guilty over having called the boys away from their pursuit of the warchanter. Alergast had been a fool not to listen to his own son, but he hadn't deserved to die for it.
”Yeah, from the tracks Sheriff Hemlock described, we’re looking for someone lighter than a bugbear, heavier and with bigger boot prints than a goblin, and someone with newer, or at least well cared for, boots from the tread.”
She smiles, ”See, the dog kept it in play. The dog prevented it from coming forth as its nature would suggest. So if you want to check all the houses with dogs, be my guest, but I’ll bet you’ll cause a panic.”
She stands abruptly, apparently having said what she came to say, ”And to that end, I’ll need a good night’s sleep if I’m to be off with the sun tomorrow. I wish you luck.” With that, she quickly heads back up to her room (though you can interject one more question/comment of course).
It’s early, for you lot, and you’ve nothing to do but ‘be a presence’. How do you spend your evening/night? I’ll pick you up in the morning.
Meg finishes eating, mostly listening to the rest of the conversation. That Shalelu is a tough nut to crack. "Good night, darling. It was a pleasure to speak with you, Shalelu. We must do this again sometime. Perhaps we will have something happier to speak of aside from goblins next time." Meg slides into a disarming smile and waves goodbye to Shalelu.
Shalelu's expertise has sufficiently eased Meg's worries that she is happy to go back to her usual lackadaisical demeanor. "Seamus! Play us a baudy tune. I feel like dancing. I have not gotten up off my feet enough today. All this energy needs to go somewhere, or I will spend the evening tossing and turning."
During the quiet lapses that evening and as she goes to sleep, she thinks more about this dream party she wants to plan off in the future. As such an affair would be a bit more populist in nature, she would finally get to use one of her dream ideas. Acquire a wand of Enhance Water, a particularly impressive Caydenite spell she heard of, and set up a place for people to bring whatever nasty liquids they want so they can experiment and see what kind of wonderful intoxicants they can get from it. There was no way in all of the hells that she would have convinced high society to bring foul liquids to a party, but she does not need to worry about those stuffy people anymore now, does she?
Kast doesn’t have any more pressing questions, just a pressing worry of what might happen while he’s responsible. He’ll handle it, but also he’ll worry about it.
”Okay, I’m sure we’ll be fine. I’ll keep an eye out, and with the whistles and need-based and *properly* timed horns, we should be fine,” Kast says without looking at anyone in particular who is good at secreting horns about their person.
He’ll finish his sandwich, and Kizzy’s and pick from whatever is leftover of Seamus’ before heading to bed. He’s already had a long day of guard duty, and who knows what tomorrow is going to hold.
”Alright, I’m going to bed,” Kast grabs his longspear and begins to thump towards the door. ”I’ll see you guys tomorrow, huh? Maybe for second breakfast? We should be ready.” Kast pauses on his way out.
"Oh, yes, if we need you Shalelu we will blow the horn 5 times, is that ok?" Izomandakus offers after attentively following the explanations given by the elf "Have a good time at town, let us know if you need anything else. We are the guardians of Sandpoint now!"
"Second breakfast sounds like great Kast! For now I am heading back home" Izomandakus comes back to Sandpoint Savories and helps working on cakes and cookies until night.
Before going to sleep he crafts a silent image scroll with the materials bought at the general store.
As Shalelu stands abruptly, Seamus stands as well, waiving and telling her, "Have a good nights rest." Pausing, feeling a little stupid, he adds, "good luck to you too, I mean with that Bugbear and all." He watches her leave as he takes his seat. He then looks at his plate, happy to see that both of the last two sandwiches were still there.
Picking up one sandwich he moves the last to the middle of the table, listening as the others bid the elven ranger goodbye and talk amongst themselves. Finishing his fourth sandwich, just as Meg asks him to play. A little dumbstruck, he leans forward asking, "Here, in the 'dragon' in Ameiko's place?" He pauses for a moment, "Ok, but I'm not going up on stage."
Scooting his chair back, Seamus picks up his lute tuning it quickly, he begins to play a baudy jig called 'The farmers daughter.' After he finishes the tune he rolls right into another jig called "the Harvest time stomp. As some get up to dance, Seamus see's Kast shift in his seat, thinking his friend will go dance with Meg, he's surprised when the militiaman reaches over and takes his last sandwich. Shaking his head, he smiles a little and continues to play.
When Kast gets up to leave, he continues playing but very softly. "Have a good night Kast." Then looking from Kast to Izomandakus he asks, "Second breakfast? When and where?"
Meg either willfully ignores Seamus's anxiety or just does not notice it. She pats him on the shoulder heartily. "We can go stand in an alley outside for you to play, if you prefer, though I think that would be significantly more cramped. Not to mention, you would not be able to observe anyone, except possibly some rats." Meg takes a big swig of her drink. "And the drinks are better in here."
Meg waves goodbye to Kast and Izo. "Nighty night, boys. Make sure you find someplace outdoors to sleep so you stay visible for the sheriff." She laughs, less out of finding her own joke funny and more in the spirit of good cheer.
Qetsiyah sat brooding for a while after Shalelu had retired. The elf had confirmed what she'd suspected, that the people could needlessly panic if told they might have goblins hiding in their basements. But she couldn't shake the feeling that something threatening was lying in wait in Sandpoint.
One thing she couldn't wrap her brain around was that having dogs seemed to make folk more vulnerable to goblin attack. That seemed counterintuitive, but apparently true all the same. Tomorrow, she would seek out the most notorious dog owner in town, Das Korvut, and ask him some questions. He owned the Red Dog Smithy, so named for the Red Mastiff canines that he favored.
With that decided, she was able to shelve the issue finally and enjoy the rest of the evening. Meg was in high spirits, and the last thing she wanted to do was bring the mood down again.
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"Oh, yes, if we need you Shalelu we will blow the horn 5 times, is that ok?" Izomandakus offers after attentively following the explanations given by the elf "Have a good time at town, let us know if you need anything else. We are the guardians of Sandpoint now!"
She shrugs as she turns to go, ”Sure.” she says noncommittally.
Meg finishes eating, mostly listening to the rest of the conversation. That Shalelu is a tough nut to crack. "Good night, darling. It was a pleasure to speak with you, Shalelu. We must do this again sometime. Perhaps we will have something happier to speak of aside from goblins next time." Meg slides into a disarming smile and waves goodbye to Shalelu.
”G’night.” Shalelu waives back briefly over her shoulder as she determinedly climbs the steps.
The night passes uneventfully, and the sun rises early on Rova 27, a Starday. The air is cool and crisp as you all get out of your various beds around town. Later, the party assembles in the Rusty Dragon for breakfast, er, second breakfast. As they do so, they notice a few folks are still finishing first breakfast, the kitchen apparently having been unusually overwhelmed earlier in the day. Once you’re settled in, a halfling woman Kizzy can tell you is named Bethana Corwin, timidly approaches you. You’ve all seen her around the Dragon acting as Ameiko’s right hand. She makes the decisions when Ameiko isn’t around. And she looks fearful and upset.
”My lords…” she begins, and then breaks down in sobs. It takes her a moment to get it together, and then she explains.
In short, her employer has gone missing. Bethana woke earlier this morning to find that Ameiko hadn’t already started breakfast, for the first time Bethana could remember. Worried, she knocked on Ameiko’s door but didn’t get a response. Against her better judgment, Bethana entered Ameiko’s room to find it empty and the bed unslept in. Worse, she found a crumpled piece of parchment near the bed - a note from Ameiko’s older brother Tsuto.
At this point, Bethana hands you the note (link).
I hope this letter finds you well, and with some free time on your hands, because we’ve got something of a problem. It’s to do with father. Seems that he might have had something to do with Sandpoint’s recent troubles with the goblins, and I didn’t want to bring the matter to the authorities because we both know he’s just weasel his way out of it. You’ve got some pull here in town, though. If you can meet me at the Glassworks at midnight tonight, maybe we can figure out how to make sure he faces the punishment he deserves. Knock twice and then three times more and then once more at the delivery entrance and I’ll let you in.
In any case, I don’t have to impress upon you the delicate nature of this request. If news got out, you know these local rubes would assume that you and I were in on the whole thing too, don’t you? They’ve got no honor at all around these parts. I still don’t understand how you can stand to satay here.
Anyway, don’t tell anyone about this. There are other complications as well, ones I’d rather talk to you in person about tonight. Don’t be late.
Tsuto
- - -
Bethana then goes on to tell Ameiko’s whole life story in a rush of sobs while you each read the note. She explains that Tsuto was something of a scandal when he was born back in 4688 (before Ameiko), since he’s a half-elf. Bethana sagely notes, with big eyes, that neither of Ameiko’s parents are elves. It was obvious that old Lonjiku wasn’t the boy’s father, and his rage at the discovery of his wife’s indiscretion was the talk of the town for months. Lonjiku’s wife Atsuii never revealed who the father was, and it’s a testament to Lonjiku’s stubbornness that they remained married.
Tsuto was handed over to the Turandarok Academy to be raised outside of the Kaijitsu family, ignored by his father and forbidden visits from his mother. Ameiko starting visiting him in secret once she learned about his existence at the age of 10, visiting him a few times a month to keep him company, bring him some food, and promise him that someday things would get all sorted out. That all changed in 4705, when they had a terrible argument in which Tsuto struck Ameiko.
Bethana doesn’t know what the argument was about, but whatever it was sent Ameiko away from Sandpoint for a year, during which time she made a living as an adventurer. She returned to Sandpoint to attend her mother’s funeral. Tsuto was quite public in his opinions that his father had pushed Atsuii off a cliff to her death, and during the funeral there was a confrontation. Lonjiku nearly broke Tsuto’s jaw with his cane, after which Tsuto cursed him and left Sandpoint.
Ameiko has tried to reestablish contact with him ever since, but she was never able to track him down. Bethana’s worried that Tsuto’s up to no good. Since Sheriff Hemlock’s out of town, you are the only ones she can turn to. She begs you to head over to the Glassworks and find out what happened to Ameiko as soon as possible. ”Now even.” she begs.
"Can't stand to stay here? That's ridiculous. Sandpoint is a nice town. Pleasant even," Kast angrily defends the town even though he wants to leave it (for very good reasons, of course). "What is wrong with Tsuto? We have tons of honor. Not like we're all bar drunks and yokels around here."
Kast didn't know the entire history, and listens to Bethana's words.
"Sure, I guess we can go. I'm sure it's nothing," Kast rises and grabs his longspear, waiting to see if the rest of party comes as well. "Don't you worry, Bethana. We'll see what we can see."
Meg listens at rapt attention to the story. She sits near Bethana and offers a hand to hold hers and a shoulder to cry on, if needed. While she legitimately does want to offer condolences and comforts to the distressed woman, she also desperately wants to hear every tidbit. The whole situation has the snack of gossip, and she has always loved gossip. Family drama has always been her particular favorite, an irony that is not lost on her. Lonjiku involved with goblins, though! There was a time when she would have thought the idea ridiculous, but she learned a painful lesson in just how much people are capable of. When Bethana is done and has posed the call to action, Meg sits back a moment, letting Kast take the first reaction. ”For once, I entirely agree with you, Kast. I am a parlor drunk, not a bar drunk. And I have no idea what a yokel is, but the word sounds absolutely dreadful, and I have yet to meet anyone here who deserves such an assault to the ears and tongue.”
She sits forward, then stands up, adjusting her blouse. She still maintains the same high spirits that drove her to dance, but her mood has noticeably darkened. ”I also think looking into the matter is for the best.”
Chuckling at Meg's joke, Seamus continues playing light danceable music until Meg tells him she's done. Tucking the lute behind his arm, Seamus recovers his black floppy felt hat with he black lace band and his grey cloak. Nodding politely he tells Meg and Kizzy, "Ladies, have a good evening, I will try and make it to brunch."
Leaving the 'Rusty Dragon' he heads up Festival Street to Raven and into Cracktooths Tavern. When he put's his hat, cloak and bandolier behind the bar, Cracktooth raises an eyebrow. Seamus takes a few moments explaining to his old friend the he and the other hero's had been invited to meet with the mayor and Sherriff. Then later to have dinner with the ranger Shalelu. After which he was asked by his friends to play for them. Cracktooth smiled saying it was 'about time Seamus finally made a few other friends". Smiling back Seamus grabbed a towel and his lute, putting the lute at the end of the stage, he began to clean off tables. Once the group of thespians were done with their skit. Seamus took the stage late and played the jigs he had played for Meg. Following his routine he played until it was time to close, helping Cracktooth clean up the tavern. Once the Tavern was locked up, Seamus walked to cliffside watching the tide for a few moments, then headed to the Kitten.
Waking with the sun shining brightly through the opposite window, Seamus realizes he had probably overslept, Throwing on his Pants and blue shirt, slipping into his boots, and grabbing his double breasted three quarter length, high collared, belted Burgundy leather vest, the black floppy felt hat with the black silk hat band, his multi-pocketed bandolier and his grey cloak; he quickly heads down the ladder, out the door and running up the street. Having donned his gear as he ran, buy the time he reached the door of the 'Rusty Dragon' he was pulling his long hair into a ponytail and donning the black floppy hat. Seeing the others at the same table as the evening before, he waives and approaches just as a teary eyed Bethana has finished talking.
As Kast stands to reach for his longspear, Seamus, seeing the note that Kast had laid down, picks it up and starts to read. Smiling when Meg calls herself a 'parlor' drunk he finishes the note, nodding, "I agree, we should probably go now." He pauses long enough, to grab a couple of the buttermilk biscuits from the bowl on the table, planning on eating them on the way.
"Bastard half-elf? Whom is his father then? There are no many elves in Sandpoint after all" Izomandakus slowly turns towards Seamus and looks at him quizzically "Do you know anything about that?"
"If Ameiko was to gather with Tsuto at midnight and she has not returned to sleep... it can only mean she, or maybe both of them, got into trouble. We must hurry up and find out" Pachemu looks resolved at Izomandakus and the boy nods at the group "This is probably just some family issues but we better make sure our friend is ok"
CL: 2, Concentration: +5 (3 Int, 2 level), Spell penetration: +2
^ arcane school spell
* used spell
Cantrips (4/day)
mage hand
detect magic
ghost sound (Will 13)
open/close
Level 1 (4/day)
grease (Ref 14)
magic weapon^
mage armor
shield
While the group rushes to the Glassworks, Izomandakus attempts to explain everything he remembers from the building.
Qetsiyah had found it odd that she hadn't seen Ameiko yet this morning, but figured she might have just stepped out for a moment. Of course the food at breakfast should have tipped her off. It was good, as always, but didn't quite have the flavor it should. She was hungry though, given her light repast the previous night at supper, so she ate with more of her usual gusto.
She began to regret having eaten so heartily when she saw Bethana's worried expression and her meal began to feel like a lead ball of dread in her stomach. She read the note, her eyes widening at the suggestion that Lonjiku had something to do with the raid. Could he be the 'longshanks' we're looking for? By the end of the story of family strife, she was glowering angrily and past ready to be doing something.
"Ameiko mentioned her brother before, but would only say that he and her father didn't get along. No wonder she never likes to talk about her family! Lord Kaijitsu was trying to get his hands on her the last time he was here. He may be holding her in the Glassworks somewhere. It's good you let us know, Bethana, we'll find her. Let's go."
Kizzy thought back on how many entrances the building had and kept an eye out for signs of trouble as they approached the Glassworks.
Bethana is relieved that you’re headed there now. She seems to consider coming with you, but decides the ”dishes aren’t going to do themselves.” and she heads back into the kitchen, after one long look back in fear and concern.
When you arrive at the Glassworks, you find the building curiously sealed. Neighbors have noticed a lack of traffic into and from the building, but since the furnace chimney still plumes with smoke, most assume that the building is simply closed to allow Lonjiku and his workers some privacy while they work on a big project. A quick investigation of the building perimeter reveals that curtains have been drawn over the windows and all the doors are locked.
The rumble of the Glassworks’ furnace however, is plainly audible within.
Meg absent-mindedly checks over herself to make sure she is not forgetting any weapons. "Should the situation take a turn, I have a few tricks I have been saving, either for combat or to prevent it."
That morning, she had decided to try something new. During her flight from Corioles, she had evaded what would have assuredly been a death blow thanks to him mistaking the her in a mirror for the genuine article. Since then, she has wondered if there was a way to create a similar effect all her own. She silently watched herself in the mirror, staring at herself with her own hypnotic eyes, trying to recapture that moment. Another her right out of the mirror. Considering the turn her life has taken, it is not hard to imagine two different versions of herself. And considering the danger she is finding herself in more regularly, a bit of extra protection sounds especially valuable.
She leaves her weapons holstered and sheathed for the time being. She is confident with her practice that she can draw them much faster now, at least.
"I say the front door."
"I say the front door."
”Of course,” Kast agrees, marching limping determinedly to the front door and pounding on it three times with his fist. Then waits a few moments and does it again. ”We’re the watch.”
He’ll wait a minute, then use his longspear to loudly rap on the front door.
Already moving, Seamus heads with his friends to the market square, then up Water Street and onto Glass Street going to the main entrance on the north east corner. 'Maybe we should go to the back.' Seamus looks around nervously, 'What am I worried about, were with the watch. Hemlock can straighten it out if old Lonjiku gets mad.'
After Kast gets no answer Seamus moves to the door, he takes a quick look at the door making sure there wasn't anything suspicious, (like a trap), then looks in the window. He turns to the others. "Does anyone mind if I unlock the door?"
Before they could answer he draws out his picks from his bandolier and attempts to open the door.
"Does anyone mind if I unlock the door?"
”Hold on. Hold on,” Kast raps again if no one has responded to his initial raps and if no one hears something from inside. He’s new and wants to be sure he’s following a good protocol before breaking and entering.
But then, yes, if there is no response, he’ll make way for Seamus.
”You can do that, can you?” Kast asks, wondering how Seamus knows how to bypass locks.
Kizzy bounced on the balls of her feet anxiously. She didn't like how locked down everything was, not one bit. When Kast asked to wait longer, she began bouncing faster in her impatience.
She chipped in as soon as Kast was satisfied with waiting. "Here, I'll help." She looks over the door with Seamus and listens while he uses his tools, helping guide which way to twist the probe to flip the latch.
"Only the noise of the glass oven? Everything closed? This sounds very strange..." Izomandakus follows the watch of Sandpoint to the rear door to check if that is also closed.
When they find out it is also closed his alarm grows up "After that note from Tsuto I think we have reasons to force that door and enter Seamus. Ameiko might be in danger..."
Feeling the danger Izomandakus casts mage armor on himself and loads a bolt on his heavy crossbow.
The group starts at the front for, pounding to their hearts content though no one comes to see what the noise is. Seamus whips out some lock picks and you move around the back, off the main street, to find ingress. The locks are decent, but no match for the combination of Seamus and Kizzy as he pops the lock and opens the door.
Beyond the hall is warm from the furnace, but relatively quiet. The double doors just ahead radiate the heat and sound of the glassworks. The hall is lit by smokeless sconces high up on the walls spaced evenly.
"Oh we can preload the crossbows? That is a good idea, Izo." The idea had honestly never occured to Meg, as it sounded rather dangerous to be going about with a loaded crossbow, but those arcane types with the books are probably smarter than her.
"If any of you darlings need to be unseen for a few moments, just let me know. I think the sheriff will forgive a few moments of invisibility." She smiles and loads her crossbow before putting it back on her belt.
Meg briefly considers calling out for Ameiko, but then she thinks it might just be more fun to surprise her. That Ameiko might actually be in serious danger has not yet taken root in her mind as a possibility. She strides down the hallway peeking about for anything of interest.
'do what?...oh...' Looking at Kast, Seamus shrugs. "You remember the conversation yesterday when Izomandakus was asking about my stepdad and showing you the horn? I learned from my stepdad, he thought I should have a fall back skill in case the music thing didn't work out."
Smiling at Kizzy as she told him which way to twist the probe, Seamus pops open the lock, turning to Kizzy and winking, "Thanks!" turning the knob and walking in. While Meg moves past into the hallway, he calls to her, "Need to be unseen? What are you talking about?" Seamus stops at the doors in front to the left, listening for a moment while he inspects the door. He attempts to open it while the others come into the building.
"I learned from my stepdad, he thought I should have a fall back skill in case the music thing didn't work out."
"So...you were trained to open locks by your stepfather? I guess...I guess it's good to have an extra skill, thought I'm really not sure what'd you use it for. Good thing you have such a good voice," Kast comments as he follows in after Meg.
His longspear is at the ready, but he's not thinking he'll have to use it yet.
"HELLO!? TSUTO?! LONJIKU! IT'S THE WATCH! WE'RE HERE ON SANDPOINT BUSINESS! HELLO!?" Kast gives fair warning that they are entering, hoping for the best and hoping to not intrude (and subsequently ruin) a nice family meal or the like.
"Well, if you forget where you left your keys you need someone like Seamus around, I think that is a pretty useful job in a community" Izomandakus nods at the elf trying to ignore what other uses can be given to lockpicking "Ameiko! Are you there?!"
"The working hall is through those doors, let's talk with whomever is operating the furnace right now" the boy calls Pachemu by his side and calmly waits for Seamus or Kast to open the double doors and find out what is going on.
Qetsiyah moved in as the others shouted and called for Ameiko, drawing her sword. It was good they were optimistic and it probably meant she was over-reacting, but she was taking no chances. She waited for Seamus to open the next door so she could head into the next room.
Meg hears the furnace, and possible the sound of glass breaking, but it’s hard to be sure through the heavy door. Then Seamus opens the door.
A furnace burns along the southeast wall of this room. Marble tables sit in the chamber, used to work raw glass into usable shapes, with nearby wooden tables cluttered with various tools of the trade. The building’s furnace rumbles loudly in this room - you need to shout to be heard.
The main furnace burns at the northeast end, a large chamber that utilizes alchemically treated wood that burns with a hot blue light. The workers use this room to melt glass. As the furnace’s stone pipes run southwest, they reach smaller and progressively cooler furnaces used to keep glassworking projects at the proper temperature.
When you open the door, this room is a gruesome display of goblin boredom.
The bodies of eight murdered staff lie in various stages of dismemberment. The goblins have been burning legs and arms in the furnace with glee, and pouring melted glass on the remains in an attempt to duplicate Tsuto’s masterpiece…
You look further into the room and you see a truly horrible sight. Lonjiku Kaijitsu is seated in a chair, staring into the flames of the furnace - forever. He’s encased in thick runny sheets of hardened glass. You imagine, when you get closer, you’ll see the seared flesh where the molten glass touched once living skin, and a scream of pain, forever half finished.
Though there are goblins scattered throughout the room, you think you have your longshanks. Tsuto Kaijitsu (image) calmly pulls out an arrow and knocks it, ”Kill them!” he shouts in common, before repeating it in goblin when the little critters look at him blankly. ”F~~$ing heroes.” he mutters to himself.
'A good singing voice?' Raising an eyebrow at Kast's comment, Seamus returns his attention to the door, nearly shuddering as his friends continue yelling for people. Hearing Izomandakus, Seamus shakes his head, 'Helping people find their keys? I knew Kast was naive, but Izomandakus too?' Not hearing anything at the door, Seamus nods to Kizzy who had drawn her sword, then opens the double doors and steps inside.
Blurting out, "Crap! More Goblins!" and seeing the half elf with the bow, he adds "And they've got help!" Stepping through the doorway, keeping his back to the wall, Seamus draws his long knife from it's scabbard and a shorter throwing knife. Attacking the surprised goblin, thrusting first with the long knife in his right hand.
Seamus moves quickly into the room and drops a goblin with a surprise attack!
Blue is down and bleeding as the goblins respond.
Tsuto launches an arrow at dear Seamus after moving into a slightly better position.
The goblins just go indiscriminately nuts. They seem very excited at having someone fresh to experiment on!
Red moves up and attacks Seamus.
Green grabs a globule of molten glass and hurls it at Seamus.
Orange climbs down off the bench and up onto the long table before scurrying to the end, kicking over glass here and there as he goes!
The other goblins all hustle toward the excitement, none of them wanting to miss out on their new playthings.
Seamus bobs and weaves, but still manages to receive a bad cut from one of the goblins for his trouble.
Meg spins about on her heel and dashes back towards the sounds of combat, drawing her rapier on the move. She is not expecting a goblin to already be in the doorway, though, and the reflexive stab she throws out is in little danger of hitting anything. She stares it down with her easy, hypnotizing smile.
HP: 19/19
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F2/R6/W4 +2 will vs charm and compulsion, +2 fort vs poison and drugs, +4 fort vs alcohol
Hypnotic Stare: Red
Painful Stare: Red
0: (Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic)
1: 0/3 used (Vanishx0, Telempathic Projectionx0, Ill Omenx0)
[ dice]1d20+4[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+1[/dice] damage.
Round 1, Init 7
Kast wants to drop his longspear when he realizes there is no room to bring it to bear in the small space. Instead, he sees a chance to gank a goblin like Seamus did...and takes it.
He takes a poke at red.
Be perfect, Kast. Perfect.
to hit;
damage.
He will then draw his shield with his free hand.
hp: 17/17
AC: 16/13/13 + 2/shield
Saves: F1/R4/W3
Aroden's Verve: 0/0 used
GlitterBomb: 0/0 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic, light, stabilize)
1: 0/5used (CLW*0,DF*0,PfE*0,Idientify*0)
[ dice]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+3[/dice] damage.
[ ooc]Morningstar, two handed:[/ooc]
[ dice]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+3[/dice] damage.
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Qetsiyah sidled into the room next to Seamus and gawked in horror at the scene within the Glassworks. Her eyes spun wildly from corpse to corpse, searching for any sign of Ameiko, she felt some small measure of relief that she could not find her among the dead.
"Gods above! What have you done?! Where is Ameiko? If you've harmed a hair on her head, I'll make what you did to Lonjiku look like a child's art project! Looks like we've found our 'longshanks', friends. Stick together, don't let them surround you!" She bellowed over the sound of the furnace, reminding her allies to be careful of their positioning.
"Goblins!" Izomandakus jumps on place surprised by the sudden appearance of a bunch of the green critters "Hit them hard Kast!"
The boy touches the man and Kast's strength has a sudden power up like if an invisible force is pushing his arms forward.
"There are other doors around the furnace" Izomandakus moves along the corridor while Pachemu oinks menacingly at the goblins before following him.
Feeling the dogslicer cut into his thigh, as Kizzy move in behind him, Seamus looks down at the nasty little goblin just in time to see Kast stab it with his spear. 'Serves the little bugger right."
Limping forward on his bloody left leg, Seamus stabs at the goblin standing on the table aiming for its chest with his longknife. Then pivoting he launches his throwing dagger at the one that had tossed the glass at him.
Izomandakus gives Kast a nudge before heading deeper into the hall. Kizzy bellows and the party does better as she waits for an opportune time to join the fray. Kast stabs red cleanly and, with Izomandakus’ help, drops the creature! Two down! Meg charges in but misses in her haste. Seamus ends the round strongly as he chops down a goblin (orange) - and wounds another (green)!
Tsuto launches another arrow at dear Seamus after dipping it in the furnace to light it!
(1hp fire)
The goblins are sooo happy to see you, they climb all over each other to attack.
Green grabs another globule of molten glass and hurls it at Seamus.
Additionally, Seamus is now on fire and will take 1hp of fire damage each round until he puts it out (standard action) as the glass burns into his skin, setting.
Pink jostles green, nearly pushing him into the furnace as he passes so eager is he to get at Seamus. He tries to trip Seamus, so as to drag him down to his level, and to the furnace…
Yellow squeals with delight as he closes and stabs at Seamus as well!
The remaining goblins all jostle each other as they rush forward, purple is in fact tripped by red-blue as the latter passes them before they get up. Upon standing, purple gets a good look at the party as they stream into the chamber. "The Hero's of Sandpoint!! By Lamashtu!" He swears as he turns the other way and begins to flee in fear.
Tsuto very nearly shoots him he's so angry... "Damn goblins..." he spits.
"Blast! ahhhggg Fire!" Smiling when he plants the dagger in the goblins arm, Seamus in disbelief, see's the bugger throw another glass blob at him, bursting into flames on his cloak. Realizing another Goblin is running past him, he trusts at it with his longknife, then starts to look for a place to 'stop-drop-and-roll.
Round 2, Init 7
Kast winces as Seamus is burnt and chopped. He knows Kizzy and Meg are moving in to help...but will they be too late?
”Hang in there!” Kast drops his longspear and dons his shield. He moves in, and tries to shield-bash yellow after a 5’ step.
to hit;
damage.
That was not perfect, Kast! Focus!
hp: 17/17
AC: 16/13/13 + 2/shield
Saves: F1/R4/W3
Aroden's Verve: 0/0 used
GlitterBomb: 0/0 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic, light, stabilize)
1: 0/5used (CLW*0,DF*0,PfE*0,Idientify*0)
[ dice]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+3[/dice] damage.
[ ooc]Morningstar, two handed:[/ooc]
[ dice]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+3[/dice] damage.