Mr. Biggs shouts and dancing in the back.
Yes! Smite the Boneshan-er I mean skelington!
He moves up a bit and readies an action.
Gareth was not prepared to fight a skeleton, so he hung back while the others made short work of it.
Shield up, The warrior priest takes off at a run, moving toward the skeleton, bellowing in righteous fury!
Aleks frowns when Fiora says to use blunt weapons. He then releases his black kukri, which dissipates immediately. As he steps forward, he pulls from...somewhere a black mace, and swings it at the skeleton.
Crit?
Aleksander's magically appearing mace smashes the skeleton, now much more silently than how Mr. Biggs killed the other.
It turned out there was something to fight in the vault, but it was an easy fight. Instead of recovering from it, the group needs to recover from Mr. Biggs' thundering weapon.
After a quick search of the vault shows there is a black robe in the corner of the vault. Also, there are two tombs in this vault, one for Father Tobyn and the other for Nualia, his adopted daughter. Tobyn's tomb has been opened and the remains have been removed.
Fiora stops singing and moves into the tomb. "Yuck... smells like moth-eaten robes from the cathedral's spare linen chamber."
Noticing the robe she moves over there and examines it. "Speaking of robes..."
Fiora notices that is a black robe of fine quality.
This is a completely expended Robe of bones.
The young acolyte's hand twitches back just moments after touching it. "T-This is a very powerful necromantic robe! Or at least, what's left of it. See these creature-shaped outlinings? I heard stories about these techniques, of casters being able to rip out the figures and turning them into summoned monsters. I think this one was made to summon undead..."
She meets the eyes of the others. "This seems like a very valuable item to waste coming here. The question is... why? Why were the priest's bones so important...?"
"That seems most troublesome. I wonder if there's any other lingering magicks down here that might provide any further clues." The Desnan says, as he casts a minor detection spell and begins to look around the room.
Gareth walks around and doesn't detect any magic beyond the small residues from the magical robe.
"No other magic you say? Hm..."
Leaving the necromantic robe where is it for a moment, she walks over Father Tobyn's robbed tomb and studies it for oddities. How did they open this thing? Did the robber inadvertedly leave something else behind...?
Studying the stone around the tomb, Fiora finds that it was pried open with an improvised lever, probably a crowbar. She also finds that the height and position needed to operate this lever would make it very awkward for someone of a goblin's height to be able to do.
Grael rubs at his chin through his thick beard, examining the doorway along with Fiora. "Mayhaps they thought the robe was still charged an' usable? As fer the bones..."
The dwarf moves to Father Tobyn's tomb and looks inside with a critical eye, seeing if he can spot either something odd or unique about the tomb itself, or is he can perhaps discern if there had been something more than bones inside.
After a few moments, however, Grael shrugs.
Grael realizes this is a very simple stonework, not intricate enough to have anything secret.
Aleksander walks up behind Grael and looks over his shoulder.
Other than a few break crumbs on the dwarf's beard, Aleksander doesn't seem to find anything special either. He figures out this is indeed a very simple vault with no secrets.
On the off chance her stalwart friends had overlooked something, Fiora detects magic again while inside the crypt, facing all directions, and takes a glance of her own at both the empty tomb and the seemingly unopened one. Were there signs the second tomb had been attempted to open as well?
What about daughter? Mr. Biggs wonder if they uh.. desecrate! daughters remains too!
Standing at the daughter's tomb, Fiora calls back. "Working on it!"
'Am I just wasting time, though? Maybe we should go back instead and report what we found...'
Fiora checks every inch in the tomb, making sure it's clean. She realizes that there have been a few goblins and someone with the height of a human. The daughter's tomb is untouched.
"Okay. I think we've learned all we can here. A humanoid figure, a longshan- um, tall kinfolk, came in here with a few goblins and opened only Father Tobyn's coffin. They probably used the last few charges of the robe to summon skeletons to attack whomever might have investigated. And by expending the robe, perhaps intentionally, anyone coincidentally detecting magic wouldn't know something was wrong," Fiora concludes.
She then walks back out and reports the group's findings to her father and the sheriff. "What could they want with father Tobyn's body? Does there exist some magic to extract information from the dead, or something? And if so, what could he have known that was worth doing this...? Maybe the whole goblin attack was just a distraction so this person could break into the vault...?"
Father Zantus is waiting anxiously outside the tomb and seems relieved when Fiora comes out unharmed. He says "We heard Biggs' loud shooting..." After he makes sure his daughter is healthy, he finally hears what she has to say.
Both the priest and the sheriff exchange looks at her question and come out empty. Father Zantus says "Well, I don't think any such divination should work, him being dead so long... But it makes sense what you say, that the raid was a diversion for a... darker purpose." He looks to the ground, lost in thought.
In the meantime, the sheriff gathers the group and says "Look, I don't like this. Please don't tell anyone about this. The mood has been a little sour today. Until we know more, I ask that you show people here that you're around, so they feel safe. You've made quite an impression. I mean... you do mean to be around, don't you?" His question is more directed at those in the group who are not from Sandpoint originally.
Something Fiora said was bothering Aleks, but it took him a minute to figure out. "Are we sure they didn't disturb his daughter's tomb? Maybe they just put the lid back?"
Fiora shrugs at Aleksander. "It looked undisturbed for me, judging by the dust. But if the Sheriff and my dad approve, you might have permission to open it just to see if they didn't her bones as well?"
She throws a questioning glance at the town authority figures with them. "And of course we're going to be around, right!? There's no one else I'd trust to run the church's sunday school. And I guess I could get used to being famous... I mean, it was a bit overwhelming to get stuffed with free treats, asked for ten dates on the same night and requested to try out new clothes and such for the craftsmen. But, I suppose it's fun in a way."
She then grins. "And some of them were cute."
Father Zantus shifts a little uncomfortably at the thought of his baby dating. But he contains himself from saying anything.
Chuckling at her father's reaction, she gives him a playful punch. "You're too easy, dad. I know we're Desnites and all, but it's not like I feel comfortable going on a dating spree with this threat of a looming second attack!"
Then, a thought strikes her. "I don't like waiting around doing nothing, but I think it's all we can do now? I don't think we have any leads to follow, do we...?"
Father Zantus says "Well, the sheriff thinks you should all make yourselves known in town. I think there was a gentleman who wanted to talk to you at Ameiko's."
The group arrives at the inn and they see a man in fine clothes sitting at a table. He is easily recognizable as Aldern Foxglove, the man whose dog died during the raid. He gets up and comes greet them all. He says "Please, heroes! Allow me to thank you properly! As I said before, my name is Aldern, my family has an estate south halfway to Magnimar. I came here to Sandpoint for business, but now that everything has happened, I wonder if you would like to accompany me to a hunt! Then you can tell me all about how to be a hero!" He also looks mostly at Grael, trying to imitate his posture.
Mr. Biggs nods.
Being Hero is easy! Mr. Biggs says, you gotta roll with punches! Er, figure-a-tivly and literally! He does a small demonstration of "rolling" with a punch before continuing.
Also can't quit! Uh.. having mixes and bombs help too! But main thing Mr. Biggs thinks is not quitting. OH! and not getting dead!
he offers a handshake to the man, pauses, takes out a clear liquid "sanitizer" made from alcohol and washes his hand with it. Before extending it once again, still mildly wet from the sanitizer.
"Oh, hello Aldern!" Fiora says, sitting down at his table and politely smiling at the... not exactly manliest guy she'd ever met. "Have you been keeping yourself out of trouble while I was gone? No new scratches on your finger, I hope? I really wouldn't want to explain to the rest of your family that something bad happened to you on our watch."
She watches the goblin making his case to the man with some amusement. "Yes, Mister Biggs, but maybe we shouldn't encourage anyone from blowing up anything before they have the proper training?" she looks Aldern up and down and attempts to guess his martial prowess - did he look capable of defending himself in any meaningful way? "Speaking of bad things happening, what sort of hunt are you talking about and are you sure you can handle something like that? What if we run into goblins again?" She asks the foppish man during her guesstimation.
Aldern smiles at Mr. Biggs and condescendingly says "Thank you, little friend." To Fiora he says reassuringly "No, I've kept to the inn. And the hunt is only for sport and maybe... dinner! I hope to get to know you all and... I'm sure you'll be able to handle any inconvenience easily!"
"Get to... know us?" she repeats a little hesitantly, but then her polite smile flourishes to a full one. "Well, hunting is fun! We used to do that last year on the road, Gareth and I, when we were travelling to see Ancient Thassilonean ruins! He's a really good hunter, he is. Me... not so much."
As if summoned by the topic, Felix worms his way upward from Fiora's bag and seems to stare at his human. "Yeah, yeah, I know. We won't be hunting bunnies, little buck. Go back to sleep and eat the potato in the bag, all right?"
The hare hesitates for a moment, then dives back in after... huffing? Fiora, however, ignores it and looks over the rest of the group. "Actually... what do you all think. Should we go out hunting with him? I'd like to, but it might take us away from the village for a while, and who knows if it'll be attacked again?"
"I doubt the goblins could mass such a force again quickly. A day or two shouldn't be a problem." Aleks says.
Mr. Biggs looks like it gets an idea.
Mr. Biggs cook catch while killing it! He shows one of the vials of orange fluorescent liquid up, emphasizing the point.
The next morning, Foxglove is waiting for the group in the Rusty Dragon. He has bought each one a mount from the Goblin Squash Stables. He clearly avoided saying that one of the would be handed to a goblin, since the owner is a known hater of the little race.
The mounts are waiting by the northern gate, where you saved Foxglove. On the way, the group learns that you are meant to go to Tickwood Forest, which is only a mile-and-a-half ride, north of the region known as Devil's Platter. Despite the name, it is known to be safe, home to wild boas, deer, firepelt cougars and the rare giant ticks for which the small forest is named. No goblin tribes dwell in it.
On the way, Foxglove starts a conversation "I'm very impressed at your abilities and the way you fought together. It makes me think about some stories of Magnimarians, how Frecious the third fought giants in the height of the Taldan empire, and came to Magnimar to help build the best parts of the city. In fact, if you're ever in Magnimar, you should come visit me in my house there. It's beautiful and you'll be well treated. It's where I have been spending my time. But how about you? What are your plans for the future?"
Grael is gracious and offers his thanks for the expensive gift, but generally scowls at the mounts in general and eventually chooses a pony for himself.
As they ride, the crimson-haired dwarf does his best to adjust himself on his steed, but finds the whole experience rather uncomfortable and frankly awkward. He mutters quietly to himself,"Dwarves just ain't supposed ta ride like this. Much less to go huntin'."
Still, Foxglove seems genuine enough, if a bit pompous, and Grael does his best to be pleasant. "Can't speak for my companions, Master Foxglove, but for myself, I plan ta see a bit o' the world and see what's what, and what help I might offer in Torag's name."
Mr. Biggs looks at the pony hesitantly. It is clear he has reservations, as likely does the pony.
Is ok if Mr. Biggs ride with someone? Mr. Biggs not too sure about this pony.
He asks the others, as the pony gives a stare that threatens death and destruction should the goblin even consider clamoring on its back.
As he is asked about future plans, Mr. Biggs speaks up.
Mr. Biggs become priest of fire-goddess! Mr. Biggs show everyone that goblins can be good! Goodlins! Mr. Biggs also want to share boomer with people. But Mr. Biggs need to work out uh... kinks first.
He shows the musket, or as he called it, the boomer, on his back.
Mr. Biggs also perfect mixes! That way, Mr. Biggs help everyone not help themselves! Like fire-goddess say do. And burn those that threaten! Mr. Biggs especially good at burning an' splodin' badduns.
"I-I'm sure she will accept you, mister Biggs! Just be nice to longshanks and don't do bad things. Sarenrae is all about second chances, after all. H-haha, ha..." Fiora manages to say, riding along on a pony. Though it was perhaps more accurate to day the pony was in full control, since it seemed to not listed to any of her directions and the priestress often lost her footing in the stirrups. By all accounts, if the disposition of the animal was any less kind she'd have been tumbling rather than riding along.
When the group pauses for a while to admire a nearby stream, she catches her breath and answers Aldern. "Oh, you're a fan of ancient history too? Sweet! Have any more interesting stories to share?" She asks the nobleman. "As for me... I think Grael has the right of it. I'd like to see more of the world soon, starting with the Thassilonian ruins in the area. There's something mysterious about them that makes them just so interesting! Not to mention that time-frozen city up north... Gareth and I went there last year to see it and it was amazing! Though... like everyone else, we couldn't actually enter it. Damned barrier got in the way of all the fun!"
She seems to catch herself and furtively glances over the group. "Oh, uh, don't tell dad I said that. He doesn't like it when I curse. He's a bit strict. On a lot of things..."
Gareth chuckles at his 'little sister' "You know he's not here, right? It's okay to curse every so often, especially in presence of friends." He says, giving her a conspiratorial wink. "As for goals, well, I suppose mine are similar to Grael and Firoa's but more expansive. I've explored a good portion of this continent already, but I've heard stories of several others, and I long to travel to them as well."
Aleks shrugs. "I'm not really looking for a life of rand adventure or anything. I've had plenty of excitement in the past. But sometimes, the excitement finds you, I suppose. It's good to be accepted as a useful member of the community. That's enough for me, really."
Foxglove seems pleased with the conversation. He replies to Fiora "Well, I hope you find yourself to many exciting places in your time. Magnimar actually has many interesting Thassilonian monuments that have not been completely figured out yet. Maybe after you're done being a hero in Sandpoint, you can go there to study them!"
Then, Foxglove turns his gaze at Grael and his voice changes slightly to sound deeper and he says "Your sense of adventure and courage are admirable. I hope I will be able to accompany your adventurous spirit and mirror your impeccable power." As quickly as his voice changed, he recomposes himself and points to the nearing forest. He says lightly "Oh look, we're here! Pay attention, the woods are ripe with game."
"Sounds like a fun place to visit! Maybe I will, one day. Though... if I'm honest, I get the feeling everyone is overestimating us a bit, based on fighting just a few goblins. I still don't feel it's entirely deserved to constantly be called a hero or praised for our supposed skills," Fiora says, then looks around for game when Aldern calls a halt.
"Oh, shhh! I think I spot something over there!" she exclaims, pointing to a suspiciously moving bush...
Mr. Biggs is more concerned with tinkering than looking.
Inside the woods, Foxglove continues being somewhat inattentive of the surroundings.
Some beasts might be more aggressive towards invaders of their territories, especially where game is ripe.
He continues telling Fiora "Oh, but you are fantastic! I do wish to be like you! So strong and brave and... well, perfect in all regards!" He finishes talking, looking at Grael.
"I would advise caution, as we are entering territories where we might be considered invaders." Gareth suggests, his years on the road giving him a keen insight into such dangers.
Mr. Biggs looks to Foxglove curiously.
Does Lon er, Mr. Foxglove like Fiora? Is that why you say she is perfect?
Aleks looks around. Hunting isn't something he does much, but he does his best to look for...something. Movement, perhaps.
Fiora, Gareth and Mr. Biggs manage to see a very angry-looking boar preparing to charge the group. They shout a warning to everyone else and get ready to meet it.