When the boar is pointed out to him, Aleksander wastes no time, conjuring a night-black spear and hurling it at the beast.
Aleksander's spear bounces off the beast's thick hide and it charges him.
The creature's charge is a violent one and it almost makes the fetchling fly in the air.
Mr. Biggs falls out the pony with a soft 'thud' before pulling out his musket and firing off a shot.
Bad boar! No hurt Mr. Biggs's friend Alek! can be hear over the retort of the firearm.
"Eep! A boar!? Is this its terrotory...?" she wonders, before going over her options.
Seeing Alex badly hurt and looking like he's about to faint from the goring wound, she directs her pony towards him and quickly attempts a heal!
Somehow managing to stay on his mount, Aleks nearly faints before Fiora's spell heals him. He does his best to direct his mount away from the fearsome beast, then conjures and hurls another spear.
Gareth draws his bow, and fires an arrow at the boar.
Mr. Biggs successfully shoots the boar, but and the bullet clearly wounds it, although not severely. It seems maddened by the shot and immediately charges the goblin. All the horses panic at the loud noise made by the musquet.
Fortunately for Mr. Biggs, the loud boom disoriented the boar and it actually head bumps a nearby tree.
"W-Woa! Please, kind horse, Um, pony. Horsepony? Shhhh. Calm down?"
THe next second, Fiora falls off and she sighs. "Well, probably better this way," she figures, and starts to sign a song of bravery as she stands up.
Quick as a whip, Aleks' steel kukri flashs out at the beast as it runs past him.
Mr. Biggs stands up before pulling a vial from his belt and trying to toss it at the boars flank
Gareth's mount bucks and rears back at the sight of the wild boar, but thanks to a bit of divine luck, he's able to dismount without incident.
Gareth once more fires his bow, hoping to hit the wild boar attacking his companions.
The boar continues to furiously attack Mr. Biggs.
Feeling pain from the kukri, the boar attacks Aleksander.
Mr. Biggs, knocked slightly silly by the boar barely manages to land on his feet before he throws a haphazard vial of alchemist fire at the swines rear.
Proving once again that the goblin is well armed and is a force to be reckoned with, Mr. Biggs' bombs burn down the boar. Its fur lets out a bad burning smell.
Suddenly, Aldern Foxglove rides back into the scene and says "Wow, you took care of that fast! I was almost ready to jump in and save the day. I guess I'm not as brave as you, madam." turning to Fiora.
After spending a while rounding the mounts that scattered through the woods, the group drags the boar's carcass back to town. Foxglove is a little silent during the trip back. Once they arrive at the Rusty Dragon, Ameiko sees the boar and quickly gets some help to bring it in. A few hours later, the smell of baked boar can be smelled in almost half of Sandpoint.
Mr. Biggs lets out a -slightly- crazed laugh
See! Mr. Biggs kill and cook at same time! Bacon!
Seeing Alek laying on the ground, he will run over and pour a potion down his throat.
Wakey Wakey! he says as he pats Aleksander's cheek
The boar's tusk sinks deeply into Aleks' gut, and he falls motionless to the ground.
"Good going everyone! Way to show that boar who's boss!" Fiora cheers, slightly before Aldern rides back in.
Suddenly, Aldern Foxglove rides back into the scene and says "Wow, you took care of that fast! I was almost ready to jump in and save the day. I guess I'm not as brave as you, madam." turning to Fiora.
Fiora chuckles and blushes at the compliment. Perhaps Aldern seemed a bit childish at first, but he didn't look half-bad, and he did seem to have a good idea of fun! And it wasn't like the entire rest of the town didn't also have a bit of an unhealthily inflated opinion of the group...
"Haha, I'm, ah, sure you were! But you know? Thanks, Aldern. This really was a fun trip."
She holds his gaze for a moment with the sincere compliment, perhaps slightly longer than necessary, then gets the nagging feeling she was forgetting something...
...In this case, Aleksander bleeding out on the floor just to the side. "Oh. Excuse me! I need to help him..."
"This won't do... I need to have more healing magic on me if we're attacked again. Maybe I can trade for it, somehow?"
Aleksander awakens to the smiling, toothy, visage of Mr. Biggs, slightly too close to his face. While Mr. Biggs taps his cheek with his fingers.
As Gareth cuts into his slice of roast boar, he wonders aloud "What should we do now? We're kind of at a dead end, it would seem."
After getting back and delivering the boar to Ameiko, Fiora quickly excuses herself, throwing an odd look at Aldern over his apparent silence. "What's wrong?" she asks, waiting for an answer and intending to pay a visit to the magic shop afterwards.
*Munch* *Munch* "Oh, this boar is just SO delicious! And this sauce! Never tasted anything like it. I wonder where Ameiko got this from? Think it's a Tian-Min cooking secret or such?" Fiora chirps happily, perhaps slightly over-enthousiastic in digging into it and the accompanying roasted vegetables.
She hestitates when Gareth asks the obvious question. "Honestly... I don't know. We didn't find any more tracks at the graveyard, the robe was spent and the goblins aren't smart enough to tell us more about who organised them. Maybe we can try talking to the civilians tomorrow? They DID ask us to be more public to raise morale. And maybe one of them has information about the attack or other strange things that might help us find this mastermind. The only other option seems to be heading into the wild and go looking for goblins at random..."
At some point when Ameiko passes and the group orders drinks, Fiora shares this information and problem with her. "So... I think we're stuck at the moment. Do you know something? Or someone who is an expert on goblins, maybe?} she inquired to the innkeeper.
Foxgloves suddenly brightens as Fiora talks to him, becoming much more cheerful. He replies loudly "I'm very well, thank you. Just thinking, you know... how much more incredible you are than little nobles such as me!"
Ameiko replies "Well, there's Shalelu, but she's hardly in town. In fact, I think it'll be a few weeks before she comes in. Don't worry, you'll have free drinks all that time!" She seems cheerful and says "Relax a little, have a beer! You took care of the goblins!"
The summer warmth is making people more cheerful in the tavern, with many empty bellies. Ameiko excuses herself and goes tend a table with newcomers who seem tired and in a bad mood.
"Hm... well, If you say so, Aldern! Just remember that if you do run into problems, we owe you for this trip." Just as she's about to go, Fiora scratches her chin in thought as she regards the noble. "Actually..."
She leans in and gives him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Now we're even," she grins and walks off to do her magical shopping, unless stopped.
The next two days go by uneventful. The populace seems, in fact, in a good mood. There were few casualties among the people and they seem to feel safe with the batch of heroes in town. On the third day in the middle of the afternoon, however, a kid stops by the Rusty Dragon. He says "Uhm, heroes of Sandpoint. Your honora... hon.... horable presence is asked in the town hall." As he begins running away, the halfling Bethana who is bringing a few beers to a table says loudly at the boy "Sid, have you eaten yet. Sid!!"
After reaching the town hall, the sheriff is waiting for them and says "Thank you for coming."
The group is led by the sheriff to the second floor of the town hall, in a very comfortable office. The mayor is there talking with a half-elf. As the group walks in, both of them get up and sheriff Hemlock says "As you can imagine, these are the ones we talked about. They're the new... uhm... goblin experts. Sandpoint heroes, this is Shalelu Andosana. She is sort of an unofficial member of the town guard." The elf smirks at that comment.
The sheriff goes on "Shalelu has been a thorn in the side of local goblin tribes for years now." As the sheriff pauses to think about what to say next about the elf, she tries to drops in, but the sheriff hijacks the conversation saying "Well, Sandpoint isn't the only place around here that has been having goblin troubles lately. All over the Long Coasts there have been increasing reports of goblin activity. Particularly in Nettlewood and Mosswood. Yesterday a farm south of Mosswood was burnt to the ground by a group of goblins. Shalelu was nearby and nobody was hurt, but the building was lost, nonetheless. It seems the goblins just aren't going away just yet."
Shalelu makes sure that she can talk now and says "Belor’s told me of your work against the goblins. Well done. I’ve dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they’re tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite." She seems to not like goblins very much.
“There are five major goblin tribes in the region, and, traditionally, they’re pretty good at keeping each other in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I’ve been able to piece together,
members of all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair number of the Mosswood goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty
beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the ‘longshanks’ who killed so many of them. Now that I’ve met you, it seems obvious from their
descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you’ve made an impression." She takes a pause to breathe, then continues.
“In any event, the fact that the five tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don’t get along unless they’ve got something big planned, and big plans require big bosses. I’m afraid that someone’s moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, what they’re organizing seems like bad news for all of us.”
Sheriff Hemlock doesn't realize this and says "This is very troubling. With your permission, madam mayor, I'll leave immediately to Magnimar to ask for more troops.", and leaves at the mayor's acknowledgement. Before actually leaving, he asks Shalelu to visit places where goblins dwell so that she can keep tabs on them. He also asks the group "If you can, try to make your presence known to the Sandpoint people. They seem to have taken a liking of you, so seeing you around town will do a lot for keeping worries down over the next few days."
With the meeting over, Shalelu asks the group "Would you join me for lunch at the rusty dragon? I'm starving and would like to hear more about your help in the raid. Also, I can share what I know with you if it helps."
Mr. Biggs reaches out a hand for a handshake when introduced.
Then Mr. Biggs, whether wanted or not, chips in at points to discuss the intricacy of goblin politics, which he eventually boils down to a few words.
Goblins, especially ones not as smart as Mr. Biggs, follow strongest. If someone has managed to bring tribes together. They are likely very strong. This worries Mr. Biggs.
When asked to lunch, Mr. Biggs nods his head enthusiastically.
Good place for mixes! Also good food. Mr. Biggs could eat whole Chicken!
At the end of the talk, Mr. Biggs Proves that, while he understands the danger of the situation, he doesn't quite get it from a longshanks perspective.
Aleks smiles and nods when Shalelu is introduced. Oh my. I'd heard elven women were attractive, but I've never met one before. The stories hardly do the truth justice. He tries not to give away what he is thinking, but he steals the occasional glance her way as the group heads to the Rusty Dragon.
Upon reaching the tavern, Shalelu orders a large plate of ham with potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and green peas. They seemed to have been waiting for her as it's ready as soon as she orders it and she starts stuffing her mouth with the food. She looks at the group wondering if anyone is going to order anything or ask her any questions about goblins. That is as far as her manners go, as she eats voraciously.
At dinner, Fiora looks a little nervously at Shalelu. "Um... w-well, you know, miss Andosana, If I'm honest, I don't think we did that much, but everyone keeps calling us heroes. We killed... I think ten or so of them during the attack? That is between the five of us, and at least two of them were drunk. I don't think we really deserve to be called heroes the way you are, taking on so many goblins from different tribes all by yourself in the wild. I... think it's more that the people here want something, or someone, to believe in so badly that they overlook we're not that much better than the town guards, and definitely not as good as you. Well, except for Aleksander maybe, he was killing them left and right!"
She winks at Aleksander for some reason, then smiles softly. "But I've said that numerous times to numerous people, and they all seem dead set on continuing this for all of us. So... if they need this image of us as heroes so badly, I'll try and behave that way. And eating like heroes is just the start! Hey, Ameiko? Can we get some of your house special sweet and sour chicken for the table, along with the herbal tea?"
Then, she opens her backpack (pushing back Felix as he tries to escape it yet again) and pulls out a few wands. "I did some shopping today, sold those glasses and got a few wands. And much more gold than I have any right to have. So all of tonight's food and drinks are on me, everyone!"
At some point during the feast, she decides to ask Shalelu a few more questions. "So where are you from, Shalelu? And why did you spend years of your life to quell the goblin tribes here, in particular? Do you have some connection to this town?"
Hearing that his food was paid for, Mr. Biggs orders enough food to feed three medium sized humans and begins to devour his feast. As stories are told, Mr. Biggs attempts to comment on their latest feat.
We kill big boar too! Roast it good! Alek made good distraction and stabber, Mr. Biggs roast it with bomb after it knock Alek down. But Mr. Biggs help him back up with healing potion.
It is unsure if the goblin was helping or hurting with his tale.
Gareth chuckles when Fiona offers to pay for their dinner. "It would seem my little sister is living the high life! Just spending gold like they were copper pieces, must be nice!" He says, teasing her playfully.
He waits for Shalelu to answer the questions already posed to her.
Shalelu chews a bit more and swallows before replying "Well, I was born in a fairly isolated elven town. We had to leave some time later... You can say I lost my parents. I spent some time in these parts collecting bounties and helping keep Sandpoint safe. I guess I... felt needed and useful. Naturally this meant I started to grow some friendships around here which is more reason to stay."
At this point she resumes eating and says [b]"Well, you know, I started to gain enemies as well, mostly goblins and alike. So you can say that's more reasons to stay. Some scores to settle.
"Well, you've really made a name for yourself, Shalelu." Aleks says, trying not to stumble over his words as he addresses he beautiful elven woman directly. "You're really, so impressive. I mean, not just in combat." he says, gesturing to he ravaged remains of the ham. Where does she put it all? He wonders, risking a glance at her slender form.
Shalelu doesn't seem to notice Aleksander's eyes, although she does turn to him and says "Thanks, I do try my best. How about your story?"
"Good question! You're the only one not from around here, Aleksander. Why did you come to Sandpoint? Here to see the sights and woo the women?" She winks at him in between eating from her tentalizingly sweet and sour chicken dish.
"Oh. Ah, um, I...well, it's more a matter of where I was going away from." Aleks says, his cheeks darkening with the odd grey flush of a fetchling. "I grew up in Nidal" he says, with an involuntary shudder. "I was...never one for its draconian laws. In most places, being a troublemaker means vandalism and petty theft. In Nidal it means spending time with Desnans and Milanites, smiling, actually enjoying life, that sort of thing. Anyway, when I finally got caught, I managed to flee north just ahead of the authorities. You can tell I was successful because my skin is whole and on me, not flayed and used as a rug somewhere." It seems he's trying to be funny, but apparently Nidal's darkness infects its natives' sense of humor as well. "Fleeing took me north, and from there I kind of wandered until I ended up here. I like it here. There's good food and good company, for one thing." As he says this, he looks around at the others, but he definitely looks to Shalelu first. And last.
Mr. Biggs makes a show of downing an entire piece of mutton in one go, making some strange, almost disturbing sounds as he does. He gives a small burp before chuckling.
Heh Heh... Excuse Mr. Biggs. Mr. Biggs normally not get to eat this good.
Causing a small disturbance at the end of Alek's tale.
For what its worth, Mr. Biggs glad Alek make it here safe and is alright! If not, then who help Mr. Biggs kill boar!?
A careful eye notices that Shalelu blushes slightly when Aleksander looks at her warmly. She even swallows the food in her mouth before adding a smaller portion more. She says to Mr. Biggs "Well, I know we'll win, now that goblins are on our side."
She gets up and says "Well, it has been a pleasure meeting you." She exchanges looks with Aleksander and quickly says "I have to go now, to scout their movement. We'll meet again, I'm sure." She lingers for a few moments, half expecting another question. If there are none, she leaves, and sun begins to set.
"Desna's fortune be with you, Shalelu! Be careful out in the field," Fiora calls to her when she rises, and toasts a glass of rice wine in her direction.
After she leaves, the cleric gives Aleksander a big thumbs up. "Smooth! She was definitely into the 'refugee from an evil regime' thing! Not going to lie, I thought it was risky at first but it seems you're really good at reading people, Aleks. So when's the wedding?" Fiora continues, teasing him. "I'd like an invitation, and I just might buy you a nice gift! ...As long as mister Biggs here doesn't eat through *all* my money in a single night..."
The rest of the day and night go smoothly. The next morning, however, Bethana the halfling approaches the ones having breakfast in the Rusty Dragon. She says "Please, could you help? I think Ameiko may be missing. With the sheriff out of town, I wanted someone I can trust for this." She seems to have a tear in her eye.
Upon being questioned, Bethana hands over a piece of paper. She says ""I was worried when I saw that Ameiko didn't start breakfast. So I came into her room and found this." It is a note written in Minkaian. She realizes that she probably needs to translate it and says "Well, Ameiko has been teaching me her language, so let me read it."
She translates "Hello, sis! 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'd 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 stay 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 looks worried. She asks "This brother of her disappeared just after their mother died and has been a source of discontent in their family. It's complicated, you see. He's half-elf, and neither of Ameiko's parents are elves." She lets the implications linger.
Gareth listens quietly while Benthana reads the letter, though his facial expressions betray several emotions, foremost being concern for his good friend. "I think I've heard Ameiko mention her brother before, but never too often, nor in much detail. His heritage explains why."
He pauses, thinking over their options. "I'm not entirely sure the best course of action here. We obviously need to do something but I don't know if should go investigate the Glassworks ourselves or speak to the mayor, or maybe see if we can talk to Ameiko's father. Or something else entirely." He looks to his companions for their suggestions or input.
Fiora looks up from calming the halfling. "Well... if Ameiko went to see this bastard half-brother of hers, and went as requested in the dead of night when everyone was asleep, there's a good chance she disappeared at the glassworks. I'd want to search that place fast on the off-chance she was still there, or at least while there's still evidence around of what happened to her."
She glances away uncomfortably. "That is, of course, assuming she was kidnapped there..." she mutters. "If everyone agrees, perhaps Benthana could run to the mayor and show her the letter. That way, the town guard can be notified too. We might need them there depending on what we find inside! At the very least, they should know we're not just breaking in to rob the place."
"It's too bad Shalelu isn't here. She'd know what to do." Aleks says, with a glance toward the forest. He shakes his head. "But nevermind that, we have to work with what we have. informing the mayor is a good idea. After that, we should go to the Glassworks. Quietly, if we can."
Fiora knows that Ameiko has a difficult relationship with her father. He resents that she ignored his wishes and went adventuring. She bought the Rusty Dragon inn and manages it in part to show her father Lonjiku that she is her own and only boss. Tsuto is somewhat a tabu in town. However, Fiora knows that he is estranged from the family, being the fruit of Lonjiku's now deceased wife's son with an unknown elf.