Red's massive blows leaves the boar on its last legs for She to come in and deal the killing blow! .
The surviving hunter thanks the party profusely, as he grieves over his friends. Lady Foxglove stops screaming at seeing the danger pass. "My heroes!" She rushes to Perri's side and leans her head on his shoulder, "That was awful."
Perri looks at her shocked for a moment. "It WAS awful. It still is. We should attend to your men."
He tries to pull away form her so that he can provide ritualistic blessings for the dead, and tries to prepare the bodes for transport home, so their families and loved ones can get the chance to properly say goodbye.
"We should probably make one or two platforms the horses can drag. Take these poor men home for proper burial, and the boars back for meat. Leaving either here would be both disrespectful and wasteful."
Rîleth cast her eyes over the area one more time to ensure there were no other, immediate threats in the vicinity.
As Perri attempted to liberate himself from the lady's attentions to attend to the two dead hunters, Rîleth stowed her bow on her back and stepped closer; speaking in a steady, soothing voice, she addressed the noble woman, "Lady Foxglove, it is best that Perri and the men collect the deceased and ready them for their return to town. Please, stand here, between Shel and I, so we can protect you while the wood for the litter is collected, the bodies tied and the boars stowed. My companions and I will continue to keep you safe, you may be certain of this." She then quietly drew her rapier.
Shel was disgusted at seeing the guards slain by the beasts. She’d done her best, but hadn’t been of much use against the hogs. ”Yes, once we get everything trussed and ready for the trip, we need to get going. Predators and scavengers will be here in no time,” she mumbled.
Red dropped out of his rage and took a couple of rounds to recover. "Did not know pigs were so tough...poor hunters. I am sorry for your loss, Lady." Once his fatigue wore off, he helped carry the men per Rileth's instructions.
Rileth's soothing tone calms the distraught noblewoman. "I had no idea this day would end in such tragedy. I was merely coming for the sport and enjoyment, not this!"
Red, the sole hunter named Leon, and Perri help transport the two dead hunters and the dead boars back to town. As you can imagine, it is a somber mood and everyone remains quiet for the most part.
When you arrive in town, at around 4:30 pm, you explain the situation to the guards and after corroboration from everyone present, the guards tell you they will contact the family. Lady Foxglove bids you farewell as she retires to her room to rest.
Shel again takes the opportunity for a quick bath, hoping to scrape all the porcine remnants off her gear. Afterwards, she heads back downstairs to have a bite of dinner/late lunch as the walk and the long hunt made her hungry. She had no real plans for the rest of the day, as it was.
Red thanks Lady Foxglove for the hunt and then feels a bit awkward about it, since 2 men just lost their lives, but he was never really one to grieve. You accepted the gods' will and you moved on - that was the Shoanti way. Upon arrival in town, he stops by to check on the Sheriff and if he has any new developments on the goblin attack and their human leader. That was still boggling Red's mind. After that, he takes a bath and some dinner before a little drinking and off to bed.
After the Lady Foxglove had taken her leave, Rîleth requested, from one of the inn's serving girls, a bathing tub brought to her room and then climbed the stairs of the Rusty Dragon to her bedchamber. As she waited for the tub and water to arrive, Rîleth took out her leather-bound journal and began to read her notes; concentrating on the fine details she had carefully written down during her most recent lesson on the Old Light with Master Brodert. The simple act of reading something familiar had a calming effect on her - the senseless deaths of the two hunters because a bored noble woman sought to hunt for sport did not sit well with her. I hope the lady now feels remorse for these deaths and will learn better judgement. Perhaps she will make recompense to their families.
A soft rap at the door brought her out of her thoughts and closing her journal on the small desk, she made her way to the door, opening it to allow the tub and water to be brought in. A fresh washing cloth and soap was also handed to her. Undressing, she gave her clothes to the chamber maid so they could be laundered and returned to her after the bath.
The hot water steamed delicately up from the tub as she stepped in and immersed herself. For a brief moment, Rîleth shut her thoughts away and enjoyed the heat seeping into her sore muscles. She closed her eyes and fell into a light sleep - only lasting a handful of minutes - to wake with thoughts of earning coin and making purchases - a light mace would come in handy against foes such a skeletons. She noted it to memory.
Finishing her drawn-out ablution, she sat on the bed drying her long hair; then brushing through the long, dark tendrils with steady strokes before making a single braid. Another rap at the door and her clean garments were returned and she dressed, adding the rapier to her hip in case of possible trouble at the inn. Leaving her chamber, Rîleth locked the door and made her way down to the entry floor and the bar. Requesting a mug of local red wine, she discreetly sought out Ameiko - wishing to tell a story on the stage to earn some much needed coin and hoping the proprietress would consent.
Walking the short wooden stairs up to the stage, Rîleth centered herself and cast her eyes around the tavern; hoping to initially engage the interest of the milling patrons with her beauty and smiles. Then, using her melodic voice to narrate her tale and her elegant, graceful body and limbs to punctuate the exciting and thrilling parts, Rîleth told a story of a wild, stormy sea voyage and endless pale grains of sand under a ceaseless sun - of a mighty Sphinx with the muscular body of a lion and great wings of a falcon guarding a secret, lost treasure trove in underground ruins older than an Elven elder. Of a dangerous and dogged pursuit and a triumph as golden as coins, crowns and adornments lying inside an unearthed crypt. Rîleth told her tale with an unexpected, excited animation - with an eloquent description to rouse the heart of any adventurer seeking their fortune. When her story came to a close, she raised her mug of wine to the patron audience, saluting them and then drank before leaving the stage and finding a known companion and table to partake in food and drink before ending the night and returning to her room to sleep.
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Red checks in at the town's barracks, but learns from one of the deputies, Tolliver by name, that Sheriff Hemlock is not around, as he and another guard are following up on a lead on the goblin attack. Unfortunately, that's all the information that can be divulged.
The food at the Rusty Dragon, as always, is delicious, but Ameiko is not present. Her second in command, a hafling maid by the name of Bethana Corwin, is supervising the inn's operations tonight and she gladly allows Rileth to take the stage and perform.
Rileth tells an enjoyable take that captivates the audience and transports them, ending in clamorous applause and some whistling. After the performance, she receives tips that add up to 10 pieces of silver.
Everyone has an enjoyable night and rests for the night.
24th day of Rova 4707 AR
The next morning Rileth receives a knock in the morning, which stirs her from her sleep. As she pulls herself out of bed to answer the door, she finds the 3' tall Bethana standing there, all nervous with a worried look. "Beggin' yer pardon please, ma'am, for waking you so early. Please gather your companions and meet me in the dining area as soon as possible. I am worried and don't know whom else to turn to at this moment." She turns quickly around and hurries off down the stairs before Rileth can inquire further.
Blinking a few times to clear her sleepy mind, Rîleth in her night/undershirt moved down the corridor and knocked on her companions' doors to rouse them from their sleep. At each door, she discreetly/quietly informed its occupant, "We must meet Bethana in the dining room without delay. I will dress and meet you downstairs," and then returned to her chamber to quickly wash her face and dress (adding the rapier to her hip) before making her way down to the dining hall.
Rîleth glanced around the room seeking Bethana and upon finding the Halfing maid she addressed her, "My companions will be down presently. Then we can discuss your concerning news and what we can do to aid you."
Shel followed her fiends down the stairs, staying silent, wondering what she and the others were getting themselves into. Rileth had done a wonderful job of calming Bethana, so Shel grabbed an apple while waiting to see what exactly was so urgent.
Red wakes up as well, dresses, and moves downstairs. He follows Shel's lead to find some food to calm his grumbling stomach. He waits to hear what is bothering the maid.
Perri joins the others, noting the general tone enough to remain quieter as he waits to see what's wrong. On top of yesterday's unnecessary deaths.
Bethana smiles weakly as she sees you gather. She holds Rileth’s hand for strength and support as she begins, ”Thank you for coming so quickly. It’s about Ameiko. She’s not been seen since yesterday afternoon and I am worried about her. You may think me an overprotective fool, but I’ve worked with her for 3 years and in that time, she’s never not come home. Yes, she’s had her adventures and I’ve stepped in to cover her here at the inn, but she’s always slept in her bed. I checked her room this morn and her bed has not been slept in at all. I even looked around for some clues and found these torn pieces of paper under her bed.” The halfling woman gives you four pieces of paper written in a strange language. ”I don’t understand what’s written there. I believes it’s written in Ameiko’s native language, Mink-something or other. Is it too much to hope that any of you speak or read that language?” Bethana interlaces her hands as if in prayer hoping you can help her.
Red starts to think, but it hurts his brain. He shrugs his shoulders and then whispers, ”I thought mink were small weasels valued for their fur..they speak too?!”
Rîleth held the halfling woman's hand. How was it that Ameiko's second in command did no understand her mistress' native tongue? Surely Ameiko would have taught Bethana the language of her homeland? Rîleth found it strange as she did Ameiko's disappearance.
Holding one of the papers written in the unfamiliar symbols, Rîleth answered the maid's question, "It is unfortunate that I cannot read this. Master Brodert is a master of many tongues, yet, I do not believe he speaks or reads such a language. Does Ameiko have any close companions who share her native tongue? Or are there other trusted scholars or sages in town?" Rîleth grew thoughtful and she attempted to remember those she had crossed paths with or heard stories of in town.
”It looks like scribbles to me. I’m sorry, but that language is outside my particular abilities. Does she have family or is there anyone in the town from the same area as she? Maybe we could ask them,” Shel suggests.
"I'm sorry, no, I don't know the language. If we can wait, I can prepare Comprehend Languages tomorrow, and we can find out what the words are at least. No idea if we'll understand them or not."
"I'm sorry, no, I don't know the language. If you are willing to wait for me to go through my morning prayers, I could request the ability to read the note while I pray? It will take some time, however."
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Rileth is aware that it is public knowledge that Ameiko's family consists of her father Lonjiku and her half-brother Tsuto. Tsuto, a half-elf, was the product of her mother's infidelity and has always been ostracized by the patriarch. Hence, the reason that Tsuto was sent away to Magnimar to complete his studies. Ameiko's mother died in an "accident" 5 years ago. Her father is still alive, lives in town, and is said to be the reason Ameiko remained in Sandpoint.
As for linguists, the only local person who comes to mind, besides Brodert, is possibly Sabyl Sorn, a female monk and caretaker of the House of Blue Stones in Sandpoint. She is said to be fascinated with the Minkaian culture.
You explain the situation to Bethana and she is willing to wait. You get bathed and dressed and have breakfast, until Perri is ready to cast his magic. He commences with the intonations and at the conclusion, sprinkles some soot and salt over the papers. Perri is able to decipher the foreign language and he organizes the torn paper into a legible note from Tsuto.
”Well, what do you all make of this? Did she tell anyone about going to go meet her brother? Obviously the only clue about her whereabouts is this note. If there aren’t other options, I think we should make a quick trip to the Glassworks and talk to this Tsuto.”
Red nods his head. "Shel is right, that is where to go. Then to see Ameiko's father to see if he is involved in the goblin attack."
"If he asked his half-sister to meet him and now she has not returned, I am uncertain we will find this Tsuto or Ameiko at the Glassworks at this hour of morning. Yet, I will go with you to see what we can find."
Looking to Bethana once again, Rîleth enquired, "Bethana, do you know much about Ameiko's half-brother Tsuto? Is he someone we can trust, someone that Ameiko trusted? I have heard that Tsuto has been shunned by Lonjiku Kaijitsu because the half-elf is a constant reminder of his wife's infidelity. Lonjiku sent Tsuto away from Magnimar to complete his studies. It appears there may be some ill will between the men."
"Seems little doubt about going to the glassworks. Hopefully there's not much there right now. I can't imagine things going well if they are there, still."
"If he asked his half-sister to meet him and now she has not returned, I am uncertain we will find this Tsuto or Ameiko at the Glassworks at this hour of morning. Yet, I will go with you to see what we can find."
Looking to Bethana once again, Rîleth enquired, "Bethana, do you know much about Ameiko's half-brother Tsuto? Is he someone we can trust, someone that Ameiko trusted? I have heard that Tsuto has been shunned by Lonjiku Kaijitsu because the half-elf is a constant reminder of his wife's infidelity. Lonjiku sent Tsuto away from Magnimar to complete his studies. It appears there may be some ill will between the men."
Bethana ponders the questions, "From what I understood, their relationship was strained. I remember Ameiko telling me once that Tsuto struck her during an argument. But yeah, she trusted him. I am sure she went to meet him when she received this note. But why is she still missing? I fear for my girl's safety. Please find her immediately." Bethana implores you to find Ameiko.
You head over to the Sandpoint Glassworks, seeing as you approach, that the furnace chimney plumes with smoke. The Glassworks is a large stone building combining the actual factory with a shop in which potential customers can examine the wares before buying them. When in operation, large plumes of smoke come out of the massive furnace chimney. You see no foot traffic to and from the building. A quick investigation of the building perimeter reveals that curtains have been drawn over the windows. You try the front door but find it locked. Sandpoint citizens are walking through the streets, moving on with their day, some curious as to what the four of you are up to as you hang about the entrance.
Red tries to scatter the people on the street with a growl to allow Shel to do her stuff, "Nothing to see here, or I'll sic the sheriff on ya!"
As Shel walked around the building, she looked for any other doors or access points. ”Anything would be easier than me trying to pop the lock here in broad daylight. The Sheriff likes us and all but that’d put us in a poor light.”
If there were no other exits, Shel sighs and tries to check for any traps. If she finds one, she tries to disable it and then tries to open the lock.
Perception
Disable Device
Red's tone, timbre, and presence is enough to make the Sandpoint villagers mind their business and scatter. However, by the time he looks back, She has moved around the side of the building looking for another entrance. She finds one on the southern side of the building, near where there are stairs leading down to the beach.
As Shel prepares the pick the lock, between the rumble of the Glassworks’ furnace plainly audible from within, you can also hear what sounds like high-pitched giggles, shrieks, and breaking glass as well coming from inside. You lose concentration and the lockpick slips from your hand.
Shel continues to try to pick that darn lock.
DD
DD
DD
DD
Shel gets it on her next roll, hearing the sweet sound of Click. The door to the Glassworks opens. To the immediate south, there are a couple of double doors, from which the high-pitched noises originate. There is a hallway to the west where you see a door at the end.
Keeping his voice low, Perris has a suggestion. "I think we all want to check on what's making the noise, but I really think we ought to let Red go through the door first. I can be right there with him, letting the two of you keep more distance if you choose?"
Red grips his sword and shield tightly and whispers, "I have no problem going first - I am well defended with bear hide and shield. Up to Shel, she seems comfortable being very quiet."
Rîleth, with rapier in hand, quietly/cautiously inquired, "Shel, you have a clearer sight of the interior, where to first? I care not whether Red or Shel leads; I say we should move quickly and quietly if we are to find out who is inside and breaking glass. I am ready to follow inside."
When it is her turn to move into the building, Rîleth will endeavour to move as quietly as she can so as to not inform anyone inside of her presence.
Shel holds up a finger to her lips, asking her friends for silence. She takes a look into the room and slowly advances, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Stealth
Perception
Shel makes her way down the hallway only to find 2 more doors - one in eastern wall and one in western wall. The hallway bends and continues SE. You can make a rationalization that the E door and SE double doors that you initially saw may lead to the same place: the source of the high-pitched shrieks and sounds of glass bring broken.
With her weapon in hand, ready for any unseen enemy, Rîleth followed behind Shel, keeping a short, discreet distance between them and moving almost as quietly as the Halfling in front. Rîleth continued to be mindful of her surroundings - casting her eyes about and keeping ears open for any sounds drawing nearer or growing louder from a particular direction.
Red walks in fully armed and he stands back, letting the women take the lead. Ha! If his fellow Shoanti saw him now, they would beat him into submission! But despite his simple ways, Red sees all good souls around him as equals. He smiles at the memory and stays 10' behind the elven girl. Of course, he stole a look at her rear every once in awhile.
Shel will continue down the hallway, leaving the doors behind for the time being. She wants to see where the hall leads, and to see what is making all that racket.
Stealth
Shel rounds the corner and sees a long 90' hallway with one door on the western wall 60' away and double doors at the end of the hall. Rileth hears giggling and the sound of breaking glass behind the door to her immediate south.
Shel thought twice about heading that far down the hallway. It’s be easy for the group to get swarmed if the doors she was passing opened all at once. She turned to Rileth, pointing at the closeby doors, seeing if she had a preference of which to open first.
Uncertain about what the halfling is trying to do, but recognizing her right to choose, Perri follows right behind Red, trying to watch the doors that become behind them even as he tries to watch what's happening in front of them.
Trying to see everywhere at once, though, never works out as well as you might hope.
Continuing to move with the lightest of steps and motions, Rîleth followed Shel's lead. Hearing the soft laughter and breaking glass coming from behind the door to her immediate south, Rîleth motioned (with her free hand) to the Halfling woman - pointing to her ear and then to the southern/nearest door to her. She hoped Shel would understand the meaning of the hand gestures and would try the door and open it. She then turned to the males and gestured them carefully/silently forward so they would be nearer in case of trouble.
Shel three caution to the wind and tried to open the door straight out, suspecting the rest of the group would not be able to stay silent as they closed the distance. If the door were locked, they’d have much more to worry about than trying to get the door open.
As you open the door, you realize this must be the principal Glass working room. 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. What greets you, however, is a gruesome display. The bodies of murdered humans. possibly the staff, lie in various stages of dismemberment throughout the room; the goblins are been burning legs and arms in the furnace with glee, and pouring melted glass on the remains. At the other end of the room, propped up in a chair is an old man of Minkai descent encased in thick, runny sheets of hardened glass.
You count 8 goblins, very similar to the ones present in the raid, in the room, currently distracted by their macabre playing with human parts.