Searching Tsuto, Lief finds a that you're pretty sure is of the healing variety, a very intricately designed , a that's been masterfully crafted, the matching to the one that led you to suspect Longiku's involvement, and a coin purse. The coin purse contained , as well as and
Alistair searches the room, spotting Tsuto's propped on the wall with about Flipping over the filthy mattress, he does indeed find a journal. Flipping through the pages quickly, he does a double take at several sketches of a beautiful woman in various erotic positions. Mixed in among these, however, are maps of Sandpoint, each depicting different attack plans.
Many of these maps are crossed out, rejected. A circled map shows about 30 goblins hitting various points in the city -- the attack during the festival earlier this week. Of more concern are maps that follow, many scribbled out, none circled, that depict a force of over 200 goblins attacking the city.
Near the end of the journal, the woman he has drawn over and over is portrayed with bat wings, horns, a forked tail, and fangs, as well as on monstrous, demonic arm.
Three entries in particular catch your attention...
"Wow, this doesn't look good. Let's get this knot head in lock up and then discuss this journal." Alistair says after quickly looking through it. Even though it sounds like there is a secret tunnel down here and something called a quasit with freaks, I think it best to get Ameiko to safety before following up.
Diego scoops up Tsuto and then tosses him over his shoulder. "Agreed. I don't think these binding will hold him long if he comes to. Locked cage sounds like a better option."
“And maybe some sleep… for us…” Lief mutters, “at some point?”
"You can bunk out at the barracks, we can put this joker in a cell, and review the journal. When you get up we can discuss actions." Alistair says walking out the door and paging through the journal as he does so. "I guess we should make a quick check for other prisoners." He puts the journal in the folds of his coat and looks about for other doors.
Nico helps Ameiko out of the basement and takes her back to the Rusty Dragon before going to meet up with the others at the barracks.
"I'm going to suggest that we move together. Who knows what else this clown has put into play."
Alistair finishes looking through the basement. In two places along the hallway, there are areas that look to have been bricked off, then recently knocked down and opened. Interestingly, they appear to have been knocked outwards -- the one near Tsuto's room hammered out towards where Ameiko had been kept, and the other one broken out to the north.
Within another chamber in this hidden section is a tunnel -- one that is long, and dark, and very likely the one mentioned in the journal.
Nico and Orin each take a side and begin helping Ameiko towards the stairs, when you recall your goblin prisoner, Fugh, who is still cringing obediently and holding his own leash, wide eyes never leaving Nico.
"Let's get out of here, Diego. Too much baggage to pursue leads right now." Alistair suggests and follows a bit behind Orin and Nico.
You slowly make you way out of the glassworks, a beaten and bruised Ameiko limping along between Nico and Orin, Diego carrying Tsuto, and Lief and Alistair keeping watch over Fugh.
Not many folks are out at this hour. Lief's words ring true -- you've all had a very, very long day. It was only this morning the Sheriff left for Magnimar, and you've been awake for a long time. Still, you remain alert as you swing by the Dragon, returning Ameiko to Bethana's relieved care. The older halfling had closed the tavern for the evening, worried about the missing woman. "I'll see she gets rest, and we'll send for a Father Zantus to see to her injuries. Thank you, all of you."
Now it was time to see to the other Kaijitsu. You drag Tsuto back to the garrison, securing him with manacles to the wall of one cell, careful to ensure there is not enough slack for him to strangle himself with the chains. He's still unconscious.
So, you are all gathered, back in the garrison, a nervous goblin in tow, prisoner secured and girl rescued. With unknown enemies plotting against your quiet little town.
After securing Tsuto Diego turns and looks at the goblin. "I think we should secure this little guy until we have fully explored the glassworks. If everyone feels confident that he will kick rocks and not alert anyone, then we could escort him outside the city's gates and release him. Either way, I don't think we should speak about our findings, or further intent, in front of him."
"Agreed, I think he needs to go in a cell until we have a trial. Alistair agrees and helps to jail the goblin. Later, in another room Alistair shares the journal if others have not looked at it already, I think we have the night shift maintain a guard on the outside of the glassworks, get some rest and then go back in in the morning. We need to check on this tunnel and these lower chambers. An assault by goblins is bad enough but we don't need "freaks" coming up from under the town as well."
The carnage she saw in the glassworks hasn't left Nico in a forgiving mood. She's shocked by Diego's mention of letting the goblin go since her take on him is that he is harsh. It's hard for Nico to reconcile her view with the leniency he's floating.
Nico hems and haws to herself over it, eventually deciding if Diego can see a case for letting the goblin go, she can too. He was cooperative, and she doubts it will ever cross his mind to set foot in Sandpoint again. Before saying anything though, she decides to wait until more pressing business is wrapped up.
Nico stays at the barracks overnight so they can go back down below the glassworks as early as possible.
Acknowledging Alistair's suggestion Diego nods in agreement. "A good nights rest sounds like a sound call. We don't know how deep that cave goes. We could be at it for an extended length of time."
Orin nods, in his capacity as acting sheriff until Hemlock returns. "I'll talk to the night watch, and get a report to Mayor Deverin. Get some rest, and I'll do the same shortly. We'll want to be fresh for whatever's down there."
Alistair does not favor letting the goblin go. "We can't let the little thing go. It'll run home, tell them what happened and join them on the next attack on the town. Normally, being a goblin, I'd say just kill it but since it did help us, I think it should stand trial, where it will most likely be found guilty and then summarily executed."
In speaking about the journal, "This looks like some of their war plans. Alas, it looks like they have a big attack with 200 some odd goblins planned but nothing final. Keep in mind Bruthazmus is the bugbear Shilelu tangled with. If Tsuto knows him then he too may have access to the areas below the glassworks. We need to be careful, a bugbear is no laughing matter. As for the Malfeshnekor thing, I have no idea. Nualia sounds like she is insane, possessed, or both. Everyone Tsuto mentions seems tied to the woman so it is likely she is the ring leader. Hopefully, we'll find her below and stop her before her plans come to fruition. Does anyone know who or what a quasit is? It sounds like a what and I'm wondering what kind of freaks hang out with a quasit."
Regarding planning for the trip below the glassworks, "We need to ensure we take plenty of light, torches I guess. A good rope for each of us at least. What do you think about taking a donkey to carry gear. Since they were tunneling we may need a pick, shovel, or sledge hammer. It'd be nice if we could put stuff like that on a donkey instead of on our own backs. For food purposes, what are you guys thinking? Stay the day I should guess. If it is more extensive we will need to return to the garrison and totally rework the watch schedule."
Diego listens carefully as Alistair explains his thoughts on what's coming up next. "I agree with everything you have mentioned and would like to add a thought. If we intend to take any more captives then perhaps we should bringing a set of irons. Rope simply doesn't get the job done."
Lief quietly follows the others around as they begin tying up loose ends, and he yawns frequently. Once they're back in the barracks discussing things, he sits down in the nearest chair and leans it back carefully against the wall.
"Execute it?" he finally speaks when Alistair expresses his views on the goblin. "It betrayed its kind to help us... we should deputize it and look for a little halfling-sized watch tabard to make it wear while we take it out on patrols with us... it won't eat much, and it won't take up much room sleeping in one of the cells each night..." He says all this in a completely serious tone, although he does so with the mostly-closed eyes and punchdrunk grin the normally only come from staying awake far too long or smoking excessive amounts of pipeweed.
Before anyone can respond, his head falls back and he begins to snore loudly, precariously balanced in the chair.
"I certainly understand the emotions behind the fate of this creature. The Glassworks was a truly gruesome scene. But we did promise leniency for his cooperation, and hid did provide it. We will release it at nightfall, outside the city." Orin says, clearly bothered by the fact that his decision seems to go against at least a few of the group.
Unmoved by the goblins outcome, Diego nods with understanding to both Lief's point as well as Orion's directive. "I personally believe the goblin has earned a reprieve. I also believe the citizens of this city deserve some sort of justice. If I didn't think it would drag our friends name through the mud, I would say to make her brother's trial, and (or), execution public. That way those who suffered from the goblin raid could feel some sense of closure."
"Uh, how do we run a trial? I mean, do any of us know enough about the law to do it right? Is the mayor the judge?"
Really nothing of note like this has come up during her time on the watch. Nights in jail for drunkenness or fighting? Sure. Fines for minor things? Yes. But a capitol crime, or even something that would involve a sentence of any length? No.
Those of you who were in town when the Late Unpleasantness happened would recall that a judge was sent from Magnimar while the string of two dozen murders was being investigated. Several suspects were questioned, but no full trial was ever held, since old Jervis Stoot turned out to be the serial killer and had killed himself. Still, for Tsuto, a judge would likely come from the larger city, and if the half elf was not executed, he would most certainly spend the rest of his life in the prison charmingly known as the Hells, in Magnimar.
The next morning, Alistair will begin to look around the garrison for the tools he mentioned and ask the quartermaster about getting a donkey.
The tools are easily acquired, and a donkey named Jepp is brought from the stables. "He takes a bit of coaxing on stairs, but he's not the jumpy sort, so he's not like to run on ya," the stable boy explained eagerly. "They said you was facing a fight maybe. More goblins? I could come along and tend to the equipment," he offered hopefully. He couldn't have been more than nine or ten.
"Thanks for the offer but we don't know what we might be up against. Perhaps next time." Alistair says to the young boy taking the donkey's lead. Then he begins to load the donkey with; pick, sledge hammer, shovel, 2x lanterns, 6 flasks of oil, 12x torches, pack saddle, 5x ration (one each, figure we will be down there all day), 2x ropes (50'), 12x pitons, and an axe.
"Anyone else have any suggestions on gear to take down with us?" Alistair asks the others as he wanders around the garrison gathering up the necessities.
Lief continues snoring loudly in the precariously balanced chair until Alistair begins banging and clanging his way past with his arms full of tools. He tries in vain to fall back asleep until the swordsman asks for suggestions. "Is there anything left that you haven't already taken?" he asks grumpily. "Oh, Hemlock's out of town- why don't we tie his desk to Davino's back and take that with us too, in case we have to write a report real quick while we're exploring the tunnel?"
He leans forward until the front 2 legs of his chair crash back down onto the stone floor, then he rises and heads for the barrack's small kitchen muttering, "I need some coffee... and some food, I think... what time is it, and when did I last eat?"
Diego allows the group to respond to the young boy's request while seeming more focused on the task at hand. "My mind keeps thinking that we may be too limited on space for a donkey. I suppose old timers have been using these things in caves for years, but I keep thinking goblins are small and their caves might be a bit tight." After thinking outload he shrugs. "I guess it can't hurt to try."
"let's just hope we don't have to climb straight up or straight down. Hmm, long term we may need a block and tackle. We'll take that down next time if it comes to it." Alistair muses with a sly grin.
"Tsuto mentioned they were smuggling tunnels. That says someone semi-intelligent used them. They may have used goblins but unless they were all gnomes, it'll be big enough for us. And if we can fit," Alistair says as he steps back to gesture at the donkey, "Jepp can fit."
Nico had found a cot or bed to curl up on and sleep. The next morning she had ignored the donkey thing because, while she didn't understand the need, she didn't care. What she didn't pick up on earlier was the intention of taking it along with them everywhere.
"But why? It's not THAT much stuff to carry. Sandpoint is on a promontory, we're almost completely surrounded by water. We know where we're going down and we know the edges of the town, any tunnels can't run farther than the edges, we'd be walking on air. Anything going down too far would be flooded. We know the level of the sea and the river. We're not going to be going into a huge tunnel system. It's extra trouble for no reason to bring a donkey down there."
"They had busted down some walls in that basement, there may be others yet that are partially busted or not at all. It just seems prudent to me to have the tools we need rather than getting to a point and saying I wish we had this or that. Even worse if we get to a point where we need some odd item. Jepp will be more surefooted than we are unless we have to go vertical."
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Lief stumbles back from the kitchen with a large wooden mug full of old coffee and a big hunk of crusty old bread that he's stuffed with some sausages and apple slices. He takes a big swallow of the questionable brew while he listens to Nico and Alistair discuss the donkey situation then interjects, "if Alistair gets to bring his girlfriend and all their digging equipment, then I should be allowed to bring our new mascot and give it a little club and a tiny shield."
Nico rolls her eyes in a pointedly obvious way. She turns and walks off, but adds as she goes adds "that whole thing is your show then. Do NOT ask me to hold the reins, guide it, heft it up or down, or get out of its way. And keep it out of my way too."
Lief smirks as Nico tromps off and confesses to the swashbuckler, "I'm honestly not even sure which of us she was talking to."
"Wasn't me this time." Diego states while eyeballing Lief's sandwich. "Is there any sausage left?" He asks in a hopeful tone.
"The donkey" Nico calls back as she gathers her things. "Arming the goblin and bringing it is too dumb for a response."
"She's going to love it. Jepp will win her over. You're not serious about that goblin are you?" Alistair says as he finishes packing the animal. "I'm ready. Let's get this show on the road."
You all gather your supplies and make the arrangements with others in the Watch to keep an eye on Tsuto. The majority of the group vetoes Lief's suggestion of bringing their 'mascot' along for the trip, and you head out, with Jepp loaded up with enough supplies to account for most any eventuality.
The night shift had the grim task of removing the bodies from the Glassworks. Orin had ensured guards manned every entrance to the building, and a pair of them made their report as you approached the main doors.
"We've identified the humans as guards employed by the Kaijitsu estate. Lord Kaijitsu seemed to have packed a number of supplies for travelling, but he and his escorts made a stop here first, and it ended up being their last. We threw the goblins' bodies over the cliff for the crabs. Lord Kaijitsu himself is...problematic. The way they encased him in molten glass..." the young man shuddered.
His partner continued. "He's stuck to the floor. We're afraid chipping him out might...damage him. So we're trying to remove him as respectfully as possible but it will take some time."
The first fellow continued, his composure regained. "There's been no hint of trouble. The men on patrol report in that all the doors are still in the clear every quarter hour, and they just checked in a few minutes before you arrived."
Diego quietly listens as the pass down is being done. After making note of everything the guard said, he begins heading towards the tunnel.
"Good job. Whoever takes over for you let them know we are down in the basement of this place. See you in a shift or two." Alistair says to the man and then follows Diego toward the basement and the tunnel entrance.
You and Jepp make your way through the abandoned factory. The donkey's hooves clip clop and echo through the darkened interior, lit only by the sun coming through the windows and skylights. The bodies are gone, but the blood stains remain, leaving a grisly reminder of what happened here.
It takes some coaxing to convince Jepp to walk down the stairs to the basement level, and his nervous braying likely carries a ways. But soon enough, you find yourself looking down the old tunnel, into darkness.
Diego firmly grips his sword and then turns to the group. "We will need light from this point on." He states and then turns to take the lead.
Alistair lights a torch and, holding it in his left hand, follows Diego, rapier in his right. "Isn't this the part of the bedtime story where the witch springs out?" Alistair asks as they move forward.