Father Zantus NPC's page

"We took up a collection to provide you with some tools for your quest. Hopefully they won't be needed, but it's better to be prepared."

Father Zantus hands the group a small sack. Within are:

Two wands of cure light wounds, each with 10 charges remaining,
Two vials of holy water,
Three potions of protection from evil,
Two oils of magic weapon,
One potion of remove fear,
And one scroll of detect evil.

"It's hard to be prepared for everything, but I'm sure you will put these things to good use."

"I admit that the things you found might make it less appealing rather than more. But those things ought to be cleansed, and having someone actually in charge of the place might expedite that a little."

"It is also hard to get to, of course. But it's a fairly big property nonetheless. And as far as I know you're the only ones who have even been over there in many years."

Father Zantus smiles.

"Of course, it's not as if I get anything from the sale. Or the church for that matter."

After the group has a round of drinks and Cade leaves for Magnimar, Father Zantus arrives.

"I just came from Das Korvut's. I heard about your expedition and went to look in on him."

"He's in a bad way, but at least he is finally able to grieve properly. Finding closure can be difficult sometimes, especially with a stubborn man like Das. But now the process can begin. I'm sure that he'll be all right soon enough."

"We'll arrange for a burial in a day or two."

"I was told his spirit had become an attic whisperer. Those are very rare. If his remains are buried properly we shouldn't have to worry about the spirit any longer. Attic whisperers are often capable of creating illusions, so perhaps that's how Das thought he was seeing his son."

"You should know... er..." Father Zantus looks a little uncomfortable. "Well, since Jervis Stoot died, title to the island passed to the town council. But because of the... ah... unpleasantness... nobody wants to touch the island. I'm sure the council would be pleased to sell it to you for a very reasonable price. If you are interested, that is. Since you seem to have a handle on dealing with the issues that linger there."

"...may I purchase one of your wands? Specifically, a wand of Bless..."

"Father Julius is our resident wand-maker. That was never a talent I could master. Let's go talk to him."

Father Zantus leads you down to the basement, past the wine cellar. There is a small chamber adjacent to that. He knocks on the door.

"Father Julius?"

Amele Barett begins to make some rather incoherent accusations at Sergeant Bartle, when Father Zantus walks in with one of his acolytes.

"My dear Amele, I just heard. How awful!" Falther Zantus gathers her up in his arms.

"But know this, my daughter; Desna has him in his keeping now. He now walks in that starry realm of hers and makes a place for you. You will meet again, I promise. He will always be in your heart, and you in his, and that connection will guide you to him when it is time."

He looks at the group with a pained expression, and turns back to Amele.

"Why don't you come back to the church tonight and we can get you sorted out tomorrow. Go with Brother Gavin here, and I'll be right behind you after I talk to the guards here for a moment."

Brother Gavin escorts Amele and Aeren out while the adventurers wait. Father Zantus turns to the group.

"She has a sister in Magnimar. It might be best if she stays with family for a while. I'll see what I can do. I take it this was another goblin incident?"

He waits for a few moments as the group explains, and then takes his leave.

"You have my thanks for what it is worth. I had better go. May Desna have you in her keeping," he gives his blessing before he leaves.

Father Zantus jumps to his feet.

"You cannot cut down the Swallowtail Wood! Those trees are sacred!"

"Father Tobyn did have a daughter... not of his body. She was adopted. An orphan."

"Nualia was her name, though he often called her his 'little angel.'
She was heaven-touched, you see... a child of Desna. She had silver hair, that used to glow in the starlight. Everyone thought she was good luck, and wanted to be around her."

"She wasn't buried with Father Tobyn though. In the fire the Desnan dormitory collapsed, and several people were crushed. They never were able to sort out whose remains were whose. So they buried them together with a monument that bears all their names. It's just north of Father Tobyn's crypt."

"No other graves were disturbed, were they?"

You didn't see any other evidence of graverobbing.

"I already explained to our friends here that it seems unlikely that necromancy is the intent. Father Tobyn's bones would be no better than any other set of bones for the purpose of creating an undead."

When Lady-Mayor Deverin mentions the "leader" of the goblins, Father Zantus becomes thoughtful.

"Actually... there was a strange incident connected to the raid. Father Tobyn's crypt was broken into and his remains were stolen during the raid. I don't know what that means, or why someone would do such a thing."

He looks over at the party.

"It was Floredana and her friends here that discovered this. Perhaps they can tell us more about what they discovered."

"Oh, Mister Goodbarrel. I almost forgot," says Father Zantus.

"If you'll just come over here for a mement..."

Father Zantus takes Cade aside, and then brings out his holy symbol as he begins murmuring in Old Varisian.

He presses his hand to Cade's chest, and Cade feels energy pour into him.

Lesser Restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Cade: You recover 1 point of CHA damage. You also recovered 1 point from resting overnight (if you weren't doing the night watch). So you should only have 1 point of CHA damage left, which has no negative effect.

"Ah, here they are," smiles Father Zantus as the party enters. "You're right on time!"

Father Zantus stands.

"Let me make the introductions. You already know the Constable. This is Lady-Mayor Deverin and Lord Kaijitsu. Lords, may I present the ones they are calling 'The Sandpoint Six.'"

Father Zantus introduces everyone individually.

Lord Kaijitsu merely nods.

Cade visits the Cathedral before tucking in.

An acolyte brings him to see Father Zantus.

After Cade explains the problem, Zantus nods.

"For you, I'd be happy to help!"

He pauses a moment, and thinks.

"There's a spell I can cast that will take care of the problem, though after everything that's happened I don't have any spells like that ready right now. There are limits to what we clerics can do. I know... that sounds like an excuse, but our powers truly aren't unlimited. But when I do my devotions at sunrise I could prepare such a spell and could cast it on you tomorrow."

"How does that sound? I understand you are coming to the town meeting tomorrow. I could meet you there if you like."

Cade: don't forget you will also regain 1 point of CHA from resting for the night.

" think it would be prudent to make sure all the other tombs are safe," Flo suggests.

Father Zantus nods, lost in thought. "Yes, that's a very good idea."

"Sczarni? They are like a gang or something, right?"

Father Zantus at first does not seem to hear at first, but then looks up and smiles wanly. "The Sczarni... Chelaxians often think of us Varisians as a bunch of con artists and petty thieves. But it is a small minority that give us that reputation. The Sczarni... no, more than a gang. And yet less, also."

He shakes his head.

"I'm sorry... that doesn't make much sense, does it?"

"You'll find Sczarni almost anywhere there are Varisians. It is easy for Varisians to think of Chelaxians and others as outsiders, or foreigners. And so they end up deciding that petty crimes against these foreigners are permissible. The Sczarni do form into gangs in larger cities and they can get violent. But they have never been a big problem here."

"I'm not saying they're not here. Oh no, there's definitely a Sczarni group in town. But you don't hear about muggings and murders here, not like in Magnimar."

"Most Varisians have little to do with them. On the other hand, most Varisians wouldn't turn a Sczarni over to the law either."

"I'm sure Constable Hemlock could tell you more. He tries to put a dent into their operations."

"Father, do you have any idea who might have had a grudge against Father Tobyn? Any enemies?"

"Gods, no! Father Tobyn was a pillar of the community. He inspired us all. I suppose there are always those who do not live up to the standards of a priest, of course. He spoke against the practices of the Sczarni from time to time, but none of them would dare touch him."

Flo's face shares a similar look to Father Zantus. "Is there anything we can do to prevent this from happening again?" She paces a little as the conversation continues.

"We must install a better door. Yes, with a sturdy... but of course, there is no point if we don't recover his remains. Is there? What point is there in locking an empty tomb?"

Faher Zantus sits down on a pew, holding his head in his hands. He is deeply shaken.

"Undead in Father Tobyn's crypt? Sweet Desna, who would do such a thing? Especially to him..."

If you have specific questions go ahead and ask them. Otherwise after a bit of RP we can get on to the garrison and the goblin prisoners.

At the sound, Father Zantus slumps, looking exhausted. He looks back at the party.

"That sounds like it is coming from the north gate," he says.

"I know you have given a great deal already. But apparently there is more bloody work to be done. We would be in your debt if you could investigate and deal with any goblins that are still up that way."

"Send anyone in need of healing to the cathedral. We will take care of them."

He sighs, and then motions to Shayliss and Girard. "Come on. Better get you indoors."

Zantus, his acolyte, Shayliss, and Girard all head for the main doors of the cathedral. He looks back at the adventurers. "Desna be with you."

After surreptitiously stuffing the toad into his satchel, Kargas grunts appreciatively when the old priest channels "Thanks, priest. Where's the next mob of little green gits?"

"Desna knows. They infiltrated the town by stealth. The alarm has been sounded now, and the guard is in the streets. Hopefully that will scare them off."

"...But I fear others arent as lucky. Gavin Doone lies dead in the jewelers shop." She completed the last with downcast eyes.

"I'm sure he's not the only one, but... it could have been so much worse. I thank the stars that you were there when the goblins attacked the square. So many people crowded into one place. It could have been a slaughter."

Father Zantus sees that Girard is still in need of healing, and goes to his side.

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Though not fully healed yet, Girard wakes and starts to rise.

"Shayliss, your father is at the cathedral. You should go there; he is worried."

Father Zantus runs up to the party as they survey the battlefield.

"Some of you are strangers, while others are known to me. Nevertheless, I thank all of you, and praise the day Desna brought you to our town."

"Some of you are wounded. Allow me to assist you."

Father Zantus pulls out a symbol like a butterfly and raises it in the air. You all feel a rush of living energy.

channel: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 Everyone who is wounded can heal up to 8 points of damage. This should put everyone at full.

"The accursed goblins came in by surprise as the sun set. There have been attacks all over town. I cannot tarry long here; there is much to do. But send any townsfolk you see back to the Cathedral. It is made of stone and the other priests are holding the doors."