After Aldern leaves the room, "Is this normal custom for aiding someone? A meal I understand...but coin and a.....Boar Hunt?" Muchorak's tone and facial expression clearly showing a lack of understanding this. His demeanor shows a simple thankyou would've sufficed, but is now curious if this is a game he must play in this 'civilized' land.
"Don't worry about it. He's probably just grateful to be alive. You humans have so little time on this world, I'm surprised he didn't offer his loyal servitude for a few more precious moments among the living. And I for one, will not insult him by not taking his coin."
I stand and swallow what's left of my wine before continuing.
"I really want to go to the church. Foxglove may feel indebted, but the priest seems to have a real problem. Hunting may have to wait, but he'll get over it."
Felwyst, assuming you head to the church, Father Zanthus says, "I am not sure why goblins would do this. They usually focus on raiding our junkyard, but this is totally new. Also, I noticed that the goblins involved were from many different tribes, which does not make any sense, they usually fight one another. They must be taking instruction from a higher leader. That is what I need you to look into."
"I agree the priests need is greater than this Hunt. In my lands there are tales of the dead being disturbed. Bad omens it brings. Bad omens." Muchorak tenses slightly as if a chill breeze had entered the room.
Muchorak looks down to the Wolf Spirit near him, "Yuni maar Thorlo Ech?" (Will you join Wolf Spirit), not really waiting for a response knowing full well the spirits do as they choose Muchorak accompanies Felwyst to the church.
After Father Zantus's brief: "Strange indeed, even in my homelands creatures of this type do not band together."
Ali is happy to follow Big Bear and the rest of her 'new pack' for now and she does so.
"So how are they connected to the missing body? And do you have any idea where we should start looking?"
"And don't worry about that creature my new friend". "It is long since dead and can't hurt you now".
Knowledge Dungoneering: 2 +4 = 6.
"I would say it is some type of land squid or the like. Mostly harmless". Ivo states with a confident air.
"So how are they connected to the missing body? And do you have any idea where we should start looking?"
"I do not know, I am not much help" replies Father Zanthus, "but thier is someone who might be able to help you. Every couple of months, an elf by the name of Shalelu Andosana passes through town, bringing news of the surroundings. She could possibly give you a lead. We are expecting her next week, if I recall correctly. For now, I suggest hanging around town. I hear that you get a hefty discount at a variety of stores through Sandpoint." He finishes with a wink.
"I can take a look at the grave, with your permission Father Zanthus?"
"You can, but I am afraid there is not much to see. Just a dug-up hole, and an empty coffin."
"Everything that traverses the ground Father, leaves a trail." Muchorak looks about the area seeing if there are any other Clergy nearby, "Father Zantus, do you have someone who could show me to the grave?"
Once at the grave Muchorak will look about the ground for tracks. (D20= 14+5= 19 for tracking)
Ali will help Big Bear look for tracks and such:
=16
Ivo notices that the little Gnome left her sack of gold lying on the ground, and decides he will take care of it for her till she needs it. He puts it in his pocket before leaving the meeting.
As the big man and the wolf girl look around the dug up grave, he takes the time to read many of the tomb stones, to see if there are any interesting or recognizable names. Otherwise he will go on the hunt, or wait for the wilderness scout to put in an appearance.
While the others look at dirt, I'll go pay my respects at two modest graves at the foot of a small tree.
Ivo notices that the little Gnome left her sack of gold lying on the ground, and decides he will take care of it for her till she needs it. He puts it in his pocket before leaving the meeting.
As the big man and the wolf girl look around the dug up grave, he takes the time to read many of the tomb stones, to see if there are any interesting or recognizable names. Otherwise he will go on the hunt, or wait for the wilderness scout to put in an appearance.
Sorry guys I realy feel like shit right now. Tomorrow we can continue.
The next day, after a night of rest, you are all ready for a day of hunt. You meet Aldern outside the Rusty Dragon, where he waits with three mounts. You ride (or in Ali's case: walk) into the forests by Sandpoint. Aldern Foxglove seems to enjoy the hunt, but is more focused on one thing in particular: Muchorak. Throughout the hunt, Foxglove comments on his great riding technique. As the hunt progresses, the boar is in sight, and Aldern becomes all fired up. A bloody massacre ensues, and after it is over, everyone is breathing heavily. "Wow..." says Aldern, "That was great." He turns to Muchorak "Someday, I hope to aspire to a strong fighter like you".
DC 15 Sense Motive
Sense Motive (D20= 13+1= 14)
After Aldern's compliment on the fine warrior that is Muchorak, he turns to Aldern, "All the people of my land are warriors, one must be strong to survive my homeland."
So... we hunt and it's good. What's next?
The hunt leaves all of you with mixed feelings about Aldern. Is okay in the head? Why does he show so much interest in Muchorak? etc.
After a couple of days, you are summoned to the church, where Father Zanthus and Sheriff Hemlock await you. With them is a strange elf, who seems to blend in with her surroundings. As you approach, the conversation being held between the three ceases, and the elf turns, staring almost as if judging your strengths.
"Ah, so good of you to come" comments the Father. "This is none other than Shalelu Andosana, the elf I told you of. She has come with news from the nearby forest. I will let her take it from here."
He steps back, and Shalelu begins, "So these are Sandpoint's heroes. It is an honor to meet you. Father told me of your work against the goblins-well done. I've dedicated several years of my life to kepping them from causing to much trouble in these parts, but they are tenacious little runts. Like weeds that bite. Anyway, there are five major tribes, and they are usually pretty good at keeping eachother in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I collected, goblins from each of the Mosswood tribes were involved in the raid. I crossed some of the kind on my way back, and there was much chatter about 'those longshanks' who killed so many. Sounds like you left an impression. In any event, the fact that these goblin tribes are working together disturbs me. They don't get along unless something big is being planned, and big plans need big bosses. I'm assuming someone has moved in on the goblins and organized them. Judging by recent raids, it does not bode well for us."
At this point she leaves the floor open for questions on goblins, comments, ideas, etc.
Ali walks towards the elf, casually switching to wolf form as she moves. She then proceeds to sniff all around the elf, making a full inspection of her. She then changes back to gnome form, looks up at her and says "You smell like forest, you know forest" She then pats her on the leg "you good, you good"
She then moves over to Big Bear and reaches up to grab hold of one of his big fingers and looks up at him and all the group "We go kill more Goblins now?" she asks with a disturbingly feral smile
Well, if you know the area so well, what inhabits the Mosswood that could unite these "weeds" and would direct their destruction upon Sandpoint? How many goblins are we even dealing with here if there are five united tribes? And how did they get into the city?
Well, if you know the area so well, what inhabits the Mosswood that could unite these "weeds" and would direct their destruction upon Sandpoint? How many goblins are we even dealing with here if there are five united tribes? And how did they get into the city?
"That is the problem," she responds, "I know of nothing in the area that could unite all five tribes... nothing but humans, but who would do such a thing? The five tribes all together probably have more than one hundred goblins, so despite your courage, I don't think you should face them just yet. As for your final question, they must have inside help. Like I said, whoever is leading them is much smarter than them, and probably snuck them in."
Muchorak looks down to Wolf Spirit and smiles, he turns back to Shalelu, "Did you hear any of them speak of grave robbing?"
Shalelu shakes her had. "No, sadly none of the goblins I encountered know anything past the fact that it actually happened. They speak of the robbery, but I think that only the higher levels in goblin society know what the robbery is behind."
I have no inclination to face over a hundred goblins, but what can we do?
Before Shalelu can answer, a small cough is heard from behind. You turn around to face a timid halfling who looks around, before beginning:
"Hello, I am Bethana Corwin. I work at the Rusty Dragon, for one Ameiko Kaijitsu. This morning I woke to find her gone. Usually by that time she had breakfast ready, but not today. When I went to her room, there was no response, so naturally I went in. It was empty, except for a note on her bedside table."
The Note:
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 something to do with Sandpoint's recent problem with goblins, and I didn't want to bring the matter to the authorities because we both know he would just weasel his way out. If you meet me at the Glassworks tonight, maybe we can work out some way to give him what 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 impress upon you the delicate nature of this request. Don't tell anyone about this. There are other complications as well, ones I would rather talk about in person.
-Tsuto
Bethana looks at you as you finish the note.
"It is so sad. Tsuto has been a menace ever since he was born 21 years ago. He is a half-elf. The problem is neither of his parents are elves!" She cannot continue for several minutes. "Tsuto left for Turandarok Academy to be raised outside the family, and was forbidden to see his father and mother. Ameiko, his loving sister, secretly visited him, until one visit, in anger, he struck her. Whatever the fight was about, Ameiko left Sandpoint for five years, until she had to return for her mother's funeral. Tsuto attended, and caused so much discourse when he publicly claimed his father had murdered her. His father beat him to almost death, before Tsuto cursed him and left Sandpoint, never to be heard of again, until now. I am sure Tsuto is up to no good, you must look into this. The Glassworks is not very far away. Please!"
Shalelu looks back at you, "There you have it!"
Ali looks back and forth between all this excitement and conversation going on trying to understand but clearly not getting it all. Eventually she gives a small sigh and gives up. But she doesn't seem unhappy, and is ready to go along with whatever her new pack wants to do.
We should go to the glassworks with haste. Ameiko could be in danger.
"Agreed, the Glassworks it is." Muchorak looks to the small Halfling, "Could provide as guide to the Glassworks?"
"Lets go then" says Ivo. He has always wondered how glass was made, so if nothing else this will give him an opportunity to check that out.
OOC: I'm traveling for work this week so posting may be spotty. Joey feel free to play Ivo when needed.
(OOC: No worries, as a reminder I will be off to Gen Con UK tomorrow. I will be coming back Saturday evening. If you all want to continue on, Joey feel free to play Muchorak.)
Ali will switch to wolf form and sniff and check around the building a bit
Listen=18
Spot=5
Search=18
Muchorak will go around with Wolf Spirit surveying the area (D20= 12+4= 16 Spot) and near the entrances will look for any 'odd' tracks. (D20= 16+5= 21 Survival (If Orc tracks total equals 25).
After the 'scouting mission' with Big Bear Ali will change back to two-leg form and Call some Animal Friends (squirels or cats or the like...but not, um, both at once!;-) and ask them if they saw or heard anything recently-related to the building that is. Any two legs entering, what were they doing etc.
Joey
Joey I made, with some great suggestions and ideas from some folk on another site, some significant changes to the Summon Animal Friends ability, powering it down quite a bit and making it more clear. You can check it out on Ali's character under the SAF heading. Also I realize animals have a much different perspective than animals so this may be a cool chance for you to speak through the mouth of a cat! ;-)I've emailed you the new write up.
Ali's expedition lead them to find another set of doors, to the back of the buildling. This one seems to be a loading bay, deep tracks of carts dig into the ground leading into it. The door that seems the most used is the door leading into the circular room. By what you can tell this is the shop of the Glassworks. All doors are locked, and curtains cover each window. When you head passed the north of the building, you can hear faint laughing and yelling.
Ali:
Ali's new packmates are somewhat amazed (except Big Bear perhaps as he may think this normal behavior for a 'Wolf Spirit';-) to see her call out to the forest in a chiittering voice and even more amazed to see a family of squirels come to her call. They are likely gobsmacked then to see what for all intents and purposes seems to be a conversation pass between the small Gnome and them.
After the tiny animals squeak and chitter to her excitedly for a min, Ali seems to reassure them then turns to her new two-leg pack. "Goblins!" She squeaks in common to them. Unconsciously her voice lowers to a more normal pitch (well, normal for her anyway, still not that much lower than a squirrel's tone come to think of it : ) "There be Goblins here! Killin' Time!" The last comes out more as a growl as she turns to Wolf form again and looks to her new Big pack leader for direction...
Ali:
Hmmm! "i think we should try the south door". "I'd rather see what we have to deal with before jumping right in there". "There might be more than just a handful of Goblins to deal with".
If the party is in agreement Ivo shielding his hands as they work attempts to silently pick the lock on the south door.
Open Locks: 13 + 7 + 20
(OOC: Back from Gen Con UK! Only one complaint...like no booths took cards and I had no cash!!! Now I have to order my beta.)
Muchorak nods at Wolf Spirits conclusion of 'killing time', "Agreed, I would like to know their numbers before charging in though. A good hunter always sets the field to his advantage."
I stand towards the back of the group and cast mage armor. "Well, I have an idea that may give us a more precise evaluation of the situation. Why don't we move out of sight and somebody can smash a window. Drawing them out might be to our advantage."
"If the little one can get the door open I suggest we slip in with caution. I think it could end up bad if we simply shatter the window, we don't know what else we may alarm or how many." Muchorak pauses as he looks at the group, "In truth my worry is how many."
"Whatever you think is best. Remember though, I have no skill at stealth (I don't know about the rest of you), and our priest has given up the good fight. If we are found out, we'll be stuck inside with but one escape route and little (if not no) healing support."
"In my homeland we are taught at a young age the value of stealth. The little one here (nodding at Ivo) appears to be very adept at the skill, and if he gets the door open Wolf Spirit might get a scent of what is beyond. It may be wise if we let the little one scout the building ahead of us before we enter?"
