Stay idle. No no. I too am curious about unraveling this plot. Yes yes. Curious as a . . .well . . .a Halfling. HA HA HEEEE HEEEE. big warm grim, as he looks around amused at himself. Then screwing on a serious face. Umm yes. Anyway. I know the way. Let's make hast. Idle hands are empty hands.
Now, what name for my new sword . . .
"I'm getting no where with this song and I'm growing frustrated. I break might be nice. I will accompany Borhald and Viorela."
Vors will tag along as well.
As you leave the inn, Foxglove says, "I'll plan on all six of you then? Perfect." He then turns and begins drinking and laughing with another group in the bar.
You head to the cemetery as the sun begins to set. It is a short, but pleasant walk - particularly because all of the people you pass clap you on the back or profusely thank you for your service to their city. It seems your deeds are well-known.
As you arrive in the cemetery, it is completely silent and empty. Without much effort, you're able to locate the target of the attack. Walking to the back of the cemetery, you see clearly that Ezakien Tobyn's grave has been exhumed, and presumably, the remains removed.
Tobyn? Why is that name familiar?
Viorela frowns. She can't seem to remember why.
You all recognize the name instantly. He was the priest of temple that burned to the ground five years ago.
Tosh closes his eyes, trying hard to remember any deatails about the good priest.
You remember that he had an adopted daughter who also died in the fire.
Not knowing much of the town's history, Borhald looks around for tracks, to see if anyone other than goblins have been around here lately.
"I remember Ezakien had an adopted daughter. Her name escapes me. I wish I could remember more!"
Tosh squeezes his eyes shut as if the fading light of day somehow impedes his memory.
Sunset. Cemetery. Still. Quiet.
I picked a bad day to stop carrying wooden stakes.
Borhald notices nothing out of the ordinary.
Tosh actually forgets what he remembered.
Viorela waits patiently for Borhald to pick up the tracks of whatever goblin (or otherwise) dug up Tobyn and carried away his body.
"Why would someone want to dig up Tobyn? I suspect it's the human leading these goblins, as I can't comprehend how a goblin would ever come up with a plan to dig up a priest that has been buried for several years?"
Viorela continues to think out loud, hoping something else can complete her thoughts.
As the ranger shakes his head at the tracks, she confirms his findings (or lack thereof).
"Nothing?"
The tall man grunts in disgust. "Nothing is correct, lass. Too many people have been wandering around here after the raid, and stomped all over the place."
"This is one time I'd appreciate my mother's gift. Seeing what heppened here and its potential side effects could prove useful."
"I must admit that many consider me forward, it is a useful trait in missionaries and less useful among social guests. Would it be rude to ask an elderly member of the community if they remember this man. Perhaps a member of one of the longer-lived races would be even better. Five years is not so long ago, but perhaps they would know more of his life and family.
What to do, what to do. What would Kendra do? What is she doing?
"Yes, let's talk with Zanthus, Hemlock and my aunt. Maybe they'll have some idea why the goblins might want to dig up Tobyn."
I chose not to study the Gods in Magnimar. Master Prospero mentioned that servants of certain gods could do unspeakable things with a man's corpse.
Viorela moves closer to Vestad.
"If someone was plotting some sort of necromancy, how would we figure out their plans?"
Vors runs a hand through his hair, shaking his head as he looks at the desecrated grave.
"We should do as Viorela suggests. I don't know why they'd want the man's corpse, and I'm not sure I want to. Still, if we do know, it might help in tracking them down later."
Tactfoot is going to kneel down to get a closer perspective on the grave and surrounding area. Seeing if he can perceive anything that taller folks have have overlooked or dismissed.
Perception
Hmmmm. Perhaps all has been seen that will reveal itself at this time.
Thacfoot stand and brushes away the fresh dirt from his knee. Gives a slight shrug of bewilderment to the others.
Curiouser and curiouser. Yes indeed. No doubt a connection between the dedication and Ezakein. But to what end. My 'o my. And Goblins? Dear me.
Vestad considers the young lady's question for a moment. "I suppose the best way to track them may be to discover what supplies they might need. Were I to be in the business of slaying undead, I would stockpile silver for holy water. I must admit I am not sure what is used to raise the walking dead, but it may be useful to discover. Alternatively they may merely be seeking information. I do not believe those spells requires any particular object."
"Well, this at least confirms what the goblin prisoners said." Borhald speaks pensively. "If the little buggers engage in grave-robbing, they would not take the remains, they would take anything of value buried with the person. This means there likely IS a human - or similar half-breed, they're not too smart - behind this attack. It can be no coincidence that the only stolen remains are of the previous priest, with today being the new temple's opening. And though I know nothing of necromancy, the fact that they sent goblin cutthroats is enough to make me believe their intent is evil."
He looks at the others. "We have our work cut out for us. Viorela, perhaps you should lead the way in speaking to your kinswoman, the mayor, and to the elders you mentioned. The priest died in a fire... Goblin raiders love setting houses on fire, so this may be a coincidence, or not." He shrugs his broad shoulders.
Tactfoot, you discover nothing new. There were a number of people here recently, which makes it difficult to uncover anything of value.
I say we go anywhere less lifeless. Ghosts, Vampires and undead find Halflings very tasty. Like candy. Teeheeeeheeee. Oh dear.
Seeing the silhouette of the cathedral in what daylight remains, Viorela nods and begins to walk towards the structure.
"Perhaps Tobyn knew something in his life, and they mean to use magic to speak with his corpse? I'm really not sure why they would steal the body of a dead man..."
She continues to think out loud, tossing out any ideas she can on why an old man's body would be stolen from his coffin.
"Maybe we should split up so as to cover more ground. We can meet back at the dragon in a few hours? I will speak to Zantus and discover what he knows of the previous priest. Vestad, will you accompany me?"
"I'll go talk to the Sheriff, if anyone wants to come with."
Viorela, I believe it need not be said you are best suited to speak with the Mayor. If you wish company, I shall go with you. If you think a private chat may be more useful, I'll accompany Vors."
"I'll go talk to the Sheriff, if anyone wants to come with."
Oh happy day! My two favorite places in Sandpoint. One wants to convert me, and the other wants to convict me. Yippee. At least if I'm with the Sheriff I'll have a good alibi if something goes down. Yes yes. I'm with you Vors.
Perhaps you can give me some pointers on using this fine blade along the way, eh?Oh, but don't worry, I won't take you job. haaaa haaaaa haaaa!
Vors smiles in spite of himself and shakes his head.
"Yer an odd one, Andwell. I can give you some pointers, just don't be waving it around while we're walking. Yer liable to stick some poor well-wisher accidentally," Vors replies with a wink.
"So, splitting up it is. See you all back at The Dragon in an hour or so?"
Viorela bows politely at the others before heading off in search of her aunt.
The mayor may be more forthcoming with information if there are no strangers present, Borhald thinks. He returns the magus's bow and falls in beside Vors and Andwell.
"I think, Master Tactfoot, that you should name your new blade goblin-cleaver, in honor of how you earned it. I believe another famous blade may have carried that name, but it is only legend. Now you can make it your own."
"I will speak with the reverend father, he may have records or some recollection that could be helpful."
You walk into the chapel. There are several people gathered. They are weeping. At the front of the room, you see Father Zantus. He is standing, arms raised and eyes closed, muttering a quite prayer. As the door closes behind you (a little louder than intended), Zantus cracks open one of his eyes. Seeing you two, he nods and indicates that you should wait for him for just a moment.
After another minute of prayer, Zantus lowers his arms and walks to the group gathered. He leans in close, says some quiet words and walks towards you. "Gentlemen, hello. Welcome. I thought you might be coming here - but where are the others? Do they not wish to console those who have lost loved ones today, too?"
You make your way to the garrison and enter to find the sheriff surrounded by several of his men. They are gathered around a table, heads down and talking animatedly. The sheriff has his back turned, but one of the men facing the door sees you enter and gestures at the sheriff. Hemlock turns to see you. He doesn't smile or look pleased. He motions for his men to wait for just a moment before walking towards you.
"I trust everything is well? What are you doing here?" he asks.
You make the long walk to your aunt's house. Along the way, you are again greeted by grateful citizens. They stop you and press their hands into yours. They all repeat how brave and helpful you were. One older lady recognizes you. "Dear, you…you are Viorela, are you not? I tended to you when you were little and your aunt was busy! You have grown into a fine woman, you have. Sandpoint is lucky to count you as one of our own."
Borhald looks around the room, not surprised at the tense mood. He then addresses the sheriff in his low, rough voice. "Excuse the interruption, Sheriff. But we are trying to find out all we can about the raiders' motives. We were wondering about priest Tobyn. Any reason anyone would have to harm his memory? Also, can you tell us the details of his death? Anything we learn could be helpful."
The sheriff grows angry as you speak. "You are investigating the theft? I simply asked you to stay in town and assist us. It was my intention that you function as figureheads - symbols of hope - not to go around usurping the authority and obligation of the militia." He stops, his hands balled into fists. His demeanor, while not entirely pleasant at the inn, has changed since you saw him last.
Oh dear, my good sheriff. My friends and I usurp no authority. Never never. We are simply following your excellent example. After all, it is you we come to seeking advice and guidance.
Diplomacy
Big pleasant Halfling grin
"We all mourn today's losses father. We do have some business with you: more a question really. I think, however, that it can wait a while if there is something we might do to help here."
Zantus is momentarily off-guard, but is quickly put at ease with Tosh's tone. "No, no. No need to wait. I have done all that I can for these poor folks. Please, how may I help?"
Viorela certainly feels that she should remember the older woman...
Her name, what was it?
You remember her name is Candace. She used to babysit you when you were very young. As you grew older and more independent, you still went to her house often to eat her delicious pies and other baked treats.
The Sheriff relaxes a bit. "I am sorry," he says. "Today has been, as you can imagine, most unpleasant for me and my men. Many are questioning us and how we allowed such a vicious attack to happen. We are, of course, grateful for your service, but it seems much of the faith we've lost has been placed in you. While I hope that is not unfounded, you have no obligation to us and could leave at any time. We, the garrison, are responsible. We must solve this crime. We must bring peace to our small town again. But, if you are eager to help, as you seem to be, I will not turn you away. What is it you need to know?"
Borhald's complexion pales even more than usual. But he is wise enough to let cooler heads prevail, and backs off, letting his companions reason with the sheriff.
You are right to be upset, and I apologize. I am posting during work and I clicked the 2nd spoiler(and that one only) on 'autopilot'. I realize that is no excuse, as I should be more attentive. It shall not happen again.
"Candace!" Viorela exclaims, her voice sounding as if belonged to a girl ten years younger.
She moves immediately to embrace the woman in a friendly and warm hug.
Peaches should be season, I wonder if she has one of her delicious peach pies at home...
"Are you okay? I hope you weren't hurt or anything..."
"Have you seen my aunt?"
"Thank you for your indulgence good father. We are assisting Sheriff Hemlock with the theft of Ezakien Tobyn's body. We have not been able to discern the reason for this desecration as of yet, but we were hoping you might be able to grant us insight into the sort of man he was. Where did he spend his time? Who did he invest time in? How did he come to adopt...I'm sorry her name has fallen from my mind, his daughter? These are the sorts of things we need to know. Can you help us?"
Sheriff, we can not imagine the stress you are under. No no. Terrible stress indeed. Nary a militia could withstand those Goblins. In fact, I would say any other town would be in flames now if not for the training and tight command of your troops.
As for our humble services, we just had the fortune to be in a, shall we say (pause) visible location.
If I may be so bold. There is an opportunity here. Yes yes, an opportunity. Your men are needed to set the town right again. Who better knows what to do. We, however, would simply be in the way. Now then, now. If it were let known that you are sponsoring us to assist with *your* investigation, we could use the attention focused on us to keep the public from hounding and distraction your men. Yes yes. We are here to do you bidding, if you will have our humble services.
We wanted to know the story behind Father Tobyn. If we know, mayhap we can figure out who'd want those green bubbleheads to dig up his grave."
"Oh, I'm fine, dear. Fine. Your aunt? I don't believe I have seen her, no. I 'spose the best spot to look would be her home. But I'm sure you've thought of that, haven't you, dear? Don't let me slow you down if you've business to attend to. Be safe, dear!" she says, hugging you tightly before letting you on your way.
The sheriff shakes his head. "That's disturbing, isn't it? On the day we were to move past The Late Unpleasantness, it is, quite literally, dug back up. I, unfortunately, don't know much about Father Tobyn. I certainly don't have a clue why anyone would be compelled to dig up his remains. It seems, in my opinion, to be a slap in the face of this city and its people. The fact that it happened today only solidifies that opinion. I'm sorry - but I don't know what to tell you about him that would be of much help."
Zantus nods and replies thoughtfully. "I will do my best. I spent my life studying under Tobyn. I was...very fond of him. He was a great, well-loved and respected man. He had devoted his life to this city, its people and, mostly, its faiths. He adopted Nualia when she was very young and raised her as his own flesh and blood. He adored her, but I'm not sure he ever understood her. He had plans for her - plans to send her to a prestigious Windsong Abbey convent – but that's not the life she wanted. Their relationship grew worse near the end of their lives. Something happened that made Tobyn cloister Nualia from the town. I would often see her wandering the halls of the cathedral and often spending hours at the altar of Desna, praying. And then, well, the accident occurred. The cathedral burnt to the ground, claiming both Tobyn and his beloved daughter." Zantus' eyes begin to fill with tears. He doesn't openly cry, but it is clear, he is still saddened by the retelling of this story.
"I'm not sure what else to tell you," he continues. "But I want to help however I can. Please, do you have any additional questions?"
Viorela thanks the woman and promises to visit her soon for a taste of whatever pie she might be baking this season.
She then continues on in search of Sandpoint's mayor.