Burnt Offerings: Praise The Heros

[admin]

Mak turns toward Dregs “Master Dregs, can you use healing magic on the husband?” Mak asks the cleric.

Turning to the sheriff while wiping Goblin blood off his fist, “We just got here... The Goblin was in the Closet... Let's search it and this room - and perhaps the whole house as well for clues... if we may?” Mak asks of the wife.

[klakxor]

With the goblin sufficiently smashed, Tuck hops into the closet with his bow still drawn, looking to the spot the goblin was at.

“It was in here sheriff, wouldn't surprise me if it got left behind from the other day and hid out in this closet until now.”

[patransom]

Vi says nothing, trying to keep out of the way of people who might be accomplishing something here.

[Benji]

Dregs kneels down over the husband and starts going through the motions.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Using Rebuke Death constantly until he gains consciousness. Dregs can use it unlimited times per day, so he'll just take as long as needed. Once the husband can open his eyes again, Dregs will use a healing surge to help along the process.

Once the man is awake again: “Welcome back, laddie. Ye're safe now, unfortunately ah could nae do a thing for th' wee doggie.”

[Duniagdra]

After some time Dregs manages to heal enough damage caused by the goblin and the man coughs up blood. The wife left and has now returned with bandages and herbs and begins dressing her husband's wounds. Tuckerby hops into the narrow closet pointing it out as where the goblin came from. The Sheriff approaches the closet and looks in. He begins rummaging about and uncovers a whole in the floor of the closet. He cautiously looks through.

“It seems that you may be right. From the broken bits of metal and wood, it seems the goblin used his weapon to hack a hole through the floor and hid under the home for all this time. He probably tried escaping several times, but was spotted by the dog and retreated back into the closet covering the hole with this blanket. It's clear now that hunger and fear drove it mad. Desperate to escape and maddened by the confines of its hideout and the dog always watching, it finally took the risk with little thought and killed the dog.” Hemlock takes the goblin, wrapped in a blanket, out of the room. “Have this one preserved as the others so she can examine them when she returns.” Hemlock says to one of his men who followed him. The man takes the body and leaves.

[Phoenix512]

“Perhaps they may be more goblins like this one in the area. I think we should search every building in town to find any more goblins.”

[klakxor]

“I agree with Devion, the twon should be cleared out house by house. I realize that this would be a very time consuming practice but for the towns safety, it is the best option. Sheriff, I would like to volunteer for this crew if you decide to do it.”

[admin]

“I agree as well - perhaps we should let all Dogs on the loose, just to sniff out any hiding Goblins...” Mak proposes

[Duniagdra]

Everyone leaves the home after confirming that no other threats lay in wait. As Sheriff Hemlock exits the home one of his men approaches delivering a message. He turns back to the rest of you saying, “I think it may be good for all of you to follow me. Someone had returned to town that is not expected for some months and I feel it may be related to the goblin raid. She may want to hear what you have to say also.” In response to Devion's, Tuckerby's, and Mak's comment, Sheriff Hemlock says, “In light of this, I can't argue, however, going door to door searching homes will only cause panic. I'll have my men handle this in a more quiet manor. We do have a method to doing things around here.”

You all fallow Hemlock back to the garrison and he sits you in a waiting room as he enters a room. Soon, Mayor Deverin enters and passes you all and enters the same room Hemlock did. You can here some muffled discussion that continues for some time.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    I'll be following up with more Monday morning.

[Duniagdra]

Finally, discussions quiet down and Hemlock exits the room followed by Mayor Deverin and a haggard looking female elf. Hemlock introduces you all to the Mayor who thanks you each for your help and continued vigilance. He then introduces the elf. “This is Shalelu Andosana; Sandpoint's unofficial member to the town guard.” She smirks slightly to the comment. Hemlock then introduces each of you to Shalelu as Snadpoint's Heroes.

Hemlock explains, “Shalelu has been our thorn in the side of the local goblin tribes for many years now, which has made her our official goblin expert. Shalelu has pointed out that Sandpoint hasn't been the only target of these goblin tribes. According to her reports, goblin-related raids have increased, primarily in the dale between Nettlewood and Mosswood. Something has emboldened these goblins of late since only yesterday a farm was burned to the ground. Fortunately Shalelu was near by at the time and able to chase off the goblins and save the family. It's clear that things are only getting worse.” Hemlock pauses for Shalelu.

She steps forward and says, “Belor’s told me of your work against the goblins—well done. I’ve dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they’re tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite.
Anyway, there’s five major goblin tribes in the region, and, traditionally, they’re pretty good at keeping each other in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I’ve been able to piece together, members of all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair amount of the Mosswood tribe goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the ‘longshanks’ who killed so many of them. Now that I’ve met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you’ve made an impression.
In any event, the fact that the five tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don’t get along unless they’ve got something big planned, and big plans require big bosses. I’m afraid that someone’s moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, what they’re organizing seems like bad news for all of us.
Sheriff Hemlock tells me that you've had prisoners, but most of them committed gruesome acts of suicide. This is not uncommon, especially when something else is influencing them. I'm understanding that some of the bodies have been preserved, I'd like to go see them all and hear about anything any of you may have learned.” She looks to Tuckerby, “I'm understanding you were able to identify some of the goblins to certain tribes?”

[klakxor]

“Yes Maam, that would have been me. I noticed three seperate clan markings on the goblins that we had encountered the other day. There was the Birdcrunchers, the Seven Tooth and the Licktoad tribes. The Licktoads were on the breach of the town with their goblin dogs. The Birdcrunchers and Seven Tooth had made it deeper in to town.” Tuckerby smiles.

“As well, the one that I did get to question said they were being told what to do and where to attack by a longshanks. That means that you are correct that someone seems to have organized them and is leading them. We were not able to determine what or who that was though.”

[Duniagdra]

“Did he mention anything of why this longshanks wanted them to attack?” asks Shalelu.
As if reading her mind, Hemlock adds to Tuckerby's report, “It seems a body was stolen from the cemetery. When we learned that they were an apparent decoy, we all went to investigate and found Father Zantus approaching us upset about something. He explained of the grave robbery and told us the grave was of Father Tobyn. Tuckerby followed cart tracks out of town, but we only found an empty cart and no further trace.”
“This is most disturbing. That someone would go to all this trouble just to rob a grave.” she says softly.
You all arrive at the cathedral where the bodies of the goblins were left, including the recent goblin found in the house. “It's good you were able to arrive in time to save the husband.” She looks at the goblin from the house. “GRESGURT!” she curses. “This nasty little bugger caused me quite a bit of trouble at times. It's good to see him dead.”
Hemlock breaks the silence, “Shalelu has agreed to sniff around Shank’s Wood, Devil’s Platter, and other places where goblins live to see if she can discover anything else about what’s going on. In the mean time, I'm needed to head south for Magnimar to secure additional soldiers for Sandpoint until we're able to uncover this mystery. I'd like for the lot of you to remain in town for the people to see. The locals seem to have taken to you all and in my absence seeing your presence may help keep them at ease. I'm hoping to be gone for only a few days. Will you do this for me? There are still a good number of my men who will continue to patrol the town, but seeing their heroes may further strengthen their feeling of security. These people have been through a lot.”

[admin]

“I am sure we'll all agree to this... Might it be a good idea for us to become a 'special unit' of the Militia? That could secure the people even more...”Mak proposes

[patransom]

Violasha smiles at Mak's comment, as if contemplating an internal joke, “Joining the militia? There's an amusing thought...”

“But I have no plans to leave town anytime soon, at least until I run out of gold.”

[Phoenix512]

“I rather not be a member of the militia. I prefer to be independent but I'll help out with this goblin threat though.”

[Benji]

“Aye.” Dregs rumbles in the affirmative. “Ah'll be willin' t' help ye all out. Ah'm nae fer joinin' no miliita though. Ah'll happily help ye squish some more o' th' creatures.”

[admin]

Mak shrugs “Well then, I'm ready to help out as I can”

THINKING: Dang, a nice salary would have been good

[marine7312000]

Durmisht smiles at the mention of working for the militia but does not say anything. When the majority of the party declines the offer, he frowns and says “I wouldn't mind being a member of the militia.”

[klakxor]

“I can hang around town. Probably be able to find more jobs helping out hunting that way”

[Duniagdra]

“While anyone is welcome to be sworn in as a member of the militia by the Mayor or myself, I'm not quite sure there would be a need for a special militia. I appreciate the offer, but I can't see a need for such a thing. All I'm really asking is that The Goblin Raid Heroes allow the people to see them on the streets from time to time ready to act on a dime should something happen. I already have a team of men and women sworn in as official town guards. The militia is purely town citizens volunteering their time to be trained with weapons to act in defense of Sandpoint and fulfilling service commitments for regular training. Many of them helped fend off the goblins during the raid, though not to the extent as all of you were able to. I'm hoping to be gone no more than just a few days; one week at most,” says Hemlock.
Shalelu chimes in, “While this is all fine; everyone seems willing enough to do as you ask Sheriff, joining the militia is a topic for later. Right now I'm hungry. Would all of you care to join me at the Rusty Dragon for a meal and drink? Though I will be leaving, it won't be until I have a good hot meal and a bath. I'd like to know more of Sandpoint's heroes.”

[Phoenix512]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    For a monk Richard, you aren't exactly doing your vow of poverty very well.

“Sure Shalelu and maybe you would like to hear about some tales about Iomeade.” Devion says with a smile.

[admin]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    For a monk Richard, you aren't exactly doing your vow of poverty very well. Sorry, Mak has not made such a Vow. From Mak's background: "...Mak stopped stealing and started working to gain revenues."

[Duniagdra]

At the Rusty Dragon you all take seats at a table near the stage. Shalelu enjoys being near the stage while people are preforming. Currently Ameiko Kaijitsu is on stage singing and doing quite well. You've all met her before at other times you've entered the Rusty Dragon. The Rusty Dragon got its name by the impressive (and quite rusty) iron dragon that looms on the building’s roof, doubling as a lightning rod and decoration. She's owned the Dragon for six years. As you've heard the story, she returned to Sandpoint after leaving for a life of adventure and did quite well, though no one really knows why she came back if she was doing so well. She used some of her wealth to buy and restore the Dragon. She's also known as a talented signer and takes the stage from time to time as she has done this day. When she sees Shalelu, Ameiko smiles and stops singing. She then starts up a new song. It's in elven and she seems to be singing it for Shalelu. The sound and rhythm is soft and soothing, for those who don't understand the words. For those who know elven, the words bring joy and peace to your mind and a sense of fulfillment. Her voice is just as enchanting as her looks. When the song ends she steps down from the stage and draws a chair at your table.
“Well, this is quite a surprise!” she says softly, but sounding full of joy. “What brings you back so soon Shalelu?”
Shalelu goes on explaining much of what was discussed with Sheriff Hemlock, which you all have already been briefed on. She also goes on about the goblins and their "heroes". In all the tribes there are five known heroes.

Shalelu notes that goblins generally live short, violent lives. It’s unusual for a single goblin to achieve any real measure of notoriety, but when one does, it’s well-earned. Currently, five goblins enjoy the status of “hero.”

Big Gugmut is an unusually muscular and tall goblin from Mosswood who, it is said, had a hobgoblin for a mother and a wild boar for a father.
Koruvus was a champion of the Seven Tooth tribe, who was as well known for his short temper as he was for his prized possession—a magic longsword sized for a human that the goblin stubbornly kept as his own (despite the fact that it was too large for him to properly wield). Koruvus vanished several months ago after he supposedly discovered a “secret hideout” in a cave along the cliff s, but the Seven Tooth goblins remain convinced that he’s out there still, a ghost or worse, waiting to murder any goblin who tries to discover his hideout.
Vorka is a notorious goblin cannibal who lives in the Brinestump marsh, a “hero” mostly to goblins other than the Licktoad tribe.
Ripnugget is the current leader of the Thistletop goblins and controls what the five tribes agree is the best lair.
And then there’s Bruthazmus, an infamous bugbear ranger who lives in northern Nettlewood and often visits the five tribes to trade things he’s stolen from caravans for alcohol, news, or magic arrows. Shalelu notes that Bruthazmus has a particular hatred of elves, and that they have fought on several occasions. To date, neither of them has managed to get the upper hand on the other, but Shalelu bitterly vows that she won’t be the first to fall in their private war.
During all this talk you've placed your orders and food has been served. When you ask her more about the goblins, or why they'd attack like this, or if she's found anything that might give her a thought of who's behind the goblin's being organized, or who this longshanks could be, she answers as not yet knowing and that these questions are the reason she'll be leaving in the morning. Once she's finished eating she excuses herself and goes upstairs.
It's now our heroes and Ameiko at the table still, but she too eventually leaves, returning to running the Dragon.

[Duniagdra]

Another two days pass and aside from the occasional civil disputes, no real trouble has required you skills. This is good since the Sheriff only wanted the people to know you were here for them, just in case. Dregs has helped settle a few arguments and has even married one couple. Devion's presence stopped a fight before it could begin. The rest of you went about your normal routines carrying out what work you've all taken. Chada has spent her time working the entertainment scene and Vi has been kept busy at the Feathered Serpent. Mak and Durmisht have done well in fighting off one attack on the collector for the Brentwere. Tuckerby had met with a few people discussing dates for hunting excursions and nature walks.
Today, a few of you, Mak, Durmisht, Devion, and Vi, happen to be meeting at the Rusty Dragon for breakfast. You notice Bethana Corwin, the aged halfling woman who works for Ameiko Kaijitsu seeming somewhat unnerved. When she sees you enter she quietly walks over to you. She's clearly upset.
“Something's wrong with Ameiko. She never misses the morning opening. When I went to check on her, her bed was never slept in. I found this letter on her night stand.” she then hands you the letter which reads as follows.

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 had something to do with Sandpoint’s recent troubles with the goblins, and I didn’t want to bring the matter to the authorities because we both know he’d just weasel his way out of it. You’ve got some pull here in town, though. If you can meet me at the Glassworks at midnight tonight, maybe we can figure out how to make sure he faces the punishment 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 to impress upon you the delicate nature of this request. If news got out, you know these local rubes would assume that you and I were in on the whole thing too, don’t you? They’ve got no honor at all around these parts. I still don’t understand how you can stand to stay here.
Anyway, don’t tell anyone about this. There are other complications as well, ones I’d rather talk to you in person about tonight.
Don’t be late.
Tsuto

“Please, can you check in on her for me? This is beyond normal. Even when she plans to be with a partner for the night, she's still here the next morning. This is hours too long for her to just be late.”

[patransom]

Violasha smiles at her companions, “Hmmm, a mysterious disappearance and a suspicious letter. This certainly sounds like something worth checking out, don't you agree, gentlemen?”

[admin]

“Indeed! I hope all is well.. perhaps we should make haste in our investigation? Time might be of the essence....” Mak says

[marine7312000]

Durmisht nods his agreement to check this out.
(posted by Admin)

[Duniagdra]

Along the way to the glassworks, the four of you run into Dregs, then Tuckerby who seemed to have been talking business with someone, and then Chada who seemed preoccupied with something else. You explain whats come up with Ameiko and ask the three of them to join you on this investigation that may turn into nothing.

Everyone one of you know Ameiko from you visits to the Rusty Dragon and have formed a good relationship with her. You all find it suspicious that she would miss the morning opening of the Dragon. It's her life's passion, that and performing.

[admin]

“This smells bad - come on everyone, let's hurry!” Mak asks of the others

[Benji]

Dregs scratches his beard before shrugging and falling into line.