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Sheriff Hemlock smiled at Liseth.  "No, I don't think you have to worry about goblins in every basement.  Alergast and I investigated things thoroughly yesterday evening, and as far as we can tell it looks like it was lone goblin commando who got separated from the others and was looking for a place to hide."  He patted her on the shoulder.  "Trust me, he wanted out of there just as much as the Baretts wanted him out of there.  I don't think there's much chance that we'll have a repeat of that.  But just to be on the safe side, I put the word out to the guard to keep their ears open for any reports of unusual animal or pet activity.  So if something along those lines happens again, hopefully we'll know sooner rather than later."

Belor raised an eyebrow at Cato.  "No, there have been no 'reports.'  Do you think I have the resources to keep track of every former resident who leaves Sandpoint?  If you want to check up on him, you'll have to talk to Lonj . . . well, that wouldn't work out to well now, would it?"  The Sheriff gave a short laugh.  "You should talk to Ameiko then.  She and Tsuto used to be close."  He shrugged.  "Might be they still are."

"But to answer your question, no."  He gave Cato a curt shake of his head.  "I never heard of Tsuto pursuing any sort of magical education."

The Shoanti looked around at the group.  "So, it looks like we're ready."  A small smile touched his lips as he saw Kellan making himself presentable for the meeting.  "Let's not keep the ladies waiting, shall we?"  He opened the door to the Town Hall and ushered them inside.

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Sheriff Hemlock led you into the Town Hall, which was surprisingly sumptuous given the size of the town.  Hardwood floors, marble pillars, and copper bannisters were the order of the day; the entire interior of the edifice gave off a sense of organization and a sort of purposeful, driven opulence, as if the builders were determined that the town would some day rise to a station that merited such fine craftsmanship.

Belor led you across the main entry foyer and up the leftmost of two half-circle staircases that led to the second floor.  He then turned to the right, stopping at a heavy oak door with a sign above that simply said “Mayor.”  He opened the door as he knocked, leading you into the Mayor’s offices.

The rooms were just as nicely-designed as the entry hallway had been, but the furniture and the way it was organized indicated that its occupant was less interested in affluent opulence and more interested in efficient operations.  Sheriff Hemlock led you to the right, into a meeting room where a trim, handsome, red-headed woman of middle age whom everyone recognized as Mayor Kendra Deverin sat talking with a tall, slender elven woman.

Both looked around as the party entered.  The elven woman in particular looked as if she had arrived straight from some sort of hard labor; her face was smudged, her long, braided black hair was mussed, and she gave off the faint odor of smoke.  A couple of tears were visible in her leather armor; they looked as if they were of recent make, and one of them was surrounded by a dark stain that might have been made by some sort of liquid.

Belor Hemlock stood forward to make introductions.  “Mayor Kendra Deverin, Miss Shalelu Andosana, this is Pisca Neep Freemish of Kaer Maga, Cato Crispin, assistant to Sage Brodert Quink, Liseth Thoradin, an acolyte currently working with Father Zantus, and, of course,” the Sheriff smiled proudly, “our own Kellan Storval, stalwart of the Sandpoint Guard.”

“And it is my privilege to introduce you all to Shalelu Andosana, an, um,” he grinned at the elf, “unofficial member of the Sandpoint Guard.”  He swept his hand out to indicate the party.  “Shalelu, Mayor Deverin, this is our newest crop of goblinslayers.”

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This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Thu 14 Nov 2013.

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Mayor Deverin stood and shook hands, first with Pisca, then Liseth, then Cato, then, finally and with the most warmth, with Kellan.  When she had personally greeted each newcomer, she stepped back to address them as a whole.  “Thank you so much for coming!  I have not yet had the chance to thank you for your service to Sandpoint during the Swallowtail Festival.  I have it on good authority,” she glanced toward the Sheriff, “that you are responsible not only for saving the cathedral from a second burning but also for saving the life of Aldern Foxglove, a man who has always been a good friend to the town.”

She smiled gratefully at the group.  “I am a politician, not a warrior.  So there is little I can add to what you will hear and learn here today, as both Miss Andosana,” she nodded at the elf, “and the Sheriff,” she gestured to the Shoanti, “are far more qualified to discuss these issues than I.  But I would like you to keep me informed of the goings-on in the town, especially if you stumble upon something that you feel might signal a danger to the town as a whole.”  Her voice took on a somber tone.  “I want to make sure that the people are prepared for whatever might be in store for them, good or bad.”

Mayor Deverin put her hand over her heart.  “And please know that I am here to help in whatever way I can.”  Sincerity seemed to drip from her voice; she was indeed a talented politician.  “You have my full support in whatever investigations or actions you take, as long as you make them with prudence and though for their long-term consequences.”  She coughed slightly.  “Though of course I understand that sometimes decisions need to be made in the heat of the moment.  That said, I will cede the floor to the experts.”

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Belor nodded as Mayor Deverin sat.  “Now that we’re here, let me recap what we know to this point.  Shalelu has told us that Sandpoint isn’t the only place in the region experiencing goblin troubles.  There has been an increase in goblin-related raids up and down the Lost Coast; they seem particularly concentrated in the dale between Nettlewood and Mosswood.  Only a day ago, a farm south of Mosswood was burnt to the ground by a group of goblins."  His mouth twisted in an expression of distaste.

"Shalelu was, thankfully, nearby, and while the farm couldn’t be saved, she did rescue the family and drive off the goblins.  The family is staying at a nearby farm for now, but . . . this goblin problem is obviously not going away.”  The Shoanti looked very concerned.  “Shalelu, what else can you tell us?”

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Shalelu Andosana nodded at the Sheriff as he sat, then stood and looked at the new arrivals.  “Belor has told me of your work against the goblins.”  She smiled.  “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.”  She grimaced.  “Like weeds that bite.”

“As you may or may not know,” she glanced at Pisca, “there are five major goblin tribes in the region.  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 number of the Mosswood goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the ‘longshanks and the gnome’ who killed so many of them.  Now that I’ve met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about.”

She grinned at her newest acquaintances.  “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 from these recent raids, whatever they’re organizing seems like bad news for all of us.”

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Sheriff Hemlock nodded along as the elven woman talked.  As she finished speaking, he stood and addressed the group.  “With Mayor Deverin’s blessing, I’m taking a few guards south to Magnimar to see about securing additional soldiers to station at Sandpoint for a few weeks, at least until the extent of this threat can be determined.  I’ve asked Shalelu,” he inclined his head towards the ranger, “to sniff around Shank’s Wood, Brinestump, Mosswood, Devil’s Platter, and some of the other notorious goblin residences to see if she can discover anything else about what’s going on.”

“In the meantime,” he returned his attention to the group.  “I would like to ask that you maintain a public presence in Sandpoint for the next few days, if you don’t mind.  The locals seem to have taken to you.”  He grinned.  “Oh, don’t think I haven’t heard the talk about the ‘Sandpoint Saviors’ and such.  Seeing you around town will do a lot for keeping worries down for the next few days.”  He reached for a small, heretofore-unnoticed case on the table.   “I will, of course, deputize you so that people know you are acting under my authority.”  He opened the case, revealing four shiny golden badges, which he waved under the group’s noses as if he was nothing so much as a merchant tempting customers with his wares.

“So, what do you say?”

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Cato found himself nodding along with Sandpoint's mayor.  He hadn't ever met the woman up close, and had barely seen her outside of the Swallowtail Festival, but Sandpoint was lucky to have a woman like this.  He had met many leaders who didn't have half the dedication or skill to the job, and it was obvious to Cato that she possessed both in spades.

He frowned at the confirmation that several tribes of goblin had been working together, as well as the fact that the attacks had been spread across the Lost Coast.  Apparently their theories had been correct.  "But we still need to find what's caused them to unite," the young wizard whispered, barely even aware he was speaking out loud.

He looked up as Shalelu continued, then laughed at her description of the goblins' foes in Sandpoint.  "And they didn't mention a wizard flinging acid darts?"  Cato shook his head and tssked quietly.  "I'll have to teach these goblins a proper amount of respect for practitioners of the arcane arts."

Cato found himself nodding to the Sheriff's proposal almost before the Shoanti had finished speaking.  "Of course, Sheriff!  I'd be honored to help Sandpoint!"  Cato found himself grinning, the prospect of entangling his future with the town's making him feel all the more secure.

He paused for a few seconds.  "I feel like there's more that we should be doing, however.  Although I'm glad we have Shalelu's help scouting out the goblins, she's only one woman, and it sounds like from her description that some of the goblin tribes are still recovering from their attack on Sandpoint.  What if we investigated one of the closer tribes as a group?  We might be able to force them onto the defensive, and delay whatever they're planning.  Or, I suppose we might have the opposite effect, and speed up their time table if they feel threatened.  In which case having us here in town keeping up morale might be good."

He nodded to his companions, then to the Mayor.  "I suppose this is exactly the kind of prudence and regard for the long-term effects of our actions we should be considering."

Liseth followed the Sheriff through Sandpoint's Town Hall without paying too much attention to the rich decorations.  Having spent the majority of her life inside religious temples and her own family's manor, Liseth was quite accustomed to fine decorations and furnishings.  Although it did seem out of place for a town like Sandpoint.

When they reached the mayor's offices and meeting room, Liseth politely held her hands clasped at her waist.  She curtsied when the Sheriff introduced her and nodded when the mayor spoke, but found that she couldn't take her eyes of off Shalelu Andosana.  The elf looked like she had just come straight from a battlefield!  He armor was even torn in places, and that made the young acolyte concerned.

Her eyes diverted to the Sheriff when he asked for them to maintain their presence in Sandpoint for the next several days, and even offered them special badges of office.  Liseth looked at the golden badges curiously and imagined what one would looked like pinned to her dress or her robe.  It would be strange, but if Sheriff Hemlock thought that it would make people feel safer, the girl was all for it.  She tried to imagine Kerr's reaction when she showed up at the Cathedral wearing this new badge.

"I can do that Sheriff Hemlock.  I wasn't planning on leaving Sandpoint for anything in the next several days anyway.  And I will gladly wear a badge if it will make people feel safer to see me with it."  Liseth gingerly took one of the golden badges out of the Sheriff's case and held it in her hands.  Then her eyes returned to the elven woman.

"Ms Andosana, we already determined that there was someone leading the goblins.  Someone bigger than a goblin is.  I found larger sized footprints along with goblin footprints when I was investigating the tracks left behind in the Cathedral Boneyard...Oh!"  Liseth's free hand covered her mouth and she looked towards the Sheriff, "I'm sorry Sheriff Hemlock, you asked us not to tell anyone what we found in the Boneyard!"

Abashed, the small blonde brought her attention back to the haggard elf and tried to change the subject, "Um...are you injured Ms Andosana?  You don't look very well.  I can heal you if you're hurt.  If you want..."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Fri 15 Nov 2013.

"Badgesss?" the gnome asked in a very curious and distinctly foreign accent.

She had strolled into the opulence of the town hall with a smile on her face.  The small body of the gnome positively drank in the fine polished wood and the stately sweep of the double stairs.  Despite her rustic frontier attire, let it never be said that Pisca Neep Freemish lacked an appreciation for fine things.

"All five tribes?" the gnome had asked when the topic of the goblins came up.  "We saw signs of at least three during the attack at the Swallowtail Festival."  All the while she spoke, the gnome had been craning her neck to see the color of Shalelu Andosana's arrows.  "Well, if you know anything about the gobbies, you know the only thing that would bring them together would be some powerful person.  It's how they form their tribes.  And with what ... "  Pisca had looked to Sheriff Hemlock before blurting things out.  But he had already said on a couple of occasions to trust the mayor.  And if they couldn't trust Shalelu, who could they trust.  "And with what we found in the Boneyard, well, how could you doubt that the gobbies are being lead by one of you bigguns?  You told them.  Right?  About the tracks leading to the crypt?  Goblin tracks and the one set of hummie-sized tracks that Lysa found?  They stole Father Tobyn's body?"

"Personally, I think the answer's out there."  Pisca had swept a hand in the general direction of the Greater Anywhere.  "Sounds like he's still out there.  Riling them up.  Catch one of the Toothy Weeds and string it up by the heels until it talks.  I mean, if they've been talking about us, how could they not be talking about him?  Or her.  Gobbies are chatter monkeys.  And they're not too smart either."

"But ... if you need us in town ... "  Then the topic of badges had come up.  Pisca had turned.  She put the big floppy had back on her head.  "Badgesss?" she asked in a very curious and distinctly foreign accent.  "I love badges.  Count me in."

Kellan looked decidedly out of place among the finery, it was not that he was dirty or unsightly so much as he looked like he was trying hard not to touch or break anything. His boot fall was gentle and he carried his pole axe with an almost undue amount of caution, making very sure not to scratch the hardwood or scuff the banisters.

He greeted Mayor Deverin warmly, seemingly at ease with her he listened intently as the trio explained the situation, nodding here and there at the right times. When Cato expressed his desire to more firmly impress his abilities upon the Goblin he laughed softly and knocked at Cato's shoulder with the back of his gloved hand.

"Probably afraid if they mention you, you'll appear in a flash of light and a peal of thunder. Or worse...start writing things down"

Kellan looked to Shalelu with a hint of good natured envy, it only made sense that she be the one to try to root out the information they needed, she was a natural scout and knew the area better than any of them. That being said he would be once again guarding the home front, and he resolved to do so with the utmost dedication.

"You know I'm game Sheriff" he assured the man with a firm nod, reaching over to take a badge more to match the others than anything. With a littler fiddling he managed to get the thing to even line up straight and it complemented his guard uniform quite well in his mind.

He looked to Shalelu with an almost comical patronizing expression, his Elvish was slow,  halted and marred by neglect "You should endeavor to pursue your task with the utmost caution, and please do not kill so many of the enemy that we are left without purpose" he grinned afterward to show that he was clearly joking
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Fri 15 Nov 2013.

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"I'm glad to hear it, Storval," said the Sheriff in response to Kellan's agreement, slapping him on the back before looking around at the other three.  "And I appreciate the rest of your willingness to help Sandpoint in its time of need.  While I agree with you, Cato, that there's a lot to learn out in the wildlands, I think Miss Shalelu here," he nodded at the elf, "is best equipped for that mission.  Remember, we don't know what the goblins are up to, what there plans are, and how Sandpoint might be involved.  But you four already have a reputation with the goblins; your public presence in town may give them pause if they have any further plans to attack Sandpoint.  I know I'll rest easier knowing that you are here while I'm down rallying support in Magnimar."

"And not to worry, I've already informed Shalelu of the Boneyard attack."  Sherriff Hemlock's gaze flickered toward the elf.  "We've discussed it, and she is just as mystified as we are about what they might have been looking for, or what they might be planning to do with Father Tobayn's body.  But she's going to be keeping her eyes and ears open for any clues to that issue on her scouting mission."

Belor looked at Pisca.  "But yes, she knows that the goblins are working with or for some human-sized creature of unknown race.  We've discussed it; figuring out the identity of this goblin accomplice is one of our highest priorities."

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“I’m fine, Liseth, but I appreciate your concern.”  The ranger flashed Liseth a grateful smile.  “And yes, Sheriff Hemlock has told me about the goblins’ mysterious accomplice.  I will be doing all I can to determine the identity of that accomplice while I’m out in the field.  This person may be the key to understanding what the goblins are up to.”  She sighed.  “Or maybe he or she is just a henchman.  There’s just so much we don’t know right now.”

“And I’ll certainly be . . . questioning any goblins that I manage to catch out, Pisca.”  Shalelu nodded in agreement with the gnome.  “But one of our problems is that the goblin leadership doesn’t normally share their plans, or indeed anything important, with their rank and file for precisely the reasons you mentioned.  And if someone else is truly using the goblins, chances are they won’t have told the even the leadership much.”  The elf shrugged.  “Also, goblins aren’t the sharpest tools and the shed; just because they think they ‘know’ something doesn’t mean that what they tell you isn’t garbled or misunderstood.  So we need to sift through everything we might learn from them with that in mind.”

The ranger grinned at Kellan as he tried out his Elvish.  “I’m glad to see that your Elvish lessons weren’t entirely wasted, Storval,” she teased.  She raised an eyebrow.  “Not ENTIRELY.”  Her face shifted into a more-serious expression.  “But you don’t have to worry about not enough goblins being left for you and your friends.  I have a feeling that, when all is said and done," she sighed again, "we’ll have more of them on our hands than we might like.”

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This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Fri 15 Nov 2013.

Cato nodded at the Hemlock's assessment.  "Us staying in town while Shalelu scouts certainly is the more conservative option, and I suppose there's no reason to risk the safety of Sandpoint for any reason.  Maybe word will get out to the goblins that we're here, which will at least delay a possible attack."

He thought for a moment longer.  "I just hope it doesn't come to that.  Any attack on Sandpoint by all five goblin tribes is going to result in casualties.  If we engage the goblins on their home turf, they'll be the ones experiencing the collateral damage."

Cato paused again.  "But obviously, Shalelu knows the most about this, and I'll bow to her wisdom.  Hopefully we can figure out what's going on, and who's unifying the goblin tribes."

Pisca had previously pursued support for her library with a classically Pisca-esque disregard for either time or place.  In this particular instance, however, there was something ...  There just seemed something ...  There seemed as though there was something about the people gathered and the talk of goblins and the startling appearance of Shalelu Andosana off her regular schedule that didn't mix with the discussions of libraries and lofty visions of a future Sandpoint.  Now that she and Mayor Deverin had been introduced there should be time enough for the library.  Especially now that they were going to be spending some time in Sandpoint itself.  Although, the gnome reminded herself, at some point she would really need to begin exploring the wider world and acquire some of those books that the library would need.

In the meantime however, other thoughts had come knocking at the Door of Pisca, bringing gifts of crisp, crumbly pastries and wishing to discuss matters mysterious and anomalous.  The chat in the Parlor of Pisca's mind was brief, but meaningful, making little impact on the Big People gathered in the real-world office of Mayor Deverin.  To them, the gnome had simply lapsed into a moment of quiet thought.

"You'll be leaving right away.  Won't you, Shalelu," said the gnome to the elf.  "The town's been abuzz with the news of your coming.  It's whispered that you usually head to the Rusty Dragon for that same room that you always stay in.  But this time you came straight to the Mayor's office.  Now, this gnome can't help but think that means you don't intend to stay long in town.  It means that you think there's an urgency to this goblin problem that we are," and Pisca indicated the we of her intent with a sweep of her arm toward Liseth, Kellan, and Cato.  "That we are not quite fully understanding.  I also have a suspicion that you've known about this for longer than we think you have."

The gnome dug inside her own quiver and pulled out the half arrow painted in black that she'd been carrying around since the day of the goblin attack.  "Oh, by the by, I was wondering whether you recognized this.  I cut this from a goblin head.  We found quite a few goblins slain by these black arrows the day of the attack.  Two of the gobbies caught these arrows right before our eyes.  We never saw the person who shot them."

"Those must have been some pretty long shots.  Whoever did the shooting was an impressive archer.  In addition to being another one of the heroes of that day."

"Oh, okay Sheriff Hemlock."  Liseth sighed with some measure of relief.  She didn't want to be responsible for telling people parts of their investigation that were supposed to be secret.  Thinking about it for a moment though, she didn't know why she thought that the Mayor and Ms Andosana wouldn't have been told already.  Of everyone who wasn't actually present in the Boneyard that night, they were the two who should know everything.

The girl nodded to the tall elf when told that she wasn't in need of any healing.  Liseth still imagined that Ms Andosana couldn't be completely healthy just by her appearance.  But she couldn't be hurt too badly if she was turning down healing; and Liseth was not going to press the matter.

With the way that Kellan and Cato were talking, it sounded as though they were happy that the goblins were afraid of them.  Or at least talking about them; based on what Ms Andosana overheard.  Liseth was just happy that the goblins didn't seem to be talking about a young blonde girl in white.  She knew that she wouldn't feel safe if the goblins had taken such a notice of her during the attack.

"I think that us staying in Sandpoint is the best option."  Liseth agreed with the Sheriff and was glad that Cato came around to that point of view as well.  "If Sheriff Hemlock is going to take some men with him when he travels to Magnimar, we can't leave Sandpoint with a weakened guard.  Especially if the goblins happen to be afraid of some of us."  It was clear that she didn't consider herself to be striking terror into the minds of goblins.  What Liseth did not mention was that she really did not think that she was up to the task of actually seeking out the goblins to attack them at their own homes.  She was perfectly fine with the task of remaining in Sandpoint in order to boost the morale of its citizens.

Liseth watched Pisca when she started in on her dialogue.  The girl had forgotten about the black arrows that Pisca thought were important, but now she did recall seeing one suddenly strike a goblin dead in the Cathedral Square.  Right in front of her.  It was strange that nobody seemed to know who was shooting black arrows that night; Liseth started to wonder herself just who it might have been.  And why they didn't want to introduce themselves.

Maybe Ms Andosana would know somebody that uses black arrows though.  Liseth's interest piqued, she turned her attention back the the elven woman.

Kellan looked eager to get to work but lingered for the others and to find out more about the mysterious black arrows. In his mind he was already thinking of how to go about safeguarding Sandpoint during the Sheriff's absence. His first stop would be to tie in with Alergast to discuss schedules and patrols, an inspection of the fortifications and fire readiness should probably be done, he decided he would need to do a little shopping of his own as well.

He did not want to overstep his bounds or step on any toes, but the boy was painfully aware that Sandpoint had grown complacent over years of peace and prosperity. To his knowledge they had not faced any kind of organized external threat within living memory (Human living memory of course). His mind was alight with all sorts of possibilities, clearing the vegetation from around the walls, repairs, additions, maybe a new coat of paint here or there or even a standard or two fluttering in the breeze.

He focused his attention back on Shalelu, perhaps she would have some ideas of her own.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Sun 17 Nov 2013.

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“Figuring out what is going on is right at the top of my list of priorities,” agreed Sheriff Hemlock.  “We want to take the fight to them, ideally by identifying and then dealing with their leadership.  Without leadership, goblins have no direction and will fall back to squabbling amongst themselves.  Killing rank-and-file goblins without doing that is almost pointless because there are so many of them.  And I don’t need to mention the casualties we would take in the process.”

“But first we have to figure out who is driving them.  Once I explain the situation to Magnimar, they should grant me at least an additional squadron of men.  That will allow us to fortify Sandpoint and free you,” he gestured to the group, “to help Shalelu with her investigation.  We just need to hold on until we can get Sandpoint reinforced.  Time is of the essence,” he nodded at Pisca, “which is why I am leaving for Magnimar almost immediately after this meeting.”

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Shalelu leaned back in her chair as the Sheriff talked.  “I agree with the Sheriff, Pisca,” she assented, “we may be running out of time, but we just don’t know enough to be sure.”  She shrugged.  “I’ve had my suspicions that someone was trying to unify the goblin tribes, but I didn’t have much to support them other than hunches and suppositions until a couple of weeks ago, and nothing to confirm them until the co-ordinated raids began.”

Shalelu’s eyebrows shot up when Pisca produced the black arrow and told her story of the mysterious archer.  “Did you, now?  Slain during the attack on Sandpoint, you say?”  Her eyes narrowed as she studied the arrow, then reluctantly handed it back to the gnome.  “This has been something of a personal mystery for me; now it is apparently something we share.  I have come across these arrows before.”

She looked thoughtful, as if pondering whether to share what she knew, then proceeded.  “I have found them almost exclusively in people who are proven or suspected to have exploited others.  The worst sorts of people, if you know what I mean.  Those whom the,” she coughed and glanced at Sheriff Hemlock, “regular authorities are unable or unwilling to bring to justice.”

The Sheriff looked uncomfortable but said nothing.

“Have you heard that the Lost Coast had a slaver problem some years ago?  Well, that problem no longer exists, thanks to Black Arrow.”  Her cheeks colored slightly.  “I hope you don’t mind me using my private name for him.”  She sighed and sat back.  “I’ve tried to determine his identity, but he is very elusive and is almost impossible to track.  Of course, for all I know, Black Arrow could be a woman, but his style suggests that he is a man.  I can’t explain it, but that is my feeling.  I have played cat-and-mouse with him for years.  Whoever he is, I must tip my cap to his skills.”

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"We'll look after her sir" he assured the Sheriff  "Have a safe trip , and Shalelu." He looked to the Elf "Happy hunting"

Clasping his hands together and rubbing them eagerly he looked to Cato, Pisca and Liseth "Shall we get to it then? I was hoping to tie in with Alrgast to see what the patrol schedules are looking like, then I will probably pick up a few things around town. It's still pretty early...if I hurry I might be able to do a good close inspection of the city walls, might be able to do a little good there."

"Of course I would appreciate the company if anybody wanted to come along, if not shall we meet up for lunch at the Dragon?" Looking over the faces of his compatriots for any sign of what they had in mind.

"Mayor Deverin, always a pleasure ma'am" he gave her a warm smile and bowed his head a little in deference.

He turned began to make his way out at a casual pace, admiring the morning sun through the windows as he walked.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:49, Mon 18 Nov 2013.

"Yes.  I'd heard things of that sort too, Shalelu.  Slavers.  Abusers of servants.  Mysterious Chelish customers."  Pisca stared down at the black arrow in her hands with a pursed look of discontent on her face.  She looked down upon the broken arrow as though somehow blaming it for her disappointment.  It would have been so nice if Shalelu were the mysterious Black Arrow.  It would have fit so well.  In fact Shalelu had even been somewhere in the area, as the gnome had suspected.  She'd been nearby during the attack.  Not near enough, though.

On the other hand, if Shalelu was not the Black Arrow, then ... the position was still open.  Anyone could be the Black Arrow.  "Even a gnome!" Pisca said out loud.  The thought brightened her mood considerably, despite the fact that the evidence that she held in her hands at that very moment pointed quite distinctly to a Black Arrow who was decidedly larger than Right-Sized.  Pisca beamed up at the crowd of humans, sharing her idea with them through the special power through which all people, quite naturally, understood what the gnome was thinking when she wanted them to.  "I wonder if the Black Arrow wears a mask," she mused.  "I think she'd have to.  And a hood," the gnome added.  "A hood would be a nice touch."

From there the avenues opened up for the gnome - avenues down which she could pursue any number of satisfying investigations.  The future, gray and a bit sulky only moments ago, was now clear, bright, and inviting.  "Oh.  Shalelu, would you like a Sand Witch?  I made one for Aldern Foxglove this morning, but he left before I could get it to him.  Just as well, I suppose.  I didn't think to make enough for he *and* his servants too.  That would have been awkward.  Having to eat while the others stood by watching," said the egalitarian gnome.  She fished out the cloth wrapped package and presented it to the elf.  "The meat is from the boar we killed yesterday in Tickwood.  Ameiko Kaijitsu cooked it for us last night.  It's the second best thing I've tasted this week."

"Oh, and by the by, Mayor Deverin," said the gnome, her hands still held out presenting the elf with her offering, "might I make an appointment to speak to you at this time?  I'd like to discuss a certain civic improvement that I have in mind."

Even Ms Andosana doesn't know who was killing goblins with black arrows that night.  Which made things even more mysterious as far as Liseth was concerned; if anybody was going to know that particular piece of information, surely it would have to be a famous adventurer like Ms Andosana.  Liseth herself did not like keeping secrets, she was innately honest.  Leaving her befuddled and highly curious when confronted by people keeping such secrets away from others.  Especially when people would only want to thank them if their identity was known, like with this Black Arrow person.  Or if keeping their secrets was distressing other people and possibly dangerous to themselves, like with Katrine...

Liseth's eyes focused on Pisca when she made her sudden outburst about gnomes.  Was she saying that Black Arrow had killed gnomes too?  No...based on her excitement, Pisca probably thinks that Black Arrow might be a gnome themselves.  Liseth doesn't think that's very possible though.  The arrow was much larger than Pisca's gnome-sized arrows.

"Hmm...Sheriff Hemlock?"  Liseth had a sudden idea.  The Sheriff did say that he was leaving immediately, didn't he?  "Mr Foxglove just left for Magnimar a short while ago.  I bet that if you were to hurry, you could probably catch up to him.  I think that he'd be happy to have your company on the trip, since you are both going to the same place.  And," Liseth held up a finger to punctuate a point that she was making, "It would be safer for everyone to be in a larger group, since the goblins are so hostile right now."  It sounded like a good plan to her.

"Thank you for the offer Kellan, but I think that I should go to the Cathedral from here."  Liseth cast a glance down at her dress, "I need to change into my robes; my dress hasn't been cleaned since our horse ride yesterday when we were hunting the boar."  The dress didn't look particularly dirty, but it did smell a bit...horsey.  "And I should ask Father Zantus if he learned anything new since the incident in the Boneyard.  But I should be able to meet everyone at the Rusty Dragon for lunch."

She left out a number of other reasons for wanting to go to the Cathedral.  Kerr was there, of course; and Liseth wanted to show him the badge that the Sheriff had given her.  But she also felt guilty taking a holiday and leaving Kerr and Father Zantus alone to clean up the mess in the Boneyard, in addition to trying to get the Cathedral in order after the goblin attack.  Even though yesterday felt about as far from a holiday as one could get.  And, if Katrine did want to talk to Liseth, the first place that she was certain to look for her was at the Cathedral.

Seeing that Kellan was leaving, Liseth figured that the meeting must be over.  She curtsied for the Mayor, the Sheriff, and Ms Andosana, "Sandpoint will be safe until you get back Sheriff Hemlock."  She nodded, "I'll be sure to pray for your safety."  The girl look towards the elven adventurer, "You too Ms Andosana.  If you get hurt while you're investigating the goblins I'll gladly treat your injuries for you."  Liseth curtsied once more for the Mayor, "It was nice to meet you Mayor Deverin."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Mon 18 Nov 2013.

Cato listened as the Sheriff and Shalelu outlined their plans.  "You're right, that sounds reasonable to me.  Having reinforcements from Magnimar would probably assist Sandpoint in whatever's coming.  I can do my part by having us be as visible as possible in town during the Sheriff's absence.  Kellan, if it's okay with you, I can accompany you around town just to keep myself visible.  We can talk about any specific uses the guard might have for me later without delaying the Sheriff's departure or wasting the mayor's valuable time."

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Mayor Deverin stood.  “It looks as if our meeting is at an end.  Thank you all for coming on such short notice and for taking such an integral part in the defense of Sandpoint.  I thank you both on my own behalf and on behalf of all Sandpoint’s citizens.”

She smiled at the young guardsman.  “Kellan, as always you have done Sandpoint proud.  It was nice to meet you as well, Acolyte Liseth.  Father Zantus speaks very highly of you.”  The Mayor nodded at the young blonde in approval before directing her attention to the room’s sole gnome.  “Pisca, once this difficult period is over, I would be glad for you to make an appointment with my secretary so that we can discuss this civic improvement you have in mind.  And Cato, Sage Quink could not have a more capable assistant.  I’m glad Sandpoint can count on you all.”

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I’ll try and catch up with Lord Foxglove, Liseth.”  He smiled at her with what seemed like fondness; an unusual display for the normally-gruff Sheriff.  “And I thank you for your prayers.  I may need them!”  He stood and straightened his uniform.  “I feel much better knowing that Sandpoint will be in the hands of such capable guardians in my absence.”

“I will make as much haste to Magnimar as I can.  Hopefully I will return with reinforcements within the fortnight.  Perhaps Lord Foxglove will be able to assist with my appeal for aid.”  He glanced at Liseth.  “In that vein, I shall take my leave.  Mayor.  Shalelu.”  He nodded to the ranger and Mayor Deverin before clasping each party member’s hand as if to bestow upon them a charm for defending Sandpoint.  He then strode for the door, and was gone.

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The elven ranger was clearly amused by Pisca’s musings regarding Black Arrow.  “I have to agree.  There just aren’t enough mysterious vigilantes about these days.  A mask and hood would be almost necessary, I would think.  Especially if our Black Arrow is a traditionalist.”

Shalelu Andosana smiled as Pisca offered her a handmade delicacy.  “Thank you, Pisca.  I accept with gratitude.  As I also accept your offer of healing, should I need it, Liseth.  It is comforting to know I have such a devout servant of the gods on my side.”  But her mood seemed to sour as she looked at Kellan.  “I hope my hunt proves fruitful.  And that it does not prove to be too little, too late.”

“I plan to take dinner at the Rusty Dragon this evening before I begin my hunt, as I need to provision and rest before I head back out to the wildlands.  I invite any or all of you to join me, should you wish.  But I will certainly not take offense if you do not.  It sounds like you all have many preparations to make.”

All present took their leave and headed out to begin the tasks they had set for themselves that day.

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FADE TO BLACK - CONTINUED IN CHAPTER #5.5:  SECOND INTERMISSION