Monday Rova 23, 4707 - Sandpoint

The night after the raid passes without further incident.  The citizens of Sandpoint quietly organize groups to work on cleanup after the goblin raid - fortunately the damage was minimal, and there will be no major rebuilding required.  Casualties were also blessedly limited.  Several citizens suffered broken bones in the flight from the cathedral, and a few individuals who found themselves on the wrong end of a goblin's blade bear long cuts on their faces and limbs that leave nasty scars, but only Naffer Vonsk, the town undertaker, was critically injured.  He rests even now in the town's new cathedral under the administration of Father Zantus, unconscious with his head swollen to an alarming degree from a sharp blow.

As the light breaks over the town once more, the brilliant crystal sphere on the cathedral's spire once again splits the rays of dawn, briefly throwing rainbows of Desna's light all across the town.  As the sun continues to rise its light casts itself on the squat stone garrison that houses the Sandpoint Militia, and the headquarters of its captain, Belor Hemlock.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:09, Fri 10 Jan 2020.

Vano gets out of bed mid-morning, still a bit groggy from the late night of fighting and investigating. He cleans up as best he can with whatever accommodations the inn provides, checks on Bait, has a late breakfast, and then heads out to the garrison for his meeting with the sheriff.

Rory also wakes up mid morning after all the excitement the day before. Her first reaction is concern that the local law enforcement wants to see her since she and her cousins were doing a little pickpocketing the day before. So she tells her cousins over breakfast, half jokingly, that she will be going and to come after her if she gets thrown in jail.

She leaves a note with the inn for Brodert Quink apologizing and saying she has been asked to a meeting with Hemlock that morning and she will be back as soon as possible. If he cannot wait, the note asks that he leave a note about where she can find him so they can still meet up and look at the sites.

After checking on Aria she heads to the Garrison.

Jensox and Nova again rise early, roll carefully out of the tree, and leave town for another morning jog. Twigs, bark, and a few leaves fall loose from his tattered cloak as his legs stretch and warm up to the day. As before, Nova lopes along with an enthusiasm for the day his master appears constitutionally unable to match.

Approaching Sand Point's walls once again, Jensox slows and checks his cloak for the torn parchment he shared with the Sheriff the day before. With a slight grimace on one grizzled face, and a tongue hanging from the pointed, furry mouth of the other, the pair walk into town. They make their way through the square, catching the brilliant light display without comment, and will wait outside the guard house until they are able to be seen.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Mon 16 Dec 2019.

Asur is, as usual up before first light so he can watch the dawn.  After saying his private morning prayers, he heads to the garrison.

While waiting outside the garrison, on the other side of the street, Jensox sets himself and then shoves his walking stick into the ground. Looking to his companion, he barks, " 'ova, Guard!" Nova dutifully trots to the stick, squares his shoulders, and becomes a statue of intense purpose.

Jensox walks a ways down the street, watching his companion hold his post. Now the new part.

" 'ova, Come!"

Nova glances his way, and then back to his literal post. His paws don't move.

" 'ova, Come!"

Nova looks again at his master, confusion evident. Master, post, master... Post. Guard means don't move. Stay. Protect. But master... beckons? Master is calling and beckoning me.

Nova's shoulders shift, then a paw lifts, and he begins moving down the street towards Jensox.

Like the slow melting of snow in the spring, the biggest - only - smile of the last 24 hours breaks on Jensox's face. Nova lopes down the street and Jensox embraces him with more enthusiasm than a long-lost relative.

After effusive praise, Jensox leads Nova back to his walking stick and repeats the entire process. The pair continue this exercise all morning (OOC: training a new trick, come, if it wasn't obvious), or until there is movement in the guardhouse.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Sun 22 Dec 2019.

As the four outsiders gather outside the stone barracks, one of the Sandpoint militia escorts you each into the stone garrison.  It's not a fairly large structure, serving as both the town's jail and the barracks for its militia.  Sandpoint is not an overlarge town, but standing on the frontier as it does the city sees fit to maintain a dozen full-time watchmen as well as almost two dozen support staff.  Sheriff Belor Hemlock maintains a small office in the back corner of the building, and the small space is full to capacity once Asur, Vano, Jensox, and Rory have arrived.  The sheriff takes a long draw on a mug of steaming coffee, his eyes red-rimmed with fatigue, before standing to address the four of you.  His deep voice still carries the same tone of command he expressed yesterday, although there's an undercurrent of strain as well now.  "The four of you did our village a great service yesterday.  My sentries were all posted on the walls in case of trouble - we're still trying to figure out how in Cayden Cailean's name those little bastards were able to sneak past the walls and into the heart of the town.  If the four of you hadn't been at the cathedral, I shudder to think what might have happened."  He shakes his head.  "Fortunately, they were not prepared for any sort of resistance, and turned and fled when they realized there were some who were able to fight back.  All told, we suffered only one serious injury, the loss of a single fuel cart, and a score of smaller damages to various buildings."

The sheriff pauses for a moment, tilting his head to one side and cracking his neck.  "I need to travel to Magnimar and request additional men to serve in the garrison.  Nobody will admit it, but the town is still very much on edge.  Such an attack, coming exactly five years to the day after the previous incidents... folks are nervous.  The four of you, helping defend the town as you did, will settle rattled nerves.   And so I need to ask one more favor from you all.  While I am gone, I want the four of you to be present in the town.  Let the citizens see you, and know you're still here."  The sheriff raises a large, scarred hand and points it at Jensox.  "Master druid, you were present at the fight in front of the cathedral, but not in the fight in front of the Rusty Dragon.  Fortunately, Father Zantus was there, and that noble Foxglove has already been persuaded to spread the tale that it was you, not the father, who helped out.  The rest of the witnesses could only make out the father's gray hair and beard in the chaos.  And we need your presence in the group most of all - Shalelu Andosana has been telling tales of the Old Man Of The Woods for years now, and the town has built you into quite a mythical figure.  One of the main reasons you've been left alone as much as you have." 

Returning his hand to his side, he eyes the entire group one by one.  "What say you all?  A few more days in the town, and then you can be on your way."

"I wasn't in a huge hurry to be back on the road again anyway. I can stick around for a few days, and I'll be happy to help deal with any more goblins problems should they turn up. Just don't forget to mention that 'great service' bit in your letter to my commander." 

Vano turns to grin at the others.  "I don't know about you lot, but I bet being a local hero is worth a few free drinks if nothing else."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Mon 23 Dec 2019.

Jensox is of course uncomfortable inside the garrison, and after entering the crowded office stands toward the back and mostly avoids eye contact.  When Belor singles him out, a sour expression comes over his face. "I don' know wha' Sha-lelu may be tellin' folk 'n I don't much care. You city-folk shouldn' bother me 'cause I don't much bother you. 'hat's how it should work. And, I, uh, well, when we spoke jus' yester'day yous'aid thar' was, ah, some kinda regis'er you was gonna check 'bout tha Scare-netti, 'n I was jus' hopin' ta sort out 'bout my woods, you know? I don' wann'a be down 'ere mor'n I hafta. I's goin' on back to my animals 'n trees a'soon as I can."

You hardly need ask, Sheriff.  Of course I'm going to stick around.  Anything you need.  Maybe we can look around a bit and see where the Goblins snuck in?  I'm also perplexed why they were targeting the dogs in town.  Maybe they could help us sniff out where they came from.

Asur turns to Jensox.

I know you're not particularly comfortable here.  I get that; I was so used to the silence of the monastery I was raised in, even little towns like this seem loud and overcrowded. With groups of goblins running around, I wonder if it wouldn't be safer for you to stick with us until we can figure out what's going on. I'd hate for you to get into a fight with a tribe of goblins by yourself.

"Usually, I don't stay anywhere that long. Lodging and food gets a bit expensive in a town. Could you spare some money for room and board at least? Maybe a something extra for the time? My cousins may wish to continue on and then I won't have a crew to perform with anymore. I like your town and want to help. But as a business woman, I can't afford to stay idle, you understand. Lost money now means lost food and supplies later when I travel to the next place."

Rory rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  Diplomacy for getting paid.

Having let everyone say their piece, the sheriff looks to you each in turn, starting with a nod for Vano.  "Vano your assistance in this matter speaks to the character of both yourself and the Black Arrows.  I will make sure to mention this in my letter to Commander Bayden" .

Asur's confirmation draws a small smile from the sheriff.  "Your work in Sarenrae's name is an example to your faith, Asur.  Any investigation you able to complete to learn more about what happened here will be appreciated."

Rory's question about payment actually prompts the normally grim sheriff to laugh.  "Quite the mercenary, aren't you?  I heard from the innkeeper that you were very well received last night; if you agree to stick around I'll match any shortcomings in tips during my journey."

At Jensox, the mirth from Rory's haggling drops, and his face sets itself into a mask of grim determination.  "If the world worked as we wished, I would see you and your flock left to your own devices.  Unfortunately we live in the world as it is, not as it ought to be.  I checked the documents we have in Sandpoint and the legal status of your land is... murkey.  The boundaries are not well laid defined.  I will try and return with the official maps from Magnimar, but a provincial dispute like this may well be decided by simple consensus between the local nobles.  If that's the case you will need all the allies you can find; spending a few days building goodwill now may go a long way to saving you quite a bit of heartache in the future."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Thu 09 Jan 2020.

Jensox stares mostly at the floor while the others speak, and only after Belor finishes does he open up. "E'ry winter 'n I was a lad me 'n mine been comin' to tha' wood. Trimmin' 'n shapin' 'n nursin' 'n prunin', I's even got a 'spa-lier, 'n some vines, wha' makes nice so'n when we all gets down 'ere as the leaves turnin' I's got some'n t' eat."

Though downturned, Jensox's face lightens a bit at the memory of the sweet fruit. He pauses a long second, his face settles again, and he continues.

"I jus' don' see how they can up 'n claim those trees, my trees. 'n fer wood, fer cuttin' 'em down!"

He looks up some, more pointedly at the Sheriff, and continues, "'n nows you talkin' 'bout some high-tootin' nobles meetin' 'n deciden' 'bout some'n they don' know nothin' 'bout! Tha's hogwash! 'n I think you's know it. E'ry time *people* get involved 'n my life it 'urns up shit." The words "people" and "shit" are spoken with quite the same vehemence, both spit out like a sour grape.

Jensox heaves a large sigh and taps his walking stick on the ground.

"Turns up shit... But I 'ain' qui'e the hard-'ead I was... well, as I was a'fore. Heh, years past I prolly woulda 'ust kill'd tha' knave 'n not thought twice. How long you reckin' this 'rip to Mag-nam-ar 'll be? I can prob'ly wait a few more days an' ways I guess."

Finally, Jensox turns to Asur with a slight laugh. "Boy, me 'n 'ova 'n t' others have run off wolf packs 'n bears 'n worse on our own; I ain't much scared of a 'ew gerblins now. Hell, some'imes when Im'a fightin' it feels like I'm 'urning in't a doggo myself. Weird, right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Sat 11 Jan 2020.

"Sheriff, I'm going to do some investigating while you're gone. This whole goblin thing has me pretty curious. Like you said, how did they get past the guarded walls to simultaneously attack multiple locations inside the town? Was it really a coincidence that they showed up on the only night the whole town is gathered for a ceremony? How did they immediately found the largest explosives in the town? I just feel like there has to be more to all of this. I don't know if I'll be able to find anything, but its going to eat at me until I have some answers."

Vano turns back to the others. "Before anything else though, Rory, did you still want to sell that equipment from the goblins we fought? I figure the druid here deserves a share of the sales since he did help out quite a bit outside the cathedral."

"After that I plan to go have a talk with Aldern Foxglove and see if he noticed anything suspicious during the attack. I can go alone, or any of you who want can come along" Vano glances over at Jensox. "We saved his life last night and he seemed extremely grateful. He's a noble of some sort, and may be able to help out with your trespasser problem."

Vano grins at Jensox. "So what do you think, Old Man of the Woods? Spend the morning with me and some other annoying *people* and you can make a little coin and hopefully convince the right folks that your woods should be left alone." He pauses a moment, but then continues while chuckling, "Just so you know, I'm mostly offering to help because I like Ova, he was quite the brave doggo outside the cathedral."

"Alright, Sheriff, seems fair," she grins at him with a professional appreciation of his haggling skills. "If it's not prying, you and the innkeeper seem to share a family resemblance, is there any truth to that?"

She turns to Vano, "Trip to market sounds good to me." She motions to everyone in the room, "And I'm all about sharing with new friends. Your questions spark my curiosity, too. And I love a mystery. I'll go with you to talk with Foxglove. He seemed like a good sort of guy. Poor man lost his dog though, so we may need to be gentle about the questions."

"Druid," she gives one of her best smiles, "I would be happy to help you talk to the nobles. Sounds like you should be allowed to keep your home to me. "

Jensox apprises Asur, Rory, and Vano. "You'ns seem... less shitty 'an most, 'n less cowar'ly too. I saw each of ya stan' up ta 'em gerblins 'n give better'n wha' ya got. 'n I can r'spec' 'hat."

"But I ain't much fer markets, so how's 'bouts you two," and Jensox indicates Rory and Vano with his stick, "go'n down t' sell tha' gerblin stuff while me 'n t' Boy 'n, 'n *Nova*," and he now a quick motion to Asur while emphasizing Nova's name, "takes a look at them walls from ou'side-in. 'n then we all can meet up back at t' inn this af'ernoon."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:58, Thu 16 Jan 2020.

"That works for me. Rory, I saw a place called Savah's Armory not too far from here. It might be a good place for us to start." Vano nods at the sheriff and steps outside, where he will wait for Rory.

"Sounds good to me." Rory nods to the druid and Asur then salutes the Sheriff with a grin and jogs out after Vano.

Once she catches up to Vano outside she gives him a conspiratorial grin as they make their way to the market. "So, pinched by Black Arrows, huh? That's rough. What did you do?"

Vano's ever present smile fades briefly. "Not so rough really, all things considered. I mean its a dangerous occupation, that's for sure. But they were the first people in years to treat me fairly or give me a worthwhile purpose. You could say I owe the Arrows my life. So if I lose it fighting giants at the border, well I suppose that's only their due."

"But that's enough serious talk." The smile returns. "Let's go make some gold!"

Sheriff Hemlock listens to everyone discuss their plans, nodding in agreement occasionally.  At Rory's question about Garridan, however, his face tightens noticeably.  "Yes."  He does not comment further on the matter.

As the chatter winds down, he nods to each of you in turn.  "Your cooperation in this matter is most generous.  It's a two-day trip to Magnimar, and I expect it will take several days to convince the powers-that-be to send us more men.  Hopefully I will be absent for no more than a week.  If there is nothing more, our business is concluded, with my thanks."

Monday Rova 23, 4707 - Savah's Armory

Savah's armory is just a short ways down the lane from the Sandpoint garrison, back towards the cathedral.  The northeast corner, closest to the garrison, bears a few old scars from a fire years before.  Upon entering, Vano and Rory find the squat shop is lined floor-to ceiling with an almost dizzying array of weapons and armor.  All manner of blades, bludgeons, and projectiles can be found propped up in tightly grouped, well-organized racks.  A well-muscled woman with closely-cropped blonde hair is perched behind the small counter at the back of the room, and her face lights up at the visitors.  Contrary to her gruff appearance, her voice is actually rather melodious. "Welcome!  I'd been hoping you would stop by; the town is abuzz with news of what the four of you did, and it would be my genuine pleasure to help repay you as well as I'm able.  I can't afford to give away my wares, not if I want to stay in business, but you'll get the friends and family rate, and make no mistake!"

Monday Rova 23, 4707 - Outside the Sandpoint Walls
Due to Sandpoint's coastal nature, most of the city is surrounded by water, rather than stone walls.  However the northern edge of the city, where the Lost Coast Road connects Sandpoint with the outside world, is protected from the encroaching forest and its dangers by a low stone wall - a hair over ten feet high, it would not stop an army serious about invading, but is more than enough to give the occasional raiding party of goblins pause.  The gate to the road is watched by a small stone gatehouse, large enough to hold a scant handful of men.  Currently it is occupied by a pair of the town's full-time guards.  They are obviously not inclined to let anyone in or out of the city after the attack, but after a moment of quiet discussion the larger of the two guards cuffs the other over the head.  "Bohrs, you idiot, these two are part of the group that fought the goblins off yesterday.  If they wanted to do us harm, seems to me they could have just stood aside and done nothing."

The small guard pauses for a moment, rubbing his head.  "I suppose, Wilkins, but it's on you if Hemlock gets angry."  And reaching into the gatehouse he pulls a hidden lever, unlocking the heavy wooden gate blocking the road.  "You two be careful out there.  There might be more of them goblins creepin' about."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Sun 19 Jan 2020.

Before entering the shop, Rory blinks at Vano in surprise after his answer. "Well... that is not what I expected. So are you a fully reformed, upholder of the great laws of civilization now? Maybe I should watch my step!" She laughs like it's a joke.

When they enter the armory Rory smiles at the woman, "Of course not, that is very generous! You have some amazing items!" she eyes a masterwork dagger, "I am sure there are things we want to purchase, but to begin, we have this very well made halberd. My friend here is tempted to keep it, but I don't think it's his style. How much would you offer for it?" She motions for Vano to put the halberd on the table for the woman to see.

Vano's eyes wander the shop, obviously appreciative of the arsenal. He follows Rory to the counter and sets the masterwork horsechopper down in front of the shopkeep. "This one is high quality. I just feel more comfortable with a scimitar in my hand."

As they leave the garrison and head toward the gate, Jensox will make a point to stop in the courtyard and have Nova sniff around the goblin bodies, even going so far to rip off a handful of their clothing or armor (shirt sleeve, bottom of a pants leg, etc). If the goblins have been moved he would like to go to their remains.

Once though the gate, Jensox turns to his younger companion. "I's thinkin' we walk t' ou'er walls 'n see if we can find where them 'erblins wen' through." Without waiting for a response, he turns and starts following the city walls south, examining the walls themselves and the ground 30-60' out from them. If the forest comes all the way up to the wall, he'll weave in and out, still examining the ground and walls, and never going much more than that same 60' deep. Nova loosely follows along, staying within 30' or so, and sniffs at everything with intense focus.

Jensox will make Perception checks along the city wall, looking for cracks, gaps, broken sections, tunnels, etc - anywhere a small creature could have gotten through. He will also make a survival check looking for goblin tracks. Nova will use his track/scent feats to see if he can find a trail:

Jensox rolled 27 using 1d20+12.  Survival check looking for tracks along outside of city wall.
Nova rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Nova: track/scent survival check searching for tracks.
This message was last updated by the player at 16:40, Wed 22 Jan 2020.

Savah's Armory
Eyeing the halbred, Savah reaches under the counter and pulls out a small magnifying glass and begins looking over the weapon's length.  "Interesting.  The metal is higher quality than we can produce from local ores; I'd guess this is of dwarven make?  Perhaps gnomish, they have some skilled craftsmen.  Definitely not made by goblin hands, though, that's for sure.  I'd love to know how it made its way to Sandpoint."  Putting the magnifying glass away, she grabs the halbred in both hands and spins it through a few simple maneuvers with practiced ease.  "Excellent balance.  A wizard could enchant this without issues, if you had the gold and a mind to see it done."  Nodding to herself, she sets it down on the counter.  "I can offer you 170 for it." 

Outside the city walls
Jensox, Asur, and Nova begin their careful search of the town's walls, always staying within easy reach, looking for evidence of passage.  Traveling southwards along the wall, Nova alerts to a scent and leads the two to a cluster of small goblin-shaped footprints near the wall somewhere in between the two southernmost guard towers.  Looking closer, Jensox notices that the goblin tracks lead only in one direction - away from Sandpoint and into the woods. 

On reaching the river they turn back north.  Nova again leads the way, and they pass without incident, the silence of the forest their only company.  They are nearly back through the gate when a depression in the dirt catches Asur's attention, and looking down in the dirt he sees a second cluster of goblin tracks in the road.  Tracks that lead directly up to the heavy wooden gate, and then continue past it into town.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Sat 25 Jan 2020.

Rory notices Vano eyeing one of the masterwork scimitars, "More than fair. Now, how much would one of those masterwork scimitars cost? Do you make them yourself? You seem well practiced with blades as well."

When Nova first keys in on the scent, Jensox just as quickly keys on Nova and follows the pup's nose. Finding the goblin tracks, Jensox gives some encouragement and follows the goblin's path a few steps. "Now wait 'ust a min... These 'ere steps 'r leavin' town! Where's a'bouts along the wall you's reckin' we's at now, son? 'n over 'ere, look'a this ground here! 't's all flatten'd, like some dum' soul thought t' take t' wheels right off 'er wagon or some'n! Ha!"



"All-righ', Now I'm 'ust stump'd. We got, we got 'erblins 'ust walkin' in t' fron' gate, it look'n like, 'n then other 'erblins hopin' t' wall 'n runnin' out down by the riva'. 'n some flat grass make none kinda sense. I... uh, I don't 'hink I gah t' mental for-tiss-itude wha' make 'ead or 'ind outta 'his one. You seem-a smar' one, kid, you got's any ideas 'bout all this?"

This message was last edited by the player at 19:00, Mon 27 Jan 2020.

In reply to Jensox (msg # 26):

Hmm, well, we haven't checked out the cemetery and a few of the tracks seem to run along there. We should have a few more with us if we go trekking through the woods. Asur starts making his way through the town gate towards the cemetery.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Mon 03 Feb 2020.

Jensox and Nova fall in behind Asur walking into town. "T' ceme-tary, huh? Wasn't tha' next t' th' new church wha' was 'tack'd? On'ly thing is, is, I don't 'member any 'erblins gettin' a-ways, who could'a run this ways."

Once through the gate, Jensox suggests walking along and searching the inside of the wall on their way to the cemetery, repeating the search process from outside the wall. Once in the cemetery, he's willing to venture/search the whole grounds, not just near the wall.

Savah's Armory
Savah nods and smiles.  "Done then."  Reaching under the counter she pulls out a heavy leather bag and counts out the requisite coins before placing the halbred on a rack next to several other exceptionally well-made polearms.  "It's no secret, I've spent more hours than I care to count with a weapon in my hands.  Never a forge hammer, though; the collection you see here is my retirement investment.  I made a few coins adventuring, but found this life to be less stressful."  She watches Vano for a moment.  "If you want that one, I can let it go for 252 gold.  Not cheap, but better than you'll find else where, I can promise you that."


Sandpoint Cemetary
Jensox and Asur comb carefully over the graveyard, finding the occasional footprint from a goblin or one of their strange riding dogs.  The door to the undertaker's hut is partially broken and hanging from a single hinge, and the handle to a broken dogslicer sits on the ground just outside.  In their careful examination of the wall, Jensox's keen eyes spot a set of two small indentations in the ground about two feet apart.

Vano turns away reluctantly from the scimiter he was eyeing. "That is a more than fair price. Sadly, it's not within my means today. Maybe another time. We do have some other items we are looking to sell though." He places the remainder of the loot down in front of Savah.

The small pile he makes includes the following:
2 sets of studded leather armor (small)
2 small shortbows
40 small arrows
1 small whip

(Was there anything else I'm missing? I don't know if we were ever told about loot from the Cathedral battle)

Jensox mentions the footprints to his younger, human companion. "Hey, A-sur! Look-a these 'ere prints! I'm a-thinkin' this be 'bout where those 'racks were on t' other side of t' wall. Looks t' me like 'ere were som' 'erblins wha' ran from t' fight yes't-day. Musta climbed in a hurry righ' over this 'ere wall 'n ran."

After looking further and turning up what was listed above, Jensox heard Nova's stomach growl and will suggest that they should meet back up with rest of their companions at the White Deer Inn for some lunch and to talk about the findings from the morning.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Sat 08 Feb 2020.

Savah's Armory
Savah looks at the pile of miscellaneous equipment on the counter and gives it a once over.  "That more or less matches what I'd expect after what I'd heard of your fight with the goblins.  Everything looks more or less in working order, so I should be able to make you a reasonable offer.  Let's see here..."  With practiced ease she starts separating the items into smaller piles, picking up a few individual pieces to give them a closer examination.  Satisfied with her examination, she quickly and carefully counts out a small stack of coins.  "Since you came by this defending Sandpoint I can part with fifty gold for the lot.  If that's all, I'll get this new inventory shelved and recorded."


White Deer Inn
Jensox and Asur arrive back at the inn before Vano and Rory.  Asur gets a respectful nod from Garridan, the innkeeper.  Upon seeing Jensox, the innkeeper's face lights up and he bows respectfully, speaking in Shoanti.    "Elder.  It lifts my spirits another of the Hawk Clan this far from our homelands.  I welcome you beneath my roof, and am pleased to offer you whatever hospitality I can."  Nova also gets a solemn nod.  "You are most welcome as well, little brother."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Sat 15 Feb 2020.

Jensox and Nova walk easily behind Asur as he leads the way toward the inn. The sheriff's words about needing some contacts still rang in his head, and truthfully the morning spent investigating with Asur was... kind of nice, actually.

Upon seeing the Shoanti Garridan, however, his good thoughts grind to a halt. As the innkeeper extends his pleasant greeting, Jensox's hands twist and tighten on his staff. He sees some tattoos matching his own, faded ink, and his face sets in a grimace. In Shoanti he replies, "I... have nothing to do with the. Hawk. Tribe." He nearly spits a foul taste out of his mouth. "Anymore. May cindersnakes bite their aurochs and Gozreh barren their fields." A brief pause, debating his next words and continuing anyways. His knuckle s are white on his staff. "May their *children* fall down the Storval Stairs. I... Your offer, I... " Jensox turns on his heel, patchwork cloak spinning behind him, and hastens out of the inn.

Nova looks terribly confused by the rapid change in demeanor, and glances several times between his master and the innkeeper. As Jensox turns heel, Nova casts a long glance with sad eyes at the nice stranger and follows him out.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Sun 16 Feb 2020.

Rory thanks Savah as they finish the transaction and promises to come back soon for that scimitar. She pockets the gold as they leave.

They reach the White Deer just in time to see the druid storm out. She blinks and then makes a b-line to the upset old man. "Are you alright, Master Druid?" She glances back a the inn, "Did something happen?"

Vano can be seen coming down the road, catching up after making a brief stop along the way.

Jensox exits the inn and looks around wildly as a prisoner searching for escape. Rory's inquiry interrupts only momentarily, and he mutters something in Shoanti lost on Rory. His eyes find a track leading north and he sets off running, arms and legs an uncoordinated flurry compared to his regular morning jogs. His path takes him north, back to the city gate and out into his comfortable trees.

Nova follows along side his Master at a trot, sensing the distress. His eyes linger on Rory slightly, and lock with Vano in the distance for a moment, but he never breaks stride or stops for his usual dalliances, staying focused and close to his troubled friend.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

Seeing the druid unexpectedly take off at a sprint, Vano follows as quickly as he is able. He tries to figure out if they are running from something or running toward something...maybe a lead on the goblins? He regularly checks behind him to make sure nobody else is following.

He finally comes to a stop a good 15 feet away from the druid and looks around trying to find out why they ran here of all places. "You know, you're pretty quick for an old man. Is everything alright?" Seeing the slightly wild look in the druid's eyes, Vano decides to just keep talking and give the man some time to collect himself. "Sorry I was a little late getting to the inn, by the way. I had to make an extra stop to pick this up." He pulls a beef bone out of his pack and tosses it to Nova. "When I was a kid there were some dogs who traveled with us. They used to love to chew those things."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Fri 21 Feb 2020.

After a minute or so, carrying them past the city gate and out into the forest, Jensox's wild gate slows into something more resembling coordinated, controlled motion. Another period passes, and realizing Vano is following, he slows to a walk, slows to a stop, turns and listens.

Nova sniffs at the bone briefly and looks at Jensox hopefully. His master gives a quick subtle nod and Nova gratefully and gleefully attacks the delicious treat.

After an extra moment's pause, Jensox speaks (in Common). "I... was of t' 'awk 'ribe, long 'ime ago. 'n they took't all 'rom me." A tear forms, and he takes a hard breath. "A new chief... didn' like us. 'e led t' tribe down t' stairs an' killed..." Jensox slumps against a nearby tree. "'ey killed  e'ryone. I 'scaped." The wild look comes back to his face, "'twas all I 'ould do! Was run!! ... I... ran."

He sits at the foot of the tree, and absentmindedly rubs a hand along Nova. Jensox looks up at Vano. "'n t' innkeep, he's one 'f 'em! He's a Hawk! 'n I 'ust ran." Jensox looks down. "Again."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Sat 22 Feb 2020.

"You'll find no judgment here. I've done far worse than run away due to fear...and if my old Cap'n showed up in town , I'd probably be running all the way back to the Black Arrows." Vano pauses for a moment and then shakes his head. "But that's a story for another time...We can always find another place to meet if you want to avoid the inn.

For what it's worth, the whole Hawk Tribe can't be bad if that's where you came from. And the innkeeper might be alright if you gave him a chance. I mean I don't  know a thing about him. But for whatever reason he is living in town instead of following that bastard chief around."

Seeing Vano follow the druid Rory decides it's best to investigate the inn to make sure no one else is in trouble. She frowns when the inn looks like it would on any normal day, no goblin attack, no signs of a recent brawl. It didn't seem that someone had been caught stealing. That caused a very particular look she had seen on innkeeper's faces before.

Confused, she approaches Asur and the innkeeper, "Something happen?"

Still sitting at the tree, breathing hard post-cry, Jensox responds. "Tha's kind 'f ya t' say, 'ano. 'n I liked th' 'awk tribe, a'fore. They was good people. T'was only once tha' new chief'tan came 'round tha' things star'ted t' change. He didn' like t' group 'f us livin' down b'low the stairs; said we was 'lexian heath'ns 'r som' such."

"I don't know I can go 'ack t' the inn 'ust now. I think I's stay near 'n t' trees for a mite-bit, get me 'n 'ova some lunch. If ya wouldn' mind goin' 'ack t' the inn, let 'em know... let 'em know I'mma all-righ', and 'ell t' innkeep 'I'm sorry,' I would app-reciate 'at. 'n thanks 'gain for the bone." Jensox enunciates clearly, "Nova, he, uh, cer'nly likes it."

"We'll be 'ack 'n town shortly."

"Fair enough. I'll pass on the apology. We'll see you later." Vano waves and walks off. He hurries back to the White Deer Inn, though not as quickly as he left it. Once he sees the others, he smiles and raises his index finger, asking them to wait a moment.

He pulls the innkeep aside and speaks quietly to him. "My friend wanted me to apologize to you on his behalf. Apparently seeing a member of your tribe dredged up some painful memories.". Not entirely sure what the druid actually did to the poor innkeep, Vano decides to just leave it at that.


After the brief exchange with the innkeep Vano walks over to Asur and Rory."The old man is fine. He'll meet up with us later. He's busy doing druidy things in the trees outside town. Asur, did you guys find anything during your search?"