II. Local Heroes

[dmw71]

Easily the largest building in Sandpoint, the Sandpoint Cathedral is also the town’s newest structure. Built over the foundations of the previous chapel, Sandpoint Cathedral is not dedicated to the worship of a single deity. Rather, it gathers under its eaves the six most commonly worshiped deities in the region, providing chapels for all of these deities in a communal forum.

To the south, facing Sandpoint’s heart, are the shrines of civilization: Erastil and Abadar. To the west, offering a view of the Old Light and the sea beyond, are the shrines of Shelyn and Gozreh. And to the east, offering a view of the Sandpoint Boneyard and the rising sun, are the shrines of Sarenrae and Desna. At the center of the cathedral is an open-air courtyard surrounding a set of seven standing stones, themselves surrounding a circular stone altar.

The group, carrying body of their deceased companion, are promptly greeted by an acolyte. "Please, this way." he says, leading the group to a small, private room with a table and a few chairs. "You can lay him here." he finishes, indicating the open table. "Let me fetch Father Zantus for you," he says, disappearing from the room.

A few moments later, a quick knock is heard and Father Zantus enters the room. Recognizing you, he thanks each of you for your efforts and assures you that your heroism will be recognized. Regarding Eohannud, he promises that the mage will receive a proper burial in the Sandpoint Boneyard, just beyond the cathedral's eastern walls should that be what the party decides.

---

You're just as free to stick around and ask Father Zantus questions as you are to leave. Just let me know what you'd like to do.

[Alethan]

Fulp suggests to Ciar to sell those ears to the crazy man wanting them for his dog. Then he wonders if it might have unfortunately been the poor dog they couldn't save.

Ciar looks up from his work and stares at Fulp like he's crazy.

"Why do you think I'm doing this? You think I'm some sicko halfling what likes his trophies?" He bends over a goblin, slicing its ear off in a now-practiced motion, shaking his head in disbelief.

"And it were pigs, not his dog," he adds, not looking up. "Daverin wanted goblin ears," he slices another ear, "for his pigs."

Once the last of the ears have been removed, he takes the makeshift bag, holding it somewhat away from his body, and heads south to the Goblin Squash Stables, "I'll be back in a bit."

[Storm11]

Kassal will ask the good father what occurred in the town, and how it fares. Are their many deaths does he know? Why the goblins attacked? From where? Any pockets of resistance the priest knows about that could use the gnomes assistance?

[dmw71]

Father Zantus patiently responds to all the questions the group has, sharing what he knows. "The invasion is decisively over. Reports have the goblins fleeing in all directions. Many that fled north actually lept to their certain deaths off the cliff at Junker’s Edge rather than be captured." he relays. "Several of the little menaces were caught alive, but have so far proven to be useless when interrogated; apparently, none of them know much more than that they were given orders to kill everyone in town and burn down the place." he continues with a deep sigh. "None of the captured goblins can even remember their leader’s name, apart from the fact that he was one of 'you longshanks.'" he says, explaining that 'longsharks' is a slang term goblins use for humans. "Apparently, their leader was on a secret mission to the town’s graveyard—that much most goblins can say, but none of them know what that mission was. It was secret, after all."

"That's all I know at this time, but we're still gathering intelligence," he concludes.

[Storm11]

"you don't k ow or have noticed if anything has been disturbed or taken from the graveyard then I take it? asks Kassal persistently.

He thanks the father for his candour and assistance

[dmw71]

"I returned here to the cathedral just after you arrived; I saw you entering." he states. "The news about the boneyard is brand new. I really know little else about the attacks at this time. But-" he starts to add, just remembering a detail. "There are five different goblin tribes in this area, and we've seen goblins from each participating in the assault. It's unusual for them to be this organized."

[hedgeknight]

"Goblins don't need much of an excuse to go pillagin' and burnin'," Festus says. "We appreciate all ya did fer the town and fer burying our friend. Tell me what it'll cost and ye'll have it."

Festus reaches for his coin pouch and looks up at the rest of his companions, "Maybe we might outta wander over to the graveyard. See what the goblins was lookin' fer, eh?"

[AleBelly]

Sylvan greets Father Zantus with a firm and hearty handshake. "Thank you for your healing, and for making arrangements for our friend. Both very kind gestures towards strangers. I trust you will let me know if I may be of service in the future. I have one question. Are humanoid raids on this city common? I would guess not based on how effectively the militia cleared the threat."

[OGRE MAGE]

Sparrow wanders around in the church while the others make arrangements. He seems amazed at the multiple religions all being represented under the same roof.

[dmw71]

"There will be no charge for the burial of your friend, who died in defense of the town." Father Zantus assures the dwarf. "You are welcome to make a donation to the cathedral, though." he adds with a slight smile. "As for the boneyard, I have some apostles looking into it now, and Sheriff Hemlock has been notified as well."

Father Zantus accepts Sylvan's handshake. "It's the first time in our 42 year history we've had an invasion like that, but the Sheriff and his men are quite capable."

"But are always willing to accept the arms of those willing to lend them," he adds.

[AleBelly]

The discussion of burials doesn't interest Sylvan, so he digs around in his backpack and after a minute or two he brings out a small sack, the jingling revealing the nature of its contents. "I don't have access to much coin right now, but please accept this donation."

He thinks for a moment and then asks "Do you know a Silas Gribb? We were going to speak with hi about guarding a caravan. I'm looking to find anyone that can vouch for his character."

[dmw71]

Father Zantus thanks Sylvan for his generous donation. "It'll come in handy, as I'm sure there will be many repairs needed about town after what happened today." When asked of a man named Silas Gribb, he shakes his head. "Can't say I've heard the name before."

"Though, if it's about a caravan, there are many routes that crisscross the region and connect most of the major cities here in Varisia. Lots of merchants take their wares between Magnimar to the south and Riddleport to the north, and Sandpoint, being on the Lost Coast Road, is right between the two. There are routes running east, too."[/dialog] he adds. "I can't vouch for this Silas Gribb personally, but most offers like this are genuine."

[hedgeknight]

Festus digs a few gold pieces out of his pouch and gives them to Father Zantus.

(5 gp deducted)

[Storm11]

Kassal doesn't have any money what so ever so he isn't gonna offer more than his time or assistance or magic.

[dmw71]

Father Zantus thanks you for your donations. "You're welcome to stay and get a look at the new cathedral for as long as you'd like, but -- ." he starts. "As you might imagine, I have much business to attend to in town." He will remain to answer any final questions, but then excuses himself in order to provide his assistance to areas in town that require it.



What is the group's plan at this point?

[onlyme]

Fulp will walk around with eyes and ears open for new opportunities that may have popped up due to this attack.

[dmw71]

Evening is approaching, with maybe an hour or two left of sunlight. Through the stained glass windows of the cathedral, it's apparent that the streets are mostly empty with only the town guards continuing their patrols. The festival is decidedly over as the town appears to be reeling from the attack.

There is plenty of activity taking place inside the cathedral itself, as apostles and other religious workers continue to aid and console those that were injured during the invasion, or simply sought shelter there when the raid began. While the general mood is somber, those in charge are successful at helping people remain calm.

All things considered, everything seems under control.


What is the group's plan at this point?

[Storm11]

Kassal offers to help out in the cathedral of the group are staying. He's a bit of a tough love kind of nurse, especially if he thinks people are laying it on a bit thick. Still he will help out where he can.

If the companions are planning on leaving and making sure the threat is ended then the gnome is happy to accompany them, if they wish it, or return to his room if they are not.

[AleBelly]

Thought I had posted this...

Sylvan is going to meet this Silas fellow about the caravan job. "Anyone else want to speak with Silas about escorting his caravan?"

[onlyme]

Fulp, confident that there is nothing in the cathedral that interests him, calls out to the remaining party members.
I think we have done all we can do here, my friends. What about a stroll through town to look for hiding goblins or people in need of assistance? And if by a miracle there is nothing more to be done, a bite and gulp sounds most heavenly.

With that, he will leave the cathedral and walk toward the inn.