Letters Home

In the pre-dawn light, a young girl is seen sitting at the base of the statue of Calistria. She is staring up at the statue, a cold hard look in her eye. Her face is stained with long dried tears.

From the shadows, a lone figure stands watching. What could give one so young such a hardened stare.

The girl is clutching a dagger and in a quick motion she slices her palm. She balls her fist, as her blood trickles into a tiny bowl at the base of the statue. Her voice floats on the morning air, surprisingly strong for one her age.

"On this morning, one year to the day, I make this promise. Vengeance shall be dealt. Mistress Calistria, I pray you find favor in this plea. Give me the strength, guide my hand, and I shall devote myself to your name as my mother did before me."

The figure in the shadows steps forward towards the girl and speaks. "Tell me, young one, what vengeance do you seek?"

The girl turns around to see who has found her, she looks at the stranger, somewhat in awe. The woman, for she is clearly female, is not of a race she has seen before. Even in this city, where strange and sometimes monstrous folk call home. This woman looks like a large cat, walking upright, wearing dark leather armor, and carrying an arsenal of weaponry. And those are just the weapons she can see. Somehow she knows that there are even more weapons that are hidden.

"I-I'm sorry. I thought I was alone. I didn't mean to disturb anyone."

"Think nothing of it child. For this is a temple of The Savored Sting. If you were in need to make a blood oath of vengeance, there is no better place to be. But I am curious, will you tell me of your oath? What vengeance are you seeking? What weighs so heavy on the heart this early morning, youngling?"

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Xenvia awakens shaking long past memories from her mind.

"Not surprising I should be thinking of her now. Especially given the thoughts I was having before sleeping." Xenvia says to the empty inn room.

Getting out of the bed, she looks out the window to gauge the time. Appears she still has some time before her meeting. Time enough for a letter.

Lina, My Dearest Friend,

It has been some time since we have seen each other, but I found myself this morning with memories of our first meeting. I feel the need to tell you of recent events. Not just as a friend, but in accordance to your position in Calistria's service. I know parts of my tale will be cause for disagreement between us, but that is our old familiar argument.

Xenvia smiles at the recall of many long nights they stayed up late at a tavern debating fate and destiny versus luck.

In my current situation, I find myself with doubts about fate's design. I feel I may need some of your luck in upcoming events. But let me start at the beginning.

Xenvia outlines the tale of going to Magnimar, encountering the elf at the goblin camp and arriving at Sandpoint and it's festival.

The townsfolk are calling us heroes. I was only doing what I have trained to do. And while I am used to free service is Kaer Maga as a member of the Duskwardens, what I have been encountering since the night of the festival goes well beyond that. I find myself uncomfortable with the level of recognition I have been receiving.

Which brings me to yesterday's events. The rich man we rescued from the goblins at the festival sought out the group of us. He was going on a boar hunt and wanted us to join him. While he was initially calling us hunting companions, it became apparent by his manner and actions we were more hired bodyguards. And why he needed 5 of us (he wanted all 6, but the dancer was nowhere to be found) soon was revealed. For all his boasting the man was quite inept. As many of the so called 'nobles' are prone to be, he was all talk. If I hadn't been worried over my own safety and possibly my sanity for agreeing to attend, I may have been amused over his absolute lack of hunting skills.

At least the fighter woman had convinced him to let me lead the little expedition after he claimed a cluster of deer tracks were from a boar and wanted to follow them.

We did manage to find a boar and kill it without incident. Which lead to a hearty dinner back at the inn.

The noble, Aldern Foxglove was his name, did purchase for us all horses and boar hunting spears. But this was tempered by his blatant blustering, and to much aggravation to the fighting woman, his disregard for propriety when speaking of one's race or station. She actually chastised him at one point about insulting me about being drow and over his treatment of his servants when he wanted one of them to walk out of the forest so the dead boar could be carried on their horse. He did remind me of the saying about a fool and his money...

Our dinner was briefly interrupted by a older fellow, who we later learned was the father of our innkeeper, came bursting into the inn's dining rooms and accused us of endangering the town before yelling at his daughter in another language. I was all set to ignore the man, until his accusations about our efforts with the goblins. Yes, it prickled my pride, but I am one of the "trained professionals" of which he told us should have been left to deal with the goblins. It always amused my mother how I could ignore almost any insult about my heritage, but the slightest disrespect to my skills I'd meet with challenge.

Afterwards an alert came to us, there was another goblin sighting in town, and we went to investigate. As it was, one of the goblin raiders from days before had holed up in one of the homes. From what we pieced together, the goblin burrowed into a closet looking for escape, but became trapped. We easily dispatched the goblin, but did not arrive at the home in time to save the woman's husband. The sheriff came to the home just as we had informed the woman of her husband's fate.

We have a meeting with Sheriff Baelor this morning. If I am reading the situation clearly, I think he will be seeking our help with something. I am a little apprehensive about this. Some of my 'companions' are... well I am not sure how to describe them entirely. But that does bring me to my doubts I mentioned at the start of the letter.

If I am to interpret my last Harrow reading correctly, my destiny is intertwined with these people's. But I can not help but to have questions and doubts about them. Perhaps if I detail out who and why...

Ash - She is the fighter woman. She seems a competent fighter and is probably the oldest of all of us. I can see some resemblance in her countenance to some of the older fighters or soldiers I have seen. She possesses the wisdom of years of things seen, but I can't help feel she is hiding something. But it doesn't seem like anything that would cause any of us harm. She is one of the ones, perhaps the only one, I am inclined to trust. Many people have secrets, and they are entitled to them.

Coral - A merfolk of all things! I think we have all heard stories of them, but most never encounter one. An actress and singer, I am not sure what use she will be. Her inability to get around on her own (has to be carried by someone if we want to get someplace fast) is a detriment. And I have yet to see any fighting skill. She did show some minor magic talent, so perhaps that is where her skills lie, but I am yet to be convinced. As to her motives, I think it is just curiosity. As strange as us land dwellers find her, she in turn finds us strange and fascinating.

Vehran - A strange young man. Very pale, but good at fighting. Something about him unnerves me. He has the same light sensitivity that I do, but it seems to also effect him in other ways. I would almost think him to be a vampire, if I had not first met him out in daylight. He has also made some strange comments that I am not entirely certain I have heard correctly. But his motivation has clearly been money. Not one encounter with him have I yet to see him not mention about being reimbursed for his spells or his time and some at very inopportune times. He even asked a priest to pay him. And not one of those churches ran on gold and riches. A simple town priest. For all his flowery words, he doesn't have much tact when dealing with people.

Morvius - The one I trust the least. He is an extremely talkative fellow, but rarely (if ever) has anything worth saying. He claims to be a member, or former member, of some sort of silent police force from Nidal. But I have a hard time believing him ever to be silent. He bothers me even more than the pale fellow. Maybe it is his all his talking without listening, maybe it is something else. But I feel I have to watch my back around him.

Lastly is Zeldana - Not sure if I can even count her, as I haven't seen her since the festival. I was inclined to like her from the start. But that may be prejudice on my part. She is a fellow Varisian, and if I am correct, a traveler too. I believe she is also the one who saved my life at the festival, or her and Ash both did, I still can't recall the exact events clearly. Though she showed much courage in fighting the goblins that night, I thought I also overheard her telling someone she didn't believe in fighting. But I may have been mistaken after my injuries my mind was not the clearest. Something puzzling to be sure. But as I mentioned, she has not been seen since the festival, maybe she left town.

If I am correct, and the sheriff wants us to do more to help against the goblins, I can't help but worry about my safety and my fate. So I do want to ask this of you as my friend. If anything should happen to befall me, please investigate. I know you will see to it that if it was anything caused by one of my 'companions' you will see to it that things are made right. I will be keeping a record from here forward. Writing as much as I can down.

Hopefully my next letter will be of happier news. And I hope to see you again soon. Be safe my friend. May Calistria guide you and me both.

Xenvia

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A slight chill has her rubbing her arms. Her fingers gliding over the runic tattoos. She lingers a touch over her largest.

"Courage. I need that now for certain." She chuckles slightly to herself. Facing down fiends and horrors in the depths of Kaer Maga doesn't even warrant a shudder, but facing over zealous townsfolk or her ragtag impromptu group of adventurers gives her pause.

A quick look at the others has her reciting the meanings from memory. She pauses at the yellow rune for Lust, her representation of Calistria and offers a quick prayer to her deity.

She finishes her preparations for the meeting. Grabs her gear and the letter on the way out of the room. She will send it to the Temple of Calistria in Magnimar. Somehow the Temples always know where to find any of their Inquisitors no matter where they are or what Temple sent them. That being one of the many mysteries of the Gods.

Notes to self:

Sitting in Thistletop with only a few minutes to jot down a quick note or 2 while we heal and rest before we are overrun with goblins and other unknown evilness. Surely demonic howling has alerted entire compound to our presence.

Find someone or some book to read up/learn about Other Planar stuff. Second location with demonic spawn creatures. Lack of knowledge on foes = costly/deadly
Floating demon dogs = ouch, one felled Morvius in a single bite
Extremely loud howl - Fear inducing
If not for being 6 of us vs 2 of them likely would have lost, as is cost ALOT of healing magic to regain strength after fight

Still looking for Nualia
- found plans for secobd sandpoint raid
- whispering beast?
- more goblin tribes, as far as Fogscar
No sign of Ripnugget or Brathumuz as of yet
Firepelt cougar out in nettles, possibly druid or ranger companion, not usually found in this region, keep eyes open for handler

Large warhorse locked up in yard, remember to let him out!
- why was horse alive? gobbies normally kill on sight
Large treasure chest behind privy near stairs

New bow was worth every gold piece. Need more practice with strengthened stings, but well balanced and fires smoothly.

Back in Sandpoint!

Not sure if I have ever been so glad to see the sun shining brightly as I was today.

We’ve been back in Sandpoint for a few hours, got Zeldana healed up at the temple, she seems back to normal with no lasting ill effects from her ordeal in Thistletop.

We turned over the goblin Chieftain to the town guard, I’m not sure what to make of that. He seemed to be quite familiar with the customs of our laws. I still question his motives for surrendering to a human trial, but perhaps there is no deceit. Either way should be interesting to see where that leads.

Sheriff Hemlock has also returned from Magnimar. We turned over the paperwork I gathered from the war room to him. More proof against Tsuto, proof of Nualia’s involvement, and perhaps they can glean some information on fortifying the town (this at the suggestion of Morvious). He was shocked to learn of the depth Nualia’s involvement. I imagine the daughter of the town’s beloved priest turning to Lamashtu is indeed something no one expected. There is now talk that the original fire a few years ago may not have been an accident, but also planned by Nualia. Perhaps that is one mystery that will remain unsolved.

Lyrie (the wizard woman) we send on her way about halfway between Thistletop and Sandpoint. We’ve warned her not to come anywhere near this town or it’s people. I am not sure if we can count on her to keep her word, having already caught her in several lies. Only time will tell. Vehran seems to agree with me that she will indeed attempt to break Tsuto either out of jail, or try to free him in route to Magnimar. Both if us have volunteered to escort the caravan to Magnimar when they are ready to go.

Oruk I think has also parted our company, but under less suspicious terms. Perhaps we will meet again.

We did choose to go further into the Keep. After much debate. We all seemed to agree that Zeldana was in no condition to fight, but we didn’t have too many better options. At least Lyrie was truethful about the shades in the Keep’s depths. They indeed were confined to the one room, and we were able to dispatch them from range. Though they were only able to be hurt my magical weapons or spells. I will need to enquire about magical arrows, or perhaps an enchantment on my bow.

Beyond the shades was a chamber that was crumbling into the sea. There was a giant crab inside a giant golden helm. After disposing of the grab, we could not find an easy way to transport the helm, so we do plan to go back in a few days, perhaps by sea and attempt to retrieve it then.

The Whispering Beast, in turns out was 2 different things. One was a magical recording of one of the Runelords that was repeating over and over. After a thounsand years, that had to be one strong magical spell. This was the Whispering. The Beast was in a locked room beyond that. Upon first entering the room, we found it empty, but before we left we were attached from the shadows. The beast having been invisible. We chose to run away from this fight, relocking the beast into the room. I don’t think any of us are ashamed of choosing to flee from that fight. And it will be harder for anyone else to release him, as Morvious still has the key. Maybe in the future we will go back to dispose of him, but I think it will be quite some time before that happens. It was definitely a fight that requires more skill than we currently possess.

The town is still calling us heroes. And while I am still not comfortable with all the attention, I am going to enjoy a nice hot bath and a good meal tonight. I feel strangely attached to these simple townfolk. Most of them have been welcoming (poor Vehran had a run in with one of the locals, the owner of the general store) . I am curious if my fate is still tied to this town or if this chapter is closed with the outcome of Thistletop. I need another reading. But to ask Zeldana to do it or ask the town Harrower from the festival…. Or perhaps one of them will be willing to help me learn myself. Mother always wanted me to learn, we thought we’d have more time. I shall need to contemplate that more another day.

For tonight, I am happy to be back in Sandpoint to rest.

"Tomorrow could definitely be an interesting day."

I suppose I may have invoked something with that sentence, or perhaps it is merely the knowledge of humankind, but yes, today was most assuredly an interesting day. And it is not over yet.

The trial this morning was.. well not sure what words to use to describe it, so I will just mention what happened.

The trial was progressing. The magistrate was trying to hurry it along the best he could. We gave our testimonies, such that they were, more accurately we answered a few questions. Some relevent some not so much. The defending magister was trying to twist our statements to his own purpose, but I suppose that was his job. During Coral's turn at the witness stand, he tried to make some point about rings. But this was only a distraction. He threw down a signal rune that was followed by an immediate fireball! Our suspicions regarding Lyrie were proven correct. She was indeed attempting to rescue Tsuto.

The fireball did an immense amount of damage. Knocking both the defending and prosecuting magister's unconscious as well as Coral. The Sheriff, the presiding magister and Morvious were all severely injured but remained conscious, the rest of our group was in various states of injury. Zeldana the least of all, as she is quite limber from all the years of dancing and was able to move out of the worst of the blast.

While most of our weaponry was in the holding box at the door to the town hall, I did have my scarf, but I did not need to reveal it, as it seems Zeldana our little pacifist had smuggled a blade. She is such an interesting contradiction sometimes. She offered it up freely and I took it, lunging at Tsuto as he was fleeing towards one of the windows.

Morvious, Vehran and I had Tsuto mostly surrounded until Lyrie came thru the window, She managed to take Morvius down with magic. Tsuto claiming he was 'finishing him off' also beat on the unconscious man before slugging poor Coral. I attempted to stab Lyrie but she had some magical protection and the dagger glanced off. The presiding magister during this time pronounced sentance. Tsuto and Lyrie (though he just pointed at her and said that wizard woman) were guilty and sentenced to death by law. Not that I was planning to take either one alive. We already made that mistake once before. Justice would be swift and final this day.

I found Zeldana once again producing an available weapon, seems while we were engaged in the melee, she ran towards the back retrieving some of our weapons. One being my hammer. Which I took and as Tsuto was climbing out the window, knocked him unconscious. Ash came up behind and grabbed Lyrie while she was busy facing me in an attempt to cast something upon me. Lyrie not being very strong was no match for Ash. While the woman may be in advancing years, she has kept in top form. The skinny wizard had no chance.

What happened next I may not have believed if I had not witnessed it myself. Vehran bit into her neck! And proceeded to drink of her blood.

This startled Ash in that she let go of Lyrie, but in combination with her previous injuries, Vehran's attack was enough to take her out. He did not stop until he certain of her death.

While still trying to process what I had just witnessed, I caught the defending magister attempting to escape out the front doors. While I was subduing him, the sheriff was revived and took custody of him. Asking us to meet him back at his office once we cleaned up from the mess of the trial.

Once the building was emptied, it didn't take us long to begin questioning Vehran. He is a Damphyr. Another blend of races like the half elf, but in his case, the two races were human and vampire. I am not certain on how those undead fiends are even capable of breeding naturally, but obviously it is possible as Vehran himself is proof. And apparently he is over 140 years old! The man doesn't look a day over 25 in human years. Damphyrs it seems age similarly to elves.

This does explain many of his odd characteristics. And if I had not been adventuring by his side recently, I may have attacked him in reflex. All Duskwardens are warned against and receive training against vampires. I must admit I am a little apprehensive about him now. But I have been thinking about it, and if he wished us harm, he has had plenty of opportunities to do so and has not taken any. And honestly, I really can not judge him for his monstrous ancestry. There are those who would claim that the drow are no less ruthless and monstrous than a vampire.

During the trial two other much smaller revelations were also revealed, but seem to dull in comparison. Ash is indeed a cleric, there is a law that states any cleric must make this known during a trial. This doesn't change my view of her any, only confirms a few suspicions.

Morvious also had a small revelation. Though he did not mention which one, his patron deity is not one that would be looked highly upon in this region. When asked outright who his deity was he declined to answer, as only clerics are required to so produce the name. But also answered truthfully to the question of whether his deity would be used against him in the trial proceedings. The man may lack tact, knowledge of human interaction, but I am seeing one thing he is not, is a liar. I suspect he may be of an evil deity, given his comments of where he is from and certain law practices of his people. But an extremely lawful one. Reminds me of my father in that regard. I wonder if the two of them would get along? Though this does put his battle cry of "I am the devil!" in a whole new light.


Our second bit of interesting was revealed in conjunction with the third. Seems Coral had a stalker. It was mentioned yesterday some of her belongings were missing, but that could have been petty theft or something else minor, but in conjunction with new evidence, it is much much more sinister. Someone, or something, has developed what I can only describe as bordering obsession.

A note was found at a crime scene addressed to Coral, her name written in blood. "You will learn to love me, desire me in time as she did. Give yourself to the Pack and it shall all end. Your Lordship"

The crime scene the not was found at was out third bit of interested. There had been a murder. Technically, there has been Another murder. One being a few days ago, 3 con men were found in a bard. Last night 2 people in the saw mill. They were found this morning just before the trial.

Sheriff Hemlock has taken us into his confidence to investigate. And formally deputized us. That is what we are preparing to do now.

Here are the facts:

2-3 nights ago 3 men murdered in barn south of town.
3 con men and 1 bodyguard.
Bodyguard lived, but was so badly mentally injured he was taken to the sanitarium.


Last night 2 people killed.
1 - Katrine Vinder - girlfriend of Benny
2 - Benny Harker - mill operator
Ibor Thorn, partner with Benny at mill found them this morning.
Benny's body was missing his face and jaw. Jaw not found at scene. Katrine pushed into saw.
Benny's body was carved with 7 pointed star.
Benny was reportedly skimming the books of the mill.
Mill owned by Scarnetti.

Leads/Theories
**7 pointed star sounds similar to the ones we saw in the Thassilonian ruins of Thistletop and beneath the glass factory. Per sheriff, local thassilonian historian is Brodert Quink. Once we confirm if star is same, perhaps he can tell us more about the symbol.
**Ven Vinder - extremely overprotective of daughters, could see him killing Benny, but not his own daughter. Likely false lead. Accused Vehran of doing it. Extremely volatile right now, sheriff holding him until he calms down.
**Titus Scarnetti - has secret agenda to bring Chelish rule back to the region. Reportedly has network of spies. Zeldana can get inside tract/scoop on him. She is already infiltrating his circle for her own purposes.
**Already talked to Ibor don't expect anything additional out of him. Highly frightened and seemed genuinely distraught.
**Need to investigate the saw mill and the barn crime scenes.
**Who owns barn?
**Try to get to speak with bodyguard witness. See if any lucid memories can be recalled.
**Vehran thinks note could be left by Foxglove. Morvious dismissed as 'he was too inept'. Both had valid arguments. But the man really was an inept idiot. Could he be capable of murders, and not be caught red handed doing so?

The Note.. "You will learn to love me, desire me in time as she did. Give yourself to the Pack and it shall all end. Your Lordship"

- She - wife? mistress? did she really desire him or was this twisted obsession and he only thinks she did? delusional?
- Pack - pack of wolves? pack of dogs? pack of pickled peppers? Pack is capitalized. What is the significance? What other kinds of Packs are there?
- Lordship - Noble? Is he really a noble or only in his own mind? Self importance? This does argue point in Vehran's favor to being Foxglove. He was both self important and a noble.