Jade Regent Adventure Path
As was its habit, the sun announced its appearance a little while before it actually arrived in the sky of Sandpoint. Last night's rain had cleansed the cobblestones and the buildings of their recent dirt and grime, so now there was an air of freshness and newness through the town. And with the crier's calls promising a new mayoral announcement this morning, the freshness of the day was suddenly painted with anticipation and excitement.
As townsfolk gathered outside the town hall, speculation was rampant as to what the issue was. Soon the rumor started spreading, and though it's not clear who gave it birth, it was abundantly clear that only the mayor would be its fair opponent in battle, and possibly defeat it. The rumor was this: last night a cart, or wagon, or possibly caravan (though not likely, as more evidence of such would have been seen) had been attacked by goblins, the driver had been killed, and its sole passenger, a crazed, violent, and bizarre looking potential patient of Habe's Sanitarium, had escaped and had not been caught yet. That, plus something about a dead priest, fireworks, and a crying toddler, made the whole thing quite confusing.
All the commotion and noise died down immediately when Mayor Kendra Deverin appeared at the top of the steps. All wanted to hear what was going on. Sure enough, she only waited until the crowd had quieted and then she got straight to the point.
"Fellow Sandpointers, you might have heard about more troubles with goblins last night. Indeed, there was an attack on a single covered wagon just as it was arriving in town from the North. It is with great sadness that I report that Father Kenvin Yung of Windsong Abbey was found dead very early this morning by the town guard. Furthermore, a shackled and chained patient was in the wagon, which was en route to Habe's Sanitorum. He has gone missing. Other details are unclear, but there was some blood and definite evidence of a goblin attack.
If any of you knew father Yung, I offer my deepest sympathies and regrets.
As you all know, the goblin attacks have been increasing of late, and it's past time to do something about it. As such, I am reinstating the town's old offer of ten gold pieces for each Brinestump Marsh goblin ear brought to the Town Hall, and three hundred for the head of the chieftain named Gutwad. These goblins are a nuisance, a deadly plague to the area that must be stopped!
There is little more to say...
Now, I've not yet had a bite to eat today, so if you have any questions please join me in the Rusty Dragon. I'll answer any question I can."
The crowd mutters curses at the goblins, and some seem to blame the mayor, some Habe, the owner of the Sanitarium, some even blame Father Yung for traveling unprotected in a dangerous land. Soon enough the same crowd disperses, and some individuals who want to talk to the mayor amble southward toward the inn individually, and soon enough they are comprised of a few small groups.
You are part of one such group as you head purposefully toward the Rusty Dragon; when you hear a call. It sounds like a child's moan, and in short order you note it is coming from a nearby well.
