Raevon looks down at Cham, his features not displaying any hint at his thoughts. After an uncomfortable amount of time he hands the ledger over to Ish. You and Bronwynn can try and locate any guests who remain and see if they saw anyone in or around Rodrik's room the past three nights.
Having not taken his eyes off of the proprietor he continues, As for this nameless guest, show me to his room. Tell me everything you can about him. And I mean everything this time.
So we have a hopeknife, but not the one from the receipt. Hopefully Brinya can clear some things up for us.
...don't concern yourself too much Ish. The presence of poison is more than sufficient to cast serious suspicion upon the case for suicide. Whether the poison was in itself lethal, or merely rendered Rodrik unable to defend himself, is largely immaterial at this point.
We found nothing to indicate that Rodrik administered the poison to himself, so I am quite confident we are looking at foul play.
Having a slight change of heart he adds, Of course, identifying the poison could come in handy as evidence should we have a suspect. They might have more of the substance in their possession, that we could match to, and incriminate them.
Perhaps your acolyte Tyari, could try the spell and attempt to identify the poison?
Ish nods his understanding of Raevon's request. Thoughtfully taking up the ledger the pale half-orc reads some of the names looking for anyone who might sound familiar. Briefly conferring with Bronwynn, We could start asking at the Hydra, then Barterstones and the main gate. Ish does not part company with Raevon yet however, staying on until their investigation at the Sanctuary is concluded.
Relief spreads over Ish's face. Pleased his efforts have added to the investigation he allows a small smile to creep across his face.
At Raevon's comment about slitting both wrists, Ugula grunts and says Yeah, didn't think you could do both yourself. Anybody look at the wounds to see if one is deep and one is shallow? Are the cuts clean or ragged?
Ugula inspects the wrist wounds.
Nils grunts in frustration. This is going to go nowhere. Hopefully hew is to drunk to put up much of a fight. With that Nils grabs Omast by the scruff of the neck and will attempt to physically direct him towards the nearest temple to get him sober. Omast you fool! Roderick may be gone but your responsibilities to him remain. I need you to come with me so I can ask you some questions. It is possible that he did not commit suicide but I need your help to find that out
Cham obediently shows you to the room occupied by the nameless guest. Other than the blood, it looks very similar to Rodrik's room, as do all the other rooms in the inn. Only the rooms used by more permanent boarders have any more amenities. A bed, desk and chair are the only furnishings and a similar jug of water and glass rests on the desk.
Truly, I know nothing about him. He was a stranger with a lot of gold. An average looking human. Not wealthy looking though, considering the money he had.
Bronwynn and Ishan have no luck with the other guests. No one pays too much attention to the comings and goings of busy inn and with the festival last night most everyone was more than a little inebriated.
Tyari nods to the priest and he casts his spell.
but he is unable to tell you any more than Ishan was.
With great effort Nils manages to free Omast from the tangle of ropes around him and maneuver him in the direction of the Sanctuary. The entire way there Omast cries and mumbles, and fumbles at his jacket to get at the flask he has.
They are greeted at the door by one of the acolytes and taken to Tyari who also happens to be holding audience with the rest of the group.
Looking with some distaste at the drunken Omast, Tyari responds to your request to sober him up. We do not have anything prepared that would assist you magically, but I understand the Hungry Hydra brews a very strong coffee that may hurry the natural process.
And what about the other two previous nights? Was everyone too inebriated to notice then as well?
These are just rooms for rent. People come and go at different times and do not necessarily overlap. Rodrik did not eat in the dining room here. I assume he just came in to sleep.
You have summed it up, that is what you need to do. You will find nothing more about the mysterious room renter though. No one recognizes his description.
Nils Drags Omast off to the coffee house to try and sober him up.
Although loath to do so, Ish accepts the task of approaching Brinya once more. Once Raevon has finished with both the hope knife and the receipt, Ish departs, heading first for The Clamor to speak with Sarah Morninghawk.
Ish enters the familiar shop and breaths in the warm air mixed by the smell of hot metal and noise. Smiling politely he greets Sarah in his usual fashion, Good day Sarah, please pardon my interruption but I was hoping I could trouble you for some information. Ish produces the receipt and the hope knife, There appears to be some confusion surrounding the hope knife we recovered and this receipt from The Clamor. The receipt indicates there was to be an engraving made upon Rodrik's knife, yet this knife bears no such inscription. Can you tell me, is this the hope knife Rodrik brought in to be inscribed?
After visiting The Clamor, Ish returns to Brinya's apartment at the Spinning House. He is weary of what his reception might be like. Knowing his continued intrusion upon the grieving Brinya may not be received well, Ish decides to keep his words concise so as not to upset Tegan's patience. Greetings Tegan, we have need of Brinya's expertise, Before Tegan can protest Ish produces the hope knife found in Rodrik's room, I'm hoping her relationship with Rodrik will shed some light on a mystery surrounding the hope knife found in his room.
The day progresses and your stomachs begin to grumble as the memory of breakfast has long ago faded.
Most people you meet have seen death, but there is usually no mystery surrounding it. A work accident, unlucky on patrol, an incurable illness, a drunken brawl, and even the occasional suicide are not unusual ways to die. They require no investigation and the townsfolk are a bit confused by this one.
Sarah greets Ishan warmly and expresses her sadness at Rodrik’s death. He was a good and fair man. Everyone will miss him.
She checks the receipt and then her records. Yes, Rodrik did commission a new knife about a week ago. She examines the knife closely. This does look like the one I started for him. I gave it to an apprentice to finish though. I have no idea how Rodrik could have gotten it!
Ishan is met with an almost irate Tegan. Rodrik is dead and will still be dead tomorrow! Give the poor girl a chance to grieve! The door is unceremoniously slammed in your face. What little intuition you may have is screaming at you that whatever questions you may have can wait until tomorrow.
Nils manages to somewhat sober Omast up with a few cups of their strongest coffee but it does not seem to make the weepiness and self-recriminations subside.
An apprentice? Ish's eyebrows jump in interest, Who? Are they here?
Rubbing his nose, Ish sighs at his latest in what seems to him like a long history of defeats, at least I can tell Raevon I tried. Putting the hope knife away, Ish shuffles off to report his findings to the elven wizard.
Sarah frowns at Ishan's question, not at the question itself but at the memory of Urnsul. I'm afraid not. I took pity on a refugee named Urnsul, you know me, I have a soft spot for those like us. Anyway she showed up a few weeks ago looking for work and I hired her on as an apprentice. She disappeared a couple of days ago though. Up and left without even a goodbye or thanks! She mutters to herself about the ungratefulness and unreliability of others.
That sounds like a possible lead. You said her name was Urnsul? Can you tell me what she looked like? Did she mention where she had come from? Was she staying anywhere other than the Clamor? What about friends?
Sarah gives you an excellent description. She's a dark olivey with very, very short dark brown hair. Her ears are pointed and she doesn't wear any jewelry in them. Her eyes are blue and her tusks are small and pointed straight up. She also has an intricate geometric tattoo on her forehead that is kind of wing shaped and a few old, faded looking scars on her face. She is a few inches shorter than I am and, Sarah flexes a huge bicep, while not as strong as I, was strong enough that I thought she would do well in the smithy.
She kept to herself. Said she was a refugee. You know I don't pry into people's pasts, I didn't ask her where she was from and she didn't volunteer it. She never had any visitors here, I couldn't speak to outside Clamor.
Stifling a rumble from deep within his stomach, Ish lowers his head in a bow of appreciation, Thank you Sarah! I'm sure Raevon will find your information most interesting. If there is anything else you happen to remember or if you happen to see Urnsul again, please send word to either of us. Ish thanks Sarah once more before excusing himself and leaving the Clamor.
Armed with this latest information, Ish digs in his pockets to polish off what remains of his breakfast as he makes his way back to Raevon.
Raevon shakes his head slowly at Cham's response. I would think a true citizen of Trunau would be more observant and vigilant given the precarious nature of the community's existence.
He then gives the mysterious man's room the same thourough examination he gave Rodrik's room.
Ugula accompanies Nils and Omast to the Hungry Hydra. Seeing the coffee is doing little to clear Omast's state of mind, he figures he'll try a different tactic. He takes a seat beside Omast and straightens his back, looming over him and looking down at him.
Listen up, we need some answers and the sooner we get them the sooner we can leave you alone. Rodrick ever talk about killing himself before? You notice any change in him recently? Anything that would mean something's wrong? He talk about anything?
I see
24th Desnus
As you exit the cave and make your way back through the Hopespring pool, fully laden and struggling with the sheer bulk of weapons and armor you just collected, as well as the various objects ‘recovered’ from the invaders that you left in a heap by your night’s campsite, you hear the distinctive clang of a hammer and anvil. You also see various people moving around Clamour, already rebuilding the damaged walls and roof.
You might be surprised that the smithy would get such priority attention in the rebuilding but for a town located this close to the orc stronghold security and a means to defend oneself are always a number one concern.
A walk through the town reveals the damage. Upper Trunau was left relatively unscathed. Only one rock made it to the upper plateau and caused almost no damage, landing near the top of the Hopespring. Inner and Lower Trunau are a different story. Multiple fires have damaged or destroyed most of the buildings in Inner Trunau and it is essentially uninhabitable. Lower Trunau was spared most of the fire damage but many boulders landed here and while most buildings have walls still standing roofs seem to be in short supply.
What townsfolk are not actively involved in repairs, either on the walls and gates or the buildings themselves, are gathered in the longhouse organizing clothes and other necessities for those who lost theirs, or cooking food for town. Much use is being made of the seigestone to supplement the scarce food and ensure people are fed quickly. Anyone with a modicum of healing talent is hard at work at the makeshift infirmary in the back of the Longhouse. The Sanctuary got away relatively unscathed but the wounded are too numerous or too injured to make moving them practical. All the clerics of the town are currently here and anyone rescued from the rubble is brought her for tending.
Venturing to look outside the walls or from a good vantage on top of the walls, the full impact of the battle hits. Nearly two hundred of dead orcs can be seen in the daylight. Interspersed among them are dead horses and the remains of the militia who made the ultimate sacrifice. The scene truly does serve to highlight the skill and dedication of the militia men and women in their defense of the town. The remaining militia are doing the solemn work of identifying the bodies, separating the attackers and defenders into two separate pyres, and recovering anything worth salvaging.
Taking everything all in it’s hard to fathom that only 5 short days ago you were playing tug of war at a birthday party.
Durin emerges from the hillside and takes in the destruction. He immediately gets to work helping. Carrying wounded to the Sanctuary and helping to fight the fires. He donates his only two healing potions to the priests tending to the wounded.
When those requiring immediate attention are tended to, Durin assists in the policing of bodies. He knows disease is a real threat after large battles like this.
He makes sure that the few items belonging to the town they recovered from looting orcs are returned to their owners.
He also pitches in, when he has time, in making repairs to buildings and fortifications.
He also makes an effort to seek out Agrit, Sarah, Cham, Tyari, Brinya, Omast, Kurst and Halgra to check in on them. See how they fared in the battle and to offer assistance if needed. To the last three he also reports all that they did in, and discovered, during the battle and in the cavern below the town. Including showing them the note and map rock found.
Just Testing.
As they return to town, Seeva takes in the aftermath of the battle for Trunau. There were a great many casualties, on both sides, and mass property destruction throughout, but it was clear that the town had been held. For now. Amidst the carnage, the people had already organized the beginnings of repairs and tending the wounded. She remained, as always, fascinated by the communities response to a disaster and how survival instincts drove the people forward.
Seeing immediately that she could bee of much service and in many places, the witch separated from the group and went where she felt the most need. With better than basic healing skills, she began stabilizing and strengthening the worst of the injured, helping them last until they could receive the care of the clerics. As she tired, she would guide those still helping until her strength returned enough to resume her tasks.
Both inside and outside alike, although she was not suited to hauling the injured, her help was indispensable as she had other uses for the spells at her disposal. Temporarily reducing a persons size helped both the teams retrieving the injured people and the ones making rescues of people burred in rubble or under large immovable objects.
Seeva worked to exhaustion. When Durin headed to have the conversations with the locals, bringing them all up to speed regarding the recent events, she retired to Whiff's company for the evening. She went to a small secluded corner of a ruined building and made a small cookfire suitable to make some hot tea and sit in front of with her familiar, going over the days events and discussing the new magics they had discovered. All the while, Whiff walked circles around the witch, smelling but not being able to find the treat he knew she carried.
As they talked, the witch began working through the preparations of their ceremony; the ceremony which allowed her familiar to learn and absorb the magics of some of the items she had acquired. The ceremony, one of her most basic, consisted of burning a scroll and collecting every last piece of ash. This time, doing three scrolls, she would have to take care that none of the ash from one mingled with another. As usual, that part went fine. Next, to her familiars delight, she took the rabbit meat, acquired earlier, and formed it into three meatballs. Now each meatball had to be opened slightly, ash inserted, and then be rolled in the remaining scroll ash. This was done three times, one meatball for each ash pile. By the time the preparations were done Whiff was ravenous and had no issue putting all three down in short order. The witch had to concentrate now to finish the ritual and complete the transfer spell; the hard part.
The witch was past the point of exhaustion and her familiar was satuffed, both now fully readied to enjoy a rest by the fire.
Durin drags Skreed's body out and shows it to everyone.
Still feeling the exhaustion of the struggle, Bym's puts on a resolute face. Straightening his helm, the cavalier sets to work along side the others - escorting the injured, dosing fires and running supplies. The latter of these tasks, although lacking the appearance of what might be thought of an honorable deed, turns out to be well suited for the cavalier. Vheyron's speed and capacity to carry items or persons proves to be very useful and Bym is only too happy and honored to help in any way he can. Alas, he feels remorse for having had to quaff the lesser potions of healing chance entrusted him with, but will do as Durin had, donating his one remaining potion to the cleric Tyari to use as she sees fit.
When he can, Bym seeks out Brinya. Bowing before her, he presents to her the knife she so generously provided to aid him in the party's struggle to safeguard the town. My lady, I thank thee for thy generosity. Thine blade hath truly aideth my companions and I to vanquish what hath befallen here. This task completed, I doth return to thee thy blade as thou art thine rightful keeper.
Durin grabs Skreed's corpse by one foot and drags him unceremoniously past the funeral pyres, down the middle of the street, to let everyone get a good look at it. He calls out every few strides, This bloke was one of the main perpetrators to plan this attack. Anyone recognize him? Eventually he makes his way to Omast, Kurst or Halgra, presenting the body and repeating his assertion.
The townspeople are all busy about their tasks. The assistance provided by the group is treated as welcome but not unusual as everyone is hard at work helping however they can.
Omast is found at the inner gates, overseeing the repair of the walls and gates. Kurst and Jagrim are organizing disposal of the dead and dealing with any prisoners. Halgra can be found at the gates between Upper and Inner Trunau, directing people and supplies to their most needed distribution.
Brinya is found in the Longhouse helping tend to the wounded. Bym's approach is met with a very polite yet obviously harried greeting. At the offer of the hopeknife Brinya demurs, I have Rodrick's original knife, the one he gave me as his betrothed. I feel that this one would be better served in the hands of you and your companions.
Durin's display gains a few odd looks and a few kicks of the corpse by some of the townspeople looking to take their frustration out on a tangible target, but no one seems to recognize the increasingly disfigured corpse. As Cham Laringfas is hurrying past she stops for a second and does a double take. Squinting her eyes she looks distastefully at the bloodied face, I can't say that I recognize this..creature, but the clothes look vaguely familiar.Shaking her head in perplexion she rambles almost to herself, I know I have trouble keeping all the longshanks straight, but I can normally spot the difference between a half-orc and a human.
Passing by Halgra she instructs Durin to take Skreed's body to cells attached to the longhouse for safekeeping until she decides what to do with him.
Bym bows sincerely, Lady Brinya, as thou doth request, I shall solemnly swear to honor thy token thou hath bestowedth. In so doing, I shall continueth to ply thy treasure where ever there art dangers to Trunau. Returning the blade to his belt Bym is nudged by Vheyron's yips, What is this? The halfling listens to the wolf but frowns disdainfully, No Vheyron, thy request is, inappropriate. The wolf growls a protest, licks his snout and gazes upon Brinya's hips, As tis an uncommon gesture... Bym struggles a bit, Tis not practiced by refined folk Vheyron. And thoust idea of greeting is too wild for maidens. A more civil request would beeth of her handeth. Vheyron barks once enthusiastically and Bym blushes, knowing Brinya is undoubtably listening to the entire exchange. With thy permission, Vheyron requests to, umm, sniff of thy hand. Tis but a gesture of his friendship.
....
Resuming his work amongst the townsfolk, word of Skreed's body being dragged across town does not distract the cavalier from his tasks. What troubles Bym is the future. Trunau has a clear history of being raided - more attacks are almost certain. As the keeper of Brinya's blade, Bym is now honor bound to uphold the town's safekeeping. Bym can't help but wonder what on Golarion he's gotten himself in to. He'd best devote at least some of his energies to finding a reason, other than the primal need for orcs to destroy everything, for attacking the town. Part of this raid was to dig to the tomb below Trunau. Could there be more? Bym decides he will ask the others.
Glad to see you made it Omast! Durin exclaims as he pounds the old man on the back when he sees him.
Durin takes a moment to fill in Kurst and Jagrim as to the parties activities during the battle, and to ask what they encountered outside of the wall.
Durin is happy to see Brinya survived, both the orcs and certain townsfolk. He does not interfere with her work, giving her a solemn nod in salutation. He passes his potions to Tyari silently and moves along knowing she is too busy to talk.
Durin attempts to prevent people from hitting Skreed in the face as he parades him through the streets. Directing them to kick him in the body instead. Passing Cham, Durin pauses and gives her a long thoughtful look. So you have seen him before? Perhaps he was in disguise when you met him? Mundane or magical possibly. He did seem to have some affinity with magic.
Meeting Halgra, Durin nods in understanding before informing her the same as Kurst. I know it is early, but are there any plans on possibly seeking out the hows and whys of the attack? What do you make of these? he says showing her Skreed's note and the "map stone".
Before dragging Skreed's body away after their conversation he asks if Tyari or someone might want to place a whammy on the body to preserve the corpse. And maybe someone can do that speak with the dead thing to try and get more answers?
When time permits he also makes an attempt to locate Agrit and Sara Morninghawk.
Having some success with their ritual, the two discuss possible uses for the knowledge recently obtained while Seeva readies to head out. Come Whiff, let's see how the others are making out. With her familiar keeping pace beside her, Seeva walks through the paths of destruction, seeking the rest of her party.
The witch finds the others either one at a time or possibly catching them all together. Hear anything on what the invaders were after under here? She taps her foot on the cobbled walkway beneath her feet. How about a point of entry for a couple of us to go and take a look? With the tunnel they started during the attack it should be easy enough to predict where they were going..... Unless you figure the locals'd get their panties in a bunch? With or without permission, we need to know what's down in that tomb and I am not satisfied with being told "it's just dead bodies".
At Seeva's question, Durin holds up the hammer they recovered from the tomb. This. This is what they wanted. This and the rock we pried from the dead giant's eye.
Durin pulls out the note they found on Skreed's body. Whoever this Grensekdek, Chieftain of the Twisted Hearts is, likely sent these orcs here as a diversion so that Skreed could get into the tomb and recover these. Reading from the note he continues, I have to have both rocks to know the way to the Giantkiller's Tomb... Bring the rock and the hammer to the fort. He holds the letter out for the others to see.
Seeing as how they failed to acquire them, they are likely to try again. I'm not sure that Trunau can handle another attack. If we are to prevent them from trying we may have to locate this Grensekdek and his fort and deal with them directly.
He hefts the hammer and turns it over in his hands admiring the craftsmanship. Not sure that taking this and the stone to them is the brightest idea, but then, I've never been the sharpest pick in the tunnel! he grins. Seeing as keeping these here is likely to bring doom upon the town, what say you all? Ready to take a trip?
I see. The witch thinks a moment. So we have 2 of the 3 pieces needed, the hammer and half of the map. Was it public knowledge that these items were here or did this Grensekdek have to acquire that information himself?
Either way, I'll be ready to make the trip after a good nights rest; I'm nearly depleted and not much use to anyone now after the day we had today. Excited by the finding of the hammer, the first real magical artifact of her searches in this area, Seeva would be at the front of the line, ready to depart at first light.
I highly doubt it is even obscure knowledge. Surely if someone in Trunau was aware the town was built upon a tomb someone would have said something previously. If for no other reason than to render it safe and utilize it for the town's benefit.
And slow down you maniac! Tomorrow morning? Durin adds with a grin. The town needs a little more time than one day to get itself together. We don't even know where we are going yet. Plans and preparations need to be made. Loot sold. Supplies acquired. Some of us are still suffering lingering effects, he says sweeping his hand in Bym and Ragnar's direction. And I need to spend some time with this hammer. I feel its power and I need time to attune to it.
With stubbornly dark circles under his eyes, Bym reads the letter Durin produces. Vheyron, doth thou remember our party finding this missive? The wolf cocks his head up and to the side, practically rolling his eyes with a moan to which Bym frowns, Mine injuries hath't been more grievous friend, as I doth not recall such.
Master Durin, I thank thee for thy foresight in retaining thus. Bym indicates the letter then returns it to the dwarf, Indeed, remaining here would be folly. Al be that in truth, I too desireth some rest and perchance to commission stronger arms. A day or two more wilth do us all wonderously! Now, as to seekth Grensekdek... Bym hesitates, ...peradventure, seek Grensekdek not directly but what he desires? By the by, seek thy news of this Grensekdek, more importantly thas aforementioned Tomb of the Giantkiller and gods willing, the provenance of thy hammer. Bym looks to Seeva and then around for Halaron, Pray thee, as thy most learned amongst us, thou art better suited for delving into libraries. Wilt thou undertake such a task? And more for us, what doth Halgra know of these? If they art not available for interview, an elder may yet knoweth a verse or two of these mysteries. Regardless, two days hence, thou may surely count upon mine aid!
Durin cocks an eyebrow in Bym's direction. Why is he speaking that way? Is he having a conversation with Vheyron?! Did he suffer a serious head blow?
Library? Does Trunau have a library? Durin asks earnestly.
I have already spoken to Halgra.
I am hoping Agrit and Sara might have some insight into the hammer, and peradventure some of the other answers we seek as well.
Cham backtracks, Oh, I don't know him, or recognize him. The clothes just look kind of familiar is all. That's what I mostly pay attention too you see, that's what's in my line of sight and I do like clothes, She smooths down her own dress as she speaks. But I do think it was a human that was wearing them.
The first day is spent triaging the town, both the buildings and people. Exhausted, the town sleeps deeply the first night, excepting the guards tasked with ensuring they don't suffer another attack. The lone functioning catapults the invaders had brought had be claimed for the town and was now in place to help that defense.
The next day is more of the same, but with the clerics' spells replenished more of the townsfolk are able to assist with the work. The people work together efficiently and well, each knowing where their skills can be best used.
Halgra manages to catch the group at the community breakfast in the longhouse. Thanking them for their efforts and their information revealed the previous day she informs them. The council is meeting this evening. I will inform them of all that you have learned and if things go well on Tyari's end we may have more information to consider. I would like to speak with you all again tomorrow morning. You can find me at the Hall any time before noon. She gives a nod of farewell, confident that her instructions will be heeded.
Anyone having spent any time in Trunau will know she is referring to the Ivory Hall, the Chief Defender's traditional residence as well as the meeting hall for the council.
There is magic that would allow an orc or half-orc to pass as human. So yes, a "human" could have been wearing these clothes. Where have you seen someone wearing these clothes before? Everything you can remember about where, and what this individual was doing, would be very helpful, Durin replies to Cham.
Durin looks positively unimpressed at Halgra's pronouncement. He sets his ale down and, in a calm but serious tone, asks, Have we not earned the right to attend this meeting ourselves? We were tasked with investigating Rodrik's death. Which we solved. We cleared out the Plague House and raised the alarm about the impending attack. To be largely disregarded mind you. We were instrumental in defending the town, lighting the beacons, holding the inner gate, dealing with the catapult, defeating the giant and WE delved the caverns below, defeating the dangers within, killing Skreed, one of leader's of the attack, and recovered the artifacts he was seeking. We are first hand witnesses to all of this. Why would we not warrant a spot at the meeting? Arms folded, his eyes do not leave Halgra the entire time he speaks.
Smirking, and bending down to scratch Whiff in an effort to try and conceal it, Seeva listens to Durin's conversation with Halgra. She loved his directness, it nearly matched her own approach to conversation. Why waste time exchanging pleasantries when information is required?
Knowing, in her own mind, that she had done more for the town than it had done for her artifact search, the witch was more than ready to head out. Unfortunately, few others of her companions were. I did not come to Trunau with a red cross on my chest, promising to help all those in need. Gritting her teeth she tries to gain something from the conversations at hand.
Knowing it would be foolish for her to set out alone, she waits for a break in the conversations and asks of everyone present. With an army of half-orcs, and their siege machines, reaching the city wall I would imagine there to be a fairly easy trail of their approach to follow, unless it was covered by magic somehow. Further, any survivors likely returned to the same place they came from so finding this trail should present at least some direction. Although she knew Whiff to be fairly competent tracker, she wanted to make sure her efforts produced information. This prompted her next question. Assuming this hasn't been looked at yet, I'd like to take at least a competent tracker with me, if one is available, to see what can be discovered.
Durin cocks an eyebrow in Bym's direction. Why is he speaking that way? Is he having a conversation with Vheyron?! Did he suffer a serious head blow?
Mouth full, Bym nods along with the conversation. Based on the look on his face, the cavalier is quite interested in what's being said. Swallowing, Bym replies to Seeva, As soon as we art able, both Vheyron and myself shall avail ourselves to thy purpose.
Cham's eyes narrow and her brow furrows as she tries to recall anything that could be of help. After a moment her eyes grow wide and she stammers, The man! The one who wouldn't leave his name! He stayed at The Ramblehouse the night Rodrick died. I mean I think they are the same clothes. They are covered with lots of, stuff.
Halgra looks at Durin with a slightly surprised, maybe even confused expression. It is a meeting of the council. We of course appreciate your excellent work in solving Rodrick's death. She is a bit taken aback by the comments regarding defending the town as all the residents fought fiercely to the best of their ability and the militia killed scores of enemies preventing them from even entering the town. She seems as if she is about to say more, but instead just replies, Of course, If you wish to attend the meeting feel free. We meet at dusk.
Brinya smiles indulgingly and Bym and Vheyron and allows him to sniff her hand. She is obviously busy though and quickly gets back to her tending of the wounded.
In response to Seeva Halgra answers, It would likely be very easy to follow a trail left by so large a force, the question is do you wish to run off by yourself after them. The survivors will be licking their wounds, but so are we. Give us a chance to sort some things out, formulate a plan. Many of these things will be discussed at tonight's meeting.
It would seem that Skreed here is the one who poisoned Rodrik, Durin confirms.
You are assuming that the orcs came from the same place as this Grenseldek. I thought I heard these orcs were from the "Twisted Nail" tribe? Durin looks to the others for confirmation. He pulls out the note and double checks. This Grenseldek is the Chieftain of the "Twisted Hearts". He folds and returns the note to his pouch. And they used hired goons and assassins from Freedom Town. Seems likely Grenseldek farmed out everyone for this attack.
I mean, the surviving orcs should be pursued and punished for their involvement in this attack, but that is probably best left to the Trunau militia.
I have a bit of experience at tracking. I'm sure there are many better.
We will be there.
Good. She thinks to herself At least a couple good trackers have shown interest already.
Taking in Durin's comments, Seeva thinks a moment. I agree, by the information we have so far it does seem that Grenseldek farmed out the attack. By the time enough of you are ready to go have a look it is unlikely we will catch any stragglers on the path but at least by following it we can confirm some of what we think we know. Thinking of the disguise kit the party had recently acquired she smiles an evil smile as she asks Any of you speak the local dialect of 'half-orc'?
You want to chase down a retreating army?! Durin asks with some obvious bemusement. I mean I admire your bravado, but we had our hands full with a half dozen at a time. I think it might be a little bit presumptuous to take on dozens at a time in their territory. Trunau is an island surrounded by an ocean of orcs.
My orc-ish, Durin corrects, is fine, but no way are those kits we found making us lot pass for orcs, he adds holding his hands out to emphasize his own stature before looking directly at Bym. I'm far too handsome to pass for an orc, and if you think I am shaving my beard for something like that, you are crazier than I think.
The remains of a pint slosh threateningly close to the lip of Bym's tankard as the halfling wipes a sleeve across his mouth. At the mention of himself and Durin disguised as orcs, some of the beverage had been forced its way into his sinus. The halfling looks on, choking quietly so as not to interrupt.