GM Poisonblade |
Tears, seen sitting on his bed, ponders on the strangeness of the halfling, a snoring Felix on a sleeping mat nearby. Janya kneeling prays for guidance "Help us find the way". Endar and the serving maid kiss once, and the camera pans to a window as the saxophone begins a sultry tune.
Meanwhile a short man talks to his companions, only mumbling can be heard at first, but as he turns to the camera a fang filled green faced stranger is revealed. and if they stand in our way WE KILLZ THEM DEAD. HEHEHEHEHE-HAH!
We fade black and then the sun shine brings a new day.
Tears of the Sky |
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Tears stumbles out of bed lazily looking for a water basin to freshen up. Only after splashing cold water on his face is he willing to take stock of the area. Deciding to make sure everyone survived the night, he goes door to door, making sure Endar and Janya are awake and in good health.
Endar Declane |
Endar wakes to an empty bed (not for the first time nor for the last). He gets up, stretches, washes up, gets dressed, and studies his spells (magic missile).
He answers the door when Tears knocks "Good morning Tears! Did you sleep well last night? How is Felix? Has he awaken yet?" Endar is famished! He heads downstairs when everyone else does to get breakfast.
GM Poisonblade |
As the three companions return to the tap room a silent crowd greets them.
Sheriff Cage stands looking at five standing with their backs to the east wall. Beyond the five and the lawman the rest are sitting. Tables have been moved and a table with four sit off to Cage’s right. The rest of the tables have been moved along the walls. All are intent on those standing.
Standing on the east wall
-Grelm (the black hair warrior who accosted you last night)
-an older human farmer (you also recognize him from last night)
-a male gnome that you haven’t seen before. He is dressed in blue robes with bright yellow stars shown onto them.
-Ostler Merinwaite the Innkeeper
- a bent older woman, wearing a dirty grey wool shall and thread bare outer clothes.
Seated at the table you see
-Sara – the buxom serving gal, Endar knows very well.
-Doctor Phineus Krane – the older human man you met last night
-A finely dressed man, with a long handlebar moustache.
-A pimply faced common boy.
Cage looks up as the three enter the room.
Oh good glad you could join us. You elf, I didn’t catch your name but you need to take a stand over by the accused. You see I went to bed with that little dagger tucked tightly wrapped under my pillow. When I awoke imagine my surprise when I found it missing. Seems that luck will aid justice this morning though, these four at the table have come forward with some very interesting observations. Sara and the Doctor you all know. The merchant is Jobe Flint. The stable boy is Tab. We are going to get to the bottom of this together, and now one leaves until we do.
There are twice again more people sitting on the edge of the room, looking on.
Janya Sunday |
Janya walked downstairs with her companions, in mostly good spirits but a little apprehensive about what the day might bring. The prayers last night had been soothing, but given the strange and a little scary way yesterdays events went, January felt unprepared for what might come.
After seeing the scene before her, she walked with Tears and Endar to where the sheriff indicated. Give me a moment, sir, but what exactly is going on?
GM Poisonblade |
Yes, well it would seem that each of these four witnessed each of those standing in a pretty likely spot to pilfer the blade. Quite honestly I cannot fathom how it was done, I did not leave that bed all night.
The old poorly dressed woman dry and cracked voice wobbles with age, but is clear all the same.
They all have witness to these others, none have witness against me I was asleep in my bed when this dagger was lifted. Why have you brought me here?
Cage’s hand clench into tightly balled fists.
Because everyone knows you’re up to no good, woman. woman comes out like a curse.
Clearing his throat he forces himself to relax.
Never mind that for now. Each of you stands accused. Those are Huckaby Trent a local farmer. Lorkyha Ganderhoddle a traveling gnome tinkerer, Ostler Merinwaite Innkeeper, Grelm Hammerlock of the Black Banners, Estle Winterbloom WITCH, and you Elf of the Company of the Cross Roads. Confess and I will go easy on you. Draw this out and there will be hell to pay.
Endar Declane |
"What of representation?" Endar yells out. "Tears stands accused but has no one to speak for him! I wish to represent him in this matter. If there is to be justice here then it is to be done properly!"
Endar makes it a point to emphasize his speech at times with dramatic hand waving and pounding of fists on tables.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Ross Hearne aka poisonbladed |
Cage smirks at Endar, but then remembers something and the smirk melts to a hateful frown.
By all means boy. I was just going to suggest the same thing. All of the accused can sit with me and the witnesses and discuss the peticulars of the evidence against them. One at a time off course. I have guards outside to make sure none of the accussed leave and since you boy are so eager to see justice done we can start with Tears, you, and Miss Half-Orc.
With a nod to the table, the seaters rise.
Well come on you, Justice awaits!
Cage and the witnesses and the Company of the Cross Roads file into a back room. Chairs sit around a crate, a tall stool by the door. Cage takes the stool, closing the door, resting a hand on his eagle pummeled long sword.
Aye there boy, lost your tongue already? Perhaps your friend did this thing, and you were hoping to get the old sheriff alone. Tears, its not too late to confess. But if you make me sit through this sewing circle and we find out its you I am going to snick those ears off one inch at a time.
Doctor Krane looks at the Sheriff with a nervous side long glance.
Good try Endar, you didn't make the roll, and the story was really going that way
Tears of the Sky |
Concerned he may say something taken the wrong way, and not knowing much of what is going on, the elf decides to remain somewhat quiet. The rudeness of Cage is beginning to grate on the warrior however so he spits an old curse in Skald at the sheriff, which happens to be the verbal component to a powerful necromantic spell.
"Urk-hasan amant, Tufmah."
Janya Sunday |
diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Janya, Sheriff. Cleric of Shelyn. I have to say, I dont know that Tears will be able to confess to something he did not do. I can vouch for his sense of right and wrong, and this theft is not something he would do.
With that being said, I appreciate your fair justice and I know we will do all we can to help find out who stole the knife.
GM Poisonblade |
Smiling and the off hand threat Cage blinks repeatedly at Janya's words.
Quite right, but the law is the law. I don't suspect you any more than any one else on that line. But rather than direct your comments to me I suggest you start interviewing the witnesses.
Those seated with you around the crate are
Sara – the buxom serving gal, Endar knows very well.
Doctor Phineus Krane – the older human man you met last night
Jobe Flint - A finely dressed man, with a long handlebar moustache.
Tab - A pimply faced common stable boy
GM Poisonblade |
Doctor Krane speaks up after clearing his throat. [b]That was me son. I stayed up late last night, trying as best I could to get what few scraps remained of the Shroud of Auramunitinnium. Sadly it is a total loss. But around midnight I say Tears there walk into the Inn covered in blood. You can imagine how shocked I was. Even now if it wasn't for the good Sheriff here I wouldn't be caught alone in the same room with him.[b]
How odd that his voice seemed to shake through the entire speech.
yes you can take 10 on this, don't forget Hero Points (+8 before the roll, +4 after)
GM Poisonblade |
Yes that is right. I suggest wait for the Cleric. Sense motive is wisdom. Also if any of you are stumped by this rather odd plot twist, feel free to ask a question to any of the witnesses any question that comes to mind, that makes sense.
edit - wizard ninja lol. Ok on the hero point take a look. Janya and Tears can throw me a roll too if they want.
Janya Sunday |
I'll take 10, get the DC
Janya watches the man speaking, and something seems off. Its not that he's scared to speak, more like he knows what he's telling isnt true. Could be anger over the shroud, but Janya doesnt think so.
Doctor, um, I cant help noticing you seem to have a hard time believing your own story. You dont seem like one to lie, being the good doctor I am sure you are. So why the story? Did someone put you up to this?
As she speaks, she realizes putting his deception out in the open might prove dangerous for the doctor. Er, and I think now would be the best time to speak up, with the sheriff here to help.
Endar Declane |
"Covered in blood you say?" Endar walks over to Tears and proceeds to look him over, inspecting his hair, nails, etc "looking" for blood. "I don't see any signs of blood anywhere on Tears. Looking at the size of him, I doubt there is a tub in the inn that is big enough to fit him AND his weapons/armor/gear. So doctor...now would be a good time to tell the truth as you know it." Endar steps back and studies the other witnesses as the doctor speaks.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
GM Poisonblade |
Janya, just a hint for you now would be a good time for diplomacy, on the doctor. Don't forget your Hero Points.
Krane, gives Janya the beady eye stare. He makes a popping noise as he closes his mouth. You take his meaning to say that he isn't saying another word.
As Endar makes a show out of examining Tears. Krane gives a very angry and hostile sounding Urmph!
The Sheriff sits by looking on with his arms akimbo.
GM Poisonblade |
The Doctor's face grows red with embarrassment. Indeed helpful words are his to share.
Well in truth. I must apologize for my unthoughtful words. I did see him come in the door, covered in blood as it were. But I did have a lot of Dandylion Wine last night, and may have just dreamed the entire scene.
turning in his chair
Sheriff, I must retract my statement.
Cage just gives a nod, then says
Still the dagger is missing. I am at a loss as to who the thief is. Perhaps you three could help shed some light here. After all you are so eager for justice. That and you have proven yourselves innocent. I am sure I could solve this mystery in time, but I can't do it and keep watch on all of the perps.
Janya Sunday |
Thank you Doctor for telling us the truth. I am a bit concerned that you seemed hesitant before. After all, if that is the true reason for saying what you said, it does not match how, um, logical and reasoned I am sure you are. Janya did not completely believe the doctor. He seemed hesitant to speak, and saying something that may have come from drinking too much didnt fit with being a doctor. Still, it meant that Tears was no longer under scrutiny.
Now that the good doctor has cleared my friend, perhaps you others could add what you know. Sara, what did you see? Janya waited to ask the other two for their input. She did not know nobles, and the young man might have a hard time speaking up.
GM Poisonblade |
The Doctor gives the cleric a measured thoughtful look but says nothing. There seems to be some joy to his eyes. A determination that he has made but has said nothing. Clearly he is judging and watching.
Yes I am sorry for my hasty words. My head is still throbbing from overindulgence and loss, please excuse me. Sheriff, when you have concluded here meet me in the study upstairs.
Tears, please not be offended by an old mans illogic. I most humbly apologize. Humans are inherently passionate it is both our greatest fault and our truest strength.
He gives a nod to the three companions and departs. Closing the door behind him.
GM Poisonblade |
Sara bats her eyelashes and says in her husky voice
Oh aye me when I was in the hallway about me business (giving a wink to Endar)I saw Grelm creeping about the hallway outside the Sheriff's door. Then I saw that farmer Huckaby walking down that hall when I was checking doors and windows. Drunk as a skunk the farmer was. Don't think he saw me. Grelm walked off when he saw me though.
GM Poisonblade |
Tab strangling his cloth hat in his two grime cover hands, first word is cracked but then levels to even yet nervous words
Pardon me m'lords but I was outside last night, right after me chores was through, and mind you I wasn't paying no attention but to me own two feet. Still one notices a gnome such as that. He was right under a window looken about all curious like he lost sumtin.
Zou |
Walking in from the road, hungry and a more than ready to sit a spell, Zou enters through the door to the inn to see quite a large gathering inside.
He appears to be fairly average for a dwarf though his demeanor hints that he may be fairly different from the average dwarf. He is dressed in dark clothes, his warhammer tucked into his belt, shortbow and quiver hanging from his back.
He pauses for a moment and almost turns around to go back to the road, but at that very moment his empty stomach took to rumbling and reminded him it was quite a ways to the next place for a good meal.
"Well now, what's this about? I thought this was an inn, ye might not be expecting me to walk all the way to the next town without so much as a bowl of stew now would ye?
Janya Sunday |
Take 10 on the Sense Motive.
Tears, aside from this gnomish fellow standing over there? Dont remember him from yesterday though. Perhaps there was a gnome with Grelm, but I cant place one, during all of the confusion. Still, I have to admit, circumstantial evidence at best. Tab, thats your name, right? Thank you for being honest. It seems like you're nervous. What about?
Janya watches as the boy squirmed a little. He seemed honest, maybe a bit slow, but honest. She tried to recall if any of the other band's members had been a gnome, but couldnt remember.
As the dwarf bounded into the building, a little worse for wear but still formidable looking, she couldnt help but smile, thinking of the reaction the Sheriff would likely have.
Zou |
Zou looks toward the window and ponders this news, "No lass, but I wouldn't mind a mug or two of ale if ye got any. I'm a wee bit parched. And I don't put much faith in the law to do anything the right way. Seems to me the blame is on the sherrif for not keeping a better eye on the sword.
Janya Sunday |
Not to contradict you, Tears, but perhaps it best to save that to last. Janya looks at the elf long, smiling.
Excuse me, Sheriff, but perhaps the good gnome could shed some light on the matter. Tab did say he saw someone matching his description outside.
After delivering the suggestion to the Sheriff, she walks slowly to Tears, and leans in, whispering, Yes, I have a bad feeling about Grelm also, but if we dont know whats happened first, he might lie his way out.
GM Poisonblade |
Cage thinks a moment, then addresses the party.
You all seem to be more level headed that I gave you credit for. I must say that you respond to threats with blood and steal, but this is something I have a wide proclamation for myself. I could use some help with the investigation. The lads I have on the door are mere boys and as such I have my hands full watching the accused. Even now being back here anyone of them could escape, though it would prove their guilt.
Standing he directs his next comment to the richly dressed man amongst those seated.
Mr. Flint you are a traveling merchant and you said a little while ago that you were only passing through the shire. Can you tell us what you saw, for The Company of the Crossroads?
GM Poisonblade |
In a foreign accent that is mostly a put on the merchant answers.
Jobe Flint, at your service Sheriff Cage. If only to expedite this process so as I can be on my way. Ahem, after I break my fast of course. I have a craving for some sage sausages and toast. After last nights indulgence yes that would do nicely. Recently I have been to Cheliax, Taldor, and Osirion. Though most recently I stopped in the Isle of Kortos. In your Andorian city of Almas I most decidedly sold off the entire of my goods for a sizeable profit. Now I come through your shire seeking other goods to purchase and trade somewheres else.
his stomach, sizeable that it is grumbles
Oh, pardon me. Yes yes, you are simply being polite listening to me ramble, haste Jobe haste. What is that Innkeeper's name. Ah, let me think. Oh yes, Merryweather. No that's not it. Merinwaite. Yes I saw him hiding in the store room next to the Sheriff's room, sometime last evening.