"I am ready too. Maybe we will find Thurderscar still there." Vernoni says as she gets up. She clearly is not done with that dwarf.
Aerek eats his meal, occasionally tossing up pieces for Ruhk to swoop down and snatch away before returning to the rafters.
When the cat-creature calls out, he looks about somewhat confused before realizing that she was talking to him.
I am called Aerek, and yes, I will help you to find the missing child.
Finishing his food the Half-Orc taps the Elf on the shoulders and says
"Do you think I should come or should we wait until the Dwarf is out of the situation?"
"Come with us, Paladin." says Zorza. "But first, excuse me for moment." She walks over to Yuri and asks for directions to the blacksmith's shop. Then she rejoins the party and leads the way there. "Is not far."
Qalifa pushes himself away from the table
Yes now that we have ate our fill. Let us get on our way. The longer we wait the less likely we are to find her.
Stand up and walks to the door holding it open for tochrais and his companions. Being the last to leave, he give's the room one last look. Before stepping out.
Aerek rises from his place at the table tightly gripping his spear and strides toward the exit. As he nods in passing to the young elf maid, Ruhk swoops down from the rafters to land upon his right shoulder.
As Vernonia walks out she says, "Thank you, Qalifa."
As the group heads towards the blacksmith shop she moves up to Hung Dong. "I am sorry that I put you in that position last night. I think things would have gone better if the dwarf had woke up to find me with him instead of you. I really need to think these things through."
Yuri gives everyone a quick rundown of directions to the blacksmith, though it was quick and dirty, like turn here turn their sort of actions. However, the information wasn’t that hard as the city really wasn’t all that big.
Everyone starts to make their way down the road, after some turns and twist everyone approaches what looks to be a blacksmith shop. The sounds of a ringing metal could be heard echoing down the street, slow and steady pings crackle across metal. Upon approach just outside, you could get a small glimmer of what looks like a dwarf kicking up some dirt from the ground, and appears to be pissed off heading in the opposite direction of your group.
”Sorry, my service is a bit tired up and I am far behind, I can’t take any more orders!”
Her voice was fairly light hearted for such a branny female elf.
Decorated behind her hung several pieces of armor, and swords alike, but a very nice suit of Elven chain suspend on the rack within her reach, but out of immediate reach of customers. It was the only thing that seemed to catch anyone eye as most of the other items carried little to no value.
A handle of what could be an oversized Axe stuck out from under some unrepaired armor. The handle grip alone was shaped in that of an Orc head, though miniature in size, it was only metal craftsmanship.
It appeared the Orc eyes were in a constant state of bleeding but no blood fell from the Axe.
The excessive heat emanating from the smithy makes Zorza concerned that her fur might burst into flames, and yet she presses on.
"Remember to ask about reward last," she thinks, "and do not appear too eager."
"I am Madam Zorza. This is Vernonia, Qalifa, Aerek, and one in back calls himself Hung. We are not here to ask for sword or axe. We are here to offer sword and axe. We come from Waywyrn Lodge, saw notice about missing elf girl - your child, I believe. We are here to help. Tell us everything you know about your daughter's disappearance. Have other children gone missing?"
notice details of axe handle.
"Yes, what were her daily routines?"
to notice axe...
Seeing the dwarf heading off the other way Vernonia says to the group, "I will catch up with you guys but I have to speak to Thunderscar."
She sprints off after the dwarf, walks up beside him, and matches his pace without saying a word.
Looks around the smithy for any clues to the girls disappearance.
If she was anything like her mother I doubt she was taken against her will with out a fight
”Really, don’t you ever stop your nuisance!”
Thunderscar doesn’t sound too happy to your arrival, his tone hefty and harsh. Though he stops and looks at Vernonia, with impatience.
”What do you want child?”
Thunderscar tone dropped a little, although he crossed his arms waiting for a reply.
Which brings to mind that you need the dagger sharpened to a point, as you accidently broke the tip carving something for a spell.
Inside the blacksmith you ask several questions, Ms. Needleleaf plunges the hot Iron rod into the water to quench it. She looks again back up the group, still holding the hammer in her hand. She responds openly to every member of the clustered group.
”My daughter, well my adopted daughter who was given to me a long time ago by a poor man who wasn’t able to care for his child asked for me to care for her and give her a good life. Since then, she has been constantly helping me and my shop learning my trade. From time to time she gets a break and goes off into the field just outside the edge of town with her apparent boyfriend. Though last time she left she didn’t return. There have been children going missing around here, somewhere near the edge of the forest, though only within a week of the full moon.”
About this time even though the sweat you can see Ms. Needleleaf eyes drip just a little as she holds back tears, a blacksmith should be strong in her eyes.
”Her name is Suarin Needleleaf, she is an elf much like me though she is fairly skinny compared to me, she has yet to gain her strength. Her hair is black as night and she has pure green eyes, highly uncommon. Sadly, I don’t know much more but I have been hopeful that she just ran off for a few days and will return. If you do find her I don’t have much to offer but I do have this nice suit of elven chain that I can offer as a reward for her safe return.”
Ms. Needleleaf pauses at that point…
Lycanthropes maybe, hmmm
"What is her boyfriends name and where can we find him?"
An elf woman enters the smithy behind those already gathered there, her thin face slightly concealed behind a mess of her straight hair. She appears unmoved despite having probably having eavesdropped on Needleaf's disparaging tale.
As soon as Needleleaf finishes the elf woman adds, "Aye, tis a shame when a child goes missing. I imagine my family would have felt the same pit in their heart when I was taken from them at a young age. If I had the power alone, I would put a stop to such travesties. But we need not go this alone, we could rally the community to raise funds to offer as a reward to anyone that returns the children to safety or ensures no one else must feel the immense pain felt by the loss of a loved one! That elven chain will surely gain interest of capable people."
Zorza thinks, "Blacksmith's tears seem real. Is what I would expect from grieving mother. Her story rings true, I am thinking."
She theorizes aloud, "Could be witches! Some evil witches are especially fond of children, and not in good way, believe me. When is next Sabbat?" She performs some quick calculations using her fingers, but is unsure of the result. "We... we still have time. Do not worry. We find her! Or could be dreaded were-rabbit. Is two nights from full moon. I heard tales of such creatures at my mother's knee."
In response to talk of a reward, she says, "Elven chain is good prize. Would be difficult sharing, but we could take turns wearing. Is good start." After listening approvingly to Thasitalia's proposal, she continues, "Gold and silver and shiny trinkets would make sharing easier. Perhaps other parents will give us these, if we rescue their children..."
Stroking his chin Hung Dong muses out loud.
"For all we know she could have run off with this boy. Although given the other disappearances that is less than likely. However I still think we should start with the boy he may still know something."
She watches the others head into the blacksmith shop and continues, "Last night while you were drinking we talked. You said something about the blacksmiths daughter but you were too far into you cup for me to make any sense of it. A group of us are going to find her and I was hoping you could tell me what you know. We could go the the tavern and have a pint or two will you tell me. I'll buy the first round."
Qalifa looks up from his examination of the area. Says to the others.
Maybe we should split up. Some of us go talk to the other parents of the missing children. Find out where they were last seen and the others go and talk to this young man. See what he remembers. We could meet back at the tavern. Say an hour past noon. Share what we learned. Then decide our next move.
Leaning upon his spear, Aerek says, Ruhk and I would like to check out this field to see if there are any signs that might have been overlooked.
While talking with Ms. Needleleaf, she decides that this conversation is best when seated, she pulls a hard metal chair from around the anvil, takes a seat and then returns her gaze back to the group.
”Suarin Boyfriend name was Kadden, he also has not returned. Yes miss, the elven chain is prized among many but it is all I have to offer for such a dire quest of need and safety of a young girl.”
Ms. Needleleaf signs and takes a breath of air and begins to finish her response.
”I am not sure of the next Sabbat, but full moon is 2 nights from now.”
”Child, while drinking is great for relaxing I have a few chores to do before I can quench my thirst of ale. I heard about some creatures around these parts, perhaps they are eating their fill of children; most of the children gone missing over the last few months have been near the woods…Come to think about it… Near the field on the west side of town, I don’t know much more but that should feed your hunger. However, should she be found perhaps my AXE would finally get fixed, lazy elven blacksmith.”
Thunderscar waits for Vernonia to jet off and leave with such valuable information.
"Yes, I suppose it could be a great number of things, all we know is people are missing from near the woods. Have the missing all been about the same age as your daughter or perhaps only couples have gone missing? Have you and your daughter been in an arguement? What about Kadden and his parents, were they on good terms or were they having some sort of disagreement?" the silver haired elf asked, stepping forward along side the strangers.
Zorza puts a comforting hand on the blacksmith's shoulder and listens to her responses to the silver haired elf's questions.
"I will go see the boys parents, do any of you wish to accompany me?"
Ms. Needleleaf is a bit overwhelmed by the amount of questions and struggles to answer; you can tell the tears are breaking through more than before.
”I believe they are all about the age of 15… 16… I don’t know if it is couples or just kids, I’m sorry but it’s just been random. My daughter gets along with me very well…. Kadden is a mischief child, I don’t even know if he has a home. But while he may be homeless he treats Suarin with great respect. I don’t know anything else….”
Ms. Needleleaf raises her hand and wipes her face with the backside of her hand to avoid getting dirt and grime into her eyes.
"There, there." says Zorza, embracing the blacksmith in a semi-comforting half hug. "Immerse yourself in your work while we are gone. Next time you see us we hope to be bringing you good news."
She rises and walks over to Thasitalia. "You seem resourceful. I am called Zorza. Will you be joining us in search for Suarin and other missing children?"
Qalifa looks to his companions. Speaking with a clear voice
One of us should go with the half orc. The boy will probably run as soon as he see's him coming. Aerek is heading to the field, perhaps me or Veronia should accompany him. Since it seems we have skills in wood lore. At least her manner of dress suggests she does. If Ms. Needleleaf would be so kind, as to provide us with the names and locations of the other families missing children. Two of us can go and ask them where they were last seen? With whom? and time of day they went missing?
After some thought Qalifa looks up.
If everyone agrees I suggest Me and Hung go find the boy. Veronia and Aerek go look at the field. Madam and Thasitalia speak to the other parents.
He looks around the group to see if anyone objects or wishes to add anything.
Perhaps meet back at the tavern one hour after noon
Vernonia joins the group. She cannot contain her excitement and blurts out, "I have eased some of the tension with Mr. Thunderscar. It seems that he is waiting for the blacksmith to finish with his axe but she has not finished it because of the issue with her daughter. He is hoping the that daughter will return so she can get back to work on it. He stated that the children have all disappeared into the woods beyond the fields on with west side of town."
Blinking at Qalifa, "My reputation has preceded me it seems, for you already know my name."
Thasitalia turns to Zorza nodding, "Indeed, I am Thasitalia, pleasure to meet you Zorza. It is a shame to hear that the locals have gone missing, someone or someones must look after them. I certainly would like to join you if you intend to find out what has happened and put an end to it."
"One more thing before we leave you to your work. Has the local constabulary been investigating this already? Who would we need to seek out if we intend to help? I'd hate to step on their toes and get in the way of things if they are already running some kind of operation." Thasitalia asks looking back to Ms. Needleleaf.
Zorza is about to ask Qalifa who 'Thasitalia' is when the woman herself speaks up. She waits patiently for Ms. Needleleaf to respond to Qalifa's question about other missing children and where to find their families, because she will need to know this in order to question them.
Ms. Needleleaf replies with a heartfelt jester, putting her hand over Zorza hand on her shoulder clinching it ever so slightly giving away the tension she is feeling answering all these questions, but there was no other choice or they would not find her daughter.
”I will do what I can as far as my work, though it is slow paced. I must mentioned that the boy has no parents that I am aware of, he tends to roam in the shadows, and for that matter also missing so I wouldn’t waste time looking into his parents. As for the guards around here, well if the matter doesn’t fall into their line of duty it is of little concern to them, their hands are full trying to manage towns problems along with Orcs randomly appearing near the city on their patrols.”
Vernonia, Qalifa, Aerek and Thasitalia are heading to the field, and I assume Hung Dong, and Zorza are checking on parents of missing children.
Zorza and Hung travel around the city looking for parents and after a long staking time speak with 5 of the families out of 11 that have gone missing. Ms. Needleleaf daughter would be the 11 child missing, though there actually 12 because the boy has no family so is not noticed by the town as legitimately missing.
Hung and Zorza:
Vernonia, Qalifa, Aerek, and Thasitalia arrive at the outskirts of the field, just outside the light radius of the town if it was night. The field weeds have grown up to about knee high full of thorns and briars, though you can clearly see a small worn down path that crosses the 2 acres plot of land.
Vernonia, Qalifa, Aerek, and Thasitalia:
If you succeeded Survival or described the details from someone who passed:
Qalifa looks at the ground Pointing out the Tracks and disturbed picnic.
Looks like something man sized attacked during their outing. You can see here where the tracks sink in deeper. This means that it's weight got significantly heavier. Like it was carrying the kids off.
Qalifa Kneels down next to the deeper print. Putting his finger into the track. Sniffing it, measuring it's gait.
I believe it was an oger, possibly a young bull, or a small female. One not yet grown to full size.
What do you think Veronia ?
Not yet having learned the art of coaxing rumors from the locals, Zorza is unable to discover much more than the basic information about the missing children. She returns to the tavern with Hung for their afternoon rendezvous with the rest of the search party. "That was fruitless," she says. "I hope others are having better luck." She orders a pint of beer and sips it while she waits.
Aerek sends Ruhk up to take overwatch to keep an eye out for any possible trouble.
Aerek looks at Qalifa, impressed by his ability to read sign, and nods in agreement with his assessment. It could well be a young ogre. But why capture? Why not kill? I can't help but think that it may be... What is that word... pawn?
"Perhaps it is a right of passage to the ogre and her social circle or possibly something similar, the ogre has no social circle and thinks these children are suitable for such purpose. It is also possible that the ogre desires fresher meat and must travel a distance before being able to prepare the meal, and killing them prematurely ruins their food." Thas comments looking over Aerek's shoulder as he looks over things. "It is hard to say really as to why creatures act the way they do without proper study."
"This amber lager is delicious. You should order pint from Krong." says Zorza to Hung. "There may be fighting if we find missing children. Is your sword sharp? Does it have history?"
perhaps it is a pawn or minion to something stronger. It might be an aberration of it's kind. Like murders among us. Simply seeking company and friendship. the only way it knows how. But I think it to be an omega. A weak member cast out of the pack. Living on his own.
@Zorza
"No thank you, best to keep my wits about me. As for the rest, my sword is sharp and my stave is stiff. As for their story it is not much. At the temple we were learning to use our bodies as weapons. One day when I completed my training I hope to need neither stave nor sword. So tell me young lady, What do you know of Irori? "
"Madam Zorza sees all," says the catfolk fortune teller matter-of-factly, "but she knows nothing of Irori. What is Irori?"
"We can leave speculation be for now. The real question is can you follow these tracks of the ogre? If you think so, it would be wise of us to gather your partners with haste, safety in numbers."
You are right Thasitalia. We should go and gather the others. Bring them here and track the Oger down.
Thasitalia rumages through her pockets as she heads back to wherever her new companions take her in pursuit of regrouping. She seems a little flustered at the prospect that she can't find something particular. "Curses, where did that manual of Humanis Cannibalis and Etymology get to? Wait, was that mine or was it..." she trails off in thought and stops when she settles on the idea that it was borrowed to her and she must have given it back; however rare that actually was.
She begins to casually look up at the sky, licks her finger and measures the feel of the wind against the dampness. Then she gathers a hand on dirt and gradually releases it gauging the wind some more.
The Kellid leans on his spear, his face looking very thoughtful as his mind processed the things said by both Qalifa and Thasitalia.
Overhead, Ruhk lazily circles the field they were in before finally descending to perch upon Aerek's shoulder.
The sooner we find this ogre, the sooner we can end its threat.