Canon Terjon addresses your group as a whole. I and my colleague will be casting a few prayerss which should prevent you from telling lies in the presence of our altar to His Most Holy Protector, Saint Cuthbert. The altar appears to be a golden cudgel set upon a small pedestal, carved with several euphemisms common to Cuthbert's worship. We ask that you willingly submit to this, that we may close this matter and proceed to the preparations for Jaroo's final passing.
Calmert and Terjon light several candles and sticks of incense in preparation for the spells. Terjon anoints the altar with a dousing of holy water and turns to your group. These prayers are unfortunately brief, the time of Saint Cuthbert quite valuable as you can imagine. As such we will advise you of the questions ahead of time. We would like you to answer each question honestly and succinctly save the first, for which we wish you to attempt to lie in answering.
He then gives you the list of questions to be asked of each of you, asking for your honest testimony.
Question One, are you a fish?
Question Two, what is your name?
Question Three, where are you from?
Question Four, what testimony do you have regarding the blacksmith Hiram Smythe, his whereabouts or condition?
Question Five, were you involved in the killing of the druid Jaroo Ashstaff?
Question Six, are you an agent of any power intending harm to the residents of Hommlet?
At this Terjon intones a series of whispered prayers, then gestures for the first person to begin...
I will trust in the wisdom of St Cuthbert
Question One, are you a fish?
I am not a fish
Question Two, what is your name?
My name is Masumi Forgeborn
Question Three, where are you from?
I hail from the Iron Hills.
Question Four, what testimony do you have regarding the blacksmith Hiram Smythe, his whereabouts or condition?
I met Hiram in his forge yesterday morning, just after dawn. I assisted him in ringing out the song of the forge. I then encountered him in our camp last night. Regrettably I did not recognize him until it was took late and I had swung my earth breaker at him. He is suffering from a condition. We seek to assist him with his issue.
Question Five, were you involved in the killing of the druid Jaroo Ashstaff?
I had noting to do with the death of Jaroo Ashstaff
Question Six, are you an agent of any power intending harm to the residents of Hommlet?
I seek only to learn new methods of the forge from your smith. I heard of some people kidnapped by bandits and thought to help where I could. I have a small amount of military experience.
Try as he might, Musami could not lie and state he was a fish
Terjon nods to the dwarf and extends his arm, waving him to take a seat behind the militiamen. Thank you good dwarf, you have the blessings and thanks of Saint Cuthbert.
Question One, are you a fish?
"No, though I am a good swimmer."
Question Two, what is your name?
"I am the widow Jocasta Riverwood."
Question Three, where are you from?
"I hail from riparian country outside of Verbobonc."
Question Four, what testimony do you have regarding the blacksmith Hiram Smythe, his whereabouts or condition?
"All I know about the smith is that apparently he was the werewolf who attacked our camp while we were out in the wilds a day ago."
Question Five, were you involved in the killing of the druid Jaroo Ashstaff?
"No."
Question Six, are you an agent of any power intending harm to the residents of Hommlet?
"No. Not to my knowledge."
Braggi presents an angry face all the time through this pantomime. Finally, he stands before the Lords and the Canon, and is asked about submitting to their judgement.
"Yes. For you own people's benefit and the success of our current job, I will trust the wisdom of St. Cuthbert who, in all his wisdom, probably knows already that a caravan of his faithful servants and employed by some Lord Waylor Verdent was assaulted by non-human bandits. Let us finish this quick so Lord Verdent's daughter can be rescued, shall we?"
He then proceeds to answer the questions one by one.
"I am not a fish, and my name is Braggi, from the lands of the Fruztii. I don't know the smith, but we met a werewolf last night and some of us said it was him. I don't even know the druid, I couldn't care less about him and I surely wasn't involved in anything having to do with him. And finally, no, as I said, I'm not here to cause any trouble but to help. Innocent me, I thought I could earn a reward for that, and all I get is scorn and suspicion. That'll teach me."
Terjon thanks Jocasta for her answers and waves her to sit next to Musami, offering her the blessings of Saint Cuthbert. The church is sorrowful of the loss you suffered, widow Riverwood, please accept the blessings of Saint Cuthbert with our thanks.
Turning to Braggi as he completes his testimony, Thank you for your service today sir, and I apologize on behalf of the assembled and our dear dead friend Jaroo for having wasted your valuable time. Calmert, see to it this man is justly compensated for his actions here.
The burly acolyte hands Braggi a copper coin emblazoned on one side with the simple cudgel of Saint Cuthbert, the opposite side an ornate mace.
Question One, are you a fish?
”An interesting question. I suppose you would need to know what a “fish” is. Members of the old faith can become various creatures, so if my old mistress was to become a fish, is she a fish or simply my mistress transformed into a fish. Beory, Mother of all, cares not for the outward shape of her creations, as she sees into their souls and marks them with their “true name”, which is not limited to what you would call a fish, or deer or person. DO you understand? Your questions are very vague. I suppose on the most basic level I cannot say that I am a “fish” as you would consider such a thing.”
Question Two, what is your name?
” I was named Cedryk by my family, but as you should know good Canon, names are a slippery thing. In Flann, my name means “lover of life”, which can also be translated to “lover of nature”, or even “plant friend” by some. Within The Faith I was given a name which I will not reveal here for none of you speak our secret tongue. And finally, everything in nature has a True Name. Some evil wizards use this power to bind outsiders to them, and in our faith, knowing a True Name allows a druid to take the shape of the creature whose name you know. Again, you use your idea of a “question” too loosely, but I suppose Cedryk is the answer you are looking for.”
Question Three, where are you from?
” Where are any of use truly from Canon? Where did humanity first realize itself and wonder as to its existence? These questions you ask are so vague as to be useless, Canon. I am sorry if my answers are confusing to you, but The Faith has us always question everything around us, to better perceive the world and all those who share it. It was my great failing that I did not heed my feeling about the monster who took the form of Jaroo Ashtree and call down the authorities sooner. It is my fault that Jaroo is dead. I ignored my training and better judgement and did not follow my intended course, and for that I will forever be complicit in his death.”
The young druid heaves a huge sigh, his body shaking with fatigue and grief.
Other Questions.
”The smith, I was told by the fake Jaroo, had been bitten by a lycanthrope…what you would call a were-beast. He was attempting to keep the smith bound over the next few days while he searched for a cure. I do not know where he is now, as I was not able to reach him last night to ensure he was properly confined. The druids bear companion and I came across the creature and gave chase, but I came across the others of this party in a copse of woods and was swayed to remain with them and explore some ruin. [‘b]
He stops and takes a deep breath before continuing.
[b]”As to the death of Jaroo Ashtree, I had mistakenly thought the creature had already killed him. It was not until I came back to the grove that I realized my mistake….I mean you and the people of this town no harm as long as you live in harmony with the world around you. Bit mark my words, there is a great imbalance in this land, an imbalance which will cause much tragedy, and this is only the beginning…I can feel it in the plants and earth.”
Finishing his answers, Cedryk sits holding Hedgewyk in his hands, gently patting the leshy on its leafy back.
Toruk nods solemnly. "I am willing to completely trust the judgement of the church."
He then grasps his holy symbol of Fharlanghn , a wooden oerth disk, and looks the priest in the eye. "Like the fish, I am the consummate traveler on an eternal pilgrimage. I don't recall my true name, but my orcish slave owners in the Pomarj called me Toruk, which translates loosely to "salt thrall" - a dubious reference to my endurance pushing a salt grinder, which was aptly referred to by my fellow slaves as the "wheel of pain". I was born in the hinter lands of Highport, but I spent my formative years in the barrens of the Pomarj. I have no testimony concerning Hiram Smythe - I have not met the man. Likewise, I do not know Jaroo. No, I have no intent to harm the residents of Hommlet."
Success
Terjon scrutinizes Cedryk closely, noting the man did not offer willing consent to be questioned. When the man's answers were rife with vagaries and obfuscations the canon became more concerned. Thank you for your shall we say interesting discourse, please remain seated there while your fellows finish their testimonies.
Once Toruk offered his consent and testimony Terjon offered him thanks and asked him to join the others behind the militiamen. Thank you son and disciple of the Far Horizons. Your visit to our town will be most welcome. Perhaps you might consider offering some guidance to the folk of the old faith, if needed and amenable of course, until a suitable replacement for Jaroo arrives.
Question One, are you a fish?
Question Two, what is your name?
Question Three, where are you from?
Question Four, what testimony do you have regarding the blacksmith Hiram Smythe, his whereabouts or condition?
Question Five, were you involved in the killing of the druid Jaroo Ashstaff?
Question Six, are you an agent of any power intending harm to the residents of Hommlet?
"I will submit to your custom, and am willing to completely trust the judgement of St. Cuthbert's church."
He clears his throat and begins answering the questions.
Regarding your first question, I am not a fish, though I have heard of those being magically transformed into such, I am not skilled in such matters. My full name is Filnefillan Lotusbow, and I hail from a small settlement in the Vesve forest to the north of Verbabonc. Much like the others, I met the blacksmith last night, and he is settled with an affliction, which we would like to assist him with, but he fled from us after taking some food. He was most certainly alive the last we saw him. I was not involved in the killing of Jaroo Ashstaff, nor would I believe that of any of my companions. And, finally, I have come to Hommlet in search of ancient wisdom, none of which would harm your community, only help all communities.
At the end of that, he rests himself, but he is obviously uncomfortable being held in the gauntlets.
Terjon nods politely to Fil, waving his arm towards Jocasta and the others. Thank you good elf, please be seated with your companions, sharing in the blessings of Saint Cuthbert for your assistance in this matter. Looking around the room but not finding whom he seeks he looks to the assembly. I do not see those whose testimonies brought about this inquiry, might the lords please send for them that we may weigh their statements against what we have learned here this evening?
Lords Rufus and Burne speak briefly with the militia captain and town sheriff, sending both from the church with two militiamen to retrieve the witnesses who spoke against your group. Lord Burne then nods to Terjon to continue.
Terjon looks back to Cedryk, nodding slightly as Calmert lights another candle by the altar. Cedryk, as you will, I will attempt to be more specific with my questions, if you would likewise be kind enough to answer simply. The canon counts off five questions to the young druid, holding out one finger per question as they are spoken.
Did you have a conversation with Meridosen of the Inn of the Welcome Wench in which you stated you wished to sleep in the barn that you would not be observed by your companions?
Did you enter the druid's grove on the night of your arrival, after dark and without invitation or the knowledge of your companions?
Did you have a disagreement with the blacksmith Hiram Smythe as observed by Zert Delang, for attempting to sleep in his shop without permission?
Did you have an argument with Jaroo Ashstaff at the home of the miller, Mytch Wodson, wherein you decried his assisting the ill as nature sickened them, let nature heal them, waste not magicks?
And lastly, what was this monster you claim killed Jaroo Ashstaff? You offer no description or name, just wild speculation.
Lord Rufus takes the rest of the group aside and asks if you wish to stay for the proceedings or return to the inn. We do apologize for this rather unwelcoming greeting you have received. The news of an attack on two of our leading citizens, and more importantly the core of the Old Faith community here in Hommlet, has taken us all by surprise. Truly you have the apologies of Lord Burne and myself. We would ask you to please consider staying and helping Hommlet through this difficult time. Perhaps we can make it worth your time, eyeing Braggi specifically, with the offer of gainful employment. If as you say bandits are once again plaguing our roadways, and specifically infesting the ruined moat house nearby, we would consider it a service if you would investigate these matters more closely. One of the militiamen opens the church doors to allow you to leave, if you wish. Please consider our offer, and if you wish, please come to the tower tomorrow at 9 bells, and we can fully lay out our desires and potential rewards for your assistance.
The druid shakes his head at the questions asked of him.
"I answered your questions already, why do you think to ask more will tell you anything different. Very well. I did ask to sleep in the barn, as I do not enjoy sleep inside such places as the inn, if possible. It had nothing to do with not being observed by any of the others in our party. I did enter the grove, as a member of the Old Faith. Do all members of your church need specific permission to enter your temples? I carried a message from my mistress for Jaroo...and no I do not have it, as I gave it to the false Jaroo. As to the creatures nature, I have no idea as I have never before encountered such a beast. It was able to alter its shape like a senior druid. I had no argument with Jaroo at any time until this pretender attacked me by the river. I never met the miller, but the fake Jaroo did indeed stop at the mill on our way about town. He told me they had a disease that he was trying to cure them, and that I should wait outside while he dealt with them. Hiram was in wolf shape when I first met him, and Jaroo said I should stay in his workplace for the night. This is the truth as I know it, by my bond to The Old Faith and traveler upon the path of the Druid."
Terjon thanks Cedryk for his plain speaking, ignoring the druid's mood as understandable considering the events of the day. Terjon then asks him if he is willing to wait with the assembled while the witnesses are gathered. Do you agree young druid? Or, if you prefer, we can have a militiaman accompany you to the Inn, where we would ask you to please stay until this matter is resolved.
Ostler Gundigoot greets the group who returns to the inn, clearing away a large table in a small backroom for their use. Molly brings in a bottle of Celenese wine along with several glasses. Alison lays out a small platter of diced fruits, meats, and cheeses, along with a tub of honeyed butter and two loaves of bread. Please accept this with my compliments Ostler begs. I do so apologize good sirs and lady for this bad bit of business. Memories here are long and the evil which once infested these lands caused wounds which still run deep. I told them all you could not have been involved in any of these things, and am very sorry that Meridosen made such false assumptions of your band. I sent her and that Zert right away with Lord Rufus when he came to collect them, just a few moments ago.
"What I would like is to tend to the body of Jaroo and prepare him for his final journey. I will not object to a guard, but please let me prepare Jaroo for the pyre."
Terjon sadly shakes his head at Cedryk's request. It is not my place to allow such preparations, by anyone. The elders of the Old Faith will meet this evening to discuss what is to be done with Jaroo, and who will tend to the grove in his and Hiram's absences. Lord Burne and Rufus nod at Terjon on this, showing agreement. You must understand the townsfolk do not know you, only that you stood accused of being involved in all this. They would no more allow me to perform such rights, though I am known to them, as yourself. Terjon moves around the podium to stand closer. I will tell him honestly I have my doubts you were involved in Jaroo's death, though clearly you didn't act in the best interests of Hommlet, nor of the Old Faith, in failing to report your discoveries right away. Perhaps the elders will allow you to assist them, or to confirm the rites are performed correctly, when the time comes.
Musami will loiter outside the temple to St Cuthbert. While not knowing Cedryk all that well, he will await the emergence of the druid.
Fil stands at the back of the investigation/inquisition, he is not quite sure. Despite the thanks and apologies, he turns a militiaman down when his gauntlets are to be removed, noting he wishes to stay, and wants to ensure that his well wishes for this are to be known.
They sure are being sticklers about a dead body. He thinks to himself. Someone of the same faith should certainly be allowed the chance to help with last rites, this is wrong.
He remains silent. As they finish their discussion, he asks that his gauntlets be removed, and he leaves the building. He nods to Musami, but does not wait for either he or Cedryk.
He sits in the inn, in a dour mood. Watching someone I was with the entire time, be accused of a crime he certainly didn't commit, is a strange situation indeed. Add to this kidnappings and banditry, there is an awful lot going on in this small hamlet...
"Am I...am I free to leave?"
"Am I...am I free to leave?"
Terjon nods to you and the escort at your side. Lord Rufus speaks up, as most of the group circles Lord Burne to discuss the findings thus far. You may wait for the witnesses to provide testimony under oath and spell, as have you, regarding the accusations they have made, or you may return to the inn until the assembly has completed it's investigation. Addressing the militiaman by your side Lord Burne states, Cedryk is free to return to the grove to collect any personal belongings he may have there, then kindly see him back here, or to the custody of Ostler Gundigoot for the night. Looking back to Cedryk the Lord adds, Tomorrow at 9 Bells we have set aside time to meet with any of your companions regarding these matters and a more in-depth investigation. We would like to see you in attendance, if you will allow.
The group then steps away to discuss matters in private, the sheriff coming in rather red-faced and winded. He nods as he passes before moving on to the small council.
Glancing to the body of Jaroo you see two elderly women and a young boy, Yundi from the inn, removing the sheet and beginning to clean his remains, crying as they do so.
Calmert stands by the open door of the church, should you be ready to depart, your escort following by your side.
Musami will loiter outside the temple to St Cuthbert. While not knowing Cedryk all that well, he will await the emergence of the druid.
Musami notices the aged sheriff come hustling up the hill, trying hard to keep up with the younger militiaman at his side. The pair nod as they approach, the guardsman stopping outside while his superior hustles on inside.
The young man gives the dwarf a quick look over as he stands awkwardly outside, awaiting his next orders. Realizing he hasn't been polite, he comments Evening, not knowing what else to say.
Evening. Seems to be a bit of nasty business around town, no?
Toruk will depart for the local trading post at the next opportunity. He informs the others before he leaves. "I need to purchase some supplies. I also need to have a word with the owner about his partner."
Ostler Gundigoot gives Filnefillan his space, realizing the elf must be rather disappointed in the actions of his colleagues. The innkeeper busies himself tending to what patrons have gathered this evening, many of them sitting close, offering stories and tears regarding Jaroo. They paint a picture of a man born of the town, one who tended the grove for over a century, served as both council and mentor to virtually every member of the Old Faith hereabouts. They share stories of births he tended, aged parishioners he shepherded on to the next life, and the many fights he waged against the bandits, monsters, and evils that have encroached upon Hommlet during his long lifetime. They seem to lament his loss as much as they fear for what will come now that he has passed.
Evening. Seems to be a bit of nasty business around town, no?
The guard turns to Musami, Aye, and getting worse as it comes. Maiden Meridosen and the bounties man Zert have disappeared. The sheriff is delivering the news now. He shifts from side to side, I probably shouldn't say anything, but this is all bad, something's wrong about town. Didn't used to be this way.
Toruk will depart for the local trading post at the next opportunity. He informs the others before he leaves. "I need to purchase some supplies. I also need to have a word with the owner about his partner."
Toruk finds the Trading Post is open, the owners going about closing up for the evening, assisted by two servants while a pair of old hounds lounge warily behind the counter. The heavier of the pair, Rannos, greets Toruk as he enters. Well met traveler, you've arrived just in time, we were about to close up for the night. How may we assist you?
Toruk smiles affably at Rannos. "Greetings, sir. I need to procure some equipment for an upcoming expedition."
He looks for a water skin, a coil of rope, pitons, a hammer, flint and steel, and 5 days of rations.
As he pays for the gear he will also inquire about Rannos' partner. "I understand your partner is Gremag. I believe he may be the cousin of my former ... associate. I wish to have a word with Gremag concerning the business his cousin was involved in. Could you perhaps tell me where I can find him?"
Cedryk steps to the body and, in the tongue of the druids, gives the body the blessing of the long sleep then, completely exhausted from the events, stumbles out the door. He collapses outside the grove and will not move from the spot unless carried.
As he lies there, Hedgewyk marches out of the grove and, with a spear-like stick in his hands, stands guard over the young druid, threatening any who might try to disturb him.
Musami sees Cedryk leave, but stays to converse further with the young man. What kind of wrong? I am new here, but I would do whatever I can to assist. I would like to settle here, for a time at least, and would help where I can to better my new home.
Toruk smiles affably at Rannos. "Greetings, sir. I need to procure some equipment for an upcoming expedition."
He looks for a water skin, a coil of rope, pitons, a hammer, flint and steel, and 5 days of rations.
As he pays for the gear he will also inquire about Rannos' partner. "I understand your partner is Gremag. I believe he may be the cousin of my former ... associate. I wish to have a word with Gremag concerning the business his cousin was involved in. Could you perhaps tell me where I can find him?"
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+4
Gremag steps over at the mention of his name, I am Gremag, but I don't recall having any cousins, nor siblings for that matter. Where did you say this associate was from?
Cedryk steps to the body and, in the tongue of the druids, gives the body the blessing of the long sleep then, completely exhausted from the events, stumbles out the door. He collapses outside the grove and will not move from the spot unless carried.
As he lies there, Hedgewyk marches out of the grove and, with a spear-like stick in his hands, stands guard over the young druid, threatening any who might try to disturb him.
Musami sees Cedryk leave, but stays to converse further with the young man. What kind of wrong? I am new here, but I would do whatever I can to assist. I would like to settle here, for a time at least, and would help where I can to better my new home.
Stepping a bit closer, watching in case the sheriff returns, the guard continues. We've had bandits before, mostly a bit of illegal taxation, but this past fall two caravans were destroyed outright. Then the pirates over in Nulb started preying on river traffic, not that we see much, but still it helped steer a few coins this way. Opened up a brothel, started selling girls off the docks they say. Shifting from foot to foot, Over the winter we had some warm spells, too warm for the season, and with it the midges and gadflies, in Sunsebb no less. The marsh never froze over even once. And that after us having snow in late Harvester, weren't even fall yet. Every one says it, the seasons have gone right jibbed. No something's not right, and now with Jaroo gone, who's going to stop it from getting worse.
Perhaps my friends and I can see to it. I bid you a good night. Perhaps I will see you again tomorrow morning at the assembly. With that Musami leaves, spotting Cedryk along the way he kneels down to Hedgewyk. We can't leave him here in the street. Lead me and I'll carry him. Where would he like to rest?
He hoists Cedryk up and carries him, following Hedgewyk.
Toruk frowns. ”Highport. Have you had any dealings there or in the Pomarj?”
Fil, after seeing everything transpire at the inn, eating a small bit, and politely (if a little tersely) excusing himself, will step out of the inn in the post-dusk hours. He guesses that that Cedryk will be at the grove, and chooses to join Hedgewyk with guarding his friend after his trance has ended there under the starlight, for there is no reason that his companion should have only Hedgewyk for company if so needed.
Perhaps my friends and I can see to it. I bid you a good night. Perhaps I will see you again tomorrow morning at the assembly. With that Musami leaves, spotting Cedryk along the way he kneels down to Hedgewyk. We can't leave him here in the street. Lead me and I'll carry him. Where would he like to rest?
He hoists Cedryk up and carries him, following Hedgewyk.
The militiaman escorting Cedryk seems put off by the druid's sudden collapse, more so when the small leafy warrior bursts out of the grove, threatening him as he attempts to pick the man up. He calls to another man for help, one of the handful of Old Faith congregants present at the grove, the group attempting to clean up the befoulment done there and discussing the future of their faith in Hommlet. They congregation seems quite anxious about the display, the young man seemingly forcing his presence upon their holy shrine, only to be stricken down in the attempt. They seem to show genuine relief when Musami approaches, offering to tend to his companion and take him away from the people to allow them to deal with their grief.
The militiaman asks the dwarf to help him lead the man to the inn, into Ostler Gundigoot's custody. Hedgewyk senses from the grove his presence is poorly received, following along behind.
Once the group reaches the inn, Ostler leads the pair across the dining hall, addressing the dwarf as well as his other companions. I have set aside three rooms for you all this evening, no charge. A single room for the maiden, matron, my apologies, and two double rooms for the gents. I will have a cot brought up to whichever room you ask, for your wilder friend here. He calls over the other potboy, Ian, fetch the spare cot from your corner, and set it up in the first double chambers. Looking back to your group, It may be a bit cramped, but I assure you the rooms are comfortable and you won't be disturbed. If there is anything we can do to ease your night, please let me or Molly know right away.
Fil, seeing Musami bringing Cedryk into the inn gives him a sigh of relief. Fil will room with Cedryk, and suggest Musami for the other bed in that room.
"These are trying times, indeed. The mental anguish alone is enough to take our friend's strength. Let us retire from this place and find peace."
As he finds the room, Fil, not trusting the town at all right now, will patiently search the room high and low, under the beds and along every floor board to ensure that nothing will be secretly jumping up or out of the walls, he will gladly take an hour quietly doing this.
Toruk frowns. ”Highport. Have you had any dealings there or in the Pomarj?”
Gremag seems to take offense at the suggestion, as does his partner. The men assisting them stop what they are doing, setting aside their brooms and edging towards the displayed weapons racks. Good sir, I think you have been grossly misinformed. Neither myself nor my partner Rannos have any dealings with the Pomarj, nor with anyone associated with Highport. Toruk cannot sense any tone which might suggest the man is lying, but he likewise cannot be sure of the reason why the man became so upset at the discussion.
Rannos lost family to raiding orcs from the Pomarj, vile brutish creatures undeserving of life. They and all their half-breed offspring should be slaughtered in their mother's bellies, spitting on the floor.
Rannos steps into the conversation as well, adding, I think [b]SIR we are going to close shop a bit early tonight. Please feel free to stop back tomorrow if you find yourself still in the market. For now,[/b] gesturing to the assistants, Raimol, Rocutio, see this man out. The owners step away from the counter and exit through a curtain hanging behind them, into another room beyond.
The men move closer, Sir, if'n you wouldst be kinda 'nuff ta leaves, nows. The other man adds, Yeah, Highport's a sore subject wit tha bosses, bad luck fer you.
Fil, seeing Musami bringing Cedryk into the inn gives him a sigh of relief. Fil will room with Cedryk, and suggest Musami for the other bed in that room.
"These are trying times, indeed. The mental anguish alone is enough to take our friend's strength. Let us retire from this place and find peace."
As he finds the room, Fil, not trusting the town at all right now, will patiently search the room high and low, under the beds and along every floor board to ensure that nothing will be secretly jumping up or out of the walls, he will gladly take an hour quietly doing this.
[dice=Perception]1d20+7
Fil finds nothing untoward in the room; the beds are freshly made and comfortable, a small basin of slightly warm water rests by the door, the chamber pot is clean, and a key is left on one of the beds.
The other rooms are in similar conditions, Jocasta being given the room she had to herself as before, again replete with the key.
If Jocasta is upset or put out by the questioning, the suspicion, and the general unease going about, she doesn't let it show much. Then again, she probably has had some experience in that regard, given the history of her life so far.
Instead, once the questioning concludes, she waits for the other members of the group to finish their part; she puts a copper piece in the box at the temple of St. Cuthbert, then loiters about out front for the remainder of the group.
As the members of the little association comes out she does her best to corral them.
"Listen," she says, "bad things are afoot and we need to stick together now. The bandits that we ran into at the moathouse said something about a cult in the levels below. I don't know who tries to make a dungeon under a moathouse in the swamp where it will be below the water table, but at the time they probably didn't know that I spoke Orc. Not only that, but it's pretty obvious now that there are agents at work of groups that don't have the best interests of the village at heart - Zert perhaps, maybe some of the other townsfolk. And that shapeshifting moster that nearly got Cedryk executed didn't come out of nowhere."
"We can't tell our suspicions to anyone outside of maybe Rufus, Burne, and the canon Terjon. We don't know who can be trusted, and any regular townsperson could be turned or replaced by a shapeshifter. So stay terse, don't tell more than you need to, and for the gods' sake don't ever, ever tell anyone else your full capabilities - or that information will doubtless wind up going back to someone who will use it against us."
With that out of the way she seems less tense and she says, "I think we need to stay at the inn tonight, all of us, whether you normally sleep outside or not, because being alone gets you in trouble, which then gets the rest of us in trouble. You may not care if you get questioned again after spending a night out in the garden or on the street, but you need to think about the fact that all the rest of us could be in danger too."
"That's all I've to say. I'll be working on a project at the Inn. If you need backup for something, please let me know and I'll do my best to help."
Braggi doesn't look very happy when he's given the copper, though he decides to let the mockery go. "No point in putting more s++# on me."
He walks to the inn, wanting to have a good sleep before attending the assembly tomorrow. After all, if he's going to do some work, it'll be good to be properly paid for it.
Hearing Jocasta's words, he has but to nod. "I agree. We should be very careful. Let us regain strength tonight and see what tomorrow will bring us in the assembly."
He keeps nodding to himself, thinking this Jocasta has a knack for thinking. "It's good to have a smart one beside. Be sure to put your muscle at the same level, Braggi" he says to himself.
Braggi doesn't look very happy when he's given the copper, though he decides to let the mockery go. "No point in putting more s*%$ on me."
"Oh, by the way... did the dead bandits have anything worth mentioning? We could sell it or use it."
Toruk nods curtly at Rannos and Gremag. ”As you say sir, I must have been misinformed. I agree, the forces of the Pomarj must be destroyed.”
With that, Toruk returns to the Inn for the evening with his procured gear. He will then check in with the others before booking a private room for the night.