Tipene tries to make her stop.
-nah, nah, I'm not here for buying, I'm here for helping. You cried for help as there was a thief, right? My companions are trying to follow him but... could you tell me anything else?
Liek will turn back to Giants Iron Works. Nothing we can do now, he muttered not the best start for a case
Liek- You head back to the Iron Works and find Zel, eyeing various pieces of equipment closely.
Tipene- The lady pauses and looks for a moment confused before replying, "Oooh! yes yes I did do that didn't I? Well yes see I had this lovely lantern hanging right there see, on the hook there. Right next to the others, It was crafted masterfully. Oh how it shined. And you know what else. It never ever went out. Nope. It was one of my good pieces...." She continues to babble, depending on how long you let her go, she will express the detail of the lantern, who crafted it, how she got it, what she was selling it for and so forth.
Sierra looks at Parnell and anyone else left in the alley and asks "Do you think we should look in side of some of these buildings?"
She looks around, to see if she can discern anything that might give a clue as to where the thief may be hiding.
-Err... and who took it? The lantern, I mean. The nice lantern, who robbed it?
Sierra- as you look around, you do see some trash scattered down an alley to the right.
Tipene- "Oooh! Yes, uhm. ..well see I didn't get a good look... had a cloak on and we'll I am busy as you see.. small uh.. yes and ran in that direction.." points in the way the party is.
As Sierra points out the scattered garbage to Parnell, the young paladin unsheathes his dagger from his hip.
"I'm going to investigate", whispers Parnell, as he hunches down in an attempt to be stealthy.
Parnell- you start out without a problem seeming to be quiet, but you find out that Within 5 feet your stealthy ability needs much improvement as you failed to notice some bits of garbage and Scattered stones that shift crinkle and otherwise make noise around you. You attempt to make a good impression and as your eyes divert from the task at hand you stumble into empty wooden crates which only further announces your presence.
"Damnation! The young paladin cursed under his breath. Unsure what to do next, Parnell used his dagger to poke through the refuse on the group, looking in vain for clues.
Pyrrhus sighs of their lack of success and Parnell's incredibly stealthy skills. "Hum, better see if Tipene got any success." Pyrrhus leaves the alley behind and sees Tipene, overhearing the detailed description of the stolen lantern and suddenly smiles.
"Hah, I had an idea! Have you ever heard to Thombar's legendary lamp? Follow me back to my forge and I'll tell you the tale..."
Once they are back to his forge, Pyrrhus starts. "So... Thombar was a filthy thief and smuggler from Bastion Cove that eluded the guards for his whole life, an expert in conducting his ship in the foggy and rock-filled waters to the west... no one ever caught him because they always feared to loss their lives amid the rocks but the question always had been how Thombar managed to avoid the rocks and reach his hidden cave? The legend is that he had a magical lantern... Thombar would put the lantern in front of his ship and its light would allow him to see beyond the mists..." Pyrrhus smiles again from ear to ear. "No one ever found this lamp or any prove of its existence until now! What would happen if we create o rumor that an old sage..." He points to the old man. "...found some proof that the lantern was seen in Tykren and that it looks like exactly like the stolen lantern? This old sage would be interested in buying it for a significant amount of gold... I imagine how much time it would take our thief to try to sell his stolen lantern to us..."
-I think that could work! See? That's why you run your own business while I still work for others and haven't even started to search for any clues about my father...
Yes that could work, yes it could
his brow wrinkles up as he contemplates what it is he will be involved in...
That is it could work if the thief did not know what he or she has stolen. That is something we need to find out first before we put my head on the butchers table as it is.
He looks around at the group
Master Leik, Would you please confirm what it was that each merchant has reported stolen. It would be nice to know as many details about the theft as possible...time, who was working, what was stolen and a detail description of the item or items would also help. If you would please indulge me in this
Looking around the blacksmith's works of art, he will point to each of the items that he feels are of high quality.
Master Pyrrhus, did you craft all of these items yourself or did you come by them through trade or purchase?
Liek will go around, asking each shop keeper what items they had stolen, checking the list and gathering details. He will be as open about it as possible, making sure people see him on the case. If the their sees me, he could come after me, which could only help us in the end
Parnell- When looking around you see things such as apple cores, fruit seeds and stems, small pieces of wood that sweets sometimes are attached too, a couple of broken toys. You move from one item to the next following a path and when you get to a four way cross, the trash seems to go left while all the other alleys appear empty of garbage.
Liek- You disappear from the group for a long while heading out to interview the various people on the list.
Ms. Charmaine Heathertoe- Owner of Sweet Delights, is able to tell you that her prized display was taken during the night after she had closed up shop. Someone had broken into her shop and taken it just like that. The display was a miniature Ceanna riding a large trout. It was a piece never meant for selling as it took her over a week to make it.
Mr. Cade Hilltopple- Owner of Herb Emporium; is able to give you an exact long list of herbs that were taken from his shop. He tells you that the place was a disaster as so many things appeared flipped on to the floor. When questioned what all of these could do together, you find out nothing but make someone sick if they did happen to take it all at once. However, several of these do so many things it is all about how you prep them and use them. Some items if used too much could be considered poisonous.
Mr. Andson Tighfield- Owner of The Velvet Sole, tells you that he was hit twice in two days. They didn’t believe he would get hit twice as the previous two stores had only been hit once however, it seems the thieves upped their chances with the thievery. A total of Six pairs of small shoes were taken and two pairs of Large boots. They were not complicated small shoes, everyday wear. The larger boots however were of his best quality, they were the best set he had made yet. Thicker in make, and had used wolf hide instead of sheep. A set he was highly proud of and was looking forward to selling during the festival. In fact he was more looking forward to having orders come in just for that set from travelers.
Mr. Bill Hamson-Owner of Sharp Steel, He goes on to tell you that he may not be the Ironworks however, he makes some of the best everyday tools that everyone needs in the area. Plows, hoes, shovels, sheers, and the like needed for everyday use. He tells you that what was stolen though was small sharp knives. Most people buy them for cutting meats at the table. They were part of a set but that the entire set wasn’t taken. He thinks he knows when it happened as he was dealing with a customer and just after that he noticed they were gone. There were about four people in the shop at the time. Two of them however he had not recognized. He thought they had came early for the festival like most folk. He didn’t get the moment to speak with them as he had already been in conversation with Mr. Goldgrain had come in looking for a new plow of which I had ready to sell.
Ms. Lavinia Ashworthy-Owner of Drunken Pony, She is able to inform you that what was stolen was several mugs from tables. It happened while everyone was enjoying the show from the caravan that came in. Even she was watching it. The Drunken Pony was so busy it was nearly standing room only so there is no way she could give you any details as to who did it. Only that by the end of the day she was missing seven plates mugs forks, two small kegs, five loafs of bread, half a wheel of cheese.
Mr. Garret Weatherbee- Owner of Mushy Fishmonger, He tells you how he was hit in the bright of day. He had just finished laying out fish to dry on a string as he usually does, when he goes into the shop to gather a few seasons he rubs the fish down with to flavor them while they dry, before he begins the smoking process. He disappeared into the shop, he was only gone for two minutes at most, when the entire string of fish went missing. Sadly, he was hit a second time just yesterday. This time however, they went into the smoke house, after breaking the lock and stole several of his large fish and a few meats he smokes for the butcher.
Liek organizes this information in a list.
As far as info goes. The two unknown will fit similarities to what the shoe shop and fish shop have seen before. But the just stopped by did not buy and left normally. As far as the shopkeepers remember.
Parnell is overcome with a feeling of divine guidance. "Thank you, Ceana", says the young paladin inwardly to himself.
Parnell follow the trail of garbage into the left alleyway, keeping his eyes peeled for more clues.
PARNELL- Within a few feet the garbage ends. For the most part the items are similar to what you have already seen. Some fish bones, bits and pieces of plants, bits of torn rags. You find yourself standing with buildings around you, they are two stories tall.
Seemingly out of nowhere a crossbow arrow flies at you.
Quickly Parnell falls back to a defensive position at the corner of the alley, with his shield raised above his head.
Taking a moment at the mouth of the alley, the young paladin takes a quick peak over the edge of his shield, down the alleyway to find the source of the attack.
"Come now", shouts Parnell down the alleyway. "There is no need for this aggression. I just wish to ask you a few questions. I mean you no harm."
Another shot is the response which sticks out of the building near by. You're able roughly guess which direction it comes from. Ahead and to the right, either from the roof or second story window you are not sure which.
Looking to Sierra and her crossbow, with his shield still held high, now to protect them both, Parnell asked, "Sierra, could you provide me some cover as I try to enter the building? If he jumps to another building or comes out from cover, try to wound him if you can. I'd like to take him alive, if possible."
The young paladin takes a quick glance into Sierra's eyes. I don't know if it's the rush of battle, or being so close to death, but by Ceana's Light, Sierra is beautiful. If I live through this, I might have to ask her out for a romantic dinner.
And at about what time do you believe these items were stolen?
Liek takes the notes filling out a list to show his compatriots in crime fighting.
Sierra ducked back when Parnell called it out. She tried to spot the guy who was firing at them.
Of course, Parnell. Be careful, though. Smiling at him, she raises her crossbow and aims it towards the building that Parnell pointed at.
The young paladin switches his dagger with his longsword, gives a nod to Sierra, and rushes for the building where the crossbow attack originate, with his shield held high.
Liek- you notice that the times vary however each hit was when the owner was preoccupied with someone or something else.
Parnell- as you run across
Sierra- roll perception
Thanking the shop owners for the inflation, Liek heads back to Giants Ironworks to go over the information he received.
Keeping his shield held high, Parnell attempts of open the door to enter the hideout.
At the Giant's Ironworks, Tipene and the others are waiting for news.
-Isn't he taking too long?
Liek enters the Giants Ironworks, as if he was coming to question the owners. As you can see I am back, and I have gathered all sorts of information. The items stolen seem to be completely random in nature, and were stolen when the shopkeeper was busy. I also have the descriptions of two possible suspects.
Liek will show his notes to everyone in the building.
Parnell- roll reflex save
Sierra- you notice there is more than one shooter one on the roof and one in a window.
Another arrow flies across the way as Parnell make for the door.
As Parnell ran to the doorway, Sierra noticed two different shooters, one from a window and another on the roof.
Aim at the shooters right side, Sierra. Lets not kill him. You wouldn't want to disappoint Parnell. Thinking to herself, as she took aim at the closest shooter, letting one of her bolts fly.
Sierra- you miss the shooter however gives your position away it changes targets to your direction. Letting go another arrow
Parnell- you trip over a wire stumbling forward.. and find yourself surrounded by 4 young humans with daggers drawn.
"Alright now, children" Parnell spoke sternly. "Don't make me do something I'll regret."
Knowing how exposed he is, the young paladin looks around to find the nearest alleyway or cover to set himself up for battle out of the line of crossbow fire.
Liek looks around the room after explaining what he found. We are missing some people. A Tyrrell and a Pyrrah right? No those were their names...
Yes, it seems that the Lord Ludington and the young warrior priestess of Ceanna have gone and gotten themselves lost
He appears to be thinking...
or...have run into the thieves...
Sierra gasps as the arrow flies her way. Ceanna, i ask for your help and protection.
+1 sacred bonus on saving throws and to AC for 1 minute.
-Shall we try looking for them?
At Tipene's question, Pyrrhus shrugs and then moves towards the door. "Sure, why not? I'm really not a 'thinking man' so lets find out why they are taking so long... well if it was me, at his age, I know for sure what I'd be at least trying to do..."
Parnell- you know if you back out the doorway your in clear shot of arrows. You notice that of the four in front of you they are all humans and in their teens. One of them appears more threading than the rest and is in his late teens or young man. The eyes of the others seem to be resting on him as a likely leader of the group. You hear noise of young voices coming from another room off to the right. "Don't do nothun funny... or we will gut ya from nose to navel". The lead Sneers at you and continues on, "Lay down your weapons NOW!" He watches to see if you respond.
Sierra - the shooter seems to back away from the window your not sure if you hit him or not.. you saw Parnell get into the doorway of the hideout however you are not in line of sight to see how he is fairing...
Everyone else- you all know about were the other two were left behind. When. You get there you will need to make a perception check OR a survival check pick only one.
Parnell, with shield raised, takes a 5-foot step back, and yells to Sierra, "Here they come!"
Perhaps someone should go an search for our lost companions
Zel stands up and looks around at each member of the group
...and by someone I mean all of us. No sense in someone else getting lost. Where was it that they were last seen?
He spots liek standing there with his notes and walks over to him.
Master liek, I thank you for your information but I am afraid a discussion on your findings will have to wait for a bit longer...
Sierra looks around to see if there is anywhere she can move to get closer to Parnell.
If there isn't, she'll keep an eye out for anyone that could help them.
Sierra yells out, Parnell. Are you ok?
Seriously, Sierra? He's trapped by thugs, of course he's not ok.
Sighing at herself, she frets over what she can do to help.
If someone would be so kind as to lead the way back to where you last seen our two companions, we might be able to find out what has happened to them from that location
-Best one to lead is undoubtedly Pyrrhus - impossible to miss him!
I will go with him, Liek states, after nodding to the old man, Zeladaris.
-Please- says Tipene, bowing and signaling the door. -I will closely follow.