Who is this person who wishes the orphanage closed mother?
Eadric looks at Basha, I'm pretty sure my feelings on the matter are well known, he says smiling, what refined direction did you have in mind?
"Eadric, there are three people wanting it closed, you'll have to be more specific. But I'll assume for now you're talking about the one the halfling represents. Unfortunately, I don't even know if the person is man or a woman. I only know about this one because the halfling came by to ask if I would consider closing it willingly. I'm starting to think it's a game to them.."
But mother... games are everywhere... humans, dwarves, elves... no matter what you race, the games are games for some people... even precious things as life... Azharten speaks while his face is emotionless
About my sneeking... long time as I have told... Paladins too good, tsk, always running that same mouth but never achieving anything without long run.. but always at right time when needed but simply, time is issue if anything no matter what you Looking next to Basha and you?... Wizard.. don´t you have any spell for this?
Azharten face slowly turns darker while he looks at others This snake.. Zipper... I don´t remember anything like that from my youth, but I can definetely say that same snake you saw in dreams, must have been there in Sheriff house... and only magic is here playing foul so I have high expections for both of you... one with his God and one with his Magic
He slowly turns his gaze to Keiyanna Mother... as Basha told... This snake Zipper is the guardian and he was summoned here to protect the children. Have you made any sacrafises long time ago... This is important question since if that is the case... you are in fault here in the eyes of judges no matter what while his face start to turn sad and something is shining in his eyes I don´t know but... there is something now also connecting little Lil. Nevertheless... if that was Zipper in Sheriff house, why it tried to kill him... or did Sheriff do something?...
"Sacrifices?" Keiyanna whispers. "You want to know if I ever made any sacrifices? Look around Azharten, and you will what sacrifices I have made. Not one of them would I not do again."
"I understand why you asked. Excuse me." She says as she stands and leaves the room.
Perhaps the names of all those that you suspect of wishing the orphanage closed would be helpful mother. Or the names of their representatives, if that is all you know. We should en-devour to question these individuals in person ourselves...<shoots a glance Azharten's direction> ...without sneaking into their bedrooms in the middle of the night like criminals. You risked providing Keiyanna's accusers with reason to justify their charges. And for what? What insight did the Sheriff shed upon the matter? Forgive me, that is right, you didn't actually speak to him... something I think we can rectify this morning without breaking and entering.
Eadric joins Basha outside after Keiyanna's response.
"Coren Narthal and Rena Farthy are dead. Carsails Listare, Durgrin Shadowstone, and the last person's representative, Neal Leagallow, are still alive. Don't dimiss Azharten's actions like that, he may have broken into the Sheriff's house, but it seems he saved that man's life."
We will endeavor to speak with each of them...
Indeed it seems that Azharten may have saved the man's life, and that was fortuitous timing. I'm sure the sheriff would be appreciative of the fact if he knew... but it is also possible that Azharten's presence at the sheriff's house is what caused the creature to materialize. Whatever was in the sheriff's house may have been there because Azharten was there... not just by mere coincidence.
I'm just saying that there is a place and a time for things. That he risked much for little potential gain. What did he hope to accomplish that night if the creature hadn't been there? We are all here, working towards the same goal, he could have at least consulted the rest of us before running off in the middle of the night. His actions directly reflect upon this orphanage, you, and the rest of us... and if he had run into trouble? How would we have known where to start looking for him? Something or someone has been killing people, what makes Azharten so sure that he can handle the killer or killers by himself?
We are stronger if we work together... I don't like operating in the dark. I'm asking that he trust the rest of us... as I would like to trust him. I don't see how that is possible with him running off alone...
Ultimately, it is his choice. He can work with us or without us, at least as far as I go. I will not allow my reputation to be tarnished merely be association... the code I live by, my honor and the promises I have made, will not allow otherwise.
Good day to your mother... we'll check back later after we have had a chance to speak with those you have named.
"Lydinia and Azh, why don't you two check the market and see if there are any shops that would cater to a mage's interest? See who come and goes in a day, get some idea of who we may be dealing with. Eadric and I will visit the Sheriff, and possibly find that Leagallow fellow. Let's all do our best to maintain a low profile, no point in everyone knowing Mother has called in back up, neh?"
Agreed. Should be time to get up and gather some information. Time is running Azharten nod to Basha in agreement and slowly heads out with Lydiana.
[b]So, begin at market and start to ask some information?[b]
KN:Local
"Sounds good, Azh. We'll start there." says Lydinia as ahe follows Azharten out..
Eadric nods in agreement with Basha's plan. He grabs the rest of his gear and follows Basha out the door and on to the Sheriff's house.
"Eadric, that is a handsome animal!! What do you call him?"
Eadric pats his large jet black horse on the neck. Selaes is his name, and as I'm sure Lydinia can tell you, it is elven for Thunder. He is a fine animal indeed! When we charge, he and I, it sounds like thunder! Eadric smiles broadly, obviously proud of his horse. He gives Selaes another pat on the neck...
Do you have any idea how you wish to approach our conversation with the Sheriff, or the others?
"He is a fine beast, and I'm sure very impressive on the field."
Basha looks around to ensure they are free form unwanted ears.
"As you know,l people with small power are jealous of it, and wish to guard it. We can use that to our advantage. I do not recall the Sheriff being particularly bright, so flattering him into compliance is probably our best bet. What say you?"
Eadric strolls along with Basha while leading Selaes by the reigns. I think your strategy is sound. Are we to voluntarily reveal our allegiance to Keiyanna and the orphanage up front? If not, what pretense will we use to question the Sheriff? Do you think he will recognize us? You of realize of course, if he thinks to ask, I will not lie about our identities or interests...
"Oh I agree. No subterfuge at all is my preferred route. Part of this meeting is to find out information, but the more important part is that whomever is behind this may see us about, and realize mother is not quite so alone as they may have thought. Harder to bully a woman surrounded by men such as yourself. And it may force their hands, or at least win her some respite until we all have to depart. I wonder if any of the other children will be coming back, this may take a while to sort out. "
Yeah we hope to find info on both.
Eadric smiles at Basha's "men such as yourself" comment. And what about men such as you my brother?
Do you really think other "children" will be returning? Have you given any thought to the idea that a former orphan, or a present one for that matter, is behind the recent events? Are there any that you recall would have motive to hurt Keiyanna?
Eadric thinks about those children that he grew up with, trying to recall any that would like to see harm befall Keiyanna or the orphanage.
Basha looks startled for a moment at Eadric's suggestion. "Which of us would EVER want to harm Mother? That makes even less sense than the other options. Then again, it may not be a bad route to take with the Sheriff, ask him if he knows who still lives in town, that sort of thing."
Oh come now Basha, there must have been some children who resented their time here at the orphanage, or disliked Keiyanna, as hard as that is to believe. I think we would be remiss to discount the possibility entirely. I do agree, however, that it is unlikely, as that which has happened so far seems more in line with someone trying to "protect" the orphanage from closure. Perhaps poorly, but that would not change the original intent. I am just saying that we shouldn't discount an extremely devious mind that could be at work.
Hopefully after we question the Sheriff and some of the others, we will have a better idea what or who we may be dealing with.
After asking around and remembering their way around, Lydinia finds out were both of the former orphans are now living, where the elf lives(though no one has seen him for days) and where the dwarf can be found(his tavern/bar/brewery)*.
"So where do you want to start Azh? See if we can find the elf?"
"Hmm, I hadn't thought about that, that someone could see all this mayhem as tryign to be helpful...."
Basah loses himself in thought for a moment, and then absentmindedly tugs on Kenna's reigns.
"Well, we're here. Let's see what the Sheriff knows."
Eadric dismounts and follows Basha to the Sheriff's door...
As you both walk up to the door you can hear a lot of loud mumbling. Something about a break in, and the Sheriff's own house! Knocking on the door gets you a few seconds of muffled footsteps before the door opens to reveal the Sheriff. He's changed quite a bit since you last saw him, his skin a bit more pale and loose, his hair more gray than brown.
"What do ya want?"
Well, since we know where the dwarf is resting or at least spending his time, we could start with him. There is possibility, that he might know where the elf also is, so dwarf I say as Azharten speaks, he nods to himself Steady people and as I know, he could have some knowledge about elf
Thinking for a while, he then speak back to Lydiana My guess here is that the dwarf might have less to do with our mother than the elf, but I might be wrong. At least I have some kind of hunch for this and grins in the end
Basha gives the older man an even stare, the one he usually reserves for border knights who have done too much raiding without Lord Joss' permission.
"Greetings Sherriff, I am Basha Taal, Court Wizard to Lord Joss, and this is Eadric Cuthwolf, Knight of Cayden Cailean. We've returned at the request of Miss Keiyanna to allay these charges against her. May we speak with you about these matters?"
Diplomacy
"I again I agree with you. The dwarf it is then. Lets get moving. says Lydinia, her mood surprisingly light hearted.
Eadric nods in greeting as Basha introduces him, adding, "We thought it best to come to you first, as you would be the one most knowledgeable regarding the recent events and the subsequent charges."
The Sheriff looks at you both for a moment, then rolls his eyes and waves you in.
"Excuse any lack of formalities, my house was broken into last night. So Keiyanna's sending her grownup kids to preach her innocence? What new 'evidence' could you possibly have to prove her not guilty, and why should I even believe someone so close to the accused?"
"I'm glad to see you weren't harmed during the break in Sheriff."
"To answer your charge, Keiyanna has not "sent" us to preach anything, my good sir. We are merely lending our support to a dear friend in need and helping to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent deaths and other mysterious happenings. This is the purpose of our visit this morning, to gather information that we might better help bring the killer, or killers, whoever they may be, to justice."
I can assure you, on my honor as a paladin, that I will not provide false witness or testimony in defense of Keiyanna. I seek the truth, nothing less. That being said, knowing Keiyanna as I do, I do find it patently absurd that she would be involved in the murders in question. Seeing as how we do not hide our allegiance, I fail to see the issue."
"Likewise, I eek only the truth of the matter. I admit my bias, I do not believe Keiyanna capable of such crimes, but will seek the truth of the matter, even if it disappoints me."
Basha looks around the entry way.
"But it DOEs look like you are consumed with your own business this morning. Perhaps we can set up a time to meet when things have calmed down, perhaps later this afternoon?"
"Say what you will, paladin, but right now she is the only suspect. If she isn't behind this and being set up, I'm sure we'll find out. If she's guilty, we'll find out. Either way the coin falls, none will be able to change it."
After Basha suggests a different time to meet, the Sheriff glances around and agrees.
"Perhaps that would be best. No need to think about two criminal at the same time if they got nothing in common. Come back about two bells past midday, I should be done by then."
If the well furbished tavern(a sign above the door says The Ale Arcana) is any indication, the dwarf seems to be doing rather well for himself. Upon entering, you get a loud, hearty greeting from the bar.
"Greetings tavern-goers! Perhaps ol' Durgrin could get ya somethin' ta drink? I've got a fine selection of ales and mead, guaranteed to get you up and moving after a fight! Early as it is though, perhaps you might be wanting some elven wine?" He starts to laugh at the joke, before he takes notice of Lydinia's heritage. "No offense meant Miss, just trying to say a good dwarven drink is best after sunset."
Despite the early morning hours, there are a few people at the tables. Strangely, they all seem to be sleeping soundly, a few even drooling on the tables...
Eadric thanks the Sheriff for his hospitality and agrees to return at the appointed time.
He steps out of the Sheriff's house into the street and turns to Basha, "So who do we wish to talk to next?"
Basha ponders the next move for a moment. "Let's find this Neal Leagallow, and see if we can glean his employer, and their motives in shutting down the orphanage. Where is a halfling shop around here? They always seem to know each other."
Know:Local- to find a halfling owned business, preferably a bar or smithy.
"Sounds good."
"I haven't the faintest idea..."
Despite Eadric's lack of ideas, Basha is able to get direction to halfling smithy, who specializes in mithral and silver. Judging from the attitudes of a few men, he's not considered a "serious blacksmith" because he stays away from heavier and stronger metals like steel or cold iron.
A quater of an hour later, you walk through the forge's door(you can see there are only three walls, typical of a forge) and fail to see anyone around. Not a moment later a whirling gleam flies past you(at a safe distance) and embeds itself in the head of a wooden dummy. A tan, brown-haired halfling man walks into view and jumps up to retrieve the weapon, plucking it easily from the dummy.
"The trick to silver weapons," he says. "Is getting the blade to sing after it hits something stronger than simple flesh." He runs a finger down the silver dagger's edge, and a soft note floats in the air. He turns to you after placing the dagger in it's sheath and hanging it on a wall already covered in weaponry, shields, and bluish armor.
"Whay can I do for you gentlemen this fine morning?"
Eadric makes his customary greetings and introductions, including Basha of course, before remarking, "What a fine shop you have here! Many interesting wares indeed."
Eadric puruses the weapons and armor with real interest, pausing to examine the bluish armor closly, before continuing, "We were hoping to speak with a halfling by the name of Neal Leagallow, and were hoping that you could inform us as to where we could find him. We are recently returned to the city and aren't as familiar as we once were."
"Indeed, an excellent election."
Basha defers to Eadric's line of inquiry.
Azharten looks around amused but is suspicious... too many drunk, sleeping and so early in the morning! Carefully approaching the dwarf Good morning sir. It´s quite early in the morning, but seems like you already have alot of customers. tilting his head little bit towards dwarf My name is Azharten, one of Keyianna´s sons. I have been summoned here to help her. Recent cases or rather dead people here with additional buying actions... is kind of suspicious. I would say... I am doing investigation in my own way and my mother is being troubled now by this.
Thinking a moment and then speaking again Would there be any possibility, that you could help us with this case? It seems that there might be... magic behind this
Intimidate
Diplomacy