Mouser had an uneventful night.
Give a tired smile to Mouser.
"It appears you had the better evening. Tamxander and I were set upon during the night and took some injuries. Clearly we need to stay together in the future."
"Our assailants had some sort of alchemist blade, it was fascinating although quite painful. I hope the others did not run into similar problems."
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Mouser raises an eyebrow.
"I knew it! Something big is afoot! Everyone should have listened to me last night when I said we should stick together! Maybe next time everyone will listen, even though I'm just a lowly halfling!" he finishes wryly.
"I'm glad you are okay. Someone does not want me to investigate this, which only makes me want to investigate it really really bad!"
Derrik enters the Ramblehouse, looking all over as he stands in the door way, his body language showing high alert.
"I was attacked in the night, in the chapel. An assassin with a mysterious blade, looked like liquid. I hope everyone else was fine."
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"Wait, you too!? This is deep! I wasn't attacked, but exercised an abundance of caution, like I told everyone to," Mouser adds, clearly not afraid to say "I told you so."
The halfling flips a coin looks at it carefully. "This reminds me of a time I had to requisition some goods from a guild of drug-using assassins. They liked to use poison," he adds.
Ana starts to pace, her tail whipping behind her. "Attacks within Trunau means war! We need to find these attackers at once! They'll regret ever setting foot in Trunau.
"We should stick together. No one was willing to attack me at the Ivory Hall, so maybe we should stay there. There are two extra rooms currently since one of my sisters moved out a month ago.
"But the main focus for now should be Rodrick. We need to get to the bottom of this right away. We still have the smith and his...girlfriend to talk to for clues."
"Ow."
Tam sleeps poorly, troubled by his wounds.
"Since we were - well, almost all of us - attacked in a coordinated effort last night, someone knew, which means that someone we spoke to is in on this."
He flips open his journal.
"Who all have we talked to so far? Someone who knows about our digging has to have coordinated this, because we were singled out."
"He's right," Ana says. "We need to find out why he was killed. We don't have many other leads.
"As for people who know, we talked to Omast, a fellow patrol member. But he wouldn't do this, and he was too drunk anyway. Besides, we were attacked by wolves before we talked with him," Ana deliberates.
"There's Rodrick brother, but he was the one who told us to do it. There's the High Priestess as well, but she was visited after the wolves as well.
"That leaves...well, no one. You guys visited the room, right? Was anyone there when you were checking it?"
"Well, at the risk of being the "elf", Tamxander and I could use some healing. He is being stoic but was badly wounded. I, well, it hurts. Maybe we should see if the High Priestess will help us out?"
To mouser
"Drug using assassins? Where they close to here? These were clearly assassins."
To the group.
"I will offer again, we could pile into my house. I will not disagree with any defensive prosecution that seem suited, Mouser may be of particular help in that. We will, at least, be private to discuss what we have learned each day so we do not need to worry about open ears."
Think a bit.
"Plus the assassin was about 30 feet away when Tamxander noticed them, so there is room."
Balmir comes to to find himself surrounded by his brothers-in-arms. "What happened?" He looks around and quickly figures it out. The pain in his body is only a memory so he realizes that someone must have given him some healing potions. "Once again, I must thank you for saving my life," he says to the men around him. "But if I was attacked, I am guessing the rest of our group was attacked too. I need to get to the Ramblehouse immediately."
He gets to his feet and gathers his gear. "Thank you again. I plan to get to the bottom of this!" He storms out of the barracks heading north, across town, as fast as he can.
Arriving at the Ramblehouse, he bursts through the door to find everyone else gathered there . "Oh! You are all fine? I was attacked last night. Did anyone come after any of you?"
"There was the seer you mentioned that was supposed to be at the Chapel but wasn't."
Derrik orders some breakfast, being famished from the night before.
"Who runs this place? Who was here the night that Rodrik was murdered?"
To Balmir
"Sit Balmir. Several of us were attacked. Tamxander and I fended them off but at a cost, we both carry wounds yet. Something is very wrong, we must stay together."
"I do not think I mentioned it last night with all the excitement but thank you for waking me. I am sure I would not be alive without your warning.
When we are both whole I will gladly go over my spell book with you if there are any spells that you would like to study."
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Mouser responds to Somer. "No, the drug-using assassins were in the Osirian desert...where I was...exploring tombs and stuff."
"Anyway, we don't have time to chit-chat all day. There are certain to be more assassins, and the sooner we get to the bottom of this, the better. Let's go see that blacksmith about the engraving...I think that will means something."
"We were all attacked? I might not be the smartest one here but I can tell that there is something up."
Balmir nods at Mouser. "I agree, less talk, more action."
Derrik confirms that Cham Larringfass is the owner of Ramblehouse, and was there both the night of the alleged murder, and wsa the one who found the body the next morning.
"Lets talk to the owner here, maybe she knows or saw something?"
Derrik gets up and walks over to the main desk.
Cham is in the common room, serving breakfast.
"Hello again. What can I do for you today?"
"Good day, I am here to talk to you about the death the other night, would you by chance be able to tell me who stayed here that night?"
"Hey, Cham. We've been looking...into Rodrick's death," Ana starts, slowing down at the end. She...the others talked to her, but I didn't...and I, I didn't get attacked. Oh, no.
"Uh...um..." Suddenly digesting that thought, it takes Ana a moment to remember her question, but by then she already has second thoughts. "Nope, you know what? Nevermind."
Turning away from her, Ana pulls Somer, Mouser, and Tamxander off to the side. Her tail swishing about in worry, Ana whispers, "You guys talked with Cham before, right? So she knew you guys were investigating his death. But I didn't. We got attacked by wolves right after we met up afterward, and then you guys got attacked in the night, except for Mouser who took precautions. That might explain why they didn't attack me. Their informant or ring leader or whatever didn't know.
"I...I think Cham might be in on it. She was the one to find his body, and she has keys to every room here. She lives here as well, and makes the food. Any night visits or poisoned food would have been simple to do as well." Ana swallows nervously at the end. But why? Why would Cham of all people do this?
Somer listens very seriously to Anabella and nods.
"Well it is possible but it is hard to believe. We are understandably jumpy, if I took of my bandage I might still be bleeding."
"I have simply spent to much time here, lets say reading, to think her an enemy but I will be cautious."
"The conversation is started regardless, lets listen and be watchful"
Ana sighs and nods in agreement. I don't want to think it about her either, but...someone in Trunau, my Trunau, is killing people. What will happen next?
Ana stays at the back of the group, watching Cham closely.
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Mouser seems thoroughly confused. "Wait...are we asking questions or not? I'd like to go to the blacksmith, we wait to find the innkeeper, then decide not to ask questions after all?" he asks.
As Anabella explains her theory, he says "I don't know...someone could be watching this place easily enough. I'm pretty much a stakeout expert and have been involved in several hundred...usually involving retrieval of mis-allocated property, but that's neither here nor there. People could be following us. Yeah, it could be a lead. But why don't we ask while we're here...Derrik seems to have some questions."
He looks over at his wounded companions, then says "Let's see what Derrik finds out here, then let's go get these guys patched up, then go to the blacksmith."
"It's possible that it's second-hand knowledge - someone talking to someone else, who doesn't know any better. Regardless, I could use a little help before handling more assassins," says Tam.
Cham seems a bit surprised at Derrik's question. "You want to know who was staying here that night? Why?"
She seems a bit cagey, as if she is trying to hide something. However, most of you know Cham has a good reputation for being friendly and helpful to her guests.
Two the three he was speaking with.
"That does not look to be going well. I am going to try one more time to help Derrik then we simply must get Tamxander and I healing."
As much as he doesn't want to Somer feels he has to push to get an answer. He at least has known Cham for some time. Steping away from Anabella, Mouser and Tamxander.
"Cham, as Derrik says we are looking into Rodriks death. I know it looked like suicide' but it well may not have been. Who was around could be important."
"I am sure, on occasion, you have guests that do not want to be known. I respect that but it is more important that we see what is going on."
"Also, do I have any outstanding debts? I don't always pay attention until you ask and I would like to be settled up."
When this is done Tamxander and I really need healing. Perhaps we can ask Derrik.
Cham responds to Somer's calm words. "OK, fine. Yes, I have a registry, so you can take a look."
Upon doing so, you notice one entry of note: a single human man who rented the Ramblehouse’s last room after Rodrik had reserved his room, but before the patrol captain had checked in for the night. This entry stands out because the guest’s name has not been recorded in the register.
When you ask about it, Cham breaks down into tears and quickly explains herself. "He refused to give me his name," she manages between gulps of air, "and he paid me a fistful of gold. He said he’d be gone before sunrise. I didn’t ask any more questions. I had no idea that something like this would happen!" The halfling can give a general description of the man, but she doesn’t remember any specific features that would help identify him.
"Thank you Cham. I wish you had been more forthcoming but I understand. It is possible it is nothing, or everything."
"You know where I live. If this fellow comes back let us know as quickly as you can."
Ana feels relieved at a possible answer about Cham, but also some guilt at having thought the woman could have been behind it. This is getting to me, Ana inwardly thinks to herself. I'd be accusing my own ma if this had kept up. But at least its a stranger! That means it really wasn't someone I know that did it.
"Um...thanks, Cham," Ana says awkwardly, her previous accusation still fresh in her mind. "This will help. And at least we know the possible suspect probably isn't from Trunau. We'll find him.
"So know we know our main suspect is a human, though he's not working alone. If Cham didn't recognize him, then he most likely isn't a citizen, at least not for a long period and not long enough to know Rodrick well. And if it wasn't a citizen with some grudge, then there's probably an ulterior motive above just killing Rodrick."
They didn't attack our patrol captain, or our other patrol leader, Ana silently deliberates. If they weren't targeting leadership...then, what? Keeping the town's focus inwardly?
"So to the smithy next? Inquire about this hope knife? Along the way can someone explain the point and history of them to me? I am interested."
Derrik salutes Cham for her help despite her reluctance
"Hmm. This is getting puzzling." Balmir rests his chin in his hand and frowns. "But I would think that we could spot a stranger here in town. Trunau isn't that big. But I agree, let's go talk to the smithy. Maybe we'll get more info."
Ana lights up when Derrik asks about the Hopeknife. Ana pulls out a hidden pouch that she's been wearing on a thin cord around her neck. "The Hopeknife is the symbol of our town," Ana begins, gripping the pouch. "After the orcs invaded this area, several people stayed here and founded Trunau, fighting back the waves of enemies. We refused to give in and stayed here despite the struggle.
"However, we still face orcs often, and being captured by an orc is often much worse than death," Ana continues, quieting a bit at this part. "Orcs are brutal to their captives, using them for entertainment of various kinds before slowly, painfully killing them.
"The Hopeknife has become the symbol of hope in any situation. It is a small, extremely sharp blade that keeps its edge. It has but one purpose: mercy. Should one be fall to orcs, it provides a quick, easy way to end one's life before the orcs brutalize it. It is a tool to escape a life worse than death.
"All residents of Trunau have one upon reaching their twelfth birthday or officially becoming a resident. It is a precious item for us, and we would never think of using its edge for any other purpose than this. It is also common to be exchanged in marriages, as one gives their life to another."
Ana's speech stays impassioned to the end, despite the rather morbid subject. She carefully tucks her pouch away once more.
As the leave to head to the smith Somer will quietly pull Derrik aside.
"If you have the power would you mind healing Tamxander a bit. I can wait but I am worried about him if we are set upon again. He saved my life but is quite injured."
"Milani grant me your blessing to heal my new friend here so he can aid in the defense of this town."
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Mouser listens to Anabella describe the hopeknife and activates his own from a hidden wrist sheath.
He looks at it, then back up at her.
"I just joined the militia two--no, three--days ago now, and just got this knife. Now, joining was a big misunderstanding, which I'm going to clear up shortly, so I haven't seen you or any other militia members out there before."
He pokes the end of his thumb with the sharp knife but does not draw blood.
"One thing I'll tell you is, I'm not using this to kill myself. Ever. I'm way too lucky and resilient to ever be taken alive by orcs, as a score or more have figured out already. But second, I'm going to be sticking this sharp end in any orc I see. This knife is nicer than the other I have, and if I get a chance to poke an orc in the eye, I'm gonna. So I guess we'll all use the knife our own way, right?"
He waits as Derrik Tamxander, then says "Alright...now that we're all feeling good...let's go visit the blacksmith and see what Rodrick wanted to stab."
Ana's smile disappears at Mouser's comment. "No, that's not alright at all," Ana mutters to herself. Using a Hopeknife for whatever just because it was sharper was not alright at all, and it did not sit well with her.
However, Mouser had already moved on and started walking, so Ana followed a little behind. How can I convince him otherwise?
"Mouser, how exactly did you get a hope knife? That is the whole idea behind them, and why I do not have one. Did you not go though the ceremony when you received it?"
I become less sure if Mousers motivations as we work together.
Derrik will finishes his meal, taking the plates back over to the bar to be cleaned.
"So we go to the smith, then we go to meet Rodrik's love interest. Sounds like a solid plan. If today is anything like yesterday it will be very eventful."
Derrik grabs his pack, now lighter from leaving some of this camping gear back at the Chapel, he checks his armor and weapons. Derrik then heads for the door.
Some sort of ceremony!? Ana thinks incredously. She slowly stews on it, not paying attention to much of anything as she tries to find the smith.
At least one of you knows the way to Morninghawk’s Fine Steel, commonly known in town as “Clamor” (area G).
When you enter, a formidable half-orc woman addresses you. "Welcome friends. What can I make for you today?"
"Are you Urusul, the smith? We have a few questions about a custom weapon," Ana says, glad for the distraction from her thoughts.
"On the up side, Mouser," says Tam chattily as the group walks to the smithy, "If the city is invaded by orcs, your amazing knife-fighting skills will mean that you can doubtless take on twenty of them at a time!"
"And thank you, Derrik, for that touch of the divine."
When the team arrives at the smithy he pops open his journal and once again starts to take notes.
Greeting Ms. Morninghawk who Somer has had repair his blade in the past.
"We are looking into Rodrik's death and found a receipt for some work that was being done in your shop. A custom Hope Knife it appears. Would you mind telling us about it?"