As befits his station as the village’s mayor and sheriff, Tobias’s house is the largest private residence in Dawnton.
The pair go up to the door, and are greeted by a trio of militiamen.
"Good day, friends." says the one closest to to the door. "What can we do for you?"
After some false starts and dirty looks, eventually Celeste is able to get a woman to answer her questions. Took a little thinking on her part to get the questions just right, but eventually her knowledge of how townsfolk think helped her to get it right. Idris just sat back and watched as the samsaran did her thing.
"Well, ma'am, as I heard it," the elderly woman responds, "when the Pathfinders were arrested, the accused halfling had blood all over his hands and clothes! Caught red handed, as it were! I hope they hang as well!"
One of two permanent businesses in town, this sprawling shop occupies three large storefronts on the main road. The center room is the general store, where you can purchase most mundane supplies below the village purchase limit. The east room holds stored goods, an office and a small apartment for Orug Foram and his wife Tessa Greenagh. The west building is Orug’s barbershop. It contains two chairs in the front and three rooms in back for hot baths, and it is Dawnton’s main hub for gossip.
Tessa is in the general store, helping out the customers, and doing a brisk business. The two undercover Pathfinders both get the impression that while her prices might be a little higher than they would expect, they aren't set to usurious levels. Orug is in the barbershop, and is currently giving a halfling man a quick shave. They appear to be laughing, and generally enjoying themselves.
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As they walk up to the house Rafael straightens his winter coat.
Let's just hope Ekria isn't in there with her hand stuffed up Tobias working his mouth...
"Good morning! We are looking to speak with Sheriff Luin, is he currently in?"
Rafael stands confidently with his wrists crossed at his waist while he waits for their reply. He does his best to discern whether they are local Militiamen or Ekria's men in costume.
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Kirin walks in the store and peruses the items, getting a feel for the place.
Too busy to have much of a conversation here
Walking near the barbershop she looks in..
It has been a while since I've had a bath..
"Orug, I presume?" Kirin says, looking around the barbershop. "Been on the road for a while. Could do with some pampering. Hot bath, hair cut. Got any space?"
For a place this far north they sure do have the amenities...
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Ehr'lynd sees Kirin start to talk up the barbershop and quickly realizes that his observational skills, while likely useful for his own needs, probably aren't terribly appropriate under the circumstances. He nods to Kirin and says quietly, "Enjoy yourself ma'am, I'm going to look at what the general store carries.
Ehr'lynd walks into the store confidently, as if he knows where he is. He begins to look through the goods focusing on comparing quality to value, as any good merchant would do. He says causally to the owner, "Looks like we walked into some excitement here in Dawnton. Did we pick the wrong time? Oh, and who makes this hammer, a local merchant or do you import?"
Organized Play Coordinator
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Touches Rafel's arm gently as she steps out from behind him. I am Sung Ka Ri, historian, and I would like to interview Sherrif Luin. My current project focuses on the the spread of the corruption from the Worldwound. From what I understand, the good sheriff caught some tainted people who murdered several townsfolk. But hearing the tale from others isn't nearly as accurate as talking to those involved directly.
She smiles serenely at the guards.
The half-orc owner of the general store looks at Kirin, and replies, "Of course, my dear! I would love to do both for you. I am finished up here, so why don't we start with you. What would you like do with your hair?"
He guides Kirin to the chair, and starts getting her set up. "So did you hear that I witnessed the second murder? I was closing up shop, and saw this tall person standing over the body. I ran out and tried to abduct him, but the murderer was quite the villain, and laid me low with a low blow."
He continues working on her hair, talking about various folks around town, but mostly nothing that seems of value to the investigation, until he says, "So, there's been a guy asking questions around town... a tall, thin Chelaxian man, with short trimmed hair, and a small patch of beard on his chin. Do you now him?"
Later, as he guides Kirin to the bath, he says, "So, if you need anything, just call. There should be everything that you need here... soaps, sugar sands, bath salts. Anything else, I am sure that Tessa can get it for you.
"So, did you hear the news about the captured Pathfinders? Their Pathfinder Society sent another gang of thugs... adventurers... murder-hobos, what have you. They're here to break out the three murderers... they are going to kill the sheriff and anyone else who gets in their way tomorrow night!"
Tessa, the half-elf wife of Orug, answers Ehr'lynd, "Yes, things are a little crazy right now. That happens whenever anything different happens, like the murders. People just come to watch the spectacle. But that Ekira, she was upset at the Pathfinders when they showed up in town, even before the murders. Hated them, even... didn't try to even cover it up. She was elated -- almost disturbingly so -- at the decision to execute the condemned prisoners.
"That hammer? Nothing special, but not local. Got a blacksmith in Nerosyn that sells 'em on consignment, along with all my other hardware. If you want anything special, I can get it for you in about a week, assuming there isn't happening anything along the road, of course."
As Kali finishes up her request, a halfling man opens the front door, and looks the two over. He sighs heavily before saying, "Let them in... I'll see them. More questions, I am sure. Part of the job, I guess."
He leads you into his sitting room, which appears to be doubling as his office. He motions for the two of you to take a seat, and then asks, "What would you like to know, Sung Ka Ri and friend?"
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Organized Play Coordinator
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Kali crosses her arms in her sleeves and bows deeply from the waist at the Sherrif. Greetings, Sherrif Luin. My friend is Master Rafael Subjoin. With the troubles on the road these days, he accompanies me to ensure my safety.
Kali pulls out a sheaf of parchment, an inkwell and quill from her pouch, then looks around for a writing surface. Spying a [redacted] she spreads the parchment out, then looks at Sherrif Luin.
If you would start at the beginning, and tell me the tale of the murders. I would like to record it for posterity. No detail is too small for the history books.
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Rafael bows to the Sherrif as Kali introduces him. He keeps a smirk on his face and adds a reasonable amount of menace to his eyes, as to strengthen the body guard effect.
What an enjoyable con, Kali actually seems to be quite serious about making these historical entries. It'll be interesting hear between their words what Tobias avoids and tries to keep off the record.
Rafael stays quiet and lets Kali continue leading. While they talk he paces slightly and combs a fine eye through the room and studies how Tobias reacts to his retelling of the past weeks events. He listens intently for motive, lies, and details that seem curious and out of place.
"Why, ma'am, I don't rightly know why I should talk about such things, seein' as its an active case, and all. Well, should be active until three hang, that is. History can wait, I reckon." He ponders the situation a moment, and then asks, "If you can excuse me a moment, I have a pot of tea on. You are welcome to some. Nice herbal blend, with a bit of clover honey. Be right back."
The halfling sheriff hurries back to the kitchen. The two can hear a bit of scurrying going on, the sound of clinking china, canisters being opened, and finally liquid being poured. A few moments later, Tobias backs through the swinging door to the kitchen, a large tray in his hands threatening to overcome his diminutive posture.
"Tea is served. Hope my humble victuals aren't too disappointing." He has set out a service with a lovely silver tea kettle and fine Tian cups. Several types of biscuits are set out, as well as what appear to be freshly baked muffins with butter and jam.
"Since you are a historian, perhaps you would prefer to start by discussing the matters with the accused? So far, they have refused to confess, but maybe you can get a little more out of 'em. After tea, that is.
"Once you've had the chance to talk to them, we can talk, again, and we can discuss what we know."
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Rafael thanks the Sheriff, "I must respectfully decline. Even though we're in the company of the town's Mayor and Sheriff, I'm still bound by my contracts. But the two of you please enjoy."
Rafael smiles on them calmly while mulling the tempting offer over in his head. "Offering for us to interrogate the accused for him? And just after he pressed that it is an 'active case'? I hope Kali stays on her toes as well, this is falling in our lap a little too easily."
Watching the sheriff sip the tea causes Rafael to remember the latest time he was drugged. It was while playing Orcish Hold'em that wild weekend when the Queen James was in port. Damn Gnome couldn't stand to lose and gave him 'a heavy pour, for better luck on the next river.' A shiver runs down his spine.
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She smiles and lifts the pot, serving the Sheriff first and then herself. Putting the pot down, she takes a biscuit and muffin and sits back from the desk to partake of the refreshments. This is delicious, Sheriff Luin. And what beautiful china. It reminds me of home. She will engage the Sheriff in small talk while enjoying the tea, slowing the conversation down and making it much more a social occasion. If the Sheriff isn't looking hurried, she will have a bit more tea and a second biscuit, looking to refresh Luin's cup before her own.
When the tea is done and the tray stacked with the empty crockery, she will smile again at Sherrif
I appreciate the offer regarding talking to the accused, but I am a bit shaky on what happened that led to their accusation and imminent demise. If you would give me a rough outline, so I know where to start and how to format the rest of my text, I would appreciate it. I don't want to compromise an investigation, but given that they are condemned to death, it seems my historical account of the facts shouldn't jeopardize the case.
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Kirin shows him exactly what she wants done with her hair and delves right into the gossip, loving it. She feels right at home remembering juicy palace gossip amongst servants and her many brothers and sisters.
”Oh my! You saw the second murder – how terrible. And you tried to abduct him. How brave!! Did you get a good look at the man? I heard some poor children saw one of the murders – poor things. I hope they’re doing okay.
”Wait. So there were how many murders?” Kirin pauses for his answer – clearly trying to get her gossip all straight before continuing.
”Are these kinds of murders common around here? I own a caravan and am considering expanding trade to the region. I would want to know my workers are safe though – well, as safe as the open road ever is at least.”
”Speaking of the open road. What do you think of this Erika character? Soon as we settled into the inn she comes and gets up in our face all righteous like. How long she been around?”
”Tall, thin Chelaxian man? No, doesn’t ring a bell. How long he been around? You know where he’s staying?”
”Wonderful job on the hair – I love it. Thank you! This is a very fine place you have here” Kirin says, handing him a generous tip. ”Reminds me of home”
At the mention of more Pathfinders ”More killing? You stay safe now – don’t be goin and getting all brave on me now. Wouldn’t want you getting hurt. What if I want another bath before I leave? Kirin adds playfully. ”How’d you hear about that? They in town yet? Thanks for the heads up. Wouldn’t want to get near them.”
"Well, since you are chronicling and all. Say, isn't what those Pathfinders say they do? Anyway, you were asking about the evidence. Yes, that.
"So, first, the murders began the night the Pathfinders came to town and ceased as soon as the Pathfinders were arrested. Now if that ain't down right incriminatin', I don't know what is. Then, at the scene of the second murder, I found a dagger belonging to Dakota Spire, one of the dwarven Pathfinders. Then, all three Pathfinders were seen at Otto’s farm just hours before someone found the first victim there. Finally, and most incriminatin', Ekira received an anonymous letter from a concerned but frightened citizen identifying the Pathfinders as the murderers."
He leans back, seeming pleased with himself. "Yep, got an open and closed case. Gotta thank Ekira for the help. That warrior priestess sure got a good eye for details!"
He seems to be pondering something for a minute, and then he says, "So, if'n you're to be chroniclin' the histories of these events, which I rightly don't ken why you'd want to, seein' as we're such a backroads hick town, you outta go down and interview the prisoners, too. Maybe you can get them to talk... I'd like to keep this all as clean as we can make it... send back them folks to their bosses with clear proof of their guilt. And don't you worry none that you'll be alone with them, cause I'll be right there down with you."
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Rafael turns to Kali, "If the Lady doesn't mind," then he turns back to Tobias, "and if I may suggest, our interrogation may prove to be most effective if the Lady and I go alone. Since the prisoners have already been interrogated by you and your men, Sir, if some of you were present we may have a hard time producing different results and getting the 'little more' out of them. And if the worry is safety, I am more than capable of protecting the Lady Sung Ka Ri from a few men in shackles." Rafael attempts to speak humbly, as to reflect that they are at Tobias' service, and hopes to appeal to Tobias' weary side that this might be a good moment for him to rest before the day really gets going.
”Oh my! You saw the second murder – how terrible. And you tried to abduct him. How brave!! Did you get a good look at the man? I heard some poor children saw one of the murders – poor things. I hope they’re doing okay.
"No, I couldn't really get a good look at the fellow. Was pretty dark out, and a little foggy. All I could tell is that he was pretty tall... maybe taller than me!"
He ponders a moment, before responding further, "I don't know nuthin' about no kids, though. But, I am sure they'll be fine. Kids always bounce back, don't you know?"
”Wait. So there were how many murders?”
"Two that I know of. The second one happened just outside my door! Right outside! The gall of some people, killin' in front of a man's business. Ain't right, that!"
”Are these kinds of murders common around here? I own a caravan and am considering expanding trade to the region. I would want to know my workers are safe though – well, as safe as the open road ever is at least.”
"No, I can rightly say they ain't common. Hasn't been one for as long as I can remember. And I been here all my life. Me and Tessa wouldn'ta stayed if there were a lot of killings round these parts. Now, once and a while, there's a little hullabaloo coming in from the Worldwound, but that ain't the same thing."
”Speaking of the open road. What do you think of this Erika character? Soon as we settled into the inn she comes and gets up in our face all righteous like. How long she been around?”
"Oh, she's a bit harsh at times, but a good lass at heart. She been here, oh, 'bout four-five weeks. But she's a driven priestess of the Inheritor, and they're pretty much as straight and narrow as they come. She ain't given us no trouble, but when she found it, she let Sheriff know. And the first trouble was the killings."
”Tall, thin Chelaxian man? No, doesn’t ring a bell. How long he been around? You know where he’s staying?”
"Sorry, Ma'am, I don't. Just seemed the sort of fellow you might know."
”Wonderful job on the hair – I love it. Thank you! This is a very fine place you have here” Kirin says, handing him a generous tip. ”Reminds me of home”
"Why thank you, ma'am." he says, keeping an eye up front all of a sudden.
At the mention of more Pathfinders ”More killing? You stay safe now – don’t be goin and getting all brave on me now. Wouldn’t want you getting hurt. What if I want another bath before I leave? Kirin adds playfully. ”How’d you hear about that? They in town yet? Thanks for the heads up. Wouldn’t want to get near them.”
"Once again, thank you ma'am. I am sure we'll all be right careful." Something catches his eye from the other side of the shop, and he gets a little sheepish all of a sudden.
"Uh, I think the missus thinks we been jawin' too much, so I guess I otta go see to some other customers. But, come 'round later, and maybe we'll jaw some more! I think we gots some real purty nail paint in a few weeks ago that you'd just love. Kind of reminds me of an autumn sunset..."
The mayor and sheriff both think for a moment, which seems a momentous task for one halfling, prior to answering Rafael's question. "No, I just can't do that, my friend. Now, mind you, it ain't that I'm worried about you and the lady, and I don't think you'd be dumb enough to let them varmints go, but I gots to observe what you do, nonetheless.
"We're a law-abiding town, here... I ain't spent near a decade keepin' the peace to have it go all to hell... pardon the language, ma'am. So, you can ask your questions, and I'll sit up at the top of the stairs, a watchin' and a listenen'. Sorry, but that's how things are." He sizes Rafael up for a moment.
"And don't think for a moment that you're gonna rough them up none neither. I need 'em lookin' good for the trial and the hanging."
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Ehr'lynd continues to watch Tessa for anything else that might lead him to a better understanding of the situation or a good idea of who else might be in the know, "Murders you say? I heard something about those when I got my room at the inn. I take it this isn't a common occurrence? How long has it been since the last murder in a quiet village like that. I cannot imaging many of you have seen such a thing before...", a pause..."assuming anybody saw anything I suppose."
Ehr'lynd chooses his next words more carefully, "I met this Ekira; I wouldn't be surprised by what you said. She...", more careful deliberation, "...accosted me as well. Has she been in town long? By her garb I'd guess some time. Has she...pushed for a death sentence like this before?
Tessa puts her hand on the shoulder of the elf as she responds, "Oh, no... we never have anything like that around here. I mean, we've dealt with the occasional raid from around the Worldwound, or the toughs around harvest time getting a little rowdy, but never murder! That never happens."
She takes a quick look towards the barbershop, as if checking up on someone. "As for Ekira, she hasn't been here that long. 'Bout a month or so, I guess. Took a liking to Sheriff Tobias right away, and she's been good about keeping order. Pretty calm until those Pathfinders showed up. Don't know nothing about her garb, she comes from Kenabres, I guess, and they've had it pretty hard up there. Fell recently, I guess. Wasn't too long afterwards when she made her way here."
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Kali packs her items back into her pouch, then stands and smooths her tunic. Chronicle? I guess you could phrase it that way. But I am not recording it for any organization. Rather, it is my quest to understand some aspect of each life I live, to compile my memories and learn from my experiences. Otherwise Pharasma will not welcome me to be judged and I will continue my existence here.
She nods at Rafael, then moves towards the door. Sheriff Luin, do you have time to escort us now, or would you prefer us arrange a time to come back?
Tobias looks at Kali funny, finally realizing she's not exactly the same as the humans, evidently, and nods. What that means, he doesn't reveal, but the then replies to her. "Now would be perfect, Sung Ka Ri. Would you like to follow me?"
The three condemned Pathfinders are locked in a room in the basement. Iron bars are on the small window to prevent escape, and there are three cots for the three to sit and sleep on.
The first is introduced by Sheriff Luin as Corwin Burke. He is a short, thin, quick redheaded halfling, and has a look of bemusement on his face. The second is Torum Grunsch, a make dwarf, and the other, another dwarf that could be a fraternal twin to Torum, is Dakota Spire. Both dwarves are taciturn, thicker than they are tall, and wear their black hair in long braids. Spire has a wide scar along the top of his right forearm.
Corwin Burke speaks for the group. "We arrived on a mission to investigate a Sarkorian ruin and were arrested in their beds on their second night in town. We didn’t fight and haven’t tried to escape because we don’t want to risk harming Luin or any other innocents.
"We've been well-fed and haven’t been mistreated, though we're all worried about out impending executions."
Kali asks, "So, for history. Did you do it? Did you kill these people?"
Dakota Spire immediately jumps up, causing the Sheriff to the same. "Of course we didn't do it? Why would we do such a thing?" Torum calms her down, before Kali can continue.
"Then what about the evidence against you?"
Burke replies, "Well, we can't really refute anything, but we were, for sure, in our rooms at the time of the second murder. However, no one saw us there but us, so that hasn't helped none. However, I think that we first become suspects after Tobias Luin received a letter identifying them as the culprits."
"But it wasn't us!" he pleads.
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Kali removes the paper and pen, then looks around for a writing surface. Finding none, she kneels on the floor and smooths the paper in front of her, then begins to write the Pathfinders names, descriptions, and what they already said.
Remember, we all have our points of view. History is only as accurate as the information presented to the historian. I humbly request your cooperation in my attempt to record this occurrence for posterity. The more information you share, the more accurate my account.
She looks to each of them in turn -
Pathfinder Corwin, you advise you were arrested on your second evening. What did you do between your arrival and that time?
Pathfinder Spire, have you recently lost any items of your kit? Misplaced a bag, perhaps?
Pathfinder Grunsch, do you have a mission brief or any other such documentation of your assignment to investigate the Sarkorian ruins? Had you visited the ruins before coming to this town?
Kali sits back on her feet and waits for their answers.
Sheriff Luin sits back, nodding appreciatively at the line of questioning being done by Kali. He strokes his long, white braid of hair while he does so, and adjusts the wooden beer stein clipped to his belt for comfort.
Pathfinder Corwin, you advise you were arrested on your second evening. What did you do between your arrival and that time?
"Well, ma'am, when we first arrived, we checked into the inn... the Heath and Harvest, to rest from the long trip. We picked up a couple of tools... shovels, picks and brushes, from the General Store, and turned in after dinner. The next day we went out to start our excavation, and spent the bulk of the next two days trying to determine where we should dig for the Sarkorian site. It was the next morning that we were arrested."
Pathfinder Spire, have you recently lost any items of your kit? Misplaced a bag, perhaps?
"No, my bag was fine. However, I discovered that my dagger was missing. Now exactly sure when that happened. I was shocked to find out the Sheriff found it at the second murder scene."
Pathfinder Grunsch, do you have a mission brief or any other such documentation of your assignment to investigate the Sarkorian ruins? Had you visited the ruins before coming to this town?
"We were sent out from Starrise Spire almost two week's ago, Ma'am, under orders from Venture Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury. He had received a tip that there might be a lost Sarkorian ruin near here, in a field or something. I am certain that he could vouch for us, but we have no paperwork describing our mission."
"We didn't cover up the fact that we were looking for ruins," replies Corwin. "Neither did we make a big deal about it. No one really seemed to care what we were doing, except that Iomedan priestess. She wanted to know everything we were doing, from the moment we stepped into town. We weren't covering up the fact that we are Pathfinders, either. So, we told her our plans, and she told us she'd be keeping an eye on us."
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Kali packs her writing implements away, then stands and bows to the Pathfinders. Thank you for answering my questions. I only have one more. Why wouldn't you answer any of the questions posed by Sheriff Luin?
Once she receives her answer, she will bow to the Sheriff, thank him for his time, then make her way with Rafael back to the inn.
Grunsch replies to Rafael, saying, "From what we saw, she just patrolled around town. She seemed friendly enough with the locals.
"As for digging, we hadn't quite gotten there, yet, but we figured it would be on one of the farmsteads outside of town. Farmers around here are always plowing up interesting things."
To Kali, Burke replies, "I don't think we avoided any questions. We always answered when asked. We were told we would have a chance to confess at the trial, if we didn't do so earlier."
Their questions answered, the two Pathfinders thank the Sheriff, and head back to the inn to confer with their companions.
At the inn, the six confer on what they found out and prepare to head out again.
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Ehr'lynd gathers with his compatriots and shares everything he has learned with the rest of the group, "Quite...interesting. He waits for effect, "I suspect something is up with the so-called follower of Iomede. She's almost as new as the Pathfinders having arrived only a month or so ago. She seems to have something in for them. This is...telling."
Ehr'lynd gathers himself, "Those of you that talked to the sheriff, did you see anything off about him? I was told she put him in her pocket as soon as she got here. Perhaps, before just wandering off, we should talk about our thoughts on this case? We are supposed to be..." a pause "cooperating."
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Rafael toys with his beard while contemplating, his brow furrowed and mouth snarled with the look of bad taste. "After talking with the prisoners I am evermore suspicious of Ekria. It sounds quite possible that she stole one of their knives and famed them herself. Oh, the Sheriff was pretty ordinary. He's a relaxed little man who is quite exhausted by having to do his job. He seems to just want peace, quiet small town peace."
"But Ekria, I want to shadow her some and find something more out. I'd even settle for that thin stranger asking about Pathfinders, he could easily be in on it with her."
"I suggest that two of us, an inconspicuous pair, go start at the tent city and then move back here to the Inn until they find one of them. And if they do find them, observe them and find out as much as they can that way."
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Kirin shares all the details she learned in the general store/barbershop.
"Yes, I think some perusing around town is in order. I think I'll mosey about around the area here and see what general information I can collect, unless anyone has any better ideas? I want to see if I can find this tall, thin Chelaxian man the barber described. With short trimmed hair, and a small patch of beard on his chin. Barber seemed to think this was a kind of guy I might know. Whatever that means.
And where does this Erika spend her time? I feel like we should just.. know where she is. Keep an eye on her, as it were."
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"Absolutely Ehr'lynd, I would actually like to pick your brain on what you think about Ekria's apparent affiliation to the Third Crusade and what she could gain with hiding or taking over a Sarkonian ruin site."
"And Idris, Kirin mentioned a murder happened in front of the General Store. Definately join us for some beer when you're done!"
Rafael and Ehr'lynd begin strolling towards the Tent City and chatting about Ekria's possible motives, suggesting with their leisurely gait that anyone who wishes may join them.