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lady this place tis unsettlin at best. I am glad ta be here with ya and glad to bring ya thru such challenge. I am not sure if tha person we seek is here but they say so, so we wait. What shall we ask when she arrives so we can be out of here sooner rather than later? Antas says patting Ferona's hand as they wait he keeps up their couple bluff.
"That would be MARVELUOS! The wounded man here poisoned Thout during his attempt to kill us. He and his team had the horses. Wouldn't be surprised if they are stolen. The goblin here seems to be the last of the group we found on the coast. He thinks Naia is going to kill and eat him if he doesn't do what she indicates." He shrugs as he finishes the quick summary.
Naia prods the man again meaningfully...
Naia gives Flynn some serious side-eye. She merely nods and trudges on, clearly intent on staying with the prisoners. Possibly forever.
D'ogryn has remained quiet during the whole trip back to town. When stopped outside of town, the cook starts to walk around the horses. His hands run over the flanks with a gentleness that does not match hits demeanor during a fight.
hmm...wonder...
He lets his hand float across the hide of the animals, slowly feeling for any sort of mark. He looks at the hips, shoulders, ribs, stifles, and jaws. Hoping to find a mark or two.
...farmers tend to mark their cattle...remember seeing the brands at the market just before slaughter...
Naia prods the man again meaningfully...
[dice=Aid Another: Intimidate]1d20 + 2
You don't seem to intimidate the man. You think he has been in this position or something similar. He is not panicked and is simply dealing with it as it rolls his way.
The horses have been moving around the area they are standing in for a bit and it doesn't appear you can discern anything else.
D'ogryn has remained quiet during the whole trip back to town. When stopped outside of town, the cook starts to walk around the horses. His hands run over the flanks with a gentleness that does not match hits demeanor during a fight.
hmm...wonder...
He lets his hand float across the hide of the animals, slowly feeling for any sort of mark. He looks at the hips, shoulders, ribs, stifles, and jaws. Hoping to find a mark or two....farmers tend to mark their cattle...remember seeing the brands at the market just before slaughter...
[dice=Perception to notice any branding]1d20 + 5
You find a brand on the inside left front quarter. You recognize it...It is Zove's uncle's brand from his stable. All four horses as you look at them have the same saddles, blankets, and such. They are all from Zove's uncle's stable.
Naia gives Flynn some serious side-eye. She merely nods and trudges on, clearly intent on staying with the prisoners. Possibly forever.
Flynn is the same corporal that came to your home with Thout. He is from a fisherman family himself and although you are not close and he is slightly older and you are friendly. He looks concerned for your group. He is broad shoulder man about six feet tall with fisherman tattoo sleeves on his forearms. He has curly dirty brown hair and has a strong Flan bloodline with a tad bit of Oeridian.
The House Party
Corporal Flynn takes the lead in front of D'ogryn and Rabalar. "It is good to see both of you and thank you for the report. Many of us were growing concerned. It seems you were successful in breaking the goblins!"
The party is taken up Whaler's Road into Common's Road heading west. You pass by The Full Moon and up to the Saltmarsh Spice Merchant. He then takes you down Hymn's Road and you turn north up Merchant's Row. The barracks is on the left just ahead of the Goal. You go through the back gate which is opened but has a guard on the wall next to the door. He waves all of you in and when he realizes who you are he shouts A few cheers rise as you enter the back gate as several men working out in the yard raise their wooden swords and shield. Smiles abound!
The Corporal calls out to one of the men in the yard. "Alert the Master of Arms! Tell him we have a wounded man and we have prisoners. Let Grust know of the prisoners!"
lady this place tis unsettlin at best. I am glad ta be here with ya and glad to bring ya thru such challenge. I am not sure if tha person we seek is here but they say so, so we wait. What shall we ask when she arrives so we can be out of here sooner rather than later? Antas says patting Ferona's hand as they wait he keeps up their couple bluff.
Ferona sighs softly here, "I wish to see, ultimately, if any...well, if any of her employees may have run into our...quarry, for one. Surely a man such as he would need to slake his carnal desires...and this establishment is the perfect opportunity for him to find...his next victim. Surely this is worth the...discomfort you..." And myself too! "must endure to track him down. Plus, keep in mind Peran is also following up on his own lead too."
Naia smiles at Flynn wearily and follows the group in to be debriefed. Mostly she just wants to go home, draw a bath in the old copper and then curl up to sleep for a century or two...
***Earlier***
I know a few people that can help decipher what is written on these papers. After we get settled, I will look into it.
***Outside of town***
D'ogryn's eyes open slightly at the site of the brands. He recovers quickly and turns to look at the human prisoner. Just before he is escorted by the guards, the young cook walks up to him. Leaning down beside his face.
...prisoners have been known to misplace things...
The prisoner feels a slight pressure on his manhood. He can feel the cold blade twist and turn as the young cook stares at the him.
sleep well...
Stepping away as the knife disappears from his hands as quickly as it appeared and turning towards the town. He points towards the horses.
The horse belong to Zove's family. Inside left front quarter is her uncle's brand
Noticing that the prisoner didn't reply to Naia's question Narciso moves up to try a nicer approach. "The lady asked about the horses, and possible acquaintances of yours. You know that cooperation is much more likely than quiet to keep you alive once we get you to town?"
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+5
***Earlier***
He jerks his near shoulder away...he doesn't seem interested in talking.
He sees the two newcomers and the bound goblin and the other man that is wounded. "Looks like you got new friends and a few prisoners." He looks at the half-orc and then the half-elf and gives each a nod to say hello.
"Well met" - Grond nods back, but keeps mostly to himself, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention, and leading the horses by the bridle as they move into the city, and towards the barracks.
He waves all of you in and when he realizes who you are he shouts A few cheers rise as you enter the back gate as several men working out in the yard raise their wooden swords and shield. Smiles abound!
"It seems you are famous" - Grond chuckles a this companions.
"Nah. Just lucky." He points at D'og and then at Naia. "I mean, that one's a cook at the local inn, and this one is a fisher. The rest of us at least have some background and training."
"Come now Rabalar - one can also make their own luck. You set out with a task to help. And you helped. That deserves recognition" - the half-orc replies
Naia freezes when she hears D'og mention Zove's uncle. Her face disfigures into a dark scowl and she walks up to the prisoner and smashes him in he head with her fist, hard. She grabs his hair and yanks his head up.
"You harmed her or her kin and. YOU. ARE. DEAD."
She looks at any of the people about as if to dare them to do anything. She turns to Rabalar.
"I have background, Rab. I live here. I have training. I hunt whales. Not fish. If anyone still cares I'm going to Zove's uncle's house. I'm sure you can tell the authorities our lacklustre tale of haunted houses and horrifying collapsing floors."
And off she goes.
Grond follows Naia without a word, tugging the horses along.
When the prisoner rebuffs his attempts Narciso just grins at the man. "No problem then. The local authorities can skin you then...."
He turns and follows Naia for now.
"Grond, stop! We need to disconnect Thout and get him inside for help. PLEASE don't drag him all over town following Naia. She's not going to return the horses, she's going to see if the thieves physically hurt her friends. We already know where they are, so there's not a threat to help protect her from."
The half orc pauses and looks back at Rabalar, then at Naia again as the woman moves off, and stops.
"Very well - let us take care of your companion Thout" - Grond replies in his guttural tone, and stays put.
Narciso turns at Rabalar's words. "Sorry. Thought she was leading to wherever Thout needed to be. Remember that we're not from here, so where should he be?"
"Inside the barracks here, with his kin's men. Wait, no. These men are not his kin, but their leader is. They will take care of him like he is one of their own, though. Yes, they are also the local law, so the right people to hand our prisoners off to."
Narciso gives his best 'wicked grin' to the prisoner. "Well, you had your chance. Now the local law can string you up, unless they think you have useful information and feel like torturing you! Good bye fool!"
"Understood" - Grond nods at Rabalar, ties up the horses, and assists with moving Thout and the captives.
The House Party
Flynn turns and watches the turmoil erupt in the yard. "Naia, stop...stop!!! The men in the yard look around to Flynn as they heard Naia's comments as well. The man looks nearly pale... "There is no need to go to the stables women. Zove is here..." That seems to trail off and a few of the watch lower their heads.
He walks up to Naia. Half expecting her to slug him...Temlow's didn't have a reputation for being patient... "Things have happened since you have been gone." He turns to the rest of the group. "Dark things...two girls were taken from us... A merchant's daughter...and..and.and" His voice lowers a bit. "Zove...we found her cat's body at the edge of the wood...Peddler's Wood, where she liked to be with her cat. a group of investigators along with Rain tracked the cat's trail back to her. They brought her and her cat in just an hour or so ago."
Any looking around notices the stranger's posture changes and he tucks his face down...right before that when Naia exploded he looked as if he got caught stealing a brawler's coin pouch.
House Party[b]
Two of the watch under Rain's and Edan's direction take the stretcher that Rabalar created and move Thout to it. Groning the young half-dwarf triest to sit up but Edan puts his hand on his shoulder and tells him to relax.
As he does Walthas, the Master of Arms makes his way down the stairs. His face is grim but he seems happy to see the lot of you. He notices Naia, Grond moving out of the courtyard as he finishes the last few steps and seems to have overheard the last bits of conversation.
[b]"It is good to see you have returned and with prisoners to boot. Who is the big fellow that looks like Grust and the one over there?" He points at Narciso. "Prisoners as well?"
Naia's legs wobble and she trembles.
"N...No! NOOOOOO!" She rushes at the prisoner, clearly intent on killing him.
At the recount, Grond´s eyebrow rises impossibly high - "Sound familiar Narciso?" - he grunts.
House Party[b]
As he does Walthas, the Master of Arms makes his way down the stairs. His face is grim but he seems happy to see the lot of you. He notices Naia, Grond moving out of the courtyard as he finishes the last few steps and seems to have overheard the last bits of conversation.
[b]"It is good to see you have returned and with prisoners to boot. Who is the big fellow that looks like Grust and the one over there?" He points at Narciso. "Prisoners as well?"
"I am Grond, and I am no..."
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 3
Naia's legs wobble and she trembles.
"N...No! NOOOOOO!" She rushes at the prisoner, clearly intent on killing him.
"Wait!" - Grond calls out - "Me and Narciso, we saw this before! We need to talk to the girl first!"
"Naia! Stop! Would Gram want this? Let the Sheriff handle this. That's his JOB." As he talks, Rabalar moves to keep his body between Naia and the injured prisoner.
Ferona and Antas
You watch the dancer on the stage perform two dances...both sensual but not revealing but as you watch the crowd you can see that no one cared. The dance was intoxicating, to say the least. The young women walks around the stage as men and women throw coins on it. She laughs and flirts with a few of the men and then begins an acrobatic dance involving long streams of cloth hanging from the ceiling. The woman is a true acrobat...
As you stand at the stage window holding hands the door opens behind you. In walks a Touv man..bald, ebony black skin, green eyes. He is probably in his mid-forties but his body doesn't show his age. It is well-muscled. Only a small leather vest covers his upper body. A wide belt and flared red pants with soft boots cover his lower body. Antas can see that two long curved Touv daggers, one as each side are sheathed in his belt as is a scimitar on his right side. The man has gold wrist bands and armbands on each arm. He keeps the door open and in walks a beautiful woman...she could be the twin sister of the women on the stage. The room fills with perfume... She is beautiful and is fully dressed in a white silk shirt and beautiful silk black pants and red boots. She has many rings...nearly a ring on every finger, bangles on her wrists, and a neckless. All of gold and well made from what you can tell. The women has brilliant green eyes and raven black semi-curly hair. She is not Flan, Oeridian or Suel from what you can tell. She doesn't even appear to be Bakluni...her skin is almond brown and she is extremely beautiful. She moves with a catlike grace as she enters and sits on the bench in the middle of the room. One of the most plush benches in the room.
"So Umsa tells me that you would like to speak with me." She looks at Antas first and seems to take her eyes from his head to his feet slowly and back again to his eyes. She then turns to Ferona and looks at her as well. This time smiling at the beauty of the young women. "What is it I can do for you?" With that the large Touv closes the door and stands in front of it looking at both of you with eyes like a tiger.
Naia’s face is a rictus of pain and frustration, but the elf speaks reason she can accept. She spits in the prisoner’s general direction.
”Fine! Fine. I’ll be at home then.” Naia seems to remember something, and looks the elf in the eye. ” You know where it is Rab, E, Sor. I know you might want to go back to the inn D’og, but...” Naia looks to the group. ”Well. You’re all welcome to lob in and help yourselves to soup or find a spare corner to sleep in. Let me know what the SHERRIFF wants to do. About anything.”
Ferona returns her stare frankly trying not to feel intimidated by the tigress. Glancing back to Antas she speaks up softly. "I am sure you are aware of the murders taking place here in Saltmarsh, most recently of a young lass found by the docks. We are currently investigating this and one of our contacts has indicated the murderer may look for a victim among one of your...employees. Someone who is young and vulnerable. We want to stop him before he strikes again." The look in her eyes grows intense as she adds, "Have you seen any men who...have raised your suspicions? Perhaps one who has decided to...wait to strike later? I know it is little to go on here but our investigating has led us here nevertheless."
Narciso looks at Grond, shocked to have not put the pieces together like that. "True Grond. And worth relating."
When they point to Grond and himself and mention prisoners he just grins. "We've been assisting Naia and the others, but will of course submit to any questions that you might have. And in fact we have a tale to relate that may be relevant."
"Before we came here we had joined with an old friend of mine, a healer. There was word of a plague at a farming community. We traveled there to assist, but it was no plague." Narciso pauses and glances around to be sure there aren't any children that might be frightened by his words. "We felt the evil. And the bodies, they were torn apart as if by.... Well. When Warick held his holy symbol of Pelor forward, the little girl went wild. She only appeared to be a little girl. She tore into my friend, ended his life in seconds. It was only luck and Grond's quick response with his great axe that has us here today."
”Fine! Fine. I’ll be at home then.” Naia seems to remember something, and looks the elf in the eye. ” You know where it is Rab, E, Sor. I know you might want to go back to the inn D’og, but...” Naia looks to the group. ”Well. You’re all welcome to lob in and help yourselves to soup or find a spare corner to sleep in. Let me know what the SHERRIFF wants to do. About anything.”
"Are you sure you do not want to hear this?" - the half-orc replies, as Narciso recounts their encounter - "The girl's life may be at stake"
Walthas and Flynn
Walthas moves up to Thout as they move him into the barracks. He turns to one of the watch guards. Flynn is standing by him and looking at the group in the courtyard as Naia starts to walk off.
Walthas seems to understand Naia's discomfort with the loss of Zove. He was hoping to announce this under better cicrumstances but this is the time and they have matters to attend to. "NAIA TEMLOW STOP!..." It is said in a strict, military voice that only a master of arms can make when they expect an immediate response. His voice changes to something that sounds more understanding. "You have a duty to attend to...loss is part of what you signed up for. I realize this is unexpected I can see you are exhausted, most of you are wounded, and you need to get some much needed food, drink, and rest. But you have a job to do and part of that is reporting to the commander. I need all of you." He points at Narcios and Grond. "As well as these two to report up stairs to Geolin immediately. I will make sure we get you some ale and food to help fill your bellies." There is a brief uncomfortable moment where the guards seem to understand Naia's plight but it quickly changes when Flynn addresses them. "Back to your duties. Get Thout into the barracks and call for a healer. Lets go! Now!. "
For those that grew up in Saltmarsh Walthas Kang was a serious man. Good friends with Geolin and a veteran of many wars and battles. He was a serious soldier and a honest man through and through. He took his duties seriously and was loyal to a fault to his friend Geolin.
Narciso shrinks a little under the military commands. It lasts just a moment though before he saunters over behind Grond. "I'll be right behind you buddy! As usual. You're more military inclined than I am anyway...."
Naia stops. Her face fallen, shoulders slumped. For the briefest of moments it appears as of she might just...keep on walking. But she doesn't. Maybe it is something Grond said, or Walthas. She turns. Nods miserably and troops in.
"Fine." is all she mutters.
D'ogryn's eyes widen slightly with the realization of what has happened. He quickly regains his composure and looks at the prisoners.
We may caught those that are responsible for those deaths. May they rest in peace if that is so.
Rab goes inside with the others, settling back and waiting for his turn to report.
Ferona returns her stare frankly trying not to feel intimidated by the tigress. Glancing back to Antas she speaks up softly. "I am sure you are aware of the murders taking place here in Saltmarsh, most recently of a young lass found by the docks. We are currently investigating this and one of our contacts has indicated the murderer may look for a victim among one of your...employees. Someone who is young and vulnerable. We want to stop him before he strikes again." The look in her eyes grows intense as she adds, "Have you seen any men who...have raised your suspicions? Perhaps one who has decided to...wait to strike later? I know it is little to go on here but our investigating has led us here nevertheless."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+5
"I am aware of a great many things in this town. For instance, I am aware that you and your friend here arrived with another man. A cleric with a honey tongue just a few days ago but you are now snooping around my establishment claiming that I might know something about this young lass's murder. You must realize that in my line of work one does not simply wag their tongue every time some one comes in with muscle behind them asking questions. Our customers spend their coins here knowing that their privy is kept." She looks over to here Touv friend standing at the door. He doesn't appear to move or to change his stone like expression on his face.
"If I were to pass along information to you what is in it for me? I am a simple women. I conduct business and in exchange for that service I receive a payment. Coin, gems, precious gifts, favors...something that I can use in turn to increase my position and the position of my family..."
Antas looks the man up and down not impressed nor intimidated by his fierce look knowing he is a bodyguard and doing his job. Antas listens to Ferona's summary and says to aid her words
your help could save a lass here or in town
[Dice=diplomacy aid another]1d20+7
She looks at you Antas and pauses for a moment as Ferona takes in what she just told the young lady.
"You don't think each of these girls and boys don't know the risk they take? Risk and coin go hand in hand...the more risk the more coin." She stands up and walks to the table with the bottles on it. She picks up a bottle and grabs a glass. She pours the brown smooth liquid into the glass and sips it. "You know this room is not cheap...typically two to three of my girls. She looks at Antas as she finishes pouring and picks up the glass and smells the drink. "Or boys entertain in this room. So I am guessing you will be paying for this room at the end of our discussion. I am correct about this right?"
As much as he dislikes being bossed around, Grond nods at the man - he looks momentarily at Naia, then moves inside with Narciso and Rabalar, asking the first person he encounters - "Where can we find Geolin?"
"I am aware of a great many things in this town. For instance, I am aware that you and your friend here arrived with another man. A cleric with a honey tongue just a few days ago but you are now snooping around my establishment claiming that I might know something about this young lass's murder. You must realize that in my line of work one does not simply wag their tongue every time some one comes in with muscle behind them asking questions. Our customers spend their coins here knowing that their privy is kept." She looks over to here Touv friend standing at the door. He doesn't appear to move or to change his stone like expression on his face.
"If I were to pass along information to you what is in it for me? I am a simple women. I conduct business and in exchange for that service I receive a payment. Coin, gems, precious gifts, favors...something that I can use in turn to increase my position and the position of my family..."
Ferona stares at the beautiful woman for a moment collecting her thoughts here. So is this all this means to you. A means to gain profit and power. Very well so be it.
"You are quite well informed Miss," she replies with just a touch of coolness. "I would not presume to ask you to violate your client's confidence here. Our purpose is simply to track down this murderer. While you may consider this of little importance I would imagine your customers may feel differently about this. Not to mention your...reputation may suffer should one of your clients lose their life while frequenting your establishment. Still, I am willing to pay for this...information. As long as it proves useful to us."