Trox is absorbed in the story.
"That is a terrible story... the poor girl became a monster after being left pregnant. Us half-orcs know something of that do we not but yet, yet, we chose to be part of society not try and tear it down. Shame on those that wronged her but also on her."
As he talks he pulls on the bandages under his armor and clothing that those how have known may have noticed complete wrap the chest. Catching his actions he stops talking.
"Connected? I think the carved symbol in the victims does suggest strongly they are at least connected to each other. The people talking have started calling the killer 'the Skinsaw man'. I don't really know too many details of the individual murders - the Sheriff only asked me about the symbol."
"Thank you for your information. We'll see what the sheriff has to tell us. I was hoping that Nualia was behind these murders but you say people are calling the killer a man. Do you know what happened to Nualia's child? It would be a quite dark turn of events if this 'Skinsaw man' turned out to be her son."
"I did not know much of this Nualia, so who can say?"
"Based on what we learned in Thistletop, the child was stillborn around 5 years ago. While it's not impossible, I believe we are spared the horror of an undead toddler responsible for a series of serial murders." Faywen sets her tea down and rises from her seat. "Thank you for your hospitality, and for lending us your knowledge. I believe we should speak with the Sheriff without delay."
Broderick Quint bids you fairwell. "Feel free to visit me any time you have questions, or even better, new information to share!"
You make your way to the Sheriif, who is thrilled to see you back. "How goes the good fight, heroes of Sandpoint?"
"Greetings, Sheriff. The word about town is that there've been more murders, potentially linked to this business with Nualia. Is that true?"
"Don't know about if they're connected, but could be. You all were out, so I asked another group to look into it. Haven't heard back from them in a while, though."
Druamin thanks Broderick then goes with the group to meet the sheriff again.
"Do you know where this other group went? We should follow up with them and see what they've found out."
"Last I heard, they were headed to a sanitarium to question one of the witnesses..."
Just then, one of the townsfolk, perhaps deputized, comes in. "Sheriff, those investigators are back in town... well, a few of them anyway. They are looking pretty battered, and are having a drink at the Rusty Dragon."
The Sheriff looks shocked. "Well go get them! Bring them here to report."
Cordwin really did not want to meet with the Sheriff. What he really wanted to do is drink enough so that he could fall asleep and hopefully not dream about rats!
He follows the group to meet the Sheriff mentally preparing the history of events when he sees the Sheriff speaking to another group. He waits his turn when he is surprised the Sheriff motions them over.
Cordwin walks over and bows. Cordwin of the Ironbeard clan at your service. These are my fellow companions, René and his companion Hadley and Skarn of the Hornfels clan!
You notice that Cordwin is covered in small bites.
Er..I was almost seated at Torag's forge right now all do to a swarm of rats if it wasn't for my friends here!
René, looking far less beat up than Cordwin, nodded briefly when introduced. The Varisian was a bit taller than average with a lean build. His tan skin spoke of a lifetime spent playing in the sun just as his somewhat hodgepodge of a wardrobe spoke of a fair amount of travel. His dark hair came down to his shoulders with the occasional gem or small trinket braided into it. His otherwise attractive face was marred by a few scars (one of the bridge of his nose, one on his upper left lip, and another through his right eyebrow). He sported a number of rings, bracelets, and necklaces as well as a single earring in his left ear, most of which jangle pleasantly as he walked.
"Hadley" seemed to be the rather unflattering, beat up, old top hat he was wearing on his head with two large, black rabbit ears poking up out of it.
"Woulda been yer own fault if ya died. You were th'one with all them healy sticks! It were only ya pride that kept ya from seekin' shelter from the swarm as I did."
His next words were addressed to the sheriff. " 'Fraid we ain't got much more ta report since last we saw ya. Haven't managed ta finish looking inta that Foxglove Manor connection. We got side tracked by people wantin' us ta check out some farmhouse. Ain't sure why 'xactly since weren't no one left ta help by the time we got back. Though I s'pose them critters wot did 'em in won't be findin' no more victims at least."
Skarn nods and tips the corner of his hat when named by Cordwin, and scowls at René, as he listens to the man's description of recent events. Skarn too has many small scratches on every surface of exposed skin. He chews on his stogie, and after looking around for somewhere to spit, he swallows down the juices, taking a mental note to gift the sheriff with a spittoon of some sort.
Skarn looks about, to see just to whom he has been introduced. "I don't suppose any of you are adherents to the faith of Cailean, or at least dabblers and drinkers?"
"So, you all were out at those farms? That explains what we found. It was certainly a ghoulish scene. So many farmers, such a terrible fate. We'll be cleaning up for some time to come, but the killings there do seem to stopped, finally. We again owe you our thanks."
"Looks to me like you need some reinforcements, and these folk here might just do the trick." After the new arrivals have finished their introductions, the Sheriff continues.
"Sounds like you found a connection to Foxglove Manor, did you? Follow up on that lead - see who is behind all of these killings. And you," he says pointing to Cordwin, "Gte over to the cathedral and see if they can treat you. Injuries aside, rats are known to carry diseases."
Faywen, an undine woman of incredibly short stature, turns to face the newcomers as they enter, and nods to each of them in turn as they introduce themselves. "Welcome back! We'd heard of your own exploits, but it is good to finally put names and faces to the stories. I'm sure we're all curious to hear what you managed to learn on your journey. My name is Faywen, by the way, a follower of the Wind and the Waves."
She then falls silent, watching her new acquaintances with glassy eyes as she waits for her own companions to introduce themselves.
Cordwin nods at Faywen, Well met! Where are you from? I have heard of Undines, but you are the first one I've met. I don't mean to be rude, but I have a lot of questions to ask you sometime!
He then turns to René, How was I supposed to know they would be ravenous, hell-spawned rats! he shudders to thinking about the Encounter.
Faywen smiles, saying, "Magnimar, actually. If you haven't been, it's a large human city just a few days travel up the road or river. And I don't mind questions. Even in Magnimar, there are precious few of us, so many people are curious."
Standing toward the back, a horned tiefling nods to the newcomers. "I am Reynard. A student of Alchemy and a follower of Nethys, the All-Seeing Eye."
He then turns to René, How was I supposed to know they would be ravenous, hell-spawned rats! he shudders to thinking about the Encounter.
"Well, when ya feel like yer about ta pass out, ya either heal yerself or ya run away. Ain't really that hard ta know. Pretty sure Tylur's the only reason you've lived this long! Though maybe some of this lot will do a better job keeping ya alive." The more meat shields, the better. As though sensing the thought, the ears sticking up through the top hat twitched. This was then followed by René wincing slightly and tapping on it.
Trox's ears pick up at the idea of keeping people alive. His voice is weary and slow though higher then you would expect.
"I will try and help with the keeping alive though it doesn't always work. Try and keep me between you and the things attacking when you can. I.. I don't mind taking the hits"
As he talks you see that his is heavily scared and clearly has taken some punishment.
Cordwin smiles at Faywen. I have been told I am more curious than most!
Cordwin nods at Reynard. I started to read 'The Book of Magic' but never finished. I would like to finish it one day!
Cordwin laughs Well René, it sounds like next time we face rats, they will be nibbling on our new friend Trox here!
At Erond, Cordwin will say after noticing the scrolls, Ah! I see someone likes to read!
Druamin sizes up the newcomers with a broad smile. He steps forward and extends his hand for a handshake. His thick and calloused hand offers a firm and strong grip. Waddling next to him is a giant porcupine.
"I'm Druamin and this is my friend Kobu. We're not really city folk as we live out in the forest but when we started hearing rumors of the problems here we thought we'd come in to lend a hand."
A broad bladed battle axe hangs from a loop on his belt and his broad chest is covered by darkly stained lamellar leather armor.
"We've see quite a bit of trouble in just the last couple of days. Even had a couple close calls. It will be good to join forces with you."
"Well, now that we're all acquainted-like, I think us three at least better be goin' ta see that there priest fella. Don't want no diseases takin' us down." With that René grabbed Cordwin and started moving in the direction of the cathedral.
Skarn follows, he is not interested in being diseased!
Cordwin, having failed to heed René's wisdom in the past dutifully follows.
Likewise, Faywen follows after them, curious about which priest in particular they're going to visit.
Really bad! Those rats weren't you typical rats! Cordwin says holding out his arms.
Having almost nothing he can do to help Trox follows along anyway. He remembers hearing a story of skeletons attacking near the church and figures best he be there. As they travel he considers the rats.
"A swarm of rats or big ones? Swarms are the worst, can't block the attacks, kind of a nightmare."
"It was swarms. Several of them."
Faywen listens as they walk along, but the mention of swarms draws a slight smile out of her. "Good thing you'll have me along next time. I've dealt with my fair share of them and have never found them to be much trouble."
"Indeed, we could have used you then, but of course, you'll be there in the future!"
"Speakin' a things in that there house o' horrors, ya kin also expect ta find plenty of undead who be needin' some re-deadification. Possibly some that'll make ya sick with their stench. Some that'll freeze ya solid of they scratch ya. So buy anything ya need ta counter this sort afore we head out in the morning. And if yer magicky, prepare your spells appropriately."
You can have them! Cordwin says in response to Faywen.
"Speakin' a things in that there house o' horrors, ya kin also expect ta find plenty of undead who be needin' some re-deadification. Possibly some that'll make ya sick with their stench. Some that'll freeze ya solid of they scratch ya. So buy anything ya need ta counter this sort afore we head out in the morning. And if yer magicky, prepare your spells appropriately."
"You mean spells and stuff for dealing with undead? Does that mean incorporeal as well?" Druamin pulls at his beard as they trudge along.
"S'pose it's possible. Ain't seen none yet. Seems like the master of the house is pretty inta creating ghouls though. And possibly tryin' ta be a lich."
Our impromptu parade reaches the Cathedral and knocks on the door.
Druamin tucks his thumbs into the belt straining around his ample waist. Kobu stands next to him, sniffing at the air.
Father Zantus answers the door. "What a large group that has come to visit. What may I do for you?"
Cordwin holds out his arms.
Rats! A lot of them! I think they were carrying disease!
"Speakin' a things in that there house o' horrors, ya kin also expect ta find plenty of undead who be needin' some re-deadification. Possibly some that'll make ya sick with their stench. Some that'll freeze ya solid of they scratch ya. So buy anything ya need ta counter this sort afore we head out in the morning. And if yer magicky, prepare your spells appropriately."
Reynard strokes his chin, thinking to himself. "Sounds like I'll just have to scratch them first. Think I've got something that could help with that."
Faywen's eyes widen as Erond casts his spell. "That's a new trick! Old Deadeye's quite fond of you, it seems."