"The Sheriff wants to see us first thing tomorrow, so I will go to him" - Grenz nods - "Then I can pass by the Church"
"I'd like to join you Grenz, then possibly head to the North Gate and on to the trapper's run. Sound okay?"
"Sounds solid" - Grenz nods.
"I'll wait until I check what the Sheriff's got to tell us, then I'll see what I can do to help."
Zarque will join the group headed to the sheriff, though she plans on visiting the shrink, uh, I mean Quink, afterwards.
"I think I'll stick with Drek'Thar, for now, which means starting with Milah and Grenz, at least.."
After doing his seance for the day and having breakfast, "Ah coffee, gift of the gods! Thank you Bethana", Khamul will trail along after the group heading to talk to Belor. He's at the back, trying to be inconspicuous, given Belor no doubt remembers Khamul pushing him to authorize plan 'controlled resurrection' last night.
"Ah, well, it was worth a shot, Khamul." Idun shrugs before going along with the group as well.
A new dawn. Smell of breakfast, stretching muscles, morning prayers.
Drek is quite interested in what the Sheriff has to tell them, more so given he's a bit lost as to what our who lies beyond all the clues they've found. He truly hopes they suddenly find something that helps put all these clues together.
"Depending on what the Sheriff has to tell us, we might want to have a look at the lighthouse. I think that's were the butchery from terras ago took place, right? Maybe we should ask the Sheriff about it, I don't have an the info."
Fireday, 18 Lamashan 4707, 8:07am. 56 degrees, Overcast. Sandpoint Garrison
Finishing an early breakfast, you head towards the Garrison. While the sun has risen, you can barely tell through the threatening clouds. The people of Sandpoint have already started their daily work, and today is especially busy as it is Market Day. Merchants from Galduria, Magnimar and other far away places make their stop here to sell their wares. Through the throng of people though, you notice a distinct group. They walk in unison with their heads bowed low. They are dressed in robes as black as night and do not deign to bother speaking with anyone. Most of the people of Sandpoint give them a wide berth, and the quick glance at the spiral shaped piece of silver on their chests tell you why. These are Pharasmin monks and it looks they are headed to the same place you are.
The Sheriff is already outside and he doesn’t look pleased as he sends away a messenger. Though the monks arrive mere moments before your group, they wait for you to speak with the Sheriff first. He invites you inside and has his guards ‘entertain the guests’ while he talks to you quickly.
”It sounds like the business outside of town didn’t go entirely unnoticed as I had hoped. Luckily, it being Market Day, Sandpoint is extra busy and people are almost too distracted by all the shiny new things from all over to worry about what’s going on underneath their noses. Not everyone though.” He looks at each of you and then continues. ”Someone has been passing information to the wrong sources and if Red Fist is to be believed, it’s someone in my own team. According to him, it might even be one of you. He hasn’t given any evidence to prove it, but I also know that they seem to be step ahead of us, whoever ‘they’ are. I couldn’t get much more out of him other than some stupid doomsayer threat about an ancient evil. What I do know is right now, I feel I can still trust you. With those monks here to collect Remus, I don’t know what is going to happen next, but I would like to find out where they are taking him and to what end. I haven’t gotten enough evidence to tie any together on these two murders, but tell me what you got and we’ll go from there.”
"If you think someone on your team can't be trusted, would you like to speak where we can't be overheard? I have a magic room." She gestures at a door sized shimmer next to her.
She tells him the general info about what was found and happened. Though she only mentions a second staff if he goes in the room, otherwise she is worried about eavesdropping ears and still hopes to keep that a secret as it may be useful later.
Grenz looks around to check how many other guards are in the garrison office where they are gathered at the moment.
He chuckles as Zarque again extends his invite to a 'magic room'
The Sheriff smirks at Zarque. ”Because if that person were in this room and heard what I have to say, he or she knows exactly what I want them to know. Everything we discuss is already apparent to them, if I go around attempting to hide this or that, they will double their efforts to find out what it is we know. By putting it in the open, they can see that they aren’t so sneaky and that I am not afraid of them. Whoever they are.” The Sheriff does not join Zarque in the magic room.
"Depending on how far your jurisdiction extends Sheriff, you can simply argue that we are to escort Remus and his cohorts until they are out of the region?" - Grenz suggests - "Then we can make sure he does not return. Which I find unlikely, given he has an agenda in Sandpoint" - the half-orc ponders - "On top of that, we still have something to dangle in front of his nose if necessary"
"As for this most recent murder... Milah is the best person to disclose what we have uncovered - but we do know the body was somehow infected, and well on the way to become an undead, which happened right in front of our eyes" - he explains - "And that might explain the brutal assault, the slashing and tearing caused maybe by a similar creature, the one huh... 'Carrying' the infection..? But then the way the body was dismembered points to someone who can handle a sharp blade, and perhaps has experience in such dealings? Like a chirurgeon? Or a butcher? And also begs the question - why do it? To prevent the transformation?" - then shrugs - "In any case, the body was found near the North Gate, and it was our intention to investigate that area next, for witnesses or other clues"
Turning around to his companions he finishes - "Did I forget anything?"
"You didn't mention we're also going to talk to this Quink guy; Zarque here says that the seven pointed star marked on the trapper's back was a symbol called a Sihedron, and was associated with an ancient empire called Thassilon."
"So, then - how can we help? I can work on Remus, or on Red Fist, see if they can tell me anything they might not otherwise be willing to give up. If you've gotten as far as you expect anyone could, then let us help in some other way." Milah looks to the Sheriff, not wanting to overstep.
Drek adds from his own harvest. "Say, Sheriff, weren't the Lighthouse Crimes from years ago executed by a butcher? If so, maybe we also need to have a look at the lighthouse just in case." He thinks over it for a second. "It's a fitting place to hide things or people, anyway, since nobody seems to - or wants to - pay attention to it."
Sheriff Belor Hemlock looks down for a moment. ”This one is out of my hands, like I said. The Church of Pharasma have complete jurisdiction on this. I can only hold him and since he is a member of their clergy, they have the right to perform his trial.” He pauses and takes a breath, ”I don’t have to make sure he makes it to wherever he is going though, that is their problem. Understand?” He raises an eyebrow. ”I am sad that you brought up the Late Unpleasantness, but it is necessary for my next point. I don’t want this to be a second coming of it. Stoot was a woodcarver, and a good one. His work was well known before we found out what he was really doing.” A dark look crosses the Sheriff’s face. ”This is not his way of doing things, so I fear it is someone else. If they are leaving odd symbols, Quink may know what that’s about. You are welcome to go and visit the Old Light as well, but most people avoid it. They say it’s haunted.” He sighs and then continues. ”We have to keep this under wraps. Goblin raids are one thing, but the ruckus that would occur should this become worse is not something the town is ready to deal with. Red Fist has already threatened to spread the word once he gets loose, so I’m going to try to keep him locked up as long as I can. He is afraid of something, but I can’t get my mind on what. If one of you can pull it out, maybe we can leverage it against him. I will have my men doing their best to keep things quiet while you go about your investigation. Try to make haste, I don’t want any more bodies on my watch. I’ve gone five years without a murder in Sandpoint and I’ll be thrice damned if I allow it happen again.”
As the sheriff notes his lack of concern for the safe travels of the prisoner, Sil lets out a low whistle.
"Don't talk about it? Got it." He looks to Khamul. "Don't we?"
Then he looks around at the others. "I know there's a plan to ask a few questions, hopefully without making connections now, I guess, but does anyone have a better idea right now than the 'Old Light'?"
2 ranks +3 trained +1 trait
"Blindfolded knife fight... I'll happily swear out an accusation of attempted brigandage and murder against Red Fist. I'm guessing you'll have other volunteers as well. That should give you jurisdiction to hold him for a good while. One other thing we should do is have a good search outside the North Gate. Which reminds me Sheriff, who was on the North Gate yesterday, when the body was found? Did they hear anything like a fight? Who found the body, and exactly where?"
”I had Jocer and Kaleb on the North Gate that night, but they didn’t hear or see anything out of the ordinary. The gates were open because we expected the trappers to show because of the Market this week. It was another trapper that saw the body. We questioned him already, but the guards saw him approaching from down the North Road and saw his reaction before they went and saw what he was screaming about. From what we saw, it looked as if someone just dumped it right on the side of the road. I sent for Hannah right away. I can have one of the men show you exactly where it was.”
The elf listens, then wonders if anyone here has the skills to track a trail as old as the killer's should be at this point. "At the worst, it shouldn't hurt to see the spot."
"If there's anything I have faith in myself about, it's my tracking skills and my potions of perception. With those together I'm sure we'll find something!" Idun seemed quiet as the idea of assassinating the cleric was suggested, but perked up again when investigating the drop off point of the body was suggested.
"Ok, we have a bunch of stuff to do here, it's 10 in the morning, and let's try to get some answers by lunch - we meet at the Rusty Dragon".
He points at everyone as he goes through the list:
"Milah, you interrogate the Red Fist, see if you can anything out of him."
"Zarque, talk to Quink about the symbols and what he can tell us. If he's a smart guy, also ask him what he knows about ... what did Grenz call it? A ghoul."
"Grenz, you were able to put a name on that thing last night. Talk to Father Zantus and let him know what we found out. Find out whatever he knows about ghouls."
"All those jobs are in town - you shouldn't need someone covering your backs. The rest of us, me, Idun, Sileven and Drek are going to head out to where the body was found."
"By the way Sheriff, do we know who this guy was, and where his trapping run was. Because your guess lines up with mine - I figured the guards would have heard a someone screaming if he'd been killed just outside town. So I was guessing the body was dropped off - presumably by someone wanting it to animate inside town... Checking out his cabin might give us a murder site and some clues..."
"We meet back a the Rusty Dragon at noon, and don't be late - otherwise everyone's going to start worrying."
"Um... I remember people being mad about people coming up with plans and then doing them because nobody objected loudly enough. So, maybe we could all vote on this real quick? I vote yes." Idun looked around the others hesitantly.
"Depending on where this particular trapper lived, his cabin might not be close enough to get there and back by Noon. If he lived that close, the guards should have recognized him and told us they knew him already. People tend to talk about knowing someone they just found dead. Maybe scattering and hoping that everyone can meet at a specified time would make more sense if everything was in town, but it won't be. Maybe we should deal with your in-town errands first, and then meet to go check out the discovery scene together? Especially if we are hoping to figure out where to go looking next."
With a quick glare of mistrust for the racist halfling, she decides to ignore him as she speaks, "With all that has been happening, we should probably stay in pairs at least, even in town. I doubt they'd try something, but I wouldn't be surprised either. However, having multiple eyes and ears are also better. If one misses something, the other might notice it. Also, I want to see where the body was found as well. I can try sensing anything, not to mention getting a better idea of sight lines and how someone might sneak up that close."
"I am ok with going to Father Zanthus - he should be informed on what has occurred" - Grenz nods after some of the others had a chance to voice their opinion - "But I agree with Sileven - first deal with in-town activities, then we can branch further. Together"
"Hmm, so, that's three votes for finishing all the town business first but you want buddy system, but you guys are still agreeing on who leads each mission in town and that those are the three missions you wanna do, if I'm inferring correctly?" Idun looks at each of them in turn. "Though we'd definitely want Milah's input on if she wants to head up the interrogation." She then faces Milah.
Milah shrugs, "I don't have a better plan, and I'm not going to force anyone to go anywhere alone if they don't want to." She looks to the Sheriff, "If you'll lead the way, I'll see what I can get out of your prisoner..."
"Ok, if we're pairing up so all our backs are covered, I'll stick with Milah."
"We are understood then" - Grenz nods at the others and the sheriff, then motions to leave and look for Father Zanthus.
”I can take you to him, no problem, but then I have to let those monks in to collect Remus.” Sheriff Belor says unhappily. ”As for our recent victim, I didn’t know him and so far, no one has come to speak for him either. Maybe asking around the local trappers might get you somewhere.”
"I'll go with Grenz to see the Father. Instructions about how to hurt these things is we have to fight them could be important."
"Then I'll go to Quink with Zarque" Drek smiles. "It was my first intention anyways. Shall we meet at the Rusty Dragon?"
"Father Zanthus will not be happy about the news" - Grenz comments privately to Sileven as they head to the church, making sure they are not overheard by anyone in the street - "Dead walking around Sandpoint..." - he shakes his head.
Scourge seems to be happy enough perching on the half-orc's shoulder, munching on something... A large bug perhaps?
Fireday, 18 Lamashan 4707, 8:38am. 56 degrees, Overcast. Sandpoint Garrison, Red Fist’s Cell
Red Fist sits alone in a holding room. The rest of his men are nearby in another cell. They hoot and holler as the Sheriff comes in, especially as he unlocks the cell holding Remus.
”You get me out of here Remus! You get me out of here or I will kill you myself!” Red Fist is angrily gripping the bars of his cell. Remus does not reply, except to smile at you as you walk in. He gives a slight nod as the Sheriff pushes him out the door.
”Red Fist is all yours, but try to keep him in one piece. I may need more out of him later.” The Sheriff then takes Remus away.
Fireday, 18 Lamashan 4707, 9:06am. 56 degrees, Overcast. Sandpoint Cathedral, Father Zantus’ office.
”You’ll forgive me if I am brief. I do have morning ritual to prepare. I hope that you have dealt with the ‘issue’ we discussed last night. I want to do what I can to help keep Sandpoint safe, but I don’t agree with allowing undead to fester for some experiment. It is sacrilege as I see it.”
Fireday, 18 Lamashan 4707, 9:04am. 56 degrees, Overcast. Brodert Quink’s Home
It takes a moment for someone to answer as you knock at Brodert’s door.The place looks as if it hasn’t seen a cleaning in decades. The old man opens the door and you swear you see dust come off of it. The piles of books behind him, some opened, some with pages falling out, some that look as if they haven’t touched ever, all of which seem to take the place of where furniture should be. ”Ah, the local heroes. Have you come for my expert advice on matters immaterial? Have you come to tell me something I don’t already know? Feh. Come now, spill it quick so I can go for my morning argument with Chask.”
Milah smirks at Red Fist. "I can tell you've got him scared, Red. No, really. Think I smelled him pissing his robes, even."
She leans against the wall, then wrinkles her nose and continues. "Unless that's you? I mean, it would make sense, as many problems as you've got today. If it's not the charges against you - which, I mean, seriously, we've got you dead to rights on that - it's that once he gets where he's going, he's going to tell your boss you're a liability. How long do you think it'll be before you have an accident in your cell? Before you get overwhelmed by guilt and somehow stab yourself in the back?"
Her gaze becomes thoughtful for a moment. "If only there was a way to avoid that unenviable fate, to assuage your guilt at your crimes and prevent your untimely end.". After a few heartbeats, her eyes brighten and her ears perk up. "I've got it - how about you tell us who you're working for? If we can get to him before Remus does, that's one problem down. Or perhaps you tell us who the informant is? It won't get us to your boss as fast, but it's something. Then, who knows? You get yourself a good lawyer, maybe you shake off the charges against you and get out of here a free man..."
*****
Khamul interjects "Milah, you're just far too nice of a lady for this kind of a job. Let's start breaking fingers until he feels chatty ..."
+1 cha +1 guidance
"Hello Brodert. My goodness," she suddenly exclaims with horror as she looks behind him, "look at the state of those books!" she blinks over to one of the books with pages falling out amd starts carefully aligning pages properly and almost reverently, like she intends to fix it right then and there. "I'd think a man of such intellect would take better care of these!"
"Good morning" Drek greets with a smile, even if not truly from the heart. Somehow, he feels this man will give them information that will only turn things clearer, but worse.
"Well, we would like to know about these symbols here" he asks, showing him the paper. "Oh, and whatever you can tell us about ghouls."