Simeon lets the other talk to the Sheriff, walking around the desacrated grave, looking for anything that sticks out.
Perception
Lament puts her hands behind her back and walks over next to Elidal. She smiles and agrees with her. We just want to help sir. Jaru is just a little upset that is all. Gibbs may not be the culprit, but he may know something or have seen something that could help. We have skills that could aid you. If there is a threat to this fine town or especially Lady Kendra, we do not want to sit by and not assist you when we all have unique skills. I'm just thankful we have you here to oversee everything. At least we are in good, strong, and capable hands guys. She smiles and gives the puppy dog eyes as she walks over and lightly punches the sheriff in the arm playfully.
The sheriff listens to you with fading determination that turns to resignation.
Fine, everyone can damn well come, he says peevishly, but you follow my lead and you don't go takin' matters into your own hands or startin' trouble! I'll tell ya when you can ask your questions, okay?
Lament gets a huge smile on her face for the sheriff. Of course boss man! She turns to Baradlon and Jaru and gives them the look as if to say "Don't blow this" :)
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Simeon lets the other talk to the Sheriff, walking around the desacrated grave, looking for anything that sticks out.
Perception 1d20+1 =2!
Jaru scowls at the halfling but keeps quiet as he follows.
Baradlon steps up close to the sheriff to whisper to him. "Sir, it is my job to hunt down and kill the kind of people who do this sort of thing. I only want to help. I might seem strange to you, but we should be allies." After delivering his message, he steps back to give the Sheriff plenty of space. Baradlon then makes ready to follow the others and the sheriff on their rounds of questioning.
Simeon looks up from the fascinating piece of mud he'd been examining, owlishly realizing that something had taken place without his realizing
Seeing the others leaving with the Sherrif, he slips and slides in an effort to catch up.
Lament follows behind the sheriff.
Looking upon the grieving Kendra with pity, Jaru pauses, "Father Grimburrow, would you look after Miss Lorrimor? Do not worry, we will find the professor's body and deal with the jackals that would disturb a grave!"
Grimburrow nods but gives Jaru a 'look' that seems to convey I'll mind my flock without your telling me - THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
You follow the sheriff and his deputy into town and come to a dilapidated house.
Alright Gibbs! Lets be having you, the Sheriff shouts as the deputy hammers hard on the door.
Feck orf!, comes a loud groan in reply.
If you don't come out Gibbs, we're comin' in - and there are a lot of us this time, Caeller bellows, while the deputy continues to pound away.
Best to get him first thing the Sheriff lets you know. With a lot of noise to really get him disorientated - it pisses him off but he's normally hung over when we pay a proper visit, and puts him off getting physical 'cause he's hurting enough as is. Any other time and he's a real handful. It can take me an' most of my deputies to manage him.
Gibbs surrenders to the inevitable. Al'righ Al'righ'.
In a minute you hear thudding and cursing, someone falling against walls no doubt before Gibbs makes his way to open the door and reels out into the light, hissing in pain.
He leans against side of the house, turns his head to vomit loudly and empties his belly of a considerable amount of partially digested booze and sausage. The sour reek is sickening.
Well, he says, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, What is it ya bastards - can't you see a man is suffering here?.
The sheriff steps up two paces, makes a disgusted face at the smell and then bellows, WHAT IS IT YOU WERE DOIN' LAST NIGHT AFTER YOU LEFT THE INN?, the question loud and cruel.
Gibbs ducks into a semi crouch holding his head in pain.
Nuthin' - Din't do nuthin' 'cept drink'
Sheriff Caeller just swears in return and goes on Maybe you didn't hear me Gibbs - want me to ask again?.
Jus' drink, tha's all - Hans und Rholf will tell ya. Gibbs staggers to the house door and leans in. Oi' You two - wake up an' get out ere.
Nothing.
Awww - get up you bastards! I need this prick to piss orf - him an' his little mob
Silence.
Verner heads in and comes out a minute later. Nothing but lots of empty bottles.
Jaru lets the law men handle the situation, but asks to see the other two man as well. He also keeps an eye out for any fresh mud, etc.
Lament stands by and watches the conversation. Like Jaru, she looks around for any clues that these men may have been involved (dirty hands, dirty knees, fresh mud around, shovels etc.)
What friends would those be Gibbs?
Gibbs looks confused and a bit pissed.
They were knockin' em back with me all night. He looks around and asks Whats goin on ere anyways?
Simeon's lips twitch at the sight of Gibbs, whose ferocity the other day in now matched by his wretchedness.
He gazes about, trying to see if there's any others take a inordinate amount of interest in Gibb's misfortune.
Perception
Sheriff, something is queer here. His alibis have now disappeared? I think we should search the premises immediately! You are the law and have the right to perform due diligence! To the hungover man, "I am sure you are innocent and want the sheriff to search now so he will finish this inquiry quickly!"
Who the hell are you to be askin' for me place to be searched runt?. He waves his hands dismissively.
Search away s#*$-heads, got nuffin to hide - din't young Verner ere jus' take a look? Mabbe they wen' for a dump or somewat... they were 'ere las' night.
Verner looks sorry. I did check sir.
I know it - but I'll have a look for myself, the Sheriff says. Verner, keep an' eye out here - with our little audience.
He steps in and takes a few minutes but exits shaking his head.
No one in there - not sure if Gibbs is THINKING he had company or if they just left last night - which would be damned strange in these parts. People just don't go for a walk or travel at night unless they cant help but do it.
Well - wats this about sheriff?, Gibbs asking questions of his own - wakin' a man up after a night of drinkin' - it ain't right. Its even worse ya bring these circus freaks to my door an' start askin damn fool questions.
The sheriff is silent and watches Gibbs' face intently.
The sheriff gives Elidal an approving nod.
So Gibbs, wasn't you up at the Restlands last night? Making some trouble?
Gibbs scratches his arse, thinking.
Nah - Wat sort o' trouble?
Verner pipes up Someone dug up Professor Lorrimor.
Gibbs looks shocked, then surprised and then a malicious grin splits his old battle worn face.
And he laughs.
Baradlon stands back, allowing the Sheriff to do his job out of respect. "This idiot was far too drunk last night to have dug up a grave. I can tell that just from looking at him. We need to look elsewhere for our culprit," the elf comments, while sneering at Gibs.
And he laughs.
Jaru frowns. "It is not a laughing matter. Do you know anything about it?" he asks with disgust.
Lament's temper starts to boil as the drunkard begins to laugh. She spits on the ground in front of the man's feet in disgust. "You are pure trash Gibbs! The professor was a good man who spent his life attempting to protect imbeciles like you. Go drink yourself into a stupor until you s&** your pants. It may even make you smell better. By the way, I think I hear your goat bleating out back. I guess it is time for some more of your good loving! You goat %#£^*€% piece of #%^£ cheese!" Out of nowhere, the odd little halfling busts out in horrible language. It appears that it is taking every bit of her will power to keep from attacking the man.
He just laughs and then spits.
Nuffin Priest, nuffin', but I's glad its done - bloody necromancer, no place bein' buried 'mong honest folk.
Lament's temper starts to boil as the drunkard begins to laugh. She spits on the ground in front of the man's feet in disgust. "You are pure trash Gibbs! The professor was a good man who spent his life attempting to protect imbeciles like you. Go drink yourself into a stupor until you s@~$ your pants. It may even make you smell better. By the way, I think I hear your goat bleating out back. I guess it is time for some more of your good loving! You goat %#£^*€% piece of #%^£ cheese!" Out of nowhere, the odd little halfling busts out in horrible language. It appears that it is taking every bit of her will power to keep from attacking the man.
An' yer just an outlander runt! A stupid stub with nought the sense to say silent an' get me a bloody drink, yer feckin' midget. All yer good for is ta' put my drink on yer head while ya blow me, he responds but with malice and an evil glitter in his eye.
A stout walrus moustachioed man jogs up. He looks tired and distraught.
This is terrrible Sherriff, simple terrrible, he wails. Had I known it would come to this? Why... why... I'd have thrrrown them all out earlier!.
You an' who's army Zokar, eh?, Gibbs leers.
Enough of that - ALL of you, Caeller says sternly. Ho, Zokar, why not take these lot back to your place for some breakfast and let them ask you a few questions - then they can take somethin' hot back to young Kendra. I may stop by Jominda's and ask if she'll look in on her, maybe take her something to take the edge off.
Zokar was giving Gibbs a hard look but on hearing about Kendra he softens visibly. Of course...
The sheriff looks at you all. Anything else you need to ask?
The sheriff looks at you all. Anything else you need to ask?
Jaru shakes his head, "No." He fixes Gibbs with his darkest stare and putting a hand on the bone holy symbol suspended against his chest remarks, "Just remember, 'All who live must face her judgement'. Your ignorance will not save you."
Lament adds to what Jaru is saying. "He is too damn stupid to understand anything you are saying Jaru. I'm convinced his mom had sex with a monkey as dumb, ugly, and smelly as he #%€£~} is." She turns to start following Zokar away.
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Standing with crossed arms, Simeon glances down in surprise at Lament's outburst, then motions with his hand for her to calm down.
Turning his gaze back to the sputtering Gibbs, Simeon looked upon the 'man' as he would an insect, a sneer of derision on his lips. An image suddenly formed in his mind : a crazed Lament clutching Gibb's stringy hair , pounding it into the wall of the mans hovel, tapping out a funeral march, cursing like a sailor....
Stifling a laugh, trying to turn it into a cough, he manages to croak "You assistance was most appreciated, Sheriff." and follows Zokar to his establishment
Jaru just shakes his head sadly at Lament's crass tirade. As he follows the others, his eyes are cast down at the muddy torn earth. Is it his fate to always fail those that he cares about?
Lament continues following the others. In response to Elidal's sarcastic comment and Jaru's visible displeasure, Lament is visibly hurt, much like a scolded child. Defending herself in a quiet tone "He laughed at Kendra's loss. Who would do that?" She looks at the ground and quietly follows the group. Professor, I'm sorry if I did wrong. They just stood by and let him laugh. You were the only one who ever accepted me for who I am.
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"It's okay little one, your words were true," Baradlon says to Lament, trying to reassure her. He looks rather grim otherwise as they walk. Darkness is gathering here. Petros was right. Blood will flow before long...
Isn't that Gibbs the LIMIT, says Zokar crossly. I may cut him off if the Sherriff can prove it was him that dug up poor Petrrros!.
His apron-ed belly jiggles up and down has he hustles along to his Inn.
He gets away with a lot you know but that's just because he's a war hero - we have two you know. Gibbs and Councilman Heathmount. Heathmount was an officer back in his day, up along the border in Belkzen. Gibbs did too but he was a corporrral. Lots of stories about him and all of them nasty but he was a brave one by all accounts! His war buddies will swing through here every now and then.
Oh but I am gossipping now... anyways, we're here. He points proudly at his inn, with a grotesque sign proclaiming it to be 'The Laughing Demon'. Lets get inside - I just put the Corrrpse Chowder in and want to make sure the oven isn't so hot I burn the bottom of the pot at the beginning.
Lament eases her way next to the elf after his kind words. She gives him a sweet smile then looks back down and quietly heads to the Inn.
Still in a sullen mood, Jaru trudges inside to find a seat. He winces visibly at the mention of 'corpse stew'.
Lament follows Jaru's example and sits at the same table. Her mood is a tad bit better thanks to the attention she garnered from Baradlon. Always the optimist, she attempts to strike up conversation. "Corpse Chowder? That's a rather morbid name considering these town folks isn't it? I love the name personally! I'll definitely take a bowl when it is ready please!"
Jaru grunts, "Morbid and blasphemous, I'd say. Perhaps you find me oversensitive, Lament. But few have seen the things that I have. It is a tasteless joke."
Jaru grunts, "Morbid and blasphemous, I'd say. Perhaps you find me oversensitive, Lament. But few have seen the things that I have. It is a tasteless joke."
Lament looks at Jaru. "Wha...? Why would I find you oversensitive?" She looks up at the ceiling thinking. "Nope. Never even seen you cry. Definitely not oversensitive.
A slight smile plays upon the Garundi's full lips. "Fair enough, Lament. I still will not be eating that chowder. I will likely starve if we must spend a month in this wretched town."
Lament touches Elidal's hand gently. "I'm sorry too. He was being a bully, but I shouldn't have talked ugly. My mommy was disappointed too. When he laughed at the good professor, I wanted to hurt him bad. After what Zokar said about Gibbs being in the military though, I felt shame. He is damaged and obviously having difficulty dealing with his past. He drinks to get his mind free. Sad, sad man. I hope he finds a way to exorcise his demons..."
Lament beams at Jaru's smile and nods her approval. "Now to the important question. What could have happened to the professor? Gibbs' friends? Could the professor have left us a clue?"
Oh now good priest, don't take it a amiss... the idea was Lorrimors actually. Its a way of bringing good cheer here and laughing out against the darkness. If it was lunch time I'd bring you some wolf balls, or maybe a vampire stake... as it is? How about some porridge and some plain old bacon and eggs and some fresh bread. You can also take a plate down to Kendra.
"Just the eggs and bread perhaps," Jaru relents. In regards to Lament's questions he responds, "I am afraid that we have nothing to guide us now. I don't think any of us could fail to draw enough attention to overhear the local talk. Perhaps Zokar can do a little spying if he has the time? We had planned to visit the fated place where the professor died. Let us continue with that plan after we take some food to Kendra and pray we are fated to find something."
Maybe you can help me with a name for bacon and eggs? Maybe 'Ghoul strrrips and I can scramble the eggs and come up with an name forrr that?, Zokar calls from the kitchen.
Simeon walks along with the others, still chuckling a little inside, not taking too much notice of the other's conversation until they arrived at the Demon.
"Sounds just like Petros, lash out and laugh at the darkness, he always said, naming a soup in such a way..." he trails off , lost in thought.
"Unfortunate about men like Gibbs, gives the soldierly type a bad name..." another pause, then " I'll have the Corpse Stew, I think, in honor of our friend." he says to Zokar.
Corpse Chowder just went on but I'll give you the left overs from last night - let me warm it up
A boy wanders out, the same from the funeral procession yesterday.
What will you drink? Da says its on the house - small beer*? Its a bit early yet but Da brews something a bit special that glows if you want that - otherwise we have a decent red in the cask at the moment, he says respectfully.
*
"I will have some Corpse Chowder as well, and a cup of the glowy stuff," Baradlon says to Zokar's son. He seems to not care what the food is called one way or the other. "Do you know anything about ruins outside of town, son?"