This is the gameplay section.
Cast Prestidigitation-magically cleaning the store and all products, while awaiting customers.
Act 1: Trouble in Town
To say the last three weeks since the meteor's fall have been hectic is an understatement. Between working frantically to replenish your stores stock, and patching up the various adventurer after dozens of inevitable barroom brawls, the Apotheke Zitter has been making a killing, but you've barely had time to see your family. In the last week, however, things have taken a strange turn. Tommy Two-Tongue and his boys have been making frequent appearances in the shop, making unusual and hard to fill orders, and leaving the occasional halfling to be patched up, and more than once the injuries have been beyond what your skills can accomplish, the body being quietly secreted away on his next visit. Tommy refuses to explain any of it, ensuring you that he'll only need to monopolize your time for a bit longer, and that you owe him dearly and he is only calling the favor due. With the potential for ridding your life of Tommy you continue on, but the strain of trying to keep it all together is beginning to wear on you and Gabriele. When Letka barged into your office the other day, you nearly had a stroke, but she was only requesting your presence at a meeting at Albert Grundy's house. Unfortunately, she would probably notice if you skipped the meeting, and so with little choice (a common theme as of late) you find yourself at the Mayor's house along with a collection of other Grundy residents.
Three whole weeks with hardly any time to drink! The past three weeks since the meteor fell outside of town have been the busiest of your life, and more than once you wonder why you thought signing on as a deputy was a good idea. Normally, life as a Grundy deputy is great, Letka's ability to organize and delegate is second to none, you've proven yourself and done some good, and even with the sheriff's sometimes neurotic over-planning there still isn't much to do (leaving plenty of time to spend at the tavern!). The past few weeks however have been a gauntlet of breaking up fights, catching petty thieves, and watch helplessly as dozens of mysterious crimes threaten to smother the poor citizens of Grundy. Even Letka has been left clueless by the grisly murders and disappearances, and there have been so many, even as a deputy you hardly know much of what's been going on. It's been hard to keep your head above it all, and it's been getting harder by the day. Thankfully, word has spread among the six or so full-time deputies that Letka's newest plan just might be the thing that works, and so you find yourself in the home of the town's mayor (even as a deputy you don't see much of Albert), amid a group of various community leaders and business owners. What her plan is, you have no idea, but she asked for you personally to be here, so hopefully there's some way you can help.
It's been three weeks since the meteor fell, and one week since you've been going out of your mind with worry. At first, things were good. The influx of adventurers were incredible for business, and you quickly went through what few potions and elixirs survived the explosion. You and Hepzibah barely saw each other for a while, each frantically filling up the store's stock, but despite the trouble the outsiders were bringing it was for the best, after all you were making a comfortable life for you and your family. But then, about a week ago while filling some orders in your lab, you heard young Jyacynth screaming for her life. Dozens of dangers went through your mind as you fled to help your daughter, but when you and Hepzibah arrived, you found her out of her mind with fear, but with nothing around. Try as you might to calm her, she would only say that a “bug-man with glowie eyes was after her”. After dozens of divinations and hours of searching, nothing was found. It wasn't until you were rocking her to bed one night when she again began to scream and cry wildly that it was back. Except nothing was there. You scoured the area with magic, felt around, nothing. But to poor Jyacynth, there was, and after another incident it was clear she wasn't getting better. After inquiring around, it seemed several other children throughout Grundy were also experiencing these horrific visions, and whenever the children were made to remember the terrible events, to try and determine what the cause of these visions were, the children experienced incredible fear as if the event was happening again. With the sheriff and her deputies already running ragged trying to maintain order, it seemed as if things were never going to get better. Then, at last Letka arrived to ask you to attend a town meeting at Albert's home, and hopefully she'll have the answers you so desperately need.
It has been a frantic three weeks since the meteor fell, and though a host of magical talent has arrived in town who can match your repair spells, none of them can match your knowledge of engineering. You have been busy taking commissions for various repairs and constructions for the host of adventurers in town, and even a few who are determined to put your mind to the test to see if your can help determine a path through the corridors of the buried complex. As a result you've got a surprisingly detailed map of the first couple hallways, though of course this little information makes it impossible to guess where they lead. Despite the gold that's been coming in, it's clear that Grundy is in trouble. Rumors of people being murdered in the streets, and little kids loosing their minds are all over, and you've hardly seen the sheriff or her deputies. Violet is frightened, and has been considering leaving for a while now. Despite her messy habits and her chaotic working style, things would be a little too quiet without her around, you would probably miss her more than you'd realize. Something has to be done. And when Letka herself arrived to ask you to a town meeting at Mayor Grundy's house, you knew something was finally going to change, even if you have to push turn the cog yourself.
It has been three weeks since the meteor landed near Grundy, and it has been nearly three weeks since you last spoke with your adopted mother in any capacity than as the town sheriff. Chaos and anarchy have threatened to consume the town with the arrival of hundreds treasure hunters, and you haven't had any time to assist the Hammer Boys in restoring buildings damaged by the star's fall. You've been running around constantly trying to prevent petty theft, and break up the countless fights between the adventurers and the locals. Worst of all are the numerous mysterious crimes that keep happening throughout town, crimes that even your brilliant mother is left clueless at. While she has used you as a sounding board several times while out on patrol together, the murders and disappearances seem completely random, and the list of suspects grows shorter and shorter each time. If you're going to give any help to Grundy, you're going to need help, and so Letka has enacted one of the few contingencies you had a hand in. Following the doctrine of Grundinnar, you proposed a volunteer force made up of community leaders, that would assist the town in time of need, and Letka has decided that now is definitely a time of need. After rounding up such a group, you find yourself in Mayor Grundy's house to discuss the state of affairs of the town, and perhaps recruit a few willing souls to help fight to keep Grundy safe.
Cozy Corner Home & Travel has been doing well. Despite not being popular with adventurers, they still need the various sundries and general supplies your store can offer, and with the hundreds of strangers pouring into town, the past three weeks since the meteor crash have been busy. Not just with manning the store either, keeping some of the riff-raff away from your lovely sisters has at times seemed like a full-time job. You have been careful to avoid spreading your name too far, in case any judgmental strangers make your new lives difficult because of it. It's been during the last three weeks that you've come across the Shadow Man. At first you thought you might be going mad, as you aren't even sure if this being is real or not, no one else seems to see him, and even divination have failed to reveal his true purpose. Appearing in the corner of your vision, always in the dark shadows of Grundy. You've heard of the rumors of children around town also seeing horrific vision, but after speaking with some of them it seems very different. With little else to do, you've born the malevolent stranger, you are sure now that he means to do you and your family harm. You've heard even darker rumors around town as well, rumors of grisly murders and strange disappearances, even the sheriff and her deputies seem powerless against the mysteries happening to Grundy, mysteries that might be the result of the Shadow Man's dark will. When Letka arrived in the Cozy Corner Home & Travel, to ask you to attend a town meeting at Albert Grundy's home, you knew it was your chance to finally do something about this, to help the town and undo what the Shadow Man has begun.
There
Are
So
Many
People!
Everywhere. A constant, flowing, surging mass of strangers, as far as the eye can see moves throughout Grundy. Those of you who were here for it, five years ago Albert Grundy insisted that the town's grounds were expanded to three times their current size, with new empty houses built to be rented and sold. The laborers chaffed, the townsfolk grumbled, but without that preparation things might have been a little too much. It's hard not to remember what Grundy was like before, like a gangly youth who had yet to grow into his height the town was large and spread out, clearly designed to grow much bigger, but it lent the town a wide-open, almost liberating quality unique in civilization. Now hundreds of people have arrived in the three weeks since the meteor landed and threw things into chaos, and hundreds more are undoubtedly on their way. Grundy has grown larger the past few years, but even the fifty or so farmers that come up during this time of year to help the farms to the north can make things seem a bit crowded, let alone this new multitude.
The sun still shines high in the sky, the wind smells of the plants ripening in their fields to the north, almost ready for the harvest. Though the harsh northern winter is still months away, it's the kind of thing people tend to prepare for, and before everything went nuts, getting ready was foremost on people's minds. Of course now everyone has other things to worry about, a whole Abyss of things worth to worry about. And that’s what you're here to talk about, here in the humble home of the man who made this unusual town possible.
Even in Albert's home a good 500 yards from the edge of Grundy you can hear the prattle of hundreds of loud humanoids, all here for a piece of the action. Here, in Albert's mostly self built large Tudor styled home, partially made from brick brought up from the River Kingdoms and partially from timber cut from the Echo Wood, you find yourself seated with with dozens of other community leaders and important faces from around Grundy. For those who invited themselves to such an important meeting, the large double window of his seating room has been conspicuously left wide open, not that any windows survived a meteor strike so close the village anyway.
Seated in the back corner of the room near several other merchants in a large over-stuffed easy chair is Tommy Two-Tongue and two of his many brothers. The Two-Tongue clan are easily distinguished by their fair-hair (unheard of for halflings) and their elaborate tattoos. While tattoos are normally a painful, dangerous affair, the quantity and clarity of the markings are a clear indicator that magic was involved. Tommy himself is surprisingly young considering his success and influence, and he is nothing if not handsome, despite the host of studs piercing his eyebrows and ears. He has the kind of face that a smile comes easily to, and is almost ever seen without his trademark lop-sided grin firmly in place. He is currently laughing and joking with his two dim-witted and muscle-bound brothers, who laugh with all the humor of a dog barking on command. Whenever your gaze falls onto him, he always seems to have been watching you first, and he'll give you a charming wink and avert his eyes, but there is no mirth or joy in those flat eyes of his, only cold calculation.
Seated in one of the many wooden chair strewn about the room, Pyotr Drev and two other prominent craftsmen, Ersten Amon, a Chelaxian carpenter who owns a timber mill south of Grundy, and Ashixa Kurai of Thuvia, the finest leatherworker in town. The spindly half-orc looks extremely nervous, running his hand through his wild black hair, tapping his foot, and fiddling nervously with the many clasps and folds on his clothing. Despite this he still manages to strike up polite conversation with the Tiefling and Human, something about the tensile strength of leather cording. He'll get a little too invested in his explanation and begin to unravel Ashixa's leather shoulder strap to give a demonstration of wet leather's unique reaction to heat, when she'll punch him out of his chair. Ersten's surprised laughter will fill the room for a moment while Drev instead demonstrates upside-down with the leather cording he binds his boots together with unintentionally soaking his crotch with his waterskin in the process.
Surprisingly, none other than Tabitha Almick herself is seated in an old rocking chair by the chimney, sitting quietly weaving river reeds together into something humanoid-like, wearing an unnerving smile on her face. Many in the room are trying their hardest to avoid her, seeming to believe she'll disappear if no one acknowledges her. She rocks slowly, her hardworn face rimmed by small simple spectacles, she wears plain cotton clothing and is sporting a thick shawl, despite the comfortable weather.
Brie Palbea is currently blowing through the room like a hurricane, her short multicolored hair piled high in a fashionable weave. While she wears her usual maid uniform, if you're perceptive enough you can tell it's a lighter shade of black than normal, which usually earns a free drink and a happy squeal from the small vain gnome when noticed. Her long eyebrows, which like her hair begin a brilliant gold color and slowly fade into purple, are twitching with agitation as she flits about tidying up, muttering to herself how unacceptable the mess in the room is, though it seems clean to everyone but the fastidious gnome. Those familiar with her know it will be impossible to speak with Brie until her current task is finished, and woe to anyone who tries to stop her.
Seated across from one another are the two representatives of the Velsiykes and the Hubbets. Grend Velsiykes, the head of the Velsiykes family sent his eldest son, Brunden. Grend Velsiykes is a bull-headed pig of a man who somehow manages to grow a record setting harvest year after year while organizing an enormous stead-hold. Brunden is much like his father, but without any of the good qualities or skills. Vold Hubbertson, the head of the Hubberts sent his daughter, Sigred Hubbertsdottir. Sigred despises her family's humble profession and aspires to return to her Kellish roots. She wears traditional furs and skins that accent her impressive stature and figure, and she sits fingering her large axe that looks as if it hasn't been used as anything more than an ornament. The two sit loudly one-upping and not so subtly insulting each other, 'speaking' to the others in the room, each not realizing that no one is listening to their chatter.
The local priests are seated in the center of the room, bearing the brunt of the vitriol poured from the two farmers. Whether they are listening or not is impossible to tell, their slightly unnerving iron masks are locked forward, their hands clasped over their gray ropes in a sign of prayer. The two envoys of the living god, Bellum and Kai, arrived in Grundy a year or two ago, and while many people were unreceptive (to put it lightly) to their teachings, the amount of gold they poured into the town quickly changed their minds. It was their church that paid for the impressive multi-denominational chapel near the center of town, and though the steps of their god are front and center, it holds small centers of worship for a host of other gods. Bellum is a practical and friendly man, who shares the gifts of his god freely and has swayed many of the town to Razmir's faith. Kai, though much more withdrawn, is a woman of action, bringing healing a succor to where it is needed. Though no one has ever seen them out of their vestments, they have become familiar 'faces' in times of duress or danger to the town, and now seems to be no exception.
-
-
The atmosphere in the room in tense, people mingle about, some not really sure why others are here, many not sure why they themselves are. There are a few familiar faces about, even some deputies, though they refuse to comment on the situation, saying that only Letka really know the purpose of this meeting. Some faces might be familiar, but you may not really know the person beneath them. Now might be as good a chance as any to find out who they are.
He arrived to the mayors place, Later than he would have liked. It was hard, his daughter was literally sobbing and screaming for him when he tried to go. Celen was a normally quiet man, with a soft smile, the last few weeks had erased that from him. He looked tired and worried now. It was clear he wasnt getting enough sleep. He looked through the assembled group and frowned slightly at the two farmers 'arguing' amongst each other still. Something as crazy as the meteor strike and the two families were still at it.
He was pretty sure that nothing would stop the two families from arguing, not even if one of the gods came down from on high would they stop. He frowned a bit more for just a moment when he saw the two razmirites. They made his skin crawl behind those cold impartial masks.
He shook it off though and found a little spot near the old woman Tabitha. It was about the only space really, and he had learned long ago to not judge too hard when it came to appearances or Rumors.
Walking around the room looking for fresh faces, Marconis eases near Celen
"Hows business? Mine has had a slight boom since the recent events, hope yours is flourishing" Marconis offers sincerely. "I can hardly keep rope and grappling hooks in stock, not to mention torches and rations."
Looks at Tabitha Almick, and her little "reed man," wondering if it could possibly be an effigy for some kind of spell.
There is plenty of room throughout Albert's sizable seating room, and there is indeed a large space between Tabitha and the other citizens, as if being being within close proximity with her is enough to earn some kind of curse.
Tabitha will look up without surprise as Celen enters he empty corner, her quiet, foreboding laugh a little too far into the realm of a cackle.
"Heheheheh...."
Though when Marconis arrives with his attempted small talk, she'll give him a surprisingly sad look and go back to her weaving.
While most prefer to use a bit of sponge, some use river reeds which are just as absorbent when casting the spell you've heard called Horrid Wilting.
I will begin looking for the man of the house, Albert Grundy, to let him know what may possibly be happening. He may want to alert authorities, or vacate the house.
The first few weeks were hectic but good, a shame to have lost so much stock with the glass shattering so, But my friend the last week has been beyond a nightmare.If you havent heard, My little one has been having visions and nightmares about some strange bug creature with glowing yellow eyes." He paused the concern and fear and anger obvious. He couldnt protect her from her dreams and it was killing him.
"Hepzibah would have been here but our poor little girl. It's either somethign with that blasted meteor, or something that moved in to plague them that is coincidently with the fall of the meteor but By Milani's guidence i hope it stops soon. I had heard you had a little bit of trouble with some fool of an Ulfen boy whom thought your sister needed a strong man in her life to rule her? At least that is how Hepzibah relayed it to me. No further troubles along that front?
Gabriele and Alfons zitter arrived at the home of Albert when most everyone else had already arrived. Albert looked as if the grey had grown even more aplenty over the last weeks. Gabriele was still her beautiful and charming self but her smile seemed just a bit strained and and even the best make up could no longer hide the dark rings underneath her eyes.
While Gabriele quickly mingled with all the guests and began to chit chat and parlay with those in high places Alfons needed a word with Tommy and approached the halfling inconspicuously. As only his two dim wit brothers were around Albert got straight to business.
Tommy! The two of us need to speak in private!
Celen smiled briefly a moment at the resident town drunk and strangely enough his wife's favorite deputy. He himself still held a bit of worry over the woman's drinking habits, though she seemed able to handle herself well even when inebriated three sheets to the wind. The deputy was at least moving up in his mind, she had been the only one really to pay attention to his concerns over the issues of the graffiti that someone kept writing on his home and business a few years back... and after her 'investigation' the name calling scrawled in coal usually on his walls stopped.
"Im sure my wife would send her reguards miss Calli." Celen said offering the woman a harried smile. He was wrenching his hands together out of nervousness and anger. "Here i was hoping you might have an answer as to why we are here. though it appears not.
Tommy looks up with a twinge of agitation when you approach Alfons, his smile will remain locked in place, but his eyes narrow dangerously. Tommy will respond in a friendly tone, easily loud enough for the others in to room to hear.
"Well if it inna dear Alfons. Sorry love, this here seems to be a public affair. Didn't bring tha lovely Maria? What a shame, maybe I'll stop by and say hello sometime."
Tommy will wave Alfons away while his brothers chuckle quietly, large grins on their faces.
-
The houses owner seems to be conspicuously missing for the moment, though it's really no surprise. Rumors tell that he's been meeting almost constantly with the larger powers that surround Grundy in an attempt to replicate his old trick of getting them to leave his town alone. It might prove an impossible task this time, but if there is one thing Albert Grundy is known for, it's pulling off the impossible.
Unable to find Albert Grundy, I make my way back around to Calli.
Whispering, "Are you aware of the possible threat in the room?"
Whispering to Calli, "Miss Tabitha Almick, it is possible she may be preparing a very deadly spell, notice the effigy she is weaving."
Looks to Tabitha with a nod, if she looks up offers a disarming smile.
I had heard you had a little bit of trouble with some fool of an Ulfen boy whom thought your sister needed a strong man in her life to rule her? At least that is how Hepzibah relayed it to me. No further troubles along that front?
"It is not so much that he means to rule her, at least I don't believe as much, as it is he is a known thief. I just do not wish any bad influence with my youngest sister. Or might you be speaking of another boy, one that I am not yet aware of?"
Celen managed to shrug. I am not sure my friend, My wife was the one who mentioned it, She certainly has been in a darker mood of late, with these 'adventurers' here causing the ruckus. One of them tried to get a bit fresh with Hepziabah even in her condition.. he was unaware i suppose she carries a mean right hook. A theif or fool, either way I hope the best for you and yours." He said though he too now glanced at the older woman from the corner of his eyes. He had talents of magic yes, but his studies there were not extensive. Perhaps if there ever was time he could look into that, but first this meeting and his daughter.
Judd stands tall wearing his full armour, with his great hammer slung effortlessly over one shoulder, he strives to be a reassuring presence nodding and smiling as more and more acquaintances enter the room,
"No, I'm sorry M'am only the Sheriff knows what's a'purpose here, a block head like me probably wouldn't understand it anyway. And I'm afraid I can't take only any more work at the moment, I'm busy constabalin' and the Boys are run of their feet as it is. Only so many hands I'm afraid, if this keeps up we'll be like to take on a few workmen..."
As he chats, and smiles, he is filled yet again with warmth for his people, flawed, stubborn, he's constantly surprised by their affection for a lunk headed oversized clumsy fool like him. Nevertheless he scans the room with his god-given sight seeking evil, evil is not simply, but it warrants watching...
As usual, you thank Grundinnar that only a few of Grundy's residents are truly evil, and fewer still are among those invited. The Two-Tongue clan's tattoos glow slightly under your gaze, preventing you from learning their allegiance. Kai, the priestess of Razmir unnervingly shines brightly with evil's taint. And lastly, two shady merchants new to Grundy, the Tabont brothers of Tabont Jewelery and Accessories are revealed under your gaze.
Judd nods to himself and makes his way over to the Tabont brothers, extending a great hand and a welcoming smile, "Pleased to meet you gentlemen, heard about you and your shop, sorry I haven't dropped by to introduce myself yet, I'm Judd Stonebarrow. Run The Hammer's Boys Workshop over on Main Street. Anyways wanted to welcome you and let you know that Grundy is a good place, these are good people, and this is a great place to take a hold of yourself and become a good man. Lot of us here are reformed scaliwags of one stripe or another, including this big stack of idiot. I hope we can be friends."
Alfons smirks at Tommy's uncalled for dismissal. After all his second cousin was likely gonna die soon if he didn't do anything about it. Because what ever the man had gotten himself into was beyond Alfons.
This is a matter of life and death. I need those ingredients as soon as possible. Otherwise I can't guarantee for anything! he whispers somewhat agitated.
Calli raises an eyebrow curiously. "Don't know much 'bout magic; just looks like some grass reeds to me. Miss Tabitha is kind of an odd duck and all, but I heard tell that Grundy himself once stepped in to keep some folks from running her outta town. Doubt he would've done it if he didn't think she was alright," she whispers quietly. "But I'll keep an eye on her, just the same." As she speaks, she observes Tabitha's activities and manner, attempting to discern if there's anything to be worried about.
"Just wanted to make you aware of the situation as it presents itself," Marconis Whispered, "I would feel liable if I knew of the possible danger and did nothing."
The Tabont brothers look surprised when Judd approaches them, the two humans look to have enjoyed finer living for many years and the two large men are dressed in very fine clothing with dozens of expensive rings and jewels. The surprise on their faces at first turn to sneers, but then they seem to soften a bit at Judd's honest introduction. The older brother (by far it would seem) will speak up.
"Well, the town seems... friendly enough. We do enjoy that the law is so proactive here. Perhaps we could procure your services later, our business is doing quite well and we are looking to build a proper shop."
--
Tabitha Almick was always an unusual one, but while she usually seems to almost enjoy unnerving others, she has never actually harmed anyone. The 'doll' she seems to be weaving is probably one of the many she leaves lying near her home for the children who touch her doorstep on a dare.
--
Calling Tommy's bluff, the mention of life and death will drain Tommy's bravado. For a moment, his mask will drop, leaving Tommy looking tired, and of all things, scared. He'll kneed his forehead as if trying to work out a headache, and say in a quiet tone,
"Fine, you'll get what you need..."
Judd nods, "Soon as things settle me and the Boys will be happy to help, I'll introduce you to Badly - he's got a stammer, does good work - closest thing we have to an architect does fine work," he chuckles, "a Badly built house means something different in Grundy I promise you. Might I have your names, I know Tabont, but that's all, must have heard them, but I am not always good with names."
Marconis will watch Tabitha weaving for a moment, glad to hear she weaves these for non malicious reasons.
Certainly glad I was discreet with my concerns, I am the last person who needs to jump into action without checking facts.
He offers a sincere smile Tabitha's direction before turning back to Calli, "Thank you for the information, you would think I would have learned by now, maybe my family takes more of my concentration than I realize."
Celen couldnt pace so he rocked slighly. He could almost taste the worry in the air. Maybe he should have brought those cookies Hepzibah had made though he was sure some wouldn't have touched them for that fact. He recalled the cookies she had made for one of the towns ne'erdo wells birthday at the tavern. They werent touched by a single halfling. You would have thought they were poisoned or something.
do you think it has to do with the meteorite that hit I wonder? He asked out loud.
Celen glanced at the man and nodded. He couldnt recall of he had seen him ever before but then again he was stresses and tired. Hepzibah sould have known him he bet. Lets hope their brainstorming cant stop whatever fowl thing is haunting my daughters dreams. He absently reached into his shirt and pulled out a holy symbol his hand rubbing it a bit self conciously. engineer huh?building or 'machine'? he asked the word machine came out hesitantly like the celestial heritaged being didnt trust the world fully./
Despite the polite chatter, the general attitude of the room is tense. The people in this room can put on a strong front, but the people of Grundy are scared. Not just for what the future holds, but now their immediate safety. Something needs to change, and soon, before the people in town reach the breaking point. While Grundy may not be Absalom, there are still a thousand lives depending on the people in this room. Depending on you.
Just as you're thinking to yourself to stop being so melodramatic, and people have their mouths open to answer your questions, you'll hear the familiar sound of heavy ceramic boots stomping across the wooden floor of Albert's home, and Letka Stonebarrow will enter the room followed closely by Albert Grundy himself. Letka hasn't changed much since she began her quest to bring law to Grundy, she has dark skin for a dwarf and short black hair tied back into a tight knot, her wide plain face sports her usual crescent-moon spectacles and her exquisite half-plate she wears as if she born into it sports the large holy symbol of Torag, and much smaller etching of a star with the word sheriff in it. Letka wears her dreaded Dwarven Chain-Flail wrapped around her waist, and when contingencies and logic fail, many a face has been beaten to stuffing with her incredible skill. Albert looks even older and haggard than you remember, his eyes sunken and glazed, even his hair seems to sport more silver than dark-brown. His clothes are wrinkled and stained and undoubtedly the same he has been wearing all week. Letka clearly shows the same weariness, though she bears it better, and she'll help the half-elf to his own rocking chair near Tabitha.
Letka will take a moment to compose herself, looking about the room and mentally taking note of it's occupants. Letka will pull a few pieces of parchment from the bag at her waist, but as she takes a breath to begin, Brie will shriek out at the mud Letka tracked in through the room. Completely blowing the serious focus off of her face, Letka will giggle as Brie scrubs the floor with enough force to send sawdust flying, but the humor will drain from her as she begins to speak, addressing the room.
” Grundy is in trouble. We face innumerable tribulations, and if the current status quo is maintained I estimate our residence will dissolve into an anarchist state which will be absorbed by the various provincial powers now gathered within our town in a matter of days.”
It's about this point that most people's eyes glaze over.
” There have been over 39 significant reports of theft, 16 incidents of violence, and 243 reported threats against residents of Grundy in the last three weeks, with each figure rising exponentially with each passing day. I have enacted over 6 planned contingencies for populous expenditure, 4 procedures regarding residential loss prevention, 9 contingencies to alleviate population paroxysm, and none have seen more than 28 percent success.”
” Mayor Grundy has been in nigh-constant negotiation with the surrounding powers. The emissary from the Black Marquis has been suitably pacified for the time being, however she has against policy negotiations enforced a blockade of our river harbor for the foreseeable future. The sizable force she represents has created an encampment on the river banks and is inconceivably galvanizing piracy efforts against our normal suppliers,”
”Most of 'em...
Tommy Two-Tongue will say, interrupting with a wide toothy smile. Letka will levy a look at Tommy for a full 30 seconds that would leave most men coughing up blood, then continue with a noticeable grating to her voice.
” Against most of our current suppliers, thankfully allowing some precious, sorely needed products into town that are currently being sold for an absurd, illogical amount.”
Letka will visibly seethe for a moment, but manage to calm herself and continue.
”The negotiations with the intermediary for the forces on-route from Numeria, a representative of the Technic League, is proving far more onerous. Implausibly, Albert has managed to keep them from enforcing their mandate upon the crash site, which would undoubtedly create violent escalation with the numerous explorers intent upon plundering the valuable site. The group is currently the sole occupants of 'Hallowed Hearth Inn', which I assure to you Alma will remain in your possession when they vacate it, regardless of the groups current position.”
Letka and many of the room's occupants will look to Alma Restara sitting near the window, the shy, mousy owner of one of the nicest Inns in town. Alma created the Hallowed Hearth Inn so her husband would have a comfortable bed to return to when he retired from the Crusades, and though he may never come back, she has given rest and succor to the holy warriors traveling north to aid her beloved. That is, until the Technic League arrived and kicked her out of her own establishment. Since then, rumors of strange noises and alien howls coming from the boarded up inn have spread like wildfire, and Albert himself has forbade anyone from even speaking with the strange Numerian occultists.
”This brings me to the main article of our concourse. As I am sure many of you know, there have been reports of murders not only occurring within our town, but to our citizens. Several of you have heard of the disappearances, and still others have witnessed the acute mental afflictions occurring to our loved ones. My deputies and I are already overextended to the point of ineffectiveness, merely taking the time to organize and attend this meeting pushes back my enforcement efforts by weeks. I have run the numbers and without doubling the size of my current forces I will not be able to regain any impetus against the myriad of issues assaulting our town. I have already enacted plans for the formation of a volunteer town watch, however in order to engage these more ephemeral issues I would need a more capable agent. I would need you. You who have made this town what it is, you who have made Grundy more than a place to live. I have examined most of my profiles on the town's citizen, and I believe that many of you would be ideal candidates to assist with these problems.”
Despite the fact that Letka is clearly addressing the room, it's difficult not to take what she says to heart. Has anywhere you've been felt as much a home as this weird little town? And whether or not these problems are personal in nature, unless you stand up now, they may never be resolved.
"I need the cooperation of several of you to assist two of my deputies in focusing on these unusual problems. I'm sure most of you know Calli McDaniel and my son Judd."
She says as she points the two out in the crowd.
"This will be a difficult challenge, the clues are few and far between, and they will be difficult to ascertain while contesting the crowds and distractions, not to mention the time one would need to devote to such a task. And yet I must ask, if Calli and Judd do not receive assistance I fear these problems will never be resolved. Please, I realize I am asking a great deal of you, but your very way of life is currently hanging by a thread..."
Standing up from his chair, suddenly looking much stonger and focused than before Letka began her speech, Albert Grundy will pull the wide-brimmed hat from his head, run his hand through his fading hair and let loose the most eloquent sentence you have ever heard utter from his lips.
"Ayup, towns in trouble. Help her out."
He'll growl out in his deep gravely voice. He'll sit back down as if that took an extreme amount of effort, and Letka will look pleadingly to the crowd around her.
"Ah, our mechanic resident, can not say I understand the workings of such things, but I do find it a fascinating subject. Marconis, of the Cozy Corner Home and Travel shop, nice to finally make your acquaintance."
"You will have me." Marconis stated just loud enough to be heard.
Judd nods to the Tabont's and strides forward, excusing his way through the crowd, to clap a great hand on Marconis's shoulder, "Glad to have you! Come now folks, if anything really dangerous crops up at least you can be sure this clumsy blockhead will be between you and it - I may not be clever, but I sure am big!"
If it protects my wife and children I am there to support you. Celen said solemnly taking a deep breath. He had hoped to leave such reckless things behind him now with the children but he would do anything Anything! to keep them safe. What do you have proposed Sheriff?" He asked in a way glad his love Hepzibah was with their second child. She would have probably already been throwing her sword into the mix otherwise and it killed him with worry when she put herself in danger.
At first silence consumes the room. People look around the room nervously, seeming to avoid eye-contact with each other. But then Marconis speaks up and people around the room begin to murmur with surprise. Judd speaks up to help inspire more volunteers, and Dion and Celen are quick to pledge their support.
Suddenly, through a burst of inspiration, Alfons will speak up as well.
"I will assist you all as well."
Smiling down at Tommy, Alfons will whisper,
"Looks like you'll have to find someone else to do your dirty-work for a while, I'll be a little busy."
Letka will smile at the volunteers and speak once more to the room.
"Is there no one else that would assist with the investigation?
When her question is answered with silence she'll nod and motion for the volunteers to gather. She'll produce from her belt pouch several intricately crafted steel stars that read 'Deputy' with two small dwarven runes underneath.
The runes read, "Plan 19"
You can't help but notice that her pouch contains a quite a few more than what she produced. She'll hand the stars out to each of the civilians and say,
"I thank you for assisting in our time of need. By the powers invested in me by the mayor and the court of Grundy, I hearby grant you all the title of deputy, for as long as you seek to aid our town and uphold the law."
Letka gives her pronouncement with intense solemnity, but at the end she gives a simple emotion-filled,
"And... thank you."
"Now then,"
Letka Stonebarrow will begin. Pulling several more papers from her bag.
"What I have proposed is to have your group to focus entirely on the various mysterious cases. I am convinced that given enough time and focus you all will be able to discern precisely what is plaguing our town. I have several reports of the various unsolved crimes, but I suggest you focus on one at a time so as to maximize efficiency. I would prefer you begin with the murders happening in and around town, though I realize some of you have personal interests in the other cases, either the disappearances or the children's nightmares. Which would you choose to begin with?"
As she waits for you to choose your first case file, one of the various town members will cough. Surprised, as if she had completely forgotten about the rest of the meeting, Letka will announce,
"Oh, and you are all dismissed..."
Grumbling and chatting, the rest of the community leaders will begin dispersing back into the warm sunny day, many look even more worried than they had when they arrived, though a few seem confident in the collection of new deputies and their abilities.
Waving goodbye to the other townsfolk Judd turns back to his fellow deputies and scratches his lantern jaw, "Well much as I would like to help the little ones first the murders seem the most serious issue to me. What leads do we have M'... Sheriff? I've a feel that we might want to keep a friendly eye on the Tabont boys there, touch of trouble that hopefully a bit of neighbourliness will knock out of them. That Lady Priest to, Grundinnar tell's me she's evil - though that does not mean she's committed any crimes I'd call it a reason to be careful."
His fists clenched when it was suggested that solving the murders would be the highest priority...then he took a deep breath. The young man had the right of it truthfully, so far besides the terrors and fatigue and just general unhappiness his daughter was healthy in body. With her mother there to guard her close he hoped her spirit would say strong.
"Easy enough for you to say that Judd, just I can't wait til the day you have a child and see which way your judgement lies but I digress. The murders indeed seem a good place to start, if anything it might be the one and same that troubles our youths minds." He said softly his fingers running along the star with some amount of curiousity. "What leads on the murders do we have if any?" He asked.
Judd frowns, "If your little one is one troubled I might be able to help Celen. Its not healthy to do it for long, but if she wishes to go a few nights without sleep I can remove her fatigue. I've not slept these past three weeks what with one thing or another, I wish I could do it for them all, but I can only use Grundinnar's blessings a limited amount. Since you are with us and understandably worried I think its the least I can do.."
"I would like to add that I have noticed a mysterious stranger around as of late, though no one else seems to notice. It is a figure that sticks to the shadows, and seems focused on me, I have attempted to confront this person but when I do, the figure vanishes. Oddly enough, I can not get a good enough look to even notice it the figure is male or female, let alone a decent description. Maybe this 'Shadow' is partially, or even fully, to blame for some of the problems around town."
"Well then, I do have several more meetings today but I have these for each of you."
Letka will hand you each a few pages of hand written, meticulous notes about the murders.
1- Sandra Jheru
Victim: Female, Half-Elf, Fair skin, Blond Hair, Green Eyes.
Location: Discovered one mile from crash site at self established trading tent , found by Mage and team from Absalom. Date found, (two weeks and one day ago, at five in the morning). Estimated time of death, four hours prior to discovery.
Condition: (sparing the particular details of Letka's clinical assessment of the gruesome scene, essentially the poor woman was found mangled and in several pieces. While Letka initially proposes Sandra was killed by a wild animal, there are signs of damage from manufactured weapons as well as claws, and whatever weapon did the damage was supernaturally sharp, while the natural weapons show the usual tearing of relatively dull claws. Sandra was most likely killed with the initial attack, an unusual bite-like mark from something Letka doesn't recognize. Despite this she was then savaged by whatever killed her. Due to the number of wounds and the damage inflicted, Letka proposes there were multiple attackers.)
Notes: Name Sandra Jheru, immigrant from Razmiran, Lived in Grundy 2 years, Was known to be selling personal supplies to adventurers headed to crash site, Known to be independent and anti-social, Negligible combat abilities, Several known enemies.
Suspects: Most frequently clashed with Technic League representatives with reports of death threats.
2- Dirk Pith
Victim: Male, Human, Dark Skin, Black Hair, Brown Eyes.
Location: Found in homestead, 1 mile south-east of Grundy, in Tannery cabin. Discovered by Letka Stonebarrow (six days ago, at 5 in the evening). Estimated time of death, six to nine hours prior to discovery.
Condition: (Sparing too many details, the corpse was decomposed in a way Letka has never seen a body in this condition before. It looks as if some force caused the body to rot from the inside out while poor Dirk was sitting in his chair. Letka suspects magic, but has never heard of an effect that matches this horrific scene.)
Notes: Room shows small signs of a struggle, victim was faced towards door, perhaps for shock value. Door was marked and marred, suggesting killer wanted victim to be found easily as a sign or display. No known enemies, Dirk was a trained mercenary, though retired.
Suspects: Dirk was a friendly and popular inhabitant, known well throughout town. Suspects are remarkably low. Tabitha Almick unfortunately tops the list.
3- Belloo Flungnugget
Victim: Male, Gnome, Fair skin, Red and Brown Hair, Blue Eyes.
Location: Discovered by Vudrani atanapratta, stuffed into a tree hollow outside of campsite (one week and two days ago at noon). Estimated time of death, one/two day/s prior to discovery.
Condition: (Sparing too many details, Belloo was killed when his torso was severed by some sort of heat or explosion. Similar to Sandra, Belloo was then horribly savaged by claws or natural weapons of some sort and stuffed into the tree. Due to the proximity and obvious nature of the crime scene, Letka proposes this killing was a sign of some sort.)
Notes: Ground around camp shows unusual signs of disturbance, unusual marks and burns litter the area, and all grass as of the invesigation in surrounding area is dead. Belloo was a treasure hunter investigating the crash site. Known to practice Druidic faith.
Suspects: Belloo's known associates, a Qadrian wizard Fadal Al-Humam, and a Druman Dwarf Tulbur Kegstep.
4- Kalhil Mihran
Victim: Male, Human, Dusky Skin, Brown Hair, Brown Eyes.
Location: Found in the south Grundy streets. Discovered by numerous locals, including Deputy Dalmon Grasshopper (three days ago, at 6 in the morning). Estimated time of death, unknown but presumably from 12p.m.-4a.m.
Condition: (Sparing too many details, Kalhil was literally smeared across the alley, Letka suggests he was attacked by something of incredible strength, but the viciousness and savegry of the attack would have been impossible to pull off without making any noise, though no one near the crime scene reported any noise.)
Notes: Victim was trained and highly skilled in unarmed combat, No signs of struggle, No reports of suspicious activity, Seems improbable due to brutality of attack, Once again bears crude resemblance to some sign or... warning...
Suspects: Known lover Elf Yelmerra Atrana but not likely. None... Situation is escalating too quickly, Resources spread too thin. Need help.
"I would suggest following up with what few suspects I've discerned, and examining the crime scenes themselves. I wish you the best of luck. When you manage to determine the perpetrator please report to me as soon as possible. Before I go, do you have any questions?"
"A mix of magic and something else seems to be at play here, Their are spells to disguise one's appearance or even to make one invisible to the senses. I can only assume that perhaps that is why the victims appeared to be so unprepared. He frowned this was a puzzle he was sure he didnt like.
"I don't suppose I could share details with Hepzibah? She has...talents in darker things than i have dealt with due to her..heritage." he began and actually almost regret it. Just was he needed to point out that his love had knowledge of dark things in dark places. They had spent the last ten years trying to prove to teh world she was more than some dark spawn and he was suggested to use that very fact. He was tired and not thinking straight at all.
"If you are thinking it may be something dark, maybe other worldly, I also have some study in that area."