"Hmm... Seems rather lonely here for the moment..."
"Strange. My thoughts usually occupy my head rather than my ears. I never have enjoyed being by myself, though if I can keep myself company it doesn't feel so lonely."
Tedal turns around and sees the strange female before him, starting to hyperventilate. "You-you're-!" He starts breathing deeply to calm himself and collapses onto his behind. Once he has calmed down (several minutes later) he takes another look at her.
"An elf with dark skin! How [I]unusual[/u]! Did you happen to have a unfortunate mishap with a rod of wonder too?! You see I knew this Boggard once, strange fellow, went by Blip-Bloop..." He continues to ramble for some time unless stopped. He talks of wizards polymorphed into squirrels, swordfish and rhinos falling from the sky, and all sorts of other terrifying wonders purportedly done by this 'frog wizard'
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Nixis stares at the man for a moment, perplexed by his ability to ramble on for almost what seems like forever. no, I... You see... I would... she tries to be polite with the man but frustration is apparent on her face. Please! be quiet for a moment! once Tedal has silenced she calms down. Have you never heard of the Drow? sure, we are a terrifying people, but surely you are familiar with the term "dark elf" Nixis shakes her head. In my homeland, a male who spoke so much would have his tongue cut out to silence him. you need not worry, i am hardly like the spider kissing drow of my homeland, always so full of themselves... Nixis sighs to herself
Tedal pulls out a small notebook and consults it, "Actually that term reminds me of something...Ah, yes that case ended in the burning of an entire library by something dealing with Lanterns? To be short, no. And please don't cut out my tongue...I need it to taste whatever concoctions I happen to make...unless you're volunteering?"
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt, I always say." A man in a mask approaches from the side. His mask is solid white and etched with beautiful carvings. He is covered from head to toe in handsome attire, showing not a bit of skin. "My good sir, the lady is a Drow. An underdark race that is, in the best of circumstances, met with suspicion by most people, anger, violence or fear in the worst," he says, courteously to the halfling. He then turns his mask to the drow woman. "I will admit a slight bit of suspicion myself but more than that is curiosity. What has drawn you to the light of the surface I wonder?"
Frosty Silversky is definitely not here.
OR IS HE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
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Nixis sighs at the mention of hate and anger. well, at least i don't have to worry about my allies stabbing me in my back! I left my homeland because they left me. I'm afraid my own kind don't take to kindly to letting an enemy live. She quickly examines the man's mask.
My, what a beautiful mask, what is it, Ivory? the bones of many creatures do make fine materials, but i am unaware of any creature that has bones so large to make a mask of such size, save for only the most dangerous creatures of the underdark, ad surface from what I've gathered.
Nixis smiles, her pupiless white eyes seem to scan the man. my name is Nixis Dra'nor, of house Dra'nor, although by now such house would be gone, fed to the demons of the Abyss.
Frosty is still definitely not here listening with a 17 stealth.
I wonder what that strange fox-man is doing here? Perhaps none of the others see him because he is only in my head? I'll wait for someone else to confirm he is real before speaking then.
"Oh my manners! How rude of me." Tedal addresses everyone in the room with a bow, "I am Tedal Lightfoot, investigator, of sorts."
He looks specifically at the man in the mask, "Good...sir...I guess? Robes make it so difficult to tell one's gender...Anyways I must say that covering yourself head to toe makes you a very curious person, and you are piquing at my own curiosity. I must ask, despite how rude it may sound, what is it behind the mask? Before my curiosity burns me from inside."
Tedal looks with horror at Nixis. "Fed to the..! That is most terrible indeed! How have you come to survive such an atrocity?"
Tedal gives a breathy sigh of relief, "Ah, that is good." He smiles at Nixis before looking over at the masked man again.
Finally, the doors of the mayor's office open to reveal plush red carpet and oak furniture upholstered with velvet. The decor lends this room an air of comfort, but it’s also clearly a place of official business, with several layers of administrative papers, staff memos, maps, and charts covering the wide surface of the solid desk in the center. From her tall-backed chair behind her desk, Mayor Sandra Trinelli looks up, shaking herself out of a deep concentration. A subtle look of relief flashes across her face as she motions to the oversized chairs in front of her.
"Normally, I’d exchange more pleasantries with my guests, but I fear there is no time," she says. "The business that brought you here is quite urgent—it may actually be a matter of life and death."
“Let me explain. You may have heard that several young apprentices from various establishments in Saringallow have disappeared in the last couple of weeks. Every one of them has failed to show up to work, and nobody seems to know where they’ve gone."
“That’s not all. Rumors are spreading about sightings of enormous insects roaming about town. So far, the townspeople have chalked up such rumors to overactive imaginations, but I fear they might be real, and that they might have something to do with the missing apprentices. I have no proof that the situations are connected, but if folks get that notion into their heads, things are bound to spiral out of control.”
She shifts nervously, as if avoiding an uncomfortable implication, before continuing.
“Please, I implore you to look into this matter quietly and thoroughly—find out where our apprentices have gone and discover the cause of our vermin problem. Don’t jump to conclusions until you have investigated every possible angle; we need to be absolutely sure that we know who or what is responsible before we take any necessary law-enforcement actions."
“I suggest you start by interviewing the masters of every missing apprentice on this list I’ve compiled. I suspect that, collectively, they might shed some light on the youngsters’ whereabouts. That could in turn illuminate our vermin problem, but until we have more information, I caution you against suggesting to anyone that the two situations are connected. Beyond that, though, you have my full cooperation in this matter. If anyone gives you guff about your line of questioning, show them this letter.”
The mayor pushes a scrap of paper with several names scribbled on it across her desk, as well as a rolled-up, ribbon-bound letter written on thick parchment.
“As far as an incentive,” the mayor says, “I’ve pooled together 50 gold pieces as a reward for each apprentice you manage to find and rescue, as well as an additional 100 gold pieces if you can determine the cause of our vermin problem—and eliminate it. Do we have a deal?”
Gellion Vazarro—apprentice at Pricknettle’s Potions and Poultices
Morvinarr Albusin—apprentice at Witch’s End tavern
Noemi Tauralio—apprentice at Gunty’s Hearty Breads
Nolaria Wintren—apprentice of the temple and Father Ildris Ruvarra
Pavolus Laterna—apprentice of cobbler Dependable Drummady
The bearers of this letter have embarked on a matter of official Saringallow business on my behalf. As such, it is my deepest hope that you will treat them judiciously and conscientiously, and that you will trust that any questions they ask are in the interest of furthering this urgent errand. Please answer their inquiries completely and to the best of your knowledge, as you would answer questions from me personally. Should you be aware of another citizen who may have the information they desire, I implore you to disclose those details, as well as anything else that might be of use. Should you aid my proxies in completing their task, rest assured that you will earn my profound gratitude, as well as any small favor from my office.
Your Humble Mayor,
Sandra Trinelli
"Giant vermin--generally multi-legged, mindless, and often poisonous." The list of facts spill through the lips of a darkly-attractive young female human wearing black clothes of velvet and leather; she wears a longsword on one hip.
"Oh--please allow me to introduce myself. I am Samantha Shale, a scholar and historian from distant Kintargo. My knowledge may be of valuable assistance in this grave matter. And I suggest we start our investigation at the tavern--they're wonderful places for obtaining information...but one must always consider the source. Alcohol can dull or even trick the senses...and some patrons might even revel in dealing out misinformation on those they dislike."
"Well," Jacob starts, about to explain his attire, but then the door to the mayor's office opens. "Later perhaps."
Jacob wasn't really surprised he had been asked to help. He had an amicable relation with most in this town and was quite knowledgeable in a lot of areas. Except. "I must admit, my knowledge of insects is not that expansive. Though, if we are talking of mindless creatures, would their not be something better than inconsistent sightings? Sounds like a conscientious attempt in stealth which implies greater intelligence. Apologies. Jacob Romero. Former student of magic in Ustalav," he says bowing to Miss Shale. "I've lived here for some time, so I think I shall start talking with the masters." He reads over the list once. "I see no reason not to just go down the list so Miss Pindlion it is. Anyone care to join?"
Before sitting Tedal places his pack on his chair and climbs carefully atop both, perching like an ungainly bird so as to see everyone eye to eye. "If this is a matter of life and death then it is best that we hurry. I've done enough investigating in my life to know that missing people usually don't have very long before they can't be found again."
Samantha returns Jacob's bow with a half-curtsy. "As you're a local and know these people and places better than me, I gladly defer to your expertise in this matter. Lead on...if there are no objections?"
Her bright hazel eyes turn to gaze upon the others present.
Once at the mayor's office, the anthropomorphic fox in a blue coat introduces himself. "Name's Frosty Silversky. Came here from Thuvia a while back. I should be able to get us past any tight situations we may find ourselves in."
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Giant Bugs? reminds me of home... at least spiders do... I hate the things, my house was very odd like that... one of the reasons we where destroyed...
Nixis thinks for a moment, her fingers flick to her lips and she pouts. Well, I'm good at getting information where it is needed, who shall I intero- I mean persuade first? Nixis chuckles to herself.
"Might I suggest a compromise of sorts?" Samantha asks. "As Tedal says, speed may be of the essence. Jacob's a local and should be able to determine the quickest, most direct order for interviewing folks that won't have us running from one end of town to the other. Economy of movement and resources."
"Ah yes, the fastest route will indeed be the best. Though I do have to wonder what a haberdasher, alchemist, barkeep, baker, priest and cobbler have in common? I'm certain the youths themselves are not going to be the true targets, but the masters are."
In walks a slender and beautiful Ifrit woman, dressed in loose fitting sashes and robes made of a light shimmery fabric that seem to be designed to react to her every movement.
My apologies... for being late. I was misinformed by the messenger as to the meeting time. I understand that there is a crisis to be averted. Are you all here to help as well? So many of us. How rude of me...I haven't introduced myself. I am Nurri Al Rhakaza. A humble performer in the traditions of Shelyn.
She bows in a manner you would expect on a stage not in a mayoral office.
So who are my new found compatriots that I am to work with.
"A pleasure to meet you miss Nurri. I am Tedal Lightfoot, though hopefully we can all exchange pleasantries on the road to our destination, time being of the essence and all."
"Samantha Shale, at your service," says the dark-haired human with a smile and another half-curtsy to the ifrit. She then gives a brief retelling of the mayor's presentation and nature of the threat(s) to Saringallow.
As yet another newcomer enters, Jacob pauses, head swiveling between each person. Saringallow has never been known to be welcoming of newcomers. And yet, within this room now stands a Drow, an Ifrit, an anthropomorphized fox...and him too if he was being honest. The only two not out of place were the halfling and the human. Strange. He let none of the confusion get to his face, not that they could see it, and tried not to let it show in his voice. "I believe we are all aware of the theory of diminishing returns. Since we have two cases, maybe we should split the load. Three of us to find these insects and three to the masters' apprentices. We can keep the populace from making any connections that way and avoid undue panic. Perhaps mister Lightfoot could lead the investigation on the insects and I with the apprentices? We can meet up later at the tavern to share information."
Samantha purses her lips before speaking. "I had a similar thought," she admits, "but feared that smaller groups might not fare well should they stumble across a nest of giant insects. I like to think of myself as soft-spoken and diplomatic, so I could help Jacob. And I'm not much of a fighter, but I have limited healing abilities and my knowledge of foes' weaknesses could be instrumental in a battle."
Although Samantha doesn't speak any more words, her eyes circumnavigate the party, seeming to ask, So who wants me?
"Heh, heh. I may have neglected to mention this earlier, but I am new to this city as well. Splitting won't help if one group is entirely lost. Besides, the mayor said there were just sightings, nothing confirmed yet, it'd be better if we all put our brains to finding the younglings."
Frosty takes note of Tedal's nervousness, but decides not to point it out. "I suggest we concentrate on the missing apprentices as well," he says. "Besides, I'd prefer us to be all together if we stumble upon a nest of giant insects."
As the newly-formed group hesitates and dithers on how to proceed, the bard tries to recall if she's seen any of the businesses mentioned on the list of missing apprentices.
"How much danger can we find on the streets and in the businesses of such a quaint village as this?" she asks brightly and, perhaps, a bit naively. "If Jacob would like to take half the places on the list, I can lead a group to investigate the other three. Who's with me?"
"Very well, the apprentices are the most pressing issue." Maybe the mayor should have chosen a leader. "There are 6 so I concur with miss Shale. I'll start with Betrona Pindlion."
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Nixis sighs and flicks her dress to the side, at her waist. you can see she has a rapier. I have some skill with a blade, and I am a magic user, I am also a skilled... negotiator.
I'm not really a leading type, so I won't give my opinion...
"And I'll start with Pricknettle's Potions and Poultices--I noticed that shop and its memorable name yesterday while walking through the village. Mind if I hold onto the Writ of Investigation, as I'm an outsider and might have more need of it than a local like yourself?"
I'll go with Samantha... who is our third?
"If you have any other questions you may of course contact me, but for you I encourage you to listen to your companions and make haste," the mayor says as she lays a map on the table. Several locations have been marked - the shops belonging to the masters of the missing apprentices. "I honestly hadn't expected such a strong showing of investigators, so I confess that I only had one map drawn up. I'll have another made for you but until then you'll all have to share. Now if you'll excuse me, my bowl is full to the brim with business - you'll have to see yourselves out."
The inside of the shop is well kept with various alchemical odds and ends on display, aside from the front desk where a gnome woman is deep in her work. "Welcome to Pricknettle's, finest quality alchemical goods around." She gives a short laugh. "Well, only alchemical goods around to be honest, but I still think I deserve more than a bit of pride in my work. Anyhow, just give me a wave when you're ready to order." She speaks curtly, and continues her work the entire time.
The shop itself seems just a bit rundown, the inside is even worse. The place is an absolute mess, although it doesn't look like much work is being done. A man stomps out of the back when he hears you enter. "What do you want? No we don't do group discounts. Got a problem? Take your business to one of my infinitely more successful competitors. Hmph!" Needless to say, he seems to be in a foul mood.
Outside the tavern hangs a sign depicting a dark-haired figure burning at the stake - Witch's End indeed. As you enter, you just narrowly avoid colliding with and imposing woman who must be over six feet tall. She barely gives you a second glances as she rushes over to serve some drinks to patrons at a nearby table. "Perfect. Another group of outsiders here to muck up my tavern's floors. Are ye some adventures looking for a noble quest? Well here's one - try not to get in my way will ya?" She returns to the bar area and barks back at you, "Now what can I get ya? And don't say the usual cause I know none of ye are locals."
"Yes, well, please keep your negotiator sheathed." Jacob had a feeling her weapon was like his, mostly for show. He himself carried a walking stick and small crossbow at his side. He hoped never to have to use it because he was likely to hit something other than the target.
Jacob forgoes the map, letting the other, less knowledgeable group, use it. He knew his way around town and lead the two that decided to come, directly to Petrello's Haberdashery.
Jacob shows no signs of discomfort in the face of the angry owner. He keeps his hands folded in front of him and waits for a moment to speak.
"Please calm yourself sure. I actually could use a new pair of gloves but that is not why I am here this day. The mayor has asked us to look into the recent string of disappearances. I can tell its hit you quiet hard," he says peering around the room. For Jacob, such an act meant actually moving his head as no one could see his eyes. He'd had to become very somatic when talking with people since they could not see his expressions. "Would you care for some help cleaning up? While we do I'd like to ask a few questions about what happened."
If that soothes the man's mood, Jacob uses his lowest cantrips to start moving things about the store and cleaning. He also places a notebook on a table and wills a quill to write his thoughts?
Questions:
"Was there a struggle here? It's awfully messy."
"Tell me about the day Betrona Pindlion disappeared. Did anything odd happen? Was she acting strangely?"
"Do you know where it happened? Where does she live?"
"Did anyone odd happen by?"
"Was there any odd occurrences?"
"I am not sure there is a relation, but there appears to be very few working the orchard today? Did they loose someone too?"
Before the group splits, Samantha tells Jacob that her group will visit the cobbler before heading to the tavern; there the two parties can meet and discuss their findings over a meal and some drinks.
En route, Samantha chats with the others about how to best go about questioning the people on the list without drawing undue attention to the investigation.
"I may be young enough to pass myself off as an acquaintance of the missing apprentice," she theorizes aloud. "A few little white lies won't hurt when the alternative is spooking the townsfolk."
Upon entering the shop, Samantha smiles kindly at the gnome. "Excuse me, but I'm looking for a young man named Gellion. I crossed paths with him a few days ago and he told me that he could procure for me berries for use in creating a blush and other makeup." Her eyes turn briefly upon her glammed-up ifrit companion, hoping it'll add a bit of plausibility to her inquiry.
Not sure how to respond to Nixis' comment, Frosty looks between Jacob and Samantha before shrugging and following Romero to Petrello's Haberdashery.
After passing the orchard and entering the place, Frosty decides against trying to help Jacob. I was never that good of a talker anyways, he thinks as he looks around for anything he might have missed at first sight.
Tedal looks between Jacob and Samantha growing more nervous before humming a little rhyme to himself.
He grabs his pack and follows Jacob and Frosty out the door, the curiosity making his fingers itch to see what was under the mask.
Seeing his words have no effect he drops his pack by the door and starts trying to help out while looking around.
"Betrona was acting perfectly normal, if not a bit disobedient, but that just my daughter for you. She kept getting into all kinds of trouble with Gellion and Nolaria - the two rascals who apprentice for the alchemist and the temple of Erastil, respectively. Even though I expressly forbid it, she ran off with them anyway, my guess is to either the graveyard or the orchard."
"As for the orchard, its care rotates between citizens who've no other livelihood - sort of a public project. It was never kept too well, but especially with all the recent goings on and the rumors, work seems to have fallen by the wayside."
"That's really all that I know, but I can tell you it must be that apothecary boys fault, such a bad influence he is. If only Betrona had listened to me! And I've heard that Pavolus, my son, is missing too, although I haven't seen him much after my wife and I split."
Looking sidelong at his companions Tedal mutters out, "Head by the graveyard, orchard, or try to find the others?"
Detecting just a hint of worry in the gnome's otherwise curt dismissal, Samantha decides to press her luck a bit.
"Was he in yesterday? Because he was supposed to drop off the berries yesterday but never stopped by the inn. And did you say other apprentices are missing as well? That's unusual...isn't it?"
Nurri listens to the conversation between Samantha and the Gnome shopkeeper. Meanwhile she peruses the wares of the store looking for anything that looks out of place.
"My graveyard?" Jacob asks, surprised. Were youths really visiting the graveyard? To scare each other or be alone, he wondered. But that problem was for another time. Maybe a few non-harmful, magical traps.
"Children, they will do as they will." Jacob walks around the piles of stuff, careful not to disturb the organization, mulling over the information and listening to the owners answers to Tedal's questions. He has no more himself but he does nod to Silversky. They'd have to look over both the orchard and the graveyard for signs of a struggle.