As it’s a little late to be off and about doing things, you resolve to wait until morning. You each sleep rather well in your down bedding. Breakfast on Toilday isn’t as good as you’d hoped, but it fills the belly and you’re planning to spend, at least a little time, in town before you depart. You resolve to meet for lunch, pending the morning’s activities of course.
Kast and Izomandakus spend some time wandering through a few guard houses to see who’s wanted for what. They do have wanted posters, with drawings of the person wanted for questioning, the crime, etc. You don’t see anything about Valena in the first two places you check out, but the third. They find something.
Valena’s story is true. She is wanted for the murder of her children and the nanny. The description is fairly apt, though it could apply to many in such a thriving metropolis. The image is poor. Or the artist was. It seems unlikely that anyone would see this image and Valena in her current guise and say it was the same woman.
There’s a vague offer of a reward for information leading to her capture. Inquiring with the desk sergeant reveals it’s usually around 20gp. A princely sum to most who earn 3-9gp a month, but not so much that the bounty hunters are really interested. There may be a private bounty from the husband, but that’s not noted here.
Meanwhile, Valena and Seamus head over to the Chateaux Seton. They talk their way past the doorman, and knock on Sapphira’s apartment. Though it’s early in the day, the door is eventually opened by a young woman butler, quite well dressed, and looking at you the way those with money and power often do when they look upon peasants. When she speaks though, she’s most polite, ”Good morning, and what may this household do for you this fine day?”
Val puffs up her chest a little and places her hands on her hips. She adjusts her accent to a bit more working class. ”Why ‘allo, miss. My friend and I are fellow household staff, just a’ someone else of note, and have a bit a’ information for the Mistress a’ the house. For her ears only, I’m afraid. She available at all for a quick talk?”
”Well, you understand surely, this is an inopportune time to visit. Perhaps if you could give me some idea of the contents of your message… I’m sure it’s private, but you understand my task is to keep my Lady protected from any, ah, random intrusions.”
”Alternatively, you could write it down? If you can write of course. I make no supposition.”
She holds the door firmly against you, for now, but she seems to believe your story.
Val lets out a tiny wince at the mention of writing, letting the butler make her own conclusions. She screws up her face as if she is deliberating intensely, glancing to Seamus a few times as if she’s nervous. She finally raises her head triumphantly. ”Mayhap tell her it’s to do with a certain sassy noblewoman we heard she’s acquainted with and her ‘activities.’ That should be enough for her know what we’re on about without givin’ it away.”
”I see,” says the butler, though she repeats the message to ensure she has it correct before closing the door firmly on you (and you hear the bolt slide into place) and retiring within.
After a short time, though it feels like an age staring at a closed door, the butler returns, ”My Lady will see you, surprisingly enough. Apparently your missive has value. So welcome within.” She casts open the door and escorts the pair of you to a comfortably appointed sitting room.
Again after a short time, though again, for Valena at least, it feels like forever, the butler returns, ”My Lady Sapphira Seton.” she turns to you two, "Your ruffians ma'am." After the introductions, she steps back out of the room and closes the doors, leaving you in privacy - though she doesn't seem pleased to do so.
Lady Seton, somewhat disheveled and clearly just out of bed, still manages to enter gracefully, with a hint of scent as she passes. She moves to a high backed chair and bids you to sit as well, your scruffiness on her fine furniture!
”I understand you have a message for me.” she says somewhat breathlessly, her sharp mind trying to determine who Seamus may be, for there's a fondness when she looks upon Valena that is hard, if not impossible, to hide…
Val shuffles a bit in place. ”Well, you see, Your Ladyship...” She takes off her hat, which she had disguised as a hairband, and the spell dissipates. ”A certain friend of yours has been missing you terribly and happened to be in town.” She holds open her arms and comes in for an embrace.
”As if you could hide from me!” she nearly shrieks as she leaps to her feet and enjoins the embrace.
”But where have you been? What are you doing? Are you in need of anything? Tell me everything!” she exclaims excitedly. "And who is your companion?" she says with some reserve, eyeing the scruffy looking Seamus.
Val pulls up a chair and sits down in it so she is leaning on the back as she looks at Sapphira. ”Sit down, as it is quite a story. You are looking upon two of the Heroes of Sandpoint, so called because we helped fight off a minor goblin invasion and then prevented another larger one. We stopped the Kaijitsu son from murdering his sister, but could not stop him from killing his father Lonjiku, uncovered an ancient Thassilonian ruin dedicated to Wrath underneath Sandpoint and fought a demon, launched a daring attack on the fortress of Thistletop, defeated a would-be demoness and her followers in service to the Mother of Monsters, and uncovered more Thassilonian ruins underneath that—this one dedicated to Greed. Oh and we also ran into some Foxglove boy—Albert, I think it was?—but he did not recognize me. Currently, we are on retainer with your relation Kendra in case of any other troubles. I have been hard at work learning the ins-and-outs of fighting and have made quite a pretty penny, which is how I have afforded this delightful hat.”
Val turns to Seamus. With her natural brown hair and unencumbered by disguise makeup is probably a new sight to Seamus. ”This is my friend, Seamus Passeri of Sandpoint. One of my fellow ‘Heroes.’ He has been a stalwart ally from the moment we met on the way there. I thought anyone looking for me would be expecting me alone, so this would help throw them off. Also, Seamus has the skills and temperament for your brand of work, so I thought you two should meet. We are both employed at the moment, as I mentioned, so that will have to wait, but I am thinking of the future.” She stands and approaches Sapphira, kneeling down in front of her. She grasps Sapphira’s hands and looks her in the eyes. Her heart pounds against her ribs as she feels she is about to open a door that she has closed to herself her whole life, one she will never close again. ”I have been thinking about the past, too. How unfair I have been to you. All because I have not let myself imagine anything beyond the gilded cage I was born into. Now that I am free of it, I imagine you. I always have.” She kisses Sapphira’s hands and grasps them tighter. Tears begin welling-up in her eyes. ”I just could not keep it inside any longer. I know it is stupid and silly to come here when there is still so much danger still, but I had to tell you. I already cannot forgive myself for what I let happen to the girls; I would not be able to go on if I lost you, too.”
”Oh, you.” cries Sapphira, ”As if you could lose me! I thought I had lost you! You know your husband has a 500 gold bounty on you - dead or alive, preferably dead. He’s been trying to raise a stink and one of the Justices, a Justice Ironbriar, seems to be heeding the call. At least enough that it’s stayed in the minds of the local constables.”
She stands and bows to Seamus, ”Thank you for keeping my VV safe. If ever you need anything, you need merely come calling, and I’ll do what I can.”
Seamus heads back out into the hall, where the butler is standing, a little ways further down so as not to eavesdrop, but close enough to come when called. As she sees Seamus, she walks up, and offers food and drink in the kitchen while you wait.
Meanwhile, inside, Sapphira is astounded at what Valena has done in the short time she’s been gone. ”I always knew you were special, but I had no idea. A hero of Sandpoint. It takes my breath away!” she laughs, enjoying the company.
The pair of them laugh and exchange stories for a couple hours before Sapphira brings it to an end. ”You really must be gone, I cannot excuse myself for no reason from my luncheon, and it isn’t safe in Magnimar for you. Not yet. I know how to reach you now, so I’ll write - but sparingly. No need to leave a trail to be followed!”
She stands and grasps Valena at arms length, ”You look delicious.” she drags her in for a hug and long kiss, before breaking away again. ”In time, we shall be together. When it’s safe.”
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Val’s entire being feels light at Sapphira’s presence. She almost does not internalize Sapphira’s news about the bounty and the Justice Ironbriar as she is so busy drinking in every moment of her dear Sapphira’s presence.
As she stands to leave at Sapphira’s suggestion, she smiles, sweet and vulnerable. ”You mean the world to me. I look forward to your letter already!”
She kisses back, desperate and hungry. When Sapphira pulls away, Val grins sheepishly. ”You are delicious yourself. Gods, how much of a fool I have been, Sassy!” She feels giddy and girlish at the kiss, like she is a teenager all over again, as though she has only now been kissed for the first time. In a way, it was. She strides to the door and puts her hat back on, turning back as she takes her disguised form once more. ”Pleasure workin’ with ya, Your Ladyship. Lookin’ forward to a beautiful relationship.” She speaks slightly louder in her character voice, just in case someone is listening outside. She winks at Sapphira as she reaches for the door. She heads out and waves to Seamus, flipping a gold coin in her hand. ”Let’s get going, bruv. Very productive meetin’, if I do say so. Lunch’s on me!”
The party returns from their various tasks and morning endeavors to the inn they stayed the night before. Their lunch is rather better than their breakfast (a bit of stewed rabbit and fresh vegetables) and you make plans.
You can still leave today, and ride for Sandpoint, staying in the first inn tonight and making town late the next day - or do something else in town for the afternoon and spend another night leaving in the morning.
What are your plans?
After getting his hands on the biography, Izomandakus spends the rest of the day at the Golemworks, getting up to day with the news and hanging up with the workers there after work.
Back with the group that night he shows the others his new sand-glass rod and Eodred's biography "We found there is just a 20 golds bounty on your head, and the picture they have will serve nothing to catch you. I think you can be calm about it, specially if you are at Sandpoint"
"The visit has been very productive to myself, but now I am well up ready to leave tomorrow, unless you need more time" Pachemu agrees nodding energetic, fed up of the guards in the city not allowing for true necessities to run free on the ground of the street like in Sandpoint.
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Back in the disguise she has been using while in the city, Val has a lightness on her step that is at a level unexpected even of her. ”Oh what a lovely day it is, do you not agree? Lunch is on me! Have whatever you want, everyone.” She bites into rabbit and chews on it. It could be undercooked or even poisonous for all she knows, but it still tastes like the best rabbit she has ever had the pleasure of eating. ”Only 20 gold? That is all? Well I found out that my husband has a 500 gold bounty out for me. A pittance, I am afraid. Some Justice Ironbriar has been allied with him in trying to find me.” She leans onto her hand and sighs. ”I have done everything I wanted to here. I am ready to head back whenever the rest of you are.”
"That is truly thoughtful Seamus. And it is always good to have a valuable ring, just in case" Izomandakus comments to the elf but raises an eyebrow when he says about his parents "What's up with your parents, why would you not want them to know you are at the city?"
"Ironbriar you say?" Izomandakus asks Valena thoughtful "Do you wish us to inquire about the judge? If not, we might just leave after lunch, but if you want to ask around and we find he is a nice and fair judge, we might try to expose your case to him. I am sure he will understand, lift all the charges and prosecute your husband instead" Pachemu nods energetically reinforcing the boy's words.
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"We found there is just a 20 golds bounty on your head, and the picture they have will serve nothing to catch you. I think you can be calm about it, specially if you are at Sandpoint"
"Yeah, Meg, and it wasn't a very good description at all. It's like they didn't even know the real you..." ...or we don't. Kast adds on to Izo' report.
He walks back to Sandpoint and realizes he never asked Izo to show him where all the kissing places were and where Kast might get some kisses if he wanted them. It's clear that with Seamus around stealing all the good ones, Kast was going to have to go outside Sandpoint to find things of interest.
* * *
"I wanted to get us matching rings, to commemorate our success. So if you would go to Pottersmoot's jewelers and let then size you for a ring I would appreciate it,"
Kast quirks his head at the idea of getting a ring. He's never really had money for jewelry, or anything fancy like that, like a belt or new pants, so he ponders the idea of having a ring. He can't think of anything *wrong* with getting a ring, and, in fact, it might be a nice memory of the time he helped save Sandpoint. Something to stare at when he was keeping watch on the 'Wall.
"Yeah, sure. Of course, that'd be nice. Thank you Seamus," Kast offers the first Lastwall fistbump that he's offered in a while (certainly since the Marigold incident) to Seamus. "Yeah, I can do that. I appreciate it."
Dang nice of him. I bet that's why Marigold likes him so much. Kind and generous.
Izomandakus spends a brief moment or two at the Golumworks in the morning, hoping to return in the afternoon to spend more time. They are, as usual, quite busy - though many take time out to greet Izomandakus as he’s well liked there for his energy and youthful exuberance.
The group mounts up once again, and turns their collective eyes to Sandpoint. You ride hard that afternoon, and make the Sunrise Phoenix in good time. Your horses are well tended to as you relax for the night. Leaving early the next morning, you ride all day, swiftly eating up the miles to Sandpoint. The village looms in the last of the evening light, but you’re a little late for supper at the ‘Dragon.
Night passes uneventfully, though you do learn that the Sheriff is back in town. Nothing commands your attention however, and you suspect you have several days to do as you will. At least! The following morning (Lamashan 9) you hear the troops from Magnimar have arrived, and the Sheriff has them moving stones to help reinforce the northern wall a bit to better protect the city from that direction, and other civic projects.
So how do you plan to spend the time you have - all while being paid by the city to be, well, helpful? No need to drill down to every moment, unless you’re eager to. Just trying to get a sense of how you spend your days of leisure, now that you have a few.
"Oh, Izo, I would not trust anyone is friends with Corioles. That man does not have friends; he has accomplices." She considers voicing her general opinions on the authorities, but she thinks better of it with Kast around. Speaking of which. "This town never knew me. I feel like I barely knew myself most of the time when I lived here."
Val spends her days full of excited energy. From the moment she wakes until the moment she falls asleep, she is doing something. She had forgotten what hope for the future felt like. That easy, devil-may-care attitude of hers has only be possible due to her complete lack of expectation. But now, she has something tangible to look forward to. She has picked up a new self-soothing tic of running her finger over her lips, trying to keep that memory of Sapphira's kiss present and fresh.
Her mind feels limber and powerful as she grows more comfortable with her rapidly-growing mental powers. She trains with her sword, too, practicing new methods of quick and precise striking, grabbing whoever she can to help bout with her. For fun, she even begins integrating some of her knowledge of dancing into her moves. She lacks discipline as always and moves on from one idea to another as strikes her fancy, but she is able to keep that focus for longer and she gets more out of it.
During all of this daily flurry of energy, Val does not even notice that she is drinking less-and-less. She still has her morning kykeon and drinks socially, but her cups drain more slowly and she refills fewer times.
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"I was telling Marigold what a great guy you are; how you took charge and all. You should ask her out for coffee or something. She seems like your type." He gives his friend a smile. "You know, honest, hard-working, forthright, all those things you 'Knight's of Last wall types' look for."
Kast smiles his boyish smile, trying not to scoff.
"Yeah, I'll go say hi to Marigold when I go to get fitted for the ring," Kast replies, wondering why Seamus would say such weird things about his girlfriend. But Kast doesn't judge and wishes them the best. "Sure.
"I'm sure it will be fine."
* * *
Kast returns to his routine: studying, tutoring, and teaching in the late afternoons, training, marching, and guarding in the mornings. It's typical and what feels right as he begins to muster the energy to finally leave and go to Lastwall.
Izomandakus also returns to his routine, dealing with the local mills for better floor prices, helping mother in the bakery and Aneka in the counter. At nights he keeps studying Leyre's magic notes and re-reading some passages about the ruins in the region from books borrowed from Brodert Quink, readying aloud for Pachemu to listen too.
The boy pays a visit to Mayor Deverin and the Sheriff to try sell them the idea it would be more affordable in the long run to buy a golem or two for defense instead of renting expensive human meat from Magnimar to fight.
One of the days he also approaches the Turandarok Academy and assists to one of Kasts lessons on his discoveries about the local catacombs and Thissletorp. The boy remains silent and writes applied notes.
A couple of nights he approaches the Rusty Dragon to have a drink with his new friends, listen some music and eating Ameiko's fine potatoes specialties.
Val does as she was bidden and stops by Marigold’s to get her ring sized. She converses with Marigold about what her goals are for the future, thoughts about children, and whether she is planning on staying in Sandpoint long-term. The small town life remains a curiosity to her, including how the people themselves feel about it. That said, with Seamus openly pushing her towards Kast and Kast’s own clear affinity, she wants to brinf her own evaluating eye to the matter.
Val learned uncharacteristic habits from her dating experiences. She follows her instincts, but none of her instincts were inclined towards men, so she had to find other ways to pick suitable partners at her mother’s behest. She is utterly ruthless and calculating when it comes to romantic matches, weighing every concern practical and otherwise. Sapphira was quite a strong influence in this regard. Romantically stunted as they were, unable to grasp what—or who—they truly desired, they spent that frustrated energy making a game of discussing who would be the best match with who, and why. Occasionally, when the situation warranted it—or perhaps when they were just bored—they would takes steps to nudge people together.
That is a very long way of saying that she will not being pushing anyone towards anyone unless she feels it is a thoroughly strong match. Or she gets bored. With her own head full of thoughts of her own romance, she has difficulty making room for anyone else’s, though.
After her visit with Marigold, she makes sure to stop by Seamus and thank him again. She has gotten far more expensive gifts in her life as an heiress, but high society gifts are functional, dictated by arcane rules of hospitality and etiquette and given to serve the building of Relationships that will be leveraged for material benefit. There is no system of polite largesse that motivates Seamus’s gifts, though, which makes them all the more exceptional to Val’s eye. Sapphira would say that only those who know what it is like to go without know the value of a gift, and for the first time, Val understands completely. ”Thank you again, darling. I applaud your generous spirit! I shall have to begin conceiving of a proper gift to you as well.”
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”’Selfish?’ Pish-posh. Do you know how many people have tried telling Sapphira and me that charity is ultimately selfish because it feels good to the person doing it? Aside from the fact that nobody does anything for only one reason, there are tangible differences between a ‘selfishness’ that gives and one that takes. So do not sell yourself short, darling.” Another argument picked up from Sapphira, one that was nothing less than a revelation when she first heard it. She had been so proud of her friend’s impassioned defense of charity that she wanted to kiss her right then and there on the ballroom floor. ”Regardless, I feel no obligation to give something in return. If I loathed you or—worse yet—found you utterly forgettable, I would not be inclined to give a gift a second thought. The obligations of high society do not constrain me here.”
She takes a slight sip as Seamus thanks her for introducing him to Sapphira. ”You may have gathered that she is much more than a friend, though it only took me this long to admit it. She is my better half, the brilliant mind to my pretty vessel. If I had not crossed paths with her as a child, I would likely be no better than the rest of those highborn sycophants, and I am barely better as it is.” She smiles and casually takes off her sheathed rapier and sets it on the table. ”We will not be safe though until I deal with one of those sycophants in particular. I do not yet feel I am strong enough to handle him. This time here has been invaluable, and now that I know Sapphira is safe, I can take the time to get even stronger.” She pats the hilt of her rapier. ”The name of this sword is ‘Irreconcilable Differences.’ So named because I plan to name it the cause of my divorce. You understand what that means, I am sure.”
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When they return to Sandpoint, Seamus returns the pie-bald mare Buttercup to the stables, asking Hosk how much he would sell the gentle black mare for.
Hosk looks up at you from his kneeling position re-shoe-ing a horse. ”Oh aye, she’s a beaut. I’ll let you have her for 99 gold.” (She’s a light warhorse, combat trained.)
Seamus also gets to know the Night Guard a little bit. Two somewhat quirky gentlemen who more often than not work the night shift together. The pair are extremely close, riffing off each other, finishing each other’s sentences, and generally just being an entertaining pair. Seamus is glad to know them, for the late night hours, outside establishments such as Cracktooth’s, are very quiet indeed. Dull even.
Valena discovers she has something to look forward to, rather than simply looking back in terror. And that forward looking reduces the fear, at least a little. It allows her to be more herself perhaps than ever before.
Kast struggles with dear Marigold, all the more when she flashes him a warm smile at the end. Clearly she’s not laughing at him, rather enjoying his company - however strange that may seem to him.
The boy pays a visit to Mayor Deverin and the Sheriff to try sell them the idea it would be more affordable in the long run to buy a golem or two for defense instead of renting expensive human meat from Magnimar to fight.
While they don’t openly laugh at the suggestion, for the do respect Izomandakus, they point out that the costs are simply too prohibitive for such a solution. It’s much, much cheaper to hire troops as needed, rather then buy golems to fill the gaps. They are happy to examine any specific solutions he may feel are warranted, but they advise it’s unlikely.
Valena further chats up Marigold, who has no plans to leave the Sandpoint region. Why should she? She has all that she needs right here.
You’re loitering in the Rusty Dragon, enjoying another luncheon after a nice break. You’ve been to Magnimar and back, obtained new wonderful gear, and spent a few days relaxing. The rings are ready to be picked up later today - anytime after lunch Marigold promised.
The goblin threat Belor had been concerned about has yet to rear its ugly head. The last written missive from Shalelu, delivered by an out of breath squirrel, spoke of confusion among the goblins, and the sense they may be squabbling among themselves, perhaps even preparing for a regional war over which tribe gets Thistletop. In any event, they’re certainly not planning any further assault on Sandpoint, and even caravan raids have slackened off.
Ameiko is still in Magnimar, arguing with the Justice in charge of the case about her half-brother’s culpability. Things generally have settled to an uneasy peace around town. People are still concerned about goblins and goblin raids, but they’re beginning to get past it. There is still some uneasiness in the air, but your presence, and that of the added guards from Magnimar (even if they are doing odd jobs), go along way to relaxing the populous.
You’ve just finished brunch together on Lamashan the 15th (a Wealday) and are settling in for a good bout of digestion, when Sheriff Belor himself strides into the Rusty Dragon. Seeing you, he comes over to your table. Smiling politely, most unlike him, he asks casually, ”May I join you?”
Val holds out an open palm to indicate a free chair. ”Please. Something on your mind, darling?”
*limp, drag, limp*
*limp, drag, limp*
Kast strolls limps into brunch only a bit late. He's been busy practicing and preparing for his next stage, atop of his assumed duties as a member of the watch. He takes that job seriously, and sometimes he forgets where and when he needs to be. Like at brunch with friends.
* * *
"Yeah, come sit, Sheriff," Kast asks somewhat nervously, suddenly not as hungry as he was. "I...uh...this is unexpected. What's up?"
Are we being let go? Already? Huh...I had hoped to leave on a high note, but I guess this is the push I needed.
Izomandakus is not abashed by the authorities reaction nor is he taken back from continue to look potential investors for his golem's being field cropping or security ensuring ones.
The boy makes his way to the jeweler's workshop as promised to Seamus and makes the size check. When he comes back to pick it up, Pachemu looks sad at the boy "Ohm! Why are you like that?" Later that night he links the ring together with a small metallic chain of his own creation and puts it through the pig's neck "Satisfied?"
---
Izomandakus raises an eyebrow, worried for the strange appearance of the Sheriff at the Rusty Dragon. The boy smiles wide offering some wine "Looking after some advise on how to impress Mayor's Deverin's heart, Sheriff Hemlock?" the boy takes Seamus by the arm and sits interested "You came to the right place"
Nodding at Hosk's price, "That's a reasonable price. I'll let you know. If I decide to make the purchase I assume I can board her here, for a slight fee of course."
”Agreed!” agrees the goblin hating stable owner.
The Sheriff leans in and with a few brief pleasantries (and a briefly raised eyebrow toward Izomandakus), he almost immediately gets down to business, glaring at the one or two other guests near enough to eavesdrop until they back off.
”First, let me thank you again for all you’ve done for Sandpoint. It’s fortunate you’ve proven yourselves
so capable, because we’ve a problem I think you can help us with - a problem I wish I didn’t have to involve anyone with, but one that needs dealing with now before the situation grows worse.”
”Put simply, we have a murderer in our midst - one who, I fear, has only begun his work. Some of you doubtless remember the Late Unpleasantness, how this town nearly tore itself apart in fear as Chopper’s slayings went on unanswered. I’m afraid we might have something similar brewing now.”
Those of you from Sandpoint remember that’s how the Sheriff was elected. He found the former sheriff, dead by the Chopper’s hand, and followed the blood trail, eventually capturing the killer.
”Last night, the murderer struck at the sawmill. There are two victims, and they’re... they’re in pretty gruesome shape. The bodies were discovered by one of the mill workers, a man named Ibor Thorn, and by the time my troops and I arrived on the scene, a crowd of curious gawkers had already sprung up. I’ve got some troops stationed there now, keeping the mill locked down, but the thing that bothers me isn’t the fact that we have two dead bodies inside. It’s the fact that this is actually the second set of murders we’ve had in the last couple days.”
”I come to you for help in this matter - I need the help. But I’m afraid you’ll need the help too. You see, I’m afraid that this particular murderer knows one of you as well.” He takes out an envelope. He turns it around to show you the front. In blood, it is addressed to… Kizzy.
He opens the envelop removing a very short letter within. He hands it to Kizzy. It reads, ”You will learn to love me, desire me in time as she did. Give yourself to the Pack and it shall all end.”
Sheriff Hemlock continues, ”It was found pinned to the sleeve of the latest victim by a splinter of wood.” He’s quick to comfort Kizzy with his belief that this note was left at the murder scene to throw suspicion onto the group, and that while he certainly doesn’t believe any of you had anything to do with the murders, if word of this note got out, he’s afraid the town’s reaction might not be as understanding.
”You’re well loved to be sure, but fear does tricky things with large groups.” For this reason, and since he doesn’t want to start a general panic, he asks you to keep as quiet as possible about the murders.
”It’s a small town,” he grimaces, ”Word will leak out soon enough and all the more reason we have to act quickly. Will you help?”
Val maintains her typical mildly amused expression up until she hears the word "murderer." Her whole body stiffens as she braces herself, sure that whatever this is, it must be because of her. Had Corioles found out about her rendezvous with Sapphira and tracked her here? Is he toying with her to draw her out? When the sheriff says the murderer knows one of them, she is all but certain. She is already considering how best to explain herself when the sheriff holds out the note. When it does not go to her, she is dreadfully confused. As the contents become known, her confusion grows even more. Someone wants to court Kizzy? Through murder? And something about a Pack? Whoever this person is, they have apparently taken a flying leap off the deep end. Disgusting. The line "you will learn to love me" is particularly upsetting; Corioles had said the same words while they were courting. He had played them off as charming self-confidence, and it happened to be the exact right thing for him to say to her. "As she did..." was that a reference to Val herself? Why target Kizzy, then? Just to twist the knife a little more? The thought that this might not be Corioles at all only briefly passes through her mind, quickly stifled.
"I will help. I will find whoever is responsible and stop them." She speaks with a gravity unusual for her.
The memories of his brother's death, Casp, during the Late Unpleasantness makes Izomandakus goes into a more serious mood. Then a painful fear ties around his neck "Who are the victims, Sheriff?"
"We probably should have a look at the sawmill. Are there any other hints of who might have been?" the boy looks at Kizzy while Pachemu approaches her worried "You are new at town, I do not think you have an enemy here, able to do such thing"
Kast breathes out a sigh of relief: he's not being fired yet, and quickly intakes it again as he realizes what has happened in Sandpoint...again, under his watch.
"What? I just patrolling yesterday...are you sure? I'm sure I would have heard or seen something," Kast questions, almost disbelieving. "Where did this happen again? I might have been close yesterday. What...what..." Kast can't seem to grasp all this just yet.
He looks down at his hands, shaking his head.
"Yeah, of course, I'll help. I just...I was on patrol yesterday..."
The Sheriff smiles at your offers, ”Thank you. Hopefully this isn’t too complex and we can clean it up quickly. I and the guard will remain and keep the peace - try to squash any panic that may arise and prevent the next murder - or at least make it harder. You shall lead the investigation. Here’s what I know so far.”
He rattles off, in quick succession, the leads as he understands them now:
Sandpoint Lumber Mill - The most recent murders took place here - the bodies are still present, and little has been done with the crime scene itself. Hemlock suggests that this should be the first place the group investigates, since he would like to clean the mill up right away and get the bodies buried. The deceased are penny pinching mill operator Banny Harmer, and Katrine Vinder, daughter of the owner of the Sandpoint General Store Ven Vinder.
Ibor Thorn - Sheriff Hemlock has interrogated Ibor, the man who discovered the bodies at the lumber mill, and doesn’t suspect the frightened man knows much more. Still, he wants you to question him and see if anything new shakes loose.
Ven Vinder - This merchant, and the father of one of the victims, is Sheriff Hemlock’s only suspect, although the sheriff is fairly certain that hot headed Ven is innocent and that the murders were committed by someone else. Very frustrating. He’s currently imprisoned, but the Sheriff plans to release him as soon as you’ve talked to him.
The First Murders - Three con men from the town of Galduria were found murdered in an abandoned barn south of town two days ago - their bodyguard survived the assault but has gone mad and was sent to Habe’s Sanatorium - a privately run respite for the insane. ”We have the bodies in the garrison. You may examine them before we release them. I’ll go with you and fill you in on a few more details when you’re ready. Then maybe you can try to interview their bodyguard - if he’s regained any sanity.”
The Rune - The star carved on one victim’s chest certainly has significance to the killer, but Hemlock’s at a loss as to what it means. He gestures to the Sihedron Amulet around Kast’s neck, ”It matches that.”
”I’d like you to start with the Lumber Mill so we can clean it up and release the bodies to their kin. After that it’s up to you. Keep me informed as to your progress as often as you may. Should I learn anything I’ll let you know of course.” He’s leaving you a fair bit of leash to do as you will, so long as you report to him regularly.
It’s just after 11:30am on Lamashan 15. What do you do first?
"Banny Harmer and Katrine Vinder? Critters!" Izomandakus frowns after receiving the news "Ven Vinder must be appalled... but what was doing Katrine at the sawmill?"
The boy takes the news about the deaths at the barn also with worry "Well, that is certainly a strange coincidence, but you are right, let's have a visit to the sawmill first of all, then we can perhaps try to talk with Ibor and Ven"
"Why the hell would be the Sihedron star carved in the chest? People mostly do not even know abut that for a star" Izomandakus looks suspiciously at the amulet, having a thought, but then discards it negating with the head.
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Kast shakes off his self-dissatisfaction, trying to focus on the job, not his own screw ups. He's trying, but it's also hard to ignore his own failings. He needs to be perfect. Always perfect, lest others think him a cripple or lame, or unworthy to defend the 'Wall.
"Banny Harmer and Katrine Vinder? Critters!"
"NO!" Kast echoes Izo's shock, absolutely hurt by the news of citizens lost. "Ven must be crushed. Oh man. I'm so sorry." Kast can't help but feel for the loss of Ven's wife. "He must hurt so much. We'll have to find the killers so he knows justice. We'll have to."
Kast's mind slowly wraps his head around to the other scary piece of evidence: the sihedron star. As far as he knows, only *he* had anything like that, the medallion and the ring-shield.
"Are you sure it's the same sihedron? That's weird. Because we haven't shown it to *that* many people. I have the medallion, and the ring, and I haven't been flaunting them," Kast reaches under his tunic to get the medallion, but then realizes it's pretty visible along with the exposed midsection of his armor.
Kast looks down at his exposed midriff and can plainly see the medallion there for all to see.
Ugh.
Kast sighs deeply, trying to keep his cool.
"Either someone who knows about the sihedron star did this, that is, someone who knows all about what we've been up to. Someone we've spoken with or has heard our tales *OR* it is a completely separate thing, and " Kast seems to worry that his voice might be carrying, but he's somewhat upset.
Kast pauses then begins to collect his belongings.
"Yeah, yeah. YEAH! We should get to the mill. We can't be munching on pancakes now. We have work to do."
Kast is ready to move directly to the mill, having lost his composure and trying to regain his perfect demeanor.
That task is beyond him at this time.
Val is honestly shocked to see such a surge of extreme emotion fro Kast. He has always been so restrained and mild that she had begun to assume he just didn’t experience such human frailties. It is honestly rather refreshing.
She immediately relaxes, her obsessing over her own worries abating in the face of someone who needs immediate support. She liked to joke with Sapphira that she is absolutely useless for the day-to-day, but she will always rise to a crisis. She stands calm and places a hand on Kast’s shoulder, meeting his eyes.
”We will take care of this, Kast. Grieve, feel what you need to feel, but do not let it command you for too long.” She smiles and lightens her tone. ”I know that is rich coming from me.” Her smile fades quickly as she nods towards Kizzy. ”I just know she is going to need us at our best. I suspect this will be harder on her than any of us.”
She waits until she can get a private moment with Kizzy to take her aside. ”Whatever is afoot, I am here for you. I have gotten my share of obsessive, overly-familiar, and disgusting ‘fan letters.’ Nothing so extreme, of course, but I have an idea of how upsetting and violating it feels. You have kept us safe, and it is now our turn to keep you safe.”
The group heads over the the Sandpoint Lumber Mill (area 25 on the map) on the Turandarok River. This long building was one of the first to be built when Sandpoint was founded. The locals complain that due to high demand out of Magnimar, the mill has been running too late into the night of late, running nearly all hours by the greedy Banny Harker.
A sizable crowd crowd has gathered and a group of nervous looking town guards stand at the mill’s entrances. You know that the mill was working last night - Banny Harker and Ibor Thorn, the two millers, often worked late into the night, which had become a bone of contention around town as the noisy mill and its infernally creaky log splitter kept neighbors awake.
The guards have already been informed by Sheriff Hemlock of your status, and so the guards nod silently and step aside to allow you entry.
The mill is a well-built wooden structure with very thick walls and a short pier that extends out into the Turandarok River. The roof is of wooden shingles, and doors are simple timber and unlocked, as they usually are. The mill machinery has been disengaged, so it is quiet inside the structure. We don’t have a handy map, so you’ll just have to imagine the scene within.
The mill interior is coated with sawdust strewn with footprints and splashes of blood. Harker’s body has been horribly desecrated. The poor man has been affixed to the wall by several hooks normally used to hang machinery. The body is mutilated, the face carved away and lower jaw missing entirely. His bare chest is defaced as well, bearing a strange rune in the shape of a seven-pointed star - the Sihedron rune.
Poor Katrine was killed instantly when someone pushed her into the log splitter. Her mangled, ruined remains lie on the mill’s lower floor amid heaps of bloodstained firewood. A pale-faced, obviously upset guard stands at attention nearby. The log splitter itself is powered by a waterwheel and consists of a chute in the floor with rotating saw blades that cut logs as they are fed in.
Let me know how you proceed to investigate.
Val knows when a retch is coming, and she stumbles back outside just fast enough to get around the corner before she expels the contents of her stomach. The smell was what pushed her over the edge.
She takes a drink of her cheap wine, swills it about, and spits. She repeats the process until all she can taste is alcohol. She comes back to the door to the mill and leans against the doorframe, holding her handkerchief with added scent up to her face. She does not want to be here. She thought she was strong-willed and tenacious enough to get through anything now, but she was not ready for such malice.
She tries to not look directly at the bodies. ”Who...who does this?” She speaks to nobody in particular. After a moment’s silence, she looks to the others. ”Where do we even start?”
Despite the strong smell to blood, Izomandakus does not reel back. He observes Vinder's daughter destroyed body, then approaches to the Harker's corpse and studies the body meticulously without touching it.
"So... the girl came to complain for the noise at a late time of the night, they had a discussion and Harker killed her for that, then affected by the horrible deed he just made, he decides to kill himself, and because he is secretly in love with Kizzy, he writes that note, and jealous for Kast being with her all day, he decides to inscribe the Sihedron rune on himself in order to cause trouble to our friendly guard" Pachemu negates and hides her head after Izomandakus statement "Yeah, I know, it is just an early hypothesis"
Leaving the boy to his lucubrations, Pachemu sniffs around, trying to find any distinctive smell.
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Kast is more of a guard than a forensic investigator, but does think he has some skills that might help with the investigation...once he gets over the carnage within. He's seen some battle already, slain a mighty goblin commander, and well, even helped slay a ferocious outsider, so blood and gore isn't the issue. The issue is that he knew this people. And that died on his watch.
"So...that note. That note and that symbol really bother me. I had liked the symbol when it was just a artifact and symbol from history, not when it is being used like this. It's not good," Kast says, trying not to focus too much on the dead and more on his job.
Kast steps limps carefully around the scene, wary of traps that might have been set, but also mindful on disturbing the scene until they have looked around a bit. He prods at things carefully using the Iron Quill before touching anything with his hands.
Heal on the dead bodies
Jealous of me? Ha. No.
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Izomandakus and Kast start by examining the bodies carefully. Katrine is, well, mostly naked, as is Mr. Harker, suggesting they weren’t here discussing noise complaints. Apparently they were having a tryst of some kind.
Katrine was pushed into the log splitter, but is otherwise unmarred in any way. Harker is mauled to be sure, but close examination reveals there are several additional wounds, and a stench emanating from them. Unlike the deeper slashes on the body, made by a straight razor perhaps, these smaller gashes almost seem to have been made by claws - claws from a five fingered human sized hand.
Izomandakus doesn’t think there’s any difference in the rune. It’s actually a pretty good depiction of the Sihedron rune, considering the killer had an un-smooth surface to work with, and was using a razor.
Pachemu definitely smells something foul. She triggers on the claw marks and some muddy barefoot prints by an open window facing the river. Looking out the window, you can see a 10’ drop, though climbable (DC 10) to the pier. You can also go down the stairs and around if you don’t want to make the climb yourselves.
Seamus, pretty quickly all things considered, finds a handaxe embedded in the floor near the log splitter, as if it had been dropped there. The handle is covered with bloody finger-marks, likely made by Katrine from the looks of their size and positioning. An even closer examination of the head reveals two things of note. First, smears of what look like rotten flesh and fragments of bone are caked on its blade, and second, the rotten meat stink is strong on it.
Seamus, DC 13 Fort save please or sickened for a few minutes.
Knowledge religion checks please, if you’ve got it trained (DC higher than 10), and let me know if you go down to the pier.
Know (religion)
At some point (when others are ready), after the initial investigation is done, Kast will go to examine the pier. He will take the safe route rather than climbing down.
Val stays back and lets those with stronger stomachs take the lead, only stepping forward to assist when it appears they have found something significant.
When she sees Kast heading towards the pier, she tries the climb down herself, taking it slowly so she can look to see if she notes any evidence along the way. She is happy to focus on something other than the scene inside.