Might and magic, Lords of the Contested Lands

Game Master Chyrone

Downstairs where we left unconscious people? There must be another area, but I am not visualizing it well, and I can't find the map we were using. I might be blind... is it on the general maps page and I am just not recognizing it?

You are at slide 11. On slide 10, you can, from the window, see the western area. This is seperated from the main hall, by a wall and door. With the thieves still being in that area, a stealth check applies to covertly oversee the exchange.

Thanks. Sorry I wasn't following.

Astella motions that they should tie and gag the prisoners, and then attempts to observe.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Whew, didn't utterly fail this time. :)

1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 5 = 16

The one dwarf remotely have been able to see Astella, is too distracted by giving orders, to see a head peering down upon them.
The one directing three fit looking others, is a brown haired dwarf, with a groomed beard. He dresses in a formal attire, but it looks sturdy, as far as Astella can see from this distance.

One hides behind a pillar to the north. One gets out of view beneath the window. The last remains with the one in charge, the one Robin suggested to be Mr. McFargus.

It is very shortly after that, that Astella sees three figures stepping in.
One doesn't look like much. The second is a sun tanned dwarf in a dark purple and red attire. Very business like. The third, is covered entirely in a robe and hood. No features are discernible, except that they are the height of a human.

Conversation begins between them at the desk in the NW on slide 10, between McFargus and the tanned dwarf. Some hand gestures are made, counting on fingers, pointing, a wide arm gesture.

Perception check to hear more than muffled words, or a sleight of hand to quietly open the window to hear it clearly.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Smells like a fail. Can I motion Robin over to help?

Sure. I'll give the others time for it first, before she moves over.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
While Robin hears it even more clearly, Estelle manages to overhear most of what is said.

McFargus is negotiating the price of the bracelets. The suited dwarf who he is negotiating with, seemingly does not agree with the price.

The words coming from the buyer, hold no seeming accent native to Stone City, nor the bit of Avlee dwarven accent, that you heard the elder druid Darius speak.

..."A thousand for the set? You are too greedy.
It is quality, indeed, very much so. But no worth more than 500. I have to make some money on this as well."

.."I'm fairly sure, ye can ge' money even if ye buy for more than 500.
I'm willing te lower te 900, bu' no lower."

They have a short back and forth with arguments why it should cost less and cost this much anyway.
2d20 ⇒ (10, 10) = 20 Heh, they tied.
At the impasse, you see the robed one step slightly forward, and behind the pillar the thug draws a soft satchel, along with a morning star. Obviously, tensions are rising.

.."I augh' warn ye, keep yer friend back, we can call in some lads jus' like tha'.", McFargus adds.

.."You aren't the first smugglers or thieves trying to swindle me, your boys might be in for a bad time themselves."

Before they enter another round of negotiations, would you like to do anything?

Daniel whispers very quietly, almost right into the ears of the others. This might be the perfect time to interfere if that is the plan. If we can make one side think they've been set up, they may just fight each other. Though there are risks.

Astella whispers back

Good idea. Let's do it. Try to block the exits if you can. We can't let the bracelets get away. Maybe we can do it while they are confused about whose side we are on.

If anyone needs a little time to prepare (Very little, but wasn't sure if Robin wants to go in with us or out and around a different way), they wait that long, but when everyone nods readiness they move in.

I was going to say that I open the door to allow the melee fighters in first, but really I don't know if it will be a battle or a different level of negotiation once everyone realizes who is who, so not sure if we would we get a surprise round, or how things would work, so just leaving it generic.

Stay calm Astella says as the group comes in.

We're here to ensure a fair negotiation. Keep your hands off your weapons and no one has to get hurt.

(Trying to keep them guessing and a little off-kilter, both of them thinking we represent the other side for now, so they both don't attack us instantly.)

(Very little, but wasn't sure if Robin wants to go in with us or out and around a different way)

She's got her tricks, she wouldn't hesitate.

Astella, if you're going for confusion, make a bluff check.
McFargus & crew will have a bonus on sense motive, though, since you are coming out of their warehouse, where only their guys are supposed to be.

I'll have to work some more on the preparation, with the likelihood of ensuing chaos. :)
As the saying goes: never underestimate the unexpected a party may do.

Slightly earlier

Sense motive, body language: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Intelligence: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
sense motive, situation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"Wait, what? No! No no no no no. I really don't like this idea, Astella. It's suicide! They look tough - much tougher than the guys in the warehouse, not to mention that there's *two* enemy teams and that we're low on magic." Estelle says, making clear she didn't just want to walk into this powder keg when they didnt have to, especially with two hostages in tow. "What's stopping them from teaming up and just taking out the unknown party - us - first? Why are we even risking this in a direct confrontation at all? All we have to do is get out of here and tail the buyer to get a much safer chance at retrieving it!"

Not to come across as overly critical or such but this feels like a very poor strategic move on our part, and Estelle wouldn't go along with it unless Daniel and Astella both insisted on it. Even then I don't see this as a very viable plan. Wasn't the idea to get the buyer by himself after this deal was done? We really aren't strong enough to risk a direct confrontation with both groups, especially since we have no resources left aside from consumables. Also, what about the hostages? If we leave them, they're a risk, if we take them, that blows the cover of uncertainty this bluff seems to be based on.

Well, aside from heading over in person, or waiting until the deal is done between them, one way or another, you have a fine vantage point from that window. (Hint hint)
Also, nothing is stopping you from knocking the two hostages KO through nl. No risk then.

Sense Motive (body language): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 (pass)
Int Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 (pass)
Sense Motive (situation assessment): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 (pass)

Seeing that Estelle objects, Astella stops and waits. She looks to Daniel to see if he wants to move forward or continue waiting and observing. She whispers her estimation of the situation and notes that if they go in, it will likely lead to violence no matter whether she has a good bluff or not.

As far as the prisoners/"hostages" ... we already tied and gagged them, right? Just like the ones in the other room. They aren't an immediate threat.

However, with the GM additional information and "hints," I totally agree with you. I am fine with whatever you want... just say what it is. I was trying to go with what Daniel suggested, but I guess that seems like a bust, and not sure what other thing we stopped for. It's like a JRPG and I never know if I have a choice or if I should just hit the button again. :)

I more meant for us to shoot a stray arrow from the shadows at one of the main negotiators. Try to catch them when they were in a heated arguments to push tempers over (or paranoia over). The risks being they actually just talk it out and then come for us as a whole of course. Also, what's this talk of resources? Daniel can do this all day lol. And by this, I mean flail about. Daniel is personally for waiting and attempting to strong are a single group. Besides, once the thieves get their money, they have a lot less of an incentive to worry about what happens to the buyer.

Shooting an arrow at the buyer when they're arguing, especially from a building belonging to the other side (?) does sound like a much better plan already. We knock out the prisoners first and quickly lock the doors inside before we do, I assume? I can see an argument for doing it completely stealthily or just straight up pretending to act on 'McFargus' orders'. We're shooting from his home base, and he as the seller presumably picked this location so it's hard to deny it. Especially since he literally just said he can 'call in some lads' whenever he wants.

I more meant for us to shoot a stray arrow from the shadows at one of the main negotiators. Try to catch them when they were in a heated arguments to push tempers over (or paranoia over).

This was on my mind as well.

It's like a JRPG and I never know if I have a choice or if I should just hit the button again. :)

Gomen nasai?? :)

If you are locking the door between the two areas downstairs, disable device could jam the lock until another person fixes it. After which, correct me if i am wrong, shooting a stray arrow to attempt to incite fighting, is the way to go. I'll go from that premise. Aside, where are you leaving the hostages, in the office, or somewhere downstairs?

As the buyer and mr. McFargus are about to continue, if on a more tense tone, an arrow passes the buyer's flank. All eyes go for the window, where the shooter had already stepped away from the window.

The buyer looks back at McFargus.
"Oh? So you think to kill me if i don't pay your price?"

"The king's beard, ye crazy? I could have had ye shot the moment ye came walkin' in. Only people in this warehouse, other than us, know te stay away from this area! I am no' some roadside thug, choose yer words carefully." Still, he himself wonders if the buyer hasn't hired people to get into the warehouse.

Either hits 19 or lower, they fight.

Multiple sets of eyes still watching the window, you hear their voices hold an impression of hastening, rushed intent.
2d20 ⇒ (8, 16) = 24
McFargus: "I'm on a schedule. 750, take or leave i't."
The buyer begrudgingly agrees, it sounds. "Fine. One attempt on my life is more than comfortable. You two, we leave for the desert by morning. We make for the inn."
..
...
....
McFargus' crew remaining, you hear him say something that makes the fear of being caught, leave you.
.."This place is compromised. Bu' tha' is Bern's problem, not mine. Pack up, we leave."
----------------------------------------

The infighting avoided just barely, it in the least leaves none of them trying to get in and search for intruders. And the bracelets in the possession of the smallest of the two groups.

Robin taps Astella's shoulder.
"Don' know wha' ye're goin' te do with the two hostages, bu' there is good news. Tha' tanned fellow, we can intercep' him, if we leave in a couple of minutes, 5 tops. Waylay them, even.", she gives you guys a knowing smirk. "Flip a cart or two, cut off pathways."

Shinpai shinaide

So, regarding the "hostages" -- knock em out and leave them with the other unconscious folk? I am just worried about what happens when they find the dead guy. Ideas about what to do about that?

Astella nods to Robin, and after they quickly determine what to do with the hostages, she leaves with Robin to intercept the buyers.

Didn't speak for you guys, but if we can we should all go and keep the party together probably.

Assuming the above happened and we didn't do an interception during the negotiations.

Glancing between Robin and the others as she shares her idea, which she thought had been the original plan anyway, Estelle nods and takes out her sap. "I say we knock them out and leave them behind. We can't worry about them while we're going after the buyer. Safest for them too, probably." She pauses to consider something. "Though maybe we should take that chest from downstairs before we go."

Assuming we agree to knock them out and leave them, at least for now.

Once the dwarves are knocked out, Estelle returns to the bottom floor, having drawn her main weapon her bardiche, just in case there was an attack and someone snuck to check in following the boss' remark. When that does not appear to be the case, she relaxes slightly and turns to Robin. "We have a problem. That chest over there... that contains a body. We did our best to fight non-lethally, but we couldn't save them all. An arrow to the forehead killed him instantly, but the fight was short and chaotic and they might not know that. I... think it might be best for us if neither the thieves nor the authorities find his remains and the body goes missing, so that there's at least some doubt as to what happened to him, and they might not seek revenge on us or the town. Even if that's a horrible thing to do to his relatives, if he has any." She admits, feeling rather bad about the suggestion but also figuring her duty was to Welnin and her friends first and foremost.

"So, do you have any suggestions? You know this city much better than we. Can we get either the body or the chest with the body out of here easily? Or does Lady Greenbriar have better ways to deal with something like... well this? I'm just a simple priestess who can fight. All this skulldruggery is really not my thing," She admits openly.

The body was hidden in one of the large barrels. Much less easily come across, than the chest nearer to their sorting table.

Estelle voices her concerns about disposing of a corpse, and potential repurcussions.

"Well, Lady Greenbriar's no' a crime boss with her own discrete disposal professionals. Jus' a woman with drive and money. One option, leavin' as is, the barrel is transported and discovered where ever, whenever nex' time is. Another, but time consuming, is te pu' i' in another gang's territory, then le' the situation unfold. I know some folk who could do tha'. But i' is goin' te cos' a favor or money.
"

"If ye won' remain in the city fer long, there can' be a hun' fer yer hides a' their leisure. I suppose they may try te find ye, in time, male ego and all tha' stuff, bu' no guarantee they will succeed in more than tha'. If ye wan' te delay, may as well hide any bodies or ko'ed goons, where able."

"Bu' we've a pair of bracelets te obtain, righ' now, shall we have a' i'?"

The camera switches back to Astella, Daniel, and Estelle.
The three, accompanied by Robin, make their way through the warehouse district. Not far from the main road all must travel out towards the rest of the city, small fences are climbed, shortcuts are taken.

And eventually, you catch sight of the suited dwarf and his two companions. With many workers filling the main street, heading home, some with carts, most on foot, the three seem to navigate the edges of the crowd to dodge slowing down.

A cart blocks some of the edge, and in frustration, they take to a side street. Taking a left again, they walk down an alley parallel to the main street. An excellent choice, if unfortunate, as you now catch up, scaling a small wall to stand ahead of them, some 30 feet.

You can all be in the same area, or 2 in front of them, 2 behind them.

Let's do 2 ahead and 2 behind. Melee in front and ranged a little farther behind (as long as they are still trapped)... if Daniel and Estelle agree. I think it is their show, but rolling diplomacy below as an aid to whatever they choose to do/say, in case we can avoid battle(?)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"What is the meaning of this?", the dwarf lets out.

""What is the meaning of this?"

Well, that was unfortunate. Oops. Seems like the stealth plan was out. Sharing a quick look between her companions for someone to start the conversation here, Estelle takes it upon herself.

But what to say? What sort of solution would best benefit the group and Welnin, one that this buyer might find agreeable? Welnin needed lots of money so buying the bracelet back wasn't optimal. At the same time, while McFargus was an issue there would always be the threat of him seeking revenge.

Then it hit her - or so she thought.

"We only wished to talk to you, as we have a proposition. See, you've been set up by McFargus. That bracelet you've bought - it was stolen from a very powerful woman who wants it back. The kind of woman who can make entire patrols of guards suddenly pass out and forget all about what happened in the last few hours, to name just one thing. If it isn't obvious, the four of us are just one group working for her. McFargus is probably happy to be rid of it, as it makes him less of a target in all this at your expense - or so he might think."

"I can't imagine you're happy to have lost so much money or that you want to have such a powerful enemy after you. At the same time, we can't really leave without the bracelet. So how about an agreement? We have the means to track him down, courtesy of an entire warehouse filled with knocked-out men he was planning to call on you if things went south. So how about we team up and teach him a lesson? You can get your gold back, we get the bracelet back, and we split whatever else we find at whatever lair he's holed up at. Would you find that arrangement agreeable?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25

It wasn't the play that Astella had been expecting, thinking that Daniel would have given a speech instead about doing the right thing or something, but she nods in agreement, waiting to see if the man will be willing to negotiate or whether he will start a fight.

She also looks at Robin, making sure she is ready to shoot it out if needed.

She sort of hoped that the guy would start a fight, honestly. She didn't want to try fighting McFargus.

The dwarf strokes his beard, his face unchanging in expression.
He seems to be thinking over the presented situation.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 211d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

"I can delay my departure by 2 days at most. Your proposition sounds profitable, but there are a few conditions, if i am to go along with that."

He eyes Astella and Robin with some distrust, those two holding bows.
"Someone tried putting an arrow in my back, not an hour ago as well. Poorly aimed, but attempted assassination rubs anyone the wrong way, wouldn't you agree? I will not walk up front."

"Secondly, i'm holding onto those bracelets as insurance, until this agreement is fulfilled. Do we have an agreement?"

If the arrow had been meant to hit someone, it would have, and NO. The bracelets are non-negotiable. We require them. Otherwise you could leave here and disappear, and we're out. My associate is trying to give you a way to get your money back, and I would rather shoot at the people who actually stole them in the first place, so I am totally okay with that part of the deal, but I am sick of chasing all over creation for that jewelry. I will help you gladly, IF we have the bracelets. On no other condition.

I don't have anything against you, Mister, but you're the one on the wrong side of the law here. We're the ones sticking our necks out to help you. You give us the bracelets, and we don't shoot you, AND out of the kindness of our hearts we help you to get your money back. That is what she offered, and it is a MUCH better deal than fighting it out here in this alley, which is your other option.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Daniel sits back thinking quietly to himself as his companions set up a potential deal. He isn't relaxed however, ready to lunge the man at a moments notice. He'd almost had enough of these back alley dealings, and if this man gave him any cause, he would be taking him to the nearest guard post at haste. Minus any jewelry he had recently purchased.

The dwarf crosses his arms, once again stroking his beard. The harsh words of negotiations coming at him a second time this day.

It is difficult to get a read on his neutral expression.
He exchanges some faint glances with the other two.

"Fine...... you can find me at the 'Rest & Respite' inn, on the western edge of the commercial zone. I am still not walking up front, though." He tosses the bracelets, which are wrapped in a thick cloth, over to whomever is nearest to him.

He and his compatriots make motion to continue their way out of the alley, if they are not obstructed any longer. The robed one looks as broad shouldered as Daniel, if not a few inches more.

Either Estelle or Daniel would be closest because the archers are well back... but okay with letting them go and hoping the bracelets are the real deal.

They are the genuine article, as described by Lady Greenbriar.

All the sneaking, pilfering, chasing, fighting, and investigating, has finally paid off. The team has acquired the saught after bracelets.
You had a description, but they sure look quality now that they are in your hands.

The buyer proved that dwarves are a stubborn lot, but at least he was susceptable to reason.

Robin smiles.
"No' how i expected this te turn ou', but i' sure is beneficial.
I'll have te pay a visi' te some old friends, see if i can butter them up fer the job of disposal, and one of finding out mr. McFargus' whereabouts the next two days."

Thanks for your help Robin.

She tells her where they are staying so she can find them again later, and then turns to the others.

Shall we take the goods back to Lady Greenbriar?

She grins, amazed that things have actually gone their way this time.

"I... didn't expect that to work. Thanks Astella, and good job!" Estelle states, smiling too. Listening to Robin, she adds: "Okay, and thanks to you too, Robin. I'm sure you and Lady Greenbriar have better ways of sorting out those things than we do. If you say we shouldn't bother with the remaining unconscious dwarves for that information then I'll trust your judgment."

She stretches and a yawn escapes her, which she quickly tries to cover. "It's getting late... let's return that bracelet and return to the tavern."

I read in the discussion that we have another meeting to crash tonight. I'm not sure what that referred to; I thought we dealt with both sidequests?

The necklace is scheduled to be pawned off at a rumore fence, Astella has an idea who that is.

Robin tips an imaginary hat to the thanks, but she raises a finger to make a note of interest.

"No problem. Though i'm no' sayin' they can clean up an entire warehouse, no' enough people and time, and they're no' fighters, compared te certain types in there. A single body and some messin' up things augh' no' be a problem, however. There's bound te be people active again by then."

She snickers,

"Well, until next time.
Keep yer wits abou' ye, and good luck."

She gives a double finger salute in greeting, and heads into a side alley.

You are once again just the three of you. Now that you are left to yourselves, you do recall there was a third item, not mentioned in the notes recovered. Lady Greenbriar's signet ring.

Where to? It is still a bit before evening arrives. You could easily go somewhere before hitting Bruno's address.

Agree with Estelle... let's take the bracelets back to Lady Greenbriar for now, and then go to the meeting to try to intercept the necklace after.

On the signet ring...sorry, it has been a while... do we have any clues about it at all, or have we not seen any entries or notes about that part of the treasure the whole time?

You know about it, lady Greenbriar mentioned that item to be the most important of all, as it is both worn by a head of a family, and the sign of approval of one such, for important affairs.
For example: an official trade partnership, a will of inheritance, such things.
She was quite worried it would see misuse, to advance criminal goals.
You have not seen mention of it being sold, or having been stored in the warehouse. It could suggest that it may have changed hands very quickly after the theft.

Guess that gives us another reason to follow Estelle's plan and try to get that guy's money back... maybe if we get ahold of the guy who actually stole it, he can tell us what he did with it.

So there's the bracelet we now recovered, the necklace tonight at Bruno, this fence, and the still missing signet ring? But didn't we already recover part of the jewels for Lady Greenbriar earlier? Or were all those less important ones? Anyway, we definitely need more help before we do anything. Hopefully we can find Brunhild at the tavern at least, she should know that we need to intercept the fence, right? Also, I would recommend we buy a wand of cure light wounds for real, as we don't have any atm. Is there a magic shop open in the evening? If not, the only healing we have is potions and two 1d6 channels...

The group had been busy. Busy without Brunhild. The dwarf had secreted herself to work on her bow, both to ensure that she had a weapon which could properly be called one, but to also work through her own issues. The group had gathered up lost jewelry, doing the work that the guard either couldn't, or wouldn't, do. Brunhild had met up with dwarves that she had lived with, worked with, and prayed with. The group had put their lives on the line, and she had spent time in prayer and meditation.

But she was done with that, and she was ready to be a productive member of the band once more.

She an meet up with the group at the tavern, at her order or wherever is best for the story. Thank you all for your patience

On Estelle's proposal, the team heads over to Zahfir, and buys a wand of CLW. After which they get back together at Grog's Grog. A quick meal later, they set out for the Greenbriar residence.

Once again in the living room, you also see a new face. A druidy looking dwarf, with a cat besides him. It licks its paw as it observes you.

Enter our druid.
Not long before you had arrived, did he get here for a purpose of his own.

Lady Greenbriar: "Good evening, everyone. What brings you in the evening? And would you like a cup of tea?"

Strom returns to Lady Greenbriar's residence some time later, having come straight from Darius' cozy abode. The contrast in the lifestyles of these two community pillars could not have been more stark, and Strom found himself completely comfortable in the company of Darius, and with Lady Greenbriar, not so much.

Having encountered the doorman once again, this time with a familiar face and happy news, he was allowed to enter without delay.

"I have good news regarding your request for the pendant," he begins, then fills in the Lady with a retelling of the days events.

"And now that your business with Darius is agreed upon, he has entrusted me to find a trio of masters from across the land who may have insights as to the nature of the blight and what can be done about it. He sent me with this letter and recommended I join with a group that is connected to you in service. A favor is promised in return." Strom present the letter penned by Darius earlier this evening.

He doesn't have to wait long, for soon appears the party that Darius predicted.

Before all of you stands a young dwarf of average height but leaner than many for his recent travels. His golden hair is braided in a woodland style that is more common among Avlee elves and gives him away as a dwarf of that region, and likely a member of a druid enclave, which he is. He stands patiently as you attend to your business with Lady Greenbriar.

..and with Lady Greenbriar, not so much.

If she were a druid, then probably yes? ^^

He sent me with this letter and recommended I join with a group that. is connected to you in service. A favor is promised in return.

Darius is unaware the party is actually on a paid job for her.

The news is well received.
"Thank you both for doing me this favor. I'll be sure to send him my thanks tomorrow."

The letter that is presented, is read through.
"Hmm. Well, that certainly is quite an endeavor. Given the effort the agricultural area accomplishes, it could be plausible. Then i hope you and he can succeed in this quest.
As for a group..",

.."I know a group of freelancers. They are currently looking into a personal matter for me. Perhaps they have an opening for their travels."

*cue the distant knocking on the door, and footsteps of several people walking the corridor*

Strom wrote:

..and with Lady Greenbriar, not so much.

If she were a druid, then probably yes? ^^

It's more the townhouse that unsettles him.

Astella ignores the random dwarf and answers Lady Greenbriar.

No tea for me, thank you. We came to let you know that we recovered your bracelets.

Astella hands over the bracelets.

... I think we might be able to intercept the necklace tonight, but obviously can't guarantee it. We could use additional backup. Robin proved to be very helpful today.

We don't have any lead on the signet ring, but it is possible that the third member of the group that stole it will have a lead, and we might have a way to get to him later this week. Have you heard anything else?

2d100 ⇒ (70, 8) = 78

There is an expression of relief on Lady Greenbriar's face, one part of her family heirlooms returned. She slides them back over her wrists, giving a stylish, if incomplete, look.

"Much obliged for returning them to me."

She smiles slightly at Robin's mention.
"That girl is resourceful and thoughtful. She is as family to me. I'll make sure she gets the compliment."

At the mention of the ring, she smiles modestly.
"The king of the deep may be smiling on our fortunes, then.
A missive was left, slid underneath the door."

She stands up, and takes a small common envelope from the nearby cabinet. "Let's see,"

To the Lady,
The warden's men have questioned some prisoners, held in custody of recent. Arrests were made today afternoon, by watch lieutenant McCready, from the western station, and dropped off at the eastern station. Personal opinion, the man does a more thorough job than his eastern station colleague, within your residential district.

That aside, one of the arrested was particularly nervous, as if eventually caught by a headmaster. Said he did not know the woman's identity they stole from, couple weeks ago, that bad luck followed these days. Your problem reported earlier, the others will figure things out, his questioning will continue tomorrow. He mentioned it was a job unusually well paid for, and that 'the seal' was to be dropped off and picked up, at the brambled rook in the park. Sound familiar in any way?
It has been some weeks since the incident, but this information is new.
May it provide some help to you.
---
A sympathizer of your plight, mutual friend of the songbird.

If any of you want to inspect it for yourselves, she hands it to you.