Dwol rises early the next morning and gives his devotion to Cayden-Thank you for my freedom and your guidance. Please help me find my way to best help my people and honor your will.
Once the rest of the party is ready he will lead them back to the four block area and try to find a more precise location for the Axe as they watch the comings and goings of the local denizens.
This city is a bit drab, but I suppose that's to be expected this far north. Hope we find the Axe before the snows come. Winters here must be like living on Cocytus
Halafrin lends his augmented senses to Dwol's efforts.
Keep an eye out to see if anyone is following
Chack just keeps an eye out for anything unusual
After a couple of hours wandering back and forth through the section you had narrowed it down to, you are positive you now have located the building inside which the axe must be. It is well appointed manor house, whoever lives here must be doing pretty well.
Is there a bell at the front door?
Dwol will discreetly ask about who lives in the manor and any other pertinent information he can gain that he thinks might be useful.
+3 dwarves
You spend a few hours at a nearby tavern buying drinks for customers and are able to ascertain that the home belongs to Sven Fingald, an old retired merchant. He once had a thriving business but that was many years back but now he has kind of fallen on hard times. It is well known that he has had to let go almost all the staff necessary to run his household. Rumor is that he will soon be turned out of his own home in order to settle a large debt.
You spend 5 gold.
Unless someone has a better or different idea, my thought is to go introduce ourselves to Sven Fingald and ask for his help. Maybe he is aware of what he has, maybe he isn't, but asking seems like a reasonable course of action and his response will largely dictate whatever comes next. Maybe we can help settle this debt for him in exchange. Hate to see an old man turned out to the streets in any case.
That sounds as reasonable as anything else. Although, if he has a demon's tail, bets are off. Just saying.
You brain isn't as addled as I sometimes give it credit for Dwol. Stealing your inheritance from an old man doesn't strike me as very 'kingly' and I can't imagine Cayden would be OK with that line of action. I don't mind skulking and sneaking when necessary, but robbing old men that may have done no wrong would even bother me.
A bit wordy, but I agree with Halafrin.
Seems like some sort of consensus was reached, action?
Dwol leads the party to the entrance of the manor and politely knocks on the front door.
Hello to the house; we are here to pay our respects to Sven Fingald.
An older man answers the door.
“I don’t recall any appointments for the day. Who are you and what business brings you to my liege lord’s home?”
He seems a bit suspicious.
My apologies friend for both my lack of introduction and my lack of appointment. My name is Dwol, a servant of Cayden, and I would ask to speak with your liege on a matter of some sensitivity. If now is not convenient for him, I am happy to make an appointment and return at a time that better suits his schedule.
“Harumph, well then, let me just check to make sure he isn’t napping. I’ll be right back.”
The man disappears for a few minutes and returns to open the door and invite the group inside. He leads you through a series of rooms and halls which are for the most part barren. He finally leads you into a room with a fireplace and seating area. Sitting in a well worn chair is an even older gentleman with long grey hair and a hunched back.
“I am Sven Fingald, what business brings you to me?”
“Harold, please fetch us some tea.”
The other man hesitates for a second and then replies. “Of course, I will bring it right away.”
Making sure Harold is out of earshot-Gentle sir, my name is
Dwoldrean Brewbelly, paladin of Cayden Cailean. I thank you for your hospitality and willingness to accept our visit on such short notice. My companions and I are on a quest to recover an item of much import and that quest has lead us here. Somewhere in your manor is the item which we seek. I beg your leave to be allowed to find it.
The old man listens to Dwol while studying him intently, then replies:
“Dwoldrean Brewbelly is it? You’ve the look of a Kraghammer. In fact you look just like King Korim, though you’re much too tall to be him, and too young as well…so I guess you’ve come for the axe?”
Looking to make sure that Harold is not idling about nearby-I see that age has not dulled your eyes or your wit master Fingald. You are correct; I am a Brewbelly and a Kraghammer both. Korim was my grandfather, and despite my best efforts I am now called back to lead my people in this time of trouble. The Skylord's headband I have already Dwol lifts his hair to show it and it is what has drawn me here to you and your house. What do you know of the Axe?
“Tis a strange story young Dwoldrean. I used to be part of many trade delegations for Kalsgard, and about a dozen years ago right before I retired from that life, I led the delegation to meet with King Korim. The first night I was well in my cups, unused to the dwarven ale your folk served, and I made an ill conceived jest about buying your grandfather’s magnificent axe. It was obvious that he was offended but the trade deal was more important to your city than ours so he laughed it off and changed the subject. Two weeks later after we finished our negotiations he came to me in private and sold me the axe. I’ve always had a good eye for reading folk, which is why I was a part of trade delegations, and I could tell that he really did not want to part with the axe and with the negotiations concluded I couldn’t think of any reason why he would do so since it gained him no advantage but that’s what happened. I have never ceased wondering what drove him to sell it. And I would gladly sell it back to you but I have recently committed it to sale at auction in one months time as I am in dire need of the gold.”
Dwol frowns-Good news and bad at the same time I guess, and it makes sense even if it doesn't match the stories told in Janderhoff. How much gold do you need? The Axe is critical to whatever comes next and it will be much harder to help my people without it.
I'd rather avoid an auction if possible. Much less certain than just buying it from you now.
“I wish I could sell it to you but I’ve signed the paperwork and more importantly given my word to sell it at the upcoming auction. I gave your grandfather 10,000 gold pieces for it but I suspect it might sell for more than that at auction.”
Dwol nods solemnly-An honorable man's given word can be a terrible gift indeed. We appreciate your time and frankness. Is there anything else you can tell us that might be of use? Otherwise, I will bid you good day and hope that I am the one to give you a bounty of gold at the Axe auction.
“Yes I hope the axe goes to you it would be fitting for it to be in the hands of Korim’s grandson. I think I have told you what I know but if I think of anything else I can send word to you. Where will you be staying in Kalsgard, the Undercroft? Now where is that Harold, he must be going all the way to the docks for that tea!”
A second later Harold hurries in with a tray and serves everyone a cup of rather weak tea though the honey is definitely local and delicious.
i could sell some items and come up with about 7,000gp. It's yours Dwol, if you need it.
I could probably sell off about 5,000 gp worth Dwol.
To Fingald-We are staying at the Lazy Aurochs master Fingald and are at your beck and call if you have need of us or catch wind of news that may help us. Haven't been to the Undercroft yet; trying to steer clear of any untoward 'entanglements' if you catch my meaning and we are really just here to secure the Axe.
-detect evil- on Fingald and Harold before leaving
To the party-My friends I appreciate your willingness and generosity; I too would liquidate all of my belongings to help secure the Axe. Let's hope it doesn't come to that, as I don't think it will be enough. If enough folks know what the Axe truly is people will do crazy things to secure it. The good news is that Cayden isn't called 'The Lucky Drunk' for nothing; he still might shower us with some fortune or opportunity that leads us to secure our prize.
Dwol will ask around and see if there are any lucrative job opportunities available. Don't think we have enough time to make a bunch of sailing trips?
Once the party has left the manor-Why are you all worried about gold?
Now that we know what Fingald intends to do we can simply just let him sell the Axe to the highest bidder and then take it from the winner.
Dwol stares at Hal bemusedly-Cayden is a lenient master Halafrin, but I don't think he's THAT lenient. My guess is that he would be less than thrilled with one of his servants stealing or strong-arming away lawfully gained property from someone.
Halafrin huffs in exasperation-All these rules! He wants you to be King but is going to stop you from doing what is necessary to achieve his desires? Isn't gaining possession of the Axe, by whatever means, the express fulfillment of his divine intent?
If not, you could simply promise a huge sum of gold to be delivered when you become King of Janderhoff. Everyone knows that a paladin's word is sacrosanct, and a dwarven royal to boot!
Dwol just shakes his head and looks pleadingly at the rest of the party muttering-The stupidest, smart, pointy-eared miscreant I have ever known. Cayden I need a drink...
No evil detected.
The auction will take place in 28 days at the Seven Lands Auction House in the Ivory Quarter.
—————-
Shortly after leaving Sven’s home, you notice a burly pair of locals heading directly for you. The bigger of the two men:
“You there, catfolk, you poisoned my dog. You pay me 50 gold for a replacement or I will take a blood debt!”
Sir, I have never seen you or your dog. If you want to keep breathing, I suggest you move on.
assuming Dwol hasn't got his eyes of the eagle yet.
Dwol waits to see if the men respond to Chack's 'request'.
-detect evil-
Halafrin moves into prime sneak attack mode just in case things fall into the pot.
Garric? Any action?
gets ready to cover Chack
The man’s companion grabs him by the shoulder and steers him away from the group.
“Outsiders, not worth the trouble brother.”
Dwol smiles and nods warmly at the helping companion, watching them pass out of site. Back at the Lazy Aurochs he does to ask if there are any high paying jobs that need doing.
Did I give the innkeeper a name? If not, he’s innkeeper Alton.
Innkeeper Alton:
“I heard that Sigfastr Gunnarsen is offering 5000 gold as a reward for whoever brings the dwarf killer to justice, another dwarf has turned up dead, and turns out four of the five dead worked in the shipyards. Gunnarsen is Master of the Shipyards and the deaths are bad for business.”
Thank you master Alton. I didn't think I would be in Kalsgard long enough to be of use, but it turns out Cayden had other plans. Dead dwarves are generally no good in any case. Best we be about it.
Dwol pays his bill and heads to the shipyards asking for Master Gunnarsen.
You make your way to the Oak quarter and after asking about are able to locate the office of the Master.
An grey bearded dwarf sitting behind a desk covered with an array of papers looks up from a paper in his hand and addresses you as you enter.
“Who are you and what do you want?”
Dwol grins-To the point; my kind of dwarf. My name is Dwol and I'm here to work the bounty offered by Sgfastr Gunnarsen. Who can give me the information I need to get started?
"Hold on a minute."
He digs through a desk drawer and pulls out a form that he hands to you.
"You need to complete this form and then you are all legal and ready to go, eligible for the 5,000 gold bounty. I'm not a mind reader and I'm rather busy so if there are any other questions that you need answered let's get that out of the way now. Well?"
The form just requires your name and local residence.
Dwol fills out:
Name-Dwoldrean Brewbelly
Residence-Lazy Aurochs
Questions:
Names, age, occupation, relations of the 5 deceased
Confirm that 4/5 worked at the shipyards; what did they all do; how long did they work at the shipyards
Any known enemies or debts
Any strife in the Undercroft between dwarves
Any other political concerns in the shipyards or more globally for Kalsgard; especially involving shipping or trade
Does Sgfastr Gunnarsen have any enemies that would benefit from these murders
Where and when did the murders occur
Anyone from the town guard investigating
Anything else he thinks might be of use
4/5 worked at the shipyard, the 5th death was a very old dwarf and most likely natural.
They were all between 75-110, adults, not yet middle aged, single.
They all began work at shipyard when they were in 40’s.
None had the same job at the shipyard.
All deaths occurred within the Oak Quarter late at night with no witnesses.
It is believed 2 were killed after working late and 2 killed after leaving taverns late at night.
Kalsgard town guard is investigating but they are being deferential to Gunnarsen because of his position and influence with the King.
Generally speaking the shipyards are extremely beneficial to the Kalsgard economy and nobody in town would really want to endanger that, perhaps there are other nearby kingdoms that would like to see problems with the shipyard but killing random workers would be a strange way to do it. No debts.
Individuals did not have known enemies or debts.
The bodies are available for inspection if desired.
Dwol would like to view the bodies and talk to the guards investigating to see if they have any other leads/info.
Open to alternate ideas, but my thought is to have Dwol wander the Oak Quarter late at night by himself with -message- cast and the rest of the party tailing 160' behind to see if we can draw out the sewer clowns. Doesn't seem to be a lot of other causality, just a bunch of correlation.
Clint?
It is early evening now, you just have time to see the bodies if you want. Speaking to the watch investigators is probably unrealistic this evening unless you just happen to run into them during your sting operation in the Oak Quarter.
We will go and check the bodies to see if there are any clues and then on to my streetwalking endeavors.
Reveal to me your secrets oh rotting corpse...