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I'm sorry, but I will be leaving the message boards for a while. A previously short venture these past two days has now turned into a full-time position, one that will be taking most of my free time to keep up. With so much time gone, I'm going to have to prioritize what I can keep up with, and playing the great games here is not. So I apologize, but I will not be able to continue for the forseeable future. Please bot/exit me as you see fit. -Blue Drake.
So then, this knife is... Ana pulls out the Hopeknife Rodrick had. "This...this is the Hopeknife Rodrick had on him when he was found. Is this yours? It doesn't have any inscription, but there was a receipt for an inscription in the room. Do you know anything about this?"
Despite her plan to stay quiet, Ana's ears perked up as the half-orc spoke, even as her stomach flipped. "Wait, did you say 'your hopeknife'?" Had they already...
I agree. Distribute potions and sell rest unless someone wants something.
Feeling nervous at seeing the half-orc, Ana edges to the back of the group lets the others handle this conversation.
"So Urnsul disappears without notice, and a stranger appears at the Ramblehouse at the same time. And the knife is connected to both," Ana mutters, thinking out loud. "We need to find Urnsul if we want to get to the bottom of this. Might as well head to our next designation then. Thank you, Sara."
"Ana waz here."
Not off the top of my head.
"Would also you happen to know how we get ahold of her?" Ana says. "As for his Hopeknife, did Rodrick say why he was ordering one, or why he needed that sort of superscription on it?" Ana hands starts to reach for Rodrick's Hopeknife, but she decides to leave it in her pack. Why am I being so suspicious? Ana chides herself.
"Are you Urusul, the smith? We have a few questions about a custom weapon," Ana says, glad for the distraction from her thoughts.
Some sort of ceremony!? Ana thinks incredously. She slowly stews on it, not paying attention to much of anything as she tries to find the smith.
Besides Ana. She would be a Hopeknife police in an instant if they asked. I got the jest from the Player's Guide that young adults (around 12-23 for humans) carry them around with pride as a sign of coming into adulthood. While outsiders think it strange or morbid, it explained that it was a symbol of how Trunau lived life: living life to the fullest today, because tomorrow could be death. With the constant Orc attacks, I could see many a person using it to escape the rape and torture involed with their victims, and Trunau's children have been raised with the mindset that that is completely normal. Still young, Ana is still pretty starry eyed over it all.
Ana's smile disappears at Mouser's comment. "No, that's not alright at all," Ana mutters to herself. Using a Hopeknife for whatever just because it was sharper was not alright at all, and it did not sit well with her. However, Mouser had already moved on and started walking, so Ana followed a little behind. How can I convince him otherwise?
Ana lights up when Derrik asks about the Hopeknife. Ana pulls out a hidden pouch that she's been wearing on a thin cord around her neck. "The Hopeknife is the symbol of our town," Ana begins, gripping the pouch. "After the orcs invaded this area, several people stayed here and founded Trunau, fighting back the waves of enemies. We refused to give in and stayed here despite the struggle. "However, we still face orcs often, and being captured by an orc is often much worse than death," Ana continues, quieting a bit at this part. "Orcs are brutal to their captives, using them for entertainment of various kinds before slowly, painfully killing them. "The Hopeknife has become the symbol of hope in any situation. It is a small, extremely sharp blade that keeps its edge. It has but one purpose: mercy. Should one be fall to orcs, it provides a quick, easy way to end one's life before the orcs brutalize it. It is a tool to escape a life worse than death. "All residents of Trunau have one upon reaching their twelfth birthday or officially becoming a resident. It is a precious item for us, and we would never think of using its edge for any other purpose than this. It is also common to be exchanged in marriages, as one gives their life to another." Ana's speech stays impassioned to the end, despite the rather morbid subject. She carefully tucks her pouch away once more.
Ana feels relieved at a possible answer about Cham, but also some guilt at having thought the woman could have been behind it. This is getting to me, Ana inwardly thinks to herself. I'd be accusing my own ma if this had kept up. But at least its a stranger! That means it really wasn't someone I know that did it. "Um...thanks, Cham," Ana says awkwardly, her previous accusation still fresh in her mind. "This will help. And at least we know the possible suspect probably isn't from Trunau. We'll find him. "So know we know our main suspect is a human, though he's not working alone. If Cham didn't recognize him, then he most likely isn't a citizen, at least not for a long period and not long enough to know Rodrick well. And if it wasn't a citizen with some grudge, then there's probably an ulterior motive above just killing Rodrick." They didn't attack our patrol captain, or our other patrol leader, Ana silently deliberates. If they weren't targeting leadership...then, what? Keeping the town's focus inwardly?
I think this whole incident might break Ana a little on the inside, who's always had a proud outlook on Trunau and all its citizens in general. Poor Ana. But it's good character growth, though. And here I thought Trunau would be Helm's Deep in orcs right now by how the player's guide sounded. Awesome.
Ana sighs and nods in agreement. I don't want to think it about her either, but...someone in Trunau, my Trunau, is killing people. What will happen next? Ana stays at the back of the group, watching Cham closely.
I could be a conspiracy theorist. ...If I hadn't already met someone who is truly convinced that the world is flat. The player side of me says she innocent, but really, all the evidence is stacked against this woman. Poor Cham...unless I'm right.
"Hey, Cham. We've been looking...into Rodrick's death," Ana starts, slowing down at the end. She...the others talked to her, but I didn't...and I, I didn't get attacked. Oh, no. "Uh...um..." Suddenly digesting that thought, it takes Ana a moment to remember her question, but by then she already has second thoughts. "Nope, you know what? Nevermind." Turning away from her, Ana pulls Somer, Mouser, and Tamxander off to the side. Her tail swishing about in worry, Ana whispers, "You guys talked with Cham before, right? So she knew you guys were investigating his death. But I didn't. We got attacked by wolves right after we met up afterward, and then you guys got attacked in the night, except for Mouser who took precautions. That might explain why they didn't attack me. Their informant or ring leader or whatever didn't know. "I...I think Cham might be in on it. She was the one to find his body, and she has keys to every room here. She lives here as well, and makes the food. Any night visits or poisoned food would have been simple to do as well." Ana swallows nervously at the end. But why? Why would Cham of all people do this?
"He's right," Ana says. "We need to find out why he was killed. We don't have many other leads. "As for people who know, we talked to Omast, a fellow patrol member. But he wouldn't do this, and he was too drunk anyway. Besides, we were attacked by wolves before we talked with him," Ana deliberates. "There's Rodrick brother, but he was the one who told us to do it. There's the High Priestess as well, but she was visited after the wolves as well. "That leaves...well, no one. You guys visited the room, right? Was anyone there when you were checking it?"
...So deadly. Wow. I...they really have it out for us. Sticking together, sticking together.
Ana starts to pace, her tail whipping behind her. "Attacks within Trunau means war! We need to find these attackers at once! They'll regret ever setting foot in Trunau. "We should stick together. No one was willing to attack me at the Ivory Hall, so maybe we should stay there. There are two extra rooms currently since one of my sisters moved out a month ago. "But the main focus for now should be Rodrick. We need to get to the bottom of this right away. We still have the smith and his...girlfriend to talk to for clues."
@Balmir: Picking up equipment is a move action, so you should be fine. @Somer: Pick Ana up one, too! Maybe she'll stay at your house next time.
So tense, and I'm not even part of the fight. Try to keep one alive or something. We'll want some questions answered. Unless someone has Speak with Dead, then you can kill them all. Then again, if we had that, we could have just asked Rodrick what happened. In other news, Ana is dreaming of peaceful meadows filled with wildlife and flowers while her new found companions fight for their lives.
:o No! ...It all happened so quickly.
Ana would hunt them and torture them for years if they had touched my precious nephews and nieces. She is very protective of her younger family members. But she has given several sacrifices to the RNG's to protect them from their chance of dying each day.
Do not fear. Ana will avenge all your deaths.
Nah, he wanted the young daughter of Halgra to come over to his place in the rumor infested Trunau. Even his extended lifetime would not live it down.
Ana was right! No Trunau woud attack the Ivory Hall. Not with Halgra to deal with. Of course...Ana would have wanted to pick a fight after yesterday, too.
As Ana returns to her room, she pulls out Rodrick's hopeknife. He was poisoned, yet slashed. Our symbol of hope has turned into a symbol of murder. I will not forgive the one who would do such a thing. Putting away the knife once again, Ana heads to bed.
"I live in the Ivory Hall with my family. My mother wouldn't let anything happen there," Ana says confidently. "Besides, this is Trunau. I refuse to be cowed down by anyone that would threaten us within these walls," Ana proudly announces, puffing out her chest. "Of course, if you're so worried about me, you could come along," Ana adds at the end.
Ana sighs as they step outside. "It's rather late. The smith will be closed for sure, and by the time we track either of them down, they won't appreciate questions. How about we reconvene at the Ramblehouse in the morning? Our heads might be clearer then as well." Besides, Ana silently adds. I've had as much about this as I can take, and I'm not eager to see her anyway.
"We don't have anyone to fight, yet, Balmir," Ana says, trying to calm the dwarf. "We still have three potential people to question, so let's go ask them what they know. Is it alright if we take this with us?" Ana asks, turning to the High Priestess and holding up the hopeknife.
"But, the only enemies that Trunau has is orcs, and trust me, orcs don't do stuff like this. They charge straight into battle and don't spare a glance to the left or right," Ana says. I can't believe I'm about to say this, Ana thinks, taking a deep breatah. "This leaves too many questions. Let's find Brinya and see if she knows anything. High Priestess, do you know where they took the belongings he had at the time?"
"Poison," Ana murmurs, a spark of anger starting. "Do you know how hard it is to craft or of anyone who makes it here?"
...Well, at least Ana can't be beat at tracking. :)
Ana takes a deep breath as she sees his body. Don't freak out now, she tells herself. Forcing herself forward, she quickly examines the body, not wanting to linger long.
Ana smiles at the halfling, but resists patting him on the head like she does with her relatives. I don't think he'd appreciate that. I wonder where Katezra would be, though. He rarely leaves without notice. And it does seem a little coincidential in timing, Ana thinks. "We...we also came to see...Rodick. We wanted to see if he really...died by blade or not. A recent event makes us think otherwise."
Ana sighs as she see the halfling move off. Pulling her ack around, she digs through until she finds somethign and pulls it out. Shining up the apple a bit, she moves ove to the halfling. "Meant no harm, just that you haven't been approaching with the most...likeable attitude. Sorry for that," Ana says, offering him the apple. "I have a lot of siblings, so I kind of grew up correcting them, so...friends?"
"Please, Tyari, this halfling here may not have many manners at all, but we just wanted to ask about Rodrick a little. We think something may have happened, so we're investigating," Ana exlains, stepping between her and the halfling. Ana makes sure to whack him lightly across the face with her tail as a warning, though. Does this halfling have no manners?
"Alright, then let's get over there and get it over with," Ana says, not looking forward to it. You can do this, Ana. You can do this.
Ana angrily stomps on his foot. "You know I have several half-orc siblings, and they're perfectly fine. As for Urusul...I might be getting him mixed up with Sara. I'm not too big into smelting, as I make all my weapons."
"Urusul is known for his smithing skills here in town. He creates most of our hopeknives, as well as custom orders," Ana answers. "I don't think Brinya is hated by anyone, but I don't know her well. I've only briefly met her a couple times." I wouldn't say I hate her... Ana justifies to herself.
So we still have his girlfriend to talk to and maybe going to examine his body for other possible causes of death. However, Ana wouldn't actually recommend this IC, so... @GM: Is his father in town, or out on patrol?
"Well...Rodrick was pretty serious about her, but...he wasn't the most open about it," Ana explains quietly, fidgeting a little. "Brinya is the half-orc across town that weaves a lot of our uniforms, remember? Anyway, if you can't remember anything else, maybe we should try elsewhere."
"Did he tell you why he wasn't staying at the barracks yesterday, or if he had any plans for the evening? Did he get in a tussle with anyone?" Ana asks, trying to find anything. This isn't revealing much.
Ana sighs. "I only taste green right now, Omast." Ana shakes her head at the others, "We won't get anything from him until he's sobered up. Let's get him back to the barracks."
"Only Omast would lower himself down a wall upside down," Ana mutters with a grin.
"I didn't want to catch him! I just wanted to be careful. Lower him gently," Ana yells up. Wait a second...did he say hopeknife? He couldn't have one, could he?
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