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Stifling a rumble from deep within his stomach, Ish lowers his head in a bow of appreciation, Thank you Sarah! I'm sure Raevon will find your information most interesting. If there is anything else you happen to remember or if you happen to see Urnsul again, please send word to either of us. Ish thanks Sarah once more before excusing himself and leaving the Clamor.
That sounds like a possible lead. You said her name was Urnsul? Can you tell me what she looked like? Did she mention where she had come from? Was she staying anywhere other than the Clamor? What about friends?
An apprentice? Ish's eyebrows jump in interest, Who? Are they here?
Rubbing his nose, Ish sighs at his latest in what seems to him like a long history of defeats, at least I can tell Raevon I tried. Putting the hope knife away, Ish shuffles off to report his findings to the elven wizard.
Although loath to do so, Ish accepts the task of approaching Brinya once more. Once Raevon has finished with both the hope knife and the receipt, Ish departs, heading first for The Clamor to speak with Sarah Morninghawk.
Ish nods his understanding of Raevon's request. Thoughtfully taking up the ledger the pale half-orc reads some of the names looking for anyone who might sound familiar. Briefly conferring with Bronwynn, We could start asking at the Hydra, then Barterstones and the main gate. Ish does not part company with Raevon yet however, staying on until their investigation at the Sanctuary is concluded.
Relief spreads over Ish's face. Pleased his efforts have added to the investigation he allows a small smile to creep across his face.
Ish's frowns at the sight of the aura. He'd not been expecting to see anything yet here it is. Hmmm, there is something... Ish doesn't rush himself but concentrates on what he can to try and determine what variety of poison is present.
His eyes wide, Ish listens with great interest at Raevon's assessment of Rodrik's body, nodding noticeably with obvious admiration. As the elf mention's the unlikelihood of Rodrik having been able to cut his second wrist, Ish rubs his own thumb firmly over his pale calloused wrist. Noting the way his hand naturally responds by curling inward from the pressure, Ish grasps Raevon's logic, Of course! A deep cut would render one's hand incapable of holding even small objects!
Surprised by Brinya's sudden outburst, Ish attempts to comfort her by placing a reassuringly hand on her arm, Do not say that Brinya. Rodrik was a strong man, he... Cut off by Tegan's entrance, Ish stands respectfully to allow Brinya's friend to attend her. He does not protest at Tegan's dismissal but bows politely calmly stating, I understand. I'm very sorry for having intruded upon you so. Thank you for allowing me a chance to speak.
Relieved he is not being thrown out, Ish carefully makes his way to the table and sits. Thank you Brinya. You honor Rodrik with your courage. Before he speaks further, Ish reaches into the folds of his cloak to retrieve a clean handkerchief which he offers to her. I regret I have nothing more to offer you at this time. Ish suddenly remembers the remnants of his breakfast, but quickly decides against offering her his table scraps, She deserves a real meal, and makes a mental note to have something from the Hungry Hydra sent later. Kurst has also been overcome with grief. Because of this, he has tasked us with examining the circumstances surrounding Rodrik's death. As the closest to Rodrik's heart, only you can provide us with some insight into Rodrik's true feelings. Do you know if he was distressed?
Tegan's dry response leaves Ish feeling puzzled. He'd tried to be respectful and polite but unfortunately, proper social graces do not appear to be one of Ish's strengths. Perhaps he'd used the wrong tone? Ish makes a mental note to use a more appropriate tonality when he speaks with Brinya. As he makes his way to her door, Ish finds himself wondering, much to his dismay, what exactly the proper tone might sound like. Clearing his throat, Ish gently knocks on Brinya's door. Her tear stained face sends a pang of guilt through Ish's gut and suddenly Raevon's request to interview Brinya has become quite difficult. The half-orc quietly drums up his nerve to speak. Not wishing to draw the same reaction he'd received from Tegan, Ish chooses to keep his naturally deep voice respectful and soft, Forgive my intrusion Brinya. Ish bows politely. My name is Ishan Grayhill. I have come to offer my most sincere condolences. Ish bows again. It is a bit awkward however as this time he begins to question whether bowing too many times might be considered insulting. Standing, Ish decides he'd better not waste the poor girl's time and gets to the point, Kurst has begun an investigation into Rodrik's death. As you were closest to Rodrik's heart, perhaps later, when you are ready, you could assist... Ish stops himself. Tripping over his words, Ish realizes his heart is not in this task. He's come to get information, but not if it means making enemies by upsetting Brinya further. It's bad enough people like Omast loathe his kind, but to risk having another half-orc despise him, This is clearly not the right time! To hell with the interview. Raevon will have to wait... Changing his mind Ish shifts gears. Keeping his tone sincere Ish speaks from the heart, I apologize Brinya. I can see now is not an appropriate time for that. I shall take my leave, but before I go, I'd like you to know you are not alone here Brinya. If you'd like someone to talk to, about anything. I'd be happy to listen. Anytime. Not wanting to bother Brinya further, Ish prepares to leave, taking a step back toward the door.
Raevon's suggestion makes Ish cringe, No, not Omast! Fortunately, Nils' offer to take care of the patrol sergeant is a welcome relief. Ish quickly regains his composure. Nodding dutifully to the elf wizard Ish throws a quick smile of thanks in Nils' direction. With their duties assigned, the pale half-orc waits patiently for his que to leave with the rest of the group then politely excuses himself. Ish heads directly to the Spinning House. Tegan's harsh greeting is almost expected considering what has transpired and Ish responds by bowing politely. He greets Tegan in traditional Trunau fashion before speaking, Please forgive my intrusion Tegan. I, and others, have been charged by Patrol Captain Kurst of the Trunau Militia to investigate Rodrik's death. Ish produces the letter provided by Kurst (his credentials), allowing Tegan to inspect it. On behalf of the town of Trunau I am here to convey both my condolences to Brinya and, Ish's voice holds some regret for having to make an official request, ask about her relationship with Rodrik. Adding with sincerity, I feel her insight would be most useful.
Remaining silent, Kurst's mention of the Ramblehouse leads Ish to unconsciously reflect on the floor. The room he'd stood guard at less than an hour ago was stained with Rodrik's blood. Red! Ish shutters at the excitement that color brings out in him. All that blood at the Ramblehouse had stirred something in Ish. Reminded him of his nature, Damned orc blood! Fortunately the name Kurst has dropped snaps Ish back to reality. Brinya. Focus Ish! Raevon will need our assistance to gather evidence. Stay focused! Damn! Did Kurst just mention Omast? Ish groans inwardly. He is not looking forward to speaking with Omast so soon after his last encounter with the Patrol Sergeant.
Ish and Nils were already waiting near the Longhouse when Raevon approached. Allowing the others to enter ahead of him, Ish takes his place at the back of the group. He listens intently to what Kurst has to say and at Kurst's confirmation of the death of his brother Rodrik, Ish draws a spire over his heart. Muttering a quick prayer to the Lady of graves, Ish returns his attention to the conversation and Raevon's questions, eager to hear the answers.
It is, Ish lowers his head, what I saw. After first promising to meet at the Longhouse, Ish spends his time eating what The Hungry Hydra has to offer in the way of breakfast. He pays the server promptly before filling his canteen and wolfing down half of his meal. The rest, he wraps in a cloth and packs for later before heading straight for the Longhouse.
It's not everyday that Ish finds himself at the center of attention and, his voice low, Ish almost excitedly responds to Ugula's questions, Don't know who, but there was lots of blood! Raevon's question however, startles Ish. His eyes widen as though being jolted back to reality and Ish stares at the elf for a moment. Things have suddenly gotten serious and Ish's brow furrows now in concentration. Nodding slightly, Ish keeps his pale eyes on Raevon's and begins to lay out everything he can remember, They wouldn't let me in, told me to keep everyone out so I stood guard by the door. Jagrin was the first to enter. He was quite distraught. Then Kurst entered. He fell to his knees and had to be escorted out. There wasn't much said by anyone, the guards and High Priestess Varvatos were pretty tight lipped. When I looked in the room, there was lots of blood. I could tell it was a man but his face was turned away so I couldn't see who. I remember he had a good build though, dark hair. One of his arms lay over the side of the bed and... The sudden realization he'd been caught unjustly imposing his own biases and judgments upon the world makes Ish blush in embarrassment. Seeing now he has spoken hastily Ish continues with Raevon then addressing everyone else at the table, ...my apologies Raevon. I think I may have jumped to my own conclusion. Its just, I don't understand how anyone could do that, I mean as sombre as it is, Trunau isn't exactly being overrun and everyone was enjoying themselves last night. What reason other than capture would drive a man to...? Ish lets the question hang and returns his gaze to Raevon, The man's wrist was slit. Quietly Ish traces the spire of Pharasma in the air then kisses his knuckle murmuring a short prayer, Goddess forgive my reckless words. Let me atone for this oversight so I might one day face your judgement with a free conscience.
Seeing the familiar faces gathered around a table, Ish nudges Nils to follow and waves a friendly hello to everyone as he makes for the group. As he nears he asks everyone, Can you believe what's happening around here? Ish points a calloused thumb over his shoulder in the general direction of the Ramblehouse then leaning over the table lowers his voice such that only those seated can hear his side of what's going on at Cham's. One minute I'm resting in bed, the next I'm out in the hall guarding the door to a murder, then they're kicking everyone out! Ish taps his chest to show he was one of those kicked out before turning to politely appropriate an unused chair from a nearby table. Trying not to get in the way of anyone else the half-orc squeezes himself in with the rest group. Still keeping his voice down, Ish's tone leans towards being incredulous, its just crazy for people to start turning on one another.
Ish straightens his posture as Kurst and Jagrin arrive. Throughout their search of the room Ish remains standing by the door, attentively awaiting any instructions. When they do come, the druid wastes no time in answering in the affirmative, stepping in front of the closed doorway to block anyone from entering.
GM: x10 From just outside his doorway, Ish rubs the sleep from his eyes as he tries to make sense of all the commotion. Finding the room Cham came from Ish freezes, Oh no! Tracing Pharasma's spire in the air over his heart Ish pauses at the room's threshold and stares, Who's room is this? Was there a struggle? What happened? Ish spends the rest of the time studying what he can of the room from the hallway while warning other's to stay back until the guards arrive to take charge of the scene.
Having learned little of the source of the graffiti, Ish decides to retire for the night. On the bright side, Ish got the impression that neither Ruby or Bronwynn were able to find out much more than he had - all's square. His cup empty, he heads for the Ramblehouse. As much as Ish loves his adopted family, Halgra's place can be quite crowded at times and Ish relishes his peace and quiet. Besides, he'd promised Cham to make a few repairs in exchange for a small discount and since Ish has some skill in this area he tries to treat himself for a few days after returning from his salvaging trips. Unfortunately, Ish's time clock is a little backwards. It is far safer to travel at night in Belkzen, sleeping in easily concealable ditches during the day is the norm for him. Because of this habit Ish spends most of the night tossing and turning despite the aid of his 'night cap.' GM:
Armed with only a few trivial pieces of information but nothing new to add to what he's already been told, Ish reaches under his cloak to check the weight of his coin purse, I wonder if I get paid for going out on patrols...
You hit walls as well? Ish sighs into his drink then turns to the girls, Hey you two, what's been going on since I've been gone? Ish is hoping to gleam some gossip out of them , perhaps there is more than just graffiti to talk about in Trunau.
Feeling a little deterred, Ish passes by still nursing his drink, I have not heard anything. Realizing his adopted mother has joined the table, Ish greets her warmly and playfully ruffles Ruby's hair before explaining, I just spoke with Omast, his views towards my people have not changed. What do you know of these swords mother? Ish points a calloused finger toward the graffiti on the side of the watch tower.
GM: Hmph. Ish stares at Omast's back for a minute sizing up the sergeant's response. With Omast's message registering loud and clear Ish smirks resentfully then returns to the festivities. He keeps his ears open to the conversations around him hoping to overhear anything having to do with the graffiti.
Initially, Ishan is taken aback by Omast's outburst and tries not to react. Still the comment stings. Taking a deep breath Ish blinks slowly to calm himself replying in measured words, I trust you don't see all of us that way Sergeant Omast.
Ish's confidence returns with Raevon's words and the half-orc beams at the prospect.
A cold flash followed quickly by a tightening in Ish's belly signals yet one more disappointment for him to add to his life's story. The half-orc is ready to accept defeat and disappear into a dark corner for the rest of the night when Rodrik's reassuring hand brings Ish back to reality. Thank you. Nodding his understanding Ish adds, I will do that.
Even though Raevon and Bronwynn have mentioned their patrols, Ish had never taken an interest in such things before. Truthfully, he'd felt inadequate and would politely change the subject to his friend's inquiries should the topic come up. What could his meager talents bring compared to Raevon's magic or Bronwynn's eye? Ish grew up hiding, avoiding trouble, not fighting. Tonight's 'victory' however has filled Ish with confidence - the praises don't hurt either. Perhaps he really does have something to offer along side his friends.
Having seen Bronnwynn roll an Auroch over for skinning, Ish knows how strong the half-elf is. Not breaking his stare-down Ish sportively adds, I was willing to take them with just you and Ug.
Continuing his stare down Ish murmurs from the side of his mouth, Ug, you're the brawn here. He lets a sly smile escape at the idea of Rodrik's men sizing up Ugula's impressive stature then offers a bit of strategy for Ruby whispering I suggest letting Ugula anchor the rope, but we'll follow your lead Ruby. Give us our positions.
Two days ago a pasty grey skinned half-orc with pale lifeless grey eyes walked through the gates of Trunau. Clad in his usual dirt encrusted garb, first impressions usually label this half-orc as a homeless vagrant, but without the accompanying smell. The dirty grey cloak, drab clothes and second hand armor certainly serve to enforce the impression, but they also combine to give the illusion of a large moving rock. But to his friends, he is simply known as Ish.
As Agrit's is out of Ishan's price range he will be all too happy to accompany Raevon and Bronnwyn whenever they leave Trunau to go hunting - not that he needs an excuse to leave town, but this way seems more polite.
I don't see much in other bios suggesting how long PC have been in Trunau or what they are doing there. I can infer that the dwarfs have been there all their lives(?) but I don't know. Raevon and Bronwynn sound like recent arrivals(?) but that is also just a guess. I'm a bit guilty of leaving out some of this information in Ish's bio as well so let me get the ball rolling by rambling on a bit. Ish has lived in Trunau on and off for most of his life. He was adopted by Halgra and treats any of her many children like family. Throughout the year Ish disappears into the wilds for a few months at a time to escape the walls which surround Trunau. He scavenges the lands returning with scrap metal, which he mostly sells to Sara Morninghawk down at the Clamor, as well as other odds and ends that he offers to Crazy Jess over at That'N'Such for a reasonable price. Needless to say, Ish is not a wealth guy and everything he owns is second hand. As for where he spends his coins, a number of the usual establishments suffice: the Ramblehouse Inn, the The Killin’ Ground for the odd drink and the Barterstones for items he might need but mostly just to window shop.
Where does everyone else hang out? What do they do with their time? Can anyone suggest a favorite past time some of us can get in on? Hunting?
I am ready.
You may call me Ish...as that name was taken, I added an N.
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