While the rest of the group sleeps and eats Sergeant will recon the town looking for the best way to defend the town and also the best ways to raid the town.
There appear to be five main roads leading into and out of town. One heading south (this is the one your group came in), one heading east, two heading north-east, and one heading north-west. These roads follow natural breaks in the high hills surrounding the town. The town does not have any walls surrounding it, though carts and things could be put up to block individual streets.
The manor of the Staufens is located on the top of a high hill just south of the town.
As you move about, after an hour or so, a pair of village guards will come upon and demand to know what you are doing wandering around.
In his typical deadpan expression, "I am examining the layout of the town to determine the best defense and escape routes for my comrades in case of another raid.
If you like I can also provide the town guard with a few simple stratagems that will increases your effectiveness defending your town. For example if you blocked off the side roads you will force any raiders down the north-south road allowing you to set your defenses and lay out a few traps as well."
In his typical deadpan expression, "I am examining the layout of the town to determine the best defense and escape routes for my comrades in case of another raid.
If you like I can also provide the town guard with a few simple stratagems that will increases your effectiveness defending your town. For example if you blocked off the side roads you will force any raiders down the north-south road allowing you to set your defenses and lay out a few traps as well."
Satisfied with what he has observed and remembering Gary Thoughtfinder's urging him not to provoke the humans Sergeant will head back to the inn and wait just inside the door for the others to wake.
Juco sits in front of his room's window as he begins his praying for his daily spells. He joins the others for breakfast if they ask him, though he eats only what he needs to and little more
Ilantes turns to Juco when she sees him enter the dining room.
"I would like to see if the man we helped is now awake. Perhaps he can answer some questions I have. After that, I suppose I will wait to see what our "commander" wants us to do. I won't say that I'll agree, but I'll go along with whatever."
Ulm comes down to breakfast a little later than the others. He eats a quick meal, which includes feeding the fire-bellied toad he caries in a small leather pouch on his belt.
"First thing we should do is interview the man we helped. Everyone ready?"
If nobody objects we head out.
You head out of the inn with the innkeeper giving you a smiling if semi-forced, "Have a good day to you." Clearly he is not immune to the tension within the town.
As you travel the few streets over to the building where you had left the warrior the previous night, you notice that the town is not very busy. A few people are out selling their wares, but for the most part, the occassional person you do pass seems to be in a hurry to get wherever they are going.
You walk up the stairs and knock on the door and are quickly greated by Bergen, who steps outside, closing the door behind him. He whispers, "Hello friends, I hope you have decided to aid us. You might be pleased to know that Helmet has awoken and seems to be doing much better, but I haven't told him about what is going on in the town yet. I didn't want to burden the young man on his first day back from being gone for so many years. I also didn't want him to feel guilty of the crimes that have been done in his family's name."
Bergen straightens up, "But back to you." He looks at you all questioning.
Ilantes' eyebrows arch in a display of irritation.
"I was hoping he could provide some answers about his family. So far we have no proof that any wrong-doing has taken place. Just your word."
She pauses for a moment in thought.
"I would still like to speak with Helmet, if that is possible. Hopefully he can answer some questions about the things that attacked him last night."
"Of course. I hope he can give you some useful information about the creatures. Please come in." Bergen then turns to open the door and pauses for a second. He looks back at your group as if to say something and then changes his mind, "Please come in." He opens the door and leads the group in and through to another room. At a table the young warrior is sitting finishing his breakfast, for all appearances, no worse for wear except perhaps a few light scars.
Helmut looks at the group and a big smile, "Hello friends! Good to see you. And I guess I own you my life." He quickly stands up, wiping his hands and face with a clothe and then moves to greet each person.
Ilantes looks at the young man solemnly. "Wind's greetings. I am glad to see you have survived the night. You fought bravely."
She pauses for a moment.
"I have some questions for you."
Ulm shakes the young man's hand firmly.
"There is much we would like to know. First, what can you tell us about the creatures that attacked you?"
"Of course, I'll help in any way I can." He finishes greeting each person and then asks them to all take seats so they can discuss the situation. "Well, I guess I can start by telling you what I remember about the incident. I was just leaving the road from the Windsong Abby, where I was just returning home from, when I heard a cry for help in the woods nearby. I wandered in the woods for a couple of minutes trying to find the source of the cry when I saw a cloaked riding a short distance off. I called out to him, but he didn't respond. It was then that the creatures appeared and attacked me. I didn't see where they came from. I drew my sword, but when I struck one it didn't seem to harm it. I remembered a story one of teachers told me about a knight with a silver sword fighting off fiends. Though now that I think about it, it may have been about fighting off undead. Anyway I decided to draw the silvered dagger I was given during my training. This seem to actually hurt one of the creatures. It was then all of you arrived. I guess you know what happened from there."
"Did you ever get a chance to speak to that other rider? I didn't see what happened to him after the creatures started attacking me."
Ilantes is perplexed, trying to remember if they had seen any sign of another rider the previous night.
"I regret that we saw no other rider.... which direction did he seem to be going?"
Ilantes is perplexed, trying to remember if they had seen any sign of another rider the previous night.
"I regret that we saw no other rider.... which direction did he seem to be going?"
"He was just a little bit deeper in, not far. To the East I guess. He didn't seem to be going anywhere. I thought he was in trouble and was the one that called out. I hope that those creatures didn't attack him as well." The young man seems troubled by that thought.
"He was just a little bit deeper in, not far. To the East I guess. He didn't seem to be going anywhere. I thought he was in trouble and was the one that called out. I hope that those creatures didn't attack him as well." The young man seems troubled by that thought.Ilantes is perplexed, trying to remember if they had seen any sign of another rider the previous night.
"I regret that we saw no other rider.... which direction did he seem to be going?"
Ilantes raises an eyebrow.
"Was there anything odd or unusual about this other rider?"
Ilantes raises an eyebrow.
"Was there anything odd or unusual about this other rider?"
"Well I couldn't see him very well. The darkness and the rain made it hard to see for me. I don't have beautiful elf eyes like you do. The cloak on them didn't help either."
Ilantes looks down in chagrin.
"I apologize. I'm not trying to suggest anything negative. I'm just trying to piece things together."
Ilantes is quiet for a moment as she thinks about the situation.
"So you heard a shout for help, saw the rider, then were suddenly attacked by fiends?"
Ulm rudely interrupts the elf.
"Since we didn't see the rider, we can assume he got away safely. I think we should focus on more immediate matters."
He turns to the young man and quickly rattles off questions.
"What can you tell us about the town? When was the last time you visited your parents? Have you kept in contact with them? What do you know about recent events in town? Can you give us a detailed map of your family's manor?"
Ilantes calmly but forcibly speaks up again.
"If you please, Ulm. This is relatively important. I would like to know more about the other rider."
Ilantes is silent for a moment. "I also heard something that night. When I realized that Helmut was being attacked, I thought it was he that had yelled, but it seems...."
Ilantes' voice trails off, as though she is heavily contemplating something.
"It seems likely that the other rider is the one who summoned the fiends. What I heard.... it was not a cry for help."
The young man starts to answer, "Well I grew up in the area and we have many hard working ... Wait! Why are you asking me about my parents? Why do you want a map of my home? What is going on here? What is this all about?" The young man starts to stand up, his eyes flashing with concern and mistrust.
Ilantes stands up angrily and looks at Ulm.
"Get out, before I have the priest and knight throw you out! We were asked not to question him about his family, and had I been more present of mind when you made those inquiries, I would have reminded you of that."
*Looks at Ilantes, looks at Ulm, tilts his head in a quizzical manner.*
Ilantes looks down, surprised that she could have become so angry, and pinches the bridge of her nose in some distress. She looks back at the still upset Helmut.
"Let me speak with my friend here. He can be a little too direct sometimes. It wasn't our intention to upset you, but... (laughing a little) you know how surly dwarves can get."
Ilantes nods toward the door, obviously intending to speak with Ulm and Sergeant outside of Helmut's earshot.
Juco waits just outside the door, and nods a greeting to Ulm when he is forced out.
"This little trip is starting to be more interesting than I thought..." he thinks to himself.
Ulm turns to Ilantes with a mild look of surprise.
"Of course we should detain and question the other rider should we locate him."
Ulm turns back to the young man.
"I did not mean to alarm you. My intent is to learn more about the situation. My first duty is to protect the lawful rulers of this town. I meant no harm. As I have offended you, I shall withdraw for now."
Ulm salutes the young man, then joins Juco in the hall. Ulm sighs heavily.
"What kind of mess did we land in?" he says, mostly to himself.
Ilantes closes the door firmly, then turns back to Helmut.
"I am sorry, Helmut. For someone who is so intelligent, he can be quite.... socially challenged sometimes. He does his best to follow the laws of Magnimar though, which is why he sounds so gruff and intimidating."
Helmut returns to his seat. "If you need to speak with your friends in private, I understand. Of course, I will want to know what is going on, since it seems to concern both myself and my family. It is becoming evident to me that we did not meet by mere happenstance. If you are unwilling to tell me, then Bergen, as a friend of my family I expect you to.", the young man says, turning to look at the priest who had been standing silently by the door.
A slightly pained look passes across the priest's face for an instant, though he recovers quickly. "Of course, I'll try to help anyway I can, but I think we should allow the Warders here to approach the topic in whatever way they feel appropriate." Bergen turns to the party as they are moving towards out the door, shooting daggers from his eyes.
Ilantes sits down as well, watching Bergen quietly. She speaks to Helmut as she watches the priest.
"I will tell you what I can, Helmut. But understand that we, all of the Warders, that is, are strangers here. We do not understand completely what is occuring. But it is obvious that something is occuring, and we must fulfill our duties by responding to the events of the times."
She looks worriedly at Helmut.
"Are you feeling alright? You are not too weak to answer some further questions, are you?"
"I feel fine. The healing wafer I was given from the Abby has worked wonders on me. So go ahead and ask any more questions you might have. But afterwards, I will want to know why your companions are interested in the layout of my parents' home and their activities."
Ilantes looked back at the open doorway, where the priest and her companions stood, then back at Helmut.
"I just have one more question about the events of that night. You said you saw the rider going west? Is there anything of interest to the west of here that the rider might have been moving toward, in your opinion?"
Gary seems to be preoccupied examining the fine craftsmanship of the table.
Juco is waiting just outside the room, keeping watch for anything unusual while listening to the conversation.
"I just have one more question about the events of that night. You said you saw the rider going west? Is there anything of interest to the west of here that the rider might have been moving toward, in your opinion?"
"Well, as I said, they were just sitting there not moving. But they were to West of my position, as far as I could tell. A fair distance to the West is the Ember Lake, but there are better roads to take for that then going through the woods. Hmmm." He thinks, scratching his chin with its day's growth of hair.
Suddenly he staps the table with his hand, his eyes light up. "My parent's home is to the North-West of where we were. You and friends think this rider summoned the fiends and is now at my family's home! That is why you wanted the know the lay out, in case my family is being held hostage and you need to sneak in and rescue them. Of course, but if my family is in danger we should not be wasting time here."
Ilantes shakes her head sadly.
"It is a little more complicated than that, from what we have managed to learn from the locals. As Warders, it is our sworn duty to investigate what has happened to your family."
Ilantes looks back to the doorway where Ulm, Sergeant, Juco, and Gary look on.
"There are other events taking place though, events here in the town which make things more difficult for us. And as I promised, we will tell you what has happened as far as we (outsiders to this place) can recognize."
Ilantes nods toward Ulm and Sergeant, urging them into the room (if they aren't already).
"Ulm and Sergeant are fierce upholders of the laws of Magnimar. Ulm, despite his gruffness, can be an effective leader. So, I would like to ask them to gently explain to you what we have experienced since our arrival here in this town. It is related to your family, so I believe you have a right to know."
With a steady even voice. "The Lord Mayor of Magnimar had not had contact with your family for some time and sent us to determine what had happened. After rescuing you and arriving in town we have learnt of the evil reputation of your family. Raiders have invaded this town and have kidnapped the elders and children. The town’s folk of course blame your family.
We need the manor's layout so we can investigate the situation with as little impedance from the townsfolk or your family should they be involved with the raiders".
We are not here to choose sides but we will find out what has happened and take all appropriate actions against any crimes committed".
With a steady even voice. "The Lord Mayor of Magnimar had not had contact with your family for some time and sent us to determine what had happened. After rescuing you and arriving in town we have learnt of the evil reputation of your family. Raiders have invaded this town and have kidnapped the elders and children. The town’s folk of course blame your family.
We need the manor's layout so we can investigate the situation with as little impedance from the townsfolk or your family should they be involved with the raiders".We are not here to choose sides but we will find out what has happened and take all appropriate actions against any crimes committed".
Gary, startled, starts to get up, but hits his head on the bottom of the table. He slips, and falls flat on the floor, groaning.
Ulm steps up beside Sergeant and nods.
"At this point, we really don't know enough information. I suggest you return to the monastery and wait until the investigation is complete. We will go to your parent's manor next and see what we learn there."
"Thank you for your concern, but if my family and my homeland are in danger, my place is here defending them. Especially from the slander of others.", a quick fierce look towards the warforge. "If your next goal is to visit the manor of my family then it makes sense that I go with you and so I can aid you. Obviously you will get a better reception with me present then you would by yourself, especially if you start throwing around unproven allegations."
The young man rises to his feet. "Let me retrieve my gear and horse and we can set out. I will be your humble guide."
Gary, startled, starts to get up, but hits his head on the bottom of the table. He slips, and falls flat on the floor, groaning.
Juco walks into the room and drags the kender from under the table, then helps him up.
Gary, startled, starts to get up, but hits his head on the bottom of the table. He slips, and falls flat on the floor, groaning.Juco walks into the room and drags the kender from under the table, then helps him up.
"Oof, thanks." Gary nods, admiring the new bump on his head.
"Thank you for your concern, but if my family and my homeland are in danger, my place is here defending them. Especially from the slander of others.", a quick fierce look towards the warforge. "If your next goal is to visit the manor of my family then it makes sense that I go with you and so I can aid you. Obviously you will get a better reception with me present then you would by yourself, especially if you start throwing around unproven allegations."
The young man rises to his feet. "Let me retrieve my gear and horse and we can set out. I will be your humble guide."
Ilantes looks up, concerned.
"That is, of course, your choice. I only ask that you consider that your family may be less hospitable to you now than they once were. It is true that we have found no evidence to support the claims of the villagers, but neither have we found any reason to disbelieve them. It is, as I have said earlier, a difficult position for us to be in."
She pauses for a moment, allowing her words to sink in.
"I do not think the defense of your family was completely laid out in our orders, but we will do what we can to avoid unnecessary bloodshed - of any party."