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Post by Game Master on Feb 19, 2007 4:31:51 GMT -5
"By all means yes. Come back first thing in the morning and I'll have it ready for you." Androsia states happily.
The two adventurers leave the shoppe and walk over to the others. After filling them in they all agree they did well for picking plants. "Well we best be off to the Inn for the night mused Reeks. I believe I may take the gold as well but you lads are welcome to do as you please.
"Poison for blades!" Gaul grins wickedly.
Ignoring his comment Arthur speaks up. "Well I saw plenty that interested me. I wonder though. I've been thinking that I may part ways with you all after we get paid. I wasn't much help out there. I didn't cast a single spell and froze during the Tusker attack. Our scholar here (points at Firebug) seems to know a little magic of his own and cook almost as good as me and..well..I'm just not sure you all need me."
Everyone speaks at once.
"Humff. Well...he's got a point..." Came the dwarfs gruff reply
"Oh, Don't Go Arthur..." Siff pleaded
"You right. No needed. Bye-bye little man." Gaul said all in a rush while pushing at Arthurs back.
Obviously at odds the group stopped talking and looked at Firebug.
"What say you scholar?" Reeks demanded.
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Post by sfliegel on Feb 19, 2007 16:42:23 GMT -5
Firebug rubs his thougtfully for a moment. "Arthur if you are intent on leaving, and you are free to make up your own mind, then let us mark this occassion with a celebration. To the inn for food and drink."
Gaul frown and with a huff stormed off toward the inn. Arthur perked up and gave a smile. He lifted the brown to his lips but it was now empty, "To the inn, I'm out of wine." He spun on his heel and marched happily toward the inn.
Reeks eyes Firebug, "You sure about this?" Firebug nodded.
Firebug, Siff and Reeks followed to the inn. Siff leaned in close to Firebug, "Is it wise to lose a mage when you're considering facing ogres?"
"Arthur wasn't a really good fit for our group. If we need another mage then we will find another one. For tonight, let's say good bye to Arthur in halfling fashion, with a party."
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Post by Game Master on Feb 21, 2007 1:45:50 GMT -5
With Arthur's party lasting till the wee hours, early morning came and went. By late morning the group pulled themselves out of the Inn and headed over to Androsia's. Firebug wanted to stop by Sminner's cabin first but Reeks was having nothing to do with another adventure until he got payed for the last. Finding no flaw in his reasoning, Firebug reluctently agreed. Androsia was waiting for them and gladly payed both Siff and Reeks in Gold. Arthur had been by earlier it seemed and had made a purchase. Gaul was serious about poison and was picking up this and that. "Well Master Firebug what shall it be? You want gold or some of my wares?"
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Post by sfliegel on Feb 22, 2007 0:16:51 GMT -5
"Lady Androsia, after much thought, I have decided that I would prefer the gold please." Firebug said with a weak bow. His head acked a bit this morning but he was in a hurry to check on Sminner. "It was been a pleasure to assist you and should you need assistance in the future, I hope that you will consider us again."
The group filed out slowing into the street where the morning sun burned into their weak eyes. "If everyone will follow me, we need to check in on Sminner this morning." Firebug then turned and moved off slowly with Siff close behind.
Reeks looked at Gaul, "who's Sminner?" Gaul shrugged his shoulders. They then hurried to catch up.
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Post by Game Master on Feb 22, 2007 4:21:45 GMT -5
Garrotten isn't a huge town so it doesn't take long to reach Sminner's cabin. Firebug knows something is wrong as he approaches. The door is open and a man (not Sminner) is sitting just outside in the rocking chair he noticed the previous evening. The man is human, tall by the looks of his body contorted in the chair. Most of his face is hidden in shadow by a wide brimmed hat almost identical to the one Gaul wares on occasion. Firebug can notice a brown mustache with silver streaks in it. The mans shoulder length hair is also streaked through with silver. He creaks loudly while rocking do to the suit of half plate he is wearing. His left hand is idly twirling a sword hilt while the tip makes small holes in the ground. The group stops behind Firebug. Debating on turning around or continuing on his decision is made for him.
"Sir?" The call came from another man, this one much younger but dressed like the older fellow. The young chap had seemingly come from nowhere as far as Firebug could tell. "These two here match the description I was given." The young chap is pointing at Firebug and Siff while intently holding his sword pommel currently still sheathed.
"Bring them here deputy Kollins." The older fellow in the chair commanded with authority as he rose to his full height of over six feet. The group casually walk to the older fellow following Firebugs lead.
"So." The mans voice was like iron. Strong and solid. "Just how did you know Sminner?" He asked in a commanding tone with just a hint of amused curiosity.
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Post by sfliegel on Feb 22, 2007 9:05:11 GMT -5
Firebug gave a short bow, "Sir, Lady Siff and I met Sminner last night at the pub. He appeared to have enjoyed a few too many libations. We were afraid that he might get hurt wondering the streets alone so we helped him home. Why?"
Siff stepped along side Firebug, concerned, "What's happening? Is everything okay?"
Reeks and Gaul moved closer but tried to stay mostly behind Siff and Firebug.
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Post by Game Master on Feb 23, 2007 1:03:24 GMT -5
The older man scratches his chin in thought.
"That pretty much matches the story Hobb gave us doesn't it sir?"
The younger chap said off handedly.
"That it does Kollins, That it does." The old man looked from Siff to Firebug. "Well folks to be honest...no, everything is not alright. My name is Ritage. Constable Ritage. It seems that some time last night, Sminner decided to drown himself down by the docks. I have six deputies fishing him out as we speak. Now Sminner has been a member of this community for decades now and well, he ain't been right in the head ever since his little lass was taken in a raid some months back. Always down in a bottle just like last night. So the fact that he decided to end it all doesn't really surprise me none. That is until you two enter the picture. Don't get me wrong here. I ain't accusing you all of any wrong doing but I can't neglect the fact that the last people to see Sminner alive are a couple of out of towners friendly enough to take a complete stranger drunk off his butt to his home hours before he offs himself. So....for the record...Master Firebug and...Siff was it? What are you folks doing in town, who are your friends there and how were you involved with Sminner?"
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Post by sfliegel on Feb 23, 2007 19:54:33 GMT -5
Firebug moved cloer to the constable, "Sir, we were passing through town and we collectiing herbs for Lady Androsia. Upon our return from her herb search, we went into the pub for a few pints. That was when we met Sminner. He had obviously had too much to drink and could barely stand let alone walk. We didn't want to see him sleep out in the street so we helped him home. Actually, I'm rather impressed that we even found this place last night with him pointing his directions."
Siff only nodded silently in agreement.
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Post by Game Master on Feb 23, 2007 23:29:30 GMT -5
"Have it your way. As I said. Your not being accused of anything. Still...it might be best if you stayed in town for a few days. No more picking daisies ok? I may have some more questions for you later. I'm a bit swamped with work right now. You all staying at the Inn I suppose? Good. Enjoy your stay in Garrotten. I'll be in touch." Ritage turns away from the party in obvious dismissal. "Deputy Kollins, why don't you go run up to the Lady Androsia and get a statement. "Yes Sir."
"What do we do now?" Siff asks to know one in particular.
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Post by sfliegel on Feb 24, 2007 9:21:50 GMT -5
Firebug moved closer to the Constable, "Constable, if you please, may I have a moment of your time?"
Constable Ritage stopped but didn't turn, he only waited for Firebug to continue.
Firebug extended a hand to the Constable, "Sir, a moment please. I want to find out what happened to Sminner as well. He seemed like a good man if not terribly lonely one. Would we be able to offer you any assistance?"
Siff moved quickly to where Ritage and Firebug were talking in hushed tones. "Constable, was there anything out of the ordinary when you found Sminner? What about in his cabin? Was anything out of place or taken from the cabin?"
Reeks and Gaul stayed where they were as they looked ar each other, "so who do you think this man Sminner really was?"
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Post by Game Master on Feb 28, 2007 17:27:02 GMT -5
"Well I'm sorry folks but I just don't trust you enough to let you be some kind of Junior Detectives. Why don't you just head home and if you think about anything that can help me you come let me know."
When Firebug shakes Ritages hand he gets flashes from his glove. Sminners body being found in the river. Blue from drowning. Ritage going through Sminners belongings in his cabin. Ritages gloved hand holding a leather bound book filled with dates and times. Firebug snaps back into reality. Ritage is smiling at him. "Care to let go of my hand son?"
The Constable turns to go and Firebug attempts to read his aura. Ritage is a powerful man with vast experience. While he has no apparent magical nature, to Firebugs shock the Constable is a minor psychic. Other then that he appears healthy for his age and is not under any outside influence.
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Post by sfliegel on Mar 2, 2007 17:45:12 GMT -5
As soon as the Constable and Deputy are gone Firebug hurries to Sminner's door. Siff sees the look of panic on his face and hurries after him. "Reeks and Gaul, keep an eye out. Let us know if anyone comes by." With that she too disappeared into the cabin.
Firebug was already tearing through Sminner's belongings, flipping through books. "What happened, what are you looking for?"
Firebug never turned away from his search, "Sminner was onto something and someone killed him for it. The Constable found his journal of those carts he talked about. The Constable must still have it."
Firebug turned slowly, looking around the room, "I'm overlooking something. Does anything look different from when we were here last? Is anything missing?"
Siff placed a finger to her chin and looked thoughtfully around the room.
Firebug moved to the bed, "Sminner was pretty drunk when we left. It is unlikely that he went for a walk after we left. I'll bet you dinner that whatever did happen, it happened right here." Firebug carefully laid his hands on the bed, one on the blanket and the other on what passed for a pillow and closed his eyes."
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Post by Game Master on Mar 3, 2007 4:01:48 GMT -5
Firebug concentrates. He knows that traumatic events are the most vivid and easiest to glimpse from a reading. Considering what he believes happened here he braces himself for the worst. Moments pass with nothing, but then; Sminner waking to his cabin door opening. A shadowy, stocky figure filling just over half the door frame coming in. Sminner being grabbed violently by two sets of strong hands. A choking sensation. Terror, Recognition, Darkness, Disorientation. Firebug snaps back to reality. Siff has a hand on his left shoulder. "Firebug? Are you alright? You've been ahh...out for over ten minutes.
"I'm fine." Instinctivly Firebug pulls the bed away from the wall. A loud thud is heard and he grabs the fabric wrapped item that was wedged there. "Lets go to the Inn."
Prize in hand Firebug leads his band to the Travelers Inn. He quickly puts the concealed item in one of his sacks for safe keeping.
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Post by sfliegel on Mar 5, 2007 17:26:51 GMT -5
Once in the tavern, Firebug moves to a table away from the door and in a concealed corner. He sits with his back to the wall so he can see the door while also staying clear of any windows.
The others take Firebug's lead and silently find seats around the table. After a long moment of silence all stare at Firebug waiting for him to speak.
"From this moment on we don't know who we can trust anymore. There may be spies anywhere, and everywhere." Firebug said in a whisper. Before they could begin to argue, Firebug continued, "I believe that Sminner was killed in that cabin before being taken to the river. Siff and I were the last ones seen with him so whoever killed him might be watching us. Wondering if we know anything. No one is to be left alone until we settle this."
Reeks did his best to whisper in response, "Have you lost your senses? What are you going on about? Why would anyone kill Sminner?"
Siff joined in, "Sminner had noticed some sort of odd happenings at the castle and I'm thinking that he may have been onto something. Maybe even more then even he knew."
Firebug smiled and nodded slowly to Siff. Glancing back and forth to the rest he said, "Siff and I are the most likely prime targets of whoever. Before we talk any further we need to move a more secure location. For now we should go upstairs, and I suggest we use Reeks' room. It is the least likely to be watched right now."
Reeks scratched his head, "I don't know what has happened to you son, but if that will make you feel better, then let's go upstairs."
The group slowly filed up the stairs, and headed for Reeks' room. Firebug carefully glanced around the inn as they went. He watched for anyone who might be watching them and made mental notes of anyone suspicious.
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Post by sfliegel on Mar 6, 2007 10:52:38 GMT -5
Once in the room Firebug locked the door and slid the dresser over to further barricade it. "Gaul, I want to watch the windows. Let us know rigth away if you see anyone who might be watching this room from either the street or other buildings." Firebug pointred tot he windows.
Firebug closed his eyes and moved slowly around the room, "Okay, I don't think anyone is listening to us." He then took a sit on the bed next to Siff and lifted up his pack. Carefully he removed the cloth wrapped treasure from the pack. "This was hidden in Sminner's cabin, and I bet who ever killed him might have been looking for it."
Removing the dagger from the wrappings Firebug attempts to read the runes. He then relayed the vision he had from the dagger. He then turned to Reeks, "Friend Reeks, I need your help. Why would Dwarves be involved, and why would they be so interested in getting it back?"
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