Home again, home again [PC] Firebug

[Game Master]

Reeks takes the dagger and looks it over. "Dwarven made obviously. I can't fathom your...visions, they are beyond a simple minded merc like me. This runic symbol you spotted is a sigial. Its a mark of sorts put there by the smith. Many smiths put such marks on the items they create to prove it is their make. I don't recognize it."

Siff piped up with a theory of her own. "If we take Sminners story as truth along with Firebugs visions I believe it is a safe assumption that this dagger is somehow connected with the Ogre caravans. So what do we know so far?" She began ticking items off on her fingers.

"For one Sminner believed there are Ogres coming to town and leaving with something. Two, there are dwarves involved. Three whatever it is takes place at night in the woods just south-west of the castle. four, Sminner was keeping some kind of book with dates and times but we are not sure of what they represent. Five, Constable Ritage has the book and doesn't really trust us. Six, whatever IS going on may in all honesty be good for the town."

This last bit brought protests from Reeks and Firebug.

"Hear me out on this." The Priestess pleaded. "Sminner lost his wife to an Ogre raid. We've heard that these raids were quite frequent and stopped right around the same time Sminner discovered the night activities eight months or so ago. If we uncover whatever is going on we could inadvertently open the town up for raids again. Can we live with that?"

[sfliegel]

"Whatever is happening has caused the death of at least two people. I bet if we checked, there are other unexplained deaths. Either unsolved or even worse, not wanted to be solved. If there is anyone benefiting from this Ogre business, my money is on someone in that castle." Firebug turned to look out the window.

Reeks began pacing back and forth in front of the bed, "No lass, nothing about this smells right. Why would Dwarves be working with Ogres? And why would Dwarves be smuggling weapons like these? No something is not right with this."

"Is we fighting Ogres?" Asked Gaul, who was still watching out the window.

Firebug and Reeks shot glances to each other then back to Gaul. Firebug spoke first, "My God, I sure hope not. Well not just the four us anyways."

Reeks nodded in agreement, "The boy makes a good point. Sure we could take one, maybe Ogres by ourselves, but there is no telling how many may be involved." Reeks paused for a moment, stood up straight and continued, "We have to investigate the castle. We'll watch tonight, gauge the numbers, watch for a schedule, determine leadership, and look for weaknesses to exploite."

"That sounds excellent. We're going to need supplies. Reeks, you and Gaul have the gear. Figure out what we might need, buy it, make it, or steal it, I don't care. Siff and I will cover the healing and magic side. We'll meet back here in Reeks' room in two hours, before we move out to the castle." Firebug returned the wrapped dagger to his pack.

Everyone murmured in agreement then filed slowly out the door, Siff paused as she passed Firebug, "Are you sure we are doing the right thing? We could really be doing this town a grave disservice."

Firebug put a hand on her shoulder, "We're hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst."

[sfliegel]

Once back on the street the two groups split up. Siff waited as Firebug thought about which direction to begin moving. After a long moment, "Follow me I have an idea."

Siff stepped quickly to keep up, "So where to first?"

"If we are going to fight Ogres then we will need some more muscle. Let's see if anyone new has arrived in town lately. That could also mean that they are not involved with any of these goings on."

Siff agreed silently with the logic. "You said we were going to work on magic and healing. Are you going to ask Arthur to come back?

"I'm sorry my dear but I don't think he fit into the group. Reeks and Gaul didn't seem to care very much for him and we don't need any hesitation when each of us may be needed at anytime to help the other without even thinking."

Siff nodded slowly, "So are you looking for another Priestess?"

Firebug slowed his pace and threw an arm around her shoulders, "No my dear, that is a job you are stuck with until you decide to leave us. But I have to ask that donations for the purpose of healing be made after we return to town. Is that okay?"

Siff didn't answer before they reached the door of the hiring hall, "Let's go in real quick. I have one more stop to make when we are finished here."

In the hall it was pretty dark for this time of the day. There did seem to be several new faces today. After a quick scan of the room Firebug pointed out a few folks that looked like the sort that knew their way around a sword. Making his way through the hall he walked by each to get a feel for them. The last one was seated in the back of the hall sipping a glass of wine. He appeared that might be a knight of sorts and never raised his eyes as Firebug and Siff stopped at his table.

After long moment the Knight put his goblet down, "Is there something I can do for you?"

Firebug pulled out a chair and sat Siff down, then took his seat on the other side of the Knight. Firebug leaned in close and in a hushed voice began speaking, "Sir Knight my Lady Siff, Priestess of Light and myself are in need of your special talents. We have stumbled into a mystery and we don't know who in this town we can trust anymore. Since you are new in town we took the chance that you are uninvolved. But I am rambling, let me summarize what has happened so far. At least two innocent people have died under suspicious circumstances in relation to this mystery, there seems to be Ogres smuggling carts full of unknown items from the town, and dark skinned Dwarves have not only been involved in the smuggling but have also killed one of those innocents. Please we can make use of your sword. What say you, will you help us? We will give you a full share of anything we might find in the process."

The Knight stared wide eyed at Firebug, "Look, I don't know if I believe exactly what you are telling me, but I am curious. I agree that this does require further investigation. Count me in. The name is Lord Kursaville, and you are?" Lord Kursaville extended his hand.

Firebug took his hand, "The name is Firebug and as I mentioned earlier, this is Lady Siff."

Lord Kursaville took her hand and kissed it on her knuckle. "let me gather my things then we're off."

Back on the street Firebug said, "There is one more stop I would like to make. There is a jeweler in town that I heard might be able to help us. His name is Jutton Silversmith, he's a Dwarf. After a few minutes they stood in front of the cutting edge jeweler.

The inside was pretty sall from the stories that Firebug had heard but greeted by a pleasant little dwarf that was the exact description of Jutton.

"Welcome to the Cutting Edge my friends and how may I help you today? Maybe a beautiful diamond ring for the beautiful lady?"

Siff felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she blushed.

"Purhaps another time, " said Firebug, "for now I have something I'd hoped you might be able to examine for me."

"Of course, please follow me to my desk," said Jutton as he walked off toward the back of the store.

Firebug pulled the still wrapped dagger from his pack and laid it on the desk, "I was hoping you might know something of it's history."

[Game Master]

Jutton looked at his customers with interest. "Well I must admit I'm a jeweler by trade but I wouldn't be a proper dwarf if I didn't know a little something about weapons now would I?" He said with a wink and mirth in his voice. "Well let me see now." He picked up the dagger with care. "Its dwarven made. A bodkin dagger style. They are primarily used by the military in Timiro." He takes out a small glass ocular and looks at the daggers hilt intensely. "Hmm, the dagger is fairly new...or at least well kept and unused. there is no real 'weathering' on the hilt as one would expect to see on a used weapon. The blade has never been resharpened either by the look of it." Jutton looks it over for a few more minutes. "There is a sigial here. See it?" the jewel master points to the same runic symbol that Reeks could not identify. "It tells you who the maker is."

"Do you recognize it?" Siff asked off handedly.

"Not really. Why is it important?" When no immediate response was forth coming the dwarf seemed to make a decision. "You know, you should really go and see Rudgarr Halfhelm. he's our local smith and weapon expert. He has a weapons contract with the Kingdom if I recall and he knows dozens of sigil marks. He can help you a lot more then I. Is there anything else I could help you with? You look like adventurous types. if you ever need appraisals let me know, and remember that gems are a lot lighter, more compact and easier to carry around then gold coins."

[sfliegel]

"Thank you for your time Master Jutton. Purhaps we should see Rudgarr next." Firebug gave a quick bow and lead the others out of the store. Firebug slipped the dagger back into his pack before they reached the door.

"So to the blacksmith then Mr Firebug? I don't think I understand why you would take a dagger to a jeweler?" scoffed Lord Kursaville.

"Well Lord Kursaville I think I learned the towns' conection to the dagger and the Ogres. If Rudgarr is being paid to make weapons in mass, then those weapons are passing right back out of the town at night to the Ogres, Rudgarr may be knowingly involved. It is possible that he is ignorant of the events that follow his weapon shipments but let's see what else we can learn before we accidently upset the players of this game. Besides our friends Reeks and Gaul should have been to Rudgarr's store and should be able to identify him later."

Siff looked up to the sky, "Firebug I think it's almost time to meet with Reeks and Gaul."

"I think you're right. But, I was thinking about something. That book from Sminner's cabin, I would like to have a look at it and I think our friend Lord Kursaville here can help us with that as well."

"What you in mind Mr Firebug?"

"You're new in town and therefore should be free of any suspisions. I would like to see if we could use that to our advantage to recover the book from Sminner's cabin. Have you any thoughts?"

[sfliegel]

Lord Kursaville dropped his gaze to the ground, "I guess there is a cover story I can use. I don't like to talk about it but I'm a witch hunter back, one of the best, and I'll not be mentioning it again. I can try to convince the constable to either hire me or allow me to investigate any strange or unexplainable deaths of late. Hopefully, if he will even talk to me, he'll give me the Sminner case. I'll need my horse and I'll ride over to his office. Would you happen to know where that might be?"

Firebug stood there with a stupid look on his face, "You know what, no I don't. As you right through town I'd ask someone that you pass. That will also add to the story of you're new to town. I also think it best if we're not see together. After you talk to the constable meet us at the inn." Firebug and Siff hurried off toward the inn.

Lord Kursaville secured his gear to his horse that was hitched outside of the hiring hall, saddled up and rode slowly south through town and asked the first person to point him to the Constantable's office.

After thanking them for their assistance he rode off in the direction indicated and made a mental note to update his town map of Garrotten. He dismounted and hitched his horse in front of the office. Then made his way inside.

Inside he found several people scattered around busy at work. Some were pointing to charts in the walls, and others were reviewing maps and documentations. They were very busy and never noticed Lord Kursaville had entered the office. He smile to himself as he saw the men busy at work because it looked like they may indeed be in need of some help.

Lord Kursaville cleared his throat, and one of the deputies looked up from his paperwork and stared for a moment. Then he stood up and addressed Lord Kursaville, "May I help you sir?"

Standing up straight he shot the deputy a buring gaze, "My name is Kursaville and I am here to see the constable."

The deputy gave an obvious sigh and pointed to a closed wooden door on the far wall, "Sir, the constable is in his office. If you'll wait a moment I'll get him for you. What should I say is the nature of your visit?"

"That son is better left for the constable and myself, but let him know that I'm here to help out."

The deputy gave a tired smile and hurried to the Constable's door, knocked twice then entered. The deputy seemed to be gone for a long while and the other deputies began to eye him suspiciously. Finally the deputy returned to the door and motioned to him to come into the office.

Once in the office the deputy hurried out and closed the door behind him. The Constable stood up and walked around his parchment laden desk with his hand extended and said, "My name is Constable Ritage. My deputy said that you're here to help."

Lord Kursaville took his hand and gave a firm handshake, "The name is Lord Kursaville from the West."

"While I could definitiely use an extra set of hands, may I ask what brings you to town?"

"It has been a long ride may we sit and discuss it over a drink?"

The Constable smiled, "Yes of course, where are my manners? " Lord Kursaville takes a seat across the desk from the Constable who produces a half bottle of wine and two glasses from a drawer. They both take a drink and sink back into their chairs. "So, Lord Kursaville, what is it that brings you to my office?"

Lord Kursaville takes another sip and beings his story, "In the West I'm a Witch Hunter of some notoriety I guess you can say. I actually specialize in cases that might at first be written off as suicides of deaths that might be considered suspicious. The tribunial of Witch Hunters in the West was contacted about a several such myterious deaths that were originally believed to be suicides. So I'm making my way to the Floenry Isles to investigate these deaths. This seems like a nice enough place to rest up before I continue on my way. As long as I was in the area I thought I would check in the authorities to make my presents known and to make my services available if needed." Lord Kursaville took another sip of his wine. "But I can also pitch in with general law enforcement if you're shorthanded."

Constable Ritage leaned back into his chair, took a sip of his wine and stared at Lord Kursaville for a long, silent moment.

[Game Master]

"hmmm. Well it seems the Lord of Light has sent me a Harald to help me. It just so happens I have a lot on my plate at this moment. First things first. I won't use your talents for free. I insist you be sheltered for as long as you stay in Garrotten. You can have a room up at the castle or an unoccupied cabin here in town. We have a few at the moment. Secondly I'll issue you a tab to be run at the Drunken Griffin. 3 square a day. Third I assume a lord such as yourself has a mount?" Lord Kursaville nodded. "Good. I'll have it stabled and well fed at the Castle stables. As far as pay, well, we can't afford but, fifty crowns a week. I hope I'm not insulting you."

Kursaville waived his hand in dismissal. "That will be plenty I assure you Constable Ritage."

"Excellent." Ritage pulled out a piece of parchment from his desk and sharpened a quill. He quickly wrote a letter, let it dry and folded it smartly with a wax seal. "All is settled. However the Lord Baron insists on meeting anyone working fore the Town Watch. I'll set up a meeting with him for you tomorrow at lunch time. He likes to do things over food. This will also let you see the castle grounds to determine if you would like housing there or here in town. Anything else Lord Kursaville?"

"You mentioned your plate was full. What sort of cases will we be working on?"

"I have a suicide I'm looking into right now of all things. I may want your opinion on that but, I must admit it that the Lord Baron has asked me to handle it personally so I may have to delegate other work your way." Ritage seemed to 'sense' the Lords disappointment and quickly added. "Oh don't worry my Lord. I won't assign anything trivial to a man such as you. "I actually have a pressing case that just happened last night. I am unable to attend to it though because of the suicide coinciding at roughly the same time."

"Oh?" Kursaville asked more out of politeness then interest. While Firebugs scheme had not completely failed Kursaville was now honor bound to do this task. His interest soon perked however once he began to hear the details.

"It is a kidnapping I'm afraid. A young girl named Nasha was taken from her home late last night. Very little is known. I have a deputy working on the case right now but if the Baron agrees to take you on I would hand it over to you allowing me to put my deputy on other tasks. Unless you need an assistant? No? Alright then. Come see me after Lunch tomorrow."

Lord Kursaville left the Constables office and made for the Inn. It appeared that Kursaville had traded one just quest for another. What will his new found comrades think of the turn of events he mused.

[sfliegel]

Lord Kursaville couldn't conceal the smile as he entered the inn. He sqw Firebug and Siff sitting in the corner with two others. Firebug was facing the door and saw Lord Kursaville as he came in and waved him over.

"Lord Kursaville please allow me to introduce Reeks and Gaul, they are friends that will be helping us check out the castle. How did it go with the constable?"

No longer able to stand the irony Lord Kursaville let out a laugh, "You'll not believe it actually. It turns out he is so overwhelmed with strange cases that he has hired me to investigate some of them. Unfortunately, not the Sminner case but he might call me in as a fresh set of eyes. Purphaps then I can get that book for you. I can however get you into the castle if you would like, I have to go meet with the Lord Baron."

Firebug fell back into his chair with a groan, "I guess that was too good of a plan." He rubbed his eyes for a minute, "What is the case that the constable did give you?"

Lord Kursaville leaned in close and in a whisper he explained, "A young was kidnapped, rigth from her own bed. These guys are completely stumped."

Firebug stroked the stubble on his chin, "okay, I want you to take Reeks and Gaul with you. Gentlemen, you have just become Lord Kursaville's valets. That way you can check out the castle from the inside."

Reeks and Gaul protested and pounded their fists on the table until the drinks began to splash onto the table.

"That's quite enough," Firebug leaned in closer to emphasize his point, "can either of you think of a better way to to see what's happening at the castle then from within?"

Reeks and Gaul stared silently at each other for awhile, then their shoulders drooped and they replied together, "No..."

"Relax this is only your cover until we find out what's happening. Besides, there are worse places to be undercover. Siff and I will help you with the kidnapping. Siff and do healing when we find her and I have, well some tricks as well. What say you Lord Kursaville?"

Lord Kursaville looked at the eagerness in the faces around him and he felt his chest swell with pride, "I believe the Lord of Light has truely blessed me this day. This sounds like an excellent arrangement, and I could certainly do with the help."

Lord Kursaville placed a hand on both Reeks' and Gaul's shoulders, "Worry not my friends, I will make sure that you are well taken care of and that no harm shall befall you. But we must leave now for the castle. Firebug and Siff, I will return this evening to discuss the other case. In the mean time, I think you should go speak with the blacksmith. Gut feeling is that he doesn't know about the smuggling." He gave a smile and headed out of the inn with Reeks and Gaul following slowly behind.

Firebug and Siff waited for a few minutes until the others were gone before they spoke, "So what do you think Firebug? Should we talk to the smith? What about this kidnapping now? Do you think any of this is related?"

Firebug shook his head, "Honestly, I don't know what to think. He brings up a good point, the smith wouldn't be making such small weapons for Ogres, a dagger would be so small in their hands. And the kidnapping, that might be a ploy to keep the parents quiet about something. We'll have to talk with them when Lord Kursaville returns. For now, let's find the blacksmith."

Firebug and Siff then walked quickly out of the inn and headed for the blacksmith.

[Game Master]

The Tools of the Trade Armory and Smithy had to be the largest set of buildings in Garrotten out side of the castle proper. Firebug and Siff wasted no time in tracking down the owner Rudgarr Halfhelm. "Aye, I recognize that mark on the blade alright. Its none other than one of my Apprentices, Morg Hammerfall." The grumpy dwarf stated bluntly.

"Is he here? We'd like to..ah, commend him on the quality." Siff ad libbed quickly.

Rudgarr scoffs at the comment. "No, no he's not here now. He's my overnight smith. Never do see much of him myself. While I'm sure his quality is better than any human blades you've no doubt owned he happens to be my worst pupil. He mostly does prep work for the day crew and keeps the forges hot. How'd you come by this blade anyhow? That looks to be a military piece, and well you two would never make it through basic training by the looks of you.

[sfliegel]

Firebug took a half step closer toward Halkfhelm, "Master Halfhelm, have you happened to have noticed a recent reduction in your iron stock? What I'm asking is, have you seen an increase in the amount of raw material coming in but a decline in the amount of finished weapons going out?"

Halfhelm eyed Firebug intensely but remained silent for a moment.

Siff joined in with a hushed voice, "Master Dwarf, I'm afraid that your Apprentice Hammerfall's weapons might be finding their way into the wrong hands. We believe that people have died in the attempt to keep this secret."

Firebug looked from Siff, back to Halfhelm, "Master Halfhelm, we mean no disrespect to you or your forge, but we are worried that even more people may be in danger if these weapons continue moving unchecked from your forge. We are reluctant to present this to the constable, but we know an honorable man such as yourself would want to handle this himself, in house. Especially since something like this could tarnish the otherwise impecable reputation of a master blacksmith. We only want to see the problem solved, will you be able to help us?"

[Game Master]

"Not one piece of steel leaves this building without ME knowing about it." The dwarf strokes his beard in thought. "However....two out of the last five weapon shipments to the capital have been ambushed on the road. This dagger may very well be from one of those. The Baron is getting ready to ship out another supply very soon. Some time this week infact. Its all being transfered and stored in the castle for safe keeping. If I can do anything to help make sure my goods are getting to the men and women in the army I'll do it. Why do you think this is all hush-hush? Just about everyone involved with the weapon making and shipment knows of the two ambushes. That is hardly a secret."

[sfliegel]

Firebug straightened as he responded, "Master Halfhelm, a man died because of this dagger and he was not a part of any weapon convoy. In fact I believe that this may an inside job of sorts."

Siff continued, "We also believe that these stolen weapons are then either resold or even traded out Garrotten."

Firebug nodded in agreement with Siff's statement, "What we need is someone that you trust that can be there when the next shipment is to travel. I'm guessing that the ambushes are either staged or the shipments never actually leave town. Do you think Hammerfall might somehow be mixed up in this?"

[Game Master]

"Well...I guess he could be. He does do most of the crate packing for the shipments. He can't be doing this alone though. If he's involved wouldn't he have to have help from someone in the castle?"

[sfliegel]

Firebug rubbed his chin, "You know you're probably right. In fact, there may be several other people involved. We also don't know how high this goes. I don't believe that this is some simple operation. This seems very sophisitcated so without having a set of eyes ther when this is happening, we may never know everything. Is there someone you trust hat you can have watch Hammerfall undetected? If we can get someone on the inside then we can work on the castle."

[Game Master]

"Hmmm. Yesterday I would have said yes, but now I'm not sure who I can trust. I never thought Hammerfall would be a traitor to Timiro. I'll just have to make surprise inspections and work late. That sort of thing. I'll snoop around and see what I can find out. How shall I contact you?"