Frowning at the situation, but knowing he has no real alternative, Michael says, “Well since there is nothing more we can do here, we should head along with Mr. Butterbur.” as he joins the others in boarding the merchant's wagon.

Realizing that everyone else is boarding the wagon Shale figures that his options are to board the wagon now, or be left alone in an area that is possibly dangerous. Naturally, the gnome's sense of self preservation kicks in and Shale quickly says as he moves to board the wagon, “Wait for me, given what we've found I don't think it would be safe to head off on my own... Safety in numbers and all,” as the gnome  boards the wagon.

Shale figures that whoever did what they did to the wagon, could easily overpower him if he was found on his own, something that Shale would rather avoid.

The group arrives at Unity's gate without any incident beyond boring small talk.  The gate guards approach the cart inquisitively.

"Didn't you just leave for Southport just a few minutes ago?"

"That I did, officers, but I came upon an overturned prison cart at the first bend in the road.  These youngsters were there first and got a better look at it than I did."

One guard signals the other who sprints back to the gate to alert his superiors like someone's life might be at stake.

"Very good of you to report this right away," the remaining soldier says, "Please, all of you, tell me every detail you remember."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Sat 21 Feb 2009.

Reverie gives her description of what happened:

"On my way to your humble abode
I saw a kart on the side of the road
No sign of abuse, I couldn't deduce,
So I came here for it to be towed."

"Please ask what you wish
So that details aren't missed"

Eli watches Reverie give her poetic version of what happened and then says, "She summarized it close enough, but to clarify, there was an abandoned prison wagon. And she's right about no sign of abuse... there was no clear sign of a struggle. No blood. Just empty chains. The only peculiar thing about all this is the fact so many people from different paths showed up at the same time, but even so I find little reason to suspect anyone present."

"What they said," Julious collaborates, "There wasn't much there in the way of clues."

He hops off the cart and drinks in the sights, sounds, and smells of Unity's entrance.  Carved into the stone on one side of the gate is a relief of a human woman.  On the other side is carved an elf man.  Above the gate their hands are clasped.  People are passing in and out of the city in a staggered flow like cars at a toll gate.  Everyone is stopped by two guards before entering or leaving.

(( OOC: Posted by DM ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Sat 28 Feb 2009.

Lana nods in agreement with the others and also disembarks.

(( OOC: Posted by DM ))

Michael gets off the wagon while listening to what everyone else says and decides to add, “I don't have much to add to what has already been said. Although while we did all reach the scene at roughly the same time, we came from different directions. After all, an abandoned wagon in the middle of the road will draw attention.”

The gnome hops off the wagon and shrugs, “The only evidence something is amiss is the abandoned wagon itself. That no other evidence can be found, is something that should not be ignored in of itself. It is the cornerstone of this conundrum we stumbled across. I doubt people often come across such curiosities frequently.” While Shale has calmed down a bit in comparison to how skittish he was before, it is obvious that he is still just as curious about this mystery as when he first approached the abandoned wagon.

The second guard returns with the gate commander and a few police officers.  Once the gate guard who stayed behind relays the details to the newly arrived officials, one of the police officers speaks up.

"Good work everyone," he says, "That prison cart was sent along with a few deputies to apprehend a dangerous group of thieves.  Your timely information may lead to the rescue of the missing deputies.  For your service to the crown, I've been authorized to give each of you a one gold piece reward voucher you can exchange for money at the sheriff's office."

The officer hands out an official looking document to each of the heroes.

"You are also authorized to join in the rescue and or the capture of the culprits right now if you choose, though the bounties on the heads of the culprits is unknown as of yet."

He glances down at Eli.

"...Though I doubt if your lordship's parents would approve of you going on a manhunt..."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Wed 25 Mar 2009.

Reverie is surprised, but then rolls up her document to put with the rest of her stuff.

"I thank the crown for this generous reward.
And the offer to pursue the criminal horde.
I'll be happy to join, my law-loving friend,
Though who am I joining with in the end?"

After all, she's curious just how many are pursuing.

"And more importantly, I might ask to add,
Is how we find them with no evidence to be had?"

Eli is given the usual statement of doubt that comes with his incredibly young age. He listens to Reverie and then looks back to the guard who addressed him. "I should be just fine if I'm with a group. My parents are lords in Unity and nothing would make them more proud than knowing their son helped bring dangerous men to justice so they can no longer harm others. I am a capable wizard and can be of great assistance."

As if to demonstrate this, he uses prestidigitation to cause the image of water dancing on the palm of his hand in the form of a woman. Then makes her vanish.

While Reverie is making a point Eli would have addressed, he has the important task of persuading his elders to allow him to come along.

"No thanks," Julious answers the officer, "I'll just cash in my voucher and enjoy the afternoon."

(( OOC: Posing out ))

"That sounds like a good idea," Lana agrees, "I'll be joining you, Julious."

(( OOC: Posing out ))

Michael crosses his arms over his chest as he considers who has opted in and who opted out so far as he responds, “I'll assist in this matter, in whatever way I can.”

Michael also figures it will be a good learning experience, as well as a good opportunity, and he feels it would be foolish to pass this opportunity up.

Shale glances at the guards with a mixed look of curiosity while several others give their response to the guard's offer as the gnome thinks to himself, 'Okay there is likely to be some danger involved... but this is permission to solve a mystery and to no doubt cause mischief for whoever set this mystery in motion...that is just too tempting to pass up. Mystical mystery mischief mayhem ... ooo someone should really try to say that aloud five times fast.'

After the gnome's thoughts start to trail off he grins and says, “This sounds like too much of an opportunity to pass up, so I'm in,” as Shale is careful to not mention that it is an opportunity to have some fun, since then he'd come off as more childish than the child present.

"My apologies," the textile merchant answers, "But I will be unable to join the manhunt, I have to get these garments to Southport by week's end and I cannot afford even half a day's delay...  I'll just have to cash in my voucher when I return to learn of your exploits."

"It's encouraging to see so many willing to serve the crown!" the officer answers those who volunteered with a smile before addressing Eli again, "Your lordship is advised to be very cautious and to do exactly what the field commander says."

Several mounted police officers escorted by bloodhounds along with another prison wagon arrive on the scene.

"And I believe that should answer your question, young poet."

Once the search party's leader is informed of the situation, he instructs the adventurers to ride in the prison wagon.

Reverie is so overwhelmed with joy, she lifts her shoulders and claps her hands.

"Joy of joys!
A police convoy!
And we get to go with,
their company to enjoy."

She hops aboard as directed, not allowing her excitement to make her do anything hasty.

Eli nods to the one addressing him. "Yes sir. I will." and waits his turn before climbing aboard also. Once aboard, Eli looks at Michael and Shale and says, "Are you both students of the arcane like myself?"

(Forgive my memory if this topic was already covered, but from what I can recall and what I read, it seems Eli has yet to have this conversation with Mike and Shale)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Wed 08 Apr 2009.

Michael nods at Eli's question and replies, “I am a student of the arcane, although I do not know if the arcane knowledge I seek and specialize in is the same as yours.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Fri 17 Apr 2009.

Shale looks at Eli and chuckles at the question, “I wouldn't know if I should be called a student. I mostly consider what I know to be a serious hobby and lifestyle. One that I find incredibly fun to pursue.”

Once the adventurers are aboard the prison wagon, the lead officer has the hounds sniff a piece of clothing that belonged to the driver.  The dogs bark excitedly and lead the way down the road.  The officers remain silent and alert for ambushes as they follow the dogs.

((OOC: going to write up stats for the cops when I have more time, but to give you an idea, the lead officer will be warlordish, a beastmaster ranger officer controls the dogs, and the cart's driver is a fighter type.  Realistically, there'd be at least half a dozen officers on a search and rescue, but I don't want to make things too hard for me and too easy for you...  or maybe I'll go ahead and add 3 more cops and make the challenge that much harder.  *makes a note to flip a coin later* ))

Eli finds both answers equally fascinating. Michael calls himself a student while Shale calls it a hobby. Eli can't help but agree with both of them. "I'm a wizard with less focus on offensive and more on controlling. Yourselves?"

He suspects Michael is more of a book hound than Shale and thus, figures he will soon follow up with a conversation about books and who's writings they like. Though for Shale, he wonders what Shale considers fun.

Reverie interjects in her soft, melodic voice (Maybe she should have been a bard? Well she isn't singing in any case):

"While I'm no more a student
To arcane than to life,
I'd be lying if I said
I knew nothing arcane-wise.

It comes to me in dreams
That come from Sehanine
And I learn by example
With a pact she forged with me.

But not to be forgotten
Are the lights that shine at night.
For the pact was not with her alone,
But also with the stars so bright."

Reverie smiles at Eli, Michael and Shale.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Fri 17 Apr 2009.

Michael glances at Shale and shakes his head at the idea of someone viewing the arcane as a hobby. When Eli explains what type of wizard he is, Michael replies, “Most would consider a wizard who focuses on inflicting harm to be rather strange. After all any brute can destroy an enemy, but to control an enemies actions by denying them alternatives is more my style. I am rather fond of conjurations and summoning magics.”