After gathering yourselves, and allowing Stoney to finish his drink, Captain Rasmir motions to one of his soldiers as your guide.  The young man, barely twenty summers if a day, asks you to join him as he exits the building.  Once outside, the young soldier leads you through the streets of Strangeport more or less in an easterly direction, running parallel to the docks.

Eventually you arrive at a section of the town that is heavily gardened and with less housing.  What houses you see in this area are all cottage style with thatch roofing and built primarily from stone.  They appear to have been built sometime ago as they are covered in thick layers of growth.  A few even have trees growing through them.

The soldier points towards one of the homes and indicates that it was the scene of the last murder.  While the body has been removed, he assures you that the home has remained relatively untouched since the discovery.  The home itself is fairly simple in its construction, resembling the other homes.  Glorious, brilliantly colored flowers blossom out from the entire structure whilst the outside garden looked like a maze of trellised vines and berries.  Colored glass bottles dotted the entire property, most notably in the windows which directed the sunlight and enhanced their brilliance giving the entire scene an almost otherworldly, fairy like aura.

Arryn walked around the property looking for anything amiss. If there was nothing to find he headed to the door and checked to see if it was locked.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 1):

Stoney stumbles walks up to the front.
"Let me inspect this site, young lad."
Pats his chest, and then pockets, possibly looking for a holy symbol, which he can't find.
"Ah! Oh well! This will do!"
Pulls out something small, and walks up next to Arryn.
"Well what do you think?"
Takes a small drink.
"Care for a sip?"

Nothing truly seems to stand out to you.  No visible signs of trampling or disturbance and nothing that appears out of place or missing.  The door is indeed locked, a precaution taken by the town guard.  Thankfully, the soldier had given you the key before leaving.

Arryn will unlock the door push it open and peer inside.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 5):

Stoney is right on his back..literally touching his back.
RIGHT next to him.

Picture Scooby Doo & Shaggy entering a haunted house.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 5):

Larz stood next to Arryn as he unlocked and opened the door. It was unlikely they would find anything that hadn't been seen by the Captain's men. But it was worth a shot.

"Nothing seems out of place. Wonder if this was the little demon's doing?" he wondered aloud.

Onyx moved quietly with the others wondering how they had survived so long being so utterly simple.  But then he realized they were mostly humans and long was a relative term.  "The imps can use invisibility and change form into simple animals like cats and birds.  Be vigilant."

The wooden door creaks on it's hinges as you open it.  A small swirl of dust picks up in front of you as the breeze races inside.  Before you sits a rather simple but crowded cooking area.  A few pots and pans hang from hooks but the room itself is mostly filled with bottles, beakers and small glass vials of all shapes, sizes and colors.  The walls are festooned with drying flowers and herbs giving a comfy feeling to the entire room; an intoxicating aroma slowly encircles you all like a fine perfume.  A table with two stools sits in the middle of the room, still covered in herbs that are partially chopped and mashed.  To the back of the right wall you can see a door and towards the front of the left wall rises a small staircase.

Arryn begins to look around the room careful not to disturb anything.

Onyx follows Andrer with grace and care.  His movements were almost unnaturally silent.

In reply to Onyx (msg # 11):

stoney is still glued to Arryn's back.  Making movement a little, weird.
He to is looking around...then.
"It is pretty quiet in here!!

The room appears as previously described with no signs of any obvious attempts to cover anything up.  Unfortunately, the murder only happened a few days ago and so no noticeable level of dust has accumulated.

In reply to Onyx (msg # 8):

Larz nodded at Onyx's comment. The barbarian warrior knew little of the world save what he'd already seen. He was glad to have at least one companion along who knew of such things.

OOC: Have we been told where the body was found? in what condition and position?

I'm not sure he was murdered in his home.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 15):

OOC: I thought we were investigating the scene of the crime.

I don't know if that is the case or if we just were brought to his home. DM?

OOC: This is both the home of the victim and the crime scene.

Frowning Arryn moves across the room to the door and opens it slowly.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 19):

The door gives way with ease as Arryn presses upon it. As he slowly pushes it to the side, a beautiful, vibrant image begins to unfold.  The room itself, at least at its core of construction, appears to have been just a simple sleeping chamber, perhaps, at one time.  It's current use, however, is far removed from its original intention.

The rafters are bereft of any thatch and are instead covered by panes of brilliantly colored glass.  With the sun shining brightly outside, it gives the room a very ethereal, otherworldly quality.  The room itself has been refitted to a be a greenhouse.  Pots of all shapes and sizes fill the room, each bursting with some sort of fragrant, colorful flowers and foliage.  Towards the back of the room sits what appears to be a small alter or work table of some sort.

Arryn proceeds to the work station at the back of the room watching to make sure nothing darts out of the foliage.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 21):

OOC: Are there any signs of struggle? Blood?

Larz followed close behind Arryn searching for clues as to what happened. When he sees the room beyond the door, he spends some time marveling at the brightly colored glass. "Remarkable. I've never seen it's likeness before." he commented. Then he went back to searching for clues.

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 22):

Still awkwardly close to Arryn, Stoney proceeds forward too.  Stumbling over Arryn's feet here & there.
"Beautiful room!  Lets inspect the altar.  I might be able to decipher what type of alter it is.  religious, sacrificial, workbench, or just a bar to drink on."

OOC: Is anyone actually doing any specific checks or just general inspection of the room/table?

Arryn pokes around looking for anything hidden.

20:53, Today: Arryn Andrer rolled 31 using 1d100.  Find Traps 45%

Arryn...you find nothing of importance.  No signs of any trap doors or switches to be found.

The alter, or more probably work table, seems to be of an alchemical nature.  Various symbols are carved upon its' surface and various pieces of metal lay about as well as some colored powders in small jars.  A mortar & pestle as well as several candle sticks are also present.

Regahr was leaving the other member of his team to examine the house. So far nothing really seems out of ordianry or interesting. But then they found a work table that looks alchemical in nature and this makes it interesting for Reghar.

"Please stay a little back, I will see if I can detect any residual magic here as this seems to be a wizard's work table" With this being said, Reghar cast detect magic and scan pretty much all the inside of the building but more closely the achemical workplace.

In reply to Reghar Blackcrow (msg # 27):

While Arryn and the others searched the work area Larz searched the area by the plants and things.19:49, Today: Larzander Gunderzen rolled 16 using 1d20. search.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sun 06 Nov 2016.

As Reghar finishes his incantation, he begins to see an extremely strong magical glow emanating from the table.  This table indeed has seen some powerful spell work, and recently too judging from the strength of the remaining aura.

Larzanders search reveals nothing as well, unless he possesses any knowledge of herb lore (one would assume that a potion masters greenhouse would contain some useful foliage or roots).

Reghar scan the entire place, just to make sure he identify properly how many magical item are within this area.

"Friends, I just discovered that the table has seen powerful spell work and very recently, I can still feel its aura."

OCC: I will try to identify what type of magical aura it was, conjuration,. divination etc...

In reply to Reghar Blackcrow (msg # 30):

Stoney peals away from his companions, and finds a nice spot to sit behind the altar.
"Ah!"
Taking a long sip of brandy.
_{"Look what I found!"}
He mutters to himself, as the others are searching.

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 31):

Finding nothing he recognized as useful in the plants he searched, Larzander moved to the alter where Reghar was standing to see what he was up to. When Stoney spoke, the giant of a man turned to see what the priest was going on about.

"What did you say?" he asked Stoney.

In reply to Reghar Blackcrow (msg # 30):

OOC: While various auras appear to swirl about the table, the schools of Alteration and Enchantment seem to have been the most commonly invoked powers.

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 32):

From a sitting position, he holds up his wineskin.
"Look what I found, some Brandy, in my backpack.  Care for a mip?"

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 34):

Larz smiled at the little man and reached for the wineskin. "Don't mind if I do." he said taking a pull of the brandy and handing it back to Stoney. "Thank you my friend." he said with a nod.

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 35):

"I always find it easier to contemplate mysteries, with a little drink."
Receiving the drink from Larzander.
"the more drink the easier it is to solve!"
Drinks again!

Onyx looked at the thought of drinking as a fish might think about breathing underwater.  But this wasn't a local tavern where he could uncover his sorrow and drown his pain.  Something deep in the back of his conscious thoughts was telling him this wasn't the time or the place.  So, instead of diving back into drunkenness he paused just to see the outcome of the others indulging...

In reply to Onyx (msg # 37):

Corks his brandy, wipes his mouth with his sleeve.

"Ah now that I am thinking more clearly, It appears something very bad happened here!"

Moves over to the podium with the herbs, etc on it.

"Yes, Yes indeed.  This is where some things were done, definitely!"

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 38):

Larz stood by the work bench watching Reghar do his investigation. Not really knowing what to do next, the barbarian  asked, "Can you tell what the man was working on when he was killed? Or only that he was using magic to make potions?"

Looking at his companions, Reghar disclose all information gained from his careful observation.

"It seems that  the schools of Alteration and Enchantment have been the most commonly invoked powers. this is probably due to the creation of potions and the like and/or scrolls and magical item creation. Nothing else can be gathered here.

I would suggest we try to find who would have bought magical items or potion from him in the last two weeks. He may have a register somewhere.

With that being said, Reghar start looking for accounting documents that could prove his theory that he may have sold magical items for a living.

In reply to Reghar Blackcrow (msg # 40):

"Ah good idea!"
With a sigh as if an old man is standing, Stoney gets up.
"Lets just see what is here."
Cracks his back.
Starts moving papers around, rifling through things, trying to see if there is any paperwork around that Reghar mentioned that shows anything about buying/selling potions or the what not.
"Huh...not sure there is anything good here."

Arryn shrugged he didn't know much about magic. He stood up from where he was looking at one of the plants and stalked towards the door back into the kitchen. "I'm going to check upstairs." he said brusquely.

OOC: So is anyone else going with Arryn?

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 43):

"Hold on Arryn, we don't want to get too spread out. I'll come along to watch your back." Larz offered, stepping behind Arryn and letting him take the lead.

As Arryn and Larz begin to ascend the staircase, an all too familiar smell begins to assault them.  Dried blood, and a lot of it.  As they reach the stop of the staircase, the true scene of the crime unfolds.  Before them sits what appears to have been a bed chamber, but it's current condition would almost disqualify it from such a title.  The room itself appears as if a storm had blown through it.  Books were torn and pages scattered about the room.  Boxes and glassware were smashed to pieces.  Even the walls themselves seemed as if they had been scratched upon.  The bed itself was the most telling find.  Amidst the torn sheets and removed bedding, the large, dark stained pool marked the potions masters' final place. The blood covered a good portion of the bed, indicating truth in the statement that his throat had been slit.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 45):

As Larz took in the scene his eyes met Arryn's briefly. "Looks like they were looking for something. But what?" he asked.

"It would seem so." Arryn said in response. He crouched down and began to looks the room over starting closest to the door and then moving further into the room afraid to step on anything that might be a clue.

What do I roll against to search?

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 47):

The blacksmith nodded at Arryn's statement. "The problem with deamons, they don't use the door..." Larz commented as searched the area around and in the bed looking for clues.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 47):

OOC:  Again, either Int. or Find/Remove Traps although I'd imagine the Find/Remove is more fitting.

21:30, Today: Arryn Andrer rolled 23 using 1d100.  Find Remove Traps  40%.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 50):


09:29, Today: Larzander Gunderzen rolled 3 using 1d20.  search bed.

Apparently Larzander was unable to find the blood soaked bed....

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 51):

If you're rolling a Int. check then a 3 would be successful, unless your intelligence is below a 3...

Do we turn up anything interesting?

Your search initially seems almost pointless as the state of the room makes discerning minut details near impossible.   As Arryn begins to search through what's left of the bookshelves, Larzander begins his search of the bed and in short time finds that the edge of the sheets, on one side, seem blackened slightly around the edge.  Calling Arryn over to show him, it appeared almost as if it had been slightly burned.  Focusing their search around the bed for any further clues, Arryn manages to locate a small panel hidden beneath the bed under a small stack of moldy old books.

Arryn looks up over the macabre scene that is the blood soaked bed and get Larzander's attention "I've found something here." he said waving the man over. Arryn pointed to the small panel and then took out his knife and tried to pry it open.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 55):

Larz stood next to Arryn as he attempted to open the panel. "Do you think it might be trapped?" he asked. "Sometimes they trap those things don't they?"

Would my check have found the trap if it were trapped or do I need a second roll?

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 57):

Sorry my friend, I just didn't want to see you poisoned or blown up...

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 58):

"Cheers!  I'll drink to that!"

Haven't used this system in a long time. I had assumed that find/remove traps would find the traps along with the hidden panel. But maybe I'm wrong.

Normally, you would be correct, but since I'm having you use your find/remove slightly differently, in other words just to locate something, then technically it would require another roll.  The same would apply to removing said trap, if any were found.

Arryn's knife stopped at Larzander's words and he scrutinized the panel looking for anything dangerous.

20:48, Today: Arryn Andrer rolled 21 using 1d100.  Find Remove Traps  40%.

As Arryn begins to fiddle with the panel, he manages to wedge his knife under it and begins to pry it up but stops suddenly as he hears the telltale "click" of some sort of mechanism under the panel.  Gauging the situation he is confident that he can disarm the device.  After several tense minutes he slides back out from under the bed to announce that he is pretty certain the trap has been disarmed.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 63):

After "searching" around, near the podium, and many long drinks from his bottle, Stoney decides to look in a different spot.
"Hey...what did you find?  There is nothing around here."
He shouts so the entire house can hear.

Arryn opens the panel that was so fiercely guarded.

As Arryn slowly lifts the panel, a subtle "click" causes him to wince but seeing nothing further, he feels secure that he disarmed it properly.  As the panel moves aside the trap itself is revealed; a standard fireball device.  Removing the mechanism, Arryn finds a small, green, glass vile with some sort of liquid and what appears to be a crude-looking ring.

Arryn removes the two items and stands up "Some sort of liquid and a ring. We should show them to Reghar." he said matter of factly before heading downstairs "Reghar come take a look at these items. I imagine they are magical based on the protections around them." he said to the dwarf.

In reply to Arryn Andrer (msg # 67):

"Good job Arryn!" Larzander commented, helping the other man to his feet. "I agree Reghar is the one that is likely to know about such things."

Onyx holds his non-metalic hand out, "I might be able to tell you what the liquid is..."  The stoic elf hadn't really divulged too much of his background but they had seen him use a spell of a sort.  But, what would a drunk know of liquids anyway?  Onyx smirked at his silent jest.

OOC: Are you attempting a check of some type on the vial or just trying to inspect it and make an educated guess?

Reghar as always a detail oriented individual, he always triple checks everything he does. He took his time to review the first floor of the house, he wanted to make sure he did not miss anything. Of course he heard his companion talk loudly and gasp about something upstair, but he had to finish that floor before moving on to the second floor. Unfortunately, his search led to nothing. He now take a good look at the stair and gets ready to explore the second floor.

Once he climbed the stair, Reghar grasped the whole situation in the span of a heartbeat, blood, claw marks, dead body and the two items. The ring and the glass looks fascinating, as all magical items in Reghar's head. Slowly but surely, Reghar move closer to the two items and began chanting and praying to his god.

Let me see what I can do to help, I am probably not skilled in the right ways to properly identify these items but at least I can make sure they are magical in nature.

OCC: casting detect magic and I try to identify as much as I can the items.

Indeed both of the items radiate a strong magical aura.  Upon closer scrutiny, the ring is something you have encountered before...why it's a Ring of Protection +1, what luck!  The liquid in the vial, however, is definitely more foreign to you.  It is most assuredly magic in nature and you are pretty certain it is safe, although you cannot say, with any certainty what, it may do.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 72):

Stumbling slightly on his approach to Reghar.  "Whattt did you find?"
Seeing the vial near by.
"Oh, let me-e see that. Do yo know what it is?  I can tell what pretty much any liquid is!"
It is a byproduct of trial and error, in the monasteries cellar!"

As you stare at the objects before you, a sound floats up from the lower level of the house.  It would appear that someone did not shut the door hard enough for the protests from the hinges echos off the ceiling.

 A young girl, maybe not even eightneen winters old, walks slowly into the building. She wore a black non de script cloak and her dark hair was long and a tattered mess that fell down around her pale face and shoulder.

  She wasn't paying attention to her surroundings as she arranged a boquette of flowers that she had just picked from the garden.

 " Red was always her favorite, wasn't it? But I like black... why is there no black ones?" she mumbled to no one in particular.

 She stopped and her eyes widened as she realized she wasn't the only one here.

 " Hello?" she called out.

 OOC: Will attempt to discern if any of the flowers in the garden are of any use for herbalism.15:40, Today: Moria rolled 5 using 1d20.  herbalism proficiency check -2 int (13).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Thu 05 Jan 2017.

OOC: They most certainly are...are you looking to make something in particular or just general supplies that could come in handy?

In reply to Moria (msg # 75):

Sounds of creaking doors, Stoney head pops up from his discussion.
(As I interpret it we are on the 2nd floor & Moria came into the ground floor.)
"Did you hear that?"
Stoney grabs takes a quick drink as he puts his brandy away.
Fumbling for his hammer.
"Lets see what that noise was!"
_{"Hopefully it was just the wind."}
Uncharacteristically Stoney runs towards he noise, weapon out, and ready for whatever might have entered the house.
"Who's there?!!?"  As he charges forward!

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 77):

"Easy little man!" Larz called out as Stoney moved to see who called out to them. "People trying to kill you don't usually give you warning first!"

"We are up here in the bedroom!" the blacksmith called out to the female voice downstairs. "Though unless you have a strong stomach, I suggest you stay where you are. It's kinda messy up here!" he added, giving the female fair warning..
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:03, Thu 05 Jan 2017.

 The girl with the bouquet of flowers made her way to the stairs and stopped as she spots the little man with the sword. She stared at him for a moment, and tilted her head to one side in slight wonder.

 Suddenly she began to chuckle. " You are soooo cute! How small are you? Do your parents know you have that weapon?" she said, laughing at her own joke.

 She made her way up the stairs, holding the flowers with two hands in front of her, like she was part of a wedding or funeral ceremony. She smiled up at the small man and fluttered her eyelids as she slowly approached the man like he was a scared kitten.

 " It's ok. I'm not going to hurt you. " she cooed when she got to the top of the stairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Fri 06 Jan 2017.

In reply to Moria (msg # 79):

_{"My Parents?"} Questioning under his breath.
Realizing she was inferring to his small stature.
"My parents do know I have this weapon, young lady. This weapon has probably smote more demons, goblins, orcs, ko_{bolds, strounbdss} (mumbling now, running out of monsters he knows of) ...and other, other  evils in the world than you have ever seen!"
Tries to put his weapon away, fumbling a little, until he knows it wont fall to the floor.

"What brings a pretty young lady like you here?  Do you live here? "

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 80):

Larz smiled at his friend's words but said nothing. He watched the couple's exchange nodding slightly when the woman's gaze fell on him.

 Moria smiled and returned the man's nod, then turned her attention back to the small man.

 The girl had a full head of
long thick black hair that was ungroomed and she wore a dark cloak and a dark green tunic tunics with tight fitting leather breeches and a belt adorn with small pounches around her waist. Her eyes were a striking aqua color and stood
out in contrast to her dark hair and attire.

 " Do I live here?" she asked, seeming slightly confused by the simple question. " Not in this house. I live in a cottage deep in the woods. " The girl began to move about the room and looked all around like she was examining her surroundings.

 " This place feels like... death. Someone has died here. Recently. " she said, closing her eyes as if she was feeling any presence of the deceased in the room.

In reply to Moria (msg # 82):

Watching the girl "feel" her surroundings, Stoney dos the same.
Shuts his eyes, hands out, palms up, almost in a mocking, but copying manner.
"Ah yes, I feel the death all around, too."
Opening his eyes, grabbing a quick sip of brandy.
Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, and asking the young lady directly.
"So What ARE, you doing here?"

 Moria whirled around over dramatically to face the short man. " I'm here to buy some herbs, of course.  But the guy who runs this place hasn't been available of late.  I've been trying to come see him for days.  I thought something might be wrong and when I noticed the door was open, I thought I'd just come see for myself.  I fear the worse." she said.

She walked across the room with her flowers and placed a single flower on a table in the room, almost as a ceremonial gesture.

 " Am I right? Is he dead?" she asked.

 Just then a sleek, jet black cat ran through the door and into the room.   It leaped up on a table and meowed to the young woman who stared at the cat as if listening to it's meowing.

 " That's right my dear. He's gone." she said to the cat.  She walked up to it and stroked it's fur affectionately.  The cat purred affectionately and rubbed itself against the girl and began to pur deeply as she pet it.

In reply to Moria (msg # 84):

"He's dead alright." Larzander replied. "What we're trying to find out is why?"

"How well did you know him?" the barbarian continued. "Do you know any reason someone would want him dead?" the large man said stepping closer to the newcomer so he wouldn't have to yell across the room.

In reply to Moria (msg # 84):

"Interesting"
Stoney rubs his bare chin in contemplation.
"This might require further contemplation."
Removes himself from the conversation, and leans on a nearby wall.
Wineskin out, sipping slowly, continually.
"hmm, mmhmm."

Jumping up as if a hot iron just poked him in the keister.

"Figured it out!  The herbalist acquired a nefarious customer a rare herb.  Possibly only used for specialized black magics, which could be traced back to the buyer.  So The buyer eliminated his tracks."
Smiling smugly since he just solved the riddle.
"Cheers"
Sips another drink.

Watching intently the newcomer, Reghar automatically assume the worst, a spy set up by the devil himself to hinder their discovery. Seems they might be on the right track if someone sent her to cause troubles.

"Hello my dear, welcome to the crime scene I am Reghar. Be careful, I can still feel an evil presence that was here not a long time ago.

 " To be honest with you I didn't know him very well. I just bought rare ingredients off him a couple times. " the girl said as she walked throught the room slowly. She casually examined everything in the room curiously. She ran her hand over almost everything, and fondled thinks to determine what they were.

 " Truth really is I'm... kinda lost. " she said, turning back to the others. " Could you tell me where this is exactly and how I get back to the Sunset Vale?" she said. Her voice took on a meek, almost frightened tone all of a sudden.

In reply to Moria (msg # 88):

Popping off the wall, Stoney approaches the young lady.
Seeing her in a frail moment, or maybe just to deep in the bottle by now, he puts his arm around her.  (Well kinda around her, since she is taller)
"Don't worry honey, there is a plan for us.  Sometimes we just dont know what that plan is. That's why you have to have faith!
Stay with us, and we will all find a way out of this place!?

 Moria was wide-eyed and ridged as the halfling put his arm around her. But she eased up almost instantly and patted the him on the head.

 " You are a nice little man. I will be your friend. " she said cheerfully.

 She then seemed to get serious all of a sudden and looked at the halfling. " And what God's are those? I have friends in high places as well. " she said, flashing a devilish smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

Looking at the scene and the lack of decisive clues, Reghar immediately thoughts of the next steps. Something was killed in here and its not a hard guess that it was the owner. There MUST have been a reason for this and we do not know yet. Whatever the reasons for his death, Reghar wants to get to the bother of it and bring justice to the people!


"Let us speed our examination, I fear the consequences of wasting to much time here while the culprit are free.

with that being said, Reghar start moving downstair.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Wed 25 Jan 2017.

In reply to Reghar Blackcrow (msg # 91):

OOC: There is no body there currently, simply the gory remains (blood) and an untouched, messy crime scene.  The guards know you are there...they lead you in the first place.

  Moria looks down at the gory mess deep in thought. She shivered visibly as she surveyed the gory scene. " Some things just kill for the sake of sport. " she said as she stared off into nothing. " This is either the work of a very sadistic person, or a monster.  " she said.

 OOC does the body look eaten or just mutilated?

In reply to Moria (msg # 93):

OOC: You would need to make your way back to the guard captain to get any additional information on the body.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 94):

Sipping on his bottle.

"Truly horrendous!"

Looking around at the blood spray.

"Wonder if this was a person, or animal."

"WAIT!!  WHAT!!  This can't be!" 

Drops to one knee.

"In the name of everything that is holy!  I cant believe this!"


Puts his wine skin away, and grabs another.

"There that is better!  That skin was empty!"

Stands back up, and continues to look around.

 Moria totally falls for the small man's antics, moving over to where he was investigating. She looks at him with wide, wild eyes, almost grabbing hold of him to get his attention.

 " What is it?! WHAT?!" she asked. When he said that his wine skin was empty, Moria threw her head back and laughed.

 She suddenly stopped laughing and drew her black cloak around her with a flourish.

 " I would like to see the body." she said seriously.

 <orange>OOC: Do I know where the guard captain's is? And is it night time?</orangle>

OOC: You've been around long enough that you could probably find it but this group knows where it is.  It's maybe late morning by now.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 97):

Isn't the body somewhere else?

Larzander watched his friend in amusement. The barbarian rolled his eyes and chuckled a bit when Stoney pulled the lass into his joke.

"Better go easy on that stuff Lad." the big man said with a grin. "Our agreed wages won't pay for your current consumption."

Alright...are continuing with your search or have you concluded your current investigation?

As it stands, you have found very little to go on.  In your preliminary search of the house you have turned up no real clues other than the possibility of this being the work of more imps.  Perhaps even the same from the boat.  You did, however, discover a hidden compartment containing a ring and a small vial of liquid.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 99):

Imps & Liquid...wonder if it tastes like brandy?


Leaning against the wall for support.
"Well Larzander, what do you think we do now?  We have little to go on, and...."

Tipping his second wine skin upside down, to illustrate it is empty.

"These won't fill them selves on good will for very long.   We need to get paid, or...."

Jingles his sack with coins.

"These will run out."

 Moria goes to leave. She walks down the stairs and leaves the building and walks down to the Guard house. When she left she winced in the late morning sun and put up the hood of her robe to shield her eyes from it.

OOC: Sooo...Stoney is drinking and running low and Moria is beginning to head out.  Anyone?

Seeing Moria ran out alone in this dangerous vilalge, Reghar thought it would be best ifeveryone stays together. Damn womans, why won't they ever listen to reasons?


"Team, we just left Moria alone in the village.... we should move there is little else we can do here. By the way, any objection that I wear the ring we found?"

In reply to Reghar Blackcrow (msg # 103):

"I'll follow your lead Reghar.  Planning and thinking can interfere with my prayers."
Sips on his drink.

"Have at it."  Onyx says stoically and joins those ready to go.

In reply to Onyx (msg # 105):

Larz followed the dwarf's lead without comment. What he said made sense and required action. The warrior took up the rear of the group making sure they weren't surprised from behind.

 Moria walked briskly to the guard house without delay.  Seeing the others come as well, she stopped and waited for them to catch up.  She twirled around and looked at them gleefully, fiddling with her fingers and slightly twisted back and fourth like she couldn't stand still.  She was fairly young after all.  Maybe in her late teens though.

 " We're trying to find out what happened to the guy right?  Well the way he died might tell us something or give us a clue I figure. Can't let the guardsman have the dead body all to himself now can we?"" she explained in a bit of a creepy way.  She turned back around and made her way straight to the guard station.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Tue 07 Feb 2017.

Slowly the manicured gardens and moss covered homes give way to cobbled roads as you reenter the town proper.  Finding your way proved easier than first imagined as it was a simple task of keeping the sea to your left.  The sun is beginning to climb higher and higher and the whole of the town is alive in its' presence.  It's hard to imagine how you first saw this place.  Easily enough you find your way back to the gate and ask to be seen by the captain.  The soldier points you towards a ladder that leads 20 or 30 feet up towards a walkway.  Cautiously at first, although the ladder proves more than sturdy, you make your way up the wall.  As captain Rasmir makes his way over you gaze over the wall to the land beyond.  To the west you see the ocean stretching off into oblivion.  A small, manicured road, beginning at the gate, runs parallel and likewise disappears in the distance.  To the north and east lies a massive expanse of deep, thick woodlands.  Near the treeline, not far from the gate, several soldiers are throwing what appear to be goblin bodies into a small fire pit.

 " I bet you that smells really, really bad." Moria said.  She stopped and looked out at the scene of burning bodies.

 Her face became long an sullen as memories of her mother being burned alive at the stake by the town's folk came rushing to her mind.  She remembered a mob that had taken her mother from their secluded cottage in the woods, bound her in chains and marched her into town. Being a young girl of only 13 winters old, there was nothing Moria could do but follow helplessly and watch.

  When they lit the fires, all Moria could do was run, sob and cry.  All she could remember was her mother's crys in protest and screams for help.  Sobbing, scared and confused, Moria had tried to go back and save her, but what could she do against the town's folk.  She was powerless. She continued to run after she heard her dying screams.  She remembered hearing her shout out words that were dripping with hate and malice, something she had never heard from her mother before.

 Moria ran and she ran as far as she could. She didn't even notice that she had run into a thick bank of fog.

 When it had dissipated she was completely lost, alone and afraid.  She wandered for days, her young mind wounded and wandering from the horrific ordeal she had winessed.  She had watched the whole town murder her mother by fire. Why Moria wasn't sure.  She was the town healer and herbalist, and they burned her.  She wish she could learn a spell that would burn them all to a crisp and she would save her mother.  But it was too late.  She vowed to one day learn a spell that would do just that and maybe even a spell where she could speak with her mother again.  Or maybe she should just end it all....

 Thats when Moria started to be visited in her dreams by a massive onyx skinned being who whispered ancient and forbidden secrets to her that both scared her and exhilarated her.  The being promoted hate, death, and revenge,  claiming that in order to get her mother back she must kill every person in that town, and he would show her how.

  Confused and torn, Moria struggled with her nightmare and when she decided the only way to stop them was to do what he said.  So she traveled back to town to either carry out her act of vengeance or die trying.  But to both her relief and dismay the town was no where to be found and she was completely lost.  She had made acquaintances with the local apothecary, who's name she never did learn, and she tried to delve from him where it was exactly and how should could get back to the Morningwood, the town.  But he claimed to have nevre heard of such a place which caused Moria to become disgruntled and she stormed off.

 She had returned a few days later, but to find this.  A murder scene.  Being as he was his only friend in this strange place, Moria felt an obligation to find out what happened to him at least.

 The young girl stopped and stared out at the pile of burning bodies, unmoving and deep in thought.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:21, Tue 07 Feb 2017.

In reply to Moria (msg # 109):

"Nothing covers the smell of burned flesh like a long drink."
With the group walking, tips his head back to take a long drink, nearly tipping over.

Could be the alcohol, or you try walking and tipping your head back.  Its hard even sober.

His little legs walking faster, to catch up to the restless young girl.
"Here, this will help.....Help everything!"

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 110):

Larzander watched the woman's reaction to the burning of the goblin bodies and studied her, but said nothing. Instead he let Stoney be himself and offer her his version of help.

"The smell would be worse in a couple of days, if they weren't burnt." he replied. "Rotting flesh brings disease as well. What they do is best."

"I only wish they were still alive when we light'em", the booming voice of captain Rasmir echos off the stone supports.  "How did your investigation go?"

This message was deleted by the player at 04:23, Thu 09 Feb 2017.

Moria looked up at the guard captain with an innocent look and a smile.

 " It is not done yet.  We would like to see the body. I was the man's closest friend.  What happened to him.... terrible! I have to know how he died.  Can you take me to the body?" she said to him, holding back a sob as she spoke.

Rasmir eyed the girl slightly...

"It is a terrible tragedy indeed, he was a skilled and valued member of our town.  I'm afraid I'm not familiar miss..."

His gaze turns to the group, moving amongst the faces, looking for a sign of assurance as to the strangers intentions.

 "Buuut... what happened to the body?" she asked with a slight bit of attitude.

In reply to Moria (msg # 116):

Stepping forward, or more shuffling forward a step or two stoney chimes in.

"Sir or er Master Captain.  We have simply been tasked with helping discover whom'd killed the latest member of our town.  Obviously...." Looking upward, and spreading his hands wide showing the expanse of the countryside, and everything within it.
"The divine one thought it would be a good idea to bring us together & help the town out."

Taking a sip and wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

"All we want to do is make the creator proud, and the town a little safer.  You are part of this grand plan, you can take us or tell us where the body is and be a shining star in the eyes of the Gods!  Then in the meantime when we pass each other at the bar, we can share stories and drinks."

Offering his wine skin towards the Captain.
"Looks like thirsty work, care for a drink?"

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 117):

Larzander smiled at Stoney's drunken ramble. "The lady is helping us in our investigation Captain Rasmir."

"We searched the dead man's place, and the scene of the murder." the barbarian continued. "We found a signet ring and a potion in a secret compartment in the dead man's chambers."

"It appeared that the murders probably came in through the window while he was sleeping." he added. "I am guessing, but it was probably the same imp creatures that attacked us last night in the fog."

"Imps!?", he slams his fist into the wooden posts of the wall.  "You mentioned them before...did you see them?  What did you find?  I had a feeling it might be those rotten things.  All kinds of wild tales and talk have been circulating but no one had any real proof.  You were the first people to ever claim actually witnessing them and surviving."

He pauses and turns to survey the land beyond the walls.

"I've never known a creature that kills with precision."  His words now possess an icy, calm tone.  "His body is at the old cemetery out the eastern end of town.  I don't believe he's been buried yet."  He turns to you, an expression of sadness and concern seated deeply in his features, "Find out whatever you can...I need answers."

 Moria nods as she puts the cowl of her cloak up and goes to leave for the cemetary.  She stops at the door to see if the rest of them were coming.

As usual, Reghar was the quiet type, he followed Moria to make sure she stay safe while keeping an eyes on his other companions. He styaed silent the whole time as tStoney and Moria discuss with the Captain (a tool really). Instead, Regahr focused his attention on the Captain, judging his demeanor and his non verbal expression trying to figured out if the captain is trying to omit facts that could help the investigation.

Nodding with his head, Reghar simply says a faint Hummumm

In reply to Moria (msg # 120):

Moving towards the door, after the young one...Moria Stoney slaps Reghar on the shoulder.

"What do you say friend?  I know you dwarves have some good ale, don't be stingy. Lets frolic after the young and ambitious lady while we drink some stout ale."

Then starts towards the door to follow, like a good worker would follow his master.  After all thats what Stoney has done for a long time, in service of the church he listened to his "mentors/masters" while praying, and following orders.  Of course sneaking in a few drinks here and there...all the time!

As you draw closer to the eastern edge of town, passing once more through those beautiful old courtyards glimpsed before, an old, warped stone wall rises before you in the distance.  As the last of the small cottages and colorful gardens disappear you find yourself surrounded by crumbling foundations of long gone homes.  Judging from the decay and neglect this was probably the oldest section of the city; the original town that first planted roots on this land.  Off ahead about 40 yards you can see the tops of the tombstones doting the rolling landscape.  In the furthest corner, almost built into the wall itself, was an old stone cottage...smoke still rising from the chimney.  Not seeing any other signs of life, nor any sort of dwelling or building, you assume this to be where the bodies are held before burial.

 Moria walked up to the building between the tombstone and through the old crumbled part of town. Covered head to to in her black cloak and with the wild look in her eye, the young girl looked like she naturally belonged in a cemetery.  She walked next to the tombstones slowly, seemingly somewhat distracted by them.  She ran her hand over them playfully as she strolled next to them.

 " To rest eternally.  Forever's sleep. she said to herself thoughtfully.   "I wonder if I could wake them!" she said, shooting a subtle glance to the others to see their reaction.  She smiled contently as she strolled between the tombstones and up to the door of the building.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Thu 16 Feb 2017.

In reply to Moria (msg # 124):

Sipping on his brandy, and stumbling between the foundations of old homes, Stoney points.
"There, there, there is where I think we should go!"

Hearing the young ladies comment about raising the bodies.
"Wake them, or let them sleep their souls are forever gone.  They aren't the same as they were before."
Thrusting his wineskin forward to the youngster.
"Here this will take those thoughts away...have a sip or a few."

 *KnOcK kNoCk*

 Moria knocks at the front door and stands in the middle of the doorway waiting for the door to open.

An aged, grizzled gentleman opens the the weather worn door.  While his face and snow white beard reveal his age, his body was another story.  The man would have had to bend down to get through the door, probably 6'5 feet tall maybe, with arms the size of trees, to say nothing of his legs.

With a look of concern he addresses all of you; his voice low but booming none the less...

"Can I help you folks?"

 " We came to see the body.  Of the Apothecary?  Should be the freshest one." she said, looking back to the others with a look of, 'I don't know....'  " May we see him please?" she asked a bit over cheerfully to be tactful.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:45, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

In reply to Moria (msg # 128):

Larzander shook his head at the girl's musings but kept his tongue. He was comfortable letting her do the talking when it came to dealing with the undertaker as well. His size and appearance had the unwanted effect of intimidation, even when he was trying to be delicate.

"We're investigating the murder, by order of the Captain of the guard." the barbarian added.

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 129):

"Yep the guard captain sent us."

Leaning on his stout friend Raghnar.

"Are you in any need of sanctifying or blessing, clearing out evil spirits?  I am sure this place is riddles with spirits that won't rest.    I am a trained professional at this, and my fee is very minimal."

Glancing around the room now nodding at "said spirits" trying to pay for his habits.

"Oh yes, of course, that poor man.  Been a few visitors to see him today...final respects and all.  I must warn you, it's not a pretty sight."

He points toward a back wall made of stone with multiple openings built into it.  Several contain what appear to be corpses under dirty canvas sheets.  Despite a small fire in the corner nearest the door, a definite chill seems to hang in the air.  As you venture further inward it seems to be concentrated in the area of the corpses.

"We can always use a good blessing in a place such as this, dear friend, but I have very little in the way of payment for such services.  Can I offer you a drink, perhaps?  Something to stave the cold off?"

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 131):

Letting go of his friend, and quickly walking to the man giant. Like an eager child going to candy.

"Drink, well, er um, possibly.  I have very sophisticated palate, though....but I guess a bottle or two will do."

Stoney is pushing a little to refill his stash.

Without another moment passing, Stoney pulls out a small holy symbol.

"You all see to the body, I dont care much for the sight of decaying flesh."

Waving his hands in a religious style fashion, and muttering under his breath, Stoney starts to "bless" the property.

Stoney does really have good intentions to rid this place of evil or negative energy.  He is a priest by training, but in his current state not sure any spell would work due to the alcohol & lack of prayer to a specific god.  This is his personal struggle, finding the "right God"  he feels many of them are relevant.   

 Moria moves up to the dead bodies and looks over them eagerly.

 " Which one is it?" she asked curiously.  She looked as though she wanted to peek under one of the blankets, but couldn't quite get herself to do it.  Seeing how young the girl is and how strange she seemed, it was hard not to feel sorry for her.

The giant man walks over and reaches in to one of the openings.  You hear a slight grinding sound as he pulls out a long wooden table.  Atop rests an unknown body beneath a stained sheet.  He looks longingly towards the group...

"Again, I must worn you, he is in a terrible state.  No living soul should have to see such horrors as they forever imprint in ones' mind...believe me.  Are you certain you wish to proceed?"

Moria rubs her hands together and watches with in barely contained excitement.

In reply to Moria (msg # 135):

Momentarily stopping his blessing of the property.

Coming up behind the young girl and poking her in the side, to startle her.

"Have you ever seen a dead body, young one?  It isn't for the weak of heart, it can be very disturbing.  Maybe you should turn away, or wait for a...a...a less mutulated body"

Returning to his sanctifying duties.

 She whirled around to look at Stoney, her brow twisted in a confused but delighted way.

 " I have never seen a dead body, have you?  I just wanna see it. I want to see if we can figure out what killed it.  This is exciting isn't it?"" she asked in wide eyes excitement.

The air immediately surrounding the wall was near freezing; it caused the hairs on your arm to stand erect.  Slowly the undertaker pulled back the sheet revealing what was left of the apothecary's face.  His throat, as previously reported, had indeed been opened damn near the entire width.  The cut itself was perfectly clean, almost surgical, with no tearing of the flesh whatsoever.  On closer inspection it becomes clear that, although it was a single cut, it was deep enough to expose the spine.  The gentlemans' face, however, was quite the opposite.  Almost no human features remained, no eyes or nose to be found.  It looked as if his face had been clawed at by a small animal; the small, parallel lines leaving ripped, mangled flesh in its' wake.

 Moria stiffened up as she looked down at the corpse.  She instinctively went to look away, but forced herself to look.

 OOC: Moria succeeds on a constitution check to be able to stomach the sight of the corpse.

 She took a crystal rod out of her belt pouch and prodded the body curiously, examining the wound on the throat and the gnawed off face.

 Moria stood back upright, staring down at the body.  " Can you sit him up?" she asked those around her.

 " Nevermind" she said immediately after and pulls a strange metal loop from her belt pouch.  She slipped it on her finger and held it out, hanging off her finger and pointed towards the dead body.  She waved her other hand at the corpse and spoke words of magic.

 " Jella kuarma zummari tregal!Jella kuarma zummari tregal!Jella kuarma zummari tregal!" she chanted as she made a lifting motion.

 <<<Casting Levitate on the corps.>>>

 The corps begins to levitate in the air, while Moria moved slowly behind it's head and examined the back of the corpses head.  She used the rod with the other hand, while keeping the body afloat with the wire loop around her finger.

 <<< Examining the back of his head closely for any sign of gagging or anything wrapped around or placed over the head.>>>

In reply to Moria (msg # 140):

"The claw marks on the face look like they could have been made by those same little bastards that attacked us last night." Larzander remarked. "Wonder why the ripped his face off like that?"

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 141):

Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, after taking a drink and finishing sanctifying the property.

Seeing the body levitating, and horror coming over his face with the sight of the mangled body.

"Maybe he went back on a deal, or wasn't honest with two opposing parties.  So they ripped off his face.  Whatever did this sure is sick!"

Turning his head away, and taking a long sip of drink.

"Maybe we need to find out who his clients were?"

In reply to Moria (msg # 140):

The back of his head reveals no further clues...no marks or indentations to speak of.  It would appear that the attack was completely directed at his face as nowhere else on his body appeared to have any wounds or odd markings.

 Moria watched the floating body as she listened to the short man's words. She raised and lowered the body and even tried to spin it by twisting her wrist, but to no avail.  She lowered it and raised it by concentrating on it and raising or lowering the hoop of wire around her finger.

 " So it looks like some beast gnawed off his face, and left the rest of his body unscathed. What does this mean?  And then someone slashed his throat with an extremely sharp weapon like a sword or something.  That means the suspect either has some form of pet, or he himself is a monstrous humanoid with the ability to make such a clean cut with a weapon." she said as she lowered the body back down to where it lay and examining the cut one more time closely. She shivered visibly and turned away.

  She turned back to her companions with a flourish, her black cloak twirling around her as she did.  The cloak she wore was exceptionally black.  It was even hard to see the creases in the dark fabric.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Tue 21 Feb 2017.

In reply to Moria (msg # 144):

"A good, sharp hunting knife will do that Moria." Larz said flatly. "If done right you could take a man's head off with a knife." he added.

"There had to be some reason they destroyed his face like that." the barbarian said looking more closely at the corpse. "This is some sort of message, but to who?"

"I've heard of the assassins guilds making examples out of people who did something they didn't like. But what could this poor fellow have done to deserve such treatment?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Tue 21 Feb 2017.

Reghar was mostly silent during the peaceful walk toard the dreaded corpse. He was also silent when he saw the bad shape of the body.

Barbarians and savages, this is what this place is full of

Whatever did this thing to this poor man is no stranger to murder and I mean that to the thing that made the perfect cut. It obviously looks like someone kill this person liek an assassin would and then asked his dog to chew his face. I doubt the face was chewed while he was alive.... well I hope it wasn't. Seems like a punishment indeed Larzander. If its an example or a punishment, then we can guess there is an "offense". We must find what he could have done to offend the killer.

 " Assasins do use poison.  Theft?  A dispute?  I have to say it is pretty gruesome.  Like who ever did this enjoyed it." she said, with that familiar intense stare at the body.

In reply to Moria (msg # 147):

Scratching his bare chin, in contemplation.  reviewing all of his training in the monastery, however intoxicated he was at the time, he retained some knowledge.

"Maybe a creature like the small batted demons?   Yes, that could be it.  Savagely and surgely cut his throat, indulge on his body, and then for some magical spell took his eyes and then ravaged his face."

Shrugging his shoulders.

"Just a thought"

 Moria's eye opened wide as Stoney mentioned demons.  " Demons?" she said timidly as she backed away from the small man, looking all around as if she might see a demon swoop down on them at any moment.  She backed all the way to the door and she looked nervously around the room making sure it was secure.

  " They're coming for me." she said in fear, sinking down into a crouched position, cradling herself in her black cloak.  The once brazen and thrill seeking girl had just changed rapidly to that of a frightened child.

The undertaker, till now, had stood some distance back from the group...not simply to allow them room to view but he seemed uneasy by the sight itself.  Seeing Moria, however, his facial expression changed to one of concern...

"Are you alright child?  What is the matter?  Here, have some water."

In reply to Moria (msg # 149):

Larz stepped forward when Moria sunk down. "Don't worry lass, you're with our group now. They have to come through us to get to you." the massive warrior said, as he moved to offer the girl a hand up.

"We defend our own girl." he said with a soft smile. "They attacked us before and some of them died in their efforts before they fled us." he added.

 Moria stared at the undertaker from the ground as if he had just offered her poison.

 " What if YOU'RE the demon and he's possessed you to try and kill me. I... I can't..." she said, trailing off as she shook her head in disbelief and scrambled to get away from the undertaker. She got to her feet and backed away towards the door. She had a wild look in her eyes and she held out her hands as if to ward anyone from coming near her.

 " Just don't come near me.  I'm cursed." she whimpered as she looked all around the room wildly.

 " Imps.. Imps.  Where would they be..." she muttered to herself.  She suddenly edged in closer to Lazz and Stoney and the others and whispered.

 " I can find them.  When they are invisible.  I just need to do a bit of research and rest." she said.  All of a sudden she was acting normal as if nothing ever happened.

So...still inspecting our deceased apothecary or do we have matters to address elsewhere?

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 153):

Looks over at Larzander and whispers

"What kind stray have we picked up here?"

Puts his finger to his ear and spins it around.

"Cookoo!  Cookoo"

Takes a drink.

"I hope her "problem" doesn't get us in trouble!"

" Hey I heard that!  Forget what I said. I just don't like demons ok?  They feed off of evil.  They torment you, drill your mind, humiliate you and remind you of your mortality.  They also envy us and our freedoms at the same time." she explained a little ominously.

 " Please don't leave me! I'll be good! I swear! No more demon talk, I promise."" she begged suddenly.

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 154):

Larzander shrugged his broad shoulders at Stoney's comment. "I don't point fingers at anyone. I have enough demons of my own to deal with to be judging others." he stated flatly.

OOC: I assume in our fight last night one of us was clawed or we saw the marks left by the claws of the imps we fought. Is it reasonable for us to assume that the "claw marks" on this guy's face were made by the same creature? If so we have evidence we need to report to the Captain.
 

OOC: That's a fair assumption.  While you can't be 100% certain, if memory serves, they do indeed appear to match up.

OOC: So headed back to Rasmir?

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 158):

After a long drawn out drink.

"Undertaker, your establishment should be cleared of any negative energies.  How about a refill as payment?"

Shaking his wine skins.

"What now?  Is there any rumors of where the imps come from, or should we search the murder scene again?  For some reason I am not thinking clearly, and not sure what to do."

Sips a drink.

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 159):

Larz smiled at the tipsy man. "I keep forgetting little man that you didn't fight the Imps last night. Let's go see the Captain and let him know what we've found out." he said heading for the door.

After carefully recovering the body and sliding it back into the wall, he walks over to a shelf and removes a wineskin.

"Ah yes, of course good sir, thank you so much.  Here, this is a local blend made in this very town.  A rather potent brew it is."

With a beaming smile, he hands it to Stoney...who nearly falls over when it is dropped to him.  The undertaker is a very large man, as such, his wineskin is rather large as well.

Stepping outside, you collect yourselves in the warm , reassuring sun.  Cemeteries weren't known to be the most comforting places and the sight of that poor old mans' face certainly did not help to set any you at ease.

Slowly you work your way back through town until once more you stand before the guard captain.  Upon relaying your findings, his face contorts menacingly...he did not look very pleased.

"How the hell am I supposed to defend a town, with only a handful of actual soldiers, against a tiny, winged menace that seems to vanish into thin air?!"  He seems visibly agitated as he stomps around the courtyard, arguing with no one in particular.  "As if those damn goblins weren't bad enough!"

Finally, he pauses and draws in a long, slow breath, attempting to calm his clearly worried mind.  He turns back to the group once more...

"You know, I had hoped it was simply some loon, or stray goblin sneaking in.  Hell, I even held out for it being some rogue cleric making sacrifices to appease some unholy beast but this...I really don't know what to do.  We're not really equipped for this sort of thing."  His eyes swell, appearing almost at the point of tears.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 162):

Patting the guard captain on the back, or as high as Stoney can reach.
"It will be alright good man."
Pushes his wineskin to him.
"Take a good long drink, it will help ease the stresses of life.  Give us anything else you can think of, and we will kill the little bastards!
We should set some sort of tra!"

OOC: Ok, any plans? Further questions for the captain? See how much Stoney can really drink?

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 164):

Stoney takes another drink, just to double check how good the undertakers ale is.

"Did I mention a traP for the imps?"

In reply to Stoney Applesmith (msg # 165):

OOC: Yep you did...

Larzander stood by and listened to what was being said. "Goblins are easy enough to deal with. Just kill them all like the vermin they are." the barbarian warrior said gruffly. "The Imps are another story all together. They came on us last night without warning. But I'm not sure it was us that they were after. We drove them away, so we can't be certain. Here it seems they were after something and someone specific. It would be nice if we knew why the Imps targeted that poor fellow in the morgue."

"If we knew what they were after," he said looking Stoney's direction, "then yes, we could set a trap for them. Without knowing for sure what they were after...who knows?"

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 166):

"Trap!  thats an excellent idea!!"

Screwing the top of his canteen on tightly, to not lose a drop, then licking any residual liquid that might have seeped past the stopper.

"Ah, don't want to waste any!"

"Now what do you think the imps would have wanted?  Maybe they are trapped here, and he was slain for an item to escape this plane, or....?"

"Dealing with goblins around here is anything but simple or we would have wiped them out long ago.", the captain states in response.

"We haven't even been able to find their den, or for that matter, the soldiers sent out to find it."

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 168):

"Maybe that's where we could help you."the warrior said looking around at his companions "What do you all say? Feel like hunting some goblins?

Having spent most of the morning walking along the road Ondrea was fairing relatively well given the circumstances. She had arrived in this land it would seem sometime last night though the exact time was unknown to her given she had been unconscious for a fair while and had awoken just after first light as a strange fog had begun to dissipate.

She remembered a battle and some sort of explosion and that was pretty much it as to how she arrived. She did still have her weapons and her armour. The location of her hammer had caused some initial fear and panic before she found it handle up with the head slightly buried in the corner of the field she landed in. Its silver head was slightly tarnished, but that rubbed right off with some spit and her sleeve. Finding a seat on the stile she had gone though her backpack and all her equipment seemed to be in place and undamaged after her fall, had she fell it was hard to know.

The road ran along the edge of the field and with no obvious farm houses or other structures she had chosen the direction that looked to be running down hill. After a couple of hours Ondrea crossed a stone arched bridge and was able to full her water skin at the brook it passed over. The road also seemed to be rather more well used and she surmised that it would only be a short space of time before she came across some sort of settlement or at least a house. So when she crested the hill and saw the small village it was not as big of a surprise as it might have been, but still a huge relief.

Making her way to the gate she happened to catch a glimpse of a small group of people milling around the side door to the structure and when she approached she decided to query them on her location. ”Ah... Hello, terribly sorry to disturb you, but I think I am lost. Would you be so kind as to tell me the name of this town ?”

The lady before the party is obviously a fighter of some kind due to the the pieces of her armour that are not hidden by the fine hooded clock she wears. Her weapons seem to be a large two handed warhammer that is strapped to her back behind her shield, a long bow and a polearm that looks to be the same form as her warhammer. They are both made in a free flowing style reminiscent of the arms that the elves are know for and each consists of a single piece of a silver colored metal, one four foot long and the other closer to ten. A long white pennant with silver trim hangs from the head of the polearm which has a stylised form of two comets chasing each others tails embroidered on it.

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In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 170):

Larzander looked in the direction of the female's voice. The massive warrior grinned when he saw the woman who had spoken to he and his friends. "You're in the  town of Strangefellow Port warrioress."  he answered.

"Larzander Gunderzen, at your service." he added, doing his best to imitate a proper bow.

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 171):

Gawking in the direction of the woman.
_{"She sure is pretty.  I mean pretty tall, she sure his pretty tall!"}


Waving like an excited school boy.
"Hi, I am Stoney, and you are tall!!"

Ondrea nodded to each of the party as they spoke. She seemed to grow more and more confused as to her situation especially when the name Strangefellow Port is mentioned. She offers her hand to each of the party before asking. "My name is Ondrea Avalor, a visitor of sorts."

She looks towards the port before asking. "Is this the main settlement for the surrounding area, what is the name for this country ? Sorry I would not usually have so many questions, but I arrived here in a rather unsettling way and have completely lost my bearings." What those bearings were she did not know as she was having trouble recalling even the simplest details of her home.

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In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 173):

"Well Ondrea don't feel bad, we arrived here only yesterday ourselves." Larz answered. "I am told we are on the island of Da'th Motaer, where ever in the nine planes of hell that is." he said chuckling to himself.

"Let me guess, your journey here had something to do with that cursed fog." he added. The warrior looked at his friend Stoney and shook his head. "Yes lad, she's pretty, but don't stand there with your mouth open the flies will get in. Though I suspect they'ed be pickled in short order."

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 174):

"I thank you Larzander and to you my friend." Ondrea looks towards Stoney and seems to be thinking on something for a second. "I remember something about fog, once I arrived, early this morning. May I inquire as to what you are up to now, have you met with any of the villages from the port ?"

She again looks towards the small settlement.

OOC: I think I will change out Ondrea's polearm for a long sword, more in keeping with her character type. Just a heads up of the change to her description.

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This message was last edited by the player at 22:41, Mon 20 Mar 2017.

In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 175):

"We were investigating a murder that occurred here last night in the fog." Larz replied. "Poor bastard got his throat cut almost deep enough to loose his head. And them Imps, damn near ripped the lad's face off."he added matter of factly.

Larzander looked over his shoulder to see if the Captain was still there. "Captain Rasmir hired us to work for the town as sort of special deputies." he said pointing to the man. "The state the town is in right now, I sure he'd hire your arm as well."


"In fact we were just taking a vote to see if everyone wanted to go hunting the goblins that are menacing this area. You're welcome to join us. I'll put in a word with the Captain if you like." Larz finished.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Mon 20 Mar 2017.

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 176):

"Well I think I have little option and we should probably stay as one, given we all seem to have arrived the same way and have common cause. I would appreciate an introduction, perhaps the Captain may be able to answer a couple of questions as to the location of this island and our proximity to any "mainland" ?"

"Goblins... I am not familiar with the term. Though they sound similar to our gwyllion a type of malignant beast that preys on livestock and hapless travelers. They form large groups or tribes and cause their mischief. If these beasts are one and the same I will gladly aid you on your quest."

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This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Mon 20 Mar 2017.

Captain Rasmir had stood mute at the approach of the stranger.  A sight such as this he had never seen.  After a moment of noticing everyone staring at him the captain snapped to...

"Ah...yes...um...mainland...yes, of course.  Well, no such luck down around the southern end here.  Up to the north I hear they still trade with the...or a, main land but I'm not certain.  We've seen fewer and fewer merchants these past few months and the rare few do not discuss much about the rest of the island."

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 178):

"Do you have a map of the surrounding area or even the island as a whole ? These goblins, do you know of their lair or a spot where it might be ? In my experience it is usually a cave system or old ruins."

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The captain disappears for a time and returns with a large map case.  Pulling out the stopper, he shakes out a freshly tanned length of leather.  Unrolling the hide across the ramparts, he points to a faint red spot located near the bottom of a colored map...

"We're here."

OOC: A new map has been added under the Main Game Map.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 180):

"Thank you kind Captain very helpful." Ondrea looks over the map trying to commit it to memory and intending to return with quill and parchment to make her own copy.

"Would you be so kind as to point out possible hiding places of these goblins ?"

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In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 181):

Stoney watches the exchange of conversations, while taking a sip of his brandy.
Swishing it around in his mouth a little bit, almost like mouthwash, just waiting to see where they are heading next.

The captain indicates that they are coming in from the north and points to the large forest area just north of the town.

"Not sure if that's where they are, but that's definitely where they're coming from.  Mind you, the forest these days is a dark place and not for the weak-willed or faint of heart."

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 183):

"Well it is more then a start, thank you. I have some skill in surviving within the woods, does anyone know how to track these beasts if we find a trail ?" She looks to the others in the party for an answer.

If they were to strike out today it would have to be soon to have enough light for a proper investigation.

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In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 184):

"By smell."the barbarian answered."You track them by the foul smell. That and they aren't smart enough to cover their tracks. They leave a trail even a child could follow."

"Their strength is reproducing like rabbits."he added grinning. "What they lack in smarts, they make up for in sheer numbers."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Thu 23 Mar 2017.

"Of course they are sounding more and more like the beasts that inhabit my homelands as well>" Ondrea looks to the sky before adding. "Shall we set off while we have the light ?" She looks to those gathered around them.

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OOC: Just a heads up, it's mid afternoon. 

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 187):

"Isn't this an interesting path we have been given.  Demons, goblins, undertakers...wow!"
Taking a drink, wiping his lips with his sleeve.
"Should we continue today, or stay the night in the security of the city?"

"You know this land better then me. Is it possible to camp or should we rely on the strength of stone walls ?"

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In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 189):

"Last night when we got here everyone was locked indoors and boarded up." Larz replied. "Maybe we should stick here at town and head out when the fog clears in the morning. Fighting what we can see is one thing. Fighting in that fog is another entirely."

"Perhaps instead we can help repair defenses, or help build suitable ones.."

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 190):

"Yes that is an excellent Idea. Good Captain would you have said areas that need repair ? To earn our keep as it were."

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In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 189):

Muttering under his breath.
_{"Did she mean, me?"}
Looking at his arms, subtly.  I guess I could be described as a wall.
"I agree & think it is safest to stick together and head out in the morning.

"We regularly inspect or defenses and they are in top order...but if you insist on helping, we could always use extra watchmen.  The darkness always brings the filth out of the land and these days the stench of evil grows strong."

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 193):

"Well Captain, you're not paying me to stand around looking good."the warrior said with a chuckle.

"I will stand watch where you need. If there's an area that the goblins are likely to attack, put my sword there."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

In reply to Larzander Gunderzen (msg # 194):

"Yes I to am happy to help guard the village as well. Would you be so kind as to show us where we will likely be stationed so I can distance my bow ?"

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This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:38, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

In reply to Ondrea Avalor (msg # 195):

Picking up a nice roundish rock from the ground and putting it in his pocket.
"I'll position myself near the archer, please.  My skills are better from a distance, than up close.  Plus I wouldn't want to steel any glory from the front line!"
Patting Larzander on the back.

"Well if we have a few hours until we need to report for our shift shall we spend it better acquainting ourselves with the town ? Is there a general store, weapon smith or Inn ?"

OOC: Ondrea will walk the village getting an idea on its layout and the various businesses that operate.

OOC: Is there anything in specific you are looking for or just getting a general feel for the town?  The town itself is actually somewhat substantial in size and boasts many small businesses: blacksmiths, bow makers, fine clothing and even ship builders.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 198):

OOC: No just general feel of the town, its layout really or specific places that may be targeted in an organized attack.

OOC: If no one has any further business, questions, or actions then please move onto the new thread :D