"Very well Laz, you head to the library, I'm not the book reading type. My ears are still ringing a bit from that ogre and I'd like to see if Mattis has something that will take care of this swelling. Maybe find an optometrist too and take a look at this eye. I understand they are wonderful healers, some of the best you'll find anywhere." Celador says as he turns and makes his way toward the Trollop and the Troll, his gait still a bit unsteady.

Battered and bruised, Celador limps to the Trollip and Troll, which is just starting to get busy for the night. Tovar and several of his companions from the mill sit around one table and few other townsfolk take up about half of the seats. At a table to one side sit two portly men. One is bald and the other wears a cap that sits crookedly atop a head of messy, brown hair. The pair sit over a stack of papers.

The entire tavern pauses momentarily as the elf walks in. Several townsfolk eye him apprehensively, but only for a second. They then return to their own conversations, whatever they may be.

Mattis Bumbleford is at work again, scurrying between tables when she spots Celador. "Good heavens," she gasps. "Celador you look terrible! Are you okay? Should I call for Brother Walword? He or one of his apprentices should be able to help."

In reply to DM (msg # 5):

Momentarily intrigued by the dust in the light, Lazaret turns his attention to the table. He casually picks up the stone and examines it.

06:45, Today: Lazaret rolled 3 using 1d20.  Investigation of stone.

He absentmindedly places the stone in his pocket. It has piqued his interest for no other reason than that it is exactly the same size as his fist.

"Bobbin? Hallo! I am Firestar of the Lazaret, Hero of Westbank and Slayer of Ogres. Where are you, man?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Mon 20 Nov 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 5):

Thorfire examines the evidence with his excellent perceptive gaze.

08:36, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 6 using 1d20+2, rerolling ones.  Perception.

In reply to Celador Qiris (msg # 6):

Thorfire mumbles to himself...What the heck is an optometrist?  Sounds like someone who likes empty eye sockets...I wonder what you could do with an empty eye socket?!?

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Hello Tyus, What an interesting rapier...may I see it for a minute? He looks at the rapier to see if he can find any identifying markings or house sigil...The pommel on his rapier is rather lavish having liberated it from one of his targets some time ago.

08:43, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 9 using 1d20-1, rerolling ones.  Investigation.

After looking carefully at the rapier, he says Tyus, Can you show me where you found the ring and the rapier?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Mon 20 Nov 2017.

Thorfire can't help thinking that something about Merris's gem studded ring (now in Lazaret's possession) seems familiar, but he can't put his finger on what exactly that something is.

Once Lazaret departs, the halfling changes his focus to the rapier. Tyus is still suspicious of Thorfire, and needs a little coaxing before he gives the murder weapon to him, but eventually the youthful guard agrees.

Upon closer examination, Thorfire finds the rapier is in poor condition. It is basic in form, having no representation for its house of origin. Its most notable feature is rust. Lots of it. Had it not been for the blood, one might wonder whether such a tool could even do the job for which it was originally designed.

"It's really a crappy weapon," Tyus mentions, almost reading the halfling's mind. "I mean - why use a crappy old rapier to kill the poor guy?"

At the halfling's request, Tyus leads him to the small grove of trees where the weapon was found, due south of Polly's and across the street from the constable's office. "It was buried in a pile of pine needles over here," he explains. "And the ring was here, next to the pile. Not buried, just sitting there...maybe he dropped it."

"Eh?" a voice squeaks from down one of the rows. Lazaret hears a shuffling of feet, followed (eventually) by the appearance of a halfling, dressed in a checkered vest and baggy trousers. "Fire started in Castleway? Who started it?"

The silver-haired halfling gives Lazaret a long look. "Tabaxi? Well isn't that a something or other! Been a long time since we've seen the likes of you. Been years, hasn't it Cornelius." He looks to the table.

"Cornelius? Now where has he run off to?"

In reply to DM (msg # 13):

"I'm sure he is here somewhere. Look. My friends and I encountered some orcs South of town a bit. Nasty fellows. Anyway. We found this scrap of parchment and none of us recognize the language. Titus said you would probably be able to read it for us. Could be valuable information to keep this town safe.

"Here. Would you mind taking a look? I'd be happy to help you find your friend afterward."

Lazaret lays the parchment down on the table for the halfling to peruse. He also takes a look around the room to look for anything useful or interesting.

05:46, Today: Lazaret rolled 14 using 1d20.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:46, Tue 21 Nov 2017.

In reply to DM (msg # 12):

Intrigued by the rust, Thorfire further examines the ground near where the weapon was found.  He looks for clues to who may have buried the weapon such as rust near the reported pine needles,  foot or hand impressions to gauge the size of the person that buried the rapier and any other useful clues.

17:10, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 7 using 1d20-1, rerolling ones.  Investigation

After carefully looking at the ground, he straightens up and looks Tyus in the eye while practically caressing the hilt of his rapier.

Given the amount of rust on the so called murder weapon and the undisturbed nature of the area, it is clear to me that the weapon has been buried here for quite some time...why are you lying to us about what you found?  Who are you trying to protect? Why do you think this is the murder weapon? You said it yourself, why would someone use such a dilapidated weapon.

Be quick about it, I have little patience for people that lie to us and a razor sharp blade.

17:11, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 12 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones.  Deception.

OOC: I am trying to deceive him about what I found so he spills the beans on someone
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Tue 21 Nov 2017.

Bobbin pays Lazaret very little attention as the tabaxi explains his linguistic needs. Instead, the halfling stares down each row of books with a puzzled look on his face. "That's just like him! Wandering off without telling me." He sighs. "You think he'd be more courteous, seeing that I'm the one who takes care of him. But not Cornelius. He's a mind of his own and he's as stubborn as a mule!"

The halfling seems solely focused on finding his friend. Lazaret's scan of the room reveals nothing out of the ordinary. Lots of books and little else.

Tyus backpedals, with palms raised defensively. "I'm not lying," he protests, voice a little higher than usual. "This is where I found it. And the blood is fresh. And I don't know why anyone would use such a crappy weapon. It looks like something from the pile of confiscated crap we keep in the back of the armory.

He gives a puzzled look to the halfling. "I thought you'd be happy. Nobody here uses a rapier and when Merris was killed with one - I mean, who else could it have been? If it weren't for this crappy weapon (and that funny talking northerner), you'd still be the prime suspect!"

OOC: Per your passive perception, the kid looks sincere (and a little shaken). If he's hiding something, he's doing a masterful job of hiding it.

In reply to DM (msg # 16):

When the halfling has his back turned, Lazaret leans over and picks Cornelius up off the floor.

"Is this your friend? He was headed out the door. Must be dinner time." Lazaret hands the stone to Bobbin. "Now. The parchment? Time is of the essence. I've been fighting orcs and ogres all day and rumor has it that my elven friend has headed back to the tavern for some rather sad, yet still entertaining, flirtation with a certain bar maid who rather fancies him. Terrible how he leads her on, but one day I am sure it will come to blows. Or fornication."

"No worries, dear Mattis, it is a bit nastier than it looks. You should have seen the filthy ogre on the other end of the club. Luckily I kept my wits and my long sword about me and finished the wretched creature before he could eat the cat man for lunch!" Celador explains at a volume that is just loud enough for any one eavesdropping to overhear.

"Yes indeed, saving that caravan, and no doubt the people of this fair city," he continues for those interested in acts of valor and bravery, "has made me quite hungry. I was hoping you'd have a meat pie or maybe some pasties. And a big glass of ale." He finishes with a smile as he pats Mattis on the...hand.

"Maybe this town will stay saved long enough for me to get a good nights sleep and tomorrow we'll find out who murdered Mr. Merris."


23:51, Today: Celador Qiris rolled 7 using 1d20.  Persuasion or performance.

Relax my friend, I am happy you found the blade and that I am no longer the prime suspect.  I just wanted to be sure there isn't something else going on...  After all, I will be the one swinging from the gallows if we can't solve this murder.  Can you take me to the room where the murder was committed?

While we walk to the inn, please tell me more about the confiscated weapons at the armory and who might have access to them.

09:35, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 16 using 1d20+2, rerolling ones.  Persuasion.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Therarak heads over to the Trollip and Troll to get  the latest news and rumors. He's particularly interested in hearing any reports that might involve the Underdark or the drow.

Bobbin's face alights at the return of the stone. "Cornelius!" he cheers, holding the rock at eye level for a serious talk. "Where did you think you were going? Wandering off right at suppertime? I have half a mind to send you to bed with nothing!" His stern look quickly melts, however, and a smile returns to his face as he turns to Lazaret. "Who am I kidding? That's just who he is. Always up for an adventure, Cornelius is. I try to keep him out of trouble, but I have to tell you, it's a full time job! Once when I was fetching books from a generous patron just west of town, I left him for a few hours and when I came home he was nowhere to be found. Turns out he went to the stable to see about a pony ride. Can you believe it? A pony ride. At his age!"

He gives the gray stone a couple pats, sets it back on the table next to the mound of dirt, then clears his throat and turns his attention to the parchment. "Now Cornelius if you'll excuse me for a moment, this fine tabaxi has a paper for me to read."

His nose wrinkles in concentration. "Orcish. Dreadful language. Rare to find a written sample. Strangely clear penmanship for an orc... usually written orc is almost unreadable, which isn't so bad for them since most orcs aren't able to read, anyway!" He chuckles, clears his throat, and returns his concentration to the parchment.

"Let no caravan leave Westbank to the south, it says.
Destroy any that try. Search them for the black stone.
If it is found, send word to me by messenger.
All other treasure is yours, but leave the stone untouched!
Then it is signed in a flourish by someone named...oh dear. Well isn't that odd. It is signed by Vhurraun Baenath!"

Mattis giggles at the elf's story, injecting an "oh my" and a "my goodness" here and there. Finally, with another giggle, she takes the elf's order and hustles to the kitchen.

About that time, Therarak arrives in the Trollip and Troll and joins the elf at the table. Between the two of them, they work the ever-filling tavern and hear a few rumors of interest (none of which are necessarily true).
  * Morlough Merris was actually an evil wizard.
  * Whoever killed Merris also stole a fortune's worth of jewelry.
  * Gregor Livingstone, recently arrived from Alaka, carries a magic sword.
  * Someone north of town found a raven man sleeping against his house last night. He called Brother Walword out to bless the spot, but the Brother said it wasn't necessary. The raven man left no curse.
  * Taylin Naar captured a Red Tooth Orc and has him imprisoned in his house. That's why they have become emboldened recently.
  * The young guard Tyus cares for five piglets at his home that never age. They were a gift from his grandfather.

When Therarak mentions the drow specifically, the only response he gets is that "they are ancient history in Westbank, thanks to Staal Stronghammer." This is followed by a "Hear hear!" from a few others within earshot and a general guzzling of ale.

Tyus heaves an audible sigh of relief when the halfling dismisses his accusations and leads him north from the patch of trees to toward the hotel where Morlough Merris was killed. "The room is still under investigation. We told Polly not to rent it out to anyone tonight... and she wasn't too happy about it. Made the Mayor pay for the room out of his own pocket."

As they continue, he discusses the weapons. "The confiscated weapons are just the crappy ones that have no value. Over the years, they kind of accumulate. A farmer kills a goblin trying to eat one of his cows. In the morning they call us and to take the body and throw the rest of the stuff away. But Sister Gwendelon says the weapons, no matter how crappy they are (and believe me, they're usually crappy when it's goblins), need to be locked up. So they pile up in the back room of the armory. Enoch keeps a list of what's in there. The room is locked, but all of the guards know where the key is." He thinks about it for a moment. "Not very secure, but not like anyone would want that crap anyway."

They arrive at the Puffy Pillow and Tyus leads Thorfire up the stairs and into the room where Merris slept (and died) last night. "Here it is," he says. "They did quite a bit of cleaning until the Mayor told them the investigation was still ongoing. There was blood on the bedding and on the floor there. They changed the bedding already, but you can still see the spot on the floor."

the room is as Tyus describes it. The floor has a large blood stain on it. It is cleaned to some extent, but the stain is still evident.

In reply to DM (msg # 24):

"Thank you, Nobbin. Do you know what this black stone is? Sounds quite remarkable."

Lazaret looks down at Cornelius before leaving. "Umm. Here is a silver for your time and your linguistic capabilities. I uh. I wonder. Would uh Cornelius here like to accompany me on a great adventure? Sounds like he, like me, suffers from wanderlust once in a while. Perhaps he can ride along while we seek a murderer and put an end to this orc trouble. What do you say? Let an old friend have one last hurrah?"

(After receiving his answer from Bobbin, Lazaret makes his way to the Trollop and Troll.)

In reply to DM (msg # 24):

Did any other guests hear or see anything? I thought the murderer used a rope to escape from the window.  Where is the rope?  Thorfire searches the room, although he is not sure he is even in the right inn....

22:36, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 1 using 1d20-1, rerolling ones.  Investigation.

Bobbin looks surprised at the offer and his eyes dart back and forth from the stone in his hands to Lazaret. "Cornelius?" he starts. "Oh no. He'd never like such a dangerous journey as orcs and murder." He continues to pet the rock nervously. "Plus, he's needed at the library. I can't do this all by myself. Brother Walword has a high standard for the organization of this place... Yes, he's definitely needed." He mutters to himself for a moment, conversing with the stone, perhaps. "What's that? But have you thought of the dangers?" Another pause. "There'll be orcs... and murderers... Yes I know but you need to consider..." Bobbin turns a shoulder to Lazaret and continues to mumble inaudibly for several seconds.

Finally, the old halfling turns back to Lazaret with a sigh. "Well, it's against my own better judgement, but Cornelius thinks he would like to join you on your adventures and I'm afraid if I don't agree, he'll be pouting about here from dawn until dusk. I, frankly, am petrified by his decision," he giggles at his clever choice of words. "But am willing to let him enjoy your company on this adventure."

He reaches into a desk drawer and pulls out a small pouch. "This is his food. He eats a spoonful three times a day with a little water. I've told him to behave but I'll warn you he doesn't always listen."

Lazaret notices a tear welling in the old halfling's eye. "So that should be it, Cornelius. Be careful, and listen to Mr. Lazaret at all times." He hands the stone carefully to Lazaret and stands like a proud parent in the doorway as he watches the tabaxi depart for the Trollip and Troll.

Tyus paces the room in search of a clue, something he's done several times already today. "The only witness was the strange-talking northerner. Nobody else saw or heard a thing." He points to the window. "Rope is still there, hanging in front of the window." Thorfire walks over, opens the window, and tugs on the rope a couple times. It is secured to the roof with a grappling hook, skillfully tossed. The sill itself has an indent consistent with something used to pry it open from the outside. Inside, the latch on the top of the window is also broken, lending further merit to this theory regarding the murderer's method of entry.

Thorfire's investigation is interrupted by when a stern looking lady clears her throat in the doorway. "Tyus, you said you'd take that body with you about ten hours ago and it's still sitting out back. I'm trying to run a business here, not a morgue. So are you going to take it with you this time or will I have to inform Sister Gwendelon about this when she returns?"

Tyus blushes slightly. "Uh, begging your pardon, Ms. Pennington. Yes. Yes I absolutely will take the deceased with me this time..." He glances over to Thorfire. "See. I've even brought some help."

The innkeeper turns with a huff and heads back down the hall.

Tyus turns to Thorfire with a part-hopeful-part-desperate look on his face. "That was Polly Pennington. It's her inn... any chance I could get your help moving the body back to the office?"

In reply to DM (msg # 28):

Let me further check the rope in case there are any odd fibers or other indication of the former owner or origin of the rope, then I will examine the body before we haul it away. Where do we need to take it?

14:16, Today: Thorfire Shortankard rolled 19 using 1d20-1, rerolling ones Investigation
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Sun 26 Nov 2017.

Thorfire examines the rope and finds no remnants of material from its owner. The rope is old, but still reliable. He pulls the loose end up from the ground below and finds the end slightly frayed, again revealing its age. More notably, however, he finds a tag tied near the end with a piece of string. The tag reads 1175 EG, with the letters in a flourishing script.

Tyus finishes looking through the various belongings of Merris which are still left in the room. There is a chest full of fine clothes (Morlough's own, by the looks of it), another chest with various (boring, by Thorfire's standards) merchant things, and a stack of books, none of which are of particular note. He looks up from the pile of non-clues, fishes a key from his pocket, and moves toward the doorway. "I guess the body's in back," he suggests. "We need to take it back to the Constable's Office for final disposition, but I have to lock up here first so nobody steals any of the belongings. Mayor says there might still be a clue up here somewhere, but I doubt it."