The dwarf, hammer on his shoulder, let the others talk. Being a dwarf he was iften blunt. Being a tinkerer he spent a lot of time alone...making his social skills even worse.

So he let them talk

Alystair nods "we wanted to make sure if you all were okay" he looked at the direction that Vyn'al was looking at then turns back to face forwarded

As your group speaks with the guards, a tall, black-furred tabaxi approaches from behind them. He is wearing simple clothes and walks with a staff in his hands, thumping the ground with each step.

Good day, weary travellers. I am Vang, a monk of the Dragon Brotherhood, and have just recently arrived here myself. I perceived a strange, dark cloud upon the horizon and, as I am bound by my oath to assist those in need, came to investigate. As you can probably see, there is much assistance required. I motion my arms around me at the overcrowded village.

Additionally, I could not help but overhear that you are searching for someone. As well as a magical... Fruit, was it? If it is not presumptuous on my part, I would offer to assist in your quests if you will first join me in assisting these good folk?

---

Edit for italics mistake and grammar.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Sat 07 May 2022.

The halfling looked at the visitors but it was his young human companion that answered.

What's the name of this person you are looking for? If he's a criminal, he might already have been hung, the man said with some smug satisfaction

As for the fruit, those dirty goblins didn't come to offer it yet.

The halfling took over with a withering look to his fellow guard. The farmers are afraid, cattle is being killed mysteriously, so they moved closer. We are too few to investigate, but if you talk to the captain, maybe there would be some coins for mercenaries.

The dwarf looked at the tabaxi with a sniff, then shrugged. "Why not.....cats are good luck so won't hurt."

He looked at the human with a glare - dwarves were not one for hangings....no honor. But when he mentioned goblins, his grip on his hammer tightened. He looked at the halfling, thinking him more reasonable. "Well, point us towards this captain so we can see what in the nine hells is goin' on here!"

Hold, Master Dwarf. This fellow seems to have knowledge of the fruit for which you seek.

I turn to the human. Please speak more of this fruit and the accompanying goblins. They offer this fruit to your village? Freely or for compensation?

From whence hail these goblins?

And what, dear sir, has been the timing of the arrival of this fruit and the demise of your farmers' herds?

Vyn'al listened to the exchange, adding details or answers as needed, "The one we seeks is called Sir Braford, a young Paladin of Pelor."

Lerissa shifted uncomfortably. "We've also heard the fruit has strong healing properties."
This message was undeleted by the GM at 23:16, Wed 11 May 2022.

The young man shrugged when the adventurers asked questions about the fruit, even when the name of the paladin was said.

I don't know much, goblins come to sell a fruit every year and leave. I don't know where they come from.

The halfling was more helpful and gave a short smile.

Yeah I remember Bradford, nice lad. He left with the Hucrele siblings and that ranger... I don't remember his name... Oh... Three or four weeks ago. They aren't back yet, but that's not surprising. Maybe captain Felosial would know more, she's probably at the jail. Big red brick building not far from the town center. Have a nice day and don't cause any troubles!

With that, he tugged at his patrol partner's sleeve and they continued their round.

The dwarf had a sour look in his face but said nothing as they spoke. They had little to no information - not surprising really. He looked at the others. “I suppose we go see this captain…maybe they know more.” With the halfling warning to stay out of trouble, he waved his hand. “Yeah, yeah….keep ye nose clean, stay outa trouble. Heard it before.” He mumbled

Vang turned to the seemingly unhappy dwarf. I am sorry, Master Dwarf. It appears this young human speaks more to hear his own voice than from any knowledge of the answers you seek. Mayhap this Captain Felosial will be more knowledgeable of these things.

He turned to the halfling. Thank you, Master Halfling. Your assistance is much appreciated. Smile, breathe and go slowly. Vang bows to the halfling.

Turning back to the dwarf, Lead on, Master Dwarf.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:20, Tue 10 May 2022.

"It's good to know we're on the right track, at least. It is nice to meet you, Vang. If you have knowledge of the area or the locals, then we welcome your assistance." He then followed the others to the center of town to speak to someone higher up the chain who may actually know what was going on and how they could go ahead and finding the answers that they sought.

Lerissa dragged her tail behind her as she followed the group. "Perhaps they'll have a small idea about what's killing the cattle, too." She turned her head towards the young human guard and scrunched up her nose slightly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:17, Wed 11 May 2022.

The dwarf looked at the tabaxi and nodded with a grim smile. "I think ye be right there."  he walks towards the town and in search of the captain

The party followed the indications and quickly reached the village center, with its steeple church, general store, blacksmith and the red brick building described to them as the prison. In front the said building, they saw a female half elf wearing the same coat as the patrolling pair talking to a mid-forties human woman with brown hairs streaked with gray, wearing a good quality woolen dress.

As they approached, they could hear the worry in the human's voice, snatching bit of conversation, talking about her children to the half elf, that patiently listened.

Hail and well met, Master Elf. Unfortunately, I have arrived in this troubled village only a short movement of the sun prior to yourself. I had barely begun to inquire of the trouble when I happened upon you good folk.

Hearing the distress in the woman's voice, Vang quickens his pace toward her and bows. Pardon the interruption, Good Woman, but you seem inordinately distressed. Might I and my new companions do something to help relieve your worries?

Turning slightly to the other woman, Wouldst thou be Captain Felosial? My companions have queries on which they hope you may elucidate.

---

Edit: Forgot to respond to Vyn'al Ethinos
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Wed 11 May 2022.

The dwarf walked beside the tabaxi, and upon reaching the people, let the monk talk. Brankx was never one for smooth words - his dwarvish nature made him speak his mind, and his deurgar blood, a little bluntly at times.

He stood with the tabaxi. "And do ye need help too?"

"Aye, I am Felosial" said the half elven woman, looking up and down at the party with wary eyes. "How may I be of assistance?"

She looked at the dwarf and slightly nodded. "Help is always needed, are you a mercenary company?"

The distressed woman with her needed no more to jump in. "I am Mistress Hucrele, owner of the general store here. If you are mercenaries I will hire you. My son and daughter are missing and I need to get them back!"

"Kerowyn, it's not unheard of for adventurers to be gone for months, if not years" the half elf said to the woman with patience.

The woman shook her head, like denying the statement. "I have a bad feeling, Felosial, something happened and I need to know!" She looked pleadingly to the group "I will pay for you to retrieve my children"
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:21, Thu 12 May 2022.

The tiefling spoke to Captain Felosial, "We've received news of goblins coming every year to this village to sell fruit. It's believed to have strong healing properties, and we were wondering if you had any information on it."

She then turned to Mistress Hucrele and raised her head. "Your name is Hucrele? Tell me, would your children have happened to disappeared along with a man by the name of Sir Bradford? When, and where?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Thu 12 May 2022.

Vang bows to the lady, Mistress Hucrele, no recompense is required for my assistance. Please describe your progeny and the circumstances of their disappearance.

The questions that needed asking had been asked, so Vyn quietly awaited replies.

Brankx, like Vyn, waoited uintil more information was given. Bith Lerissa and Vang had the talking underway

Felosial looked at the tiefling and nodded, grimacing. "That damned fruit is gonna bring us only troubles. Yes the goblins come with a fruit every year, they have been doing that for about ten years now, and sell it to whoever can pay their price. It looks like a red apple and it is true, it does heal. They should be coming soon, this is about the right time of the year."

"But sometimes, in the the late fall, they come with a white apple and that one is poisonous, and not as popular, as you can imagine"

The shopkeeper nodded her head vigorously when the name of the paladin was mentioned.

" Yes, yes! That man convinced my children to follow him, with his ranger friend... what was his name..

Karakas.

Yes that's it! Talgen and Sharwyn, my son and daughter, got their heads filled by this quest of finding an old ruin along the north road, and left about a month ago. I'll offer 250 gold, each, to return them safe and sound. If the worst has happened, like I fear, bring me back their signet ring, I'll pay 125 gold for the rings. Do we have a deal?"

The woman was obviously in her element, negotiating deals, but even the half-elf rolled her eyes at that display.

Vyn'al couldn't help but speak up after that, "Of course, Mistress Hucrele, we will search for them and bring them back or bring word of their fate."

"If the white fruit is always poisonous, and this is known, why do they bother to bring it at all?"

Brankx widened his eyes in surprise at the offer. 250 gold was a substantial amout - hells, 125 was, and to get that each meant they could supply with better armor and gear easily.

He looked at the others and nodded. "Gold or not, children lost had me.....though i'll admit th' gold will be welcome fer getting materials fer me work."

He looked at Felosial. "If we do this an th' goblins come, can ye purcase some apples afore they leave - we dont want ter miss our opportunity. If ye can, persuade them ter stay so we can ask about their fruit."