Sheriff Caeler seemed perfectly happy to pass idle conversation with Constantine and Murkau. He was a bit reticent at first, but Constantine's well reasoned arguments quickly put him at ease. They stood near the Apothecary, chatting and watching the Ravengro citizens go about their business.

"There wasn't anybody 'on watch' per-se. Ravengro isn't a bustling enough town to need a night watchman, usually. I was in the jail, of course, and if there's trouble in the night anyone in town knows that they can call on me there, but nobody was watching the monument specifically."

When Constantine asked about the prisoner's relatives the sheriff scratched his chin. He wasn't much of a historian and couldn't way for sure, but he suggested asking Jorfa, the proprietress of Ravengro Forge and the oldest woman in town.

“Thank you that is most helpful, and yes I do like stories told by elders.  It seems likely she was here when the events actually happened.  There is no better source of information my friend!  A lingering question cannot be found in a dusty tome, it is finite and some secrets are unrevealed, but a person may speak off the record leading to the evidence and the truth.”

"Hmmm, I don't know about all that, but I do do know that she was living here in Ravengro fifty years ago, around the time of the fire. She may be able to answer your questions about it better than I could."

SCG extends his hand to the sheriff and then turns to his very silent companion who he offers a nod and a shrug before he starts off to talk to the elderly woman.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Mon 11 Feb 2019.

The Ravengro forge was only a short walk from the apothecary, and the sounds of hammering and rattling could be heard all the way from the main street. The building was a squat little half timber workshop with an outdoor forge under an awning abutted to the outside wall. Two young apprentices and Jorfa herself kept up a minor flurry of activity. One apprentice was hammering out a horseshoe while the other worked the bellows, Jorfa was keeping an eye on them as she worked a rasp over a rough iron plow.

She was a short, stout dwarven woman with grey hair bundled in a braid on her head and strong arms under rolled sleeves. She seemed tough, curt, and businesslike, especially the way that she eyed Constantine and Murkau on approach, like she was weighing them by their gold pouches.

As they made their way up to the forge she laid aside her work and trundled forward, wiping her hands on her leather apron.

"What can I help messr's with?" She asked brusquely.

“Sorry for the interruption, I am Sir Constantine GodAlming, the sheriff sent us your way because we asked after the history of the events around the monument, I asked about family still living in these parts.  Would you be willing to tell us anything you know or have heard?”

SCG considers addressing her in dwarven but thinks she might take it as too forward

"My family is back in Irrisen, none 'o them live around these parts." Jorfa said, scratching her chin.

"My stock in trade is finely crafted metalworking, not rumors. You look like a fellow that could use a new blade. Or perhaps I could fit you with a suit of armor? I do take commissions." She gestured to the wares displayed on racks and workbenches. It was mostly farming equipment, but there were some gleaming blades and axes resting in a barrel. Her skill was plain enough.

While Constantine had definitely made a good impression, she seemed more interested in parting him from his purse than answering his questions.

“Thank you kindly perhaps the sheriff assumed you are a local historian of some sort, or maybe thought you built parts of the old prison.”

SCG shrugs ... “I will be one day looking to upgrade my shield, although the wood is passable steel is my preference it will take me a bit to earn enough coin.  Hopefully soon I will be coming back for some Dwarven steel!”


He looks to his companion then back to the woman

“Any dangers hereabout that I might need to be on the lookout for?”

"I've lived in town longer than anyone, but I'd hardly call myself historian." Jorfa said.

"Dangers, around here? Oh, the most dangerous thing around here is the weather, a bad year stopping you from bringing your crops in. We haven't heard hide nor hair of bandits or marauders in nigh on thirty years. We have the odd tussle, but not much more than drunken brawling.

Whalp, ifn' yer ever in the market for that shield just come to call. Jorfa's fine metalwork is renowned from here to Caliphas."

May Abadar’s blessing be upon you.”

SCG shrugs and heads back to join the others....

Jorfa gave Constantine a wave and turned back to her work.

Exeunt to Chapter 1 - link to a message in this game