Roderic's Cove has always been a town with tension simmering beneath the surface. Founded as a way to escape the corruption and vice of larger cities in Varisia, their entire town is shadowed by the influence of nearby Riddleport. Even removed from the pirate city they cannot fully escape the power and influence that flows into and out of that lawless port.

Roderic's Cove has to play a balancing game where much of their economy is based on supplying traders going to and from Riddleport while still trying to maintain their independence and recently that balance has been threatened. It is an open secret that gangs fueled by organized crime in Riddleport exist however they normally keep a fairly low profile and are all but invisible to the native residents (albeit a kind of open secret). Recently that uneasy truce was shattered when just a week prior when half a dozen thugs were found killed in the market square one night. While a shocking tragedy in and of itself, the more surprising item was that while one was found stabbed the other five didn't have a mark on their bodies making the townfolk whisper about demons or foul death magics being used.

Over the next week rumors and speculation raced through the town like wildfire and the simmering tension started rise to a boil. A gang war seemed inevitable for retaliation and the locals were starting to prepare for violence in the streets. Meanwhile the market was cleaned up and the Circle was again open for business. Merchants had their stalls open and Possum Coots was selling cups of his Possum Punch to everyone who enjoyed a fun drink. On the surface everything seemed normal but the whispers and looks the locals were giving one another spoke to the underlying tension.

Moving through the crowd one only had to stop and listen to hear the truth.

."..Halek, Marna, Tristin...I can't believe they are all dead..."

"... the Horned Fangs will have to retaliate...""

"...but who killed them? Couldn't be the Roadkeepers, they only just recently arrived...."

"...I heard it was a demon. Sucked the souls right out of them and then ate the last one for dessert..."

OOC: Feel free to give an introduction based upon your personal character traits. It's a market day so there are plenty of shops to browse and food and drink to be had. Feel free to take some liberties but if you're not sure why your character would be here on a market day browsing the local wares feel free to shoot me a PM and we can work something out. Or if you need some additional information or clarification. There isn't a lot of rush on this so you have time to get a nice start to things.

Coming up to the town gates, Caydel looks to one of the guards.  "Goodman, I'm in desperate need of a drink.  Where can I go?"  He up-ends is flask to emphasize his point.

Amara had been in Roderic's Cave for awhile, having found her path headed here after she left the dismal situation with a circus and a group of would be adventurers who got in too deep. Another reminder of why growing old was horrifying in more then just physical ways, the hag climbing walls was just creepy when all was said and done. She had taken her time to wander and explore before finding her way to a bar in Roderic's Cove and deciding to stick around for awhile.

Not only did she end up making a friend, one she often shared drinks in the evening with after her day at the graveyard, but she had no end of minor jobs as long as she stayed freelance and didn't cross the guilds. It was a pretty ideal situation for a young elf quick on her feet and with nimble fingers. For the moment she was just wandering the market, keeping an eye open for anything that piqued her interest. Perhaps a nice bottle of elven wine she could lift easily, Audrahni might appreciate the taste of their homeland as much as she would.

An unusually lanky man has been walking around among the market's bustling crowds, standing out in his tattered, dark claret robes and overly meek smile as he wobbled between all the potential customers somewhat graceful-like, carrying around a large, stuffed bag on his back.
"Poultices for rash! Ointments against festers! Leech for the burning gut! Come-come good folks, Horril has all the cures for thy maladies! Toad's wart for pimples, tit warble for love sickness, yes-yes! Heheh, come-seek Horril's tinctures for and against trots good folks!"
His pale skin, mismatched eyes and matted red hair made him quite hard to miss, which he certainly used as part of his "marketing". There were about as many who were trying to get out of his way as those who sought him out to be left with a strange advice or an odd-looking concoction.

In time the tallish man's path had come to cross the elven lady's. At first he glanced at her with a slight surprise, then he narrowed his eyes, as if intrigued by what he saw in her person. With a sudden change of mood then, he began shaking his head.
"No-no dear, I am afraid even Horril has no cure of that quantity, I'm sorry."
It would almost seem like he was ready to leave her at that, as he began turning around, but with a dramatic swing with an open palm, he gestured at the market folk. Just as dramatically he leaned closer and lowered his voice.
"Last time Horril heard, discord was too virulent a thing to be treated with lies."
A confusingly mad, but in a way meaningful look was exchanged, then the man turned around just as dramatically and with what sounded to be a low-pitched croak coming from his direction.

As if nothing had happened, the man began his usual shouting again, promoting his own services with the same suddenness he addressed the elven lady.

Cathran skipped along in the marketplace from vendor to vendor until she came upon one that sold quality dresses. She stopped with a wide smile and began rummaging through the racks for an ideal dress. Slowly following up behind her was Gavel. The massive individual was dressed in a simple gray cloak that covered everything except for gauntleted hands and a helmed face that wasn’t covered by the hood. It clearly gave off the feel of a bodyguard. When someone came too close to Cathran, he simply looked at them. His look wasn’t one of malice or anger but more of a butcher evaluating how to best cut up a hunk of meat.

Cathran held up a dress on her that was pink with gold trim and remarked to Gavel. “Oh this is soooo me isn’t it? I love it! What do you think?”Gavel simply held a thumbs up in response then lowered his hand. Cathran smiled and looked to her left when she spotted something out of the corner of her eye. With a mischievous grin, she pulled up a bright yellow cloak with flowers on it. “I think you would look fantastic in this shade. You really do need to add a little pop of color in your wardrobe.”He looked at the cloak then up at her. He raised his hand in a thumbs down position. She gave a pouty face then put it back. “You’re no fun.”

While Horril may scream Madness, Amara was easily pegged as an adventuring sort. Even traversing the marketplace she was wearing well made studded leather armor with a pair of short swords and several daggers strapped to her pale thigh. Her skin was near flawless to contrast his own pale flesh, and her lips quirked in a playful smirk as she took him in.

"No, I doubt your tinctures can cure what ails me. But be wary, you're in the territory of unsavory discord. Unprofitable lies may find silence."

Perhaps not the best of warnings he was hawking his wears in the territory of multiple thieves guilds, but he amused her none the less. It would be a shame to find his corpse in an alleyway, albeit perhaps he deserved it offering warts as a tincture. Humans were so strange. Then again for all she knew, she could be the one hired to put his corpse in an alleyway.

Such was life though. She certainly had no desire for one of his tinctures though, she'd rather make one of herbs and berries. Despite living in the city she was a forest woman at heart. Her feet took her away from the Mad man as she continued to seek out something for her friend, or at least a savory treat to make the outing worth her time.

"No directions, my stoic friend?"  Caydel shakes the bottle playfully.  Putting the cap back on the flask, "Come find me later...we can have a drink when you are not paid to be a statue.
 Maybe Caydan will smile on you then."

Walking through the gate, he starts to sing softly...

"Here's good luck to the pint pot
good luck to the barley mow
jolly good luck to the pint pot
good luck to the barley mow...."

Kamea Asano arrived at Roderic's Cove several weeks ago. She was battered, bruised and confused. She staggered into the Creekside and took a private room for the night and the next. Garleena, the tavern co-owner, didn't mind. Kamea's gold was good. Eventually she emerged from the private room. She followed the sounds of laughter outside the backdoor of the inn where she was staying.

The warmed of the sun and the slight breeze brought a smile to Kamea's face. She took up the name some weeks ago. It was a struggle for him. He still had visions of his comrades, all those that died. She stood at the porch in her armor and used the glaive almost like a quarterstaff. Kamea stepped off the porch and soon found herself with a drink in her hands. She drank the drink quickly and got another. Perhaps a night of drunkenness would allow him to forget the recent memories.

The madman hesitantly turned around at the answer, taking up a different smile. As if there was some eerie intellect at the back of his befuddled mind, that's just began peeking outside at a reply like that.
"In silence only the truths lie."
It wasn't sure if the madman understood any of the dangers of him spreading his merchandise here. He was more likely trapped in the moment, then thinking of such consequences. Then all the sudden the man straightened up, and placed his hand on his chest all flattered-like.
"Why thank you! And here I thought no-one would notice it! How sweet.."
He kept babbling as he was going on, seemingly talking to the elf or just...to himself? The things she said certainly had an opposite effect on the man, making him quite merry about his situation.
"See? I knew she has ails! You can tell me all about her soon.."
Muttering on, the man has grown less intelligible or interested in the crowd. Stooping forward, soon he seemed to blend in relatively well afterwards.

Possom Coots might not have been the cleanliest resident of Roderic's Cove, but he definitely was the friendliest! With a keen eye and knowledge of the locals he was able to call out visitors and travelers left and right to come by for a complimentary drink of Possom Punch.

"You there, you're looking for a drink? Look no farther!"

"Adventuring is mighty thirsty work! Have a Possom Punch on the house!"

"Horril you mad man, come share a drink with ole' Possom and share some gossip with me!"

"Possom Punch! Good for what ailes you! Clears up bruises and cuts in no time flat and is more delicious than any magician's potion you'll ever drink!"

He had a giant infectious grin on his face as he spoke and chattered loudly with the locals who would drop coppers into his cup in exchange for the bright red juice. For the kids he served them straight but for the adults (and for a few coppers more) he would spike the punch with a little "extra" kick.

For travelers he would start chatting them up, finding out where they were from and where they were going so a small crowd started to form around his cart as time went on.

Cathran overheard Possum Coits selling his drink at the cart and was interested in all the excitement. Obviously, what he was selling was good otherwise he wouldn’t be drawing such a crowd. Cathran walked over with Gavel and spent the extra coppers for a stronger drink. She took a big gulp and coughed a little bit while holding her hand on her chest. “Oh my that is some strong stuff! I would ask what’s in it, but I’m sure that is a trade secret. Have you been running this cart long? I’m new in town and trying to get the lay of the land. Is there any shops or taverns I should visit first?”

As his name was being called, Horril turned around and closed the distance with lengthy steps, followed by the slight clanking of his bag's contents.
"Possom ya old coot! Been a while since we've not shared stories the last time!"
He opened his arms with a wide smile as a reaction to being called out. Whether he was aware what he said made no sense or not was a mystery.
"I've earned enough on others ills to slurp in some o' your wonder juice! Hit me with a mug gently and you'll hear the coppery knocks of my ill-gotten riches."
Leaning closer to the old man's cart, he handed over a few coins, and was shamelessly staring at the elegant lady as he drank.

Once finished, he smiled at her somewhat charmingly, then looked back at Possom.
"Yes! Don't spare us your trade secrets. I also want to know how to get the attention of such graceful things at such a gray age."
As he raised his cup towards the lady in fancy dress, a loud, reproachful croak sounded from behind him. With a surprised chuckle, he spilled some of his beverage, but have attempted to hold a straight face after that as if it weren't even real.

While singing to himself in the bazaar, Caydel allows the banter of the stall sellers to invade his mind.

"We have silk and cotton,
Our fruit is not rotten.
Do you need a sword young man?
We know we can,
Make something for you.
If you need an item to munch,
Have it with punch,
You will not be blue."

He stops mid-thought.  Punch?  Punch?  Did he say Possum Punch??  Well...it isn't beer, but...  Weaving his way through the sellers and buyers, the thieves and jolly-makes, he joins the growing crowd around Coot's stall.  After listening for a moment or two, he pulls his tankard off his belt.  Swirling it around two fingers, flipping it into the air to do a full turn, he catches it by the bottom.  He tosses a coin into it and the threads his arm with cup between the few in front of Ol' Coots.

"The coin is yours for a tankard of your punch...."

Amara let herself be lured in for the free punch, albeit she was fine with the unspiked version. Human alcohols were just a bit too strong for her tastes. She much preferred the sweeter and subtler tastes of Elven alcohol. She had picked up a small 'necklace', in the case of a pouch of dried flowers and herbs on a cord for her friend at work.

"Can't argue free drink, not sure I have much to tell you about unless you want to hear about this horrible circus, a possessed old lady who crawled up walls and a mellow sphinx that ran it all."

Cathran giggled at the croak from the crazy looking quack seller. She raised her cup politely at him and took another drink with a slight cringe as the alcohol went down her throat. Gavel simply watched everyone that had started gathering like a silent sentinel. He didn’t advance toward anyone, but neither did he make room for others that wished to partake of the punch. Cathran winked at Horril. “Some beauties like shinies. Others prefer sweet smells. I like to try new places and experiences within reason of course. His punch seemed an innocent enough new experience for this traveler.”

Possom waggles his big grey eyebrows at his newest customers.

"Now now, I can't reveal all my secrets. The Possom Punch is my trademark, you hear!"

His words might have been hostile but his tone and facial expressions were nothing if not comical and the wide snaggle-toothed smile he broke out at the end cleared up any further doubts. He started to talk some more but then paused.

A cluster of about a half dozen tough looking thugs were muscling their way through the crowd. They had serious looks on their faces and were heading straight towards Possom's cart.

"Oh no....Roadkeepers!"

He jerked his head to the side and over his shoulder at another knot of tough looking scoundrels with cups of possom punch in their hands.

"Horned Fangs."

He practically whispered it to his newest customers as if that explained everything. The Horned Fangs, true to their name, had symbols on their clothing that looked like an open mouth with jagged fangs.

When Possom Coots didn't see the immediate comprehension he was expecting he quickly elaborating while pulling up the legs of his cart to begin wheeling it to the side.

"The Horned Fangs just had six of their men killed and nobody knows who or even how it happened. Now the Roadkeepers are coming in and looking to muscle them out of town for good. You've got the Roadkeepers looking to make a name for themselves and the Horned Fangs looking to avenge their fallen comrades. This is going to turn bloody."

He finishes putting his cart up and begins wheeling it quickly to the side. He turns his head to call out one last warning before disappearing down an alley.

"Best leave now if you're looking to avoid trouble! If that's the kinda person you are that is!"

Meanwhile the Horned Fangs seem oblivious of the incoming Roadkeepers currently about fifty feet away.

Kamea accepted a mug of the punch from Possom. She had drank quite a bit in the past few weeks. Alcohol and food were therapeutic when there was enough alcohol. She was about to ask for a second mug, when Possom explained about the Roadkeepers and the  Horned Fangs.

Kamea set the mug on his cart before turning to watch the approaching thugs.

Not liking where this is headed, Caydel frowns, but stands out of the way.  Maybe he can help after things settle.

Cathran looked over at Gavel then off to the side of the road away from where the action was going to be. “Wait for me. I’ll be right back.” The large man gave a thumbs up and stepped to the side next to Possum Coots.

Cathran walked past the group of Horned Fangs with her cup. “Hey boys. Looks like Roadkeepers are looking for ya. Just thought I’d let you know.”She then went over to stand next to Coots. “So my good man. May I ask what laws in this area say about two gangs fighting in the streets? Does the local authority stay out of it unless there is property damage or bystanders hurt?”

Horril tilted his head to the side at Cathran's wink, and looked at her puzzled.
"Within reason? You'd have to have one to begin with. Or... I mean I."
Then he got tangled up in his own words.
"I've never meant me so clearly...and anyways, I'm outside your experiences missy!"
He downed his punch just to make sure he had the reason to speak like a drunk person, then began to blink widely as the drink ran down his throat.

As Possom began explaining the situation in between gangs, Horril quickly put the cup back to his stand and started leggin' it along with the other wacky-looking fellow with the full intention of leaving the place.

Then he heard that pretty lady talking to the smaller group of goons, and turned around, again, followed by a mysterious croak, looking somewhat scared that she might get hurt. After she approached the cart again, she could clearly see his surprised scare.
"Lady you weren't kiddin' about that experience thingy! But to be fair, lives tend to end up later if you don't live them this way!"

She shrugged. “Perhaps. I don’t care much for either group, but I do believe that a brawl between two groups should at least start out fair. I merely warned them of the inevitable. Besides...” She patted Gavel on the shoulder. “I always bring protection. I have no intention of getting involved as long as this doesn’t spill out to innocents in the area. Let them kill each other off if that’s what they desire.”

Amara took her time finishing up her drink as the two groups headed towards each other, what would have been a one sided coup turning even uglier once Cathran warned them... and laid a target on her own head for doing it. Eesh. Calmly she brushed herself off and turned to the others.

"Nothing good is going to come from this so i'm leaving. Either people will get caught up in their fighting, or when the guards round up witnesses and survivors. Later."

Amara didn't seem to have a plan on where to go, but she had no desire to get wrapped up in guild business between opposing guilds. That always screamed trouble. And so she walked away, in a direction opposite the beginning fight if she could help it. Maybe she'd bring her friends present to her early.

Chivalry was dead. By the time Cathran could brag about her companion, either instincts or some other gush of madness overcame the medicine man and drove him in the nearest alley. Heroically he made his way to the safest cover he could still try and assess the situation even just by listening to how the fighting noises would fade.

By the time the lady turned around, he probably was already on his way for cover.

Caydel starts to quickly and quietly 'shoo' those that seem too curious or seen to be too close.  He pays special attention to any kids (while watching his purse). "Come...trouble is on the way...we should all be out of its way."

Caydel watches what is happening with those around Coots.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Mon 08 Apr 2019.

At Cathran's warning the thugs look over and their stances shift. Muscles tighten up and fists clench. They quickly slam back the rest of their drinks and toss the empty cups on the ground.

With eyes locked on the approaching Roadkeepers they begin to fan out taking up fighting stances. No weapons have been drawn but the looks on their faces indicate they're willing to escalate things violently if provoked. Meanwhile the approaching Roadkeepers don't back down having lost the element of surprise.

As if by an unheard command the townsfolk begin fanning out, giving the two gangs room for the seemingly inevitable brawl about to break out.

Meanwhile one of the guards seeing what was happening takes off down the street further into town.

OOC: FYI it will be a DC 20 social check (Diplomacy/Bluff/Intimidate) to get one group or the other to back down
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:10, Tue 09 Apr 2019.

Possom Coots spits on the ground in disgust.

"Nobody wants the gangs tussling in the circle. Bad for business not to mention one's health but nobody here is exactly the heroing type. Them thugs are likely to pull a knife on you if you try to interfere. Even the guards will be looking for reinforcements before trying to break up a half dozen or so gangers throwing down. One can only hope blood isn't drawn before the guard can break it up."

Kamea stepped forward. She maneuvered herself between the two groups and held up a hand. Her other hand held her glaive, but she held it behind her back. "Let's talk this out. Why are the two of you so set on fighting each other? There must be another way to settle your differences."

rolled 25 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 19.  Diplomacy.

"So what? If they kill each other, it's less problems for other people later."

Amara had taken refuge by Posson and knew the bloodshed would get people in a tizzy but it was several less thugs later on, so why did it matter? Let them kill each other. It saved people the effort of stopping them later on after all. Some people were just too soft apparently.

Cathran thought that someone might try and stop the fighting. The person was charismatic and kept things simple without a bunch of flattery or fluff to dilute her argument. Cathran was impressed by her skill and noticed that it may be enough to momentarily stop the fighting. She had reserved herself for only getting involved if an innocent bystander was going to be harmed. It looks as though she may to step in to keep this brave woman from getting injured if things went south. Cathran watched in anticipation. She only needed to hold the two groups at bay until the guards showed up.

Caydel puts on a smile and slowly walks up behind the lady now in the street.  "I'd ask you to listen to the young lady.  I don't want to see anyone hurt."  He then calmly leans against his quarter staff.

22:57, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 29 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 20.  Diplomacy .

Cayden and Cathran intervene between the two gangs and their words seem to sway the thugs. While they continue to stare daggers at one both sides seem reluctant to be the first to fight, especially with adventurers standing between them.

Finally the tension seems to drain and the Roadkeepers begin turning to head away.

"Eh, snivling little children like these aren't worth the time. Besides, they'll just end up dead tonight anyway like the others."

This last comment causes the Horned Fangs to snap and one of them pulls a dagger and lunges for the taunting Roadkeeper but suddenly stops as a moaning fills the air.

Nooooo...."

All eyes turn up above the Circle where a transparent glowing humanoid form can be seen hovering ten feet above the ground. Its features are hazy, as if being seen through murky water. The moan turns into a deafening loud voice that gurgles like coming from a drowning man.

"NO! MY COVE! NOOOOOOoooo!"

The voice trails off before suddenly the horrifying moan bursts out of the form. Everyone in the crowd, thugs included, begins to panic and scream, frantically running away from the horrible sight and sound.

OOC: Make a DC 19 will save or become panicked

"Nope, nope, Fucking Nope."

Amara wasn't even willing to deal with this as she turned and slipped off ahead of the crowds, happy to fade away in the throngs of people and get the hell away from whatever the humanoid form is. That was so above her pay scale.

01:42, Today: Amara rolled 8 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 6.  Will Save DC 19.

Whatever ounce of bravery Kamea had when she stood between the two gangs evaporated when the ghost materialized. "No!" She cried as she hunched her shoulders and ducked her head. She fled the scene in haste.

Seemingly untouched by the ongoing gang war, Horril kept hiding in an alleyway, sometimes peeking out if that fancy dressed lady was about to get herself brutally murderized in a heroic fashion, and was discussing the results with his...well, himself, to be frank. As she was about to jump forward, he almost began chewing his nails off in excitement, but thanks to that ghastly apparition, he didn't have to.

At first it was just unsettling, but it had this flamboyant sense of mystical and otherworldly suffering which just caught him smiling. Then of course it began like a pig or even worse possibly, and that made his artistic self call for retreat. So instead he just turned around, stormed through the alley, and repeatedly made pathetic attempts at climbing vertically as he reached a wall, leaving his staff somewhere halfway.

At some point during the mumbling, screaming and climbing, an oversized toad burst out of his backpack along with some of his stuff, and tried digging itself into the mudddy alley ground.

Horril the Mad rolled 10 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 8. Will Save.
Toad rolled 9 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 7.  Will Save.

Caydel holds, for a second, and then trips over himself at the scream of the apparition.  "No, no, no, oh Cailean no!" His voice raises in panic as he retreats down and unknown alley.  He keeps reaching for his tankard while running, but his hands can't seem to hold if for more than a second.

16:31, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  Will Save - Apparition.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Sat 13 Apr 2019.

She had watched looking to see whether a fight was going to erupt or not when the apparition appeared. It’s terrifying scream sent both Cathran and Gavel running away. Gavel bulldozed his way through anyone in his path with Cathran following in his wake. People were knocked to the side as the two sped down the street. Cathran clung to the back of Gavel’s cloak screaming. “Gavel save me!”

18:12, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 8 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 5.  Will save Gavel DC 19.
18:10, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 5 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 2.  Will save apparition DC 19.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Fri 12 Apr 2019.

As everyone scatters, a pale and morose looking elven cleric is able to catch their attention.

"Hey! Over here! You'll be safe over here!"

She seemed unaffected by the ghost's sudden appearance and her directions seemed better than just wildly fleeing through the street. She leads them into the Creekside Tavern and Inn and gets them a table where they can collect their breaths and slowly recover from the chilling ghostly moan.

"Are you okay? I saw how you tried to stop that gang fight. That was really brave of you. Let me buy you dinner as a way of saying thanks for trying."

She grabs the attention of a passing waitress and soon delicious smelling stews are being put in front of everyone. While they eat and get settled she introduces herself.

"My name is Audrahni. I'm glad you could sit and chat with me. You seem like capable sorts, certainly not the type who’d be content to live out lives of comfort in a small town like Roderic’s Cove. I don’t mean that as an insult...far from it. I’ve been in town for several years and I think the Cove needs people like you. Heroes. The stink of violence is in the air. The near confrontation you were just involved in isn’t the first we’ve had recently... surely you’ve heard of the slaughter that took place last week? Something strange is going on here in Roderic’s Cove, and someone needs to do some investigating to figure out what that is. I’m hoping you’ll be up to that challenge."

Gavel turned in the direction of the voice and carried Cathran with him. Once he was inside, he let Cathran stand up on her own catching her breath. Gavel for intents and purposes doesn’t appear to be breathing hard at all. He immediately looks over the area for threats. After all, a scary ghost just popped out of nowhere in a busy street. Can’t be too careful anymore. Cathran took a seat and graciously accepted the food and drink. Gavel stood directly behind her and held up his hand in polite decline of food.

“Thank you for the food. That’s very kind of you. I agree that something needs to happen. The gangs are becoming more brazen and disrespectful of the law. That simply can’t be tolerated. If only there was an arena where they can just kill each other off.” She takes a bite of food and wipes her mouth with a napkin. “Since you have approached us, I assume you know a little bit more than your average citizen when it comes to this matter? I would certainly be interested in such an investigation. Might I ask what you would like us to do specifically?”

It didn't take much for some stranger to convince Kamea to follow her. She was scared to the point of confusion... all she knew was that she needed to flee the scene. Coincidentally enough, Audrahni lead them to the Creekside Inn where she was staying.

Audrahni." Kamea began, "You can call me Kamea. This little town is very strange... I heard that people were murdered and now this ghost. I say this place is haunted and perhaps the ghosts killed those people the previous week."

"So you want us to investigate the ghost?"

Once in the bar, Caydel immediately relaxes; regular smells, regular scene.  Finding his tankard, he puts it on the bar.  Not listening fully, he wanders the bar looking for a shrine to Cailean.

"Thank Cailean you were there for directions."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Mon 15 Apr 2019.

Audrahni nods at Kamea.

"Actually...yes. The last time Sir Roderic's ghost stirred was about ten years ago that culminated in a minor uprising. The port-Governor, Jess Gildersleeves had been found to be embezzling funds and diverting them to unsavory purposes in Riddleport. I think that Sir Roderic is still looking out for the town even from beyond the grave. Now we have half a dozen dead from mysterious circumstances, gang fighting in the street and Sir Roderic's ghost is stirring once again.

I don't think the ghost is responsible though, I think he reacts to the dangers against this town. Before it was corruption and now....now I fear it is something more sinister. If we can find out what it is and put a stop to it then Sir Roderic should return to his slumber once more. i've been trying to look into things around town but...I'm not really a people person. I have no mind for lies or the courage that would compel me to investigate old ruins or thieves lairs. I can help you with what I know but I'm at a loss for how to proceed further.

If you wish to help then I shall share everything that I know.

First, I can go into more detail about the history of Sir Roderic and the founding of the cove if you're interested but you should know that Sir Roderic's home still stands...somewhat...outside of town. It's called Roderic's Wreck but be careful if you go to investigate there. It has long been abandoned and is rumored to be quite dangerous. People used to go out there as acts of courage or to search for hidden treasures but after a few of them didn't come back the locals now avoid it.

Secondly I can give you information about the six men and women who were murdered. All of them were human and had no immediate family in town. Two were trappers, one was a fisher and the other three were unemployed. Despite their backgrounds they all wore a sigil on their clothing, the old Thassilonian rune of Wrath. The rune had been adopted by one of the new gangs in Roderic's cove: the Horned Fangs. The very same that were almost involved in the fight moments ago.

One of the bodies had an obvious sign of death. He had been stabbed in the throat with some kind of pointed blade like a short sword or rapier. The other five had no physical wounds at all. They all just seemed to drop dead right there in the street. Their faces were frozen in absolute terror though. Not pain or surprise but absolute terror.

Finally the woman who found the bodies was Ladia Kelstrop. She runs Kelstrop Meats. I haven't spoken to her yet but she was the one who found the bodies and reported it to the constable. If anyone else saw something they've been keeping it quiet but Kelstrop has made no secret about being the first at the scene.

Please, I beg you to help get to the bottom of Roderic's disturbance. I think his ghost is stirring because of whatever happened that night so that seems the logical start of inquiry. Find out what happened to kill all those people, figure out what kind of threat it poses to the town and put an end to it. That should put Sir Roderic's ghost to rest once again."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Wed 17 Apr 2019.

Despite the way Amara had stayed out of things, she had followed Audrahni without a moments hesitation as she had called for the group and while the cleric explained things took the time to calm herself. Her heaving chest slowly calmed as she got her fear under control, that had not been something she appreciated. She didn't like being in the center of things on the best of days let alone a panicking crowd.

Finally she exhaled after Audrahni's long explanation with a put upon sigh. Audrahni had mentioned a need for heroes to her before but never beyond the simple thought on the rare evening at the tavern. Almost quietly she dug out what she had picked up in the market, a small satchel of herbs meant to be worn around the neck, and passed it off to the cleric with a smile.

"Right, before anything else, here. To wear around the neck, I know your job doesn't smell that sweet."

After that she took her time digesting the words of Audrahni, and gave the cleric a put upon sigh. She certainly wasn't pleased with the request and Audrahni knew she didn't like getting in the thick of things. Yet, it was obvious her new friend of the past few months was seriously worried about all of this. And for that reason alone Amara didn't shoot down the idea without hesitation, she had known Audrahni was being nosy but not to this extent.

"Audrahni.... I don't like this. This smells like trouble, I'd rather we just bail. Tut, no, I know you won't. I'd still rather we do though. I'm not much for adventures, and definitely not for tales of heroics and self-sacrifice. But..." Here she looked over the group of people that had somehow assembled around Audrahni, and knew instantly they'd get themselves killed without her. Damn it. "But if I don't go, yer gonna run afoul of the guilds by nightfall aren't you? Damn it. Fine. But if we're being overwhelmed, I'm not getting myself killed over this. AND you owe me dinner and a drink when all is said and done 'drahni."

Seeming back to a better state of mind, Caydel grabs his tankard and tosses a coin on the bar.  "I'll be back for another before I go."  He smiles at a barmaid as he cirles back to the group.

Caydel empties his tankard as Audrahni speaks. "As you can see, I have had very little to do with spirits, but I think your request is fair.  I don't want to see more people hurt and a turf war can spread to the innocent quickly. Besides, I owe you a little for the cool head out there...while I was losing mine." He looks into his now empty tankard, "I hear you as to how those six died, but what do you say is the why?"

Cathran nodded. “I agree with him about the turf war possibly becoming too chaotic. Perhaps after we are done here, we can ask the person who first found the bodies some questions that may give us a lead.”