"Thank you, Lords, for a moment's audience.  My name is Althiöf Morad, son of Aithiön, son of Khaz.  I came to Hommlet recently for the funeral of my friend, Elkiar.  I have noticed some quite strange happenings in the few days I have been here, and I suspect foul play in your lands."

He pointed to the marking of Tharizdun upon the goblin.  "I believe that there is someone, or some group who may be utilizing magic to influence folks in your community.  They are seeking to cause mayhem and disruption, and perhaps weaken the collective defense of the locale."

"Take the riot which almost occurred the other night, when multiple priests of St. Cuthbert took up arms to fight the druid and his supporters in the middle of town.  The priests allegedly used daggers to kill the druid's bear.  Using daggers is not something priests normally choose to do.  I noticed multiple sets of footprints running from the bear towards the church, but multiple priests were not missing from the almost-ensuing fight moments later.  I believe some of the attackers of the bear might have been among the affected, or part of the group trying to influence events in the area."

"Then there are the group of goblins we dispatched recently along the northern road.  They had multiple tokens illustrating the different tribes from which they belonged."  The dwarf showed them the tokens he had found in the cave.

"Then, there was the beastly worm placed inside the keg and the Inn of the Welcome Wench.  I found it and battled it, but have not found a direct purpose yet for someone to have placed it there.  I have a suspicion of someone in particular, but no proof as of yet."

"I understand that you may believe it is possible one or more of your laborers are causing delays to the construction.  I believe those people might be under a spell, or perhaps be a part of this nefarious plot to undermine the defense of this locale."

It proved to be much more than he had planned on saying, but those in charge needed to know.  It was his own duty to provide such knowledge, for them to be able to do their best to stem such a spread of chaos and evil.

Rufus looks to Althiöf nodding as the Dwarf speaks and at the end looks to Burne, the two have a moment of communication without words and Rufus nods. "You seem to be very observant, If you are sticking around Hommlet, how would you like to be deputized, where you can look into each of these claims and have some authority behind it?" Rufus asks. Burne nods in agreement. "The Sheriff of Hommlet, the lieutenant of my Badgers is stretched thin and could use the help, you wouldn't have to report to him though, you would report directly to us." he says. "Its possible that the loyalties of even our own may have been influenced." he adds. Rufus speaks. "I have many of the same reservations about the happenings here in Hommlet, and the fact that someone or something is working behind the scenes to prevent our construction of the keep, and more so, like you said, causing problems within the community. Tharizdun cultists would explain a lot of they are in Hommlet. Spreading Insanity and affecting others is one of the cults trademarks. If its influenced both the Old Faith and the Church though, I feel it may have been here for a long time, just festering." he adds. Burne speaks up. "We have been lacking with the scouting parties, relying more on the Rangers of the Gnarley Forest to check on things, maybe they too have been influenced in some way. Sending a scouting party to check on the nearby Moathouse or the Temple might be a good idea." he glances to Rufus. Rufus looks to Althiöf. "That is a good suggestion, we should no longer expect the Rangers to be doing the patrols, our deal was with Elkiar, not Marcan, and its possible that since his death, the patrols have gone to the wayside. We should send a party to the Moathouse and the Temple to check on things." he adds. Rufus looks to Althiöf. "We can not spare the men, if something happens here in Hommlet, the Badgers need to be here to keep the peace. Would you and your group want to go scout out the Moathouse and the Temple and see if there is any activity?" he asks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:11, Sat 15 June 2019.

The dwarf was having a sense of deja vu.  It was just the other day, when he had been roped into the party, practically against his will.  Now, he was offering the information to the powers that be, and they were roping him into being deputized and doing the work for them.

Getting on one knee, "I accept this honor, and promise to do my best to uphold the weal of the community in your service, your Lordships."

Rufus steps up. "No need for that, but the respect you showed is admirable. Find out what you can, and scout the Moathouse and the Temple and let us know what is going on." he says. Burne adds. "We have funds set aside for occasions such as this. I doubt that the rest of your group will work for free, and we wouldn't ask you do to that either. Know that any scouting that you do for us you will be rewarded, along with the rest of your group." he adds.

The guard steps in, Virius is with him. "Sir, another member of the group wishes to speak to you." he says as he escorts Virius inside the Tower.

Virius you can enter the scene.

Korkas bursts out laughing at the prospect and then cut's himself short as he realized that it was outloud, muttering under his breath "Good luck with that..." before he turned to Burne and Ruffus and smiled as if nothing happened "Moathouse, heard about that. Was gonna check it anyways. Payment is always good."

Korkas then swings a hefty sack from over his shoulder onto the floor and pulls out a suite of brigadine armour "Either of you recognize this armour, it's pretty nice, wizard says it aint magical though."



<small>OOC: NO idea where my Post went.... So reposting</small>

Korkas then draws his new dagger "This is the blade that killed that poor bear, Father Calmert sold it to me. It was his brothers or something. Don't right recall. Told him he needs to work things out with the druid fella before things get worse." flipping it over, showing how well balanced it is and the keen edge upon it. He smiles widely at the others, enjoying his new blade.

Rufus looks it over. "It doesn't look like any armor I've seen. Its clearly of Baklunish design." he says. Burne speaks up. Rufus glances at Korkas when the dwarf laughs, and his eyes narrow. Burne interupts the tension by saying. "Spoils of war, its a good piece of armor, if your wanting to sell it, I would be interested." he says.

"Gentlemen."  The mage said, nodding his head in greeting.  He quickly scanned the room to gauge whether or not this pair seems in an amiable mood ... he had heard that the warrior Rufus was sometimes disagreeable.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me."  After the lord's current business with Althiöf had concluded — and after Korkas' outburst — Virius informed them how the party had come by Princess Tillahi's crown.

"I fear that two noble elves, Sir Juffer and Princess Tillahi, may have lost their lives while traveling your lands."  He continued.

"There is no blame to be assigned, of course, the Gnarley is widely known to be a dangerous and wild place.  But I was hoping we could entreat you to send word to her people."

"At the very least, their crown can be returned to her family."

Burne listens to Virius and shakes his head. "I briefly saw them from the Tower while they were in town, I feel regretful for not having met them. Did you speak with Black Jay, I heard that they helped him, he was ranting about it at the Inn a few nights before you all arrived." he says. Rufus says. "Returning the Crown is the right thing to do, I am sure we can send a messenger to her people, but do you have any proof that she and this Sir Juffer are dead?" he asks.

"No proof."  Virius admitted to Burne.  "Save that their trappings were among the treasure we found within a goblin warren."

Turning toward Rufus to answer his question.  "Another of our group has met with Black Jay.  What became of that meeting, I cannot say."

Then, back to Burne.  "I know your time is precious, so I will not tarry.  A final request from one humble mage to another.  Nira Melubb was unable to sell any pearls to our band.  She mentioned that you may have a few as you are one of her most loyal customers for that particular component."

"The Olman woman we travel with, Yaotl, I believe you have met her.  She would Identify some of the wonders we have found ... but alas we are unable.  Would you be willing to part with a pearl or two?  We could pay their fair value, of course."

Storm enters the tower and asks to speak to the master. He will tell Burne about the bodies and asks if he can add more information to th bodies

The guard comes in right after Stormrider. "Sorry M'Lords, This one got past me, busy night." he says as he looks Stormrider down with a stern gaze. Burne motions to allow the man to pass and the guard leaves the tower.

Burne looks to Virius. "Of course, I contracted her only to sell the pearls to me when she gets them, for this exact reason, I like having a surplus in the event I need them. How many pearls did you need." he asks.

"If we could bother you for two, I think that would be more than sufficient." Virius said, bowing his head a touch to indicate his gratitude.

Paid for from the party fund, of course.  :)

Burne nods and reaches into a purse at his waist, his hand going inside the bag, it clearly larger on the inside than the outside. He retrieves two pearls and then hands them too Virius. "Here, take these two, no need for payment, it looks like you folk are going to be doing us a favor anyways." he says.

"Many thanks."  Virius said.  "When I travel back to the Wizardholme, I'll be sure to tell Warnes Starcoat how gracious your reception has been."

Having accidentally barged into the lord's chamber, Storm politely waits for his turn. As a cleric of his standing, he was used to having doors opened for him in his homeland as a revered master of healing.

Korkas looks to Burne as he shoved the armour back into the bag "Don't recall if the big one said he was interested or not. What ya offering for it?"

"Your lordships, I shall report soon."

To the party, "Gentlemen, I shall see you back at the Inn."

The dwarf left the tower and made his way to the smith.

Burne says. "I could give you two three hundred for it, which is a good price for Quality armor like this." he says.

Regular Brigandine Armor costs 120gp, this is Quality Armor, and gives the wearer a +2 to saving throws vs. Rod, Staff, or Wand and Breath Weapon attacks. Burne will purchase it for 300gp

Burne looks to Storm. "Very troubling indeed. So Terjon said that the cloths were Baklunish, that matches this Brigandine armor design too. We don't get many Baklunish in Hommlet, so they would have been noticed. Likely they were travelers along the road just passing through, camped in the Deklo Forest and got snagged by the Spiders. I don't know what else you'd like to know." he says.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 63):

Setting and listening Ali just lets the conversation go on, though a bit surprised at Korkas's outburst even though he expects that more so from him lately he just shakes his head.

Before Althiof leaves, Althiof, best you do not go alone if you venture out, take one of the group members with you else await for me at the inn., I hope not to be too long.

Ali is still standing next to the Goblin through the whole conversation and examination.  Once it seems they are done looking at it for the moment Ali double checks its bonds and holds it by the bonds then turns to Rufua and Burne after they concluded the last conversation.  My lords, with the signs from this Goblin boding ill to the area, do you want us to leave it here in your care, err dungeon to interrogate further or do you want me um us to take it to the constable?

Korkas, Yes sell the armor at that price, it is a good solid fare price, I do not think anyone else wants it in our group as it is too bulky.

Ali will wait till everyone is done and left or waiting on him before asking Burne, When I have time to sit and chat I would love to go over what I may be able to bring to the table to help you besides trying to learn what is going on.  Maybe you can help me with a spell or two I could learn also, My profession does limit what I can cast.

Storm thanks the master of the tower, glad that these are not from the princess' party. He will bring the bodies to render last rites before cremating them.

OOC: brings the bodies to cemetery to cremate and render last rites.

Burne motions to Althiof. "Well, the constable is standing right here, Ask him what to do with the Goblin." says the Wizard with a sly grin towards the Dwarf. "For those that have just arrived. Rufus and I have asked Althiof to be one of Hommlets deputies. The current sheriff of Hommlet is also the master of my guards, who are known as Burne's Badgers. So their attention is not always on the town where it should be. So Althiof here will take that roll. Hommlet has really been without much of a constable or law enforcer for awhile, but with all the recent issues, maybe its time we had one." Burne says. Turning to Ali. "Of Course, I've already shared some of my knowledge with Yaotl, having taught her the spell to Identify magical items. I would be fine with teaching you what I can as well. What specialty of magic do you cast?" he asks.