Mina lets Kulogall barage the poor bartender with questions and she watches the loud group at the table for a bit longer, seeing if she can glean any real information out of them.
After a bit though, she gets bored and the man in the corner starts picking away at her brain. Finally she sighs, places a hand on Kulogall's shoulder, "I'll be right back. Make sure to get me a strong ale and something to eat. Thanks."
Then slowly walking over to the man, she takes the nearest seat next to him and looking back towards the loud table she asks, "Have you lost someone as well?"
- The footprints exiting the hole could be older. Perhaps she went upstairs? Anyway, there's definitely someone upstairs... Let's check.
As she followed Mizu, she asked:
- By the way, what's up between you and Rixian? You both act preeeetty weird...!
Mizu glances at the footprint near the door once more, but he is fairly certain that it is newer than the faint trail heading towards the stairs. Though, it is odd. If there is still someone or something up there then one would think that the trail would be fresher, right?
He frowns slightly as they ascend the stairwell, "How am I acting weird? He's the one acting oddly." He hesitates, glancing back towards the hole where Rixian may or may not still be waiting. "I don't know what his problem is." All he knows is that the fire genasi looks at him like he's something he'd rather avoid, and he doesn't understand why.
- Perhaps he's shy. Or plain awkward. Dunno. But why don't you just ask him what's wrong? Jezza used to say - and Leeta imitates the deep voice of her drow teacher - "Leeta, don't tighten your arms so much. Loose wrists will hit the spot."... uh... no, not that. Ah, yes! "Leeta, you have to take the bull by the horns and face your problems head on". Sounds better than just look at each other awkwardly, I think.
Mizu shrugs. He has no intention of asking the fire genasi what his deal is. If there isn't a problem right now, then why make it into one? Who knows, asking might just make the issue worse. Actions speak louder than words... at least, that's what his mother used to say. Sometimes he wonders if his Master would agree with that--but his actions have always spoken just as loud if not louder than his ever-loud words.
Leeta and Mizu continue their search of the house. Following the path in the dust, they make their way up stairs and continue following it into a bedroom. The path leads all the way to an open window. Looking down, you can see Rixi waiting for you in the alley. A rope has been strung between this window and the roof across, it's tight enough to have been walked across... Seems whatever or whoever was up here escaped through the window.
Nathaniel nods miserably when Rowarin asks about Freya. He seems to be trying to calm himself as he lets the aasimar guide him towards the inn, leaving his basket of food forgotten on the ground. He walks as if in a daze, and speaks in a similar fashion. "She just vanished....it was four days ago. She was out in the garden....I just went inside for a moment. Not a sound, no warning, she was just gone when I came back out." He shakes his head. "I knew we should have left this cursed place. I wanted to leave as soon as we were married. But, she wanted to stay. This is home. She said. We can't just run away...."
He mumbles a few more things when you usher him inside, but most of it doesn't sound important. When you enter the building, you note the dragonborn and her group, along with Kulogal interrogating the bartender, (Who you would remember as Bill Trent. He and his wife Millain own this inn.) and Mina appears to be trying to strike up a conversation with a shady looking drow.
"What kind of...oh, Heh right." He nods to Mina, then runs a hand over his balding head and looks back at the triton, "Well we have Poset ale, Braggot ale...though that is more expensive..." He lists a few with added flavors as he poors a cup of water for Kulogal. "Today our special is Turkey and potatoes, we also have pork and lamb. Unfortunately, we don't have any fish right now, trade has pretty much come to a stand still." He sighs before answering the last part of Kulogal's barrage of questions. "Liliana's here, she's been helping me a lot lately. Sleeping has been hard for me lately... My wife, Millain was one of the first to vanish. It's been almost a year now..." He pauses shaking his head, "It just ain't right. I never thought I'd outlive her, me bein human while she an elf." He wipes a tear from his eye and clears his throat. "If you want to investigate recent disappearances, the last three were Angela, Freya, and William. Angela was an old fairy who lived by the edge of the forest. Many of us tried to convince her to move closer to the center of town since most people living near those woods moved out ages ago, but she wouldn't have it. She was pretty ill for the last few days. She was bedridden. When her granddaughter when to check on her, she was nowhere to be seen. Unfortunately, all of her family left shortly after. William, the town blacksmith vanished while packing up his shop, two weeks prior to Angela. His wife and son are still at home, and his assistant still runs the smithy. He'd be the easiest to speak with." Bill glances over at Rowarin and Nethaniel when they walk in, then nods in their direction. "That's Freya's husband..."Then he squints at Rowarin clearly he recognizes him, but he just can't place why just yet.
The man lifts his head when Mina comes to sit next to him, fixing her with hard, silver eyes. "Not to this mess." He mutters, crossing his arms. Leaning back, he falls silent clearly not wanting to talk.
Nathaniel nods miserably when Rowarin asks about Freya. He seems to be trying to calm himself as he lets the aasimar guide him towards the inn, leaving his basket of food forgotten on the ground. He walks as if in a daze, and speaks in a similar fashion. "She just vanished....it was four days ago. She was out in the garden....I just went inside for a moment. Not a sound, no warning, she was just gone when I came back out." He shakes his head. "I knew we should have left this cursed place. I wanted to leave as soon as we were married. But, she wanted to stay. This is home. She said. We can't just run away...."
He mumbles a few more things when you usher him inside, but most of it doesn't sound important. When you enter the building, you note the dragonborn and her group, along with Kulogal interrogating the bartender, (Who you would remember as Bill Trent. He and his wife Millain own this inn.) and Mina appears to be trying to strike up a conversation with a shady looking drow.
Rowarin leads Nathaniel over to where his companions are seated, and pulls a chair for Nathaniel to sit down. He then heads over to Kulogall, feeling a little like perhaps Nathaniel won't be as helpful as possible, he's in too much shock.
Rowarin leans against the wall, purposefully hunched forward making it known he is listening in. When the others turn to look up at Rowarin, he speaks up "Hey Bill, it's been a while. Kurogall, I just spoken with Nathaniel over there, he's saying his wife just vanished from sight within a moment, with no traces of her leaving. Hard to imagine that someone could be taken without leaving any sort of trace. But if I remember Freya as I do now, she wouldn't have just left him like that."
Rowarin peers over to look at Nathaniel, to ascertain how he seems to be. Could he be hiding an important piece of the puzzle perhaps?
Rowarin turns back to Bill, "If you were to hazard a guess, would you have an inclining of what is actually happening here?".
Seeing that there was nothing much to do, Rixi begins pacing the nearby buildings, hoping to discover something of interest to whatever mission he's supposed to investigate for the time being, be it his actual one or the one associated with this awkward village. At least now that the two of them have gone off without him, he's able to finally revert back to his mostly cool and collected self as tiny flames flickered from his wrists. "Hmm... This place is so weird... then again, not like anyone knows me well enough to get all groovy. I wonder what the other shifters would do in a town like this especially when I'm not around?" He infers to himself once Mizu and Leeta are out of his range; He defnitely knows that Xenia, Raiden and Tenebris would instantly scamper off to look for clues if they were here; He kinda misses their own investigative instincts to an extent. "Either that or maybe I'm just used to this sort of suspicious treatment. I don't know... but... It sure does not feel as serene as it looks"
Random Perception to see if there are any clues to make a start: 6
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The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Campaign Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) DM - The Road to Redemption (Homebrew, WIP)
Leeta had expected to find someone upstairs, so she gives a disappointed sigh when they don't. She examines the rope and gives it a good push, discovering that it is as tight as it looks.
- I wouldn't mind crossing, but it seems too much effort to follow that girl. And - she leans out to look for Rixian - our fiery companion is on the move. Perhaps it's better to return with the others and not separate ourselves further. What do you think, Mizu?
Mizu places one foot on the rope, testing it tentatively. "Hmmm... seems you were right. She did head up here..." He glances across, then looks down at Rixian. "Hey," he lifts his voice just enough for the fire genasi to hear him. "There isn't anything here, the girl is gone." He looks across the rope again, eyeing the rooftops. Perhaps it would have been better to send Soma out scouting rather than leaving her with the rest of the party. ...Oh well.
He nods to Leeta, "Lets go. I doubt we can catch up now."He turns and walks back down the staircase, waiting for Leeta before crawling back through the hole.
If Rixian is still waiting there at that point, he says, "We're heading to the inn. There's not much point in investigating this area anymore."
- Perhaps this is for the better. If that girl keeps hiding herself this well, then nothing will happen to her, right? - the halfling says, full of hope.Then follows after Mizu.
On her way to the inn, she whistles a soft tune thinking about drinking and eating somethin nice at the tavern.
Mizu places one foot on the rope, testing it tentatively. "Hmmm... seems you were right. She did head up here..." He glances across, then looks down at Rixian. "Hey," he lifts his voice just enough for the fire genasi to hear him. "There isn't anything here, the girl is gone." He looks across the rope again, eyeing the rooftops. Perhaps it would have been better to send Soma out scouting rather than leaving her with the rest of the party. ...Oh well.
He nods to Leeta, "Lets go. I doubt we can catch up now."He turns and walks back down the staircase, waiting for Leeta before crawling back through the hole.
If Rixian is still waiting there at that point, he says, "We're heading to the inn. There's not much point in investigating this area anymore."
"That was fast. I thought you two would... go in further." He awkwardly mutters. There wasn't anything that Rixi could pick up anyways, but as soon as Leeta and Mizu return, he nods at what the latter suggests. "You're right. We should stop wasting time and see... *Awkward silence* ...what... what the others are on to." Ugh...Already contemplating on what he had just responded with, he shifts his double-bladed weapon behind his back before he slowly paces behind them to the tavern. Every now and then though he swivels his fiery gaze towards the entire village, eyeing at whatever intrinsic details they possess or if there's anything worth investigating.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Campaign Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) DM - The Road to Redemption (Homebrew, WIP)
Kulogall takes this in and turns to face Rowarin, including him in the conversation. “Odd, I wonder what these people happen to have in common… there must be some reason, but why?” He looks over to Mina to check on her, making sure that she’s not getting in trouble with the mysterious character in the corner. “The turkey and potatoes sound fine Bill, and a mug of the Poset ale. Actually two.” He thinks over what was said, tapping his chin. “Where is William’s assistant, would he be at the smithy right now? Are there any common threads between these people that you have thought of Bill?” Kulogall picks up the cup of water in one gulp, letting out a deep aaaahhh at the end.
Nethaniel sits down at the table he is directed to and immediately puts his head in his hands. He seems to be trying to get a hold of himself, but he doesn't object when Rowarin moves to address Bill. When the Aasimar speaks up, Bill finally remembers him. "You're Rowarin right? I remember you." He doesn't sound like he remembers you in a bad way, just that he knows who you are. "Well, that's the sort of story you'll get from just about anyone. ...it's the same thing that happened to Millain. She went out to grab some firewood out back and never returned." Sadness clouds his eyes as he speaks of his wife. "What would I guess is going on here? Well, despite what most townsfolk think, this doesn't seem like some serial killer to me. No, I'm thinking this is some sort of curse. Do I have proof? No. But really, how can a killer or some wild animal, just make someone just vanish? No blood, no body, just gone." He looks to Kulogall, "Well, all of the vanished are of fey heritage. Other than that, I don't see any relation." As he speaks, he fills two mugs with ale and sets them on the table. "Yeah, I'd wager Yarrow's at the smithy. He's been working harder then ever since William vanished. He's there from sun up to sun down whether he gets costumers or not." He signals for the halfling woman to come over and tells her to prepare some turkey and potatoes. "That'll be two silver. Will you be needing rooms while you stay here? If so, you're welcome to stay for free so long as you pay for meals. I'm not getting many visitors, and you all are on the case so it's only right I support you as much as I can."
After their fruitless search for the homeless girl, Leeta, Mizu, and Rixi make their way to the StoneDog Inn. They don't see anything suspicious on the way there. Upon entering, they see Mina trying to strike up a conversation with a man sitting in the corner, while Kulogall and Rowarin are speaking with the innkeeper.
Mina can tell that this man does not wish to speak at all, and he seems tense.
"That was fast. I thought you two would... go in further." He awkwardly mutters. There wasn't anything that Rixi could pick up anyways, but as soon as Leeta and Mizu return, he nods at what the latter suggests. "You're right. We should stop wasting time and see... *Awkward silence* ...what... what the others are on to." Ugh...Already contemplating on what he had just responded with, he shifts his double-bladed weapon behind his back before he slowly paces behind them to the tavern. Every now and then though he swivels his fiery gaze towards the entire village, eyeing at whatever intrinsic details they possess or if there's anything worth investigating.
Mizu spares the fire genasi a quick glance, "There were no signs of life inside. It has been abandoned for some time."
As they approach the inn, Soma flies back to Mizu and lands on his shoulder. He pauses for a moment, glancing at the bird before shrugging and heading inside. Once there, he makes his way over to where Kulogall and Rowan are talking to the innkeeper. Then he climbs onto one of the stools or chairs, whatever is closest to them, and sits on it crosslegged. Leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, he decides to just listen in for now. Though he does glance around to see if there is anyone suspicious in the tavern... aside from the guy Mina is talking to as she seems to have that handled...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Yes, that's right. I haven't been around for some years."answers Rowarin after being recognized by Bill. Something very peculiar, happening for the last year.
"Bill, I'll take the same as my friend here, but twice over" as he glances over at Nathaniel, he reaches into his pocket and retrieves some coin, "What was it, 2 silver pieces each? Here we are." As he places an electrum piece on the counter. "Don't fret about the change, it's fine. This Yarrow fellow, is there anything we should know about him?"
Rowarin glances around the room, with the hopes that something, or someone, may stand out. Perception: 17
"One last thing Bill. What is the mayor doing about this? Surely the townsguard are getting involved with this now?"
As they enter the StoneDog Leeta waves happily at her travel companions, then runs to the bartender and does the same. From the bartender's point of view, he's only able to see a hand appearing out of nowhere waving at him.
- Hellooo! .. Hum... - the halfling hops on one of the high chairs at the counter, and now that has a clear view, continues - Hi, I'm Leeta. Do you happen to have any fruit juice? I'm not into alcohol. Master says it is not healty. Anyway, I'm so thirsty! My friends saw a red haired elven girl a while back, but she ran off. Tried to follow her but couldn't find her. I hope she's okay.
As she drinks whatever the bartender gives her, she patiently waits for her companions to finish their conversations and share their findings.
Bill seems a bit hesitant to take the electrum, but sighs and takes it anyways. With little guests wanting rooms, it's hard to do much more than break even. "Liliana will have that out for you in a jiffy." He stows away the coins before continuing, "Well, I don't know him personally, but he always seems like a good hardworking kid. It took him a bit to get over the shock of losing his master, but he got back to work as soon as he recovered. The townsguard is practically non existent at this point with half of them vanishing and the other half up and leaving town. The Mayor's been trying to get outside help for some time, but all the bigger cities don't want to bother with us. That's why he's started offering a reward to anyone who can help. Unfortunately, many of the townsfolk don't think he's doing enough. Some are even blaming him outright for the incidents."
The innkeeper gives Mizu an odd look when he perches himself on one of the bar stools. Looking around the room, Mizu doesn't notice anyone particularly suspicious, but he does catch that the loud dragonborn seems to be looking them over just like the dark elf, though she's doing it much more discreetly.
Bill gives a small startled jump when a hand suddenly shoots up from below the counter. He quickly recovers and leans over to look at the halfling, but before he can say anything Liliana emerges from the kitchen, somehow balancing four large plates of turkey and potatoes in her small arms. Setting them on the counter, she rushes over to Leeta. "You saw the dirty little red-head? Well that's a relief! I was worried she might have been taken! She and the other orphans used to come here and steel from us until I caught them! But I wasn't mad, I told them to come back whenever they wanted and I would give them the kitchen leftovers BEFORE throwing them in the trash. Oh, I do hope the others are alright. Humph, I wish the mayor would round up all those poor orphans and put them somewhere safe. It was just the girl? There weren't any others with her?" The older halfling pauses to let Leeta answer, as well as catch her breath.
"Uh, yes. We do have juice. Would you like apple or orange....and should I get some for your young friend here?" He gestures to Mizu.
A massive breath of uneasiness was let out from the Fire Genasi upon entering the tavern. If any of the shifters travelled alongside him, he may have had a bit of a breathing room, but then again, the thought of himself being a rage-induced monster would be an absolute no-go for any of them if they were present, so he instantly snuffs this dream out. Seeing that most of his supposed teammates are talking, he decides to listen in from time-to-time; He quickly picks up on the conversation Leeta is having about the girl the two of them plus Mizu saw. So she's an orphan, just like me huh?He thinks as he flashbacks to the time where he was abandoned on the streets in Himeji just before he entered the Sword Coast. Another conversation between one of the other aquatics with Bill, but it's mainly just about what happened with the town and the like. Not as interesting to hear that there are orphans stealing things to survive...
"Uh, yes. We do have juice. Would you like apple or orange....and should I get some for your young friend here?" He gestures to Mizu.
"Apple please. I don't drink either." Rixi replies with a soft but no-nonsense tone after overhearing Bill speak his mind, thinking that he was referring to him. He's more than happy to remain standing rather than to sit down and have a chat, now that tensions seemed to be sort of escalating. They say actions speak louder than words or so to speak, and it means a lot for the near-oathless paladin as he continues to remain on alert. Once he receives his drink: "Arigato (ありがと Thank you)"
He notices the sea elf talking to the shattered innkeeper too; If it wasn't for her, he would have gone over to console him as best as he could...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Campaign Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) DM - The Road to Redemption (Homebrew, WIP)
Mizu eyes the Dragonborn for a moment, contemplating whether or not to go interrogate her. Then Lilliana walks in, asking about the dirty girl. Turning his blue eyes towards her, he replies, "She was alone. Are there usually others with her?" He does his best not to think about the fact that he is an orphan too... sure, he has his master, and Leeta, but... He pushes memories aside, forcing himself to focus on the issue at hand.
He gives the innkeeper a blank look when he asks Leeta if he wants some juice, as if he 'the child' can't make decisions for himself. He sets his jaw, doing his best to remember that... well, he is a kid in a tavern, and so obviously the innkeeper is going to assume he's not going to drink... not that he's interested in that anyways. He might not have ever tasted the stuff but the smell alone is enough to put him off. Well, he does remember a time when his parents would drink fine wine with the other nobles... but, he never would have that opportunity even if he wanted it. He shakes his head, debating on whether or not to accept the juice or decline. He could always get water for himself, but... well water is a bit bland.
Then Rixian comes over and asks for apple juice... strange. Mizu hadn't expected him to be that sort of paladin, but ...okay. Sighing, he says, "Fine. I'll have apple too."
If and when he is given his 'apple juice' he sniffs it testily before taking a drink. Finding it sweater (and sticker) than he'd like, he scrunches his nose before downing the whole cup in a single shot, then pushes the cup back towards the waiter. "Thanks," he says without really looking at her. He doesn't want to be rude, but that doesn't mean he has to savor it. Then he slides off the stool, landing lightly on the floor, and he makes his way over to the loud Dragonborn. He walks all the way up to her chair, tilting his head up to look at her scaly face. Staring up at her with large, calm blue eyes, and tilting his head to one side he says, "You seem to have taken an interest in my party. Is there something you want? Or something you want to tell us." He has a feeling, considering how discreetly she was watching them, that she really doesn't have anything she wants to tell them. But he asks bluntly, hoping to pry some information out of her if she has any to give.
Mina lets Kulogall barage the poor bartender with questions and she watches the loud group at the table for a bit longer, seeing if she can glean any real information out of them.
After a bit though, she gets bored and the man in the corner starts picking away at her brain. Finally she sighs, places a hand on Kulogall's shoulder, "I'll be right back. Make sure to get me a strong ale and something to eat. Thanks."
Then slowly walking over to the man, she takes the nearest seat next to him and looking back towards the loud table she asks, "Have you lost someone as well?"
Mizu glances at the footprint near the door once more, but he is fairly certain that it is newer than the faint trail heading towards the stairs. Though, it is odd. If there is still someone or something up there then one would think that the trail would be fresher, right?
He frowns slightly as they ascend the stairwell, "How am I acting weird? He's the one acting oddly." He hesitates, glancing back towards the hole where Rixian may or may not still be waiting. "I don't know what his problem is." All he knows is that the fire genasi looks at him like he's something he'd rather avoid, and he doesn't understand why.
Still in whispers, Leeta replies:
- Perhaps he's shy. Or plain awkward. Dunno. But why don't you just ask him what's wrong? Jezza used to say - and Leeta imitates the deep voice of her drow teacher - "Leeta, don't tighten your arms so much. Loose wrists will hit the spot."... uh... no, not that. Ah, yes! "Leeta, you have to take the bull by the horns and face your problems head on". Sounds better than just look at each other awkwardly, I think.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Mizu shrugs. He has no intention of asking the fire genasi what his deal is. If there isn't a problem right now, then why make it into one? Who knows, asking might just make the issue worse. Actions speak louder than words... at least, that's what his mother used to say. Sometimes he wonders if his Master would agree with that--but his actions have always spoken just as loud if not louder than his ever-loud words.
Leeta and Mizu continue their search of the house. Following the path in the dust, they make their way up stairs and continue following it into a bedroom. The path leads all the way to an open window. Looking down, you can see Rixi waiting for you in the alley. A rope has been strung between this window and the roof across, it's tight enough to have been walked across... Seems whatever or whoever was up here escaped through the window.
Nathaniel nods miserably when Rowarin asks about Freya. He seems to be trying to calm himself as he lets the aasimar guide him towards the inn, leaving his basket of food forgotten on the ground. He walks as if in a daze, and speaks in a similar fashion. "She just vanished....it was four days ago. She was out in the garden....I just went inside for a moment. Not a sound, no warning, she was just gone when I came back out." He shakes his head. "I knew we should have left this cursed place. I wanted to leave as soon as we were married. But, she wanted to stay. This is home. She said. We can't just run away...."
He mumbles a few more things when you usher him inside, but most of it doesn't sound important. When you enter the building, you note the dragonborn and her group, along with Kulogal interrogating the bartender, (Who you would remember as Bill Trent. He and his wife Millain own this inn.) and Mina appears to be trying to strike up a conversation with a shady looking drow.
"What kind of...oh, Heh right." He nods to Mina, then runs a hand over his balding head and looks back at the triton, "Well we have Poset ale, Braggot ale...though that is more expensive..." He lists a few with added flavors as he poors a cup of water for Kulogal. "Today our special is Turkey and potatoes, we also have pork and lamb. Unfortunately, we don't have any fish right now, trade has pretty much come to a stand still." He sighs before answering the last part of Kulogal's barrage of questions. "Liliana's here, she's been helping me a lot lately. Sleeping has been hard for me lately... My wife, Millain was one of the first to vanish. It's been almost a year now..." He pauses shaking his head, "It just ain't right. I never thought I'd outlive her, me bein human while she an elf." He wipes a tear from his eye and clears his throat. "If you want to investigate recent disappearances, the last three were Angela, Freya, and William. Angela was an old fairy who lived by the edge of the forest. Many of us tried to convince her to move closer to the center of town since most people living near those woods moved out ages ago, but she wouldn't have it. She was pretty ill for the last few days. She was bedridden. When her granddaughter when to check on her, she was nowhere to be seen. Unfortunately, all of her family left shortly after. William, the town blacksmith vanished while packing up his shop, two weeks prior to Angela. His wife and son are still at home, and his assistant still runs the smithy. He'd be the easiest to speak with." Bill glances over at Rowarin and Nethaniel when they walk in, then nods in their direction. "That's Freya's husband..." Then he squints at Rowarin clearly he recognizes him, but he just can't place why just yet.
The man lifts his head when Mina comes to sit next to him, fixing her with hard, silver eyes. "Not to this mess." He mutters, crossing his arms. Leaning back, he falls silent clearly not wanting to talk.
Rowarin leads Nathaniel over to where his companions are seated, and pulls a chair for Nathaniel to sit down. He then heads over to Kulogall, feeling a little like perhaps Nathaniel won't be as helpful as possible, he's in too much shock.
Rowarin leans against the wall, purposefully hunched forward making it known he is listening in. When the others turn to look up at Rowarin, he speaks up "Hey Bill, it's been a while. Kurogall, I just spoken with Nathaniel over there, he's saying his wife just vanished from sight within a moment, with no traces of her leaving. Hard to imagine that someone could be taken without leaving any sort of trace. But if I remember Freya as I do now, she wouldn't have just left him like that."
Rowarin peers over to look at Nathaniel, to ascertain how he seems to be. Could he be hiding an important piece of the puzzle perhaps?
Rowarin turns back to Bill, "If you were to hazard a guess, would you have an inclining of what is actually happening here?".
Seeing that there was nothing much to do, Rixi begins pacing the nearby buildings, hoping to discover something of interest to whatever mission he's supposed to investigate for the time being, be it his actual one or the one associated with this awkward village. At least now that the two of them have gone off without him, he's able to finally revert back to his mostly cool and collected self as tiny flames flickered from his wrists. "Hmm... This place is so weird... then again, not like anyone knows me well enough to get all groovy. I wonder what the other shifters would do in a town like this especially when I'm not around?" He infers to himself once Mizu and Leeta are out of his range; He defnitely knows that Xenia, Raiden and Tenebris would instantly scamper off to look for clues if they were here; He kinda misses their own investigative instincts to an extent. "Either that or maybe I'm just used to this sort of suspicious treatment. I don't know... but... It sure does not feel as serene as it looks"
Random Perception to see if there are any clues to make a start: 6
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Campaign
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
DM - The Road to Redemption (Homebrew, WIP)
Leeta had expected to find someone upstairs, so she gives a disappointed sigh when they don't. She examines the rope and gives it a good push, discovering that it is as tight as it looks.
- I wouldn't mind crossing, but it seems too much effort to follow that girl. And - she leans out to look for Rixian - our fiery companion is on the move. Perhaps it's better to return with the others and not separate ourselves further. What do you think, Mizu?
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Mizu places one foot on the rope, testing it tentatively. "Hmmm... seems you were right. She did head up here..." He glances across, then looks down at Rixian. "Hey," he lifts his voice just enough for the fire genasi to hear him. "There isn't anything here, the girl is gone." He looks across the rope again, eyeing the rooftops. Perhaps it would have been better to send Soma out scouting rather than leaving her with the rest of the party. ...Oh well.
He nods to Leeta, "Lets go. I doubt we can catch up now." He turns and walks back down the staircase, waiting for Leeta before crawling back through the hole.
If Rixian is still waiting there at that point, he says, "We're heading to the inn. There's not much point in investigating this area anymore."
Mina looks at the man, trying to size him up, whether or not he really doesn't want to talk or just trying to put on a show.
Insight 18
- Perhaps this is for the better. If that girl keeps hiding herself this well, then nothing will happen to her, right? - the halfling says, full of hope.Then follows after Mizu.
On her way to the inn, she whistles a soft tune thinking about drinking and eating somethin nice at the tavern.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
"That was fast. I thought you two would... go in further." He awkwardly mutters. There wasn't anything that Rixi could pick up anyways, but as soon as Leeta and Mizu return, he nods at what the latter suggests. "You're right. We should stop wasting time and see... *Awkward silence* ...what... what the others are on to." Ugh... Already contemplating on what he had just responded with, he shifts his double-bladed weapon behind his back before he slowly paces behind them to the tavern. Every now and then though he swivels his fiery gaze towards the entire village, eyeing at whatever intrinsic details they possess or if there's anything worth investigating.
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Campaign
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
DM - The Road to Redemption (Homebrew, WIP)
Kulogall takes this in and turns to face Rowarin, including him in the conversation. “Odd, I wonder what these people happen to have in common… there must be some reason, but why?” He looks over to Mina to check on her, making sure that she’s not getting in trouble with the mysterious character in the corner. “The turkey and potatoes sound fine Bill, and a mug of the Poset ale. Actually two.” He thinks over what was said, tapping his chin. “Where is William’s assistant, would he be at the smithy right now? Are there any common threads between these people that you have thought of Bill?” Kulogall picks up the cup of water in one gulp, letting out a deep aaaahhh at the end.
Nethaniel sits down at the table he is directed to and immediately puts his head in his hands. He seems to be trying to get a hold of himself, but he doesn't object when Rowarin moves to address Bill. When the Aasimar speaks up, Bill finally remembers him. "You're Rowarin right? I remember you." He doesn't sound like he remembers you in a bad way, just that he knows who you are. "Well, that's the sort of story you'll get from just about anyone. ...it's the same thing that happened to Millain. She went out to grab some firewood out back and never returned." Sadness clouds his eyes as he speaks of his wife. "What would I guess is going on here? Well, despite what most townsfolk think, this doesn't seem like some serial killer to me. No, I'm thinking this is some sort of curse. Do I have proof? No. But really, how can a killer or some wild animal, just make someone just vanish? No blood, no body, just gone." He looks to Kulogall, "Well, all of the vanished are of fey heritage. Other than that, I don't see any relation." As he speaks, he fills two mugs with ale and sets them on the table. "Yeah, I'd wager Yarrow's at the smithy. He's been working harder then ever since William vanished. He's there from sun up to sun down whether he gets costumers or not." He signals for the halfling woman to come over and tells her to prepare some turkey and potatoes. "That'll be two silver. Will you be needing rooms while you stay here? If so, you're welcome to stay for free so long as you pay for meals. I'm not getting many visitors, and you all are on the case so it's only right I support you as much as I can."
After their fruitless search for the homeless girl, Leeta, Mizu, and Rixi make their way to the StoneDog Inn. They don't see anything suspicious on the way there. Upon entering, they see Mina trying to strike up a conversation with a man sitting in the corner, while Kulogall and Rowarin are speaking with the innkeeper.
Mina can tell that this man does not wish to speak at all, and he seems tense.
Mizu spares the fire genasi a quick glance, "There were no signs of life inside. It has been abandoned for some time."
As they approach the inn, Soma flies back to Mizu and lands on his shoulder. He pauses for a moment, glancing at the bird before shrugging and heading inside. Once there, he makes his way over to where Kulogall and Rowan are talking to the innkeeper. Then he climbs onto one of the stools or chairs, whatever is closest to them, and sits on it crosslegged. Leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, he decides to just listen in for now. Though he does glance around to see if there is anyone suspicious in the tavern... aside from the guy Mina is talking to as she seems to have that handled...
Perception: 4
"Yes, that's right. I haven't been around for some years." answers Rowarin after being recognized by Bill. Something very peculiar, happening for the last year.
"Bill, I'll take the same as my friend here, but twice over" as he glances over at Nathaniel, he reaches into his pocket and retrieves some coin, "What was it, 2 silver pieces each? Here we are." As he places an electrum piece on the counter. "Don't fret about the change, it's fine. This Yarrow fellow, is there anything we should know about him?"
Rowarin glances around the room, with the hopes that something, or someone, may stand out. Perception: 17
"One last thing Bill. What is the mayor doing about this? Surely the townsguard are getting involved with this now?"
As they enter the StoneDog Leeta waves happily at her travel companions, then runs to the bartender and does the same. From the bartender's point of view, he's only able to see a hand appearing out of nowhere waving at him.
- Hellooo! .. Hum... - the halfling hops on one of the high chairs at the counter, and now that has a clear view, continues - Hi, I'm Leeta. Do you happen to have any fruit juice? I'm not into alcohol. Master says it is not healty. Anyway, I'm so thirsty! My friends saw a red haired elven girl a while back, but she ran off. Tried to follow her but couldn't find her. I hope she's okay.
As she drinks whatever the bartender gives her, she patiently waits for her companions to finish their conversations and share their findings.
Down, down, down by the river ♫
Nessa | Alana | Ashur | Saxa | Saoirse | Auriel | Leeta
Bill seems a bit hesitant to take the electrum, but sighs and takes it anyways. With little guests wanting rooms, it's hard to do much more than break even. "Liliana will have that out for you in a jiffy." He stows away the coins before continuing, "Well, I don't know him personally, but he always seems like a good hardworking kid. It took him a bit to get over the shock of losing his master, but he got back to work as soon as he recovered. The townsguard is practically non existent at this point with half of them vanishing and the other half up and leaving town. The Mayor's been trying to get outside help for some time, but all the bigger cities don't want to bother with us. That's why he's started offering a reward to anyone who can help. Unfortunately, many of the townsfolk don't think he's doing enough. Some are even blaming him outright for the incidents."
The innkeeper gives Mizu an odd look when he perches himself on one of the bar stools. Looking around the room, Mizu doesn't notice anyone particularly suspicious, but he does catch that the loud dragonborn seems to be looking them over just like the dark elf, though she's doing it much more discreetly.
Bill gives a small startled jump when a hand suddenly shoots up from below the counter. He quickly recovers and leans over to look at the halfling, but before he can say anything Liliana emerges from the kitchen, somehow balancing four large plates of turkey and potatoes in her small arms. Setting them on the counter, she rushes over to Leeta. "You saw the dirty little red-head? Well that's a relief! I was worried she might have been taken! She and the other orphans used to come here and steel from us until I caught them! But I wasn't mad, I told them to come back whenever they wanted and I would give them the kitchen leftovers BEFORE throwing them in the trash. Oh, I do hope the others are alright. Humph, I wish the mayor would round up all those poor orphans and put them somewhere safe. It was just the girl? There weren't any others with her?" The older halfling pauses to let Leeta answer, as well as catch her breath.
"Uh, yes. We do have juice. Would you like apple or orange....and should I get some for your young friend here?" He gestures to Mizu.
A massive breath of uneasiness was let out from the Fire Genasi upon entering the tavern. If any of the shifters travelled alongside him, he may have had a bit of a breathing room, but then again, the thought of himself being a rage-induced monster would be an absolute no-go for any of them if they were present, so he instantly snuffs this dream out. Seeing that most of his supposed teammates are talking, he decides to listen in from time-to-time; He quickly picks up on the conversation Leeta is having about the girl the two of them plus Mizu saw. So she's an orphan, just like me huh? He thinks as he flashbacks to the time where he was abandoned on the streets in Himeji just before he entered the Sword Coast. Another conversation between one of the other aquatics with Bill, but it's mainly just about what happened with the town and the like. Not as interesting to hear that there are orphans stealing things to survive...
"Apple please. I don't drink either." Rixi replies with a soft but no-nonsense tone after overhearing Bill speak his mind, thinking that he was referring to him. He's more than happy to remain standing rather than to sit down and have a chat, now that tensions seemed to be sort of escalating. They say actions speak louder than words or so to speak, and it means a lot for the near-oathless paladin as he continues to remain on alert. Once he receives his drink: "Arigato (ありがと Thank you)"
He notices the sea elf talking to the shattered innkeeper too; If it wasn't for her, he would have gone over to console him as best as he could...
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Campaign
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
DM - The Road to Redemption (Homebrew, WIP)
Mizu eyes the Dragonborn for a moment, contemplating whether or not to go interrogate her. Then Lilliana walks in, asking about the dirty girl. Turning his blue eyes towards her, he replies, "She was alone. Are there usually others with her?" He does his best not to think about the fact that he is an orphan too... sure, he has his master, and Leeta, but... He pushes memories aside, forcing himself to focus on the issue at hand.
He gives the innkeeper a blank look when he asks Leeta if he wants some juice, as if he 'the child' can't make decisions for himself. He sets his jaw, doing his best to remember that... well, he is a kid in a tavern, and so obviously the innkeeper is going to assume he's not going to drink... not that he's interested in that anyways. He might not have ever tasted the stuff but the smell alone is enough to put him off. Well, he does remember a time when his parents would drink fine wine with the other nobles... but, he never would have that opportunity even if he wanted it. He shakes his head, debating on whether or not to accept the juice or decline. He could always get water for himself, but... well water is a bit bland.
Then Rixian comes over and asks for apple juice... strange. Mizu hadn't expected him to be that sort of paladin, but ...okay. Sighing, he says, "Fine. I'll have apple too."
If and when he is given his 'apple juice' he sniffs it testily before taking a drink. Finding it sweater (and sticker) than he'd like, he scrunches his nose before downing the whole cup in a single shot, then pushes the cup back towards the waiter. "Thanks," he says without really looking at her. He doesn't want to be rude, but that doesn't mean he has to savor it. Then he slides off the stool, landing lightly on the floor, and he makes his way over to the loud Dragonborn. He walks all the way up to her chair, tilting his head up to look at her scaly face. Staring up at her with large, calm blue eyes, and tilting his head to one side he says, "You seem to have taken an interest in my party. Is there something you want? Or something you want to tell us." He has a feeling, considering how discreetly she was watching them, that she really doesn't have anything she wants to tell them. But he asks bluntly, hoping to pry some information out of her if she has any to give.