Quote from ThatOneGuyYouKnow >>

Cinder, confused because almost everyone in this town has been extremely rude to her, controls her frustration with a moment of concentration. When she speaks, her voice is slightly less polite however. She says to Broom,

“Of course, and I’m sure killing a marsh crocodile with my bare hands isn’t even close to the level of warrior you typically hire. If you all need me, I’ll be over there.”

Standing up, Cinder nods to the rest of the table and excuses herself to go sit at the bar and makes polite conversation with Brenna.

 
'Fangstalker Broom raises his at first disbelieving eye-brow, but perhaps its something in the still-controlled manner of Cinder's terse response that gives the usually cocky man pause, or maybe it's the chorus of confirming nods from those who witnessed the skilled martial artist's death blow to the crocodile. Regardless, the bounty master watches the small silver haired tiefling's walk to the bar thoughtfully.

However, as Brenna walks to the bar alongside Cinder, the matronly innkeep pats the younger woman's arm and leans in, whispering in a knowing tone,'

"Try not to take it to heart, my dear. This is the frontier - for the most part, men are tough and dumb out here, not given to seeing the true worth of something... or someone... until it clobbers them on their too-thick skulls. You'll show them, of that I'm near certain. Now, how about a nice cup of tea?"

Quote from vassasunstar >>

However, as Brenna walks to the bar alongside Cinder, the matronly innkeep pats the younger woman's arm and leans in, whispering in a knowing tone,'

"Try not to take it to heart, my dear. This is the frontier - for the most part, men are tough and dumb out here, not given to seeing the true worth of something... or someone... until it clobbers them on their too-thick skulls. You'll show them, of that I'm near certain. Now, how about a nice cup of tea?"

 Cinder smiles a little and whispers back, “I’m afraid you’re mistaken ma’am. Men are tough and dumb everywhere you go. But I would love a cup of tea, thank you.” She’ll take the tea and just hold it in her hands, savoring the warmth.

Quote from joe >>

Mazin looks over the woman thoughtfully. "I apologize for being forward, but it seems you are upset about something else as well. Is it anything we should be concerned with?"

 
'Sergeant Leetha seems genuinely surprised by Mazin's insightful question, so much so that the lizardwoman pauses, merely blinking her reptilian eyelids for several seconds, perhaps considering how best to answer the question... or whether in fact she would answer at all. Eventually however, the seemingly hesitant militia officer says,'

"It'ss a difficult matter... a family matter... and one that this one should not allow to show and will not allow to interfere with this oness DUTIESS!"

'Realising that she raised her voice at the last, Leetha looks around sheepishly, before drawing a deep calming breath and concluding,'

"Thiss oness behaviour bringss shame. This one apologisess.You have acted lawfully and with honour. This one will speak thiss truth to Magistrate Arneu when thiss one meetss with him next..."

'The sergeant's final word trails off as two men walk through the door. The first is a tall, gaunt man balding man with a large hooked nose and the appearance of a vulture about him, dressed in a black robe cinched at the waist and adorned diagonally across his skinny torso with a silken silver belt and sash. The second of the two is the broadshouldered figure of Thurk, who upon entering spies your gathering at the table near the bar and immediately approaches alongside the other man. Reaching your table, the lizardman smith nods, saying,'

"My apologies, friends. I had to speak with the Magistrate here this morning, as he was... indisposed last night. I have informed him of what happened and your assistance, but he wanted to meet you himself.

Good morning to you, child of my sister."

'Thurk says the last to Leetha, though the younger, taller lizardwoman merley scowls in his direction before she turns expectantly to the human man identified as Magistrate Arneu. For his part, the vulture-like man merely studies you all silently through with a lidded stare, a small but formal smile upon his face.'

Quote from ThatOneGuyYouKnow >>

 Cinder smiles a little and whispers back, “I’m afraid you’re mistaken ma’am. Men are tough and dumb everywhere you go. But I would love a cup of tea, thank you.” She’ll take the tea and just hold it in her hands, savoring the warmth.

 
'The matronly Brenna pours Cinder the cup of tea as promised, though the simple and direct woman likely misses the nuances of the tiefling's comment when she says with a forbearing though loving stare at Myren, who has just finished setting out the last of the breakfast for the inn's guests,'

"Dumb, yes, I suppose they are. But not all are tough. Some are kind hearted... even out here. You'll see."

Quote from vassasunstar >>

 
'Sergeant Leetha seems genuinely surprised by Mazin's insightful question, so much so that the lizardwoman pauses, merely blinking her reptilian eyelids for several seconds, perhaps considering how best to answer the question... or whether in fact she would answer at all. Eventually however, the seemingly hesitant militia officer says,'

"It'ss a difficult matter... a family matter... and one that this one should not allow to show and will not allow to interfere with this oness DUTIESS!"

'Realising that she raised her voice at the last, Leetha looks around sheepishly, before drawing a deep calming breath and concluding,'

"Thiss oness behaviour bringss shame. This one apologisess.You have acted lawfully and with honour. This one will speak thiss truth to Magistrate Arneu when thiss one meetss with him next..."

'The sergeant's final word trails off as two men walk through the door. The first is a tall, gaunt man balding man with a large hooked nose and the appearance of a vulture about him, dressed in a black robe cinched at the waist and adorned diagonally across his skinny torso with a silken silver belt and sash. The second of the two is the broadshouldered figure of Thurk, who upon entering spies your gathering at the table near the bar and immediately approaches alongside the other man. Reaching your table, the lizardman smith nods, saying,'

"My apologies, friends. I had to speak with the Magistrate here this morning, as he was... indisposed last night. I have informed him of what happened and your assistance, but he wanted to meet you himself.

Good morning to you, child of my sister."

'Thark says the last to Leetha, though the younger, taller lizardwoman merley scowls in his direction before she turns expectantly to the human man identified as Magistrate Arneu. For his part, the vulture-like man merely studies you all silently through with a lidded stare, a small but formal smile upon his face.'

At Leetha's words, Mazin will respond. "You brought no shame. I did not mean to pry, I only wish to help where I can."

Mazin will look to where she is staring and see Thurk and Arneu enter. He smiles at Thurk, and nods towards the Magistrate. He will remain sitting, he finds some people tend to get uncomfortable when he stands to great them. 

'Wazzock's broad smile returns and she reaches a hand out in greeting,' "Ah! The fabled Magistrate! It is good to put a face to your name and title. I am Muul of clan Wazzock, though most just call me Wazzock."

Alwin just takes the insult and looks down at his drink taking a sip of it ‘Stupid, you got caught up in your excitement again’ was all he could think as the man’s words sunk in, seemingly reinforced by a past of verbal abuse. He just sinks in his chair a little ‘Maybe Tregaen was right about these people, this man doesn’t care about helping people just money. I shouldn’t judge though, every organization is bound to have members like this’.

Quote from joe >>

At Leetha's words, Mazin will respond. "You brought no shame. I did not mean to pry, I only wish to help where I can."

Mazin will look to where she is staring and see Thurk and Arneu enter. He smiles at Thurk, and nods towards the Magistrate. He will remain sitting, he finds some people tend to get uncomfortable when he stands to great them. 

 
'Sergeant Leetha bows her head slightly, clearly still embarrased by her reaction despite Mazin's reassurances, though there is little of that self-admonition when the lizardwoman glares at 'uncle' Thurk. The smith for his part nods at his niece and the rest of you, but appears content to let the magistrate speak first.'

Quote from abunny >>

'Wazzock's broad smile returns and she reaches a hand out in greeting,' "Ah! The fabled Magistrate! It is good to put a face to your name and title. I am Muul of clan Wazzock, though most just call me Wazzock."

 
'Magistrate Arneu studies you all for several moments, his oversized beak-like nose and lidded blue eyes seeming almost lazy in their scrutiny, and yet still giving a distinct impression of astute observation. Eventually, the slow moving, slow talking man finally says in an educated and assured drawl,'

"Fabled, am I? I should think it the other way around, my good adventurer. I am the slayer of no great beasts, nor do I solve murder mysteries, for the most part leaving that sort of thing to my capable Silverstars."

'Arneu gives a little smile and nods towards Leetha at this point, which the young lizardwoman seems to take as a great compliment, standing up just a little bit straighter as the black robed man continues,'

"From what the good smith has told me, however, you and your companions have possibly done just that. Solved a murder, that is. Or at least identified one. Our humble town and my over-taxed constablarly is in your debt... though Thurk tells me that the culprit of this foul deed is yet still at large?

'At the magistrate's suggestion that she and her companions should be regarded as fabled, Wazzock beams with pride. She struggles to turn her smile to a more serious face to better match the topic of conversation, causing her to stumble over her words.' "Ahem... well I... I mean we... I think we all would appreciate the opportunity to help in the investigation."

Altani takes a step forward, "They call me Altani, of the Windspeaker Clan from the Leavenwild Plains. I am eager to help you in solving this unspeakable act, as well as aide with the other matters that have been causing concern to the town Magistrate. My people do not shy away from helping those in need. While I have not know them long myself, I am sure that everyone here would not pause in lending you aide as well" she adds while motioning to the others.

Glancing over towards Broom she adds, "Then we will see about the other matters that are plaguing these lands. Beasts such as ettercaps and orges can not be allow to roam."

Quote from abunny >>

'At the magistrate's suggestion that she and her companions should be regarded as fabled, Wazzock beams with pride. She struggles to turn her smile to a more serious face to better match the topic of conversation, causing her to stumble over her words.' "Ahem... well I... I mean we... I think we all would appreciate the opportunity to help in the investigation."

 
'Magistrate Arneu smiles, nodding at what Wazzock is saying, before replying,'

"Were you to solve these dastardly murders, I dare say that we would be the appreciative ones, good woman. I would be a fool to turn away such clearly competant assistance. Based on what the reliable smith here has told me and your own earnest pledge of aid, I do readily designate yourself and your companions as officially sanctioned Silverstar investigators in this matter."

Quote from IAmButADream >>

Altani takes a step forward, "They call me Altani, of the Windspeaker Clan from the Leavenwild Plains. I am eager to help you in solving this unspeakable act, as well as aide with the other matters that have been causing concern to the town Magistrate. My people do not shy away from helping those in need. While I have not know them long myself, I am sure that everyone here would not pause in lending you aide as well" she adds while motioning to the others.

Glancing over towards Broom she adds, "Then we will see about the other matters that are plaguing these lands. Beasts such as ettercaps and orges can not be allow to roam."

"Your words are noble and do you credit, brave warrior of the plains. Out here on the Kingdom's Southern frontier, life has always been difficult. The bogs and marshes of this region are not fruitful for harvesting, the climate often tempestuous and the untamed creatures of the area dangerous in the extreme. However, of late things have grown noticeably worse.

While I trust Briston, Leetha and the rest of our brave militia to stave off attacks from orcs and wild beasts, these slayings of our citizens right here on the outskirts of town... well, it is mine and the Alcaldes sworn duty to safeguard our people and see justice done. If you can can stop the killings and deduce why they are being committed, then I am sure that a reward would be in order."

'The magistrate looks over and makes eye contact with the Fangstalker, both men sharing a nod of understanding. Turning back to Altani, Arneu continues,'

"The Fangstalkers are an order as old as the Kingdom itself and though Reevis and I were surprised that the organisation would set up a Chapter out here in the wilds, I for one welcome it. While Ambersilt's resources are admittedly limited, should wealthy Heartstar barons and dukes wish to fund monster slayers in our region, then such can only be for the better."

Quote from vassasunstar >>

Quote from abunny >>

'At the magistrate's suggestion that she and her companions should be regarded as fabled, Wazzock beams with pride. She struggles to turn her smile to a more serious face to better match the topic of conversation, causing her to stumble over her words.' "Ahem... well I... I mean we... I think we all would appreciate the opportunity to help in the investigation."

 
'Magistrate Arneu smiles, nodding at what Wazzock is saying, before replying,'

"Were you to solve these dastardly murders, I dare say that we would be the appreciative ones, good woman. I would be a fool to turn away such clearly competant assistance. Based on what the reliable smith here has told me and your own earnest pledge of aid, I do readily designate yourself and your companions as officially sanctioned Silverstar investigators in this matter."

Quote from IAmButADream >>

Altani takes a step forward, "They call me Altani, of the Windspeaker Clan from the Leavenwild Plains. I am eager to help you in solving this unspeakable act, as well as aide with the other matters that have been causing concern to the town Magistrate. My people do not shy away from helping those in need. While I have not know them long myself, I am sure that everyone here would not pause in lending you aide as well" she adds while motioning to the others.

Glancing over towards Broom she adds, "Then we will see about the other matters that are plaguing these lands. Beasts such as ettercaps and orges can not be allow to roam."

 

"Your words are noble and do you credit, brave warrior of the plains. Out here on the Kingdom's Southern frontier, life has always been difficult. The bogs and marshes of this region are not fruitful for harvesting, the climate often tempestuous and the untamed creatures of the area dangerous in the extreme. However, of late things have grown noticeably worse.

While I trust Briston, Leetha and the rest of our brave militia to stave off attacks from orcs and wild beasts, these slayings of our citizens right here on the outskirts of town... well, it is mine and the Alcaldes sworn duty to safeguard our people and see justice done. If you can can stop the killings and deduce why they are being committed, then I am sure that a reward would be in order."

'The magistrate looks over and makes eye contact with the Fangstalker, both men sharing a nod of understanding. Turning back to Altani, Arneu continues,'

"The Fangstalkers are an order as old as the Kingdom itself and though Reevis and I were surprised that the organisation would set up a Chapter out here in the wilds, I for one welcome it. While Ambersilt's resources are admittedly limited, should wealthy Heartstar barons and dukes wish to fund monster slayers in our region, then such can only be for the better."

Mazin sits and listens to the others speak for a bit. To the magistrate, he will say, "I originally came to this town in search of Fangstalker Broom (he will nod in Broom's direction). I will be honest with you, my skills do not necessarily lend themselves to investigations. However, these find people (he will gesture to the group) seem like they know what they are doing. I will aid them where I can, and make sure they survive what ever troubles they find. Otherwise, I will do what I'm good at, which is protecting the weak from the monsters in the dark. Either way, Magistrate, Fangstalker Broom, I am at your disposal." 

Looking towards Broom, Mazin will say "Although, Fangstalker, it would be best not to judge a book by it's cover. The one you just insulted did indeed crush the skull of a crocodile last night with her fist alone. It was very impressive."

Quote from joe >>

Mazin sits and listens to the others speak for a bit. To the magistrate, he will say, "I originally came to this town in search of Fangstalker Broom (he will nod in Broom's direction). I will be honest with you, my skills do not necessarily lend themselves to investigations. However, these find people (he will gesture to the group) seem like they know what they are doing. I will aid them where I can, and make sure they survive what ever troubles they find. Otherwise, I will do what I'm good at, which is protecting the weak from the monsters in the dark. Either way, Magistrate, Fangstalker Broom, I am at your disposal." 

Looking towards Broom, Mazin will say "Although, Fangstalker, it would be best not to judge a book by it's cover. The one you just insulted did indeed crush the skull of a crocodile last night with her fist alone. It was very impressive."

 
'The Magistrate Arneu looks pleased with Mazin's pronouncement, giving the thick-limbed Thurk a pat on the shoulder as though the lizardman had done well to find such capable help for the frontier town. The balding, beak-nosed man says,'

"Excellent! Well of course, not everyone's skills go to ferreting out evil doers, and I am sure that your companions and the town itself will benefit from having such a mighty and willing defender around. While I am here, I will let Myren know that since you are assisting Ambersilt authorities with these matters, that your board and lodgings will be covered by the town until further notice. We are not a wealthy community, but this much at least we can do."

'For his part, Fangstalker Broom looks the massize goliath warrior up and down, before glancing back thoughtfully towards Cinder who is eating at the bar. The rough looking and crudely spoken man spits again on the floor, before admitting with a grimace,'

"Well... could be that ye might be right. She certainly moves like a fighter, sure enough. Might be that I was a little hasty in me evaluation. Just think that no armour and a pointy stick ain't no way to face down an ogre and such, is all. Besides, it's like me said - the bounty's the same for each monster slain, regardless of how many do the slaying. Some hunters sponsored by the Stalkers like to work in large groups fer safety in numbers... course that don't always work out to be the case. Others prefer to keep their group smaller - less hands to pass the coin round to, if you get me meaning. Occassionally, a real nutter comes along who wants to hunt alone ... but me REALLY don't reccomend that if yer plan to live to collect.

Look, whats me saying is that the way ye do the job and who ye hunt with is not me concern. Bring me them monster heads and i'll see ye paid. Me's staying here at the Oak, which it seems like ye may be too, so can't get no simpler than that! And if me hurt the lasses feelings, well it weren't personal and... truth is, she's probably in fer a rough time out here on the frontier. Plenty worse than me round these parts."

'The largely unapologetic Broom nods again at Mazin, Altani and Wazzock, as well as the magistrate, before he heads back over to his table to finish speaking with the now clearly annoyed warrior who was left waiting while the Fangstalker spoke with your group.'

Cinder would smile at Mazin defending her, but would still acknowledge Broom’s almost apology with a nod before finishing her delicious tea.

Altani watches Broom walk off and then looks back to Arneu. "Thank you,  that is appreciated. I think for those that wish to stay and aide, we should all discuss what has been happening with you Magistrate. It could help us if we know more about what else has happened and where it has happened."

Quote from IAmButADream >>

Altani watches Broom walk off and then looks back to Arneu. "Thank you,  that is appreciated. I think for those that wish to stay and aide, we should all discuss what has been happening with you Magistrate. It could help us if we know more about what else has happened and where it has happened."

 
'As a smartly attired gnomish man wearing black pants and coat enters the tavern alongside an older centaur man wtih a tawny hide and long grey-speckled gold beard, Magistrate Arneu turns to join the pair at a corner table, but pauses to respond to Altani before doing so,'

"I would love to stay and speak with you all further, but alas other pressing town business requires my attention. Sergeant Leetha here knows the facts of this grave matter as well as any and I'm sure will be able to fill you all in ably. I wish you well and again offer thanks for your generous assistance on behalf of Ambersilt. Good day to you all."

'The magistrate leaves to greet the two newcommers to the inn. A somewhat uncomfortable silence ensues, as a patiently waiting Thurk awaits Leetha's words. The sergeant for her part merely glowers at the smith... who eventually seems to concede something, and with a nod says before departing the common room,'

"I will await those of you who wish to accompany me to speak with Jona outside. Speak with the sergeant and then join me as you will. Good day to you, daughter of she who is sister to me."

'Finally alone with your group, sergeant Leetha says in a formal though unaggressive voice,'

"You ask for further information about these murderss? I know not what you already know, but can tell you that the six victimss before Exbrin were found alone or in pairss, apparently dying while out hunting or fishing near the creekss, riverss and streamss surrounding the town. The first, Mirinah, was found just over a ten-day ago, Northwest near Bullcroak Creek. Yesterday'ss murder markss the fifth lot of victimss found, some to the North, some to the East and some to the South of town.

All the bodiess were savaged and torn, as one would expect of beast attack victimss. If it were not for the increasing number of attackss over such a short period of time, as well ass the notable survival skillss of some of the victimss, we might still not suspect foul play. 

What more would you know?"

'Wazzock nods,' "In Exbrin's case I confirmed with my own eyes that his injuries were caused by spear and blade. And by someone with a dog perhaps," 'she pulls out the dog's tooth to examine it once more in the light.' "Excuse me if I appear to be speaking out of turn. But since you ask, I suppose, if we're to be assisting in this investigation, we should like to know all you know. For instance, perhaps we should be looking at each of the locations where bodies were found, examining any... evidence, learning about these survival skills that the victims had. Were they always alone when attacked? What time of day did the attacks occur and so on."

investigation : 6 [ooc : looking the tooth over once more]
persuasion : 7

'Kestrell nods at Wazzock's questions':

"Not only that, but, have you noticed anyone new in town in the last ten-day or so?"

'Kestrell looks around...'

"Oh."

Altani raises an eyebrow "Other than us she meant. We are all accounted for right here last night."

She pauses for a second in thought then adds, "Has the circus only just shown up?"

Quote from abunny >>

'Wazzock nods,' "In Exbrin's case I confirmed with my own eyes that his injuries were caused by spear and blade. And by someone with a dog perhaps," 'she pulls out the dog's tooth to examine it once more in the light.' "Excuse me if I appear to be speaking out of turn. But since you ask, I suppose, if we're to be assisting in this investigation, we should like to know all you know. For instance, perhaps we should be looking at each of the locations where bodies were found, examining any... evidence, learning about these survival skills that the victims had. Were they always alone when attacked? What time of day did the attacks occur and so on."

---

investigation : 7 [ooc : looking the tooth over once more]
persuasion : 17

 
'Sergeant Leetha nods in understanding at Wazzock's questions, though she looks somewhat puzzled by the half-orc's reference to a dog and pauses before answering,'

"If Exbrin died by blade, then murder it must be, yess. And if murder it iss, then much this would explain. Dogss? Dogss are common in Ambersilt, found both feral and wild, and also used by the townspeopless for hunting. 

The body of Mirinah wass found near Bullcroak Creek about a half-hour Northwest of town, and you yourselvess found Exbrin. The bodiess of the other five victimss were found along the bankss of the Dendymere streamss which run South and East of Ambersilt. Another pair where found near Mireleaf River, about a mile Northeast of town, past the old Drake homestead.

The first two victimss, Mirinah and Jayle were found alone, but the four who died before Exbrin - Szechen, Armlit, Koothu and Barluk, were found in pairss. All the victimss know this land, though only Jayle, Koothu and Exbrin were noted hunterss.

I can't tell you exactly when the attackss occured, since we don't know, but the bodiess have usually been found in the morningss by other hunterss and fisherman out about their businesss."