Trudging with the others through the streets of Bryn Shander, Eva notices that the frost does not bite as it once did. And yet, the cold does affect her: It seems to lull her into a kind of complacency. Buffeted by a blast of cold wind, Eva has an urge to sit, to rest, perhaps to sleep. She grips her winter clothing, tightening it around her. I'd best find a seamster to sew up the gashes in the fabric.
Naraeld nods at Sabetha's suggestion, "Seems a fair plan, though it seems you're dipping into many things. Perhaps focussing on one at a time would be sensible."He looks towards Aubin, meeting the man's eyes beneath the brim of his hat, "As sheriff Southwell mentioned, it would be poor form of me to send anyone to see my ma without introducing them myself. If we head to the Northlook first, we can swing by the temple on our way to the Geldenstag's. It won't add anything notable to the travel time, and no offence Aubin, but trying to give directions in Bryn Shander ain't the easiest if you don't know the landmarks already. Lots of dead end alleys are wider than the walkways, then we'd have to mount a search to get you back."
Though unnecessary, Naraeld takes the lead heading back to the Northlook. If nothing else he at least received polite nods of acknowledgement from many of the faces he passes, which helped to avoid any altercations in the street with the stangers to the town that now walked in tow. Markham was right about the folks here recently, they were becoming colder and the edge of civility that had always set Bryn Shander above the smaller villages was starting to fray at the edges. He'd seen enough sacrifice and disregard for people already in his life, he sorely hoped that they could find some way to stop this behaviour, this false belief in Auril from spiralling the towns into their demise.
You arrive at the Northlook during the lunch rush. As you enter, Scramshaw looks at Blackberry and says, "I don't know where you've been, rabbit, but Gazza needs you in back. Hop to it!" Then he chuckles to himself, pleased with his pun. Blackberry has heard the same pun approximately 50 times.
Naraeld surveys the clientele when you arrive and then nods. He walks you over to a table where an elderly dwarf sits alone. She is as Sheriff Southwelldescribed her, grizzled, with a long, wispy, gray beard and numerous visible scars in addition to the missing eye. She wears leather armor and has a battleaxe strapped to her back. She looks up at you as you gather around the table and says, "So, Markham decided it wasn't a wild goose chase after all. Always knew there was more in that knob of his than pudding."
"There's a killer loose in Ten-Towns and I have a good idea who the suspect should be. I'd take care of the issue myself, but I'm not as spry as I used to be and the cold means that Halla can't find the herbs she needs to treat my sciatica. Old age is worse than a damned owlbear, I tell ya. I approached Markham about it, but he didn't seem interested and, to be frank, I'd just as soon not involve anyone official. Too much paperwork and too much leniency, if you ask me. But he's clearly changed his mind if you've shown up.
“Sephek Kaltro works for a small traveling merchant company called Torg’s, owned and operated by a shady dwarf named Torrga Icevein. In other words, Sephek gets around. He’s charming. Makes friends easily. He’s also Torrga’s bodyguard, so I’m guessing he’s good with a blade.
“His victims come from the only three towns that sacrifice people to the Frostmaiden on nights of the new moon. This is what passes for civilized behavior in Icewind Dale. Maybe the victims found a way to keep their names out of the drawings and Sephek found out they were cheating, so he killed them. Maybe, just maybe, Sephek is doing the Frostmaiden’s work.
“I followed Torg’s for a tenday as it moved from town to town. Quite the devious little enterprise, but that’s not my concern. What struck me is how comfortable Sephek Kaltro looked in this weather. No coat, no scarf, no gloves. It was like the cold couldn’t touch him. Kiss of the Frostmaiden, indeed.
“I will pay you a hundred gold pieces to apprehend Sephek Kaltro, ascertain his guilt, and deal with him, preferably without involving the authorities. When the job is done, return to me to collect your money.”
The harengon sticks his tongue out at Scramshaw. Upon seeing the dwarf, he hops up on a chair beside her at the table. He listens carefully to her story.
"Is Sephek a dwarf also?"asks Blackberry. "What would his motive for murder be? Can you give us a list of the victims? Do the victims have anything in common with each other? Do you have any evidence that Sephek might be the murderer other than he doesn't wear a coat? Because that seems like quite the logical leap. I mean, how do we know that you didn't commit the murders and are trying to pin the blame on a rival? Why pay us? Were you related to any of the victims?
"Also..."(looking at her food) "Are you going to finish that....?"
To Naraeld's suggestion about focusing on one quest at a time, Sabetha responds: "The quest from Dannika (a researcher) at the Geldenstag's Rest is to find and gather data on magical beings out in the wilderness. As we are headed out anyway, my hope is to do it opportunistically as we travel."
Sabetha glances over with concern at Eva tightening her torn clothing in the icy wind. Then with wry satisfaction at the smug innkeeper Scramshaw who still thinks Blackberry is his to order around. No. Not happening again. Especially if he is a former slave, but even if he wasn't.
To Hlin, Sabetha adds: "My harengon friend mostly asks good questions and I'd like to know the answers too before hunting down this Sephek Kaltro. Though I'd say, Blackberry, that she has already suggested a motive. Serving the Frostmaiden by punishing those that seek to avoid this grisly lottery. With the murders only occurring when and where Torrga Icevein's merchant company visits. Should make them easier to find, at least."
"There are some important details we need and I believe my companions question are a good starting point"Aubin intently listens to any clue their new client might share.
The harengon sticks his tongue out at Scramshaw. Upon seeing the dwarf, he hops up on a chair beside her at the table. He listens carefully to her story.
"Is Sephek a dwarf also?"asks Blackberry. "What would his motive for murder be? Can you give us a list of the victims? Do the victims have anything in common with each other? Do you have any evidence that Sephek might be the murderer other than he doesn't wear a coat? Because that seems like quite the logical leap. I mean, how do we know that you didn't commit the murders and are trying to pin the blame on a rival? Why pay us? Were you related to any of the victims?
"Also..."(looking at her food) "Are you going to finish that....?"
Hlin looks at Blackberry, takes her knife from off the table, stabs a hunk of meat, and brings it to her mouth. Then she eats it, chewing slowly, staring at Blackberry.
To Naraeld's suggestion about focusing on one quest at a time, Sabetha responds: "The quest from Dannika (a researcher) at the Geldenstag's Rest is to find and gather data on magical beings out in the wilderness. As we are headed out anyway, my hope is to do it opportunistically as we travel."
Sabetha glances over with concern at Eva tightening her torn clothing in the icy wind. Then with wry satisfaction at the smug innkeeper Scramshaw who still thinks Blackberry is his to order around. No. Not happening again. Especially if he is a former slave, but even if he wasn't.
To Hlin, Sabetha adds: "My harengon friend mostly asks good questions and I'd like to know the answers too before hunting down this Sephek Kaltro. Though I'd say, Blackberry, that she has already suggested a motive. Serving the Frostmaiden by punishing those that seek to avoid this grisly lottery. With the murders only occurring when and where Torrga Icevein's merchant company visits. Should make them easier to find, at least."
Hlin points at Sabetha. “This one has a head on her shoulders. You’d all do well to pay attention to her words.”
To Sabetha, she says, “I think you’re right. Finding Torrga’s crew is the key. I learned from following them that they don’t follow a regular route, just going to wherever the next job requires them. They’re all layabouts and scoundrels, Apt to try to sell you the heirloom they stole from you the day before, A nasty bunch, through and through.”
Eva considers the evidence presented so far. Good questions, they ask. She has more.
She approaches Hlin, Teb once again at her heels. Eva's milky eyes are almost glistening with curiosity. Why does this thrill me so?
"How, may I ask, were the victims killed?Sheriff Southwell stated that there have been three murders so far: one in Targos, one in Easthaven, and one here in Bryn Shander, a dwarf glassblower, three days ago. AsBlackberryenquired, who were the other victims?" Eva points at her palm and does her thing. "Did one of them look like this man, perchance? And no, he's not my butler. He's my husband. I'm searching for him."
"Murder in the service of Auril? Maybe... but in those detective stories it always came down to money. Religion is an unpredictable motivation, but greed is universal. Of course in those stories, the crime was always solved by a group of 'meddling kids' so maybe not entirely applicable...."
"Detective stories? Meddling kids?" Eva smiles (which is no small feat for Eva, although her disguise kit has helped). "It's enough to make one feel young again." Clearly, Eva feels revitalized by the prospect of hunting down a murderer.
"Auril can twist and break the will of mortals, like young holly,"Elk Running replies to Blackberry, speaking steadily over the inner cacophony of Auril's song. "To those whose wyrd has drawn their path to cross her dreadful step, she sings ever on, and visits upon them in dreams. Surely there are those weak of will who would succumb to her. If Hlin speaks true, Sephek is also touched by winter--by the caress of the Frostmaiden." At this, Elk Running casts down her own eyes, examining the frost that clings to her hair with great interest. "But can she be resisted?"
Sabetha gazes seriously at Elk Running. "No choice but to resist. The alternative is giving up. Unless we want to end up like this Sephek." It is not quite clear whether she is still talking about Auril, and for a moment she looks as if she is going to cry.
Recovering herself, she turns to Hlin: "I too would like a bit more information. Such as answers Eva's questions about the identities of the victims and how it looks like they died. It might provide a clue to the murderer's choices and methods and help us confirm it's really him."
"If we think the murderer is targeting those who refuse to participate in the lottery, it's easy. I can just start going around town announcing that I won't participate, and then we just wait and see who comes to kill me."
"That is one way to do it since we have no leads and the Torg could be anywhere. Lets give it a try Blackberry" Aubin starts pacing lost in thought. "We don't have much to go on, except that the deaths occur in the towns holding the appalling lottery. If the Torg is not here I guess we can check the other towns"
Hlin considers the group. “The other victims were a human shipbuilder in Targos and a halfling trapper in Easthaven. Each died a day or two after the new moon, when the lottery was held. Each was killed at night, found with a knife of ice in their heart. While the rabbit’s plan is brave, I suspect you might save a life if you just find Torg’s before the next new moon. As for why I’m paying,”she smirks, “it’s because I ain’t the law and I don’t believe this killer is deserving of the law’s niceties. Sheriff and the Speaker, they send even the worst of their enemies behind bars. Me, I think a knife in the heart deserves one in the back. Do we understand each other?”
Sabetha studies Hlin. So we are to be vigilantes? I have to admit, if what this dwarf says is true, then Sephek may well deserve it.
"Roadside justice only after we ascertain guilt, correct?" she begins wryly.
"Since Bryn Shander is between Targos (to the west) and Easthaven (much further to the east), should we ask around to see if anyone recalls which direction Torg's set off after their last visit here? Or do you know Hlin? And when is the next new moon anyway?"
She also tries to recall if she remembers seeing anything resembling the description of Torg's as the party passed Targos on the way back with the sled of iron the previous night, or a couple days before that heading out.
Naraeld steps forward, having been content to let the others question Hlin initially. They certainly weren't short of a question or two, and watching them thread together Hlin's responses gave him a good indication of each individual's mindset. Sabetha did appear to be quite prudent and matter of fact with things - that was something he could relate to. Elk Running appeared to be much more esoteric in her ponderings of the request, though she was right that no sensible soul would endure the weather of the wastes without suitable attire. Frostbite was all too common even when people were taking precautions.
"Sabetha speaks the truth, there's no justice in what you ask Hlin. Several here wish a service from the Sheriff, and returning the culprit was part of that arrangement. The sheriff would not expect us to return a corpse to him." Naraeld stares pointedly at each of the group, his eyes convey better than words that this is not a point he will shift on. "If Blackberry went around telling people he was avoiding the lottery, I'd not be surprised if he turned up dead. I wouldn't advise it. As for the murders, an ice knife is an odd weapon but I guess any number of people would have the skills to carve one. Keeping it from melting is hardly an issue. Let's ask around here for clues of Torrga's mercenaries first, then we can travel to Targos easily enough if nothing crops up."
"That makes sense Sabetha, lets go see Hlin" Aubin heads for the Northlook with the party.
Trudging with the others through the streets of Bryn Shander, Eva notices that the frost does not bite as it once did. And yet, the cold does affect her: It seems to lull her into a kind of complacency. Buffeted by a blast of cold wind, Eva has an urge to sit, to rest, perhaps to sleep. She grips her winter clothing, tightening it around her. I'd best find a seamster to sew up the gashes in the fabric.
Naraeld nods at Sabetha's suggestion, "Seems a fair plan, though it seems you're dipping into many things. Perhaps focussing on one at a time would be sensible." He looks towards Aubin, meeting the man's eyes beneath the brim of his hat, "As sheriff Southwell mentioned, it would be poor form of me to send anyone to see my ma without introducing them myself. If we head to the Northlook first, we can swing by the temple on our way to the Geldenstag's. It won't add anything notable to the travel time, and no offence Aubin, but trying to give directions in Bryn Shander ain't the easiest if you don't know the landmarks already. Lots of dead end alleys are wider than the walkways, then we'd have to mount a search to get you back."
Though unnecessary, Naraeld takes the lead heading back to the Northlook. If nothing else he at least received polite nods of acknowledgement from many of the faces he passes, which helped to avoid any altercations in the street with the stangers to the town that now walked in tow. Markham was right about the folks here recently, they were becoming colder and the edge of civility that had always set Bryn Shander above the smaller villages was starting to fray at the edges. He'd seen enough sacrifice and disregard for people already in his life, he sorely hoped that they could find some way to stop this behaviour, this false belief in Auril from spiralling the towns into their demise.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
You arrive at the Northlook during the lunch rush. As you enter, Scramshaw looks at Blackberry and says, "I don't know where you've been, rabbit, but Gazza needs you in back. Hop to it!" Then he chuckles to himself, pleased with his pun. Blackberry has heard the same pun approximately 50 times.
Naraeld surveys the clientele when you arrive and then nods. He walks you over to a table where an elderly dwarf sits alone. She is as Sheriff Southwell described her, grizzled, with a long, wispy, gray beard and numerous visible scars in addition to the missing eye. She wears leather armor and has a battleaxe strapped to her back. She looks up at you as you gather around the table and says, "So, Markham decided it wasn't a wild goose chase after all. Always knew there was more in that knob of his than pudding."
"There's a killer loose in Ten-Towns and I have a good idea who the suspect should be. I'd take care of the issue myself, but I'm not as spry as I used to be and the cold means that Halla can't find the herbs she needs to treat my sciatica. Old age is worse than a damned owlbear, I tell ya. I approached Markham about it, but he didn't seem interested and, to be frank, I'd just as soon not involve anyone official. Too much paperwork and too much leniency, if you ask me. But he's clearly changed his mind if you've shown up.
“Sephek Kaltro works for a small traveling merchant company called Torg’s, owned and operated by a shady dwarf named Torrga Icevein. In other words, Sephek gets around. He’s charming. Makes friends easily. He’s also Torrga’s bodyguard, so I’m guessing he’s good with a blade.
“His victims come from the only three towns that sacrifice people to the Frostmaiden on nights of the new moon. This is what passes for civilized behavior in Icewind Dale. Maybe the victims found a way to keep their names out of the drawings and Sephek found out they were cheating, so he killed them. Maybe, just maybe, Sephek is doing the Frostmaiden’s work.
“I followed Torg’s for a tenday as it moved from town to town. Quite the devious little enterprise, but that’s not my concern. What struck me is how comfortable Sephek Kaltro looked in this weather. No coat, no scarf, no gloves. It was like the cold couldn’t touch him. Kiss of the Frostmaiden, indeed.
“I will pay you a hundred gold pieces to apprehend Sephek Kaltro, ascertain his guilt, and deal with him, preferably without involving the authorities. When the job is done, return to me to collect your money.”
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
The harengon sticks his tongue out at Scramshaw. Upon seeing the dwarf, he hops up on a chair beside her at the table. He listens carefully to her story.
"Is Sephek a dwarf also?" asks Blackberry. "What would his motive for murder be? Can you give us a list of the victims? Do the victims have anything in common with each other? Do you have any evidence that Sephek might be the murderer other than he doesn't wear a coat? Because that seems like quite the logical leap. I mean, how do we know that you didn't commit the murders and are trying to pin the blame on a rival? Why pay us? Were you related to any of the victims?
"Also..." (looking at her food) "Are you going to finish that....?"
To Naraeld's suggestion about focusing on one quest at a time, Sabetha responds: "The quest from Dannika (a researcher) at the Geldenstag's Rest is to find and gather data on magical beings out in the wilderness. As we are headed out anyway, my hope is to do it opportunistically as we travel."
Sabetha glances over with concern at Eva tightening her torn clothing in the icy wind. Then with wry satisfaction at the smug innkeeper Scramshaw who still thinks Blackberry is his to order around. No. Not happening again. Especially if he is a former slave, but even if he wasn't.
To Hlin, Sabetha adds: "My harengon friend mostly asks good questions and I'd like to know the answers too before hunting down this Sephek Kaltro. Though I'd say, Blackberry, that she has already suggested a motive. Serving the Frostmaiden by punishing those that seek to avoid this grisly lottery. With the murders only occurring when and where Torrga Icevein's merchant company visits. Should make them easier to find, at least."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"There are some important details we need and I believe my companions question are a good starting point" Aubin intently listens to any clue their new client might share.
Hlin looks at Blackberry, takes her knife from off the table, stabs a hunk of meat, and brings it to her mouth. Then she eats it, chewing slowly, staring at Blackberry.
Hlin points at Sabetha. “This one has a head on her shoulders. You’d all do well to pay attention to her words.”
To Sabetha, she says, “I think you’re right. Finding Torrga’s crew is the key. I learned from following them that they don’t follow a regular route, just going to wherever the next job requires them. They’re all layabouts and scoundrels, Apt to try to sell you the heirloom they stole from you the day before, A nasty bunch, through and through.”
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Eva considers the evidence presented so far. Good questions, they ask. She has more.
She approaches Hlin, Teb once again at her heels. Eva's milky eyes are almost glistening with curiosity. Why does this thrill me so?
"How, may I ask, were the victims killed? Sheriff Southwell stated that there have been three murders so far: one in Targos, one in Easthaven, and one here in Bryn Shander, a dwarf glassblower, three days ago. As Blackberry enquired, who were the other victims?" Eva points at her palm and does her thing. "Did one of them look like this man, perchance? And no, he's not my butler. He's my husband. I'm searching for him."
"Murder in the service of Auril? Maybe... but in those detective stories it always came down to money. Religion is an unpredictable motivation, but greed is universal. Of course in those stories, the crime was always solved by a group of 'meddling kids' so maybe not entirely applicable...."
"Detective stories? Meddling kids?" Eva smiles (which is no small feat for Eva, although her disguise kit has helped). "It's enough to make one feel young again." Clearly, Eva feels revitalized by the prospect of hunting down a murderer.
"Auril can twist and break the will of mortals, like young holly," Elk Running replies to Blackberry, speaking steadily over the inner cacophony of Auril's song. "To those whose wyrd has drawn their path to cross her dreadful step, she sings ever on, and visits upon them in dreams. Surely there are those weak of will who would succumb to her. If Hlin speaks true, Sephek is also touched by winter--by the caress of the Frostmaiden." At this, Elk Running casts down her own eyes, examining the frost that clings to her hair with great interest. "But can she be resisted?"
Sabetha gazes seriously at Elk Running. "No choice but to resist. The alternative is giving up. Unless we want to end up like this Sephek." It is not quite clear whether she is still talking about Auril, and for a moment she looks as if she is going to cry.
Recovering herself, she turns to Hlin: "I too would like a bit more information. Such as answers Eva's questions about the identities of the victims and how it looks like they died. It might provide a clue to the murderer's choices and methods and help us confirm it's really him."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"If we think the murderer is targeting those who refuse to participate in the lottery, it's easy. I can just start going around town announcing that I won't participate, and then we just wait and see who comes to kill me."
"That is one way to do it since we have no leads and the Torg could be anywhere. Lets give it a try Blackberry" Aubin starts pacing lost in thought. "We don't have much to go on, except that the deaths occur in the towns holding the appalling lottery. If the Torg is not here I guess we can check the other towns"
Hlin considers the group. “The other victims were a human shipbuilder in Targos and a halfling trapper in Easthaven. Each died a day or two after the new moon, when the lottery was held. Each was killed at night, found with a knife of ice in their heart. While the rabbit’s plan is brave, I suspect you might save a life if you just find Torg’s before the next new moon. As for why I’m paying,” she smirks, “it’s because I ain’t the law and I don’t believe this killer is deserving of the law’s niceties. Sheriff and the Speaker, they send even the worst of their enemies behind bars. Me, I think a knife in the heart deserves one in the back. Do we understand each other?”
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Sabetha studies Hlin. So we are to be vigilantes? I have to admit, if what this dwarf says is true, then Sephek may well deserve it.
"Roadside justice only after we ascertain guilt, correct?" she begins wryly.
"Since Bryn Shander is between Targos (to the west) and Easthaven (much further to the east), should we ask around to see if anyone recalls which direction Torg's set off after their last visit here? Or do you know Hlin? And when is the next new moon anyway?"
She also tries to recall if she remembers seeing anything resembling the description of Torg's as the party passed Targos on the way back with the sled of iron the previous night, or a couple days before that heading out.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Naraeld steps forward, having been content to let the others question Hlin initially. They certainly weren't short of a question or two, and watching them thread together Hlin's responses gave him a good indication of each individual's mindset. Sabetha did appear to be quite prudent and matter of fact with things - that was something he could relate to. Elk Running appeared to be much more esoteric in her ponderings of the request, though she was right that no sensible soul would endure the weather of the wastes without suitable attire. Frostbite was all too common even when people were taking precautions.
"Sabetha speaks the truth, there's no justice in what you ask Hlin. Several here wish a service from the Sheriff, and returning the culprit was part of that arrangement. The sheriff would not expect us to return a corpse to him." Naraeld stares pointedly at each of the group, his eyes convey better than words that this is not a point he will shift on. "If Blackberry went around telling people he was avoiding the lottery, I'd not be surprised if he turned up dead. I wouldn't advise it. As for the murders, an ice knife is an odd weapon but I guess any number of people would have the skills to carve one. Keeping it from melting is hardly an issue. Let's ask around here for clues of Torrga's mercenaries first, then we can travel to Targos easily enough if nothing crops up."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Eva examines Hlin's face as she speaks, probing her eyes and expression for signs of subterfuge.
Insight: 13
Knowledge from a Past Life: 6