Silvie looks at what everyone is doing, face blank, before turning around and moving to the end of the group. While moving, she nocks an arrow and says over her shoulder, "I'll watch our backs."
Orixian smiles at Ciaran's words, glancing at the fellow half-elf as they start to pull the sledge. In between deep breaths, Orixian says, "Thank you. I figured it didn't hurt to try. My mother always said luck can only take action when we give it the chance to do so. And given the state of this cold, I figured they might be struggling as much as any of us. I just hope the Ten Towners are as receptive as the goblins." He said this last part with a worried, breathless chuckle.
Solvail, the goblins seem more afraid that you all are going to finish them off at the moment and are doing their best to be helpful to avoid that fate.
Working together with the goblins, you’re able to drag the sled back to where what remains of Oobock’s body is and prepare it for burial.
After that, you all lug the sled back towards Bryn Shander. The trip is uneventful but otherwise full of goblin songs about taking the dwarf iron back to Bryn Shander-o. A blizzard is starting to come in, limiting your visibility, but thankfully nothing ambushes you.
As you all approach the walls of Bryn Shander, you see some shapes coming out from the nearest gate to greet you. You see Hruna and the other two dwarves, as well as a dark skinned human man wearing a badge over his armor and some other humans wielding weapons and coming out to you all.
”I’m Markham Southwell, sheriff of Bryn Shander. What is the meaning this? Why did you bring these goblins so close to town?” Southwell demands, keeping a hand on his sword. The two other deputies have crossbows at the ready. The goblins are tense, keeping hands on their weapons as well.
“You got the iron back at least, but what the big guy said, what’s with the goblins?” Hruna asks.
Upon arriving at the town and being received by the dwarves and the sheriff, Ciaran shares a glance with Orixian. The fighter hoped they hadn't been too optimist as he approached the group trying to display a calmed demeanor.
- Please, lower your weapons, they come in peace. We found your friend's body - he says looking at Hruna - and brought it back so you can give him a proper burial - then turns his gaze to Southwell - We caught these goblins by surprise, trying to get the sled that had been left behind for themselves, but as starved as they are they meant no real trouble. We conviced them to come here in peace, to help us bring the sled, and we believe we can struck a non-aggession pact with them.
The half-elf pauses for a moment, and then continues:
-Quarrelling among us while we all freeze and starve will benefit no one. Helping each other out, on the other hand ...
Ciaran doesn't finish the sentence, as he believes the message is clear enough. But he does look at his companions for support.
Solvail nods at Ciaran's words and joins in "This sunless winter isn't being any more merciful to them than it has been for us, it seems. Clashing blades between us can only make it worse. At least a truce until things get better would be mutually benefitial." she looks from them to the goblins and back, "We're not telling you to be friends..."
Unburdened looks between the two groups and says, "But, if this is as far as you'll allow them, perhaps we could give them something as thanks for helping bring back the sled and the your friend's body. We did take them quite a ways out of their way and sending them away with nothing seems a little cruel."
- Agreed. A little food, perhaps, as a sign of good faith so they return to their leader and make them see that we are willing to keep this pact - Ciaran looks up at the darkening sky and adds - They came here even knowing that they were going to make their way back at night.
(OOC: Can Ciaran give Unburdened advantage for his roll?)
Southwell looks surprised by your vouching for the goblins. He heaves an uncertain sigh, then looks down to Hruna. "They make a good point, but... It's your property. What do you say?"
"Well, we dwarves have long been hated enemies of the goblins... but I suppose in this endless winter, we'd best look out for each other to survive. Fine. As long as we get the iron back, that's all that matters," Hruna says.
Southwell nods. "Alright, then. Bring the sled into town. The goblins stay out here. But... get them some rations," He tells one of his deputies, who nods and heads back into town.
The goblins ease up. "We don't get killed and we get food? I must be dreaming,"Izobai laughs.
The dwarves and some Ten-Towners grab the iron sled and haul it into town. The deputy returns with a bag of rations and tosses it to Izobai, who catches it, nearly falling over. "Food for goblins!"She cries, lifting up the pack triumphantly. "We tell Chief Yarb-Gnock of potential truce, we will! But now we leave before Ten-Towners change mind. Maybe get back home before dark. Maybe."
The goblins begin the process of packing up and getting ready to go. The polar bears look none too happy to continue to bear the burden of their cart. Meanwhile, Hruna approaches you all. "Well this is certainly not how I imagined today going. But, you got the iron back, and that's music to my nearly frozen ears. As promised, here is your payment!"
She hands each of you a bloodstone gem that fits nicely in the palm of your hand. "In addition, I'll let my friend at Blackiron Blades know that you get the friends and family discount! They sell weapons and survival gear, so you might find that useful. Well, ta-ta, if you ever find yourself near Kelvin's Cairn, we'd love to see you again!"
Sheriff Southwell observes the entire affair and looks at all of you. "Found the dwarves' iron and even made a deal with the goblins? You're a canny lot. If you're looking for any more work, swing by my office tomorrow. I might have something for you."
Orixian's grin is huge and his joy is either grating or contagious, depending on one's preference. He helps the goblins get situated for their trek back and waves to Izobai as they go. "Remember to contact us if you need any help!" He humbly accepts the payment, stuffing the gem into a belt pouch and tucking it under his cloak. At the Sheriff's words he nods and says, "Then I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Need to keep the work up. Will any of you all be joining me?" He turns and looks at the assembled gang with this last question.
Calid cups the gem with both her hands "Thank you Hruna and I am sorry for your loss." A possible job from Sherrif Southwell. Good the more coin I can get the better. "Yes, I will join you Orixian. I have to think what I can buy with this gem" She tucks the gem into her money pouch and once in the town proper will knock off the snow on her and take off her snowshoes.
Solvail oversees as the covered body of the fallen dwarf is delivered back to Hruna and sympathetically adds, "There is a shrine to Lathander in town, I hear. They might help with arrangements. Unless you're taking him back home... Anyhow, blessings to you and yours." she says as she analyzes the strange stone that she was handed.
The priestess then nods at Orixian, "I'll be there. I bet this sunless winter has no shortage of problems such as the one we just faced..."
- Yeah, count on me. Work is always welcome - answers Ciaran, after helping to bring the sled inside the town and thanking Hruna. The day had been taxing, with all the journeying through the snow and carrying the sledge - even though the polar bears had done most of the job. As he stretches his shoulders to ease the tension a bit he adds - Now, if you will excuse me, I'll go rest. I will see you tomorrow at the Sheriff's office.
With a nod towards the group, he begins walking towards his lodgings.
"I don't see a reason not to come," Unburdened nods. "I said before that excursion was a nice change of pace. I'd like to see where that momentum leads."
After bidding farewell to the motley bunch that is his new travelling companions, he returns to his forge to prepare to close it for an extended period, since it might come to that.
Silvie looks down at the bloodstone gem Hruna gave her as she mutters to herself, "Not how I imagined today going either..."She's playing with the gem in her hand as she listens to everyone, not looking up. Finally, she lifts her head, gives a small smile and says, "Yeah, I'll also join you. I'm curious what the Sheriff has in mind and... well, I'm starting to like you lot. So... see ya tomorrow."
Then she starts jogging towards her lodgings, while still playing with the gem in her hand.
Orixian tries to hold back his excitement and does a poor job. He's practically giddy at the fact that everyone wants to keep helping. He nods a quick farewell and walks in the opposite direction of the inn, giving himself time to reflect on the day. He shoves his hands into his tunic to keep them warm and looks down at the snowy road before him. I know my dreams aren't always clear, but this feels right. Like I'm doing something I should be doing. Hopefully things get clearer ... and maybe I'll get a better sense of that darkness on the horizon in the dream. He takes the long way back to the inn and slips up to his room with only a quick nod to anyone still in the common room.
You all head off to your various accommodations and take a much-deserved rest, though thanks to the Rime it isn't a very warm one. Nonetheless, you eventually fall asleep.
You all awaken the next day to find Bryn Shander buzzing with more paranoia and gossip than usual. It would seem that a citizen of Bryn Shander has been murdered. A dwarf glassblower named Hofri was found dead in his workshop with a dagger of ice through his heart. Rumor has it that this particular modus operandi has been seen before in the past month... a halfling trapper in Targos and a human shipwright in Easthaven were also killed by a dagger of ice plunged into their chest. Stories about a serial killer blessed by the Frostmaiden blaze like a wildfire through frigid Bryn Shander.
Arriving at the sheriff's office, you find that Sheriff Southwell is arguing with an elderly female dwarf with a nasty scar along her nose.
"... third murder like this to happen in Ten-Towns! We're dealing with a serial killer here, and you're letting your best lead get away!" The dwarf woman cries.
"Hlin, we're still conducting the investigation, and so far there's no proof that the killer has left Bryn Shander. I've got my deputies and almost half the militia searching the town," Southwell sighs in response. "I'm not about to send anyone out into the Dale chasing down this hunch of yours! It's too dangerous out there."
Both Southwell and Hlin notice your approach. The sheriff gives you a nod. "Morning. Unless you're eager to join in this murder investigation, I've got nothing else for you, adventurers."
"Adventurers? If they're adventurers, maybe they'd volunteer to go follow that caravan," Hlin heavy-handedly suggests.
"Did I not tell you we're still conducting this investigation, Hlin Trollbane? I'm not going to send them out into the Dale based on circumstantial evidence... but honestly, a few extra sets of eyes may be helpful. What do you say?"
Solvail nods but keeps her distance, watching the goblins closely as they approach to help with the sled.
((Insight 11 if possible/necessary to gauge whether the goblins are still with a mind to shank someone along the way))
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Silvie looks at what everyone is doing, face blank, before turning around and moving to the end of the group. While moving, she nocks an arrow and says over her shoulder, "I'll watch our backs."
"I'll keep an eye on our right..." Unburdened says as he scans the horizon.
Perception: 2 (oof)
Extended Signature
Orixian smiles at Ciaran's words, glancing at the fellow half-elf as they start to pull the sledge. In between deep breaths, Orixian says, "Thank you. I figured it didn't hurt to try. My mother always said luck can only take action when we give it the chance to do so. And given the state of this cold, I figured they might be struggling as much as any of us. I just hope the Ten Towners are as receptive as the goblins." He said this last part with a worried, breathless chuckle.
(Sorry folks, got sidetracked last night.)
Solvail, the goblins seem more afraid that you all are going to finish them off at the moment and are doing their best to be helpful to avoid that fate.
Working together with the goblins, you’re able to drag the sled back to where what remains of Oobock’s body is and prepare it for burial.
After that, you all lug the sled back towards Bryn Shander. The trip is uneventful but otherwise full of goblin songs about taking the dwarf iron back to Bryn Shander-o. A blizzard is starting to come in, limiting your visibility, but thankfully nothing ambushes you.
As you all approach the walls of Bryn Shander, you see some shapes coming out from the nearest gate to greet you. You see Hruna and the other two dwarves, as well as a dark skinned human man wearing a badge over his armor and some other humans wielding weapons and coming out to you all.
”I’m Markham Southwell, sheriff of Bryn Shander. What is the meaning this? Why did you bring these goblins so close to town?” Southwell demands, keeping a hand on his sword. The two other deputies have crossbows at the ready. The goblins are tense, keeping hands on their weapons as well.
“You got the iron back at least, but what the big guy said, what’s with the goblins?” Hruna asks.
Upon arriving at the town and being received by the dwarves and the sheriff, Ciaran shares a glance with Orixian. The fighter hoped they hadn't been too optimist as he approached the group trying to display a calmed demeanor.
- Please, lower your weapons, they come in peace. We found your friend's body - he says looking at Hruna - and brought it back so you can give him a proper burial - then turns his gaze to Southwell - We caught these goblins by surprise, trying to get the sled that had been left behind for themselves, but as starved as they are they meant no real trouble. We conviced them to come here in peace, to help us bring the sled, and we believe we can struck a non-aggession pact with them.
The half-elf pauses for a moment, and then continues:
- Quarrelling among us while we all freeze and starve will benefit no one. Helping each other out, on the other hand ...
Ciaran doesn't finish the sentence, as he believes the message is clear enough. But he does look at his companions for support.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Solvail nods at Ciaran's words and joins in "This sunless winter isn't being any more merciful to them than it has been for us, it seems. Clashing blades between us can only make it worse. At least a truce until things get better would be mutually benefitial." she looks from them to the goblins and back, "We're not telling you to be friends..."
((lame phone formatting :) ))
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Calid stays silent as she let those more eloquent in speech take the lead.
Unburdened looks between the two groups and says, "But, if this is as far as you'll allow them, perhaps we could give them something as thanks for helping bring back the sled and the your friend's body. We did take them quite a ways out of their way and sending them away with nothing seems a little cruel."
Persuasion (rolling like a chump): 5
Extended Signature
- Agreed. A little food, perhaps, as a sign of good faith so they return to their leader and make them see that we are willing to keep this pact - Ciaran looks up at the darkening sky and adds - They came here even knowing that they were going to make their way back at night.
(OOC: Can Ciaran give Unburdened advantage for his roll?)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
(If Ciaran's verbal backup counts as help the second roll is 10)
Extended Signature
Southwell looks surprised by your vouching for the goblins. He heaves an uncertain sigh, then looks down to Hruna. "They make a good point, but... It's your property. What do you say?"
"Well, we dwarves have long been hated enemies of the goblins... but I suppose in this endless winter, we'd best look out for each other to survive. Fine. As long as we get the iron back, that's all that matters," Hruna says.
Southwell nods. "Alright, then. Bring the sled into town. The goblins stay out here. But... get them some rations," He tells one of his deputies, who nods and heads back into town.
The goblins ease up. "We don't get killed and we get food? I must be dreaming," Izobai laughs.
The dwarves and some Ten-Towners grab the iron sled and haul it into town. The deputy returns with a bag of rations and tosses it to Izobai, who catches it, nearly falling over. "Food for goblins!" She cries, lifting up the pack triumphantly. "We tell Chief Yarb-Gnock of potential truce, we will! But now we leave before Ten-Towners change mind. Maybe get back home before dark. Maybe."
The goblins begin the process of packing up and getting ready to go. The polar bears look none too happy to continue to bear the burden of their cart. Meanwhile, Hruna approaches you all. "Well this is certainly not how I imagined today going. But, you got the iron back, and that's music to my nearly frozen ears. As promised, here is your payment!"
She hands each of you a bloodstone gem that fits nicely in the palm of your hand. "In addition, I'll let my friend at Blackiron Blades know that you get the friends and family discount! They sell weapons and survival gear, so you might find that useful. Well, ta-ta, if you ever find yourself near Kelvin's Cairn, we'd love to see you again!"
Sheriff Southwell observes the entire affair and looks at all of you. "Found the dwarves' iron and even made a deal with the goblins? You're a canny lot. If you're looking for any more work, swing by my office tomorrow. I might have something for you."
Orixian's grin is huge and his joy is either grating or contagious, depending on one's preference. He helps the goblins get situated for their trek back and waves to Izobai as they go. "Remember to contact us if you need any help!" He humbly accepts the payment, stuffing the gem into a belt pouch and tucking it under his cloak. At the Sheriff's words he nods and says, "Then I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Need to keep the work up. Will any of you all be joining me?" He turns and looks at the assembled gang with this last question.
Calid cups the gem with both her hands "Thank you Hruna and I am sorry for your loss." A possible job from Sherrif Southwell. Good the more coin I can get the better. "Yes, I will join you Orixian. I have to think what I can buy with this gem" She tucks the gem into her money pouch and once in the town proper will knock off the snow on her and take off her snowshoes.
Solvail oversees as the covered body of the fallen dwarf is delivered back to Hruna and sympathetically adds, "There is a shrine to Lathander in town, I hear. They might help with arrangements. Unless you're taking him back home... Anyhow, blessings to you and yours." she says as she analyzes the strange stone that she was handed.
The priestess then nods at Orixian, "I'll be there. I bet this sunless winter has no shortage of problems such as the one we just faced..."
Art Portfolio
- Yeah, count on me. Work is always welcome - answers Ciaran, after helping to bring the sled inside the town and thanking Hruna. The day had been taxing, with all the journeying through the snow and carrying the sledge - even though the polar bears had done most of the job. As he stretches his shoulders to ease the tension a bit he adds - Now, if you will excuse me, I'll go rest. I will see you tomorrow at the Sheriff's office.
With a nod towards the group, he begins walking towards his lodgings.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"I don't see a reason not to come," Unburdened nods. "I said before that excursion was a nice change of pace. I'd like to see where that momentum leads."
After bidding farewell to the motley bunch that is his new travelling companions, he returns to his forge to prepare to close it for an extended period, since it might come to that.
Extended Signature
Silvie looks down at the bloodstone gem Hruna gave her as she mutters to herself, "Not how I imagined today going either..." She's playing with the gem in her hand as she listens to everyone, not looking up. Finally, she lifts her head, gives a small smile and says, "Yeah, I'll also join you. I'm curious what the Sheriff has in mind and... well, I'm starting to like you lot. So... see ya tomorrow."
Then she starts jogging towards her lodgings, while still playing with the gem in her hand.
Orixian tries to hold back his excitement and does a poor job. He's practically giddy at the fact that everyone wants to keep helping. He nods a quick farewell and walks in the opposite direction of the inn, giving himself time to reflect on the day. He shoves his hands into his tunic to keep them warm and looks down at the snowy road before him. I know my dreams aren't always clear, but this feels right. Like I'm doing something I should be doing. Hopefully things get clearer ... and maybe I'll get a better sense of that darkness on the horizon in the dream. He takes the long way back to the inn and slips up to his room with only a quick nod to anyone still in the common room.
You all head off to your various accommodations and take a much-deserved rest, though thanks to the Rime it isn't a very warm one. Nonetheless, you eventually fall asleep.
You all awaken the next day to find Bryn Shander buzzing with more paranoia and gossip than usual. It would seem that a citizen of Bryn Shander has been murdered. A dwarf glassblower named Hofri was found dead in his workshop with a dagger of ice through his heart. Rumor has it that this particular modus operandi has been seen before in the past month... a halfling trapper in Targos and a human shipwright in Easthaven were also killed by a dagger of ice plunged into their chest. Stories about a serial killer blessed by the Frostmaiden blaze like a wildfire through frigid Bryn Shander.
Arriving at the sheriff's office, you find that Sheriff Southwell is arguing with an elderly female dwarf with a nasty scar along her nose.
"... third murder like this to happen in Ten-Towns! We're dealing with a serial killer here, and you're letting your best lead get away!" The dwarf woman cries.
"Hlin, we're still conducting the investigation, and so far there's no proof that the killer has left Bryn Shander. I've got my deputies and almost half the militia searching the town," Southwell sighs in response. "I'm not about to send anyone out into the Dale chasing down this hunch of yours! It's too dangerous out there."
Both Southwell and Hlin notice your approach. The sheriff gives you a nod. "Morning. Unless you're eager to join in this murder investigation, I've got nothing else for you, adventurers."
"Adventurers? If they're adventurers, maybe they'd volunteer to go follow that caravan," Hlin heavy-handedly suggests.
"Did I not tell you we're still conducting this investigation, Hlin Trollbane? I'm not going to send them out into the Dale based on circumstantial evidence... but honestly, a few extra sets of eyes may be helpful. What do you say?"