Sword Coast Rambling

Serak: Grateful for Syna's words, Serak composes himself before pressing further, "She was likely sending us on the same fool's errand on which she sent your friend, Iarno. I do not believe in coincidence and I'll not share his fate. Sir Juice, Paladin of Tyr is honor bound by oath and faith to speak the truth. He is witness to her solicitation of crimes and his testimony should at least be enough to hold her while we obtain evidence of her misdeeds. If you let her out of your sight, you'll never see her again. Mark my words."

OOC: No problem Syna, Serak must have had sympathy pains! Hope your wife gets better soon!

Sildar takes a glace up and down the street and nods his head purposefully. "Syna you are right as always. Perhaps, if it please the lady we could discuss this matter inside? Halia if you would be so kind and let us into your home. I fear it would offer more privacy than your busy shopfront."

Shocked at the request, but gracious in this minor set back, Halia draws a key from her pocket and heads to her cabin. "But of course sir. I have nothing to hide. Follow me gentlemen." 

A few moments later, they all sit around in Halias well-kept household. The walls are fairly plain, broken up occasionally by small paintings of humans and elves. Above the fireplace, large a painting of a group of men - armed with pickaxes and shovels, standing in front of a much older version of the Mining Exchange. At the front of this group stands a burly man with a beard framing a very familiar face - unmistakably the face of Odo Thornton., Halias father.

The rest of the room is simple and homely. A tidy fireplace at one end lights and warms the room. A bookcase sits in the corner beside a lavishly comfortable chair. From where they stand, Serak can read the titles of books on the shelves - "The Miners Guide to Excavation", "Rocks, Gems and Minerals Vol IV", "Valuations Guide - Sword Coast", "The Whimsy of Tabitha Fletchly", "Maps and Trails of the Faerûn". On an well organized desk by the opposite wall, a pile of papers, an opened book and a quill with ink well. Nothing strikes the bard as out of the ordinary or heinous. 

Sildar stands watch over the party while Halia returns to the room, carrying a tray of pine tea. Carefully she places the tray down on a table between them. She pour a cup for herself from the teapot. "Help yourselves gentlemen. Wouldn't want this one to have any fears of poisoning or magic tea now would we?" She takes a long sip from her cup, and shoots a wickedly crooked smile towards Serak. "You should try some sir. It really is to DIE for!"

Oblivious to the sly game that Halia is playing with Serak, Sildar speaks. "I'm fine thankyou Miss Thornton. I'm afraid the Alliances code prevents me from such things when on duty." He clears his throat, his face suddenly becomes much more official and business like. "My friends it appears as if this investigation is going a bit awry. Firstly, these accusations brought to me by Lady Halia are worrying to say the least. Your suspicions do not excuse your actions. Threatening behaviour towards respected members of this community cannot and will not be tolerated. Not to mention the potential crime of forceful breaking and entering. It is not your place to uphold the law here, nor have I given you any authority to hold anybody to account for any crimes of which you have accused them. However, as I feel I may have misled you into this course of action, and as you are only here to benefit the town AND have already proven yourselves to be good of heart and courage - my punishment will be lenient. I am sure a simple apology to Miss Thornton here and reparations of 1 gold piece to repair the door will suffice. With your agreement of course miss?"

Halia sits upright, arms folded and closes her eyes tightly. "Given the situation I am happy with these terms. Obviously I am hurt and upset at these allegations, but of course as you say, these fine gentlemen are here for our benefit. As a peace offering I am prepared to help them in their investigations. Provided of course that they drop this silly vendetta against me?"

Sildar smiles warmly back at Halia and walks over to the fire. He clenches  his old hands as he warms them by the fire. "You have my thanks miss. What say you gentlemen? This is a good deal given your actions."

"Now I am not here to arrest anybody unless I need to. As Miss Halia has stated she was merely trying to help you in stopping the Redbrands. Removing the leader is of course key in disbanding the group. Obviously from my point of view I would rather have them tried back in Neverwinter. However, and this is of course off the record, the Redbrand issue is one that needs to be stopped at any cost, even if that means death must be involved. I will be questioning Halia myself regarding these other accusations and will be happy to take your evidence into account during my own investigation. But I'm afraid, Miss Thornton is of course innocent until she has been proven to be guilty of a crime. Unless of course you have some concrete evidence to the contrary aside from your own testimonies, with which would I can convict this fair lady?"

Sildar takes a pause. The room falls silent, barely broken by the crackling fire, as he awaits a reply from his friends. Halia sits quietly, listening carefully to Sildars judgment. A face of pure innocence. 

"I agree the Redbrands need to be stopped!" Beetle says.  "I also believe in my companion here, but I understand what you are saying Sildar and I welcome any investigation you will bring into this other matter."  He pauses a moment, "While you are here though Sildar Miss Halia has made it clear though that she does have information that will help in this Redbrand investigation and I would like it presented now in your presence.... for the best of the investigation of course."

While Brots is listening closely in the back, so silent it's as if he's not even there, he attempts to read Miss Halia, trying to pick up on subtleties and ques of lying or deception. Insight: 20.

Keeping the room calm, Sildar responds to Beetle carefully, "Any investigations will be handled in due course, either by myself or the Townmasters office as is procedure, and we will be requesting statements from you all if we deem an investigation is necessary after interviewing Miss Thornton. Halia, if what Beetle is saying is true then I too would insist that this information be presented to me now. I fear you may hold the key here either in locating Iarno or helping rid the town of Redbrands." He turns to Halia and casts an expecting look towards her.

Resignedly, Halia responds. "Mr Hallwinter, I have been prepared to divulge this information since the beginning. All I have asked is that the party return to me any documents held by the Redbrands. As you know we have a problem with prospecting deeds being stolen from our miners and I am keen to return these back to their owners. I'm also keen to discover the identities of the Redbrand members so I can prevent them prospecting in the area once this gang is dealt with. I will provide you this information on the assumption that these documents are returned to me here immediately, and with your word that these men are trustworthy to do so. I will of course, also expect that they accept your terms for reparations to my property and apologise for their senseless attack on my character."

Sildar nods slowly back at Halia. Glancing around the room at his associates, he scans them for any hint of deception. Finding none he responds "You have my word miss. I trust you gentlemen to uphold your end of the bargain."

"As I was saying to these fine gentlemen earlier. Iarno came to see me a day or so before he disappeared. He was asking about the Redbrands activities, where they were based, who there members were - questions that, at the time I could not answer for him. He seemed very interested in visiting the manor along the east side of town and wanted to see if I had any plans of the building before it fell into disrepair. When I had disappointed him with my answers he disappeared. I'm sorry but that is as much information as I can offer you on the wizards disappearance."

Halia takes another sip of tea, clasping the cup tightly with both hands. Another sly smile spreads across her rosy lips "My friends, you haven't touched the tea. You should really try some." Inhaling the sweet smelling steam of the tea she continues. "What I have learned recently however, is that the Redbrands have taken up residence in the manor houses basement, and can be frequently found in the nearby Sleeping Giant Tap house - the run down establishment run by that dwarf Grista. That, I am afraid, is all the information I am able to offer for the time being. Although I can only rely on what I hear from the miners in the local area. They tend to be full of goblin droppings most of the time."

Sitting quietly at the back of the room, Brots has a clear view of Halia as she speaks. Nothing about her delivery or actions seems to be forced or deceptive. She sits comfortable, confident in her ability to handle the situation.

Brots steps up to the table, a look of slight confusion, a couple questions running through his mind. "Miss Halia, I do have a couple questions if you wouldn't mind indulging me for a few moments longer?" He asks, placing a hand on the table, leaning slightly.

Zyltris sits down with a cup of th tea and takes a small sip, followed by another larger draw. “This really is relaxing after such tensions. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot but I assure you my goal is to work towards ridding the town of the evil doers. That may not always strictly follow the law in its approach but the end goal is the same.”

Halia smiles a warm friendly smile at Zyltris as he drinks, "I thank you for your kind words Mr Holimion. We have the same goals you and I, I'm glad that you have seen this. We have much to gain from each others friendship"

"and yes Mr Brots, you may ask any questions you like. I have nothing to hide from any of you" The friendly smile cracks slightly, a wavering in her confidence.

Syna drinks his tea, when the opportunity presents itself, "I see no problem in turning over any papers to the authorities, Lady.  Perhaps if the we all examine them we may find other clues.  "

Serak: Pacing the room nervously as Sildar speaks, Serak is at a loss for what to do next. He scans the room for anything out of the ordinary and spots a rather out of place copy of "The Whimsy of Tabitha Fletchly." He removes the book from the shelf and flips through it idly as he begins to speak.

Clearing his throat, he says, "First, allow me to sincerely apologize for what I said last night about your level of professionalism. I was sorely mistaken. You're top notch my dear, really. Superb!"

Rudely flipping a single gold coin at Halia to test her reaction, he continues, "Second, I would just like to point out that the only breaking that took place here today was in my foot! I'd gladly pay for any damages caused to Miss Halia's stubborn door, however." 

"Third, Sildar, I trust your questioning and investigation of Miss Halia will inconvenience her for hours and hours this afternoon, am I correct? Simply tying her right up in procedure, questions and paperwork? A pity she won't be available to witness our triumph over the Redbrands and our retrieval of evidence."

Satisfied with himself, Serak blows a kiss at Halia and gives her a sly wink as he looks around as closely as possible, without raising suspicion.

Investigation: 10

Brots continues with his first question. "Miss Halia, you say the only reason you want the documents we find is so that you can reveal the identities and prevent them from prospecting in the area. So I'm sure you won't mind if we turn over any documents we find that pertain to anything else over to the authorities." Brots grabs one of the cups of tea and takes a sip. "Mmmm, this is by far one of the best cups of tea I have ever tasted." Brots pauses for a moment before continuing to his second question. "What do you know about this Grista you mentioned earlier. Is it possible that this Dwarf is connected to the Redbrands in a dishonorable way?"

Halia responds carefully. Taking her time with her answers to ensure that she says what she means to. She does not want to give the wrong impression to her present company.

"Thankyou Serak. I really appreciate it and will humbly accept your apology. Half of an apology is better than none. Although I am curious now that you remind me of last night... would this group that you represent, and planning to make a deal with the Redbrands, be the ones with whom you sit here questioning me? How trust worthy are you really in all of this? Perhaps it was all a ploy. And if so you have my congratulations, you have pulled it off magnificently."

The thrown coin rattles along the floor. She makes no effort to catch it. "Charmed I am sure. You really are showing your true colours to us all my dear. And here I was thinking we were moving forward. Sildar, perhaps now you see the disdain this elf is treating me with first hand."

Scowling at Serak she turns back to the questions raised by Brots and Syna. "Yes my dears it would be best if the townmaster holds onto the documents if that will absolve me in some way. Although, and I don't mean to cause offence in any way when I say this Mr Wester. But I am not sure the people of the town would actually trust you to investigate this issue professionally if it were left up to you. It would be after all your responsibility to ensure that the matter is investigated properly?"

Harbin Wester has been sitting quietly this entire time, barely listening to events as they have played out. A distant look on his face, he would rather be anywhere else. Finally he speaks up, placing his finished cup of tea down on the table. His quiet squeaky voice breaking through Halias monologue. "No offence taken Miss Thornton. We have known each other long enough now to avoid any offence. I am concerned however that this Redbrand issue is worth investigating at all. Despite the hearsay and hyperbole of the common folk, I have not seen any violence conducted by the group. Neither have you from what I understand. At best they are a mercenary guild, perhaps we could hire them to protect the town from the external threat posed by the orcs at Wyvern Tor? As townmaster, I understand your concern, but what I'm keen to avoid is unnecessary violence on our streets."

Sildar pipes in again, keen to avoid the conversation getting drawn off from the task at hand, "...of course Harbin. But the townsfolk are obviously concerned and there is no question that people are going missing and property damaged. We will discuss this more later, but for now I must press my authority as a representative of the Lords Alliance. To answer your concerns gentlemen and I'm glad Halia will agree with me, yes I will hold any documents you find in the Redbrands possession. The townmaster and I will analyze them before sharing the information with the towns business owners at a later date. Perhaps Halia you could tell us, as Brots here has requested, about Grista? As strangers to the town, I don't think we have had the privilege of meeting her yet." 

Halia finishes her own tea, placing her cup down beside Harbins on the table. "Yes of course Sildar how rude of me. Grista keeps to herself on the east side of town, never ventures to the more civilized side. She has a reputation for being rude and irritable, not exactly in the running for person of the year. Her bar the Sleeping Giant is a hole in every way. A dirty, derelict, dangerous spot at the end of main street, beside the lane leading up to Tresendar Manor. Not the kind of place that regular folk would visit, but more appealing to the darker elements of society. I'm sure Serak here would be right at home." She casts a sly smile and returns a wink right back at the bard.

"If we are nearly finished here boys, I must really be getting back to my work. Mr Hallwinter, if we could get started with your interview in private? The prospectors will be wondering where I have got to."

While I was here waiting for the group, did I remember noticing anything regarding the rebrands, did I see them commit any crimes, harass townsfolk? History Check?: 17

[OOC: Ooo that's embarrassing]

OOC: You would have heard hearsay from the towns people. Stories of murder on the streets and vandalism. But no actual acts have taken place apart from one witnessed by Beetle

OOC: sorry jumping in late I was teaching my culinary 3 class but we just finished...

Finally the paladin speaks up...

"Excuse me Townsmaster..." Beetle interjects..."I have no idea what you have or have not seen but I have seen at least 1 instance of violence from the Redbrands.  A couple nights ago I saw them leaving the woodworker, telling him that they will be back tomorrow again just like everyday.  They then proceeded to knock over his sculptures and carving as the left."  Beetle pauses for a moment... "I have been around plenty of good and bad people in my travels and I know a shakedown when I see one."

Harbin Wester suddenly sits upright, shocked to be asked anything let alone been accused of negligence. He shuffles uncomfortably. "Sir. I have to point out to you the fact that I am townmaster of Phandalin. I have a much longer experience of this town than yourself and your allies here who have only been here for a short number of days."

"Again you present me with heresay, and yet I have seen no evidence myself to suggest this group are anything criminal. We have had mercenary groups operating out of Phandalin before with no issues. This Redbrand group will be no different."

Brots moves over to Beetle and nudges his side with his elbow. He whispers over to him. "It seems to me Beetle that the Townsmaster will be of no assistance. I think that we should take the information we have and take care of this ourselves."

Serak: Sensing that the corruption in this quaint little town runs to the highest levels and imagining Sildar does as well, Serak puts his trust in him to deal with Halia and the Townmaster while the group pursues the Redbrands. 

Addressing Halia's accusations, Serak answers, "I am on no official business here and there is no shadowy group interested in this berg, miss. My visit to you last evening was based merely on a hunch. I created a scenario designed to bait you and waited for you to either act like an honest citizen or a criminal. Imagine my surprise when instead, with the resources of a humble small town shopkeeper and in only two days, you discovered secrets that the greatest Athkatlan Inquisitor could not uncover. Now if you'll excuse me, my dear. I've business to attend to with the Redbrands."

Waiting patiently for the others to finish their inquiries, Serak never takes his eyes off of Halia.

Brots gets up and moves towards the door. "I will be outside when you all are done, I need some air. It's getting stuffy in here." Brots leaves and takes a seat on the ground outside, taking his pet squirrel out of his backpack, looking around the nearby town while petting it. Perception: 9

Beetle looks at Brots, "I'll join you. I'm done with any questions I had and apparently the word of a Paladin," he looks at the townmaster, "is not worth anything in this town, so why bother."