Modron watches as Loom makes his way out on Looms own.  "Do any of you know where we can find this most interesting City?  Is there library or historian around that we can ask?"

"Lieberry? Aw, schucks."

Modron you do remember there being a library in town. It is just outside of the marketplace on the other side of town from the Swordsman. 

As you all bid farewell to Loom, arriving through the front door of the Swordsman is a half-orc man. He wears armor with the seal of Knotside on the chest and sheathe on his back is a greatsword. This is the man you all know as Braun Strongorc, head guardsmen of Knotside. He is flanked by two Knotside guards, who look like they just rolled out of bed and are barely standing straight...presumably from the previous night of partying. Braun looks at all of you and says "You call couldn't have waited another day before trouble found you again? We could have used at least a week to rest up from the momentous party thrown for you last night!" Braun looks at the lifeless cloaked figures on the ground of the Swordsman, looks at the aftermath of an obvious fight, then returns his look to you all. "This is obviously an attack on our great heroes, you surely needed to defend yourselves!" Braun gives you a wink "But we do need to know what happened. I have never seen these people before. What caused this trouble?" 

Heilamin approaches Braun and holds out his hand, palm up, with the medallion placed on it. "We were enjoying a quiet post-celebration breakfast. When a small goblin came bursting into the room and thrust this medallion into our friend Loom's hands. He urgently whispered to protect this with our lives, and then ran out into the alley. Forthwith these cloaked figures followed. We rushed after them into the alley, only to witness a cloak figure stabbing a sword through the Goblin. We tried to question one of the cloaked figure, but he somehow exploded his own head -- terrible way to go in my opinion, wouldn't you agree?  Loom mentioned that the writing on the outside of the medallion indicates it is a 'Herald's' key to the Shunned City of Hearth. I've heard of Hearth but had always considered it the stuff of children's tales. What do you know of Hearth, shunned cities, or 'herald's keys' and why would these be so intent on killing for it?"

Brauns demeanor changes after Heilamin finishes. "A....a goblin you say? Please, show me the scene." as he looks around and doesn't see a goblin inside of the Swordsmen. 

As you take him to the scene in the alley he answers the remainder of Heilamin's question, "Hearth? A shunned city? What they put this city in time out like I do to Braun Jr? I am sorry lads, I am not sure what any of that means. My life has been in Knotside and the surrounding area my whole life. This does sound like some kind of children's tale...but that medallion is no tale."

Once Braun arrives in the alley and takes in the scene, he approaches and looks at the goblin lying on the ground in a pool of blood. Several long moments pass before Braun moves from the goblins side. Braun straightens up and turns to you all. "My apologies. I didn't want to believe it...but when goblins are rare here, it could have only meant this been one goblin. This is Moop. I've actually never seen Moop in town. I don't understand why Moop would be in trouble with....well anyone! He works for a old gentleman by the name of Arrow Diamond. I've only met Moop a few times, but it has always been at the Diamond estate, several miles north of Knotside. He seemed like a good worker and kept to himself. This is a strange event indeed, odd figures these are. You say they ran after Moop...it may be a good idea for you to investigate this further. I have not seen Mr. Diamond for months now...probably off on another expedition. The lad doesn't know when to stop unfortunately...he still thinks he is in his prime! You may visit want to check at his book shop in town. A fine man by the name of Grovalder helps Mr. Diamond run the shop, Arrow's Oddities! Look for the fruit and flower vendors in the market, go down the alleyway and you will see the shop. Your other option is to travel to the Arrow Estate, it is about 15 miles North of town. Though I don't believe Mr. Diamond to be there, he still had help running the estate when he is gone."

Braun waits for any questions then says, "We will take care of the bodies, and ensure Moop is taken care of. Poor Moop..." Braun, the big strong city guard leader, sheds a small tear for the fallen goblin. Quickly wiping it away and begins to wrap up the bodies to transport to the morgue. 

Modron ask Braun "Do you have  a map of the Arrow Estate, or at least how to get there?  We will probably want to visit the book shop and inquire about him.  Also if you could point us to the library we would be gratelful as well."

Braun gives you directions to the Arrow Estate. Follow the farmers path north outside of Knotside. At the crossroads about 15 miles, follow the path to the right until you find the rock shaped like an Diamond. Follow the cobblestone trail to the Arrow Estate. 

The library is just outside of the market (going the same direction as the book shop). 

Heilamin shakes Braun's hand, "Thank you Braun. We're only sorry that we were unable to intercede with the cloaked figures before they'd gotten to Moop. I'm most interested in meeting this Arrow Diamond gentleman of whom you speak." Heilamin then signals to Modron and Brazzak, "What do you say we go read some things? -- people and books at the library and bookshop." Heilamin pockets the medallion and walks out of the inn heading towards the library and bookshop. He then turns back, "Braun, which is closer to here -- the library or the bookshop?"

Braun tells you it would be closer to get to Arrow's Oddities than the library. 

"Can't say as ah'll be all that helpful at readin'. But I'm game for goin' 'bout anywhere!"

Modron speaks to the task "Yes, we should visit the Arrow's Oddities.  That will give us more information.  Shall we go?"

"Right, thanks Braun, let's head to Arrow's Oddities, the book shop, first since that's closer. From there we can decide whether a visit to Arrow's estate would be in order. Agreed?" 

You all gather your belongings and head out towards the market place, to then begin following the directions Braun has given you to Arrow's Oddities. Knotside is not a small village, so it will take you about 15 minutes to walk from the Swordman to the center of town where the market is.

Knotside's market is the busiest part of town. Tents, temporary stalls, and vendors standing next to carts string the open air space surrounded by a handful of permanent shops. Arrow's Oddities is marked on the map behind The Dragon's Hauberks, the town's armour shop. 

Modron enters the shop, along with the others, looking for someone to talk with.

Brazzak moves through the marketplace at a slow place. He gets distracted easily.

Heilamin enters Arrows Oddities along with Modron and asks, "Hello, is Arrow in?"

A bell rings above the door as you enter the shop. "Come in! Come in!" shouts an old man carrying a stack of dusty tomes to the front counter. The small room—no more than 20 by 30 feet—is cluttered with hundreds of books, trinkets, and other curios. There are two patrons, a man and a woman, browsing a bookshelf on the west wall.

Once the old man sets down the books, with a huff and a smile he greets you. "Welcome to Arrow's Oddities. I am Grovalder, the manager. What brings you in, travelers?"

Heilman asks "Hello, is Arrow in?"

Grovalder looks at you all, a gleam in his eye that he has visitors. "Ah, you seek the owner of Arrow's Oddities...Mr. Arrow Diamond! The lad is quite a busy traveler you see, which is why he's left me in charge of the store! I find joy and comfort in reading books of lost knowledge and inspiring tales of great adventures past. Though I may not seem it, I was an adventurer, like you all seem to be, back in the day! Though, those times are long well past me. I enjoy sitting in the shop and reading a good book...there's plenty to choose from!" 

"Excellent. Perhaps in your reading you've come across a story of a 'shunned city of Hearth'? Anything you could tell us about it or perhaps a book that you might have that would?"

Grovalder has a puzzled look on his face. "Hearth you say? My that is a name I have not heard of. A shunned city, sounds like some bard's tale. Could be similar to the tale of the lost city of the west...but that was discovered by Mr. Diamond long ago. Twas actually one of his first adventures!" Grovalder hands you a small book titled "The Lost City: Adventure in the West" authored by Arrow Diamond. This doesn't seem to be related. 

"Do you know the Goblin Moop? Has he been with Mr. Diamond on any of his travels recently?"