CH 2: The Search for More Money

[JadedDM]

Temple of Gonto

"Oh! Well, it's been over a month, I was starting to give up on anyone taking interest in that job," Truestone says. "Here, let's head to my office. You want some scones?"

He leads her to his office, which is fairly small, but has enough room for the two of them. He sits at his desk, which is covered in papers, books, scrolls and various stone artifacts. He digs around for a small plate of untouched scones and offers her some. "Let's see...it all started a month ago. A Guild ship was blown off course and discovered an uncharted island--very small, out in the middle of nowhere. They did some exploring, and found some ancient ruins. They were attacked by some human savages, though. Half the crew went missing, and they were forced to withdraw. They lost twelve men, I heard. One of the survivors claimed the ruins looked quite old. Possibly Pre-Eonian." He strokes his beard in thought.

"I've always been a student of history; I was quite the archeologist in my day! And don't get me wrong, I can still crack heads as good as I used to!" he insists. Although Jocelyn notes he appears fairly feeble, even for a dwarf. Age has not been kind to him. "But I could use some young strong backs to help me carry any artifacts within the ruins. Not to mention deal with traps, barbarians, and whatever else."

Paragon Inn Common Room

The bartender sets about getting her a glass of wine, then brings it to her. "Five coppers," he says.

"As for the murders...yeah, I've heard a few things. "Three girls have been killed so far. The first two were human, but the last one was a dwarf. It was bad enough then, but now that dwarves are targets...makes me worry for my own little girl," he says, shuddering at the thought. "Nobody knows who did it, or why, or how. They were all cut up with a blade. Sick monster took their hearts and left their bodies by the windmill. Nobody's been able to come up with much, even the clergy is at a loss. Whoever--or whatever--is behind this knows what he's doing, I'll tell you that much. Too professional; never leaves behind any clues. Hope the wardens catch the bastard."

[Jenara]

"Thank you." Arei asks, sipping her drink, "The Windmill you say?" Rubbing her glass she adds, "When did this start? And when was the last murder?"

[HorizonsDream]

"Well, when Brock told me, I thought it sounded kind of interesting myself. I wouldn't mind helping, but I have to convince the other people that I'm with to come along too. I can't do it by myself, "Jocelyn explains. "There are traps set about?" she asks. "Perhaps the tribal people are protecting the area for some reason?"

[JadedDM]

Paragon Inn Common Room

"First murder was...suppose it was about three weeks ago, give or take. There's been a new one every week. Last one was four days ago," the bartender says. "Which means a new one is probably due pretty soon, if the pattern holds. Best keep indoors at night, if you want my advice. No elves been killed yet, but...well, there aren't that many in town."

Temple of Gonto

"That's my theory," Truestone agrees. "But honestly, I'm rather in the dark on the details. The survivors were sailors and merchants; not scholars or historians. So all they could really tell me was that the ruins were old and the humans were savage. They aren't eager to return, but as they are the only ones who know where the island is, and they are hoping to retrieve their crew who went missing--they have agreed to take me back there. I just need a good expedition crew first."

[Jenara]

Arei nods, the information was the same as Tia told her earlier, the same version of events twice lead her to believe it was right. "Thank you."

(I assume the Windmill would be pretty obvious to find, but if not...)

"Where would I find the windmill?" She adds, handing over a gold piece for the drink.

[xelphyn]

"Heh, as much as this may surprise you, I've currently no interest in gems. No, you see, my mind is lacking a certain stimulation, what I had in mind, was the exchange of arcane thesis." Dahn says.

[Nuke]

Val listens to this little man speak as well, but most of it passes through her ears, She stops walking and turns to look at Dahn with this puzzled look on her face. "What?"

"Are you coming with us or not?"

Val doesn't wait for a reply but turn and starts walking.

OOC:boy, sorry I'm late, lot's of postin' goin' on

[JadedDM]

The bartender fetches Areilon her change. "Windmill is to the east of town, by the farms. Can't miss it."

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Areilon spends 5 copper pieces.

(OOC: You can see a map of the whole town here.)

[Jenara]

Passing over 5 more copper Arei nods, "For the information, and can you tell those that came with me that I will be back later?"

Heading to the Windmill she checks her blade.

[JadedDM]

"Aye," the bartender says, accepting the five copper pieces.

Areilon steps outside and follows the road east. It's a bit of a walk, but eventually the windmill comes into view, especially once the buildings start to thin out.

Narin Windmill.jpg (66.78 KiB) Viewed 5140 times

The windmill slowly turns, grinding wheat within. There isn't anyone nearby, at least that she can see, so the elf is able to investigate without hassle.

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Areilon spends another 5 copper pieces.

[Breila]

"Ah well" Ouragana says in response to Dahn. "I don't think you will find that where we go." Then she heads off after Val, not giving a glance back to the gnome.

[Jenara]

Arei moves close to the Windmill, walking slowly she skirts the perimeter.

[JadedDM]

Carefully searching around, Areilon finds some dried blood on the ground outside of the mill's entrance. It appears to be a few days old, from what she can tell.

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Areilon makes an INT check (1d20): 6, pass. She finds a clue.

[Jenara]

"How interesting." She mutters to herself, moving to the entrance it self she presses the door slightly, (is it locked?)

[JadedDM]

Areilon finds the door is not locked, and peeking inside she doesn't spot anyone around. At least not in the immediate vicinity, at any rate. The grinding of the wheels is particularly loud inside, making it difficult to hear anything else.