The Ingaran Adventures
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Lord Alexander: The Gauntlet of Athena
Lord Issic: Half Human, Half
Gold Dragon Warrior
Lady India: A gypsy Bard/Shadow Dancer
Lord Phaidon: A Tamer of the
Beasts
Uisdean: An Awakened Panther
Cthaat: A young warrioress
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The Time: Autumn, Drauj 5, 6th year, 8th Age
The Place: Talishar – The main occupation of
Talishar's residents is fishing. There
are a small handful of hunters as well, and a few farmers have cleared land to
the south for small crops, although the forest is so thick and fertile, it is a
constant struggle to fight off the encroaching woods that seek to reclaim the
cleared spaces.
The area around Talishar Lake had long been verdant and prosperous, a
temperate forest in a low, hilly region four days from Alisander.
The lake itself was one mile wide and six miles long, running mostly east
to west. Most of the banks were
sheer, especially in this time of drought, with only the occasional beach. The
rocks alongside the lake indicated that the water had dropped at least 15 feet
recently. The village received less than average snowfalls last winter and was
now extremely short on rain.
The village of Talishar was very rural, and evidence of trade with the
Cahoki barbarians to the south was noticeable. A single wooden pier where the
village moored its boats jutted out into the lake with a small wooden shack next
to it gave evidence of its main industry. A dozen people worked out of a foul
smelling building, extracting fish oil and putting it into small kegs.
Alexander rode to the front of the group and led everyone into town.
He saw a building that had a sign identifying it as
"Taggert's Taphouse." A general store, a smithy, and, at the edge of
town, a tannery were evident. A temple was at the far end of the town.
India dismounted from her horse when she got to the town and walked
beside it. Alexander and Phaidon did the same. People in the street stopped and
gave stares, while trying to look like they were not staring. Most of their
attention was riveted to Issic. Although a few quickly pointed out the two
panthers, hoping their rude pointing wasn't noticed by the newcomers.
A short and stout human in his fifties was ushered out of the taphouse.
He saw Issic and the others, and so came running, huffing and puffing, up
toward them. Issic flared his wings
out to really give the people something to talk about, and several villagers
ducked for cover and the short, stout fifty year old ground to a quick halt, his
eyes wide with fear.
Alexander bowed to him politely and said, "If you don't mind, sir,
could you tell us who might be in charge of this town?"
The man could hardly take his eyes away from Issic, but he stammered,
"Well, I s-s-suppose I-I-I am."
"What would be your name and title sir?"
"I am Reeve Dallen Styne."
"Do you have a place we might sit, talk and have a drink, Reeve
Dallen Styne? We are thirsty after our long trip from Alisander."
"Aye, follow me to the Taphouse, if you will." He led the way
back the way he came, toward Taggert's Taphouse.
This tavern was a central touchstone for the whole community.
Everyone in town frequents Taggart's for a pint of ale and a bit of news
or gossip. The decor was largely fishnets, harpoons, oars and similar fishing
things, and the place was filled with folks, each of whom grew silent when the
panthers walked in. They gasped when
Issic ducked his head and wings and passed through the low door.
The reeve held up his hands to calm the people, and he walked to a table,
motioning for Alexander, Issic, Phaidon, Cthaat, and India to sit.
Everyone but Issic sat.
The reeve said, "I have, uh, told you my, uh, name.
What are your, uh, names?"
"I am Alexander Animus Litus Maximus and this is India, Phaidon,
Cthaat, and Issic," Alexander said, pointing to each of his companions in
turn.
"Are the animals tame?"
"Phaidon's companions are better behaved them a good many
humans."
Phaidon smiled. "I will concur with that statement," he added.
"What about that one, the one called Issic?" asked Dallen.
"Can he sit?"
"Sir, Issic is not an animal. He is, in fact, a mighty warrior and a
lord of Alisander. I would be careful not to insult him."
The reeve nodded. "Why are you here?"
"We have been sent by Lord Nadam." Alexander pulled out the
Charter for the Knights of the Blood Owl at Lake Talishar and showed it to the
reeve.
Dallen bowed. "Welcome
to your lands, Lord Talishar." He
took a breath to tell Alexander about the region. "There has been a drought
all year long. Crops in cleared
fields to the south are sure to be very poor, and game is growing scarce.
The lake is down fifteen to twenty feet. And someone is murdering people
when they least expect it."
Alexander asked, "What do you believe is causing the drought and how
many murders have there been?"
"Don't know what might cause a drought, unless it is the gods mad at
us." Dallen took a breath.
The business about the murders bothered him.
Should he tell the truth? He
made a quick decision. "There
have been, uh, four murders."
"How were the people killed?"
"Well, none of the corpses were eaten, so animal attacks have been
ruled out, you, uh, see. There has never been an actual murder in Talishar Lake
before, although in the past people, uh, have died in, uh, accidents, or, uh,
very rarely, animal attacks while hunting."
The reeve took another breath. "No one actually saw anything, and
the murderer left no clues."
"So you mean that by the fourth one people still did not expect
it?" asked Issic with a low chuckle.
Alexander continued his questioning unabated.
"Have the corpses been buried yet?"
"Uh, yeah. What was left
of them." Again, he wondered
how much of the truth he should tell these nobles. "All the victims, uh,
particularly the three found in their homes, were horribly, uh, mutilated. Their
corpses were chopped, uh, up, and, uh, flung about."
"Tell me, what were the professions of those that were killed?"
"Ritter Young was a fisherman who kept to himself and had no family.
He was found by another fisherman about, uh, five days ago, near where
Ritter had moored his boat. The second was a net weaver named Hanna Thadson.
She was an old woman who lived with her daughter, Stretti.
Three days ago, on returning from a hunting trip, Stretti found her dead
in their house. The third and fourth was Seit Whitnel and his wife, Dar.
They were the town coopers. They
had no children. Gesse Anatham found him and his wife in their house two days
ago. If you'd like to, uh, interview the ones who, uh, found the dead folk, I
can, uh, arrange that."
"That is a good idea. Please go and arrange this if we did not
interrupt your meal and work by arriving. If we did, please feel free to finish
up what you find necessary and then arrange thus."
The reeve nodded and got up. A
man came by the table then and said, "Excuse me, reeve, but did you tell 'em
about the..." The reeve
interrupted and said, "Git out of here, Hiem!
They don't want to hear about that nonsense."
Alexander said, "Please allow this man to speak, Reeve."
The Reeve looked disgusted, but allowed Hiem to speak.
"People have seen some large, bestial humanoids skulking about the
woods near the village."
The Reeve said, "That is just plum nonsense, Heim."
"Yeah, so says you. Seen
your grandpappy lately?"
The Reeve got red in the face and said, "Git out, Heim.
Just Git out."
Issic grabbed the arm of Heim. "What sort of beastial humanoids?
As large as me? Hairy or
scaly?" Heim whispered to Issic as he moved past, "Gnolls, I
hears." Heim glanced at the
reeve and went to a separate table. The
reeve said, "I will go git one of the witnesses."
He left the tavern.
Uisdean, knowing that if he spoke the people in the village would be
instantly alienated toward Alexander and the others, decided to explore the town
for a bit. The panther trotted out
of the taphouse and crisscrossed the town sniffing for tracks.
He didn't pick up anything interesting in the town, so he went out of
town.
Alexander said, "Phaidon, does this sound like anything you know
might be from this area?" Phaidon
shrugged, and went to Heim's table. Issic
followed.
Phaidon sat down. "Heim, please describe the creatures in more
detail if you can."
"Very hairy," said Heim. "Large as this one." He
pointed at Issic, who stood beside Phaidon.
"How many has been spotted?" asked Issic.
"Bunches," said Heim.
"What time of the day are they reported to be astir?" asked
Issic.
Heim said, "Night."
Issic continued the questioning. "Late night?
Early evening? Early morning? Be more specific."
Heim answered, "It varies what time of night."
"Have you seen one of these creatures?"
"Nah, just heard about 'em. Probably the Reeve's grandpappy.
He's a werewolf, you know."
"Interesting. So how has
he survived without the town hunting him down?"
"Well, he died a while back, you know."
"If he died, how can it be the grandpappy?"
"Well, they come back, you know.
The Reeve is probably hiding him. Besides,
we all know Lasel Philis knows who the murderer is.
He is just protecting him."
"Why would he do that? And how do you all know that he knows?"
"Just know. You know how
it is."
"Why is he protecting this person?"
"Don't know."
"Where is this Lasel Philis?"
"Around. She runs the tannery and sells leather goods."
"Okay, thanks."
As Issic and Phaidon interrogated Heim, the reeve returned to the others
with a fisherman. "This is Evan
Mench. He found Ritter Young." Evan sat down and said, "The Reeve said
you gots some questions for me?"
India asked Evan, "Do you know who killed Ritter?"
Evan said, "No, I have no idea who would kill Ritter, but...
Nah."
India said, "What?"
"Yes, Evan," said Alexander, leaning in close. "What can
you tell us about the murders in town recently?
Evan said, "Well, I do know, as do most folks 'round here, that
Gesse Anatham is a bad seed." Alexander
narrowed his eyes. He did not think
the man was lying.
India asked, "How so?"
Evan answered, "She has been caught stealing in the past and has
threatened violence against those that have angered her.
A fish cleaner she is, and very handy with a knife."
India said, "Really?"
Evan answered, "Really."
India asked, "How long do you think he had been dead when you found
him."
Evan answered, "Well, I can't said for sure, but I think less than a
day."
India said, "Really?"
Evan answered, "Really."
Alexander said, "Being a bad seed is one thing, but killing four
people in the manner we are speak of is something else. Did she have motive to
kill those that are dead?"
"Just being angry was motive for her," answered Evan. He
was uncomfortable talking about people in the village with these strangers.
India smiled, and he relaxed a bit. He
continued, "Besides, I saw Gesse Anatham arguing with the Whitnels here
last week."
Alexander turned to Dallen and said, "Reeve, bring Gesse Anatham to
us. Please make it clear to her that we just wish to talk to her."
Dallen said, "Well, you should, uh, go to her.
I'd hate her to get hostile, and she might if I start ordering her
about."
"Okay. Thank you Evan. Please take me to Mrs. Anatham, Reeve."
The reeve took Alexander, Issic, Phaidon, India, and Cthaat toward Gesse
Anatham's house. Issic was hoping to
show this Gesse person what real anger can do for a person.
They found her standing in front of her shack.
She was about thirty years old and had dark, unruly hair. She was wearing
a bloodstained apron and had a fish-cleaning knife in hand. She scowled as she
watched the group led by the reeve approach. The golden scaled one frightened
her, but if it was with the reeve, it must not be too violent.
Perhaps it was the murderer. Still,
she didn't like the looks the whole group was giving her.
"What do you want?" she screeched at the reeve.
"Hold your horses, Gesse. These folks have some questions."
"I don't have time to answer any fool questions, and what are you
supposed to be?" She pointed
her knife at Issic.
Alexander said, "Only your cooperation."
"Well, you won't get none of that from me!"
"Why not?"
"The whole town is against me, and I won't have none of it!"
Issic growled, "Would you like for me to show you how to split that
fish?" He whipped out his sword. Gesse
ran into the hut, and the reeve ran off. Alexander
found himself talking to no one. Indeed,
everyone in the street vanished into their hovels when Issic started swinging
his sword around.
Alexander spread his arms in helpless shock.
"Issic, put that thing away. You are scaring the townspeople.
Again."
Issic laughed and chopped the fish on the table in two, not harming the
table at all, and sheathed his sword again.
India rolled her eyes and Phaidon chuckled.
Issic walked to the door and knocked on it.
He yelled through the door, "You really have to be careful when you
start swinging knives around. You
never know when someone might have a larger one."
Phaidon nudged Issic and winked at him. "Issic! Open the door and
I'll send the panther in!" Issic
heard a slight scream behind the door at that remark.
"Wait!" said Alexander. "I do not want my first act as
Lord of this town in Athena's stead to be breaking and entering."
Phaidon whispered, "I was joking to flush her out."
Alexander looked down the street and saw Anathek riding a horse in his
red capes and cloaks, flanked by a warrior.
Anathek said, "Greetings, lords, ladies, and warriors.
I have come, as I said I would. While I await word from Lord Nadam of
Alisander, I have come to learn what
I may with you. I assume your arrival has gone smoothly?"
"All of you go over there with Anathek and let me try to talk some
sense in her," said Alexander. India
went over toward Anathek, followed by Phaidon and his shadow panther, Zagreus.
Phaidon asked Anathek, "What word do you await from Lord
Nadam?"
India said, "Issic, come over here."
Issic turned on Alexander. "Okay,
though since you are the lord of this 'town', you could order her to come out
and then send in the guards to get her when she doesn't."
"I am aware of this. I am also aware the such attitudes by some of
the old Ingaran kings resulted in their deaths at the hands of mobs."
"That is only because they were weak."
India repeated herself. "Issic, come over here."
Issic shrugged his shoulders and walked over toward the others.
India thanked him.
Alexander knocked on the door and said "Lady Anatham, I have sent
the other away. Will you allow me to talk to you?"
He quietly cast a calm emotions spell to influence her, not wanting her
natural inclinations to skew the interview.
Issic whispered to India, "Casting magic in the streets sure will
calm the population down."
"It isn't very noticeable when no one is on the streets but
us."
Alexander knocked on the door again.
Gesse shouted from inside, "Go away, I want no violence!"
"Is that why she was waving that knife around?" shouted Issic
from down the street.
Gesse wailed, "I can't believe the town sent monsters after
me!"
Lord Alexander tried to calm her further. "Neither do I. I just wish
to speak with you Lady Anatham. I would think that you would be honored to have
a personal audience with the new lord of the town but if you do not wish this
honor I will leave."
"Lord of the town? I
didn't vote for you!"
"I know you did not; that is why I wish to talk to you. I would like
to know what I could do to win your support."
She unlocked the door after peeping out the window to make sure Issic
wasn't nearby.
"Come on in, then, Lord."
Lord Alexander heard the bolt draw back, and he was let into the small
hovel. She locked the door behind
Alexander, then pulled out a chair for him. "Sorry, my home ain't rightly
fittin' for a lord."
"It is just fine, my'lady," said Lord Alexander. "Now what
do you think I should do to best help this town out?"
"Well, you could put a stop to the murders."
"A wonderful idea! And what can you tell me about these
murders?"
"Well, I think the murderer is Drabat Finch.
He's been strange quiet for about a week now, awful standoffish. Indeed,
only one other person but me has seen Finch earlier that week.
A graven one named Tyrestina. I
noted the event 'cause the graven ones don't hardly ever get involved in our
affairs. I watch everyone in town cause they is all agin me."
"But being standoffish and acting strange isn't a crime. Why else do
you think this Drabat Finch the one we are looking for?"
Alexander was pretty certain she wasn't lying.
She really believed this. Was
she holding some information back?
She answered, "Well, he was a talkative man before."
"But that isn't really evidence that he is a killer is it? If that
is all I required to judge a man's guilt, then I wouldn't be a very good
lord."
"Well, I don't 'spect you to arrest 'im.
Just question him! It is jus'
a suspicion I have, an I'd like you to look into it!"
"What reason would this man have to kill someone?"
Alexander sent a missive to Phaidon, <Ask around town about someone
called Drabat Finch.>
She answered. "Don't know. Something
evil is hereabouts. Has something to do with the graven ones, I am sure."
Alexander wondered about these graven ones, but couldn't recall ever
hearing about them before.
"Graven ones?"
The woman said to Alexander, "Yeah.
They live in a fortress called the Sigil Hearth deep in the forest.
I don't know much about them, other than that they cover their bodies in
magical tattoos."
"And what do you think they have to do with the murders?"
"Well, they deal in magic. That
requires human sacrifice and stuff, you know."
"So they sacrificed the people that were killed?"
"I would imagine."
"So is Finch one of these Graven ones and he killed these people to
get magical power?"
"I don't think so. Leastways,
he ain't got none of them tattoos."
"But then that would mean that if the Graven Ones did it Finch
couldn't have."
"I just said you should ask him.
I just think he is actin' weird."
"Okay. Thank you for your time lady."
While Alexander finished talking to Gesse, Phaidon received Alexander's
missive. He said, "I will be
right back. Want to come with me,
India?"
"Of course, Phaidon," said India.
They went back toward the bar. They walked through the door into the
fisherman's taphouse. Phaidon
announced, "Alexander wanted me to ask around about someone named Drabat
Finch."
Someone in a shadowy corner of the establishment said, "He's prob'ly
out on 'is boat!" Other voices
agreed. Phaidon nodded and led India
to the wharf. As he approached the
long, wooden dock, he saw a boat coming into shore.
Phaidon and India approached the boat when it came into the dock.
"Greetings," said Phaidon.
The man in the boat had sandy brown hair, blue eyes, and a stubbly beard.
He was well-built and in his early thirties.
The man looked straight at Phaidon's feet, avoiding his eyes.
"Greetings. Who are you?"
"My name is Phaidon. I
am an emissary of the Lord of Talishar. I
am looking for Drabat Finch."
"I am Finch."
"Ah. Good day to you
then. I need to ask you about the
murders in town recently."
"I don't know nothin'. I
was out fishing every time one of them folks got dead."
"Do you always fish by yourself?"
"Aye."
"Is there anyone who can corroborate you were fishing when the
murders happened?"
"No. Ain't my word good
enough for you?"
India whispered to Phaidon, "I think he's lying."
Phaidon nodded and said to Finch, "Well, you could very well be
lying to me. If you had someone to
attest where you were and when, then we would have no reason to think you were
involved."
"Are you accusing me?"
No, I am not accusing you. We
are asking all of the townsfolk. You
happened to be next on my list."
"Well, you asked. Now
get out of my face." He started
to unload his nets.
"Good day, sir." Phaidon
and India left the dock. After they
get out of earshot, Phaidon said to India. "What
do you think?"
"He's lying," she said. "Maybe Alexander can read his mind
or something."
Issic looked around for the reeve. He
saw the man go into the smithy. He walked toward the large building.
Issic walked toward the smithy. The
smithy walked out to meet Issic. He
was a hulking man with red hair in braids and a bushy beard.
He was terrified, but determined to defend his domicile.
He was unarmed, and he had his hands held up so it was clear that he had
no hidden weapons.
"Greetings!" said Issic.
"Greetings. I kindly ask
that you take off them weapons before you come closer."
"You have nothing to fear from me unless you attack me," said
Issic. "We are here to actually help those that are willing to be
helped."
"Yeah, but when folks saying they are helpful start swinging swords
at sharp-tongued old women whose bark is far worse than her bite, then I get
worried about the folks claiming to be a help."
"I did not hit her, did I? I
did not even come close. I was
merely showing her what a real bark sounded like.
Of course I would have to agree that my bite is worse than my bark."
"Well, tormenting old women is hardly friendly.
It is obvious you are bigger and badder than any of us.
Do you need to show off and frighten old women to prove it?"
"If I were here to harm anyone I would have already done so.
If I came to hurt someone what would have stopped me from doing so.
"
"Still, I have women and children in here, and I don't want to risk
having you tormenting them, even if you mean no harm."
Issic grinned. "I would
have to agree with you there. I may
have over reacted. I am used to
dealing with a different sort."
"Well, put down your weapons, and you can come into my shop."
"Where would you have me put them?
I can't leave them out in the street.
Would not my word to not draw my sword in your shop be enough?"
"Not from a man who would draw a weapon on an old woman.
You can lean them against this here wall.
No one will bother them." Issic
unstrapped his sword and mace and leaned them on the wall.
Looking around, he saw all sorts of iron items in his shop, including
arms and armor. "Would you like
to examine them? I figure you might
have some interest since the making of such things are amongst your
profession."
"Aye, I'd like to look at them."
Issic handed him the sword hilt first. "I figured you might.
Maybe it will make up a little for my hasty display earlier. What do you
make of these murders around town?"
"Well, the six murders are a bit troublesome on my mind.
I hear Lasel Philis knows who the murderer is."
"And where would I find this Lasel Philis?"
"She runs the Tannery at the edge of town."
"Six murders? I thought
it was only four?"
"Six, I heard."
Lord Alexander caught up to Phaidon and India. "Hello,
Alexander," said Phaidon.
"Have you discovered anything?" asked Alexander.
"We found Drabat Finch and he is lying his arse off.
India figured you could read his mind or something. That is him over
there unloading the nets."
"How sure are you that he is lying?"
"India said he was. That is good enough for me."
Anathek Dar approached with his guard.
He said, "If you proclaim a formal hearing then he can be 'forced'
to tell the truth and the judgment of Olanigan the Fearsome upon him if he
lies."
"We don't have time for formal hearings," said India.
Alexander said, "I could read his mind but that would not prove to
anyone but myself that he did it and I want these town people to respect me as
their leader."
"What do you suggest we do?" asked Phaidon. "I could have
Uisdean spy on him." He saw the
panther lurking next to a building. Phaidon
motioned the animal over. It trotted
up.
"Athena has her ways of making him tell the truth as well. I think
we should request that the Reeve bring both him and the women to us tomorrow
after I have had some time to pray on these events. Have one of your panthers
follow Finch and Gesse until then if you can Phaidon."
"Very well." Phaidon
ordered Zagreus to follow Gesse and keep hidden in the shadows.
He asked Uisdean to follow Finch.
Anathek asked, "Have you made your formal entrance and declaration
of ownership of this place yet?"
"Yes, I have shown the reeve my charter."
Alexander noted that that Drabat Finch was getting into his boat and
about to go back out. Alexander ran
out to the dock and said, "I am sorry for any disturbance that my friend
might have caused you. Why don't you join us for breakfast tomorrow morning in
the town tavern."
Drabat Finch gave Alexander a rude gesture and continued to paddle his
boat out. Alexander wondered at the
uncivilized actions he had seen here, and wondered what he had gotten himself
into.
Anathek chuckled. "It
would appear that you have been given a rather unruly, disrespectful town."
"I am sure they are just under a great amount of stress. It isn't
everyday when people in a town this size are killed and it is even less often
when people are accused of murder."
Anathek said to Alexander, "Perhaps you should declare a holiday and
have the people gather. In recognition of their new leader. A feast might be
prepared."
Dallen Styne, the reeve of Talishar, came out of the smithy, out the back
way to avoid Issic, and approached Alexander. "Lord Talishar?"
To Be Continued
Current Adventures in Inzeladun | The Ingaran Adventures Episode 39
Cthaat Angartha, the female human guard who made
a knight by Issic, Warrior 1: CR -; medium humanoid (5'2"); HD 1d8+4+3; hp
12; Initiative: +4 (Improved Initiative); Spd 30 ft; AC 14 (flatfooted 14, touch
10); Attack +3 (1d8+2 longsword or 1d10+2 halberd); AL NG; SV Fort +7, Ref +3,
Will +3; Str 15, Dex 11, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 13
Skills: Sense Motive +2, Intimidate +5, Jump +2
Feats: Improved Initiative, Endurance
Equipment: Scale mail, Halberd, Longsword
Reeve
Dallen Styne, Fighter 5: CR 5; medium humanoid (5'8"); HD 5d10+10; hp
42; Initiative: +5 (Improved Initiative); Spd 30 ft; AC 11 (flatfooted 10, touch
11); Attack +10 (1d10+5 bastard sword); AL NG; SV Fort +6, Ref +0, Will +0; Str
16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 13
Skills: Climb +11, Jump +11, Diplomacy +5
Feats: Improved Initiative, Exotic Weapon (bastard sword), Weapon
Focus (bastard sword), Power Attack, Weapon Socialization (bastard sword),
Cleave
Equipment: Masterwork
Bastard sword (kept in his house in a chest), full plate and large metal shield
(kept in his house in a chest)
Notes: Fought
for Alisander in several campaigns in his youth. Retired with full honors.
In his fifties.
Drabat Finch, fisherman, Warrior 4: CR 3; medium humanoid (6'2"); HD 4d8+6; hp
23; Initiative: +1; Spd 30 ft; AC 14 (flatfooted 13, touch 11); Attack +8 (1d8+2
masterwork longsword), +5 ranged (1d4 dagger); AL CE; SV Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +1;
Str 15, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 12
Skills: Swim +9, Jump +4, Listen +2, Profession (fisherman) +5,
Spot +5
Feats: Alertness, Sill Focus (fisherman), Weapon Focus (longsword)
Equipment: Masterwork
Longsword, studded leather armor, two daggers, 34 gold pieces.
