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The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
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<blockquote data-quote="tariff" data-source="post: 2850552" data-attributes="member: 18635"><p><strong>HALF-HAP</strong></p><p><em>Time of Day: 07:00 PM. - Snowing, Hammer (Deepwinter) 5th, 1373 The Year of Rogue Dragons.</em></p><p>Half-Hap seems to be a small market town.</p><p>The buildings are decorated with ribbons. The streets are busy, it seems there has been some sort of festival here. Children dash underfoot and peddlers hawk their wares. Toys and brightly colored scarves predominate the market..</p><p>"Ahh, the festival of Bambeen" says Walter "It is a festival that honors life, growth, and children"</p><p>Deirdre looks happy for the first time in ages "Shopping time!" she whoops, as she goes and looks at the various stalls.</p><p>The party stable their mounts and then head to the market square.</p><p>Rizzit waves at the children and throws them some silver pieces</p><p>The party look round the various stalls.</p><p>"Hey Feng can you lift me up so I can see what they are selling please" says Rizzit, near one of the stalls.</p><p>Feng lifts the kobold onto his shoulder. Feng mutters "Polly want a cracker?"</p><p>"Thanks bud, now lets see if there is anything good here, and are you gonna buy a horse while we are here?"</p><p>"Rizz - I have but 90 gold with me. I will give some thought to a horse, but I think that the nag such a sum would purchase would only mean that I would end up carrying IT, rather than It carry me."</p><p>He thinks a moment "Besides, I've yet to see someone be unhorsed from his feet. Perhaps a war dog might be in keeping, tho' - or something more bloodthirsty and vicious."</p><p>"Mummy, Mummy..what is THAT?" asks a small Child as it gazes in wonder at Rizzit</p><p>Rizzit waves at the little girl. The kobold then buys a large stash of sweets that he distributes to the local children.</p><p>"<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing nonce." growls Poacher. One of the children runs past the ranger, who clips the child round the head as he passes.</p><p>"Just for that you’re not getting any sweets Poacher" says Rizzit angrily.</p><p>"Don't gimme that i'm a friendly Kobold <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />. You're gonna try and lure the little rugrat <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ers somewhere quiet so you can <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing touch them then eat them. You <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing cannibal nonce dog faced <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> nugget." Poacher stops a moment, then says "Wow. Being in a lawful country really does make me <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing tetchy. I <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing hate this place."</p><p>The child screams "MUuuuuuuuummmmy" after Poacher clips her, she runs back to her Mother.</p><p>Rizzit goes over and gives the girl some sweets "there there" He looks at Feng "Give Poacher a half orc clip round the ear will ya bud, think he needs to lear some manners when around civilized people"</p><p>Feng's eyes glaze with nostalgia "I got clipped behind the ear plenty o' times as a kid - because I was too fast for the bastards to land anything heavier on me."</p><p>Beltain speaks "Let's find ourselves a nice in good food, abundant drink and maybe talk of whatever is of interest in the area."</p><p>He takes Limara's hand an raises it to his lips - kissing it gently "They have some nice customs here, but overall too much jolly sugar-plum-fairy stuff for me."</p><p>Beltain looks very uncomfortable in the well ordered and tightly controlled society "Like being in prison, he mutters to himself", his hand strays to his sword hilt and pulls back, almost as if the peace-string has burned it.</p><p>"I wouldn't wonder if you have to be married to share a room" he whispers to limara</p><p>The Correllon Cleric slips his arm around Limara's waist, the gesture looks more for his comfort than her protection, "It's too damn peaceful" he mutters, "Something bad is going to happen, I just know it"</p><p>Sparhawk says to Beltain "The knights are noble and these borders well guarded Beltain, Take comfort from the peace and enjoy the chance to rest and relax"</p><p>The warrior turns to the ranger "And Poacher relax, let us go aside and see to rooms at the inn" Sparhawk is relaxed and smiles to the commoners and children he passes on his way to the inn</p><p>Poacher spits back at Sparhawk "I'll come looking for rooms with you on the <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing day you <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing apologize for being a disloyal wanker who doesn't defend his <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing friends." </p><p>Rizzit whispers to Feng "I have this odd feeling Spar and Limara are gonna be pain in the asses in this region, just look at the smug smiles they wear today"</p><p>Limara turns to Rizzit smiling broadly "yup..... no <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> sherlock. I will be gladly following all the Cormiyan laws and do not ask me to lie about the party status either."</p><p>She continues "...but dont worry,my weave juggling friend, being in a lawful society is a safe and prosperous experience. Just dont break their laws and you will do fine"</p><p>Rizzit shakes his head "I have no intention of breaking laws, lets hope some others in the group can stay away from trouble"</p><p>"Maybe a stint in a real prison would do him some good" says Rizzit looking at Poacher.</p><p>Limara nods ".. i think it would reflect badly on the party. When we have finally decided on a party name we dont need to have it dragged through the mud..."</p><p>Rizzit says "Well then we need some code of conduct rules, not that I can see them being adhered to"</p><p>Feng snorts "I got a party name for ya - how about "Righteous swords o' faith"?. The only problem I can see, would be declaring it whilst having your tongue firmly in your cheek?</p><p>Limara laughs</p><p>"These saps will probably lap it up, however." says Feng.</p><p>Coleridge's mood seems to lighten somewhat being in the town amongst the hustle and bustle of the festival. He spends time perusing the stalls and generally taking in the happenings around him, chatting with the townsfolk</p><p>He also spends some time listening to the local minstrels from a professional point of view and chatting with them between performances to glean information about happenings in the area.</p><p>Limara moves close to Beltain and whispers in his ear " you weren't really jealous of the purple knight were you? " and winks at him smiling...</p><p>"Me jealous? No, of course not!" say Beltain blushing in response to Limara's question, his response carries absolutely no conviction.</p><p>Limara turns to Rizzit "oh, yes and while we are at it what happened with you and Feng... Feng, why did you go to the orcs? what happened while you were gone you two"</p><p>"I did nothing but come along, its up to Feng to tell what happened if he wishes" replies the kobold. Rizzit then turns on his heels and wanders off into the crowd.</p><p>The kobold wanders the streets a while, he comes across the constabulary. He enters. A man sits behind a desk, he appears to have been sleeping. On seeing Rizzit he laughs "Where did your mummy buy you that costume?". Rizzit explains he is a kobold and offers the man his help should it ever be need. The man is called Aldo, he is the town constable.</p><p>The party spend a while in the market.</p><p>Poacher has obviously spent the time thinking..he offers to the group "Names for the group? How about: The Order of the Monster Manual..? The Fiend Folio Rejects..? The Bloody Mummers..? The Shower of Wankers? Gay eye for a Straight Dungeon..? The Ten Foot Poles..? The Anti-Elf League..? How about : The Paper Bag Failed Escapees?"</p><p>Poacher laughs. He throws his head back and shouts "WHERE ARE THE WHORES????". Several of the townsfolk look at the ranger in disgust. "I'm going looking for a Knocking shop." says Poacher, striding off.</p><p>Feng is approached by a young girl, she creeps closer to him slowly, obviously unsure of him. She hands him a rag doll, then skips off. The barbarian looks down at the doll, he muses on the strange chances of life, and the random kindnesses of children.</p><p>Rizzit heads to the bakers and purchases cakes and such, giving some to the local children. He returns to Feng and offers him a cake.</p><p>"Is the cake made with the hearts of defeated enemies?" asks Feng</p><p>"Flour i think" replies the kobold. "Fancy a beer to wash the pastry down with Feng?"</p><p>Feng, feeling at a loose end, follows Rizzit to the nearby Inn</p><p>Feng snorts "For some reason, I feel down in the mouth - It has been a while since I last proved my valor on the bodies of my enemies. I need a drink!. Who knows, we might meet someone who can drink enough courage to challenge me to a brawl?"</p><p>Feng Sits at his table, cracking his knuckles and frowning into his beer..He Farts, loudly.</p><p>"No brawling please," says Rizzit "I get the impression these guys come down hard on troublemakers, two beers please barman and get one for yourself" he says as he clambers up onto a stool</p><p>"So what are ya supposed to do for fun? I don't mid telling you, I don't like towns, not one bit..Too many people, too many rules, not enough space. If I had my way, I'd burn 'em all down and start again with forests" states Feng flatly.</p><p>Feng suddenly looks like hes had an ides "Hey, what about "The Grey Wolves" as a group name.?"</p><p>"I like it, its more like life in the underdark for me, except for the snow and the cold and sunlight"</p><p>The kobold continues "We live in very close communities down there, all close together with no privacy"</p><p>Rizzit looks earnestly at Feng "You must know kobolds are related to dragons? and every now and then an egg is laid thats a little different, a dragonwrought egg. These are taken to a special place to hatch"</p><p>"Wow. I never knew that." says Feng. "If you are born "special" do you get privileges?"</p><p>Rizzit nods "We have a saying 'The dragon scale toughens our skin. The dragon done adorns our skull. The dragon heart flames our sorcery. We are the dragon, and for the dragon we live. Long live the dragon.' "</p><p>Rizzit continues "I was hatched from a dragonwrought egg, as you must have noticed I am starting to gain new dragon powers. Want to see who can hold their arm the longest in the fire?"</p><p>"Yar! , OK - YOU'RE ON! FENG IS TOUGH!"</p><p>Rizzit walks over to the fire and carefully places his hand in, but pulls it back quick until feng comes over "its pretty hot, sure your man enough bro?"</p><p>Feng ambles over to the Fire with studied unconcern. "OK , I'm ready."</p><p>"Ok then, first one to pull his arm out buys the beer all night" says Rizzit "1...2....3....and in"</p><p>Rizzit puts his arm into the flames.</p><p>Feng shoves his left forearm into the flames.</p><p>"I smell burning hairs" smiles Rizzit. "This is a great way to remove ticks and any other nasties that get on you while out in the wilds"</p><p>Feng watches Rizzit's arm. The kobold seems unaffected by the flames. Feng withraws with a curse.</p><p>Rizzit puts his head for a bit for good measure.</p><p>"Another beer for me then please" he says.</p><p>Feng grinds his teeth in frustration "Barman, give the tricksy little bastard a gallon of beer."</p><p>"The trouble is your man enough to do that but not dragon enough" says Rizzit. "you coming to watch the show at the theatre? I'm not even sure what a theatre is so it should be interesting"</p><p>"Yep - I cant see that the milksops in this town will have anything more exciting to do, so I'll take in the theatre. It's got to be more fun than burning your own arm off for a paltry bet."</p><p>Outside, Coleridge continues to chat with the musicians, discussing his own love of music and poetry... before parting ways with them he gratefully accepts their offer to attend the theater show at 10pm. The bard books a room at the boarding house and then heads to the Tavern.</p><p>Sparhawk books a room. Once inside he takes this time to polish his armour and check it for any defects. He then goes to the tavern.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>MURDER</strong></p><p>Storm clouds gather above and rain threatens to fall. The vendors are hurriedly putting tarps over their stalls, but the darkening skies have no effect on the gaiety of the townsfolk.</p><p>Suddenly a scream is heard out in the street. The party rush to see what has occurred. A woman is leaning out of a second story window. Her face is stricken with terror. "Help" she cries. "Murderer! There's a murderer loose!"</p><p>Her cries continue, growing less coherent by the moment The crowd below her window quiets in shock for a moment, and then the peoples voices swell in dismay. Laughter and joy have been replaced by whispers and horror.</p><p>A man in the street shouts up to the women "Aldo has been called, he will be here in a minute"</p><p>Aldo soon appears on the Scene, apparently he is the town constable, he immediately begins trying to calm people down and usher the commoners away from the area..</p><p>Beltain approaches Aldo and asks politely if he can be of any assistance, controlling the crowds, taking a message or anything else to support him? He speaks with the gravitas of a learned man, a cleric, whose knowledge could prove useful and whose presence may help calm the distraught female.</p><p>Beltain gives Limara's hand a squeeze as he moves past her "Told you it was too damn peaceful" he whispers.</p><p>Aldo calms the local crowd and then turns to the party. He nods at Beltain "I could do with a little help" he says. He pulls out a silver badge and hands it to Beltain "I hereby deputize you", He suddenly spots Rizzit "Hey there, we meet again, looks like you were right, i might need your help after all...you want to be a deputy?"</p><p>Rizzit grins a huge smile Rizzit says "I sure do...I have never been deputized before, and a badge" he beams.</p><p>Aldo hands Rizzit the Deputy Badge.</p><p>Aldo looks at Sparhawk "Will you help?.. Im sure we could certainly use a man of your character"</p><p>"You have my full help and co operation neighbour" Sparhawk says to Aldo with a bow.</p><p>He turns to Coleridge and Feng "And if you two also would help?" He then walks upto Limara, bows and hands her a badge.</p><p>"I'll help....I am Feng..Justice is swift where I come from.... Should I fetch my Greataxe?</p><p>Aldo clearly looks nervous and very flustered. He shouts up at the woman "Its me Aldo.. let us in", she looks down, nods at Aldo and disappears from the window.</p><p>The door opens and the woman rushes to Aldo, flinging her arms around him, sobbing "He's Dead!, He's Dead!...Upstairs"</p><p>Aldo rushes in, he looks back "Erm...Deputies,,um, Follow ME!"</p><p>The party rush up the stairs, there are 2 rooms upstairs. They enter the room to the right.</p><p>The body of a man lies on a bed, sightless eyes staring at some imagined horror. His throat has been slit. The side of his mouth are cut open, making it look like a clown's oversized smile. Rosy circles have been painted onto his cheeks with blood.</p><p>"So Aldo who is the dead guy?" asks Rizzit.</p><p>"That," he sighs "is Franco Sertino. Husband to Maria, the lady who let us in"</p><p>Poacher barges his way into the room." Let me in to have a <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing look you bunch of <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />s. I'm a <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing top notch <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing tracker. I'll tell you what happened."</p><p>Aldo looks round as Poacher enters the room "i never deputized you..This is a crime scene"</p><p>"Dont go messing up the murder scene <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />" says Rizzit. "And last time you tried tracking we walked into a bunch of orcs"</p><p>Poacher laughs "Oh <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> off. Do you want to <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing find out who did it? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing crime scene! Kekekeke. Wanker."</p><p>"infact..where were you half hour ago?" Aldo asks poacher. "Ive already had reports about you m'boy"</p><p>"Me?" says Poacher "I was looking for <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing whores in this two copper piece little <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> hole you call home. Now shutup and let me work. Unless you know where i can find a <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing whore. Otherwise <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> your <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing yap."</p><p>"Is the body still warm?" asks Rizzit "And have you got speak with dead Lim?"</p><p>Limara shakes her head "Afraid not." Limara walks over and touches the body "Still warm"</p><p>Poacher searches the area in a tracker kind of way. But he fails to find any tracks.</p><p>Sparhawk looks round "Where is Maria Sertino?"</p><p>Maria walks into the room, and breaks down crying.</p><p>"Please my lady , can you tell us what you know ?" says Sparhawk.</p><p>"Im gonna check the rest of the house" says Aldo, he walks out of the room.</p><p>"I came in and he was dead...thats it!!" sobs Maria.</p><p>"Was the place robbed?" asks Poacher.</p><p>Maria Sertino shakes her head.</p><p>"Have you checked?" he asks.</p><p>Well, everything appears ok..she says. she walks over to the chest of drawers, opens it and pulls out a nice necklace.. "They woulda took this surely" She puts it back in the Draw. "Giselle, she seems to have taken it badly"</p><p>"Was the window already opened?" asks Rizzit</p><p>"Yes" she replies.</p><p>"Hey Spar. If you're lucky you can wait until someone blames me. Then you can fail to stand up for me and let me hang. Like all of the other times." says Poacher.</p><p>Sparhawk says "I doubt this was a mere burglary....not after what was done to the body"</p><p>"Aye. That was really <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing funny that. Kekekeke." laughs the Ranger</p><p>Sparhawk gasps as the ranger's insensitivity "Do not expect me to stand for you again neighbour"</p><p>"Where's this "AGAIN" come from shitbird?" says Poacher to Sparhawk.</p><p>Sparhawk ignores the ranger "Who is Giselle?"</p><p>"My Daughter" replies Maria.</p><p>"Where is she now? do you know if she knows anything?" asks Sparhawk.</p><p>"Across the hall, in the other room"</p><p>"I will go talk with her, with your permission of course" offers the warrior.</p><p>Maria nods.</p><p>Sparhawk goes to talk to Giselle.</p><p>Rizzit starts detecting for magic..He dosent Detect Any</p><p>"Maria what did your husband do for a living?" asks Poacher.</p><p>"We own the local theater"</p><p>"hmmm," says Rizzit nodding thoughtfully.</p><p>"Have you heard him argue with anyone recently? Does he have any enemies?"</p><p>"Not that i know.he was a lovely man"</p><p>"Who works at the theatre?" asks Rizzit.</p><p>"Various people..theres many....Stage hands, lighting, music"</p><p>The two clerics, Beltain and Limara, both spend a time looking at the body. Coleridge also enters the house after pacifying some of the upset locals.</p><p>Having entered after the others Coleridge takes in the scene, he suppresses his instincts to try and act quickly, as the others have, he searches the room methodically. But finds nothing.</p><p>Suddenly the party hear Aldo shout "In here Guys"</p><p>Rizzit, Feng and Poacher rush across to the other upstairs room. Coleridge, Limara and Beltain stay with Maria, and the body.</p><p></p><p>A little girl, maybe seven years old, sits on a small bed, hugging a wooden, painted puppet and singing softly to herself. Her attention is totally focused on the doll. She doesn’t even acknowledge the party’s existence. The room is clean, but the floor is strewn with toys and dolls.</p><p>Sparhawk kneeling in front of the child. "Do you like Knuckles?" asks Gazelle to Sparhawk. . "He can dance and sing you know!" she holds up the limp doll</p><p>Aldo looks at Poacher "I still got my eye on you sonny Jim, if i find out you were any where near here at roughly the time Franco was murdered, im havin you in"</p><p>"<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> off old <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />. I'm trying to <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing help out here." spits back the ranger.</p><p>"My Kobold sense is tingling" says Rizzit.</p><p>Poacher turns to Giselle. "So why did you kill daddy Giselle? We know you did it. was he touching you??"</p><p>Aldo shoots Poacher a Look "POACHER...OUTSIDE NOW...I WANT A WORD"</p><p>Feng says out loud "Is this the way townsfolk usually kill each other, or is this killing special?. Lets talk away from the Girl - I'm not such a complete twat that I want to upset her for nothing." Feng steps outside the room.</p><p>"Um...i dont EVER remember a killing...this is a peaceful town" Aldo looks straight at Poacher "Until you guys arrived"</p><p>Feng snorts "Where I come from, the Murderer is generally the one with the Big Sword, saying "Yeah, so I killed him, who says I shouldn't?"</p><p>Feng turns to Rizzit - take this rag doll, he offers Rizzit a rag doll "Get the rag doll to speak to the kids doll - knuckles?. Perhaps the kid can't talk, but knuckles might - to another doll?"</p><p>"Where did you get that?"</p><p>"A kid gave it to me earlier"</p><p>Back in the Murder room, Coleridge talks to Maria "I know this is a difficult time Mrs. Sertino, but we will do what we can to aid you.. can you tell me did you hear anything that may have alerted you to something out of the ordinary? how did you discover this had happened?"</p><p>"I came in to do some cleaning...and my husband was like THAT!...I saw no-one suspicious"</p><p>"So you heard nothing prior to coming to clean the room? whereabouts were you prior to that?"</p><p>"Downstairs in the kitchen making dinner...i heard nothing"</p><p>"You say that your daughter Giselle is understandably upset, how did she find out, did she come in to the room, might she have witnessed something?"</p><p>Maria nods "I think she did come in, but shes not saying anything..the others are with her now"</p><p>Limara says softly to Maria "Maria, go be with your daughter, theres nothing you can do here now"</p><p>Both Limara and Beltain look a bit shaken up, as if the scene has really got to them..</p><p>"I am going to be with my daugher..i can bear this sight no longer" Maria flees from the room.</p><p>"I told you something bad was going to happen" mumbles Beltain, clearly moved by the manor of the death</p><p>Coleridge speaks to the two clerics "If the daughter is currently not talking there is a good chance she is in shock possibly from finding her father's body, but she may also have witnessed the killing.. we need to handle this delicately...Coleridge's eye open wide in horror dear god did the mother say the others are with her daughter? not Poacher too?</p><p>"yes Poachers in there..Aldo didnt even deputize him"</p><p>Coleridge quickly moves thought of the daughter's bedroom, fearing the impact Poacher could have on a child who has already suffered a nasty shock</p><p>Aldo is in the corridor seething at Poacher as Coleridge passes "Ive known that man for years..hes not like THAT!"</p><p>Coleridge spits at Poacher "What did you do or say to the little girl, you <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />ing ignoramus?"</p><p>Aldo interjects "He asked..if her Father had been..cough...touching her"</p><p>"He also accused her of the Murder. A nice deflection Mr Poacher, i might add"</p><p>Coleridge says to Poacher "I suggest you leave here and see if you can find anything outside of significance, or his might not be the only murder we're looking into."</p><p>Coleridge obviously fuming at the ranger turns and walks through the curtain into the room.</p><p>"Dont leave town" says Aldo to the Ranger</p><p>Coleridge addresses Maria in a lowered voice "With your permission i would like to try something using the my melodies to soothe her and try to discover if she witnessed something?"</p><p>Giselle sits silently playing with her puppet</p><p>Maria nods to the bard.</p><p>Coleridge begins to sing a soothing tune, the words are indistinct but it is relaxing and peaceful</p><p>Giselle looks at Coleridge a moment, then starts humming the tune..with the doll pressed close to her face. She suddenly screams "...It..was....HIM....HIM....He made me hide it to...i didnt want to.....but he MADE ME"</p><p>"THATS ENOUGH.....ENOUGH!" shouts the girls mother, seeing the distress her daughter is in.</p><p>Giselle breaks down crying, her mother conforts her.</p><p>Coleridge says softly "I apologize i know you have both been through alot this eve, but it has helped us some"</p><p>"Hide what?" questions Aldo.</p><p>Coleridge once again begins a methodical search of the room, looking for anything which appears out of place or intentionally hidden. Coleridge finds...hidden in the bedclothes, a small, bloodstained knife. It is no more than 4 inches long.</p><p>"Ah ha..well done man" says Aldo, clearly impressed</p><p>Coleridge looks at the implement "Well we know now what she hid, now we need to find out who this HIM is that made her do it..."</p><p>Aldo nods "Ok, give me the knife there, im going to take it down the station. I think we should leave the Sertino's alone now...come on...ALL OUT" He ushers the party out of the Sertino home</p><p>Outside in the street, Limara addresses the party "Im going to go get a room now, i need to pray" states Limara Flatly "I wont be attending the Theater tonight, ill see the rest of you in the morning, i will learn some spells that may aid us"</p><p>Beltain looks weary "Me to princess..."</p><p>Rizzit says to no-one in particular "Maybe there is an evil spirit about that possessed the girl and made her murder her father"</p><p>"Im going back to the Constabulary," says Aldo to his deputies "I'll resume the investigation in the morning. If you hear of anything, drop by, i got a feeling im going to be up a while.. Thanx for your help"</p><p>Aldo takes the bloodstained dagger "Exhibit A" he says as he marches off down the street.</p><p>Coleridge speaks "I can rest later, my minds abuzz at the moment, if the show is still on it may help me to relax and order my thoughts he says to Rizzit</p><p>Rizzit nods at the bard "I have suspicions that maybe someone in the show could have a hand in this so would be good to see them, maybe one of them could end up another victim, I would also like to see the toymaker in the morning"</p><p>Sparhawk heads back to the theatre....making a point of ignoring Poacher as he walks past him</p><p>Feng winks at Poacher, and with a long, slow smile, draws his index finger across his throat, and then stabs the finger at Poacher.</p><p>Feng Hurries to catch up with Aldo, he says to the constable "When we prove who as done this, I'll be the executioner. I'll even waive the fee, I feel so bad about the little girl losing her Father in that way. Remember me, I am Feng. If needed, I can botch the first couple o' tries so the Bastard ends up in Hell screaming, OK?"</p><p>Feng runs back to the party "Looking forward to the show, little one?" he says to Rizzit. "....hehe, and to think that I was expecting to be bored, here. First a show, then collar a villain to collect a reward. I hope they wont cancel the show just 'cos of the killing." The barbarian turns to Coleridge "Nice trick, Cole. The lawman will have ya eating out of your hand - if you can find another trail to the killer. Did you notice anything special about the knife? A name carved on it, or somesuch?"</p><p>Coleridge shakes his head " The knife seemed normal...small, but normal"</p><p></p><p><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tariff/Murder.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tariff/Childs%20bedroom.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="tariff, post: 2850552, member: 18635"] [B]HALF-HAP[/B] [I]Time of Day: 07:00 PM. - Snowing, Hammer (Deepwinter) 5th, 1373 The Year of Rogue Dragons.[/I] Half-Hap seems to be a small market town. The buildings are decorated with ribbons. The streets are busy, it seems there has been some sort of festival here. Children dash underfoot and peddlers hawk their wares. Toys and brightly colored scarves predominate the market.. "Ahh, the festival of Bambeen" says Walter "It is a festival that honors life, growth, and children" Deirdre looks happy for the first time in ages "Shopping time!" she whoops, as she goes and looks at the various stalls. The party stable their mounts and then head to the market square. Rizzit waves at the children and throws them some silver pieces The party look round the various stalls. "Hey Feng can you lift me up so I can see what they are selling please" says Rizzit, near one of the stalls. Feng lifts the kobold onto his shoulder. Feng mutters "Polly want a cracker?" "Thanks bud, now lets see if there is anything good here, and are you gonna buy a horse while we are here?" "Rizz - I have but 90 gold with me. I will give some thought to a horse, but I think that the nag such a sum would purchase would only mean that I would end up carrying IT, rather than It carry me." He thinks a moment "Besides, I've yet to see someone be unhorsed from his feet. Perhaps a war dog might be in keeping, tho' - or something more bloodthirsty and vicious." "Mummy, Mummy..what is THAT?" asks a small Child as it gazes in wonder at Rizzit Rizzit waves at the little girl. The kobold then buys a large stash of sweets that he distributes to the local children. ":):):):)ing nonce." growls Poacher. One of the children runs past the ranger, who clips the child round the head as he passes. "Just for that you’re not getting any sweets Poacher" says Rizzit angrily. "Don't gimme that i'm a friendly Kobold :):):):). You're gonna try and lure the little rugrat :):):):)ers somewhere quiet so you can :):):):)ing touch them then eat them. You :):):):)ing cannibal nonce dog faced :):):):) nugget." Poacher stops a moment, then says "Wow. Being in a lawful country really does make me :):):):)ing tetchy. I :):):):)ing hate this place." The child screams "MUuuuuuuuummmmy" after Poacher clips her, she runs back to her Mother. Rizzit goes over and gives the girl some sweets "there there" He looks at Feng "Give Poacher a half orc clip round the ear will ya bud, think he needs to lear some manners when around civilized people" Feng's eyes glaze with nostalgia "I got clipped behind the ear plenty o' times as a kid - because I was too fast for the bastards to land anything heavier on me." Beltain speaks "Let's find ourselves a nice in good food, abundant drink and maybe talk of whatever is of interest in the area." He takes Limara's hand an raises it to his lips - kissing it gently "They have some nice customs here, but overall too much jolly sugar-plum-fairy stuff for me." Beltain looks very uncomfortable in the well ordered and tightly controlled society "Like being in prison, he mutters to himself", his hand strays to his sword hilt and pulls back, almost as if the peace-string has burned it. "I wouldn't wonder if you have to be married to share a room" he whispers to limara The Correllon Cleric slips his arm around Limara's waist, the gesture looks more for his comfort than her protection, "It's too damn peaceful" he mutters, "Something bad is going to happen, I just know it" Sparhawk says to Beltain "The knights are noble and these borders well guarded Beltain, Take comfort from the peace and enjoy the chance to rest and relax" The warrior turns to the ranger "And Poacher relax, let us go aside and see to rooms at the inn" Sparhawk is relaxed and smiles to the commoners and children he passes on his way to the inn Poacher spits back at Sparhawk "I'll come looking for rooms with you on the :):):):)ing day you :):):):)ing apologize for being a disloyal wanker who doesn't defend his :):):):)ing friends." Rizzit whispers to Feng "I have this odd feeling Spar and Limara are gonna be pain in the asses in this region, just look at the smug smiles they wear today" Limara turns to Rizzit smiling broadly "yup..... no :):):):) sherlock. I will be gladly following all the Cormiyan laws and do not ask me to lie about the party status either." She continues "...but dont worry,my weave juggling friend, being in a lawful society is a safe and prosperous experience. Just dont break their laws and you will do fine" Rizzit shakes his head "I have no intention of breaking laws, lets hope some others in the group can stay away from trouble" "Maybe a stint in a real prison would do him some good" says Rizzit looking at Poacher. Limara nods ".. i think it would reflect badly on the party. When we have finally decided on a party name we dont need to have it dragged through the mud..." Rizzit says "Well then we need some code of conduct rules, not that I can see them being adhered to" Feng snorts "I got a party name for ya - how about "Righteous swords o' faith"?. The only problem I can see, would be declaring it whilst having your tongue firmly in your cheek? Limara laughs "These saps will probably lap it up, however." says Feng. Coleridge's mood seems to lighten somewhat being in the town amongst the hustle and bustle of the festival. He spends time perusing the stalls and generally taking in the happenings around him, chatting with the townsfolk He also spends some time listening to the local minstrels from a professional point of view and chatting with them between performances to glean information about happenings in the area. Limara moves close to Beltain and whispers in his ear " you weren't really jealous of the purple knight were you? " and winks at him smiling... "Me jealous? No, of course not!" say Beltain blushing in response to Limara's question, his response carries absolutely no conviction. Limara turns to Rizzit "oh, yes and while we are at it what happened with you and Feng... Feng, why did you go to the orcs? what happened while you were gone you two" "I did nothing but come along, its up to Feng to tell what happened if he wishes" replies the kobold. Rizzit then turns on his heels and wanders off into the crowd. The kobold wanders the streets a while, he comes across the constabulary. He enters. A man sits behind a desk, he appears to have been sleeping. On seeing Rizzit he laughs "Where did your mummy buy you that costume?". Rizzit explains he is a kobold and offers the man his help should it ever be need. The man is called Aldo, he is the town constable. The party spend a while in the market. Poacher has obviously spent the time thinking..he offers to the group "Names for the group? How about: The Order of the Monster Manual..? The Fiend Folio Rejects..? The Bloody Mummers..? The Shower of Wankers? Gay eye for a Straight Dungeon..? The Ten Foot Poles..? The Anti-Elf League..? How about : The Paper Bag Failed Escapees?" Poacher laughs. He throws his head back and shouts "WHERE ARE THE WHORES????". Several of the townsfolk look at the ranger in disgust. "I'm going looking for a Knocking shop." says Poacher, striding off. Feng is approached by a young girl, she creeps closer to him slowly, obviously unsure of him. She hands him a rag doll, then skips off. The barbarian looks down at the doll, he muses on the strange chances of life, and the random kindnesses of children. Rizzit heads to the bakers and purchases cakes and such, giving some to the local children. He returns to Feng and offers him a cake. "Is the cake made with the hearts of defeated enemies?" asks Feng "Flour i think" replies the kobold. "Fancy a beer to wash the pastry down with Feng?" Feng, feeling at a loose end, follows Rizzit to the nearby Inn Feng snorts "For some reason, I feel down in the mouth - It has been a while since I last proved my valor on the bodies of my enemies. I need a drink!. Who knows, we might meet someone who can drink enough courage to challenge me to a brawl?" Feng Sits at his table, cracking his knuckles and frowning into his beer..He Farts, loudly. "No brawling please," says Rizzit "I get the impression these guys come down hard on troublemakers, two beers please barman and get one for yourself" he says as he clambers up onto a stool "So what are ya supposed to do for fun? I don't mid telling you, I don't like towns, not one bit..Too many people, too many rules, not enough space. If I had my way, I'd burn 'em all down and start again with forests" states Feng flatly. Feng suddenly looks like hes had an ides "Hey, what about "The Grey Wolves" as a group name.?" "I like it, its more like life in the underdark for me, except for the snow and the cold and sunlight" The kobold continues "We live in very close communities down there, all close together with no privacy" Rizzit looks earnestly at Feng "You must know kobolds are related to dragons? and every now and then an egg is laid thats a little different, a dragonwrought egg. These are taken to a special place to hatch" "Wow. I never knew that." says Feng. "If you are born "special" do you get privileges?" Rizzit nods "We have a saying 'The dragon scale toughens our skin. The dragon done adorns our skull. The dragon heart flames our sorcery. We are the dragon, and for the dragon we live. Long live the dragon.' " Rizzit continues "I was hatched from a dragonwrought egg, as you must have noticed I am starting to gain new dragon powers. Want to see who can hold their arm the longest in the fire?" "Yar! , OK - YOU'RE ON! FENG IS TOUGH!" Rizzit walks over to the fire and carefully places his hand in, but pulls it back quick until feng comes over "its pretty hot, sure your man enough bro?" Feng ambles over to the Fire with studied unconcern. "OK , I'm ready." "Ok then, first one to pull his arm out buys the beer all night" says Rizzit "1...2....3....and in" Rizzit puts his arm into the flames. Feng shoves his left forearm into the flames. "I smell burning hairs" smiles Rizzit. "This is a great way to remove ticks and any other nasties that get on you while out in the wilds" Feng watches Rizzit's arm. The kobold seems unaffected by the flames. Feng withraws with a curse. Rizzit puts his head for a bit for good measure. "Another beer for me then please" he says. Feng grinds his teeth in frustration "Barman, give the tricksy little bastard a gallon of beer." "The trouble is your man enough to do that but not dragon enough" says Rizzit. "you coming to watch the show at the theatre? I'm not even sure what a theatre is so it should be interesting" "Yep - I cant see that the milksops in this town will have anything more exciting to do, so I'll take in the theatre. It's got to be more fun than burning your own arm off for a paltry bet." Outside, Coleridge continues to chat with the musicians, discussing his own love of music and poetry... before parting ways with them he gratefully accepts their offer to attend the theater show at 10pm. The bard books a room at the boarding house and then heads to the Tavern. Sparhawk books a room. Once inside he takes this time to polish his armour and check it for any defects. He then goes to the tavern. [B]MURDER[/B] Storm clouds gather above and rain threatens to fall. The vendors are hurriedly putting tarps over their stalls, but the darkening skies have no effect on the gaiety of the townsfolk. Suddenly a scream is heard out in the street. The party rush to see what has occurred. A woman is leaning out of a second story window. Her face is stricken with terror. "Help" she cries. "Murderer! There's a murderer loose!" Her cries continue, growing less coherent by the moment The crowd below her window quiets in shock for a moment, and then the peoples voices swell in dismay. Laughter and joy have been replaced by whispers and horror. A man in the street shouts up to the women "Aldo has been called, he will be here in a minute" Aldo soon appears on the Scene, apparently he is the town constable, he immediately begins trying to calm people down and usher the commoners away from the area.. Beltain approaches Aldo and asks politely if he can be of any assistance, controlling the crowds, taking a message or anything else to support him? He speaks with the gravitas of a learned man, a cleric, whose knowledge could prove useful and whose presence may help calm the distraught female. Beltain gives Limara's hand a squeeze as he moves past her "Told you it was too damn peaceful" he whispers. Aldo calms the local crowd and then turns to the party. He nods at Beltain "I could do with a little help" he says. He pulls out a silver badge and hands it to Beltain "I hereby deputize you", He suddenly spots Rizzit "Hey there, we meet again, looks like you were right, i might need your help after all...you want to be a deputy?" Rizzit grins a huge smile Rizzit says "I sure do...I have never been deputized before, and a badge" he beams. Aldo hands Rizzit the Deputy Badge. Aldo looks at Sparhawk "Will you help?.. Im sure we could certainly use a man of your character" "You have my full help and co operation neighbour" Sparhawk says to Aldo with a bow. He turns to Coleridge and Feng "And if you two also would help?" He then walks upto Limara, bows and hands her a badge. "I'll help....I am Feng..Justice is swift where I come from.... Should I fetch my Greataxe? Aldo clearly looks nervous and very flustered. He shouts up at the woman "Its me Aldo.. let us in", she looks down, nods at Aldo and disappears from the window. The door opens and the woman rushes to Aldo, flinging her arms around him, sobbing "He's Dead!, He's Dead!...Upstairs" Aldo rushes in, he looks back "Erm...Deputies,,um, Follow ME!" The party rush up the stairs, there are 2 rooms upstairs. They enter the room to the right. The body of a man lies on a bed, sightless eyes staring at some imagined horror. His throat has been slit. The side of his mouth are cut open, making it look like a clown's oversized smile. Rosy circles have been painted onto his cheeks with blood. "So Aldo who is the dead guy?" asks Rizzit. "That," he sighs "is Franco Sertino. Husband to Maria, the lady who let us in" Poacher barges his way into the room." Let me in to have a :):):):)ing look you bunch of :):):):)s. I'm a :):):):)ing top notch :):):):)ing tracker. I'll tell you what happened." Aldo looks round as Poacher enters the room "i never deputized you..This is a crime scene" "Dont go messing up the murder scene :):):):):):):)" says Rizzit. "And last time you tried tracking we walked into a bunch of orcs" Poacher laughs "Oh :):):):) off. Do you want to :):):):)ing find out who did it? :):):):)ing crime scene! Kekekeke. Wanker." "infact..where were you half hour ago?" Aldo asks poacher. "Ive already had reports about you m'boy" "Me?" says Poacher "I was looking for :):):):)ing whores in this two copper piece little :):):):) hole you call home. Now shutup and let me work. Unless you know where i can find a :):):):)ing whore. Otherwise :):):):) your :):):):)ing yap." "Is the body still warm?" asks Rizzit "And have you got speak with dead Lim?" Limara shakes her head "Afraid not." Limara walks over and touches the body "Still warm" Poacher searches the area in a tracker kind of way. But he fails to find any tracks. Sparhawk looks round "Where is Maria Sertino?" Maria walks into the room, and breaks down crying. "Please my lady , can you tell us what you know ?" says Sparhawk. "Im gonna check the rest of the house" says Aldo, he walks out of the room. "I came in and he was dead...thats it!!" sobs Maria. "Was the place robbed?" asks Poacher. Maria Sertino shakes her head. "Have you checked?" he asks. Well, everything appears ok..she says. she walks over to the chest of drawers, opens it and pulls out a nice necklace.. "They woulda took this surely" She puts it back in the Draw. "Giselle, she seems to have taken it badly" "Was the window already opened?" asks Rizzit "Yes" she replies. "Hey Spar. If you're lucky you can wait until someone blames me. Then you can fail to stand up for me and let me hang. Like all of the other times." says Poacher. Sparhawk says "I doubt this was a mere burglary....not after what was done to the body" "Aye. That was really :):):):)ing funny that. Kekekeke." laughs the Ranger Sparhawk gasps as the ranger's insensitivity "Do not expect me to stand for you again neighbour" "Where's this "AGAIN" come from shitbird?" says Poacher to Sparhawk. Sparhawk ignores the ranger "Who is Giselle?" "My Daughter" replies Maria. "Where is she now? do you know if she knows anything?" asks Sparhawk. "Across the hall, in the other room" "I will go talk with her, with your permission of course" offers the warrior. Maria nods. Sparhawk goes to talk to Giselle. Rizzit starts detecting for magic..He dosent Detect Any "Maria what did your husband do for a living?" asks Poacher. "We own the local theater" "hmmm," says Rizzit nodding thoughtfully. "Have you heard him argue with anyone recently? Does he have any enemies?" "Not that i know.he was a lovely man" "Who works at the theatre?" asks Rizzit. "Various people..theres many....Stage hands, lighting, music" The two clerics, Beltain and Limara, both spend a time looking at the body. Coleridge also enters the house after pacifying some of the upset locals. Having entered after the others Coleridge takes in the scene, he suppresses his instincts to try and act quickly, as the others have, he searches the room methodically. But finds nothing. Suddenly the party hear Aldo shout "In here Guys" Rizzit, Feng and Poacher rush across to the other upstairs room. Coleridge, Limara and Beltain stay with Maria, and the body. A little girl, maybe seven years old, sits on a small bed, hugging a wooden, painted puppet and singing softly to herself. Her attention is totally focused on the doll. She doesn’t even acknowledge the party’s existence. The room is clean, but the floor is strewn with toys and dolls. Sparhawk kneeling in front of the child. "Do you like Knuckles?" asks Gazelle to Sparhawk. . "He can dance and sing you know!" she holds up the limp doll Aldo looks at Poacher "I still got my eye on you sonny Jim, if i find out you were any where near here at roughly the time Franco was murdered, im havin you in" ":):):):) off old :):):):). I'm trying to :):):):)ing help out here." spits back the ranger. "My Kobold sense is tingling" says Rizzit. Poacher turns to Giselle. "So why did you kill daddy Giselle? We know you did it. was he touching you??" Aldo shoots Poacher a Look "POACHER...OUTSIDE NOW...I WANT A WORD" Feng says out loud "Is this the way townsfolk usually kill each other, or is this killing special?. Lets talk away from the Girl - I'm not such a complete twat that I want to upset her for nothing." Feng steps outside the room. "Um...i dont EVER remember a killing...this is a peaceful town" Aldo looks straight at Poacher "Until you guys arrived" Feng snorts "Where I come from, the Murderer is generally the one with the Big Sword, saying "Yeah, so I killed him, who says I shouldn't?" Feng turns to Rizzit - take this rag doll, he offers Rizzit a rag doll "Get the rag doll to speak to the kids doll - knuckles?. Perhaps the kid can't talk, but knuckles might - to another doll?" "Where did you get that?" "A kid gave it to me earlier" Back in the Murder room, Coleridge talks to Maria "I know this is a difficult time Mrs. Sertino, but we will do what we can to aid you.. can you tell me did you hear anything that may have alerted you to something out of the ordinary? how did you discover this had happened?" "I came in to do some cleaning...and my husband was like THAT!...I saw no-one suspicious" "So you heard nothing prior to coming to clean the room? whereabouts were you prior to that?" "Downstairs in the kitchen making dinner...i heard nothing" "You say that your daughter Giselle is understandably upset, how did she find out, did she come in to the room, might she have witnessed something?" Maria nods "I think she did come in, but shes not saying anything..the others are with her now" Limara says softly to Maria "Maria, go be with your daughter, theres nothing you can do here now" Both Limara and Beltain look a bit shaken up, as if the scene has really got to them.. "I am going to be with my daugher..i can bear this sight no longer" Maria flees from the room. "I told you something bad was going to happen" mumbles Beltain, clearly moved by the manor of the death Coleridge speaks to the two clerics "If the daughter is currently not talking there is a good chance she is in shock possibly from finding her father's body, but she may also have witnessed the killing.. we need to handle this delicately...Coleridge's eye open wide in horror dear god did the mother say the others are with her daughter? not Poacher too? "yes Poachers in there..Aldo didnt even deputize him" Coleridge quickly moves thought of the daughter's bedroom, fearing the impact Poacher could have on a child who has already suffered a nasty shock Aldo is in the corridor seething at Poacher as Coleridge passes "Ive known that man for years..hes not like THAT!" Coleridge spits at Poacher "What did you do or say to the little girl, you :):):):)ing ignoramus?" Aldo interjects "He asked..if her Father had been..cough...touching her" "He also accused her of the Murder. A nice deflection Mr Poacher, i might add" Coleridge says to Poacher "I suggest you leave here and see if you can find anything outside of significance, or his might not be the only murder we're looking into." Coleridge obviously fuming at the ranger turns and walks through the curtain into the room. "Dont leave town" says Aldo to the Ranger Coleridge addresses Maria in a lowered voice "With your permission i would like to try something using the my melodies to soothe her and try to discover if she witnessed something?" Giselle sits silently playing with her puppet Maria nods to the bard. Coleridge begins to sing a soothing tune, the words are indistinct but it is relaxing and peaceful Giselle looks at Coleridge a moment, then starts humming the tune..with the doll pressed close to her face. She suddenly screams "...It..was....HIM....HIM....He made me hide it to...i didnt want to.....but he MADE ME" "THATS ENOUGH.....ENOUGH!" shouts the girls mother, seeing the distress her daughter is in. Giselle breaks down crying, her mother conforts her. Coleridge says softly "I apologize i know you have both been through alot this eve, but it has helped us some" "Hide what?" questions Aldo. Coleridge once again begins a methodical search of the room, looking for anything which appears out of place or intentionally hidden. Coleridge finds...hidden in the bedclothes, a small, bloodstained knife. It is no more than 4 inches long. "Ah ha..well done man" says Aldo, clearly impressed Coleridge looks at the implement "Well we know now what she hid, now we need to find out who this HIM is that made her do it..." Aldo nods "Ok, give me the knife there, im going to take it down the station. I think we should leave the Sertino's alone now...come on...ALL OUT" He ushers the party out of the Sertino home Outside in the street, Limara addresses the party "Im going to go get a room now, i need to pray" states Limara Flatly "I wont be attending the Theater tonight, ill see the rest of you in the morning, i will learn some spells that may aid us" Beltain looks weary "Me to princess..." Rizzit says to no-one in particular "Maybe there is an evil spirit about that possessed the girl and made her murder her father" "Im going back to the Constabulary," says Aldo to his deputies "I'll resume the investigation in the morning. If you hear of anything, drop by, i got a feeling im going to be up a while.. Thanx for your help" Aldo takes the bloodstained dagger "Exhibit A" he says as he marches off down the street. Coleridge speaks "I can rest later, my minds abuzz at the moment, if the show is still on it may help me to relax and order my thoughts he says to Rizzit Rizzit nods at the bard "I have suspicions that maybe someone in the show could have a hand in this so would be good to see them, maybe one of them could end up another victim, I would also like to see the toymaker in the morning" Sparhawk heads back to the theatre....making a point of ignoring Poacher as he walks past him Feng winks at Poacher, and with a long, slow smile, draws his index finger across his throat, and then stabs the finger at Poacher. Feng Hurries to catch up with Aldo, he says to the constable "When we prove who as done this, I'll be the executioner. I'll even waive the fee, I feel so bad about the little girl losing her Father in that way. Remember me, I am Feng. If needed, I can botch the first couple o' tries so the Bastard ends up in Hell screaming, OK?" Feng runs back to the party "Looking forward to the show, little one?" he says to Rizzit. "....hehe, and to think that I was expecting to be bored, here. First a show, then collar a villain to collect a reward. I hope they wont cancel the show just 'cos of the killing." The barbarian turns to Coleridge "Nice trick, Cole. The lawman will have ya eating out of your hand - if you can find another trail to the killer. Did you notice anything special about the knife? A name carved on it, or somesuch?" Coleridge shakes his head " The knife seemed normal...small, but normal" [IMG]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tariff/Murder.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tariff/Childs%20bedroom.jpg[/IMG] [/QUOTE]
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The Order of Initiative in: "Just a Simple Escort"
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