R2: Rats in a Maze [Manzanita judging]

[wmasters]

Metrius listens carefully to Harrold as he talks about the events. Another sewer entrance a foot in diameter. Seems to be a theme...

"Mind if we take a look in the basement, sir? Have things been moved around much since the robbery?

 

[Patlin]

"We have some theories as to how such small openings were used, but we are unsure how to pursue the burglars into the sewers. Is there some entrance that is used when they are in need of maintenance? Some way into the system through which I might fit?"

 

[Heckler]

Babette remains quiet for the time being, not wanting to overwhelm their host and assuming that Harrold might be more comfortable talking to the men.

"Dragons and wererats Ma and Pa would believe. But an indoor outhouse! They'd think I'd gone off my rocker."

 

[Dungannon]

Mind if we take a look in the basement, sir? Have things been moved around much since the robbery?

"Sure, I can show you the basement. I've moved the strongbox, of course. It now sits in my bedchamber." Harrold stands and begins to lead the way to the basement.

We have some theories as to how such small openings were used, but we are unsure how to pursue the burglars into the sewers. Is there some entrance that is used when they are in need of maintenance? Some way into the system through which I might fit?

Harrold ponders Tor's question. "Hmm, the only entrance to the sewer system that I'm aware of is North of the city, just outside the warehouse district. I'm sure your employers at the Council House could give you more information."

Harrold leads the party down a narrow flight of stairs and into a spacious basement level. It appears to make up roughly half the space of the building above it. "That window there is where the thief gained entrance. My strongbox was over there, with those other chests." Harrold indicates a small collection of chests in the northwest corner of the basement.

 

[wmasters]

Metrius takes a thorough look around, especially around the window, the chests, and the pipe in the corner, looking for anything out of place.

OOC: Search +2, taking 20.

 

[Dungannon]

Metrius takes a thorough look around, especially around the window, the chests, and the pipe in the corner, looking for anything out of place.

OOC: Search +2, taking 20.

Metrius slowly and methodically examines the basement looking for clues. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, the window's been professionally replaced, the chests are all locked, the pipe is a solid stand from floor to ceiling.

 

[Heckler]

Babette looks at where the pipe goes through the ceiling, presumably to the bathroom.

"So, Tor, if your theory is correct...

...they entered...

...through...

...the toilet."

**shudder**

"I'm liking this less and less. I would suppose, then, that the windows are something of a red herring. I don't know if I think Tor's theory is right, and I don't think there's enough evidence here to confirm it.

We could keep checking out crime scenes, but after all tghis time I would guess the leads would be even colder then what we have here so I doubt that would bear any fruit.

And unfortunately for my nice new clean boots, I can't think of any other options. So I guess I'll go along with whatever everyone else thinks is best."

 

[wmasters]

Metrius smiles at Babette, "I'm hoping that we can avoid that route as well. At the moment, though, we've only got evidence that the sewer plate was moved at the warehouse - there's no suggestion that it was used here except that the pipe runs through here. Maybe we should check to make sure the sewer entrances are present at other sites.

The windows have been very carefully removed; there must be some reason for that. Unfortunately I don't know where that lead takes us..."

 

[Dungannon]

We could keep checking out crime scenes, but after all tghis time I would guess the leads would be even colder then what we have here so I doubt that would bear any fruit.

Maybe we should check to make sure the sewer entrances are present at other sites.

A look of concern crosses Harrold's face when he overhears these comments. "You, you mean, this wasn't an isolated incident? I mean I know our neighbor had a situation a while back, but that was brazen robbery by armed assailants! The guardsmen we talked to assured us this was a random occurance. Oh dear, maybe I should warn my neighbors. And my fellow shopowners..." Harrold's shoulders slump visibly as he looks for a place to sit down.

 

[Patlin]

"Isolated incident? Yes and no. It's to be expected that a succesfull crook will try to steal again. Our job is to make sure that this crook's successes come to an abrupt halt -- preferably in such away that the foolhardiness of burglary is made clear to any others in the city that might contemplate it. You should certainly encourage your friends and associates to be carefull, but try not to panic them. After all, we're allready on the case. Perhaps the crooks are running for the hills in fear even as we speek, eh?"

Tor grins as he makes the last suggestion.

ooc: With apologies to our employers, "discreet" isn't one of Tor's leading qualities.