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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 8043296" data-attributes="member: 7015827">An Unwanted GemDarrow’s presence caused something of a stir as the group made their way through the clan halls, but eventually they made it to their destination, the smithy of Lorn Ironbeard. He greeted Aerikoth and Rahnee as dwarf-friends and was introduced to Dermot and Shanni, visitors present in the citadel under Darrow’s bond. The smith declared that was good enough for him. He mentioned that they could speak to his apprentice for any purchases, mentioning with a bit of worry that his prices were lower than usual, due to less trade. He also mentioned rumors of dragon sightings in the mountains, saying that a long time ago the clan had trouble with a dragon called “The Burning Blaze”.While the group was looking over the smith’s wares, another Ironhelm dwarf came in and chatted with Lorn and Darrow in dwarven. The newcomer seemed to be curious about what the outsiders were looking at, particularly Shanni, although she failed to spot anything untoward about the dwarf. After he departed, Rahnee pulled Shanni quietly aside with the others and asked her to check her belt pouch. Darrow was visibly incensed at the idea that one of his clanmates might have stolen something. After checking, Shanni said there was nothing missing; however, there was a gemstone in her pouch that she was sure had not been there before. The others found that odd and when she produced the stone, a black opal, Darrow recognized it as part of the clan treasure.Shanni immediately said she wanted nothing to do with it and gave it to Darrow, who then briefly passed it to Aerikoth, so the mage could determine there was nothing magical about the gem. Darrow went over to Lorn and asked him who the other dwarf was. The smith told him that it was “one of the young hotheads” named Yarran who was big on all the Redeemer talk. After a further exchange in dwarven and a big laugh, Darrow led the group back to the clan temple.There he had hoped to be able to speak with High Priest Iskar, but was told by his brother Andin, the temple acolyte, that Iskar was in a council session and not to be disturbed. Darrow then showed the gemstone to him and explained that Yarran had come up to Shanni – someone Darrow had vouched for – and surreptitiously put it in her pouch. Shanni offered to approach a guard and return it, saying she had seen it drop out of a dwarf’s pocket, but Aerikoth thought that unwise.Darrow said that they were obviously meant to be found with it, suggesting that they could just leave it in Iskar’s office. Andin had a sudden inspiration and pointed at the crotch of the Moradin statue, excitedly talking in dwarven with Darrow. The idea to hide the gem there was not supported by Shanni, however. Dermot came up with the idea of planting the gem back on Yarran, which Darrow liked.As Andin went to find where Yarran was, the others discussed how best to accomplish that. Shanni initially was in favor of hiding it in his residence, but Darrow explained that the clan homes were strictly off-limits to outsiders and considered very private, so Darrow would run a risk of being caught there. Andin returned and informed them that Yarran was in the tavern. It was decided that Darrow would chat him up to distract him, while Shanni did the deed. Darrow said that he could use an ale anyway.The party decamped to the clan tavern, a large area with several groups of tables, with plenty of room for them to spread out. Darrow sat down with Yarran and bought him an ale, having an extended chat in dwarven with him. Shanni and the others apparently paid no attention while this was going on. The petite rogue wandered around the room admiring the architecture, just happening to pass by Yarran. Taking her chance, she successfully placed the stone on him with some sleight-of-hand while the dwarf was oblivious in his cups. Darrow continued talking with him about clan doings as the others sat at another table with their Ironhelm ales, which Dermot had purchased. To pass the time and not seem suspicious, the adventurers had a conversation about what the drinks were like where they were originally from. Eventually Darrow finished his talk with Yarran and went over to the others, saying it was time they went to the guest quarters.In the guest hall, while Darrow talked with the guard to ensure they would not be disturbed, the others divided up the available rooms, allowing Aerikoth the one single-bed chamber. Darrow returned and informed them about his conversation with Yarran. He said that the dwarf’s hero-worship seemed genuine and was based on Darrow’s recovery of Haelgrim; Aerikoth and Rahnee found that plausible. Yarran was indeed part of the “Redeemers” faction. He refused to give up any more names, but notably fell silent when Toran Goldfinder was mentioned, according to Darrow. He found it puzzling that Yarran genuinely seemed to want him on the throne, which did not seem to be consistent with the act of planting a piece of the clan treasure on Shanni. Darrow explained that he would share any punishment she received, if the gem were “discovered” on her.Shanni opined that it was a double bluff – someone wanted Darrow to replace the Prince on the throne, but then be removed himself, paving the way for whoever was behind the opposing faction. She said the thing they needed to know - the most important thing for telling them who was responsible - was who could gain access to the treasury unnoticed. Dermot added that such a person could also be above suspicion. Darrow admitted that he had not paid much attention in school to such subjects, though he expected the Prince, Iskar, Toran Goldfinder and maybe some of the other top nobles could enter the treasury. Darrow mentioned that Toran had been making a lot of noise about opening the clanhome and bringing in more coin in trade, something that Yarran was agreeable to.</blockquote>

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