A Knight To Remember - 2020-09-02 - Salvage the Situation (log)

Imaerasta 2, 5120

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]

Summary

• Debris and chests from the explosion the night before float onto the shore of Darkstone Bay and adventurers go to investigate. Maze and [[::Xorus_Kul'shin|Xorus]] collect two of the chests to investigate, as wisps of energy faintly rise up before curling into the air and disappearing. Xorus [[::Piercing Gaze (416)|sees]] essences of water inside his, then [[::Unlock (407)|opens]] it to find a fine petwer boar statuette.

• Draught begins to bash open one of the boxes and gets diseased for his efforts, then Gillien aids. Together they get it open and Draught finds a small shard of blood marble and a fine pewter bear statuette. Silver coins and essences of earth are also among it.

• Maze drops the last chest for bashing and the group finds essences of air, silver coins, and a fine pewter stallion statuette. Draught claims the statuettes and blood marble in the name of the Order of the Silver Gryphon.

• Mayor Leafiara says we can have a bard [[::loresong|investigate]]. Faerinn and Mongonator note nothing among the debris, but Faerinn wonders why Mother is shipping blood marble. Leafi mentions that it's valued in the Turamzzyrian Empire and Lheren once wanted to take apart the altar in the Hendoran outpost to sell it. At Draught's suggestion, most of the group convenes at the altar to see if it's been dismantled, but it's still there.

• Meanwhile, Gillien remains behind and his death is sensed. The group returns and he says the debris is causing a sickness and not to touch it. Taulramil, Leafi, and Razanetika say they touched it and nothing happened, asking for explanation. Gillien says he kicked the debris, but there was dark green ichor on it and some accidentally landed on him, causing disease.

• Raza and Leafi start kicking apart more of the debris themselves, but nothing further happens. Taulramil and Mongonator join in and eventually break up all the debris, while Gillien inspects the severed arms and legs that washed up and says they appear to be chewed, ripped, and flayed. He speculates that the ichor comes from a creature with terrible power.

• Town guards arrive and take the bloated limbs away in rhimar chests. Mongonator loresings to the blood marble and finds nothing, nor do inspections of the statues turn up anything. Leafi discusses the oddity of blood marble arriving by ship when most blood marble came from Talador, which would lend itself to arriving by land. Gillien insists the limbs seem to be caused by a creature and Leafi agrees the coroner will look into it, as well as agreeing with Chandrellia that we need answers from Mother about the cargo.

Highlights

Town guards arrive and carefully place the bloated limbs into rhimar chests and walk off.
Speaking to Cruxophim, Xorus says, "They stole your lunch."
Speaking despondently to Xorus, Cruxophim mutters, "I know."

Log

An Essential Inspection

Some debris and chests float up onto the shore of Darkstone Bay, near the abandoned dinghy outside of town."

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

Recreational fishermen have beached their vessels on this sandy stretch of beach. To the south, you can see the wooden palisade that surrounds the Landing. You also see the Sofal disk, the Taulramil disk, the Khazaann disk, a green-eyed grey and white kitten, the Lohk disk, some scorched wooden debris, some scorched wooden debris, a bloated human arm, a bloated elven leg, a bloated elven leg, a wooden sign and an abandoned wooden dinghy.

Also here: Mayor Leafiara, Feenlitt, Sofal, Draught, Lord Yavs, Squire Legionnaire Taulramil, Gillien, Lord Khazaann, Lady in Waiting Chandrellia who is kneeling, House Seer Rovvigen, Sockmo, Lohk, Maze, Adalfuns, Xorus

Wisps of energy faintly rise up from the chests in Maze and Xorus's possession then they curl up into the air and disappear.

Gillien exclaims, "Or maybe don't!"

Xorus says, "It is filled with water essence."

Maze says, "I cannot open them."

Gillien says, "Seems like bad news to me."

Maze says, "Not a locksmith."

Leafiara curiously says, "Hm."

Chandrellia softly says, "Why do people just assume everything is theirs for the taking."

Rovvigen softly asks, "Burn them?"

Leafiara says, "The aftermath of last night..."

Maze asks, "Cause it was on the ground?"

Yavs raspily says, "Unfortunate."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Maze needs to be uncursed."

Xorus gestures at a dented and scorched steel trunk.

You hear a soft click from the trunk and it suddenly flies open.

The scintillating light fades from Xorus's hands.

Draught says, "Ahh."

Draught says, "Well done."

Elanthil says, "Moo."

Xorus removes a fine pewter boar statuette from in his scorched steel trunk.

Maze asks, "Any pickers about?"

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Something happened."

Leafiara carefully inspects some scorched wooden debris.

Draught says, "I can smash it open."

Maze offers Draught a waterlogged wooden box.

Draught accepts Maze's wooden box.

Draught says, "Let me get clear..."

Gillien asks, "Want some help bashin it?"

Xorus shows Leafiara a fine pewter boar statuette.

Xorus shrugs.

Speaking musingly to Xorus, Leafiara says, "Fairly ordinary."

Maze says, "Chest to the east as well."

Draught just arrived. [having come back from bashing it]

Draught says, "Diseased."

Draught asks, "Can anyone cure?"

Speaking to Maze, Gillien asks, "What's in the box?"

[many head east, but the chest there is just the long rhimar-inlaid chest that's always there]

Draught bashes the wooden box with his immense longsword.

Lohk exclaims, "Smash, Draught!"

Draught bashes the wooden box with his immense longsword.

Leafiara says, "Normally I could get it open too, but I've left my lockpicks behind."

Draught bashes the wooden box with his immense longsword.

Gillien asks, "Want some help?"

Draught says, "Sure."

Draught bashes the wooden box with his immense longsword.

Gillien bashes the wooden box with his knobby mining sledgehammer.

In a shower of splinters, the wooden box bursts apart, spilling the contents on the ground!

Draught says, "There we are."

Chandrellia softly says, "She can open it."

Leafiara says, "Hm."

Draught picks up a small shard of blood marble.

Yavs raspily says, "Oh wow."

Draught says, "Interesting."

Leafiara picks up some essence of earth.

Gillien says, "I know blood marble when I seen it."

Yavs raspily says, "Fascinating."

Draught picks up a fine pewter bear statuette.

Xorus says, "Boar and bear."

Leafiara says, "Seems like.. ordinary essences."

Speaking softly to Draught, Chandrellia says, "I'll pay 200k for that shard."

>l coin

There are 15000 coins there.

The silver is the coin of the realm, accepted by most Elanthian merchants.

Draught says, "It's not mine to sell."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Gillien says, "Now that's a bit crass."

Chandrellia softly asks, "Then why did you pick up and not let Leafi get it?"

Leafiara musingly says, "Not so much in the way of smuggled goods, then... these would pass inspection as ordinary goods."

Draught says, "To inspect it."

Speaking softly to Gillien, Chandrellia says, "Is it? I happen to study blood marble."

Maze says, "Not her because by salvage laws."

[General] Acerbe asks, "Pie rats?"

Gillien says, "Listen, Leafi's great, but we're wasting time arguing over who should pick things up."

Rolfard raspily says, "Some mess you got here."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil says, "I was out in Thanatoph and saw the debris floating down the bay to here."

Draught says, "I think the Gryphons should discuss this."

Faerinn asks, "I heard blood marble had washed up!?"

Gillien says, "Sure did."

Draught says, "Indeed."

Draught says, "Means nothing to me."

Faerinn says, "It means a ton to me."

Leafiara asks, "Blood marble, essences, and a boar and bear statue?"

Leafiara asks, "Is that the gist of it?"

Draught says, "I didn't see the boar statue."

Draught says, "But there is a bear, yes."

Xorus grabs a fine pewter boar statuette from a small pocket inside of his black leather coat.

Leafiara muses, "Blood marble is the only oddity. I would normally think that more likely to be going out than coming in."

Faerinn says, "I don't know what the statues mean, but blood marble destroyed my home."

Draught glances at Khazaann.

Draught asks, "What do you think?"

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Uness someone is going to make a new altar."

Speaking to Faerinn, Gillien says, "Another from Talador, I see."

Rolfard raspily says, "Infernal stones."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "They never got around to moving the old one."

Gillien says, "Same here."

Wisps of energy coil up from the chest in Maze's hand and then curls up into the air and disappears.

Speaking to Maze, Gillien asks, "What's in your box?"

Maze taps a battered and scorched haon chest, which is in his left hand.

Maze says, "Dunno can't open it."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "That happened as soon as he picked up the box."

Gillien says, "Let us bash it open."

Faerinn asks, "Bash it?"

Draught says, "Drop it and we can smash it open."

Speaking amusedly to Maze, Leafiara say, "So get it to Raza."

Maze drops a battered and scorched haon chest.

Taulramil asks, "Any sign of mother today?"

Draught bashes the scorched haon chest with his immense longsword.

Gillien bashes the scorched haon chest with his knobby mining sledgehammer.

Draught bashes the scorched haon chest with his immense longsword.

Gillien bashes the scorched haon chest with his knobby mining sledgehammer.

Draught bashes the scorched haon chest with his immense longsword.

Gillien bashes the scorched haon chest with his knobby mining sledgehammer.

In a shower of splinters, the scorched haon chest bursts apart, spilling the contents on the ground!

>l

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

The shore extends into a small, sandy promontory that juts into Darkstone Bay. The Landing's great river gate lies southeast of here, guarded on either side by tall twin towers. To the west, this path continues on between Wehnimer's wooden palisade and the sandy beaches along the bay. You also see some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, some essence of air, a fine pewter stallion statuette, some silver coins, the Sofal disk, the Taulramil disk, the Khazaann disk, some essence of earth, some essence of earth, some essence of earth, some essence of earth, some essence of earth, some essence of earth, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a green-eyed grey and white kitten, an air wyrdling, a long rhimar-inlaid chest, a long wooden dock and a small rabbit skeleton.

Also here: Razanetika, Bergond, Barrister Faerinn, Sofal, Squire Legionnaire Taulramil, Relic Hunter Rolfard, Lord Khazaann, Danialle, Xorus, Veramilion, Gillien, Sockmo, Maze, Mayor Leafiara, Draught, Lord Yavs, Lady in Waiting Chandrellia, Great Lord Elanthil

Rolfard raspily says, "Interesting."

Draught says, "There we are."

Draught picks up a fine pewter stallion statuette.

Maze says, "Air essence."

Leafiara says, "A stallion."

Rolfard raspily says, "A lot of essence of air..."

Draught says, "Stallion statuette."

Maze says, "Stallion statue."

Draught says, "Interesting."

>l coins

There are 22000 coins there.

The silver is the coin of the realm, accepted by most Elanthian merchants.

Faerinn says, "Blood marble was used with the blood of half-elves to destroy Talador."

Gillien says, "Stallion, boar and a bear. Three in total."

Faerinn says, "Leaving only the Bleak."

Draught taps a fine pewter stallion statuette, which is in his right hand.

Draught asks, "Who has the boar?"

Xorus grabs a fine pewter boar statuette from a small pocket inside of his black leather coat.

Xorus taps a fine pewter boar statuette, which is in his right hand.

Draught says, "Maze."

Chandrellia softly says, "Give the statues to Leafi they could mean something and I would suggest the marble as well but that's my opinion."

Draught says, "It was your box."

Taulramil says, "Hmm."

Maze says, "Yea, I found those two."

Speaking to Leafiara, Faerinn asks, "Mother claimed these were her ships right?"

Maze says, "Xorus picked up the other."

Taulramil says, "Can't eat it."

Leafiara says, "No, it's fine--as of now they don't have any meaning."

Speaking to Faerinn, Leafiara affirms, "Yeah."

Draught says, "I'm momentarily claiming these statuettes and the marble in the name of the Silver Gryphons."

Leafiara says, "Unless we have a bard among us."

Leafiara says, "Oh, and we do."

Leafiara points at Faerinn.

Elanthil asks, "Is it too early to bring out my peg leg?"

Mongonator says, "I'm a bard...sorta."

Faerinn says, "I am a bard."

Leafiara requests, "Can we investigate the statues?"

Faerinn casts an appraising gaze over his surroundings, seemingly taking in every detail.

Chandrellia whispers something to Gillien.

Faerinn says, "I can sing them."

Razanetika softly says, "Mongo can help too."

Leafiara says, "The statues and the debris to the east might be clues."

Mongonator exclaims, "Been singing to over a thousand items from Duskruin, what's a few more!"

Rolfard raspily asks, "Was it the same essence in both boxes?"

Faerinn says, "I sense nothing here. One moment while I check the debris."

Barrister Faerinn just went west.

Gillien says, "Earth in one, air in the other."

Xorus says, "Mine had essence of wtaer."

Maze says, "No, air and earth."

Taulramil says, "Air and earth."

Leafiara yells, "Just let us know!"

Barrister Faerinn just arrived.

Mongonator says, "I sensed nothing with the debris."

Faerinn says, "Nothing."

Gillien asks, "There were three total?"

Maze says, "Earth and bear."

Xorus says, "Air, earth, water."

Maze says, "Water and stallion."

Leafiara says, "Air and stallion, I thought."

Gillien asks, "What's the only element missing?"

Xorus says, "Water was with the boar."

Leafiara says, "Fire."

Maze says, "I misspoke."

The voice of Kaldonis says, "Rhimar-inlaid chests are for keeping fish, everyone knows."

Taulramil asks, "Did not bandits burn down the gemshop the other night?"

Draught says, "Let's see..."

Leafiara says, "They did."

Taulramil says, "Fire there."

Speaking to Leafiara, Faerinn asks, "I'm right in thinking that Mother said these were Brotherhood ships, right?"

Draught says, "They burnt a few people as well."

Leafiara says, "Well, tried to, at least. We got it under control."

Speaking to Faerinn, Leafiara says, "Yes."

Faerinn asks, "Why the hell is she shipping blood marble!?"

Leafiara agrees, "That is the strangest one in here."

Chandrellia turns her blood marble pendant and it flashes with a deep golden glow.

Gillien asks, "Do we think these chests showed up accidentally or on purpose?"

Draught says, "I need to speak to my superiors."

Leafiara says, "Having said that... the Empire finds it valuable."

Leafiara says, "You might have noticed the blood marble altar in the outpost."

Draught says, "Hmm."

Xorus says, "All of the boxes had... wisps of energy.. off them."

Maze asks, "Should there be a fourth box?"

Faerinn says, "And full of essences."

Draught says, "Hmm."

Leafiara says, "Some years ago, Lheren wanted to deconstruct that blood marble altar to be sold within the Empire."

Yavs raspily asks, "Where would it have gone?"

Draught says, "One would think."

Speaking to Maze, Taulramil says, "Most likely and when it shows it might be the worse."

Draught asks, "Perhaps it has been taken apart?"

Leafiara says, "Saying that it's a valued material."

Draught says, "We should check the outpost."

Gillien says, "I'm going to search the debris a bit more."

Speaking to Draught, Leafiara says, "We certainly can, but the altar's been there for years."

Draught says, "Right."

Speaking to Draught, Faerinn says, "Would you do me a favor and when you tell your superiors about your findings tell them that Faerinn of Talador wants to examine them."

Draught says, "But perhaps it's been chipped off."

Draught says, "Or dismantled."

Speaking to Draught, Faerinn says, "Especially the blood marble."

Draught says, "I shall do that."

Speaking to Draught, Leafiara says, "Wasn't as of a couple weeks ago, but we can check."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil asks, "Do you know who that Mother person is?"

Leafiara recites:

"Well, join up, I suppose."

Leafiara admits, "Nope."

Taulramil says, "Hmm."

Taulramil says, "She's an interesting one."

Leafiara admits, "I don't expect to find much, but sure, let's see."

Draught says, "Wait."

Draught says, "There were three ships."

[travel]

Elanthil says, "Weeeooo weeeooo weeeooo."

Taulramil says, "Killed the sailor to show mercy."

Faerinn says, "Mother is messing with blood magic and alchemy it looks like."

Draught says, "There were three ships."

Draught says, "There are three statuettes."

[Light of the Godking]

A warm halo of sunlight filters through the crystalline dome above, each facet of the glass casting a bright golden mosaic along the textured stone floor. The smooth stone walls of the shrine are enameled with the image of a large golden crown. A track of worn, ashen grey carpet begins at the double doors and divides the chamber until ending just before a wide stone dais. Upon the raised platform is a high altar crafted from blood marble, its soft white surface speckled with sanguine motes.

Bhenidre, Razanetika, Draught, Faerinn, Mongonator, Taulramil, Xorus, Veramilion, Maze, Yavs, Chandrellia and Elanthil followed.

Draught says, "Couldn't make out the ships' banners."

Draught says, "Hmm."

Draught says, "Everything seems in order here."

Leafiara says, "At this rate, a better question is who isn't messing with blood magic."

Razanetika raises her hand.

Taulramil raises his hand.

Faerinn says, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure that is a new shipment."

Taulramil says, "I just get a lot of it on me in battle."

Leafiara says, "No change to the altar I can see."

Leafiara says, "But where then did the blood marble come from? It was prominent in the Talador mines..."

Razanetika softly asks, "Did someone sing to the statuettes yet?"

Verses and Ichorous

* Gillien just bit the dust!

Leafiara says, "But to arrive by ship, that seems... strange."

Taulramil says, "Gillen died."

Maze says, "I don't think so."

Faerinn says, "Someone doesn't want Mother to have this and I am inclined to believe them."

Draught asks, "Hmm?"

Draught asks, "Died?"

Taulramil says, "Was that person just around us."

Draught says, "He's a skilled warrior."

Leafiara asks, "Gillien?"

[locate]

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

Recreational fishermen have beached their vessels on this sandy stretch of beach. To the south, you can see the wooden palisade that surrounds the Landing. You also see the Rimo disk, some scorched wooden debris, some scorched wooden debris, a bloated human arm, a bloated elven leg, a bloated elven leg, a wooden sign and an abandoned wooden dinghy.

Also here: Grand Lord Mongonator, Cruxophim, Rimo, the body of Gillien who is lying down

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

[fog back...]

Razanetika softly says, "He said he was going to check the debris."

[Wehnimer's, Exterior]

Recreational fishermen have beached their vessels on this sandy stretch of beach. To the south, you can see the wooden palisade that surrounds the Landing. You also see the Rimo disk, some scorched wooden debris, some scorched wooden debris, a bloated human arm, a bloated elven leg, a bloated elven leg, a wooden sign and an abandoned wooden dinghy.

Also here: Grand Lord Mongonator, Cruxophim, Rimo, the body of Gillien who is lying down

Elanthil, Chandrellia, Yavs, Maze, Veramilion, Xorus, Taulramil, Faerinn, Draught, Razanetika, Bhenidre and Sockmo followed.

The ghostly voice of Gillien says, "Oh boy, I warned you."

Draught asks, "What happened?"

Leafiara curiously asks, "What happened here?"

The ghostly voice of Gillien says, "Don't touch the debris. It's causing a sickness."

Yavs raspily says, "Oh dear."

Speaking affably to Leafiara, Cruxophim notes, "Oh good, we don't have to move."

Taulramil says, "I already touched it."

Leafiara curiously says, "Huh."

Taulramil says, "I'm not sick."

Speaking to Gillien, Leafiara clarifies, "Could you explain?"

Leafiara says, "I touched it too and nothing happened."

Rimo asks, "Part of a ship?"

Mongonator says, "You know when someone says not to touch the debris, the first thing someone needs to do is touch it, I nominate Cruxophim."

Draught says, "Strange indeed."

Razanetika softly says, "I touched it."

Taulramil says, "Hmm."

Cruxophim pokes his finger at some scorched wooden debris.

Razanetika reaches out and touches some scorched wooden debris.

Leafiara pokes her finger at some scorche wooden debris.

The ghostly voice of Gillien says, "I kicked the debris... and there was some dark green ichor remaining on the debris. When I kicked it, some of it accidentally landed on me, causing some terrible disease."

Razanetika abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Draught says, "I got diseased from a trap on the box as well."

Leafiara abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Leafiara muses, "Odd."

Speaking carefully to Gillien, Cruxophim offers, "You should be okay, now."

Taulramil says, "Eww."

Taulramil says, "That ichor again."

Razanetika abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Some of the wooden debris Leafiara kicked breaks apart, but nothing happens or seems unusual.

Taulramil says, "It came out of the sailor's mouth."

Yavs raspily says, "Ew."

Taulramil abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Razanetika softly asks, "Eh?"

Leafiara nonchalantly says, "Nothing strange that I can tell."

Taulramil abruptly punches at some scorched wooden debris!

Draught says, "So odd..."

Mongonator abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Leafiara asks, "Where's Maylan to light it on fire?"

Razanetika softly says, "Kick the rest of the debris."

Mongonator abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Mongonator says, "Leafi kick it."

Gillien says, "So there's remnants of a shipwreck here. The elven arms seemed to be chewed, ripped, and flayed."

Leafiara abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Cruxophim rubs his stomach.

Taulramil abruptly kicks at some scorched wooden debris!

Speaking to Draught, Faerinn says, "Anyway please relay my request to your superiors at the Gryphons. Guarrin trusts me and can get ahold of me to examine these materials."

Speaking amusedly to Cruxophim, Leafiara asks, "You gonna eat it?"

Draught says, "I shall."

Gillien says, "Some creature with terrible power left its... ick on it."

Draught says, "Worry not."

Draught says, "I promise you."

Speaking offendedly to Leafiara, Cruxophim protests, "I would never!"

The wooden debris breaks away from the kicking and battering.

Speaking softly to Gillien, Chandrellia asks, "Creature did you say?"

Taulramil says, "Debris is gone."

Razanetika softly says, "Debris all gone."

Gillien says, "My best guess is some terrible sea creature attacked a shipment of blood marble."

Taulramil says, "It took whatever sickness with it."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Razanetika exclaims, "Good job, Goddess!"

Leafiara says, "No, the ships exploded last night."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil says, "I'd check with Akrash."

Leafiara says, "How or why, we don't know yet."

Gillien says, "Ah, I missed that."

Speaking confusedly to Taulramil, Leafiara asks, "Akrash? For what?"

Faerinn says, "I wonder if the disease was part of what they were shipping too."

Draught says, "Hmm."

Leafiara says, "There weren't exactly any shipments of herbs."

Faerinn says, "Anyway I need to go ponder all this."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil says, "See if he has seen any weird sickness around the townsfolk."

Leafiara adds, "That we could see, anyway."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil says, "That ichor from the sailor and killed Gillien."

Speaking suddenly to Taulramil, Leafiara says, "Ahh, a good point."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "Mayhaps check the dock."

Leafiara says, "Well."

Razanetika softly asks, "Why is the air bursting with red electricity?" [probably someone's ambients]

You hear someone chuckling.

Speaking casually to Razanetika, Leafiara says, "Probably just someone being silly."

Town guards arrive and carefully place the bloated limbs into rhimar chests and walk off.

Yavs raspily says, "Gross."

Gutstorm yells, "Save me a nibble!"

Taulramil says, "They left a leg."

Gillien says, "Not a job I envy."

Draught says, "They don't seem terribly disturbed by the goings-on."

Razanetika softly says, "Someone collecting body parts."

Taulramil says, "Oh."

Taulramil says, "It's gone."

Leafiara says, "It's grim work, but someone has to do a coroner's work."

Cruxophim casually insists, "Weren't me."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Xorus says, "They stole your lunch."

Speaking despondently to Xorus, Cruxophim mutters, "I know."

Speaking musingly to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "I suppose you're right, we should ask Mother to meet and tell us what this stuff was."

Cruxophim amusedly comments, "Guess I'll have to find something else to gnosh on."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Leafiara offers, "Arena's still open."

Gillien says, "I don't know if it's a hangover from Duskruin or if there's still some lingering effects of that disease, but something's not quite right..."

Speaking thoughtfully to Gillien, Cruxophim inquires, "May I collect a sample?"

Cruxophim slips a hand to his ankle, deftly retrieving a black-veined jawbone dagger.

Gillien says, "Probably just the hangover."

Draught asks, "What is it?"

Yavs raspily says, "Say more."

Speaking tentatively to Gillien, Leafiara says, "Well, your arm's a little beat up, but that's all I can see."

Draught says, "You look alright."

Gillien says, "Who knows."

Draught says, "For a dwarf."

Cruxophim presses the edge of his jawbone dagger against Gillien's left palm, clearly intending to cut it.

Speaking gently to Gillien, Cruxophim ventures, "Do you mind?"

With careful precision, Cruxophim use his jawbone dagger to slice a long, deep line across Gillien's left palm. Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.

Cruxophim wipes the blade clean.

Rimo yells, "Anything in the chest?"

Cruxophim nods appreciatively.

Gillien shrugs nonchalantly.

Draught says, "That chest is always there."

Leafiara says, "Oh, that one, yes."

Leafiara says, "That's there for general fishing supplies and such, as I remember."

Rimo says, "Aha."

Leafiara says, "Or for storage of catches."

Gutstorm waves a long deringo fishing rod around.

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Dis no fishin shpot."

Leafiara says, "To the east, not here."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Oh."

Speaking affably to Gillien, Cruxophim praises, "Thanks."

Blood Marble Inquiries

Leafiara muses, "Well... I suppose we've found what we will for now."

Draught says, "I do believe."

Draught asks, "Where is Xorus?"

Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "What did we find?"

Razanetika softly says, "He left."

Gillien exclaims, "DEATH!"

Leafiara says, "Three statues, three essences."

Draught says, "Yes but where to."

Leafiara says, "And blood marble, apparently, though I didn't see who got that one or what it was."

Draught says, "A born merchant."

Chandrellia softly says, "And a shard of blood marble."

Draught says, "I have it."

Draught says, "And two of the statuettes."

Draught says, "For now."

Mongonator asks, "May I sing to it Draught?"

Draught says, "I have someone I am going to see in just a moment."

Draught says, "I'll let you know what I find out of course."

Razanetika softly says, "We have a bard here."

Razanetika softly asks, "Why not do it now?"

Mongonator says, "Maybe my skills aren't up to his standards, it's ok."

Leafiara says, "Apparently we have some trust issues."

Draught removes a small shard of blood marble from in his riding cloak.

Razanetika softly says, "Rather silly to keep everyone waiting."

Draught offers Mongonator a small shard of blood marble.

Mongonator accepts Draught's shard of blood marble.

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Marble that I hold

Let your value now be told"

The shard of blood marble seems to respond to the magic of Mongonator's song.

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Marble that I hold

Let your purpose now be told"

The shard of blood marble seems to respond to the magic of Mongonator's song.

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Marble that I hold

Let your magic now be told"

The shard of blood marble seems to respond to the magic of Mongonator's song.

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Marble that I hold

Let your special ability now be told"

The shard of blood marble seems to respond to the magic of Mongonator's song.

Mongonator offers Draught a small shard of blood marble.

Draught accepts Mongonator's shard of blood marble.

Draught says, "My goal isn't to keep secrets."

Mongonator says, "Seems like an ordinary item."

Draught asks, "Oh?"

Leafiara says, "As ordinary as blood marble ever gets, I suppose."

Draught says, "Perhaps the statuettes mean nothing."

Mongonator says, "May have to embelish a song to learn anything more."

Rimo asks, "Don't think I've ever seen blood marble?"

Leafiara says, "It should be noted, blood marble in and of itself is... dormant."

Gillien says, "I have... most of it came from me mines in Talador."

Draught asks, "What activates it?"

Leafiara says, "It's a strong conductor of blood magic."

Draught says, "Hmm."

Speaking to Draught, Leafiara says, "Blood magic, hence the name."

Gillien says, "Back when you could still mine there."

Razanetika softly asks, "Is that a Raelee thing?"

Razanetika softly says, "Erm."

Leafiara says, "Right, like I said earlier, a great deal of blood marble came from Talador..."

Razanetika softly says, "The mage person."

Leafiara says, "That's why it's odd to see it arrive here by ship."

Taulramil says, "Hmm."

Gillien says, "Some fancy noblemen like acquiring it for its novelty. Maybe it was just a merchant vessel."

Draught says, "Perhaps."

Razanetika softly asks, "What were the three statuettes again please?"

Leafiara says, "Just given the geography, it would normally arrive by land if it came from Talador."

Draught says, "A stallion, a bear."

Gillien says, "A boar, a bear, and a stallion."

Draught says, "And a boar."

Chandrellia softly says, "Boar, stallion and bear."

Speaking to Gillien, Taulramil asks, "Excuse my ignorance of human matters but is Talador far?"

Razanetika softly exclaims, "Thank you sweetly!"

Leafiara says, "It's relatively close, or rather it was before it was destroyed."

Speaking to Taulramil, Gillien says, "Not too far. But ya can't go there these days. It's gone."

Speaking to Leafiara, Gillien says, "That's a good point. Odd that it was by ship."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil says, "So if a ship comes in or something happens with those we saw and there is another statue keep it."

Draught says, "If it is determined that the items are of no import then the pieces shall be returned to their rightful owner I should think."

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Marble of blood I hold in my hand

Share your secrets we demand"

Draught says, "In this case, Maze."

Mongonator says, "Did that wrong."

Leafiara says, "It's about twice the distance to the former Talador as it is to Solhaven."

Speaking to Gillien, Taulramil says, "The Legion does not school on human lands."

Leafiara says, "And I know many of us go to Solhaven constantly."

Mongonator sings thunderously to his shard of blood marble:

"Marble of blood I hold in my hand

Share your secrets we demand"

Rimo asks, "Maybe it was activated by the body parts that washed ashore?"

Speaking curiously to Rimo, Leafiara says, "Interesting possibility."

Rimo asks, "Thus the deadly disease?"

Gillien says, "We should also have the statues sung to."

Taulramil says, "I wonder."

Mongonator says, "It did not resonate, could be dormant as Leafi said."

Rimo asks, "Now that the body..and blood is gone?"

Draught asks, "Do we want to awaken it?"

Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Of course! Duh!"

Draught says, "All I know of blood magic is that it is to be avoided."

Draught says, "Further proof."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil says, "Far off here but this ichor, could be a product of blood magic being tested on folks."

Draught says, "Try this."

Gillien asks, "Pewter. What were the others made of?"

Leafiara says, "Blood marble doesn't... it doesn't activate."

Draught says, "The sam."

Taulramil says, "If so and the ichor is attracted to dead or body parts then we are in trouble."

Draught says, "Pewter."

Draught says, "The same."

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Statuette that I hold

Let your value now be told"

Draught asks, "What is it's use then?"

Leafiara says, "It's a conductor of whatever the normal blood magic spell would do."

Chandrellia softly says, "Blood Marble is more like a conductor."

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Statuette that I hold

Let your purpose now be told"

Draught says, "Its use is.."

Leafiara says, "Strengthening it."

Draught says, "Ah."

Draught says, "I see."

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Statuette that I hold

Let your magic now be told"

The stallion statuette seems to respond to the magic of Mongonator's song.

Taulramil removes a small blood marble-set glass mirror from in his leather pack.

Mongonator sings thunderously:

"Statuette that I hold

Let your special ability now be told"

The stallion statuette seems to respond to the magic of Mongonator's song.

Draught says, "So it is a tool of a blood magician."

Leafiara says, "Akin to runestaves that enhance magic."

Draught says, "Then we would do well to keep it safe."

Leafiara says, "Takes me back. Other than that altar in the outpost, I haven't seen any blood marble since 5116."

Leafiara says, "And even that altar was installed back then."

Mongonator sings thunderously to his stallion statuette:

"Statuette of a Stallion so fine

Share your secrets in my mind"

Speaking to Leafiara, Gillien says, "They hawk it like sugary buns in Bloodriven."

Leafiara adds, "That was also the year Talador was destroyed."

Speaking to Gillien, Leafiara asks, "I thought that was bleakstone, not blood marble?"

Leafiara says, "Hmm."

Speaking to Leafiara, Taulramil says, "I will keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary and alert the guard if needed."

Speaking to Leafiara, Gillien says, "Both."

Taulramil says, "Excuse me."

Draught says, "Hmm."

Draught says, "We shall have to wait to find out more then."

Leafiara says, "Hm. Bloodriven *is* right up the Locksmehr..."

Gillien says, "I could go fetch you both in just two shakes, but I trust you'll take my word for it."

Draught says, "I really need to speak with Guarrin, Sir Cryheart, and the others."

Gutstorm drunkenly asks, "Chandrellia, wanna fight our ratsh?"

Speaking amusedly to Gillien, Leafiara says, "I will."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "They sold those at Bloodriven."

Draught asks, "Oh?"

Draught asks, "The marble?"

Draught says, "So it is freely available."

Leafiara says, "Maybe that's where they came from, then."

Gillien says, "They don't give it away for free. I suspect there's only so much, but yes, it's sold for its novelty."

Gillien says, "Mainly to those who aren't quite familiar with its danger."

Draught says, "I fail to see the novelty in something that can be used in such a way."

Leafiara says, "Even ordinary weapons can be used for ill. That said, the question indeed is what they're being used for now."

Speaking softly to herself, Chandrellia asks, "Guess I should stop looking for blood marble themed items huh?"

Draught says, "It would seem you have rare tastes."

Leafiara says, "We should ask Captain Stormyrain for her thoughts as well since she's a blood mage."

Draught says, "Ah."

Speaking softly to Draught, Chandrellia says, "Yes well, I'm a rare woman."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Yer...something."

Speaking softly to Gutstorm, Razanetika says, "Be nice."

Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Dokay, dokay!"

Draught says, "A fine healer I can tell you that much."

Draught asks, "Are there any other blood mages around town?"

Razanetika softly says, "An she is indeed a rare woman."

Leafiara says, "Balley, Crux."

Draught says, "Ah of course."

Draught says, "Where did that rogue run off to."

Gutstorm drunkenly exclaims, "Me shaid dokay!"

Leafiara says, "Well..."

Gutstorm drunkenly says, "Dis da wersht fishin shpit eber."

Leafiara says, "I suppose we'll head out and ponder this."

Draught says, "I should like to find Crux."

Draught says, "I'm surprised he didn't offer his opinion earlier."

Leafiara says, "He's probably in the arena."

Draught says, "Those poor combatants."

Draught says, "The gods know what he'es doing in there."

Draught says, "I've seen him when no one else is looking."

Leafiara says, "It's the arena. Whole crowds are looking."

Draught says, "I don't think that would stop him."

Draught says, "Maybe the most profane of his acts."

Discussion Afterwards

Meggiemae pets a green-eyed grey and white kitten.

The grey and white kitten extends one paw up to gently touch her knee.

Speaking curiously to Chandrellia, Leafiara asks, "Oh, is that yours?"

Draught says, "Hmm well then."

Draught says, "I suppose we shall speak later."

Gillien asks, "So anyone mind telling me what happened last night?"

Speaking to Draught, Leafiara says, "Best of luck with further investigations."

Draught says, "I need to track down my superiors."

Gillien says, "Some ships blew up and some green ichor was spotted."

Maze says, "Let me know what comes of it."

Draught says, "You will be kept abreast of what we find, surely."

Speaking to Gillien, Leafiara says, "Bandits attacked Murdos' shop, then blew up three approaching ships."

(Sockmo draws an exploding ship in the sand.)

Leafiara says, "Mother came and claimed the ships were the Rooks'."

Draught says, "They weren't very good fighters."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia exclaims, "Speaking of did you see what they wrote on his wall!"

Leafiarar says, "They definitely weren't, yeah."

Draught says, "Seemed like a distraction."

Draught says, "And it worked."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Leafiara grumbles, "Yeah, I sure did."

Draught says, "For what I don't know."

Leafiara says, "We seem to have a new faction of bandits..."

(Sockmo draws pieces of people flying everywhere.)

Leafiara says, "Unless these were the Warcats."

Gillien says, "Something important must have been on one of those ships."

Gillien asks, "Has anyone talked to Murdos since?"

Leafiara says, "What I can't understand is how the ships blew up."

Maze says, "I will take my leave then."

Speaking regretfully to Gillien, Leafiara says, "He's been mum about it."

(Sockmo draws something exploding on the side of a ship.)

Leafiara asks, "They hadn't gotten anywhere near town yet, so how did the bandits... trigger them?"

Leafiara speculates, "Another possibility is that the bandits *didn't* trigger them and it was a coincidental explosion that Mother wanted to pin on the bandits?"

Speaking to Chandrellia, Meggiemae asks, "The kitten and the rat... okay with each other?"

Speaking softly to Meggiemae, Chandrellia says, "They are play buddies."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Meggiemae says, "Awww."

Gillien asks, "Those limbs that washed up on the shore... they looked elven to me. Were the bandits or the ships' crew predominantly elven?"

Leafiara distantly says, "No... no, that doesn't make sense either. The bandits are anti-Malluch and so are the Rooks. If not for the attack on the ships, she'd have no reason to go after them..."

(Sockmo draws someone carrying a lantern stumbling on the ship's deck.)

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia asks, "Mother may be, a bit out of it, but why would she attack and even kill her own?"

Speaking to Gillien, Leafiara says, "I saw human and elven limbs."

Rimo says, "Yes I saw both as well."

Speaking to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "No, I don't think it was staged. The question is whether the explosion was triggered by the bandits or, well, what Sockmo there is drawing."

Leafiara says, "It could have been an accident at the worst possible time."

Rimo asks, "Maybe the town guards that retrived the bodies have more information, now that they've had some time to inspect them?"

Leafiara asks, "But... all three of them blew up. Three accidents?"

Chandrellia softly says, "But someone seeing flashes of light just before each explosion doesn't seem right."

Gillien says, "The limbs looked to have been removed from their bodies by some terrible monster."

Leafiara adds, "Oh, and as for the question, a lot of the bandits seemed to be human, half-elven, or elven."

(Sockmo brushes away his drawing.)

Leafiara says, "Hopefully the coroners will figure out something and report to us."

Leafiaa says, "Whatever the case... it's clear this doesn't make much sense yet."

Gillien asks, "What if they were transporting that monster and it got out?"

Chandrellia softly says, "I need to speak with Crux and start my lessons."

Gillien says, "That would explain why someone on board blew up the ship."

Speaking curiously to Gillien, Leafiara asks, "What monster?"

Gillien says, "Whatever monster de-limbed those elves and humans."

Leafiara asks, "Did we note bite marks?"

Leafiara tentatively admits, "Maybe I didn't get as close a look as I should have."

Speaking softly to Gillien, Chandrellia says, "Sad to say that could have been any creature in our bay.... I have heard tales from fishermen about creatures big enough to eat men whole."

Gillien says, "I'd have to stretch my memory to recall..."

Leafiara says, "The explosion alone could have sent limbs flying, that's why I'm asking."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "I didn't get a chance to look at the limbs well."

Rimo says, "Me either, just that they were quite gross."

Speaking softly to Rimo, Chandrellia says, "I'm used to seeing such carnage."

Leafiara says, "I've been causing such carnage for two weeks in the arena."

Gillien says, "The limb was viciously torn away from some grievous injury."

Leafiara says, "Still have to do it another 37 times too."

Leafiara raises her stamped voucher booklet skyward!

Gillien says, "The flesh was flayed at the edge of the limb, the skin appearing shredded."

Rimo says, "Well yes, but I'd still refer to arms and legs torn apart as 'gross.'"

(Sockmo draws the arena.)

(Sockmo draws the ship.)

Chandrellia softly asks, "Flayed?"

(Sockmo draws at line connecting the two.)

Gillien says, "Whatever separated the elves from... their limbs... wasn't the explosion."

Speaking amusedly to Sockmo, Leafiara says, "No, no, I just mean similar levels of severed limbs and such."

Rimo says, "Could have easily been the debris causing those types of damage as well."

Leafiara says, "I'm inclined to agree with Rimo, but having said that..."

Chandrellia softly asks, "But flayed skin?"

Leafiara says, "There *was* an incident four years ago when the Rooks of the time tried to transport captive frost giants and such."

Leafiara says, "So I can't write anything off."

Chandrellia gawks at Leafiara.

Speaking wryly to Chandrellia, Leafiara says, "Seriously, it happened."

Chandrellia softly says, "I'm sure that went well."

Leafiara says, "Almost stirred up some trouble with Icemule."

Rimo says, "We'd really need someone to take a close look at the wounds and compare to similiar studies done."

Gillien says, "I agree - it would be great if we could discuss with a coroner."

Gillien exclaims, "First we should see to that the guards who toook those limbs actually treat them as evidence!"

Leafiara musingly says, "Alright. I'll get word to the town guards and then also Mother to inquire."

Gillien says, "Looking forward to hearing more."

Leafiara says, "And I should probably get on that now, unless anyone has anything further at the moment."

Leafiara wishes, "If not, then have a great day and I'll probably see you at the event."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "This is getting stranger and stranger."

Rimo says, "I'm sure I'll have some eyes there."

Leafiara admits, "I do love a good mystery."

Rimo says, "Or a few sets really."

Speaking softly to Leafiara, Chandrellia says, "I still want blood marble items."

Rimo says, "Yeah I missed that whole part."

Chandrellia softly says, "It is a pretty stone."

Rimo says, "Staring off and everyone moved."

Chandrellia softly says, "And I do know the meaning behind it."