Those Aren't Tears/2018-11-28 Brannogh's Memorial and Elspie's Arrest (log)
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This log is from premium storyline Those Aren't Tears on November 28, 2018, from the viewpoint of Lady Darcena Wolf-Valslayer.
Summary
- Lady Elspie held a Memorial Service for her deceased husband Brannogh in the Garden of Sunset Cay where she said a few words about her beloved husband.
- Beginning with Sothog, adventurers noticed movement near the door to the house, interrupting the service, and asked if they could go in.
- Elspie and the adventurers go in and notice that her house is ransacked. Elysia asks Elspie about Elspie's hidden gift. Elspie reacts by running off to the bedroom.
- Elspie states her retirement gift from the Imperial Drakes was in the safe and it is missing.
- Elspie decides to talk to the Mist Harbor First Sergeant about the missing gift and her ransacked home.
- Anti-Imperialist Duvainiel arrives and begins mocking Elspie: "Speaking flatly to Elspie, Duvainiel accuses, 'Kint save 'er 'usband... kint save my 'ome... kint save no one... What use 'ave we fer ya?'"
- Nazhor is brought up. Elspie and the adventurers go to the pawnshop to speak with him.
- Nazhor arrives and Elspie flies at him in a rage: "her fists balled into glowing blue orbs! Nazhor steps backward and gestures lazily, and Elspie is thrown back against the far wall!"
- Elspie is arrested and in reply, "Nazhor happily says, 'I love it when things come together.'" Adventurers remark on how the First Sergeant and pawnshop owner seem to be in Nazhor's pocket.
- Nazhor indicates he's interested in Sunset Cay
- Duvainiel explains, "Nazhor ent got nuddin' on meh... 'e saved meh... Mebbe ya too dense ta recall what went down in ma home."
- Duvainiel receives a message and grins wickedly and then leaves.
- Adventurers search for Elspie at the First Sergeant's office and lockup. They cannot find her.
- Strange occurrences happen at Sunset Cay such as creaking noises and large handprints.
GM Cast: Elspie
Adventurers: Airini, Lady Darcena, Lady Elysia, Lord Elvidor, Khaell, Khobra, Meerana, Nodyre, Ondreian, Commander Roblar, Saphriel, Selema, Sothog, Yakushi
Log Snippets
Editor’s note: Many of the ambient noises or individuals interacting with each other outside of the scope of the events of the night have been removed from this retelling. Grammar and spelling has been corrected for ease of understanding. Actions have been combined in places to reduce the length while maintaining the atmosphere. Some conversational pieces that were meant to happen sequentially but did not due to the nature of parsing speech in the game (i.e., player A says one piece of information, player B asks a question, player A continues with more information, then player A answers the question) have been reordered (e.g., player A says both pieces of information, player B asks a question, player A answers the question) in every situation where it makes sense to do so and doesn’t disrupt the actual proceedings.
Pre-Event
A somber voice reaches your ear, "Lady Elspie will be receiving any who wish to attend her husband's Memorial Service in the Garden of Sunset Cay at the top of the hour." Sunset Cay, Approach A short dock rises from the white sand covering this flat wedge of beach. The occasional cries of seagulls blend with the soothing rhythm of the surf to create a relaxing susurrus. The salty breeze keeps the palms that are scattered about the shore in near-constant motion. Positioned to capture the amazing view, a cozy log cabin rests upon stilts just up the beach. Wooden steps form a winding path up to a blue-painted door at the front of the cabin. A footpath curls around towards a small garden. You also see a salt-stained wooden walkway. Obvious paths: none Sunset Cay, Garden Partially shaded by a thatched pavilion, this fecund retreat invites relaxation. A curving two-person bench has been thoughtfully positioned just beneath the furthest edge of the pavilion to maximize morning sunshine and afternoon shade. The garden is overflowing with lush plants and exotic flowers that lend the breeze a sultry redolence. In the far corner of the garden, beneath the gentle shade of a sprawling fig tree, lies a freshly-turned grave. A short path leads to a narrow glass-paned door at the back of the cabin. You also see some wooden benches, a small buffet table with some stuff on it and a footpath leading back toward the beach. Obvious paths: none You see Elspie. She appears to be a Human from Selanthia. She is tall and has delicate features. She appears to be very young. She has keen emerald green eyes and tanned skin. She has shoulder length, carelessly-styled amber hair that falls in loose curls around her face. She has a narrow face, an angular nose and a narrow scar running vertically across her left eye socket. She is in good shape. She is wearing a variegated aquamarine and emerald mantle, a bright blue tunic, some white leather gloves with deep blue stitching, a bright green braided leather belt, some deep blue leather breeches, and some white leather boots with deep blue stitching. Elspie nods to you in greeting. Elysia curtsies gracefully to you. Speaking quietly to you, Elspie says, "Thank you for coming." You nod gravely at Elspie. You smile at Elysia. Speaking to you, Elysia says, "Good evening. Lady Elspie was just showing me all the lovely refreshments she had delivered today." Elysia indicates a small buffet table as a possible option. On the buffet table: Food/Drink [8]: a glass of iced lemon cocktail, an herb-filled flaky puff pastry, some sharp Mestanir cheese cut into cubes, a small cup of ginger tea, a petite frosted cake, a tall glass of raspberry lemonade, a small canteen of spring water, a mug of cold strawberry punch Total items: 8 (Darcena brushes at all of her well-worn and bloodied clothing.) Speaking quietly to you, Elspie says, "There are refreshments from in town. Please feel free to help yourself." You say, "I, uh," sheepishly adding, "I don't dress up." Elspie nods understandingly to you. You dust yourself off.
Elspie Welcomes Everyone
Elspie quietly says, "Good evening, all. Thank you very much for coming." Khobra removes a bouquet of flawless winter white roses edged with yew leaves from in her ebon longcoat and offers it to Elspie, who accepts it. Speaking to Elspie, Nodyre says, "My deepest condolences." Elspie curtsies to Nodyre. Nodyre takes a gallant bow, tipping his bycocket slightly, before sweeping it behind his back. After a moment's pause he rises and places his bycocket firmly on his head, adjusting it to fit. Speaking quietly to Nodyre, Elspie says, "Thank you very much." Khobra whispers something to Elspie, who closes her eyes for a moment. Khobra nods slowly at Elspie. Elspie curtsies to Khobra and says, "Thank you very much." Khobra folds her hands. Roblar deeply says, "Didn't know em but didn't tink da wounds were mortal." Khobra glances at a freshly-turned grave. Elspie quietly says, "Please, everyone, feel free to help yourself to... refreshment." Elspie waves vaguely. Nodyre nods slowly and pours himself a small cup of ginger tea. Speaking regretfully to Elspie, Khobra remarks, "Vizh I could have done more." Elspie slowly empties her lungs, shuddering. Speaking haltingly to Khobra, Elspie says, "Bran-" Elspie coughs. Speaking quietly to Khobra, Elspie says, "Bran loved flowers." Elspie nods to some exotic flowers. You ask, "What's not to love?" Roblar helps himself to a petite frosted cake; he gobbles down his frosted cake in one enormous bite. He then deeply comments, "Small." Speaking warmly to Elspie, Khobra counters, "He loved you more, it zeemz." You say, sighing loudly, "Except when you're real deep getting a whiff and then you start sneezing." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Sothog rubs his chin thoughtfully. Elspie haltingly says, "I- I'll get started... in just a moment or two." Elysia takes a drink from her ginger tea. Sothog nods at Elspie. Speaking to Roblar, you whisper aloud, "So, let's see. We're going to have a big bonfire, dance around it for the rest of the night, play our drums, and chant out his deeds, right?" Elspie takes a deep breath, and exhales slowly. Roblar ponders. Roblar deeply asks, "Up to her?" You glance over at Roblar and wince, biting your lip. Closing her eyes for a moment, Elspie lowers her face to a bouquet of flawless winter white roses edged with yew leaves and inhales deeply of its fragrance. Speaking comfortingly to Elspie, Khobra states, "Take vhatever time need'd." Elspie put a bouquet of flawless winter white roses edged with yew leaves in her aquamarine mantle. Elspie shivers. Speaking to Roblar, Sothog says, "I'm not certain that's going to be the tradition followed here." Elysia takes a tiny sip of her ginger tea, warming her lips and making sure it's cool enough to drink. Sothog shrugs at Roblar. You ponder. Roblar nods at Sothog.
Start of Elspie's Speech
Elspie haltingly says, "As- As I was saying a little bit ago... I had int- intended for this to be a-" Speaking nervously to Sothog, you whisper aloud, "What sort of tradition do you think it's going to be?" Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Selema turns to face Elspie. Selema clasps her hands in a reverent gesture. Elspie firmly says, "Burial. But I was told that the sea air was bad for that." A pained expression crosses Elspie's face. Nodyre nods slowly. Meerana rubs her chin thoughtfully. Elspie quietly says, "As you can see... Bran was... interred this morning." Elspie nods gravely. Elspie glances at a freshly-turned grave. Selema nods gravely. >l grave In what appears to be a very fresh gravesite, rich, dark soil has been mounded before a sharply carved tombstone. >l tombstone A large piece of granite has been carved into a rectangular memorial and carefully etched with the words, "Ever Onward" along with the name "Brannogh". Elspie slowly empties her lungs. Sothog nods at Elspie. Elspie shakily says, "Thank you, all, for coming out." Khobra glances at a freshly-turned grave. Nodyre nods at Elspie. Saphriel nods at Elspie. Sothog says, "Of course." Sothog bows to Elspie. Khobra glances between Elspie and a freshly-turned grave. Elspie quietly says, "I know that we... I... am new to town." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. You cock your head. Khobra nods slowly at Elspie. Selema closes her eyes for a moment. Elspie quietly says, "But I have seen much of death, and it loses meaning if those taken by it are not remembered." Elspie firmly says, "If you will all bear with me, I'd like to say a few words about my husband, Brannogh." Elspie takes a deep breath then slowly empties her lungs. Sothog nods at Elspie. Meerana nods in agreement. You listen carefully to Elspie. Airini turns an inquisitive ear toward Elspie. Sothog rubs his chin thoughtfully. Selema folds her hands. Sothog turns an inquisitive ear toward Elspie.
A Few Words About Brannogh
Elspie says, "Brannogh was the kindest, gentlest man I have ever met. And he was just what I needed to remain sane in my time of service." Elspie says, "When I returned from the constant fighting, he was always there, with a kind word, a warm cup of cocoa, and a-" Elspie coughs. Elspie quietly says, "An even warmer smile." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Khobra holds back her tears, her eyes glistening with pain. Khobra turns an inquisitive ear toward Elspie. Elspie shakily says, "Bran used to comfort me when it got bad, and he'd tell me all about how we'd find our own place, and get away from all the violence." (Darcena shifts her weight uncomfortably and picks at her bloodied fingernails.) Elspie glances around at her surroundings, tears glistening on her cheeks. Sothog nods. Khaell reaches over and gently rests his hand on your arm. Sothog turns an inquisitive ear toward Elspie. Elspie haltingly says, "And we did. Finally. We found this place... and made it our own." Elspie sniffs. Selema hangs her head. Sothog glances at a narrow glass-paned door. Elspie says, "I don't... I don't know exactly what happened to him." Saphriel shifts her eyes to a narrow glass-paned door. You quietly whisper to Roblar, "Odd that he died." Nodyre frowns.
A Movement By the Door
Sothog says, "Excuse me for this, but..." Sothog makes a quick gesture while calling upon the powers of the elements... Sothog gestures. Sothog appears to be keenly aware of his surroundings. Elspie firmly says, "But this world lost one of the finest men-" Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Sothog says, "Hrm." (Khobra rips the hem of her midnight black cloak a little.) Elspie quietly says, "One of the finest men I have ever known. He was taken far too soon." From the corner of your eye, you see a slight movement near the door to the house. You squint at a narrow glass-paned door. It smells like a narrow glass-paned door. Elspie slowly empties her lungs. Elspie says, "It's my hope... and my belief... that his killers will be brought to justice." Selema nods firmly. Nodyre clenches his fist. You blink at Elspie. You stare at Elspie. Sothog nods at Elspie. You ask, "Killers?" Elspie quietly says, "It's been asked of me if I will remain here." Elysia nods at Elspie. Elspie quietly says, "In truth, I have nowhere else I can go. For a time, I will remain." Speaking to Elspie, Elysia says, "We do hope you will stay. And we will help you in whatever ways we can." Sothog mutters under his breath. Sothog glances at a narrow glass-paned door. You honestly say, "I know what it is to be lonely." Elspie takes a deep breath and slowly empties her lungs. Sothog turns an ear toward a narrow glass-paned door. Elspie shakily says, "I... apologize. I'm rambling..." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Nodyre looks over at Elspie and shakes his head. Speaking to Elspie, Nodyre says, "This is your time." Speaking to Sothog, Elysia says, "Perhaps Elspie wouldn't mind if we checked her cabin over? For safety." Speaking to Elspie, Sothog asks, "Excuse me. Is someone in here?" You sniff. (Khobra glances in the direction of the House before looking upon those gathered within the crowd again.) Elspie quietly says, "The cabin is locked... I... I slept out here last night. To be near..." Elspie shudders. Khaell says, "Is nae rambling when one tries to make sense of liifes tragedies.." Elysia hugs Elspie. Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Nodyre nods at Khaell. (Darcena walks a little closer to the cabin and sniffs around the door.) Khaell ponders. Speaking cautiously to Elspie, Khobra inquires, "Vho iz in Cabin now?" Elspie curiously says, "There's no one in there." You ask, "Are you sure?" Elspie curiously asks, "Why?" You say, "I smell something." Elysia ponders. Roblar deeply asks, "Maybe shud make sure?" Khaell furrows his brow. Roblar deeply says, "Heard somethin." Elspie blinks. Speaking to Elspie, Elysia says, "Something keeps catching our eye." You say, "Saw something, too." Speaking to Elspie, Khobra answers, "I heard noize inzide. Juzt now." Yakushi just went down a footpath leading back toward the beach. Speaking to Elspie, Sothog asks, "Same here. Is there anything in there someone might want?" Elspie sighs. Elysia says, "Uhm... there might be..." Elysia glances at Elspie. Elspie shuffles over to the door and unlocks it.
Checking for Strangers
You ask, "Is that an invitation?" You peer quizzically at Elspie. Elspie just went through a narrow glass-paned door. You nod. [Sunset Cay, Kitchen] This space has clearly been ransacked. A a sturdy wooden table lies upended in the middle of the floor among the splintered remains of chairs and pottery. A rhimar-lined pantry has been emptied, and its former contents lie scattered over the floor. An archway leads back towards the living area, and a narrow glass-paned door exits into the garden. Obvious exits: none Elspie shrieks! Roblar frowns. Roblar deeply asks, "What?" You sniff. Roblar deeply says, "Oh no." You exclaim, "Look at it!" Roblar casually glances around the room. Elspie asks, "What?!?" Roblar deeply says, "Ransacked." Meerana blinks. Khobra removes a lor-hilted blood stained wakizashi from in her ebon longcoat. You ask, "When did that happen?" Meerana says, "Oh dear." Khobra surveys her surroundings carefully. Sothog makes a quick gesture while calling upon the powers of the elements... Sothog gestures. Sothog appears to be keenly aware of his surroundings. Elspie says, "It... It..." Speaking to Elspie, Elysia asks, "The gift you spoke of earlier... was it hidden here?" Airini winces. Sothog searches around for a moment. You ask, "Wouldn't you have heard it last night?" Elspie blushes and babbles a few incoherent words, looking sincerely flustered. Selema kneels down. Sothog mutters under his breath. >l table Fashioned of sturdy oak, this table seats four, but only holds two place settings, positioned close together. Four chairs, painted in bright, contrasting colors, surround the table. In the center of the table stands a cozy-covered teapot boasting a whimsical design. Elspie blinks at Elysia. Selema searches around for a moment. Elspie exclaims, "Oh no!" Elspie just went through an archway. You say, "Someone was just here." [Sunset Cay, Living Area] This spacious living room is in complete disarray. A squat secretary has been pried open. Papers, covered in ink from a nearby broken inkwell, spill from the broken secretary and onto the floor. A set of his and hers armchairs have been knocked over, and their matching upholstery carelessly ripped open. An overstuffed couch leans against a wall-sized picture window. You see an archway into the kitchen, a blue-painted door leading to the front stairs, and a bedroom door. You also see a forlorn lake spirit that is flying around. Obvious exits: none You sniff. >l window With no curtains or shutters to obscure the view, this huge picture window has been designed to give the homeowners a front row seat to the sun's nightly curtain call. [Sunset Cay, Bedroom] Nearly every visible item in this small bedroom has been broken in some manner. The mattress of the double bed rests torn, stripped of bedding, half off the bed's frame. A large wardrobe stands open, and clothing has been strewn about the room. A ladies' dressing table, its contents demolished and drawers removed, lies upended against the far wall. Above the bed, a small, in-wall safe stands wide open and empty. A large portrait lies on the floor, nearly lost in the clutter of the room. You also see a sturdy door leading back to the living area. Obvious exits: none Elspie falls over. Elspie cries in pain, her face contorted in torment as she weeps. Elysia sits down next to Elspie. (Meerana comforts Elspie.) Elysia hugs Elspie. [Sunset Cay, Living Area] This spacious living room is in complete disarray. A squat secretary has been pried open. Papers, covered in ink from a nearby broken inkwell, spill from the broken secretary and onto the floor. A set of his and hers armchairs have been knocked over, and their matching upholstery carelessly ripped open. An overstuffed couch leans against a wall-sized picture window. You see an archway into the kitchen, a blue-painted door leading to the front stairs, and a bedroom door. Obvious exits: none Khaell says, "Someone was here for something..." >l secretary It looks as though some type of weapon or toll has been used to pry open this wooden desk. Laying atop the scattered papers is a broken pair of silver-framed spectacles.
Ransacked and It's Missing
[Sunset Cay, Bedroom] Nearly every visible item in this small bedroom has been broken in some manner. The mattress of the double bed rests torn, stripped of bedding, half off the bed's frame. A large wardrobe stands open, and clothing has been strewn about the room. A ladies' dressing table, its contents demolished and drawers removed, lies upended against the far wall. Above the bed, a small, in-wall safe stands wide open and empty. A large portrait lies on the floor, nearly lost in the clutter of the room. You also see a sturdy door leading back to the living area. Obvious exits: none Elspie haltingly asks, "How? Why?" Sothog says, "Whoever was in here didn't fool around." Selema frowns. Khaell looks over at Sothog and shakes his head. Meerana agrees with Sothog. Elspie sobs. >l portrait This large, formal wedding portrait has been slashed across its canvas by a jagged instrument of some kind. The image of the young newlyweds is marred by the vicious tear, and the portrait's frame shows deep dents and gashes. You say, "That's..." You point at This large arresting portrait. Speaking to Elspie, Elysia asks, "Is there anything we should know? Or look for?" You say, "That's just AWFUL." Selema frowns. Khaell nods to you. Sothog says, "Safe's open. And empty." Elspie haltingly says, "I-I..." Selema winces. Khobra glances at a small safe. Elspie shivers. Khaell glances at a double bed. Elspie haltingly says, "What... I don't..." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Elspie shudders. Sothog blinks at Elspie. Selema winces. Elspie takes a deep breath. Elspie slowly empties her lungs. Speaking to Elspie, Selema says, "This is.. this is all too much." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Selema frowns. Elspie firmly says, "Right..." Elspie shivers. Speaking to Elspie, Sothog says, "I know this must be hard, considering..." Elspie moves to a kneeling position. Khaell says, "Was someone trying to send a message?..." Khaell ponders. Elspie stands up. Elysia says, "I fear she's lost something precious, from that safe." Roblar deeply says, "If you av any leads, be happy to cut offsome thieves' head." Elysia stands up. Elspie haltingly says, "Does this-" Roblar nods at Elspie. Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Speaking to Elspie, Sothog asks, "But was there something either of your were keeping safe from someone?" Khobra says, "Zomeone looking vor zomething." Elspie quietly asks, "Does this town have a constable?" Roblar waves his hand in a dismissive gesture. Khobra nods. Sothog rubs his chin thoughtfully. You turn to face Elspie. You say, "I'm as good as one." Sothog says, "As I recall there should be." Elysia nods at Elspie. Selema nods. Speaking to Elspie, Elysia says, "Indeed it does." Khobra says, "Sergeant's." Elspie shivers. Roblar deeply says, "Law iz for da weak dat need protection." Roblar deeply says, "Avenge." Roblar nods at Elspie. Khobra beams! You nod at Roblar. Khaell trembles. Khaell nods at Roblar. Speaking quietly to Roblar, Elspie says, "I promised Bran-" You say, "Someone has betrayed you and ruined your life." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. You say, "It's time for vengeance." Khaell clenches his fist. Roblar deeply says, "Lets find da scoundrel who kilt yer man and ransacked yer memory." Elspie quietly says, "Those days are behind me." Sothog loses some awareness. You flash a wolfish grin. Speaking to Elspie, Selema asks, "Do you want me to go find the sergeant?" Speaking deeply to Elspie, Roblar says, "You kin keep yer promise afters." Roblar smiles. Selema cocks her head. Roblar deeply says, "Am sure he want you to be safe." Roblar deeply says, "First." Speaking to Roblar, you whisper aloud, "You hold him for me?" Speaking to Elspie, Khaell says, "You may have left those days, but they don't seem to have left you." You run the tip of your tongue over the point of one of your fangs. Nodyre just came through a sturdy door leading back to the living area. Elspie quietly says, "To answer the question... in the safe was my retirement gift from the Drakes." Sothog rubs his chin thoughtfully. Khobra turns an inquisitive ear toward Elspie. Selema nods gravely. Roblar agrees with Khaell. Elspie quietly says, "It was a necklace, and quite rare." Elspie slowly empties her lungs. Khaell frowns. Elspie firmly asks, "Where can I find this sergeant?" You ponder the meaning of Elspie's existence. Selema curiously inquires, "Did anyone besides the drakes know about it?" Speaking suggestively to Elspie, Roblar says, "Av a dungeon you kin use if you find em." Speaking to Elspie, Khaell asks, "Would anyone have known about this gift outside of the drakes?" Khaell nods at Selema and says, "Sorry." Speaking to Elspie, Khobra inquires, "Vhat zort of necklace?" Speaking to Elspie, Selema says, "West of here.. southeast of the commons." Roblar deeply says, "Ah offer no judgement." Roblar smiles at Elspie. Speaking haltingly to Khobra, Elspie says, "Thank you." You say, "I offer fangs and shattered bones." You flash a wolfish grin. Khaell agrees with you. Roblar surveys the area. Khobra nods slowly. Roblar shakes his head. Sothog says, "For that matter, does it have value above the material kind...." Roblar deeply says, "Don't take kindly to doin dis to widows." Elspie firmly says, "For now I will report this. I want to do this... right." Elspie shivers. Selema nods understandingly at Elspie. Roblar nods slowly. Sothog agrees with Elspie. You sigh loudly. You glance at Elspie. Speaking to Elspie, Sothog says, "Probably for the best." Roblar deeply says, "Les hope he iz smart man." Speaking softly to Sothog, you mutter, "Boring way." Roblar deeply says, "Don't trust dolts in da sun all day." Elspie looks around forlornly. Khaell nods to you. (Khobra moves to speak but remains speechless.) Khobra smiles faintly towards Elspie instead. You say, "This is just stuff."
The First Sergeant and Duvainiel
You say, "Totter around on those heels, Khobra." (Darcena motions at Khobra to walk faster.) Khobra says, "Iz zand." Nodyre chuckles. You snort derisively at Khobra! You say, "Work those calves." Khobra says, "Let me zee do do thiz in heelz." Selema appears to be struggling to keep a straight face. Khobra smiles. Nodyre says, "Easy now..." Nodyre gazes up into the heavens. Speaking affrontedly to Khobra, you say, "I'm far too sensible for that." [Mist Harbor Sergeant's Office] The entry area of the law of the Isle of the Four Winds has the desk of the First Sergeant pushed against the wall. A pile of ropes and shackles spills out of an overflowing barrel near the exit, and several tripods of spears flank either side of the iron-barred door to the jail. You also see an iron-barred door and a ruined heavy iron bars. Also here: Sothog, Commander Roblar, Lady Elysia, Airini, Meerana, Elspie, Khaell, Selema, Saphriel, Nodyre, Lord Elvidor, Khobra Obvious exits: east, out You menacingly whisper aloud, "Fangs and shattered bones." Selema gives a sigh of relief. Selema relievedly says, "We're here." Selema loudly asks, "Constable?" Sothog says, "Well, it seems somewhat bereft of seargants at the moment." Elspie mutters under her breath. Nodyre inquires as to the First Sergeant's whereabouts. Nodyre says, "The sergeant is near the vineyard gate." Speaking reasonably to Elspie, Khobra says, "Your call, Madame." Selema confirms, "Tigerlily and Rose, the intersection." Khobra nods at Nodyre. Elspie says, "Go find the Sergeant." Khobra nods. Elspie nods firmly. You grumble. [Honeysuckle Crossing] Stained glass windows, capped in green and white awnings, decorate the otherwise ordinary facing of the white gemshop that stands opposite an establishment that has a vine-covered roof. Both shops have exquisitely painted signs that hang over their doorways, each illuminated by the brightly glowing lanterns set at the crossing's four corners. You also see a forlorn lake spirit that is flying around and the First Sergeant. Obvious paths: north, east, south, west Selema points at the First Sergeant. Speaking to the First Sergeant, Selema scolds, "Hold still." Speaking quietly to the First Sergeant, Elspie says, "I need to register a..." Duvainiel says, "Oi... quite the crowd, innit." Elspie closes her eyes for a moment. Duvainiel casually observes her surroundings. Speaking firmly to the First Sergeant, Elspie says, "My house was ransacked." >l sergeant Years of military training have left the body of the First Sergeant with a chiseled build and a lean frame. He wears a sun-faded uniform complete with highly polished leather boots and carries a swagger stick under one arm. His eyes roam back and forth as he looks around for any sign of wrongdoing, or he might just be looking for an excuse to schedule an inspection for errant dust. Duvainiel smirks. Khobra examines Duvainiel closely, sizing her up and taking note of all the details. Elysia glances at the First Sergeant. Elspie blinks at Duvainiel. You see Duvainiel. She appears to be a Half-Elf from Talador. She is of slight height and has barely any meat on her bones. She appears to be very young. She has restless melenite-hued eyes and unnaturally pale skin. She has waist length, tangled multicolored hair twisted into thick, matted locks and interspersed with mismatched beads and ribbons. She has a gaunt face and a nervous tic. She has extensive burn scars covering the entire left side of her face. She is in good shape. She is wearing a fraying black leather choker with rusted steel spikes, a tattered and torn brown leather cloak severely burnt along the hem, a holey doublet bearing a burnt crest of Talador over some forest green laminar armor with splotches of russet and raw umber with a mud-stained yellowish chiton underneath, some bronze-toned deerskin leggings slashed to reveal traces of tan suede, and some timeworn boots of dark sienna leather. The First Sergeant says, "I see..." She smells just like Duvainiel. Speaking caustically to Duvainiel, Khobra says, "Yez, it iz." Duvainiel dramatically comments, "Ransacked, eh? Wuz dat all 'bout..." Speaking firmly to Duvainiel, Elspie says, "My husband was murdered, and someone-" Elspie coughs. Speaking to Duvainiel, you say, "You smell familiar." She smells just like Duvainiel. You say, "Very familiar." Meerana says, "Perhaps she's the culprit." Meerana glances at Duvainiel. Speaking firmly to Duvainiel, Elspie says, "Someone ransacked the house." Nodyre squints at Meerana. Speaking to Elspie, Duvainiel asks, "Oi... moidered, eh? Ya ent eble to save 'im?" The First Sergeant scratches his head in confusion. Elysia sighs at the First Sergeant. Speaking quietly to Duvainiel, Elspie says, "I wasn't around at the time." Khobra glances between Duvainiel and Elysia. Sothog rubs his chin thoughtfully. Speaking querulously to Elspie, Duvainiel asks, "Ya lose sum 'o dat powa ya was eble to git, o' wunderfa drake?" Selema glances around with a lost look on her face. The First Sergeant blinks in confusion, looking from face to face. Selema squints at Duvainiel. Elspie blinks at Duvainiel. Speaking firmly to Duvainiel, Elspie says, "I'd watch your tone..." Khaell cocks his head. You flash a wolfish grin. Duvainiel flippantly asks, "Kint e'en save 'er own 'usband, right?" Selema glares. Roblar points at Duvainiel. Sothog squints at Duvainiel. Speaking tensely to Duvainiel, Elspie says, "I wasn't THERE... as I've said." Roblar deeply asks, "Get dose burns in da fire?" Speaking to Elspie, you ask, "Why are you giving this person the time of day?" Roblar deeply says, "Guess it didn't get all Taladorians, a shame." Speaking to Elspie, you exclaim, "I say it's dinner time!" Khobra agrees with you. Speaking to Duvainiel, Selema blurts, "You've quite the attitude." The First Sergeant pats his pockets, seemingly looking for a notepad of some sorts. Speaking to the First Sergeant, you say, "Oh, you're worthless." Speaking in Guildspeak to Duvainiel, Nodyre asks something you don't understand. The Sergeant glances at you then ignores you. Nodyre rolls his eyes. Roblar nods to you. Speaking flatly to Elspie, Duvainiel accuses, "Kint save 'er 'usband... kint save my 'ome... kint save no one... What use 'ave we fer ya?" Elspie grinds her teeth slowly. Selema stares at Duvainiel. Khobra whispers something to Elspie. Speaking to Duvainiel, Elspie says, "Look... I'm not sure what your problem is, but this is NOT the time." Speaking to the First Sergeant, Elysia asks, "When you are done fiddling perhaps you should check on Duvainiel?" Selema nods firmly to the First Sergeant. Speaking to Duvainiel, Elspie says, "I just BURIED my HUSBAND..." Speaking in Guildspeak to Duvainiel, Nodyre asks something you don't understand. Speaking to Duvainiel, Sothog says, "If you've a grievance, there's more productive ways to go about it." Speaking to Elspie, Duvainiel spits, "Kint e'en save sumt'in in 'er 'ome, aye? Ransacked, aye?" Elspie growls at Duvainiel. You ponder the meaning of Duvainiel's existence. Selema clenches her jaw. Khaell says, "Might as well be a child." Speaking to Duvainiel, Elspie asks, "Yes! Ransacked! And I wasn't THERE, either! I suppose you'll be laying THAT at my feet as well?" Speaking to Duvainiel, Elysia says, "You clearly seem to have information you shouldn't." Selema whispers something to Elspie. Selema surreptitiously glances at Duvainiel. Elspie squints at Duvainiel. Duvainiel says, "Oi, me? I ent know not'in'. Not a damn ting." Elspie narrows her eyes suspiciously. Saphriel shifts her eyes to Duvainiel. Duvainiel vaguely suggests, "Mebbe I know sum'un dat does..." Elspie lets loose with a shout of exultation! Speaking to Duvainiel, Saphriel asks, "You said she was missing something. How would you know?" Speaking to Duvainiel, Elspie exclaims, "What do you know!?!" Speaking firmly to Duvainiel, Selema asks, "And you'll tell us this immediately, then?" You reach down and work your fingers inside your grey leather boots to scratch your foot. The First Sergeant says, "Why don't we all settle down here..." Elspie growls ferociously at the First Sergeant! Selema glances suspiciously at the First Sergeant. Speaking casually to Elspie, Duvainiel spits, "I dun said I dun know not'in'..." Speaking to the First Sergeant, Selema says, "About time you woke up." Selema folds her arms over her chest. Elspie screams! Elysia slowly says, "Oh, he IS awake..." Elysia glances at the First Sergeant. Duvainiel sarcastically emphasizes, "Drake." Speaking to Duvainiel, Elspie exclaims, "TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW!" Nodyre gazes up into the heavens. Nodyre says, "This is productive." Speaking to the First Sergeant, Airini says, "You should take Duvainiel in for questioning." You ponder. Speaking to Airini, Nodyre asks, "On what grounds?" Khobra glances between Duvainiel and Elspie. Nodyre chuckles. The First Sergeant asks, "So far all I've seen is people talking?" Nodyre nods to the First Sergeant. The First Sergeant scratches his head in confusion.
[Darcena left to find some stout, and arrived back to this conversation, empty handed:]
Elysia says, "Nazhor is... a very odd fellow and very bad news, if my intuition means anything. I met him in the Commons not too long ago." You ask, "Where in the world do you find a stout in this place?" You mutter something inaudible. You blink at Elysia. Duvainiel says, "Mebbe 'e knows sum'tin... mebbe 'e dun." Elspie firmly asks, "Where can I find him?" You ask, "Why are we talking about that wretched Nazhor?" Selema says, "Duvainiel suggested he may know something." The First Sergeant says, "Mister Nazhor is the new owner of the pawnshop." The First Sergeant nods helpfully. Elysia says, "Duvainiel seems to think Nazhor knows something about the ransacking of Elspie's cabin." You say, "The only thing I like about him is when he tortures Mazorn." You grin slowly. Speaking to Duvainiel, Sothog says, "I'm curious how you know this Nahzor is such a font of information..." Selema gasps. Elspie growls ferociously! Elspie just went south.
Cendadric's
[Cendadric's Collectibles] A large, fancy rosewood desk sits in the middle of this room, a cushioned velvet-covered chair placed precisely behind it. On the wall behind the desk is a large portrait of an elven woman, the colors bright despite its evident age. A large silver chandelier hangs overhead, its myriad of candles lighting the room, while a carved rosewood arch leads farther into the shop. You also see the parrot-shaped Devler disk, an old barrel, Cendadric that is sitting and a glass-centered door. Obvious exits: none She smells just like Elspie. You sniff. Duvainiel just arrived. Elspie growls ferociously! Speaking to Cendadric, Selema asks, "Where is the owner?" Duvainiel sucks air sharply through her teeth. >l Cendadric For such a large man, there is a curious softness about Cendadric's manner. Clothes of the finest damask silks have been expertly tailored to mask his over-ample frame. On his thick fingers glitter many bright rings, each a tribute to the gemsmith's craft, and a jeweler's loupe hangs from a narrow-linked gold chain on his waistcoat. Cendadric's jowly face shows the unhealthy, mottled flush of one too fond of strong drink, but his clear eyes gleam with hard focus, taking in every detail about him. You squint at Duvainiel. Nazhor wanders in. You flash Nazhor a wolfish grin. Nazhor asks, "Is there a problem?" You see Nazhor. He appears to be a Human. It is difficult to properly see his features as the heavy cowled mask of his cloak is pulled down over his face. He is in good shape. He is wearing a deep-cowled blood red cloak, a black leather pouch, some elegant ebony trousers, and a pair of black leather shoes. Elspie shrieks! Speaking to you, Duvainiel says, "If'n ya gots sum..." Speaking to Nazhor, you say, "Yes. You need a shirt." Nodyre whistles tunelessly to himself. Duvainiel offers Nazhor a dreamy look. You grimace at Duvainiel. Speaking sharply to you, Duvainiel reprimands, "Nuh 'e dun!" Khaell says, "Maybe he likes to walk around shirtless with a cloak." Elspie flies at Nazhor in a rage, her fists balled into glowing blue orbs! Nazhor steps backward and gestures lazily, and Elspie is thrown back against the far wall! You snort derisively at Duvainiel! Nodyre gasps. Nazhor grins slowly. Speaking to Elspie, Nodyre exclaims, "Cease the battery!" You stare at Nazhor. Speaking to Elspie, Nodyre says, "You will be arrested." Speaking to the First Sergeant, Nazhor asks, "Is it not as I warned you?" You lightly say, "Now now, Nazhor." Selema looks thoughtfully at Nazhor. Speaking to the First Sergeant, Duvainiel quips, "Ya saw dat, ya?" Nodyre gazes heavenward. The First Sergeant nods slowly, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully. Selema folds her arms over her chest. Elysia glances at Nazhor. Elspie swears long, loud and well at Nazhor. Speaking to the First Sergeant, Nodyre asks, "Grief-stricken women - you should perhaps be lenient?" Speaking to the First Sergeant, you say, "AFTER this human went out of her way to make Elspie irate." Speaking to Nazhor, Khaell asks, "Warned? like you knew soething was up?" Nazhor chuckles. Selema says, "There is no need for violence." Nazhor says, "Now, now... that temper will get you in trouble." Speaking cruelly to Elspie, Duvainiel taunts, "Such rage... ya musta been all sorta messed up on dat wall..." You point at Duvainiel. Speaking to Nazhor, Nodyre says, "Easy." Nodyre frowns at Nazhor. Speaking to Selema, you whisper aloud, "There is always need for violence." You flash Selema a wolfish grin. Speaking to the First Sergeant, Nazhor says, "I demand that this woman be arrested." Elspie shrieks! Khobra whispers something to Elspie. Nazhor says, "She's clearly a danger to herself and to others." Speaking to you, Duvainiel spits, "I ent 'uman." Speaking to Duvainiel, Elysia says, "I can honestly say that you are quite possibly the rudest person I've met in years." Speaking to Nazhor, Nodyre asks, "Would you change your mind if I were to purchase something of value from you?" You raise an eyebrow, your splintery bone shards only enhancing your skeptical look. Khobra squints at Nazhor. Nodyre raises an eyebrow in Nazhor's direction. She smells just like Duvainiel. You say, "Smell human." The First Sergeant blinks in confusion, then looks at Elspie for a long moment. You say, "Look like a half charred human." Speaking to Nazhor, Sothog says, "That remains to be seen." Elspie glares at the First Sergeant. You ask, "Oh, wait, is that the elven half?" You smirk at Duvainiel. Speaking to the First Sergeant, Elspie exclaims, "This... MAN... ransacked my HOUSE!" Nazhor scoffs. Nodyre sighs. Nazhor says, "You have no proof of anything, silly Drake." Speaking to Elspie, Sothog asks, "Are you certain?" Speaking to Elspie, Nodyre says, "That's an allegation - you'd be wise to stop talking." Elspie growls ferociously! Speaking to Nazhor, Selema asks, "You deny it?" Sothog mutters under his breath. Elspie says, "NO! He's GUILTY! SHE said..." Elspie points at Duvainiel. You laugh at Elspie! Speaking to Elspie, Duvainiel taunts, "Ya see 'im do it, Drake? 'eard ya say dat ya wan't der!" Speaking calmly to Elspie, Khobra says, "Don't give dem reazon du arrezt you. Left Zergeant du hiz job." Speaking to Elspie, Nodyre says, "That be a member of my guild - not to be trusted." Elspie screams! Nazhor snickers. You squint at Cendadric. Speaking to the First Sergeant, Nazhor says, "As I said... clearly she's delusional." Speaking to Cendadric, you say, "You're awfully relaxed." Speaking to the First Sergeant, Nodyre says, "I highly encourage you to let this slide, sir." Khaell says, "Funny how were here considering who sent us this way..." Selema nods in agreement at Nodyre. Duvainiel says, "Ya ent needer den." Sothog says, "Upset, more likely." Elspie gnashes her teeth in frustration. Khaell glances at Duvainiel. Speaking to Nazhor, you say, "Her husband is mysteriously dead from an assassin and her home has been ransacked." Speaking to Nazhor, Khobra counters, "Allegation." Khaell sneers. Speaking to the First Sergeant, Elysia says, "She's not. We've seen the house." Speaking to Nazhor, Khobra says, "Grieving.." Speaking to Nazhor, you say, "I can't imagine why she'd be upset." Khaell nods to you. Speaking warmly to Elspie, Khobra pleads, "Let Zergeant due job." The First Sergeant sighs and nods once towards Nazhor, then moves with surprising speed toward Elspie, grasping her by the arm and leading her away.
Aftermath of Elspie's Arrest
Speaking to Nazhor, you say, "Let's see your face, Nazhor. I'd recognize your laughing voice anywhere." Sothog mutters under his breath. Elysia's jaw drops. You ask, "Does it come with a toothy grin?" Duvainiel sucks air sharply through her teeth with a smug expression. Khobra blinks. Nodyre gazes heavenward. You smirk at Nazhor. Nazhor laughs! Nodyre says, "Goodness." Elysia stares at Nazhor. Nazhor starts chortling. Speaking coyly to Nazhor, you croon, "How is good old Mazorn?" Speaking to Nazhor, Nodyre asks, "I'm not with these folks, eh. But perhaps we can make a deal here to go easy on the widow?" Nazhor happily says, "I love it when things come together." Speaking to Nazhor, Elysia asks, "What did you do with her necklace?" Duvainiel says, "Ya fly off da handle... kint save nuddin'." Speaking to Nazhor, Sothog says, "I'm sure you do. This smacks of old grudges." Nazhor mildly asks, "What necklace?" Nazhor nods in agreement at Duvainiel. Speaking seriously to Nazhor, Khobra warns, "Anything and I du mean anything happen du Her, You are the firzt I am coming for." Elysia firmly says, ""The one you stole from her cabin." Nodyre sighs. Speaking to Duvainiel, Nazhor says, "She should learn to control that temper of hers." You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement. Nazhor smirks at Khobra. Speaking to Duvainiel, Khobra adds, "And then you." Selema sternly asks, "What sort of hold does Nazhor have over the town's sergeant, I wonder?" Nodyre says, "Folks... stop using hearsay to make accusations." Nazhor nods approvingly at Nodyre. Speaking to Nazhor, Duvainiel agrees, "Aye." Nazhor says, "As the gentleman says... I certainly did nothing wrong." Duvainiel removes a sinuous black ora falchion from in her brown leather cloak. Duvainiel removes a sinuous black ora falchion from in her brown leather cloak. Nazhor smirks. Speaking to Selema, Elysia says, "Clearly, a similar hold to the one he has over the pawnbroker here." Elysia glances at Cendadric. Speaking to Khobra, Duvainiel threatens, "Try... meh..." Nodyre says, "The Sergeant is more than capable of investigating this crime." Khobra glances at Duvainiel. Selema nods in agreement at Elysia. You yawn. Speaking to Elysia, Nazhor says, "Cendadric knows his place." Khobra removes a crystallized pale ebon coustille from in her ebon longcoat. Nazhor flashes a wide grin. You say, "Still looking for that stout." Speaking to Nodyre, Selema says, "I don't believe he is, sir. I believe Nazhor has something over him." Speaking to Nazhor, Nodyre asks, "But perhaps you need not press charges for the ... indulgences of the widow?" Khobra growls ferociously! Speaking to Selema, Nodyre says, "Belief is not evidence." Speaking to Nazhor, you ask, "Should we go for a pint? Talk of old... friends?" Speaking to Nodyre, Nazhor exclaims, "She attacked me. In fact, you all bore witness to this fact!" Nazhor flashes a wide grin. Speaking to Nazhor, Elysia asks, "As does the Sergeant, it seems?" You murmur, "There's those teeth." Speaking to Nazhor, Nodyre says, "This cannot be denied, but what harm truly came to you? I am happy to pay your bills at the local healer." Speaking to Nazhor, Khaell says, "You also mentioned that you enjoyed plans coming together as soon as she was arrested." Nazhor says, "The Sergeant knows what's best for the town, clearly." Duvainiel exclaims, "Aye! Anya attack Nazhor... ya gotta deal wid me!" Speaking to Duvainiel, Khobra remarks, "Another evening it zeemz. Thiz iz a place zanct'd. You get to live another evening. Enjoy it." Khaell says, "Nazh you obviously had this planned." Speaking to Khaell, Nazhor says, "A coincidence. I was speaking of something else entirely." Nazhor waves his hand in a dismissive gesture. Elysia asks, "Or himself. Via bribery, or blackmail?" Nodyre sighs. Elysia glances at Nazhor. Speaking calmly to Nazhor, you say, "I don't think so." Nazhor smirks. Speaking to Nazhor, Khaell says, "No other conversation was happening, nor continued." Selema folds her arms over her chest. Nazhor says, "I was merely reacting to... a stray thought. A rather pleasant one at that." Interlocking his fingers above his head, Nazhor stretches slowly, extending his spine in a satisfying stretch. Duvainiel put a sinuous black ora falchion in her brown leather cloak. Duvainiel put a sinuous black ora falchion in her brown leather cloak. Khobra put a crystallized pale ebon coustille in her ebon longcoat. Khobra put a lor-hilted blood stained wakizashi in her ebon longcoat. Ondreian glances between Nazhor and Duvainiel. Nazhor asks, "Does anyone know what might become of that lovely cottage of hers, with her incarcerated?" Speaking to Nazhor, Khaell says, "Oh please, don't insult me with that lowness." Khobra stares at Duvainiel with an unreadable look of utter blankness. Speaking to Nazhor, Sothog says, "Noted." Khobra folds her arms over her chest. Duvainiel threatens, "Ya kin try, eh... try..." Nazhor says, "I've been looking to expand my holdings in the area." Selema says, "You're scum." Duvainiel glances at Khobra and slowly draws her finger across her throat meaningfully. Selema growls at Nazhor. Speaking to Nazhor, Elysia says, "You didn't leave it in good shape." Khobra waves a hand at Duvainiel, dismissing her indifferently. Roblar deeply says, "Don't worry you won't get it." Khobra stifles a yawn. Speaking innocently to Elysia, Nazhor asks, "Oh, is there something wrong with the property?" Several strands of Khobra's platinum hair slip free from her braid and falls into her face and across her eyes. Roblar deeply says, "Will outbid, kill you, or burn it down." Elysia glares at Nazhor. Roblar nods slowly at Nazhor. Khaell agrees with Roblar. You glance at Roblar and unsuccessfully try to stifle your grin. Selema appears to be struggling to keep a straight face as she glances at Roblar. Duvainiel says, "Deys as uppity as da Drake." Speaking deeply to Duvainiel, Roblar says, "And you if you get in my way." Duvainiel shakes her head, totally at a loss. Nazhor nods in agreement at Duvainiel. Khaell glances at Duvainiel. You say, "I'm not." You say, "You're both just completely ignoring me." You shrug. Roblar deeply says, "Will den take yer cloak to sell." Roblar nods at Nazhor. Nazhor stifles a yawn. Roblar dusts off his hands. Ondreian slowly empties his lungs. Khobra smiles wickedly. Duvainiel feigns trembling then smacks a hand across her thigh with a hearty and sarcastic guffaw. Roblar smiles at Ondreian. Nazhor says, "It's been a busy night, and I must say I'm rather tired." Nazhor smirks. Roblar heavily pounds one of his fists into the other, producing a loud clap. Elysia says, "I'm guessing we need to go bail Elspie out." Speaking to Nazhor, Selema says, "Sleep lightly, criminal." Roblar nods at Elysia. Speaking to Nazhor, Ondreian says, "I think you are attempting to swim in waters a bit beyond your depth." Roblar deeply says, "Dis shows why my plan was better." Nazhor bows to Duvainiel. Khobra put a despanal drake-clasped case suspended from thin jet and firestone chains in her midnight black cloak. You cough. Speaking to Duvainiel, Nazhor says, "Wonderful to see you again, my dear." Speaking to Nazhor, Khaell says, "Yes tired, of standing there and mocking Elspie...suuuuuch a busy day." Roblar deeply says, "Da law iz foolish." You say, "Wasn't just yours Roblar." Duvainiel bows to Nazhor. Ondreian asks, "You may have paid our constable a bridge, but what happens when someone with deeper pockets becomes interested?" Roblar smiles at you. Speaking to Nazhor, Duvainiel says, "Aye, ya too, suh." Roblar deeply says, "Told you kin stay a nite." Nazhor waves his hand in a dismissive gesture. Roblar deeply says, "Or clean or cook." Roblar winks at you. Khobra agrees with Ondreian. You laugh at Roblar! Nazhor says, "Sweet dreams, all. I hear a storm coming." Ondreian says, "A bridge probably to Solhaven from the Landing at that, if I were to guess." Nazhor wanders off.
Wrapping It Up With Duvainiel
Selema growls ferociously! Nodyre sighs. Khobra glances away. Khobra glances at Duvainiel. Sothog mutters under his breath. Speaking deeply to Cendadric, Roblar asks, "You ok?" Elysia says, "I really am beginning to dislike him." Duvainiel examines her fingernails. Ondreian says, "I imagine he will be wise to your words soon, and your bribe will be worthless." Speaking deeply to Cendadric, Roblar says, "You seem quiet." Elysia glares. Roblar agrees with Elysia. You squint at Duvainiel. Cendadric glances at Elysia then ignores her. Speaking suggestively to Duvainiel, you ask, "A pint?" Speaking to Cendadric, Selema says, "It's time for you to admit what he has over you." Speaking to Cendadric, Selema says, "We need to know." Speaking seriously to Duvainiel, Khobra warns, "Run along, dangerouz thingz happen du little girl here in the Mizt." Duvainiel says, "He ent got nuddin' ta do wid eny'ding." Selema nods firmly. Elysia says, "Cendadric is thoughly compromised, unless I miss my guess." Khobra waves a hand at Duvainiel, dismissing her indifferently. Speaking to Duvainiel, Ondreian asks, "Where are you from?" Speaking to Duvainiel, Sothog asks, "Doesn't he, now?" Speaking to Khobra, Duvainiel says, "Aye... might wun be careful yerself." Selema agrees with Elysia. Speaking to Duvainiel, Khaell says, "I'm sorry, who are you again? you weren't being talked to." Ondreian gazes fondly at Duvainiel. Ondreian snickers. Speaking to Khaell, you mouth, "Not sorry." Elysia gazes with interest at Duvainiel. Duvainiel says, "Duvainiel... o'Talador." Saphriel takes a deep breath, blinking a couple of times before resuming a calm expression. Speaking to Duvainiel, Khobra declares, "Anytime, vhat vould you like on your tombztone?" Khobra smirks. Speaking to Khaell, Duvainiel says, "Seems ya talkin' ta meh now." Speaking to you, Khaell asks, "For what?" Speaking to Duvainiel, Elysia asks, "And you? Are you just paid for services rendered, or does Nahzor have a hold on you as well?" Speaking helpfully to Khaell, you say, "You said you were sorry. You weren't." Selema nods in agreement at Elysia. Selema settles her gaze on Duvainiel, watching her intently. Nodyre gazes heavenward. Speaking in Guildspeak, Nodyre says something you don't understand. Speaking to you, Khaell says, "A simple play at words." Speaking to Selema, Elysia says, "She's lost her words." Elysia gazes heavenward. Duvainiel says, "Nazhor ent got nuddin' on meh... 'e saved meh... Mebbe ya too dense ta recall what went down in ma home." Khaell says, "And no i was not." You frown. You say, "Yeah, yeah, it exploded." You say, "It's the Bleaklands now." Roblar deeply asks, "Does he feed you though?" Ondreian says, "O'Talador... how fate works. I am Ondreian Brigand'o'Talador, as it turns out I suppose I lead you to this very place, attempting to carve out a new niche as it were." You say, "About two years ago now." Ondreian says, "I would have care here." Roblar deeply says, "We kins get you a bite and get you away from em." Nodyre grins. Selema slowly empties her lungs. Speaking to Ondreian, Duvainiel says, "No, fool... not o'Talador... I'm o' Talador. From. From." Speaking to Duvainiel, Elysia says, "No matter the service you think he provided you, that doesn't justify killing and stealing on his behalf." Sothog says, "Hrm." Khaell frowns. Duvainiel says, "Oi... I dun kill no one... Dun steal nuddin' eider." Elysia says, "Or simply lying, even, if that is all you've done here." Speaking helpfully to Elysia, you say, "Instigating." Nodyre begins chuckling at Duvainiel! Speaking to Duvainiel, Nodyre says, "Right." Duvainiel shrugs. Speaking to Duvainiel, Khaell says, "Heresay i'm sure." Sothog asks, "Is anyone back watching their home?" Duvainiel says, "Ent no need... I got food... I got clodes... I got meh bread." Elysia says, "There isn't all that much left to watch, sadly." Khobra looks over at Sothog and shakes her head. You offer your travel biscuit to Duvainiel, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer. Roblar deeply mutters, "Not enuff." Taking a seat behind the rosewood desk, Cendadric takes a small key from his waistcoat pocket and opens a desk drawer. He removes a thin sandalwood-bound book from within and passes his hands over it lovingly before carefully securing it back in the drawer. Khobra agrees with Elysia. Khaell agrees with Elysia. Speaking to Duvainiel, Sothog asks, "What about your dignity? How's that holding up?" Duvainiel snatches up your offer. Duvainiel has accepted your offer and is now holding a sugar-dusted travel biscuit. Selema nods in agreement at Sothog. Selema turns to face Duvainiel. Elysia says, "Not well, if she cares for it even, I'd imagine..." Speaking to Duvainiel, Khaell says, "I'm sure....the burns were earned merely by accident..." You ponder. Speaking to Sothog, Duvainiel asks, "Ya see meh face? Ya dink dignity will return ma ma and pa ta me? Ya dink dah imperials and deir Drakes gun do it?" Duvainiel takes a bite of her travel biscuit. Duvainiel looks much more calm and refreshed. Roblar deeply says, "If she from Talador, prolly from da inferno dat destroyed most if it." Roblar nods at Khaell. Speaking calmly to Duvainiel, you say, "I just want to know one thing." Speaking to Duvainiel, Khaell says, "Temper, temper...." You ask, "Why haven't you changed your clothes in nearly two years?" Speaking to Duvainiel, Sothog says, "Ah, so you don't like Drakes very much." You peer quizzically at Duvainiel. Duvainiel grins maniacally! Roblar acts puzzled. Speaking to you, Khaell asks, "Sentimental value?" Ondreian says, "Quite right, the Imperials and their ever grasping hands have much blame for your current condition." You murmur, "Even I try to change mine once a year. Or even twice." You glance down and ponder. Speaking smoothly to you, Duvainiel says, "Issa reminder... where I been... where I'm goin'... where 'e found meh... where 'e's takin' meh." Ondreian shrugs. Roblar deeply asks, "You blame da Drakes for what appened to yer lands?" You ask, "He's taking you back to Talador? To the Bleaklands?" You say, "I've been there recently." Roblar deeply says, "If so, was there an wasn't dem but a foolish zealot." You say, "I found a nice lump of excrement and some pieces of rotting flesh." You say, "One was tasty. One wasn't." You ponder. Roblar gazes in amazement at you. Khobra narrows her eyes. Speaking to you, Khaell asks, "Dare i ask which?" Speaking to you, Nodyre says, "That's a lot to take in." Nodyre gazes heavenward. Khaell agrees with Nodyre. Nodyre shakes his head. Speaking deeply to Khaell, Roblar says, "Don't tink want to know." Roblar smiles quietly to himself. Duvainiel says, "Aye... ya see whacha wan... Ya ent gotta see it all." Khaell smirks. Duvainiel takes a bite of her travel biscuit. Saphriel asks, "Should we.... try to get Lady Elspie out of jail? I cannot see any legitimate charges against her?" You ponder. Sothog agrees with Saphriel. Selema and Elysia nod at Saphriel. Roblar nods. Speaking to Saphriel, Selema says, "Yes, that is wise." You say, "I might stay here." Khobra looks over at Saphriel and shakes her head. You say, "Try for that pint." Duvainiel taunts, "Ya kin try." You murmur, "What an interesting person." You squint at Duvainiel. Selema nods to you. Khaell agrees with you. Khobra sadly remarks, "Zhe broke the law." Roblar seems to lose some dexterity. Duvainiel says, "She dun attacked... she dun it in plain view...." Khobra says, "The crime, chargez vill be minor at bezt." Selema nods at Khobra. Selema says, "No harm came of him, clearly." Khaell says, "Gonna need to leverage something over the Seargent." Roblar deeply says, "Be out by now wid a small fine if like others." Speaking to Duvainiel, Elysia says, "I daresay we can afford her fine. She was sorely provoked." Khobra disappointedly remarks, "He IZ ztill breathing afterall." Selema nods at Elysia. Duvainiel says, "Ya kint save 'er 'nymore den she cud save 'er man." Selema glares at Duvainiel. Speaking to Khobra, Khaell says, "Hardly touched..." Khaell nods. You sarcastically say, "Odd that the sergeant doesn't care about the murder." Ondreian shrugs. Speaking to Duvainiel, Selema says, "You say that as if she is dead." Speaking to Duvainiel, Sothog says, "How quick you are to say that..." A young lad dashes in, hands Duvainiel a message and dashes off. Selema turns to face Duvainiel. Speaking to Duvainiel, Elysia says, "I was wrong earlier, when I said you were possibly the rudest person I'd met in years. I think you are definitely the rudest." Selema nods firmly at Elysia. Speaking wryly to Elysia, you ask, "You finally found someone ruder than me?" Khobra squints at Duvainiel. Duvainiel grins wickedly, her smile nearly matching Nazhor's infamous feral grin. Khaell rolls his eyes. Speaking to you, Elysia says, "You aren't rude. Just... hmm... young and wild." Elysia grins at you. You grin at Elysia. You turn to face Duvainiel. You squint at Duvainiel. Duvainiel says, "Ya kin try... ya ent gettin' n'where." You ask, "Did you have the drake killed in custody?" Speaking to Duvainiel, Sothog asks, "Happy news?" You glance suspiciously at Duvainiel. Speaking to Duvainiel, Selema inquires, "What did your message say?" Selema walks toward Duvainiel. Selema strides over to stand before Duvainiel. Selema seems to be waiting for something. Duvainiel says, "I ent gotta answer to nunya." Khobra says, "Nazhor ownz the pawnzhop. Meaning he'z ztill looking vor zomething like. Bezt vay to help Her it du find out vhat." Khobra says, "Before they get it." Duvainiel just entered a glass-centered door. Elysia says, "I doubt she'd say." Elysia glances at a glass-centered door. Roblar smiles. You ponder. Sothog says, "Things change."
Searching for Elspie
Adventurers began searching all possible places the First Sergeant may have taken Elspie, yelling out her name, knocking on doors, and asking questions.
[Mist Harbor Sergeant's Office] The entry area of the law of the Isle of the Four Winds has the desk of the First Sergeant pushed against the wall. A pile of ropes and shackles spills out of an overflowing barrel near the exit, and several tripods of spears flank either side of the iron-barred door to the jail. You also see an iron-barred door and a ruined heavy iron bars. Obvious exits: east, out Khaell says, "Imagine that, somone with answers, decides suddently they don't want to answer..." Khaell rolls his eyes. You belt out, "Elspie?" Roblar nods. You knock upon an iron-barred door. Roblar [Local]: "Came to sergeant's office." Elysia says, "I don't know where to look for her, if they didn't bring her here." You say, "Well, she might be in there." You point at an iron-barred door. Khaell turns to face an iron-barred door. Elysia says, "It seems like she'd be able to hear us and reply..." You knock upon an iron-barred door. Khaell abruptly kicks at an iron-barred door! Using very precise and slow gestures with his hands, Roblar prepares to cast a spell... Roblar gestures at an iron-barred door. An iron-barred door vibrates slightly. Selema asks, "We should try the lockup, perhaps?" You say, "I've never been back there." You ask, "Perhaps there are multiple cells back there?" Elysia shakes her head.
We continued to search the area, going to the lockup, knocking on doors and shouting for Elspie. We did not find her.
Back to the Ransacked Cottage
Khobra [Local]: "I ahh saw some smugded handprints in the cabin, upon the pantry." Selema [Local]: "Do they appear fresh?" Khobra [Local]: "Yes." Khobra [Local]: "I saw a red cloth on the corner of the door, it lead me back into the cabin." [Sunset Cay, Bedroom] Nearly every visible item in this small bedroom has been broken in some manner. The mattress of the double bed rests torn, stripped of bedding, half off the bed's frame. A large wardrobe stands open, and clothing has been strewn about the room. A ladies' dressing table, its contents demolished and drawers removed, lies upended against the far wall. Above the bed, a small, in-wall safe stands wide open and empty. A large portrait lies on the floor, nearly lost in the clutter of the room. You also see a sturdy door leading back to the living area. Obvious exits: none You reach out and touch this large arresting portrait. Speaking to you, Selema says, "I do wonder why whoever did this bore such... malice.. toward the couple." You say, "That was unnecessary." Selema nods to you. A creaking noise draws your eye to the wardrobe, leaning precariously. Just above it, on the wall, is a fading handprint. It's overly large, though, and its proportions are off. As you watch, it fades away. You frown. >l ward You see nothing unusual. >l in ward There is nothing in the wardrobe. You glance at a large wardrobe. Selema searches around for a moment. Speaking to you, Selema asks, "Did.. did you hear that?" You say, "The wardrobe. Something caught my eye. A large handprint." You ask, "What'd you hear?" Selema nods to you. A faint, mocking laugh reaches your ear, then quickly fades away. You belt out, "Nazhor!" Speaking to you, Selema says, "A creak.." Selema nods gravely. Speaking to you, Selema asks, "Nazhor.. did he seem.. large?" Speaking to Khaell, Selema says, "We saw a handprint." You say, "No. But I hear him laughing." Khaell ponders. Selema exclaims, "You heard him?!" Selema flails her arms about. Selema searches around for a moment. You nod at Selema. You sniff. Selema yells, "Nazhor!" You say, "It's almost like he - or whoever it is - can walk between planes." Elysia casts an appraising gaze over her surroundings, seemingly taking in every detail. You say, "I get visions of him often." You say, "Even on River's Rest." Selema says, "We saw a rather large handprint.." Selema nods gravely. You sarcastically say, "I was visiting good old Mazorn." Selema nods gravely at Elysia. Elysia says, "I've seen those before. There is something very evil about him." Khaell nods. You nod at Elysia. You say, "I"m going to go look around the living room." [Sunset Cay, Living Area] This spacious living room is in complete disarray. A squat secretary has been pried open. Papers, covered in ink from a nearby broken nkwell, spill from the broken secretary and onto the floor. A set of his and hers armchairs have been knocked over, and their matching upholstery carelessly ripped open. An overstuffed couch leans against a wall-sized picture window. You see an archway into the kitchen, a blue-painted door leading to the front stairs, and a bedroom door. Obvious exits: none You survey your surroundings carefully, looking for any untoward activities. Khaell blinks. Selema taps you lightly on the shoulder. Khaell squints. You peer quizzically at Selema. Selema points at a squat secretary. Khaell nods at Selema. You say, "I saw that." Khaell says, "I saw that earlier." Selema nods. You say, "Someone really wanted in there." You frown. You listen, but don't hear anything unusual. You sniff. Khaell says, "There, the vault, the bed." Khaell says, "Someone was looking for something." Selema nods gravely at Khaell. Khaell searches around for a moment. Khaell frowns. Selema asks, "The safe was rather obvious. Could he have been looking for.. something else as well?" Khaell says, "Hard to say." You ponder. You say, "I'm not sure Elspie was entirely honest with us." Khaell says, "I thought the portrait was more of a message then trying to just be a theft..." You say, "She seems to have a temper and a history of... my type of thinking." You flash a wolfish grin. Speaking to you, Selema says, "I would tend to agree with you. We're missing a piece here." Speaking to you, Khaell says, "I told her, you can run from the past, but that doesn't mean you can outrun it." You nod. You say, "This is true." Khaell says, "I asked her several questions too, about the drakes, and she ignored me...not sure if thats intentional or not..." Your vision clouds over suddenly, and is replaced by a shadowy visage. All that is clearly discernible is a wide grin. As you stare, the figure begins to laugh, then the darkness fades away as your sight returns. The echoes of the laughter linger for a heartbeat longer, before they, too, fade away. You say, "Nazhor." Khaell nods to you. Selema yells, "Nazhor!" ou say, "That's usually his cue." You say, "That he's done." You say, "Until the next time he pops up out of nowhere." You mutter something inaudible. You say, "Let's think..." Khaell says, "And que the thunder." You say, "I heard him in River's Rest." You say, "I heard him... Yes, I think even at Caligos." You say, "And here." You say, "Nazhor sure gets around." Selema sighs. You say, "Well." You say, "I'm sure we'll hear from him again." Selema nods to you. Saphriel says, "They didn't find what they wanted here." Saphriel says, "That is why they took her." Selema looks thoughtfully at Saphriel. You curiously say, "The necklace is missing." Speaking to you, Khaell asks, "Is it?" Speaking to Saphriel, Selema says, "You may have a point." You say, "Well. Elspie said such." Saphriel says, "She may not know where it is. Maybe Brannogh hid it again." Saphriel says, "And didn't tell her." Khaell says, "I take that with a pinch o salt..." You ask, "Again?" Selema asks, "I thought she said it was stolen?" Selema cocks her head. Saphriel says, "They kept it hidden before that she said." You say, "I wonder what's so special about it." You say, "I've got a dozen necklaces in my lockers somewhere. I think." Khaell says, "Retirement gift...." You shrug at Khaell. You ask, "So?" Khaell says, "Just trying to think..." Khaell just nudged you. Khaell taps an old rolaren greathelm that he is wearing. Khaell grins. Selema sighs. Selema says, "I'm afraid I must be going." Khaell asks, "Wouldn't you sell it?" Selema says, "Please keep me informed if you discover anything.." Selema bobs down and back up in a quick curtsy. Selema squints. Selema simply vanishes from sight! Khaell says, "If its intent was monitary, they wanted a different life, and they got that....i would have thought it would have cost the necklace to buy that life..." Elysia asks, "Sell what?" Elysia squints. Khaell says, "The necklace." Elysia says, "Oh." You ponder. Khaell says, "Since it was a retirement gift..." Khaell says, "But they still had it." You shrug. You say, "I don't know." Khaell nods to you. You say, "There wasn't enough blood, I forgot snacks, I'm hungry." Khaell shrugs. You say, "And all the beverages were froufrou." You say, "Let's go make things explode." Elysia says, "Both she and that horrible Talador creature implied that the necklace was an item of significant power..." You shrug at Khaell. Elysia asks, "So unless they plan to sell it to a particular individual who can pay dearly, I'm guessing Nahzor wants it for himself. And if he already had it, wouldn't he have left Elspie alone?" (Darcena yawns widely, her fangs glinting and the corner of her eyes crinkling, then shakes her head briskly.) Speaking to Elysia, Khaell says, "I don't think he got it." You say, "He also wanted that crate, I think." Khaell nods to you. You say, "The one Mazorn had." You ponder. You say, "Of course, so did Veridese." You say, "And so did I." You flash a quick grin. Khaell mutters crates. Elysia asks, "I lost track of all that. Was there ever anything of significance in that trunk of Mazorn's?" You say, "I don't think I ever found out what happened to that trunk." You say, "Unfortunately." You mumble something under your breath. You yawn. You say, "I'm tired." You say, "We're not going to solve this tonight." Elysia looks over at you and shakes her head. Khaell says, "Probably had burt crusty clothes, like the ones Duvainiel had on." You say, "Someone should go bribe the sergeant to treat Elspie nicely." Elysia says, "We aren't." You mutter, "Not gonna be me. She didn't even give me rolton."