by badams30 » Wed Oct 10, 2012 11:56 am
You all quietly finish up the ale and food left behind, and then turn in for the night. As the innkeep said, the common room has been set aside for your group, and you secure the door before turning in for the night.
After the first restful sleep you've had in some time, you awake refreshed and to the smell of hearty food coming from the downstairs. As you make your way downstairs, You see Dak and Grinkle already munching on some food, and sipping some coffee. Grinkle looks none the worse for wear after his episode, and seems cheerful enough. Dak is piling food in his mouth like he might never see another meal... The lone server greets you all and she rushes off to fetch food and drink for all of you. As you sit and eat, discussing the plans of the day, your conversation is interrupted by 3 Waterdhavian soldiers, two rank and file guards, and one man who stands as tall as Dak, and looks as strong to boot. He removes his helm, revealing a bald, scarred head and face. While not repulsive, this fella looks like he could probably hold his own against a half dozen men. He comes up to your table as the other two men stand by the door. He nods at Marcus and says "Sorry to interrupt your meal, but I've come to gather some information about your... uh... umm.. that is, his (pointing at Grinkle) run in with the robed one last night. Do you mind if I sit?"
Assuming you have no objections, he takes a seat with you all. "I'm Captain Stem, and I'm the commander of the garrison here in Red Larch. I'd like to apologize for my men roughing you up last night (nodding at Grinkle.) They'll be reprimanded for their actions. After the Sgt of the Guard informed us of what happened, I sent patrols to look for this robed one. He's been seen about town, and was renting a room at a boarding house. I sent two men to retrieve him for questioning, and they failed to return. When a patrol went searching, they were both found - dead, with no apparent wounds. The room was empty, and there's no trace of the man. Just a discarded brown robe and some candle stubs. His horse is missing from the stable as well. So I've come to see what you can tell me of this man. How do you know him? What is his name? Do you know where he's from? We're gonna find this one, and he's gonna pay when we do. But in the meantime, keep your eyes out for him. And if you find out anything about him... ANYTHING, let me know, okay? I've already mustered a 500GP reward for his capture, and I'm sure it'll go up once the Major gets wind of this."
When you inform Stem that you know nothing about the man, other than getting the stink face from him last night, he nods grimly. "We get all kinds up here in the frontier, but this one's a bad one. We'll find him, though. Anyway, sorry to interrupt your breakfast. Enjoy your stay in town. We haven't had this much excitement since Melvin's goats got loose and spooked a caravan's horses into running away last Spring." He chuckles and nods a farewell to you. As he leaves, he turns and says "Oh, yes. You can find me at the palace (he says the term with sarcasm) - that's the place you met with Magister Seedius at. Good luck to you." And he departs.
Looking outside, it looks like a bright if not chilly fall day. The vendors are setting up in the marketplace, and the town is coming to life. What's the plan for today?