D&D Adventure #3: Vicious Circle

[Dog Pants]

No probs, was just in case you'd missed the post.

[Roman Totale]

How odd, I thought I'd posted a conversation with the widow. I'll update once I can remember what I was saying.

[Grimmie]

The drunk squints, and shakes his head.

Sho yer not.. Shorry about that!

But the Barman interjects, sliding you the drink you ordered in exchange for four copper pieces.

Look, I don't suppose there's anything to it, Shankley. There are fifty or sixty of 'em kicking around, and they publicly meet twice a year on the green, whether they meet in private more frequently though, I haven't the foggiest. Far as I can tell it's voluntary, and you get called up if the town's in danger.

He cants his head towards the drunk.

A call to arms is when they come together to defend Orhedge, and I don't see that happening quite yet, Bill.

---

What are Thor, Thoroar and Orovan up to?

[Dog Pants]

Yeah, maybe you're right. Well the militia thing might be a coincidence, but the deaths weren't. And the guards have already burnt an innocent man at the stake in their ham-fisted investigation. There's something going on here and I want to find out what before anyone else gets killed. 'Specially me. Did you know any of them?

[FatherJack]

Thor's sat on a bench outside the office they came out of waiting for news. He didn't think he could manage "sombre" (despite the fact he mostly looks sombre all the time) and reckoning that "uncomfortable" probably wouldn't be much help with the widow. He tries to look nonchalant and inconspicuous* - which for him means sitting motionless on the bench while gripping his sword hilt, eyes hooded by the brim of his hat, but darting about the crowd suspiciously. He keeps his ears open** for any snippets of conversation amongst the townsfolk regarding recent events.

*Hide
Roll(1d20)+6:
1,+6
Total:7

**Listen
Roll(1d20)+5:
15,+5
Total:20

[Grimmie]

Know them? I've served most of them, but I wouldn't say I knew them.

Whopping-great half-orc called Gürsel Özgür Teke co-ordinates efforts, pops in here now and then to buy a barrel he can carry back home with him, no chance to really talk with the fella. Doesn't even say much when you do get the chance.

[Grimmie]

Really digging the alternative skill titles, FJ :D

Listen: 20

Nobody seems to be particularly quiet or secretive about the topic, and sitting within a short walk of the market, you hear plenty of conversation.

The general mood of the townsfolk is poor - most feel that the guard were in too much of a hurry to implement their punishment, mirroring Forenrond's outlook, but agree that these things are always easier to analyse in hindsight. Some say that they will be going home early, while others are determined not to let it ruin their night of drinking at their local. Then again, there are some that seem oblivious to local news altogether, whose opinions extend to looks of concentration and shakes of their heads when they're told the situation.

[Roman Totale]

Glibberig approaches the widow

Dear Madam, the greatest poets could not describe the grief I feel for you on this inauspicious day. Truly such a tragedy could not be encompassed by mere words.

But know, dear lady, that there are some of us who will not rest until justice, true justice, is served. May I step inside for a private word?

Diplomacy: 12,+5 = 17 (however just noticed that with Synergy I get a +2 to Diplomacy rolls as I have 5 in Bluff, ergo 19)

My name is Captain Glibberig, and I am part of a small and secretive police horse that operates in the town. We work with the full jurisdiction of the law, but no ones knows about us - even the Watch Commander would deny all knowledge of our existence. Our investigation leads us to believe that Arthur was innocent of the murder of Steven. But please, can you first give me some background into your relationship with the two men?

Bluff: 15,+5 = 20

[Dog Pants]

The bullshit never ceases with Glibberig.

[Roman Totale]

Bullshit? Glib really does work for Special Branch - it's in his character background and everything!

[buzzmong]

He does seem to be a gibbering fool.

[Grimmie]

Bullshit? Glib really does work for Special Branch - it's in his character background and everything!

Special Branch

[deject]

Special Branch

[Baliame]

What are Thor, Thoroar and Orovan up to?

I'm waiting for some sort of life sign from bits.

[shot2bits]

i thought we where going to go meet up with the others

[Baliame]

I suppose we do that then!

[shot2bits]

I suppose we do that then!

Fabulous!

Ill follow you as im completely lost as to where everyone now is and if they are still in one group.

[Dog Pants]

I'll finish my drink and head out to try to find the others too I think, unless Mr Half-orc wanders in.

[Baliame]

Well, I have a pretty good idea where the others are..

But I'm not sure Thoroar does.

[Grimmie]

Update apathy! How to out-wordsmith Roman. Hmm, hmm.

Emma's friends give her a concerned look, but she conceeds and eventually leads you in through the front door of her house. It's a modest place, the door leads directly in to the living room, where the dark oak floorboards are still wet with water and slippery with soap. Some of the upholstered furniature is still bloodstained and damp, a scrubbing brush is discarded in front of the fireplace, along with a rolled-up rug.

She looks taken in by your bluff as she sits down on a well worn sofa, and then almost as if she's spring loaded, stands upright again, wringing her hands. Her brow is furrowed in concentration, and she looks as though she might burst in to tears at the end of each completed sentence.

With all due respect, m-my Steven was a good man, Captain! I came home and found Arthur kneeling in the blood of my dead husband, knife at his knees, gibbering like a man possessed - and you have the audacity to tell me you believe he's innocent? Arthur was a quiet old thing, yes, and never once caused us an ounce of trouble, kept himself to himself, but I saw him there with my own eyes! I caught him red-handed!

She places a hand to her forhead and exhales deeply, her other hand shaking as she tries to calm herself. Then in a steadier voice,

Steven and I, we were married four years. Arthur was our lodger, for maybe eight months? The extra coin was useful.