Module: In Search of Adventure (The Veiled Society)

 

In Search of Adventure – The Veiled Society

"Threshold! The northernmost town in the Duchy - and your last stop before your adventures begin. Threshold, the gateway to mysterious castles, lost temples, deadly caves and caverns. You have heard the stories and legends, now you wish to see for yourself."

Characters:

                Anastasia Byli (formerly Vorloi):  Anastasia Vorloi is a fairly attractive 15 year old. She stands about 6 foot and is approximately 145lbs. She has long red hair that falls in loose waves down to her waist, and eyes that look like pools of ink. Her smooth skin glistens like bronze in the noonday sun.
                Around the city she wears fitted black pants that lace up the sides of her legs, a red linen blouse; a black bodice wraps around her waits and laces up on either side. Black leather boots come up just past her knees and fitted black leather gloves adorn her hands. On her back a cloak, the color of her hair, falls down almost to her ankles where it ends in a rather ragged and torn edge. She seems to wear this cloak with the utmost of pride. There is a throwing axe and a sword on her left hip.
                Anastasia carries herself in a proud and dignified manner. She seems confident in all she does. Her father, Lord Vorloi, a general in Duke Stefan's army, taught her swordplay since shortly after she could walk. While no one expected her to go through the shearing, her father was only too proud to cut her cloak, give her a sword and watch her go out to prove herself truly a Vorloi.
                Since the shearing a few weeks ago she has traveled to the neighboring city of Specularum, to begin to truly earn her family name. She spends much of her time talking to people and learning more about the current goings on, and trying to glean small bits of information that might be useful to her.
                In the evenings she has a room at a local tavern, and spends the evenings socializing with the locals, sharing in a few drinks, and then quietly retires to her room for the night.

                Haverly Thornwood:

Kollin Jaleron: A slightly dim-witted but well-rounded warrior.

                Krayven:  Krayven is a short, frail young lad of about twenty winters. At first glance he is physically unimpressive and quite clumsy. His hair is a greasy, an almost faded black, as if the very strands themselves had given up on him. His sleepy eyes look out from their perch amid dark circles above a boring nose. He is neither ugly nor attractive; he merely is. He is only slightly sullen and withdrawn, and his presence often invokes feelings ranging from mild pity to slight annoyance in those around him. Unfortunately, one glance reveals much of this man.
                Krayven grew up among a group of woodsmen and trappers who lived within the outer reaches of the Riverfork Forest north of the Black Eagle Barony. When he became a man (as measured by years, not manhood) his ineptitude with a bow or snare and his physical shortcomings made his continued presence among the clan impossible. Not even his mother would continue to support someone viewed as an invalid.
                Krayven was often told during his younger years that he was named after his father, a fool of a man who had the courage to carry on with an affair, but never to own up to the bastard child that resulted. His step-father was a cruel man who raised him with no shortage of disgust or rage. His mother, in turn, raised with a detached care; she saw Krayven as an obligation rather than a son.
                Krayven was not unintelligent and was eventually able to find patronage in the character of Marsden the Magnificent, a petty showman and even pettier merchant. The young man traveled with and worked for Marsden in exchange for food, a bedroll, and a few magic lessons. When the indignity of his position became too much for him to handle, Krayven set off to make his own way in a world that seemed determined to ruin him. Not long after, he found himself where he is now: much worse off.

Shayesti: Shayesti grew up in the Alfheim town of Shieldtree. Her mother was a wizardess of respectable stature. Her father was a great warrior and had been gone for the last several years since becoming one of Duke Steffan's first Homeguards. Despite her parents attempts to steer her towards a career similar to one of theirs, Shayesti (Shay to her few friends) never felt comfortable pursuing either weapons training or the magical arts. She liked hiding in the shadows among the tree branches, listening to people's conversations and seeing how close she could approach them before they noticed her.

She also enjoyed playing with mechanical things like locks and traps.

Unfortunately, this cost her dearly once when the lock she was trying to pick had a needle trap she failed to find. That incident cost her an eye and the respect of her parents. In hindsight, she probably shouldn't have been playing with the lock on her mother's magical laboratory doors.

Soon after that, her mother left Shieldtree on a voyage to Glantri. Her whole caravan dissapeared without a trace one night as they camped on a misty hillside. After that, Shayesti decided she should be the one to inform her father of the dire news. So she took what supplies she could carry and set out to the south on a journey to Karameikos. Eventually, she found herself in the town of Threshold with very little money left. Needing more funds to continue her journey, she decided to seek employment in this place.

Virilyth: Virilyth is a Callari Elf being held prisoner in the Black Eagle Barony.  He traveled to Specularum intending to enlist in the Elvenguard, but was found entirely too average for that elite unit.  Determined not to return to the Callari lands a failure, he set out with a sword, bedroll, and a couple of days’ provisions with no real set goal but to find adventure.  He quickly found it, being set upon by the Baron’s agents and held prisoner as a suspected spy.

               

Introduction: 

               

Date:                  Gromdain, Klarmont the 2nd, AC 1000

 

Location:  Town of Luln, Grand Duchy of Karameikos

                            You have been requested Townmistress Sascia to deliver a report to the scribe Franz Dubloi in Specularum.    You will be given a small sack of gold to cover all traveling expenses.

                Anastasia is more then happy to deliver the message and more the happy to aid the town in whatever way she can.

                Virilyth has no desire to return to the simple life of the Callari lands and has formed deep feelings of camaraderie for the party he has faced danger with. He agrees heartily to join them in further adventures.

                Shayesti gladly continues with the group to deliver the message to Specularum for Sascia.

                Is it your desire to travel back through Threshold to pick up any banked monies?  Specularum does offer more in the way of saleable goods.

                OOC: Since we were unable to gain much in the way of treasure from this last adventure, I would agree to going south by way of Threshold to pick up banked monies. Shayesti looks forward to some shopping!

                "Indeed, some time in my home city would be nice after our recent troubles, lets get our money and ride to Specularum."

                "One direction is as good as any other for me. I have yet to spend more than a night or two in Specularum, but I am sure that I will be able to manage."

                Then you set out.  Your DM has made an error.  You cam to your current location by being force-marched through open countryside.  As the safest methods of travel are by the Duke’s roads, you would have to go through Specularum to reach Threshold.   So your banked funds are unavailable unless you wish to postpone your mission.  Assuming you do not, it takes you 4 days to travel to Specularum.  You are able to find food on the trail on the first day, but you are not so lucky on the next three and are forced to eat rations.  Luckily the gold you were given bought you all you needed. 

 

Date:                  Nytdain, Klarmont the 5thth, AC 1000

                On your fourth day of travel, with the City of Specularum visible in the distance, you round a bend in the road.  20 yards ahead of you is a group of 4 large, very hairy men tending what look like beehives.  What do you do?

                Anastasia will keep riding, staying to the road, but being wary. One hand on the reins of her horse the other just an inch or so from her sword hilt.

                Shayesti will keep a wary single remaining eye on the beekeepers while riding by, her weapon ever near at hand. "What a beautiful day it has been. Very good for a journey's end."

                The men seem to pay you little attention as you ride past them.  By the end of the day you have arrived at Specularum. 

                Specularum

                This is the capital city of the Grand Duchy of Karameikos and is the most important city in the area.  Specularum and the Duchy are ruled by Duke Stefan Karameikos the Third.  Specularum is the Duke’s home and the trading center of his dukedom.  About 50,000 people live in or very near the city.  They are farmers, traders, craftsmen and sailors. 

The city is accessed by a port.  The port is protected on the seaward side by two long breakwaters.  A large river east of the city allows ships to carry cargos inland. 

Just south of the city is the Duke’s private estate; mostly well-tended woods and gardens surrounded by a 15’ tall wall.

Poor workers and petty thieves live just outside the city walls.

The city is a crowded, noisy, unsanitary place.  The streets are very narrow, twisting and dark.  Trenches in the center of the streets serve as the only sewer systems.  Pigs, chickens, geese and goats are not uncommon in the poorer sections of the city.

Most buildings stand one or two stories.  They are made of dried clay brick or mud and wattle, constructed on a wooden frame.  A few buildings are made of stone or fired brick.  Most businesses are on the ground floor, the owner living upstairs.

Water is drawn from public wells, or from the river when the tide is flowing out.

Crime and gangs are not uncommon.

                The Festival of Lucor

                Entering Specularum

                The gate is open.  A few soldiers with spears lounge near the entrance.  They wear tabards of red and blue with a device of a ship on the front.  Beyond the gate is a narrow muddy street.  It is choked with people.  Most dress in their best clothes and many wear brightly-colored outfits.  Jugglers and fire-eaters are scattered throughout the crowd.  The noise from whistles, drums, singing and happy chatter make normal talk difficult.

                “Halt!  Do you wish to enter Specularum?” shouts a guard inside the gate.  “The tax is 8 silver pieces, each of you.  All but daggers must be bound with cloth.  Unbound weapons are fined.  Murder by unbound weapons is punished by confiscation of property, or death for the landless.  Interference with the Duke’s men gets you prison.  Treasonous activity is especially nice – it gets you one day of slow torture and then we draw and quarter you.  So enjoy yourselves.”  The guard appears quite bored.  He tries to watch the festival out of the corner of one eye as he recites his speech by memory – becoming interested only when talking about the punishment doled out for crimes.

Anastasia dismounts pulls the tax from her pack and binds all her weapons accordingly.
                " Yes, we do wish to enter. We need to deliver a message from Luln to scribe Franz Dubloi. Oh and where might I find the General this fine day is he attending the festival or busy training?"

“And how would I be knowin’ that?  Generals don’t report to gate guards in this city.”

Virilyth binds his weapons and produces the required tax.

Krayven briefly consinders binding his spellbook, but decides against it with a chuckle. Doing so would bring more attention to it than he would wish.

“You’ll not be finding a scribe working during the Festival of Lucor.”

You notice that 3 silver of each 8 the guard collects goes into his pocket.  He checks all weapons to see that they are secure.  He lashes swords with thongs and wraps spears and the like with rags.  After binding your weapons, the guard appears to forget about you and turns his attention back to the festival.

Beyond the gate swirls a crowd of people.  Mud churned up by stumbling dancers cakes on the crowd’s boots.  People jostle each other, straining for a look at acrobats, knife-throwers, dancing bears and minstrels.  The smell of sewage, grilled meats, breads, sweat, and wine mingle in a strange, but inoffensive odor.

Suddenly, the crowd sways to the sides of  the street.  The music fades and changes to bells and chanting.  Statues carried by several men seem to float above the heads of the crowd.  A sedan chair, borne on the shoulders of the clerics, follows.

“The procession is coming!” shouts a young boy.

The procession is led by a beautiful young woman.  The procession stops.  Something is happening at its front.  Three men are arguing.  A general hush falls over the crowd as everyone moves back from the procession.  Two men, one small, plump, and pock-marked and the other tall and lean, are arguing with the lead bearer of the sedan chair.

Angrily, the small, plump man says to the lead bearer, “Bald-headed fool, do you Torenescu think you own the street?  There’s space for all of us, without your ape-like behavior!”

The lead bearer contemptuously waves a rod in the small man’s face.  “Out of the way of the Procession of Lucor, Radu rabble!”

The tall, lean man, spitting on the statue of Lucor says, “That old fool?  You make me laugh!”

The lead bearer strikes the tall man, knocking him into the filth.  The smaller man tenses, ready to lunge.

What do you do, if anything?

Krayven is inclined to keep his distance, but will continue to study the situation.

"Perhaps we should alert the watch." says Virilyth.

Two men in green livery break up the argument and pacify both sides.  Anastasia identifies the green-liveried men as Vorloi servants.

What would you like to do?

Anastasia will go to the liveried men and offer them any assistance that she can.

The men wave you back.  “All set here.  Move along, miss.”

Turning to Anastasia, Virilyth asks "Can you enlighten us as to what just happened? I'm afraid the politics of the human kingdoms are indecipherable to me."

"Well in general causing a disturbance will get you jailed until you can settle down. Chances are they will take him to cool off and he'll miss the rest of the party. We may want to ask around for more information though, as I don't recall this sort of fighting and name calling when I was last here. Let's see what we can find out, all meet back at the Wild Wyvern Tavern when the sun hits the spire on the Temple, that should give us a few hours to find out what we can."
                Anastasia looks like she is having fun being back in her home city.

"Ah" replies Virilyth, nodding.
                "If we're on our own for the day, I'd like to find an honest trader. Can you direct me Anastasia, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the city?"

Please, everyone, tell me what you’d like to do/ find/ purchase, etc. with your hour or so in the city before sunset.

Virilyth will find a trader to do business with.
SELL
Chain Mail
Short Sword
BUY
Short Bow
40 Arrows
Dagger

Virilyth gets 20 gold for his chain mail and 3 gold 1 electrum for his short sword.  The short bow

costs 25 gold, 40 arrows cost 10 gold and a dagger costs 3 gold.

Anastasia would like to find a trader
Sell:
Shortsword
Shield (she has 2 if I'm not mistaken)
Riding Horse and it's tack (if noone else needs a horse)
Is the chainmail she has the lighter weight chainmail from the last adventure. If so can she get it

identified, and if it is as good or better then her plate, she would like to switch to wearing the chainmail and sell her plate. If not open it up to anyone else who can use it.
                Buy:
                Shortbow (assuming this is like 3.5 and you can use a shortbow from horseback)
                20 arrows

Anastasia gets 3 gold 1 electrum for her short sword, 5 gold for her extra shield,  and 50 gold for

her riding horse and tack.

It will cost you 100 gold pieces to get a guaranteed analyze cast on your armor.  It is the lighter set

that was found.  You do not have that much so I’m holding off on your purchases until you decide.

Krayven, new to this city, will head to the inn slowly while getting a feel for the area. He will

acquire a room for himself and wait for the others in the common room.

                Krayven finds that the inn is very crowded,  He is told there is one last room available, a tiny thing that can not hold more than three people.  If he wants it, he may have the room for 1 gold per person staying in the room.

                Krayven will put forth the single gold for now.

                We can assume the party meets up without incident.  Who, if anyone, will be sharing the room with Krayven?

                Anastasia will check to see if there is another inn with space for everyone, if not she will see if the common room has space.

                Anastasia is able to find one other room at a different inn, and again, no more than 3 people could fit in it.  The commons are packed solid with festival-goers.

                "Lets split up and take both of these rooms, we can always meet up in the morning."

                "Krayven and I will be fine in this room." says Virilyth.
                "Is our plan to locate this scribe in the morning?"

                So Krayven and Virilyth in one inn and Anastasia and Shayesti in the other?

                "Chances are we will not be able to find this man until after the festival, but we should keep looking. We'll need to get a description of him and find out where he spends his free time."
                and yes on the sleeping arrangements.

                "When we do find this scribe, will we be needing to... befriend him? " Krayven asks, a slight glint to his eye.

                "Being that casting spells of that nature is a violation of law, I would hope you are not suggesting that you wish or plan to use any spells in the city against peaceful civilians."
                Anastasia's tone turn cold and militant, and it is clear that she will hear absolutely no more of it.

                Shayesti runs back into the room after being gone for a bit. "There you all are! So sorry I dissapeared back there, but during that scuffle I saw a familiar face in the crowd and went to check it out and I was right! It was my father who I've been seeking all this time!!" Shayesti's happiness suddenly seems to drain away as she furtively looks back up to continue. "I don't know how to say this, so I'll just do it... My father needs me to assist him with an important family matter, so I find myself having to leave you now on the verge of our next adventure. I apologize to each of you and thank you for being true companions for as long as I've known you. You shall not be forgotten." With a tear emerging from her single eye, Shayesti turns and darts back out of the room and away from the group.
                OOC: Though it pains me, I must leave the adventure for more important matters in real life. We will soon be moving and free time will be at an even steeper premium I'm afraid. What was said above is true for me also. I've enjoyed gaming with you all and thought I should at least have the dignity to stop by and say goodbye instead of just disappearing like others have. Hope the game keeps going and stays fun. Sorry to make the party even smaller. DM has my permission to use Shayesti any way he wants or needs as an NPC or whatever. Goodbye all, and enjoy.

                My thanks for letting us know and good luck in any future adventures you and of your characters have.  If time becomes available and you have the inclination, check back in with is and I’m sure there will be space for you to play.  I think it’s fitting that Shayesti continues on her own rather than becoming a tool of the DM, especially given we’re in a large city.

                Thank you again for your participation.  I enjoyed playing with you.

                Chris

                First Event

(The citizens have finally slowed their celebration of the festival, although it has taken much time, food, and strong drink.  From nearby in the smoky common room of Anastasia’s inn comes a loud tipsy voice.

                A scarred man points at Anastasia.  “Hey you there!  Want some work?  Here, sit and drink.  I need strong bodies.  Theosius is my name.  You look brave.  Do you want to earn money?”)

                Second Event

                (After Anastasia departs for her quarters, and as Krayven stands outside the inn, getting a breath of fresh air, a man walks by.  He lurches drunkenly along.  He smiles and nods as he passes.  Suddenly, three hooded men step out of the shadows and the drunken man turns around.  None of the men carry weapons openly.

                “So, new to town, hm?” asks the drunken man, who now appears quite sober.  “You look like you need some work.  Now, we have some things that need to be done and you look fairly smart.  I’m sure you would want to help us.  You staying here?” he asks, pointing to the inn.  “Be a real good idea if you didn’t leave for a while.  We’ll see you tomorrow night.  Here, catch,” he says.  He throws a small bag.

                With that the men slip into the shadows and run away.  The bag holds 20 gold pieces.)

                (Anastasia will join the man at his table. "I'm Anastasia, is the work for a a few? I have some friends staying at another inn, and I wouldn't think of taking a job without them.")

                Theosius says, “Of course, if they’re trustworthy!  I’m looking for just that sort to perform occasional duties for me.  Nothing illegal, but it may be dangerous.  If you accept I can offer you these three gold coins as a sign of good faith.  I will call on you when I have need.”

                As Shayesti leaves, she passes a large man approaching the group. He is young, with short brown hair and large, expressive blue eyes. The man wears a suit of banded mail, old and dinged up, but well polished and obviously maintained. A wooden shield is slung to his back and an unadorned bastard sword hangs from his left hip.
                "I couldn't help but overhear you have a vacancy in your group. I was wondering if you could use another hand in...whatever you are doing. The name's Kollin. Kollin Jaleron."
                Kollin steps forward to shake hands with whomever will greet him.
                "By your equipment, I'd say you've got some experience in this line of work. More than me, anyway. I've spent a decent amount of time with caravan escorts and that sort of thing. Not a bad way to make a living for some, I guess, but I'm hoping for bigger things. There are guys I've worked with who are approaching sixty and they still talk about the time orcs attacked thirty years ago. I hope to have more interesting tales by that age, if you catch my drift."
                Kollin stops, realizing he's getting off topic.
                "So, there it is. I'm good with a blade and dependable in a scrape. What do you say?"

                Anastasia steps forward and extends her hand to the newcomer. "I'm Anastasia Vorloi and this is Krayven and Virilyth. We have indeed got a vacancy it seems, if you are good with a sword I'm not opposed to you joining up with us, we’ve definitely got some tales, the more of us that travel together the more likely we are to survive a few more."
                Anastasia sits down at a nearby table, "Come sit with us, we'll have a drink and tell you some more about us and you tell us a bit about yourself."
                Anastasia looks at Krayven "Besides odds of us finding anyone until after the festival is slim, no one works during the festivals, well except the guards and tavern keepers, and no one stays in one place. Trust me I know this city, I grew up here. We're going to have to get the message to someone who can find him no matter where he is, we'll need the guards help."

Krayven, having followed Shayesti out for some air returns shortly, a bemused smile on his face. He pauses momentarily to consider the large man addressing Anastasia, but the smile remains. "My name's Krayven. Good with a blade? You wouldn't happen to know the city well, would you? We could use some help looking for a scribe..."
                He trails off and turns back to Anastasia he continues: "I think I've just been recruited by a group of enterprising locals. Perhaps there might be some coin for us in helping them out."
                Krayven gives his best smile.

                Sorry, to clarify, the meeting happened after Anastasia had retired to her inn.  But we can assume you have all met back up next morning.

                Loshdain, Klarmoth the 6th, AC 1000

                An inn in Specularum, The Grand Duchy of Karameikos

                At the Inn

                It is morning at the inn.  A cat stalks something in the corner of the room.  The innkeeper’s daughter sweeps last night’s dinner off the floor. From the back comes the clicking of dishes and the splash of water. A traveler snores loudly in the corner.  Suddenly, the door swings open and an elderly lady frantically looks about.

                “Please, some kind sir. come quick to help me!” she pleads, panic overcoming her.  She looks about for anyone to answer her.  “Oh save me!  There are demons in my house.  I know it!  I hear them at night talking to each other.  They want to catch me.  Please!” she says, falling to her knees.

                The innkeeper runs in, kneels beside the old woman, and tries to comfort her.

                “Goodwife Thanato,” he says, sounding concerned, “what are you doing?  Sit down proper.”  He turns, saying, “Could anyone help this poor old woman?  Could anyone look in her cellar to find the problem?”

                Anastasia stops mid sentence and stands up and approaches the goodwife, the friendly jovial demeanor is replaced with a militant and concerned demeanor almost instantly. "Certainly, we'll give her whatever aid we can."
                Anastasia kneels down by the woman "Please tell us whats wrong."

                Goodwife Thanato clings to Anastasia and tells you her story.  Something, she swears, is in her root cellar.  She can hear it moving about – sometimes during the day, but mostly at night.  Things are moved and food is missing.  Just minutes ago was the worst.  This time she heard voices and they were calling to her.  She begs for your help.  Behind her the innkeeper quietly holds up a gold piece and points to it.

                "Sir, while I can not speak for my companions, I will accept no coin for this. A citizen is in need, how could I ignore the call. Please take us to your home, we will get to the bottom of this at once."
                Anastasia rises her arm out to support the woman.
                "We will make you feel safe in your home again."

                Kollin looks at the woman while she speaks with concern.
                "I'll check it out. While I can't imagine what demons would want in a root cellar, but I don't claim to understand the ways of demons. Maybe a vagrant moved in or some kids playing a prank. Whoever they are, shame on them for scaring a nice woman like yourself"
                The big man cracks his knuckles and stretches his arms.
                "It'd be my pleasure to take care of this."

                The old woman thanks you enthusiastically and leads you to a house a few feet away from the inn.  She shows you the entrance to her root cellar.  It is a trapdoor at the back of the kitchen, beside the brick and plaster oven.  She refuses to go any further.  Opening the door reveals a dark set of stairs, but there seems to be a glimmer of light from below.  You’ll have to proceed single file 

                Krayven follows along deep in thought. When they reach the trap door he allows the others to proceed him.

                Virilyth stands ready in the kitchen with his sword drawn. He will follow the others down the stairs.

                Kollin looks at his companions waiting at the cellar door.
                "Umm...I guess I'll go down first."
                The warrior straps his shield to his forearm, then draws his well-used bastard sword.
                "Anyone gotta light of some sort?"

                Anastasia will leave her shield on her back, and her sword peace tied.
                "I'd be careful drawing that we have not been given clearance by the law to draw blades in the city. If you injure anyone, including whatever we are after you may well be jailed. Krayven, do you have a torch or source of light you can spark up for us?"
Anastasia makes for the stairs.
                "I'll take the lead, I'm fairly sturdy in all this metal, besides with all this on I'll be a good way to test these stairs."
                Anastasia says the last bit with a chuckle and moves onto the stairs, as soon as a light is produced to light the way she will head down.

                "I do not, nor any magic that may help in that regard. I do see some light in the back of the cellar, of if you wish, I am sure the old woman has a candle around..."
                Krayven begins searching the room (quickly!) for a lightsource.

                Goodwife Thanato provides you with a candle in a holder.  She apologizes for not having something brighter.  Who will carry it? (if not the lead it would have to be someone next in line for the candle to do any good)

                Krayven could hold it second in line, if no one else has the free hand or inclination.

                "I'd like to keep my hands free for subduing whoever is causing all this fuss. So if you would please Krayven that would be a huge help."
                With the newfound light, Anastasia begins heading down the stairs.

                Virilyth will bring up the rear with his sword in hand.
                (Spells: Sleep)

                Kollin steps aside to allow Anastasia to take the lead. He falls into the marching order behind Krayven.

                1. Under a Garden

                A large earthen cavern is covered with a pool of ankle-deep mud.  The room is criss-crossed with supporting beams and planks cover the roof.  Large blobs of mud seep down between the cracks.  Across the chamber, three thin and naked men shovel by the light of a feeble lantern.  Three ugly, armored creatures watch them work.  The creatures are hobgoblins, very ugly humanoids with pointed ears and misshapen teeth.  Their skin is a pale, earthy color.  They carry swords.

                It appears that you have caught them by surprise.  The party gets a free round in which to act.

                Krayven will cast Charm Person on the closest of the hobgoblins.

                Magic happens after movement and missile combat.  Does anyone wish to do anything in those phases?

                Anastasia will move to tackle a hobgoblin.

                Kollin will move forward, sword drawn, to try to intimidate one of the hobgoblins from drawing his sword. If the creature reaches for his blade, however, Kollin will attempt to strike him down.

                Virilyth will move up with the others with his sword drawn.
                ((If melee breaks out - Standard Melee))

                Surprise Round

                Anastasia moves to a hobgoblin, as does Virilyth and Kollin.

                Krayven casts his spell, and the targeted hobgoblin looks at him with sudden recognition and raises his hand in greeting.

                Anastasia easily grabs one of the surprised kobolds.

                The hobgoblin being intimidated by Kollin moves his hand away from his sword hilt, gazing slack-jawed at the size of the fighter (Kollin rolled a 12 for his intimidation check.)

                Round 1

                One of the workers drops his shovel and runs toward your group. 

                The party won initiative this round.

                Anastasia has grabbed a hobgoblin, Krayven has charmed one and Kollin has intimidated one.

                What do you do?

                "Help us bind these others!" Krayven demands of the charmed hobgoblin, pointing to his former companions, but makes no other move.

                Virilyth whirls towards the running man, raising his sword to strike and shouts "Stop!"

                The naked human falls to his knees before Virilyth, a confused look crossing his face.  “But I thought you were here to rescue us,” he pleads.

                Anastasia continues wrestling with the hobgoblin but it breaks free (Anastasia’s wrestling roll was a 3.)

                Anastasia asks Krayven to have his new “friend” come help her.  She also tells Virilyth to sheathe his sword and get some blankets from upstairs to cover the men.

                The hobgoblin covered by Kollin slowly raises its hands, while Krayven’s friend says to him , “But I have no rope.”

                Round 2

                The hobgoblins have won initiative, but there is only one still active.

                That hobgoblin draws its sword and attacks Anastasia, hitting her for 1 point of damage.

                Anastasia intends to strike at the acting hobgoblin with her fist.

                What do the rest of you do?

                Kollin steps forward, sword pointed at the intimidated hobgoblin's heart.
                "Hey, um...Kraven, is it? Can you get your new pal to disarm this one. I don't want to drop my shield."
                He turns back to the hobgoblin.
                "As long as you don't make any sudden movements, you'll be fine. You try anything, my friend, and I will cut you in two."

                Krayven further instructs the charmed hobgoblin: "I see, well, please, take this one's sword and place it against the wall, before we are forced to harm him."

                Virilyth replies to the man "Stay here, you will not be harmed."
                He goes up the stairs to look for blankets.

                As Virilyth goes upstairs, Krayven’s new friend takes the surrendering hobgoblin’s sword.

Anastasia swings her fist at the hobgoblin (17 rolled), dealing 3 points of damage.  The hobgoblin is stunned for 1 round.

Virilyth is still upstairs, what do Krayven and Kollin do?

                Krayven monitors his hold over the hobgoblin, waiting for Virilyth to return.
                "We will need something with which to bind them"                     

                Anastasia, uses the time while the hobgoblin is stunned to look at the men.
                "You will be safe, we will get you blankets with which to wrap yourself and see that you get to safety. How long have you been here?"
Anastasia draws her dagger and places it against the neck of the stunned hobgoblin as she speaks and turns back and glares at the creature.

                The last hobgoblin puts his hands in the air

                One of the men answers, “we were captured almost a year ago and have been digging tunnels under the city ever since.”  The man points to a tunnel that leads further underground.

                Virilyth returns with blankets.

                Krayven’s friend stands at his side, eager to assist him.

                "Virilyth, guard this one, I'll go and see if we can get some rope and fetch the guards. They'll want to question these things."
                Anastasia kicks the hobgoblins sword away from his hand and motions him over where the other surrendered hobgoblin is.
                After making sure they are fully guarded, Anastasia will go check on the three prisoners.
                "Are you thirsty or hungry? I'm sure we can arrange a meal and some clothes for you, but you'll need to wait here until I return with the guards so they can ask you some questions."               

                Krayven askes his new friend: "Why have you been digging under the city?"

                "Very well." replies Virilyth. He stands over the creature with his sword drawn.

                “Food and water would be lovely,” one of the men responds.  “We’ll wait as long as we’re not left alone,” says another. 

                “That simple,” says the hobgoblin.  “Men pay us to dig tunnels.  We don’t ask why, we like whipping little men, watching them work.  I think men use tunnels to hide things, and sometimes to go places when streets don’t work.”

                Kollin speaks, glaring at the hobgoblins with his sword drawn.
                "Well...I'd say you need a new line of work. So, why don't you tell me about these men who pay you? Who are they? Where do you meet them? Tell me everything and you may survive this."              

                The creatures that surrendered aren’t saying anything, but do stare slack-jawed as the third one gets weepy.  It turns to Krayvin, “We not know you would come down here.  Not sure who pays us, they just leave money now and then.  Why he so mad?” it says as it jerks its clawed thumb toward Kollin.

                Anastasia goes upstairs and asks the good wife to bring down some food and water to the three men and that she will reimburse her for the expense of the food and drink. Anastasia will briefly explain that the men were captives and that the situation in her basement is now under control, but she needs to fetch the guards to that the creatures, that were holding the men prisoner, in for questioning.
                Anastasia will head out and look for the guards and will apprise them of the situation and lead them to the house. She will also look to see, while getting the guards, if there is a tailor shop open anywhere so she can get the three men simple clothes to put on. If she can not find a shop before finding the guards she will hold off on the clothes.

                Goodwife Thanato is happy to provide the men with food, water and clothing.  She is very grateful for what you have done, but looks concerned when the men mention “tunnels further in.”

                The guards are not terribly difficult to find, and do come to the house, taking statements and the bugbears prisoner, even though Krayvin’s friend looks terribly hurt about the whole ordeal.  In answer to any questions you might have, however, the guards are very matter-of-fact, in a “Yes, well done, citizen, now move along, nothing else to see here,” sort of way.

                After the guards leave with the hobgoblins, Anastasia looks to the others.
                "We should check these tunnels, if nothing else we can give the Goodwife some peace of mind, plus I don't like the idea of someone tunneling into my home."
                Looking at the woman,
                "Would you mind us looking further, I don't know how deep the tunnels under your home go, but we can check them for you and make sure there will be no further trouble to you."

                "Agreed. We should investigate this further, nothing good can come from this if left unchecked." says Virilyth thoughtfully.
                "We should track back the way they entered."

                Kollin nods, sheathing his sword.
                "Agreed. We search the tunnels and check the extent of their work. Probably find all the answers we're looking for."

                Krayven looks resigned.
                "If we must. I suppose there may be some gain in following these tunnels, if only a hobgoblin's cache of goods. I highly doubt that the creatures began their tunnel from within town, so we may have quite a trek ahead of us. There are likely to be other groups of diggers as well. I hope we are all prepared?"

                "Lets buy some supplies and plan to head out, a lantern and some oil, food, water, anything else we might need. Some rope may be a good idea as well, and we can set up with the inkeeper for a few days of stabling for our horses. We also still have this message to deliver to the Scribe, but until the festival is over I am unsure as too how we can find him."
                Anastasia will ask the goodwife how many more days of festival is planned, and make sure the woman is feeling better now that the source of the sounds has been discovered.

                Goodwife Thanatos is deeply distressed.  “Oh, please, I can’t bear another moment knowing there are things down there.  Please, can’t you take care of them for me?  The guards won’t care if I say I have a problem and the festival goes on for days now.  I will fetch what you need and see that the innkeeper cares for your animals.”

                "Of course Ma'am, we'll make sure this troubles you no more. We need only a few provisions, here is a few gold, we will keep guard in the cellar. You have my word we will stop these creatures from troubling you and our fair city."
                Anastasia will give her enough money to cover the lantern, 4 flasks of oil and a coil of rope, as well as a weeks worth of rations and a 4 extra waterskins

                Goodwife Thanatos returns quickly with the supplies.  They cost 38gp.

                At the back of this cavern is a narrow tunnel that snakes back for 30 feet and ends in a light wooden panel.

                "I'll carry that lantern to free up your hands," Krayven offers. "At least the light will be with me if something happens to go wrong!" he says with a weak laugh, hopefully in jest.

                Anastasia hands Krayven the lantern, and straps on her shield, leaving her sword in it's scabbard she unties the binding on it, so she will be able to draw it if needed.
                "Let's head out, and be alert we don't know where any of the tunnels lead, if we are found in the wrong place with weapons out we'll be in the stocks."

                "I'll march near the front if it's just as well, I can see further than the light." says Virilyth.
                His sword is back in its scabbard. He unwraps his bow and positions his quiver over his shoulder.

                Kollin reluctantly sheathes his blade and guards the rear of the party as they proceed into the dark.

                You find yourselves at the wooden panel, in a tunnel so narrow you are cramped, even moving single file.  What do you do?

                Anastasia will attempt to carefully and quietly see if the panel can be moved. If it can, she will move it just enough to see into the next area.

                Virilyth stands by, ready to peer into the darkness beyond the panel and alert his friends to any danger lurking there.

                2.  Fortunato’s Cellar

                Beyond the panel is a dimly lit cellar, some 20’ x 20’ in size.  A similar panel can be seen 15’ down along the left hand wall, but it has been slid aside, revealing a dark tunnel.  The air in here is dry and smells of meats.  Cured hams and sausages hang from the beams.  In the center of the cellar, two hooded men busily dig up the floor.  A large bundle lies nearby.

                “Come on,” says one man.  “I think this is deep enough.  Let’s get it buried and go.”

                “No,” says the second man.  “I want this to make it deeper.  Nobody can ever find this but us.”

                Krayven's eyes dart around, looking for a safe place to hide should the need arise. He grips his dagger and torch tightly, his thin hands pale further.

                Anastasia motions everyone to be still and silent, and watches, as soon as their hands are full with whatever they are planning to bury, she will make her move on them.

                Kollin struggles to see what is going on from the back of the pack. When Anastasia motions for quiet, he acts accordingly, waiting for his chance to act.

                As you watch the men dig a little more and load the bundle into the hole.  They fill the hole with dirt, move some items over the spot and leave the chamber through the other opening.

                Carefully Anastasia removes the panel and moves into the chamber. After making sure the coast is clear she begins moving the items piled on top of the buried object.
                "Lets see what those men were so interested in hiding."

                "We can use the spades the prisoners were using." says Virilyth

                You dig up the bundle and open it, surprised to find the body of a dead young woman.  Examining the body shows she was strangled from behind, possibly by a rope or thick cord.  She has no other injuries on her body.  Under her fingernails are a few strands of red hair.  On her right check and palm is dried blood.

                Krayven looks down at the corpse, a little disgusted.
                "Perhaps she belongs upstairs?" he offers.

                Kollin looks down at the body. His expression grows dark as he examines the corpse.
                "I'd love to have a word with the men who buried her," he says as he checks the edge of his blade with his thumb.

                Anastasia's face darkens as she look over the girl."We must find those men, and bring them to justice."
                ooc: How good a look did Anastasia get at the two men?

                The light was poor and your vantage point was not optimal.  You do not think you could pick them out of a group in the city.

                Do you proceed on or head back up?

                "Let's look for clues, these men must have left some evidence behind."

                If each of you helps it takes about 10 minutes to do a thorough search of the area.  You find nothing beyond what has been indicated; the body, the meats, and the panel covering the other tunnel leading out of this cellar.

                Kollin looks at the panel from a decent distance.
                "I guess we should go through there, right?"
                The young swordsman looks to his companions for some confirmation.

                "Agreed, as much as I hate to leave her here, we must uncover some proof that this was not our doing, so we can bring the true culprits to justice. Also we must find the source of these tunnels; the entire city is at grave risk if these tunnels were to be found by our enemies."

                Then I take it your decision is to continue on.  Not ten feet past the exit, the tunnel splits, one section going straight and the other turning sharply to the left.  A quick reconnoiter shows that the left-hand tunnel dead-ends.  You continue on until the tunnel turns to the right, going 10 feet before it turns again.  There is a panel covering an opening to the left.  Removing the panel reveals that the tunnel goes 25 feet to the left before turning.  You must choose which branch to follow.

                Krayven waits, unspeaking, but hardly silent. He shuffles his feet, scratches at his scalp, and shifts the torch he caries from one hand to the next. And back again.

                Kollin examines the paneled passage. He frowns and turns to his new companions.
                "All these twists and turns. We should be careful not to get lost. Anyway, I think we should go down this way to the left. If it has this panel in front of it, maybe it is guard against light or sound. Maybe something is going on? More digging, perhaps?"

                "Agreed, lets go to the left, and if we stay with a wall always to our left there is no chance of getting lost. If all we take are lefts we need only take rights to make our way back."

                Removing the panel reveals another tunnel.  After a couple of minutes, the tunnel splits left and continues on straight.  Following your previous indications you take the left-hand tunnel.  You carefully make your way, single file through the tunnel for about 10 minutes. 

                3. Kobold Exploration Party

                The tunnel ends in a dug-out cave, dimly lit by torches.  From the cave comes the sound of several creatures.  In the middle of the room is a group of kobolds struggling to place a wooden support beam.  One turns towards you and begins to jibber.  The beam slips a few inches and a small hail of dirt falls over the room and the kobolds.

                The tunnel to the room collapses in billows of choking dust.  One of the kobolds hisses in common, “Come help us or we will all be trapped!” 

                Anastasia will move forward so as to help keep the area from collapsing.
                As soon as the area is stable however she will attempt to grab the creature who spoke common.

                Kollin jumps forward, dropping his sword and shield. He grabs ahold of the support beam and pushes it into place to the best of his ability.
                "I can help with this. Some of you pay attention to the kobolds."
                Kollin voice is strained from the physical exertion, spoken through gritted teeth.

                We are in initiative order.

As you enter the cave the kobold lets go of the beam.  Anastasia is the first to grab the beam and holds it firm.

Both sides tied initiative so we’re going to individual initiative.

Five of the creatures attack Anastasia but only one hits, dealing 4 points of damage to her.

Virilyth is up, then 2 more kobolds, then Krayven, Anastasia has grabbed the beam, then 3 more kobolds, then Kollin.

Krayven will attempt to stay on the far reaches of combat, striking any kobold that may stray too far from the others.

                "Oh you'll wish you had never hatched you filthy little vermin. I'll see to that."
                Her eyes fixed on the kobold who spoke in common.
                "Finish them quickly but make sure that one stays alive enough for some interrogation."

                In the interest of keeping things going:

                Virilyth attacks one of the kobolds, (17 rolled) dealing 1 point of damage to it.

                Two more kobolds surge forward and attack Anastasia, one of them hitting her for 1 point of damage.

                Krayven stays back.

                Anastasia is holding the beam.

                Another kobold moves and attacks Anastasia, but misses.  Anastasia is now completely surrounded by kobolds.

                The last two kobolds advance on Kollin and attack, but both miss.

                Kollin grabs hold of the beam, lending his support.

                Round 2

                The kobolds have won initiative.

                The kobold that Virilyth hit in round 1 squeals and barrels past everyone, fleeing down the hallway behind you.  It makes it some 20 feet behind Krayven.

                The kobolds continue attacking Anastasia, 2 hitting her for 3 points of damage each.  The second kobold attack takes her down.  Luckily Kollin is there and the beam does not fall.

                The last two kobolds attack Kollin and miss.

                What do Virilyth, Krayven and Kollin do?

                Krayven will give chase after the lone kobold, hoping to find a clean hit as its back is turned...

                Kollin is frustrated by his inability to do anything but hold the beam. He braces himself for impact from the attacks he is sure are coming.

                Krayven easily makes it to the fleeing kobold.

(Posting for Virilyth)  Virilyth attacks, and misses (8 rolled).

Krayven attacks from behind, hitting the kobold (19 rolled) with his dagger for 1 point of damage, slaying the beast.

It’s a new round and the party has won initiative.  What would you like to do?

Based on previous rounds I have Krayven holding (waiting for kobolds that try to get away) and Kollin holding the beam.

Virilyth, I assume, attacks a kobold, hitting it (18 rolled) for 4 points of damage, instantly killing the creature.

Two of the kobolds attack and miss Kollin, but the third strikes the fighter, dealing 4 points of damage and taking him down.  Down, too comes the beam and the ceiling dealing 1 point of damage to everyone in the cavern, except Krayven, who was waiting outside.  The kobolds and Virilyth can free themselves in 1 round.

What does Krayven do?

Krayven will move back towards the others, and help fend off the last of the creatures and to help clear debris.

Krayven moves back into the cavern and stabs a kobold with his dagger (19 rolled) for 1 point of damage.  The creature goes unconscious.

Three of the kobolds dig themselves free from the rubble.

Round 4

The kobolds have won initiative.

The remaining three kobolds dig themselves free as one of the ones that freed himself last round runs past Krayven and down the corridor.

The other two kobolds who are free advance.

One attacks Krayven, hitting him for 2 points of damage.  Krayven goes down.

The other attacks Virilyth, hitting him for 2 points of damage.

Virilyth is able to dig himself out of the rubble.

Round 5

The party has won initiative.  Virilyth is the only one conscious, along with five kobolds, all whom have dug themselves free.  What does he do?

(I believe we may have lost Virilyth.)  Seeing no other course of action open to him, Virilyth attacks a kobold but misses (8 rolled.)

The remaining kobolds all flee the cavern.

Virilyth is left alone.  Checking the bodies of his fallen comrades he is chocked to discover that both Anastasia and Krayven are dead; but Kollin is still alive.

Not knowing what else to do Virilyth decides to return to Goodwife Thanatos and have her summon help.  As he travels back through the tunnels, however, he discovers that Goodwife Thanatos has already done just that

In the room with the body are several guards.  They immediately seize Virilyth, charging him with the murder of Lucia Vorloi, a niece of Baron Vorloi.  On information gathered from the distraught Virilyth, the guards find and retrieve the bodies of the other adventurers.

A day passes and Virilyth and a now-healed Kollin are subjected to an examination by a clerical tribunal.  This process allows them to prove their innocence without difficulty.

Virilyth is excused based on a health complaint, but Kollin is ordered to accompany a tribune to the scene of the crime.  With him are two clerics, obviously important by their garb.  On the way they collect a young man by the name of Haverly Thornwood, explaining that the guard is a bit thin in numbers these days and they are exercising their right to deputize citizens.  On the way they also stop off at a temple, where a now-living Anastasia Vorloi waits.  She explains that her family’s influence and a request for her cooperation in investigating the murder prompted a Raise Dead Fully spell to be cast on her behalf.  Further ramifications and obligations, although almost definite, are unknown to her.  It has also been explained to her that her family’s resources are no longer available to her, even after her shearing time has passed.  In fact, she has been ordered to assume a different surname.

Anastasia assumes the surname of Jhyrasti, and removes her cloak from the shearing and packs it safely away.
                With a nod and a word of thanks, to those responsible for bringing her back, she gets right back to her duties.

The young deputy, Haverly, moves in closer to the two warriors. "Looks like you folks have been through a rough time or two. Me--I've had nothing but good furtune and lucky breaks so far. Look at me, I've been in town but three weeks and I'm already drafted into the watch as a deputy!" he exclaims, banging a armoured fist against his plated chest. By the muted sound of the metal it is clear that the thick armour hides a body of considerable bulk itself.
                "So what's this all about, anyways? Those priests barely gave me enough time to slip into some pants (let alone any armour!) when they dragged me out of bed. Serves me right, I suppose, sleeping well past morning."
                Through it all he smiles brightly, highlighting his cheerful eyes.

Anastasia extends a hand in greeting to the new comer. "Welcome, we could use some of your good luck to be sure. I'm Anastasia, Anastasia Byli."

Haverly removes a guantlet and gives the pro-offered hand a vigorous shake. "A pleasure. I'm Haverly Thornwood, finest strongarm around, if I do say so myself! Any idea where we're off to?"

As you speak Virilyth hustles to catch you up, explaining that his illness was not as serious as it seemed.

Vorloi House

You are taken to Vorloi House, home of well-to-do merchant Fortunato Vorloi, and his daughter Lucia (niece to Baron Vorloi.)  It was she that was murdered.  Fortunato has been at sea for several weeks now.  The hosue is empty.  Inside there are signs of violence – a dagger and bloodstains on the floor, broken dishes and furniture, and torn clothing.

Several drops of brownish liquid are scattered amongst the bloodstains.  Several items of value (jewelry, money. Etc.) are obviously missing, you are told.  None of it is traceable.

This is what is immediately obvious and made known to you.
                Kollin shakes hand with the new warrior in the group.
                "Haverly, welcome. I'm fairly new myself but I've already faced death square in the face in that short time. I came through alright but some of us were not so lucky."
                He looks over at Anastasia at this last comment.
                "Anyway, what do any of you make of these brown stains around the bloodstains?"
                Kollin gets down on his knees to better see and smell the brown liquid.

Kollin notes an almost vinegar-y smell, but sweet.  He also finds a small section where the stain seems to have been rubbed away.  Something may have been written there. It is hard to tell but the letters could be BAD….BAO….RAD……RAO.  The message is obviously incomplete.

"Aye, I have seen better days, then those of late. But know is not the time to dwell on the past, however near or dark it may be."
                Anastasia kneels by the blood and the brown stains.
                "Krayven, do you have any parchment? We should make note of these letters. They don't mean much now, but their meaning may become clearer as we investigate."
                Anastasia very carefully gets a bit of the vinegary substance on her finger and after only a moments hesitation, carefully tastes it quickly.
                "Someone should talk to her family here in town and see if they can give us any idea of who might have wished her ill. The letters may mean something to them as well, so we should be as exact as possible when copying them down."

The taste is of strong, sweet wine.

Haverly looks at Anastasia quizically a moment before answering. "I'm afraid I didn't think to bring any parchment on my travels. Until this moment it is not something that has come up. " He pauses briefly, thinking over the brown stains. "I don't know what that substance is, but if it were poison, why did the murderers stab the girl?"

The clerics with you suggest that, if there’s nothing else you wish to look at here, perhaps back to where the body was found would be the next best place to go.

As far as who wishes who ill, every noble family in Specularum has plots and machinations in the works.  It could be almost anyone.

Do you move on or is there something else here you wanted to see?  By the way, you get the feeling you are directing the investigation.

Before the party leaves the site, Haverly would like to check the windows and doors. Were any broken or forced during the attack?

There is no sign of forced entry but near the cellar entrance is a signet ring bearing the emblem of the Toranescu family (easily recognized by anyone from Specularum or verified by one of the clerics accompanying you.)  A short length of blood-stained hemp rope lies near the trapdoor to the cellar.

Before leaving the house Anastasia would like to search the house to see if the wine came from a bottle in the house or it was brought in from an outside source.

There are no bottles of wine in the house.

Kollin waits outside as the others finish their investigations. He turns to one of the clerics.
                "Where was the body again?"

“It was found bound under Goodwife Thanatos’ cellar.  There were other caverns down there as well.”

"Let us take the signet ring, the bloody rope, and a sample of this wine as evidence thus far. Lets proceed to the site where the body was found.

Kollin looks at the priest.
                "Yeah, I know. I'm just trying to figure out where that is from here, you know? Underground, distance and direction can get turned around."
                With his time in the tunnels, the fighter has lost his sense of direction. Looking around, he tries to find Anastasia. Kollin approaches her.
                "Let's go check out the house. If...if you don't mind, I'd rather approach from the street instead of the tunnels. I'm not much in the mood for subterranean exploration."

The priests lead you back to the Goodwife’s house.  After observation and questioning it is clear that no one around the area is knowledgeable of any other entries to the Goodwife’s cellar.  The clerics provide light sources and down you go.  An investigation of the area where the body was found yields no information beyond what you already know.  They urge you ahead to investigate the other caverns.  They inform you these tunnels have not always been here, and appear to be of relatively recent construction.

There is no sign of the kobolds from your previous encounter. 

4. Refuse Pit

Continuing on you come to a side chamber.  It reeks of foul odor.  The walls are slimy and oozing.

A sudden scraping noise is followed by a loud, wt plop.  A wave of sulphurous fumes fills the passage.

To see anything else would require you to enter the chamber.  Does anyone do so?

Anastasia will ready her weapon and shield and carefully move into the chamber.

Anastasia suddenly finds herself knee-deep in rotten, runny garbage from an inn.  There is a hole in the ceiling where an old cistern has collapsed.

There is nothing else of interest in this chamber.

6. The Unburied Dead

Continuing on you come to a chamber that was once apparently the cellar of a house.  It s now choked with rubble, burned beams, and dirt.  Several paths can be carefully picked out across the room.

A chuckling sound continuously echoes throughout the room.  A glowing light, taking the vague form of a person, floats about the room.  It passes through beams.  The sound seems to come from it.  The form passes through the wall and disappears from sight.

"What in the world? Anyone with some arcane or divine inspiration? Any ideas? That is well beyond my area of expertise."

Kollin raises his sword instinctually, glaring at the apparition as it floats away.
                "Some foul spirit, no doubt. No good can come of this, I tell you."
                Kollin quickly look around the room for any exits or passages that would them to follow the glowing form.

There is one exit from the room (other than the tunnel from whence you entered).  That, however is not near where the form went through the wall.

Is there a way to head that is close to where the form disappeared? If there is Anastasia will make her way in that direction.

Other than the aforementioned exit the only other thing of in this cavern is the rubble.

Anastasia will begin heading into the only passage out of the room. Stay alert for the aforementioned ghosty.

Kollin calls after Anastasia as she heads for the passage.
                "Hold on. Let's check this rubble quickly."
                The young fighter will rummage through the debris for a few moments for anything of interest. If nothing is found, he'll head towards the passage with Anastasia.

"Hullo!" Virilyth's voice echoes down the passage behind Kolin and Anastatsia.

Kollin finds pieces of bone, perhaps once a person.  As soon as he discovers the pieces the glowing light and laughter comes again.  Kollin also sees a charred box.

At that moment Virilyth comes into view from the passage you used to enter this chamber.

What do you do?

"We should take the bones and the box, as much as we can find. This person should have a proper burial to put their spirit to rest."
                Anastasia will pull a scrap of cloth from her gear and carefully wrap the bones and the box in them and place them carefully in her pack.

"The guard sent me after you, I'm recovered from my injuries." says Virilyth
                "What's this?"

Before Anastasia can pick up a single item, and before anyone can respond to Viriltyh, a faint sliding sound follows a loud snapping.  Anastasia’s, Haverly’s and Kollin’s legs are all grabbed as three zombies burst up from under the rubble.  Luckily the noise they made alerted the party.  The creatures seem to move rather slowly so the party may act first in initiative.  What does everyone do?

Kollin will swing viciously at the zombie going for his own legs.

Haverly will do the same, slashing down with a throaty "Ha!"

Rushing to aid his companions, Virilyth thrusts his sword towards one of the foul creatures.

Kollin strikes the zombie holding him (8 rolled) and cuts it down (5 points of damage rolled.)

Haverly slashes down (2 rolled) but misses.

Virilyth stabs at the creature holding Haverly, (12 rolled) and deals 4 points of damage to it; not enough to destroy the creature.

Anastasia also slashes at her attacker (4 rolled) but misses.

The zombies pull Anastasia and Haverly off their feet, causing them to hit the pile of debris hard.  The zombies then stand.

Please post your actions for round 2.  One of the zombies is badly damaged (well, more so than when he first appeared) and Anastasia and Haverly are prone.  The party acts first in initiative.

Virilyth draws back and strikes again at the same zombie, hoping to finish the injured foe.

Anastasia will attempt to stand and swing at her attacker.

Haverly will attack from his position on the ground and stand if he destroys the zombie.

Virilyth renews his efforts against his target (6 rolled) but misses nevertheless.

Anastasia’s attack (9 rolled) connects and she deals 11 points of damage, a blow so forceful the zombies spins off as it comes apart.

Haverly attacks, but misses (1 rolled).

Kollin will slash at the next closest zombie.

Kollin’s blade slashes at the last zombie (17 rolled) and he deals 7 points of damage, enough to cause the undead creature to slump to the ground, no longer animated.

The clerics accompanying you peer from around the corner once more.  Clearly they are cut out for temple service and not adventuring.

Other than these bodies, the bones and the charred box remain on the ground.  What do you do?

Anastasia will continue to wrap up the bones, but will look in the box before wrapping it up with the bones.

In the box are 3 pieces of half-melted jewelry.

Kollin steps back, admiring his swordwork.
                "See, I told you this was a foul place. Let's finish our examination of this room and move along swiftly. I hope to vanquish this evil and be done with this place as soon as possible."
                He flicks some dead, putrid flesh off the end of his blade.

7. Turano’s Cellar

You proceed on for about 10 minutes, and come to another chamber.  Along the south wall of this cellar is a large pile of dirt.  Near the open tunnel mouth is a small wheelbarrow.  It is loaded with shovels and picks.  Wooden beams are piled neatly in the center of the room.  In the southeast corner is a ladder leading to a trapdoor in the ceiling.

There is a scraping of wood on wood.  A ray of light shines into the room from a crack in the ceiling.  Someone is opening the trapdoor. 

What do you do?

Haverly will pull back a bit into the tunnel.

Kollin tries to slide out of view as quietly as possible, pulling back from the trapdoor with his sword at the ready.

Virilyth will move back with his companions and wait to see who or what appears.

A hooded man comes down the ladder.  He takes a shovel and begins heading right towards the tunnel you are in.  He stops suddenly as he notices you.

We are in initiative and the party may act first.  What do you do?

Haverly will advance on the man, sword drawn.

"Do not move. Who are you and what is your business here?
Answer quickly."
                Anastasia does not move her eyes from the man, her sword drawn and leveled at his throat.
                Anastasia will attack should the man go to run or attack.

Kollin stays out of sight as best he can, ready to charge and take an enemy unaware if things proceed with any hostility.

As soon as the man sees Anastasia he drops the shovel and flees up the ladder, before she can get a stoke in.  Pursuing leads you up the ladder and into what appears to be a deserted house.  The door is open and muddy footprints lead through it and outside.  Looking through the door you see no sign of the man.

Turano’s Guest House

There are no furnishings in the house other than an old bed, a desk, and one chair.  On the desk is a near-empty bottle containing a thick, brownish liquid.  There is no label on the bottle.

Does it look like the footprints could be followed once they are outside?
                If yes:
Anastasia will sheath her sword and begin following the footprints, making note of where the house is so they can come back later.
                If not:
Glaring and muttering, Anastasia will check the contents of the bottle by putting a little on her finger and carefully tasting it.

The muddy footprints lead out into the muddy street.  There is no way of following them.

The liquid tastes like a familiar sweet, strong wine.  Anastasia notices that the remains of a wax seal are left near the top of the bottle.  The seal still clearly bears the imprint of the Trouscan estates.  Although not local, Trouscan wines are sold to a few waterfront inns.

Haverly lets out a loud "Hmph!" upon seeing the empty house.
                "You don't suppose the bottle there is filled with the same liquid we found earlier, do you?"

Anastasia will take the bottle and the piece of it's seal, and hold them as evidence.
                "Lets check out a few of the bars that sell this stuff."
                Do we have any of the clerics or guards with us, if we do I'd like to station one of them at this house to watch for the man.

Kollin curses as the man escapes into the street. He turns back as the idea of checking out the inns is introduced. The young swordsman licks his lips then grins.
                "A splendid idea. I think we should be exhaustive as possible in our investigations."

A cleric volunteers to guard the house, seemingly eager to get out of boring duties.  He does glance hesitantly at the trapdoor to the cellar before closing it and dragging the desk over it.  “I’d rather only have to worry about one door,” he explains.

You have no luck getting any details or clues at a any of the taverns you visit, however.  Many bottles of wine are sold and they do not exactly keep detailed records of the transactions.

You do notice a growing mood in the city.  Some individuals speak out against the actions of the Torenescu family.  They blame the Torenescu for the murder of Lucia Vorloi.  Some even accuse the Torenscu of being the masterminds behind the Veiled Society, a group known to use terror and crime to control the city.

This starts as tavern talk, but by the end of the day, you notice small groups of people gathered here and there in the city, having heated discussions.  The accusers of the Torenescu have become bolder, and louder.  They also gather support due to the common folk’s dislike of nobility, which the Torenescu represent.

The Mood in the Streets

It is late in the afternoon.  Most of the stalls have closed for the day, but many people are still in the market.  An orator stands on the edge of the central fountain.  The crowd gathers around him.

The orator shouts, “And I tell you, these Torenescu are dangerous.  Do they care for you?  Do they care for the safety of common workers?  Who declares the taxes?  Who steals food from your children’s mouths to fatten themselves in luxury?”

The crowd is getting restless.  Several men shout cries of agreement.  Men raise their fists and their voices grow in number.  The speaker attracts more and more people – some merely curious and others in agreement with him.

The clatter of horse hooves makes the crowd turn.

Ringing the outer edge of the marketplace are 30 of the Duke’s horsemen.  The orator and the crowd grow silent.  Three riders slowly bring their mounts toward the center of the crowd.  Suddenly a hoarse cry erupts from the crowd and something flashes through the air.  The lead rider falls, struck by a rock.

What do you do?

Leaving her sword sheathed Anastasia will try to make her way through the crowd to the fallen man.
                "This is going to turn into a riot, we have to get the duke's men out of here for their safety and the people safety."

Kollin follows Anastasia's lead, using his considerable strength to force and intimidate his group through the crowd. He, too, keeps his sword sheathed.

In a demeanor much like that of Kollin, Haverly follows suit. He is not such a small fellow and forcefully pushes his way to the form of the fallen man.
                He shouts: "Come now, you fools! You have stricken this man low. What do you plan to do next, rip at him piece by piece until he is no longer a man but a thousand grisly trophies? Which of you will boast about the deed tonight? Which of you will claim around the fire: "I was the first to lay my fist upon his fallen form," or tell your children: "It was I who stole his left ear as he screamed!" If this is what you have come here to do, then say so! He has enough teeth for you! He has enough fingers and toes! Fill your pockets with these souvenirs if you are not too proud! Shout at every corner that you were one of the brave who ripped and tore and bit and kicked at that fallen man until you grew bored. Shout that you were one of the strong who so easily took his life from him."
                Haverly pauses but a moment.
                "Which of you will relish in the gore and blood just as you relish in your bravery and strength? Which of you is a killer? It is easy to yell and shout, throw stones from shadows, but which of you wishes to be seen killing and feasting on this man? Which of you wishes to be seen by your brothers and wives, sons and daughters, neighbours and friends, soaked, bloodied, and wild-eyed?"

You make your way through the crowd, but are not allowed to cross the line of riders.  After Haverly’s speech there is total silence for a second.

Then the crowd surges at the riders.  The riders respond by drawing swords and charging.  As soon as they charge, their line is broken.  You can attempt to escape or fight.

What do you do?

"This is madness. These peasants are going to be massacred if we do not do something."
                Anastasia will defend herself and anyone else who seems to need defending in her line of sight.
                If she can make it to the edges of the battle she will do so and try and get the city guards to break up the riot before everyone is killed.

"It seems I've misjudged their anger!"
                Haverly will do his best at keeping the civilians from getting themselves killed.

Virilyth will stand back to back with Anastasia, ready to assist any of the party who may be attacked.

Kollin turns outward from his companions, watching for any attackers approaching. He keeps his sword drawn for now as not to reveal himself as an aggressor.
                "We should get out of here. All these people want to kill each other. What does that have to do with us?"
                Despite his sword, he stands his ground and makes no move to retreat.

The commoners take up poles, rocks, rotten fruit and daggers.  A vicious riot breaks out.  The horsemen hit the crowd, blindly slashing with their sabers.  The people respond, swinging sticks and hurling stones.  Horses, dragged down by the weight of screaming peasants, fall with frightened screams.  Women, children and men run in panic from the charging riders.

Now that the uncontrollable nature of the situation has become more apparent, you may reconsider or remain steadfast in your declared actions.

Do you attack a rider, attack a peasant, stand by and do nothing or flee?

Anastasia back off from the riot and tries to help any wounded as they break from the fight.

Kollin will draw his sword and back away with Anastasia, not actively engaging anyone but slashing at anyone who attacks him or the rest of the party.

Dismayed, Haverly will follow the rest of the party back.

Escape

The only way to avoid fighting is to leave the immediate area.  The horsemen do not initially notice you as you break free.

All public buildings (inns, shops, etc.) on the market square are closed and shuttered.  You see the original orator running down a side street.

You may follow him or not.

Anastasia takes off after the man. "Follow him!"

Haverly (seemingly reacting, time after time, to the actions of Anastasia) chases after then man as well. To capture him may yield some very interesting information.

Your quarry ducks into a small hovel halfway down the street.  The door slams behind him.  Ahead you can see fifteen soldiers with polearms advancing.

Anastasia will try to get in the house the man ducked into.
                "Make sure there are no other exits. This man insighted a riot and needs to be held accountable."

Kollin circles around to the other side of the hovel, if possible, to cut the man off if he tries to escape through another entrance.

Haverly has no qualms over bashing the door down.
                (OOC: Taking bets on whether or not there is a trapdoor leading back to the tunnels in the place.)

Anastasia tries the door, but it feels like it’s been barred from the other side.

Kollin squeezes through a small alley and sees no door on the other side of the building.

Haverly tries to batter down the door, but cannot by himself.  With Anastasia’s help the door comes down.  By this time Kollin can re-join the group.

Inside the building is a bare room with a closed trapdoor in the center of the floor.

What do you do?

Kollin will pull open the trapdoor, doing his best to stay away from the opening in case something is there waiting to attack.

Anastasia will ready her weapon and prepare to attack should someone be waiting on the far side of the trapdoor.
                Should there be no one, she will make her way down the ladder.

Haverly keeps watch at the door, expecting an ambush. When the others are proceeding down through the floor, he will follow.

The trapdoor opens easily.  It drops down 10’ and becomes a passage running roughly northwest.  Far down the passage, a bobbing glimmer of light disappears.  It is otherwise completely dark.

What do you do?

"Follow that bobbing light."
                Anastasia makes her way down into the passage and as soon as everyone is down makes her way after the light, hoping to catch sight of it again.

Kollin will drop down the trapdoor as fast as he can and follow toward the direction of the light.

Everyone except Virilyth is essentially blind in this tunnel.  The elf moves to the front to help guide you along., but you must by needs move slowly.

After traveling for 300 feet Virilyth informs you that there is a ladder.  The elf is unable to open the trapdoor at the top, however.  It is either locked or weighted.

Anastasia with the help of Virilyth makes her way up the ladder and attempts to force the trapdoor open.

"If it is locked," begins Haverly "then we may as well just chop or bash through the wood. Little point in keeping quiet, as this man already knows he is being followed."
                The young warrior takes this break to lean against the tunnels wall, sighing as it helps take some of his armour weight.

You are eventually able to force your way up through the trapdoor.  A large chest had been dragged over it.  The room into which it opens is empty.  A single door leads to the street.  There is no one in sight.

Employment

It is nearing the end of the day.  The mood in the city is grim, as the tensions of the riot slowly subsides.

Back at the inn, the innkeeper calls out to Anastasia, “Excuse me, but a gentleman called for you while you were out.  He gave me a message, let’s see.  Uh, you were to go to… It was to go someplace and get a package, that I know.  The Senator Epistlo’s house, that’s where you’re to take it.  Ah, from the Jade Sea, a boat down at the wharf.  And there was a warning, too, m’lady?  He said that there were those who would try to take what you carried.”

Haverly relaxes, leaning against the bar. He smiles at the others as he hears the innkeeper's message.
                "It seems then that our course is clear. If the one's looking to get their hands on this package are the same ones stirring up trouble in the city, then we have much more luck drawing them out this way."

Kollin frowns and rubs his eyes after a frustrating day.
                "We may draw them out but that's what I'm worried about. If someone attacks us, I'm sure they'll bring enough men to feel confident. People don't generally try to take something if they don't think they can do it."
                Kollin grins.
                "On the other hand, what else can we do?"

"Let's go get our package then, shall we? My question is who is this man, and what are we delivering?"

Anastasia shrugs, and makes her way out the door.

You head out into the evening air.  From somewhere along the street comes a whistling noise and

a loud thunk.  Quivering in the wall, very near Virilyth’s head, is a dagger.  A shadowy figure slips into the crowd and is gone.  A note tied to the dagger reads: Be at Vintner’s Lane tonight before the second bell.  Go to the wine shop on the corner.  Be ready.  Do not fail.  The next message will be more pointed.

                "Well thats not a very polite way to send a message. lets get this package, deliver it and then find out who Miss Manner's is.... And I think we should return their dagger, one way or another."

                As luck or fate would have it, the meeting time indicated on the note corresponds to the time you would need to be at the docks if you expect to meet anyone.

                "Well, looks like we have three options:
                We get the package and deliver it, forgetting our rather rude friend in the process.
We go meet our rude friend and forget the package and the delivery.
                or
                We split up and half takes care of one task while the other takes care of the remaining.
Honestly, I don't much care for any of those options, what about the rest of you?"

                "Splitting up at this point is needlessly dangerous. At face value, I would vote we do the honest thing and deliver the package. However, this new message may be tied the larger events going on. It may be of great benefit to see what this is about. So... I guess we go grab the package at the dock, then go meet a mysterious new friend. We can always deliver the package a little late."

                Virilyth takes the note.  “No, I must attend to this…alone.  I am sorry, friends, but I have a bad feeling about ignoring this note.  I think it tied to someone Krayven and  met last night.  I need to see to this.”  With that, Virilyth heads off into the darkness.

                Kollin watches Virilyth leave before turning back to the others.
                "Well...I guess that narrows our options. Let's go grab this 'package' and be done with it."

                The “Jade Sea” is finally visible ahead.  It is late, but lighter here by the docks.  The sun has set and the remaining dusklight is filtering out of the sky.  The sea wall and the city are behind.  The deckhand, a wizened old man, does not look friendly. 

                He snaps in a screechy voice, “What do you want?  Who sent you here?”

                "We were sent to pick up a package for delivery."
                Anastasia does not break eye contact from the deckhand, but holds his gaze.

                The old man’s mood changes and he becomes very helpful.  “Oh, yes miss.  Wait here if you please.”

                The old man scampers off.  In a few minutes he returns with another man.  The deckhand grins and nods.

                “Here’s your package, mateys!  Hee-hee, have fun, y’lubbers!”

                “I’m Simon Torenescu,” says the other man.  “I am a statesman.  It is important that I reach the senator’s house in secrecy.  Since you are new to town, you will not draw the attention his bodyguards would.  Will you help?”

                Suddenly a number of ragged-looking men approach the base of the gangplank.  The men carry swords and clubs, but do not raise them.  One man steps forward and kneels on one knee.

                In a slightly mocking tone he says, “Oh Lord Simion, our sovereign master Prince Dimitrios, Ruler of the Beggars, sends us as his solemn oath of homage to the Torenescu.  Receive us into your service.”

                At this, Simion laughs uproariously, clapping his hands and stamping his feet.

                “Well said, dog of a beggar,” says Simion.  “And so you shall join my bodyguard.”

                Kollin steps forward to greet Simon but is startled by the appearance of the beggars. His hand goes to the hilt of his blade but he does not draw. As they pledge their oath, Kollin steps back, trying to read their intentions in their body language.

                "Interesting. Very well, let's go."
                Anastasia doesn't say much else, but seems resigned to do the job ahead of her. But one can tell by the look that momentarily crossed her face at the name Torenescu, that she hasn't forgotten their possible involvment with the murder of one of her kinsmen.

                Haverly watches the beggers for a moment, before turning to his charge. " Please, sir, after yourself."

                Kollin gets no read other than what he might assume.

                Simion produces a map of the city.  “I wish to get to the Senator’s House as quickly as possible,” he mutters while checking the map.

                The Ambush

                As you head down one of the streets from the north, you are suddenly attacked on all sides by seventeen  men, all wearing hoods and cloaks.  Sixteen of them are armed with swords and daggers.  Of these, fifteen are wearing banded mail and one is wearing leather armor.  The seventeenth is wearing plate mail and is armed with a well-crafted mace.  About his wrists are heavy gauntlets.  

                Luckily they made enough noise so that you are not surprised.  Your charge is in the center of your group, which consists of ten of the beggars and yourselves.

                The attackers win initiative.  The one in leather makes a gesture and speaks an arcane phrase.  The voice is muffled by the mask but recognizable as Virilyth’s.  Simion, all ten beggars and Kollin fall to the ground, unmoving.

                Anastasia and Haverly may now act.

                Haverly will check on Kollin, and if he still breaths will attempt to rouse him. Two against so many is not an easy fight.

                "You've got to be kidding me. Sleep! Damn you Virilyth, I'll have you head for this you traitor. But as I am currently in no condition to take on all of you at once. What do you want?"
                Anastasia stows her sword and raise her hands to show they conceal no weapons.

                Haverly is able to wake Kollin.

                No one responds to Anastasia’s accusation.

                The hooded figure in plate speaks.  “Very simple.  Step away from your charge.  He is our goal.  We have no quarrel with you unless you stand in our way.”

                What does the party do?

                Kollin awakens with a start as Haverly shakes him.
                "Eh...huh? What?" he mumbles as he groggily stands up. Quickly the situation becomes clear and he raises his sword again. He looks to Anastasia.
                "I hope you have a plan. One that doesn't have us dying, preferably."

                "What do you intend to do with him? We were charged with his safety, scum though he may be. So I would at least like to know what you intend to do with him."

                Haverly continues standing, a stern look and clenched jaw locked into his face. While he would never admit it, he is quite unsure as to what to do. Turning the lord over would be a mistake, but he is certain he cannot survive any battle with the newcomers. And he certainly doesn't know the man well enough to throw his life away for him.

                The hooded man answers, “That is none of your business.  We are not hear to barter with you.  Stand down and retreat or be slain.  While it not our wish to harm you, we have no compunction against doing so.”

                Kollin speaks softly to anyone within close earshot.
                "I say we turn him over. I don't know him and I don't think I'm ready to die for him. If we decided to fight, we'd lose and they'd take 'em anyway. What's the point in dying if it doesn't change the result."
                Kollin looks embarrassed at mentioning his plan, refusing to meet the eyes of his companions.

                "Honestly, I agree. I have already died once, I do not relish the idea of it happening again. While there is no honor in it, there is no sense in dying for a man who would undoubtedly leave us to die if it served to save his skin. We leave him to his fate, then."
                Anastasia steps to the side, away from the man.
                "What of the beggars accompanying him, what will you do with them?"

                With a long sigh, Haverly sheaths his sword and steps back from the fallen form.

                With some shame, Kollin sheathes his sword and steps back. as well.
                "Something tells me this decision will lead to serious trouble for us. Better to live today to deal with it tomorrow, I guess."
                The young fighter watches the enemy to see how they deal with their new captive.

                The hooded man motions his followers forward and they pick up the body of your charge.  “We have no need for nor quarrel against the beggar escort.  They will come to shortly.  You may not to be here when they do, in case they take their responsibilities more to heart than sensible folks like yourselves.  They may well feel they have less to lose.  The value of life does not weigh the same on everyone’s scales.”

                The minions bind and hoist up Simion Torenescu and whisk him off into the night.  The leader bows deeply from a distance.  “You have made the right decision, friends.  At least as far as I am concerned.”

                And with that they are gone.  What would you like to do now?

                Time to get gone before the beggars awaken, and report the abduction to the authorities.

                Getting away is no problem.  But you find the authorities less than interested in your claims, and any pressure to take you more seriously steers the conversation toward your involvement in possible responsibility for any crimes which may be uncovered.

                Kollin looks nervously as the abductors disappear. He removes his steel cap and runs a hand through his thick brown hair.
                "We need to let someone know about this. Sure, we surrendered him but it's not our fault we got ambushed. What can they do to us? Execute us? I mean, we would have died anyway if we put up a fight."
                The young fighter starts pacing and continues babbling his concerns.

                Haverly is no more pleased than anyone else involved.
                "Perhaps we should find that..." Haverly looks as though he is searching for something rude to say, "elf and learn why he has betrayed us. Perhaps there is still time to fix this problem.."

                Further Investigation

You have no luck tracking down Virilyth, but after asking some careful questions around the city, you are able to deuce that he must have joined the Veiled Society, a secret group that uses terror and crime to accomplish its goals.  You have little to no hope of directly tracking any of them, as the Society is very well connected and set up throughout the city.

                In fact, the only leads you have that may go anywhere are those in the case of the murdered woman. 

                Red hair: found under Lucia Vorloi’s fingernails and dried in the blood on the dagger.

                Pitch: found on the rungs of the ladder leading to the cellar.

                Blood: on the dagger

                Ring: Has the Torenescu family symbol on it

                Writing: BAD…BAO….RAD…RAO (it was difficult to tell exactly what had been written in the blood.)

                Wine: The wine found dribbled by the bloodstains in the Vorloi house.

                Rope: a short length of blood-stained hemp rope was found.

                ((I take it pitch is commonly used as fuel around the city?))

                Oil would be the common fuel.  Pitch is used for sealing boats.

                "Well lets get back on the case we are supposed to be working on. See if we can't do some good in this place."
                Anastasia's mood is noticeably darker as they press on and she speaks little.

                Where to?

                Does the Torenescu family have any boats currently under construction of repairs down at the docks? Or are there currently any boats at the docks getting fresh pitch applied?

                Kollin rubs his eyes, his face a mask of tired frustration.
                "Wine stains? Red hair? Pitch on a ladder? What kind of clues are these? I can't make heads or tails of this."
                Kollin looks off in the direction in which the kidnappers left.
                "I almost wish we had fought those guys instead. I'd most likely be dead but at least it would make sense."

                As Specularum is a large port city, there are almost always boats in one stage of repair or another. But asking around you do discover that there are 4 major suppliers, all on the waterfront.  They sell pitch to whoever wants it – fishermen, boatbuilders, housewives, etc.

                Looks like we have a direction in which to look.

                "Let's go see whose purchased some pitch recently."

                At each location you hear the same thing, “We don’t keep records for pitch!  Can you be more specific about who you are looking for?”

                Haverly turns to his two companions, questioningly.
                "I don't suppose we can, can we? Oh! Wait, has anyone been buying pitch in smaller amounts than is usual?"

                “Smaller than usual?  Well, there is no usual, y’see.  All depends on how big a job yer doin’.  Some folks‘ll patch here and there ‘n others’ll do the whole hull.”

                "Anyone from the Torenescu family, or a known worker for them."