Rise of the Runelords [The Skinsaw Murders] (IC)

[lostsole31]

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Character [Player]	Speech Color	AL	Race [Ethnicity] (Gender ID)	Side #1	Side #2	Faith	Campaign Trait
Alvor "Al" Istari [rypta]	Gray	NG	Middle-Aged Human [Chelish] (m)	Warder 4	Warlord 4 [Vanguard Commander]	Ragathiel	Family Ties
Draegra [NPC]	Blue	NG (LG)	Samsaran (m)	Oracle (Lore) 4 [Reincarnated Oracle]	Brawler 2 [Beast-Wrestler]/ Slayer 2	Order of the Godclaw	Scholar of the Ancients
Martin Bevuk [DrK]	Purple	NG	Human [Varisian] (m)	Ranger 4	Stalker 4	Erastil	Monster Hunter
Norton Dabney [meemaas]	Teal	NG	Human [Varisian] (m)	Magus 4	Vizier 4 (Path of the Crafter)	Agnostic	Scholar of the Ancients
Steingott Felsfaust [TooterFishPopkn]	Dark Green	LG	Dwarf (m)	Brawler 4	Geokineticist 4	Erastil + Torag	Friends & Enemies
Zada of the Stone Tales [digiman619]	Golden Rod	NG	Human [Shoanti] (NB, AFAB)	Shaman 4 (Ancestor) [Witch Doctor]	Soulknife 4 [Living Legend]	Gozreh	Student of Faith

[lostsole31]

Recent History of Sandpoint and Surrounding Areas

4702 AR:The Late Unpleasantness
The most notable events in the short history of Sandpoint occurred in the winter of 4702, and are referred to locally as "the late unpleasantness." The people of Sandpoint would prefer to put the unsavory disasters behind them, but five years is not long enough to fully forget these events. Within the course of only a few years, a string of murders by a ruthless killer known as "Chopper" and a great fire which destroyed the iconic chapel and many of the surrounding buildings ravaged the town both physically and emotionally. A grand cathedral has since been built and the people of Sandpoint are finally optimistic about their future.

23 Rova, 4707 AR: The Swallowtail Festival, which also served as the "grand opening" of the Sandpoint Cathedral, was interrupted by a goblin raid on the town. Martin Bevuk and Midori, separately, are one of many of Sandpoint's worthies to help repel the goblins, but not the main heroes. Martin Bevuk was manning his brother's "Fine Meats" kiosk and fought off a several goblins there. Midori the Scarlet Sentinel wasn't a "Hero of Sandpoint" but was a hero to a young nobleman she saved from worg-riding goblins: one Aldern Foxglove. A larger mix of strangers repelled the main attacking force of goblins and got the glory.

Events through 23 Lamashan, 4707 AR: In the interim, Martin Bevuk only worked with Shalelu a couple days in goblin-hunting as she would end up working with the Heroes of Sandpoint while Martin still had to stay closer to home to help Hayliss with a family matter. Midori was invited on a boar hunt by Lord Aldern and whispers and rumors abound about that hunt, but Midori doesn't feed the rumors, and Lord Aldern moved on from Sandpoint to his ancestral home of Foxglove Manor, looking for someone more marriageable than the foreign Tian woman. The Heroes of Sandpoint, after several dramatic events in or near town, make several strikes against Thistletop, the base of the multi-tribal goblin strength in the Lost Coast Hinterlands region.

24 Lamashan 4707 AR: After several roster shifts and hard work, the Heroes of Sandpoint kill Thistletop's Leader, Warchief Ripnugget. But Thistletop shows more evil below the surface of the goblin stockade, showing that their work is not yet done.

26 Lamashan 4707 AR: After clearing out the rest of the surface of Thistletop, the Heroes of Sandpoint find a room that included plans that showed the raid on Sandpoint was just the first step in a larger, projected WAR!

28 Lamashan 4707 AR: Nualia Tobyn, the missing daughter of the late Father Tobyn, is revealed to be the mastermind behind recent troubles, and Heroes of Sandpoint kill her and end her ambitions.

1 Neth 4707 AR: Draegra joins with the Heroes of Sandpoint in an advisory capacity, mainly to deal with extricating a fallen member's body, and then to study whatever there might be in the ancient, head-shaped ruins of Thistletop.

2 Neth 4707 AR: Keghart Valdemar is killed by the ancient, trapped greater barghest named Malfeshnikor. Though some of the heroes fled, two stayed behind and against all odds and slew the ancient denizen. The trauma inflicted from a previous curse by Nualia, a brother's death, a feeling of failure ..... the Heroes of Sandpoint go their separate ways, mainly to Magnimar.

Only Norton Dabney of the "Heroes of Sandpoint" (who really was a late-roster addition) remained in Sandpoint, as did the outside consultant consultant, Draegra. On their way back from Sandpoint and over the course of the next few weeks, ghouls are encountered. They aren't terribly numerous, but it seems ghouls, not goblins, are wagging on the tongues of Sandpoint citizens as they fill their cups in the safety of the untouched town.

[lostsole31]

Alvor

Description

Alvor is not a large man, but he is nevertheless in remarkable shape. Leanly muscled and athletically built, his imprisonment provided him both the time and incentive to develop his fitness, and he bears the scars to prove that he has put that fitness to use. In battle, he is sure-footed and steady-handed. Moving swiftly and striking decisively, he would rather cow an opponent into surrendering than be forced to kill them.

Though physically fit, there are aspects of Alvor's appearance that reveal his ongoing struggles in adjusting to life outside of the Longacre Prison. He is rarely clean shaven, his hair is unkempt, and dark circles under his eyes suggest that he isn't sleeping well. Days spent searching for work are usually concluded at a local tavern, lending his clothes an aroma of smoke, and his breath the smell of liquor.

Alvor dresses simply in well-worn clothing that gives no indication of his noble upbringing. His armor is finely crafted, but it is armor he owned before his arrest, and the tarnished plate is beginning to show its age.

Personality

More than a decade of unjust incarceration has kindled in Alvor an anger he never knew he had, and frankly wishes he didn't, for it is a near-constant reminder of the connection he shares with a father he resents. Rooted in his hatred for Rikkard Endrin, and the perversion of a system of justice he once swore an oath to defend, his anger was once a ruinous thing, as much a danger to himself as it was to those around him. The passing years have worn at the jagged edges of his psyche, tempering his rage and shaping an indignant surliness that is most apparent in oft-muttered curses and a persistent scowl.

Having spent such a large proportion of his life in prison, time is especially important to the former watchman. He respects efficiency, and is quick to seek common ground or to accept compromise. Far more pragmatic now than he was in his youth, he makes an effort to speak plainly and directly, and expects other to do the same. He'd much rather risk offering offense or being offended than dance around an issue for the sake of politeness.

As someone who knows firsthand what it is to have their name unjustly maligned, Alvor is reluctant to trust in the veracity of reputation. Wherever possible, he prefers to judge words and actions directly rather than let his opinions be informed by the assessments of others. He does not invest his trust easily as a result, but when he does give his word, he keeps it, and is not soon to forget being lied to or misled.

[lostsole31]

Draegra

Description

Tall and lanky at 6'6" and 190 lbs., there is likely nobody like Draegra in a hundred leagues or more, as his blue-skinned people come from far to the east. Still, everything about his speech and dress tell one he grew up in Avistan. His scale mail, morningstar, and several other backup weapons can tell one he means business, which is then seconded by his holy symbol - that of the Order of the Godclaw, an amalgam of five of the most notably lawful deities in the main continental pantheon, a throwback to when he was raised in a Hellknight monastery.

Personality

The hands of past lives are upon Draegra, and he is not always in control of his words or actions. From time to time Draegra is given over completely to the will of his past lives, and he says or does things that he had no intention of saying or doing. Driven by impulses he cannot control or understand, he might be capable of astonishing acts of courage or awful treachery -- it all depends on the whim of his past lives.

In his own agency, Draegra is notable for his calm, but self-absorbed demeanor. Given to worries about his "mental illness" has killed his humor, as he tends to be a more serious, even tending towards the tragic.

[lostsole31]

Martin Bevuk

Description

Medium height and burly (5' 8", 166 lbs.), with a mass of curly hair and thick unkempt beard, Martin looks much like the ranger he is. He is strong, stands tall for his height, and weather-beaten from a life in the woods with piercing green eyes that are keenly observant.

Normally dressed in leathers and green clothes he is often seen with a lumber axe and bow on his back.

Personality

Happy and gregarious, he is jolly when at home, often enjoying a tankard in the Hagfish or an evening with his brother or laughing at Cydrak's latest show in the theatre with Hayliss beside him.

He is straightforward and blunt, used to the rough nature of caravan guards and traveling merchants with a simple sense of humor. Hayliss' more sophisticated jokes often going over his head.

[lostsole31]

Midori the Scarlet Sentinel

Description

A willowy (5'7" 127 lbs.), olive-skinned woman of Tian ancestry with an hourglass figure, large almond-shaped eyes that glitter like emeralds and full lips. Her long raven hair cascades just past her shoulders, streaked with patches of white, often kept tied back in a high bun, with long unkempt strands landing around her neckline and framing her face. Midori is clad in a vermillion mantle and billowing scarlet-and-black robes that hang over one shoulder, cinched with a series of leather straps. She wears sandaled boots wrapped in linens to keep her feet warm in the colder Varisian weather, her wrists bedecked in golden rings that match those hanging from her ears. Each of her fingers on her left hand is bound by gilded rings of solid gold. The middle finger stylized like a gout of flame, her left ring-finger stylized as a torc with two fists meeting together, as a minor symbol of Irori, and her pinky finger emblazoned with a lotus, symbolizing the Sakura throne.

Personality

Silver-tongued, and quick to make friends and foes alike, Midori often relies on her charm and wit to make her way. Seemingly fearless in a fight as long as she will be compensated, Midori steels any anxiety behind a facade of aloof bravado. Likewise with companions, should she find herself in promising or profitable ventures, she considers her loyalty and honor well-earned. Honor-bound to uphold her tradition's tenets and seek perfection in her arts, Midori considers no job completed until her benefactors are fully satisfied, and will see anything less as failure on her part and attempt to make amends.

[lostsole31]

Norton Dabney

Description

6' 2, 215 lbs. Brown eyes, black hair.

Personality

No data given.

[lostsole31]

Steingott Felsfaust

Description

4' 3", 203 lbs. Long "near black" dark brown hair, worn in an east asian style bun. Beard same color tied off into two "ponytails" on each side. Massive upper body and core. Very muscular. Very simple clothing and a chain shirt.

Personality

Always looking to help: Caring, Positive, Optimistic, Hard-working.

Too trusting of others. Not much in the way of healthy skepticism.

[lostsole31]

Zada of the Stone Tales

Description

5' 11", 175 lbs. They are currently bald, though their hair is naturally a thick white. They do have busy silver eyebrows, however. Deep olive skin tone.

Personality

They are somewhat jovial, though a bit prone to failing at keeping a conversation up and leading to awkwardness. They also like to come off as sagacious, even when they only have a middling amount of expertise. Basically, they are minorly extroverted, but without a whole lot of social skills to back up that enthusiasm.

[Ildu]

Midori

In the morning, Midori spends one hour at daybreak in meditation with her sword outside of the Rusty Dragon, practicing her forms and disciplines, dressed in her simple crimson kasaya. She then returns to her room to prepare for the rest of the day, gathering together the rest of her robes and hooded coat, setting up at the main parlor of the bar where she awaits a potential employer for the day with a cup of tigerclove tea and a bit of bread. Typically hired as a mercenary or guard, the Tian woman offers her services to all of the townsfolk, from the menial task of watching over the stables in advance of a goblin raid to more pressing matters such as accompanying traders' wagons to and from the city limits, all the while discussing her travels across Golarion with any interested to hear tales from Minkai. When she is there, she attempts to steer any conversation of her dealings with Lord Foxglove to less intimate matters.

[TooterfishPopkn]

Steingott Felsfaust

During a typical day, Steingott would be looking for work to raise funds to help the needy get their basic needs filled. Most of the time he gets work in smith shops mining on their behalf with some occasional work on the forge. This employment is usually on a day-to-day basis. He doesn't work for one place "on the books" or salary since he's known to leave on more humanitarian efforts or fighting evil on a larger scale more worthy of an adventurer. He doesn't mind these more basic quite times working labor as it gives him an opportunity to be involved with the lives of the locals.

If he's not working labor or doing charity work (things like clothing drives and soup kitchens, educating youth), he's working out and honing his skills. Usually he does this outdoors in a rocky landscape away from town for some peace and quiet. He typically rents rooms from local families to keep his own personal costs down and cooks most of his meals in-house as opposed to dining out.

His fame as a wrestler is of a more local celebrity level back home in Janderhoff, but it isn't too rare to spot him signing an autograph or two for "in the know" fighting enthusiasts.

[digiman619]

Zada of the Stone Tale

Zada begins their morning routine outside; leaving their room in The White Deer, they walk the few hundred feet until they reach the cliff on the edge of the town. There, in sea air, they meditate, the sea winds brings them closer to Gozreh, at least in a spiritual sense. There, undisturbed by the hubbub of the city, they remember the old stories. The ones the earth likes to tell, of heroes long past, today focusing on of the cunning and the divine.

As they do so, something about them changes. It's nothing particularly notable; there was no mystical transformation, nor did their apparel undergo any sort of modification, but there was something different. A series of incredibly subtle changes that alone meant nothing, but together changed a viewer's impression of what they saw. When Zada first channeled the spirits of the divine, somehow they came off as masculine. They were still clearly Zada; anyone who saw him before would still clearly recognize them, but whatever it was, they were clearly was presenting as masculine, even if only in subtle ways. Contrariwise, once they shifted to channeling a more cunning spirit, the small changes suddenly reversed themselves, to the point that now they were coming off as feminine. Wether it was the softer tone of their voice, or the slightly more relaxed posture, they seemed much more feminine than they did a few seconds ago. Regardless of which way the spirits made them lean, however, Zada thought nothing of it. While Zada tended to think of themselves in either first or nonspecific third person, they didn't particularly care about correcting others on it.

Once their spiritual routine was complete, they made their way back into town proper. Zada had planned to meet Bran Ironshield, their old mentor, for lunch, and there were a few things they wanted to purchase in town to get ready for it.

[DrK]

Martin Bevuk Martin's day was typical. He had woken in Hayliss's small rooms above her boutique. Stretching in the pre-dawn he kissed her fondly and pottered into her pantry cutting a thick slice of bread and liberally smearing it with some jam and along with some water he left it by her bed and with a last look at her grinned, threw on his greenish jerkin, grabbed his bow and with bow and a waterskin in hand headed out across the southern bridge past the Kaijitsu manor and into the woods. The dawn found him jogging back through the woods after roaming in a semi circle back into the north gate of the town past the cathedral and boneyard, a small baby boar slung over his shoulder, porcine sweat and blood soaking his back. He didn't mind, it had been a productive morning. Reaching the shop he unlocked the back door and headed in past the hanging room. The cold stone room filled with the coppery scent of blood as he walked pas the hanging deer, boar, game birds and other animals. Hanging the boar on a stout hook he grabbed a knife to drain it and headed upstairs. "Brother, Chod, get yerself up. It's past dawn. I've got a boar its ready for you to get cutting". Ignoring the grumbling and the sarcastic Aye Mart', even missing me fingers I'm better than you at that. You fetch 'em and I prep 'em" Martin grins, shaking his head and heads downstairs, pushing open the shutters and pulling cuts of meat out from the stores into the shop front. THe morning passes happily as the shops gets busy with Sandpoint's masses, the Meat Market the best butcher in town, certainly with Martin's skills it was always the best stocked with game. Something the likes of Sheriff Hemlock or Jargie enjoys (Jargie, always getting a choice cut of something good to ensure him and Chod got a good seat later that night in the Hagfish). The only fly in the ointment is when Jubrayl walks in with a couple of his local toughs. He is given a curt service and Martin breathes happier when the stooge of the Scarnetti's leaves, he had no love for Titus's lackeys or anyone who would bother Hayliss's brother "Sir" Jasper. With the shop busy he knew it would be a long day, he and his brother working hard and looking forward to the end of the day when he head across to see Hayliss again. A choice cut of deer from earlier in the week earmarked for their tea...

Spoiler: OOC

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[rypt]

Alvor Istari

Alvor's displeasure was written plainly on his face as he stood leaning against a tree, watching Danver Lauson's son struggle to swing a wooden sword at a straw target. His head was still pounding from the night before and his breakfast wasn't sitting right, but they'd wagered on an hour, and he'd lost that wager.

"That's, uh..." he started with a sigh, "That's a little better, sure. Still lifting that back foot though. You looking to win any fights on one leg?"

Young Roger shook his head.

"I didn't think so. Lets try it again then."

The boy took a few more swings, lifting his back foot each time as though the small piece of wood he wielded was enough to upset his balance. Alvor took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes. Before he could say anything, however, Danver walked out from behind the shed carrying a pile of wood.

"Hells, Al, would it kill ya to smile or somethin'? For the boy's sake?"

"Honestly, Lauson, it just might. I mean, I'm here aren't I, holdin' up my end?" He slumped a little lower against the tree. "If you're gonna hustle a man, at least have the decency not to ask him to smile about it."

Danver seemed proud of himself. He widened his own smile before he laughed. "Like you ain't been hustled before."

Alvor's jaw tightened but remained shut as the senior Lauson turned and ducked into the shed. Alvor knew better than to say what he was thinking in front of the boy, so for a moment, he said nothing.

"Alright, Roger, one more time..."

[lostsole31]

Spoiler: Midori

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The proprieter of the Rusty Dragon, Ameiko Kaijutsu calls to her fellow Minkaian. "Hey! got a message here for you about a job," she says as she sets down a piece of vellum conspicuously so you see it while she goes about her duties.

When you read it, you see a simple note scrawled in a simple hand (which is a bit jarring to an artist such as yourself) ...

Spoiler: The Note

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"Heard from Ameiko and House of Blue Stones that you are someone with some skill.
Please come see me for a job offer at sunset bell at the Sandpoint Garrison."

- Sheriff Belor Hemlock

Spoiler: Steingott Felsfaust

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It's one of those many times that fusspot Larz Rovanky of Rovanky's Tannery recently did a mass layoff, which does make financial sense considering that winter is now upon you. So, Steingott has weathered doing a couple days of day labor when he is let loose for the day. In doing so, he hands Steingott a sealed vellum note. "Came in for you. Probably the sheriff looking to poach the help. Doesn't matter. Here's your day's earnings, and I'll assume you won't be in tomorrow."

And without so much as a goodbye who goes about the rest of his business.

Spoiler: The Note

Show

"Heard from Ameiko and House of Blue Stones that you are someone with some skill.
Please come see me for a job offer at sunset bell at the Sandpoint Garrison."

- Sheriff Belor Hemlock

Spoiler: Zada of the Stone Tales

Show

When Zada returns to the White Deer, the place where her repast was to occur, Bran is there to see her. "Ah, it seems you are quite the popular person today, Zada! A huffy Shoanti sheriff came in to give the proprieter a look, equally and huffily returned, but that is rumor of other things. But I laid th present paralell with the napkin holders, and I have to say, it just doesn't suit the decor."

Zada looks at the much cheaper vellum placed next to the nice napkin holder with its linen cloth serviette. Opening it up, she sees the script of a simple man within...

Spoiler: The Note

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"Heard from Bran Ironfist that you are someone with some skill.
Please come see me for a job offer at sunset bell at the Sandpoint Garrison."

- Sheriff Belor Hemlock

Spoiler: Martin Bevuk

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Martin gets handed a vellum note from Chod. "This came for you when you were 'cleaning your shaft,'" he says as he laughs uproariously. Of course, he means you cleaning your arrows from the hunt, but he had to make it weird. Because brothers.

Spoiler: Martin Bevuk

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Spoiler: The Note

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"Please come see me for a job offer at sunset bell at the Sandpoint Garrison."

- Sheriff Belor Hemlock

Spoiler: Alvor

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The young boy's mother comes up to Alvor and says, "This came for you," and she hands Alvor a piece of vellum. Opening it up ...

Spoiler: The Note

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"Heard from around town that you skill.
Please come see me for a job offer at sunset bell at the Sandpoint Garrison."

- Sheriff Belor Hemlock

[rypt]

Alvor Istari

Alvor almost seems to wince when Mrs. Lauson hands him the note. "Thank you," he says softly, offering his gratitude along with a polite nod despite the fact that his expression suggests that he is less than excited to be receiving correspondence.

He turns the folded parchment over in his hands a few times before finally opening it, but as he reads what's written inside, he blows a heavy breath of relief through his lips. With his headache suddenly seeming slightly less bothersome, he tucks the note into his pocket and then turns his attention back to little Roger and his troublesome back foot.

[DrK]

Martin Bevuk


The day was a busy one. With a lot of recent game the shop was packed with a good selection of game and the pheseants were selling fast, although as one of Ameiko's serving girls bought a brace of them he grinned, the stew at the 'Dragon would be good with them. As he took his lunch in the back room, ignoring the knives and hooks on the walls and the bloodstained counter where Chod had been working.

As he was binding some nice grouse feathers to the arrows (he liked the black and red feathers) he heard Chod shouting... "Cleaning my shaft, aye brother, funny.." he retorts as he he grabs the letter and scans it. "Hey, I'm finishing early tonight Chod you can close up. Hemlock wants to see me. Maybe he wants a big buck for the garrison?" . Chod grins, "Aye, well then why would he ask for you and not Daviren or one of them new heroes that been roaming the town."

Martin gave him a single fingered response before tidying up the fletchings and putting the apron back on for the rest of the afternoon. As the afternoon ound down he grabbed his bow and quiver and headed to the edge of town to the boutique. The welcoming perfumed smell as he enters always reminds of Hayliss, and her shop was busy with people looking at the assorted collection of silk scarves, small artisan toys for children and even a guard looking at varisian weapons on the walls. He gave her a quick hug "Hey my sweet. I brought these," he offered showing her the prime cut of venison wrapped in paper, "But I'll be later than planned. Hemlcok asked me to go and see him at Sunset bell." She grins and nods, "You are getting popular now after the raid, be important like those other heroes. Pick up some bell peppers on the way back."

With a playful kiss he waves and trots back across town nodding and greeting friends and stopping at the Sandpoint Savouries to see Arika and walks the last stretch to the garrison with a large sugary pastry. Getting to the garrison around the bell he greets the guard at the gate. "Evening, Sheriff wanted to see me 'bout something."

[digiman619]

Zada and their old mentor caught up during lunch. The old dwarf had settled comfortably in town, with him relaxing into his retirement. He occasionally plied his skills at the cathedral, using his casting skills for healing when Father Zantus was with other business. For themselves, Zada talked about their time as a caravanner, and the tales that came from those side jobs. At some point, the conversation lulled and Zada mentioned the vision they'd had, about how they had the feeling Gozreh was telling them that something was up around here, but like all gods was subtle in his warnings.

Still, things otherwise went by uneventfully until the end of the meal, when the note slipped from Zada's pack. Bran picked it off the floor and read it. Zada hadn't thought much of the note; they'd actually forgotten that they had put it in their bag, and wasn't exactly looking for work at the moment anyway, but Bran thought that it might be a sign; that whatever the Sherriff wanted from them might be what Gozreh was pushing them towards. Zada remained skeptical; surely Gozreh had more important things to worry about than small town police work, but then again, gods were inherently mysterious beings, so perhaps Gozreh knew something about this situation that they didn't which would make it worthy of her interest.

So, as the sun began to meet the horizon, Zada found themselves at the garrison, waiting to hear what the Sherriff had to say, and perhaps determine what Gozreh wanted to show them.

[meemaas]

As he has done many times in the past month and a half, Norton spends his afternoon wandering town, knowing that he can learn much from idle gossip, and has actually picked up a few jobs in the past few weeks thanks to this. He hasn't been very lucky today though, only really hearing meaningless trivia today. It doesn't much matter to him though, since this is mostly just a diversion to keep him from being locked up in his room poring over the notes he's been painstakingly replicating for a few weeks now.

Once he's finished and altogether tired of being around people, he returns to his inn to go back to his work, only for the innkeeper to stop him and hand him a small note.

Spoiler: The Note

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"Please come to the Sandpoint Garrison at the Sunset Bell. I have a new job offer for you.
-Sheriff Belor Hemlock

As Norton has spoken with the Sheriff a few times before, he is well used to this walk, and so heads up to his room in order to prepare for this meeting, making sure to let his familiar into its satchel so that he can come along before he heads out. He arrives earlier than needed, and after greeting his way in, takes a seat and returns to his note while waiting for the Sheriff to meet with him.

[Ildu]

As she drinks her tea, one leg crossed over the other, Midori offers a small smile to Ameiko as she approaches, solemnly nodding her head in appreciation. "My thanks to you, Ameiko," she offers, her voice lilting with a hint of an accent denoting this was not her common tongue. Reaching over for the parchment, she unfurls it in one hand, lazily reading the text with a furrowed brow as she sips her tea. This sheriff is decidedly no artist...Hopefully, he is better with blade than brush. But still, work is work. Best to see what he has need of, if the House of Blue Stones could not assist him in this venture... Setting down her tea and rolling the vellum into a scroll, she tucks it into the breast of her robes and kicks down her boots, placing her hood overhead as she places four copper coins on the bar counter, giving Ameiko a slight bow as she exits the inn, making her way down to the garrison just before the sun begins to set.

[TooterfishPopkn]

Steingott

Steingott drops his earnings in one of his waist pouches without counting it.

"I'm sure it's all there, Larz. Ha! I hope you're right about the note. I could use a bigger payday if I'm going to get that food pantry off the ground."

Steingott opens the envelope and unfolds the note.

"Short and sweet. Must be important." While still looking down at the letter, Steingott starts, "Looks like you're right Larz. Likely won't be in tomorrow. Anything extra you'd like me to do before I head..." Steingott looks up. Larz has already left.

"Huh. Well ok, then. I'll miss you too. Guess I'll make a quick dinner and check out this J-O-B!"

[lostsole31]

Sheriff Belor Hemlock

Sheriff Hemlock, a Shoanti man that has been "assimilated" into Sandpoint more fully than some of his kin, greets Draegra and Norton and Martin (who he knows well), and introduces himself to the others (who he doesn't know so well). He then takes the group of you into a back conference (i.e., interrogation) room, and the lot of your are rather crammed in there now.

“First, let me thank you again for all you’ve done for Sandpoint. Norton Dabney and Draegra, true, but also back during the Swallowtail Festival, I seemed to remember Martin Bevuk and Midori helping fight goblins back then. As for the rest of you, welcome .... or welcome back .. to Sandpoint. In some cases, your reputation precedes you.

"It’s fortunate you’ve proven yourselves so capable, in Sandpoint or abroad, because we’ve a problem I think you can help us with—a problem I wish I didn’t have to involve anyone with, but one that needs dealing with now before the situation grows worse.

“Put simply, we have a murderer in our midst—one who, I fear, has only begun his work. Some of you doubtless remember the Late Unpleasantness (or heard stories of it), how this town nearly tore itself apart in fear as Chopper’s slayings went on unanswered. I’m afraid we might have something similar brewing now.

“Last night, the murderer struck at the sawmill. There are two victims, and they’re… they’re in pretty gruesome shape. The bodies were discovered by one of the mill workers, a man named Ibor Thorn, and by the time my men and I arrived on the scene, a crowd of curious gawkers had already sprung up. I’ve got my men stationed there now, keeping the mill locked down, but the thing that bothers me isn’t the fact that we have two dead bodies inside. It’s the fact that this is actually the second set of murders we’ve had in the last few days.

“I come to you for help in this matter—my men are good, but they are also green. They were barely able to handle themselves against the goblins, and what we’re facing now is an evil far worse than goblins. I need the help. But I’m afraid you’ll need the help too. You see, I’m afraid that this particular murderer knows one of you as well.”

At this point, Sheriff Hemlock passes a bloodstained scrap of parchment ... not to the "Heroes of Sandpoint" Norton Dabney and Draegra ... but to the Tian woman Midori the Scarlet Sentinel. Her name is written in blood on the outside of the folded parchment; inside is a short message...

As Midori peruses the note, and possibly passes it around for others to view(?), Sheriff Hemlock explains, "The note was found pinned to the sleeve of the latest victim by a splinter of wood. Now, I just want you to know Midori, that I believe this note was left at the murder scene to throw suspicion onto you, and while I certainly don't believe you - any of you - had anything to do with the murders, if word of this note gets out, I'm afraid the town's reaction might not be as understanding. For this reason, so as not to start a general panic, I ask that everyone in this room keep as quiet as possible about the murders."

He looks around the room, "Are you willing to help the town out with this issue?"

[TooterfishPopkn]

Steingott folds his arms and lowers his head.

"Those were terrible times, Sheriff. I couldn't bare to see the people of Sandpoint reeling in that kind of fear. Some of these locals are as good as family to me. I will keep the lid on these murders" Steingott clenches his fists and wraps them in stone. "and give you my word to put an end to this terror."

In the back of his mind, Steingott attempts to recall any local rumor or chatter about Chopper's past murders that might provide a starting point in the investigations.

Spoiler

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(1d20+5)[24] Knowledge Local if there's anything of note he might know about the past murders

[digiman619]

Zada brings their hand to their chin. "I don't think this was to lay blame on... Midori, right?" Zada said, pausing a bit to make sure they got the name right. "This was a message; this 'Lordship' fellow clearly wants her and is willing to kill to get at her. No idea on what the "pack" he's going off about it; there's far too many monsters that use "pack" as a collective term." They then turned to their Minkaian associate. "Run into any apparently murderous nobles lately?"

[DrK]

Martin Bevuk

Martin nodded a greeting to the sheriff and looked at interest at the others as they entered. He'd heard much of their adventures around the dice tables in the Hagfish.

As the sheriff speaks Martin snaps his head around, "More murders? Who was killed Sheriff is Ibor ok?" He looks troubled, he could remember the town when Chopper had struck and it was a dark, dark period in the town's history.

As Belor shows the note he glances at Midori, "Unusual love note there, handwriting or from someone you know?" then at the sheriff's words. "Aye Belor. You know I'll help. Where do you want us to start, we can try and find some tracks round the mill?"

[Ildu]

Midori stands back among the group, keeping a vigil at the door as the sheriff welcomed his old acquaintances and introduced himself to those he had not yet met. When it came time that he would introduce himself to Midori, she gives a slight nod of her head and smiles, more of a smirk.

In the cramped office, she seems to fidget slightly, attempting to make herself smaller to accommodate the others, or perhaps to give herself more space.

"Yes, I have heard of this...unpleasantness time. But I had thought this Chopper was dead?"

Midori seems set aback as Hemlock produces the letter, the scrawled writing unfamiliar, and unsettling. Perusing over the note, she scoffs in disgust, and hands it to the person to her immediate left, before addressing Hemlock directly, her smirk and eyes a little colder. "Is this some kind of joke? Because I am not laughing."

Turning to Zada, the Tian woman puts her hands on her hips and sighs, scratching her head as she pulls down her hood. "Now this is joke, I know. And no, there are no lords I know of that are murderers to any but small woodland animals...but clearly, as you said, someone is attempting to ruin my reputation...again." Her eyes darting swiftly toward the sheriff, "I, for one, do offer my aid. These killings are not my business, but this message has made them so. Do you have the bodies? I would like to observe them, to see what manner of beast we now hunt." In the back of her mind, Midori has a thought that she quickly shakes from her head concerning one lord she has known.

Spoiler

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(1d20+6)[17]: Craft (Calligraphy) if it's useful here to discern anything about the writer's handwriting, or (1d20+11)[13] if it would be a perception check.
(1d20+5)[21] Knowledge (Local) to determine anything she would remember or have overheard in regard to the 'Late Unpleasantness' (which is, ooc, a really weird term for a serial killer's spree)

[rypt]

Alvor extends a hand in greeting to the sheriff and introduces himself as 'Al.' While the others exchange their own greetings, he notes the red-robed woman standing by the door, seemingly expectant of trouble before the meeting has even begun. When directed to the back room, Alvor steps aside to let others walk ahead, if only to give himself a better opportunity to take their measure. To any of the humans insisting that he enter first, he replies, desert-dry, "Youth before beauty."

At the sheriff's mention of a murderer, Alvor furrows his brow and tightens his lips in an expression that grows more severe when Hemlock subsequently mentions 'Chopper's slayings.'

"Am I to understand that this is your second multiple-murderer in only a few years?" He wonders to himself if one could have inspired the other.

Mindful of her earlier behavior, it is not entirely surprising to Alvor when the sheriff reveals that the murderer's note was addressed to Midori. While the others share their thoughts and suggestions on the matter, Alvor rubs the back of his neck with one hand, his mind wandering back to what feels now like a different life.

"I suppose I could lend a hand," he says in answer to the sheriff's question. "I could lend both if you're able to compensate me for my time."

[digiman619]

Zada nodded. "Didn't think it'd be that easy. The other big thing we need to discern from the note who the 'she' who 'loved' and 'desired' him was." Zada then turned to the Sherriff. "But yeah, there may be some clues we can discover from the remains of the deceased." There was a long pause, as Zada realized they had missed a step. "Oh, and yeah, I'm totally willing to help here."

[meemaas]

Norton nods. "You should know by now that I like it enough here to fight to protect the town. It's a foregone conclusion that I would help you. What do we know about how the murders were committed? What kind of weaponry, for example. Or will we need to go there to find that out on our own?"

[lostsole31]

Everyone attempts to overwhelm the Sheriff with questions (though one does ask about compensation), and Sheriff Hemlock holds out his hands to slow folks down.

"Okay, let me run the current list of clues by you. While I'll be working with you all to figure out what's going on, I suspect I'll have my hands full keeping peace in the town. By deputizing yuo, I hope that the best possible minds and resources will be focused on solving the murders, leaving me and my guards to the task of keeping Sandpoint from erupting in a panic. I promise to support you as best as I can, but I again ask you to keep your investigations quiet for the town's sake.

"So, here are the leads as best we have right now....

"First, the Sandpoint Lumber Mill. The most recent murders took place here—the bodies are still present, and little has been done with the crime scene itself. I suggest that this should be the first place you investigate, since I would like to clean the mill up right away and get the bodies buried.

"Next is Ibor Thorn. I've interrogated Ibor, the man who discovered the bodies at the lumber mill, and I don't suspect the frightened man knows much more. But in his own panic he might have forgotten a more observant person might draw from talking to him again? I'd rather not bother him again, but I want to give you the benefit of a clean investigation instead of cutting off leads from you.

"Third is Ven Vinder. Yeah, he's my only suspect, but let's face it, I'm pretty sure that Ven is innocent and that the murders were committed by someone else.

"You need information the first murders. Three con men from the town of Galduria were found murdered in an abandoned barn south of town a few days ago—their bodyguard survived the assault but has gone insane and was sent to Habe’s Sanatorium—a privately run respite for the insane.

"Finally ..... hmmm, 'The Rune.' The star carved on one victim’s chest certainly has significance to the killer, but I'm at a loss as to what it means. Perhaps an expert on runes (such as local scholar Brodert Quink) can be consulted?"

He seems a little abashed. "And you're right, Alvor, you should be compensated ... as a group. Because we're trying to keep this quiet, I've gotten Mayor Deverin to agree to 500 gp to quietly siphoned from various town funds to pay your group if you successfully solve the murders. I'm sorry we can't do more, but that's still a lot of money, and any more and we have to take from funds that has more people looking at this investigation."