Episode 11 - "Person of Interest" - 8.14.22
After a tense walk back to the tavern, the adventurers discuss their next steps in dealing with the Governor's accusations against Furret. After peer pressure, Furret admits to his guilt and asks for the group's help in reducing the potential consequences of his upcoming trial. After agreeing that the Halfling will no longer hide his actions, they decide to investigate to answer, first, what to expect at tomorrow's trial; second, how to best defend Furret's character; and third, where the missing prisoner might have gone. The party decides to split into two groups. Drift and Talik plan to talk to Merchants in the Marketplace while Furret, Dorugul, and Rowan visit the Citadel to speak to Sgt. Rock Brodan and look for clues in the cellblock. Riggie, still feeling uneasy about his earlier experience seeing a Luskan diamond in Nighthill's office, recuses himself to his tavern room for the day. Drift and Talik discover by speaking to both the local blacksmith and old peddler merchant that Alisander Yeoman of Al's Alchemy recently experienced a theft from his home which also serves as his shop. From Yeoman, they learn that he witnessed a man in his shop before several potions and other personal items were stolen earlier this month. Yeoman shares that Hortence Tibaut, a local noble person who often volunteers for leadership positions in town, also experienced a recent home-invasion. Arriving at a large mansion at the top the northern-most road in town, the Aarakocra and Air Genasi gain more insight into the thefts and Greenest legal process. They also learn that Hortence Tibaut often serves on the local jury and often works with Nighthill on local projects. Before returning to the tavern to meet up with the others, the two decide to visit Nighthill to ask more questions about the prisoner. They discover that his office is empty but locked, and Talik manages to break the lock and sneak them both inside before the Town Hall guards spot their intrusion. Inside, they discover a large pile of money, small black bag with fine red dust, magical diary, and an accounting document showing goods received and money collected from investors, including Yeoman, Tibaut, and Escobert. The pair grab the book, document, and 600 gp before escaping out the second-story window. Talik attempts to carry Drift with his talons while taking flight but the weight is too much and both fall noisily to the ground, catching the attention of local youths but only taking minor damage. Meanwhile, Rowan takes the opportunity of the walk to the Citadel to ask Dorugul questions about his faith. Dorugul shares that direct relationships with deities are rare but that each person must find their own way to their beliefs. Once at the Citadel, Furret, Dorugul, and Rowan seek out Sgt. Rock Brodan, asking for his escort through the keep as they look for clues to the prisoner's escape. Brodan initially leaves them unattended in Escobert's chambers while he locates the red-haired Dwarf. While Dorugul keeps watch at the chamber door, Rowan and Furret search to find a small empty black bag in the bathroom and an additional forty more empty black bags in a locked chest. Brodan soon returns with Escobert who responds to the trio's questions about his allergies and the prisoner's escape with clear gruff contempt. They follow Brodan to the cellblock where Furret discovers a tombstone carved in the wall of the prisoner's cell. Remembering the local temple had a cemetery, the trio leave through the Old Tunnel and head to the Temple of Chauntea. Hearing that Furret is remorseful for his crimes, Eadyan Falconmoon offers his assistance in finding others in town that might be willing to provide character references during the trial tomorrow. Dorugul and Furret head to the cemetery next door to begin their search while Rowan stays a moment longer to continue his questioning on the merits of faith with Falconmoon… |