Rise of The Runelords 1 - Burnt Offerings

"Glad you could join me" says Jack to the others. When they reach the sheriff Jack greets him with a nod. "'morning, sheriff. I was wondering if I could ask some questions."

'Steele,' he says as he picks up another piece of parchment. 'How can I help you?'

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"This may or may not have a connection to the goblin attack but we'll have to treat it as such. The murder case years ago, I understand you apprehended the perpetrator?"

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Hemlock frowns. 'Do you mean the Chopper?'

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"Yes, the Chopper. Does the name Pazuzu ring a bell? Think hard, this is of most importance." Jack says

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'Pazuzu?' He shakes his head. 'No, never heard of it.'

Shathys grits his teeth, biting back sharp words to the sheriff.

Mishka, picking up on the tension, emits a low, menacing growl.

Jack raises an eyebrow at Shathys then turns back to the sheriff.
"I know he made wood carvings, did he ever make ravens? Or did his carvings ever turn... weird?"

'Stoot carved plenty of birds, but I don't think a lot of them were ravens. And weird how?'

"Just... weird, eerie. You'd know if it was strange I suppose. Do you know where his last carving was?"

He shakes his head. 'Not a clue. We removed them all after we discovered Stoot's true nature, so you won't find any left.'

From behind you comes the sound of a faintly familiar voice. 'Ah, there you are! Excellent!' Aldern Foxglove, the young man you saved from the goblins, comes striding through the garrison doors, clad in red, green and gold hunting clothes of an expensive cut, and tall leather boots. He gives a flourishing bow to you all and plants a light kiss on the back of Shara's hand. 'Jack. Shathys. M'lady Shara. Before I return to my townhouse in Magnimar, I was hoping to go on a boar hunt in nearby Tickwood,' he says. 'And I would very much like to invite you along. You rescued me from certain goblining, and I know of no better way to repay you than introducing you to the pleasure of hunting wild beasts.' He runs a hand through his auburn hair, a hopeful smile on his handsome face. 'What say you?'

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"Depending on how busy my fellow travelers are, I can't think of anything more welcome than a good hunt" Shara says with a smile. She likes the young guy.

There is also nothing she would like more than something to distract her from the image of a little crying girl, haunting her every thought.

'Such spirit!' Aldern says. 'I'm sure you would make a fine huntress, m'lady! And what of you, my good sirs?' He turns to Shathys and Jack. 'What say you that we go and prove our mettle against a ferocious beasty?'

"It seems we won't get any answers here. So why not?"

Posting for Shathys:

Shathys shrugs and claps the man on the shoulder. "Good to see you in good health, it would be a pleasure to hunt with you."

Aldern claps his hands together in delight. 'Superb! Come come, friends, I have everything prepared!'

He leads you through town in a brisk stride, and eventually stops at a building with a sign above the door illustrating one of the greatest fears of goblin-kind: Being trampled underfoot by a horse. Its name is written in plain, bold letter beneath it. The Goblin Squash Stables. In a somewhat grisly display, over the entrance to the stable’s covered barn is a collection of goblin ears: preserved and nailed to three different rafters. If you look closely, you see that each bears the goblin’s name burned into the leathery flesh.

Within the stable, 7 horses have been saddled and prepared for travel, their reins held by three men clad in clothes of the same style as Aldern's, but considerably less expensive.

'Pick any horse you'd like,' he says as he lithely jumps into the saddle of a perfectly groomed stallion. 'And let us away!'

Spoiler:

Being a little sentimental Shara picks the most pathetic looking of the horses. A little overweight, ruffled mane and a sad look on it's face. She's used to being around animals, as they are the least mean creatures in Chelaxian, so she handles it quite gracefully.

She looks the horse in the eyes. "Aren't you a handsome one" she says, smiling. She blows a little air into the horse's nostrils, for it to get to know her.

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Jack chooses a pretty big black stallion, swinging himself up in the saddle somewhat elegantly.
having to travel between villages made him rather used to riding.
The horse neighs a bit at first but is soon under control.

Posting for Shathys:
Shathys takes a mare, softly patting her hide. Her white coat shining in the light, her.chest, Shathys notes, is wide, a good sign for a fit horse. Shathys walks around inspecting her hooves and teeth before pulling himself up on the saddle, the mare shifting slightly at the weight.
"Shall we go then?" Shathys asks.

You ride out of town, led by Aldern and followed by the three men that held the horses. He sets a comfortable trotting pace, sitting in the saddle with a straight back. He has the air of one who enjoys riding immensely.

He slows his mount until he's riding next to Shara. 'You handle that animal well, m'lady,' He remarks. 'Do you have much experience with horses?'

"He's a gentleman, i think that might be it" She smiles at Aldern. "I've had quite a lot of animal contact in my life though. The people of Chelaxian are not very friendly, but the animals are as great as in the rest of the world".

She strokes the horse's head. She has a dreamy look in her eyes, as if she is drifting away with a memory.

Aldern sighs. 'Ah, the high life in Magnimar allows me little time or opportunity to ride. It is a rare pleasure these days, especially with such charming company! Tell me Shara, what brought you to a life of slaying goblins and rescuing young men in distress?'

"I left Chelaxian a couple of years ago to move to Janderhoff. I figured i could learn a thing or two about patience and control from the dwarfs there. My guardian, Caridin, told me that the best way was time and experience. I just figured that adventurers see a lot of exciting things and learn stuff all the time, so that had to be the best way."

She shrugs, hoping he's not aware of her little white lie.

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"And you? What does this high life consist of?"