A group of new friends help one of their own try to track down his father's killer in Piper's Quay. On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by Randy M. at Roan Studios.
GURPS: Mysterious TidesSession 002
A Tale of Two Rogans
June 25, 2023Morning comes to Piper's Quay. A short, but intense squall hit the area a few hours before dawn, but that is nothing out of the ordinary. The sun is up now and shining bright despite considerable cloud cover. Bro Bob makes his way back toward town from his family's compound on the outskirts. Jens checks the Kittiwake to make sure there was no damage from the storm. Ragnar, who "camped" out behind some buildings at the edge of town, is wet and weary from non-ideal conditions the previous night. Jens Marko feeds Lady Margo and then heads into the Windbreak inn for breakfast and to see if anyone needs passage anywhere. Callast Nilas is back asleep at the Shrine to the Sea, having woke up in the pre-dawn hours to revel in the storm.
The Windbreak Inn is not very crowded when Jens arrives. Just a few sailors eating some breakfast and getting their day started with Enibria's Blessing. Bro Bob wanders around the small settlement looking for Ragnar. Ragnar Rocht drags himself back into town, headed to the Windbreak, looking wet and ragged. Ragnar is tired and wet from sleeping on the ground in the rain.
 |
| Maricia Creag |
Jens Marko asks Maricia if she knows of anyone needing a ride. He also asks her if she knows a kid named Liam. Maricia Creag answers, "Good morning, Cap'n Jens. Nobody lookin for a ride at the moment, and yea, I do know Liam. He's a local diver, crabs, oysters, and such. Good kid. Always smilin."
Jens Marko smiles, encouraged. "Any idea where I could find him this morning?"
Bro Bob sees Ragnar as the two converge upon the Windbreak Inn. The smell of fish and meat cooking is strong in the air, as is the smell of salt and more fish. Ragnar Rocht nods, saying, "Brother Bob, well met."
Brother Robert D'Nagien replies, "You too. Did you sleep out last night? If you didn't have coin for a room you should have come out to the point. We know you, you'd have had a place by the fire."
Ragnar Rocht nods in gratitude. "Aye, that would have been a welcome change. Let's head in and see what the day holds. I found nothing in my search so am at a loss."
Brother Robert D'Nagien nods in sympathy. “I was hoping the family might know something " and shrugs, shaking his head
Brother Robert D'Nagien enters the tap room and looks around. Seeing Jens and Nilas he waves and makes his way over to their table. Ragnar Rocht follows Brother Bob to the table and nods greetings to all.
Callast Nilas was up early in the day, enjoyed the storm and Calla's kiss. Then spent some time cleaning up the shrine, but making sure not to discard of anything that could possibly be useful or of value. He stacks up the discarded bottles from old Callast Zale. Callast Nilas:Once his morning chores are settled, Nilas makes his way to the Windbreak in for some morning fare. Callast Nilas is slightly relieved that Mattie did not show up at the shrine. Most likely she slept off her intoxication. Callast Nilas walks into the Windbreak. He sees Jens Marko with his two other associates, and decides to sit and join them.
With everyone present, Maricia serves up warm bowls of fish chowder and asks everyone what they want to drink? "I've got Spruce Beer, Gallowale, Northern Stout, Windfall Cider, and of course some of the stronger stuff as well, but it is a bit early,"
"Good morning everyone." Looking at Maricia, Nilas asks for a warm cider to start the day off with.
Maricia continues, "Dogberry Wine, Ruby Wine, or Ice Wine, oh and we just got in a cask of Fiddler's Port and a few bottles of Caracian Brandy, fresh from the South!" Looking closer at Nilas, “Ahh, Callast, I do have a few bottles of SkulPin Rum. That's what Callast Zale tends to drink,” she adds.
Jens Marko nods. "A cider sounds good to me, too. 'morning to you, Callast."
Callast Nilas replies, "I don't drink near as much as Callast Zale, it seems"
Maricia Creag shrugs and heads off to pour some warm cider.
Callast Nilas looks around at the group. "How is everyone this brisk morning? Calla blessed us with a kiss today"
Ragnar Rocht wipes some water off his neck and says wryly, "I think I've had enough water for a while. Slept out and had no luck finding any clues to the murders."
Callast Nilas:"Sorry to hear that Ragnar. Perhaps we can start looking around for some clues to help you. I can ask my new friend if she knows anything. Though she did tell us of a tale involving a local named Liam and some story of sunken treasure"
When Maricia returns with the cider, she overhears Ragnar talking. "Murder? Are you talking about poor Rogan? So tragic, and a bit scary, too!"
Brother Robert D'Nagien replies in his quiet voice, "Well. Spent half the night catching up on things."
Ragnar nods. "Aye" he says to Maricia, "tragic indeed but hopefully soon avenged." To Callast Nilas he says, "Thank you, Callast Nilas, anything at this point would be a welcome help."
"Ahh, you plan on revenge, do you? Did you know good Rogan?" she asks.
Ragnar Rocht looks down. "He was my Da."
Maricia gives Ragnar a strange look. "How's that? Your Da? And I'm yer Ma. What are you getting at? He couldn't even a been as old as you."
Callast Nilas looks at Brother Bob. "We haven't really met formally, but you and Ragnar are both locals to this area?"
Brother Robert D'Nagien looks at Nilas, "To the area, yes, though neither of us are exactly townfolk."
Maricia looks at Bro Bob, "Ahh, yea, I thought you looked familiar, yer one ah them D'Nagiens, aint ya, live out past the breakwater point. Yer different than the rest o'em, but I see the look."
Ragnar Rocht looks at Maricia strangely. "Just how old do ye think he was? He'd seen nearly 44 years."
Brother Robert D'Nagien furrows his brow and asks, "The Old Bear?? Younger????" Then looks at Ragnar in confusion.
Maricia shakes her head back and forth, "More'n forty years? No way. The lad could barely grow what most folks would call a beard. He weren't that old a'tall. 24, 25 tops. I seen him near every day for the last few years since he and his pretty little bride Eleacia moved here from up Mid Bay a ways."
The dark haired Sea Elf innkeeper seems genuinely perplexed. She sits down and takes the beer she had put in front of Ragnar and drinks it. "What're you all goin on about? Trying to drop a barrel over my head?"
Callast Nilas mutters, "sounds like you both are talking about two totally different people"
Ragnar Rocht nods, "Yes, I think maybe we are."
Ragnar Rocht shrugs. "I don't know what to tell ya. Known my Da all my life."
Callast Nilas looks at Ragnar..."I don't think that she is going to be much help on this matter"
"Im talking about Rogan Naaj, turned up dead about a week ago. Murdered in his home while his wife was out at the market." she says
Callast Nilas sputters in his cider, "wait......"
Ragnar Rocht looks up with comprehension dawning.
Callast Nilas:"Two, Rogans? Both dead?"
Brother Robert D'Nagien nods, "certainly sounds that way. Nobody could think his Pa a youngin'"
Maricia looks as if she’s puzzling things out. "You saying yer Da, also named Rogan, was murdered as well..." she asks, her pale face turns a slight shade paler.
Ragnar shakes his head. "Yes, he is. Didna know there was another Rogan around abouts. Maybe one was killed on accident. A week ago, you say?"
Jens mumbles something about the odds and the friar starts at something, glances about quickly and clears his throat, nodding, "None or all "
Callast Nilas considers, 'This is clearly unusual. Worth looking into. Could be a clue to finding revenge for our friend, or just a coincidence"
Maricia elaborates a bit, "Yea, poor Eleacia comes home from the market, she's a seamstress and was out buying cloth and such, Rogan is a, well, was, a cooper, barrel maker, he was home and alive when she left, but murdered when she returned. The house was in shambles. Stuff like that don't typically happen in Piper's Quay. But yea, about a week or so ago." she nods.
Ragnar nods. "Aye. So, Maricia, any idea where we could find Eleacia? I'd like to ask her some questions, see if anything lines up."
"Well, I assume she's at home, they had a little cottage up on the ridge, out past Santha's Wares. She was in pretty poor condition, though, last I saw her. Be gentle with the poor girl," Maricia pleads.
Jens Marko looks nervous. "You don't think his ghost is gonna haunt the place, do you?"
Callast Nilas ponders, "Perhaps we can start there once we are all settled. Maybe get some extra food to bring to her." He looks at Jens, "I'd doubt that, but I can say a blessing over her home and help set her and his spirit at ease"
Jens Marko smiles weakly. "I'd appreciate that, brother. Just as a precaution."
Brother Robert D'Nagien raises an eyebrow at the captain, but says nothing
"Well, hey, if yer gonna go up there, I can prepare some food for the girl. I know what it is to lose loved ones, as we all do," Maricia says, looking around the table, "take her something for me, please?"
Callast Nilas speaks, "Well I have time to spare for now. Callast Zale is out fishing for at least a week. I did tell Ragnar that I would help him. Perhaps after that we can track down this Liam fella and see what his story is"
Ragnar smiles, "Aye, we'd be glad to, and thank ye for letting us know about the other Rogan. I'm starting to get hopeful again."
Jens Marko nods. "That's mighty good of you, Maricia. We'll be happy to deliver it.” Maricia goes and prepares some food for the young widow, Elecia Naaj.
Callast Nilas wonders, "We will have to see if there are any other 'Rogans' in town. There must be something going on about this. Both events sound very similar"
"Okay," Bob starts softly, "Any idea how to locate any other Rogans in the region?. Hopefully very quickly." Brother Robert D'Nagien chuckles and pinches Nilas' arm with a lopsided grin and blurts out, "Pinch, Sneer, ya owe me a beer!"
Callast Nilas looks at Bob. "Owe you a beer now? You are getting as bad as Mattie. Fine." Nilas chuckles a bit.
Ragnar adds, "I'd not have thought there'd be two, let alone three or more."
Jens Marko says "Well, it's not a big place. Just askin' around could find any if there are some."
Brother Robert D'Nagien looks at Ragnar, "Well, there's Crazy Joe, lives out under the peer, but I heard someone killed him long ago to shut him up"
"But that was his last name," Bob adds as an afterthought
Ragnar asks, not following, "Crazy Joe might have a connection?"
Callast Nilas takes the lead, "We should start asking around, probably best starting with the the widow, Eleacia”
Maricia says, "I don't know of any other Rogans in the area, and Crazy Joe has been dead a LONG time, or at least no one’s paid him any serious mind for many years."
Brother Robert D'Nagien nods, "Cancelled with extreme prejudice they say"
Ragnar proclaims, "Eleacia it is, then."
Callast Nilas:"Right, let's go, shall we?"
Brother Robert D'Nagien stands up with a slight shrug, "Finishing breakfast can wait I suppose," he says with just a slight hint of reluctance, before saying to Maricia, "We'll be back" Maricia gives Ragnar the platter of food and points out the door to where Eleacia lives. Ragnar nods and leaves, headed out. The muddy streets of Piper's Quay are slick and slippery due to the morning rain. The group makes quite a mess of themselves by the time they reach the small cottage of Eleacia Naaj.
Callast Nilasasks, "Anyone want to take the lead on this?"
As we stand outside looking at each other, Bob shrugs and looks at Ragnar, "You have the grub" Ragnar Rocht steps up and knocks on the door. After a moment, a pretty young girl opens the door. She looks out, her eyes widen at the sight of four strangers.
 |
| Eleacia Naaj |
"Yaa, who are you? What do you want?" she says. Eleacia does not look familiar to anyone. Maricia mentioned that she and her husband moved to Piper's Quay several years ago from somewhere in the Middle Bay.
Ragnar bows politely. "I'm Ragnar, Ragnar Rocht. My Da was Rogan. He was ... he was killed a few days ago, in our cabin in the back country. I came to town following whoever did it but can't find anything. Then I heard about your plight. I don't mean to intrude, but maybe you could help me find whoever did this."
Eleacia starts to sniffle a bit, her eyes water up. "What? Rogan?" She seems a bit upset and confused.
Ragnar smiles sadly. "Aye, sorry, I was confused at first too. I mentioned my Da being killed and someone said he was too young to be my Da. Same first name. We were thinking that maybe whoever killed him was looking for something and only had Rogan as a name."
The widow shakes her head, "I don't know what you want from me." she says as she starts crying.
Ragnar says, "I'm sorry, I'm just looking for any information you might have. Can ye tell me what happened to yer man? Anything might help." She is completely sobbing now and closes the door on Ragnar. Ragnar Rocht stands there, staring at the door
Callast Nilas walks to the door and knocks on it and speaks up. "My dear. We are sorry for your loss. I am here to offer Calla’s blessings upon you and offer you some help"
Ragnar Rocht steps back, giving room, looking a bit lost. Jens backs off from in front of the door. “Maybe she just needs some space. Four strangers on her doorstep can be a bit much.” He looks around the area while he gives Nilas some room to work.
Callast Nilas pleads, "Please dear, speak with me"
Jens sees a man approaching from the next house over. Several large dogs are trailing him.
The door opens a bit and the distraught woman peers out. "Are you a Callast?" she asks.
Callast Nilas answers softly, "Indeed my dear, I am Callast NIlas, I was sent here by Calla's will to comfort you at this time" She opens the door all the way. "Thank you," she says, wiping her eyes.
The approaching man stops about 20 yards away when he sees Eleacia open her door again. Jens makes his way to intercept the neighbor. "Mornin to you, sir!"
The man looks at Jens and the others and grunts. He calls out to the girl, "You ok there, Ele'?"
Callast Nilas continues, "My dear sad lass, please let us come in and speak with you a moment and see how we can help"
She wipes her eyes again and calls back to the approaching neighbor, "Thank you Gaberend, yes, the Callast and his, um friends, here were just coming to pay respects."
 |
| Old Gaberend |
Jens nods to the neighbor, waiting for the girl to let him know she wasn't being bothered. The old man grumbles and heads on past, maybe in the direction of the docks, or possibly the Windbreak. Jens hears him mumble something bout "Callast" and "my ass."
Callast Nilas enters the woman's home and motions for the others to join him. She quickly clears some chairs and stools, mostly covered with clothing, cloth, and spools of thread. She takes the platter of food from Ragnar with a bit of a glare.
Callast Nilas goes on, "my lady, Ele' is it? We heard about Rogan's passing and wanted to make sure that you are okay. My friends have a gift for you"
"It's Eleacia, thank you." she says as she sits. "Do you make it a habit to harass grieving widows? I am most certainly not ok. My husband was murdered by people unknown. I have been quite ‘not ok’ for some time."
Callast Nilas tries to console the poor woman, "I have no doubt that by Calla's will, we were guided to see you. Would you mind sharing your story with us of what happened? My friend Ragnar here is a bit rough around the edges, he just recently lost his father, murdered as well and we are helping him find answers"
She tells her story, “I, I went out to market to retrieve some cloth and thread. When I returned, he was, he was, dead. Right there," she says, pointing toward the doorway to a back room, probably a bedroom. She raises her eyebrow at Ragnar, then softens and reaches for his hand. "I am sorry for your loss. I truly am. And I am sorry I snapped at you. This has been a trying time." A dark stain can be seen on the floor. It looks to have been scrubbed thoroughly but the stain remains.
Callast Nilas asks, "Were you injured at all my lady?"
"Just here," she says, putting her hand on her chest. Ragnar Rocht gives her a sympathetic smile and nods, wisely keeping silent
Callast Nilas nods and goes a bit further, "If you don't mind, we would like to look around a little, to see if we can find any clues. Did you happen to notice or find anything unusual? We want to find the people who did this and stop them from doing it again" The young Callast pauses for a moment, then, "What really concerns us is that both your husband and my friend's father share the same name"
She nods eagerly, "I, well, the house was trashed. All the cabinets pulled down, drawers open, chests turned over. I found most stuff damaged or broken, but nothing seemed to be missing. I will be honest, though, I did not look around too much, I was too distraught. The neighbors, Mrs. Garberend and her daughters, and some others, they came and did most of the cleaning up. I was quite the mess at the time, you understand. But no one shared anything of the sort with me. Laird Sinann's son, Taber, he came with some of the men, and they looked around, but I haven't heard back about anything. He told me he would let me know if they figured anything out. He hasn’t shared anything with me at all.” Her head drops, her eyes close.
Callast Nilas quiets and comforts her again, "Again, we are so sorry for your loss. Perhaps we can look around a bit to try to find any clues that someone may have missed? We intend to find those responsible and bring Calla's justice upon them" Nilas says that last part with a slight bit of anger in his tone
She nods, sniffling still. "May I step out while you do so? I am not sure I can handle this." She looks longingly toward the window.
Nilas changes his tone again. Then takes Eleacia's hands in his own. “My dear, let us step aside first and say a prayer and a blessing over you and your home" Outside the window, the weather is breezy and cool. A beautiful spring day, if not for the scattered cloud cover. Callast Nilas speaks with Eleacia. He chants and asks for Calla's Blessings for her. "Goddess of the Seas and Storms, this faithful woman before me has lost much and needs your warmth and guidance right now. Please give her a sign that you are with her in spirit and will watch over her as you do over the seas of this land." Callast Nilas casts Warmth upon the woman. She shivers a moment in the cool wind, then hugs herself and smiles as Nilas' spell warms her.
Callast Nilas smiles as his prayer worked. Nilas takes that as a sign, and hopes that he brought at least a little bit of comfort to this woman, especially as his friends help search for clues. Callast Nilas will walk with the woman, keeping her comforted and distracted. Let her tell her story a bit more. During conversation, Nilas will bring up "Rogan, is that a common name in these parts? I have not heard of one from the town I am from" and...."Do you happen to know of any others that may share that name?"
She tells him that she's heard it before, though not known anyone of that name until she met her husband.
Callast Nilas asks, "Can you think of any reason that someone would be looking for your husband, or anything that they may have been looking for?"
Callast Nilas and Eleacia walk around for a bit, talking and enjoying the weather. Callast Nilas continues to try to make the woman comfortable. Engages in her life with Rogan and trying to set her at ease, knowing that his spirit is now with Calla. Callast Nilas will also share his story with Eleacia, hoping that helps ease her as well. And how he found faith in Calla and a new path in life
Meanwhile, Jens Marko heads over to the neighbors to ask a few questions. He thinks that with the old man and his dogs gone, he has a chance to talk to the missus more easily.
Jens Marko calls out as he approaches. "Hello, the house! Anyone home?" then sees an older woman and two younger women working near the house. They are cleaning and packaging fish in barrels. Jens says "Morning ma'am, ladies. I was wonderin' if you could answer a few questions for me. Don't mean to be a bother."
Several small children are running around playing. They stop and look at Jens as he approaches, then they disappear around the other side of the house. The old woman stands and waves. "Aye, stranger. I be home. Too late for that, it seems," she says, looking around at the work she has to do. The other two women quickly get back to work.
 |
| Gelda Gaberend |
Jens Marko tips a non-existent cap. "Much obliged. It's about the sad business over at your neighbor's. Didja happen to see any strangers around before it happened. Men poking about? Anything odd that might have set off yer dogs? We're helping a friend out might be in similar straits."
"Naa, didn't see no strangers, just heard her wailing. We was out working that morning, but didn't see nobody," she says. "Them damn dogs were off with Old Garberend at the docks, he takes em out on the boat with 'em most of the time. They always be tryin to eat the fish while we're cleaning em. Damn dogs." she spits on the ground. "I don't ken to strangers too much, aint worth the time, unless they wants to buy a barrel of fish. You wanna buy a barrel of fish?" she asks, chuckling.
Jens thinks. "I catch my own fish, ma'am. I'm captain of the Kittiwake. But I was thinking maybe you saw some folks in the days BEFORE the tragedy. Might have even stopped by here, bought a barrel of fish from you?"
"Sorry, there, Captain, can't help ya. I just hope you and your friends are not harassing poor little Ele' over there. Be a shame to call in Laird Sinann and have ye run out of town. Good day." She turns abruptly back to her fish cleaning, grunts at the two younger women and they, too, get back to their fish cleaning duties that had slacked as they listened in on Jens' conversation.
Jens sighs and turns back, making his way back to the rest of the group.
While Nilas is walking outside with Eleacia, Ragnar and Bro Bob remain in the cottage. Ragnar starts to look around after the widow leaves, searching for clues. With a shrug, Bro' Bob stands up and begins looking around, scratching his head, unsure of just what he's looking for and hoping he'll know it if he sees it.
Ragnar and Bob search around the cottage. It is small and quaint. kitchen and eating area. a small bedroom. small storage room behind the bedroom. Most of the free space inside is taken up by sewing materials. Out back there is an attached shed that contains barrel making tools and supplies. Bro Bob notices in the barrel shop that most of the barrels Rogan had been making are clearly fish and food storage barrels, though a couple are made differently. Barrels for aging and holding liquor. In the shed out back, Bob finds something very peculiar wedged between some stacks of wood. He carefully tries to dislodge and extract it.
Bro Bob manages to fish out a peculiar metal coin, about 2" across and made from some reddish metal. It is intricately carved and has a sparkling red gemstone in the middle. He shows it to Ragnar who has never seen anything like it before. The back has the same border around it, but is mostly flat with strange symbols and inscriptions on it. It is no language that Bro Bob or Ragnar have ever seen. It is worn but well cared for and clearly has not been here very long.
 |
| strange token |
Bob examines it while thinking out loud, "It's not money - the eagle's more like a crest - wellborn family, military, maybe a very wealthy and influential guild. . . I think the original owner belonged to something, but I have no idea what."
Brother Robert D'Nagien looks around carefully to see if there are any signs that the shed had been searched and rearranged by the neighbors afterward. "I have a feeling they didn't know there was a shed out back, and were in a hurry. I don't know if this is what they were looking for, though I would guess it is, but if not I'm sure they would have kept it anyway."
Brother Robert D'Nagien says to Ragnaar, "I'm going to look for the others and see if either of them have any ideas before showing it to the widow." He tucks it into a pocket of his harness and circles around the house to the front
Nothing else of interest is found in the cottage or shed. Jens returns to join his companions. After a short while, Nilas returns with Eleacia. On their walk, she listened attentively, but did not share much more. She knew of no enemies of her husband. He worked locally, making barrels for all the fishermen. After that, she gets quiet and her eyes tear up some more. Nilas, recognizing her grief, does not press her. Callast Nilas will maintain the warmth spell for another hour after they all leave
Everyone is back together at the front of the house. Eleacia once again thanks the group for their thoughtfulness and wishes them the best in finding out something.
Bro Bob asks her, "Ma'am, did the killers ransack the shed too? It looks more like they didn't know it was there"
"Oh no, I believe the shed was in disarray as well. The neighbors tried to put it back in its normal state. Rogan was out working in the shed the morning I left for the market,” she explains. "He usually worked in the morning hours of the day. We liked to take walks along the coast in the evening. The sunset casts wonderful shadows across the bay.
Brother Robert D'Nagien smiles at that, "Yes, it does. I used to watch it often growing up." She smiles at Bro Bob but says nothing. He then pulls out the strange coin and shows it to everyone, saying, "I guess they weren't very good at it, or maybe just in too big of a hurry. Anybody have any idea what this signifies?"
Callast Nilas looks at the object Brother Bob produces and tries to identify it, but has never seen anything like it before. In fact, no one has seen anything like it, though it does not look like currency, more like a token or symbol. Some guilds and groups may carry tokens like this for identification. "Sorry my friends, I am as clueless as the rest of you about this token,” he offers.
Jens Marko shrugs. "Not I."
Bob asks, "Was your husband ever in the military, or a member of a guild or the like?"
She looks at the coin, "I have never seen that before, did you find that here? In my home?" She seems truly surprised. "No, never. At least not that I know of. He is a barrel maker. Learned from his father in Grebeschyr, where we're from." she explains.
Brother Robert D'Nagien nods, "Back in the shop, wedged in amongst some wood. I don't know if this is what they were looking for, but they trashed Ragnar's house, too. Right now it's the only thing I can think of to go on."
"In the shop? That is strange. It looks valuable, more than just a coin. I never knew Rogan to keep such items. If it was valuable, I would think he would keep it in the house. I am sorry, I cannot help you with that." she shrugs.
Callast Nilas proffers, "Perhaps the value is more in the item and what it represents, more so than what it actually is made of"
Brother Robert D'Nagien nods, "Hmmm, I suppose it's also possible that it was left there deliberately to be found by someone coming later. . ."
Jens Marko says "Grebeschyr? I think I know this place. We could go there and ask our questions."
"Yes, our hometown, in the Middle Bay. You think something from back home might be involved?" she asks.
Brother Robert D'Nagien asks, "Is it alright if we hang onto this for now?"
"Please, like I said, it is not mine." she says.
Bro Bob nods and tucks it back into his harness
Eleacia bids everyone goodbye and goes back into her house. As the group is leaving, they hear a low whistle coming from some nearby buildings. Looking over, Jens notices one of the younger women from the neighbors house. She is hiding near the corner of the building and waving the group over.
"Hello, hello, I am Ingmar, you talked to m' Ma a bit ago. You're Jens, right?" she says to Jens.
 |
| Ingmar |
Jens Marko nods, "That I am. Captain of the Kittiwake. And you are?" He stammers. "Er, uh, I mean, nice to meet you, Ingmar. You have something you want to share with usw?"
"Im Ingmar. You are lookin into Rogan's murder? My Ma wasn't too helpful to you, sorry bout that. But me and my sister, Gadi, we were listenin to ya talk. An’ we did see some strangers that morning.”
Jens Marko says "Please, go on. What did they look like? Anything can help."
"Course, there are frequent strangers in the Quay, important spot on trade routes an’ all, right? But usually those strangers keep down to the docks, the market, the Windbreak, ya know. They're not usually up here in this part of town. Santha's is about as far as they go.
Brother Robert D'Nagien nods in agreement.
"We saw a couple of fellas early that morning. We were out tending the stock, we keep some pigs, goats and chickens. Saw a couple fellas moving toward town from the highlands, up there." She turns and points to a wooded area on a rise beyond the town.
Jens Marko smiles in encouragement. "That is useful, Ingmar." He looks at Ragnar. "Maybe we can go up there, take a look around?"
"Didn't think too much of it at the time, really, got uplanders and hunters, and loggers and such comin and going a lot. But these fellas were dressed in all black. Really kinda made em stand out on the plain in the early morning light. Not dressed like you," she says, nodding toward Ragnar, who is dressed in greens and earth tones. "Black don't seem like much of a hunters colors, do it? We probably should go tell someone. The Laird or one of his men, but Ma don't want us getting involved in nothing like that. She looks tough, but that business scared her. With Da spending all his time down at the Docks and the Windbreak. Rosh and Jackard are always out on the boat, we got no one to protect us at home," she looks around worried.
Jens Marko says "You did the right thing, telling us. You're a good neighbor to Eleacia. It's right that folks look out for each other." He thinks, "Maybe you could have one’athem dogs stay home with you? Might discourage trouble. And keep the fairies away."
Callast Nilas interjects, "Did the men have any other markings or heraldry upon them?"
Brother Robert D'Nagien murmurs a reply, "I'll bet a pretty coin they didn't. . .”
Ingmar continues, "Yea, maybe, the pigs'er better watch dogs than them damn dogs. They just eat and scratch fleas." she laughs. "No, we didn't see 'em up close, and let's be clear, I can't be sure they went to, you know, went to do 'that', but they did stick out. Just wearing all black. They may have been carrying weapons, but can't be sure. They was too far away, and, hey, nothing wrong with carrying a weapon. Many of the folk round here do. An’ as for Fairies, we got some stuff that keeps ‘em away. Cook up some stuff, keep it in a spare iron pot near the door, or up in the rafter of the porch. Gotta change it out every couple days, but seems to keep em out. Mix up some wildflowers with some larch bark shavings and old fish scale, boil it, then everyone in the house gotta spit in't. That keeps them buggers out!" she smiles.
Jens Marko nods slowly. "I haven't tried that yet. Mostly my cat keeps 'em away. But you can't be too careful, can you?"
"Ahh, ya, cat's are good for fairies, as long as there aint too many of em. A handful of fairies can up and carry a cat off, ya know. They'll drop em in the drink, given the chance!" she grimaces.
"But I gotta get back, Ma be wonderin where I got off to, see ya around, Jens, nice ta meet the rest o'ya." she says with a little wink. She turns and goes. Jens can't help but to stare and appreciate her walkin away.
Callast Nilas says, "Well my friends, it looks like we have some clues. We should double back to the docks and check on Liam's story just in the event that these are all linked by some chance"
Brother Robert D'Nagien wonders aloud, "I wonder what Rogan Naaj's full background was."
Ragnar says, "That would be interesting if there was more involved in this. Who is this Liam? and as for this new Rogan, maybe someone else in town knows more about him.”
Callast Nilas answers, "Liam is a local diver, who apparently discovered a sunken treasure." Ragnar nods at Nilas answer.
Brother Robert D'Nagien asks Jens, "How long do you think it would take to sail to Grebeschyr? I think we might get some answers there, and I want to check at the abbey to see if anyone can tell us what that token means"
Jens is not as familiar with the Middle Bay but estimates that it's probably some 50 miles away and would take 2-3 days depending on the wind and weather. Jens Marko nods. "Maybe less if the winds are good."
Callast Nilas smiles, "I may be able to assist with that!” then goes back to the plan, nodding. "I agree with Brother Bob. Our best bet is to see if we can find where these guys went in town, Get to the Abbey, and also follow up on leads there"
Brother Robert D'Nagien nods thoughtfully, "So we can expect round trip, with time spent there to be a good week, maybe week and a half"
Callast Nilas reiterates, "Again, I would like to see if we can track down Liam, and see if this is in any way connected."
Ragnar nods, happy that he feels he is making some progress in avenging his father.
Brother Robert D'Nagien shrugs, "Well, we might as well look into this Liam, but I think we'll need to make a decision between salvage and sailing"
Session Notes
A fantastic second session. The crew continues to search for clues around Piper's Quay. Gotta be one of the first times I have started a new campaign WITHOUT a fight.... and to have gotten through the 2nd live session with no combat as well! Going for a record or some sorts!Cast of Characters:
Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin KCallast Nilas Orkan, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B
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