First Adventure 08: Adventure's End

Listening to the former mayor's peculiar story, Ashakel looked to the barmaid and gestured that they wanted another round.

Zeiss understood what was happening. Zigund had been forced to be disliked by his own people. It must have been done for a political or an economical reason. Or simply put : power. The power to do something. Zeiss wasn't interesting in helping people. But if he could gain power in doing so...

Some people were going againts the system to gain power. He had learned enough on his own. Maybe it was time for him to go againts the sytem he was part of.

The Banderling laughed mirthlessly. "How did I approach him? What an odd question. I had my people keeping track of any adventurers who were roaming through town. One of them told me Harkun was passing through, I invited him in, and offered him to take on the local Guardian position. No fuss, no hassle."

He turns to look at the Sclavi. "I do not recall much, if anything. He was very plain looking, standard clay-green skin, no facial hair, bald." He sips his drink. "The only speculation I have is the obvious one I'm afraid. You see, I know you down in the Empire don't think like we do, but we Naverrans prefer our leaders to be accessible, sociable. When a leader is not, no matter how well they do, they will eventually be replaced. That is the nature of our mindset, and how our system works. So clearly they wanted to replace me... but..." he frowns. "I do not know why or how. I have no enemies of note, and it would have been far easier to simply make me disappear. It seems like needless effort for so little gain."

"Yes, that was along the lines of my thinking as well. Your system is still strange, but I won't question it in these lands. There are much easier ways to replace a mayor, even in our system. This stinks of an underhanded political move, and with the threat of war so close, no one is safe. I know not who is carrying this out, although I do have my suspicions." he looks in to his cup for a moment.

"Now, there is the question of yourself. I said I could help you, although first I must ask: what do you intend to do now? To be completely honest, I am expecting to find you dead very soon. It seems to be the preferred method to tie up loose ends at the moment."

Spoiler:

"Actually, the fact that your people gave Harkun to you is perfect for whoever wants to manipulate you. This whoever must be... Very mindful indeed. And it's perfect because no information of how Harkun came about here would be known to a single individual..." Says the wolf.

"I'm afraid we're dealing with things greater than what I've initially imagined... Call me paranoid. And of course, having you replaced rather than killed would had been beneficial."

"Two deaths would look bad. And raises too many questions."

The Mayor just grinned faintly. "I had always planned on leaving the town. Any chance of a career here is gone, but there are other towns. Maybe I could get a position as an adjutant or a clerk at that new town to the north in the Zaikhal state."

"These... People... What are they after? Killing the Gnolls? What's the gain in that? Or do they simply want power here? But how would the Gnolls threaten that?" Says Raver to himself.

"If we want to get to the botton of this, we need to know who found Harkun. Who approached you to him?"

Zigund looks at the Lycanthrope with slight annoyance. "One of my clerks is the one who told me an adventurer was in town. I don't remember his name and I do not care. Now, if you will excuse me," he stands. "I need to empty my--Hotawa's office, and get packed."

"Well, perhaps I can assist you in continuing your career then. If you'd prefer, I can stand watch for you while you remain in this town. If I'm correct, we may be able to speed you on your way without incident and help solve what is transpiring in this place at the same time."

He stands up to leave with Zigund.

Zigund gives a half shrug. "If you wish to I will not dissuade you, but I would rather you not come with me to my office. There is enough suspicion upon you AND me both at this moment."

Raver became irritated. Perhaps interrogating on and on would be of no use. These people are more than just professionals. They will have thought through everything. But where else would he go? He seriously needs more leads and he is not seeing any of them.

"Can you give us something that would link us to your clerks? How many of them do you have?" He asked, paused a bit to examine himself. "I know I seem... Crazy. My theories very usually are, it's a bad habit. But... Just indulge a poor minded wolf." He smiles awkwardly.

Meanwhile

while Tab was on his way to the mayors office Higaide point over to the left that Hotawa was at his stall and so to save a trip they changed direction and when over to him

Whis Kor chuckles and says, "Believe me, there's little I can do to arouse any more suspicion on myself. If you truly will not permit me to escort you I will not, but until then..." he hoists his shield up on his shoulder and takes up a casual escort position.

Zeiss knows what he has to do. He should have known years ago. And he needed to gain power to achieve his goal.

"I'm going to see the others."

This group of adventurers he was working with could help him in his endeavour. He decides it is best to follow them and learn from them.

Spoiler:

As the former Mayor was leaving, Ashakel spoke quietly to the Sclavi: "Should we follow him? You said you think he's in danger."

Zigund Group:
The Banderling raises his eyebrows at you. "Well, at the moment I have none... but I do not have records on hand to determine who was working for me when, the positions change rather rapidly by design. It's how people start their own political careers, after all."

Hotawa Group:
Hotawa is currently at his stall as usual, with what has to be thirty people around him which he is patiently making time for. He is moving through the 'line' with a decent pace, all things considered, and still selling dates and figs on the side.

Whis Kor motions to Raver to follow him, "Are you coming?"

Raver spoke softly to the Banderling as he leaves. "I understand. Of course it's impossible to track them."

"That would had been too easy."

"Are you coming?"

"Yes." He says coldly. A passion is brewing.

Zigund Group:
The ex Mayor returns to 'his' office without incident to find it currently filled with Tol'tarn's people in the process of packing up things and gathering paperwork. The Orc boy is gone, and Zigund just sighs faintly as he enters the door to his office, and begins grabbing a few sentimental items.

Whis Kor looks around and helps him pack a few unimportant things, making small talk about his sentimental items as he does so.

Spoiler:

Raver looks around. Curious if he could detect anything out of the ordinary at all, even though he feels that it definately won't really do any good.

Spoiler:

Zigund group:
Zigund finishes packing his personal items and sighs before leaving the office without looking back. He heads back to his house and pauses at the door. "I do appreciate your concern but really at the moment I'd just like some time alone with a hot meal," he says diplomatically. "I'll be leaving town sometime next week," he adds, "I'm not in a huge rush. I have enough gold saved up to live for several months without if I need to."

at Hotawa's Stall

Tab joins the crowd and waits for a talk with Hotawa

From the pace at which the people in line were moving, it seemed like getting a chance to speak with the new mayor would come along faster than with Zigund. Rory waited patiently with the others in line.