The Lure Of Highstone Lighthouse by B0X at Inkitt

The Lure of Highstone Lighthouse

News of your groups adventure has spread through the City of Cottonmouth thanks in no small part to tale and song recited by Jessica in every tavern, street corner, and wharfside market, as well as glowing praise from Abby the Apple Merchant, Merrill the Millman, and Mack the Milkman who all benefited from your victory over Carmen Cordell.

Many cat owners throughout the city now consider your group a team who can get the job done, so it was no wonder that when a stranger in town started looking for a team to assist him that he found his way to the door of 'All In a Days Work'.

The little bell dings on the door of your newly acquired shop, there standing in the doorway the group sees a traveler, from his dusty clothes, worn cloak, and well travelled boots you can tell he isn't from Cottonmouth, and his demeanor and equipment suggests a ranger who has spent a lot of time on the road, but not your average ranger of the forest. Old parchments can be seen sticking out of his travel bag, and he carries some curious tools on his belt.

He greets you warmly as he enters.

Dr Abraham Frog

"Hello friends, My name is Dr Abraham Frog, I hope I'm in the right place.... a lovely lady with a big orange tabby told me that you were a group who knew how to get a job done.... was she right?"

Jessica

"Hello @Dr Abraham Frog she was indeed. My name is @Jessica and these are my companions @Sylo, @Victor Vitrizz, and @Fidget, here at All In a Days WORK we pride ourselves on getting the job done, we take all odd jobs and investigative requests....... so how can we help you?"

Dr Abraham Frog

"Wonderful! I have been called here to Cottonmouth to investigate a run of accidents at the Highstone Lighthouse by its new landlord Alistair Finch, I would be most honored if you could lend me your local expertise and skills in seeing this investigation to its close."

Sylo

"Greetings, Doctor. Incidents? What can you tell us about these... incidents?"

Sylo, a half-elven drow speaks with a calm, yet quiet sort of confidence. He has the sort of curious charisma that suggests that he is deft at letting others get a little *too* comfortable to the point where they are likely to talk themselves into a position of disadvantage.

Dr Abraham Frog

"I'm not entirely sure to be honest, I was to meet with Mr Finch upon my arrival here in Cottonmouth.... I was hoping you would join me, perhaps you will see something I might miss."

Dr Abraham Frog

"To the best of my knowledge, Mr Finch recently became the owner of the Highstone Lighthouse, since which a series of accidents have occurred making it impossible for him to occupy the lighthouse and in turn collect any revenue from it. He has asked that I and now you investigate the incidents and by doing so make the lighthouse profitable for Mr Finch."

Fidget

Fidget has been walking around looking at everything and inspecting random things very thoroughly. He looks at the doorway "people and their rectangular doorways, I've always preferred a more rounded frame myself."

He says this while rubbing his finger against the wood and then tasting it. "Hmm, very good quality though." He then looks at the group.... "Oh, sorry there, I sometimes seem distracted, but I reassure you that I have been listening. Oh, and how wonderful. I've always wanted to see a light house and how it works."

Fidget seems very fidgety, that's how he got his name. Some say he has an attention problem, but he doesn't look at it as a problem at all. On the other hand, his keen sense of awareness has gotten him out of all sorts of trouble.

Jessica

"Sounds like a job! please lead the way and let's go see this Mr Finch."

*@Jessica quickly scribbles a note on a piece of paper and sets it on the counter the note reads 'Carlos, have gone to see Mr Alistair Finch about a job at Highstone Lighthouse.*

Sylo

"Indeed! We would be interested to speak with Mr. Finch!"

Fidget

"Alright, then it's agreed-to Mr. Finch."

The group follows @Dr Abraham Frog down to the docks where @Alistair Finch had told @Dr Abraham Frog to come to his office.

Arriving at the docks you find them to be quite busy, with market stalls here and there selling fresh fish, as well as all manner of vessels loading and unloading crates and goods. Occasionally you are stopped by ship hands looking to take on crew or trying to offload cargo before inspection.

@Alistair Finch office is located near a large hanger and drydock and his office is attached to a large warehouse where you see crates being taken in and out and loaded onto ships.

Victor Vitrizz

"Busy place... smells like profit and danger mixed together." His gaze settles on Finch's office by the warehouse. "There it is. Let's hope the man inside is worth the walk." He straightens his posture, expression unreadable, before heading toward the door.

@Fidget points out some crates being loaded onto a ship, the crates bare the red rat paw of Carmen Cordell and the Red Scarves.

Jessica

"I guess that answers the question of whether Carmen escaped."

Dr Abraham Frog

"Carmen.. A friend of yours?" (Edited)

Jessica

"Not exactly..... You've never heard of Carmen Cordell?"

Dr Abraham Frog

"Oh that Carmen, yes her I've heard of."

Entering the building, the party is directed to @Alistair Finchs office upstairs by the young girl at the reception desk, as they approach the door opens as a man leaves the office and you hear Mr Finch call out to you.

Alistair Finch

"Please come in Dr, I've been expecting you."

Entering the room you find @Alistair Finch standing behind a large old oak desk, he is staring out the window at the sea beyond the docks and turns as the group enters.

He is a man in his late 40s to early 50s, impeccably dressed in the fine attire of a wealthy, conservative merchant (a heavy wool coat, tailored waistcoat, and starched collar). He is handsome but has a perpetually weary, strained look around his sharp eyes. He has a thin, neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard. His posture is rigid, conveying authority and a deep-seated nervousness.

He moves to a bookshelf and places a distinctive, antique brass telescope onto a display stand.

The overall impression is one of respectability covering deep, self-serving anxiety.

Alistair Finch

"I wasn't expecting a whole troop Dr."

Dr Abraham Frog

"Apologies Mr Finch, I always acquire local assistance when visiting an unfamiliar place. These fine people are from All In a Days WORK."

Alistair Finch

"I know of them."

Dr Abraham Frog

"Very good."

@Alistair Finch takes his seat behind the desk.

Alistair Finch

"So then...... I guess you have questions before you begin. As I mentioned in my letter to you I recently became the owner of the Highstone Lighthouse, since which a series of accidents have occurred making it impossible for me to occupy the lighthouse and in turn collect any revenue from it. I have requested you here to investigate the incidents and by doing so make the lighthouse profitable."

Victor Vitrizz

victor leans casually against the edge of a crate, one eyebrow raised, green eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Accidents, you say? Curious... most profitable ventures I know tend to come with a little chaos." He lets a faint, crooked smile play on his lips, fingers brushing lightly over the crate's surface.

"Very well, Mr. Finch. Lead the way, and let's see what secrets your lighthouse is hiding."

Fidget

"Out of curiosity, what sort of accidents are we talking about? Is there anything else we might need to know? You know, so were prepared and all"@Alistair Finch

Alistair Finch

"suicides ..... there have been three suicides since I acquired the lighthouse. People are saying it's haunted and cursed, making it difficult to find someone to man the lighthouse. They say the wife of the previous owner who killed herself haunts the lighthouse luring others to the same fate, which not to put to fine a point on it your area of expertise Dr. I want whatever it is gone, so my men can take possession of the lighthouse and get it back in service."

Fidget

Fidget studies @Alistair Finch mannerisms and facial expressions to try to determine if he is hiding anything or not telling a whole truth.

Sylo

"If I found myself locked up in a tower for years on end, operating on little sleep and less freedom, I might find myself tempted to join them, myself... On that note, how long ago did you aquire the lighthouse? Are we are of the history?"

Victor Vitrizz

*victor crosses his arms, eyes narrowing slightly as he studies Finch*

"Three suicides... and a haunting tied to grief. Tragedy has a way of lingering sometimes in the mind, sometimes... elsewhere." He glances toward the window overlooking the docks, the sea mist curling like ghostly fingers against the glass.

"You did right to call for help, Mr. Finch. But tell me what exactly have your men seen or heard inside the lighthouse? Details matter, especially when death refuses to stay quiet."

Alistair Finch

"Would be over a month now, since Lidia Thorne took her life at which point her husband handed over the lighthouse to me. Since then I have stationed two of my men in the lighthouse, neither of which survived the night before being found the next day on the rocks below the cliffs.

Unfortunately I don't have any details of what happens within the lighthouse, or why the people who enter into it turn up dead, since there have been no survivors to recount the tale.

But what is apparent is that they all jump from the lighthouse to the rocks at the bottom of the cliff and the frothy sea below just like poor Lidia Thorne I am told."

@Fidget studies @Alistair Finch his insight tells him that the man is stressed, probably overworked, but from your observations his mannerisms suggest he is being honest with the group.

Sylo

"One month.... I understand why you have called us. Are you aware of if anything like this has happened before?"

Sylo

I cast guidance on myself.

Do I know anything of the history of the lighthouse or similar such phenomena in the town?

@Sylo checks his memory for any history regarding Highstone Lighthouse, and although the city of Cottonmouth is a very strange place with all manner of odd occurrences, nothing regarding the lighthouse comes to mind.

Dr Abraham Frog

"Well this does seem unusual indeed, I will need the keys to the lighthouse if you don't mind. We have some investigating to do first but will be needing them to enter the premises this evening."

Looking around the room the group notices that the antique brass telescope @Alistair Finch was holding and placed on the shelf is dented and the lens is cracked.

You also notice that the display stand the antique brass telescope was placed on is either meticulously cleaned unlike the rest of the dust covered shelf, or is very newly purchased.

Considering the age of the telescope you assume the latter to be the case.

You also notice a transport ledger open on the desk, a page has clearly been torn out, and a quick scan reveals ripped up paper in a waste bin by the desk.

The group notices @Dr Abraham Frogs eyes also scanning the room and @Alistair Finch, but if he noticed anything out of the ordinary his demeanor doesn't reveal it.

@Alistair Finch removes a large set of keys from a draw in the desk, removing one he hands it to @Dr Abraham Frog.

Alistair Finch

"Here is the key to the lighthouse, may I inquire to the nature of your investigations before heading to Highstone Lighthouse?"

Sylo

"Fascinating spyglass you have there, Mr. Finch."

Sylo

"Hmm? Do you mean our previous work? Or what we intend to do at the lighthouse?"

Dr Abraham Frog

"Just the usual history check, when dealing with claims of hauntings, to determine if this is an isolated incident or a wider issue. Nothing to be concerned about I assure you."

Alistair Finch

"Spy glass? Oh yes the telescope, it's an antique.... Well if you have everything you need from me I'll let you see yourselves out, the day is young and I still have a lot of work to see to before lunch."

Sylo

*Just before we leave*

"An antique you say? Recently aquired?"

Sylo

Can we see the lighthouse from his office?

Alistair Finch

"hmmm.. oh no it's a family heirloom."

Sylo

"Indeed? Exquisite. Sentimental in nature, I presume. But the craftmenship... my. I am one who loves antiques. Would it be too much to ask if I have a brief look at it, Mr Finch?"

From the office window you can see the docks and shipping yards, the Highstone Lighthouse is located further south outside general shipping lanes, but the cliffs proximity to the open ocean and extensive rocky coastline made it particularly dangerous and warranted the construction of a lighthouse.

Alistair Finch

"Like you said excellent craftsmanship and high sentimental value, perhaps when you have completed the job we can discuss this further, if you are in the market for such trinkets."

Sylo

"I would be honoured!"

Dr Abraham Frog

"Yes we have everything we need for now, thank you for your time Mr Finch, I hope we can bring this business to a quick conclusion. Good day to you."

Alistair Finch

"Yes and you."

*@Alistair Finch proceeds to take ink and quill and begin to write in a ledger, and seemingly forgets the group are even there.*

As the party leaves Mr Finch's office warehouse, back into the bustling streets of the docks @Jessica recalls the gentleman they passed when entering Mr Finch's office.

Jessica

"I'm not sure if it's just me but that man we passed leaving Finch's office looked pretty rough, not what I'd expect of a merchant or business man....."

Dr Abraham Frog

"Well that went well don't you think. We need to stop by the hall of records before we head over to the lighthouse, I'd like to check on the ownership and history of Highstone Lighthouse before going in."

Fidget

"Yes, let's continue moving-but could we stop by a merchant and see if maybe I can buy a crossbow and bolts for cheap?"

The party makes their way to The Hall of Records, an impressive stone building and also part of the city library, not as impressive as The Natural Museum or Grand Libra of Entree Dieu De La Mir, or The Great Repository of Summer in the Eastern Forests but an impressive government works non the less.

On the way @Fidget is able to make a good trade for his short sword and a fist of gold for a new light crossbow and some bolts, something he had wanted for some time but never got around to.

Arriving at The Hall of Records following @Dr Abraham Frogs advice the group split up to search h for any information they can find about Highstone Lighthouse, and the craggy cliffs it overlooks, in @Dr Abraham Frog s words "Leave no stone unturned, and know that no information is worthless in this endeavor no matter how small or insignificant it may seem."

After scouring The Hall of Records the party all met back at a small table to discuss their findings.

Jessica

*@Jessica places some newspaper clippings on the table*

"All I could find was an advertisement dated a couple of years back, when they were repainting the interior.. sorry."

Dr Abraham Frog

"I know I said nothing is insignificant but maybe this might not be what we're looking for..... next?"

@Sylo places a ledger on the table detailing the court proceedings and government inquiry into the building of the lighthouse.

Dr Abraham Frog

"Oh.... looks like we both found the same information, I took these notes from that very ledger...... mainly because I didn't want to come back empty handed."

@Victor Vitrizz places some documents from a local maritime patrol boat which outline findings of smugglers using that particular coastline to avoid shipping lane inspections, but it seems that the evidence wasn't deemed substantial by the authorities and never made it to court, or in any further action by the authorities themselves.

The most interesting part of the report is the name of the patrolman who lodged the claim, a Elias Thorne.

Dr Abraham Frog

"Now that is interesting, especially seeing as the claimant is Elias Thorne, I wonder if he is related to Lidia Thorne?"

@Fidget puts down on the table deeds and inspection certificates for the lighthouse.

Going over the details you find that Elias Thorne is in fact Lidia's husband.

Judging by the dates, and based on what Alistair Finch had said, the signing over of the lighthouse to Mr Finch occurred around the same time as Lidia's death, and seems to have been moved through to completion very quickly bypassing many checks and balances, having been approved from higher government officials directly.

Dr Abraham Frog

"This is also a very interesting find .... I wonder...."

*@Dr Abraham Frog quickly walks off returning shortly after*

"Yes as I suspected, this is the death certificate of Lidia Thorne, the date of issue is the same as those on the deeds and inspection certificates, also it seems her body was never recovered, this in itself could explain the haunting, without closure in this life and her body remaining undiscovered Lidia Thorne could well be our ghost......... although I don't want to jump to conclusions in this regard nine out of ten hauntings are infact falls claims."

Fidget

"Hmm, well it seems as if @Dr Abraham Frog is onto something."

Jessica

"So we have a report from Elias Thorne of smugglers off the coast of the lighthouse, a property deed that was rushed bypassing the usual process for change in ownership, and finally Lidia Thorne's missing body......"

Dr Abraham Frog

"Yes...... I was hoping for a little more insight into Lidia Thorne and Highstone Lighthouse, but it seems that any further information we need might be at the location."

Sylo

I would like to have a further look through the smuggling reports. Specifically, *how* were they smuggling; I want to see if there is any mention of hidden tunnels or the like, as it may also end up being where Lidia's body has washed up.

Going over the report you find no mention of any sea caves, only that they came to shore below the cliffs out of sight.

But following this lead you did find a copy of a scientific journal by Prophesor Geolobobkins at The Natural Museum in Entree Dieu De La Mir. His writings outline a series of interconnected sea caves along the coastal cliffs around Highstone Lighthouse and the extensive fossil records found there.

Sylo

"Caves.... I would wager that is where Mrs Thorne's body is.... Also, is anyone else suspecting this might not be a suicide?"

Sylo

"Dr Frog, do you know where Mr Thorne is? Is he available for conversing?"

Dr Abraham Frog

"That's a good question, I haven't had any dealings with Mr Thorne at all, in fact his signature on this report and this deed are the first sign I've seen that he even exists, his signature isn't even on his wife's death certificate as a witness."

Jessica

"Actually, I'm no expert but the signature on the report is clearly different to the one on the transfer deed."

Dr Abraham Frog

"Yes I think you might be right."

Fidget

"Good eye, Jessica"

Sylo

"....Dr Frog, what is your relationship with our employer?"

Dr Abraham Frog

"I'm a member of the Silver Wolf, we investigate and deal with paranormal disturbances. Mr Finch sent a letter to the organization and I was dispatched."

Dr Abraham Frog

"I understand your concern, things aren't looking good for Mr Finch. While it is my policy not to judge or get involved in a clients affairs, I definitely will not turn a blind eye to criminal acts if the evidence is undeniable, and will of course hand over said evidence to the respective authorities."

Fidget

Fidget stays quiet in the background-just observing everything... He watches @Dr Abraham Frog mannerisms and body language. He tries to see if he's being honest.

Sylo

"Because it sounds like Mrs. Thorne was murdered and tossed into the sea, her body was washed into the caves and never found... and it sounds like Mr. Thorne himself is also dead, if not the vengeful murderer himself, and the deed was forged... Perhaps they were both murdered for the purpose of acquiring the lighthouse... Well, I suppose we will never know for sure unless we invesitgate... What do we know of how the subsequent victims died?"

Dr Abraham Frog

"Only what Mr Finch has told us, suicide. There is a lot of information here to support your theory, but we will need to go to the location to know for sure. We have to first confirm the haunting, this will guide us to our next course of action."

Sylo

"Indeed. Shall we?"

@Fidget

@Dr Abraham Frog seems to be telling the truth.

Dr Abraham Frog

"Yes we probably should be on our way."

The group leaves The Hall of Records and exits Cottonmouth via the south exit taking the winding coastal road towards Highstone Lighthouse.

It is already quite late in the evening when the lighthouse comes into view and as they make their way they see a storm front coming in from the ocean.

As the group makes their way up the winding path to the lighthouse it begins to rain as the storm reaches the cliffs. Amidst the wind heavy rain and lightning flashes the group race to the shelter of the lighthouse.

The lighthouse stands on the edge of the cliffs, its light flickers occasionally it looks dull and cracked and in need of repairs. The rest of the lighthouse is dark yet you see a faint pale glow like a lantern moving within as it occasionally passes a darkened window.

@Dr Abraham Frog produces the key he received from Mr Finch and unlocks the door, he opens it just a crack before stopping and turning to the group.

Dr Abraham Frog

"From this point on we must be vigilant, pay close attention to each other and your surroundings."

@Dr Abraham Frog lights a lantern, opens the door and steps inside.

Moving inside the first thing you notice is the incredible cold, the steam from your breath catching the light from the lantern in the darkness.

Looking around the room you see a wooden table and two chairs in the center of the lighthouse, to your left a bookshelf, and to the right a small kitchen. Beyond the table you see a spiral staircase heading up to the second floor.

The rain pours down behind you, the wind blowing the rain inside the building. Occasionally the room is awash with light as lightning crashes outside, creating unnatural shadows which seem to linger too long before retreating to the darkened corners of the room.

Jessica

*@Jessica strums her lute gently and sings in the hope of lifting the spirits of the group*

"In the dark tower, The heart is frozen; the waves' sound Calls forth sad spirits. Yet still we are hopeful, The lighthouse's enduring star."

(bardic inspiration)

But the chilling despair throughout the lighthouse seems to smother any hope the half elf bard wished to impart.

clutching at your weapons in hope of reassurance of your strength seems futile as the steel has become as cold as ice, even the light of the lamp struggles to keep burning in this environment its flame low and dim.

Sylo

"This feels.... wrong."

@Sylo begins to shake.

He hears the sound of crying coming from the second floor of the lighthouse and a whisper calling to him.

Sylo

"Crying... gods... a whisper calling to me..... from the second floor.. " I sound uncharacteristically terrified.

Jessica

"You don't look so good @Sylo, you're pale and look all clammy and sweaty."

Dr Abraham Frog

"A whisper you say?"

@Sylo feels an uncontrollable urge to go upstairs.

He hears the voice again, a woman's voice, no longer a whisper but crystal clear as if she were standing next to him, holding his hand and guiding him.

Her voice consoles his pain and loneliness beseeching him to come.

@Sylo is overwhelmed by this sense of crushing hopelessness and a compelling urge to head upstairs where the sea calls to him, deep within he believes .... no, he knows the cold sea is the only place he can truly rest.

Jessica

"Not looking good Dr!"

*pointing at @Sylo*

Dr Abraham Frog

"Yes, he seems to be possessed. We shall follow and see where it leads us........ and to ensure no harm comes to him of course."

Jessica

*intrigued at seeing a real possessed body*

"of course."

The group follows close to @Sylo as he leads them upstairs to the second floor.

The second floor seems to be the sleeping quarters, as you exit the staircase you see a large bed on your right next to which is another bookshelf.

On the bookshelf you notice a very well crafted wooden box, the wood has been varnished and lacquered, and has very distinct brass hinges and clasp.

to the left you see a set of double doors which are open leading out onto a small balcony, its position suggests it looks out to sea, the wind and rain are blowing in through the opening.

down stairs you hear doors. and cupboards opening and closing, kitchen items falling to the floor, and the scrape of woof on stone.

To your right the bed and bookshelf begin to move and shake. The shaking dislodges the beautiful box from the shelf which falls to the ground open. Inside you see a deep blue velvet the colour of the sea, the velvet seems to be impressed with a shape, a shape you recognize as that of an antique brass telescope.

But you don't have time to look closer as @Sylo makes a move towards the open doors heading outside to the balcony.

@Sylo hears the woman's sad and lonely voice she calls to him from the deep blue ocean "Just one more step, One more and you'll be free."

@Sylo moves towards the edge of the balcony, below the swollen ocean crashes against the jagged rocks as the storm rages.

The woman's voice beacons him to the embrace of the cold dark sea, a release from misery.

The wind howls and the rain pelts down as the group rush to @Sylos side to try and hold him back and bring him back inside.

The group grabs @Sylo just in time, the sudden jolt startling him and bringing him to his senses, coming to he looks down over the edge to the rocks below before being pulled away from the ledge back into the lighthouse, where they all fall in a wet heap on the floor at the staircase. In the heat of the moment @Dr Abraham Frog had dropped the lantern which now lays extinguished on the floor, yet in the cold dark and gloom a pale blue light radiates down into the second floor from above.

Sylo in his moment of panic staring over the edge to the rocks below recalls the unmistakable signs of a sea cave entrance.

The swollen ocean making it clearly visible as the waters rush in and out, without which it may have gone unnoticed.

Fidget

"should we go and inspect the blue light?" Fidget asks while he looks around, trying to make sure he can still see everything on the floor there on.

looking up to the source of the pale light you see a shimmering, translucent woman in a simple, damp white nightgown. Her appearance is subtly beautiful but marked by an intense, overwhelming sorrow. Her hair appears wet and tangled, perpetually clinging to her face. Her form is unmoved by the wind and rain from the storm yet moves as if floating underwater.

Sylo

"Mrs Thorne! We have come to find out what happened to you." I kneel slightly in deference.

Looking upon the spectral form of @Lidia Thorne @Jessica and @Dr Abraham Frog are frozen with fear. @Jessicas long red hair gains a streak of white, her elven heritage reducing the effects of the life sapping ordeal, yet the middle aged @Dr Abraham Frog human as he is fully feels the effects as his skin wrinkles, his hair becomes sparse, and his body feels the weight of many years taken from him in a single glance.

@Jessica dives behind the bed hiding from the apparition as fear grips her, @Dr Abraham Frog unable to move in his current condition can only weep and shield his eyes.

@Lidia Thorne in her current state does not seem to understand @Sylos plea.

She appears as one trapped in an inescapable loop of sorrow and torment, neither here or there she is not fully aware of those around her, yet unable to move on from the mortal world her presence is surely felt in all its terrifying proportions.

@Jessica continues to cower behind the bed tears running down her cheeks.

@Dr Abraham Frog steels his nerves. Even in his weakened state he remains a figure of steadfast resolve.

Dr Abraham Frog

"We must leave this area while we can I think we have what we need to free her spirit from this terrible purgatory."

*he points to the empty box laying on the floor*

Sylo

I am going to reach across the void to my patron. There is a crack in space-time as a large, animated tentacle appears through a gap in reality, just behind @Lidia Thorne.

"Miss Thorne, we are trying to help you. I need you to hear us. Hear us. Hear HIM!" *Whack* The tentacle tries to slaps her upside the back of the head.

Then, I will summon some eldritch energy in my palm and fire an eldritch blast at the spectre.

The Eldritch tentacle misses @Lidia Thorne hitting the wall, cracking the stone and bending the steel staircase.

@Sylos Eldritch blast also misses hitting the bookshelf sending paper scattering across the room and sticking to the wet floor and walls.

@Victor Vitrizz helps @Dr Abraham Frog to his feet and heads back down the staircase to the first floor.

Victor Vitrizz

"Let's go Sylo! I have the Dr!"

As they move @Dr Abraham Frog scoops up the empty box from the floor.

Fidget

Fidget follows behind, very quickly.

@Jessica follows quickly after everyone screaming in a panic as she stumbles down the staircase.

@Lidia Thorne wails as the group stumbles down the staircase to the first floor, but does not follow them, instead looking mournfully out to sea through the open doors of the balcony.

As the group move towards the exit, books fly from the shelves, kitchen items fall to the floor, and the table and chairs shake and clatter across the floor.

Reaching the exit they fall over each other in a rush to leave the building and its terrifying occupant, dashing out into the storm.

Helping @Dr Abraham Frog who is feeling weak and is suffering greatly from the rapid ageing caused by the ghost of @Lidia Thorne the group make their way back towards Cottonmouth and the next course of action they must take.

Jessica

*finally calmed down after her terrifying experience.*

"Oh my gosh how horrible, that poor woman...... and Dr oh my.... are you going to be ok?"

Dr Abraham Frog

"Yes my dear.... but I fear I'm not much good to anyone in my current state..... and oh my look at you..... we will need to visit a temple.... and soon if we are to reverse the effects."

Dr Abraham Frog

*@Dr Abraham Frog hands @Fidget the empty telescope box.*

"I'll leave this in your care..... we must get that telescope if we are going to save that poor woman and right the wrongs which have taken place at that lighthouse. I'm afraid @Jessica and myself must see to this curse before it becomes permanent, so we'll leave retrieving the telescope in your capable hands, and we will all meet back at the lighthouse at dawns first light."

Sylo

"Yes, yes I certainly would. Consider it done, Dr."

Fidget

Fidget takes the box... He bows "Don't worry, we will get the telescope-and we will figure out how to reverse this. You have my word."

Reaching the south gates of Cottonmouth, the worst of the storm seems to have passed giving way to light rain, the strong winds and thunder seen at the cliffs all but faded away.

The group split, @Dr Abraham Frog and @Jessica heading towards the Temple of Light and @Fidget, @Sylo, and @Victor Vitrizz heading back towards the docks to retrieve the telescope.

The docks are dark and all but deserted when the three companions arrive, most of the warehouses have closed for the evening and only a few dock workers remain to clean and stand watch, and most of them have had too much to drink. Occasionally they pass people stumbling home from one of the taverns but for the most part the area is void of people a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the daytime traffic.

Approaching Mr Finch's office through darkened alleyways so as not to be seen the three arrive at the warehouse. There is light coming from the warehouse and workmen can be heard moving crates and cleaning the main doors open to the docks as they finish loading a large ship moored nearby, but the offices are dark.

Fidget

"Let's hurry to the office before we are noticed. Once inside I won't be able to see well without any light."

Sylo

*Guidance just in case*

"Act casual. Like we belong. We've been here before, afterall..."

Sylo

When it seem like the opportune moment with as few people near the entrance as possible, we enter and walk with intent towards his office.

Sylo

"Fear not about the light, Fidget."

As the trio walk in through the doors two of the workers pay no attention to the group and continue to load crates passing them on the way in, yet there are still two workers inside and they stop what they are doing as you enter.

The biggest of the two who was sweeping stops and stares, while the skinny one starts walking towards you to cut you off before you reach the doors to the offices.

Skinny Dockworker

"Hay you three, where you think you're goin then!?"

Sylo

"Office." I just call back and continue ahead as if we were meant to be there.

Skinny Dockworker

*The @Skinny Dockworker reaches the door to the office ahead of and stands in your way*

"Mate, no one goes in there without the bosses say so.

Big Dockworker

*The @Big Dockworker moves up behind you*

"And he ain't say so."

Sylo

"You'll find that we are under the employ of Mr Finch. The lighthouse business. You likely saw us here earlier. And knowing Mr Finch, you would know that he wants this seen to with urgency. Or, are you planning to be the one to tell him you turned away his employees?"

Fidget

"Yes, this is urgent! If Mr. Finch found out you were the person stalling us he would have your head on a platter, now please get out of our way!" Fidget tells the man with his chest out-he shows no fear.

Skinny Dockworker

"hmmm I kinda remember something about a lighthouse......what were your names again?"

Sylo

"All in a days work. That is our name. You can find us in town, we are local, if you need anything doing."

Big Dockworker

"Yeah yeah that name rings a bell........ what was it then......."

Skinny Dockworker

"Fine fine....you can go through but we'll be letting the boss know you are here..... so hang about all right."

The @Skinny Dockworker steps aside allowing the trio to enter the office area.

Heading upstairs Mr Finch's office is dark, which is no problem for the half elves @Sylo and @Victor Vitrizz but is inconvenient for @Fidget whose halfling eyes can't see in the dark.

Sylo

"Of course."

Sylo

*Dancing Lights*

III conjure them to spin around @Fidget 's head swiftly, like a halo

Sylo

I go to the telescope location. Is it there?

Sylo

I'll also guidance myself incase boss man walks in.

By the light of Stylos dancing lights everyone can see that the office is much as you remember it, the antique brass telescope is where Mr Finch had placed it on the bookshelf.

Sylo

I take it

Sylo

+1 Antique brass telescope

As you take the telescope you hear a commotion downstairs in the warehouse and the distinctive voice of Mr Finch yelling.

Alistair Finch

"Incompetent fools! what do you mean someone went up to the office!! You're supposed to be keeping an eye on things here!"

Skinny Dockworker

*inaudible mumbling and apologies*

Alistair Finch

"That's exactly the kind of stupidity I'd expect from that big idiot!"

Big Dockworker

*mumbling*

Alistair Finch

"Who! Who did you let up stairs?!"

Skinny Dockworker

*inaudible mumbling and apologies*

Alistair Finch

"You don't remember!!!!!! Well whoever it is is going to get a rude shock!"

Sylo

I am going to secure the telescope in my tunic neatly, and then *Guidance* head to the door.

As you head towards the door the window behind the desk opens.

Framed in the window the misty night air blowing in behind him you see @Carlos Montoya .

Standing on his hind legs and swishing his tail @Carlos Montoya stands on the windowsill his paws resting on his silver rapier and dagger.

Carlos Montoya

"What kind of thief walks in and out the front door?"

Sylo

"A good theif. Or... a stupid one. My skills are adept at hiding in plain sight moreso than sleuthing. Window then?"

Carlos Montoya

"I bumped into Jessica as she was leaving the city heading back to the lighthouse, she mentioned you might need a hand...... yes window, best not to be seen running off with stolen goods."

Carlos Montoya

*@Carlos Montoya agilely rappels out the window to the ground below, tugs the rope to ensure it's secure, then waves for you to follow.*

Sylo

"A stupid one, then..." I mutter to myself and head for the window

@Victor Vitrizz and @Sylo quickly follow after @Carlos Montoya , but @Fidget slips as he descends falling to the ground below.

Carlos Montoya

"Luckily we were only on the second floor my friend."

Quickly @Carlos Montoya retrieves the rope and the

group make off into the backstreets towards the south exit and back to the lighthouse.

As they depart they hear Mr Finch cursing from the open window as the light turns on and he sees that nobody is there.

The group leaves the city heading south towards the lighthouse. The storm has all but ended and now only a light drizzle and overcast skies remain.

The trio arrive at the lighthouse as dawns first light breaks through the overcast sky to the east, giving the horizon a reddish glow.

@Dr Abraham Frog and @Jessica are both waiting, some distance away from the lighthouse a walk towards the trio to meet them.

Jessica

*Jessica looks much better and the colour has returned to her cheeks, yet the white streak of hair remains hanging down from her fringe.*

"oh I'm so glad you caught up with them @Carlos Montoya, let me guess they were in trouble weren't they?*

Carlos Montoya

"Not at all, you had no reason to worry."

Dr Abraham Frog

*@Dr Abraham Frog has regained much of his vigor, but still seems to be resting heavily against his thick staff with a silver wolfs head.*

"Were you able to retrieve the telescope lads?"

Sylo

"Yes. With absolutely no issues whatsoever."

Dr Abraham Frog

"Let's see it."

Sylo

I procure the scope

Dr Abraham Frog

"Yes seeing it up close it definitely is.... and look.... tell tale signs of bloodshed."

*he points to the coppery residue*

"We must find her body, with any luck we'll find some evidence linking her murder with Mr Finch."

Sylo

"The caves. I saw them when I was... predisposed."

Dr Abraham Frog

*hands the telescope back to @Sylo*

"You best hold on to this."

Sylo

*Nod*

Dr Abraham Frog

"Then that's where we will continue our investigation."

Carlos Montoya

"I love a good murder mystery."

Sylo

"Fidget. May I?"

Fidget

Fidget got distracted by the door frame once again... "Oh-huh sorry, of course, here you go" Fidget hands over the box @Sylo

Sylo

Does it fit? *Slide in*

The telescope fits inside the ornate box snugly within the impression of the velvet lining, the brass of the telescope and that of the hinges and clasp a perfect match.

Sylo

I am gonna peer through the scope

Looking through the telescope @Sylo finds that its days of usefulness have passed without some serious repair, the damage to the shaft and cracked lens rendering it unusable.

Moving around to the back of the lighthouse the group stops under the balcony from the second floor, looking down @Sylo can clearly see the entrance he had noticed the night before.

Carlos Montoya

"What are we looking for exactly meow?"

Victor Vitrizz

"A sea cave entrance."

Carlos Montoya

"Oh... ok..... why?"

Jessica

"Because we are searching for Mrs Thorne's body."

Carlos Montoya

"Aaarr I see, makes purrrfect sense..... not really."

Dr Abraham Frog

"We must help Mrs Thorne's spirit find peace, since the body was never found it is likely that it was washed away by the sea, a sea cave or sheltered cove is the most likely of places, yet since @Sylo clearly saw a sea cave entrance while he was precariously hanging from the balcony last night chances are good this wasn't by chance and that we have been led to this location for a reason."

Carlos Montoya

"Ok I feel like I am up to speed meow."

Fidget

Fidget looks around the shoreline for any signs of a body

@Fidget doesn't see a body but they do find a path of sorts which will make the descent to the cave entrance much easier.

@Victor Vitrizz missteps while following the trail, he skids and slides heading for the edge.

but with quick reflexes @Carlos Montoya is able to grab the half elf before he goes over down to the rocks and crashing ocean below, and with the help of @Jessica pull the bard back up on his feet to continue along the pathway.

Sylo

"Easy now..." I guide myself

The group reaches the bottom of the cliffs and moving a little further ahead finds themselves at the entrance to the sea cave.

The tide is starting to come in and it won't be long before the cave is inundated making passage difficult if not impossible.

A cold icy wind blows out from within reminding them of the bitter cold they felt the night before when entering the lighthouse.

Dr Abraham Frog

"We should move quickly if we are going to beat the ride."

Carlos Montoya

'Wait no one mentioned anything about the tide, ocean, or getting wet!"

Jessica

"I'm sure it will be fine..... probably."

Sylo

"Good news, everyone. I have certain... maritime gifts." (Swim speed 40ft and can breathe underwater haha)

Carlos Montoya

"how does that help me meow?"

Sylo

"It doesn't. But it helps me."

Sylo

Do we need to go into the water to enter?

no the sea cave is currently above water on a rocky shelf, but the tide is rising.

Sylo

"Quickly then. Let's go."

Sylo

"And don't wait around if the tide rises too far. I can stay behind if needed."

Fidget

Fidget hurries behind everyone, while walking at a very fast pace-Fidget does what he does and starts looking around for something he could possibly float on and carry. Just in case the tide does rise before their mission is complete.

Looking around @Fidget sees plenty of drift wood, old bottles, dead fish, and small rock pool creatures around the sea cave.

The group heads into the sea cave moving ahead quickly but carefully, around them the biting cold chills them to the bone and looking around you can see that the sea pools and ocean residue on the walls and floor within the cave have become frozen.

@Dr Abraham Frog lights his lantern although the smothered flame does little to light the way he and @Fidget stay close to it, the others in the group however are not so reliant on the light having dark vision in their ancestral blood.

As they move the cold air carries the faint sobbing and whispering heard the night before within the lighthouse, and a mournful voice calling them home to the oceans cold depths.

The group finds many dead ends and shallow sea pools, but no sign of Lidia Thorne, until they reach the far end of the cavern where they come to a flooded chamber, within the water the group sees a pale blue light faintly glowing from deep within.

Carlos Montoya

"Well meow, looks like a dead end, guess we'll just have to turn back meow won't we."

Carlos Montoya

*@Carlos Montoya looks nervous with so much water around.*

Fidget

Fidget hurries to grab as much drift wood his little arms can hold. He knows there might be a chance they will have to float.

@Fidget manages to collect some driftwood, just in case.

Sylo

III pop a dancing lights

Sylo

I would like to check out the glowing pool

Looking into the waters of the flooded chamber @Sylo can see that it is quite deep, it possibly even leads back out into the ocean, but the pale blue light is coming from a flooded passageway that leads out of the chamber closer to the surface of the water.

Sylo

"I'm going to investigate."

I guide myself and dive into the water like a knob.

Fidget

Fidget looks around for more driftwood, so everyone can have a raft

Swimming underwater towards the pale light @Sylo swims about 30 feet through the side passageway before emerging on the other side in a narrow passage, along the passage he can see the pale blue light emanating from a large chamber up ahead.

meanwhile @Fidget has piled up as much driftwood as he could find at the edge of the flooded chamber.

Sylo

I will cast message to Fidget "Looks like it's time to get wet. ~30 feet tunnel leading to a chamber. Condolences to Carlos."

Sylo

I want to carefully peak ahead.

Stealth!

creeping along the narrow pathway you come to a large chamber, the air is extremly cold and ice hangs from the ceiling, in the center surrounded by a circle of sea ice is a rocky little island, on the island lays the body of a woman dressed in a white nightgown, her wet clothes and hair cling to her face and body, you can clearly see blood pooled around her head and a blunt force trauma wound at her temple. small crabs and other scavenger sea life scuttle away as you enter the dimly glowing chamber.

Sylo

The blunt force trauma....

I look again at the telescope. *Guidance*

Does it match?

From a distance the wound and the telescope indentation seem similar.

Jessica

"I guess we're going for a swim."

Carlos Montoya

"Ooooook meow, I seem to have dropped something back at the entrance, but you go ahead and I'll catch up."

*@Carlos Montoya fidgets with his rapier and dagger as he quickly heads back towards the entrance.*

Dr Abraham Frog

"Probably best if someone keeps watch on this end anyway just in case."

*gives a short chuckle*

Victor Vitrizz

"Well I don't mind the water at all."

*and with that he dives in*

Jessica

"Right behind you!"

*@Jessica dives in after @Victor Vitrizz *

Dr Abraham Frog

*@Dr Abraham Frog drops his satchel by the edge of the chamber not wanting to get any of the papers wet before slowly lowering himself into the water of the flooded chamber, he huffs and puffs as he enters the frigid waters before going under and following the others.*

Fidget

"I have collected enough drift wood. No one has to get into the water." Fidget says as he starts tying the driftwood wood together, using his hemp rope, but careful not to ruin the rope. He knows he's not a very good climber, so the rope with his pitons are very important to Fidget.

@Fidget makes the little raft, but the entrance is underwater so he is going to have to get wet if he wants to follow the others.

Fidget

Fidget realizes his mistake and unties the wood so he has it for later.

on closer inspection you see that the body of Lidia Thorne is clutching something in her hands which looks like wet parchment.

Sylo

I conjure a mage hand to take the paper

As the mage hand moves towards the body a cold icy wind whips up within the chamber, the mage hand is instantly vaporized, and there floating over the body of Lidia Thorne her spirit now materializes before the group.

Her arms stretch out before her as she moves towards the party, the whispers rising is volume her words calling to you to the deep ocean and eternal rest.

Sylo

"We are here to help, Miss Thorne. To bring justice to those who have harmed you..."

@Dr Abraham Frog and @Jessica drop to their knees covering their ears and looking away from @Lidia Thorne

Dr Abraham Frog

*Yelling over the cacophony of voices and howling cold, wind which now flood the chamber*

"The telescope my boy.... the telescope!"

Sylo

I procure it

Sylo

"Is this what you need?"

On seeing the brass telescope @Lidia Thorne stops, her features softening and a golden glow emanating from inside her.

Her spirit looks down at the broken body of the woman laying cold and wet at the center of the chamber.

As the wind and voices subside to soft whispers and cool breeze @Dr Abraham Frog, @Fidget and @Jessica quickly recover, with @Victor Vitrizz helping them to their feet.

Sylo

"Who did this to you?"

@Lidia Thorne looks mournfully at the body still clutching the wet papers.

@Jessica cautiously moves forward and collects them.

+1 Log entries of Mr Finch

A quick glance and all can see the letterhead of Mr Finch, looking over the papers you soon realize they are logs and reports from smuggling and piracy all dated and signed by Mr Finch himself.

Jessica

"Wow! I know record keeping is important in a business but this...... this is something else."

Sylo

"And these are the smuggling caves, I would guess...?"

Sylo

Does the telescope match the headwound?

Looking closely now it is clear that the head wound and the damage on the antique brass telescope are a clear match.

Dr Abraham Frog

"I believe we have all the evidence we need right here, not only of the reported smuggling, but also of Mr Alistair Finch's involvement in it, and at minimum the murder of Mrs Thorne."

Sylo

"Indeed... but what of Mr. Thorne?" I ask, looking to the ghost

@Lidia Thorne lips move but no words can be heard.

but following her gaze @Sylo notices something strange about the far wall.

On closer inspection it seems that a trick of the caves contours artfully conceals a hidden passageway leading upwards out of the sea cave network.

Sylo

I nod. "We will find him."

Jessica

"This passageway seems to be leading up out of the sea cave, and since we are practically under the lighthouse, I wonder if there's a secret entrance linking the two together?"

Sylo

"Clever."

Fidget

"Yes very clever. It seems like some sort of smuggling technique."

Jessica

@Jessica moves up to the wall and peeks up*

"Oh my would you look at that.!"

Following @Jessica and moving behind the hidden wall, following the stairs upwards the group comes to a large chamber stocked with crates, baskets, and chests, some have been opened and their contents hang out, amongst them clothes, food. and other trinkets.

At the far end of the room is a large door with latch and lock, although wet from the sea air it looks sturdy and unbudging.

In the center of the room slumped against a crate with visible multiple stab wounds you see the body of a man.

As you look and take in the grizzly scene @Lidia Thorne appears, she reaches down and caresses the mans face, as she draws away you see the mans spirit rise out of his body, his spirit has the same golden glow as @Lidia Thorne s. They look into each other without words and after a short moment they turn to the group, bow their heads, and as a warm breeze flows through the chamber they are gone.

Dr Abraham Frog

"Best not touch anything.... we'll need to contact the authorities as soon as possible."

Jessica

*Wiping a tear from her cheek*

"At least they are both at peace now."

Fidget

"Yes, quit the touching moment." Fidget says as he scans the area with his eyes to see if anything of importance might stand out to him

Looking about @Fidget can see a variety of goods have been stored here, some items still have blood on them from whatever merchant ship they were taken from, he also notices some contraband, and some crates with the tell tale paw mark of the Red Scarves.

Sylo

"Red Scarves.... So Thorne is involved with Carmen..."

Jessica

"It would appear so, that rotten rat!"

Sylo

"I hear she caused someone to loose their hand once... The thought of it..."

Dr Abraham Frog

"I think you were all lucky to have met her and lived from what I've heard."

Sylo

"Indeed..."

Sylo

Without touching, ima look around for anything interesting (or valueable).

"It will be good to know what our reward will be worth..."

Looking around the chamber @Sylo doesn't see anything in particular which stands out as something that the group might get an above average reward for.

Jessica

"I think we better get going, all these crates and chests, and barrels are just too tempting."

Dr Abraham Frog

"true, we shall head back to Cottonmouth and inform the authorities."

The group head back down the stairs, through the chamber where @Lidia Thorne s body was found, and through the submerged tunnel back out into the flooded chamber.

As they emerge from the water exiting the flooded chamber @Carlos Montoya comes running down the passageway.

As he reaches the chamber he looks worried.

Carlos Montoya

*@Carlos Montoya comes close but not too close to the water.*

"Luckily I stayed behind, I was wandering around outside when I saw Mr Finch on his way here... and he's not alone!"

Sylo

"Very well. We shall deal with him in short order."

I assume that the secret passage didn't lead up into the lighthouse?

Jessica

"The door was locked."

Jessica

"But I think it must do."

Sylo

"Remind me to secure lockpicks."

Dr Abraham Frog

"I have some of those but it seemed the door was secured from the opposite side."

Carlos Montoya

*dances back and forth on his hind legs his boots splashing on the wet floor.*

"Well whatever you're thinking better include Finch cause he's at the entrance to the cave and he brought friends."

Sylo

"Hide. We will ambush them when ready.

I am going to drop myself into the water, and hold my action to summon my hentai tentacle to strike when appropriate.

The group attempts to hide in the dark sea cave, taking position they can hear @Alistair Finch and his men moving closer towards them.

@Carlos Montoya looks undignified at the thought of not facing his enemy head-on but attempts to hide to help his companions.

@Alistair Finch and his goons enter the area which connects to the flooded chamber unaware that the group is lying in wait for them.

Sylo

III pop up and summon a tentacle directly between the 3 dockworkers (north of skinny)

Vs. Skinny

Then I follow it up with an Eldritch Blast!

Also vs. skinny

The summoned @Tentacle bursts forth slamming the dockworker into the wall frost building up over his legs and chest, then the @Skinny Dockworker is hit by the force of @Sylo s eldritch blast. He gasps for air before slumping into a pile unconscious on the floor.

Sylo

Bro just got rekt

@Carlos Montoya jumps out from his hiding place flourishing his silver rapier he lunges at the @Big Dockworker.

Carlos Montoya

"take that you brute!"

The rapier sinks in deep leaving a nasty wound on the surprised Dockworker.

@Dr Abraham Frog takes his net throwing it over the @Drunk Dockworker.

The net envelopes the @Drunk Dockworker who is entangled and falls prone on the ground.

@Victor Vitrizz attacks the @Drunk Dockworker with his longsword.

Stabbing at the @Drunk Dockworker through the net, the bard is able to cause serious damage to the dockworker.

@Jessica casts sleep centered on @Alistair Finch

The bard strums her lute, casting the spell as she does @Alistair Finch and the @Dockworker collapse asleep on the floor.

Fidget

Fidget backs up 5 feet. With his crossbow and sneak attack he attacks the @Drunk Dockworker, and then moves to the right staying out of the water but really close to it

The bolt from @Fidgets crossbow finds its mark, hitting the entangled dockworker hard in the shoulder, he stops moving as he falls unconscious.

Dr Abraham Frog

*addressing the @Big Dockworker *

"You are clearly out matched surrender!" (Edited)

The @Big Dockworker drops his blade and drops

to his knees in surrender, as he looks around at his unconscious and bleeding comrades.

Jessica

*@Jessica tends to their wounds then uses her rope to tie the hands and legs of @Alistair Finch and his dockworkers to shackle them together leaving enough slack that they can march them out of the cave back to the top of the cliff, before reviving them.*

Jessica

"That was a lot easier than I thought it would be."

Fidget

Fidget searches the @Drunk Dockworker.

Sylo

I am going to aid Jessica in securing the assailants.

"It was. Perhaps too easy.... When does the other shoe drop?"

Sylo

I search Finch *Guidance*

Sylo

*Tentacle picking through his pockets"

Alistair Finch

"You have no idea what you've done!"

Sylo

"You're supposed to be unconscious."

searching the pockets of the @Drunk Dockworker @Fidget finds nothing of value, in fact the only thing in his possession is a ticket for a raffle at the 'Backwards Duck Inn' and a nasty smelling cork from a rum bottle.

Alistair Finch

"Then you shouldn't have tied these ropes so tight, they hurt, of course I was going to wake up."

Jessica

"we ain't carrying you out, you're walking, of course they are tight."

@Sylo finds @Alistair Finchs keys but that is all.

Sylo

"Mistake? You mean we will drae the eyre of Carmen once more?"

Alistair Finch

*Chuckles*

"You wait and see."

Sylo

"She is of little concern. You have much more to be concerned of, given the pending murder charges about to be lain against you."

Alistair Finch

"You obviously have no idea, these charges won't stick, I'd be surprised if this even gets to court."

*laughs loudly*

Jessica

"We'll see about that, now all of you get moving!"

*@Jessica pulls on the rope leading @Alistair Finch and the other prisoners towards the exit.*

Dr Abraham Frog

"There is probably a key for the secret passage amongst those keys that you took from@Alistair Finch, @Sylo. Once we return to the lighthouse I will head into town to notify the authorities, but perhaps it's best if the rest of you wait at the lighthouse to ensure the crime scene is not disturbed."

Sylo

"Was that door not barred? Very well. Thank you, Doctor."

Sylo

I turn to Finch. "Why did you do it?"

Fidget

Fidget stares @Alistair Finch, and waits for his response

Dr Abraham Frog

"It was barred from the other side but you should be able to locate it when we return to the lighthouse at the top of the cliff."

Alistair Finch

"do what?"

Sylo

"Murder the previous residents. Was it all simply to take ownership of the lighthouse?"

Alistair Finch

"Of course it was, things were going just fine until that nosey Elias Thorne and his wife started looking into things that shouldn't be seen.

Then the fool went and filed a report so he had to go, especially after he found the store room, and that wife of his stealing my log book.

Now you have gotten yourself in the same messy situation and are going to meet the same sticky end."

*Laughs*

"Although it was always going to be the end of you, after the good Dr got you involved, we got word to make sure this job would be your last."

Sylo

"Thank you for your cooperation."

I am going to kill Mr. Finch with an Eldritch Blast to the face.

Jessica

"Wait @Sylo stop!! We can't just go murdering people or we are no better than him. We have to hand him in and get justice for the Thornes and unmask the real problem here in Cottonmouth!"

Sylo

"This is justice. And perhaps his lackies will be more likely to comply when they learn the consequences of refusal. This man shows no shame. No remorse. It is either he meets his end... or I introduce him to someone who is far less forgiving."

My eyes glow slightly with seafoam.

Sylo

"Besides. We know who the real problem is. Carmen. And if he is allowed to stand trial, he will be cut loose. No. Better to end him here and now." I hold my palm threateningly over him as eldritch power starts to coalesce.

Dr Abraham Frog

*@Dr Abraham Frog rests a hand on @Sylos shoulder.*

"What you say is true, and for all his wrong doings this man deserves punishment, but we will also have to answer for our actions here. Right now we have done a great service not only for Cottonmouth but also the troubled spirits of the Thornes who can now rest in peace. Let us not lower ourselves to this man and become fugitives ourselves."

Fidget

"I agree, we can't murder this man-even though the thought does sound satisfying, but @Dr Abraham Frog is right. And besides, we still have the log and the ledger that proves he has been involved with the smuggling, why wouldn't the authorities believe he isn't involved with the murders as well?"

Sylo

"I want you all to remember this moment. If this man walks, it is a mistake I will not repeat."

And then I get down close to @Alistair Finch "And if you try to weasle your way out of this, I will find you and you will wish I had killed you now."

The group make their way out of the sea caves and back up the cliffs to the lighthouse.

Securing the prisoners in the second floor room inside the lighthouse, @Dr Abraham Frog bids the group farewell and promises to return as quickly as possible with the authorities, Carlos Montoya also goes along to provide the Dr with any assistance he might need, at least until they reach the city.

Dr Abraham Frog

"We should be back well before dark my friends, perhaps you'll be able to locate the entrance to the underground passageway while we're gone."

And with that @Dr Abraham Frog and @Carlos Montoya head back to Cottonmouth.

Fidget

"I really hope you're not right about this one @Sylo"

Fidget says nervously...

"I guess we should look for this entrance."

Sylo

"As do I."

Jessica

*@Jessica strums her lute*

"Here's a little something to help us in our search.

Creaking stone and salt-kissed air, A shifting shadow, thin and bare. Behind the hearth, a secret sigh, Where whispers of the smugglers lie. The hidden way, now brought to light, Reveals the secrets of the night!"

Sylo

*Guidance*

Fidget

"Should we look around the outside of the lighthouse first?"

Jessica

"We should probably check everywhere, who knows where it could be."

Sylo

I am going to try investigating inside the lighthouse.

The group spends some time searching, forgetting for the moment the thugs and killers they have locked away on the second floor.

Eventually @Jessica calls out in excitement.

Rushing to her location they see that she has located a passageway located behind the bookshelf on the first floor.

The passageway leads down to a door with a lock and has a steel bar across it preventing it being opened from the opposite side.

Sylo

"Well done."

Sylo

I conjure dancing lights and head down, unbaring the door.

unbarring the door and unlocking it with the keys he took from @Alistair Finch the door opens back into the store room where they had found Elias Thornes body.

Everything is as they left it and ready for the authorities.

Sylo

I'll go and wait with the prisoners for the guards

Fidget

"Great job Jessica. I guess all we can do now is wait for the authorities."

Fidget then looks for a window, so he can check if anyone has shown up to the island yet.

Looking out the window @Fidget sees a wagon approaching, it is the Dr accompanied by the authorities.

Fidget

"Well, it doesn't look like we will be waiting for much longer."

Jessica

"good news for us, not so much for you Mr Finch."

Alistair Finch

*Turns his head away in defiance.*

Sylo

"You'd best start being compliant."

It doesn't take long before you hear a knock at the door and Dr Abraham Frog walks in accompanied by five city guards.

Dr Abraham Frog

"I have returned my friends, are the prisoners still restrained?"

Fidget

"Yes, here sits the criminals." Fidget points to the prisoners

City Guard

"And where are the bodies?"

Sylo

I direct them to the locations

Sylo

"If you go through the inside, you shan't have to get wet."

Sylo

"I also recommend you keeo Carmen away from the prisoners. She seems to have a hand in this."

City Guard

"Right you two."

*pointing to two guards*

"Prisoner detail, you two down the passageway, I want everything catalogued, and all observations noted by the time the Dicks get here, but don't touch anything, you know how they get."

At the mention of Carmen Cordell, the guard stops what he's doing without even looking at you.

City Guards

"Change of plans lads, load the prisoners into the wagon, the Dicks can handle the rest."

City Guard

"You'd best clear off as well, the Detectives will handle things from here, the good Dr has already left a statement back at the barracks."

Sylo

"Very well...."

Insight check? I am concerned about his change in approach

He is noticeably agitated since you mentioned Carmen Cordell, but that is all you can understand.

Jessica

"I guess we're heading back then? Although question, since we got our employer arrested...... who's paying? And come to think of it we never agreed on a price..... I feel like my inexperience in starting a business has gotten the better of me."

*Sighs*

Sylo

"Good point. Pay up, @Alistair Finch, the job was completed."

As the City guard leads @Alistair Finch and his dockworkers away he is laughing.

Alistair Finch

"These flat feet can't hold me! I'm Alistair Finch! I'll be out before dawn, then I'm coming for you lot! You mark my words!!"

The group watch as the wagon departs, with Alistair Finch and his men in irons, locked in the back of the wagon in a little cage.

Sylo

"You'd best pray that is not the case."

Fidget

"Do you guys really think they will release him?" Fidget asks while he paces back and forth, pondering on the next move.

"Maybe we should go watch jail, so we can see if he leaves."

Dr Abraham Frog

"I'm not sure my little friend, but as this case has been solved and the spirits of Mr and Mrs Thorne have found peace and moved on, I'm afraid I also must depart. I received a message from The Silver Wolf requesting my presence elsewhere, and so I must say goodbye, but I am sure we will meet again."

Fidget

"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you @Dr Abraham Frog. I wish you a safe journey, Fidget says with a bow.... "I think I'm gonna go back to town and do a little surveillance from the outside of the jail. Just to make sure i don't see @Alistair Finch slip out the door or something. Would you like to join me @Sylo?"

Jessica

"I don't think escape is the problem, more that he will be released, in which case what can we really do about it?"

Sylo

"Find him. And kill him."

Sylo

"But there is little we can do to prevent the guards making such a foolish mistake."

Dr Abraham Frog

"Before I go there is something I have for you."

*Reaching into his pouch he produces a scroll.*

"you all performed admirably these past two days and it is of my opinion, and those I work with, that All In a Days WORK has earned a seat at our table."

*He hands the scroll to @Jessica *

"This is a message scroll its siblings are scattered across The Great Continent.... I myself have one, through these scrolls we receive our tasks, whatever they may be, and we do our best to investigate and put to rest the spirits which plague our land."

*He tips his hat to the group.*

"It has been a pleasure, I hope our paths cross again in the future."

+1 Message Scroll Silver Wolf

Sylo

"I look forward to it."

The group returns to the shop on the market road, seeing Dr Abraham Frog off at the gates with a heartfelt goodbye, and reaching their home by late evening.

Although Dr Abraham Frog was unable to pay them, he did mention that once the investigation by the authorities is complete, that any goods seized which are not illegal, or state regulated can be claimed by All In a Days WORK under salvage as per maritime law.

As always @Jessica puts out a saucer of milk and a kipper for Carlos, who came to their aid once again in his typical style.

The evening gets late and the group after eating their supper head to bed.

It's the early hours of the morning when a sound downstairs in the shop wakes the group, on investigating the noise they find Carlos Montoya sitting on the windowsill drinking the milk and eating the kipper.

Carlos Montoya

"Evening my friends meow, thank you for the meal as always..... it's been quite an eventful night."

Sylo

"It has. Hey, does the lighthouse count as "goods"?"

Jessica

"I don't think so. I'm pretty sure the Dr was talking about the stolen goods we recovered in the store room."

Carlos Montoya

"I have some news I'm afraid."

Sylo

"Damn."

"News? I can guess. Has he been released?"

Carlos Montoya

"Not exactly. ...mew."

Sylo

"What is it?"

Carlos Montoya

"Seems our good friend Alistair Finch was found dead in his cell, along with the dockworkers he was with ...... they all hung themselves."

Carlos Montoya

"Not only that little tidbit, but I was watching them bring in all the stolen goods and it didn't seem all that much, not compared to what you described, and I definitely didn't see any crates marked with the red paw of The Red Scarves."

Sylo

"Finch didn't hang himself."

Sylo

"Sounds like we have Dicks to deal with."

Carlos Montoya

"oh no, they are very dead. I saw them through the bars on their window."

Sylo

"I am referring to the ones the Guards called "Dicks""

Fidget

"Yes, the guard did act really odd when Carmen Cordell was mentioned. If I were to guess they're either on a payroll or they're actually part of the smuggling operation. What should we do?"

Jessica

"What can we do? Besides we don't really know what happened, Carlos only saw arriving crates at the barracks, not what happened to them between us leaving the lighthouse and the crates arriving at the barracks. But Mr Finch's death comes as a shock."

Fidget

"Yes, quite strange indeed. I feel like someone wanted to silence him. Should we go ask the guards? Maybe see their reactions. I doubt they will be honest, but it's worth a shot."

Jessica

"The guards ran at the mention of Carmen's name, and the Detectives sound unapproachable. I doubt it will be of much help.

But, things are definitely not as they should be and we should keep our eyes open for any evidence we can get our hands on."

Fidget

"Hmmm, I wonder where we should start... Maybe the local tavern might hold some inside information besides I could use a drink."

Jessica

"It's pretty late The Reluctant Rooster is probably finishing up by now, although The Night Owl would be still open for business if you had your heart set on a drink. I think we probably deserve it after successfully completing this case. of course we could always make a night of it here and relax over a bottle.... Or two.

Wererats, Ghosts, I wonder what tomorrow will bring."

Sylo

"It is simple. We find Cordell. We hunt her. We kill her."

Carlos Montoya

"I like that plan, she put me in a cage and took my boots, but since the dock incident she's been keeping a low profile, I've been hunting her rats around the city, but the Queen Rat remains out of reach."

Sylo

"Well done, Carlos. Well she can't be far, given how active she is. Perhaps you can try to tail one of her rats."

Carlos Montoya

"Believe me I want her gone as much as you do, I'll find her."

Sylo

"Do not endanger yourself."

Carlos Montoya

*Jumps on the table swishing his silver rapier around*

"Nya nya nyaaaa!"

Sylo

"I am reassured." I smile

Jessica