Nimly's Adventures
Chapter 19 - Sisters and Secrets
16th of Mirtul, 1492 DR
Approaching the guardhouse, Nimly sees the familiar form of Captain Anara standing outside, engaging with some of her soldiers. He and Thorn make their way over. As she concludes her conversation, he calls out, “Captain Anara!” She strides toward them, a smile cracking her stony face, showing a hint of her relief and concern. “Nimly, it is good to see you have returned. Let us go talk in my office, out of the rain and … away from interested ears.”
As they approach the door to the barracks, the Captain looks over her shoulder at Thorn, “You.” She points to a spot away from anyone else. “Shake yourself over there.”
Thorn lowers his head to the ground with a contrite expression. He daintily waddles off twenty feet, shakes himself out vigorously and scampers back, looking up at the Captain with a big toothy grin. The pair gratefully follow, happy to be out of the constant drizzle.
Nimly doffs his cloak and hangs it on a peg. Thorn curls up near the chairs, laying his head on his paws. As they all get settled in Captain Anara’s office, she continues. “On the way back, we encountered a group of bandits that we were able to apprehend. A few of my men were injured, but nothing too serious.”
Nimly listens, nodding, “And the miners? Are they safe?”
Captain Anara waves a hand behind her, “Yes, they are safe. I have arranged temporary accommodations for them at the guardhouse until they decide their next steps.”
Nimly lets out a sigh, one that he’s been holding since spotting the signs of the skirmish in the woods. "Most excellent. I did fear for you all, and I am thankful they were in your capable hands.” Nimly stretches his legs out, pondering his next moves. “I rather enjoyed scouting that abandoned mine and would like to continue in that capacity. Do the hills to the northeast still need to be checked out? I’ll head that direction next if you would find that useful.”
The Captain nods, “Yes, that area does need to be scouted. I would appreciate reports on any intelligence you gather, however…” Her demeanor shifts, her expression turning darker. "Nimly, there is another matter I could use your help with. A local priestess was recently assaulted by one of my Corporals. This incident has caused quite a stir, and we need someone to investigate and ensure justice is served. Given your skills and sense of fairness, I think you would be perfect for the task."
Nimly listens closely, the gravity of the situation holding his attention. "I understand, Captain. I’ll look into this matter immediately. Can you provide me with any additional details about the incident or where I might find the priestess?"
The Captain sighs, relief evident in her tone, “"The priestess’s name is Sister Elara. She resides in the Hall of the Moon, just northwest of the Bell Market. She can provide you with more details about what happened. The Corporal’s name is Thorne. He has not been on active duty since the incident, and I do not know his current whereabouts. Please, do what you can to resolve this issue. The community is on edge, and we need to show that justice will be done."
The gnome nods, “I think I’m beginning to understand where to start. For the assault allegations, am I to be an investigator of the event in question, an advocate for one of the parties involved, or am I to be retained in some other capacity?”
Captain Anara considers Nimly's question carefully before responding. "I need you to act as an impartial investigator, Nimly. Your role is to gather all the facts, speak with both parties involved, and any witnesses you can find. We need to understand exactly what happened and why. Once you have all the information, you can provide a recommendation on how we should proceed."
Nimly rises and dons his cloak. “I will begin looking into this immediately. Could you please point me toward one of the guards that has served with the Corporal?” The Captain nods, “Follow me. Sergeant Harkin is currently on duty and I know that he has had Corporal Thorne in his squad.”
The trio make their way through the building toward the front of the guardhouse. Captain Anara leads them over to a soldier leaning on the front desk. “Sergeant Harkin, this is Nimly. On my authority, he needs to ask you a few questions.” With that, she nods and strides back toward her office, quickly vanishing from sight.
Sergeant Harkin looks over the gnome before him. “How can I help?”
Nimly opens his notebook and begins his work. “This is in regard to Corporal Thorne. There was a recent incident involving him and a local priestess. The Captain said you’ve served with him. Can you tell me more about his character, and any details that might aid in my investigation?”
The goliath looks thoughtfully for a moment before responding. “Corporal Thorne has always been a dedicated soldier. He does have a temper. Headstrong, sometimes doesn’t think before he acts. However, I’ve never seen him act like that. The altercation with the priestess surprised those of us who know him.”
Nimly scribbles a few lines. “That is most helpful. I will continue to dig. Did you or anyone here see the incident firsthand? If so, I’d like a list of names of those that could be relied on to give evidence should that be necessary. One more question. Corporal Thorne has not been on active duty since his apparent lapse in judgment. Do you know any establishments that he was known to frequent or any other people he associated with outside the city guard?”
Sergeant Harkin nods, “To my knowledge, only one guard here witnessed part of the incident; his name is Tomlin. It is standard to take one of the Guard off active duty when their conduct has been questionable, but I don’t know where he might be.”
He pauses a moment, writing a few names down and handing the paper to Nimly. The list reads: Private Lora, Private Tomlin, Sister Elara, Hilda, Garin and Darian. “He spends time at the Silver Stag Inn, Ironclad Creations and he sometimes spends free time with Garin, a retired soldier who lives on the outskirts of the city. Lora and Tomlin were on patrol duty in that area, and might have seen something.”
He pauses another moment, looking back toward an office deeper in the guardhouse. “If you wanna to speak to Lora, she’s in the briefing room. Tall elf, long black hair, can’t miss her. Tomlin should be out patrolling today in quadrant two; that’s the northwest part of the city. He is a tall Aarakocra, mostly black feathers with a few blue streaks.”
Nimly offers a polite bow and turns, “Thank you for your time, Sergeant. I will go find her now.” He makes his way to the briefing room in the guardhouse, looking for Private Lora. The room is bustling with activity, but it doesn't take long for him to spot her. She is reviewing some documents at a table, her posture attentive and focused.
The gnome approaches, “Private Lora, may I have a moment of your time? I am Nimly, and I'm investigating an incident on behalf of Captain Anara. It involves Corporal Thorne and Sister Elara. Sergeant Harkin mentioned you might be able to provide some information."
Private Lora looks up from her documents, nodding as she listens. "Of course, Nimly. I'll help in any way I can. What do you need to know?"
Nimly pulls out his notebook and pencil. “Could you describe what you saw of the incident and any other details that are worth sharing?”
She nods, sitting back in her chair and crossing her hands in front of her. "I didn't witness the incident, but I heard about it later from other guards. From what I heard, Corporal Thorne had an altercation with Sister Elara in the Hall of the Moon. It seems out of character for him. He's known to have a temper, but he's never been disrespectful to civilians before, especially not a Sister."
Nimly finishes recording her information, “Thank you, Private. I will include your assessment in my findings.” Nimly and Thorn leave the guardhouse and head towards the Silverymoon Gate, alert for any sighting of Tomlin.
The rain has ceased, the sun now an intermittent glimmer through the receding cloud cover. The streets are filled with the usual hustle and bustle of daily life, and Nimly's sharp eyes scan the crowd. After a short while, he spots a likely figure in the distance; Private Tomlin is patrolling near the Hall of the Moon.
Nimly pulls out his notebook as he and Thorn approach the guard. “Good afternoon, Tomlin. May I have a moment of your time? Captain Anara asked me to investigate an incident involving Corporal Thorne and Sister Elara. I was told by Sergeant Harkin you might have seen something. Could you describe what you saw of the incident?”
The Aarakocra stands up a little straighter, “Yes, sir. I was on patrol near the Temple when I heard the commotion. When I got within sight, Corporal Thorne and Sister Elara were in the middle of a heated argument. Thorne was agitated, and things escalated quickly. He grabbed the Sister’s arm roughly and she cried out. I intervened. Thorne let go and stormed off. This was out of character for him… but I’ve seen him talking to some shady characters at the Silver Stag recently. It might be related. The temple attendants might have more information. I wasn’t there for what started the altercation.”
Nimly writes a few more lines before snapping his notebook shut. “Thank you, Tomlin. You may be called on to give an eyewitness account in a more formal setting.”
Tomlin nods in a very serious manner, “Of course, Nimly. I'll be ready to help however I can."
Nimly and Thorn approach the Hall of the Moon, the stones of the temple glowing faintly in the light of early evening. Entering, Nimly seeks out the attendant stationed at the greeting desk. “Excuse me? Is there anyone here at the temple that has experience studying or purifying crystals that are touched by fel enchantments?”
The attendant’s eyes widen at the mention of the fel enchantments. "May the light of Selûne guide you. You are in the right place. Sister Elara has extensive knowledge in the purification of dark magic and enchanted crystals. I will take you to her."
The attendant leads them through the temple, past serene altars and soft candlelight, until they reach the inner sanctum where the priestess is at a sparse desk, reading a deep blue leather-bound tome. "Sister Elara, this is Nimly. He seeks your expertise with crystals touched by fel enchantments." The attendant bows deeply and leaves the room.
The tall elf looks up, her long silver hair swaying as she focuses on the gnome. Her skin is an iridescent rainbow of color, like the light from a prism scattered onto a moonlit statue. Sister Elara sets down her book, her gray eyes calm, reflecting inner strength and wisdom. "Welcome, Nimly. May the light of Selûne illuminate your path. Please, tell me more about these crystals and how I might assist you."
Nimly nods gravely, "I will gladly tell you the story of these crystals, but I do wish to say before we start that I’m also here for another reason. Captain Anara of the City Guard has asked me to look into the altercation between yourself and Corporal Thorne. If you are able to discuss that at this time, I would like to hear the event as it unfolded directly from you.”
Sister Elara's calm expression shifts slightly, reflecting a mix of sadness and resolve. "Of course, Nimly. This is as good a time as any. The incident took place just outside the temple a few days ago. Corporal Thorne approached me, looking very agitated. He accused me of some wrongdoing, though I didn't understand what he was referring to. When I tried to calm him, he became increasingly aggressive and grabbed my arm forcefully. Thankfully, a guard intervened before it escalated further. It was very unlike him. Corporal Thorne has always been respectful in the past."
Nimly takes notes while Elara speaks. When she is done, he looks up. “That must have been horrid! The explanation for his uncharacteristic behavior yet eludes me, though I will continue to search. You have been so helpful. It may eventually be necessary for you to tell of this event in a more formal setting. I will keep in touch on this matter. Do you have any questions for me or shall we move on to discuss the crystals?”
Sister Elara offers a gentle smile, "Thank you, Nimly. I appreciate your efforts to uncover the truth. I have no questions at the moment. Let us move on to the matter of the crystals. Please, tell me their story and how I might assist you."
Intrepid adventurers and DMs, I hope you enjoyed this continuation of Nimly’s story.
May your rolls be critically high or dramatically low, adding flavor and excitement to your campaigns!