Nimly's Adventures
Chapter 20 - Investigations and Intrigue
16th of Mirtul, 1492 DR
Nimly and Sister Elara finish discussing her encounter with Corporal Thorne. She runs her hands over her arms and looks around her. “It has been a long day, and the retelling has affected me more than I’d wish. Would you care to walk for a bit? The gardens have always had a calming effect on me.” She motions toward the exit.
She leads Nimly and Thorn out of the inner sanctum and through long sections of halls until they reach a courtyard and garden. In the center is a pond filled with silver fish. They dart through the water, jumping out periodically to shimmer in the moonlight.
Thorn curls up near the pond and watches the fish. Sister Elara and Nimly seat themselves on comfortable benches that offer a view of the sparkling pond and lush gardens. The gnome begins his tale. “I found these crystals while on a raid with the city guard. We went to an abandoned mine in the Whispering Woods, based on intelligence of increased bandit activity in the area. After we journeyed into the mine, we rescued a group of enslaved dwarves that were being forced to work for the bandits. The captive dwarves mentioned being controlled through use of the crystals using this…” Nimly sets the ornate box on the bench. “... which was somehow used to invoke painful shocks and disorienting effects on the dwarves. They were not clear on how it worked. I removed some of the crystals …” He sets the three crystals on the bench “… and I brought them back to Everlund in hopes of understanding the process and goals of the bandits. I would appreciate you sharing your expertise in this, Sister.”
Sister Elara examines the crystals and the control box with a thoughtful expression. She gently glides her hands inches above them. "This is quite troubling, Nimly. The crystals indeed seem to be infused with dark magic, likely the source of the control and torment inflicted on the dwarves. The control box appears to be the device used to channel this magic. To understand and purify these crystals, we must carefully analyze their arcane properties and the nature of the enchantments placed upon them." She says the last bit to herself and trails off, deep in thought. Elara looks up at Nimly, her expression resolute. "I will need some time to study these crystals and the control box. We have texts and tools here in the temple that can aid in this process. In the meantime, I recommend you continue your investigation into Corporal Thorne's behavior. There may be a connection between his actions and the dark magic within these crystals."
Nimly stands. “As you say, Sister. I’ll leave these in your possession and I will be in touch soon.” Sister Elara nods politely. “Thank you, Nimly. Take care and may Selûne's light guide your path."
Encouraged by her words, Nimly beckons Thorn and the pair quickly leave the temple, heading for the Silver Stag. The sun has set, casting Everlund in a golden glow with long shadows stretching across the quiet streets. As they approach the inn, the doors are open and lively conversation mixed with the plucked notes of a lute spill out into the evening air.
Entering the inn, Nimly looks around and quickly spies Darian behind the bar. As he approaches, a loud tummy rumble is clearly audible, which the gnome also feels through his boots. Mentally, he reaches out. Hey buddy, you feelin’ snacky? He receives back the mental image of a very thin rat with very large eyes.
Nimly reassures his friend and turns his attention to the innkeeper. “Good evening, Darian. Do you know if Corporal Thorne or Garin are around tonight? I’m conducting an investigation for Captain Anara, and I would like to speak to both of them.”
Darian peers around the crowded room for a moment, and he points to a table in the corner. “Aye, that’s Garin over there. Corporal Thorne hasn’t been in tonight that I’ve noticed.”
The gnome smiles. “Thank you, Darian. Could we get a Sun’s Glory and two omelets with all the fixings sent over to that table?”
Darian nods, “Aya, it’ll be ‘round soon.”
Over in a corner sits the man in question, with a rugged appearance and a wooden mug in one hand. Thorn waddles over to warm himself up by the fire as Nimly makes his way over to Garin’s table. “Excuse me, sir. We have a mutual acquaintance. I spoke with Sergeant Harkin earlier today and he mentioned your name. May I share your table and some conversation?”
Garin slowly looks up from his drink, his eyes narrowing as he assesses Nimly. After a moment his expression softens, and he gestures to the empty seat across from him. "Sergeant Harkin, you say? Sure, have a seat. Any friend of Harkin's is welcome. What brings you out lookin’ for me?"
Nimly scoots the chair around the edge of the table and takes a seat where he can see the rest of the tavern. “I was given a task by Captain Anara to look into an unsavory incident between Corporal Thorne and a priestess at the Hall of the Moon. I’ve been looking for Thorne in order to record his account. Do you have any knowledge of the event I’m referring to or anything you’d like to share about Thorne himself?”
Garin leans back in his chair, considering Nimly's words. "Aye, I've heard a bit about that incident. Thorne's a good one, but he's been actin’ strange lately. Seen him hanging around with some shady folks, and he's been more on edge than usual. As for the incident at the temple, I don't know the details, but I heard it was quite a commotion. Thorne's not usually one to cause trouble, so whatever happened must've been serious."
He pauses, taking a sip of his drink before continuing. "If you want to find Thorne, you might check the old barracks near the east gate. He's been there at his office a lot recently, often late into the night. Just be careful; whatever's going on has him riled up.”
As the two talk, Darian approaches the table with a tray. He skillfully balances a mug of Sun’s Glory and two steaming omelets overflowing with onions, cream, bacon and other various meats. He sets the items down in front of Nimly with a friendly smile. "Here you go, sir. Enjoy." He then leans in slightly and adds in a low voice, "Before you leave, make sure to have a word with me. There's something you should know." With that, Darian straightens up and heads back to the bar. Nimly nods his thanks and turns back to the food.
With both plates steaming in front of him, Nimly looks down and casts Mold Earth, collecting sawdust on the floor into a slightly raised 2 foot square platform. With a flourish of Silent Image, a table setting appears on the sawdust platform, complete with a silver place setting, sturdy silverware, and a squat candle burning away. He sets the omelet down on the table, mentally relaying to Thorn that dinner is ready. Thorn pushes up from his spot by the fire and waddles over eagerly. His whiskers are twitching in delight at the aroma coming off the delicious food. The giant rat begins eating his omelet with gusto.
Nimly takes a drink from his mug, and his eyes, normally a deep green, take on a metallic glow. “Aaaahhhh. That’s nice. The old barracks near the east gate? I will look into it. How recent is Thorne’s change of behavior and association with shady characters? Are these characters connected with the organized bandits that have troubled the city of late?”
Garin watches Nimly’s magical display for Thorn with amusement before responding. “Thorne's odd behavior started about a month ago. He used to be reliable, always had a clear head. But lately, he’s been jumpy and secretive. As for the shady characters, I can't say if they’re connected to the bandits, but it wouldn’t surprise me. There’s been more bandit activity around the city, and Thorne’s been seen with people who look like they’re up to no good. If I were you, I’d be careful poking around the East Barracks. Unlike the guardhouse, it’s not open to the public.”
Nimly smiles at Thorn, taking another slow sip from his mug; he turns his attention back to Garin. “Hmmm. I’ve heard a number of times that Thorne’s recent behavior is a departure from what his friends expect. I don’t want to diminish what he did, but I do want to understand why it feels unexpected. Could you share a story or two about him from the past that describes his previous reputation? This won’t be part of the inquest. I’m merely trying to understand why his recent behavior has confused people.”
Garin takes a long draw from his mug, signaling to Darian he needs another. "Aye, Thorne's change is a puzzle for many of us who knew him well. About a year ago, there was a house fire near the Silverymoon Gate. Thorne was off duty, but he rushed in without a second thought. He helped pull people from the burning building, risking his own life to save others. The city recognized his bravery, and he was awarded a commendation for his actions."
Garin takes a deep breath before continuing, "Thorne was also known for his fairness. There was an incident where some local merchants were being harassed by a gang. Thorne took it upon himself to investigate and put an end to their extortion racket. He didn't just arrest them; he made sure they were brought to justice in a way that restored the merchants' trust in the city guard. He was the kind of man you could count on to do the right thing."
Garin leans back in his seat, taking a long swallow. "That's why his recent behavior is so troublin’. It's like he's a different person. I don't know what's gotten into him, but it's clear somethins not right. I hope you can get to the bottom of it, Nimly."
Nimly nods in satisfaction, “Garin, you’ve been more helpful than I could have dreamed. Hopefully, this matter will be concluded soon, in a way that restores trust in the Guard and the safety of the citizens. If so, you deserve credit for it. As a token of my gratitude, your next two drinks are on me. I’ll speak to Darian in a moment and pass that on. I hope to chat with you again someday soon.” Garin nods, a note of appreciation in his eyes.
After his farewell, Nimly dismisses the Mold Earth and Silent Image effects, picks up the plates, and returns to Darian. “Your brewmaster is top notch, Darian. That’s the best Sun’s Glory I’ve had in a year. Put two drinks for Garin back there on my tab? He’s a fine chap. Now, you had something to discuss with me?”
Darian smiles as absorbs the high praise in a practiced way. “Of course, Nimly. I’m glad you enjoyed the drink. Come and get another when you are back for the night.” He says that last bit with a wink. “I’ll make sure Garin gets his drinks. Now, about that something I wanted to discuss… I've heard about a newcomer to town who appears to be poking around asking questions. She might be able to help you with the bandit troubles. If you’re interested, she should be at the Hall of the Moon this evening.”
Nimly reaches down and pets Thorn, “Oh? Did you catch a name? I’ll head over. I don’t know if I’ll be back for the night or not. If I do, I’m interested in a full mug of Honey Pine Dew, if you have a cask lying around. That’s a decent incentive to dodge arrows. It’s good to have goals.”
Darian chuckles, a twinkle in his eye. "The name is Yávië Ru. You can't miss her—she has these swirling amber and green eyes. And don’t worry, I'll have that Honey Pine Dew ready for you when you get back. Just make sure that you do dodge those arrows, alright?"
Upon reaching the Temple of Selûne, Nimly pauses for a moment, taking in the serene atmosphere. The moonlight and the gentle whispers of prayers create a sense of calm. He pushes open the large wooden doors and steps inside, Thorn close behind. Inside the temple, a few worshippers are scattered around, lost in meditation. At the far end of the hall, a woman that matches Darian’s description catches Nimly’s eye. She appears to be meditating as far away from the priestesses as she can get.
Nimly takes a seat that is in view of her and relatively close by so that, should she finish her task, he will notice and perhaps be noticed. One by one, he takes out the wand, the ring and the orb from his pack, turning them this way and that in turn. Nimly puts the other items away and focuses on the wand. After a time, the woman in front of him comes out of her meditation, opening her eyes. They are indeed swirling green and amber.
Nimly waves and approaches, with Thorn following as politely and carefully as a giant rat might move through a temple. “Good evening! A mutual acquaintance, Darian from the Silver Stag? He gave me your name and said you had some strong feelings on the bandit issues that Everlund is dealing with. My name is Nimly Sparkleshine and I have strong feelings too.”
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!
The next chapter released… will be the beginning of a party!