Episode 2
There's Intrigue Afoot
As the newly-formed group of eclectic adventurers wrestle with recent events, they investigate the current elf disappearances in the Maple Crossroads – and prepare for the road ahead.
Recap
After escaping an imperial prisoner caravan, the newly-formed group of adventurers found themselves in the trading town of the Maple Crossroads. After a much-needed rest and breakfast at the aptly-named Imperial Inn, the group set out in the early morning to investigate the recent disappearances of elven townsfolk, hoping to retrieve the reward and be on their way.
Stopping by the brightly-colored tents and stalls of the Crossroads Market, Anton encouraged the group to change clothing or hide under a new cloak to stay unrecognized. Gemma spotted the halfling lady, Lezia Lunarberry, she'd seen the previous night at the inn. When asked about her low wares, the halfling merchant claimed she'd been robbed by a gang called the Crimson Knuckles; but after reporting it to the authorities, nothing was done. Gemma and Willa gave encouraging words to the woman, Gemma leaving a few gold behind out of kindness.
After a few ragged cloaks and hoods were purchased – except for the sea elf Sovemil's purchase of a lavish cloak – they headed north to the Town Hall to inspect the notice board. Gemma quickly slipped away to drop off a letter, returning in time to accompany Willa and Sovemil inside to meet the townmaster, Lady Gilkass Yarjerit, while Raz'sik and Anton kept watch outside.
The young Rhorsian elf at the front desk, Amara, stated they needed an appointment before being promptly interrupted by the Lady herself. A dark green-scaled chromatic dragonborn, Lady Gilkass approached and greeted them. Willa shared her name while the others stayed mostly quiet. Lady Gilkass seemed dismissive of the reports on the Crimson Knuckles, claiming they were merely sellswords, and that she didn't want any trouble in her town.
When asked about the missing elves, Lady Gilkass restated that a reward was involved for any information, but she was hesitant to give any details. She dismissed Amara for a moment, however, and decided to give Willa, a fellow dragonborn, a hint on recent developments. Supposedly many reports of missing elves had occurred around the Stonewall Manor, an old home owned by the prominent and influential Stonewall family and now its sole inheritor, a woman named Malkyn. Willa thanked her for the information, and Lady Gilkass called Amara back to the desk, wishing the adventurers good luck.
Returning to the outside, Willa, Gemma, and Sovemil told Raz'sik and Anton about their encounter with the town's leader. They all agreed to continue investigating the matter, albeit quietly to stay out of the spotlight. Following another lead, they reached the Lazy Pony Stables to speak with its owner, whose half-elf son might've been the last to see, Kymil, one of the missing elf children, alive.