The Twelve be with you! We are new in town and we’re trying to get our bearings.
Do come in. I’ll gladly answer your questions, as far as I’m able.
Ah, it’s you. What brings you here?
We’re interested to hear your views on Doldrecht’s strange accusations.
Gorm’s accusations are worthless, as you know as well as I do! First he accused you of murder, but when he was questioned, there wasn’t one word out of him about any murder. Instead he went on about having been tortured. Tortured! With not a scratch or even a single bruise on him.
Could you tell us something about this town?
General and detailed information is available at City Hall. All I can offer are some rumors going around.
The area around the old watchtower is still said to be haunted, despite the entrance having been bricked up years ago.
There’s a magician living in his tower outside of town. That area is said to be haunted as well, so the citizens tend to avoid it.
There are dwarves operating a mine southeast of town.
Two years ago, a druid appeared in town, but he disappeared just as abruptly and mysteriously. Since then, there’s always someone around who claims to have seen him. There’s all sorts of beasties down in the sewers, not just the guild scum, but some mighty peculiar creatures have been reported there, too.
But, like I’ve said before:
Those are just rumors, unconfirmed mostly and improbable definitely.
Do you know anything about this conspiracy of orcs and Holberkians?
The Holberkians keep our trading links to the orcs alive. So, obviously, they’re in close contact, but I think it’s a mistake to construe a conspiracy from that. Especially as neither the orcs nor the Holberkians have the brains for it.
Couldn’t the conspiracy be controlled by someone else entirely?
Well, yes, of course that’s possible. But let’s not forget that the orcs have brought war to the entire Svellt valley. Outside the Orc Lands Holberkians are found only here in Riva. Why should anyone go to the trouble to use them for his purposes, if it’s quite obvious from events everywhere else that they aren’t needed?
There are even people who accuse you of being involved!
Not to my face they don’t. - And let’s be reasonable: What could possible be in it for me, if the orcs were to conquer the northlands? I’ve already got more power and responsibilities than I could reasonably want, and I dare say the orcs wouldn’t prove all that generous after their victory if I were to betray my people to them.
Could you tell us something about the rat-catcher?
I wouldn’t know what to tell you! Xebbert Drbann was hired shortly before the expansion of the sewer system. That must have been about ten years ago. He’s doing a thorough job. Since he’s been here, the city’s been free of vermin. - I wish the city corporation had such luck with all its investments!
What do you know about the pirates?
The worst scoundrels of several hundred miles around are congegrating on Sorrek. There’s a lot of talk about them at every council meeting, but there hasn’t been any decision about an actual strike against them yet. Sorrek is far away, and those calling for action the loudest are those least willing to provide it.
What about the sewers, then?
The sewers are guild territory these days, as strange as it may sound! The guards come close to mutiny any time they get an order to search them. Often enough they won’t dare go underground with less than at least 20^men.
Could you perhaps tell us something about the guild or the tradesmaster?
Since the tradesmaster’s escape, the guild has become a distinct power factor here in Riva. Under Lothur’s leadership, that depraved band of outlaws has turned into a capable, well-organized force. Day by day, it gets harder to act against the guild. This Ui Chearghail has become a proper people’s hero.
Well, I guess I’ll get back to work then. Good day!
Oh, sorry for not asking sooner: Who have we been talking to?
[NAME]asks [NAME] from the door. The man stands up from his chair and introduces himself with the suggestion of a bow:
Bosper Jarnug, City and County Judge at Riva.