Chapter One - The Adventure Begins

Dracone walks over to the Half-elf and whispers into his ear.

Now listen very closely. Nothing angers me more than those who prey on the innocent and I for one will not stop until justice is done but, JUSTICE it will be. We will not go about beating and torturing people for answers as those people may be innocent themselves and then we are just as evil as those we seek. While it may burn our nerves this investigating and waiting, it is the proper way to go about it to prove we are better than those others and I will not stand by and allow any of those I travel with cross that line. I hope this is does not divide us but bring us closer to a mutual trust and understanding.

"A cleric? Gods. I gotta get out of this mess," Patch says. He looks relieved to get everything off his chest—a visible weight has come off his shoulders. "The Last Laugh guys usually go around with their faces painted black and white. Did those guys last night have painted faces?"

Dracone listens to the information as it is all brought together.

"I believe the easiest step to eliminate would be the locksmith. While the locks were installed a long time ago, he may have recently had a break in to his shop and someone could have stolen a key but, it may also be that someone good with locks opened them without a key. I don't think the locksmith is involved but, may know something without really knowing it. Such as, he may have had someone come in recently with a lock and said he lost the key, it may be the same type or lock that he sold the orphanage way back and did not make the connection. This is of course my opinion and I could be wrong."

"Lady diviner, Sir knight, I agree locksmith seems to be a low hanging fruit. As for infiltrating this Last Laugh group, if I may give one suggestion. This could be a risky proposition for whoever infiltrates. If they are, by some bad luck, found out - I'm afraid they'd be sitting ducks. If we decide to take this route, instead of splitting the party - I would suggest rest of us stay out of sight, but close by, so that we can serve as back up in case things go... awry."

After a bit more discussion, the group decides that the best course of action is to see what they can find out from the locksmith, Keygan Ghelve. Following directions given by Headmistress Gretchen, you make your way along Lava Avenue around the south side of the city. Soon enough you come across a two-story building with a swinging sign that reads GHELVE'S LOCKS. Standing in front of the building, you see a heavy, iron-bound oak door leading into the shop. The windows all around the building are barred with iron as well. To the right of the door is a bay window with an impressive display of locks set up inside. The display contains locks of all kinds, from large to small, simple to complex. Trying the door, you find it unlocked.

You hear the ring of a small bell as the door opens, and you all step inside the shop. You are immediately greeted by the smell of warm wood and pipe smoke. To your left is a small fireplace flanked on either side by a padded sitting chair. You see on the mantle a base of dried smoking leaves and a nice collection of pipes. A burgundy-colored carpet runs from the entrance of the shop straight to the back wall, where you can see dozens—perhaps hundreds—of keys hanging from tiny hooks. Looking to your right, you see a handsomely engraved mahogany counter, behind which is an exceptionally tall gnome with salt-and-pepper colored hair and a nicely trimmed goatee. This must be the locksmith, Keygan. Behind him, neatly hiding the rest of the store, hangs a red curtain.The locksmith raises a brow at the motley crew that has just entered his shop. "Good morning, friends. What can I do for you?"