Orphans Disappear ((Roleplay thread for ongoing event))

[EDM Libby]

frc.proboards.com/thread/38554/missing-orphans-cormyr (Event updates here)


Rumors have spread around Suzail now of a boy named James who went missing from the Young Explorers Orphanage. Little is known about the disappearance and rumors vary from a tall, dark man who took the kid out of the play yard and then disappeared around a corner to the kid disappearing from quiet reading in his bed to the kid being picked up by his birth parents and taken home. A sign is posted on the orphanage, "CLOSED: The ladies of the orphanage are no longer accepting visitors for the safety of the children. Donations may be left at the door."



Frubo has been heard singing to a crowd occasionally in Greatgaunt.



*sings, strum strums* In the square here, where words flow free, gather 'round and hear the tale from me.



*StRUM strum* Yes, an orphan lad with naught to claim, vanished last night with no name. *strum strums loudly before plucking a steady melancholy beat*



The orphan gone, a mystery untold, into the shadows he vanished or so she told. No trace, no sign, just an empty bed... left the orphanage ladies scratching their heads.



There in the orphanage, nothing but a book to his name, a ragged little fellow no fortune or fame. *STRUM strum, flips his head forward then back*



Some say he danced in the night, others swear he vanished before their sight. Whispers in the orphanage, they all agree, his fate is a riddle - lost in mystery. *STRUM*



*Bucks his head foward then back flinging his hair along* Oh the orphan is goneeeee, a mystery unTOLD. In shadows he's vanished or so she's told.



No trace, no sign, just an empty BED! Left the orphanage ladies scratching their heads. *head flops his hair forward and back and then finishes with a flourish*



*STRUM STRUM*



New rumors have started of another missing child, this time a girl named Lilyan from an orphanage in Marsember. The same is true in the rumors hold little concrete information and have a wide variance of circumstances.

Those who wrote to the ladies of the orphanage in Suzail learned that this had been reported to the purples.



Frubo once again sang the song to a crowd in Greatgaunt. He further explained that a girl had gone missing under similar circumstances from an orphanage in Arabel. The crowd began to speculate on possible causes and how they could investigate further.

[Kat]

Whitelaw as she is want to lately, drops into The Square, as she calls it, in the Gaunt, her eyes searching the area, a disapointed sigh as yet again she does not find the one she seeks. She does however hear Frubo's song, her eyes opening wide as she follows the verse, an expression of alarm quickly registers on her face, she swears! Twice! The newest additions to Hope's Cradle, and the existing orphans must be kept safe, she rushes back to Valkur's.  A word of warning to Amity Calah first and then she hurries off to find Runa to make sure the extra guards they had requested are in place around the Valkur's Orphanage.

Runa Rothgar
DM Hawk

[EDM Libby]

An official report is released:

Shortly before early lunch time during the scheduled storytime session, a child, identified as James (aged 5), disappeared under extraordinary and unexplained circumstances. The incident occurred in the sleeping room with 2 other children present and the orphanage attendant, Julina Blackwell.

The children were each spending time in their beds during quiet time and practicing their reading. No one could recall what book James was reading, but when the two other children (Jaydin and Melanie, aged 4 and 6) were interviewed they noted he was "for absolutely real, honest" reading like he was supposed to be because James was "a goody two shoes". (This was followed by an eyeroll from Jaydin.) Both children say that they don't know what happened at all because they were also "for real honest" doing what they were supposed to be doing. Though each child, when separated, noted that they literally saw James disappear into a little spark of light. Jaydin claimed the light was blue, but Melanie said that the light was green. Despite the discrepancies, the majority of the interview indicated the same outcome. 

The attendants noted that the books available to read during this story time were simple picture books depicting various stories that taught valuable life lessons. Miss Blackwell had moved to the doorway to speak with another orphanage attendant, Miss Yanda Smithrow, but neither noted anything out of the ordinary. "He was literally there one second and gone the next," says Miss Blackwell. Miss Smithrow was unable to comment further as she could not see into the room past Miss Blackwell, though she appeared very shaken by her experience.

As soon as James was gone Miss Blackwell started to clear the area and calm the remaining children. She states that some were terrified, but others were amazed and began to rave about the incident. At first she was in disbelief, but then, when she could find no other explanation she states, "I don't know what to believe any more."

While Miss Blackwell calmed the children, Miss Smithrow checked on the others and informed the rest of the staff of the happenings.

The orphanage sent word to the Purples for help in the investigation (leading to this report).

No evidence remains to be examined. The book cannot be found, the bed James was in is perfectly normal.

Conclusion: The Purples feel the aid of someone(s) with better experience with children might provide assistance in reviewing the incident, (and others like it if the rumors hold true) and resolving the matter without further loss of life. If you feel you could provide assistance in this matter, please leave word here and notate any credentials/qualifications.

[freezn]

Meesha grumbles under her breath as she tacks up response next to the official report. "I despise children..."

"To whom it may concern,

I, Meesha Grimm, can provide assistance in investigating the disappearance of the orphan named James. Before my departure from the institution last year, I served as Mistress of Sorcery and, prior to that, Mistress of Enchantment at the Alizarin Academy of Bardic Lore in Marsember. During my tenure at this esteemed academic institution, I was responsible for tutoring many youths of various ages. Furthermore, the Academy provided room and board to numerous orphans left without family or guardians following the destruction of Hilp.

In addition to my extensive knowledge and insight into the arcane, as well as my abundant experience with orphaned youths, I have recently taken up investigative pursuits. I am currently the editor and primary writer for the Roaring Gazette. This periodical demands thorough interviewing skills and the ability to follow hints and clues to compile coherent reports for the public.

If you wish to seek my assistance, please leave a message at the Obscene Ogre in Suzail or at any inn within the barony of Valkur's Roar.

With the utmost respect,

Meesha Grimm,

Editor of the Roaring Gazette"

[Merogol]

Fidus prepares a letter which dispatches to the authorities diligently:

"I, Fidus Erinnys, Knight Marshal of the Triadic Order of the Divine Resurrection, do hereby extend the most solemn greetings. It has come to our sacred attention that shadows have befallen the innocent, as whispers of missing orphans have echoed through the hallowed halls of our Order.

In the benevolent names of Tyr, Torm, and Ilmater, we express our deepest sympathies for the children of Suzail's Young Explorers Orphanage and Marsember's sanctuary who have vanished into the night. Their absence is a wound upon the heart of the Triad, and thus, we cannot remain idle.

With the blessings of the Maimed God, the True, and the Loyal Fury, we humbly offer our aid in this matter most dire. We propose to dispatch a contingent of our most valiant crusaders, knights, and hospitallers to delve into this enigma and seek out the lost lambs.

Should our proposition find favor in your eyes, we beseech you to send word to our Order. Let such correspondence be directed to my vigilant care at the northern fortification of Eveningstar or entrusted to the House of Healing in Suzail.

We pledge our swords and our souls to this cause, for the justice of Tyr, the courage of Torm, and the compassion of Ilmater guide our every deed. Together, may we bring light to these darkened tales and return the missing to their rightful place amongst us.

In Faith and Fealty,

Fidus Erinnys
Knight Marshal of the Triadic Order of the Divine Resurrection"

*a seal in red wax where the Torm handle stamps the letter*

[Kat]

Meanwhile on a balmy summers night in Valkurs. . reluctant after the persistant rumours to read a random book to the children, Whitelaw"borrows" one of Runa's recent reads..