Sleuthing |Clan Char, Naurorod

[Kender Bard]

Charanth was pushing around small colored stones on a wood board--a popular game amongst the Elders of the clans called Scouts and Lizards--deep in thought, enjoying some quiet time. Once, he'd have used his free time doing something more active, like sparring or riding. But these days the aches in his bones and back left him desiring more restful activities.

[Skittlebug]

His peace didn't last long when a small group of clanners show up, wanting to speak with him. Most of them looking quite annoyed. One of the men clears his throat and approaches, "Elder Charanth, could we have a word?"

[Kender Bard]

Charanth made another move and then set the board aside. "Of course," he said, giving full attention to his clansmen, looking them over. "What's wrong?" he asked, picking up that something was amiss.

[Skittlebug]

The spokesman of the group frowns, "Things have been going missing in the last week or so. Mostly small amount of food or supplies, but now there are valuables that are missing. Between us all we can't figure out who'e behind it."

[Kender Bard]

Charanth was troubled by that. Petty theft happened, but it wasn't common. Most people didn't have much in the way of coin or valuables and necessities were taken care of by all of the clan. "What has been stolen?" he asked, puzzled. "Of value, I mean."

[Skittlebug]

"Jewelry, maybe more of a sentimental value, but still." One of the women in the group nods her agreement to that. "What's most troubling is that it keeps happening."

[Kender Bard]

Troubling and strange, Charanth thought. It wasn't likely thieves from outside the clan... Why keep stealing and with increasing boldness?

Perhaps someone inside the clan was, someone young, who took it as a challenge and was now upping the odds. "I'll look into it," Charanth assured them, before walking out amongst the clansmen in search of one of the younger scouts.

[Skittlebug]

He doesn't have to go far. One of the scouts, Daiki, is sharpening his spears outside a hut nearby. Doing something useful during his idle hours.

[Kender Bard]

Charanth approached, searching his mind for a name. It didn't take long; he knew most of his clan by name. It was the children and younger boys and girls he had trouble with. But he always made it a point to learn the newer scouts by name as they were raised up to the rank. "Daiki," he greeted the young man. "I would have a word with you; a job I have in mind. May I sit with you?"

[Skittlebug]

Daiki looks up quickly at the sound of his name and does a fair job of hiding his surprise at the Elder addressing him. "Of course." He sets aside the spear he's been working on.

[Kender Bard]

Charanth smiles and lowers himself back down next to Daiki with a small groan. My bones are getting too old, he reflected. "I've been told there's been a rash of thefts in the clan that are escalating... It's very odd, really. I was wondering if you and some of your fellows--about four or five of them--would mind helping me try to catch the thief. I don't want to tell the clan as a whole, or mistrust will breed ill feelings between clansmen. It might not even be one of our own, after all. I'd like to handle this discreetly."

"So instead of patrolling the clan borders, I'd like it if you and some others would be willing to patrol the camp and its perimeter. Just walk in amongst the huts and watch people. Try to see if you spot anyone that doesn't belong or someone acting shady."

[Skittlebug]

The scouts eyes widen a bit when he hears what Charanth wants of him. "Of course, I'll go round up some others now. We'll let you know if we see anything."

[Kender Bard]

"If you need anything, let me know," Charanth told him. "And I'd like reports in the morning, even if you didn't see anything. And if you do catch someone stealing, I want you to restrain them and fetch me immediately, even if it's in the dead of night."

[Skittlebug]

"I'll be sure to." The scout puts a fist over his heart in a salute before heading off to round up some others.