Fire in Shadybrook:

Marac Eleron, moneylender, has decided that he doesn’t like the competition offered to him by another wealthy merchant and adventurer in town. He wants to remain a major player in the mercantile community – as he is the only one who can lend money at this time, but can see that some will soon turn to Eric with his ready cash from adventuring.

Marac is also worried that an adventurer might recognize the illicit activities he’s carrying on (he’s a fence and his sons are smuggling in small amounts of illegal drugs as well as taking stolen merchandise in and out).

Marac hired two down-at-heels farm lads to do the dirty work of burning out Eric’s new home-to-be, but he disguised himself as Seumas Kenzie when he did so. The lads have never met Kenzie, so they can only say that it was “one as claimed to be able to curse us” if they failed in their job. If introduced to Seumas, they admit readily that while their employer looked “somethin’ like”, it wasn’t the same man.

The two “boys” can be found with some diligent info gathering checks at Petunia Castler’s Inn (they came in late that evening with more than their usual few coppers and seemed mighty pleased with themselves). In past weeks, they’ve found work out at Log’s Landing.

The boys are named Conn and Bartol; they are from Shannondale originally, and came to Shadybrook a couple years ago looking for work. They generally circulate around the region doing odd jobs. Both boys know that Marac will buy without asking too many questions about ownership of goods. If asked outright who their employer reminded them of, they have a chance of suggesting Marac (DC 15 Int check – they both have a 10 Int).

If the PCs try to investigate Seumas Kenzie, they find him to be a rather lazy young man who really is fearful of Eric stealing his place as the village wizard. If reassured of Eric’s lack of interest, he quickly becomes friendly. He denies having anything to do with the fire, and asks to meet those who accuse him of hiring them. He suggests there are several merchants in town who might feel threatened by the party’s wealth and prestige. He indicates that Marac, Teague the miller, and perhaps even Mos Derry could be behind the act. He is also suspicious of the rather odd Mrowr Birdkiller, but can’t imagine a motive.

Mrowr is a witness to the fire, and knows that the “boys” started it. He also knows that Marac is bringing drugs into Shadybrook and selling them to the farmers and loggers, at the Porthole Tavern, with Heinrich’s knowledge and consent (for a cut of the profits). However, Mrowr is not very friendly and will probably only talk to Glade for some promise of a return favor in the future.