Word spreads in certain circles that the Watch has a new Underofficer, Aldric Thornfield, an Investigator. This would normally not draw much attention, but this one seems to eschew magical alchemy, relying on raw wits and daring, solving mysteries with deductions, sharp interrogations, and if necessary, minimal necessary force. This draws some mockery among the more magically inclined, while those without the talent view it with more romanticism.

In his Watch office, Aldric pours over a city map, sticking pins in to key locations, and writing annotations on a sheet of parchment beside it, next to the case materials and evidence. He pauses to load his signature pipe and lights it, puffing in satisfaction

"Come now, Duirt. Provide me with a real caper. Something I can really sink my teeth in to, and strike the fear of the gods in to the scoundrels."

He ponders a while longer, before grabbing his cane, and heading out to view the scene first hand. Some things are best viewed in person.

Now sporting a scarf to hide the unsightly bruises on his neck, which were NOT from a romantic tryst gone...very right?...despite the Watch break room gossip. He sipped tea to soothe his throat while he arranged the crime map board. Shaped trees and gargoyles, shambling mounds, and now hangman trees. Someone blessed with nature was targeting the city, and killing its citizens and heroes, or they were certainly trying to. Well, not on the Watch's watch.

Paper scratched as he wrote all the details he can recall from the incidents, drawing parallels, actors involved, annotating questions such as who would wish them harmed, who might they have angered?

The candles burned low as Aldric threw himself in to this latest development, requiring his pipe to be repacked several times as he puffed to focus his thoughts further. The next member to see him leave his office did a double take, wondering when he had come in, instead of wondering when he last left...

The candles burn low tonight at the Voran Watch. After another desecration of a hero statue in the Central Park, the culprit was actually spotted and chased. Though the druid escaped, the local druids agreed to parley in a weeks time. So, unless it was a trap, they had a week to prepare.

Aldric worked with the sketch artist to create and distribute the likeness of the elf druid to the guardsmen at the park to be aware what to look out for, and to be aware he could turn in to a raven (( among likely other forms )). Afterwards he wrote out his incident reports, expenses justifications (( you dont make a Lady walk even if she doesnt like to be called Lady )), as well as a proposal for the meeting. After repacking his pipe with ink stained fingers, he updated his crime board again, the players now falling in to place, motives revealed. Would the druids censure their own? Would they too scoff at city laws? Could justice be meted out? Aldric would have to see what his superiors were willing to do, how far they would go for justice, and what they were willing to concede.

Hours later, Aldric, with his tobacco pouch much lower, would go look for a place to unwind, tension having filled his muscles, and numbers and theories clouded his mind. Tomorrow the work would continue regardless of his state of mind, so best he get to resting.

Aldric returns to the Watch office, brushing snow off himself, makes his report that the Druid would plague the city no more. He then returns to his office, to pack up the notes and papers from his board, except for a few to leave to ponder upon in his free time. He then files them with the solved cases with some relief. He sits by the Watch hearth fire and lights up his pipe, taking out the stone given to him by the druids, and ponders what will be in store for him in the future.