The Dastardly Case of the Dead Man’s Tale (Part the Fourth)
(Being the final report by Deputy-Shirriff Lancogard North-took, filed in person at the Watch Office, with a copy submitted to the Shirriff-office, Town Hole, Michel Delving)
OFFICE OF THE WATCH, BROCKENBORINGS, Northfarthing in the Shire, on this the 7th day of Solmath:
The Dastardly Case of the Dead Man’s Tale
CASE STATUS: Closed
In keeping with proper recording of events, according to the Rules, I must first settle the case that had been reopened by proper Shire authorities, to wit: the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the Big Folk within the borders of the Shire, and the ascertaining of any threat to residents of the Northfarthing in general.
Deputy-Shirriff North-took, with the able assistance of Bounder Bolingbroke (both hereafter referred to as “The Two Bounders”) undertook an investigation through the towns of Oatbarton and Dwaling to conduct interviews, collect evidence, and determine the facts of the case. Said investigation lasted the better part of a week, and yielded many and startling results, which shall actually open a follow-on investigation.
Here can be stated for record that the deceased, Master Cutch Crane late of Falathlorn (aka the “Black Fox”, an agent of the Rangers of the North) was slain in the performance of his duty while serving as a scout in the wild lands beyond the Bounds. His death took place on or about the 28th of Foreyule, at a location near Dwaling and the Barandalf; his body was later discovered near the Scragdells in the Northfarthing, first by the Rangers and then by members of the Watch. Crane’s body was disfigured so as to foil any attempt at identification and, presumably, determination of cause of death.
After in-depth investigation by The Two Bounders, it appears clear that Master Crane was incapacitated by his attackers with an extremely potent concoction of spider-venom and, once rendered insensate, was murdered; the remains were then disfigured and transported to the location they were found. This was done in an attempt to both prevent Crane from reporting news of his discovery to the Rangers, and to conceal any evidence of his assailants’ activity.
Further investigation by The Two Bounders reveals that the perpetrators of the murder of Master Crane were a band of Big Folk ruffians in league with a band of goblins. This alliance of Big Folk and goblins occupied the town of Dwaling and the surrounding high ground near Bleakleaf Crest. The Two Bounders delivered a fiery brand of Notice to Vacate to the ruffians on the 6th of Solmath, and successfully cleared the town of same – only to discover that the Ranger Halros had also been overcome and taken captive using the same spider-venom; The Two Bounders rescued Master Halros just in time before he fell to the same fate.
Regarding this particular case, the deceased was positively identified; the perpetrators also identified; the method and motive of the perpetrators was also revealed and this, in accordance with the direction of the Shire-authority, establishes this as a clear and immediate danger and threat to the welfare of hobbits of the Northfarthing. Under my authority as Deputy-Shirriff, I shall continue this incident reporting as a subsequent case in its own standing; but I am declaring this, the Dastardly Case of the Dead Man’s Tale to be closed.
Done on this the 7th of Solmath,
LANCOGARD NORTH-TOOK
APPLECIDER BOLINGBROKE (her mark)
