Sheriff’s Report
Date: 30th January 1867
Location: Mountains of Mist
Time: 3:00 pm
Reporting Officer: Sheriff Silas McPherson
Evidence Collected: Cassandra Love’s Notebook, Emmett Doyles Possessions.
Incident Summary:
At approximately 3 pm, a stagecoach traveling through Montagnes des Brumes (the Mountains of Mist), was ambushed by unknown assailants. The stagecoach, driven by Clayton Arnett, was carrying several passengers: Grady Hanlon, Cassandra Love, Alonzo Fernado, Margot LaRue, Rose Dropwater, Angus Brodie, and Emmett Doyle.
Witness Accounts:
Grady Hanlon: Reported hearing tales of cultists in the mountains and believed the gold in the area to be cursed. He was first to exit the coach during the ambush. I have provided historical context regarding the long-standing rumors about cultist activities in the Mountains of Mist. He stated that these rumors have been circulating among the local population for many years, yet there has been no substantial evidence to support these claims. Despite thorough investigations in the past, law enforcement has never confirmed the existence of any cultist group operating in the area. He noted that while these stories are embedded in local folklore, they remain unsubstantiated.
Grady Hanlon, also explained his beliefs about the disappearing miners in the region. He suggested a connection between these disappearances and the alleged cultist activities. However, he admitted that he possesses no concrete evidence to support his claims. Hanlon’s account of the missing miners aligns with local legends but lacks factual backing. He expressed his belief that the ambush and the stolen iron-bound box might be related to these rumored activities, though he could not provide any tangible proof.
Cassandra Love: A journalist, skeptical of Hanlon’s stories, she was observing the events and taking notes. She witnessed the altercation between Clayton and the assailants. She was questioned regarding the events leading up to and during the ambush. Her responses were noted to be vague and, at times, aggressive. Ms. Love exhibited a strong distrust towards law enforcement, which may stem from her previous encounters with the police due to her occupation. Her reluctance to cooperate fully with the investigation was evident.
Preliminary examination of Ms. Love’s notebook revealed detailed observations of the other passengers and events on the stagecoach. However, she was evasive when asked to elaborate on specific entries in her notebook. I noted Ms. Love’s uncooperative nature and recommended further analysis of her notebook to ascertain any undisclosed information she may possess related to the case.
Alonzo Fernado: Identified as a professional actor, was present during the stagecoach ambush. Initially considered a person of interest due to his proximity to the event and his flamboyant personality. Mr. Fernado was interviewed regarding his presence on the stagecoach and any relevant observations he might have had. He provided an account of the events leading up to the ambush and described his interactions with other passengers, notably Grady Hanlon and Cassandra Love. During the interview, Alonzo Fernado maintained a cooperative stance. His statements were consistent with other witness accounts, and he displayed no signs of withholding information. He appeared to be more focused on promoting his upcoming theatre venture than the events of the ambush. The investigating officer concluded that Alonzo Fernado’s presence at the scene was coincidental. Based on the interviews and cross-referencing with other witness statements, it is assessed that Mr. Fernado was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. There is no evidence suggesting his involvement in the ambush or any connection to the assailants.
Margot LaRue: The investigating officer notes Margot’s composed demeanor during questioning. Her responses were measured and provided little beyond what was necessary. Widow, late husband, Marius LaRue, owner of Duskmire.
Rose Dropwater: Rose Dropwater appears to be a genuine scholar with no apparent ulterior motives for her journey. Her demeanor was noted to be reserved and somewhat introverted. In her possessions was a Letter from Fiona Gant, inviting her to continue her studies at the Demomire Historical Library. Cross-verify this with the Demomire Historical Library for additional confirmation. Given her reaction to the shooting incident, it is assessed that Rose Dropwater was an innocent bystander with no prior knowledge or involvement in the events leading up to the ambush.
Based on the current information and the letter presented by Rose Dropwater, it appears that her presence on the stagecoach was solely for academic purposes, with no connection to the ambush or the other passengers’ conflicts. Her fainting during the incident is considered a natural reaction to the traumatic event, and no further action regarding this is deemed necessary at this stage.
Angus Brodie: During questioning, Angus Brodie was notably evasive about the specific reasons for his trip. He provided general statements about traveling for his work but avoided details. According to Angus and other passengers he tried to vocally warn the driver to slow down just before the ambush. Noted was Brodie’s general interest in unusual medical cases, which might align with his itinerant practice but also raises questions about the specific nature of his journey. His skills as a medic and doctor were acknowledged, though no direct relevance to the ambush incident was established. I noted Brodie’s experience in dealing with traumatic situations, which could explain his composed demeanor post-ambush. However, his evasiveness about his journey’s purpose remains a point of interest.
Clayton Arnett: Driver of the ambushed stagecoach. Clayton Arnett was questioned regarding the events leading up to, during, and after the ambush. Specific focus was given to his awareness of the iron-bound box that was retrieved by the assailants. Arnett claimed to have no knowledge of the box, stating he was unaware of its existence or contents. He described the ambush as unexpected and claimed to have no prior knowledge of any potential threats or the assailants’ identities. Arnett remained uncooperative throughout the interview, providing minimal information and maintaining a defensive stance.
I have skepticism regarding Arnett’s claim of ignorance about the box. Given his role as the driver and his defensive responses, there is suspicion that he may have been aware, if not directly involved, in its transport.
Emmett Doyle: Was recognized by one of the assailants and shot dead at close range. Given the specific targeting of Emmett Doyle, the investigation is exploring the possibility of a pre-existing connection between him and the assailants. Emmett Doyle appeared to be an ordinary individual traveling for typical work purposes. His soft-spoken nature and apparent lack of connection to the other passengers raise questions about why he was specifically targeted.
Incident Details:
The stagecoach was traveling at a high speed before it was forced to stop.
Gunfire was heard, followed by the stagecoach coming to an abrupt halt.
Two assailants emerged from the mist, one of whom spoke to the driver while the other checked the rear of the coach.
Clayton Arnett, the driver, engaged in a physical altercation with one of the assailants, resulting in him being shot in the leg and hit in the face with a rifle butt.
One of the assailants recognized Emmett Doyle and subsequently executed him.
The assailants retrieved an iron-bound box from a hidden compartment in the coach and fled the scene.
Injuries:
Clayton Arnett sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and injuries to his face.
Emmett Doyle was fatally shot.
Rose Dropwater suffered from shock and fainted.
Investigation:
Cultist Activity Rumors: The investigation team acknowledges the persistent rumors of cultist activities in the Mountains of Mist. However, as stated, there is no verifiable evidence to confirm these rumors. The investigation will remain grounded in tangible evidence and verified information.
Disappearing Miners: The statements regarding missing miners in the area, as brought up by Grady Hanlon, have been noted. Historical records indicate reports of missing persons in the region, often attributed to the hazardous nature of mining and the treacherous terrain. There is no current evidence linking these disappearances to the ambush or the stolen box.
Continued Investigation: Any potential leads regarding cultist activities or the history of missing miners will be explored, but the investigation will not be based on speculation or unverified folklore.
We have examined the scene and the remains of the coach.
The iron-bound box’s contents and significance are under investigation.
Search for assailants underway, descriptions to be circulated.
Conclusion:
This incident appears to be a targeted ambush with motives possibly linked to the iron-bound box. The connection between the passengers, especially Emmett Doyle and the assailants, is a key point of investigation. Further inquiries and witness interviews are ongoing.
Additional Notes:
Following the initial investigation of the stagecoach ambush, I sought the assistance of the Sentinels, a local order reputed for their role in maintaining peace within Demomire. My intent was to enlist their resources and knowledge of the region, given their longstanding presence and supposed expertise in such matters.
Upon my arrival at the Veiled Star headquarters, I was met with an unexpectedly cold reception. The Sentinels, while cordial in their mannerisms, were notably reticent to share information or offer any form of assistance. Their leader, the Sentinel Prime, provided generic acknowledgments of the incident but declined to contribute any actionable intelligence.
I attempted to discuss potential leads and the significance of the stolen iron-bound box; however, the Sentinels remained noncommittal. They asserted that their jurisdiction does not extend to cooperating with external law enforcement unless deemed necessary by their internal council—a protocol that has yet to be satisfied in this case.
The lack of cooperation from the Sentinels significantly hampers investigative efforts. Their intimate familiarity with the terrain and local populace would be invaluable; yet, they have chosen to withhold such advantages. Their reasoning remains opaque and is a cause for concern.
I pressed for clarity on their stance, only to be met with vague statements about jurisdictional boundaries and preserving the order’s autonomy. The Sentinel Prime insinuated that they are conducting their own parallel inquiry into matters concerning Demomire’s safety but refrained from divulging specifics.
The obstructive posture of the Sentinels raises questions about their intentions and potential involvement or vested interest in the incident. It is unusual for a group claiming to safeguard a community to hinder an investigation into an event that threatens its members’ well-being.
Given this lack of cooperation from the Sentinels, I am compelled to proceed independently with my department’s resources. I have initiated patrols along potential escape routes used by the assailants and increased surveillance around key areas within Demomire.
I will continue to reach out to community members who may provide insights outside of Sentinel influence. Local miners and prospectors like Grady Hanlon could offer valuable information about the region’s geography and lore that may indirectly assist in shedding light on possible motives or identities behind the ambush.
The investigation is ongoing, and further reports will follow as new information surfaces.
– Silas McPherson
Author
