Hearthside Slasher

The Hearthside Slasher is a serial killer currently on the prowl in Hearthside, the capital of the Autumn Empire. After the Battle of the Bonfire, it was revealed that the Slasher is the reanimated corpse of April Relampago, a former merchant who had been missing for a decade.

### Murders

Four individuals are currently under suspicion of having been murdered by the Slasher at this time.

#### Beggar at the Docks

The first body found was that of a homeless woman at the Hearthside docks three days before the first day of the Harvest Festival.

#### Percival of the Summerlands

A Summerlander claiming to be the Ambassador of the Forest Tribe was found murdered in his bed at Inncognito, an establishment in the northern quarter of the city. A tall, pale figure paid for a room before the murder took place but no one was seen exiting Inncognito afterwards. Magic was potentially used to disguise the killer. His killing took place two days before the start of the Harvest Festival.

#### Burt the Woodcarver

At the Market of Bahamut on the first day of the Harvest Festival, Burt of Timbercreek was crushed as his market stall collapsed on him. Upon further examination, the structural integrity of his hut had been negatively affected by magic.

#### Leopold of the Summerlands

A man claiming to be Percival's successor as Ambassador was found stabbed by a poisoned blade upon leaving the Market of Bahamut on the first day of the Harvest Festival. He was saved by Erythron, who removed the poison from his system. Unfortuantely Leopold still met his untimely demise that evening when the Slasher shoved him into Bahamut's Bonfire.

### Other Potential Targets

While three people are thought to have fallen victim to the Slasher, several other claims have been made about the person's whereabouts.

##### Tee Hart

A drow teenager and granddaughter of Tali Hart failed to report to work at The Heart's Blood tavern on the first day of the Harvest Festival.

### Accomplices

#### The Very Merry Mercenaries

The largest mercenary band in the Empire is well known for their willingness to do whatever they are paid to do. Several members were seen fleeing the scene of an arson in the Southern Wood while the Slasher battled in the Square. Several members of their order watched on without intervening.

### Current Suspects

Several people have been arrested in connection with these murders to varying degrees of success. Detective Inspector of the Home Guard, Shai Fleetfoot, has yet to comment on the investigation.

#### Se'ara Relampago

A storm sorceress from Hearthside was arrested for being at the murder site of Burt the Woodcarver. She was released under conditions after saving Princess Nyla from another potential suspect.

#### Erythron

A tiefling ranger was arrested for being at the murder site of Burt the Woodcarver. He was released under conditions after saving Princess Nyla from another potential suspect.

#### Scimitar-Wielding Man

A man wielding a scimitar and gallavanting across the rooftops was also seen at the murder site of Burt the Woodcarver. He and his troupe of bandits attempted to kidnap Princess Nyla but were stopped by Se'ara and Erythron. Not much is known about him after his demise other than his clothing came from the warmer climates of the Autumn Empire.

#### King Erhardt

While unlikely to be directly involved, the King of Winter has been in the Autumn Empire for several days and is thought to be planning an invasion into the Summerlands. Two attempts on the lives of people holding the title of Ambassador of the Summerlands is highly suspicious. His soldiers are also staying at Inncognito, the site of one of the murders.