Death of a Taxman

I found a corpse while traveling near Seyda Neen. It seems to be the corpse of one Processus Vitellius, based on some items found on his body. He is carrying a parchment with what look like tax records. He also had 200 gold on his body, probably taxes he'd collected.

I've spoken to Socucius Ergalla in Seyda Neen about Processus Vitellius. Socucius wants to know if I found the tax money he'd collected on the corpse.

I've told Socucius the truth about the 200 gold in tax money I found on the corpse of Processus.

I decided to keep the truth about the 200 gold I found on Processus to myself. Socucius was disappointed that the money had been lost, and saddened by the death of his tax collector. He thanked me for letting him know what had happened.

Socucius wasn't happy to hear I no longer had the 200 gold that were on the corpse. He's told me I should return when I have the money.

I've been able to get 200 gold to replace the money on Processus' corpse, and I've brought it to Socucius Ergalla.

He seemed impressed with my honesty, but confused as to why someone would murder Processus but not take his money. If I can find out who has done this, and execute the murderer, Socucius has promised to pay me 500 gold.

I've asked around town about the murder of Processus Vitellius. It seems he wasn't a popular person in general, which is no surprise, considering he was a tax collector. Some have suggested I speak with Thavere Vedrano, the lighthouse keeper, as she seemed to have some relationship with him.

Thavere Vedrano has mentioned to me an argument that Processus had been having with Foryn Gilnith. Apparently, there was some disagreement about the amount of money Gilnith owed, and how much he had really been making with his fishing.

Gilnith killed Processus, of this there is no doubt. He admits to it openly, and seems not in the least bit ashamed of it. Gilnith contends that Processus was corrupt, as are all the employees in the Census and Excise Office. He claims that Processus was attempting to gouge him on the taxes that were levied, and was taking a cut for himself, spending it on new jewelry and the like.

I believe Gilnith's story, and have decided to keep this knowledge to myself. Perhaps Processus was a corrupt man, perhaps not. It does not seem a good business to become more involved in.

I simply can't believe Gilnith's story, and even if it were true, it is no excuse for murder.

I brought the ring I found on Gilnith's body to Thavere Vedrano in the lighthouse. She was grateful to have something to remember her lover by, and thanked me by giving me two potions of healing.

After killing Gilnith, I reported my findings to the Census and Excise Office. Socucius seemed pleased to see Processus' murder avenged, and he paid me as promised.