Among the Remains- A Murder Mystery Game (Inactive)

Game Master Mowque

A traveling detective solves crimes and other much higher matters


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For dotting purposes only...


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Dotting!


Magnimar is gripped in unusual cold for this late in winter. Piles of dirty snow cling to street corners, breath billows in white clouds and a harsh rime of frost lines every surface. But it would take more than foul weather like this to resist the quest given to Angelique Rousseau earlier this evening. It had been brought to her directly from the inscrutable Mistress Ayamyra herself. The messenger was Giana, a minor cleric Angelique knew vaguely from the temple. The pretty young woman was trembling with the urgency of the message, after she had woken the bard from her sleep.

The message was so engaging Angelique quickly forgot the weather, even as she and the cleric took to the slushy streets. While they hurriedly walked through the awakening morning streets, Giana told the story.

A noble woman from the wealthy Scarnettis family was murdered last night. Slanie, as she is known, was at her brother’s house, staying the night, as was her frequent custom. The brother, Josua stepped out for urgent business late in the evening. Upon his return he found her mutilated body in her bedroom.

Nearly broken with grief, messages were quickly sent to the rest of the family. Famed throughout the city for wealth and power the Scarnetti family moved quickly to find the killer. That very night the famed and noble Derexhis family of investigators were brought in to find the culprit.

With their usual speed and dispatch they set above solving the case. In the quiet of the pre-dawn morning they brought back the guilty culprit. A man simply named Mantel was dragged from Underbridge and proclaimed guilty. A known convict, few questioned his guilt in the matter, and the whole affair seemed to be solved.

However, Mantel’s wife was a devout follower to Callistra and she managed to send a desperate plea to Mistress Ayamyra. Hoping to help her, the cleric of Callistra turned to Angelique, knowing the foreign bard was outside the local power structure and talented enough to get to the heart of matters.

Giana slows down as they approach Josua’s house in the Abalastar District. The fine manor homes, well-tended and shining with wealth provide a stark contrast to the gritty streets of the rest of Magnimar. Even winter touches lighter here as the snow has been removed and the houses re-painted despite the chill. The whole district looks bright, clean…yet brittle.

The house is the Alabaster District in a nutshell. A tall, well-built stone house, with many wide windows. A small, well-manicured yard surrounds the house, edged with a short, knee high stone wall. Trees dot the yard, trimmed and shaped into various local animals. A short pathway of stones leads to the front door.

Giana turned to Angelique, her young face strained with tension and anxiety ”Any questions? I know it is a lot to take in and I probably forgot something important or messed up something….”


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique shivered as she strode through the darkened streets, She had alwayshated the cold, either she had to wrap up in warmer clothing that she usually found...restricting, or suffer through it. Plus, it was supremely difficult to stride through the streets all confident and assured if your boots happened to slip every couple of steps. If it wasn't for sheer luck and passable balance, Angelique was certain she would have fallen on her ass at least twice by now.

Angelique listens to Giana quietly, hardly saying a word as she reflects on it, letting all the information sink in before she starts to reply. "You did very well Giana", Angelique responds kindly, "A case like this, its difficult to know what exactly, is important information and what is purely window dressing...as far as any questions I might have, most of them seem to be dedicated more background, for instance, how long was Josua gone for, what business did he need to attend to, what was Slanie like, did she have admirers, what did the crime scene look like when her body was discovered, how did the killer gain entry, who this Mantel is and why he looks like such a strong suspect...and so on. I expect most of these questions, and more besides can be answered by Josua, but if you possess any information on topics such as this, I'm always happy to here them from your own mouth, it always helps to have an outside opinion in situations such as this."

Making standard rolls below. I dont know if its Knowledge (Local) or a Diplomacy check to gather information, but they both have the exact same modifier so I'll roll Local and leave it up to you which is more applicable. I'm pretty sure that Gathering Information takes a solid hour though, so I might need to do that -The Next Day- if its that skill rather than Knowledge

Perception Check (outside of the house, assessing security, possible entry points, anything of interest and so on.: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Knowledge Local on Slanie: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Knowledge Local on Josua: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Knowledge Local on Derexhis Family: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Knowledge Local on Scarnettis Family: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Knowledge Local on Mantel: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

I know that its a lot of skill checks, and its totally ok if I don't learn anything more than whats already been stated, I'd rather roll a knowledge check and learn nothing, than not make a knowledge check and miss something super important. I'm also starting up my NPC gallery, and I'll include a hyperlink to the google doc next to my class field when its finished.


This bit here will just be normal conversation with Giana. I’ll supply the checks down below, and it’ll just be what you recall based on your Local roll. If you want to Gather Information, that’ll take more time and probably meeting and talking with locals. Obviously we’d RP that!

Giana looks down to the cold, wet streets, ’I don’t know much more then I already told you. Very little was passed on to me. I do know however, that the Mistress managed to bring us here before the body has been moved or anything like that. It should all be nearly as Jousa found it last night. But I don’t think he will answer many questions….I have already heard rumors he is a man, shattered in grief.” her head bows in solemn prayer, ’May he find the justice he seeks.”

Then she looks back up, ”I wish I could be of more help.”

As the young cleric speaks, Angelique’s mind races with facts gathered here and there through her stay in Magnimar. She doesn’t recall people talking of any Slanie, but that isn’t surprising. there were many nobles in Magnimar and few stayed in the same circles she did. The same went for her brother but she did recall some information about the family. The Scarnettis are young blood to the noble houses, and make a fortune on the shipyards and dry docks on Magnimar. Wealthy, powerful and well known for their business ruthlessness, Jousa is probably involved in the family business. of ships and their building.

Of the Derexhis family, all she knows is they are famous for solving crimes and other adventurous work. Unlike most noble families, they often get their hands dirty. Although they make money off old investments (the Derexhis are very old money) Angelquie knows their primary source of income are the family's scions, a well-trained team of adventurers who hire out to other aristocrats and important citizens to solve unusual and dangerous problems, such as kidnappings, thefts and murders. It was standard procedure for them to be here and take control of a murder investigation. Also famous was their spy network throughout the city, always picking up clues and people’s whereabouts.

As for Mantel…Angelique has no idea. He was an unknown to her, but she knew Underbridge had dozen of ‘famed criminals’ that she would never recognize. She did vaguely recall shadowy rumors that the Scarnetti’s had been dealing with the various crime-lords of the city about troublesome Shoanti but that was all she knew.

The house itself, looked normal enough and not very secure. The low stone wall could be hopped easily, of course. The grass was brown and withered for the season, the few trees leafless and dead-looking. The windows were broad and close to the ground, easy to climb in and out of. The front door was impressively oak and iron-bound however, impossible to knock in without a battering ram. The rough stone of the house was painted a charmingly off-white color. She notices no guard houses, gatekeeper sheds or anything of the sort. The other houses (also splendid villas) are fairly distant and designed to be non-obtrusive.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

As its fairly late in the evening (I believe), I think I'll attempt to gather information at a later date, such as when I'm not rushing to check a crime scene!

Angelique grunted slightly, upon hearing from Giana that Jousa was distraught with grief. In her experience when investigating a murder, too often was the guilty party a loved one or family member of the deceased, so she was hardly swayed anymore by a grief. Others might have called her devoid of sympathy, but Angelique prefered to think of it as keeping an open mind, and to look at all possibilities.

"If the body is still where it was found, and the scene isn't compromised, then I imagine that would be cause for celebration, its not often that something such as this escapes contamination, I'll be most impressed if everything was left exactly as the murderer left it" Angelique remarks in reply to Giana, her mind still rattling through what she knew about the involved parties. "I do hope however, that Jousa will meet us there - I have one or two significant questions that I'm sure he could assist in answering."


”I believe he is at home, but I am not sure.” Giana says. ”Do you need to know anything else before we go inside? The family will not wait for us forever, of course.”

If you want to ask more, feel free. Or roll something else, go ahead. I'll splice it in here. Otherwise, the below goes on.

The well-oiled door swings easily under Giana's touch, and they find themselves in a chilly marble entryway, a classic mark of Magnimar nobility. Marble paneled walls, covered with rich portraits of ancestors, gilded mirrors, and sweeping staircases. A vast fireplace sits in one wall, surmounted with an ornate mantel. The sheer majesty of the scene is only broken by two things.

One, it is freezing and it is obvious the enormous fireplace hasn't been lit in some time. The outside cold has seeped into the very stones of the huge house and suck heat right out of their bones. ”It is so cold..” Giana mutters to herself.

Second, a young man leans against a door scowling at them. Lean, dark-haired and clad in fashionable leathers, he seems to be quite comfortable. ”So, you are who they sent to question the family?” Even Giana looks confused, but before she has time to speak he approaches.

”My name is Ansel Derexhis, and I'm here to make sure you don't plant any evidence. I'll be keeping my eye on you, Miss Rousseau.” he adds, with a glint in his eyes. Giana looks panicked and more then a little afraid.

Feel free to react in any way you see fit.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"Oh please", Angelique responds with a carefree wave of her hand "Don't embarrass yourself Ansel, I'v been watched by professionals and evaded them easily enough, for someone like yourself, even Giana here wouldn't find it particularly taxing to handle you, assuming it was worth her time".

Angelique lets the barb sink home, but seeing as the family does not appear to be nearby, she is more than happy to sit there and insult Ansel Derexhis for as long as she can. Following the Calistrian teachings, Angelique really cannot abide insults against her, but is perfectly happy to give anyone who tries a good berating.

"So, I heard that it only took you and your team about 8 hours or so to find some poor patsy to beat a confession out of. Must be a new personal best or something hmm?" Angelique remarks, walking over to the fireplace and bending at the waist, clicking her fingers and lighting a fire with a quick Prestidigitation spell, signing in satisfaction as she attempts to warm up.

"Well then, feel free to lead on ahead Ansel, just this once I'll permit you to observe me, and I promise that I'll use small words so as to ensure that you don't feel left behind. If at any moment you feel the need to faint in awe, don't be alarmed, it often happens when in the presence of superior intellect, just relax, and enjoy".

I have a feeling that her smart mouth might get her into trouble in future, but hey, flawed characters are the best characters =]

Perception check in this room (if multiple perception rolls are unneeded just let me know and I'll stop): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Sense Motive on Ansel (general initial attitude) before I started insulting him: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26


Angelique scans the rooms but finds nothing out of place. These entryways tend to be formal and stiffly individualistic and this one fits the bill.

Ansel has a few odd emotions radiating from him. He seems cool and collected leaning against a column but Angelique can tell it is an act. Not sure what he is hiding, but he is not nearly at ease as he would like to project. Perhaps it is guilt, tinged with irritation? The bard is not sure.

”Superior Intellect..” He takes two angry steps over, but then a refined voice calls out into the marble cavern, from up above.

”Not in my house, Mr. Derexhis. I only allowed you to stay out of a personal favor to your family. Don't betray my house by acting like a wild animal or worse, an Underbridge brawler.” Coming down the stairs, dressed in fine elegant Magnimar clothes is a tall, weathered man. He has wrinkles and a deep tan, showing extensive time spent outside. His walk is the careful stride of a born nobleman however, and he takes his time down the stairs. His cold demeanor and chilly voice project a distant man. Besides her Giana bows politely tot he esteemed house owner.

He dismisses Ansel, with a wave ”Excuse him. He is here, on his own, might I add, to defend the family honor. I felt it would be rude to ask him to leave.” Jousa turns to Angelique directly and his voices wavers, for an instant. ”So, you are here to...further inspect my sister? Do you think you can poke and prod her like all the others?” Then he sighs heavily and re-gathers himself.

”She lies in the bedroom, beyond the pearl door, on the left.” the nobleman points to a beautiful gilded door.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique flashes Ansel a smug, superior smile, highly amused that Jousa had dismissed him so easily.

"Its wonderful to meet you Jousa, although obviously I do wish that I had visited under better circumstances. As far as poking and prodding your sister, I wouldn't dream of doing so Jousa, truthfully, I had assumed the proper arrangements had been made and due ceremony given, so I'll be quick with my inquiry in order to limit my inconvenience as much as possible".

Angelique allows herself a mental pat on the back for switching modes from "abuse" to "ass-kissing" rather quickly. Turning toward the gilded door, Angelique pauses, then pivots slightly on one heel, turning to face Jousa again. "I said I won't poke and prod your sister and I meant it, the gods gave me eyes and I intend to use them. That said though, I'll have some questions for you after I have looked over the scene, purely to aid my investigation...do you think you could grant me this request?"

I gave my word, so if I go back on it and poke and prod the corpse, I'm automatically sickened for 24 hours.

Also regardless as to whether Jousa accepts or declines, Angelique will enter the bedroom and inspect the crime scene, so rolling a general sort of perception check if applicable.

Perception Check on Crime Scene: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17


Jousa’s face stiffens and he says, ”I only agreed to have you here as a way to avoid and scandal and return a favor to your Mistress. I am under no obligation to entertain your interrogations. In fact, I hope you can agree with the story and be on your way, and leave me to grieve my sister.” Rage hides behind his carefully chosen words.

Jousa does not follow Angelique in but Ansel does, shadowing her closely. Giana also remains in the entryway, still looking pale and anxious (but she does seem to appreciate the fire).

The bedroom is palatial, even by Magnimar nobility standards. In one corner stands a huge, four-poster bed, still neatly made, covered with fine pillows in a variety of colors. The hangings are crisp and clean, in a bright red and gold. Two sets of oaken drawers flank it, heavy and solid.

The far wall has a wide, hinged window, looking out at the now, snowy backyard. It is shattered, with glass covering the floor and glittering in the thick gold carpet. A cold wind blows in, making this room even chiller then the last.

Near bye, pressed against the wall is a low, wide couch. In it, sprawled out in an untied nightgown, lies a female body. Even from across the room, the savage red wounds are visible on her chest and neck. Blood, thick and congealed lies on the couch and the carpet around it. A small table lies upended near her.

On the other wall, a vanity with gilded mirror reflects the horror. Brushes, hand mirrors and tubs makeup sit on proud display, all untouched. Several rows of embossed books sit above, dusty with disuse, along with enormous paintings of varied female ancestors.

A few feet over, towards the main door, a fine oak table sits near with a bottle of red wine, one half-filled glass and shattered glass all around. There is a bright splash of blood on the wall, nearly waist high, staining the gold painted trim on the wall.

I tried to get this JUST right, so forgive if it is a bit clinical. But it is a murder scene so every detail matters...Enjoy. Of course, investigate further.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique fumes slightly at Jousa's words, but doesn't remark upon them, stepping into the room.

Angelique's eyes flash across the room, as she silently takes everything in, trying to look at every angle. She crosses to the window, and looks out, glancing downwards to see if there was any glass on the outside of the window, or if the shattered glass was limited to indoors.

Thinking hard, Angelique moves to the bookshelf next, and examines the dusty books on display, before then moving to the vanity, glancing through the makeup. Lastly, she moves toward the oak table, glancing at the red wine on display, before examining the shattered glass around it.

I'll take 20 on Perception checks here if I am allowed, in order to get maximum information, and because there is no real "time limit" for how long I'm here, but if you prefer me to roll, then I have them below.

Perception Check Looking at what is outside of the window: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Perception Check Looking inside the oaken drawers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Perception Check Examining Bookcase: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Perception Check Examining vanity, with a focus on the tubs, brushes etc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Perception Check Examining the Red wine, the half filled glass, and the shattered glass all around it, ie is it the same as the window glass and so on: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26


Outside the wide, broken doors is a small grass strip, a few odd trees, and then the low stone wall. The ground is frozen and iron hard, but there appears to be a disturbance in the dry grass outside the window. There is some glass outside, not nearly as much as the sea of jagged edges inside but some lies in the dead grass.

The drawers contain articles of clothing, all of it rich and fine. There is the usual mass of clothes for a woman of Slanie’s status, much of it proper current fashion. She notices one drawer is locked however, and no key is visible. There are no hidden dairies or other items that Angelique can see. Slanie seemed to have a taste for blue.

The books are the usual standard classics common in Magnimar, as well as a few of the usual histories. They all seem to be brand new and nearly untouched. There are no religious or philosophical works. A thin layer of dust rests on them, an even coating on each tome. None seem to have been moved lately.

The vanity is a thing to behold, polished oak, and gilded mirrors. The items displayed would be fit for a house showing or even a professional boutique . The brushes are often ivory handled, with soft, even bristles. The make-ups are exotic imports from southern Avistan, or even Garund. A surprising number are even Elvish in origin, highly unusual. But nothing looks disturbed or out of place.

The wine table is examined closely. Clearly there were two glasses, and the shattered one contained wine as well. The table appears to have been bumped or brushed lately, as shown by indents on the rich carpeting.

Ansel sneers at Angelique, ”See anything wrong yet? Or is your ‘superior intellect’ at a loss?”


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique is actually greatly troubled by the scene. There is an abundance of conflicting information within the scene, and without Jousa, it would be exceptionally difficult to determine what is innocent about the scene, and what looks out of place. Fortunately, Ansel's clumsy attempt at an insult provides Angelique the perfect opening for her to play her next card.

"Ansel, be a good boy and inform me of the entire record of your investigation, from start to finish, what you noted, and what led you to your suspect. You can either give it to me verbally, or you can hand me a written record, either will do".

Angelique quietly pauses to allow the disbelieve to flash across Ansel's face before holding up a hand, forestalling any objections or further insults.

"I'm going to tell you how this plays out Ansel. If you don't give me exactly what I want, then I'll simply go public with my suspicions and name Jousa as the most likely suspect in this crime".

Angelique strolls into the centre of the room, seeking to take control of the situation. "The bookcase, is the first hint that something is wrong, the room contains all the personal effects of the victim, and yet, the bookcase is untouched. Suggests that the books are not hers, but she chose not to replace such books with items that appealed to her. Suggests that these bookcase existed before this became her room, OR that it was a gift to her from someone else, and she chose not to throw them away for fear that it might offend. The victim was wearing a sleep-gown, yet the bed is undisturbed, and there appears to be two glasses of wine, which suggests cloe company of some sort. The limited lack of clothing, the fact that this is a bedroom, and the wine on offer suggests that she was with someone she knew, and feels relaxed with, which could be a romantic partner, OR a family member, such as Jousa. The glass on the floor would indicate that someone came in from the outside and smashed through the window, but the presence of glass on the outside suggests that someone could have been inside the room, and jumped out of the window. The fact that glass remains inside and outside of the room makes it impossible to 100% confirm whether the suspect jumped into the room, or out of the room. Jousa himself refuses to answer any questions, however not intrusive they might be, a rather odd response considering he wants me to solve the case quietly, and to find a similar conclusion as you, yet, refuses to volunteer any information whatsoever".

Angelique pauses for breath (having said all of this very fast), before continuing on. "There is enough information here for anyone to look closely at Jousa, since it appears he was the last person to see her, and the first person to find the body. Jousa claims that he had to leave the house on urgent business, yet the victim did not retire to bed, either she was already dead, entertaining someone else, or waiting up for Jousa, yet we don't know why. Of course, Jousa could claim that the theory isn't true, but people talk, people whisper, and he would never be able to shake that aura of suspicion. Of course, all his rivals would believe it, it suits them to slander his name, and of course, your name gets dragged through the mud, by virtue of being guilty by association. Finding a suspect within a few hours? People will look upon that as shady, no matter what your defence might be"

Angelique shrugs, before continuing in a much lighter tone. "I don't want to drag Jousa's name through the mud, but if you and him attempt to frustrate my investigation, then I'll do it all the same. I need information, I need background, and the two of you withholding that information will have consequences down the road. Jousa said you are here to defend the honor of the house, so I suggest that you choose your answer and next move carefully Ansel"

Angelique doesn't really have much interest in going after Jousa as the prime suspect, but one way or another, she wants access to the train of thought that led Ansel and co into picking Mantel as the suspect, so she's playing hard ball


Angelique plays for keeps!

Ansel's face flashes between anger, oddly enough, confusion. ”I..I wasn't here for the investigation! I know some information, obviously, but I am only a minor member of the family. I only showed up here after I heard they were sending you, a two-bit priestess down. I am here on my own , personal mission. And that mission is to prevent exactly what you are doing, trying to destroy and sully our name and that of the Scarnettis!” His eyes flash but he calms himself down.

”I don't know all your rambling about books and wine glasses. I'm sure there are simple explanations. I know they were sure someone came in the window and out, they found blood outside leading away. I can show you if you want. But obviously the villain cut himself at some point on his escape. Why Mantel? I don't know, but I heard rumors he admitted to it drunkenly, in Underbridge. Just the sort of thing he'd do. He is a known criminal after all, a thief. Like I said earlier, he saw the sister, broke in, killed her and left in a panic when he realized she was dead. Why complicate matters? Just because she didn't like Severn's A History of Magnimar Through Five Families?” and enjoyed wine?

Also, how quiet were you being, can Jousa hear you outside?


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"Ah, but if there are simple explanations, then why do people avoid the opportunity to volunteer those explanations?" Angelique asks, maintaining her insufferable attitude. "You see Ansel, you claim that there are simple explanations for why Mantel did the deed, and yet there are equally simple explanations for why he did not"[/b].

Angelique holds up a hand, and rapidly ticks them off with her fingers. "Say someone enters the house, someone known to the victim, there is a struggle, and the window is broken, blood leads away from the house, just as you said. Its still entirely possible that the victim knew the attacker. As for Mantel, he is a drunk thief! Was anything taken? Even an idiot could know there is a huge jump from thief to murderer, but no-one wonders why Mantel would make that leap last night. Heck, Mantel had his pick of windows, and what, he picks the only window in the house which is occupied? Isn't it plausible that Mantel, an opportunist, might have purely seen a smashed window, and attempted to exploit that by stealing from the room, only to discover a corpse? Perhaps he "admitted to it" with a bunch of friends, purely to increase his status and command a better aura of respect and fear?"

Angelique leaves the sentence hanging. "You see Ansel, there are simple explanations for everything you yourself said, but you wish me to overlook them in order to save this family some embarrassment. If the family is innocent, then there is utterly nothing to fear, but if they have skeletons in that closet relevant to this case, and that information is hidden from me, then you yourself might struggle to protect them from themselves. The simple solution, is for you to act as an intermediary, and get me the details of the investigation your family carried out, so that I don't need to harass Jousa, for information already given!"

I would have said my earlier post quietly so avoid Jousa hearing. The clever thing about what Angelique said earlier, was that she waited until Ansel insulted her, so that she could easily claim things were said in the heat of a moment, if someone attempted to accuse her of blackmail. She really tries to cover her ass when making moves.


A flash of doubt crosses Ansel's face, but only a flash. She can see the wheel turn in his mind though, however grudgingly. ”I agree it looks...messier then I was told or expected. But..but I have already told you everything about the case. The only thing I know that we haven't look at is the blood outside in the yard showing Mantel's escape. But what would that really prove?” They hear an impatient cough from the hallway, and feet pacing up and down marble flagged floors.

Ansel's voice is less insulting, ”We can't stay here forever...”


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"Yes, you did say you told me everything, but it is your family that carried out the investigation. Don't underrate yourself, you would know who had a more important role during the investigation, ask around, maybe set up a meeting between these people and me, this isn't exactly a difficult task, all I'm looking for is a way to hear or read how the previous investigation was carried out, perhaps find out the questions they asked and the answers they received. You might not know the answers yourself, but I bet you would know where I could start looking for them" Angelique keeps her tone low and gentle, making this sound as harmless and simple as possible.


Ansel’s faces twists in doubt,”Are you implying a cover-up?” Then it hardens, ”No, impossible. You’ll have to give me more evidence then this and more then threats against my family to convince me.” Then he does a surprising thing, he shrugs.

’Besides, there aren’t any records anyway. My family is often hired because of our discretion. We don’t take notes or leave case records. And none of them would talk to you about a current or past case. That is their livelihood after all.” Ansel says, a bit haughtily.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"I'm not entirely sure how your mind jumped to 'cover-up'" Angelique replies, looking confused "but you don't seem to be getting it. Your family might not talk to me, but they would talk to you about it. Remember, everyone would prefer that I accept the existing theory, but how could I even accept it if I lack the details of the situation? No Ansel, if you want me to accept the theory that your family put forward, then I'll need those details relevant to this case, otherwise I'll simply follow my own interpretation of the facts, and perhaps start investigating some of those people you don't want investigated. I'm not debating this further Ansel, you can choose to make this investigation easier for you and those you protect, or you can make the investigation harder for me, and we both know my next move if that occurs".

Angelique pauses, waiting for a moment, before her face hardens and twists into a disgusted expression and she turns away "Come Giana, I have learnt everything I need from this crime scene, its time for us to widen our investigation beyond what we had expected., you cannot say we didn't give him every chance..."

Leaving the crime scene for now, unless something unexpected develops.


Ansel glowers at her, but follows anyway for some reason. Jousa is standing outside the door, impatiently. ”So, are you finished? Have you discovered another murderer hiding in a closet? Or will you be gone and let have my grief in peace?” For an answer he leads Angelique to the front door. In a voice as chilly as the marble he says, ”Good Day.’

Leaving it here in case you want to say something to Jousa.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique had originally planned to leave Jousa without a word, but his heavy sarcasm raises her ire, and she responds in an acy tone. "Best hope that you found the actual murderer...I couldn't imagine what people might say if they found out you accused an innocent man...or how the church of Calistria, Goddess of Vengeance might react, knowing that a worshiper was targeted. Good Day Jousa, it was a pleasure."

Angelique sweeps out the door, and then immediately heads towards the blood trail Ansel had spoken to her about.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22


As they cross the frozen ground, Ansel follows Giana and Angelique like a storm cloud. Giana speaks up, keeping her eyes off the imposing figure, ”I must leave and report to my Mistress. I am only here to guide you. You seem to have things well under way and , well...this isn't the task for me. What message do you want me to take back?” She asks, shivering in the cold.

Soon they reach the area outside the shattered window. Ansel looks at the ground and then curses and says, ”Where is it? I heard my uncle mention a blood trail..” There is no blood, only the signs of many feet and deep piled snow drifts, heaped against the house.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"Tell Mistress that she was correct, it seems that there is indeed a case to be solved here. Inform her of the influence of the Derexhis family in this case, their spy network might be making enquiries and it seems an excellent idea to give her notice about this. Lastly, let her know that I have a tail, and if this one proves persistent, I might need assistance in shaking it sometime in the future".

Angelique sends Giana off, leaving herself alone with Ansel outside the shattered window. "Well Ansel, your family has definitely impressed me tonight. Not only can you successfully screw up an investigation and very likely charge an innocent man, it appears none of you can remember simple details such as where a blood trail is!"

Did my Perception check on the blood trail turn up anything other than what was alraedy said?


Ansel ignores Angelique’s sallies and begins to dig around in the snow. Between his investigation and Angelique's keen eyes they soon, uncover blood. It is more then a mere spoor but a thick track. (Angelique even spots some on the outside of the window ledge). The ground, frozen and hard as it is, is disturbed as well, and the trail leads off to the far wall.

It is obvious, to Angelique at any rate, that something was dragged across the yard and someone tried to hide it.

”What do you make of it and should we follow it? I don't remember anyone saying it was like this..” Ansel says, more respectful now.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique kneels slightly, looking at the hard frozen ground, before standing and turning to Ansel. "It looks like someone lost quite a fair amount of blood,, and dragged something across the ground here, although what, I couldn't exactly say, they went to great lengths to conceal it. It would be best to follow the trail, and see where exactly it leads, perhaps it will shed more light on the murder than previously known".


Giana, standing silent through the discovery of the trial then nods and says, ”It shall be done. You will have the full aid of the church.” She eyes Ansel steadily as she says this, then is gone. The young man ignores her, focusing on the ground.

”What could they have been dragging? Nothing was stolen, as far as we could tell.”

Ansel nods at following the trail, and together they follow the rough trail over the yard, over the stone wall (there is some scraping and blood here) then out into the street. It is very hard to follow here, but Ansel manages to trace it around a corner and down to a ...street sewer.

In this nice district the drain is imposing and well-made, a brick-clad tube, big enough to keep the streets clear during the worst storms. Some metal grating has been torn away and both Ansel and Angelqiue could fit down it. The trail clearly leads down the tube. The sewers of Magnimar have a bad reputation, but that is mostly downtown. In a classy district like this, they are generally just places storm water goes.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"Perhaps there were two people in that room, and the murderer killed both of them and sought to remove one of the bodies" Angelique replies, before rewarding Ansel with one of her more toxic looks "Nothing was stolen, and the scions of your family immediately charge a thief with the crime...its a wonder members of your family can find their own ass with both hands!" she exclaims, before effectively ignoring the young man again, turning to look at the sewer entrance. Wrinkling her nose at the idea of having to investigate down there, Angelique nevertheless pushes forward and through the grate, before turning to Ansel again, her dark eyes daring him. "What's it to be Ansel, are you man enough to hide behind a women as she investigates a sewer?" she asks.

Regardless of the answer, Angelique immediately casts Prestidigitation to mimic the smell of her favourite perfume, giving her something nice to smell instead of all the smells a sewer might bring. Next, she casts Dancing Lights down the tube, examining it as she follows the trail.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14


Ansel grunts and leads the way. Angelique must admit, he is limber and nimble enough as he swings down the rough iron ladder leading into the drain.

The sewer is a simple tunnel, bricked on all side, with a trough running down the middle. Well-designed, above the trough are two dry lanes of brick, allowing someone to keep dry and above the swirling water. More drain and underground stream then septic tank, it doesn't reek as much as expected. Still, Angelique is glad of the perfume.

The water is low, gently flowing past. It is choked with all manner of debris from branches and wagon parts to dead animals and garbage. Around these obstructions pools and rapids form in the generally gentle current. Still, the walkway is high and dry.

The blood trail is more obvious on the dry, dusty brickwork. The pair follow it for a few feet then reach a problem. A large chunk of brickwork has fallen into the stream, leaving a few feet of gap of crumbling mud. Another stream intersects here, making the water faster and deeper, pooling around the broken stretch.

On the other side, hard to make out in the gloom, seems to be a wider area and a pile of...something? The odd smell of smoke hangs in the room.

”Do you want me to jump first, so I can catch you if you fall?”Ansel asks, his voice echoing oddly in the drain. A few small beads of water drip from the bricks overhead, coating everything in a fine film of greasy slime.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique peers forward, refreshing her dancing lights spell as she moves deeper into the tunnel, before manifesting the lights slightly past the broken stretch.

"By all means, feel free to jump across first", she responds carefully, not at all pleased about jumping across the gap, but still determined to investigate further.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9


Ansel shrugs, ”Fair enough. Let me test it..” And he runs and jumps the gap. He makes the leap with suitable acrobatic skill, but when he hits the other side the rotten brickwork collapses in a slide of mud. He recovers quickly but a leg enters the gloomy water. Instantly, a wriggling dark shape leaps out of the water and attaches to his leg.

Ansel yells in terror as blood spurts from his leg, as the blubbery mass holds on. The dark-dressed man draws a sword but the awkward angle prevents him from using it. ”Help me!” he shouts, trying to push the horrible mass off of him, with no success.

Ok, so I rolled your Knowledge check for you (nice modifier on your Nature). It is a giant leech that attacked him. It must be hungry it if attacked so aggressively (to speed things along, the leech's AC is 11). The only real 'weakness' you know is that they are deadly allergic to salt. So it is your move (no real need for initiative). Jumping the gap is a Acrobatics DC of 5. If you jump and fail it, please make a Swim check. You are about 5 feet from the creature.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Just a question on mechanics, apparently you can draw a weapon as part of a move when you have +1 BAB (which I have), so is it possible for me to make the Acrobatics check, draw my weapon, and then attack the leech as a standard action attack?

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

Angelique grumbles to herself as Ansel obviously finds himself in a situation that really sucks. Sorry, Sorry! She has a fleeting thought that she could simply give Ansel a really nice wave and watch what happens next as some sort of scientific experience, but Angelique decides that might take too long, and shes really an "instant gratification" kinda gal. Taking a running jump, Angelique easily hurdles the gap, and prepares to assist Ansel in combat.


Sounds good to me! Get that leech


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique immediately triggers her Archaeologist's Luck as a swift action, increasing her combat skill, before lashing out with her rapier.

Attack w/Power Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 2 - 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7


The rapier slashes a huge wound on the side of the leech, which writhes in pain but does not release. The fat mass turns and twists, and blood seeps from the mouth of the foul creature. Ansel looks pale and shaken but he manages to also slice the leech, and blood (Ansel's own blood?) gushes into the dreary water.

Leech is looking in pretty tough shape. Ansel has probably taken some stat damage from the leech.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

If its grappling Ansel, isn't its AC lowered even further?


ah! yes. The ac is 10, but you both hit it last time anyway


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique lashes out with her blade again, slicing into the leech cleanly.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4


Angelique's precise blows nearly dissect the bloody horror. After her last strikes it dies and slides off, the horrible sucking mouth still moving in spasms of instinct. It falls into the dark, greasy water and does not rise again.

Ansel's pallid skin nearly glows in the dim light of Angelique's cantrip. He manages a smile however and says, ”At least it is not bleeding too badly. Give me a few moments, and I will try to walk on it.” He shudders when glancing the large red mark on his leg, rasped by the lech's mouth.

'I..want to thank you. I know you risked your own life coming after me, and I owe you my life. Anything I can do for you, you now have it.” He says in a quiet voice.

Nearby the pile awaits motionless, with the smell of ash and smoke lingering.

Nice crit!


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique sheathes her blade with one swift motion, stepping lightly away from the edge and brushing her hair out of her eyes.

"Your life is your own Ansel, I just merely assisted in preserving it a little while longer. As it is, if you feel the need to repay me, allow me to think about it, I'm sure I could think of some sort of favour that you could assist me with in the future."

Angelique moves closer to the pile, dismissing her Prestidigitation effect to better get a sense of the scene, trying to spot anything of note.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8


The pile is obviously an recent fire. Ashes, charred wood and garbage, and the scent of smoke clings to the scene. Among the pile are also the white bit of bone, and even some burned, greasy remains of muscle and skin. Bits of burned clothes and other items also fill the space, but all are badly damaged by fire and water, with fungus already just starting to grow. A small gold ring peeps out of the ashes though, obviously untouched by the inferno. A few footsteps remain in the wet ashes, but nothing too distinctive.

A half-burned torch, made out of driftwood, lays, half-burned at the side of the burned pile.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Apologies for the late reply. Was out last night with friends and when I returned, I was not really in an ideal frame of mind to make a post.

Angelique frowns, looking closely at the footsteps to see if she can learn anything specific about them, perhaps size, weight, or style, and tries to determine when precisely the rest of the items in such a pile were damage, trying to get an indicator from the fungus growing nearby. With her analysis complete, Angelique lightly reaches out and picks up the gold ring, not altogether surprised to find some jewelry, but still unsure exactly who the item belonged to.

Perception Footprints: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Knowledge Nature on Fungus to determine an estimate as to when this fire was started: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Knowledge Arcana(?) on Ring: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23


The footprints are smudged and indistinct, but she thinks she can make out large heavy, boots. The heels look worn and slick, with no tread or other mark, with some ragged edges. They don't look like anyone had bothered to try and hide them. Only the fact that the sewer is hard stone removes any trace after the small ring of burnt remains.

In the wet, warm and dark confines of the sewer (in a nutrient rich ash) the fungus shows only a few hours of growth. It probably dates to last night, about the time of the supposed murder. The light fungus is undisturbed and growing naturally.

The ring is a simple, if heavy, gold affair. Unadorned, Angelquie detects no magic or any kind. It is marked with a simple inscription 'GW' in Common. It appears to have been slightly melted in the fire, but otherwise unscathed. If anything it actually looks rather new.

Ansel, still sitting on a pile of fallen bricks asks, ”What did you find?”.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"A pile of burned items", Angelique responds quietly, still not entirely sure how to make sense of it. "There are shards of bone here, here, and here", she points, indicating each point with a gesture, "and footprints around the site indicate heavy boots with no tread or identifying mark".

Angelique turns, holding up the gold ring up to the light, both to showcase it to Ansel, as well for her to better see it herself. "The ring says 'GW' in common, maybe a name of some sort, although I would need to do further research to know exactly who it belonged to. The only person who has a name that starts with a G and is involved in the case is Giana, although I don't know her last name".


Ansel grimaced and rubs his wounded leg. He grunts ”I'm pretty sure it came up when we were hurling veiled insults at each other earlier. Scarnetti was the last name.”. He winces and tries to find a more comfortable spot on the rubble. ”I can't think of any noble family that starts with 'W'. I'll think on it. So, now what? Seems more here then my family discovered...”

A slight slip on my part, but would be obvious to Angelique. Some of the clothes are probably in good enough shape for an expert to tell you something useful. Sorry about that!


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique frowns, still thinking through the problem at hand. "The person as to who this is...might not actually be the more pressing question at the moment, perhaps the biggest question is why this person is here, burned. Slanie, she was left in her room, for anyone to find, and entirely recognisable, but this person here...every attempt has been made to hide that identity, except for this ring here, which might be able to provide a link."

"As for what exactly to do next, I would like to find an expert to check the clothing, ideally there should be someone that could tell me colors, styling, fashion and so on. I also want to narrow down the options as to who this ring could belong do. Magnimar is a large city sure, but a gold ring with GW engraved on it...that would narrow the pool of people significantly. I'll get the Calistrian network on it, you can make any enquires of your own if you wish".

So where I'm at, basically I'm planning on updating Mistress on this ring. A proper Calistrian temple interacts with all sorts of people, so its worth a try if nothing else to track down someone that knows something about the ring. Mechanically though, I'll prolly attempt a Gather Information roll on attempting to find information toward anyone with a connection to the ring, as well as a Knowledge Local / Gather Information check to find a clothing expert that might shed some light on the situation. I'm fairly certain that its currently late at night however, and that its entirely possible that people might be sleeping, so if thats the case, Angelique would retire for the night and simply to the above in the morning.


Do you want to RP a trip to the Mistress? Or at least try to get to her office? or try the clothing guy first? It is actually early morning (say a bit after dawn) so you have a full day of investigating). Say what you want and I can 'jump' us there, if you like. Everything clear enough?


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Hmm, I'll try the clothing guy first, because that adds in extra information, and then I can progress to Mistress and update her.

Gather Information Check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20


The climb out of the sewer is uneventful, and Ansel's leg seems to only slow him down with a slight limp. The slim man refuses to leave Angelique’s side, now claiming a life debt or some such nonsense.

The dirty, bloody pair carrying chunks of burned clothing make and odd sight in the morning streets. Most passerbys give them a double take but leave them go with merely a shake of the head. The cold streets are fairly empty anyway in the upper-class Alabaster District. Rich people appear to enjoy sleeping in.

Still being in a wealthy part of town has it's advantages, one of them being high-end clothing shops. Both Angelque and Ansel know of Flairbult's Emporium a well-known high-end clothing shop. Custom taliorship and fast turn-arounds have made the place famous throughout Magnimar. He also has a reputation as a fair and honest man, despite working mostly with the noble houses, and donates considerable sums to charities running in Underbridge.

When the door opens a small attached bell tinkles in the quiet. The shop is covered with gleaming wood, from wall to varnished wall. Displays of everything from formal dressgowns to riding clothes surround them, arranged on graceful carven models. Everything from the polished floor to the big windows speaks wealth and opulence.

A tiny, graying halfling comes out and asks, ”And what can I do for...” he trails off seeing their disheveled appearance. He looks in shock at the torn and soiled clothing and appears to be of half a mind to call the Watch.

The halfling is Flairbult


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique looks about the store, looking admiringly at the clothing on display, before shooting the halfling an apologetic glance. "My humble apologies Flairbult, my name is Angelique, and I'm currently looking into the recent murder around these parts. During my investigation, I discovered these items of clothing, dirty and burnt, and decided to bring them to a merchant who I knew had a remarkable eye for fashion, and could be relied upon as an expert in this particular field. I was really just hoping to see if anything of interest could be gleaned from these items, but if you feel that its beyond you, I could always try my second or third choice..." Angelique remarks, her voice trailing off slightly as she leaves the implication open.

Glancing around herself, Angelique realises her own clothing might well be a little dirty and bloody, and muffles a quiet curse. Casting Prestidigitation, she quickly cleans it off, making a mental note to have a quick wash later when she could find the time.

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