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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Vallumis is a well-ordered city. Angelique can see that just by looking at the docks. Porters, merchants and captains all working side by side but she doesn't see the chaos and general mayhem she saw in Magnimar and Korvosa. perhaps the docks were less busy because of it, but the trade off was an pleasant air of genteel sophistication.

Armored paladins stood on several corners, sun glinting off shining armor. Another difference from the cities of Varsia. There the Watch was a mean group, open to bribery and dismissed. Here, apparently, there was prestige and honor in the posts. The men looked impressive, that was clear.

As Angelique's ship came up, the old captain walked to her. 'Any dock in particular, my lady?" he asks, polite as ever. The graying man was a local timber hauler but had taken Angelique as a passenger and seemed to relish the change of his routine.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"You would know the city better than I" Angelique replies sweetly to the captain. "You tell me, which would be the dock with the largest crowds, or alternatively the busiest"


The captian nods, 'The Grand Entry then." And he barks a few orders. Soon the boat, heavy with cut logs, swings into the busiest part of the harbor, straight for a long set of bright white quays. After some waiting, dodging other ships and forms, they are tied up, dockside. To her surprise, Angelique didn't see a single bribe take place.

The city is yours to explore.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

The significance of the lack of criminal activity, or obvious bribe taking was not lost on Angelique, which meant that it was probably going to be more difficult for her to color outside the lines as she had in the past. It meant that she might need to get involved with high society within this city, which meant sneaking and hiding might be less valuable...although that didn't mean that she needed to announce her presence.

Angelique quietly decides to gather information on the deceased (if the deaths widely known), adding to her background knowledge or picking up rumors, before deciding to meet face to face with the person who hired her, showing up unannounced at his office.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28


Angelique hangs out in the taverns, gambling houses and docks, gaining information. They aren't nearly as seedy as she is used to, with even swearing being more uncommon.

Grot Beron may not have been well-liked but he had been respected. A veteran of a dozen campaigns in Ustalav and the Hold of Belkzen, he had a reputation as a hard man, but honest and trustworthy. Despite being in , effectively, a political and administrative position he is still thought of as a fighting man, the General.

Still, he had no lack of enemies for it, maybe more because of his rigid, unswerving character. Despite it being months now, the streets are still full of wild theories about his demise. Some claimed it was revenge by the Whispering Tyrant, reaching out from beyond the grave. Others suggested it was a foreign nation, seeking to remove a stubborn politician via force. Most held it was the orcs, either through intermediates or their own covert attack that had slain the man. A few whispered it had been a criminal gang in Lastwall, hoping to strike at the symbol of authority.

But Angelique hears no proof for any of these theories.

So she makes her way to the barracks in the city, the source of power for the local Paladins. It is a large, well-built building capable of withstanding a sizable siege, looking at the thick walls, small windows and ramparts.

She is waved through to see Urbino Torren, who see finds in a office in a squat tower, overlooking a parade ground. Below men practice with long spears, grunting and shouting.

Torren is a short, dark man, quite young with only a haze of black hair on his chin. He looks up and spotting Angelique says, 'Ma'am, are you lost?" his voice is polite but firm. 'This area isn't exactly open to the public."


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique rolls her eyes slightly. "Your powers of detection are amazing. Its a wonder your investigation hasn't found success yet" she remarks, waiting for the penny to drop slightly before sighing elegantly. "We corresponded if you recall, its been quite a journey for me, so we should probably keep the chit-chat short and sweet wouldn't you agree?"

Yeah, I'm being deliberately vague in this statement just in case unwanted listeners are present.Also, I'll learn what item I pick up when it becomes relevent right?


Ah, Angelique. Consummate diplomat

Urbino stands up so fast he knocks his chair over. He is wearing soft woolen clothes, in the black and silver of the paladins of Lastwall. he wears it well.

"Madam Rousseau. You arrived much faster then expected. Please, please, have a seat." he stammers, waving a hand at a chair. "Let me get you something to drink." he goes to a cabinet and begins rummaging through bottles.

'Did you have a good jounrey?" he says, and starts to pour two glasses full of rich red wine.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"That wont be necessary" Angelique remarks, gesturing at the bottle of wine. "A bottle of wine indicates friendship, or a close bond, and the last thing I want is someone casually observing us and drawing such a conclusion, not until it could easily be avoided. Besides, drinking wine tends to cloud the thinking far too often for my taste in a quest for a successful resolution...which is largely why I find myself here I would imagine."


Urbino frowns but puts the glass away, keeping the one for himself. he swallows a small, polite sip then adds, 'Any resolution would be good, at this point. Three months and basically, right where we started."

He sips more wine, his young face reddening slightly. "We don't have to worry about spies, only members of the Order and military come in here."


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique considers the remark for a moment. "O.k then, if you can tell me that you are absolutely certain that no member of the Order or military had any sort of grudge with Beron at any point in time, or had nothing to gain from him dying, then I'll relax and we play this conversation out your way. If not, then we do things my way."


Urbino's face turns an even brighter shade of red. 'What? No, of course not! Sir Beron was respected and loved by all! You impugn his emery by even suggesting it. You are here to catch his killer, not throw insults on the Order."

Gods, no wonder they never found the killer. They need you Angelique.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique smirks. "Look, I'm sure you attempted to do an adequate job, but you're talking about someone bring respected and loved by all, and the guys been murdered. That logic just doesn't work I'm afraid. You said you needed me, and here I am. The questions I'm asking actually have logic behind them, and are not merely insults, that said, if you cannot handle that sort of thing, you might need to look at hiring someone else...assuming you and you bosses are comfortable never knowing who the actual killer might be."


Urbino blushes then and sits back down. "True enough. What, exactly, do you want to know? I will tell you anything, anything to find this foul killer and bring him to justice. They killed a great man, one of the finest in Lastwall."


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique thinks for a moment. "Fine, first question, why wait so long before getting me involved? You must know how hard it is tracking a cold case, especially when the murderer could have simply left - they had months to do it after all. What makes you think the murderer is even still in the city. Then of course, there are the more standard questions. I'm unable to make (I assume), a full examination of the scene itself so I'll need a detailed account if at all possible. I'll also need to know your suspects, and anyone who stood to gain anything at all from his death. There's more, but for the moment, these are the more critical questions to answer for the moment".


"Take so long?" Urbino said blankly, shaking his head. "It is a wonder you are here at all. You think it is custom to admit failure and bring in outside...consultants?"

'No, in fact your legality here is somewhat...murky. In any case, you are my last resort. After months of running into walls, I admit I need an expert."

The young man sighs, and Angelique can see he is wearing a blade at his side, well oiled and kept. It has signs of use in the field. Urbino isn't always behind a desk, apparently.

'As for suspects, we have plenty. Just no evidence." He shifts in his seat, "Personally I still think it was criminals. Beron was always pushing for harsher punishments for crimes. It made him many foes. But of course, the Hold and Ustalav held his greatest foes. Beron himself served in the Hold for a decade. He saved my lfie there." Urbino says, simply.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique utters a small sigh. "Unless you can prove to me quickly that all the likely suspects have stayed in the city since then picking up the case three months on is going to be almost impossible. Still, I assume that you wrote up reports yes? Documentation to record who was chatted with, reports on the scene, and so on? Documents that I could read?"


Urbino nods, although his face turns a bit red at Angelique's tone. 'Of course we have documents." he turns and grabs a binder full of well-ordered papers and parchment. Apparently the paladins value organization as it is all dated and stamped and all manners of official record-keeping.

'That should be the entire case file, ma'am." Torren says smartly.

Nice to be back


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique idly flicks through the file, thinking as she does so.Well here is the easy part, we can discount anyone who has since left the city because let's face it, if they were an actual killer then you won't be able to bring them back anyway. Which means that if we progress along that assumption whoever did this would have had established roots in the community and probably stood to gain something. I'll need to speak to the people closest to the victim and I will ideally need some sort of cover story unless we want it made obvious you brought in outside help."


As Angelique flips through them, she sees conversations with a range of criminals, gang members, a few foreign diplomats. It all seems a bit..too proper and clean. It was a 'by the numbers' investigation.

"Cover story?" Torren says, eyes narrow. "I told command you would be coming. They weren't happy about it but I would never do something like this without any approval."

Even as he speaks, there are footsteps on the hallway outside. Soon, a short, muscled man stands int he doorway. He has dark whiskers that cover most of his face, and is wearing the same uniform as Torren.

His face is unreadable but his voice is clipped, 'Torren, Marshal Parell is here."

Torren pales visibly and the new man shakes his head, "You should have known this was coming." Torren nods 'Of..of course Captain Easter."

The Captian turns his bright black eyes on Angelique, 'So you are the famed foreign investigator. My name is Captain Easter, I am Torren's commander. Why I ever agreed to this, I don't know but I will be keeping an eye on you." His voice doesn't make it sound like just a polite phrase.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"Why don't you make it both eyes?" Angelique quips, idly flicking through the file checking for any mention of Captain Easter, although she doesn't expect to find anything. "Seeing as we are all friends here though, exchanging names freely, can I ask you what your alibi was on the night of the murder in question - you know for completeness sake?" Angelique remarks sweetly, not at this stage really suspecting the Captain, but she knows the question is going to be an insult on his honor and she feels she doesn't have anything to lose my slightly antagonizing him a little bit further - by the sound of it he was already angry at her.


Angelique notes Easter was present for some of the interviews but was not questioned, of course.

The paladin doesn't look angry at Angelique's remark, but gives a look to Torren that seems to say, [/i]"I told you so"[/i]

He turns back to Angelique, 'IS this your vaunted technique? Just ask everyone in Vallumis? I wish I had thought of that." He straightens, as if addressing an officer.

'I was here, processing files on a bank robbery case, ma'am. Any further questions, Inspector?" the tone is sarcastic.

Torren is doing his best to melt into the floor.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique smirks slightly "Ah yes, I must agree, my techniques are nothing compared with the undoubtedly flawless techniques you and your team must have displayed so far. Three months with no suspect and then you require an independent consultant...please sir, teach me, tell me your secret" she responds, her giving her sarcastic tone as good as she gets against the paladin, before standing slightly. "As amusing as you are sir, I should probably be making inquiries. Never fear however, I'll be sure to stop by if I have any questions...or alternatively if I need my mood lifted"

I'm assuming the file would tell me of the people closest to the victim?


It would. When you time to read it, it seems very through.

As Angelique stands, a woman appears by the doorway. She is a heavy woman, but strong not fat. She is wearing a polished uniform matching Torren and Easter, with armor and sword hanging at her belt. A flat, tough face slightly disfigured by a bee sting on one ear, although he rough brown hair hides it.

"Attention!" she barks and Angelique sees Torren and Easter leap to attention, ramrod straight, emotion vanishing.

As they do so, another man comes around the lintel, stepping into the small, suddenly over crowded office.

He is an older, distinguished man with iron gray hair, receding along the sides. His walk is firm and strong with a only hint of an old, long accustomed limp. A web of scars and wrinkles show a long life in the field, and a rough one.

The uniform he wears is simple black sable, with the emblems of Lastwall woven into it in silver thread. His sword hangs lows on his belt, well kept.

His voice is deep, "So this is our esteemed consultant? Welcome to our city, Angelique Rousseau. I have heard you have a talent for ferreting out the truth." His voice is polite but cold as a glacier. "I hear you have come at one of my paladin's....request?" The Marshal's dark eyes bore on Torren, who wilts under the gaze.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

OMG is that bee sting is like a GM hint this person pissed off a follower of Calistria or is that just unrelated?

Angelique remains sitting while everyone else is standing, shifting her posture to be slightly more open and relaxed, knowing that she has slightly changed the dynamic of the room.

"Perhaps you could help me with something Marshal. Three months ago, Grot Beron was killed. Your men then promptly launch an investigation. I know that mostly, your men had a decent crack at it judging from the file that I'v barely had a chance to glance over. I know word travels quickly between lower ranks and high ranking men, because I showed up into this office unannounced and already there's Torren, Easter, and then you and your girlfriend here within fifteen minutes or so. That said, here is what I don't get. Torren here, is a chap definitely driven to find a conclusion to this case, by whatever means necessary. Obviously he believes the paladin investigation team hit a wall or can go no further solving this case, so he hired me, notifying his change of command. Now here I stand, and I notice that Easter and you don't like me, in fact, you probably despise my presence here. This is a rather unusual turn of events because I'm actually a very likeable person, I know I'm am, I'm me. That said, its more interesting that Torren's the polite one, while Easter and you would prefer I go, which indicates that Torren's goal might not be identical to your goals. In other words, you have your own agenda that you want to push, that suddenly gets harder if I'm here. Now make no mistake, I'm not accusing you of anything, but if all that was required here was just a successful resolution to this case, you would be a good deal a bit more welcoming. So why don't you tell us all about your bee in your bonnet so I can go back to doing what I'm really good at hmm?"

Angelique pauses for a moment before frowning. "Also, you brought an escort into this office. You knew that Torren, Easter, and yourself were here, and most of you would have seen some action in the field but you wanted a girlfriend to back you up. Which means a few things really. Either you don't have confidence in your own abilities, you wanted to try and intimidate me, you have a rather large ego and wanted someone to announce your presence even though almost everyone here knows exactly who you are, or you just wanted someone standing behind you looking pretty". Angelique glances over the girl with the bee sting, noting it before peering back at the Marshal, making no further comment after her quick appraisal of the likely bodyguard.


The Marshal stiffens a bit, his eyes narrowing slightly. The woman grunts audibly, and looks like she wishes to break Angelique over her knee.

Parell waves her to silence, saying, 'You misunderstand me. Marshal Beron was a dear friend of mine, who I served with for many years. He was the greatest solider Lastwall had produced in a generation. Even if it were not a matter of state policy, I would like nothing more then to punish his killer. I do not object to outside help, I merely was reminding Master Urbino here that the chain of command exists for a reason."

His face hardens, "My ego is not at stake here. I am a Marshal of Lastwall and merely serve my state and the crusade. I do have a bodyguard, yes and assistant. Wenda is an excellent solider and companion, and after what happened to Beron, a necessary part of life. I only came to get the measure of you. I have, and I hope you prove more then you appear."

Angelique, holds no punches.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

"That's nice, but it still doesn't explain why you don't like me. Sure, you might be pissed he bypassed the chain of command, but that would make you angry at him, not at me. After all, I'm the one trying to help out. Ergo there's probably something else going on. Tell me, don't tell me, I'll probably figure it out sooner or later, just giving you the opportunity to save us all some time, thats all. Oh and I apologize if I offended you about your choice of companion. Wenda looks like an extremely capable sort, and I'm sure she does an excellent job depending yourself from err..bee stings."

Angelique pauses for a moment glancing at everyone before smiling brightly. "Well, I have to say, all in all this was rather fun, but you know, there is a crime to solve and fascinating as this conversation is, I had best be progressing onwards. I confess, I'm rather new to how paladins investigate things, are there things I shouldn't do or can I run it largely as I see fit?"

Realised I forgot my Sense Motive checks earlier so lets get that out of the way now.

Sense Motive Paell: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 29
Sense Motive Urbino: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 19
Sense Motive Urbino (Rerolled): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 21
Sense Motive Wenda: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 17
Sense Motive Wenda (Rerolled): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 35
Sense Motive Captain Easter: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 33


Angelique detects no deception or lies from any of them.

Parell is a bit disdainful but curious. His pride is strong, but so was his respect for Marshal Beron.

Urbino seems to be trying to vanish into the floor after being caught up in this.

Wenda has barely concealed hatred for Angelique.

Easter is watching carefully, trying to see which way the wind blows.

Beron absorbs the information, replying with a hint of a smile. "Follow the laws of the land. Urbino surely can guide in such matters. I have to say, I will be watching your investigation with great interest. if I can be any assistance, whatsoever, please call upon me." he turns on a heel, Wenda following after, rubbing her stung ear.

After they leave Urbino lets out a loud sigh and Easter cracks a smile, "You have some nerve, Miss Rousseau. I will tell you that. I known grown men, paladins who would face a troll in single combat not as brave as you." he bows, slightly mockingly.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique observes Bron and Wenda stride out before raising an eyebrow. "There's no such thing as a nervous Calistrian sir", she responds before pulling open the file again, gesturing at it. "I'll need some time to go over this file before making inquiries so unless there's anything else...


Parell is the guy who just left, Grot Beron is the guy who was murdered. Just wanted to keep that clear.

Urbino Torren shrugs, "I am at your disposal, for whatever you need."

Easter cuts in, 'Just no charred buildings or floating bodies. This is a city and nation of law and order. "

Assuming you review the file somewhere?

Torren is at the least not a lazy man. He followed one very clue he could find,t he issue is he couldn't find many.

Grot Beron was found dead, a sword wound to the stomach, in the upper room of a small tavern of ill-repute. It had no known connection to Beron but the owner has since vanished.

One suspect was the mysterious Red Fox, a criminal recently growing in power and influence in Lastwall, particularity in Vallimus. Focused on smuggling and tax evasion, he and Beron had a long rivalry between them. Urbino never even found the man's identity, let alone questioned him.

Other rumors circulated on Ustalav or Belkzen influence, but nothing concrete. There was a note that the ambassador from Druma seems unusually interested in the case, but nothing more.

Anything else?


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique closes her eyes and muses slightly on the situation. Putting herself in the shoes of a criminal, Angelique doubted that the Red Fox would have eliminated Beron - to her it felt like a cat and mouse game, and she knew that for some people, a game like that was the whole point. Still, she decided it was worth investigating the Red Fox in any case, and she wanted to do is first.

The ambassador looked interesting for the target, and in Angelique's personal opinion more likely, however Angelique didnt want to walk into that situation without having some leverage - leverage related to the case or not, to try and get the ambassador to speak on the topic.

Finding the Red Fox was certainly not going to be easy, but then again, Angelique had the advantage of obviously not being a Paladin. Angelique knew that the best way to reflect this, was to wear her Calistrian holy symbol in rather plain view, promoting the fact that she was unlikely someone the authorities would use. Next, Angelique decided to set up shop in the area where Grot Beron was found murdered, as she knew the building was a tavern of ill-repute. Even if the building itself was unavailable, she was happy staying in the area.

Once settled, Angelique went out and subtly shifted the word that she was looking or interested in the Red Fox. She was never obviously about it, never asking directly, but would chat with people in taverns, out on the street, gradually weaving the conversation into the exploits of the Red Fox, remarking at how wonderful they were. If anyone asked directly, Angelique had a (thin) cover story about writing a scholarly research paper on the subject, but also makes it clear by blushing slightly that perhaps she is pursuing the topic more on personal attraction than scholarly interest.

Any skill checks you want me to roll here?

Diplomacy Gather Information?: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 25


That is fine

The actual tavern Beron was killed in is closed, boarded up with weeds starting to pop up around it. Angelique finds a similar one the next street over, the usual crowd of drunks, gamblers and wenches.

The place is nicer then the Korvosan equivalent would be, The floor was real wood, some of the windows had glass and their were no bloodstains. Still, it was the same hive of rumor and gossip.

Angelique hears a dozen tales of the Red Fox, each more unlikely then the last. That he was a fallen paladin seeking revenge on the Marshals, that he used angels for his crimes and most unlikely, that he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.

Three facts appear to be mostly true, after wading through the stories. The Red Fox was new to the city, only operating int he last year or so, that his organization was larger then most thought and that he had the backing of some outside power. She learns the name of a local fisherman who might know more.

Usta Lowin, and she has his address. Dark rumor has it he is a smuggler for the Red Fox but official he is just a fairly prosperous fisherman.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique heads directly at the address. She's careful to avoid the standard attire someone might wear when meeting with a fisherman, while also avoiding anything official looking. In short, shes largely adopting her Kovosan outfit on her way to the alleged smuggler.

I'm preemptively Sense Motiving whoever I see first at the address, be it a guard or Usta Lowin himself.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 24


Angelique makes her way to the address given. It is in a nicer part of town, where the richer artisans and lower merchants live. Most live entire lives hoping their sons will be able to join the Paladins.

On her way, Angelique walks past a paladin on patrol. He nods formally and murmurs, "Evening, Inspector" There goes any chance at a cover.

The house is large, and well-furnished. On the doorstep sits a board shouldered man, well-tanned, playing a flute, badly. He looks up and grins at Angelique. 'A paying customer."


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique looks around at the large well-furnished house, noting the size and location, as well as his attempts to play a flute. It just didn't quite fit somehow.

At the mans remark however, Angelique allows a small smile to flit accross her face. "How could you tell?" she inquires casually, sizing the man up somewhat.


The man shrugs, 'Who else would come close to such a wretched song" he laughs a bit and puts the flute down, and Angelique notes his hands are huge and scarred from a life of work.

The porch is well-made of gleaming wood, inlaid with copper that gleams in the evening light. Plants of varied types are blooming, obviously well-cared for.

The man nods, "So, why are you here, dear lady?"


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique walks into the center of the room, thinking carefully. "Well, I could lie and say I was there because I was highly interested in your fish, and you could in turn lie to me by claiming that you are no more than a rich honest fisherman. Personally though, I'd prefer skipping all of that and just jump to the part about the Red Fox. I'd like to meet him, have a chat, that sort of thing, but unfortunately its so hard to get in touch with him. I made myself a rather attractive mark by casually making inquiries, and I know that with a network such as his, he probably knows of me, but unfortunately he hasn't quite gotten in touch with me. I figured you might have a personal way of getting in touch, and so here I am."

Angelique ignores any protestations that the man is innocent or refusals to assist, quickly holding a hand to forstall any objections. "Look, I'll chat to him eventually, one way or another, and its probably in his interest to catch up with me in a location of his choosing, I'm sure that would make him more secure. I'm obviously not law enforcement, I'm a Calistrian. So really, I dont forsee any issues here do you?"


The man lets Angelique speak, rubbing his broad chin carefully. When the investigator finishes, he picks up his flute.

'I have no idea what you are talking about. I am just a humble fisherman, blessed with good luck." He tries a few notes, still sour. He pauses, then continues.

"I do know, good things often come to those who wait. I will say that." He smiles in a friendly fashion. "Go home, sleep on it."

Where is Angelique staying, anyway?


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

I'll give you this much, not anything near where the Paladins are, heck, shes probably gone out of her way to hide where she is staying from any paladin or city guard in the area. Also

Quote:
Next, Angelique decided to set up shop in the area where Grot Beron was found murdered, as she knew the building was a tavern of ill-repute. Even if the building itself was unavailable, she was happy staying in the area

I cannot really name a specific place, but again, somewhere in a district where people are not umm...goody goods?

Angelique doesn't miss the implication and inclines her head slightly in a gesture of thanks. "Of course sir, thank you very much for your time, in any case", she remarks politely, heading back to her room for the moment, fairly confident that the Fox could find her if he was so inclined."


Ah, mid understood. I thought it was 'setting up' for information trawling, not for living

The Red Fox works fast. As soon as she is getting ready to retire for the night, a slim letter is slipped under her door. She hears no footsteps and sees no one.

Dear Interested Admirer, I hear you wish to speak with me. My interest is piqued. Please leave a letter with the doorman of the Barnson Theater across the street. It will get to me.

It is signed The Red Fox.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique observes the letter for a moment, sitting on her bed quietly. She suspected that the material of the actual letter the Red Fox wanted her to send was material, that the actual purpose was to view her at a location before making a move. Wearing an outfit not dissimilar to the one worn when she attended the Boar's Tusk in Korvosa, Angelique takes a slip of paper of her own and thinks of what to say.

Fox,
You have my personal gratitude for getting in touch so quickly. While I understand my request might be rather brazen, I would prefer a personal meeting if at all possible. Feel free to choose the time and place, and feel comfortable giving me as much notice of the proposed place as you wish.
Interested Admirer

Letter finished, Angelique heads out the door. Angelique doesn't want to create undue suspicion if someone is watching her, so she doesn't' do a detailed scout of the theater building as much as she might do so normally, this time doing a sweeping appraisal. Again, she wears her Calistrian symbol in full view, considering it the most simplest way to encourage separation from the actual authorities.

Wearing that symbol in full view will probably bite me somewhere down the line but for now I just like that it tells every criminal "Hey, not a Paladin" just at a first glance.


The night passes and ends, and Angelique is soon awake and facing a new day. She didn't sleep well as the rowdy tavern below her was louder then she'd have liked. While tame by Angelique's standards, it was still full of drunken louts.

Just as she finishes dressing she hears a knock at the door. Peeking through the knothole that acts as a spyhole, she sees a graying older man, with a decided limp. He bears no weapon she can see but, around his neck, is a simple symbol of Calistria.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique doesn't jump to conclusions that the man is the Red Fox, although the symbol around his neck was obviously a message. Checking that she looked presentable, Angelique then opens the door carefully, gazing at the figure."Yes, can I help you?


The man smiles somewhat, taking a soft cloth cap off his head.

My name is Harin Bagar. I am a priest of Calistra. I was told there was a follower of the goddess int he city and I felt I had to come investigate."

He bows slightly, "I am the local priest, of the rather small local following." He looks up, blue eyes bright, "May I ask what brings a fellow worshiper here and not even stop at the temple?"


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique keeps her tone fairly even when she responds carefully. "I have no personal objection to visiting the Temple, but I have barely arrived in the city, perhaps given time to recuperate from travel would have meant I stop by earlier. Believe me, I meant no personal slight against you, something my Mistress could attest to."


The man smiles, "I do not mean it as an accusation. I.." he stops, frowns slightly and goes on, 'May I come in?"

Up to you

"My following is not large here. Most are followers of Iomedae, if not outright paladins. They protect and tolerate me well enough, but rarely not I meet another of my faith outside my small congregation. It was an invitation, not an order. You are a...curiosity to me, and others, in the city." The last line seems to hold a secret or two behind it.


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique wordlessly steps backward, indicating the man can step through, and allowing him move to maneuver before she quietly closes the door behind him.

"I'm always happy to join a local congregation of Calistria, that goes without saying, but I'm aware that each congregation might priorities different aspects of Calistria. Like I said, for as long as I'm in this city, I'm happy at being involved, but I'd like to know if I would be expected to do anything in particular, or behave a certain way, and so on."

Angelique listens quietly to give the man an opportunity to explain, before continuing onwards. "I'll admit, you got my interest when you mentioned me being a...curiosity to others in the city. To you, I can understand, I'm a Calistrian openly wearing her symbol and therefore got approached by you for...recruitment. To others however, I'd be more unaware of. I can assume that I could be a subject of curiosity to the Paladin's of this city, but then again, I don't know of a Paladin that regularly has close ties to a congregation of Calistria, which could mean you might be referring to others...mind giving me some insight into who might be observing and why I'm attracting so much interest here?


The man sits on an available chair, smiling gently. He stretches out the leg that limps slightly, rubbing it.

"I'm not looking to recruit you, just meet and talk with you." He grins at her mention of 'who might be observing'.

"I think we both know the answer to that, 'Interested Admirer'." he leans back, obviously at ease. "May I ask how you find yourself in our fair city?"


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Angelique shrugs slightly, also sitting. "Its clearly a mostly safe, secure looking city with a militaristic aspect, something slightly expected considering what it was founded for. Truthfully though, for a Calistrian it feels a little boring though, Paladin's for instance, are not known for their spectacular jokes. All in all, I can appreciate that its a wonderful city, just less exciting than a few others cities I can probably mention"

Interesting point we have here, in that Angelique very much isnt in favour of an ideally 'perfect' world because a perfect one (in her mind) would be a boring one. Lastwall is by no means perfect, but a nation with so many rules is less interesting. This has been a good interaction, since its not something I thought deeply about until now.


Glad you enjoyed it

The man laughs a bit softly. "Vallumis is a bit tame, I admit. The Paladins are a ...restraining influence."

"But that isn't always bad. Less bodies in the lake, for one." He chuckles a bit, before going on. "But there are a few outliers. Enough work for a Calistrian at least."

He looks up, "I heard you are looking for such outliers. Is that correct?"


Female Human Bard 5 / Oracle 1 | Case File

Lol I took me a moment to get the second meaning of bodies in the lake. I was going nuts thinking 'wait, whats wrong with the beach here' :)

Angelique takes a moment to think, considering the offer. "That would mostly depend on the type of outliers involved I would believe. For me, personally, the mere act of outliers themselves are fun, but then again, I always like knowing what the purpose of such outliers would be in the greater scheme of things."

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