Blood Will Tell (GM-jkbc)

Game Master ajkkjjk52

Your party walks (remember the part where I gave you each a horse? retconned) on. You don't reach the next town along the road by nightfall, so you make camp. The night passes without incident.

As you prepare to break camp the next morning, you hear the clatter of hooves approaching. Looking, you see a man--well, a boy really, perhaps no more than 14--on a small horse riding towards you from the direction you came. As he reins up next to you, you can see that both he and the horse are covered in sweat; it's likely they've been riding hard for a decent portion of the night.

He greets you in a panting voice.

Well... found you lot... Gonna'... haveta ask... come back to... to Besterik withme. 'Simportant.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Heh. My string of good rolls is at an end.

"Ah crap. What's wrong this time?" Harris asks, exasperated.

Sherrif. 'E needs... talk t' you. Is all.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Duglan stares the boy right in his eyes. "Well, c'mon boy. Yeh gonna tell us some more? Whass so impor'ant?"

He draws himself up to his full height, unintimidating even when mounted. T' be frank... sirs, yer... wanted fer questioning... regarding a m... a murder what happened... las' night. He instinctively cowers having delivered this bit of news, then remembers his duty. Please come with m'... come peaceably.

He has a dagger at his hip and a crossbow slung across the back of his saddle, but he doesn't reach for either.

"We didn't commit no murder. But if yeh try to bring us back to yer smelleh town and try us fer a crime we didn't do, then maybe we'll hafta reconsider not murderin anyone..."

Duglan rises to his full height and menacingly glares at the boy, but as he delivers this line, his voice cracks at a few moments. For you guys, this kind of occurrence is common... Duglan is not good at intimidating people, something you find surprising given his size and personality. However, this does not stop him from trying.

Intimidate:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

"Look, boy, tell us what happened and we might come with you. Otherwise, you aren't making a very strong argument," Harris says, not unkindly, but it is clear that he isn't impressed by the boy's request.

If anything, Duglan's approach seems to make the boy more confident. He catches his breath before responding with somewhat more gusto.

We ain't saying you did anything yet. Just 'at a accusations's been made. It's Gordel's daughter, Alaba, been killed in the night. 'E says you mighta' done it, an we've got witnesses'a you threatenin' t'... well, t'... y'know.

Duglan looks in shock, "I... what? I wouldn't... Who in tha name of Gorum would say I did summat like that? I've only been with my friends here. They can tell ya that. C'mon, back me up, gents."

Velinari looks up and addresses the boy with a smile, "As much as would yes, say that Duglan might do such an act, unfortunately, he was with us the whole night, yes. As this is, yes, the case, I would say that it is unlikely that he did such a thing as murder, yes. Last night at least.This Velinari thinks"

The boy struggles to parse Velinari's defense. I dunno about the details, but you should come with me anyway.

He casts pleading eyes in the directions of Quinn and Gromtheb, who have not yet spoken. Even if it wasn't yous who did it, you'd want t' help us find whoever did, right? For Alaba?

The boy fidgets at your apparent silence. Please?

"Look kid, I spent enough time puttin meh life on tha line to save yer sorry lot from tha bugs. How dare yeh accuse me of these crimes and then ask me for yer help again. Sorry ta hear about her death, but I know I dun caused it and my friends know I dun caused it. So we'll be walkin on, thank yeh very much. Now run along an' tell everyone I'm innocent and wish them the best."

"If the town we're willing to yes, a hire us, to maybe investigate the murder ourselves, then yes, why not go back, I say."

I feel like we need some more audience participation here.... no Quinn or Gromtheb in a while...

Exactly. I feel a bit like Harris, Duglan and Velinari have carried the party in social situations thus far.

"If we go clear our names, we're much less likely to be hassled about this in the future." He subtly fiddles with some copper wire, sending a message to Harris.

The boy focuses on Quinn. So ye'll come with me then?

Quinn looks around. "It looks like we should have just passed through yesterday, but we might as well clean up this mess before it gets out of hand. Right, gentlemen?"

"I suppose so," Harris says. "All right, boy, we'll go with you on the following conditions: first, that the sheriff and local authorities work with us as we investigate the death; second, that we will each be paid a sum of fifty gold or its equivalent in goods for our assistance; and third, that we will receive the full respect and cooperation of the townsfolk. You ride back to town and deliver these terms, and come back when they have been accepted. We'll wait here. You have 24 hours before we move on. Now, go on."

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Harris is ready to use Pilfering Hand to disarm the youth if he draws that crossbow.

I... well... I mean, I can't make that promise on behalf of the Sherrif, and we already gave ya most of the gold we had. And... and how do I know you won't just run away?

"I call it respect and trustin our word," Duglan snarls. "And I thinkin yeh owe us some respect right about now. Yeh wan our help, yeh agree to tha terms."

"Do you know any of the details of the murder? It seems to me that we've got no reason to stick around. Last thing I want is to be subject of a witch hunt. We've got gold to make elsewhere, why are we bothering with these villagers?"

Gromtheb will follow if the party ends up going back, but he will be grumpy about it. I also renounce my right to have a say in the party's decision, but I'll try to pick up the role playing.

The boy is on the verge of breaking down, and his response spills out all at once. She... she was murdered, is I hear. Stabbed in her bed, and her dad found her. It's so horrible! I was deputized along with any others as responded to the town bell and had a horse. Gordel's beside himself, says you lot musta done it, since you'd threatened t'... t' have yer way with Alaba! She was just a girl, a kid like me, you bastards!

He breaks down sobbing completely. I wassn' even s'posed to find you. They just sent me to warn Geragoko (the next town along the road) that you lot were around, might be coming, and might be a' killed her. It's the older men that's combing the forest, but had'ta be me as found you. I can' make you come back, and I don' even think the sherrif could make you, what with you bein' wizards and all, but the rest of you: if this one did do it he don't deserve freedom, for a thing like that. An' if you can vouch for his not bein'... not doin' it, then for the love of Erastil come back and say it t' the sherrif and t' Gordel's face so the man can have some peace!

He is now slumped over in his saddle, weeping inconsolably.

"All right, boy, pull yourself together," Harris says, taking pity on the youth. "We'll come with you and we'll talk to those folk as need talkin' to. Folk don't much like being accused out of the blue, you know?"

To the party, he says "Come on, let's see if we can't set the record straight. Duglan, Gromtheb, no argument from you two. This affects us all, and we won't accomplish anything by just standing around here." With that, Harris starts walking toward Besterik.

Come on, the plot's this way. Showboating aside, we've been doing diddley squat. Let's change that.

Are you SURE the plot is that way? Lets have a look at the map.... So over there, that must be.... and that hill over there...., I guess you're right. Lets hop to!

Gromtheb sighs and follows Ser Harris.

Duglan, who clearly has had enough, walks up right into the boy's face and shouts, "FER THE LAST TIME, BY THE BLADES OF GORUM, I DIDN'T THREAT TA HAVE MAH WAY WITH ALABA." Fighting to hold back his anger, he says very firmly, "All... I said... was that she was pretteh... an' I wudda enjoyed her company if Gordel wanted. Yeh best understand that, yeh little twerpy runt, an' bring us backta yer sad SAD little town so we can save yer sorry lot AGAIN."

With that, he aggressively nudges the boy with his shoulder and walks past him in the direction that Ser Harris is going.

Velinari smiles and silently bobs his head up and down in agreement with Ser Harris, and turns to go back to the town.

Any conversation with each other or with the boy on the long day's walk back to the town? It's about a nine hour walk.

"99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer.
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79 bottles of beer on the wall, 79 bottles of beer.
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78 bottles of beer on the wall, 78 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 77 bottles of beer on the wall.
77 bottles of beer on the wall, 77 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 76 bottles of beer on the wall.
76 bottles of beer on the wall, 76 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 75 bottles of beer on the wall.
75 bottles of beer on the wall, 75 bottles of beer.
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74 bottles of beer on the wall, 74 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 73 bottles of beer on the wall.
73 bottles of beer on the wall, 73 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 72 bottles of beer on the wall.
72 bottles of beer on the wall, 72 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 71 bottles of beer on the wall.
71 bottles of beer on the wall, 71 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 70 bottles of beer on the wall.
70 bottles of beer on the wall, 70 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 69 bottles of beer on the wall.
69 bottles of beer on the wall, 69 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 68 bottles of beer on the wall.
68 bottles of beer on the wall, 68 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 67 bottles of beer on the wall.
67 bottles of beer on the wall, 67 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 66 bottles of beer on the wall.
66 bottles of beer on the wall, 66 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 65 bottles of beer on the wall.
65 bottles of beer on the wall, 65 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 64 bottles of beer on the wall.
64 bottles of beer on the wall, 64 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 63 bottles of beer on the wall.
63 bottles of beer on the wall, 63 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 62 bottles of beer on the wall.
62 bottles of beer on the wall, 62 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 61 bottles of beer on the wall.
61 bottles of beer on the wall, 61 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 60 bottles of beer on the wall.
60 bottles of beer on the wall, 60 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 59 bottles of beer on the wall.
59 bottles of beer on the wall, 59 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 58 bottles of beer on the wall.
58 bottles of beer on the wall, 58 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 57 bottles of beer on the wall.
57 bottles of beer on the wall, 57 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 56 bottles of beer on the wall.
56 bottles of beer on the wall, 56 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 55 bottles of beer on the wall.
55 bottles of beer on the wall, 55 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 54 bottles of beer on the wall.
54 bottles of beer on the wall, 54 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 53 bottles of beer on the wall.
53 bottles of beer on the wall, 53 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 52 bottles of beer on the wall.
52 bottles of beer on the wall, 52 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 51 bottles of beer on the wall.
51 bottles of beer on the wall, 51 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 50 bottles of beer on the wall.
50 bottles of beer on the wall, 50 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 49 bottles of beer on the wall.
49 bottles of beer on the wall, 49 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 48 bottles of beer on the wall.
48 bottles of beer on the wall, 48 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 47 bottles of beer on the wall.
47 bottles of beer on the wall, 47 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 46 bottles of beer on the wall.
46 bottles of beer on the wall, 46 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 45 bottles of beer on the wall.
45 bottles of beer on the wall, 45 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 44 bottles of beer on the wall.
44 bottles of beer on the wall, 44 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 43 bottles of beer on the wall.
43 bottles of beer on the wall, 43 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 42 bottles of beer on the wall.
42 bottles of beer on the wall, 42 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 41 bottles of beer on the wall.
41 bottles of beer on the wall, 41 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 40 bottles of beer on the wall.
40 bottles of beer on the wall, 40 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 39 bottles of beer on the wall.
39 bottles of beer on the wall, 39 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 38 bottles of beer on the wall.
38 bottles of beer on the wall, 38 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 37 bottles of beer on the wall.
37 bottles of beer on the wall, 37 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 36 bottles of beer on the wall.
36 bottles of beer on the wall, 36 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 35 bottles of beer on the wall.
35 bottles of beer on the wall, 35 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 34 bottles of beer on the wall.
34 bottles of beer on the wall, 34 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 33 bottles of beer on the wall.
33 bottles of beer on the wall, 33 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 32 bottles of beer on the wall.
32 bottles of beer on the wall, 32 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 31 bottles of beer on the wall.
31 bottles of beer on the wall, 31 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 30 bottles of beer on the wall.
30 bottles of beer on the wall, 30 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 29 bottles of beer on the wall.
29 bottles of beer on the wall, 29 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 28 bottles of beer on the wall.
28 bottles of beer on the wall, 28 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 27 bottles of beer on the wall.
27 bottles of beer on the wall, 27 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 26 bottles of beer on the wall.
26 bottles of beer on the wall, 26 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 25 bottles of beer on the wall.
25 bottles of beer on the wall, 25 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 24 bottles of beer on the wall.
24 bottles of beer on the wall, 24 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 23 bottles of beer on the wall.
23 bottles of beer on the wall, 23 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 22 bottles of beer on the wall.
22 bottles of beer on the wall, 22 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 21 bottles of beer on the wall.
21 bottles of beer on the wall, 21 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 20 bottles of beer on the wall.
20 bottles of beer on the wall, 20 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 19 bottles of beer on the wall.
19 bottles of beer on the wall, 19 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 18 bottles of beer on the wall.
18 bottles of beer on the wall, 18 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 17 bottles of beer on the wall.
17 bottles of beer on the wall, 17 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 16 bottles of beer on the wall.
16 bottles of beer on the wall, 16 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 15 bottles of beer on the wall.
15 bottles of beer on the wall, 15 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 14 bottles of beer on the wall.
14 bottles of beer on the wall, 14 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 13 bottles of beer on the wall.
13 bottles of beer on the wall, 13 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 12 bottles of beer on the wall.
12 bottles of beer on the wall, 12 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 11 bottles of beer on the wall.
11 bottles of beer on the wall, 11 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 10 bottles of beer on the wall.
10 bottles of beer on the wall, 10 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 9 bottles of beer on the wall.
9 bottles of beer on the wall, 9 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 8 bottles of beer on the wall.
8 bottles of beer on the wall, 8 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 7 bottles of beer on the wall.
7 bottles of beer on the wall, 7 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 6 bottles of beer on the wall.
6 bottles of beer on the wall, 6 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 5 bottles of beer on the wall.
5 bottles of beer on the wall, 5 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 4 bottles of beer on the wall.
4 bottles of beer on the wall, 4 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 3 bottles of beer on the wall.
3 bottles of beer on the wall, 3 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 2 bottles of beer on the wall.
2 bottles of beer on the wall, 2 bottles of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, 1 bottle of beer on the wall.
1 bottle of beer on the wall, 1 bottle of beer.
Take one down and pass it around, no more bottles of beer on the wall.
No more bottles of beer on the wall, no more bottles of beer.
Go to the store and buy some more, 99 bottles of beer on the wall."

Sorry about the delay. This week has been crazy. We'll be back after these words from our sponsors.

[/hiatus]
I'm posting a lot of events here. Feel free to retcon dialogue into any point along this process.

A die: 1d100 ⇒ 84

As you approach the town, you encounter a few other riders, who all say variants of Wow Zuntu, you caught them? Heheh, I wouldn't have expected that. They tag along with your group as it returns to Besterik. All have bows or crossbows, a few have shortswords, but all-in-all it's a ragtag force.

They avoid conversation with you all, though they will respond to any questions you want to ask.

As you approach the eastern edge of town (map repost) one of them rides ahead, and you are met at the edge of town by a significant group of townsfolk. Most are unarmed, but some have clubs, daggers, a pitchfork or two. Standing in front is a handsome young man with a chain shirt, who wears a short sword at his belt and holds a boar spear. A large bronze medallion in the shape of a 4-pointed star hangs around his neck.

The man speaks. Thanks for coming 'round without a fight to answer the charges. Now, I want to assure y--

Suddenly, Gordel bursts from the crowd. His eyes are rimmed red from crying and he seems exhausted, but there's a blade strapped over his left hand and his battle pick dangles from his belt. He points an accusing finger at Duglan. There! Tha'ss the one 'at took my Alaba! Tha'ss the bastard right there! I'll kill 'im myself!

Gordel! barks the other man, and townsfolk move to restrain Gordel, we don't simply hang men here in Besterik, and my job is to do justice. I promise, if he hurt your daughter he will answer for it, but you need to allow me to look into things first.

Struggling against those holding him back, Gordel shouts And they got the balls t' swagger back inta town, all armed and armored like they ain't got t' listen t' yeh. Yeh wanna talk 'bout justice, but they ain't here fer justice. Jus' ask my little girl.

The man sighs. Someone please take Gordel back to his inn and try to calm him down. He turns to you. Don't take it too personally, it's obviously not an easy thing to lose his daughter. Now, if you'll come with me, we can talk a bit more privately and get this all sorted. He points to three men of the men on horseback who'd been out looking for you. You three come with us. The rest of you, well, I'm sure you've all got better things to do than hang about and gossip on this. I assure you, we'll find what happened to Alaba and see the man who did it hangs.

The crowd begins to disperse, though you can still here Gordel's anguished cries, and everyone still seems to be a bit in shock.

The man talks to you as you begin walking. I'm Heddlu, and I've been the sherrif of Besterik for four years now, but this is the first murder I've seen, and it's got the whole town upset, I hope you understand.

Eventually, he stops outside a largeish wooden building with a bow carved into the lintel.

My office isn't large enough for us all, so I thought we might come here to discuss things.

He knocks on the door, and an older bearded man in a rob answers.

Good day, Father Egian says Heddlu. These are the adventurers who took care of ol' Four-Jaws. I was hoping I might be able to have a chat with them in here, if you don't mind.

The man nods and beckons you in. Two of the "deputies" follow you in, the other sets up to guard outside the door. As you walk past the pews towards a large table (I'll make a map if you want or if/when we get on initiative), Father Egian says Though I've heard from some of my flock that Four-Jaws was not the only thing they took care of... His voice has a decided note of bitterness. That's what we're here to discuss says Heddlu.

As you take your seats (assuming you do) Heddlu asks Father Egian to bless this conversation. Egian nods, and raises his hands above his head. Erastil, guide us as you guide the hunter's arrow, that our words may strike truth as his shot strikes the stag. Amen.

You feel the force of the divine behind his words. Make a will save DC 15.

Heddlu then turns to look Duglan straight in the eye. Let's cut to the chase. Did you kill Alaba last night?

Holy epic post Batman!

K(Nobility):1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7
Sense Motive:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Will Save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 (this is +9 if a charm/compulsion effect)

Upon entering the village, and seeing a particularly angered Gordel, Duglan jeers at him, "I'd like ta see yeh try, fatteh. Dont ye blame yer troubles on tha people who HELPED ya."

When brought in for questioning, Duglan senses the strange divine force, grunts, and stares right into Heddlu's eyes. "I swear ta ya, mahself, an whatever coots yer kind worships. I dun kill Alaba last night, an I wuddnt thinka doin anythin of that sort."

Taking 10 on Kn (Nob) = automatic success (+5 bonus).
Sense Motive at +12 bonus also automatically succeeds vs DC 13.
Takin 10 on Kn (Religion) = automatic success (+11 bonus).
Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Harris remains quiet up until the priest begins to interrogate Duglan. He then steps in to defend his traveling companion. "For all his coarseness, I do not believe Duglan murdered the innkeeper's daughter. He made a pass at her the night before we set out that rather soured Gordel's view of him. As for Gordel, he is distraught and lashing out at the man who, he believes, insulted his honor," Harris summarizes. "I've seen it before. Losing a child is always sad, but we need to focus on finding out who did commit the murder. How did the girl die?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

EDIT: Taking 10 on Knowledges (Local for 21 and Nobility for 15): What does Harris know about local jurisprudence and how a verdict is reached? What constitutes proof of guilt? Are people legally considered innocent until proven guilty, or vice versa?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Heddlu stares long and hard at Duglan before sighing. And the rest of you will also say he was with you, and away from town all night?

Assuming you do, he nods. Well, glad we're past that, then, though I'll admit it leaves us with no new suspects.

I was summoned to the Long Cat around 3 hours into the day (3am). According to Gordel, he heard his daughter scream and rushed into her room. She was dead in her bed, stabbed half a dozen times. It was... it was horrible, there was so much blood. The window was open, which was odd on such a cool night, but I don't suspect anyone could've climbed to it, she's on the second floor, so the killer might've opened it to distract us. Nobody was staying in the guest rooms, and there were two drunks passed out in the common room but I assure you they were as drunk as they seemed.

Gordel was saying all along that you lot had done it, because of his... 'pass,' that you were punishing him for denying access to Alaba. Without anyone else having reason to want her dead, we've been focusing our efforts on finding you.

"So she died early this morning? Yes, Duglan was with us all last night."

Harris ponders this for a moment. Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
What types of flying beasts are there in this region (Nature covers magical beasts, monstrous humanoids and fey, as well as your garden variety critters) who could wield bladed weapons?
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Crap. Well, has Harris heard any rumors of vampire activity in the area?

"So either her assailant gained access to her room through the window, or that was left open as a distraction. If the former," Harris argues, "the assailant either climbed or flew in. Are there any flying, tool- and weapon-using creatures in the area? A strix would seem a likely culprit in this case. If the latter, we're looking at either a local or a recent arrival to town. Were there any other travelers beside us who have come through town in, say, the last week or two who might hold a grudge against Gordel? Being stabbed six times seems like massive overkill, which indicates that the killer was furious, either with Alaba or Gordel, or that the killer was incompetent and unskilled with a blade."

After a momentary pause to catch his breath, Harris continues his analysis. "Let's assume that the window was left open to distract you for a moment. In that case, the killer knows your methods and way of thinking. He, she, or it has enough ability to sneak in undetected and make an escape before Gordel could rush into Alaba's room. In this case, I would posit that the killer made an escape by jumping or climbing out the window. If this is the case, you are looking for someone skilled at tumbling and performing feats of acrobatics. Do you know of anyone who fits any of these descriptions?"

As Harris lists off the description of the killer, Velinari shifts nervously in his seat.

Will Save:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Well, I've never heard of or seen one of these Strix, but I suppose a monster ain't out of the question. Not that this town's seen anything like that before. And Gordel says whoever did it didn't take nothing.

And there've been no acrobats in town since the circus, what was it, four months ago? Mostly just farmers and hunters here, woodsmen, blacksmiths. Simple folk, and no murderers I can think of.

Will Save:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Easy enough. Come back and let the priest think his god has power over your mind. Too bad he's not the greatest conduit, heh. Then again, we don't really have reason to lie either way. Quinn mentally kicks himself for forgetting to detect thoughts. He would have to do it later.

"Gordel probably has some good information. It's a shame he's so distraught. Have you questioned him in a similar way?"

Well I've seen the scene with my own eyes, and I asked him if anyone would want Alaba dead and who might have been there, but I guess he might know more about monsters too, from his days as a travelling adventurer.

"These sort of heinous crimes are often commited by those... closest to the victim. So I ask again, have you questioned him in a similar way?" His hands make hand gestures similar to the ones the priest used to create his zone.

Velinari gets excited at Quinn's remarks, then nods and smiles.

"Before we take to accosting random townspeople," Harris says in response to Quinn's comments, "perhaps you could tell us what you plan to do next, sheriff. If you want our assistance in the investigation itself, it may be best if you deputize one or more of us. If you don't want our help, I wish you luck in your investigation."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

He looks taken aback at the suggestion.

Why would Gordel kill his own daughter? Everything he's done since she was born was for her! He gave up adventuring, settled down in this city, built that tavern. Why would he suddenly decide to kill her?

"Aww, thass easy. Pissy lil' f~*@a gets all mopey seein us adventurin sort. He misses tha whole gig an looks fer a way ta kill his daughter and leave tha tavern. So he does it, then yells till kingdom mothaf+!!in come about how it was mah fault. He's a coward. A jealous, smelleh coward."

You know, we really need to start keeping count of how many bridges Duglan burns...

Harris groans when Duglan opens his mouth, and says "I apologize for my uncouth compatriot. Frankly, everyone's under a lot of stress in these circumstances. Perhaps I could talk with Gordel and see if he can tell us more about the scene of the crime?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

OK, I'm back.
K(Noble)1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
SM 13: Automatic
K(REligion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Will Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Wham, Bam, Thank you Mam.

Gromtheb has long ago learned to let Harris do the talking, but he is interested by the details of the crime.
"I think you aught to let us see for ourselves if you want out help."

Boy, it's sure kept me on my toes. I've had to GM fiat in new bridges all over the place. :)

I doubt Gordel would be in much mood to talk around you lot. How 'bout I bring him here and have a little chat with him while some of my deputies take you to the tavern to have a look around?

Harris glances at Duglan and Gromtheb before saying "That's probably a good idea."

Hahahaha, sorry. I'm not just trying to be difficult, I'm just trying to play true to my idea of this character. Have fun building them bridges!

No worries - Duglan is my favorite character in this game, and is a great source of laughs! You just tend to frustrate Harris to no end.