GiantSlaying with DM ERK

Game Master evar0

"As far as I can tell, he's got trouble breathin' and has got all these sores on his face n' arms. A bit like me, but his wounds are still open. I owe him my life - he helped cure me from the disease I got. He's a wise half-orc shaman."

"Did Katrezra ever mention what he and Rodrik were talking about? Seems odd for them to be chatting so much. Also, would you mind if we checked out Katrezra's room quickly? I wanna figure out where he's run off to."

Based on his time there, Malthu thinks on whether there was someone else he could talk to at the Sanctuary who might know more about what's going on. Any other reasonable options for people to chat with?

"I know not of what Rodrik and Katrezra spoke. Perhaps about Katrezra'so visions or some guidance. I believe his minor oraclular powers were acting up lately. Please go take a look. I have also heard of your investigation. If you wish to see Rodrik let me know. Or Malthu can show you the way to the basement."

"I'd definitely like to see Rodrick's body, but I can't speak for my friends here. Ragha, Rormar, and Roosevelt, you guys want to go downstairs and check it out? And maybe Malthu, you could meet us down there after you look in Katrezra's room? I have a feeling we will want to go looking for him after we examine the body."

"Sounds like a plan," agrees Malthu. He goes to Katrezra's room and knocks on the door before entering. Then looks around, searching for clues of his whereabouts. Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"I'll head downstairs then, and Malthu probably knows what to look for in Katrezra's room, with them being familiar and all. Also, unless you guys think it's superfluous, we should probably check with Brantos Calderon as well, he might have seen Katrezra leave, perhaps?"

Rormar addresses Tyari and slightly bows his head in respect. "Your Grace, we would be greatly appreciative if you or one of your followers would accompany us down to see Rodrik, as Malthu will be joining us later.

As well, has anyone else been in to see the body? Have any of your followers made a preliminary report we can see?"

Tyari replies "Brantos can show you down to the body. I ask that you not use any magic to communicate with the deceased. Brantos can answer any questions you have as you go." She nods to Brantos(who is in the room with you guys sorry if that wasnt clear).

Malthu finds no clues in Katrezra's room.

As you are escorted to the body Brantos tells you all "I did not see the half0orc leave, but i do know he has many friends in town especially half-orcs perhaps one of them could guide you. As for Rodrik I had a few dealings with him. He was a great man. I know he was investigating something and seemed to enjoy said investigation, but beyond that I do not know."

He brings you lot into a sub room of the basement. On a slab is Rodrik's body decay has not set in and anyone who detects magic will see that gentle repose has been cast on the body. You can see that it appears that Rodrik slit his wrists and that caused everyone to assume suicide.

"Brantos, has anyone taken a look at the body yet?

Rormar takes a look at the body, making sure to have asked the question before looking.

He specifically looks for any unevenness or raggedness in the cuts from the blade on him to imply there was a struggle.

take 20 on perception?
Perception roll = 28?

" No until we caught wind of your investigation we assumed what we were told suicide via cutting wrists like one is supposed to do with your hopeknife."

Perception grants you nothing. Heal, or straight wisdom is more appropriate for investigating a dead body and cause of death.

"Has there been word about when the funeral would happen, Brantos? Rodrik deserves a hero's burial."

Malthu looks for any signs of injuries that might suggest foul play by orcs rather than any suicide.

Lore (Orcs of Belkzen): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

After looking at the wounds for much too long with an air of grim fascination and not really looking for anything other than just looking at them intently, Rormar decides to examine them for any traces of unevenness or raggedness in the cuts to try to determine if there was a struggle.

take 20 on wisdom?
Wisdom roll = 24?

Dang, want to be able to use perception rolls for everything out of combat
Seeing if someone is lying? Perception on the face.
Unlock a door? Perception on the lock to find the latch.
decipher a text? Perception on the words.
use a wand? perception to find the instructions.
Guess not though, oh well.

"He was investigating something, hmm? Weird. Guys, did anyone else mention that? First I can remember hearing about this. Is there anything at all about it you can remember? Any details would be helpful."

Rurik says a brief prayer before also examining the body (skin/clothes/pockets/etc...), taking care to be as gentle as a dwarf smithing a fine sword or axe.

Take 20 + 7 = 27 For Heal check Looking for abnormalities in his wounds/other signs that would suggest it was not a suicide

Take 20 on Wisdom/Perception too while examining the clothes to find anything of importance.

Also, if Rurik does find anything that isn't important to the mystery but is worth anything, he will ask "Brantos, I don't mean to offend the dead, but do you mind if I take these items with us? They might be of help later and show us a bigger picture during the investigation, even if they are insignificant items by themselves"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Rurik and Rormar find nothing physical that can assist in the investigation, but both of them detect that there is a poison in the wounds, Rormar is able to determine that it was oil of tagget. It is known to cause unconsciousness.

"Oil of tagget? What's that? Where would someone get that sort of oil in town?" Malthu looks on with concern. "So did he actually bleed out from his wrist wounds?"

Is that something the others would know?

It is safe to assume that the two share what they know about oil of tagget. Also I should be more specific. It's not necessarily in the wound as in blade dipped in the oil. More that it was within the bloodstream and is now detectable in the open wounds.

"Okay, this has swayed me.

3) If we wanted pain relief, he probably would have gone for something easier, cheaper, and frankly, more legal to obtain, so we can rule that out too.

Rormar says as he points off the numbers on his fingers.

"This could be another lead, but I'm guessing any self respecting alchemist or black market trader would have done the same thing Cham did and "forgot" to write down the buyers name, not that I'm implying the two are related."

"This is starting to get really fishy. Where could one even get Taggit oil around here?"

Brantos pipes up "I know of no place in town that would stock that. It's not really a drug used recreationally. It's truly used for only nefarious purposes. This is indeed fishy."

"Maybe we should move on? We could try to find Katrezra. If they were discussing things in private, maybe he could have Rodrik's journal? He is also a seer, and might just know something."

"Not sure if I agree with the seer aspect, but yeah-maybe he knows something. Worth a shot, at least."

[b]"definitely agree, any possible leads, it's not a huge city, but we're not going to run into a specific person by chance, unless he's using his precognition to find us too."[/]

"We also need to talk with Omast Frum, Rodrik's friend and patrol mate. Omast might know what Rodrik was investigating. Let's talk with him first, and maybe we'll hear where Katrezra is lurking."

THe group leaves the Sanctuary in search of Omast Frum rolling a DC 10 diplomacy check and a friendly townsfolk will point you in the right direction. The townsfolk saw Omast near the south tower of Trunau's inner wall. THe group travels there.

You are all astonished at what you see. In the first place you notice the graffiti that you've hear rumors of. It is similar in concept to your tattoo Malthu. A somewhat orcish depiction of Iomedae's white swords. You then notice that Omast is dangling from the wall on a rope trying to scrub away the graffiti. you hear him singing from afar but none of you can tell what he is actually singing his speech is too slurred. He notices you approach.

"WHaatttsss up burs and urrrrrr laaadthy? I just tryiiin to clean this daaaaaaaamn tooown urp. Is the way Rod....hic....ik would warnt it."

It is apparent that,in the wake of Rodrik's death, Omast has fallen off the wagon and returned to his old demon alcohol.

"Mate, you sure Rodrick would want you to be drinking like that?"

"Are you a fool? Hangin' from a rope while drunk is a good way to end up dead!"

Malthu wonders about the graffiti. Could it have some sort of meaning? Was it in the same style as the art from his tribe, or some other Orc tribes? Lore (Orcs of Belkzen): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"Howr else to send him off too the GODSsss! Roddy I'm gurna muss ya..." He takes a swig of the bottle in his off hand.

He has the rope around his waist and a winch holding him in place. he is also only about 15 ft up.

"I supposw.. hic... I am a fool. How could I give youu urp?" he rubs his face up against the bottle.

Omast, listen to me. Put down the bottle. You know it's bad for you, we've been through this before."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"OH I know. Burt it makes me feel goouuuoood uhhhhhhhhh Mr. Fairyman.... AHA! Roosevelt THAT'S your name." what he thinks is under his breath "and makes me forget he was my responsibility."

He begins to lower himself. When he reaches the bottom he sit down against the wall and puts the bottle down.

Rormar moves over to grab the bottle from where he set it on the ground, and hands Omast his waterskin.

"Please try to sober up, we need to ask you a few questions that will help your friend Rodrick rest peacefully."

"Yeah, pull yourself together. If ya can't hold yer liquor like a man, then don't go drinkin' in the first place." Having no patience for waiting around any further for this fool, Malthu makes his way over to the winch hoisting him up and spins it, lowering Omast abruptly back to the ground so they can have a proper conversation. He makes sure it wouldn't be so fast that Omast would get hurt, but Malthu very obviously wants to get his attention.

"Arright Alright, what do you lot warnt? " The bump down seeming to bring a moment of clarity.

"We wanted to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind. Do you know what Rodrick was investigating before he.. er.. passed...?"

Rurik tries to be blunt and get to the point while Omast has his moment of clarity.

Lore (orc tribes): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Rurik also checks the graffiti to see if he recognizes it from anywhere, and if it signifies anything important

"Rodrik that poor, young magnificent bastard. I harve no idear what he was invetigatee. Maybe it was the influx of half urcs, all they do is threaten the livelihood of worthy Trunaunans. Rodrik was talking to oner em befooore he..." he goes quite.

Does Rurik learn anything from his roll?

Malthu grabs the man, plainly frustrated by his sniveling and too impatient to let it continue. "Out with it, man. Who was he talking to? Where? What'd he look like? If you were Rodrik's friend, then you need to help us find out what happened to him!" Malthu shakes him a few times so he'll get it together.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Rurik learns nothing more or figures anything out from his check.

Anger rising in his voice."I don get to do nothing fo you. Roddy knows how much he meant to me. I knur what happen to him, I know it ..hic.. couldn been suicide. One O' yur kinda had to kill em. Aaan once im done with these crossed swords, I WILL FIND IT AND END IT! YA HEAR DAT RODDY. I'm sur you smarties can figuure out which he was talking to ain't many worth two wors." Omast will remove himself from Malthu's grip resorting. If you resist Malthu roll to essentially maintain grapple.

IF he escapes or you let go he first vomits a bit then he hoist him self back up and scrubs at the crossed swords, with what seems like a renewed vigor. He also begins singing a shanty.

"Let him go, Malthu, he's of no use to us in this state, and I think you might be intimidating him a little."

Malthu releases his grip, but not happily, feeling his honor insulted. "You're doin' a great job findin' it, pal," he spits, mocking Omast's yelled oath. He knew his anger was getting the best of him, so he walks a good distance before he fels the need to do some more violence. Maybe the man would be more chatty without another half-orc like him around.

"Before we go Omast, and I promise we will leave you alone after this, do you know anything about this graffiti you've been scrubbing? We've heard rumors about it popping up over town, but this is the first we've, well.., I've seen it"

He continues singing "OHHHHHHHH! ITS here annnd theere." he sort of flips backwards to look at you. Seeing the orcish fellow leave "It ...hic... keeepps popping ips. urnd I can't get it off. i scrub and I srub, burt nourthing. BACK AAAT IT!!"

"Well that went... well" Rurik pauses, contemplating Omast and the interaction that just happened. "I bet Katrezra was the half-orc he was talking to before he was killed, but where could he be? Should we chance asking Omast one more question? Or should we tackle another clue? Maybe Rodrick's journal?"

Rurik also looks around to see if anyone is spying on the group as they talk (the poisoned wolfs still fresh in his mind).
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Rurik does not notice anyone spying on the group. The streets are still fairly empty. As it is approaching sunset rapidly, say sunset is around 8pm and its a little after 7pm.

A few guidance notes. Your leads remaining are really only Katrezra, and Rodrik's notebook, remember this is now clearly a murder investigation you guys have collected enough evidence to at least call it suspicious circumstances. Who else could you want to talk to in such an investigation(think about what they do in Law and Order for example)?

I thought in Law and Order, they continually arrest the wrong suspect until they find the right one? :P

"What now? We need to get our hands on Rodrik's journal. Maybe we can search his home? Or his office?" Malthu thinks on whether he knows the location of either of these places.

In that case, let's not emulate them, I'd rather get the right guy on the first try

"Let's check his office first, I think he's more likely to have left it there, and I'd rather not disturb his family too much, if at all possible. Here, follow me." Rormar say as he heads off in the direction of Rodrik's office.

I think I should know where he worked, right?

He turns around, with a thought coming to mind. "Wait, how far should we go with this? We're technically acting as vigilantes at worst, and 'private investigators' at best. Should we worry about tampering with evidence or obstructing justice and just go straight to Halgra and let her take the investigation from here?"

"I think in this situation we should try to find the evidence as soon as possible. The killer could have made an attempt to destroy or steal Rodrick's journal, knowing very well it might lead back to him or her."

Rormar you would know where his office is, but its not so much an office as it is his living quarters at the longhouse. The whole remaining Grath family lives there. Father and son. If you all went to the longhouse and wanted to return for rest at the Ramblehouse it would take a good amount of time. You're pretty much halfway in between the Longhouse and the Ramblehouse right now. I'm adding in the town map onto where you guys have your status. Moving from point E to point C(longhouse) on the map and then back to B. Decide among yourselves what to do.

"Doesn't seem like it would take that long to walk across all of Trunau, let alone to the longhouse. We need to secure the journal if we can, before it gets in the wrong hands. Once we're done there, I'm going to head back to the Sanctuary and see if Katrezra shows up again. That's my normal home anyway."

@DM ERK - I don't think it would take all that long to travel across town. The map shows a scale of 80 feet. That's the distance one can travel in about 9 seconds (1.5 rounds). Or to put things in another perspective, people walk about 3-4 miles per hour on flat terrain.

the travel there would not take long, I was including the procedures and hoops you guys would have to jump through to get to his living quarters. Also the map doesnt demonstrate the fact that Trunau is up on a hill and the longhouse is pretty much on the top of hill, just something to keep in mind for the future. The town is pretty much setup in a S-shape to scale the hill. hence, outer vs inner quarters.

That's fine, still want to press forward.

"It's getting late, but I think we still have time. And good point, Malthu, making sure we get it before anything happens would be a good idea. I'd like to stop by and grab my bow there anyway."

"Also, are we all in agreement that nobody should mention the possibility that it was a murder? I'd rather not get anyone else worked up, if not necessary, since I have to go back to work there sometime."

"My lips are sealed."