Land of the Dead: A Tale of Terror in Ustalav (Inactive)

Game Master Joy

Five brave souls accept a dangerous mission that will take them through the dangerous land of Ustalav.


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After receiving a summons requesting your immediate presence by the Baron Viktor Dorumand, each of you arrive at his very spacious and elegant manor house. Upon your arrival, you are each shown into his personal study and invited to sit down and help yourselves to something to drink. As soon as the last of your group arrives, a clearly distraught Baron enters the room and moves to stand by his desk.

"I cannot thank you all enough for coming and I sincerely hope that all of you will accept my offer. I know that what I am about to ask isn't exactly in line with what some of you normally do, but I find myself in a desperate position and am in need of people with your various skills. You see, three nights ago my only daughter was abducted from her room in this very house. My whole family and her intended husband's family are all incredibly distraught by this whole situation and by the inability of the authorities around here to locate her. I fear that she may have already been spirited out of the city."

The Baron now begins to pace across the back of the study as he continues to speak. "Now, seeing as how I have absolutely no faith left in the locals here, it was my hope to once again procure your services and have all of you track down whoever took my daughter and bring her back to me. I can promise you that you will all be well rewarded for your efforts. I will even throw in a bonus if you bring me the head of the scoundrel responsible for her abduction. As for exactly who that scoundrel is, I believe it to be a fellow by the name of Lucian Redgrave. He had been frequenting my opera house trying to pick up any female he ran across. He hasn't been seen at the opera house since the night of my daughter's disappearance."


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onvyr slouches in his seat, flipping a coin as he listens to the Baron speak. Once the man has finished he puts the coin into his belt pouch and leans forward, elbows resting above his knees.

"Have any of the other women this Redgrave has been seen with disappeared? And do you know where the man lives? I assume that he's local if he is a frequent visitor at your opera house."


Amria accepts the proffered drink and politely sips from it. As Baron Dorumand explains the situation, he sits forward, listening intently to the telling of his personal tragedy. At the conclusion, he speaks up.

"Good sir, you may rely on me to put forth my greatest efforts in locating and recovering your dear daughter from the clutches of whomsoever has so devilishly absconded with her person. Though I am certain you, your family and even the overwhelmed local constabulary have already done so, I would ask to be allowed to search your daughter's room for any sign of the ne'er-do-well's passage and transgression. We may yet find that some small vestige of their activities might be ferreted out."


The Baron waves dismissively as he answers while pacing still. "All my female performers are still present and accounted for. No other female of means has gone missing. Anyone else is beneath my notice and I couldn't care less if they have. As for him being a local, I can assure you that he is not. I am well acquainted with anyone who has serious money and judging from what he waved around, Redgrave possessed serious money and only showed up this season."

The Baron stops his aimless pacing to walk over to his desk and withdraws a fine sheet of vellum with gold-flecked ink upon it. He walks around his desk to hand it to Onvyr.

"This is all I know about where he has been staying. That is an invitation to a dinner affair that he had sent out to some of my best performers, myself and family, as well as some of the richest patrons of the arts in the city. It was on the night that I had a new opera debut and as a lover of the arts he claimed that he wanted to help celebrate it. It was held at the very best Inn that the city has to offer. They typically require that their guests provide proof of nobility before they be granted suites there."

The Baron looks over to Amria after he finishes his talk about the invitation.

"When we are done here, I will have the Butler show you to her rooms before you are sent on your way."


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

His hand idly traced the intricate carvings in the fine wooden chair. The man seemed quite relaxed, as if this was his favorite chair, and this, his favorite study. Vasili sat and quietly listened to the tale of the Baron. The drink in his other hand all but ignored, slowly twirling in its glass.

The smile was sympathetic, though there was a twinkle in the man's eye that gave away his excitement, We will find your daughter, good Baron.

His gaze travels the room, appraising the others. A wild assortment of folk the Baron has collected. Confident. This should prove...interesting.


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onvyr takes the vellum and rolls it up to carry it with his gear.

"I guess I wasn't finding people last time I was here, but I can handle this one too. If Redgrave has your daughter, I'll put him in the ground in short order and back we'll be."

He turns to the others in the room, placing an arm over the back of his chair and waving as if bowing with his free hand. "Onvyr Callisan, keeper of history, digger of graves, murderer, and practitioner of the divine arts. I do carry a needle and thread but none have ever accused me of being a physician."


Waiting a bit before the next reply in case anyone else has questions for the Baron before he hands you over to his butler.

Liberty's Edge

Male Halfling Rogue/2

Horatio is still lingering by the door trying to subtly knock some of the dirt off his boots. He listens intently without ever looking at the Baron. "Beggin yer pardon but how are we supposed to pass as nobles and get into his shindig?"

Horatio turns his attention to Onvyr. "Sounds like you keep pretty busy."


"I may not have been clear, the affair was in the past. This old invitation is the only evidence I have of where this Redgrave may have resided when he was here."


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

Sorry, had a busier that expected day, thought I'd post sooner.

The broad shouldered half-orc, wearing a breastplate with a war motif, and a strange weapon, peacebonded to his side, begins to speak for the first time since he's been here. Putting a green-hued hand to his chin, he asks, calm and collected, "Your Grace, pardon me, but is it possible that your daughter could have decided to arrange a kidnapping on her own, due to the arranged marriage? I am not familiar with her or the arrangement, and I apologise if you feel insulted by these allegations, but you did hire me once for my point of view, which you called "Unburdened by societal norms or etiquette" if I recall. Rest assured, no matter the reason why she's missing, she is missing, and it's our duty to recover her." Sipping from the glass, you notice other elaborate markings on his hands and arms.

After hearing about the qualities of Onvyr, the half-orc simply frowns and tucks his sleeves, revealing a large symbol of Pharasma on his forearm.

Turning towards the group, the half-orc starts speaking in a calm and informative tone, "Name's Kair Schlachter of the Schlachthaus. You have probably heard of us. I would be here as your protector and guide in the wilderness. If there are any undead, stay behind me, and listen to what I say." Reaching the topic of undead, he throws another glare at Onvyr.


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

He sits listening to the others introduce themselves. A wry smile plays across his lips. This should be fun.

I am Vasili, Vasili Ilionescu. Traveler of lands near and far, solver of problems great and small, and sometime investigator for the rich and powerful. Such as the good Baron here.

He remains seated as he talks, his glass twirling in his hand.


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onvyr chuckles a bit and nods to Kair. "You don't have to worry about me getting the overwhelming need to get between you and the undead. Don't get me wrong, I do love Urgathoa, but we're all adults here. And it isn't like all undead are good undead. Just, you know, keep the weapons away from my undead and I'll avoid making anyone eat anyone else in front of you. Win-win."

He leans forward again, shrugging. "Besides, you'd be surprised how handy it is to have someone that can actually control the undead. Turn enemies into friends. Oh, and talk to the ones that can talk. Are you from Ustalav? This place is just filled with those that died long ago. And sometimes talking works better than fighting. That and sometimes those undead are all that's left of a culture. Shame to see it all lost."


A look of annoyance crosses the Baron's face as he briefly considers Kair's question. "I find it hard to believe that she would disobey me in such a fashion."


Amria patiently awaits a response to his request of the baron.


Amria, if the request was the one regarding the Baron's daughter's rooms, he replied at the end of the post right after yours that he would have his butler show you, and anyone else, up to the rooms after the discussion with him is finished.

"Now, if there are no more questions, my butler will show you about the house."

As he speaks, the Baron gestures towards the doorway of the study where the same older gentleman who first let all of you in is standing.


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

As he stands, Vasili throws his scarf over his shoulder with a flourish. He places his glass upon the ornate table next to his chair and turns to the others in the room.

Well gentlemen, shall we?


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onvyr stands and rolls his shoulders back before moving over to the butler.

"Yeah, let's get this show on the road. The longer we wait the colder the trail gets."


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

Although noticing the Baron's annoyance, Kair continues looking simply deep in though. "I understand and I apologise, my Lord." He then bows deeply before moving to the butler.

"By all means, let's."

I don't know why, but I do have a feeling that the arranged marriage has something to do with the disappearance. It's not going to be the first time I'm wrong though, if that isn't the case..., thinks Kair, rubbing an old scar, apparently left by claws, on his forearm.


The butler bows to your group before he turns to lead the way. "Follow me please gentlemen."

You are lead out of the study and down the hallway to the back of house. There you are led up a small staircase obviously meant for the private use of those that live here rather than the wide, double stairs that dominated the foyer where you first entered the house. All of you go up the stairs, bypassing one landing to continue on up to what you think is the third floor of the house. The butler then takes you down a small hallway and into the first of a suit of rooms that is decorated in mostly shades of pink.

"These are Mistress Koraline's rooms. This is her private parlor, the room beyond this one is her bedchamber and off that is her dressing wardrobe and closet. If you wish to look under some of the pink gauze covering the walls, you will see that there is small balcony off of this room and window in her bedchamber. The stairs we took are the only ones that lead up to this floor since it is not meant to be accessed by the public when the Baron hosts his gatherings here. When you look out the patio and window, you will see that this room has a most excellent view of the Baron's prized hedge maze backdropped by the scenic river."

The butler moves over to a large oil painting placed over the mantle in the room. "This was a 16th birthday portrait of Mistress Koraline. It is very life-like and a good representation of her in case you gentleman have not had cause to see her in the past."

The portrait is done quite well and shows a young lady in an elaborate pink gown with golden embroidery seated upon a garden bench. She looks petite in size with long, black hair, fair skin and large dark blue eyes.


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

He slowly crosses the room to the balcony, pushing the gauze aside with the back of his hand and stepping out. A short whistle, and a flutter of wings. He crosses back into the room with a small bird upon his shoulder.

Well, let's see what we have here.

Vasili walks slowly and carefully around the rooms, looking for anything out of place, or interesting. After one circuit of the room he checks the window, and then crosses back to the balcony.

She must have been taken from either the window or this balcony. Leaving by way of those stairs through the building would have been...difficult.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Here's a roll for Vse as well, though I expect that there's very little that an intelligence 6 bird would notice in a human's room as being out of place. Except maybe why her "nest" is so flat and any shiny trinkets that might be lying around.
Perception (Vse): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28


Huh, missed that.

Amria follows the other men up the back stairs to the girl's rooms. Astonished at the size, opulence and quantity of her living quarters, he stands taken aback for a moment before regaining his senses to hear the butler point out the portrait of the young lady.

The gaunt man begins a very slow, meticulous search of the rooms and the balcony, looking for anything that might be a clue. He goes through any dressers, desks, armoires, chests, boxes or anything else contained within. He strips the bed of it's bedding and checks beneath the mattress as well as under the bed (if possible). Making circuits of each room, he knocks on all of the walls at regular intervals listening for irregularities. He will end his search by checking behind any paintings, terminating at the portrait of Koraline.

Taking 20 on the Perception checks for the rooms for a 27.


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

Seeing how both Vasili and Amria take over to observe the evidence, Kair approaches the butler. Seeing Amria take everything apart and analyze it, he thinks, Certaintly doesn't like leaving anything to chance. "It's quite... pink. Excuse me, sir, but does Mistress Koraline have a handmaiden herself? I would presume that you aren't the one aiding her with all her chores." Before the butler can respond, the half-orc continues.

"I would also like to speak to the gardener, or whoever is responsible for the maze outside. Assuming that the kidnapper didn't fly, would they have to pass through it in order to escape?"


The Butler responds to Kair with a sniff. "Of course Mistress Koraline has a handmaid and of course it would be quite improper for me to assist a lady with her chores."

The Butler moves to the vanity set and pulls a braided rope that hangs from the ceiling. "There. Her handmaid should be here in a moment. Now, as for the gardener, given this time of day he should be tending to it right now. When you gentlemen are done in here, I will escort you down and out to the maze. Please be sure to stay on the trails as some of the flowers are quite delicate. There is to be a luncheon out there tomorrow and it must look perfect."

For those searching:

For those with over 20 on their Perception:

Parlor Room
Nothing of note is found in this room. None of the portraits have anything hidden behind them.

Bedchamber
Amidst a mass of gauze and silk, you manage to locate an actual bed. A careful search of the headboard does turn up a secrete compartment. Two things are found in it: an ornate, but empty box and a small vial that is half-empty of some sort of liquid.

Searching through her closet, you notice empty spaces where some garments should have been. You may conclude that either some things are out to wash or she packed lightly first.

Balcony
While searching the tiny balcony, you notice what look like recent scrapes on the wrought iron railing of it.

After a few moments, a young lady in servants dress appears at the door. Taken aback by all the strange men in the room, she hesitates to enter until the Butler speaks to her.

"Do come in Leanda, the gentlemen have been entrusted with the task of finding and returning your mistress. Please answer whatever questions they may have."


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

A few steps past the closet, Vasili pauses. He backs up a few steps, the bird on his shoulder flaps its wings to keep balance. With the back of his hand, he moves the gauze aside and looks inside.

Does Mistress Koraline have traveling bags? She seems to have less...clothes...here than I would have expected.

Without waiting for a response, he crosses the room, coming to the window, examining it briefly and moving on. Vasili slowly circles back to the balcony, being careful to stay out of Amria's path of search and to touch nothing overturned. Holding back the gauze from the balcony, he crouches down. His head tilts slightly, and his bird mimics the motion. Remaining crouched he shifts slightly to look back at the others.

What do you think made these? He nods towards the scratches on the iron railing.


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onvyr just stands in the doorway, moving out of the way when Leanda walks in. When Vasili makes note of something at the railing, he goes over to look at it, but otherwise stays out of the way so that those searching can do so without interference.


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

Kair turns to the maid, and says, "Madame, I'd like to ask you a couple of questions that may be a bit... personal to you or Mistress Koraline. I would need them answered to the fullest extend of your knowledge. Her life may be in danger."

He then gestures to the maid to follow, and goes to the corner. "First, I'd like to ask you about what you know about a certain Lucian Redgrave. Can you tell me more about the relationship he had with young Mistress Koraline?"

Additional questions:

Who do you think may have did it?
Did she have any enemies?
Why would her bags be missing?
What was the relationship with her fiancee and his family?

I'd prefer the GM to roll my Sense Motive, my modifier is +8 (Unless the maid is undead, where it is +10, but I don't think that's the case).


roll:

Sense Motive Kair 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Bluff 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

The handmaid hesitates a bit and keeps her gaze upon the floor as she answers the questions posed to her.

Handmaid:"Mistress had no relationships with anyone other than her betrothed. She would never be improper. All I know of Master Redgrave was that he attended some of the same functions that she did."

"I have no idea who would do such a thing. I certainly can't think of any enemies. I have no idea why any bags would be missing."

"Mistress has known her betrothed all her life. Master Rikard is the oldest child of longtime business partner of the Master of the house. Everyone in both houses get along well."

Kair:

From her body language and the quick little glances she gives the Butler, you not only think that she is lying to you about some things, but that he is the reason why.


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

Nodding to indicate the scratches, Vasili steps to the side as Onvyr approaches. His hand still holding the gauze back to show the balcony.

As he listens to the Handmaid's answers he calls over his shoulder, She is missing travel bags then? And some clothes, I assume? He flashes a kindly smile as he turns to look at the young woman. I'm sure you could tell us exactly what clothes are missing, couldn't you?


Handmaid:"Well, I suppose I could. I did help her dress daily, so I do know all of her outfits."


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

"Leanda, if you wish, we can move somewhere more private. You can be assured that information which is not important for the investigation will not be shared.", whispers Kair to the handmaid. "We're all trying to genuinely help her, and you can provide this help."

Turning to the butler, Kair says, "I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience, but I believe that Leanda here would feel better and more at ease if she wasn't in a room full of armed individuals such as ourselves. I'd like a room where we can talk more privately."


In the parlor room:

Butler: The Butler looks a bit conflicted about the request but nods after a moment. "It is a bit improper sir, but the Master did order that you are to be given any assistance needed. The suite of rooms across the hall are currently unoccupied, you may use the parlor."

Handmaid Leanda will follow Kair to the other suite's parlor.

In the bed chambers:

In his search for hidden compartments, Amria actually does find one in the ornately carved headboard of the bed. Shaking a pink scarf off his foot, he walks over to the remaining two group members in the room and holds out the two objects that he found.

"I seem to have found an over-decorated, but empty, box and half a vial of some liquid."


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onvyr takes a closer look at the scratches, running his fingers over them.

Being Ustalav, I might as well check the scratches to see if they seem to have been made by some undead.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Hearing the comment about the liquid, he then walks over to it and tries to identify what the liquid might be.

Rolling Perception in case it is a potion and Knowledge (religion) in case it is something like vampire blood.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

Turning to Leanda in the parlor room, and gesturing Vasili to follow, mostly because he isn't a giant intimidating half-orc with religious tattoos, Kair says in a conspirative-ish tone, "Look, I can see why you may think that you're protecting her ladyship, but we're honestly here to help. I could see you staring at the butler as if you didn't want to tell in front of him, so I brought you here. Now, I repeat myself, is there something we should know?"
Diplomacy, if needed: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

As I said in my other games, I just started a new job, so I can only post twice or three times a day, and I'll try to get most of the stuff I want to do in at once. I hope this isn't too much of a problem.


Onvyr:

The scratches do not appear to have been made by any undead. They appear too deep and to regular in distance to haven been made by them.

You believe that the vial contains some oil of taggit. The oil is used to induce sleep and not illegal or hard to obtain.

In the other parlor with Kair and Vasil:

Leanda appears less nervous with Kair's assurances though her eyes remain downcast.

Leanda"The Butler would report anything I said to the Master of House you understand? He would be absolutely furious if he knew that my Mistress was doing anything that could cause him embarrassment."

"I do know that she was rather taken by Master Redgrave, it seemed like most of the young ladies about here were. She would talk about how mysterious and interesting he was. Not predictable and boring like her betrothed."

"I've already been through her closet the morning of her disappearance, a traveling gown, a ball gown and her riding habit are the items that appear to be missing."

That is fine Kair. Two to three posts a day is a reasonable amount.


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

"I see. And it would be reasonable to assume that she decided to flee with this man? That's something that his Lordship would like to know, but it isn't a thing that he necessarily needs to know, if you catch my meaning, wouldn't you say so, Vasili?", says the half-orc, with a reassuring (though toothy) smile on his face.

Seems like my hunch was correct...

"Regardless, I am afraid that we'd need to return her home. His Lordship is simply not familiar with this Redgrave fellow, the risks of ruining relationship with another house non withstanding. Could you tell us more about what she said about Redgrave?"


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onvyr holds up the vial and looks into it, tasting a tiny bit.

"This appears to be oil of taggit. It is used as a sleep aid or a knock out potion. But since it is so easy to get, I can't say if she just wanted it to sleep or if someone was trying to drug her."


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

At Kair's gesture Vasili nods and follows, trying to look as reassuring as possible. Hoping that the lack of weapons on his person helped.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

It's quite alright young Lady. We're here to help the situation, not make it worse. The head of the bird on his shoulders tilts, then turns sideways and Vse's eyes blink while looking at the girl. Are these particular garments favorites of your Mistress? That is, are they what she would pack? Or would they be something another would pack for her?

Vasili looks over his shoulder towards the other room and speaks quietly, The view from the balcony is breathtaking. I noticed some scratches on the iron though. Do you happen to know what could have made those?


Leanda relaxes a bit more at Vasili's reassurance and the fact that the Butler hasn't come barging into the room yet.

"The fancy gown missing was one that she favored for going to the opera. The other two were just for traveling and much plainer than what she normally wears. I don't know if she would pack them herself, I've never seen her pack anything before. I always do all her packing for her."

Leanda looks surprised by the balcony question. "I don't know anything about the balcony sirs. I certainly have never seen anyone trying to damage it."


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

Well...Leandra, is it? Vasili flashes a smile and leans in slightly, the bird on his shoulder chirping quietly as he moves, Well, Leandra, are there any men that you suspect may have taken the Mistress?

Turning to Kair he remarks, We might want to check outside the balcony. Perhaps our burglar left behind something?


Leandra shakes her head at the question. "No sirs, I cannot think of other men who had an interest in her."

As you two step out of the parlor, you notice a young man in house livery showing another individual into the room.

The house servant has a quick whispered conversation with the Butler, after which the Butler announces: "Gentlemen, may I present Cruentus Angealous. Apparently one of our messengers got rather lost, thus he is slightly tardy."

"Now, is there anything else you gentlemen would like to look up here or do wish me to show you down to the hedgemaze and gardens now?"


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

"Good point. I'll do that as we go to the gardens. Who is this Cruentus Angealous? Name sounds... unfamiliar."
Knowledge(Local), untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Turning to the butler, he says, "Anyone willing to help us in this matter is welcome to do so." He approaches the man and proceeds to initiate a handshake.


Please feel free post any intro conversations after the Butler made the introduction and then escorts all of you to the garden area.

The Butler waits a few minutes as introductions are made and then leads the group back down the three flights of stairs they came up. Rather than pass the study from earlier, they turn left at the bottom of the stairs and walk down a small hallway leading to door on the back side of the house.

The Butler opens the door and lead you out into the garden. You are surrounded by marble statuary and exotic flowers coaxed to grow in this land. Right past the garden lays the hedge maze. Carefully tended and about six feet in height.

The Butler motions towards a man with a pair of hedge-clippers carefully tending to the hedges. "That is Kranz, the head gardener here."

The Butler will then walk several feet over and point up at a balcony. "That balcony above belongs to Mistress Koraline."


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

With a nod of the head, Vasili greats the newcomer. You haven't missed much. We're just finishing up here. I believe the other gentlemen found something of interest in the young lady's room. I heard something about a sleeping agent? He looks over at Onvyr questioningly. His bird's head tilts as it looks towards Onvyr as well.

In any case, we're headed outside to look around the area. There were some scratches on the balcony and the culprit most likely entered there. At least...I expect that they did not leave by these stairs through the house.


Half-Elf Oracle 2, HP 20/20, AC 18 [T: 10, FF: 18], Per +7, F: +1/R: +0/W: +3 [+2 vs. enchantments]

Onyvr nods, following the butler outside. "Oil of taggit. It was in the vial that Amria found in the headboard of the bed. Hidden in a compartment there. Someone that knows the place needed to hide it, but that still doesn't tell us if it was used by the young kidnapping victim or not."


Amria acknowledges the newcomer with a nod of his head and follows the group outside.

After the Butler points out which balcony belonged to the missing girl, Amria goes over to examine the ground below it.

Taking 20 for a 27 on the search.

"The ground and plants directly below the balcony's railing look as if someone has been standing here. Some of the prints look older than others, almost as if someone came over to stand here in the same place over the course of a few days."


Male Half-Orc Ranger (Corpse Hunter) 2
Stats:
[HP:28/28][AC=19, Touch 11, Flat-footed 18] [F+5; R+4; W+3; SR 8 vs divine*][CMB +6, CMD 17][Perception +7; Init+1]

"So, Kranz, I assume you live near here. Have you seen anyone standing under the balcony of lady Koraline? Is there anyone else spending a lot of time in the gardens?", says Kair, greeting the man with the shears. He looks at Onvyr and Vasili and says, "Hm. How much of the vial is missing? Did you remember Leanda saying anything about Lady Koraline taking oil of Taggit?"


As a note, no one has dismissed the handmaid, so she will follow after the group until someone does or until you leave the grounds.

Kranz: "I live on the grounds here sir, if you consider that near. I share a small cottage on the back of the estate with my wife and kids."

"I don't recall seeing anyone standing under the balcony here. I'd surely give them a tongue lashing if I had. Look what they did to the flowers there. No one is supposed to move off of the walkways in the garden and I keep a close watch on it when I'm out here tending to the grounds during the day."


Male Human Witch 2 , HP 16/16, AC 10 [Touch 10, Flat 10], Init +0, Perception +6 (+8 when familiar is near)
animal perception:
Vse [familiar]: low-light vision, perception +10; Horse: low-light vision, scent, perception +8

Vasili carries on with the handmaid as they make their way down to the garden. A lovely home. How long have you worked here...? He offers his arm as they walk down the stairs and continues the conversation.

Once in the garden Vse takes flight from his shoulder and circles around the area. Vasili, still speaking with Leandra, scans the grounds and garden with an appraising smile. Do you often get to walk here?

After their short conversation Vasili turns his attention back to the investigation, Yes. Leandra...did the Lady ever use a sleeping aid? Do you know where she would have gotten it?

The bird lands on his shoulder again and they both move to beneath the balcony, examining the wall. Vasili is taking 20 to examine the wall and area. Is there any indication that someone climbed the wall? Or anything left behind by the person that stood there? Perception 28 [with taking 20]


Leanda is a bit startled to be offered an arm, but she accepts it and walks along with the group.

Leandra: "Yes, Mistress Koraline loved the gardens and would come down here every evening."

Leanda looks surprised at your mention of a sleeping aid. "I've never known her to use any sort of sleeping aid beyond our late night chamomile teas. They were quite potent teas too. I could barely keep my eyes open for more than a candlemark after drinking one. Those she bought in town of course at the tea shop."

Vasili, you will notice some light scuff marks up the bricks on the side of the house, directly below the railing. Though you notice there aren't really any places for handholds. There doesn't seem to be anything left behind at this spot.


male Bloodmarked (werebatkin) Level 2 barbarian (invulberable rager)
Kair said wrote:
Who is this Cruentus Angealous? Name sounds... unfamiliar."

That answer my friend varies from person to person, but be sure that when it comes to the nightmares of this land I may hold a rather unique perspective. I amVery glad to be a part of this investigation. With that, Cruentus shakes the man's hand.

Cruentus is a pale, tall, gaunt man with sharp features. There is a almost feral look and strength to him. He wears dark green clothing except for a silvery breastplate with a portrait of a man steaking a vampire.

Following the group outside, Cruentus investigates the grounds below the balcony. taking a 20 for 25. If he finds some sort of tracks he will try to follow them with survival. If the opportunity presents itself he will try to find a Bush or something to hide. Then using his transformation to maybe get a scent to aid said tracking, only to turn back shortly after confirming the precence or lack there of a scent. If there is no way to hide then he will not hide and transform.

survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

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