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

Game Master Joy

"Hrm. A shifter, I see. Although I see you're one of the... more controlled ones. It will definitely give me some future insight... No offense meant, sorry. Comes with the job. It would be a pleasure to work with you, is what I'm saying." Kair returns and nods with the handshake.

With a serious look Cruentus takes the Ranger aside. And begins speaking in a hushed tone.

"Good sir, your powers of perception are quite apt, however I would like to keep my heritage somewhat a secret. It's just not a lot of people have such a enlightened point of view when it comes to people of my ilk. If they ask I will tell them, but I would rather not put that sort of thing out there and hope for the best."

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Cruentus, the hedge maze's opening in near enough that you could easily walk over to it and duck behind it to change. As stated before, the walls are 6 feet high and they are thick. No one will get a peek at you unless they follow you.

Cruentus, you may read the above posts regarding searching the area, you will turn up the same things.

As for the tracking, the area directly below the balcony is part of a narrow strip of flower bed sandwiched between the house and a brick walkway that leads all the way around the house and branches off into the gardens and the hedgemaze. You think you catch a couple of scents where the footprints are, mainly just a whiff of what was once a strong perfume, but you lose any trail when you try to track it over the brick.

"I do apologise again. I was taught to be honest about such things, and that honesty did get me to know His Lordship. You'll get nothing out of me on that matter if you asked me now. I also forgot to introduce myself, Kair Schlachter of the Schlachthaus, in your case, I hope you haven't heard of us." The half-orc puts on a smile for a second, then goes back to aiding Cruentus in his matters, engaging in talks, if he's interested.

@GM, since Kair is not doing anything just now, I'd be aiding Cruentus with his rolls.

Vasili nods as he passes by with Leandra, A pleasure to meet you. Vasili Ilionescu.

---

With a frown he leans in closer to Leandra and speaks lower conspiratorially, though loud enough for everyone to hear, What do you think? some scuff marks on the wall. Perhaps they used a rope? Might the scraps on the iron above be a hook? He shrugs, I wonder.

Vasili spins Leandra around to face the others, Vse flapping his wings once, then taking flight, If the man was carrying her down the rope, he would have landed quite hard. And would have probably thrown the travel bag down, no?

Perhaps it landed in a bush...perhaps it was carried. He starts to lead Leandra around the area, looking at the bushes.

Onvyr looks around the area, but doesn't search it, figuring that those already at it can find whatever is there. "The oil of taggit was about half gone and there was an ornate box with it."

Nodding to the newcomer, he shrugs, motioning toward himself. "You can hide your heritage if you like. But this guy makes people eat other people and walks around with undead from time to time. So it isn't like you are going to stand out as the creepiest guy in our little travel group. Just make sure you can dress up for the nice functions and everything will be fine. I get the bonus of passing for an elf. People think elves are all civilized."

Frowning, Amria regards the lady's maid. "Was the tea kept in that ornamental box?" He asks of her.

Handmaid "That was the box that she would keep small personal objects and letters in. Usually the tea was kept down in the kitchen and then she would prepare it herself when it was brought up."

This just doesn't sit right. She was either meeting someone nightly or being stalked. Cruentus thinks to himself.

"It seems we have run into a dead end here. Might I suggest the opera house? It seems this Redgrave needs to exspain his recent whereabouts. Unless of course someone here picked up on something I missed?" With that Cruentus looked around the group quizzically.

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With a nod, Vasili acknowledges Cruentus' assessment. There is much we can infer from what we found...but yes, I think we may have learned what we can here. For now.

Well, Leandra, it seems we shall be on our way. It was a pleasure meeting you. He nods to the groundskeeper, Sir.

He looks around at the others, We have much to discuss, yes? Along the way to this opera house we can compare notes.

"I do not believe we will find him there. However, based on what he's been known to do, we are bound to learn something there." Hearing Onvyr mention undead, Kair quiets down for a moment and looks at the half-elf.

At least he's honest about it. He's either convinced that he's doing the right thing, or just being incredibly cocky. I'll judge which when I see him in action.

Onvyr shakes his head. "I'd rather go to the inn than the opera house. I mean we might find something at the opera house, but I'm guessing that the inn is a more likely lead. I think we just need to find this Redgrave guy, ask him where the girl is, and then go about our business. Whether she went willingly or not, I don't really care."

With a shrug, Vasili indicates he's agreeable to either path, If he did take her, I expect he won't be in either place. And either seems likely to get us information about him. Though at least at the Inn we may find out how he's been spending his evenings.

Well then, shall we? He looks up to the air just as Vse comes back down and lands softly on his shoulder. He turns his head and whispers to the bird, Looks like we are headed to the Inn.

"The inn is an agreeable enough path. Aside from that I could use a bite." As his stomach rumbles you can see that savage look in his eye. Like he is scanning for prey. Cruentus quickly then regains composure and looks at the group embarrassed. " ugg...the sooner the better"

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Your group bids farewell to the gardener and the handmaid and the butler sees your group to the front gate and gives directions to the Inn mentioned earlier since he doubts that any of you are the type to have stayed there before.

You all can make your way there without any problems and can walk up to the front desk even though you get some odd looks. Also a few large individuals will move a bit closer to the desk in case there is trouble.

Vse takes flight as they travel to the Inn, circling above the group. Vasili walks up to the desk with a smile.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Nice place...must be a few stories being created in these rooms.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
He speaks low, but his tone is friendly, Hello good Sir. We're here at the request of someone...well respected and powerful. I'm sure you understand that someone of this sort would appreciate discretion, no? Would it be possible to find somewhere...less open...to speak business? He glances around at the large guards, Your men are, of course, welcome to join us.

Before entering the bar Cruentus holds back and says to the group "I'll keep an eye on you and sniff around myself. "

With that he ducks away to find a dark corner. His bones pop, eyes go wide, ears elongate, and finally he shrinks. Now in the form of a true bat he stealthily flies into the inn and hides among its rafters or to a perch of some sort. stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38

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Just to clarify, this is not a bar. This an Inn that only services wealthy and/or nobles. The ceilings are fresco and have no rafters to perch in. That would be too low class. You may be able to find a suitable potted plant.

Aand scenery is set. Thank you, GM!

Kair looks at one of the larger individuals and gives him a stare. He then proceeds to calmly give him his rather worn double-bladed axe. He then sits in a richly cushioned chair and notions for the guard to come over.

"So, sir, me and my companions are looking for a certain individual who may be involved in the Baron's business. I am sure that Vasili would talk to the men in charge of this place, but I wanted to ask you about your experience and opinions on one Redgrave." As he is speaking, he is playing with a cushion, his fingers going in a spiral motion on it.

Kair, can I get a Diplomacy roll?

Oh, sure!

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

That works just fine. I'm practically one with the shadows at the moment so that works.

Eyeing the guards Cruentus is deep in thought. I can't imagine the need for this much muscle in this nice an area.

Looking the men up and down hungrily Cruentus goes into deep focus to distract his bloodlust.

hopefully something comes of this. It's getting hard to ignore the pulsing of their heartbeats.

Sneaking onward Cruentus will follow as best he can while staying out of sight if they move to another area to talk.

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Cruentus: You manage to sneak in unnoticed and find a hiding place in the branches of a large potted topiary.

Hello good Sir. We're here at the request of someone...well respected and powerful. I'm sure you understand that someone of this sort would appreciate discretion, no? Would it be possible to find somewhere...less open...to speak business? He glances around at the large guards, Your men are, of course, welcome to join us.

The desk clerk gives a small sigh at the request presented to him. Oh hells. I do not need this again on my shift. I swear if this is another complain about someone sleeping with someones wife or mistress or daughter, I will scream.

After motioning for another employee to come over and take his place at the desk, the clerk moves around to your side of the large counter. "There is a small room for staff briefings off to the left side of the desk. I would request that all of you join me in it. Please understand that you are not dressed as typical clientele of the Inn and the manager will be greatly upset if he comes by and sees your group loitering about."

Khair: One of the guards grunts: "Ain't paid to talk at work". He glances over at the clerk to make sure his comment wasn't noticed.

Cruentus: You manage to follow the group the short distance to the room and perch upon a coat rack.

The clerk will lead the group to small room and you are followed by two of the guards. There is a rectangular table with eight chairs around it. He takes one and motions for you all to do the same. The two guards stay standing. "First off, my name is Belko. Second, let me emphasize that we are not responsible for what goes on between consenting adults here. Now with that said, I would like to know what this is about."

Vasili nods politely and follows the clerk, sitting when the chair is indicated.

Thank you for your time, Belko. We are here on behalf of the Baron Viktor Dorumand. I'd like to thank you for your discretion, and he looks around, your room.

We're investigating an important matter and would like to ask you a few questions. If we can manage this quickly and quietly, I am sure the Baron will be most pleased.

Vasili leans back and gives a reassuring smile, And from what I'm told of this Inn, I expect this will go quite smoothly. His left hand taps idly on the table, So, down to business. We need to know everything about a Master Redgrave and his stay here. We may even need to speak to servants that he interacted with. We don't wish to cause any problems, or go stalking through the halls of this fine Inn. So if this room would be best to speak with them, so be it. If you would prefer, He looks at his assembled compatriots, we could dress as employees and moved wherever you require.

I think this is best for everyone involved, yes?

Kair sits down quietly, looking at Vasili and maintains eye contact with Belko, trying to get a read on him and his general behaviour.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Amria quietly follows the others to the inn and pays close attention to the clerk's body movements trying to read his intent.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Belko sighs at the reason your group is here. "I suppose no one here would be surprised to know that Baron Dorumand has sent more investigators here. Last time if was the constables on his behalf trying to locate his daughter and Master Redgrave. I shall assume she hasn't returned home then."

"Well, we really do not encourage staff to gossip about any customers here, but in the case of a possible kidnapping I think we can relax the rules for the Baron."

"Let me try to think now. Master Redgrave arrived at the beginning of the season and had been staying here for a little over a month. He signed to Inn's register, marked it with his seal and tossed a bag of coin counter that was enough for at least a 2 months stay. He didn't even try to collect the unused portion of coin when he left. Beyond dealing with him when he checked in, I didn't have much contact with the man, which suited me just fine."

"If you like, I can arrange for the maid and the valet who were assigned to his suite to come this room if you have questions for them."

Kair and Amria: As far as you both can tell, Belko is telling the truth. He also seems like he didn't care for Redgrave.

Onvyr follows and does his best to at least act dignified as he moves into the staff room.

"Please do bring the staff here. We're looking for anything we can find that might provide a lead to where Redgrave has gone. Right now we have no such leads, so anything at all will be a help to us. And, may I ask, has his room been rented out again since his departure or is there value in us searching that too?"

Not being the greatest at the whole talking to people part of an investigation, Cruentus decides to find a room where he can safely turn back to his normal form.

Uggg, this never gets easier.
Then his fur sinks into his skin, bones pop and crackle, and his skull and appendages take on humanoid form once again.

Best meet up with everyone. He then walks around till he finds the room the group had their meeting in but waits outside it, preferring not to barge in on such a delicate matter.

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Kair steadily looks at the conversation, readily leaving the more polite members of the party speak while he tries to get a good read on the people flocking in and out.

Hm. I suppose people in here have something against plain speech... I'll just let Vasili and Onwyr speak, they seem to be quite comfortable in these environments.

If the DM wants to, he can roll my Sense Motive rolls for me on the staff. Kair is just sitting there, being observant on everyone he can get a read on.

Belko: "Just a moment and I will call them in here."

He gets up and opens up the door to speak to someone outside.

During which time Cruentus is easily able to zip out the door and find an alcove to transform in. You may take a chair near the door if you wish, but it remains cracked open now while they wait for someone.

"Master Redgrave did affix his house sigil on the register when he signed in. I was telling the constables about it the other day, but House Bathory's estate is much too far away from the city for them to ride out to to question anyone."

"His room was cleaned out when it seemed obvious that he would not return."

Amria speaks up for the first time since arriving. "All the same, we would crave your indulgence to be allowed to search his former quarters. There may yet be some overlooked clue to be found by the trained eye."

"Sadly it has already been registered to a duchess and her daughter in town on holiday."

Belko rises from his seat and opens a small door in the back of the room. From what you can see, it appears to be some sort of storage room.

"This room is both for lost items waiting for owners and things that have been left behind. We tend to wait several months before purging the storage room. Just in case someone comes back for something."

He examines the papers tied onto chests and boxes with twine, then selects a chest and drags it into the briefing room.

"Here is the chest left behind by Master Redgrave. He had a coach that came with him, so I have no idea why he didn't have room to fit all of his belongs with him when he left since they obviously had fit when he arrived here. At any rate, you are welcome to look through it."

The door opens on the other side of the room, and a young man and woman walk in.

Belko: "Ah, there are Yves and Arn. They provided service to Redgrave while he was here."

If anyone cares to look to at the chest, it is latched, but not locked. It is solid wood with brass banding and hinges. On the front of the chest, below the latch, is a brass plaque bearing what appears to be a coat of arms consisting of a full moon rising behind a mountain with a wolf in front of that.

Arn looks to Belko and speaks. "More constable business sir? We already told them the young gentleman took off all of a sudden one night. Hitched his own horses himself and everything. Not surprising that he left at night though. He was the type to stay a bed in the middle of the day anyway and do all his business at night. Likely why he was so pale."

Arn's eyes happen to fix on Amria after that last sentence.

Yves remains silent for the moment.

Kair SM: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Kair becomes rather suspicious about her silence and how nervous she seems.

Vasili smiles and stands as the employees are shown in. Thank you very much for your time. I hope we can do this quickly and let you get back to work with all haste. I'd hate to cause any problems here at this fine in.

He turns to Belko, Good sir, do you mind if we speak to your two employees individually? We won't be long...just a few questions. He flashes a wry smile towards Yves, As long as you don't mind, Miss?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

He waves his hand to a chair, indicating she should sit.

So, tell us everything you know about this Redgrave. It seems he's quite a peculiar man.

Seeing the servents enter the room Cruentus takes advantage of the opportunity and slips in.

"Sorry I am running a bit late, but I am here now.". Hoping his bold entry forces the host to gloss over why he is just arriving.

Seeing the chest Cruentus takes the initiative on that front. "May I ?" he then begins his inspection of the box, But on que his stomach let's out a roar in hunger, his eyes dart around taking quick note of the ammount of exsposed necks about. After a few seconds though he is able to put his feral hunger aside and regain control. Hoping everyone missed his slip Cruentus looks embarrassingly around.

If I can find a place to transform I could get a scent of the man off this. Maybe even compare it to the balcony, but I need to eat something and quick, before it is I who becomes the problem the party faces.

"Good sir, is there a kitchen in this establishment? If so and if it wouldn't be too much trouble I would love it if one of your servants could fetch me something to eat. Preferably something rare. ". He then flashes some gold pieces and offers them to their host. Going back to the chest he opens it looking for a garment or something he could steal away for a scent.

there is no mechanical need for his bloodlust, more just fluff if that is okay.

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Quiet, pale, charming...

"Pale, you say? Hm... Did he eat anything while he was here? Did he go out during the day at all? Please, do tell us more about him. I assume you were quite familiar with his... tastes.", says Kair, breaking the silence and looking at Arn.

Assuming that I can take 10 on Knowledge (Religion) and that 15 is enough to know about vampires, I'll go with the following. Ignore it if not.

Onvyr nods to Yves.

"Yeah, and did his room have any mirrors in it? And did any of the staff fall ill or otherwise begin to behave oddly while Redgrave was here?"

Belko take the coins and steps out of the room. Presumably to get the requested food.

Arn:"He did eat, he was rather fond of extremely rare steaks. I had seen him out in early morning and evening, but he stayed in his room with the drapes closed during most of the daylight hours."

If no other questions for him right now, he will step outside the room and await his turn.

Yves: "Not peculiar sir, when you're rich, it is called eccentric. I don't know a whole lot about him sir, he preferred not to be too friendly with the help. Though he was certainly friendly with a good amount of women for the short time that he was here. Guess he was trying to find the right one since he kept mumbling something about needing to find a bride and produce an heir so that his mother would finally grant him his heritage. I suppose that must be a fancy way of saying inheritance."

"When he left so quickly I just assumed he finally found the right one and just couldn't wait to get home with her."

Cruentus: The chest contains a couple of well-tailored gentlemans outfits, several handkerchiefs and scarves, socks, a black silk opera cape and top hat.

The socks and handkerchiefs are certainly small enough for you to take with you.

Yves: "He preferred to keep them draped, but didn't appear distressed if he passes one. As for sickness, I can't think of any. Though we did have two girls leave while he was he. No one has seen them since. Of course no one cares about them going missing since they were just low class servants and not some rich baron's daughter."

Yes, you may take 10 on Knowledge (Religion). From what the servants have said so far, you think that he may be a Dhampir rather the a full Vampire.

With a smile and a chuckle, Vasili leans in a bit and speak softly, Peculiar or eccentric, rich or poor. There are ways to be rich without money. And ways to be eccentric. It doesn't take money to have fun, no?

Vasili looks confused for a moment, tilting his head, and questions, Yves, you spoke to the Constables, yes? How is it they did not realize that this Redgrave left with a Lady, his hand waves to the trunk, along with her luggage?

Yves shrugs. "Two of them listened to what I had to say and then gave me some coin and told me to never repeat it to any other constables or it would be bad for me. You guys obviously aren't constables, so I guess this is ok. The gentlemen must have taken of things like he did the gateguard. Otherwise he would never have gotten out of the city at night. They are usually kept shut to keep out the dangerous things that roam the land."

Waiting for a break in the conversation Cruentus says "surely to aid in the investigation, you wouldn't mind if we took the chest? The baron needs this issue resolved and the constables clearly are not moving fast enough. He would be most appreciative of anyone who were to aid us in this matter. "

The tone and look that Cruentus gives says much more than his words. The impression given is " we are taking this , just accept it. "

It is clear to the group that his hunger is making him irritable, as the previous implication was most likely unnecessary due to the helpful nature of the host.

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Amria quirks an eyebrow as the servant, Arn, as he looks to the inquisitor whilst describing the proclivities of Redgrave. He watches the man step outside the room and then listens to the woman's description of the man. "Would you describe these two constables who paid you?" Hearing her response, he nods and turns his attention to the chest.

"Please, I would like to inspect the chest itself." He remarks to the wild man, Cruentus. Stepping up to the chest he kneels down and begins a thorough investigation of the chest and it's contents, looking for anything that might denote a hidden recess, false bottom or trigger.

Taking 20 on Perception for 27

Would Amria even need to make a check to determine from their descriptions that Redgrave seems to be a dhampir?

Amria: I think you would be familiar enough with yourself to know another dhampir when you hear about it.

Amria: The chest is a solid wood construction with brass bands, latches and locks. As it is, packed full, it currently weighs about 50 pounds and from its sturdy construction, it is clearly the kind of chest to be strapped on the back of a carriage and survive the ride just fine.

It contains the aforementioned articles of clothing, behind which you do find a secrete panel that holds a small sack. If you open the sack, it contains an assortment of several rings and brooches.

As Amria looks through the object found, Yves gasps and points at one of the brooches. "That belongs to Rilla. No one has seen her for a week gone by now."

Right after that, Belko re-enters the room bearing a rare steak with some cooked potatoes for Cruetus.

"Do you know where Rilla lives? Perhaps Redgrave was sloppy and left some clue at one of these locations."

Turning to Belko as he re-enters, Onvyr continues, "Where is the Bathory estate? While we will certainly search closer first, we might as well have a fall back plan if nothing else and unlike the constables, I don't mind a ride."

Yves shakes her head. "I just know that she lived with her family and shared a room with her three sisters. Her sister came here looking for her, saying how she had never made it home after her shift here."

Belko: "Let me think. I believe if you go due west from the city and then cross the Vhatsuntide River, then you will have entered into territory that they have claimed. It would still be another couple days into the Shudderwood after that though before you reach the estate."

I don't believe it will be worth our time to confront the constables. Though knowing who they are will be useful information.

He turns back to Yves with a look of sympathy, I assume Rilla worked here? Could you tell us about her?

Kair, content that he's being useful, continues to study the conversation, quietly, as unassuming as a big half-orc in a breastplate can be.

Yves: "She worked in the kitchens and served food in the dining hall. Young girl, we just had a little party for her 17th birthday last month in the kitchen. She would always go about saying how one day she'd be swept off her feet by some handsome young lord and then never have to work for a living again. A bit silly since that sort of thing never happens."