The magic is tricky and designed to weaken the other preserving spells if removed. However, with a timely insight from Freia, Ariana manages to locate and exploit a weakness in its basic form and dissipate the arcane energy as a burst of light. It was obviously crafted by someone with arcane training and experience. The kind of person who would not need to climb aboard with a grappling hook.
When the spell is gone, a short and slightly rotund woman lies before you. She had multiple stab wounds to the chest and a great red smile across her throat. The spell also hid the dried rivers of blood that now cling to her.
The victim on this, the smallest, ship is a young man with a seahorse tatoo on his left forearm. He too has multiple stab wounds to the chest and a slit throat with accompanying blood.
The body in the depths of this vessel was clearly carried here. The dispelling reveals a man in his late 20's with ink stains on his hands. This victim seems to have struggled with his attacker as his forearms and sides are slashed. The killing strike appears to be a crushing blow to the back of the skull.
The ink stains are from several widely varies inks, all of the magical variety
The slashing wounds were done with a shorter, close in blade like a short sword. The stabs and slit throats all suggest a dagger-like weapon. The caved in skull suggests mace or hardened club swung with great force, possibly in a Coup de Grace.
"But we have surnames and sometimes middle names too Korrith! My surname is my family name - don't you have something similar? Korrith of the Embermaw clan? Probably a cultural thing... " She switches to a more humorous tone "Practice might help you remember - if Ariana doesn't turn you into clothing first"
The tattoo is the trademark of the Seaborse Express, an up-and-coming shipping business trying to solidify its first footholds in the Magnamarian shipping industry.
We might find out if they have some enemies.
Freia recognizes ink stains on the carried man - she was using something similar the previous evening. She couldn't really identify their exact use but atleast it was some hint.
"These inks are for magical work. I'm not sure if it is for scrolls or books or anything else - but there can't be a that large number of young scribes working here in the city. Certainly not enough that noone would miss him..."
The elf ignores Korrith and investigates the corpses. What do we know of local scribes or shops that sell scrolls and materials for writing scrolls and spellbooks?
Know(arcana):
Know(history):
Cuts from short blade. Maybe dagger? Smashed head from behind. Maybe hit when down?
Pelgrev seems to relax after leaving the blood biography. He examines the corpses with no hesitation and wipes any blood that gets on his hands on an open spot ion the floor.
We could cover more ground if we split up. what do you guys think?
Johnny stands there as if he has nothing better to do relaxed and at ease but his eyes still have an intense look about them.
If split, both group have many skills.
"Splitting up would make our work faster - but as Pelgrev said, it would probably be good if both teams are well rounded." She glances at Korrith next to her "And that probably means not putting all arcanists, 'magic people', in one." But I do like the term 'magic people'. Has a nice ring to it.
True enough, Johnny. How about the lizard and Pelgrev go together. Freia and Noro and then you, me and Zayid? This way we have someone who knows a bit about magic working with those of you better with weapons in case trouble starts. Please, be careful and make sure to keep your wits about you. If something seems wrong, leave and contact the rest of us. Let us meet back up at the headquarters in four hours. If any team is more than an hour late, we will head out to find you.
Noro spends some quiet time examining the bodies as they move from ship to ship.
it wasn't commen for Noro to see weapon wounds but blood was pretty common in her line of work. she starts to think of her work as a dock worker, didn't they tend to use small knives in thier work?
She then takes a look around for a possibly missing Belaying pin. the kind of device that could bash in a skull.
Sounds good to me.
Johnny says in a calm matter as he looks at Zayid slightly and then begins to speak again.
I think my group should look into these people you have identified as victims. We might be able to learn if there were common factors that linked them
"That works."
Absentia suddenly breaks her silence.
Ok, Thankyou for your opinions on the matter of separation. I have decided that Zayid, Freia, and Pelgrev shall investigate these murder victims. The rest of you, take this list of names and see if you can track down their owners. They are the most likely candidates from the records you recovered yesterday. I may call for you to shift to the other group at a moment's notice, so don't get too comfortable. Questions?
Zayid looks up quickly as the Sorrow mentions his name, breathing a slight sigh of relief as she goes on to name others as well. Shaking his head quickly, he tears his eyes away from her and looks over at Pelgrev, then Freia. I can work with them. He's stronger than I am, and probably a better fighter...
The tanned young man nods and turns his gaze to Freia. She's good at talking to people, and people confide in her. And I know the streets.
Nodding again, he moves over toward the two of them.
Johnny steps forward and holds out his hand to accept the list.
Very well let’s get this thing started then.
Once received Johnny will look over the list.
Looking to the others now in his newly formed group Johnny will ask.
Shall we simply go down the list or is there another strategy that the rest of you wish to use.
Johnny is not showing it but you get the distinct feeling that he would rather be doing more than what the group is doing.
I was hoping for some action but this investigating stuff can be somewhat tedious. Oh well I am sure once we find the culprits there will be plenty of action.
And then suddenly a smile comes across Johnny’s face.
"Me, Zayid and Pelgrev - got it" Atleast we have plenty of swordarms if the need would arise
Freia retrieves a sheet of paper and writes down what they know about the victims - Seaborse Express, magical inks ect. She also inquiries Ariana about any magical shops in the city.
When Absentia gives her direction Noro stops her searching about.
great, go find people, I guessh I can ashk around drop a name or two, she what floats up?
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You know most of the places where such things can be found that won't also rob you blind. There aren't many official such shops in Dockway as spellcasting services are in lesser demand than in the wealthier districts. Of the limited options, temples to a god such as Nethys (of which one was just dedicated a few weeks ago at the base if the Seacleft), or the Guilded Porcupine, a shop near the shore and the border into Beacon's Point, seem to stand out in your mind.
Abundance
Ignatious Fathing, first mate
Boris Downweather, Crewman
Lady Regret
Colin Ab, Owner
Downspatter, crewman
Idle Hands
Bruce Alter, Bosun
Snappy Dust-maw, carpenter
Noro- your search of the ships turns up nothing obviously missing or tampered with.
"Ariana - do you know where one could buy magical inks close by? I *ehm* usually don't go out shopping..." Freia trails of as the realization hits her - they would probably spending the day interacting with more strangers. The ordeal this far hadn't been as bad has she had feared, but not all where this tolerant.
Zayid speaks up, albeit quietly. "I um... I've never used anything like that, but I think I might know a place or two where they can be bought. You... you're thinking we might find a missing... worker?"
Zayid - You know of a few shops, but not as many nor as much of their quality or credibility as Ariana.
"I ... I don't know. But is it wrong to say I hope so? Even if it is terrible news to bear - it might give us a lead."
Johnny picks his head up after looking the list over.
Well I say we start with Colin Ab, owner of the Lady Regret. If no one objects that is
good a placshe ash any to shtart. Noro goes to lead the way off to find this Colin Ab.
Any ideash where to shtart? she asks suddenly realizing she has no starting point.
Of courshe there ish the posshibility that he owns more than one ship. perhapsh a harbormaster?
Good idea, Noro. Your group starts there. Zayid, your group start as you will, I will be on contact.
With that short sendoff Absentia turns and strides down the dock.
Group 2
The Harbormaster is guarded by a formidable looking if slightly built Gnome secretary who knows she's in charge. When you inquire about Colin Ab she resists until hearing that you're with the Watch. She then disappears behind the human-sized desk and emerges to the right of the desk with a stack of papers as tall as herself. With a grunt she deposits the "file" on the floor and shuffles through it, eventually producing a summarized list of assets and debts. Mr. Ab was apparently in a severe amount of debt. She stands next to the file with her hands on her hips.
What can I tell ya, Tears?
The elf arches an eyebrow at Freia. Can't you manage your own investigation without my help? After a few moments, she smirks, the cruel look in her eyes disappearing.
There are two relatively close to the port. The first is the new temple to Nethys located near the Seacleft. The other is a particularly nice shop named the Guilded Porcupine. Its near the border of Beacon's point near the shore. As for other magical shops..you're on your own. I've only been in Magnimar recently
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With Harbormaster
You can start with what relationship he has to the Seahorse Express. And where he lives, who the first mate of his ship, the Lady's Regret, was and who he owed the most money to.
Group 1:
Group 2:
He had very little relationship to the Seaborse express. At least as far as the records are concerned. He lives in Beacon's Point and was assisted by Ragnaros the Red. You could find him in some tavern probably. His love of the drink is famous. As far as debts, Captain Ab's largest was his construction loan, owed to the government of Korvosa. However, his most overdue was probably his bar tab. Or tabs. He wasn't unknown to accompany his first mate on a tavern crawl.
Beacon Point closer. We go to pork a pine?
Pelgrev gestures to the south, away from the ships.
Ragnaros..was that his first mate? If not, who was? Could you provide us the address to the Captain's home and the same information on this Ragnaros if you can? Ariana will slide a couple of silver pieces across the table along with a piece of paper.
You say construction loan..was that for his house or for his ship? Any knowledge of which bar had the largest tab?
Zayid nods at Pelgrev's suggestion. "Let's go."
Group 1:
The Guilded Porcupine sits on the sea at the border to Beacon Point. It takes you all of half hour to reach it due to the press of the crowd close to the water. It is a quaint building with a sharply slanted roof that gives it a distinctly unstable look, as if it is ready to fall over. The door sign is unique in that it is an actual porcupine, stuffed, with its quills dipped in what looks like gold.
The proprietor in a pudgy man with grey just starting to peek out on the sides of bis head. He looks a little confused by three Tears entering the shop, but he puts his best salesman smile on and glides around the counter, gushing greetings in a pleasant, smooth baritone.
Welcome! Welcome! How may I assist the honorable Order of Tears this fine morning? Perhaps some inks or quills? I just got a special shipment in direct from Absolom!
Group 2: The secretary pockets the coins deftly and starts to write in a tiny but clear hand.
Aye, Ragnaros is his First. He lives in a divided building across the street from that monstrosity of a building youall are throwing up. You're better off looking into the Ol' Fang. He spends more time in there than anywhere else now that the boat's off limits.
As for the big loan, it was for the ship. She was just laughed a couple years ago. Good ship. Exclusive, if you get my meaning. As for bar tabs, those I don't keep. You'd have to survey the bars. Or ask Ragnaros.
She hands over the paper with both addresses.
Pelgrev looks around a moment, shocked by the number and variety of writing tools and consumables. He shakes his head to clear his thoughts and get back on target.
Do you have assis... a... helper? Young man?
"...Ehhh..." she stammers as it looks like Ariana is going to laugh in her face. When she instead gives the answers she seek Freias spirit once again soars. "Thank you."
--------------
"Dark* hair, brown* eyes - stopped showing up for work about a month ago perhaps?"
Old Fang? What is that and where can we find it? Or is that a person?
Well let's go to the old Fang and then to the residence of the Captain and then the first mate
Nodding and giving a wink to the sedcretary, Johnny looks to the others.
Yes, let's be on our way.
Group 1:
The man looks taken off guard by the question. No, no. Goodness me, I haven't had an assistant in years! My wife is my only professional company. She handles manufacture and procurement while I handle sales. Say, this wouldn't be about those Demon Murders, would it?
Zayid- There are signs of an assistant in the hand-written labels. It switches from a blocky but easily legible script to a more flowing, graceful hand rather frequently. His story that his wife is his helper would fit.
Pelgrev- His surprised reaction is genuine as far as you can tell. He looks appropriately confused and then contemplative. His curiosity quickly overcomes both.
Freia-
Group 2:
The old fang is dark and crowded, as most taverns are. Above the bar is a great mounted head of the beast that slew Ol' Mam's late husband and the lady herself is behind the bar. She recognizes you instantly and scowls. Whad'ya Tears want? she shouts across the room, promoting several hostile glances from the patrons.