"To be clear, do you merely want the killer found or do you want the killer destroyed? And do you have any leads that would help us locate him or her?"
What happens when the killer is a member of your Gathering/Hold?
Luvick smiles and a chill runs through your hearts-You are wise to be cautious given the circumstances. I want the killer found and brought to me to face justice. Anyone brazen enough to strike down vampire elders will face judgement from one as well.
I want to make sure that the perpetrator enjoys a fitting punishment, something I have become quite expert at over the centuries. It does not matter if the criminal is mortal or vampire, they will find out what it feels like to cross me.
My people are being killed - what more do I need to know? My agents are gathering information, but in truth, we know little.
We do have someone in custody, a nosferatu named Ramoska Arkminos. He claims to have nothing to do with the slayings, but that one has played a mysterious game for many years. In addition, one of my retainers has acquired evidence suggesting that Caliphas' nobility are behind these attacks. Perhaps the two are related.
Speak with Lady Evgenya—she knew many of the victims, and is convinced that she is next. Her apartments lie west of here. Desmond Kote, in the cathedral to the north, may have some insight, as well. If you wish to see the evidence we have gathered so far, speak to my retainer Radvir Giovanni in his store to the east. Ramoska Arkminos is being held in the old pump room, also to the east. You can question him as well, if you wish, though I doubt you’ll get any more out of him than we have.
Here, take my signet ring and be about your business. The ring will give you safe passage amongst my subjects as long as you behave.
Take the ring.
To the rest of the party:
"Anyone have a preference as to who we question first, Lady Evgenya perhaps?"
Lady Evgenya - West (apartments)
Desmond Kote - North (cathedral)
Radvir Giovannit - East (store)
Ramoska Arkminos - East (pumproom)
"Sounds good Balator, lead on."
Head to the west and Lady Evgenya's apartment.
The celebratory strains of lutes and harpsichords fill the air in this well-appointed, if ostentatious, chamber. Several figures dressed in finery befitting nobles of Ustalav’s ancient past dance on a parquet floor.
The room is filled with both vampires and humans, 16 in all, engaged in decadent revelry with the most beautiful of the lot at the center conducting a version of court. From time to time couples move discreetly to what appear to be apartments to the south.
Use Alamin Sense Motive
Approach whoever is closest, flash the ring to them, "We are here on Lord Luvick's business can you please point out Lady Evgenya."
The person, a vampire, looks at you with bloodlust in their eyes until the recognize your words and Luvick's ring. That looks immediately turns to fear and he escorts you to the beautiful courtesan at the center of the large group.
She looks the party over with avarice but whatever her normal approach would be, the ring of Luvick clearly has her attention. I am the Lady Evgenya. What brings you to my court and how may I serve the minions of my Lord? She curtsies low revealing a luscious view of her bodice and bosom and you realize that she probably rarely needs to use her vampire powers to dominate her prey, either male or female.
Of course Randtam takes a look at the beautiful woman. Stunned As always.
Uses his tact and understanding of a place like this.
After maneuvering around the house Randtam places himself in front of the Lady of the House. Still admiring because he loves these places.
Attempt to speak quietly.
Lady Evgenya I may have a question for you. I admit I an quite distracted by you. But we have need to speak with you. There are whispers you are in danger and we would like to help. Can you and I speak privately?
Of course. If you will accompany me to the dance floor, I'm sure your footwork could persuade me to answer any questions you may have.
You will need a DC 15 DEX check, DC 15 perform-dance, or DC 25 diplomacy (your modifier not Alamin's) to get her to speak with you.
The person, a vampire, looks at you with bloodlust in their eyes until the recognize your words and Luvick's ring. That looks immediately turns to fear and he escorts you to the beautiful courtesan at the center of the large group.
She looks the party over with avarice but whatever her normal approach would be, the ring of Luvick clearly has her attention. I am the Lady Evgenya. What brings you to my court and how may I serve the minions of my Lord? She curtsies low revealing a luscious view of her bodice and bosom and you realize that she probably rarely needs to use her vampire powers to dominate her prey, either male or female.
Balator is adding "minion to vampire lord" to his resumé.
Randtam struggles to remember everything he has ever read about courtly dances and all the formality that goes into them. After a few minutes Evgenya returns with him from the dance floor a plants a firm kiss on his cheek-Adequate, but only just. Are there no others among you that would earn my favor? Maybe a different type of dancing? At the last she looks suggestively to both Uuranx and Alamin.
"I'll give it a shot."
Dancing with the stars, baby!
After several minutes of dance, Balator's native nimbleness more than making up for any lack of formal training, the pair returns to the party. Balator is a little flush and perspiring, while the lady is still calm and unperturbed. She flashes a dazzling smile and gives Balator a robust kiss on the lips, handing him a small pin in the shape of a rose made from finely crafted mithril.
Should you ever wish to return to my court, this will signal all of my kind that you are welcome and to be brought to me at once. Clearly your elven blood runs thick, you are quite accomplished; although with a little training, that I would be more than willing to provide, you could be the best of anyone in the city. Now, how may I help you delights in your quest?
Balator takes the offered pin.
"Thank you Lady Evgenya, that was an experience that I will never forget...Lord Luvick said that you knew many of the killer's victims and that you believe that you are the next potential victim. What can you tell us that may help us locate this killer and why do you think he or she is after you?"
A look of anger mars the beautiful face for a moment and you realize that this beauty is also quite the beast-Many of my friends have fallen victim to this murderer and I can only suspect that I am either next on the list or close to the top of it. I have notice that there are some peculiar things about the murders: First all of the slain have controlled large numbers of enslaved spawn. Now that they are free of their masters, the spawn have been acting strangely; almost as if they have a new master, although I have no idea who that could be. Given the size of my court it only makes sense that the murderer will try to come for me soon. Second I believe there is a pattern in the slayings-namely, that many of the victims have disappeared after hunting in Restoration Park. Most of my kind now avoid that area out of fear. Finally, it seems as if the murderer know us well, almost to well. It's entirely possible, no matter how unlikely, that the killer is a vampire. Either that or an elf or some other long lived race that has been able to study our ways over time.
"Could the culprit be one of your own guardians? To gain entrance to this place, we faced a female elven vampire, she was also a druid of considerable power."
No, I doubt it could be Merrick Sais. First, she is unlikely to commit the crimes next to her domain. Second, Luvick released her from servitude when he didn't have to and gave her that garden as a home; no motive on her part. Finally, with so many of Luvick's agents looking in that area if it was her I'm sure we would have caught some indication by now.
Anyone have additional questions before we move on?
Do we have enough information?
Additional questions?Too many questions to ask. Balator in the lead. Wish I could dance better
Attempt to speak with the Lady
Sorry for my poor ability to dance with you Lady Evenga. I am interrupting your entertainment and fun. But I wish to be very serious with you. The Whisphering Way is here. You and others are dying because the WW is here and creating havoc. Open your soul and help us, otherwise we will be behind and suffer a true death. Or if I understand you might be destroyed for all existence. Help us to help you. Your choice.
Can you help us to find the miscreant causing this issue? Someone close to Luvic?
By the way, I would like another chance to dance with you.
I doubt it is someone close to Luvic, but who knows? Those that are close to him benefit most from his...gifts. I assume you will talk to others of the court? When you are done come back and we can talk some more. Maybe even a dance with you or maybe even...something else...
Clearly she is done speaking with you for now and ready to return to her revelries.
[dice=]1d20
I doubt it is someone close to Luvic, but who knows? Those that are close to him benefit most from his...gifts. I assume you will talk to others of the court? When you are done come back and we can talk some more. Maybe even a dance with you or maybe even...something else...
Clearly she is done speaking with you for now and ready to return to her revelries.
Head north to the cathedral to find Desmond Kote.
A small shrine stands in the middle of this large chamber, centered on a statue of a horned man with fangs and bat wings holding a wickedly spiked flail in one hand. Beyond the shrine sit two long tables with elaborately carved darkwood chairs.
The statue is that of one of the mighty dukes of hell-Zaebos. Like an idle nobleman, he takes what he wants and does what he pleases to sate his boredom. He is worshiped by many vampires and grants divine powers to his priests.
A massive vampire with spiked armor, shield, and savage looking morning star appears to be leading a group of vampires in worship. Hearing you enter the group of blood drinkers turn towards you and the leader snarls-Zaebos is good to us this day brothers, he draws the next sacrifice direct to his halls.
Holding up the ring: "We are here on Lord Luvick's business, we desire to speak with Desmond Kote."
The massive vampire hisses in frustration and speaks again-Zaebos is a fickle lord, is he not my brothers? Your desire is granted; I am Kote. Speak and be gone from this temple. The presence of some of you stains the purity of this place.
"We are hunting the vampire killer on behalf of Lord Luvick, he obviously values your knowledge and ability to discern what others may not, he said we should seek you out for your insights on the matter."
The vampires face is placid, completely void of emotion, but you can hear the anger in his voice-So Luvick does not believe his own kind capable of solving this riddle, eh? Warmbloods are most likely the cause of these deaths and he puts some quarrelsome rabble on the trail?
The moment is filled with imagined violence, but finally Kote shakes his head and speaks again-Luvick is Lord and if this is his desire I must yield to it. I know this-the wooden stakes found in the ashes of each victim seem to be of similar make. They are carved from furniture legs made in the same pattern. Also, the spawn of the slain victims act strangely afterwards; almost as if they had taken on a new master. No one has been able to determine why this is; most disturbing.
I have several of my devotees tracking down leads but we have found nothing definitive as of yet.
I have no more to tell you. Come back if you discover further information and I will tell you of anything new I have learned; or if you begin to suspect someone, you should also come see me as I may be able to help you there as well.
"Desmond Kote, before we go, do you know where we can find any of the wooden stakes used in the killings?"
Thank you for the information. Anything else you wish to ell us now.
7
Randtam hates these in Undead!
Kote laughs, a sound of rusty metal gears grinding together-Indeed I do. Here in this temple I have several recovered from the killings. They are yours to see if you think it will help you at all.
He pulls several finely crafted stakes from a chest, clearly made from furniture legs, and shows them to you.
My name is Randtam I would like to study this evidence. May I appoach?
Of course, although I'm not quite sure what they will tell you.
Randtam inspects the stakes.
Is there a specific length, a specific type of wood,any broken edges to tell if right or left handed. I also want to know how long this has been happening, very old dried blood or more fresh? Are there any magical properties or traces tied to the wood? Silver sheen etc. Maybe I will be more thorough than the vampire and his associates.
The stakes are all about the same length, made from various types of wood, and do not appear to be broken at all but rather look like they were never assembled into an actual piece of furniture. There is no trace of blood on them and if you didn't know better you would never know they were used to 'kill' vampires. No magic appears to have been used in the crafting of the stakes or on them after construction. There is no sign of chemical alteration to the material.
Randtam is able to trace the stakes to a specific furniture maker in the city.
What is the name, any ties to vampires or anti-vampiric societies?
[dice=knowlocal]1d20 + 15
Randtam is able to trace the stakes to a specific furniture maker in the city.
What is the name, any ties to vampires or anti-vampiric societies?
Other vampire options to investigate if you wish:
Radvir Giovanni-Luvick's retainer with evidence that Caliphas' human nobles orchestrated the crimes.
Ramoska Arkminos-Nosferatu prisoner accused of the crimes.
I trust no one. This is going to be ugly
Balator, where do we go next? I think after looking at these stakes, maybe I can figure some things out.
Randtam nods Desmond Kote's way. Truth or not?
Randtam continues on his hateful yet hopefully lucky adventure against the Undead.
Go visit Radvir at the store.
I trust no one. This is going to be ugly
Balator, where do we go next? I think after looking at these stakes, maybe I can figure some things out.
Randtam nods Desmond Kote's way. Truth or not?
Randtam continues on his hateful yet hopefully lucky adventure against the Undead.
Was my look strong enough to make a difference at Desmond Kote? Tired of wasting my time. Let's go forward with complete immunity!
Here it is.
As the party walks through the dark still halls of the underground metropolis you get a surreal sense of this 'shadow city' and the strange undeath parody of the live city above. Humans and vampires roam about the walkways, sometimes with other undead servitors-skeletons, zombies, even ghouls in tow. Merchants show their wares in darkened windows. Over everything lies the subtle scent of death masked by layers of perfume and incense.
A sign bearing the symbol of a needle and thread hangs outside a wooden door, marking this buried building as some sort of tailor shop. The name 'R. Giovanni' is clearly etched underneath the artwork.
Opening the door reveals a series of displays of meticulously crafted outfits in several different styles, clearly from different periods and ages. It appears to be largely a front and most of the warehouse and tailor work must be done somewhere else.
An exquisitely dressed man (vampire) sits at a table working on some fine needlework and lace. Hearing you enter he looks up and for a moment is a little stunned as he recognizes a party of mortals. Gathering himself he lightly clears his throat and addresses you in a silky smooth voice-Good eve my lords. What brings you to the house of Giovanni? Clearly not tailoring needs as I am no armorer, although I could work with some capes or cloaks if you desire and I see at least one of you must be a magic dealer of some nature and more likely to enjoy my wares.
I trust no one. This is going to be ugly
Balator, where do we go next? I think after looking at these stakes, maybe I can figure some things out.
Randtam nods Desmond Kote's way. Truth or not?
Randtam continues on his hateful yet hopefully lucky adventure against the Undead.
Was my look strong enough to make a difference at Desmond Kote? Tired of wasting my time. Let's go forward with complete immunity!
Here it is.
Kote seems unperturbed by your barking question, but rather looks back at you with a face filled with tranquility. His eyes, however, betray flickers of murderous flames which he clearly holds back due to the presentation of Luvick's ring.
"Good evening to you, though I'm not sure how you can tell what time it is, or maybe it is always evening down here?"
Balator gives the man a good look at the ring.
"Lord Luvick's business brings us to house Giovanni. Are you Radvir Giovanni or could you bring us to him?"
The man smiles showing a savage array of teeth-Oh, well it's always night here in the Court of course. I am Lord Luvick's man, Radvir Giovanni at your service. Any friend of my Lord is a friend of mine and to be honored. May I interest you in drink or smoke? What can I do for you this fine eve?
"My name is Balator, these are my companions. We are seeking the vampire killer on Luvick's behalf. He intimated that you have access to much of what has been gathered from the killings so far. We would like to see the evidence to aid us in our hunt."