DM Darkblade Giantslayer Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Darkblade

Upon hearing the whispers in Sanctuary, Songan also bounds out the building heading toward the Ramblehouse. Thankfully, his natural climbing ability allows him to avoid a fair bit of the crowd passing that way, letting him slip by overhead as opposed to bulldozing through, letting him arrive before Morgrim. Once he gets to the closest building to the inn he can, he climbs down the side of the next building, getting as close to what's going on as he can as he listens to the gossip. Already, it was starting. That was one of the bad things about small towns...everybody thought they had everybody else made before they'd even spoken a word. He waves as the dwarf approaches.

"Captain Grath was found dead this morning, it would seem. A dear loss for this community...he was a good man, from what I could see. The crowd is saying Cham found him, his wrists cut...apparently by his hopeknife."

As Leira arrives the crowd has already gathered. She pushes bodies to one side and the other until she reaches to see the corpse. At that point she retreats almost involuntarily and places her hands at her face not whiling to face what has happened.

She is crying when Morgrim arrives "W-What happened? How can this have happened? Why should Rodrik want to suicide himself?"

When Songan arrives, she addresses him "Songan! Songan! It is terrible! They are saying it was a suicide, how can it be?"

"I am...doubtful. I spoke with him personally after the tug of war last night and he seemed distracted, perhaps, but not depressed or anti-social. Most certainly not suicidal. He was captain of the town guard, correct? Would they be in charge of the investigation? Who will be in charge of determining his cause of death?" he asks, looking around for anyone who may be able to answer the question.

"They said he used his hopeknife, you all are supposed to use those things when the option is worse than death, right?" Morgrim asks Leira (and any other locals nearby), "so, who or what could've shown up here last night that would've seemed worse than death?"

Adir glares at the pair disrespecting the dead man. "Crowds say lots of things, but we don't know much. It's just wild speculation right now."

Everyone quiets down as Kurst Grath looks up, noticing your group. Seeing you near the front, he comes over, motioning the militiamen to allow you to come closer. He appears worse for wear following the mornings events, in no small measure overwhelmed by all of the sudden responsibility, pain, and loss.

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that my brother, Rodrik — you met him last night—was found dead this morning, and I’ve had my hands full since. Right now, the official cause of death is suicide, but I just can’t believe that. Something else has to be going on. Unfortunately, Rodrik was the best investigator in Trunau; if he were on the case, solving the mystery of his death wouldn’t take long, but with just me left, we might never know what really happened. Kurst sighs heavily, his shoulders slumped. I simply can’t handle the investigation and tend to my family duties at the same time. I may be a patrol lieutenant, or I suppose I mean captain, but right now, I feel my responsibilities as a brother outweigh my other duties. My father feels differently, he has ordered the matter closed, for the good of the family, for the good of Trunau. Still, I can’t just let this lie. What about Rodrik's good. I’m afraid I’ve exhausted all my other options — the members of Trunau’s militia are competent defenders during siege times, but they’re not sleuths by any means. I need your help. Some of you are well enough known here, people may talk to you. Others are strangers enough you are not too deeply invested as to be swayed from the truth. Help me please. Will you investigate my brother’s death?

Groin offers his condolences to Kurst, but excuses himself when he sees the party from last night gathering. He nods to everyone, "A dark day for Trunau."

Kurst thanks Groin, then motions for him to return. You are close to the militia, but still your own man. My father would not be able to stop you either Master Ironhouse. Would you consider, for Rodrik, for myself, would you work with these people to determine what happened to my brother?

"I will do my best. If there are answers to be found, we will root them out."

Adir considers the matter for a few moments. This is not a duty to be taken lightly. Reading Adir's mood, Tuzak pushes up against his legs. Adir reaches down to scratch the sloth's ears. Finally, he nods. "Our condolences, Lieutenant. With heavy hearts, we accept this charge."

Leira approaches Krust, grasping him from the arm "I am so sorry for your lost Krust. You can be sure I will help you with the matter, and I think the other people you are proposing will do also." she turns around and looks at Groin "Having a militia man with us can open some doors. Please, say yes and come with us."

Turning again to Krust she says "Will you allow us to use magic with him? We can look for a speak with the dead spell and get to know what does he know about his own death."

She places then a general question to everybody present "Whom and when saw him alive for the last time?"

Turning again to Krust she says "Will you allow us to use magic with him? We can look for a speak with the dead spell and get to know what does he know about his own death."

Kurst looks at you all. Father has forbidden such spells, he considers them a sacrilege and dishonor to the dead. But, if you think it will help I would think it alright. We are keeping Rodrik in the Sanctuary until the funeral. You will need to talk to the priests there about such things. Cham Larringfass saw him last night, when he asked for his room key. She is available inside, I can have a militiaman make her available to you if you wish.

"I would also like some time to examine the body before the funeral takes place, if I may. I am no anatomist but there are some things that would bear checking out."

You would need to see the priests at the Sanctuary regarding access to Rodrik's body. They left a few moments ago with him. I have a few things to finish here before we release his room and the inn back to Mrs. Larringfass. I have two militia members about to collect his things from the room. I would hope Larringfass would keep his room unoccupied for a few days, but there is already a draw on space in town, I fear that may not be possible.

Kurst is visibly only barely holding things together. A commotion inside draws everyone's attention as Jagrin Grath storms out of the Ramblehouse. He shoves aside a younger militiaman and stomps off up the street, heading likely towards the Longhouse, typical residence for the militia and the Grath family. You hear only snippets, but the elderly warrior seems to be heaping curses upon someone in particular.

Kurst looks at you, his face momentarily pale before he regains his composure. Unsurprisingly, my father isn’t doing too well right at the moment, and I don’t think he’ll be taking this well, even if he has all but decided this is officially a suicide. Leaning close he adds, Also, my father has forbidden me from talking with ‘that half-orc temptress’ who he thinks first seduced Rodrik, then led him astray and ultimately did bring him to this end. If you should she her, let her know that my thoughts are with her, and that my brother truly loved her. I wish that I could do so myself, but now is not the time.

Morgrim's expression is uncharacteristically soft as he puts a hand on the man's shoulder, "Losin a brother is hard, hard thing... be glad of your father, he's all you've got now and you're all he's got, but at least you've still got each other... that's more than some folk get..."

He stands in silent mourning with the man for a moment then gives him a short nod and, stepping back, asks, "I hate t'lay another burden on you but could you please make sure we can see all the contents of his room before they're taken away?"

Songan nods solemnly at the reply, determined to go visit Sanctuary soon. Since they were already here it made more sense to investigate Rodrik's room first; after that, they could go see to the body itself. "I would say that we should split up and some of us go check the body, but at the same time, until I'm certain there is no foul play involved here, I'd rather us all stay together. Safety in numbers. Still...could we perhaps send a message to Sanctuary and ask the priests to tamper with the body as little as possible until we arrive?"

Kurst calls over a militiaman, a trooper some of you have dealt with previously, named Doornan. He instructs the man that you are to be given access to look over Rodrik's room and to speak with Cham Larringfass. Doornan will make sure you have a little time here to look things over. Not much time, as my father has left very strict orders for everything noted to be packed away and carted to the Longhouse. My father is anything if not meticulous. You will have maybe fifteen to twenty minutes and that's it. That will be enough time for the men to have a pint and pie before resuming their work. It is all that can be spared. Turning to Songan, Rodrik is to remain at the Sanctuary tonight, then in the morning his body is to be prepared, not before. Father wishes to have his funeral tomorrow night, if at all possible. He does not wish Rodrik's suicide to cause his spirit to stray from Pharasma's path and end up lost for eternity. I am sure the priests will abide by whatever orders my father gave them.

"Then let us make haste here and then go to Sanctuary afterward. Are we in agreement?"" he asks the others.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Leira nods in agreement then walks inside the room.

Grimace as she feels, she starts checking the room talking profit of the 20 minutes given.
Perception: 20 + 1 = 21

If she finds a copy of Rodrik works, she asks for permission to take it for later reading.

Songan follows suit with Leira, though rather than focusing on the room as a whole, he spends his time carefully examining any blood spatter or spray that might be seen on the floor, walls, etc.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Morgrim grimaces at Songan's continuing interest in examining the body, but decides to focus on the task at hand... He also makes a thorough search of the room.

perception: 20 + 7 = 27

taking 20 takes 2 minutes per square, so I can cover 10 of them- if his room is bigger than that please describe it and I'll pick the necessary squares to not take 20 in.

Rather than crowd the room, Adir examines the door frame and door, especially for signs of forced entry, and then any other possible routes of ingress.

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Perception: 20 + 7 = 27

While the others search the room, Groin seeks out the innkeeper to see what she remembers of the night prior.

Rodrik's room is very sparse, containing only a single cot and a writing desk. The cot is a cheap affair with a straw-stuffed mattress, now stained red with blood and stripped of its linens, while the desk is a slightly nicer piece of furniture that has nonetheless been chipped and worn by time. A cracked window in the southern wall is the only exit other than the room’s door.

There do not seem to be any signs of forced entry at the door, only the marks and gouges consistent with rough key use most likely. The window, while cracked, has not been opened much more than the inch or so allowing in the night air. Rough paint and weather swelling indicate it would take some effort to open the window further.

Doornan indicates Rodrik was found lying on his bed, bloody and still, his vacant eyes gazing toward the ceiling, the knife still on the palm of his hand, both wrists cut, allowing him to bleed out.

Snooping around Songan finds a scrap of paper previously unnoticed beneath the bed. It appears to be some kind of receipt.

Morgrim finds a trick drawer in the desk, though the cavity is empty.

Doornan indicates they did not find the secret tray but that Rodrik's writing implements were removed to the Longhouse per his father's wishes. Nothing unusual was discovered with any of Rodrik's things. He then leans out into the hallway, spotting for the other guards, then hands you a hopeknife. Per Kurst's request, I swapped my blade for Rodrik's for the day. I will need to switch them before the funeral tomorrow, please get this back to me before then. He hands you Rodrik's hopeknife, the blade he was found to have used to end his life.

A moment or two later, the other guards return, ordering your group out of the inn. The Halfling wants her inn back. There is no investigation needed here. Patrol Leader Jagrin does not want you here. You should leave, Now.

While the others search the room, Groin seeks out the innkeeper to see what she remembers of the night prior.

You manage to gain a few minutes to speak with the short, aging Halfling proprietress between moments of crying, yelling and badgering of the troopers. Cham found Rodrik’s body this morning when she knocked on his door to wake him up, as he’d requested the night before. He was just laying there, unmoving, bleeding all over my sheets, nothing ruffled or even creased, nice and smooth. She screamed and fainted right away when she saw Rodrik him lying dead on his bed, bloody, staring at the ceiling. Other Ramblehouse residents heard the ruckus, called the militia, and helped Cham recover her senses. Patrol Sergeant Frum was the first on the scene. Cham claims not to recall anything out of the ordinary about the night before with Rodrik, though their interaction was brief.

Groin and Delia can speak with Cham while the others investigate the room. I will need Sense Motive and/or Diplomacy checks please from the pair.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Groin gets the sense that Cham is hiding something, something she does not seem to want to speak about. Perception Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Catching her eyeing the registry book, Groin ignores her warning and pleading, taking up the book and checking over the latest entries. The only entry of note in the register is a single human man who rented the Ramblehouse’s last room after Rodrik had reserved his room, but before the patrol captain had checked in for the night. This room was across the hall from the patrol captain. This entry stands out because the guest’s name has not been recorded in the register. All other entry's include a name, at least on the past few pages.

Cham breaks down into fearful sobs and quickly explains herself, looking up at Groin's suspicious eyes. He refused to give me his name, she manages between gulps of air, and he paid me a fistful of gold. He said he’d be gone before sunrise. I didn’t ask any more questions. I had no idea that something like this would happen! The Halfling can give a general description of the man, Average height, dirty blonde hair, dark eyes, rosy pink complexion, but she doesn’t remember any specific features that would help identify him. He didn't even have a horse or much baggage with him, just a light traveler, staying for one night only. I am so sorry for hiding this. I didn't know what to do. Please, that's all I know.

Groin senses she is being fully truthful and supportive at this time.

"Give me the key to this other man's room. Has anyone been in it since he left?"
Assuming she does, Groin goes to notify the others of this discovery after her answer.

If she finds a copy of Rodrik works, she asks for permission to take it for later reading.

Rodrik Grath is well known throughout Trunau not only for his role as a prominent militiaman, but also for his beautiful poems and riveting plays, which he publishes using the small printing press at the Trunau Countinghouse. The works are fairly common in town, and you would have some basic knowledge about them. Only his most recent work has received any negative controversy.

The following are a few of Rodrik’s most locally famous pieces.

Ballad of the Bloodmarch: Rodrik wrote this hit poem after Trunauans held off the orcs of the Legbreaker tribe for 6 days before finally routing them. The epic piece is not as somber as its name might indicate, and it is practically synonymous with Trunauan pride and the iconic militaristic fervor of the townsfolk. While the poem does manage to capture much of the solemn reverence that accompanies the trials and horrors of warfare, those sobering themes are contrasted by emotionally powerful scenes of wartime heroism and examples of holding one’s own. In 4710 ar, Chief Defender Halgra declared “Ballad of the Bloodmarch” to be Trunau’s official anthem.

Hommel and Brekka: This play is widely considered to be his best work. The love story of Hommel and Brekka is told in four acts, though the play’s running time is less than 1-1/2 hours. That the playwright managed to compress all of the most meaningful aspects of a forbidden relationship into such a short work is a testament to his talent. While the play’s namesake characters are actually a Shoanti warrior (Hommel) and a Chelish conqueror (Brekka), Rodrik drew upon significant personal experience while writing the play. Trunauan readers particularly enjoyed the air of the exotic in the play; while Rodrik has never visited the Storval Plateau, he was entranced as a boy by the stories of that land’s sprawling plains, rolling river valleys, and hardened native people.

The Other Side of Contempt: Easily Rodrik’s most controversial work among Trunauans, this moody piece weaves the tale of a young half-orc whose orc mother died when human raiders overran the orc settlement in which he grew up. Rodrik was reported to have reined in his writing somewhat after this flop, though he privately claimed that his critics were simply too closed-minded to understand the deeper significance of this piece.

Cham gives Groin the key to the other room and indicates it was already vacated by the time she rose at sunrise.

At about this time, the other group members are being escorted out of the inn by the remaining militiamen, Doornan in tow. Groin has not had the chance to notify them of what he has discovered at this point. It seems the militia does not realize Delia, Groin, and her cat are together with the other investigators.

Delia's Perception Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Also, I failed to mention Groin noticed a party of half-orcs had been staying at the inn as well, been in residence for several days. They also checked out early this morning, before the discovery of Rodrik's body. Their rooms were on the other side of the inn however and did not have easy access to Rodrik's floor.

Did Cham just write "party o' half-orcs" in the ledger or was there more information?

The catfolk quickly removes a strip of cloth from his backpack, something he is practically never seen without, wrapping the hopeknife quickly but carefully in it before putting it back in his pack. Moments after, the guards arrive and make their proclamation.

Songan's ire is drawn at being ordered so quickly out of the inn, and a low, distinctly feline growl begins to emanate from his throat...but he quickly tamps it down, thinking of the knife in his pack and the body that still needs seeing at Sanctuary. Though he doesn't have to be forced out of the inn, it is clear he is displeased with the roughness of their departure.

He does, however, notice that Groin and Delia are not being forced out with them and makes a point of not drawing attention to them, hoping they might be able to learn more in the time they have. Once outside, Songan, looks to the others, drawing in a slow, deep breath. "Well...shall we go to Sanctuary now? We can compare notes when we get back together later but I want as much free time to examine the body as possible."

Did Cham just write "party o' half-orcs" in the ledger or was there more information?

The specific lines were for three rooms, indicating "Party of Half-Orc Laborers", and the names were "Muraamar, Oguugur, Rishka, Vorom, Hogazar, Nugash, Grimud, and Sud."

Songan's ire is drawn at being ordered so quickly out of the inn, and a low, distinctly feline growl begins to emanate from his throat...

Remember, Kurst said he'd only be able to hold off the group 15 to 20 minutes at most. Taking 20 used up a good bit of time, being a 15x20 room, and Kurst is not the leader that his brother was or father is, so most militiamen are going to obey Jagrin when push comes to shove.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22.

It is at this point that Songan remembers something overheard at the festival last evening, that Rodrik had moved out of the Longhouse due to a fight or disagreement with his father.

He adds to that Kurst's statement that Jagrin did not want Rodrik's "half-orc temptress" to be involved with Rodrik at all. The patrol leader's hatred of all things orcish is legendary in Trunau.

Lastly, the receipt included an inscription on the blade, For Rodrik, My Love.

In wrapping the hopeknife, Songan noticed there was no inscription on the blade found with him.

Songan suddenly stops short in his walk as he leaves the inn behind. "By Desna...the knife.." he whispers aloud...then looks to the others. "We need to go look at Rodrik's body. As soon as possible." he says to them in a low voice.

"This was no suicide. I'm sure of it. Rodrik was murdered."

Delia and Groin quietly let the milita and their allies depart, overhearing that the group is headed to the Sanctuary. Groin and Delia head upstairs instead, seeking out the room taken by the mystery tenant.

The room of the nameless man who checked in the night before is empty, save for a single clue found in a “trick drawer” in the room's writing desk. Inside the secret compartment was a slip of dirty old parchment containing an unfinished letter, which appears to have been written recently, but not finished. A few ink blots are not fully dried, the letter is perhaps no more than two days old.

When the militia comes to the room, Adir puts his hands up in the air in a no trouble here gesture.

Once outside, he asks, "Nobody forced a way in, as far as I can tell. You guys find anything interesting?"

Reacting to Songan's declaration, "How are you so sure?

"По молотка." Groin mutters after reading the letter. He looks to Delia, "We must tell the others."

Odds or Evens: 1d6 ⇒ 3

At Delia's urging, the pair also decides to investigate the rooms in which the other half-orcs were staying. Cham hands over the keys, mentioning that they seemed like the average half-orc guest, and had they not left on their own, she would have likely had them evicted in the next day or so, as they had only paid for the two weeks. The deposit would have ended tomorrow as it is.

The rooms rented to the party of foreign half-orcs have been seriously vandalized. While most of the damage is reparable, the walls of some of the rooms are marked with white graffiti, in orc and common. A pair of servants are stubbornly scrubbing at it, but it won’t come clean even after an hour's scrubbing. The graffiti is mostly names and typical memorables or toilet humor... Vorom was here, Skreed sucks, Leg Breakers are wannabes, etc... The only unusual markings are one tiny white sword painted over a carved symbol, a sort of twisted line with a flat top and a pointed bottom.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
"I have heard of white graffiti around town that is difficult to remove, but the symbols have no meaning to me." Groin carefully notes the symbols so he can recreate them for the others if necessary.

Assuming the group continues on to the Sanctuary, discussions occurring enroute...

The journey to the Sanctuary, Trunau’s church of Iomedae, is uneventful. You pass along the streets noticing a few groups here and there discussing Rodrik Grath and his sudden death. Speculation seems to be rampant, so perhaps a quick funeral is for the best, at least to avoid public panic and gossip. The Sanctuary’s high priestess, Tyari Varvatos, a female human follower of Iomedae out of Lastwall, is happy to talk with you. When asked, Tyari says she will allow you to examine the body for a few moments, but wishes to abide by the wishes of Rodrik's family and loved ones. Jagrin Grath was very specific regarding his son's remains, and we Iomedaens have never been fully accepted as a part of Trunau. Some suspect us as agents of Lastwall or similar nefarious ends. The work to prove ourselves is never ending. There should be no harm in a cursory examination, but I will not allow any damage or rough handling of the deceased. While not a follower of our faith, Rodrik was a good and honorable man, deserving of respect and care.

Walking you back to the rear of the church, she indicates Rodrik is being housed in the clerical apse behind the main chapel. It is a shame to lose someone so young and vibrant. Rodrik seemed to have much going for him, but the ways of the heart are not easy to bear. I had spoken to him more often lately, for he has been stopping by to speak with one of our faithful, Katrezra.

Seeing a perplexed look on some of your faces, she continues. Patrol Captain Grath has been meeting with Katrezra, a long-time half-orc resident of this Sanctuary. I only occasionally overheard the two, muttering about ghosts, half-orcs, hopeknives, and white swords. Peculiar to be sure, but then Katrezra is an odd sort. Katrezra claims to have visions, and though I can’t vouch for their prophetic accuracy, I do believe they are more than just hallucinations.. She stops before a small door, opening it to you. Inside you see the altar has been covered with a large white sheet. Atop the altar, underneath another sheet, is the form of a body.

As she steps away, she pauses a moment to add, I will give you a few minutes, as you have asked. I have no more insights I think into your investigation. Iomedae’s light shines upon those who seek the truth, however, and so you are always welcome at this Sanctuary should you need healing or other assistance from the church..

Knowledge History for Delia: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Hearing Groin's comment, Delia leans over for a better look. She turns pale next to Groin, starting to tremble slightly. It takes her a long moment before she whispers Twisted Nails, her hands clenched into fists. She lashes out, kicking the symbol vehemntly, her boot smashing the plaster into dust, opening a hole in the wall.

Fortunately the cleaning crew had given you the room, so they missed her outburst. Jace bristles and growls at his master's anger, unsure where to pounce. Groin, not sure of her sudden issue, thinks it best to depart, and quickly hustles both her and the cat from the room, then from the inn, following the road towards the Sanctuary.

I'm sure someone will need to come back later if possible, and discuss damages with Cham Larringfass.

Leira nods at Songan "There are indeed too many things out of place. Let's go and check the body. We can also request a speak with the dead casting to the clerics. We can go talk with the blacksmith afterwards."

Once at the Sanctuary, the girl helps to check the body.
Heal (aid another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Upon reaching Sanctuary, Songan takes particular interest in being told that Rodrik had been paying special visits to the half-orc Katrezra. Before Tyari steps away, he stops her for one more inquiry. "Is it possible we could also speak with Katrezra? He may have some insight into Rodrik's recent mood if he had been meeting with him."

Tyari informs Songan and friends that Katrezra left out early this morning, without telling anyone. The half-orc left his bed neatly made, though she does admit it was odd of Katrezra to leave on the same day that Rodrik’s body was discovered. However, she reasons that the half-orc seer can’t have gone far, since his crippling condition causes him considerable physical pain and drastically limits his mobility.

He would be unlikely to leave Trunau, such as to return to his orc tribe, or other nonsense. He sought sanctuary in the church so very long ago, and has become a devout follower of the Inheritor. He is physically incapable of travelling far, and deeply despises his true orc brethren. He may have simply gone to stay with one of the few friends he has outside these walls. He does that on occasion, usually after one of his more terrible "visions".

"I see...that is unfortunate. Would you happen to know of anyone in particular that he may've gone to stay with? We could inquire after him once we have finished here, should it become necessary."

Odds or Evens: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Tyari does not, but she calls over Brantos Calderon, a male human from Lastwall who accompanied the High Priestess when she came from Castle Firrine to Trunau. Brantos reveals that he too had some dealings with Patrol Captain Grath, when the man was visiting Katrezra. Grath gave the paladin the impression that he was investigating something, what Brantos cannot say, only that the patrol captain seemed to enjoy his work, whatever it was.

Brantos had more frequent dealings with Katrezra however, since he was largely responsible for taking care of the half-orc invalid when the chapel’s acolytes were occupied elsewhere. Brantos knows Katrezra’s past was painful, and that while the half-orc has no love for his full-blooded kin, the seer is a benevolent man who has a soft spot for his fellow half-orcs. Katrezra has proved himself a loyal defender of Trunau on multiple occasions. He has many friends in town, both half-orc and otherwise, he could be almost anywhere. If I had to put a name to one above the others, I guess I would have to say, without a reservation, Halgra. Or maybe Agrit Staginsdar. Then of course there is also Sara Morninghawk, or perhaps Brinya Kelver. Ok, I guess some reservations. Katrezra is a good man, and those worth his respect have come to respect him back. I am afraid I do not know where he has vanished to, or why, but I am sure he is safe and should return soon. Trunau and this Sanctuary are his home now.

Once you exam Rodrik's body, I will need a Heal check. One person may make the initial roll, others may assist.