@Bofus, Tirion, and Florence
The house on the south side of the block (L-Shaped) is a stone structure with an oak door on the street side and several windows on the ground floor covered over with shutters. There is one window on the second floor up where the shutters are open. However, the window itself is closed and curtains are drawn over it.
Perception:
Dunno if you guys noticed it, but the nameplate on the door says Strickland. This must be our house. I think that Florence and I should try watching from the tree unless someone has a better idea.
Climbing up a tree? No way, there must be something else.
I'll look around for a different hideout.
@Florence
This is a small garden shed in Strickland's yard. You believe you could fit in there easily.
Sick, eh? Thordak asks, squintingly.
Thordak takes off his crossbow and axe and lays them against the wall begrudgingly. He then removes his various other weapons, pulling a flail, a longsword, and other random weapons from his pack and forming a small pile of them. He says nothing of his dagger that he keeps behind his beard.
Alright, le's go an' see the lord.
@Florence
Stealth check to avoid being seen and DC 10 Escape Artist to squeeze in and shut the door.
@Thordak, Mantooth, and Matthais
After you have all unloaded your weapons, Lars Ulverth takes you across the courtyard and through several doors into the main keep. He leads you up several spiraling stair cases and in a moment, you are led into a simple bed chamber where Lord Jarmaath lies in bed. He is ghostly white and sickly in appearance.
Captain Ulverth speaks out to the Lord and says, "I beg your pardon, my Lord, but Sir Longbrow and the Heroes, Thordak and Matthais are here. At your request, I have brought them up to you."
The once mighty Lord, lifts his head a little and looks across the room to you. He is about to say something, but instead simply lifts his hand slightly.
Unable to conceal myself, but very good at entering the shed I cross the yard...
Hmmm, I really want to watch that front door. Let me see if I can climb the tree.
Climb: - heh, even a miniature gnome can climb this tree.
Once I am in the tree, I will find a spot where I can see both doorways, but can stay fairly concealed.
Thordak draws in a breath and approaches slowly, observing him and his symptoms.
Knowledge, Nature:
The once mighty Lord, lifts his head a little and looks across the room to you. He is about to say something, but instead simply lifts his hand slightly.
Mantooth approaches the king's' bed, kneeling down on whichever side he is closest to out of respect for the ill ruler. "My lord, forgive our intrusion but we came only to give you word of the time of Cebrë's service and to ask for your advice about something.." Mantooth trails off, looking at the sick man.
Perception
"But what has happened to you, my Lord? You appeared to be fine yesterday. What has your doctor told you?"
Also going down to one knee in recognition of Lord Jarmaath's esteemed position.
Good lord, I do not know what I can do to help, but let me check you. If I am unable to personally help you, then I shall ask the great Sarenrae to cure you.
Heal: - don't know if this is the right skill, if not please use the roll with the correct skill
The room looks rather ordinary, with a table beside his bed and small fire burning in a nearby place. There are two torches burning in brackets on the wall. There is a book and an unlit candle on Jarmaath's bedside table. The nearby window is closed, but it lets in a fair amount of afternoon light.
Lord Jarmaath replies very softly, "Good to see you . . . my friends. I do not know what happened . . . to me. It . . . came on . . . very sudden . . . ly."
Oh M'lord. I do believe you have been poisoned. I am afraid that I do not have an appropriate curative spell memorized today. However, I am sure that your doctor or one of the priests at the temple should be able to remove this poison. I can heal your health so that you regain some strength, but cannot get rid of the poison at present. Can you stand, if not I shall run to the temple post-haste to immediately summon a healer.
"But what has happened to you, my Lord? You appeared to be fine yesterday. What has your doctor told you?"
Lord Jarmaath simply whispers, "The . . . clerics. . . have. . . tried. No . . . use."
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Ah, you found Strictland's door, TIrion--good eye. I'll be right back!
I head toward the apartment, then blend into the surroundings, sidle inside, and make my way to the room that has Strictland's name attached it it. all the while I'm listening carefully for voices I recognize, or words that might be meaningful, behind any doors I may pass on the way and Strictland's door in particular.
Stealth:
Perception:
@Bofus
As you approach Strickland's house, you notice Florence run across the lawn and hide in the nearby garden shed. You also notice, Tirion hiding up in a nearby tree. You also notice two kids playing with wooden swords outside of the neighboring apartment building. They do not appear to notice you.
Strickland's house itself appears very well build and maintained. The windows on the lower level are covered over with shutters. The upstairs window is closed, but the shutters are open. There are well maintained flower boxes under the window sills with bright petaled flowers growing in them. You are unable to hear any people nearby other than the two kids.
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Is there any cover along the wall that the 2nd story window is in? I'd like to consider climbing the wall to peek into the window, but only if it's reasonable to think it could be done serruptitiously.
Failing that, I'd consider approaching the front door and listening--ready to ditch to the side and hide if necessary.
M'lord, what happened to you? Did you drink anything unusual today? We must discover who is attempting to kill you. If your clerics cannot save you, then we must try to find who did this to discover the criminals behind this.
Suddenly you can see Matthais' eyes light up.
To Thordak: What about your friend the potion lady? She knows all about potions and things. Do you think that she could create a potion that would neutralize this poison? We must find her fast, did she say where she would be?
Once in the tree, I will keep an eye out for anything unusual.
Perception: --> hehehe, cool, I see leaves
Ah, yeah, you're right, Matt! ...Oi'll...ahh...go get her then, shall Oi? Yeah, good. Okay. Be back soon! Thordak says flusteredly as he hurries out of the room. He snatches his crossbow and axe on the way out but leaves the other weapons. You keep an eye on those for me, alright! he calls over his shoulder to the guards.
He proceeds out to the eastern witchwood and searches for a trail a witch with a Hawk might have made.
Survival (Track):
@Thordak
Rushing over the hill and past the cathedral you make your way toward the Stone Wyvern and then past it and out through the western gate.
I met an old witch outside the city...she might know about the lay of the land and such?!
Recalling what Florence said earlier, you decide to try and find her trail and see if the witch was indeed Dalgar. It appears that the bard led off into the woods and eventually found a quiet clearing to sit down in. From there, a trail leads you a little ways away to a jawtooth trap. It appears disarmed and bloody as if it caught something that has now escaped. Leading from the trap, you find the trail of a limping person. It does not take you long to find a small shelter made out of trees and brush. There is a small campfire going and a sweet wrinkled face lights up as you approach.
"Thorry, mu luv! It's you!!! I thought you would never come! Keekee insisted that you would, but I told him that you were busy doing Hero stuff and all. How has my big galoomph been?" Dalgar immediately starts stroking your beard affectionately. "Have you been eating enough? We can't possibly have a skinny dwarf around here? Here, sit yourself down, and let Dalgar make you a meal you won't soon forget!"
@Thordak
"Thorry, mu luv! It's you!!! I thought you would never come! Keekee insisted that you would, but I told him that you were busy doing Hero stuff and all. How has my big galoomph been?" Dalgar immediately starts stroking your beard affectionately. "Have you been eating enough? We can't possibly have a skinny dwarf around here? Here, sit yourself down, and let Dalgar make you a meal you won't soon forget!"
Oi'd love to Dalgar... Thordak says between breaths, his hands on his knees, but Oi don't think this is the time...It's Lord Jarmaath...He's been poisoned, an' looks somethin' awful! Oi thoght if ever there was someone who could help him it'd be you! D'ye think you could help? he asks and resumes catching his breath.
@Thordak
"Oi'd love to Dalgar...but Oi don't think this is the time...It's Lord Jarmaath...He's been poisoned, an' looks somethin' awful!"
"Oh dearie me! That sounds awful! What makes you so certain that he is poisoned? Do you know how he got poisoned? Is it food or a drug of sorts? To be able to find an antidote, it is helpful to be able to find the source of the toxin.
"Oi thoght if ever there was someone who could help him it'd be you! D'ye think you could help? "
"That's very sweet of you, Thorry. I am so glad you have been thinking of me. I have been thinking of you too! You know that I would be happy to do a favor for you! I also know that if something came up, you would kindly return the favor."
@Bofus
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I have a sneaking suspicion (pun only half-intended) of what we might find in this house . . . I'm going to approach the front door quietly . . .
Stealth:
. . . and listen carefully . . .
Perception: <---ghaaa!!
. . . to what may be behind it. If I hear nothing, I'll see whether it's locked and/or trapped by taking out the Dragon's Eye, checking, then quickly stowing it again.
Perception:
I'll also do a quick perimeter of the house to see if there are any other entrances.
@Bofus
You look around the front door quietly, but don't notice anything unusual. You do a quick stealthy check around the perimeter. There is a back door as well as a front door. However, there does not appear to be anything unusual going on back there either. You are not even clear that anyone is even at home.
@Bofus
You carefully sneak to the front door and try turning the door handle. After it does not open, you repeatedly try pushing the handle up, then down, but to no avail. At last, you are convinced that the door is locked.
@Thordak
"Oh dearie me! That sounds awful! What makes you so certain that he is poisoned? Do you know how he got poisoned? Is it food or a drug of sorts? To be able to find an antidote, it is helpful to be able to find the source of the toxin.
OOOhhohohhhhh! Thordak groans, pulling at his beard and rolling his eyes in duress. Oi dunno how he got poisoned, but Oi think it musta' been sumthin' he ate, 'cos he didn't know 'till Matthias checked him and figured it out! OOOHohohohohohoooooo! Whaddawedoooo!?
Mantooth sighs at Matthias's diagnosis. After watching Thordak leave and observing that the king is somewhat incapable of answering questions, Mantooth sets out to find someone who can. "You'll be alright with him for a moment, won't you, Matthias?" Mantooth says, standing up. "Excuse me, my Lord, I'll be right back."
When Mantooth leaves the room, he goes out searching for whoever may have spent the most time with the King recently. He will find the closest guard or official and inquire. "Greetings, sir/madam. I was wondering if perhaps you could tell me who you have seen with the Lord as of late? Aside from the visiting ambassador."
Diplomacy
@ Thordak
"OOOHohohohohohoooooo! Whaddawedoooo!?"
Dalgar puts her arm around you and gentle replies. "Dear, dear. Don't trouble yourself. Dalgar is here to help you out. Thorry, you must be big and strong again. Wailing around like a banshee is not going to help us out at all. Stop slouching and tell me, my honey bunchkin, was he inflicted with poison from a blade or do you think it was placed in his food? Now, I don't want to panic you, Thorry, but it is urgent that we find the source of this poison as fast as possible, for the poor Lord's life will depend on it!"
@Bofus
Inside the front door, you find yourself standing inside a small hallway lined with a variety of boots and shoes lined up on the floor, and a variety of cloaks hanging from hooks along the wall. Just beyond the entryway is a living room where Leland Strickland sleeps fitfully in the corner in a chair. In his hand he clutches a dagger tightly. You also hear the nearby sound of somebody working in a kitchen as pots and pans are being banged around.
@Mantooth
Just as you step out into the hallway, you run into ambassador Stainak, who appears to have been trying to listen at the door. Startled by your sudden departure, he replies, "Oh . . . uh, . . . well met, Sir Knight, umm, is that the Lord's room?
"Greetings, Ambassador Stainak. I was wondering if perhaps you could tell me who you have seen with the Lord as of late?"
"Well, you should know that he has been with me mostly. We have been in his study, simply discussing various provisions to a trade agreement. It was last night, when he announced that he was finally going to retire to his room. He told me that he was going to put aside his worries and escape into a good book. That was late last night. At the time he looked absolutely fine. However, once morning arrived, he looked terribly ill. I don't believe it was food, because I have shared all of my meals with him as of late. The clerics have been in trying to heal him all day, but they have not seemed to have much luck."
Thordak takes a breath to calm himself. Well...he didn't look like he had any wounds... maybe it was food? Or black magic! There's some mighty powerful magic out there! 'Nuff to change the color of a dwarf's beard... Thordak shudders at the thought. Should we go an' have you take a look at him? Oi dunno, it all doesn't seem right...
" Should we go an' have you take a look at him? Oi dunno, it all doesn't seem right..."
"If you wish, Thorry, but I admit I am a little slow hobbling along here with this hurt leg. Some damn hunter laid out his cursed traps and caught me like a rabbit in a cage when I was walking at night. If you ever find the villain, I sure would like it if you had a word with him and maybe even taught him a lesson or two about manners. Would you be able to do that for me, my dear Thorry? In the meantime, could you please put your arm around me and help me through the woods, my little honey bunchkin?! Now tell, me, Mr. Hero, why have you been so busy, that you haven't had a chance to visit your good friends Dalgar and Keekee?"
" Should we go an' have you take a look at him? Oi dunno, it all doesn't seem right...""If you wish, Thorry, but I admit I am a little slow hobbling along here with this hurt leg. Some damn hunter laid out his cursed traps and caught me like a rabbit in a cage when I was walking at night. If you ever find the villain, I sure would like it if you had a word with him and maybe even taught him a lesson or two about manners. Would you be able to do that for me, my dear Thorry? In the meantime, could you please put your arm around me and help me through the woods, my little honey bunchkin?! Now tell, me, Mr. Hero, why have you been so busy, that you haven't had a chance to visit your good friends Dalgar and Keekee?"
Dalgar, he looked pretty bad when Oi left... How about you hop on moi back an' maybe we can get there faster? Moi friend Matthias is also a fine healer, an' he could probably fix ye up when we get there!
If she accepts, Thordak hides his pack in the brush and crouches down so she can climb onto his back.
Witch-Carry:
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@Bofus
Inside the front door, you find yourself standing inside a small hallway lined with a variety of boots and shoes lined up on the floor, and a variety of cloaks hanging from hooks along the wall. Just beyond the entryway is a living room where Leland Strickland sleeps fitfully in the corner in a chair. In his hand he clutches a dagger tightly. You also hear the nearby sound of somebody working in a kitchen as pots and pans are being banged around.
Move quietly toward the kitchen to get a look at who is making all the racket.
Stealth:
Then, head back to Strictland, and see if there's anything strange about the surroundings--beisdes him sleeping in a chair with a dagger in hand.
Perception:
Finally, if the kitchen dude appeared to be thoroughly occupied, take a quick jaunt around the place to see if I can find the door to the basement.
Just before Mantooth stands up I realize - maybe it is a magical spell or poison.
I cast detect magic on the Lord.
Spellcraft:
When I hear Mantooth outside the door talking to the ambassador, I stand up and cast Zone of Truth and then walk over to where Mantooth is talking to him.
I apologize Mr. Ambassador, are you sure you ate all meals with Lord Jarmaath yesterday? Could you tell me exactly what you and he ate?
I'll try to observe any entrance I can see, if someone should be entering the house I will cast ventriloquism at a point somewehere inside the house (a place I can see through a window, maybe?) and warn Bofus.
@Matthais
The Lord does not give off any magical auras.
Immediately after you cast Zone of Truth around Mantooth, and begin asking him questions. He responds as follows.
@Mantooth & Matthais
I apologize Mr. Ambassador, are you sure you ate all meals with Lord Jarmaath yesterday? Could you tell me exactly what you and he ate?
"What is this magic you cast around us? Do you not trust me at my word, Teskerwill? I should not be questioned in such a manner! Well I never! The indignity of it all! Hmmph!"
@Thordak
"Oh, Thorry, you are a little rascal aren't you! I would be happy for a ride, if it isn't too much bother."
@Florence and Tirion
The kids from the apartment building have started moving their way over to Strickland's yard with their sword fight. Suddenly one of the kids gets hit in the hand and starts screaming.
@Bofus
The person in the kitchen appears to be a middle aged woman with brunet hair. She is wearing an apron and trying to get some pots out of an overcrowded cupboard. She does not appear to notice you.
When you return to the living room to observe Strickland, you notice that he is stirring a bit as he seems unsettled in his rest. As you suddenly hear crying outside, Strickland bolts up out of his chair with his dagger in his hand and peers out of a small hole in the shutter of his window.
Hoping that Tirion can see me, I shrug with my shoulders and nod to the kids.
Hoping that Tirion can see me, I shrug with my shoulders and nod to the kids.
Perception: -->
I watch the kids and hope that they do not attract too much attention from the home. Not much I can do other than featherfall down and scare them.
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Well, this is certainly a better situation than I thought I'd find . . .
I'll pull my hood off, and speak in a normal tone of voice that Strictland is bound to hear (but not so loud the lady in the kitchen will hear) Ah, kids will be kids, won't they sir?
At the inevitable start and "what are you donig here?!?!" I'll respond with my open hands facing the former Magistrate in a calming fashion. Relax, sir, it's just me, I'm on your side. But I need to talk to you, it's important. Are you aware that Baron Trask is in town right this moment--to be more precise, he's *under* the town? I give him a penetrating look that says I know something and I want to know if YOU know it too
Mr. Ambassador, I will not question your word unless you refuse to answer my questions. At present Lord Jarmaath is in this room gravely ill and you claim to have been in his company for the whole of yesterday. So once again, Did you eat all your meals with Lord Jarmaath, and what exactly did you two eat?
Diplomacy:
@Bofus
"Ah, kids will be kids, won't they sir?"
Strickland turns his head as he does a double take, dagger drawn and anxious.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my house?!"
"Relax, sir, it's just me, I'm on your side.
"I don't ever recall seeing you before. If you are here to rob me, you will not get away with it!"
"But I need to talk to you, it's important. Are you aware that Baron Trask is in town right this moment--to be more precise, he's *under* the town? "
"I am tired of all this intimidation! I will not tolerate any more of Trask's threats. I have done everything he has asked for and now I have lost my position for it! What more can I do!" Strickland approaches with the dagger in his hands. He trembles as he threatens to use his weapon, but you are not sure if he knows how.
________________________________@Matthais and Mantooth
"Mr. Ambassador, I will not question your word unless you refuse to answer my questions. At present Lord Jarmaath is in this room gravely ill and you claim to have been in his company for the whole of yesterday. So once again, Did you eat all your meals with Lord Jarmaath, and what exactly did you two eat?"
"I refuse to be treated like this! I am a dignitary and I should not have to answer your questions under circumstances such as this. I certainly ate all of my meals at the keep, but I don't know why I should have to tell you what I ate. It really is not any of your business!"
__________________________________@Tirion and Florence
In a moment after the kid starts to scream a burly man with an angry look on his face comes running out of the apartment building with a club in his hand and yells, "Alright, who here is asking for a beating?" He starts rushing into Strickland's yard.
Turning to Mantooth: To me his refusal to answer the same question which he answered for you but moments earlier is a sign of his guilt. Sir Mantooth, will you watch the Ambassador while I summon the guards, I believe that he should be confined until we are able to determine his guilt or innocence.
Turning back to the Ambassador: Sir, I shall give you one last chance to respond to your question before I ask the guards to confine you.
Before I give him a chance to answer, I turn to the guard outside of Lord Jarmaath's room, assuming one is there. Please call Captain Ulverth, I need to speak with him immediately.
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"I don't ever recall seeing you before. If you are here to rob me, you will not get away with it!"
drat, I forgot I disguised myself!!
Please, a thousand pardons, Mr. Strictland. It's me--Bofus Beechnut, the Gauntlet champion!! I'm in disguise. Calm yourself, I mean you no harm--I'm here to help you, and maybe even let you help me. Put up your weapon, please?
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If you doubt it's me . . . would anyone else know that all the locks in the Gauntlet's final tower, except Rotskill's lock, were poisoned? that in a moment of weakness you locked me and my friends in the guardhouse, but your courage won over and you let us out? What else can I tell you taht will convince you I'm your friend Bofus??
@Matthais
"Sir, I shall give you one last chance to respond to your question before I ask the guards to confine you. Did you eat all your meals with Lord Jarmaath yesterday? What specifically did you eat? And what did he eat? And most importantly, did you, or anyone you know, put anything in Lord Jarmaath's food?"
Ambassador Stainak begins to grow pale as you mention guards. "Wait, wait, Teskerwill. This is very rude of you, but there is no need to call the guards. I will answer your questions. Yes, I had dinner last night with Lord Jarmaath. We had a roasted prime rib with a cranberry chutney and mashed potatoes with chives. We both shared the meal last night with uhm, a lady friend of mine. We also enjoyed a glass of dry red wine, a bottle of Jareevok Wine. Yes that was the name of the wine. Jareevok. However, we both shared from the same bottle. I cannot imagine anyone putting something in his food!"
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@Bofus
"Oh my word! You are Bofus Beechnut! You look so different! Why the disguise and all of this cloak and dagger stuff? Did you not get enough action with the gauntlet? So what are you doing here? I guess you heard of my plight. Jarmaath has asked me to resign."
Much better - I am guessing that honesty is far preferable to a night in the dungeon. -- Now, do you know where the bottle of wine is? And who was the lady friend you mentioned? Somebody poisoned Lord Jarmaath, we are going to do everything in our power to save him, but I expect to find the culprit behind this heinous crime and see that he or she is brought to justice.
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"Oh my word! You are Bofus Beechnut! You look so different! Why the disguise and all of this cloak and dagger stuff? Did you not get enough action with the gauntlet? So what are you doing here? I guess you heard of my plight. Jarmaath has asked me to resign."
Yes, I know about that. But there's something very sinister going on, literally under your nose. The reason I came here and broke into your house--my sincere apologies, but you'll understand in a moment--well, sir, and please be honest with me: are you aware of a way into the city sewer system from your house? Further, of a hideout in the sewers?
Sense Motive: