DM Rambler's Giantslayer (Inactive)

Game Master Scribbling Rambler

The desk drawer in this room also contains a false bottom. Unlike Rodrik's room, this compartment contains a letter.

"Melira,
I shouldn’t be away for much longer. We still haven’t found what we’re looking for, but it’s only a matter of time, and the other preparations are proceeding as planned. A meddling militia patrol captain has been poking around, but I don’t foresee him being a threat for much longer. Once our work is done, it won’t matter anyway, and I can return to you. I marvel that I found you in the midst of all this, and think of you constantly. Soon, my beloved."

I'll add the letter to the Drive this evening.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 To ID the name.

Holding the letter, "Well, this certainly makes it look like Rodik was murdered. We should definitely speak with his patrol and probably Jagrin. We might have a serious issue beyond Rodrik's murder."

Passing the note to the others, "Mistress Cham, you have my thanks at your co-operation and my deepest apologies at my earlier accusations. I know you have a true heart and would not betray Rodrik or Trunau. If you can think of anything else about this human, like a scar, birthmark, unique weapon or jewelry, religious symbol, anything at all that might help us catch this person, please let us know."

Pausing for a moment, "Oh, one more thing. Do you perchance know anything about these white sword graffiti that have turned up in town?"

Hey, that's a good question. What height is the graffiti painted at?

"Well, I did see some swords. There's one by Sanctuary, and another by Hopespring. And an absolutely humongous one on the South Tower. I don't know how anybody managed to get way up there to paint a 30 foot sword! Do you think it's connected to Rodrik killing himself?"

"He just seemed kinda average. For somebody who is too tall."

"Well, I'm sure we all look alike to you.", shaking out her hair. "You've been a dear, and we thank you on behalf of Rodrik." She bows slightly.

Speak to the patrol next?

Yes, I think the patrol is a good place to go next. We need to gather more information before going back to Jagrin.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused about what you want to do here. Are you talking about going to the Longhouse to try to contact Rodrik's patrol? Or get in touch with Sgt Frum? Or back to Kurst, who also led patrols? Under the circumstances, approaching Jagrin (the father) without something concrete is a poor idea.

I meant Sergeant Frum. No point going back to Kurst till we've done that.

we also should at some point examine the body and talk to the knife-maker. Also, we should look at this graffiti in person.

Let's talk to the Sgt and then depending on what we learn try to contact his patrol. Talking to the smith is also a good idea. If we can get the knife from Kurst the smith may be able to tell us something about it.

Tarakona easily determines the location of Sergeant Frum with a few inquiries, so the group is able to go to see him in the mid-afternoon.

Omast Frum is the centre of attention of a small crowd gathered around the South Tower of the inner wall. He is suspended from a rope attached to the battlements, scrubbing away at an enormous painted white sword or cross on the wall. He is drenched from the water sloshing everywhere from the bucket attached to his belt, and his efforts seem to be having no effect. Some of the onlookers heckle him, and he is yelling back at the crowd.

"Ruffians! Ingrates! Vandals! I'll have you all arrested as asheshorries!!!"

"Are dese graffiti perhaps magic? Dey may be part of die killer's plan, if so. Ve should try to remove dem."

Do the symbols look at all familiar?

Zepfina looks around in the crowd for anyone behaving suspiciously, or who looks out of place.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Looking over the crowd and surrounding area, Eldan turns his attention to Sgt. Frum. "Sergeant Frum" he yells. "My companions an I have some important business to discuss with you. Perhaps you could take a well deserved break from that cleaning while, say, this fellow," randomly setting his hand on the shoulder of a spectator, "volunteers to continue working in your place."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 To scan the crowd and other onlookers, plus the surrounding area to notice anything out of the ordinary, people who might be too attentive or maybe following us around.

"Oh, that is so wonderful of you! Iomedae bless your kind heart." Ziggy says to the volunteer. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Turn and face the strange .... graffiti. Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20.

Sense Motive would be a more appropriate skill for sensing the motives of the crowd. However, neither Zepfina or Eldan notice anything unusual apart from the graffiti. And the current state of Frum, who extremely unfocused.

The gathered onlookers quickly see where this is going, and begin backing away.

"Um, sorry.... miss... ter, but I have to fill up some buckets at the spring and take them back home."

Frum calls down to Eldan, "Too much to do! Scrub alla this off, then check the logs n barkades, then mebbe some supper."
He says all this while gesturing with his scrub-brush and weaving back and forth on the wall.

Zigil can determine no other religious significance beyond what he thought of earlier. After Zepfina's question Zigil checks for magic, but detects none.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 on Frum's demeanor. Does he look like he's under pressure to do this, or drunkenly trying to appear useful? Nope, genuinely enjoys the scrubbin'

"Please sergeant, come down and speak with us, as we would prefer not to shout this conversation. We have been tasked by Kurst to speak with you. We only require 10 min and then you can get back to your duties."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

Really? Really?

"No time! Too many swords all over! How's Rodrik sposed to rest with alla this? Magnificent Bastard."
Frum pauses to wipe away a tear, which causes the scrub-brush to run across his forehead.

It is apparent that the rope is only attached to his belt.

"Sergeant, I know you want to honour your friend and have everything perfect in order to help him his eternal rest, but do you think he could rest peacefully if some nefarious befell him? You need to help Rodrik by helping us. Can you do that? Can you help deliver justice for Rodrik?"

"Okay,okay. Okay. I'll be down in a minute. Wait. I'll be right down. In a minute."

The sergeant awkwardly uses the rope to climb up the wall and disappears over the battlements.

He does not show up again quickly, but there is no entrance to the tower on the side with the graffiti.

"Let's go around and meet him at the tower."

"Let's go."

The group heads back around towards the Inner Quarter to access the tower.

However, as they approach the gate, Slei spots Sgt Frum headed down the street away from the gate and in the direction of The Killin Ground.

"Zat is strange. I tink ve should follow him."

"Mebbe Slei could track him unawares like?"

"Dat is very clever... no... tricky... no... vat is de vord I am looking for?"

"We could follow some distance behind Slei, in case she runs into trouble."

"I'll find out where he's going."
Slei follows Sergeant Frum, trying to be as discreet as possible.
stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

"So stealthy I thought you left ages ago. Hrmph. That'll do."

Frum staggers his way towards the Killin Ground, oblivious to Slei's presence. She is even able to slip into the bar behind Frum without drawing any attention to herself.

The sergeant approaches the bar, and Slei is able to overhear the bartender respond: "C'mon sergeant, you know I can't! Halgra will have my hide if I give you anything to drink! Go home and sleep it off."

Omast Frum protests, but eventually gives up and staggers to the exit.

On seeing him exit, Eldan says to the party, "Should we confront him now? I am quite perplexed at this apparent avoidance of duty the citizens are in this matter. Lies and running away really are not acceptable."

Sergeant Frum weaves his way out of the Killin Ground, and towards the group.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 5 - 2 = -2

He walks right past, and carries on towards the Longhouse.

"That's it. This has gone on long enough." Eldan speeds up, "Sergeant Frum, this has gone on long enough. We need to speak with you, now. The longer you delay us, the further away his killer gets."

Frum turns and looks at Eldan. "What?? Who are you?"

Then he looks at the rest of the group through bleary eyes.
"Jules! Buy a drink for a vetran, would ya?"

Sure no problem friend. We will buy you a drink. Jes answer a few questions first.

"Sure. Sure. Whatcha need friend?"

"We are looking into what happened wit Rodrick. What can you tell us? What did you see? What did you hear? The whole things smells worse than the crapper at the Killin Ground after a busy night and we think there's more to this story."

"I tink ve vaste our time mit dis one, yes? He is... undiligent in his duty. Perhaps ve stick his head in bucket."

Zepfina glares at the sergeant impatiently.

At the mention of Rodrik's name, Frum snuffles.

"Poor beggar. I tole the boy that no good would come from him hangin out that half-orc. Can't trust them half-orcs, always sneakin around and up to no good. Probly them what painted the swords all round town. And now Rodrik's spirit can't rest til they get cleaned up. Poor beggar."

"Hey, don't spose you could buy a drink for a vetran?"

"Do you know what he was working on last? We believe whatever he was investigating may have come back to haunt him. What about the name Melira?"

"Melvira?? Who's that?? Did he paint the swords? And what did he do to the outhouse? Lead the way and we'll throw him in irons!! Funny, don't sound like an orc name."

Sweetly, "What do you mean, 'Rodrik's spirit can't rest'? Why do you think his spirit can't rest until the swords are cleaned up? Is there something we should know about the swords?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Putting her hand on his knee, too much?

"Well. It only stands to reason, right? Good guy like that kills hisself, probly cuz of things that can't be cleaned up. And half-orc influence. Dunno why he spent time listning to that guy."

Frum sadly shakes his head, which causes him to need to catch his balance.

"Listening to what guy?"

Who was this Orc?

Frum looks even more confused.

"The one I tole you about. The crippled oaf what lies about in Sanctuary and makes up stories. Catch... Kurt... The half-orc. Probly him as got poor Rodrik all mixed up with pomes and such. Bad influence. Probly all that writing that got Rodrik's spirit tied in with the swords. All my fault! I shoulda kept him away from bad influences!"

The sergeant starts sobbing.

"We would like to speak to this 'Catch Kurt'. How do we find him?"

"No no no. The half-orc. You know. The guy at Sanctuary."

"Oh, you mean Katrezra! He wasn't at Sanctuary this morning. Neither Tyari and Katrezra were in Sanctuary this morning. Perhaps they've returned by now. We shall certainly speak to him to find out what he has told Rodrik."

Garm whimpers, and Slei's stomach growls. It's beginning to get dark, and the group has not stopped for a meal since breakfast.

The group could probably all get rooms at Ramblehouse, if they wanted to stay in the same place tonight.