Eberron - Echoes of the Past (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Harry

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

Sergeant Dolom narrows his eyes, "How do I know you represent a party that had ownership? I am familiar with that deceased as it was a case that I am actively working". The dwarf nods to Carduus.

The miniature ignores you. Ignore him for the moment.

Haqueton blinks.

Rission pads himself down for a moment.

"Err, one of the others has the actual item. It's a ring belonging to a House. "

The half elf rolls his eyes at this.

"It's some beurocracy thing that goes way over my paygrade. Red tape, when anybody in the family gets caught and suddenly something routine becomes some scandal and it's a pain right?"

Rission examines the dwarf a bit closer.

"Hey, don't I know you? Yeah, I remember you from the restaurant. 2 ales, blackened swordfish, side of bread and salad right?"

Im waiting for the ring to show up and making conversation. Need a name for the establishment I work at. The Flying Loon? Work in progress.

-Posted with Wayfinder

We have been send by Lady d'Vown of House Cannith. And now that the murder case has been solved, or so we were told, she would like to recover a journal that was lent to the professor on her behalf she says producing the ring she was given

The word "Professor" catches her ears, and Ama turned to look at the discussion, drifting closer. "Are you discussing the Professor?" Once she had the Sergeant's attention, she gave him a polite smile and nod of greeting. "Atiel has penned this missive for you, sir." Offering out the sealed envelope gracefully, Ama took a couple of steps back from the group once it was handed over.

Dharrak stays close to the newcomer as she inches closer to his companions. After she mentions the professor he can't help but think, Now I really want to know what that letter says.

Ready, little cousin...

At the handing over of the letter, Haqueton stiffens imperceptibly.

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

The dwarf sees the ring and spits, "House Cannith eh? Well, the symbol is one from the House, so say the scholars we employ who took a look at it".

Dolom looks at Rission, "Sorry, most non-dwarves all sorta look the same ta' me. 'Specially halfies".

He then steps away from the group to receive Ama's letter.

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

The dwarf reads the missive and pockets it. "I am glad to see that those gentlemen and the Minotaur, escorted you home safely my dear". He sighs.

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

He then turns back to the group. "Well, the murder was solved but the murderer got away. These Warforged can be a tricky lot and this one seems to have had some sort of object or spell that allowed it to slip out of the Watch Station unseen while the guard was changing this morn'. So he is still on the loose.

As yer group has a claim to the book and this Lady here has contact with the victim, I'll let you all in to view the evidence but nothing can be taken with you. If it's not agreeable ye'll be standin' out here 'till that murderer is found".

The dwarf awaits your responses.

"That certainly sounds...reasonable. [here Haqueton looks to the rest of the group] Insofar as it will move us from this spot, and consequentially speaking further along in perhaps the Watch's line of inquiry, and our own investigation?"

Note here that Haqueton is beseeching the group rather than actively agreeing to Dolom's offer...

Probably the best we can hope for," Darakk nod in agreement to the offer.

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

The dwarf reads the missive and pockets it. "I am glad to see that those gentlemen and the Minotaur, escorted you home safely my dear". He sighs.

Ama gave a polite nod and a bit of a shaky smile. "It was a trying day, good sir, but they were good individuals. It is good to see you."

"As yer group has a claim to the book and this Lady here has contact with the victim, I'll let you all in to view the evidence but nothing can be taken with you. If it's not agreeable ye'll be standin' out here 'till that murderer is found".

Steeling herself, Ama nodded once in agreement, uncertain about what she would be seeing, but the mention of the book made her look over to the group, searching them to see which was the leader. "Book? What is the title, if I may ask?"

Well, she's gonna see us look through it anyway.

"Title? 'The Personal Journal of Bonal Geldem.'" Maybe she'll give like for like... "Who's the letter from? If I may ask."

Looking a little uncertain at the physical appearance of the one that inquired about the letter, Ama gestured at her robes by way of explanation. "The Head Librarian. The late Professor had come to the Library to acquire a couple of books, only to find that those books had been falsely checked out. We were going to a friend of his that could help when he was killed." She tried to maintain her composure, but cracked a little at the memory from yesterday.

"He was lookin' for some missing books, huh?" Carduus looks over his companions, making lingering eye contact with the two half-elves. We've got a lady of letters here, lads; now's the time for your fancy words.

Pay attention, dolt. The ragman is clever, and the lady learned.

Desist, anger. I watch. You wait.

Haqueton watches with interest.

Looking a little uncertain at the physical appearance of the one that inquired about the letter, Ama gestured at her robes by way of explanation. "The Head Librarian. The late Professor had come to the Library to acquire a couple of books, only to find that those books had been falsely checked out. We were going to a friend of his that could help when he was killed." She tried to maintain her composure, but cracked a little at the memory from yesterday.

"Books, what sort of books?"Dharakk quizzically grumbles at the librarian.

Of course it is agréable. I hope you have a lead to catch that warforge. If i may ask can you give us the details on him should we eventually as a run in ?

Perhaps not following, Haqueton takes the opportunity to ask Dolom a question.

"Could you also provide me with a description of the warforged accused? It would aid me in determining if the warforged that accosted me the night previous to this is one and the same..."

"Books, what sort of books?"Dharakk quizzically grumbles at the librarian.

Utterly failing to look as innocent as she probably would have liked, the expression on her face was a small smirk as well as a knowing look that said 'You're fishing'. Certainly too nonchalantly, she replied in a voice that matched the expression on her face. "Oh, you know... Bound... Written... On subjects..." She was no spymaster, certainly, but she was deriving a certain amount of amusement from their exchange, and it was something that helped distract her from what awaited her inside the Watch Station.

"Books, what sort of books?"

Ah, heck; I could've asked her that.

Carduus curls his lip at the woman's taunting reply. Oh, having a bit of fun with the low-lifes in front of the watch station, eh? Two can play at that. His cracked lips form into a broad, fake smile which he turns upon Ama.

"That's alright, miss. I'm sure that ol' Geldem gettin' killed while asking around about some stolen tomes is unrelated, so keepin' that information to yourself is probably for the best. I mean, it's not as if the escaped killer is going to take any action against someone just because they're one of two or three people who know anything about those books, right?"

Carduus turns back to the Sergeant, his smile replaced with his usual mild scowl. "If our credentials are in order, we're ready to proceed when you are, Sergeant."

Rission just kind of shrugged when stared at. If it didn't need breaking, cooking, or getting shot he wasn't that useful.

"Excuse me sergeant, is this also where I would get travelling papers and identification?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ama colored at Carduus' response, but he turned away before she could reply, so she was left looking indignant and directed her scowl at the only person she could, which was Dharakk. Granted, she was hardly being subtle, but perhaps some measure of diplomacy was something that could not be expected from that one.

Dharakk his surprised by the scowl the librarian gives him. He shrugs his shoulders, "I didn't say it," He pauses for a second and continues, "but he's right it would be nice if we could be taking a look at those books lass."

Oho! What a fine play. You have fallen in with interesting folk little cousin.

Have I not? And if you keep your misericorde musings to a dull roar, I just might make something of it, or keep them as allies, great Anger.

Haqueton turns and beams idiotically at Ama, then back to Dolom to see if the dwarf will provide the description he and Beylinda requested.

"The missing books from the Library? The ones falsely checked out so that the individual in whose possession they remain is unknown? Yes, yes it would have been nice if they could be seen! A man may not have died had they been accessible!!" Her scowl had turned to anger and she may not have been so circumspect with the volume, but she had momentarily lost sight of what she was here for, too much too soon.

Gritting her teeth, she wrested control back from her emotions, and actually growled. At least she did not direct that at Dharakk. Her lips set tight, she took several breaths and tried to gather up the tattered shreds of decorum that remained to her. "At present, the reasons why he was killed are speculation. Fishing for information that I don't have through casual inquiry–", she looked at Dharakk, "or implication of the threat of harm—", she continued, glaring daggers at Carduus. "—is a waste of time. I come seeking answers to my questions as authorized by one in power to do so. On whose authority do you act?", she challenged.

By the authority of Lady d'Vown of House Cannith" Haqueton provides helpfully, beaming again. "We have her ring!"

Indeed I do hold her ring as per our engagment with her Miss, and who would be the one in power you are referring to she ask Ama

"Atiel, Head Librarian of the Sharn Library. At present, all information points towards House Cannith as the subject, as the tomes he requested were related to the house. He was killed by a Warforged— no association implied", she said with a polite nod towards Haqueton, knowing that some people were... "less than enlightened" in regards towards that race. —and that would lead me to infer that the subjects are related." Unconsciously, she had clasped her hands behind her back, a habit that she had acquired from speaking in front of groups during her tenure at the Arcanix. It had been emphasized that gesturing during some lectures was much akin to a soldier waving a sword around ineptly.

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

Sergeant Dolom looks at Beylinda, "All we know is that she, her voice and build appears to have been created to mimic the female form, serves the Lord of Blades and is a very capable fighter.

Follow me citizens".

As you enter the Watch Station the guards at the doors salute the Sergeant. He turns to Rission, "No, you'll need to get those elsewhere. Once this business is finished I'll direct you to the proper place. I trust your travel here is a coincidence and not related to this business?"

You pass through marbled halls, those who you pass along the way all greet the Sergeant. Except for Haqueton, none give any of you a second glance. You finally arrive at a staircase which leads down. It too is guarded by two men and a woman that is probably a wizard based on her dress.

"Sergeant Dolom, these fine folk will need to disarm before they are allowed past this point".

He grins sheepishly, "Of course, of course. Now then ladies and gents. Hand your weapons over and we can proceed".

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

As the group hands its weapons over Dolom turns to Ama, "Do you know who the Professor intended to visit last night?"

When asked to disarm, Carduus shrugs and raises his hands from his sides, palms up, showing that he has no weapons on his waist nor anywhere else.

Ama, having carried no weapons anyway, was the first through the checkpoint, it being fairly evident that she was carrying no weapons. She was addressing the Sergeant's question as the others disarmed. "Not by name, sir. He mentioned a colleague of his, at the University..." She frowned slightly, trying to remember his words. "A couple doors down from him, perhaps? Given our discussion, it is possible that his colleague was capable of some magic that could help." A bit curious about how many weapons the group was carrying, she glanced up at them from time to time.

Haqueton complies without a glance, unslinging, divesting and emptying his gear for the benefit of those present.

Harpoon.

*clang*

Dagger. Punching dagger.

*clang*. *clang*

Javelin. Javelin.

*clangetty clang*.

He favors the clerk/watch-person overseeing de-weaponisation with his trademark idiot grin, which only registers as a smile if you are used to being greeted happily by a fireplace or steamshovel.

Haqueton keeps his spiked gauntlet on, hoping the Watch think it is a part of his physiognomy.

you need not worry Master Sergent she says handing over a light x-bow, a light mace and an extremely well made scimitar. There seems to be a hidden rune engraved on the hilt under the protective leather

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

The Sergeant's face grows a bit dark at Ama's response. Dolom turns to one of the guards at the station. "Manny, please speak with Captain Keegan and request an increased patrol presence in and around the University. We do not want this villain striking again".

The man turns and salutes, "Yes Sergeant".

Dolom clearly looks concerned as he awaits the rest of the groups disarming.

Haqueton's spiked gauntlet is indeed overlooked as none ask him to remove it once he places the rest of his weaponry down.

Reluctantly Dharakk disarms and awaits instruction.

Sorry, time got ahold of me, getting a post in.

Rission hesitates when asked to disarm. He unslings his light mace and then carefully adds his powder horn and bag of bullets to that. He cautiously adds his musket to the pile with a word of warning.

"If I hear that go off, and I will, somebody owes me the cost of repairs. And yes Dolom, my business here is mostly pleasure, but I have to eat and such. So, the prisoner knocked out a few guards. Must be tougher than they appear."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Haqueton nods to Rission.

"Except they didn't. They escaped unseen, either through magic or possibly technological subterfuge. As Sergeant Dolom says, we warforged can be a tricky lot."

Haqueton pauses.

"Or, as Sergeant Dolom didn't suggest, the prisoner was allowed to escape by a member of the Watch not loyal to the Watch." he adds brightly.

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

Once Rission disarms, so too does Taryn.

Leaving Haqueton's last suggestion hanging in the air unanswered, Dolom leads the group to a small interrogation room. "Wait here and I'll be back with the Professor's belongings".

After a short disappearance Dolom comes back with a satchel. The satchel, caked with blood from the previous night's attack, contents are pulled out on the table by Dolom.

--Identification papers showing him to indeed be Bonal Geldem Provost of the Morgrave University School of Pre-Galifar Studies.
--A small pouch with sounds as if it contains coins.
--3 Quills with 3 sealed ink wells.
--1 Piece of colored chalk - red.
--6 Blank sheets of fine Karrnathi paper.
--An apple wrapped in a cloth.
--Finally, the object you have truly come for, Bonal's journal.

The small journal, measuring about 3 inches by 6 inches and 1 inch thick, has a cover of dark brown leather with strands of mithral thread woven in a strange pattern. It bears no title, just the mithral-thread icon on the front cover. Inside, every page is blank, but the sheets have a strange feel; they don't seem to be paper or leather, but something not readily identifiable.

Dolom raises an eyebrow, "Well, here are his effects, now what?"

Int DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Dharakk pushes he way to the front of the group so he can get a closer look at the Professor's effects. About what I would expect, he thinks as Dolom pulls out most the the mundane items. Ah here we go, when the journal is removed from the satchel.

He begins to examine the journal, "Interesting, every page is blank. Rubbing his chin he asks himself, "Perhaps the writing is concealed by alchemical or magical means?"

He looks to Dolom while he picks up a blank sheet of paper and the red chalk, "Do you mind?" Without waiting for an answer he begins to trace the design on the front cover of the book. "I don't recognize it, do any of you? Dharakk asks his companions. He continues as he holds up the journal, "Can any of you lot detect magic on this?"

With your permission ? she ask Dolom

With a positive reply she cast a detect magic

Kn Nobility: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Int Dc 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station

Dolom nods to Beylinda seemingly as curious as all of you to discover what a further inspection will reveal.

The book certainly does radiate magic, illusion magic. Once Beylinda steps closer to it, at the same time the book registers as magic to her eyes, the book and the ring of House Cannith she carries both glow a soft light. Words slowly begin to appear on the pages.

Dolom turns to Ama, "As you are the Librarian here my dear, can you read the script and divine anything of value from the book?"

Ama, it is written in a number of languages to throw off would be snoopers. Draconic, Elven and Sylvan. It would take you about 20 minutes to decipher his script. Is there anything specific you want to glean from the book?

Mercenaries, if you have any questions now would be a good time to ask them to see if the Librarian can find answers to them!

Her hesitation erased by the curiosity of getting to examine the journal, Ama came closer to lean over the book, blinking in surprise. As she reads to herself, a slight smile of admiration grew on her face. "Impressive..." Realizing there were others looking in, she tried not to let herself get too distracted. 'Oh, Professor.. What did you get into?"

It took another thirty seconds of reading before she announced, "I can read it, but it will take some time. Sergeant, is there a desk where I can sit and take notes?"
______________________________________
What was he working on? Was he working with anyone? How far along did he get? How long has he been working on it? Did he have a prospective goal? Did he mention why he needed the texts?

Haqueton waits a moment, politely, letting the librarian peruse the contents, before interjecting:

"Ama, if I may be so bold - the one who murdered the owner of this book, and one who approached me...recently....were both warforged. Would any of the information therein [here indicates book] pertain to warforged, warforged forges or the creation of either?"