Ish straightens his posture as Kurst and Jagrin arrive. Throughout their search of the room Ish remains standing by the door, attentively awaiting any instructions. When they do come, the druid wastes no time in answering in the affirmative, stepping in front of the closed doorway to block anyone from entering.
Raevon watches as a sombre Kurst trails the draped body. Jagrin and Kurst, but no Rodrik, he thinks to himself and reaches the logical conclusion as to the identity of the deceased. This is a tremendous loss indeed.
Raevon bows reverently as the groups passes him by. My sincerest condolences Master Kurst. If there is anything I can do to assist please name it.
The room is surprisingly quiet. Aside from Jagrin's exclamation of "No" upon first entering you can not make out any words. In fact it does not seem like anything is being said but unless your ears are deceiving you you think you hear some muffled sobs. Jagrin's bursting out of the room almost knocks you over but he says nothing to you. Once the priestess arrives there is finally something to hear, although slightly muffled.
I'm so sorry.Tyari murmurs.
Is there nothing... a distressed male voice counters in a hopeless sort of tone; everyone in that room recognizes death.
I'm sorry You can hear Tyari again say. We will care for him now.
Soon everyone emerges, the body being carried by the two guards with Tyari leading the way and Kurst bringing up the rear. Kurst's eyes are red and troubled. As they pass Raevon, Kurst looks up at his words but they barely seem to register, he offers a nod absently and continues on.
Receiving no meaningful answer, direction or request, Raevon moves off to find Bronwynn.
Raevon finds Bronwynn at her favorite noshery, The Hungry Hydra, known more for it's filling fare than ambiance, enjoying breakfast. In fact it seems that a lot of the citizenry can be found here as Cham, proprietress of Ramblehouse, is not serving breakfast this morning and maybe not even lunch if the scuttlebutt can be believed.
She is already seated with Ugula and Bhox, who also enjoy the generous portions the place provides, when Raevon walks in. He joins them at their table where they are reliving their victories of the night before, seemingly oblivious to the tragedy that has the town in a tizzy.
Raevon barely gets his greetings out when Ishan and Nils walk in looking a bit at loose ends.
Seeing the familiar faces gathered around a table, Ish nudges Nils to follow and waves a friendly hello to everyone as he makes for the group. As he nears he asks everyone, Can you believe what's happening around here? Ish points a calloused thumb over his shoulder in the general direction of the Ramblehouse then leaning over the table lowers his voice such that only those seated can hear his side of what's going on at Cham's. One minute I'm resting in bed, the next I'm out in the hall guarding the door to a murder, then they're kicking everyone out! Ish taps his chest to show he was one of those kicked out before turning to politely appropriate an unused chair from a nearby table. Trying not to get in the way of anyone else the half-orc squeezes himself in with the rest group. Still keeping his voice down, Ish's tone leans towards being incredulous, its just crazy for people to start turning on one another.
Looking up from his plate, mouth full of food, Ugula says What? Who's dead? Anybody important?
He grabs his mug and quaffs a large portion of it's contents and then wipes his mouth with the back of his forearm.
Casually inspecting his thick, rough knuckles he says I don't remember any serious fights last night. Nothing that would have ended in a death anyways. Anybody else see anything?
Raevon greets his niece warmly before taking a seat and nodding gravely at the others present. In response to Ugula, the wizard replies in a whisper as to not draw the attention of others in the room, Although it has yet to be confirmed, I suspect the dead man to be Rodrik Grath. Jagrin and Kurst were on the scene but no Rodrik. Their reactions, as witnessed by myself, reinforce my conclusion.
Turning to Ish he inquires, Did you see or hear anything that might indicate how he died? What makes you think he was killed by another?
It's not everyday that Ish finds himself at the center of attention and, his voice low, Ish almost excitedly responds to Ugula's questions, Don't know who, but there was lots of blood!
Raevon's question however, startles Ish. His eyes widen as though being jolted back to reality and Ish stares at the elf for a moment. Things have suddenly gotten serious and Ish's brow furrows now in concentration. Nodding slightly, Ish keeps his pale eyes on Raevon's and begins to lay out everything he can remember, They wouldn't let me in, told me to keep everyone out so I stood guard by the door. Jagrin was the first to enter. He was quite distraught. Then Kurst entered. He fell to his knees and had to be escorted out. There wasn't much said by anyone, the guards and High Priestess Varvatos were pretty tight lipped. When I looked in the room, there was lots of blood. I could tell it was a man but his face was turned away so I couldn't see who. I remember he had a good build though, dark hair. One of his arms lay over the side of the bed and... The sudden realization he'd been caught unjustly imposing his own biases and judgments upon the world makes Ish blush in embarrassment. Seeing now he has spoken hastily Ish continues with Raevon then addressing everyone else at the table, ...my apologies Raevon. I think I may have jumped to my own conclusion. Its just, I don't understand how anyone could do that, I mean as sombre as it is, Trunau isn't exactly being overrun and everyone was enjoying themselves last night. What reason other than capture would drive a man to...? Ish lets the question hang and returns his gaze to Raevon, The man's wrist was slit. Quietly Ish traces the spire of Pharasma in the air then kisses his knuckle murmuring a short prayer, Goddess forgive my reckless words. Let me atone for this oversight so I might one day face your judgement with a free conscience.
The door opens and the room becomes briefly quiet as Kurst Grath enters. The hum starts back up again, a little more hushed but a little more fervent. His eyes briefly scan the room and when he sees your table he heads straight over.
He addresses Raevon quietly but not to the exclusion of the others at the table. You offered your help earlier and I find I am in need of some. If you could please meet me at the Longhouse in half an hour I would be most grateful. His eyes scan the rest of the table, You can all perhaps be of help.
With that cryptic request he leaves.
Apologies? For what Ish? I was merely asking if there was an obvious cause of death. Are you now saying that he killed himself?
Raevon stands and gives Kurst a slight bow as he approaches the table. Of course. Anything I, or should I say, we can do to help.
Given the half hour, Raevon makes directly to see Agrit at the House of Wonders before heading to the Longhouse for the meeting.
Apologies? For what Ish? I was merely asking if there was an obvious cause of death. Are you now saying that he killed himself?
It is, Ish lowers his head, what I saw.
After first promising to meet at the Longhouse, Ish spends his time eating what The Hungry Hydra has to offer in the way of breakfast. He pays the server promptly before filling his canteen and wolfing down half of his meal. The rest, he wraps in a cloth and packs for later before heading straight for the Longhouse.
Ugula finishes his meal and decides to wait until Ish is done to head over tot he longhouse together. While waiting he decides on a second plate of food. While initially planning to save some for later, he opts to just devour the entire helping.
Nils finishes his morning meal before heading to the longhouse as requested.
Agrit greats Raevon but seems a little less cheerful than usual, no doubt because of the gossip swirling around. Before he can even get his questions out she queries him, Is is true what they are saying? Is Rodrik dead?
In regards to scrolls she replies a bit sheepishly, Well all we have right now is magic weapon and divine power, but I can make to order most basic stuff if you give me some lead time.
When the others arrive at the longhouse they find it surprisingly empty. Normally there are people getting ready for their patrols, getting back or relaxing in between shifts. Right now Kurst is the only one they see. He beckons you over to one of the tables in the common area and with a deep breath in, as if to steady his resolve, he speaks.
Thank you for meeting me. I’m sure you’ve heard by now that my brother, Rodrik, 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.
I simply can’t handle the investigation and tend to my family duties at the same time. I may be a patrol captain, but right now, I feel my responsibilities as a brother outweigh my other duties. Still, I can’t just let this lie. I’m afraid I’ve exhausted all my other options, the other members of Trunau’s militia are competent defenders during siege times, but they’re not sleuths by any means. Raevon I know you in particular have an exceptional intellect, I need your help. Will you investigate my brother’s death?
Raevon replies evenly, I have not heard anything official at this point but my deduction is that it is Rodrik yes.
Getting right to business he continues, I am most interested in acquiring a spell of the third circle. It allows for the divination of spilt blood. I am also interested in the a divine spell that allows for parlay with a departed soul. Might you be able to procure such scrolls?
The wizard bows and replies kindly, Of course Kurst. Anything we can do to help. Please accept my formal condolences to you and your family.
I will, with utmost respect, need access to both Rodrik's body and the room in which he was found. The sooner the better.
What, if any, resources are at our disposal?
Please forgive my forthrightness, but I think it best if we start immediately. I hope you don't find offence in my questions but what, if any, investigations have already been performed? What was the manner of death? Has anyone attempted to speak with his soul via magic? Are any of his belongings missing? Anything that Rodrik has done lately that would indicate he was contemplating ending his life? Does he have any enemies, within, or outside of, Trunau?
Ish and Nils were already waiting near the Longhouse when Raevon approached. Allowing the others to enter ahead of him, Ish takes his place at the back of the group. He listens intently to what Kurst has to say and at Kurst's confirmation of the death of his brother Rodrik, Ish draws a spire over his heart. Muttering a quick prayer to the Lady of graves, Ish returns his attention to the conversation and Raevon's questions, eager to hear the answers.
Raevon replies evenly, I have not heard anything official at this point but my deduction is that it is Rodrik yes.
Getting right to business he continues, I am most interested in acquiring a spell of the third circle. It allows for the divination of spilt blood. I am also interested in the a divine spell that allows for parlay with a departed soul. Might you be able to procure such scrolls?
Agrit lowers her head in a silent prayer for Rodrik. At the mention of the scrolls Raevon wants she raises an eyebrow, but doesn't put her thoughts to words. The first one I can easily make for you myself, the second is you may wish to speak to High Priestess Tyari about, but I think that spells of that nature may be forbidden to her. I can try to acquire it but it may take weeks or months.
She considers for a moment then seems to reach a decision. If you are wishing to speak with Rodrik, I can cast the spell for you. I wouldn't normally disturb the resting but your requests are indicating that foul play was involved and I can not in good conscience let a murderer escape justice. I would have to study on it but I could do it tomorrow.
The wizard bows and replies kindly, Of course Kurst. Anything we can do to help. Please accept my formal condolences to you and your family.
I will, with utmost respect, need access to both Rodrik's body and the room in which he was found. The sooner the better.
What, if any, resources are at our disposal?
Please forgive my forthrightness, but I think it best if we start immediately. I hope you don't find offence in my questions but what, if any, investigations have already been performed? What was the manner of death? Has anyone attempted to speak with his soul via magic? Are any of his belongings missing? Anything that Rodrik has done lately that would indicate he was contemplating ending his life? Does he have any enemies, within, or outside of, Trunau?
Kurst looks weary but answers your questions with a surprising candor and professionalism that he has rarely displayed, as his brother usually did the talking.
Of course, I appreciate your desire to get to the heart of the matter. You may go where you wish and question whomever you wish. You are to be the investigators, nothing has been done yet. Quite frankly I am only just able to keep myself together enough to keep the patrols going. I was too overcome when confronted with Rodrik to notice any of the things you are asking. If you tell me what you find I may be able to tell if anything is missing. You can speak to Cham and she will let you into his room at Ramblehouse, where he was found. I told her to leave the room as it was until I gave her leave. I will give a you note saying you are my official representatives in this matter.
His body is at the Sanctuary where we are keeping it until the funeral. Feel free to examine it. To my knowledge no one has tried magical means to contact him. It is unlikely that Tyari would and no one else knows the situation.
There are a couple of people in particular you may wish to speak to.
Here his voice changes a little becoming a bit hesitant. I just recently learned that Brinya Kelver and my brother were lovers. I believe they were even engaged. He sighs heavily, If he did take his own life, she may have a better understanding of his state of mind.
Patrol Sergeant Omast may also be able to help you. He and Rodrik patrolled together frequently and he has been a family friend since we were children. Perhaps Rodrik confided in him
Straightening his shoulders and making direct eye contact Kurst declares, I can't believe Rodrik had enemies in town, not ones that would kill him anyway. He was well liked and this is a small town, we rely on each other. He shrinks back down again after remembering that his brother had been keeping the big secret about Brinya from everyone, But maybe I didn't know him as well as I thought. with another sigh he continues, Question everything.
Remaining silent, Kurst's mention of the Ramblehouse leads Ish to unconsciously reflect on the floor. The room he'd stood guard at less than an hour ago was stained with Rodrik's blood. Red! Ish shutters at the excitement that color brings out in him. All that blood at the Ramblehouse had stirred something in Ish. Reminded him of his nature, Damned orc blood! Fortunately the name Kurst has dropped snaps Ish back to reality. Brinya. Focus Ish! Raevon will need our assistance to gather evidence. Stay focused! Damn! Did Kurst just mention Omast? Ish groans inwardly. He is not looking forward to speaking with Omast so soon after his last encounter with the Patrol Sergeant.
Ishan knows that exchanging hopeknives when becoming engaged is also common in Trunau.
Brinya is a local half-orc weaver. She is generally quiet and reserved but is a very kind and generous person. Proposals also usually include a ring given from to proposer to their intended.
Raevon looks at Agrit somewhat perplexed. You can scribe me the blood biography spell and cast speak with dead yourself?
Raevon replies to Kurst's last statement with a tone befitting the graveness of the situation. We will do our utmost to uncover the truth, whatever that may be, this I swear to you.
Turning to address both Kurst and his companions he continues, Bronwynn and I will examine Rodrik's room. Nils and Ishan can question Brinya and Omast. We will examine the body tomorrow, and attempt to contact his soul, but in the meantime, I think it best that Rodrik's remains be kept under constant watch to protect against tampering. If he was murdered, the guilty party may take steps to ensure that we cannot get the answers we seek. Ugla and Bhox? Are you up to the task?
Any other suggestions?
Nils shrugs non noncommittally. I can talk to Omast if Ishan wawnts to talk to Brinya. Afterwards I will head to the church to watch over the body if you want.
If there is no other discussion Nils stomps off to locate Omast.
Raevon looks at Agrit somewhat perplexed. You can scribe me the blood biography spell and cast speak with dead yourself?
A misspeak, I can cast the blood spell you seek. I am definitely no cleric!
/
When Raevon and Bronwyn arrive at the Ramblehouse they are met by a flustered Cham Larringfass. Producing Kurst’s letter seems to rattle her even more. You are investigating Rodrik’s death? It was suicide wasn’t it? That’s what it looked like. She babbles nervously as she leads them to Rodrik’s room.
This sparse room contains only a single cot and a writing desk. The cot is a cheap affair with a straw-stuffed mattress, now stained red with blood soaked through 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.
/
Ishan’s knock on the door of the Spinning House is answered by Tegan Gwyn, owner of the boarding house. When Ishan asks to see Brinya, Tegan gives him a hard look. She is in no state to see visitors!
/
After much searching and asking around Nils manages to locate Patrol Sergeant Frum at the South Tower. He is obviously inebriated, almost to the point of incoherence, but seems determined to somehow scale the tower and wash away the graffiti that adorns it. Musht clean thish up! Rodrik… dishappointed…protect. Only a few words can be discerned from his mad ravings.
/
With Ugula and Bhox heading over to the Sanctuary, Kurst offers to accompany them. I must speak to Tyari about the funeral arrangements. I will let her know you are to have access to Rodrik.
When they reach the temple Kurst directs them to the basement where Rodrik’s body is being kept but declines to go down with them and instead goes to find Tyari.
Examining the body reveals that the most likely cause of death is massive blood loss due to slit wrists. There are no other markings anywhere on the body and other than the bloody gashes in his wrists Rodrik looks peaceful.
Raevon's suggestion makes Ish cringe, No, not Omast! Fortunately, Nils' offer to take care of the patrol sergeant is a welcome relief. Ish quickly regains his composure. Nodding dutifully to the elf wizard Ish throws a quick smile of thanks in Nils' direction. With their duties assigned, the pale half-orc waits patiently for his que to leave with the rest of the group then politely excuses himself.
Ish heads directly to the Spinning House. Tegan's harsh greeting is almost expected considering what has transpired and Ish responds by bowing politely. He greets Tegan in traditional Trunau fashion before speaking, Please forgive my intrusion Tegan. I, and others, have been charged by Patrol Captain Kurst of the Trunau Militia to investigate Rodrik's death. Ish produces the letter provided by Kurst (his credentials), allowing Tegan to inspect it. On behalf of the town of Trunau I am here to convey both my condolences to Brinya and, Ish's voice holds some regret for having to make an official request, ask about her relationship with Rodrik. Adding with sincerity, I feel her insight would be most useful.
Tegan doesn't even bother to look at the letter Ishan is trying to proffer but steps aside to let him in. With a withering look she points him to a door at the end of the hall and goes off grumbling about respect, heartlessness and other inaudible things.
Ishan's knock reveals Brinya on the other side of the door. Her face is wracked with grief and stained with tears.
Tegan's dry response leaves Ish feeling puzzled. He'd tried to be respectful and polite but unfortunately, proper social graces do not appear to be one of Ish's strengths. Perhaps he'd used the wrong tone? Ish makes a mental note to use a more appropriate tonality when he speaks with Brinya. As he makes his way to her door, Ish finds himself wondering, much to his dismay, what exactly the proper tone might sound like.
Clearing his throat, Ish gently knocks on Brinya's door. Her tear stained face sends a pang of guilt through Ish's gut and suddenly Raevon's request to interview Brinya has become quite difficult. The half-orc quietly drums up his nerve to speak. Not wishing to draw the same reaction he'd received from Tegan, Ish chooses to keep his naturally deep voice respectful and soft, Forgive my intrusion Brinya. Ish bows politely. My name is Ishan Grayhill. I have come to offer my most sincere condolences. Ish bows again. It is a bit awkward however as this time he begins to question whether bowing too many times might be considered insulting. Standing, Ish decides he'd better not waste the poor girl's time and gets to the point, Kurst has begun an investigation into Rodrik's death. As you were closest to Rodrik's heart, perhaps later, when you are ready, you could assist... Ish stops himself. Tripping over his words, Ish realizes his heart is not in this task. He's come to get information, but not if it means making enemies by upsetting Brinya further. It's bad enough people like Omast loathe his kind, but to risk having another half-orc despise him, This is clearly not the right time! To hell with the interview. Raevon will have to wait... Changing his mind Ish shifts gears. Keeping his tone sincere Ish speaks from the heart, I apologize Brinya. I can see now is not an appropriate time for that. I shall take my leave, but before I go, I'd like you to know you are not alone here Brinya. If you'd like someone to talk to, about anything. I'd be happy to listen. Anytime. Not wanting to bother Brinya further, Ish prepares to leave, taking a step back toward the door.
Excellent, I will attempt to bring a bit of Rodrik's blood by tomorrow for you to cast upon. I will inquire of Tyari about casting the other spell but it may prove unnecessary if your spell works.
Raevon looks at Cham and replies matter of factly, No determination of the cause of death has been made at this point, hence the investigation. Appearances can be deceiving, or intentionally misleading.
As the proprietor shows them to the room in question, Raevon takes the opportunity to question her as well. Did Rodrik stay here often? Did he have anyone with him in his room last night? Any visitors at all? Did anything out of the ordinary happen here last night? Anything at all, no matter how small or inconsequential it may have seemed at the time. Is there anyone else who may have seen things last evening? A list of guests and visitors would be quite useful.
When shown the room, the wizard takes a moment to take in the scene as a whole before moving to the bed and gathering up the linens. He then examines the room thoroughly, with Bronnwyn's help, starting with the cot, then the desk before moving on to the window and finally the door. He leaves nothing unturned. Removing that which can be and overturning everything to look every where possible.
He is most concerned with evidence of someone gaining entry to the room other than Rodrik himself or indication that another was present at some point in the night.
Before opening the desk Reavon notes out loud, If it were suicide, I would expect someone of Rodrik's ilk to pen a note. Was one found?
Raevon returns to the Longhouse to examine Rodrik's usual quarters as well as his personal belongings with the same thoroughness as before.
Raevon immediately seeks out Tyari to inquire about having speak with dead cast upon Rodrik.
It takes Brinya a moment to fully comprehend the words of the scruffy looking half-orc in front of her. Her mind is scattered and reeling from the news of her fiance's death she received just over an hour ago. Eventually the words begin to make sense and tears again begin to stream down her face, running through the tracks established in the previous hour.
With a shuddering sigh she struggles to compose herself. I..I want to help in anyway I can, please, come in.
She leads Ishan to a small table with two chairs. She sits in one, obviously expecting him to take the other, but keeping her emotions in check have made her forget other niceties and she seems almost in a daze.
Relieved he is not being thrown out, Ish carefully makes his way to the table and sits. Thank you Brinya. You honor Rodrik with your courage. Before he speaks further, Ish reaches into the folds of his cloak to retrieve a clean handkerchief which he offers to her. I regret I have nothing more to offer you at this time. Ish suddenly remembers the remnants of his breakfast, but quickly decides against offering her his table scraps, She deserves a real meal, and makes a mental note to have something from the Hungry Hydra sent later. Kurst has also been overcome with grief. Because of this, he has tasked us with examining the circumstances surrounding Rodrik's death. As the closest to Rodrik's heart, only you can provide us with some insight into Rodrik's true feelings. Do you know if he was distressed?
Brinya looks somewhat surprised by the question. Distressed? I wouldn't say that. Disappointed in his father's reaction to us but hardly surprised by it.
Without warning Brinya breaks down sobbing, It's all my fault! she cries, We fought, I yelled at him, said I didn't want to see him! Now he's dead! I will never get to take back those words. She continues to sob uncontrollably. A sharp knock on the door precedes Tegan entering the room. I think Brinya needs a little peace right now. Her look clearly indicates you should go as she goes over to Brinya and pulls her close into a comforting hug while she continues to sob on Tegan's shoulder.
Cham flinches at Raevon’s words, suitably chastised. Stumbling to answer his questions she speaks as she leads him to the room.
This was Rodrik’s third night here. He usually stays at the Longhouse; I don’t know what brought him here. I didn’t notice anyone with Rodrik last night. I was very busy though, with the celebration and all. I’m sure everyone else would answer the same. My guests and lodgers are not a nosy bunch. She states, ignoring the contrary evidence of human nature.
She has maintained her back to you this whole time and upon reaching the room opens the door, averting her eyes from the scene inside. I fainted immediately upon finding him. No one has been in here since they took the body away.
Inside the room in addition to the furniture, cot, desk and chair, there is a water pitcher and glass on the desk. A thorough search reveals a hope knife on the floor, laying in a puddle of blood and fairly thoroughly covered in the stuff. Under the bed, wedged between the frame and the wall, is a receipt. Mornighawk Fine Steel Receipt
The desk also proves to have a false bottom in the drawer; it is empty however.
The window was latched and the door locked. Cham confirms she unlocked it when going to give Rodrik his wakeup call. The locks are very basic though and it is likely that an apprentice burglar would have had no trouble with them.
The Longhouse is like a barracks with a half dozen rooms each holding 6-8 sleeping quaters in the form of bunkbeds. The rank of the Grath family, and the fact that they live here full time, has afforded them more private quarters. Rodrik’s room is very small and contains a bed, desk, chair, trunk and wardrobe. A search reveals nothing unusual. There are clothes, weapons, and some unfinished poems that Rodrik had been working on.
You are greeted by Brantos Calderon, a paladin of Iomedae. He takes you to High Priestess Tyari who refuses to cast speak dead as it is forbidden to her. She lets you know where Bhox and Ugulu are.
Your friends are in the basement with Rodrik’s body. We do have perfectly adequate security here you know.
Surprised by Brinya's sudden outburst, Ish attempts to comfort her by placing a reassuringly hand on her arm, Do not say that Brinya. Rodrik was a strong man, he... Cut off by Tegan's entrance, Ish stands respectfully to allow Brinya's friend to attend her. He does not protest at Tegan's dismissal but bows politely calmly stating, I understand. I'm very sorry for having intruded upon you so. Thank you for allowing me a chance to speak.
Although Ish would have liked to stay and continue to offer his support, he also knows he is not exactly in Tegan's good books and he feels somewhat responsible for Brinya's latest outpouring of emotion. Rather than provoke Tegan's ire further, Ish sees himself out reflecting on what he has learned.
He returns to the Hungry Hydra and speaks with its proprietor to arrange for a full day's meal for Brinya. Leaving payment in advance for three of the Hyrdra's more extravagant selections Ish then arranges for a messenger to go to the Spinning House later in the day to kindly invite Brinya, at her convenience, to order anything she wants from the Hungry Hydra. As insignificant as it seems, to Ish, a good meal is as comforting as a warm blanket on a cold night. In his heart, he feels he has made an important gesture towards soothing Brinya's remorse and he is certain the Lady of Graves would not judge him harshly for having done so.
Feeling his errand completed, Ish seeks Raevon and Bronwynn out at the Ramblehouse. Should he fail to find them there, he follows their trail until he catches up with the elf and his niece. He then waits for Raevon to address him before reporting everything that transpired at the Spinning House concluding, Brinya somehow feels responsible for Rodrik's death.
Cham flinches at Raevon’s words, suitably chastised.
Cham flinches at Raevon’s words, suitably chastised.
Nils sighs at the clearly inebriated Omast. Omast, you must come with me. I have some questions for you about Roderick and I am sure we will have to get some coffee in you before you will be coherent. Nils will wait patiently for Omast.
Appearing to be almost inextricably tangled in a web of ropes he is trying to use to aid his climb, Omast doesn't appear to to hear Nils and is locked in possibly mortal combat with the ropes. A small crowd has grown; the sight of Omast's struggles are lightening the mood in the area.
He continues muttering and struggling only to occasionally break off and cry out Rodrik! and briefly blubber into a very wet and grubby handkerchief tucked into his sleeve. The mention of Rodrik's name takes some of the levity out of the situation and a few of the people leave the scene.
Raevon watches and listens to Cham as she speaks. When she finishes he looks her in the eyes and says softly but firmly, You seem nervous Cham. Are you being completely honest with me? I need you to tell me everything you might know about Rodrik's comings and going no matter how uncomfortable it might make you.
Rodrik has only stayed here the past three nights? Never before? Did he have a visitor either of the other nights?
As for your guests? We will ask them ourselves as to whether they saw anything. Might I see your guest ledger please?
Raeveon examines the knife and the receipt.
Turning to Bronwynn he muses out loud, Why would Rodrik have a receipt for a hope knife engraved to himself? Or does the receipt belong to Brinya? What happened to the original knife? We'll ask Ish to question Brinya, and you can talk to Sara, about it.
Raevon shows the recovered knife to Kurst and his father and asks them if they have seen it before.
The elven wizard nods slightly, I am sure you security is usually adequate. I thought it best not to burden you with round the clock security on the body. If foul play is to blame, the perpetrator managed to kill a prominent and skilled fighter in a crowded inn, without raising a disturbance and escape unseen. I am merely being cautious.
When shown to the body, Raevon looks it over and remarks, No defensive wounds? Both wrists slit? How and why cut both? I would think it remarkably difficult to handle a knife with a slit wrist to cut the second.
If he didn't cut his own wrists, how did the murderer catch him unaware? Surely even if the first cut was made whilst he slept he would have awoken and fought back. Unless he couldn't. Paralyzing magic? Drugged? Rendered unconscious?
It is a long shot but Raevon examines the remains for magical auras.
He then asks, Is someone able to cast detect poison upon Rodrik?
His eyes wide, Ish listens with great interest at Raevon's assessment of Rodrik's body, nodding noticeably with obvious admiration. As the elf mention's the unlikelihood of Rodrik having been able to cut his second wrist, Ish rubs his own thumb firmly over his pale calloused wrist. Noting the way his hand naturally responds by curling inward from the pressure, Ish grasps Raevon's logic, Of course! A deep cut would render one's hand incapable of holding even small objects!
At Raevon request for anyone capable of recognizing poison, Ish modestly raises his hand, If I may Master Raevon, I think I can assist. Taking a deep breath, Ish closes his eyes as he exhales. Reaching out with his senses to the stones within the walls Ish visibly relaxes. Opening his eyes, he steps forward and directs his concentration upon Rodrik's still form. Ish leans over Rodrik and inhales deeply though his nose then examines both the color of the warrior's skin and tongue as well as their texture.
Ish agrees to return to Brinya's later, after accompanying Raevon to the Sanctuary to examine Rodrik's body. Part of Ish is eager to hear Raevon's impression of how Rodrik died while the other part of him dreads having to impose himself upon Brinya's courtesy so soon after his failed interview. Ish requests to be allowed to take the the knife with him though, it will act as a convenient excuse and, he hopes, aid him in getting past Tegan.
It is obvious that Cham is hiding something. With reluctance she retrieves the guest ledger and hands it to Raevon. I swear, I didn't see anyone with Rodrik or near his room! She crinkles her nose with disgust as she mentions, Most of my other guests were thuggish group that rented nearly all of my rooms last week. They checked out late yesterday but I wasn't able to rent their rooms last night because they basically destroyed them!
The ledger reveals one item of note. The last entry is for a room rented before Rodrik checked in for the evening but contains no name. When questioned about this Cham breaks into sobs, He refused to give me his name, and he paid me in a fistful of gold He said he would be gone before sunrise. I didn't ask any more questions, I had no idea that something like this would happen!
Jagrin Grath refuses to see anyone. He is locked in his room and is overcome with grief. Kurst looks wearied by the days events but looks at the knife you have found. I imagine it is his knife. There was nothing special about it that I recall, but they aren't used for everyday, I didn't see it often. He relates that is could even have been a new one. I myself have had to get a replacement for a lost blade.
In response to asking about detect poison Tyari sends for one one the trainee priests. We do have someone who knows that spell. The result of the casting reveals a faint aura. Detect magic reveals nothing.
If I may Master Raevon, I think I can assist. ....Opening his eyes, he steps forward and directs his concentration upon Rodrik's still form. Ish leans over Rodrik and inhales deeply though his nose then examines both the color of the warrior's skin and tongue as well as their texture....
Ish's frowns at the sight of the aura. He'd not been expecting to see anything yet here it is. Hmmm, there is something... Ish doesn't rush himself but concentrates on what he can to try and determine what variety of poison is present.
You would not know if you got it right or wrong. You either roll high enough and get it right or you don't roll high enough and potentially get it wrong or don't know. If you were using alchemy I would let you take 20 because you could keep testing.
Ish scratches his head, I am sorry Raevon, the trace of poison I see is not something I am familiar with.