Zed Ulmin |
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Zed has been a little withdrawn due to the aristocratic nature of the environment. But he can be pretty lively for an investigation.
I believe we said teams of 2, correct? Let's each take 10 rooms (and one team takes 11).
Verm & Vala
Rooms 1-10
Kaz & Zed
11-20
Hazel & Constantin
21-31
Hazel Stokes |
D21 - It never hurts to know where the bathrooom is! Hazel would totally enjoy a bath later, I bet.
D22 - Trophy sightseeing? Probably slightly more up Hazel's alley than Constantin's, but sure!
D23 - Might run into some of the other guests hanging out here, so it can't hurt.
D24 - Same for this location; we might run into some of the other guests or staff here.
D25 - Ditto here, too.
D26 - I'm guessing we kinda already know where these are since I assume it's where we're sleeping too. It might not hurt to see if we run into anyone here but Hazel wouldn't recommend barging into anyone's room at this point in time.
D27 & D28 - I'm assuming from the descriptions that these will probably be locked but it can't hurt to at least know where they are and how to get there again if we need to.
D29 & D30 - This one is obvious; we can check out what sort of research facilities we've got available.
D31 - Unless this happens to be where Estovian has met with us, we're obviously out of luck in getting access to this at this point in time.
While I obviously think it would be fun to do this in a more 'natural' manner, I also understand that sandboxing in PbP is difficult so going with Zed's suggestion in the interest of actually getting stuff done in a timely manner will work for me.
Constantin Ionescu |
Constantin diligently absorbs directions, then discusses plans with Hazel.
Kazamir Rhuul |
Any thoughts, Zed?
As Kaz and Zed work their way out onto the grounds, the former inspector takes note of whatever marks he can see on the ground: First, to see if there instances where someone has been still for long periods of time, as if watching the Lodge; second, to get a general baseline to which to compare tracks later.
Kaz will take 10 or 20 on Survival(+4) and perception (+14) if possible.
If they are uninterrupted, Kaz will quietly watch the staff at work in the kitchens, affecting an air of polite, harmless curiosity. bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
IF guests are not present, he will ask the staff who among the patrons might frequent the music room.
GM-JZ |
Hazel and Constantin first make their way through the Lodge to the washrooms
These small rooms contain fresh water, washbasins, towels, and chamber pots, all immaculately clean and the room has a fresh scent of pine. Empty porcelain baths sit in both a communal bathing area and in private rooms in spite of the fact you have similar facilities in your own guest rooms.
Nothing seems unexpected and no guests or staff currently occupy the rooms.
GM-JZ |
Constantin and Hazel
The Trophy Room is possibly even more impressive than Estovian could recount.
Glass classes line the walls where the only spaces that remain are saved for giant displays of taxidermied animals from the mundane to the extremely exotic.
Some of these creatures are unknown to you and others still you have only come across in books while others are common, but deadly prey such as a dire bear and even a griffon.
Once again though, the room is devoid of guests.
GM-JZ |
Constantin and Hazel
The sitting room contains couches, chairs, and a few end tables. Several portraits of Lozeri’s former nobility adorn the walls, and a stone fireplace keeps the room warm. It is predominantly used for partaking in hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs, and engaging in light conversation before or after dinner.
However it also provides a very comfortable space for anyone just wishing some peace and quiet in the daytime.
The man you saw at breakfast, the stern older human who you guess to be Cilas Greydon looks up from his book as you enter, a slight look of annoyance on his face. He gives off the air of a no-nonsense type and simply nods at you stiffly as you enter.
New guests? I didn't think there were many more due this late in the season, especially a group as large as yours. his voice is rich but his words are clipped as though he finds the act of talking a chore in itself. You're with Ariesir? he asks.
GM-JZ |
Zed and Kaz - Fountain
A low, slate patio surrounds a large fountain filled with exotic Tian carp. A statue of the lodge’s former owner, Count Beauturne, forms the fountain’s centerpiece. Elaborately carved walnut trellises, laden with black grapes and blood-ivy, partition the courtyard from the estate lawn, providing some privacy to those within.
As you stroll from the fountain back toward the hedge maze, your natural inclination is to cross a small patch of grass between the patio and the path. In doing so you notice a clipping and clacking noise from near the entrance to the maze. You pass by a stooped human with a pair of hedge clippers, carefully pruning the verge. He doesn't appear to notice you.
GM-JZ |
Verm and Vala - Gatehouse
Vermundr and Vala walk out into the sunshine and decide to begin in the grounds themselves.
The entrance to the lodge is through twin wrought iron portcullises set within large arches inside a small half-timber watch-house, flanked on each side by a low stone tower. A small contingent of six guards lives in the lower chambers of the towers and monitors the gate.
You recognise the guards from yesterday and as you approach they look a little confused, possibly because not many guests every speak to them directly, and one mumbles;
Hello. I mean, good morning sir, madame. Are you heading into the woods? his question is tinged with concern as he looks at the seemingly frail old woman by Vermundr's side.
Valavastra Cross |
"Not today, at least I hope not. Though thank you for your concern, dear. I was hoping that you men might be able to help me though. My niece was taken and the trail of the responsible party has brought us here. You all probably see more of the goings on about the lodge than the Warden or others, would you mind talking with us about the last several weeks?" She kneads her hands together as she speaks, hinting at her worry for Kendra in her posture and mannerisms.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
Valavastra Cross |
She sighs heavily, shaking her head, "I wish I knew. I hope not. Maybe the devils passed through recently and only stopped here briefly, or maybe folk here are more involved. Did that halfling turn us away two days ago because he knows why we've come or was he just trying to do his job as well as he can? I don't know. It's taken us so long to get here and now we have so little information and know even less about the Lodge. Would you help me? Please? I don't have much, but I'd be willing to offer coin in exchange for your time."
GM-JZ |
The man looks almost embarrassed and offers his hand to Vala to guide her to sit down on one of the hard wooden seats in the gatehouse.
With all the money the guests have what come here you'd think they'd pay us better. But that don't mean I'm ready to take coin off a lady what is lookin' for kin. Same with any of the lads 'ere. Jonas, get a brew on, son.
The man is older than the rest, but no more senior in rank. Despite that it seems that they look to him for direction and the younger guard named Jonas does as he is bid.
Won't be as good as what they got in there mind. he adds apologetically. But if me or the lads can 'elp we will.
For what it's worth I'm sorry about yesterday. We're pretty familiar with most recommendations and Count Caromarc hasn't sponsored someone to stay 'ere years as far as I know. So I reckon Belik was probably just doin' what he thought was right on that one. Still an officious little turd, if you don't mind my saying so like.
Zed Ulmin |
Zed takes a sweep of the area.
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
Hazel Stokes |
Sitting Room
"Hello! And no, not quite," Hazel replies in greeting. "We were already on our way here from elsewhere and happened to run into him and Delgros while they were out on a hunt," Hazel explains. "Considering what sorts of things prowl around outside we decided to er, join forces for the rest of the trip back."
Unconcerned about formalities, she sticks her hand out. "Anyway, I'm Hazel Stokes and this is my friend Constantin. It's nice to meet you...?"
GM-JZ |
Sitting Room - Constantin in Hazel
Cilas Graydon. the older man says as he shakes Hazel's hand. His hand is rough and worn and despite his fine clothing it is the hand of a man who has wielded a weapon for a long portion of his life.
You also note that he omits the formal title he carries - the Margrave of Sturdinae.
I've never seen you here before. he says flatly.
Hazel are you armed and armoured?
GM-JZ |
Sitting Room
Not for now. he shakes his head. The business of beasts isn't something that concerns me and Estovian has the Lodge secure. They know better than to bother us or else bring down the wrath of half a dozen different armies and mercenary groups given the money available within these walls.
Executed though.... could you describe this person? Cilas asks sitting forward now.
Valavastra Cross |
Vala pats the guard's hand gratefully, "Thank you, dear. That's a relief about Bellik, I suppose." She sighs, then accepts a steaming cup as Jonas brings it back over. "Oh, you're a sweetheart, thank you." She sips it gingerly, wincing slightly at the bitterness of the brew but she nods. "Bitter, but good. Somehow that's more of a comfort. Feels and tastes real, if that makes any sense." She gives Jonas' hand a grandmotherly squeeze and smiles.
"You're all so kind. The people who took my niece, I don't think they'd be clumsy enough to just carry her through the gate gagged and wrapped in a sheet or the like; I'd be reunited with her already had that been the case if your kindness to an old woman is any indication. Has anything seemed off or different in the span of the last few weeks, though? We've already heard terrible rumors in the surrounding wood about the wolves about, but has anything odd happened here, in the lodge?" At mention of the rumors, she shoots her burly but stoic companion a worried look, casting Vermundr in the light of dutiful protector.
GM-JZ |
Gatehouse
The older guardsman scratches at his greying beard. He is handsome in his way, carrying a quiet confidence.
Yeah well those wolves have got all the lads a bit nervy. Guests can't hear them in there. he gestures to the Lodge. But out here we can hear every howl. And there's been a lot of them. I dunno what's been going on.
He takes a sip of tea.
Good boy, Jonas. You can nip off now if you want, it's shift change in an hour anyway.
I dunno ma'am it's all been pretty quiet all told these past few weeks. The wolves aside of course. Belik came running a couple of weeks ago and said he saw wolves skulking around the treeline so we all came running. But if it was there it scarpered quick enough. Since then we've been taking to lighting torches just outside the treeline and so far we haven't seen anything untoward. The Warden is confident we're safe and I've never had an issue when I've been here so maybe the wolves will keep to themselves.
Zed Ulmin |
Zed turns to Kaz. "Nothing out of the ordinary here, unless you think the gardener is worth questioning."
Hazel Stokes |
You know what? I'll say that she is, unless she was explicitly told/asked not to by Estovian or someone else. They've seen and encountered enough weird and dangerous s@#$ in the past that Hazel isn't going to feel bad about doing this.
"Well, he was lashed to a tree, several feet off the ground," Hazel explains. "Jaw was broken and stuffed with purple flowers, big silver hunting knife lodged in his chest. And he had another big gash on his stomach that also had purple flowers stuffed inside. Whether he was a werewolf or not we don't know, but whoever left him like that sure seemed to think he was. Heck, it might've been Duristan and his hunting party since it wasn't long after finding the body that we ran into them."
_______
I never was 100% certain because I don't think Duristan ever explicitly said so, but was he and his hunting group the ones responsible for the above? I know we asked him at the time but I don't recall him giving us a straight answer.
GM-JZ |
Sitting room
Cilas sits up as if noticing Hazel for the first time. He runs his eyes over her, not leeringly, but in admiration as he notes the way she has buckled her armour and cared for it despite the action it as seen.
His brow furrows when he notes the Starknife at her belt
Yes, yes, yes. he says impatiently. But the man... did he have sandy blonde hair, a beard and a mark on his upper arm, a tattoo in the shape of a crest?
Hazel confirms that he did not.
Cilas slumps back into the chair but you cannot tell if he is disappointed or relieved.
I see... I am waiting for someone and I feared... it doesn't matter. Your armour, are you a military woman? he asks.
GM-JZ |
Hedge Maze
The man looks up from his clipping and stares at you briefly. He squints deeply despite the sun being at his back and a line of spittle runs from his curled upper lip to his shoulder. You can see even by looking at him that he clearly has some kind of mental difficulty.
An uncomfortably long silence sits between you before he says;
I cuts the grass and the hedge. And waters the flowers. Don't go stepping on the flowers! he points the clippers alarmingly at your chest.
He does not seem perturbed by Zed's appearance at all, possibly because he doesn't understand it's implication.
Hazel Stokes |
Sitting Room
"Oh! Not military no, but..." Hazel reaches into her armor and pulls out her holy symbol, shaped like a butterfly. "You could say that I'm still a soldier that fights for a cause. My training was more focused on fighting enemies of the faith than healing the sick or tending to the temples."
"At any rate, I'm sorry that we weren't able to give you any news about your friend," she continues. "If you don't mind me asking, what's his name? Maybe when we go back out we can keep an eye out for him, especially since you've already told us what he looks like."
Valavastra Cross |
"I see. There's some comfort in that at least, I suppose." Vala nods gently, partially relieved that the guards are confident in the wolves keeping back from the walls. "Well, if no one strange has come through in the past several weeks, and nothing odd's transpired here, is there any place in the Shudderwood you think they could have taken my niece? I'm afraid I don't know the wood well at all, just enough to get from Caromarc's schloss to here, to be honest."
GM-JZ |
Constantin and Hazel
Cilas takes the letter from Constantin and Hazel and reads it through thoroughly. Despite the repairs they made earlier, areas of the paper are still tinged maroon with blood and after a few moments, longer than would be needed to read it, he folds the letter and looks away.
What a damned shame. What a damned, damned shame. he repeats.
For a few minutes he doesn't say anything and the air in the sitting room starts to grow cold and tense. Then, he turns again and says;
Did you perhaps recover his body, or any of his effects? I know the family well and would like to return them if I could.
Hazel Stokes |
"I was afraid of that," Hazel sighs when Constantin produces the bloodstained letter they'd found within the old tower. "I'm sorry. We found him inside of an old tower that these...web-slinging creatures were using for a lair. He wasn't their first victim either, based on what we found."
"We didn't recover his body but we did put an end to the monsters that killed him and we managed to bring the whole tower down when we were done," she explains. "Makeshift cairn and all. It seemed fitting, especially since we didn't have the time to dig proper graves for all of them."
I see the 'loot' that we found during that little excursion but was any of it specifically found on Echtmoor? If it was, Hazel wouldn't object at all to returning it.
Vermundr |
Vermundr shrugs. "Delgros seemed like a man that knows his craft. We'll check in with him later if he's not busy."
Not much else to add. Vala's killing it.
GM-JZ |
"I was afraid of that," Hazel sighs when Constantin produces the bloodstained letter they'd found within the old tower. "I'm sorry. We found him inside of an old tower that these...web-slinging creatures were using for a lair. He wasn't their first victim either, based on what we found."
"We didn't recover his body but we did put an end to the monsters that killed him and we managed to bring the whole tower down when we were done," she explains. "Makeshift cairn and all. It seemed fitting, especially since we didn't have the time to dig proper graves for all of them."
** spoiler omitted **
I understand. Cilas says, taking the signet ring from Constantin. Many a makeshift grave I have left on battlefields for men and women who deserved better.
He stands then and draws himself up to his full impressive height, making you think he must have been quite a specimen in his fighting days. He offers you both his hand and says;
I shall thank you for this, there is a banquet tonight that all guests are free to attend. I shall have a draft written up prior to that to compensate you for what you have done for my friend Echtmoor.
If there is anything I can help you with you need only ask. he says grimly in the way that an old soldier might.
Zed Ulmin |
"Yes, and you do a very good job." Zed says to the gardener. "Could I ask you a question? Have you seen anything out of the ordinary lately? Anything interesting?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Kazamir Rhuul |
"The grass and the hedge and the flowers are beautiful. You do good work, sir," Kaz responds, bowing his head to the gardener briefly.
On to the kitchens and music room.
GM-JZ |
"Yes, and you do a very good job." Zed says to the gardener. "Could I ask you a question? Have you seen anything out of the ordinary lately? Anything interesting?"
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+5
Yeah cos I keeps everything cut and nice, see. the gardener says. And the flowers only comes back in the summer. he blinks heavily. Can't get new ones if they squashed.
He begins trimming the hedge once more, humming tunelessly as he does so, seeming not to hear or understand Zed's question as opposed to ignoring it completely.
GM-JZ |
Kaz and Zed
You expected the kitchens to be quiet now given that breakfast has been served. But the place is a hive of activity.
The chef and several helpers including the scullions and servers from earlier this morning are busy chopping, peeling, boiling and preparing. Their responses to you are quite clipped and short but you gather that they are getting ready for the banquet that evening.
As they approach the music room they hear a pleasant tune coming from within. It is the strummed chords of a harp, played really rather well.
The room itself is beautifully decorated in panelled wood and oiled oak flooring. It is accentuated by velvet cushions on a leather chaise long which a black grand piano dominates one corner.
Light streams in through a stained glass window, bathing the lady playing the harp in a rainbow hue. She is wearing a red dress that hugs her curves a little too well, highlighting her plump waist and hips instead of complimenting it while her bosom practically spills out.
She doesn't hear the door open as you come in.
Valavastra Cross |
Vala nods her head softly, her expression a mix of gratitude and disappointment. "Delgros? We'll- we'll seek him out then. Thank you so much for your time. I'm sorry to have troubled you kind men with my troubles." She pats the guard's hand who's been speaking with her and offers a half smile.
Rising and setting her empty cup beside her, she shakes hands with each of the guards. "Thank you all again for showing an old woman some kindness." She turns to Vermundr then and hooks her arm in his, "Let's go find Delgros then, dear."
Off to D7!