If conditions allow, Dumah will spend the next couple of hours introducing himself to the others in the camp. He'll ask each in turn if they've ever heard of a woman named Haleen, or seen her in their travels leading up to this. He'll describe her as best as he can. As he's talking with each of them, if there is a chore they are working on that he can help with, he will.
"I'm not sure that this Dashki is indeed the culprit. He seems to casual about the affair and is already on the defensive that we are going to accuse him, as if he's been singled out before because he is different. I do think he is hiding something and it may well be related to the alchemist's death, but.... Quzman, maybe you can talk to him, befriend him but don't interrogate him. Your common interest in the death of gnolls might cause him to let his guard down. In time he might accidentally reveal himself to you. We must be careful with this, he already acts as if we think he is gulity."
Minutes later, Garavel re-enters the tent, stroking his beard. "Well, my dear Dumah, you are a sharp one. The princess agrees with you that out of this entire camp, the only ones for sure whom we know are innocent of this crime are the people currently in this tent. Therefore, that puts the six of you in the prime position of being the only trustworthy ones to conduct this murder investigation. I know you came to hunt gnolls, not find a murderer, but Princess Almah is steadfast in her notion that our trip to Kelmarane cannot continue with a murderer in our midst. So find the killer and find him/her quick. You have authority from her to question anyone you want. Be smart, sense who is lying to you, trip them up, I have complete confidence in you. I have a list of everyone in the camp. Where do you wish to start?"
Perhaps a deception may help narrow the field. What if we made it known that in investigating the alchemy fire we discovered a poison was released in the initial explosion. Anyone close to it at the time is at risk of severe illness or death by dusk without a spell from our good cleric here.
Garavel smiles, "I like your thinking, however, to make it believable we would need to stage a person getting sick in front of the crowd. Without it, the announcement would seem too suspicious. Ok, is there an actor among you who can fool the crowd?" Garavel eyes the card-playing Eli.
Quzman nods to Eli, "I maybe able to talk to him about gnolls and their habits. I don't know how much our lives may have been the same outside of this, but we can see."
His eyes open wide at Dumah's idea to fool the crowd. "Fast thinking wizard, very fast thinking there. I agree with Garavel though, Eli will probably be the best out of us to pull something like this off in front of an audience. I usually prefer the stillness of the night to crowds myself."
It looks like all eyes go to Eli...
Heal
Survival
Jarva tries to think of an appropriate poison which might have the effects the group is looking for.
Jarva tries to think of an appropriate poison which might have the effects the group is looking for.
"Well if you want me to try and con the the camp into thinking that I am ill I sure can give it a go. But, correct me if I am wrong, we want the culprit to think that they were exposed to the poison while killing the alchemist. My acting should send him or her into a panic to expose themselves. If the killer is smart enough to cover up the stabbing by burning the body and make it look like an experiment gone awry, don't you think they would be smart enough to know their own lack of symptoms would mean they had not been effected? Instead lets tell everyone in camp that who ever was in the wagon prior to the assault was exposed to a slow acting poison and then describe the symptoms. If we make the symptoms vague enough anyone who is feeling guilty will be tricked into thinking they have been exposed. We also let slip that some of the antidote survived the fire and that Brebork has it in case anyone is in need of it. Our killer will not want to show themselves to get the antidote but may try to steal it. We lay a trap and then snatch them up. What do you think?"
"Well, Eli, you make some good points. However, if we follow your assumptions, I believe the killer's greatest ability and strength is his/her ability to blend in this camp. He/She could be the gnome healer, one of the mercenaries, one of the cooking girls, one of the camel drivers, or even April, the 10 yr old girl (though I doubt that last part). Therefore, if we follow your suggestions, if I were the killer, I would simply show myself as a mercenary, cooking girl, etc. and ask for the antidote, along with rest of the camp. No need to steal it. Then we would be back to square one. What do the rest of you think? Or we can abandon all these ideas and you just interview all the suspects?"
Any that would present themselves for a cure would be the first in line to be questioned. And, perhaps, withholding the cure could be incentive to speak...
"Well, let's do this, I'll speak to the princess, have her men get the camp together for an announcement, at which time, we will announce that there is an affliction in the camp, similar to desert fever, and that we are recommending that anyone who was within proximity of the fire see our priest Brebork to avoid the risk of any infection."
"Everyone needs to pick one or two of the group you know to watch during the announcement for uh any strange reactions,"
Jarav suggested to the gathered team.
"I don't think I was clear enough in explaining my plan. I would like to tell everyone that anyone who was in the wagon could have been exposed, but only if they were in the wagon. We then make up some symptoms that are fairly common and that everyone would probably have because of the heat or dirty water. Hopefully the killer will start to notice these 'symptoms' in themselves and panic, their guilt will make them see common things as the effects of the poison. They don't want to be exposed as having been in the wagon so stealing the antidote would be a better option. We don't offer the antidote to everyone because no one should need it unless they were in the wagon right before the fire started. If the killer believes they could die from the affliction they will try to get the antidote and if everyone in camp believes that you could only be affected by the poison if you were in the wagon as the fire started then come up to get the antidote will make you guilty of starting the fire. I don't think we should tell the camp as a whole. I think we should let the camp members overhear us talking about the poison, the secret stash of a cure, and that we think it was foul play. Word will get around and if we do a good job of bluffing about the poison than the killer will be worried for their life and have to try and get the antidote with out revealing themselves."
Garavel turns to Eli,"And you, my friend, you would fall for that plan?? It would not appear convenient at all to you? And weren't you the one who just said minutes ago: "Don't you think they would be smart enough to know their own lack of symptoms would mean they had not been affected?" Your plan does seem contradictory to me. At least with Dumah's idea, the killer will seek the cure because he feels safe that he/she will not be identified because he will not be the only one applying. Second, you are assuming all assassins are stealthy by nature and the killer will attempt to sneak in and get the antidote. An assassin is just one who is skillful with a knife and knows where to stick it. You seem pretty skillful with the rapier, the way you destroyed the undead commander, are you as quiet as a night shadow? If that's how you want to proceed, decide among you, just let me know if you need me or the princess to set anything up. I don't care which plan works as long as you catch him/her."
"I agree is would be a difficult plan and the symptoms would have to be fairly common that anyone would have them, but that someone who thinks they are affected would start to believe they are affected. We have to trick the culprit into succumbing to the fear of dying. It's a holding low cards on a big stack kind of bluff. A big risk for a big gain. I would trust Brebork to detail some symptoms that we all are currently having but when viewed by someone who believes they may be ill would start to interpret the effects of a real poisoning. We also can't make it a direct message to the camp, it has to leak out so that they don't think we are looking for it. And yes, who ever we claim has the antidote would be at risk, but we all will be watching and protecting that person. This is a small group so I doubt that anyone would try to do something openly at risk of exposing themselves as the murderer. We would have to constantly be on the alert for someone, day or night, to try and take the antidote either by stealth or force. I have made my case, I will let you all decide how we proceed." Eli will sit back and wait.
The subtle distinctions elude me, I'm afraid. And if our assassin fails to be duped, then nothing is really lost. So, to summarize… We would have one of us that was close to the alchemists’ fire disappear into a tent. Later, it will be announced that a poisonous gas was released either before or during the fire. The symptoms may not show until dusk, but if they are not treated before then it may be quick to kill once symptoms do show. Brebork can detect and cure the poison… Hmm. Another thought just occurred to me. What if we announce that the alchemist had released a poison, his assassin would have been exposed, and whether or not they succumb to it, Brebork is preparing a spell that detect it. The camp will be pulled together in the morning to be checked for the poison by spell. It would paint a target on Brebork, but we could be assured that the assassin would either try to flee or incapacitate Brebork.
Garavel smiles, "Best idea I've heard yet. As long as Brebork is willing. You must have been a crime investigator in a past life, mage. I'll start making plans for the announcement."
Jarva nods at Garavel, "Yep, that sounds like a plan to me. Unless Brebork um has a problem with it."
"That sounds like a good plan to me Dumah. What say you good priest? I'm sure we can keep any assassin off of you...probably." <wink>
Pacing around the room a little, "However, once we tell everyone this news, we'll definitely want to post watches to make sure Brebork's slumber is peaceful...and not permanent. Hah. I jest at your expense good Brebork, and I apologize."
Brebork has been listening quietly, a doubtful expression on his face.
Well. I can play the physician go through the feigned motions of a spell to detect poison. I do not mind the risk to myself. I do not like deception however, but we are not hurting or harming anybody in the deed, so I think my Goddess - let us Praise Her! - would not be offended. Nevertheless I have doubts that our ruse will reveal the killer. Brebork sighs Well let us try then. Shall I make an announcement to the camp? Omne more thing...have our trackers looked about the outskirts of camp? Perhaps the killer has come from outside?
Kyra stays quiet most of the time, sometimes nodding in agreement.
In this area she has no expertise so she leaves it up to the others.
Responding to Brebork, Jarva adds, "I haven't checked for any signs or prints around the camp, because well I didn't figure any reason I should. I will check around at nightfall to see if there are any tracks just to be sure, and let you know. I say we go forward with the plan now, though."
A few minutes later, Garavel returns. "So the priest is willing, great to hear it. The order has been given to gather the camp, you will address them in 30 minutes. Princess Almhah will introduce you and whomever feels comfortable may speak to the crowd, be it the priest, the mage, or anyone else. Prepare, I will come get you when the crowd is ready."
"I can speak to the camp, I feel pretty confident I can convince them that the poison is real and not to be taken lightly. I have been holding busted cards and convinced cut throat card players I was holding the wining hand many times. If you want me to do it, I think Brebork should stand with me as a symbol of reassurance that he will indeed be able to detect the poison and save any who were effected. The rest of you should scatter around the group to see how people react. Brebork and I will be able to view those up front but any who stray to the back of the gathering will be harder for us to notice any reaction from. Those staying to the back will more likely be our culprit anyway."
May I suggest we add an element of occasion to the announcement. Eli, you do the talking with respect to our poison ruse, as this sort of gamesmanship appears to be your talent. I shall stand by your side in support, wearing my priestly vestments. I shall then follow up your speech with a lively sermon suitable for the time of day, one designed to invest authority onto the proceeding, to bring fear to the heart of the criminal and to encourage confession under the open Light of Heaven.
I will stand aside, near the crowd. I'll watch for anyone who has a particularly odd reaction. Kyra, Quzman, Jarva, you all have sharp eyes. Will you watch as well?
30 minutes later, Garavel comes and leads you to the makeshift podium, where the entire camp has been gathered. The crowd seems antsy and hushed whispers can be heard: Is this about Eloais? Was his death an accident? Are we in danger from the gnolls?
Princess Almah addresses the crowd: "A grave situation has afflicted our camp. Master Wynnstock and the priest of Sarenrae, Brebork, as well as the rest of their companions Dumah, Kyra, Quzman, and Jarva, you may have seen them walking around the camp, have been investigating Eloais' death since the fire and have important news for you. Please grant them your undivided attention. Gentlemen, if you will.... Princess Almah walks away from the podium toward the side, with her guards flanking her, while the crowd waits with eager anticipation for the news.
Eli stands in front of the gathered camp members and quickly scans the group looking to see if anyone is missing. Clearing his throat he says, "Thank you Princess. We indeed have some disturbing news in regards to poor Eloais' death. It seems whatever he was working on, perhaps causing the unfortunate fire that killed him, involved some kind of rare and deadly poison. Now there should be no cause for alarm, since the poison was contained to the alchemists wagon. However, to insure that everyone in the camp is safe my friend, Brebork a priest of Dawnflower, will be able to detect the poison and cure it. Again let me assure you that this is just a precaution since it seems the only way anyone of us could have been contaminated, was to be in the wagon moments before the fire started. Now let us give are attention to words of Sarenrae's faithful servant and afterward Brebork will begin the process of meeting each of you to ensure that you are free of the deadly taint." Eli then stands aside and watches the assembly for any reactions while Brebork speaks his sermon.
The crowd gasps in fear and worry upon hearing the words "deadly poison" and seem to tune out the rest of Eli's speech, and the questions start to fly, as panic sets in, even before Brebork reaches the podium.
Ute, one the mercenaries speaks up: "How do you know the poison was contained in the wagon? If it was airbone, the wind could have taken it and contaminated the entire camp? When will the priest being detecting if we're poisoned?"
Trix, the serving girl, with tears in her eyes, says: "I served Eloias his lunch in his wagon earlier today, could I have been contaminated by the poison? I'm too young to die!", she yells, as she begins crying uncontrollably.
Zyra, the cook, speaks up: "Sweetie, stop your tears, you're fine, the good priest cured and saves us from death, don't you remember? I'm sure his touch cured any poison as well. Right, Brebork?", she asks as she gulps down.
Flynn, one of the Princess' guards, speaks up: "My mates and I were putting out that fire and inhaling all the fumes from the wagon, we were the greatest at risk. The priest should cure us first!"
Then numerous voices in the crowd start saying: "Me first, no me, my daughter first, she's just a child".
Dumah is scanning the faces of those gathered, looking for anyone that is reacting unexpectedly.
Perception
Sense Motive
Jarva also scans the crowd paying particular attention to the "gnoll expert" that he still did not trust.
Perception
Quzman stands behind the main group during the discussion trying to non-challantly keep an eye on the crowd for any reaction.
Intimidate
Diplomacy
Bluff
Sense Motive
Brebork stands tall by Eli with an authoritative countenance and when the the young noble finishes his speech he cpongratulates Eli for the performance. When hears the buzz around the congregation he then steps forward with a raised voice.
Fear not good people of the desert! Although we are in a savage land under a hot sun, that which we fear may also deliver us! First of all, none of you need fear the poison! The nature of the fumes were such that once the fire in the wagon became a roaring blaze, whatever was left of the posonous vapours will have been expelled into the wide air and would not have been harmful. Anyone who was in or near the wagon when the fire was started will likely have inhaled the fumes...and for them it will be deadly unless we treat it now. But Fear not! For I can use my arts and the prayers of my faith to detect the poison in each of you. And once found I shall call upon the favour of the Most Merciful Sarenrae and employ whatever healing arts I have to remove the poison. It is necessary - to be safe - that I treat each and every one of you in turn - lest for any reason the poisonous taint have reached you through the breeze. I shall look first to any children and then to those who were nearest to the blaze. Each of you will recive my ministration. There is no need for unorganized haste! Should the poison have reached you it will take several hours for it to take effect.
But before begin I feel I must speak of Eloais who has recently departed us. I understand that many here had mixed feelings about the man. Surely now he has past through the flames of judgement and his soul will now pass on to it's deserved place of rest. Let us hope it is one of peace, and we shall assist him on the way with a right burial. But WOE to him or any who would pass though the flames of judgement with a heavy heart, with dark secrets unredeemed before the everlasting Blaze! We are fortunate to have a Heavenly Protector above, who would redeem us of any sin if we would only own up to our deeds and confess to her. Let that flame of judgement be her Merciful Light. Only her Fire has the power to sear way the wounds of the body, heart and mind! Yea! If there were ever a time for confession it would be now! - under the all-knowing Light of Heaven. And so I am also here to bear witness before the Blessed Dawnflower for any who seek her forgiveness. Eli, please assist me in lining all present in a row before me. I shall address each in turn.
Once a line has been organized Brebork will carry out his aspergillum with holy incense in it in one hand and his holy symbol in the other He pass along the line muttering prayers to each person - looking them in the eyes - and waving the symbol over them. When he reaches the halfling Zastoran he will look him in the eye and whisper softly in his ear "I must speak with you of this matter once the ceremony is complete - please remain nearby until it is complete
As a professed follower of Nethys with healing skills, Brebork guesses that Zastoran is unlikely to fall for the poison ruse, and would like to speak with him privately later.
Kyra stands near the people of the caravan and scans the crowd.
The emotions of the camp are all over the place. The line begins to form, starting with the camel driver (Kyle) and his daughter April, the Princess' 4 guards (all with worried looks), and the 4 mercenaries (all with nervous looks). Zyra, Trix, and Zedric stand apart from the line. Zyra speaks: "Dear Priest, your healing hand saved the three of us from certain death, surely do not need to stand in line, right?" Zastoran also does not stand in line.
"Sonofa..., the druid whispers to himself, "I guess he's not the murderer after all." He starts looking around for the rest of the "investigators" to discuss their findings.
Brebork works hard to preserve the solemnity of the occasion without betraying his own uncertainty and discomfort at having to play these tricks. He moves down the line with as much efficiency as he can.
He speaks to Zyra, Trix, and Zedric. "I have indeed healed you, however if you please - allow me to at least examine for the presence of the poison - just in case. It will not take long and will do no harm to you. Please."
With dejected looks of little children, Zyra, Trix, and Zedric join the back of the line, while Kyle and his daughter wait anxiously for Brebork to examine her.
Jarva looks toward Dumah, Kyra, and Quzman, and motions for them to get together so they can discuss quickly what everyone detected, out of earshot of the rest of the caravan.
I think Zastoran is on to our ruse, but he doesn't seem angered, just puzzled.
"Uh, if I were betting, I'd bet that Dashki isn't our killer either. He wasn't the least bit worried about the goings on," Jarva said, with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Once the bogus poison detection job is finished Brebork sings a prayer and then thanks the crowd - hopefully bringing the affair to a close. He then calls some of the guards. He asks one of them to send a request to the Princess requesting her decision on how Eloais' burial is to be arranged. He offers to perform a simple funeral ceremony for the man if she wishes it.
Then he joins the conversation with his companions.
Zastoran knows we are up to something and I will need to speak to him soon. Eli ,should I let him in on this? He is a skilled healer, he works with potions and knew the alchemist well. He had a business relationship with the alchemist and would not have benefitted from the burning of his wares. I think we can trust him. It is unlikely that he would have been fooled by my ruse in any case. As for our smelly friend - he may not be guilty of this crime - but his unusual behaviour may indicate that he knows who is. He may know something about this which could solve the mystery. You were watching the others. Were others acting suspiciously? - let us be mindful that this whole charade was suspicious on our part. When people are afraid and confused they often act suspiciously. Also bear in mind that the real culprit may well have called our bluff too. Did we really learn anything from this?
Brebork sighs.
With a low voice, "Zedric is fearful, but I think it maybe fear for the animals in his care, rather than fear for himself. He looked their way when the poison was mentioned."
To Brebork, "I am not sure we would want to involve those outside our immediate group. If we admitted we misled them, it may cause bad blood for future endeavors. They may suspect, but we should probably hold our council to those who knew about it from the start. This is only my opinion, but I know I would be upset if I had been misled about being poisoned."
Then, do we need to start interrogating everyone in turn? Intimidating possible assassins is not my strong suit. Who believes they may be able to get the truth from the citizens here?
Whatever we do I will not engage in any more ruses and deceptions with these people! One lie necessitates another...and soon web of deceipt entabgles us in a damnation of our own doing! I already regret the choice I made to do this. If this continues we will have squandered any trust these people have in us and I will have brought shame on my Church! Let us operate quietly behind the scenes now. Keep our eyes open. I will stay quietly in camp. I can speak to Zastoran and any who else would speak to me. Does anyone have an idea of how I should speak to the halfling? I agree with Quzman, it is best not to speak too openly - but I will not lie to him. I shall wait till he comes to me. I will stay in camp, tend to some cooking and address any concerns the people have. The Princess may call on me to perform a funeral rite. Jarva, can you or Quzman or Kyra please look to the outskirts of camp before any signs are blown over by the shifting sands?