It would make my life a great deal easier if I could just arrest you lot...".
He listens to the Iomadaean and her deductions. My guess is that it will be those two trouble makers from out of town that were supposedly over Gibbs' place last night. By his account and Zokars, they were from out of town. He gives her a penetrating look That's some very fine thinking on your part - you done this sort of thing before?
Jaru looks impressed, "That is very perceptive, Elidal. I would never have put that together."
Turning back to the sheriff he adds, "It would be better to arrest Gibbs, I think. The jackal yelps with anticipation at his approach or perhaps I should say the crow calls. I would say that he is the main suspect in the desecration of the professor's grave and he was the last one to see the two men that have turned up dead. I would advise that you watch him closely."
Turning back to the sheriff he adds, "It would be better to arrest Gibbs, I think. The jackal yelps with anticipation at his approach or perhaps I should say the crow calls. I would say that he is the main suspect in the desecration of the professor's grave and he was the last one to see the two men that have turned up dead. I would advise that you watch him closely."
Thinking I might do something about that, the Sheriff mutters. At least haul him in for questioning and see if I can't get these two identified.
Lament and the others examine the corpses carefully.
The corpses are in a poor state with little to identify them apart from their clothes which are torn in places. While they have only been out for a few hours to enjoy the attentions of the birds and have likely been dead for maybe half a day, they are in a poor state. Much of their surface flesh and uncovered skin has been pecked away. It is a gruesome sight. Definitely the guards look pale and shaken.
Yet the more perceptive in your midst notice that there are, beyond the ragged pecking that may have disguised them otherwise, deep wounds - something slender and sharp had been shoved into the men in different places and they lay under some of the tears in the clothing.
Jaru also notices that these men are curiously free of the amount of blood he would expect to see and he recalled seeing no pools of blood from his time on the hillside. It could have been washed away by the rain of last night and the early morning.
A consultation with the deputies confirms Jaru's recollections that there was very little in the way of blood where they lay...
Will
Simeon isn't bothered by the state of the bodies, leaning in close.
I got some work to do and so do you.
He looks at you dead pan.
You ARE the judges for the day, are you not? Go back and get those people settled and make sure that the ox is put on to roast and the dance preparations move ahead... Otherwise we may have a town of bored, hungry and excitable people to deal with come sundown... And the only thing that makes it worse is the expectations they have of being fed and entertained.
Normally we'd not need anyone to move things along... But in this case? This year? We're about 6 hours of drinking and confusion away from a riot.
[ooc]Looks like she'll make it either way, but the additional +2 is from her campaign trait. If I understand the homebrew mechanics right, stability checks *are* fear checks so the bonus would apply, correct? Or am I way off base? - Nope. 100% on target!
As Elidal and the others study the bodies of the two men, her mind oddly begins to wander, back to that night in the cave...but she gives her head a shake, frowning. Old memories have nothing to do with this - focus on the problem at hand!"To answer your question from earlier Sheriff Caeller, I do have some limited experience in investigating troubling issues...though nothing quite like this. I think you and Jaru here have the right idea on speaking with Gibbs; he knew the two men and if nothing else, can tell you more about who they are. As to whether he did this, or someone else..." her voice trails off as she continues to examine the wounds on the bodies.
Everyone seems to think that a person did this, probably Gibbs - they're likely right but better eliminate other possibilities, just to be on the safe side. Maybe an animal?
[dice=Knowledge Nature]21
There are a number of creatures that may have done this but one fits the wounds and the apparent loss of blood - Stirges. They are more a magical creature though and a knowledge of the Arcane would give you more details.
They are an insectoid creature that has two pairs of bat wings, a tangle of thin legs, and a needle-sharp proboscis. Not unheard of in Ustalav, it's marshy regions abound with them, but not common for this area either. They feed on blood.
Baradlon nods at the sheriff's words and returns to the town square to oversee the rest of the festival's events.
"Will do. Maybe some fine food and drink will lighten the mood of the people. Let's go guys."
Jaru sighs, "I am certainly not in the mood for dancing, but it has been a long day and some food would be good."
Simeon's head comes up from his examination at the mention of stirges. Tapping his lip he mutters "Stirges....striges...stirges..."
Knowledge Arcana
At the Sheriff's reminder of thier judging duties, Simeon scowls but then nods as the others acquiece. Casting a lingering glance back at the corpses, he follows the other back to the festivities.
Stirges? Haven't heard about them for years... but if they put the bite on these two, why isn't Gibbs on a slab with them?, the Sheriff frowns in thought.
Simeon's head comes up from his examination at the mention of stirges. Tapping his lip he mutters "Stirges....striges...stirges..."
Knowledge Arcana 20 (and Elidal 21)
Stirges are vicious, blood-drinking swamp pests that prey on wild animals, livestock, and unwary travelers. While weak individually, swarms of the creatures are capable of draining a man dry in minutes.
Closer to mammals than insects, stirges carry their bodies through the air on four fleshy wings, searching out warm-blooded prey. They are fond of hiding near watering holes and waiting for travelers to drop their guard, then swooping out to attach and drink their fill by thrusting their long feeding tubes into unprotected veins. After feeding they flap heavily off into the mud and reeds to lay their eggs and rest until hunger drives them to hunt again.
Stirges are usually 1 foot long, with a wingspan of twice that, and weigh just under a pound. Their coloration is rust-red or reddish-brown with a dirty yellow underbelly, though stirges that have not fed in some time are often pale pink, their color deepening as they gorge.
They are known to carry disease as well.
"Too drunk by half,I'd presume. Simeon states, after regaling the others with many specifics on the nature and behaviours of stirges, only halting as eyes began to glaze over.
"Sherrif, I don't recall if this was broached before, but were these 'friends' of Gibbs locals, known to your self?"
The revelation of stirges is relatively meaningless to Baradlon, but it does reassure him somewhat that this at least superficially appears to be the work of beasts, not men. That still didn't answer where the professor's body was, but at least these two weren't likely murdered by necromancers, or some other dark souls. He waits patiently for the others to finish their investigation. It's just the next step in waiting patiently for nightfall when he can go to examine where Petros died, uninhibited by mortal laws.
"Too drunk by half,I'd presume. Simeon states, after regaling the others with many specifics on the nature and behaviours of stirges, only halting as eyes began to glaze over.
"Sheriff, I don't recall if this was broached before, but were these 'friends' of Gibbs locals, known to your self?"
I've run off or thrown a few of his friends in jail from time to time. Not sure about these two and its not as though I can recognise them now. I'll pull in Zokar first then Gibbs second and see what I can shake loose.
He rubs a calloused hand across his grey stubbled chin. But with all of what was said I'd say he couldn't have been part of the shenanigans with the Professor - else he'd be dead like these two.
"Or even more sinister, that they perhaps had something to do with Petros' death?" Simeon asks adopting an air of the lecturer asking something of a reluctant student.
Jaru isn't particularly won over by the sheriff's conjecture, but he keeps his opinion to himself for the now.
"Hmm, so you think that these two may have been the ones to steal the Professor's body and that they ran afoul of who or whatever did this?"
"Or even more sinister, that they perhaps had something to do with Petros' death?" Simeon asks adopting an air of the lecturer asking something of a reluctant student.
Well someone stole the body and took it out of town... seems to fit is all. Where the body is now is anyone ones guess... Anyways you have your work and I have mine.
He departs.
Jaru enters the square to address the milling crowd. He knows only too well how fear can lead to a dangerous mob. "Townsfolk, you have nothing to fear. Father Grimburrow will be fine. He merely became overworked on our hike today. A younger guide would have perhaps been more suitable, but Father Grimburrow insisted on showing me this fine community of which he is so proud and serves so well."
"In fact, it was his sharp eyes that found the two strangers. Again, you have nothing to fear. They were fools to wander drunk upon the moors at night and fell afoul of the hazards there. You have nothing to worry about safely in town. May they be kindly judged, fate willing." Jaru draws the spiral upon his chest with a bowed head.
"But let this not deter this fine faire that has been postponed too long already! I am sorry to have missed the judging this morning and look forward to sampling the delicious dishes that my companions have described to me!"
Lament smiles at Jaru's charasmatic address to the crowd. She walks up onto the judging stage and responds, "May the feasting resume!" She begins playing and singing a jolly song to entertain the townfolk and get their mind off of the earlier events.
Baradlon wanders the festival grounds, keeping an eye out for anyone trying to start trouble, sneak off, or anything trying to sneak in. He smiles and reassures everyone that he's just been temporarily deputized by the sheriff to help keep an eye out for trouble, and that everyone is going to be safe and fine.
While being a Lecturer isn't normally something that one would expect to be of use in this situation, it is something of a performance art.
Simeon gets up on the pagoda and starts pontificating on the history of common Ustalav festivals. You see, your so called 'Faire', is actually an outcropping of the old festival of mid harvest... . His delivery is as dry as his students normally expected.
Its not what you'd call the right audience but its a distraction.
"Friend Jaru is right! And we can't forget about the delicious ox that's just waiting to be had! A fine specimen; I have it on good authority that it was raised and fattened on only the finest grass and grains available, and purchased directly from the fine town of Tamrivena. Doesn't that sound delicious? I know I can't wait to have a taste!"
After making her speech about the ox, Elidal joins Lament in her singing, and attempts to get the crowd involved as well. Everyone loves a good old-fashioned sing-a-long, right?
Jaru - Diplomacy +9 with aids / Aid - Elidal + RP Bonus
Lament - Perform + 9 with aids / Aid Jaru
Baradlon - Perception + 6 with aids
Simeon - Profession: Lecturer + 5 + RP Bonus , Simeon also keeps a weather eye out for trouble afterwards, reporting in to Nighteyes
Elidal - Bluff + 5 with aid & synergy + RP bonus / Aid Lament
In short order you get the event moving again. Elidal and Father Toth extol the food, and Laments encouragement of their underlying message does much. Shortly the towns musicians join Lament, and then Elidal drags the villagers into a ragged sing along that picks up strength. In the background Simeon drones on about the festivals of Ustalav over the last few centuries. He draws some audience, generally the 'oldsters', who nod along to some of his points. Nighteyes wanders the crowds identifying the overly nervous or the overly troublesome, also assisted by Simeon when he finishes his lecture.
Before you know it night has fallen and the Ox (and left overs) are served before the evening turns into a dance. Couples pair off and the throng of dancers move to form and reform, twisting and rotating, jumping and crying out with joy.
The Sheriff gives each of you an approving nod at one point in the evening, though you can see him and his deputies keeping an eye on proceedings.
Jaru takes little joy in the events being weary and disheartened that he was unable to find the professor's remains. He takes the soonest opportunity to return to the mansion to check in on Kendra.
Unlike the Judges who are the focus of some attention and who are expected to to focus on the event itself Jaru is free to move on once the dancing starts.
He is met by Vigilance.
She sleeps, is the extent of his communication.
Quietly moving into her room Jaru can see she is in a state of deep and drugged sleep... likely administered by the tiniture of Valerian, red clover, Skullcap and essence of poppy, a small vial - so marked, sits two thirds full on the bedside table.
On the floor you can see a letter. Something that has likely fallen off the table. Under its edge there is also a fine kidskin leather purse with a small sum of coins within given its weight.
The letter reads,
Dearest Kendra
Allow me to present to you my warmest regards and deepest regrets upon the death of your father. Petros was a man of great insight, with a keen and enquiring mind. It was perhaps inevitable that it would be his curiosity that brought him low, for his questing ways led him to dark places, and what he lacked in prudence he more than compensated for in courage. Regardless, I shall remember him fondly as one who was almost a peer; as a man of intelligence, tempered but lightly by good sense.
My thoughts are with you, my dear. I trust the path you choose to tread in life shall be a safer one than that of your late father – indeed, I would insist upon it.
I may, from time to time, check on your well being and general welfare. Please suffer this intrusion as payment of a debt that this tragic circumstance has imposed upon me. If there is anything that I can do for you, you have only to ask and it shall be done.
With the greatest of respect,
Adivion Adrissant
It is sealed with what looks like his personal seal.
While being a Lecturer isn't normally something that one would expect to be of use in this situation, it is something of a performance art.
Simeon gets up on the pagoda and starts pontificating on the history of common Ustalav festivals. You see, your so called 'Faire', is actually an outcropping of the old festival of mid harvest... . His delivery is as dry as his students normally expected.
Its not what you'd call the right audience but its a distraction.
"and that is why to this day, a bull or other large animal is utilized on the feast day. " Simeon intones, finally finishing a torrent of information delivered dryly and succinctly. The smattering of applause startled him, being used to merely the shuffling of paper and coughs and mutters of unappreciative students.
Smiling , he bowed to his audience and returned to his judging table to sample the local hedge wine again. He mood buoyed by his success, and a couple glasses of wine, his thoughts uncharacteristically returned to his childhood and the few occasions he had attended a similar faire. What most came to mind was the playful games and illusions performed by various mountebanks.
Muttering under his breath he casts a simple cantrip and finds a group of children and holds out his palm , three small stones laying there. As the children watch, the stones change color, then as he passes his other hand over them....they disappear. The gasps of delight cause Simeon to smile, then he leans over and plucks one of the stones from the ear of one of the children...
Perform
After entertaining the children, he wanders through the crowd, assisting Nighteyes in his hunt for any that would disturb the festivities.
The trick goes down well with the kids.
The dance goes on. The villagers drink well from 3 large tuns of ale that were specially brewed for the event. They get boisterous and there is some good natured shouting and rough housing but nothing more than that - especially given the deputies are rapid in getting to any potential flashpoints with aid from Nighteyes.
Jaru refolds the letter and places it on the table with the pouch feeling a bit guilty for the trespass. He steps out of the room to find Vigilance.
"How has she been? Did she have any visitors?"
As the evening wears on and the dancing starts, Elidal spends a few minutes watching from the sidelines and tapping her feet in time to the music.
Everyone seems happy enough...it's almost as if all of the strange things that have happened have been forgotten, at least for tonight. We'd better enjoy it while we can, because it'll be back to life as usual for everyone by tomorrow.
With that thought in mind, Elidal joins the rest of the dancers at the start of the next song. She doesn't approach anyone nor does she seem to expect anyone to approach her; she seems content to dance alone.
[dice=Perform (Dance)]1d20 + 1
Grinning bashfully Trestleblade the deputy starts dancing with you to the cheers of the surrounding villages. He seems quite skilled on his feet and you notice for the first time that he is handsome in a rustic sort of way. He doesn't seem to be mocking you or even making some sort of sleazy approach - it seems to be a genuine attempt to engage you in a dance.
Jaru refolds the letter and places it on the table with the pouch feeling a bit guilty for the trespass. He steps out of the room to find Vigilance.
"How has she been? Did she have any visitors?"
Local apothecary. Jominda Fallenbridge. Female Human. Age, mid twenties. Stains on hands indicate that she operates her own business. New dress - materials somewhat expensive. Worth looking into later, is his reply.
The dance wraps up and springs waning gibbous moon slides towards its zenith, though it will be some few hours before it reaches it. People start to either head home, to homes of their friends or to sheepskins and bedrolls in the tented pavilions around town. A few people stay drinking around burning braziers set up in the square but even they look like they won't be there that long. The weather is cold and crisp but with the promise of warmer days ahead.
Its a good opportunity for you to head home yourselves.
Vigilance has the fire stoked and appears to have dined himself as no one bought him a plate. The remains of what looks like a meal of some bacon, bread and cheese sits on the table.
Not long after your arrival Kendra stirs.
You can hear her moving around her room and after a few minutes she makes an appearance. She's washed her face and hands but she looks pale and drawn.
I... I'm sorry my friends. It was all too much for me. I think I am better now. She thinks for a bit then says I remember you needed me to get you something of Fathers? Let me get you the key to his study.
She heads back to her room and then upstairs for a bit.
The Dance
Kendra comes down holding a letter and clutches a book to her chest. She is not crying but tear marks are fresh on her face.
I decided to open his credenza as well... and found this.
She extends a letter to you, sealed with a blob of wax. It has been opened.
On its outside it is written 'To my friends'.
5th of Calistril, 4714
My Friends,
If you are reading this, I am probably dead and I fear my call for your aid was sent too late. I would vastly prefer to be better prepared to face my foes than I am as I write this letter. It would take too long to explain here – please read my journal to understand what you are facing here.
Whatever you do, do not treat Harrowstone lightly; its remaining denizens do not take kindly to being disturbed. My first foray into that benighted place very nearly met with disaster.
I give you the same advice I always have: knowing your enemy is the key to his defeat. Learn as much as you can about my ‘opponents’, and Harrowstone, before you try to tackle any exploration. I have not had the time to do so, and look where it got me.
I know you will all do well. Stop them. The challenge falls on your shoulders now. I would have loved to lay it all out clear for you but time, as always, moves too swiftly and only allows for regret that more could not have been done with the time spent. I’ve left you enough to find the same answers I did.
—Petros
P.S.: Kendra, if you are reading this, I am so sorry that these words are the last you’ll ever hear from me. I don’t mean to leave you alone. I hope you can forgive me.
—Your Loving Father
Kendra clutches the book even tighter to her chest.
I want a day with my Fathers diary. I want to read it to understand more about him. Tomorrow morning, tomorrow morning I will give it to you.
She reaches into her dressing gown and comes out with a key.
Father has a fair sized library on the 2nd floor. Here is its key. You would be able to start some reading now and look through it for other papers.