"Whoever is not going with Angel and Conner can come with me to the church of Iomedae. Good hunting."
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Xavorin looks over at Angel.
"I will come with you and Conner in case we find same there that may take more then two people to take down or if we have another chase."
As they walk Angel will hand out the 2 potions.. "I think we should start down by where the kids suggested.. The wash was it?"
The kids recounted they lost sight of "Glenna" after she swam a bit down the river. She went into the water at the wash, and they lost her near the mill, where she dove under and never came back up.
D'witt contemplates the creature he fought with, but it isn't until Conner comes up with doppleganger that it clicks for him. "Of course." He offers what he can remember of his encounters and what he can recall from his own learning.
When Angel brings up investigating the river D'witt declines. "I think I'll avoid getting wet again. I'll stay with Sir Gareth and check out the church. See you guys back at the inn." He gives Conner, Angel, and Xavorin a mock salute before turning to follow the knight.
Sir Gareth and D'witt head up the hill to the Temple of Iomedae. They pass the Smithy, the Inn, Sherlocke's caravan set up to sell some of his wares, the Potions Shop Angela mentioned, the Trade's Bank, the Trading Post, the murder scene still roped off and guarded, and lastly the Temple itself.
The temple has quieted down somewhat as the day winds down. Many of the homes have their cook fires going, filling the village with the warm smell of woodsmoke and evening meals. The sun is setting behind the temple, so soon the lower village will be dipped in darkness. Sir Gareth takes a look downhill towards the river, and hopes the others are careful.
The pair stand before the Temple of Iomedae, an attendee passing on her way home, nodding kinkdly, and the pair pause a moment to reflect on what troubles they've found for themselves. When ready, the doors and the priests beyond await.
Murder scene? "Let's inspect the scene of the murder before we enter the victim's temple." He says to D'witt.
Sir Gareth introduces himself to the guards and takes a look around.
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D'witt nods and follows Sir Gareth's lead as the approach the scene of the crime.
The scene of the murder occurred just down from the temple. Y'dey's body was found bruised, battered, and stabbed, the killing blow. The ground is littered with scuffs, shuffles, and boot prints. A large pool of blood mars the ground at the point Y'dey was discovered.
A guard offers a recount. 'Er Canoness was fount early dis mornin. A woman goin ta Kirk past n sawt da body. 'Er cry callt uders, antha watch wast brought. We roped off n Y'dey wast removed ta da kirk. Appears twas a struggle, so she die't wit honor, da way ya'd espect fer a lady o' da sword.
Any silver blood? Anything else to find taking 20 Perception?
On the way to the mill.. "I was told these potions would allow a few minutes of air only, so we must be quick about our search.. We must assume that the fiend dove at least close to its lair's entrance so i suggest we search there and hope to get lucky.. If your potion expires early don't hesitate to get out of the water.."
Any silver blood? Anything else to find taking 20 Perception?
No silver blood, no dropped clues or other evidence. You would need someone capable of discerning tracks to tell you more, rolling a survival check.
Closer to the mill, the speed picks up. A sand and stone bankment has been erected within the channel, funneling part of the flow to the paddle wheel. This side of the wall is ok, once past, the waters are rougher. Also, be careful of the paddle wheel. Do you have light sources for once under?
At this point in the river, the width is about 100' across. The dock sticks out about 30' from the mill, the paddle wheel about 10' (the paddles are about 7' long, the spindle 2' out from the mill wall.) Depth for the speed is probably 20' this side of the river, deeper on the other side of the submerged embankment.
No silver blood, no dropped clues or other evidence. You would need someone capable of discerning tracks to tell you more, rolling a survival check.
"D'witt, what do make of these tracks?" Sir Gareth asks his generous companion.
Alright, Angel and Xavorin, if one of the two of you can light the way, I am ready when you are.
"D'witt, what do make of these tracks?" Sir Gareth asks his generous companion.
D'witt checked around the scene with a careful eye, making his way over to Sir Gareth to examine what the knight had found. He crouches by the tracks and looks them over.
"They're old and not everyone in the area was careful to avoid them."
After D'witt examines the tracks, d'Orionus replies, "Maybe Conner can take a look at them, too. He amazes me some times. Guard, please ensure that no one disturbs the area until I return."
Pulling a small stone from her pack Angel sets it above her head.. As she lets go its starts to rotate and glow, shedding considerable light..
Looking around for onlookers she begins to remove her fullplate.. "I doubt i can move to well in this under there, so i'm going to remove it and stash it here.." Afterwards she pulls 3 potions and hands them out.. "Remember we have but just a few minutes.. Stay close.. Bottoms up!"
Conner chugs the potion.
Let's go.
Swim:
Survival to find trail:
Xavorin drinks the potion and jumps in.
Swims out to the middle of the river and dives down.
[dice=perception to look around]1d20+10[\dice]
After D'witt examines the tracks, d'Orionus replies, "Maybe Conner can take a look at them, too. He amazes me some times. Guard, please ensure that no one disturbs the area until I return."
Agreed sir. No one disturbs the area when you return.
D'witt does notice that there are several tracks in the area, but cannot make out which ones are part of the battle, and which were part of the group that found Y'dey. He does identify at least seven distinct sets of footprints, if that helps.
No one seems to be around on this side of the river, though from the sounds across the way the mill is still under operation. Angel finds a decent, shrub sheltered area behind the mayor's home to change out and stash her armor.
Conner dives in and swims underwater into the dark flow, treading in place above the submerged levee, trying to spy anything that might represent a "trail". His eyes adjust as the others close in, bringing light, and he surveys the algae and plant life along the silt and clay bottom.
Xavorin tries a similar approach as did Conner, but picks an unfortunate spot, diving into a shallow sandbar, which forces him to swim over it, and then once clear, re-dives down to aid Conner. Like Angel, he too has a small stone circling his head providing light, in his case in the form of a pale blue flickering fire.
Angel, satisfied that the others are in the water, takes a quick run and springs from the bank, slicing into the chilly spring water with grace. A few powerful strokes and she is beside the others, treading water and looking around. The light of the two small stones gives strange and shadowy contrast to the fleeting light filtering down from the surface, but enough to see shapes and judge some forms. While you cannot see either bank, from this postion you can make out the paddle wheel and mill, the channel formed by the levee, and a few feet beyond both up and down stream.
Conner notices that the area around the mill wheel has been groomed and cleared of plant life, rocky outcroppings, and debris. The rest of the area has to be expected submerged obstacles and detris, but within maybe twelve feet of the mill, all is clear. Further downstream, just at the feeble edge of light, he notices darker shadows where perhaps much of the cleared materials may have been dropped.
Xavorin notices the stonework along the wall behind the paddle wheel is devoid of the algae that has grown up over the rest of the base and bank of the levee before the mill. As he moves to swim a little closer though, Angel stays him with a hand to his shoulder. She has spied what appears to be a four foot diameter plug set into the stonework, in the area between the paddle wheel and mill wall. Possibly a submerged entrance to the mill, an area to access the mechanics of the grist gears, who knows. What she is certain is that she sees the plug, and signals so to the others.
Carlson sits in his cell meditating, patiently, or at least as patiently as an accused man can. When will the Justicar, the Magister, anyone come again and let him know what transpires? It seems hours pass before he hears someone above opening the way, coming down the stairs. A lovely young woman, hair chestnut brown, skin of a light beige, dressed in a pale blue robe, comes into view. She walks over to the desk, removing the key, before turning to face him.
Hello. My name is Amelia, though you may call me Mistress Amelia she says, with a small curtsy. The Magister is away this evening on village business, and my fellow students are attending to other duties. Can you cook? Clean? Do other chores? she asks. I have been granted permission to put you to some use, to get some value out of your stay here, as it were, she says with a smile. That is, if I can have your solemn oath, her eyes growing stern, that you will get to no mischief while in my care or under the care of this Tower. She looks at the monk, a slim smile upon her lips. What say you sir?
"Conner, Xavorin.. Look over there.. Seems to possibly some sort of entrance to the mill.. I think we should check it out.."
If it appears to not be trapped she will attempt to open it..
Sir Gareth and D'witt return to the spot in front of the temple of Iomeda, but this time they enter. Sir Gareth says a silent prayer to his Divine Patron and continues his masquerade as a secular noble knight. They look around until they find someone to speak with .
Conner swims quickly to Angel's side, ready to aid her with opening the plug she has discovered.
Xavorin swims over beside Conner to aid in any way he can.
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Carleson stands and replies "Of course dear lady. I shall cause no problems and shall remain here until given permission to leave. You have my word and my bond Mistress." He gives a small smile. "I have no specific skills... but I did spend a few years cleaning my mother's kitchen."
As he leaves the cell and follows her up. Carlson asks "I don't suppose these chores might involve a warm meal and possibly some civilized conversation, would they?"
If it appears to not be trapped she will attempt to open it..
The area before the plug is small and confining, limiting only one person able to approach and remove the plug without being swept up in the movements of the paddle wheel. Angel sees nothing on the outside of the plug that would be considered a latch, lock, nor trap. She pulls the plug free, exposing a small chamber and passage beyond. The roughly 6'x6' chamber rises about 3 feet above the plug hole, and has a pocket of air along the ceiling. The passage beyond extends maybe 10 feet before rising upwards. Light can be seen flickering from that opening. As she inspects the area, a very long piece of broken twine floats past Angel and out into the current.
Sir Gareth and D'witt return to the spot in front of the temple of Iomeda, but this time they enter. Sir Gareth says a silent prayer to his Divine Patron and continues his masquerade as a secular noble knight. They look around until they find someone to speak with
A slightly balding, slightly overweight cleric approaches as you enter the church. He is dressed in the robes of the priesthood of Iomedae. Though he appears cordial enough, you can see the fatigue of a long day settling upon him. Welcome to the Church of Iomedae. May her Shining Light always be upon you. I am Brother Calmer. Seeing the badge of the Justicar on Sir Gareth's robes, he adds So you are the one chosen to bring justice to Y'dey for her murder at the hands of a fallen of Erastil. Very good to meet you.
Another member of the clergy follows from the rectory, this one dressed not as a priest of Iomedae, but as one of Sarenrae's faithful. Younger and stronger than Calmer, he shows less signs of fatigue, but his attire shows more sign of work and effort this day, coated with more dust and grime than one might expect in this otherwise clean temple. Welcome good sirs. I am Terjen. How may the faithful of Hommlet assist you in these unfortunate times?
.
Both men radiate strong auras, Calmer of lawfulness, Terjen of goodness.
"Come men.. A secret entrance.. Whats this?" Grabing the twine she inspects it before entering the hole.. Once inside she will activate her detect evil and ready her sword for action..
"Brother Calmer, Terjen. I am d'Orionus, Sir Gareth d'Orionus. This is my companion, D'witt. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances. I would appreciate if you would share your understanding of events and please escort us to review the body." Sir Gareth speaks reverently.
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The twine had a small fish hook at one end, and appears to have snapped of mid length. Angel judges the length is about 9' or so, from hook to break. Looking to the plug, Angel notices a small iron peg has been hammered into the inside surface of the stone plug. Angel's voice was muffled and slightly distorted for her companions, but Conner and Xavorin swim closer, ready to squeeze into the small passage she found.
Ahead Angel senses a strong aura of evil, possibly more faint auras as well, but the stonework and distance make determination difficult.
In a hush tone.. "Prepare your selves.. I sense a strong evil aura ahead.." Moving forward slowly Angel readies her sword for swift retribution..
"Brother Calmer, Terjen. I am d'Orionus, Sir Gareth d'Orionus. This is my companion, D'witt. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances. I would appreciate if you would share your understanding of events and please escort us to review the body." Sir Gareth speaks reverently.
I would have thought it obvious, Calmer begins, trying his best to sound official and diplomatic. An acolyte of Erastil made threats against our Canoness, and then carried them out. Calmer leads you, Terjen in tow, across the nave and to a door off to the right from the pulpit. His madness and rage over a senseless act caused by a monstrous ogre had nothing to do with our lady. He refused to believe otherwise and exacted his own perverse "justice". Calmer stops and faces the pair, as Terjen steps past him. Do you not agree? Calmer asks, as Terjen opens a door leading to a small chamber with a long flat table. Y'dey is laid atop the table, dressed in her formal robes. A small makeup kit sits on a shelf near the head of the table, but has not yet been used on the body.
Before Terjen can answer, d'Orionus inquisitively asks, "So you witnessed the murder?"
Attempting to speak, but not doing so well Angel will attempt some sort of sign language.. Raising 2 fingers to her eyes, she will then point up the passageway and follow it by counting 1 finger at a time and then shrugging her shoulders.. She will then point back out the hole and towards the area they entered the river.. Then backup signal..
Indignantly Calmer steps aside of the doorway, hand at his hips. Of course not, or I would have rushed to my Canoness' aid. Master Jaroo volunteered the information that this horrid young man would be coming to Hommlet a few days ago. He warned Y'dey to be careful but she would not listen. Took even less care if you ask me, and look how it ended. Looking sadly into the room, at her still form, If only she had not been so intent that we can all work together. Jaroo understands, the faiths work better each to their own flock. "You don't graze sheep and cattle together do you," he has begun saying, and he's right.
Actually, as Angel is making gestures in the opening of the chamber, she notices the airy cap atop the ante chamber, which, while cramped, would allow the small group to gather together to converse in whispers.
Carleson stands and replies "Of course dear lady. I shall cause no problems and shall remain here until given permission to leave. You have my word and my bond Mistress." He gives a small smile. "I have no specific skills... but I did spend a few years cleaning my mother's kitchen."
As he leaves the cell and follows her up. Carlson asks "I don't suppose these chores might involve a warm meal and possibly some civilized conversation, would they?"
Looking at the man briefly, smiling, Well yes, I suppose a warm meal will be exactly what your first chore shall be. If you have no cooking skills, perhaps you can at least read a recipe, and follow it's instructions.
Amelia leads Carlson up to the kitchen level, and begins laying out ingredients for the evening meal. Two chickens, a variety of vegetables, two loaves of day old bread, and various cooking implements. She hands him a recipe book for poultry dishes. Prisoner Haddix, what will you serve this evening? she asks, smiling. We may converse as you work, taking a seat at one of the stools.
The airy dome just inside the plug entrance has a small shelf with a long leather strap capped at each end with a steel ring clip, while an iron ring is set into the wall above the waterline. A small clay pipe runs from the wall back down into the water and extends the length of the passage. Faintly sounds can be heard through the pipe, perhaps a crude communication means for those within the mill to speak to those working on the paddle wheel and external surfaces.
Angel will motion for her companions to follow her to the air pocket..
Once there.. Whispering.. "I can sense a strong evil presence in this place, along with mutiple lesser evils possibly.. I think it may be wise to regroup and return to flush out this den of evil.. Thoughts?"
Sir Gareth nods in reply as if agreeing with Calmer, "So where and when did you hear Jaroo's warning of the arrival of a 'horrid young man'?"
After the reply, he asks, "So Brother Calmer, what have you witnessed about this murder?"
After the reply, he asks, "And you Terjen, what have you witnessed about this murder?"
While listening to the answers, d'Orionus slowly reviews the body.
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