"We would like to know what these vials used to contain," Selkyon explains to the older halfling. "It appears to have been some alchemical mixture."
"He seems cheery...," she will notice concerning Ivar, but then she is mostly distracted by plants. For a moment though, the smile is returned before the consuming awe takes hold.
From what she can tell, the youngest halfling seems to be of that trying age. Perhaps Pelipe can be "awesome" in the sight of the kid and get some more information? She tries to think up ways that she tormented her father in her youth.
While the others ask about the vials, she listens in, but beckons the little halfling over to her to "help her with some plants".
Bending down, Pelipe is pleasantly surprised at the flexibility of her battle dress. If she could do acrobatics, she would! Instead, only slightly more proficiently, she will talk in a very low voice to the halfling away from the prying ears of her grandmother. She will point at one of the rarer plants she noticed earlier while talking.
"You know...I don't know if she is like my dad is, but if she ever gets a little irritating, you can always 'rearrange' the shop. Or if you want to be more subtle, if she likes everything in the same place, you can slightly move things just an inch to the left. That used to drive my father crazy. I'd play innocent. I even used to use a little magic to move things while innocently sitting across the room from him. He had no idea, but would swear our house was possessed by some poltergeist after seeing something where it wasn't before."
Breena grin back at Raziel and snickers at Pelipe's suggestion. Meanwhile, the older halfling responds to Selkyon.
The older Halfling will walk out from behind the counter to get a better look at the vials. Holding out her hand to him, "Here, let me see one of those vials."
Assuming that he hands it to her, she will examine the vial and careful sniff whatever remains in it. "Well now, I don't mess with this type of stuff personally. I mostly just grow my plants and whip up the occasional batch of mundane concoctions. This was something mixed up by someone who messes with alchemical formulas. Likely something self transformative, but I can't say for certain."
With the sneaky snicker of Breena, Pelipe hums happily at her acceptance.
"Maybe, in turn, you could help me out? As you can see over there with that vial he holds, whoever used that did something really really bad. They've killed some people."
"We think someone who knows alchemy, perhaps innocently made it and sold it to this bad guy. So even if it's your own Gran who knows alchemy, please let me know. Do you know of any alchemists? You could really be a hero."
She will look to another rare plant and point at it as if talking to her about each one. She doesn't want to get her in trouble after all!
Assuming that he hands it to her, she will examine the vial and careful sniff whatever remains in it. "Well now, I don't mess with this type of stuff personally. I mostly just grow my plants and whip up the occasional batch of mundane concoctions. This was something mixed up by someone who messes with alchemical formulas. Likely something self transformative, but I can't say for certain."
Raziel's brow rises high at the talk of transformative alchemy - "Still, they would most likely be coming to you for ingredients?" - he inquires - "Knowing who those customers are would play an important part on the investigation..."
"Self-transformative?" Selkyon repeats, feeling uncomfortably out of his depth already. "What kind of transformation are you thinking of?"
"Altering ones body, but not a complete change of form. Either changing features or adding them, but still recognizable as either human or at least humanoid."
"As to coming to me for ingredient, unless the person grows or harvests their own ingredients, then it is possible that they have been in my shop. Most of my customers don't purchase the kind of ingredients used for alchemical or magical formulas or potions. So I suppose it's safe to leave out local wives and cooks who come to me for various herbs. Various acolytes of the local temples and shrines come here for herbs for incense, offerings and in the case of the Pharasmins, body preservation, so they're not likely to be suspects either."
She will go back behind the counter and takes a piece of paper and writes down a few names on it before walking back around and handing it to Selkyon. "Here are the ones whose use of herbs I cannot personally attest to and who purchase some of my more esoteric plants."
Meanwhile, Breena shows Pelipe some plants while continuing their conversation. "I work here in the shop because I'm the only one of my siblings who has any talent with alchemy and I've been learning some from Gran. I can't make anything like what was in your vials though. Not yet at least. She's making me learn about all the names, proper care and harvesting methods of all the herbs in the shop first. Said I need to be familiar with all the ingredients before being trusted to make anything. Gran doesn't make much stuff anymore and most of it is for personal and family use. About the only things she makes now to sell are either just reagents used in making other things and healing poultices and such. I don't know any other alchemists in the city, it's not like there's a guild or anything."
"I used to hate studying, but then I learned that I knew a lot more than other people. I learned how to change things, alter the very fabric of our world. Now I'm a wizard. When I started, I didn't think I wanted to be anything like what my father pushed me to be, but now I'm glad I listened. Your Gran is smart, having you learn these things. She's setting you up to give you a future where you can do things that boggle the mind, heal the sick, and do some real good in this world. I'd listen to her. That also doesn't mean you can't play the odd prank now and again though." With that, she'll wink and then stand and say in a finalizing voice, "That's a bit expensive for me at the moment, but thank you. I'll have to save up for it. Such a rare specimen will surely be around for another year, or five. I may be back for it."
With a little nod, she'll let the younger halfling rejoin her stool and be bored, although with a little bit of deviousness instilled. She'll move up to her companions and listen to the blunt end of the conversation.
"Thank you ma'am," Selkyon replies. He looks over at the list of names, letting Ivar ask his own questions.
The Halfling responds to Ivar, "Red beard? No, not even red headed."
Breena pipes up, "I seen a big man with a red beard a couple times. a few days ago he was just hanging outside the shop like he was waiting on someone, but I was on my way to run and errand so I never saw who came out to him. Then the morning of that poor fellows death I was out early because I needed to go harvest some morning blooming flowers and he was on the street pointing up to the sky and telling people he'd just seen a sphinx fly off. I looked to where he was pointing, but I didn't see anything. I just figured his view might be better from up there." She gives a little shrug.
Of course he'd make himself look like an eyewitness, the ranger thinks to himself, hiding the beginning of a sarcastic smile. What a nerve.
"Does Ifay Levann count the carnival workers among his clientele?" Selkyon asks.
Breena is turning out to be quite the little helper. "Waiting around this shop hmm? Why would someone who needs an alchemist to do his dirty work be hanging around an alchemist? Coincidence?"
Pelipe will look to Breena's gran to see if she is worried that this information is spilling out of her granddaughter.
In the meantime, Raziel gets distracted with Zelladania - "We'll get to the bottom of this, don't worry" - he smiles - "If there is one thing my friends here are, is thorough"
Breena takes a moment to think, "Maybe four days ago, I think. I just didn't like the look of him. I was going to tell Gran when I got back, but he was gone by then. It was right before lunch time because I was on my way to the market stalls and butcher's shop and stuff. He managed to look scruffy and well dressed at the same time."
Even though Selkyon's question seems not to have been noticed by either halflings, he does not repeat it, thinking that interviewing the tailor in person would be better.
"Thank you both for your time," he eventually says, if no one has any more questions. As they walk out of the shop, he shares the contents of the halfling grandmother's note with his teammates:
"I'd say it's best to pay Ifay Levann a visit. Interesting that they should have mentioned that Redbeard was well dressed. Maybe they were brand new clothes..."
Pelipe takes the note from Selkyon, and while he discusses who they should go visit, she closes her eyes as if segregating his words from her mind to focus better. Her deductions fire for a good thirty seconds, which when you are waiting for someone to react can be quite a while. Eventually, she will open her eyes and take in a breath.
"According to Breena her Gran has been teaching how to do alchemy. She did state that she knew how to make up some concoctions, so we can't rule her out quite yet, but yes. Ifay Levann, Kylin Windsong, and Robella Monchello all should be spoken to."
She seems strangely sure of this and did not specifically mention the other names. She will hand the note back to Selkyon.
Regarding Ivar's last question, granny can't really say who was in at what time, but that she is at least sure that Ephram and Risha hadn't been in the store that day at all. Ephram because he only stops by on days he takes his produce into town and Risha has been busy running her own store.
"Why only those, and not all of them?" - Raziel asks Pelipe as they move along, toward Ifay's.
"Well..." she thinks for a moment how to answer Raziel. "Um...One moment." She will unsling her pack on a nearby bench and will pull out a small used piece of parchment of notes on one side. The other side is clear and while Ivar pours over the few names, she pulls out her kit and begins to write. They will notice she writes quite fast, as one who has studied and written quite a bit. As she does, she speaks.
"The names on the list are the names 'Gran' has no idea about. She doesn't know what they are using her supplies for. Now she's either lying or telling the truth. Assuming the truth, that means that anyone on the list could be a suspect. If we think of connections, means, and motives to the murders of both Archivin and the Priestess we can deduce much. Whether they could potentially be cunning enough to engage in the acts they do based on their basic professions and what little we know of them and how odd it would be to see someone in their profession use alchemy. From that, then we can deduct some people who would have had more reason to kill both people over some who likely would not. Therefore, it's not that we couldn't check them all, it's just the names I've listed, in my mind, bear a higher suspicion...or deduction score if you will...This will negate the motive for the priestess as we suspect it's likely to keep them from getting caught...but here."
She waves her parchment and hands it to him as she closes up her kit.
Ifay Levann of Levan's Textiles and Tailors:
Motive: Possibly real estate? Archivin a fellow businessman may have been in dispute with him (1).
Means: Priestess Murder - not likely (day worker) (-1), Archivin Murder - possible (1).
Connection: Archivin Murder - Possible (1), Priestess Murder - Tear-away outfits (1).
Cunning: Possible, business owner (1).
Multiple Rogue Connection: Possible (1)
Strange To be using alchemy?: Yes but also no (Clothing dyes, Warding Gels) (0)
Deduction score: 5
Ephram Underhill a Vegetable Farmer:
Motive: Archivin motive not likely (farmers and curio shops? not much there) (-1). Priestess handling disputes badly? (1)
Means: Priestess Murder - Possible (1), Archivin Murder - Possible (Farmers aren't accountable to being in their fields) (1)
Connection: Archivin Murder - Unknown (0), Priestess Murder - Possible. (1)
Cunning: Not likely (-1)
Multiple Rogue Connection: Not likely (-1)
Strange To be using alchemy?: No (Defoliant) (-1)
Deduction score: 0
Robella Monchello of Ilsurian Storage and Hauling:
Motive: Possibly real estate? Archivin a fellow businessman may have been in dispute with her (1).
Means: Priestess Murder - Possible (1), Archivin Murder - Possible (1) (storage owners aren't needed on site 100% of time).
Connection: Archivin Murder - Possible (1). Priestess Murder - unknown (0)
Cunning: Yes, business owner (1)
Multiple Rogue Connection: Possible (1)
Strange To be using alchemy?: No (Exceptions - deodorizing agent, Vermin repellent) (-1)
Deduction score: 5
Kylin Windsong a Street Performer:
Motive: Performing in the street in front of his shop? Personal dispute? (1).
Means: Archivin Murder - Possible (1), Priestess Murder - Possible (1) (performers are a good fit for carnivals and not restricted to a location).
Connection: Archivin Murder - unknown (0). Priestess Murder - unknown (0)
Cunning: Yes, street smarts/rogue-like (1)
Multiple Rogue Connection: Possible (1)
Strange To be using alchemy?: Yes but no if he uses lots of fireworks (Flash Powder, Black Powder, Saltpeter, Magnesuim, Phosphorus, Invisible ink, powder ball) (0)
Deduction score: 5
Risha Lurrey of Risha's Trinkets and Jewelry:
Motive: Possibly real estate? Archivin a fellow businessman could be competition (1).
Means: Priestess Murder - not likely (day worker) (-1), Archivin Murder - possible (1).
Connection: Archivin Murder - Possible (1). Priestess Murder - unknown (0)
Cunning: Yes, business owner (1)
Multiple Rogue Connection: Possible (1)
Strange To be using alchemy?: Kind of (Stonechipper Salve) (1)
Deduction score: 4
Kyra Reeds of Meadowsweet Stable and Kennel:
Motive: Unknown (0).
Means: Priestess not likely (day worker) (-1), Archivin not likely (usually occupied early mornings with animals) (-1).
Connection: Archivin Murder - unknown (0). Priestess Murder - unknown (0)
Cunning: Yes, business owner (1)
Multiple Rogue Connection: Not likely (-1)
Strange To be using alchemy?: No (Beast Lure, Beast Scent) (-1)
Deduction score: -3
She sits there in the dimming night air as though this behavior is normal.
"Here you go," Selkyon passes the note to Ivar. He takes a look at Pelipe's deductions as she shares them with the group, his eyes widening as he reads through.
"That's... thorough," he eventually says, after racking his brain for a proper adjective. After glancing through the wizard's scribbling, he goes back at the beginning to read it a second time, and his expression turns thoughtful as he slowly reconstructs Pelipe's reflection. "I guess it all makes sense. Shopkeepers are also more likely to be put in contact with Redbeard, and participate in establishing trade with the Skulks."
"Wow Pelipe. Impressive deductive work" - Raziel smiles - "But apart from all this, what does your intuition tell you?"
"I can't so readily neglect data as some can to follow their hearts, Raziel. Off that list? If I was forced to choose right now, I would be inclined to think it is Robella Monchello of Ilsurian Storage and Hauling."
"I don't want to neglect Risha. Her chance to be near the shop that morning may mean she is innocent, but she still has a higher 'score'. I think, for now, I'd consider her exempt."
She explains further, "Kylin is no doubt a strong fit for engaging in nefarious acts with the carnival. What is likely to be his sleight of hand skills are a fit as an accessory for that murder of the Priestess, but also his street smarts are a strong connection to Rogi. Is a street performer a mastermind though? If he is involved, without having met the man, I would be inclined to say he likely prefers to work alone. While crime may be different in his eyes, in the day-to-day living, a street performer, in general, lives off having and keeping secrets. I would think a man who hides his life for the sake of his performance to wow the crowd and wonder how he did 'magnificent acts', would not be so readily open to letting others in. It is how he makes his money after all. For this reason, if he is involved, which he may be, he would not be the leader in my mind--statistically speaking.
I believe we are looking for someone openly charismatic. While Kylin no doubt is charismatic, if he is removed from the equation by his profession, that leaves Ifay or Robella. This mastermind truly must be someone who can manipulate the many players involved to do their will in this mass murder. It's not easy to convince someone logically to brutally claw someone to death with your hands and to willingly be a party to it or sit by. This leader would have to instill great fear in their followers or promise of wealth; or both! In these crimes, each piece has moved so intricately that whoever it is behind it must be highly intelligent or well connected to plan it out so skillfully as well.
Having not met either of them, I'd think an owner of a storage and hauling company would have to manage many employees--far more than a textile shop. That shows ability and interaction with many under her. This Robella also would have to keep track of the scheduling and maintenance of the goods in her possession. That shows cunning and an ability to plan, so that fits. We also know from the Sheriff that this drug craze comes from outside the area and that would be a match too.
From what little I know of textiles and tailors, they mostly sit in their shops alone, working late into the night on various pieces. They are extremely busy people and often only have one or two people under them. They also get their supplies locally from warehouses that collect from nearby farms. It may be a connection to outside areas, but not as strong of one. It may be when we get to Ifay's shop that it is a warehouse for textiles. That will change my deductions. However, if it is a quaint shop, I'd still lean away from him. I doubt also that one involved directly would leave behind clues such as the thieves with the tear-away clothing. This leads me to believe that they don't care if it points to Ifay, and that is counter to logic.
Therefore, I'd say that Robella statistically would be the most likely. I will reserve my true opinion, however, as all of this is based on possibilities, statistics of the unknown, and with a great lack of information. I normally would keep my mouth shut, but I feel as though we are on the path of something here. In pursuing these nonsensical leads--according to the sheriff--we've found our red-bearded man again. That is not a coincidence, so I say we keep this course. My intuition says that as we fill in the gaps of those bits of information on that list, that we'll get a better picture."
There is a blush on her cheeks from being given too much attention and now she stands and picks up her pack to walk toward the tailor.
"How come you suspect her especially?" Selkyon asks Pelipe, perhaps regretting it slightly as the wizard's explanations are probably lengthier than he expected. He doesn't interrupt Pelipe, and, even though it's clear that he never could have come up with such a reasonign himself and that he occasionally struggles to follow, he still appears impressed by her analytical skills.
"If we get to the bottom of this case, you might start a career as a detective," he tells the spellcaster with a mixture of playfulness and awe. "Let's get to the tailor's before it gets dark."
Pelipe just shakes her head no at Selkyon's suggestion. There is no way she'd ever be in the position of the sheriff or something like her. It is hard to tell if she is smiling, but to the attentive eye, she seems to gather his humor and awe. She just is too embarrassed to joke back.
With them heading that way as a group consensus, she nods to Ivar.
"I think that is the best course of action. It is the only true lead we have that is not me and my big mouth suggesting things."
There is a twinkle in her eye, but a studious one as she seems to look over each of her companions. For what reason or purpose is unknown. After having done so, she walks with eyes forward, keeping sight in the darkening light for the tailor's shop.
A short walk down the street will bring you to a storefront with a wooden sign that features a spool of thread and the lettering "Levann's Textiles and Tailors" engraved in it. The storefront window has displays of various styles of fabrics and drawings of the lastest fashions. Peering past the displays in the window, you can see both cutomers and workers in the shop right now.
Selkyon grimaces as he glances through the window.
"Crowded in there," he tells his teammates gloomily, before entering the shop and addressing the first worker he sees. "Excuse me, may we speak to Ifay Levann?"
"As I suspected, busy even until the evening. Hopefully, we can see if he had the means to be at either murder spots." She will walk in and calculates. It is a storefront, not a warehouse, but he also does have workers under him. She will move to some nearby clothes to check them out while the worker goes to retrieve the owner.
"I can't so readily neglect data as some can to follow their hearts, Raziel. Off that list? If I was forced to choose right now, I would be inclined to think it is Robella Monchello of Ilsurian Storage and Hauling."
Raziel listens calmly to the lengthy exposition - "I have to say you have given this much more in depth thought than I have" - he smiles - "More than enough for a career as lead detective at least" - he adds with a nod Selkyon.
The half-orc slides inside, pulling Zelladania by one arm with him, and explaining with a wink and smile - "We will pass as common customers - we stay to the "fringes" of the shop, observe and listen"
Zelladania grins back at Raziel, happy to have a part to play in this scouting mission and tries not to show how eager she is to look at all the dresses in the shop.
As you all enter the shop, you see a tailor overseeing two of his assistants, one is showing fabric samples to a well dressed older woman and the other who is making detailed notes as a young couple describe the clothes they want made for their wedding.
The first worker that Selkyon speaks to is a child of roughly 12 years of age who is carrying the cloth samples rejected by the older woman back to their display case. He gives a shallow bow so as to not drop the samples in his arms and says, "Yes sir, I'll take you right to him."
Arms still full he quickly trots over to Levann and you can hear him say something about new customers. Levann looks over to your group and makes his way over to you after telling the boy to be careful with the samples and to put them away carefully.
Levann puts on his best customer service smile as he looks from Selkyon to Pelipe, trying to calculate which of you hold the purse strings. "Welcome to my humble shop. How may I assist you today?"
Selkyon thanks the boy on his way out before addressing Levann:
"Good evening. We're investigating the murder of Sister Woodmere. We need to ask you a few questions." He briefly pauses, in case the tailor should want to close the door or lead them into another door to avoid any customers or workers eavesdropping. If not, he continues: "We know you are a frequent purchaser of alchemical substances. Can you tell us a bit more about the type of herbs and reagents you buy?"
Pelipe isn't going to take chances, at least not while she has a spell handy. It hurts her pursestrings greatly, but as the boy leaves, she quickly unfurles a scroll and begins a quiet chant in an arcane tongue. As the words come alive in a blue haze, she moves her hands up to her lips and blows toward the owner. Fortunately for them all, he seems distracted by his other patrons, as are his workers. Now is her only chance.
With the scroll consumed, there is little evidence of her actions.
The tailor seems quite shocked by Selkyon's statements. "I heard about Sister Woodmere's death, but why would you need to ask me anything about that? My purchases are my own business and unless you intend to purchase anything, I suggest that you leave my shop."
"I understand," Selkyon says, not at all deterred by the tailor's shock. He takes the empty vials out his pocket, and shows them to Lefann: "These vials were found on the crime scene. They used to contain an unusual alchemical product aiming at transforming someone's body. Whoever made it must have mixed it themselves. We have a list of several persons in town that occasionally shop for esoteric herbs and reagents, and unfortunately, your name is on it. I'm not accusing you of any criminal activity, I just need to cross you out of a list of suspects. Now, if you please, can you tell us what ingredients you usually buy?"
Nothing is more injurious to her heart than wasting the hard-earned money on a scroll. The hours she put in shoveling crap in stables. The risk of nearly dying at the hands of a werewolf...all gone. She tucks in her lips in frustration or sadness. It's hard to say, but as Selkyon is approached, she tries to put on a better face.
"We are working in connection with the sheriff and her deputies."
In her mind, sometimes people open up when shown they are dealing with a higher court than just simple commoners asking nosy questions.
Raziel nods and smiles back at Ivar, then turns to Zelladania - "Do you see anything you like?" - he whispers.
Over by the dresses on display, Zelladania is obviously taken by a deep purple dress woven from an unusually silky wool that is embroidered about the hemline with butterflies in colors of yellow and green. Whispering back to Raziel, "This wool is softer than any I've felt before. I wonder what animal it came from?"
Back at the conversation with the tailor, "Please, let's not bring the sheriff into this, I don't want our private lives to become fodder for the gossip mongers around town. My wife's great aunt, Abigal, has been practicing herbal remedies and alchemies for many years, so we went to her for help with our problem because we felt we could trust her to keep things private. What with her advanced age, she has a hard time walking long distances, so I've been making trips about town for whatever items she needs for her work. My wife and I have been trying to conceive for many years now and the only time we did ended prematurely. Abigal has been experimenting with various remedies and potions to try to help us conceive and to ensure that our baby will be born healthy."
"We can understand your hesitation. It isn't our intent to spread gossip. Our intent is pure, and we only wish to find more information. Please. Be at ease."
Her suspicions concerning the tailor are lining up with his excuse. She would like to know more.
"I too wish to be a mother, someday," she mentions as she holds her hands about her waist. Sympathetically, she adds, "It must be very hard on both of you." As if to help him distract from potential true pain he may be internally feeling, Pelipe looks around the shop briefly and comments, "You have a nice shop. I'd imagine a tailor like you could do work on any sort of garment. Could you by chance make break-away clothing? The type used in a theater troupe or the like? Have you ever worked on such an item?"
Her tone is one of a customer more than an investigator.
Raziel touches the fabric and smiles - "It would definitely look amazing on you - we'll ask the owner about the material. If we have a chance..." - he whispers back, now more intent on the conversation taking place.
"Madam, I assure you that I make clothes that are designed to not break away. I craft fashionable clothing, not costumes for theater performers. They usually can't afford my prices anyway. Now please, keep this conversation private."
"We will," Selkyon assures the man. "Thank you for your honesty. One more question: have you seen a red-bearded, human man among your clients or outside your shop?"