"From what glimpse of the past I could divine, our murderer stopped only at the place where the flour was spilled before killing the victim, then immediately left," Brennus replies. "While my divination was imprecise enough it's possible something small was taken or left at that moment, it's unlikely, and we *did* take a look there. It might not hurt to examine the area more closely, but it seems unlikely there's much more to see."
"Now, I do see a couple of possible avenues of further investigation," he continues, flying over to perch on the paintings. He waves a wing at a couple of them. "He did make a few purchases from Pyron ir'Clarn, who's here in the Upper Menthis district. We could see if this artist knows anything more about our murdered man."
"Alternatively," he turns and, with a brief gesture of one talon and a commanding croak telekinetically plucks the book on the history of the Talenta Plains off the shelves, "I noticed this book doesn't quite seem to fit the theme of the others he owned. I could give it a quick read to see if it sheds any light on any connections he might have had that could have provoked the murder."
...is he just making an excuse to read a book? Perhaps...
While Proto is able to pick up the scents, she is unable to track as the trail appears to have gone cold.
"Darn," Ratchet said as Proto shook her head when she lost the trail shortly out the door.
He thumped her armor affectionately. "Well, at least if we run into whoever did it later, you'll be able to tell. Good work."
"I'm done here," he told the others after he went back inside to rejoin them. "No luck on a trail, but she got the culprit's scent in the house. There's just nowhere to follow it."
"So what's next?"
”No trail could mean they teleported away. Can anyone trace that kind of magic?”
Turning to Brennus, Gauntlet points at the book.
”The Talenta Plains? How could the land of the native halflings and giant lizards have anything to do with this murder? Unless the person’s name we are looking for is written in the book somewhere… We can talk to the painter if we run out of leads. I don’t see an artist killing this man without leaving some sort of clue, although its possible he just might know more about the man killed in general.”
He looks out the doorway to the balcony where the man fell.
”We will have to earn our pay on this job it seems: No easy task. Hopefully our compatriots will have better luck.”
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"If I knew how it would help I wouldn't want to look at the book," Brennus lies. "Can you think of a reason why a man whose interests seem otherwise entirely centered on art would have such a book? I *suppose* it could simply have been a random impulse, a moment of curiosity, but it's still the only thing that seems out-of-place."
"As for the artist, I'm not thinking the artist would be the murderer, yes. I suppose I am rather, as you say, grasping at straws here, given the lack of anything else to focus on."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
Frank's gesture is met with a hard stare and they vacate the line. The good news is that the man seemed pretty clear that it was flour so there's that...
One of the patrons you speak with outside mentions that Svans retired here from running a circus or being part of a circus, and in fact, other members of that troupe also settled here as well.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
After a review of invoices versus inventory and a scan of the bookshelf to see if something was missing, Gauntlet concludes that nothing or at least nothing obvious was stolen.
"I think we need to hit the bar. I feel like we're done here." Erix suggests. "We might wanna try and find some of these other troupe members."
"Hmmm... perhaps when we split we should have discussed communication methods. I am *capable* of long-distance magical communication but since my methods emphasize flexibility rather than efficiency it's rather expensive to use if I haven't prepared it ahead of time. Do we have any other method of coordinating with the others? It seems like we might as well speak to this artist on the off chance they have any idea who might wish our victim dead, but we don't want to miss meeting back up if they've found something."
"Agreed." Frank concurs in resignation.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
The three of you hit the Bluebird Inn, a decorated wooden fence surrounds this large building. A sign above the door proclaims the place to be the "Bluebird Inn". Although simple in design, there is certainly a rural charm to the Inn that nearly every other building in this city lacks. Perhaps as a holdover from the more modernized surroundings of the city or maybe built as a callback to simpler times? Regardless, it's different. Net to the building are stables for visitors to check in not only themselves but mounts. Some noise can be heard from the horses within, nothing out of the ordinary just horses being horses.
You all head in to find the Inn rather empty save for one person eating an early lunch. There are two serving girls flitting about cleaning and prepping for later. The Taproom is sizeable, so large in fact that to one side is a small stage in the right corner of the room for performances.
Once you are noticed, one of the girls approaches, "Are you looking to be seated for lunch?" She smiles sweetly.
"I- uh- sure. Know anything about a guy named Svans?" Frank replies.
Erix sighs in exasperation at Frank. "I apologize for my friend's bluntness. We're helping with an investigation, and I guess he's a bit overly excited. We would love a table. Thanks."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
The girls frowns, "Oh I heard about that horrible murder yes!" She gestures for you to follow her to a table where she seats you.
As you sit she smiles, "Are you with the Watch?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
The book provides an encyclopedic knowledge of the Plains, an overview essentially. The portion of the book which is most read and dog eared is the section on Dinosaurs. Within one of those pages is a very old receipt for the purchase of two Dinosaurs by the Peace Circus. The Dinosaurs are named Kaiwakit and Panch both Deinonychus. There is also a note written on the receipt, "Volin Krober was recommended and should be hired to assist".
---
You all head to Upper Menthis to seek out Pyron ir'Clarn, you drop in at the Watch post to speed up the process. You are informed that he spends much of his time at the Art Temple, which is located in the University District.
You approach Art Temple and find a security guard at the door in a small ticket booth, the guard is a stout middle aged dwarf, "Afternoon folks, the building is closed to the public at the moment, can I assist you?"
The portion of the book which is most read and dog eared is the section on Dinosaurs. Within one of those pages is a very old receipt for the purchase of two Dinosaurs by the Peace Circus. The Dinosaurs are named Kaiwakit and Panch both Deinonychus.
"Clearly a person of impeccable taste," Ratchet said as he scratched his fingers along Proto's siding.
"Not sure what the relevance is, but I approve. What's the Peace Circus?"
As you sit she smiles, "Are you with the Watch?"
"Why yes we are. We're helping with the investigation. Got any lunch specials?" Frank replies.
"What's the Peace Circus?"
Gauntlet will reply to the nice sounding dwarf security guard.
"Thank you for the information. I must ask however...we are looking for a particular artist. Do you by chance know Pyron ir'Clarn, or where we could find him? We are assisting the Sharn watch in a certain matter, and our inquiries have led us here. We were told he frequented the Art Temple most days?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
The dwarf nods, "Yes, Pyron ir'Clarn is indeed here". He checks your credentials as assisting the Watch, he nods as the paperwork checks out.
"Head on in, he's somewhere in there working on a show I assume".
You head into the Art Temple and find a large lobby which is buzzing with a dozen or so people who are seated in different groups practicing dialogue based upon the fact that they are staring at papers as they read aloud.
A woman approaches you, human female, dressed in a flowing gown decorated in flowers, as she approaches the types of flowers change every few seconds, it's quite the get up, her blonde hair is in a tight bun and her face shows her a bit past middle age but still fairly attractive, perhaps it's the make-up. "I daresay you are not here to deliver the set I was waiting for. If you got past Rufus, you clearly have a reason to be here. I am Cassa Faer, proprietor of Art Temple, what can I do for you?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
"You'll want the Bluebird Pie.
Have you any suspects? I hear tell that it's a complete mystery, while Scans was a bit of a recluse personally, he had no enemies, he was always pleasant to anyone he ever interacted with".
"Iz dere bird in de pie?" The small cloaked lady says excitedly.
"None yet." Frank shrugs.
"Also, we'll take two?" Franks adds before Broulnindre can continue.
He looks questioningly at Erix in case he wants one too.
"I daresay you are not here to deliver the set I was waiting for. If you got past Rufus, you clearly have a reason to be here. I am Cassa Faer, proprietor of Art Temple, what can I do for you?"
Gauntlet repeats his request for the artist.
”Could we speak with him? It should only take a few minutes of his time.”
"I'll absolutely take some bluebird pie, thank you." Erix replies, flashing the waitress a pleasant smile. "We were told Svans used to be a part of some sort of performance troupe. Do you by chance know any of them? Maybe they can help shed some light on his murder."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
The book provides an encyclopedic knowledge of the Plains, an overview essentially. The portion of the book which is most read and dog eared is the section on Dinosaurs. Within one of those pages is a very old receipt for the purchase of two Dinosaurs by the Peace Circus. The Dinosaurs are named Kaiwakit and Panch both Deinonychus. There is also a note written on the receipt, "Volin Krober was recommended and should be hired to assist".
Brennus croaks a delighted cry when he finds the receipt. "The purchase of two Deinonychus! How very interesting... it's old, so the possibility of it being related is admittedly low, but sometimes history has a way of catching up to us. I assume the Peace Circus is the circus he once worked for... a curious name, it certainly bears further investigation. And who might Volin Krober be?"
********
Brennus stays silent, perched on Gauntlet's shoulder, when they go to the art temple, still believing it best to lay low unless there's a particular need for him to speak up in public. He keeps a curious eye on their surroundings and the people, not really expecting to see anything related to their case but ever-hungry to learn no matter how unlikely it seems that the knowledge would ever matter.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
She giggles at Broulnindre's question, "No, but don't tell anyone or it'll ruin the mystique".
Sha pauses in thought at Erix's question, "Yes, I do believe that Borgo, our chef was in the Circus, he's here now doing meal prep for the dinner hours, shall I ask him to come out and speak to you?
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - (whoops, should hahve switched to) Upper Menthis
Brennus sees nothing unusual as he scan the room.
Cassa nods, and motions you to a small room off to the left of the lobby. A few minutes later, Pyron ir'Clarn enters the room. He is a human male, approximately 5'7", and dressed in the latest male fashion trends in Sharn (colorful and baggy clothing, likely made from silk), he apers to be about 35 years old.
"Good afternoon friend, I understand you are seeking me out related to a Watch matter?" He appears baffled by your presence.
"Would that be okay? I don't want to interrupt his work. We could maybe come back later?" The young man offers.
"With us three being all the customers presently? I suspect that this is his least busy time. If anything we wouldn't want to take his break time away from him. Maybe ask if now is okay?" Frank suggests.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
She heads back t the kitchen and a few minutes later an elderly dwarf exits form the kitchen, he has full sleeve tattoos on his arms. His beard is well kempt and in a triple pony tail, presumably to keep the hair out of the dishes.
He heads to the bar and pours his own beer and takes a seat at your table, "Trixie tells me yer wantin' to talk to me. Of all things about the Peace Circus! The Circus never even came near Sharn, what would the Watch want to know about it and might I say yer not lookin; like any Watch fellers I ever met before, not that I have had any run ins, might I add..."
"Well, that's because we're not official members of the watch. We're assisting them with the investigation of the murder of Svans, who we're told used to be a member of the Peace Circus. We're hoping you might be able to provide us some insight into who might have killed him or why." The house Orien scion explains to the chef.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
"I'm afraid I don't know anyone who would want Svans dead.
There is some business that we had left to complete, I suppose I would need to discuss with the Watch retrieving my proceeds after this investigation is over.
The only thing I would surmise is thieves who might want his art or perhaps his books, he had pieces of value in both collections. I'm not an investigator in Inquisitive but that's what I would look at if I were in charge of the investigation".
He pauses, "Do you know if there will be a funeral? I didn't know him well but I would want to pay my respects to his family, one professional to another".
"Yeah we're just deputies." Frank adds.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
He shrugs, "Neither I nor any other members of the Circus have, or I guess had, any relationship with him. I suppose deep down we all blamed him for what happened at the Circus.
He was the Manager of the Circus so he should have been looking out for everyone, but he was too focused on his hobbies to take heed of danger.
The Peace Circus, like any other Circus at the time, brought crude, vulgar, and often violent entertainment to Breland citizens, and sometimes other lands that the people could afford, ya'know a way to get away from yer cares fer a bit.
We were mostly war orphans turned artists and showmen, we did what we could to spread hope and peace among the rural population of Breland, and sometimes other lands. Many disagreed with err pacifistic and anti war, sometimes anti government views.
The problem tha' developed was also sort o' what made us stand out, the damned Dinos. Svans wanted to get a pair of trained Dinosachysaurusesess, err whatever there names was.
He imported 'em from the Talenta Plains and brought in Volin Krober ta' train 'em up. It was a darned fantastic act ah've got ta' say.
But one evening Volin lost control o' the darned things and the dinos went rogue and attacked the audience! By the time everything was put back into order, at least one person died and many were wounded. Tha' local municipality confiscated all the beasts, not jus the dinos, and fined us inta' bankruptcy.
That was that, we scattered across Breland, I suppose it would have ended anyway as the War itself was just about ending but the way it ended just left a bad taste in tha' mouth ya know?"
"Mmmm. Must've been hard." Frank concurs.
"Any acts involving invisibility?" Frank asks, thinking back to the lack of a culprit running off yesterday.
"If the dino incident happened prior to the end of the Last War, then his murder is likely not related. That's an awful long time to hold a grudge, and I'm sure there's been plenty of other opportunities for revenge." Erix muses after Borgo explains what lead to the demise of the Peace Circus.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
"I'm afraid I don't know anyone who would want Svans dead.
There is some business that we had left to complete, I suppose I would need to discuss with the Watch retrieving my proceeds after this investigation is over.
The only thing I would surmise is thieves who might want his art or perhaps his books, he had pieces of value in both collections. I'm not an investigator in Inquisitive but that's what I would look at if I were in charge of the investigation".
He pauses, "Do you know if there will be a funeral? I didn't know him well but I would want to pay my respects to his family, one professional to another".
”It is undetermined at this time if or when he will have a funeral. He had no known family and his murder investigation will delay it if nothing else. At least until the guilty person is identified. I will pass your concerns on to the watch. Hopefully they will can send notice if he is indeed given any sort of rites. Do you happen to know what religion the man might have looked to? Nothing was obvious of that nature in his home.”
Brennus is finding it very hard not to speak.
Well... ravens *can* be trained to speak. Surely *one* word won't ruin his cover.
"Associates?" he croaks.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
"Onatar was the God that he revered, like many of us in the Arts.
Associates?"
He smiles, "Is your familiar asking a question as well?"
He chuckles, "No, I am not aware of any associates that Svans may have had, he seemed to me to be a retired lifelong bachelor".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
"Acts of invisibility? Nope, that wouldn't play out that well in front of a large crowd ya'know".
The dwarf shrugs at Erix, "Maybe, was only a few years ago, no' tha' long ta' hold a grudge.
If'n ya' have any other questions ya' can seek out Drummer er, Roctar, Volin, re Corlina they're all former Peace Circus performers as well. Maybe they know somethin' more'n I do or maybe they did talk ta' Svans an I jus' don't know it".
"Associates?"
He smiles, "Is your familiar asking a question as well?"
He chuckles, "No, I am not aware of any associates that Svans may have had, he seemed to me to be a retired lifelong bachelor".
Gauntlet would smile if he could.
"Yes...my feathered friend here is quite intelligent, and I do appreciate your candor today. If you can think of anything else, let the watch know and they can relate it to us I'm sure. Please have a pleasant rest of your day."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
"I have one last question, do you believe that this killer is threatening the Arts community? Shall I alert my friends and acquaintances to be on guard?
Also, please have the Watch notify me about the funeral, I would like to pay my respects despite our lack of great friendship I certainly respected him for his critical eye and his great knowledge of paintings and authors, that I shall miss".
Brennus waits until they're outside and away from listening ears before speaking up, "Well, we didn't particularly think it likely he'd know anything of use, and it seems that was borne out. Sometimes investigation requires removing possibilities."
"For our next inquiries... it seems the very same Volin Krober who facilitated the purchase of the Deinonychuses was also playing at the tavern last night. Perhaps he might have some better idea of Svans's past connections?"
...If'n ya' have any other questions ya' can seek out Drummer er, Roctar, Volin, re Corlina they're all former Peace Circus performers as well. Maybe they know somethin' more'n I do or maybe they did talk ta' Svans an I jus' don't know it".
"Thanks for your help, Borgo. We'll go see them after lunch." Frank replies.
He looks at Erix. "Anything else we want to ask Borgo? It seems there weren't magic disappearing acts beyond our case."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
He looks at Erix. "Anything else we want to ask Borgo? It seems there weren't magic disappearing acts beyond our case."
After taking notes on addresses, thanking Borgo again, and enjoying the pie; Frank leads the way to Corlina's place.
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