"I believe I could direct us to Volin's residence, or we could wait for night to speak to him at the tavern and pursue a different course of investigation right now," Brennus states.
"I believe I could direct us to Volin's residence, or we could wait for night to speak to him at the tavern and pursue a different course of investigation right now," Brennus states.
"If you can lead us directly to his residence, then lead the way Brennus! We are striking out so far. We need something or we won't earn our pay."
"Certainly. It's actually not far from Svans's place of residence."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
Borgo informs you that Corlina is married to Roctar. You head west down the street and over the bridge, marveling, as always, at the sight of the city far below. It is noticeable that you are the sole people on the bridge. It's a short walk to the residence shared by these two, only a few buildings across the bridge. First you pass through a large lobby of the building with a spacious and comfortable lounge area, quite the nice coffee bar actually and it appears that it could be a good quiet place to meet in the district in the future if need be.
You take a lift to the fifth floor of this six floor tower. You find apartment 5 D, as you are about to knock you hear the sound of a man yelling from within...
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
The travel back to Oakbridge District kills even more time out of the day but as your companions are here, you had to return anyway. Down the lifts and back to Oakbridge District you go. As you head towards the address, you realize that the streets in the District are even less crowded than they were last night, the locals appear a bit spooked it seems.
Indeed Volin's building is a taller tower, right next to where Svans lived. Volin has the penthouse in this tower and as you enter his floor on the lift, you realize that his is the only residence up here.
As you approach the door you hear the sound of music from within, the lute.
Without even breaking stride, Erix blinks midstep as he hears the shouting, and appears inside the apartment. He then uses the dark energies swirling in his soul to mark any hostiles within.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
Erix, you hear a male voice, "... unacceptable, what sort of man eats runny eggs for lunch! What sort of wife makes them! An unappreciative one, that's who!"
You hear a female voice sigh audibly, "Sorry Roctar, I was focused on something else".
"Always on something else, but me always!"
Sounds like a domestic dispute albeit a ridiculous one.
Upon arriving at the designated apartment, Erix pauses as he hears the married couple's spat. He waits a few moments till it dies down, then knocks loudly on the door. "Excuse us, but we're looking to speak with Corlina and Roctar. We were told they lived here." He says in his 'official' sounding voice.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
The travel back to Oakbridge District kills even more time out of the day but as your companions are here, you had to return anyway. Down the lifts and back to Oakbridge District you go. As you head towards the address, you realize that the streets in the District are even less crowded than they were last night, the locals appear a bit spooked it seems.
Indeed Volin's building is a taller tower, right next to where Svans lived. Volin has the penthouse in this tower and as you enter his floor on the lift, you realize that his is the only residence up here.
As you approach the door you hear the sound of music from within, the lute.
"Well it certainly sounds as if w'ere in the right place," Brennus comments. "I suppose a knock would be the next logical course of action, if one of you two who have hands would supply one."
Gauntlet steps up and knocks once the lute finishes playing.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
After a brief moment, the door opens and a half elf man with no shirt answers the door. He is fairly attractive and not yet showing his age, oddly, a bit sweaty as well.
He smiles genially as he sees you all, "Good afternoon, can I help you?"
Gauntlet
Ratchet
Brennus
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
The room beyond the door goes silent, the same male voice responds his voice even more powerful and intimidating than it was when he was having a relationship spat, "Perhaps, who is seeking them out!"
”Apologies if we are interrupting you Sir, but we have some questions for you if you don’t mind.”
Unless interrupted, Gauntlet will explain the situation again, and ask him if he can relate any information he might have about the murder.
"Erix d'Orein, Scion and Dragonmarked member of House Orien. I'm here with my partner on official Watch business investigating the murder of Svans, a former member of the performance troupe you all used to be a part of." The young man replies, adding a bit more authority to his voice. "Now, would you kindly open the door and let us in, so we can discuss things civilly?"
Frank opens his mouth and then closes it, apparently having nothing to add after all.
Broulnindre chuckles from under her cloak.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
You hear a male voice from the other side of the door, "Well why didn't you say so in the first place!" The door opens and a human male, in perhaps his mid-fifties stands in the doorway. Despite his age, he is physically imposing, standing perhaps 6'5" with a large muscular frame, he is shirtless. His moustache is a dark handlebar, but his head is fully shaved. He smells as if he's had to chase a hangover with the hair of the dog.
Standing on the other side of the kitchen, which is the room that the door leads to, is an elven woman, always hard to tell their age, but based upon her youth you'd wager she is 100. She is quite breathtaking, long golden hair, silver blue eyes, and despite her full length robe, her body appears quite shapely.
She smiles weakly, "Well met Erix of House Orien.
We have indeed heard of Svans death, everyone in Oakbridge has, what has that to do with us? We've had no contact with him since the circus save that of proximity of living choice".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
The Bard stays in the doorway and doesn't let you in, he listens to Gauntlet lay everything out and responds, "I'm afraid I don't know much other than the fact that most if not all of us did blame Svans for the disaster that unfolded in the final days of the Peace Circus.
Despite that, none of us had a real genuine hatred of him, certainly not enough to murder him. He was a bad business man but not a bad person".
Brennus keeps silent for now, but it's not lost on him that many bards know a little about magic and a little about blades, exactly the combination their assassin used. He tries to peer beyond the man in the doorway, wondering if he's just private or trying to hide something.
"We're asking everyone who might've known him. Mostly about any hard feelings anyone might've had towards him." Frank explains.
Oblivious to the whole situation, Gauntlet accepts the man’s simple response and glances at the others to see if they have any questions.
Ratchet tilted his head to the side, considering the man's expression, then nodded. "Is there anyone you can think of that might have had it out for him? If you can give us any information to go on, we'll be happy to let you get back to your company."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
He grins at Ratchet's assertion, "Oh that's no trouble at all.
If I could help I certainly would. As I said, none of us had any hard feelings that would lead to seeking to kill him.
Certainly the incident led to some bloodshed among the spectators, but I am sure insurance covered all of that, to the extent that money can make such things right anyway".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
Corlina frowns, "How many groups are investigating Svans death? Was he that important? Not that any death isn't a tragedy but how many resources does the Watch have?"
Roctar cocks his head and turns to his wife, "Who are we to question the watch my Love?
No, hard feelings towards him from me other than losing what, at the time, was steady income and an interesting life on the road. All good things must end I suppose.
There were some hurt perhaps even severely on the night of the last performance, maybe someone in that group is out for blood? Though it has been a few years so that maybe doesn't make sense.
He was a dealer in expensive things I know that, perhaps he found something forbidden and ran afoul of the wrong crowd?"
Certainly the incident led to some bloodshed among the spectators, but I am sure insurance covered all of that, to the extent that money can make such things right anyway".[/b]
"Sounds like a begrudged patron might be a lead. Where can we find out more about this incident you mentioned. Are there ticket records? A guest list? Anything you can think of?"
He grins at Ratchet's assertion, "Oh that's no trouble at all.
If I could help I certainly would. As I said, none of us had any hard feelings that would lead to seeking to kill him.
Certainly the incident led to some bloodshed among the spectators, but I am sure insurance covered all of that, to the extent that money can make such things right anyway".
Brennus isn't particularly interested in the bard's... hmmm... choices of companionship, unless they were somehow related to the murder. It seemed unlikely, though.
To impatient to continue pretending to be a dumb bird, he speaks up. "You took part in the purchase of the dinosaurs involved, correct? Have you at any time received any kinds of threats related to the incident? Been followed by someone who didn't seem like one of your fans? Has anyone recently questioned you in relation to Svan or the incident?" he asks in his rough voice.
He focuses intently on Volin as he questions him, bringing his not inconsiderable powers of observation to bear.
"Maybe we could ask around about any expeditions that came to town recently." Frank muses aloud.
"Did you ask how many groups? Perhaps the other half of our group came by, can you describe them?"
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"Dey had goot pet dino dot's shiny." The 3' tall cloaked figure adds helpfully.
To impatient to continue pretending to be a dumb bird, he speaks up. "You took part in the purchase of the dinosaurs involved, correct? Have you at any time received any kinds of threats related to the incident? Been followed by someone who didn't seem like one of your fans? Has anyone recently questioned you in relation to Svan or the incident?" he asks in his rough voice.
He focuses intently on Volin as he questions him, bringing his not inconsiderable powers of observation to bear.
Gauntlet glances at the Raven on his shoulder, his stone-like face impassive, but he is obviously wondering where his questions are going.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
Volin shakes his head at Tatchet, "All documentation that the circus had was probably thrown away or burned, perhaps there was a story in the Sharn Inquisitve?"
Volin is taken aback by Brennus' statement and his eyes glaze over at the rapid fire questions, [b]"I did yes. I was the one who was responsible for their training and negotiating the deal though I didn't purchase out of my pocket directly.
I've never been followed. I've certainly wished I had a following but much as I believe my skills are worthy of praise, there's not been a great deal of demand for it outside the tavern scene. With the exception of course, during my time in the circus. That is to say, if anyone has followed me, I've never noticed...
No, you are the first people who have contacted me about the death, to be clear, until your statement just now, I never thought it would have had anything to do with me at all.
Brennus, as you scrutinize Volin something occurs to you, the half-elf has a tattoo in approximately the same place that Svans had an injury, specifically Svans had his skin in that spot removed.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
Neither responds to your musings Frank.
Corlina's eyebrows raise, "Oh no, I'm not saying I received any questions".
Roctar chuckles at Broulnindre's statement, then stops, "Vhat the heck did she say?"
"Oh, just that our friends have a well behaved dino. No worries." Frank says reassuringly.
"Hy know vot Hy heard." Broulnindre says, pointing accusingly with a clawed hand extending out of the cloak.
"Calmly. Talking mission, remember?" Frank says as he slowly pushes her clawed hand back down until it disappears again.
He seems to just stare at her a few moments quietly, then suddenly clears his throat and turns back to Roctar and Corlina.
"Please excuse her. She just needs to stretch her legs." Frank lies as she lets out a very tiny growl and steps outside.
Brennus, as you scrutinize Volin something occurs to you, the half-elf has a tattoo in approximately the same place that Svans had an injury, specifically Svans had his skin in that spot removed.
"Hmm, well, I would advise you to be wary. If this is a case of long-delayed vengeance you might well also be a target," Brennus cautions.
He waits a moment for that to sink in, then pushes on, "That tattoo there," he nods at it, "Did Svans previously have a similar one? Does it have any particular meaning?"
Finally noticing the tattoo, Gauntlet looks at it carefully.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
Gauntlet sees no mystical significance to the tattoo. What Gauntlet recalls, Volin illuminates, "I'm sure he did, we were all supposed to get one, the exact same one in the exact same spot. Identified us as members of the circus if we hit a rough patch traveling around during the Last War. It symbolized our neutrality during the War.
Why?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
As B steps out Corlina states with a smile, "Is there anything else?
If not, we would like to return to our usual bickering".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
Gauntlet sees no mystical significance to the tattoo. What Gauntlet recalls, Volin illuminates, "I'm sure he did, we were all supposed to get one, the exact same one in the exact same spot. Identified us as members of the circus if we hit a rough patch traveling around during the Last War. It symbolized our neutrality during the War.
Why?"
"Svans had his removed for some reason," Brennus replies.
He clacks his beak thoughtfully, shifting slightly on Gauntlet's shoulder. "Well, I can't think of any further questions that could possibly lead us to Svans's killer. Anything further from the two of you?"
”I only have one last question. Do you know of anyone else from the circus that lives in Sharn? May know our victim? Any insights you have may help. Did he have any enemies you knew about? Things like that.”
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
"There's a few of us, Drummer and Roctar. Drummer is a 'Forged, he's quite literally a drummer. Roctar was the strong man. No one else comes to mind".
"We all knew each other, traveled together for years so we all knew one another well enough.
I don't know him well enough to know if he had any enemies, like I said, he was a scapegoat for screwing up the business end of things, but I don't think anyone had a vendetta against him for it".
Ratchet was too busy writing down names and details to pay much attention to anything else.
"Hence why he might have removed the tattoo tying him to the Circus?" Brennus theorizes.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet
Volin shrugs at Brennus, "If the tattoo was cut off specifically, then yeah, I'd say it might have been someone with a bone to pick with the circus".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
Erix and Frank (with Broulnindre)
With no further questions, Erix and Frank exit the residence.
Making sure that Broulnindre has enough time to sneak back in by asking Erix if he has anything he'd like to ask, Frank slowly departs.
Before getting more than about 50' away, Frank looks for a place to hide and wait for a few minutes.
Broulnindre sneaks through the door and ducks behind some furniture, her small size and her Sleeves of Many Garments helping her sneak about.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet
Volin shrugs at Brennus, "If the tattoo was cut off specifically, then yeah, I'd say it might have been someone with a bone to pick with the circus".
Nodding at the news, Guantlet agrees.
"We need to look into what happened with the circus more. Whomever is in Sharn that had anything to do with it needs to be interviewed ASAP. It may not have anything to do with the accident or the animals, but it probably has 'something' to do with the circus and our victim's ties there."
"Sure!" Ratchet agreed. "There was a big accident, right? Is there something like a newspaper here? Maybe a town crier, or city records? I'm trying to think of who might have a list of who worked for the circus when the bad stuff happened."