"...You know, it's not like we even know where to start. Let's just have a stake-out." Frank tries for the third time.
"We know where the less honest interviewees live. We have less of a clue about the changeling." He explains, again for the third time.
"Well we don't seem to have anything else useful to do in regards to the investigation," Brennus grumbles. "If someone were to care for my pack, I could play the part of an ordinary raven somewhat."
"Might need to stash Proto somewhere then. She's not exactly inconspicuous. I can take your bag though, Brennus. People tend not to notice me when I don't want them to."
Broulnindre perks up so suddenly that her hood falls down.
"Oooh, can Hy vait vit goot dino?" she asks.
"If we stash Proto close enough." Frank sighs.
"Probably not, B." he explains.
Broulnindre pouts at this before giving puppy dog eyes to the other small humanoid person.
"Well, I don't mind. Sounds like you'll have to argue with your boss about it," Ratchet said with a shrug.
"Boss?" Broulnindre repeats, tilting her head.
She suddenly turns on Frank, pointing accusingly at him.
"Vot hef hyu been tellink dem, Franky?"
"Not that. Not anything like it." Frank says with hands raised and a bemused look.
"Definitely more like a teammate. Not a minion or a test subject or anything." Frank explains in Ratchet's general direction.
Broulnindre folds her arms at this, not fully mollified.
Clearing his throat loudly, Frank changes the subject.
"So, anyway- if we split up, we can keep eyes on a lot of ex-circus performers and see if any act oddly. Especially in the evening." Frank suggests.
”I have no problem staking out those we think are suspicious. If we find nothing, no harm done. Correct?”
Frank nods affirmatively.
"Who do we think suspicious, hm?" Brennus asks. "Or do we just watch them all?"
After a couple jabs from Broulnindre, Frank says "Roctar and Corlina." with a sigh.
Gauntlet seems dispassionate on the subject.
"None of the ones I helped interview showed any signs of guilt or spiked any feelings of suspicion from me. I still think we should find the Changeling mother. Even if she had nothing to do with the murder, she might have an idea who it might be. The Sharn watch might be able to find records from the war about who she might be. The incident happened here in Breland, correct? There should be official records of it somewhere. I filled out enough forms to choke a mule each week when I was in the Last War."
"Corleena told a lie. She might be changelink mom." Broulnindre suggests, still insisting on watching Roctar and Corlina.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
The Party decides to once more, split their efforts, utilizing the same split. Frank, B, and Erix camp out outside of Roctar and Corlina's Apartment, while Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet head to the Central Watchtower to investigate the "Changeling".
The split squad heads to the Apartment, which is close by, and settles in for a spell to see if suspicious actions are met with suspicious deeds.
Frank, not being the stealthiest fellow, hangs back to let B and Erix do the surveillance.
An our after sunset, the hunch may just pan out as both of them spot Corlina is disguise (cowled cloak on) heading out of her apartment and into the night!
Stealth
Broulnindre
Erix
Perception
Broulnindre
Erix
The other half of the split Party heads to Central Watchtower to seek information on the changeling, if it can be found.
Base-to-tip the tallest tower in Sharn, the central Watchtower is a broad, imposing tower whose foundations stretch down into Middle Sharn and is the only remnant Goblinoid architecture in Upper Sharn. Although many in Upper Sharn decry it as an eyesore that should be replaced, the Central Watchtower is an extremely practical facility and the spine of the Watch's nervous system.
As you arrive, a pair of guards bar your entry, both wield halberds though they don't directly threaten you one of the two speaks, "State your business citizens, the Central Watchtower cannot be accessed by civilians without good cause".
Gauntlet introduces himself, his companions, and his mission. He then carefully alerts the guards to their goals for the local watch.
”We are not here to cause trouble or stir up problems. Merely looking for some solid facts about a possible suspect we have been hired to find.”
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
The guard nods stiffly, , "Thank you then for your service.
What you are seeking would be on the lowest level. It will take some time to dig through those records but you may well find something of value. I remember the incident myself and no doubt some paperwork was generated as a result.
Ask Robilar to assist you, he is the recordkeeper.
As you enter, Madelyt, can guide you to the proper floor and she can be an escort for you so that you need not answer this same challenge over and over again.
Wait here a moment".
The guard enters the Tower and soon enough produces a female guard, she is half-elven. She smiles warmly and guides you past dozens of Watch members who no doubt would have slowed your passing and then into a lift bank bringing you to the lower levels much more efficiently.
You are deep when the lift stops, and you all exit onto a dingy foyer, it smells of dust and old paper. A cage closes off the records, within are rows and rows of documents on metal shelves that run into the darkness beyond.
Seated at a desk on the other side of the cage is a gnome, on his desk are two lanterns that produce most f the light currently down here, he looks up at you squinting, "New recruits Madelyt?"
She shakes her head, "No Local Inquisitives assisting the Watch, can you help them?"
He huffs, "I'm awfully busy, is it important?"
As soon as Corlina leaves her apartment in disguise, Erix reaches out and Claims her.
Dark Claim (Su): Starting at 1st level, a harbinger gains the ability to reach out with her sorcerous malice, marking foes as her own. As a swift action, the harbinger may Claim an opponent that she can see (including with special senses such as blindsense or tremorsense) within close range (25 feet + 5 feet per 2 harbinger levels) for a number of rounds equal to 1/2 her class level (minimum 1 round). A harbinger can have a maximum number of creatures Claimed equal to her harbinger initiation modifier (minimum 1), and may not Claim a creature she has already Claimed until or unless the Claim expires. Claimed creatures using the Withdraw action to leave a square threatened by the harbinger provoke attacks of opportunity from her.
In addition, the harbinger automatically knows the position of creatures she has Claimed. Any opponent the harbinger cannot see still has total concealment (50% miss chance) against her, and the harbinger still suffers the normal miss chance when attacking creatures that have concealment. The harbinger is still denied her Dexterity bonus to her AC against attacks from Claimed creatures she cannot see.
Ratchet followed Gauntlet's lead, thrilled to be following the Warforged around but managing to keep it mostly contained.
"We need to do some research about an accident that killed some folks at a circus a while back," Ratchet said earnestly. "It might be connected to the murder this morning. If you happen to know where those records are, we'll do our best to stay out of your work."
Broulnindre pouts as Erix follows. She stays to see if Roctar comes out.
Frank continues hanging out a hundred feet away from Broulnindre, wearing the cloak conjured by a pair of Sleeves of Many Garments that she usually gets.
Brennus doesn't feel a need to add anything further to what Ratchet said, so he just looks around from his usual perch on Gauntlet's shoulder.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn Central Watchtower
Robilar frowns at Ratchet but then his face softens a bit, "Aye, I do indeed remember the incident.
I also happen to remember where the records are kept as I thought it a shame what happened to the victim, it'll take a few minutes to gather the records up, I'll let you inside the cage if Madelyt stays with you. Otherwise I can't have outsiders, even Inquisitives working with the Watch snooping around".
She nods in agreement.
He unlocks the cage and lets you all in.
After about 45 minutes, the Gnome returns with a file.
Based on the report, the Dinos lost control because Volin wasn't spending sufficient time tending to the animals and their condition deteriorated though the report doesn't delve into why Volin was inattentive.
Most of the spectators received wounds that could be healed by clerics of the Watch one they were on scene. The worst victims were a Changeling named Ziki and her baby daughter. The baby was literally shredded by the Dinos and nothing could be done for her by the time help arrived. The Changeling lost two fingers in the attack. She was in attendance as a distraction from the news that her husband had died on the front lines of the war. However, as part of the investigation, it was revealed that Ziki had warrants for her arrest in Xandrar and Wroat due to thievery. While she explained it away as necessity, the Watch instead of pursuing any sort of charge against the Circus exchanged her freedom for the death of her child. It is believed that Ziki was living in Wroat at the time. The file has not been updated as to her whereabouts.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Frank, B, and Proto! -
Roctar does not exit the building. Though many people do come and go.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
You follow Corlina, after her initial attempt to ensure she isn't being followed, she becomes more carefree and does not even bother to look behind her!
She takes a rather long circuitous route and ends up at another apartment. You realize that this apartment is the one right next to where Svans lived, tough most of the apartments here are clustered together.
You are able to follow her inside and up the stairs which is unusual as she has to walk up fifteen flights! Though as a dancer she is in good shape.
By the time you are both done climbing, you realize she is going to the penthouse! At the top she has to knock, based on your angle, you cannot see the person but you hear a male voice, "Got out early tonight eh? Come on in gorgeous, let's make some music together, shall we?" She giggles and enters, the door closes behind her.
After about 45 minutes, the Gnome returns with a file.
Based on the report, the Dinos lost control because Volin wasn't spending sufficient time tending to the animals and their condition deteriorated though the report doesn't delve into why Volin was inattentive.
Most of the spectators received wounds that could be healed by clerics of the Watch one they were on scene. The worst victims were a Changeling named Ziki and her baby daughter. The baby was literally shredded by the Dinos and nothing could be done for her by the time help arrived. The Changeling lost two fingers in the attack. She was in attendance as a distraction from the news that her husband had died on the front lines of the war. However, as part of the investigation, it was revealed that Ziki had warrants for her arrest in Xandrar and Wroat due to thievery. While she explained it away as necessity, the Watch instead of pursuing any sort of charge against the Circus exchanged her freedom for the death of her child. It is believed that Ziki was living in Wroat at the time. The file has not been updated as to her whereabouts.
Brennus is certainly tempted by all the records stored all around him... but he also doesn't want to make an enemy of the Watch, nor get his new allies in trouble with the Watch, so he restrains himself to just looking at everything he can without leaving Gauntlet's shoulders.
Besides, guard reports probably aren't that interesting. Definitely not.
His resolve just barely holds long enough for Robilar to return. He practically pounces on the file, holding the pages in the air with telekinesis as he rapidly reads through them looking for any useful details.
"Hmm, that could certainly provide motive," he comments as he reads, seemingly thinking aloud more than trying to communicate, "But if it was this Ziki I would think she'd go for Volin first... we could possibly question him more closely, given he was the most involved in the incident even above Svans, on the basis that he may be in danger. He did seem a bit evasive when we questioned him, but I thought it was just because we'd interrupted him in the midst of whatever debauchery he was involved in at the moment... Perhaps we could ask around in Wroat for Ziki? It seems a lot to assume her involvement at this point, but we haven't found any signs of anyone else who would have a motive... but the murder seemed to involve far more than a street thief would have been capable of..."
Nodding Gauntlet agrees.
”However she has had years to plot her revenge and gain access to the former circus performers. She may have been biding her time, or trying to finance her revenge, and only recently began. Pure speculation of course. Wroat? I’m not sure a journey there will help us here and now.”
"Wroat? I’m not sure a journey there will help us here and now.”
Nodding Gauntlet agrees.
”However she has had years to plot her revenge and gain access to the former circus performers. She may have been biding her time, or trying to finance her revenge, and only recently began. Pure speculation of course. Wroat? I’m not sure a journey there will help us here and now.”
"Hmmm?" Brennus turns his head toward Gauntlet's, from his perch on the warforged's shoulder. "Oh, yes, likely not. If this Ziki truly is the culprit, she'll likely be aiming to murder Volin soon, possibly even tonight. Certainly too soon for us to make the trip and find out she's not there. Well, I suppose the only lead we have is to keep watch on Volin and see if she shows up. Certainly that would be more productive than wandering around town looking for someone missing those particular fingers."
"Sounds like we need to get there and keep an eye out," Ratchet said. "Is there reason to stay here longer?"
Unless the aids at the Watch have any suggestions, Gauntlet agrees its time to move on.
"We will keep looking out for signs of the murderer, or of Ziki being in Sharn. But unless something else rears its head, I'm afraid this particular hydra is still hiding from us."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn Central Watchtower back to Oakbridge District
The split party gains some insight into a potential suspect but no clarity as to that suspects location.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Frank, B, and Proto! -
After several moments of careful consideration, Erix opts to stay in the hallway, trying to listen in on the convo taking place within the apartment.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
You move to the door to hear better that which takes place. It's quite the earful! This is an affair, and a steamy one at that, after an hour they're still entangled...
Erix sits on the floor, still within earshot, and pulls out that day's edition of the The Korranberg Chronicle. While he had no interest in the love live of whomever the apartment belonged to, it might be a good idea to wait for their encounter to be over, just in case.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Oakbridge District
You arrive back in Oakbridge District, you are aware that the other group is tailing Roctar and Corlina. The streets are still busy even though night has fallen, a single murder has some people on edge, but not enough on edge to keep people from stepping out.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Frank, B, and Proto! -
A little more than yet another hour has gone by. He has not left and she has not returned, continue to wait?
With nothing else going on, Gauntlet insists on going back to check on Mickey P. He suggests the others go meet up with the rest of the 'crew' on stalking duty. He will join them as soon as he's sure Mickey has not drunken himself to death, and is relatively safe.
Ratchet knew they were near where the others were supposed to be, but finding them without giving away their position was tricky.
From under his shirt he pulled a necklace with a number of small objects on it. He sorted through them for a moment and found the one he was looking for. A small whistle. He blew on it. It didn't make any audible sound.
Some distance away, Proto perked up. Metal feathers rose around her head and she looked off in the distance. After a moment of soft clicking a whirring, she made a sound indistinguishable to a raven.