Ismene Albus's page

Ismene shakes her head. "Not before the trial tomorrow morning. Besides, the whole point of coming here is to find evidence of what killed these children. Given that the Beast was actually here, I fear our only option is to try and face whatever killed them ourselves. And hopefully bring back some sort of proof, provided we survive." She says with a steadying breath.

Ismene looks for signs around the various homes that a child lived there before it was abandoned, such as scattered toys or swings outside or possibly small articles of clothing.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Ismene swears a blue streak in Varisian as she takes out her tools and sets to work on the accursed bear trap.

Then she drinks her cognatogen and her extracts of CLW and Aram Zey's Focus.

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

That will give her trapfinding of a lvl 2 rogue.

Ismene dismounts to better discern the trail, handing Indigo's reigns up to Quinn. "Hmmm, scary ghost children, overgrown corn. What could go wrong?" She says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Well, bleach would certainly be a useful disinfectant in either a hospital or laboratory setting and certainly not flammable. I suppose we'll want to follow up with this Chymic Works, though." Ismeme considers what she knows about the brand, if anything.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

She doesn't object to the exhumation per se, but she does offer a reminder. "Quinn, ghasts feed on dead flesh and given that only one of the... decorative heads on display there does not display deformities, that may be all that remains of Doctor Brada." She adds, pointing out the particular head she means.

Ismene is quite happy to delay her descent until there is a rope in place to aid her. "Lean a bit Theodore, bombs away!" She calls out and lobs a bomb down to hopefully splash all the ghastly occupants.

Ranged Touch vs Central Cask Square: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Fire Damage: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5, 2) + 6 = 15 Splash is 9.

Ismene looks more than a little alarmed at how quickly the siblings shimmy down the hole. "Not much of a climber, myself. Something of an oversight that we don't carry rope." She says with a quaver in her voice and a nervous laugh as she moves to follow.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10 Falling Damage?: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"Hmm, spirits can lie or simply be mistaken. We'll have to see what he has to say, regardless." Ismene comments as she pulls a sunrod from her pack, raps it sharply and then tosses it down the hole.

Then she listens for any sounds of something moving around down there.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"Doesn't seem to be anyone here to interview anyway. Still, we should have a look around. The children's ghosts should be in Hergstag. I don't know if there are any spirits here. We could try the Spirit Planchette." Finding a place to settle, she will try using the divining tool, allowing the necessary time for the device to commune. Hopefully I'm using it right... I know more people died in the fire but I think we only know the Drs name.
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 1d100 ⇒ 32
"Hello, Doctor Brada. Who killed Doctor Brada?"

Then she looks about the rubble for any clues, pulling out her magnifying glass again.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Ismene nods solemnly as the sisters describe the children and the circumstances of their disappearances, recording the details dutifully. "Yes, please tell us what you can about the ghosts. We have some experience with spirits and we may be able to put them to rest provided we can determine what is causing them to linger. Do they seemed tied to a specific area, such as the home where they lived or do they roam? Do they cause any harm to the living? What have they been seen doing and how do their apparitions appear?"

Whoops, slighly ninja'd. Editing for continuity.

Ismene knocks on the door and greets the sisters cordially.

"Good afternoon?, Ladies. My name is Ismene Albus. I do apologize for dropping by unannounced. I understand that you are all formerly of Hergstag and were present during the terrible tragedy that occurred there seven months ago. You have my condolences. I know it must be painful to recall but please I beg you to recount those events for us. Did you know young Ellsa personally?"

Linguistics to Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Ismene nods. "Thank you, I will not be long. Theodore, perhaps you could acquire more Holy Water from the temple?"

She looks for items that would be helpful against ghosts, or at least other types of undead. Bone Burn, maybe? If so, will buy 4.

She also takes note of the alchemist if they are present, name and general description, though she won't engage as more than a customer at this time.

But that wouldn't help their case here. More importantly, that's not how a true Knight of Lastwall should conduct himself. He shrugs it off. As they make their way out of the courtroom, Quinn's strides just seem to place him right in between the gallery and Ismene.

Ismene gives Quinn a sheepish smile in gratitude for his protective maneuvering. "I think Tiff has the right idea, we'd better stock up before we're blackisted. Master Kaple, where might we find a shop that sells spell scrolls, potions and the like?"

She urges for collection of their book delivery funds and some timely shopping before their journey.

Ismene is leveled and sheet updated.

+8 HP, 5 level up, 2 Con, 1 FCB
Bomb 3d6, poison resistance +4
Feat: Extra Discovery: Explosive Bombs
Mental Prowess +2 to Int

Thought I had found how to get ABP applied to my sheet until I noticed it wasn't figuring in the bonuses correctly so for ease of use, I'm adding the gear the bonuses are meant to replace to get the numbers to crunch. Using strikethrough to indicate that it's not really there, hopefully that will avoid confusion.

Posting on my lunch so forgive any lack of detail.

Ismene returns and approaches the Beast. She makes no move to interfere with his bonds. She merely exposes the scarred flesh the Beast informed them of earlier displaying no hesitancy in being close enough to touch the creature. She addresses the Beast first and then speaks to the court.

"I'm just going to move aside your tunic to show your skin, ok? As you can see, while the Beast's wounds do not heal like a normal humanoid, they do leave behind marks. This scar here on the forearm was from a Troll bite, you told me, correct? Yes, I can see the imprint of teeth. This troll was eating people, you said, and so you risked yourself to stop it?" She gives the Beast time to nod in the affirmative.

"So we all heard Elder Lazne's report of their brave ambush against the creature attacking Morast. And yet, we can see no sign of the burns or the bite of the Blood Caiman. I therefore conclude, that this Beast cannot be the one who harmed the people of Morast."

Linguistics: 1d20 + 11 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 10 = 29

"Miss Albus," he drawls, "since it seems we are now engaging in idle speculation and mere hypotheticals," - this draws an irritated look from Judge Embreth Daramid - "is it possible that the Beast could be trying to create another creature like itself? And therefore could it have taken the bodies for that purpose? Even if it lacks the ability or skill to do so, might it have the intent? In your expert opinion, of course."

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Ismene readily agrees to Quinn's plan and observes his testimony approvingly. "If an ad hominem argument is his best retort, you did quite well indeed." She assures him.

Taking the stand again, Ismene reviews the discovery of the Darkvision extract. "I want to be clear that this is not a potion I am speaking of, which could be created by a wider variety of magic users. This was an extract that was created by a practitioner of the Alchemical Arts. Generally, they are not transferable to other persons though their are some exceptions. Still, it narrows our scope tremendously when considering who our grave robber might be. It very likely was an Alchemist or someone with close ties to one."

Kaple then asks why she is sure it wasn't simply the Beast who consumed the extract of Darkvision.

"The Beast already has innate Darkvision. It would have no effect whatsoever."

Linguistics to Orate: 1d20 + 11 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 5 = 29

Ismene shakes her head slightly as she begins to speak. "I can think of no reason for the Beast to have disturbed those graves, nor to have taken the bodies of the deceased. This Beast," She says, pointing clearly to the bound defendant, her voice beginning to rise. "Has no need whatsoever for food. Though someone who camped on that Island clearly did. Unfortunately, I must share with the court that there is a purpose for which someone might use six, recently deceased and relatively undamaged corpses to achieve. That is the creation of a Flesh Golem, potentially very close in form and ability to the defendant there." She pronounces dramatically, though she remains composed.

Linguistics to Orate: 1d20 + 11 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 5 = 29

The cognatogen probably would be frowned on, and doesn't last long enough to go through the whole trial. You also might want it for this afternoon's expedition to Hergstag, and not want to take the 1-hour delay to brew another.

Ah, good point!

Ismene nods, happy to be prompted. "Elder Lazne informed us that after the posse at Morast sprung their ambush, the creature fled through the water to the burial grounds. When the blood caiman attacked, the creature bled from a serious wound. I asked to see the site so that I might collect samples of any physical evidence that might remain. When we arrived, we discovered the abandoned coracle containing a leather travel bag with articles of clothing and most disconcertingly, a detached and preserved human face. There was also a sunken sack tethered by a rope that held more rope, a gag, a rusted lantern, three heavy knives and a rusted shovel. At the old campsite, we found remnants of wine and trail rations as well a vial with the residue of an Alchemical extract that confers Darkvision to the user. These items seem consistent with the goal of premeditated kidnapping. However, none of them would have done the Beast any good." She delivers her opinion with conviction.

"Almost by happenstance, we noticed that six of the graves appeared disturbed. Thus with Elder Lazne's permission and under the eye of a Cleric of Pharasma, we attempted to exhume two of the bodies only to find they were entirely absent. The Elder confirmed for us that all six would have been recently deceased around the time of the disappearances and the ambush. Again, this does not really align with the Beast's usual pattern of rampant destruction. Nor can I discern any purpose it might have for acquiring fresh bodies. Though there is a purpose for which they might have been collected..." She paused here for the Barrister to question her further about her hypothesis.

No cognatogen as well? It's not technically magic and wouldn't detect as such, nor give any visible sign. But if it would be frowned on, she won't risk it.

Ismene indicates that she is prepared to testify. She will be most confident speaking on those matters she feels well informed, relating to the Beast's fundamental nature and alchemical subject matter. The vial containing residue from an extract of Darkvision which would be useless to the Beast. The nonexistent scars from the blood caiman despite the fact that he bears other scars. The Beast's lacking blood or a need to consume food. Finally the correlation between six bodies taken and that being exactly the number required to create a flesh golem similar to the Beast.

If given leave to do so, she will begin by providing her credentials as a graduate of the Sincomakti School of Sciences in Rozenport.

Ismene pulls out the items to present as Quinn brings them up, unwrapping the leathery face to display. "I do not fully understand what purpose this might have. A ghastly trophy, perhaps. Obviously, you could not wear this as a mask and be mistaken for the person from whom it was taken. But it may be used in conjunction with some strange magic to achieve that end. Elder Lazne recognized this face as belonging to one Nan Klebem, a trapper who periodically visited Morast to trade. He said she has not been seen since the attack. If that is because the perpetrator left this..." She swallows, her disgust clear on her face. "...component behind, it may be that this person moved freely about Morast under a false guise for months beforehand. But I fear that theory is too far afield from our purpose here today, indeed, it may only serve to confuse things." She shakes her head trying to focus her thoughts again. "In relation to the defense, I think it's plain that this was removed with a precise hand and carefully preserved. Neither of which does the Beast seem capable."

"I collected what samples I could of the dried blood purportedly shed by the Beast of Morast. What dissimilarity we might show between this and the alchemical fluid that sustains this Beast's tissues, I cannot be sure without further research."

She chews her lip nervously as she reviews her notes again, anxious over possibly missing something. "Elder Lazne also described hearing Morast's Beast yelling profanities when injured. This doesn't seem in character for the Beast imprisoned here. You could follow up with him as to whether the voice is different than he remembers." She hesitates over this last point, feeling a bit petty, even hypocritical, over pointing it out but frustrated over trying to build a stable defense with such flimsy evidence as to be comparable to a house of cards. "They chew a type of swamp weed in Morast. It has some mild narcotic effect. If the Elder seems very determined that the imprisoned Beast is the one that attacked his people, despite the inconsistencies, it may be possible to cast doubt on his assertions by bringing this point to the court's attention. I do not know if the substance could impair cognition or memory retention, but similar substances often do."

Ismene opens up her notes and begins detailing their findings.

"The people of Morast were suspicious to the point of being nearly xenophobic. But perhaps a warranted outlook given how many losses they have suffered in a relatively brief period of time. A bit more than a year ago, they lost five folk to circumstances connected to a flood, drownings, a home collapse and a broken leg that became infected. We found that the graves of these unfortunates had been disturbed and their bodies taken. Elder Lazne supposed the Beast might have been eating these corpses and began grabbing citizens of Morast when the supply ran out. It may be worthwhile to ask the Beast what he eats on his own if it can precede the Elder's testimony. Once they came to understand that something was taking their people, they set a trap to ambush the attacker. I sense he is proud of this event, as well he should be, encourage him to give details of the damage they saw inflicted on their attacker. He claims that "Beast" was badly burned and that a Blood Caiman 'nearly tore its whole shoulder off'. This information is not consistent with any scarring found on the Beast currently in custody. I think we must consider that there is another with form similar enough to the Beast for a mistaken identity. This supposition will not be well received, unfortunately." She says with a sympathetic look at the Barrister.

That's all I have time for rn, leaving some room for others to chime in and I will check back to add more tonight.

Ismene offers her thanks to the Kin for their hospitality. Once she has prepared her extracts and cognatogen for the day. He manner is distany as she tries to gather her thoughts on how to best present the evidence. She mentally formulates questions to ask the Beast.

First, she summarizes what they found for Barrister Kaple in the hopes that he has some thoughts on how the information may be used in the defense's argument. "Will the Beast be present for the entire trial, only brought in when it is time to hear his testimony, or not at all? It may be helpful to demonstrate the Beast's dexterity or likely lack thereof. Also Elder Lazne claims to have heard the Morast attacker speak, so the sound of their voices may be different." She asks the Barrister, then she requests to interview the Beast again.

She softens her tone again and slows her pace, making sure to pause and give the Beast time to listen and reply, though she does have much to ask.

"Hello again, I need to ask you some more questions and I believe your answers may help convince the people in charge that you are telling the truth. Please stay calm today, you can be very scary when you're angry and people don't make good decisions when they are scared or angry. Alright?"
Linguistics to Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

"You said before that the guards here hurt you. Did they just cause you pain or did you sustain wounds such as cuts or bruises? When your flesh is damaged, do you shed blood? Do your wounds heal on their own with time? Do you have any old wounds you can show us? Any scars on your skin other than your stitches?"

She will show the Beast a rough sketch of a blood caiman. "This is a kind of predatory reptile that hunts in water and swamps. Have you ever been attacked by something like this?"

"Am I correct that you see quite well in the dark? You do not need a light to see by at night?"

Finally, she asks, "Have you ever seen another creature like yourself ? If so, where?"

Elder Lazne looks very troubled. "You bring bad tidings. Best you be going now. And you bring that thing -" he indicates the skin-face " - to the judge so's we can add it to the Beast's crimes."

"Of course, sir." Ismene says as she rewraps the grotesque thing and packs it away. "Let's be on our way then." She suggests, making her way back to the boats.

Trying to sound merely conversational, she adds. "Do many folk come to Morast periodically, for foodstuffs, supplies and whatnot?"
Linguistics to improve attitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Since we seem to have worn out our welcome. XD

Ismene asks a few more questions as they wrap up. "So did all six of these disturbed graves contain recently deceased bodies as of the time of the attack? Did the six of them have anything in common with one another such as age or manner of death? Anything particularly unique about any of them?" She hesitates over revealing what they found but finally decides to show the Elder.

"I do apologize that this item is a bit grisly, but we found this as well." She carefully opens the wrapping to display the leathery face. "Have you ever seen anything like this before? Do you perhaps recognize to whom this belonged? Originally, that is?"

Ismene nods decisively. "We promised only to provide as unbiased a perspective as we are capable of. I do suspect what we uncover may be just as likely to condemn the Beast. My misgivings come from the fact that we have been tied to his defense, specifically. All we can do is report our findings to Barrister Kaple to give him options, I suppose."

She waves to Elder Lazne to paddle close enough to converse. "Sir, it looks as though the graves have been tampered with. Was that something that was noted around the times of the disappearances as well? May we have permission to have a look at what may have been taken? Theodore here is Pharasman clergy and he will ensure we take measures not to disturb the spirits of the deceased."

Ismene puts in the time required to be certain they find and collect all the evidence they can, making sure to seal samples of blood, etc away in vials and jars. She brandishes her magnifying glass like a talisman against missing even the most minute detail. She expresses some thoughts out loud while they work.

"I'll be frank that I have some serious misgivings about all of this. I believe that revealing the Beast's nature is likely key to his defense but it may also seal his fate. Given the suspicious and superstitious tendencies of the townsfolk, I doubt they will look any more kindly on him when they know he is an unnatural construct of previously deceased flesh. Not to mention, that fact may put an end to any rights to due process they are currently affording him. Then there is the minor detail that he flies into destructive rages and has gaps in his memory where he may well have been under the direct control of someone else whom he either can't or won't identify. I daresay what we offer to prove his innocence may decide them on the need for his destruction all the same."

She sighs heavily with a defeated air, "And what's worse, I'm not sure they would be wrong to reach that conclusion."

Ismene nods agreement, "The Beast does seem rather more of a blunt instrument. This looks like equipment for kidnapping. You needn't tie up or gag a corpse, after all. This... preserved face is the most distressing thing by far though. Could someone have been grabbing these folk to harvest their faces? Is it a magical item?" She asks, revulsion clear on her features.

Knowledge(Arcana), cognatogen: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 2 = 27

Ismene uses the magnifying glass to examine the articles, taking a second look at the mask... Or... the...
"What in all the nine hells?!"

She gets out her laboratory supplies to collect the physical evidence.

Tiff chuckles at the accusation, ”Galt? Maybe cousin Mary Ann was but I doubt it. It's just something our childhood doctor always said. Hey, maybe he was from Galt!”

She begins to weave her typical abjurations and divinations but also adds a couple of transmutations into the mix.

She speaks an incantation while placing a dot of something dark on Ismene’s forehead, ”Felinus gratia.” The world slows down for Ismene and the dot is absorbed into her head.

Then she turns to Quinn and winks at him, ”You need a glow up. Aquilae gloriosus.” Then places another dark dot of something from a pouch on his head, that also disappears. While Quinn doesn’t literally glow, it feels like he does.

She finishes by shrinking to half her size.

"Was his name Alonso? Oh, why thank you." Ismene replies while twiddling her fingers, observing the increased agility. Looking on while she does something similar to Quinn, she blinks owlishly at his appearance. "Ooh, very nice." Then she pulls out her glowing blue cognatogen and shoots it back, her eyes brightening and pupils dilating from the effect.

"Alright, time to investigate." She says, stepping out of the boat and brandishing a magnifying glass they retrieved from the spider.

It occurs to me that I should have specified it earlier, but I'd like to use Delmoth's house rule for spell durations if that is okay with everybody.

Any concerns there?

There may be some judgement calls when there are non-combat situations that eat up a lot of time.

*raises hand*

I expect this is what you're using in the Skull and Shackles game but as that's the first place I had encountered it, I would prefer it posted clearly somewhere for easy reference. Maybe on the Campaign tab?

"Can you point out the spot where the battle occurred?" Ismene asks, hoping to go directly to the area and take some samples. Preferably before a Blood Caiman interrupted them.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 To look for blood sign, and/or gators.

Ismene takes notes avidly. "Mmm hmm, that's quite impressive work to band together to defend your folk like that. So you feel quite certain that your attacker would have been marked by scars of the combat? Serious burns and bite marks from this caiman that attacked it? Blood, you say? Yes, I think it would be worthwhile to see this burial ground. What about the blood caused you to suspect it taints the ground?" She asks while she considers the information she is absorbing.

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 Blood Caiman
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 Weed they are chewing?
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 Tainted burial ground?

Linguistics to Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Didn't apply the +2 in case that's another diplomacy only situation...

"Forgive me, Elder, but I'll not lay claim to that town. Most irregular from what I've seen so far. Would that I could save you the trip, sir. But we've come to ask if there have been any inconsistencies with this whole bloody business. You have my condolences for the loss of your people. Please, allow us to hear the story in your own words."

Ismene sniffs pointedly at the guard as she slides her lenses up her nose with her middle finger. Then she grips Barrister Kaple by his sleeve and leads him away a bit before lowering her voice. "You've already asked the obvious questions, I'm sure. Which incidents seem the most dubious concerning the Beast's involvement?" She asks him, trying to get a hint about which are the right questions to ask here.

To Quinn, she whispers, "Golems are constructed but we want to be careful about how we ask about such a person. They might be the true mastermind here, exerting direct control over the Beast. They might also be innocent of all but assembling this unfortunate creature. Either way, if the powers-that-be are unaware of this person, we want them to remain so until we can look into them. You ask and I will provide some cover blather." She says, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

And so she approaches the guard and does what she does best, run her mouth, at length and in detail.

Linguistics to conceal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
"It's clear your security is under quite a strain, that's obviously the reason you have set forth such excessive means to merely restrain one prisoner. Yes, I can see from the look on your face that this has been an extraordinary situation. I don't discount that fact. Did it break the first restraints you attempted? Yes, I expected as much. The sheer size of the beast simply beggars belief, does it not? I'm sure the average criminal is a breath of fresh air by comparison. But you really must consider that rough treatment can only exacerbate the problem, don't you see? It's a much simpler task to sit quietly and wait when your only challenge is the boredom involved, let alone extreme discomfort or out and out abuse. Why there are countless case studies demonstrating that torture is less likely to result in definitive decisions in cases like this. I could quote you at least three, there was the Wickham study in which..."

"Just a moment..." Ismene interjects, holding up one finger to hopefully forestall further discussion. "Does not a Barrister have the right to private counsel with his client? It cannot be in any criminals best interest to share sensitive information in full hearing of such hostile opponents!" She says, looking to both Kaple and Quinn for input and casting a indignant glare in the guard's direction.

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Ismene winces upon seeing the truth of Tiff's words. "Oh... dear." She murmurs in dismay, a gamut of implications flying through her thoughts that she chooses not to voice at this time. "Barrister Kaple said they had talked together already, is that right, sir?"

Linguistics to Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

She gentles her tone from her usual blunt manner into something more soothing and tries to appeal to the creature. "Hello, my name is Ismene. May I know yours? We would like to talk with you. Will you tell us about yourself? The place where they put you in chains, how did you come to be there?" She makes the effort to keep her speech simple and not confuse matters with too many questions at once.

Ismene balks slightly at the assumptions and aspersions directed at them on sight, their words lowering her opinion even further of this community's idea of due process. "We report directly to either the prosecutor or defender? Shouldn't all evidence be presented to a neutral party for evaluation? What if we find evidence of the defendant's guilt? I assure you, gentlemen, I have no axe to grind here and merely wish to aid in the search for truth."
Linguistics to Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Well, maybe if they are indifferent, lol.

"Ismene Albus, at your service, apparently, Barrister Kaple. I am here to volunteer to aid in collecting evidence. I've already noticed some discrepancies in this case and if they are so easily perceived, then I expect there will likely be more. Full disclosure, however, I do not intend to set about this endeavor with some preconceived notion in mind. I am a woman of science and I will not taint my process with promises of any particular conclusion. I hope that is satisfactory to your expectations, sir." She concludes with a decisive nod.
Linguistics to Improve Attitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

"Just the two names here as well, I am Ismene Albus, Dr. Crowl. The Professor's loss was felt heavily by so many. It speaks volumes about the nobility of his character." She ducks her head sadly in deference to shared grief.

"I'm glad you mentioned illustrations. Do you happen to have a depiction of the missing statuette?"

"Is it possible the Beast had an accomplice? Certainly the vandalism alone is crime enough to warrant the arrest but the fact that the item is still missing is a puzzle. Had the Beast taken it, it must surely be found here or upon his person, which does not seem to be the case." She observes aloud.

Are we permitted to search? Just look visually, or better to wait till we're "official".

Can we manage some 3 on the way to 1?

Ismene attempts to appeal to the populace for some information as they move through the streets, though most seem to find her manner strange and off-putting.
Diplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 ⇒ 8
Maybe she can buy something from a street vendor to at least get some tidbit, lol.

Having failed to glean much from the people, she turns introspective, pondering her reserves of knowledge for something helpful.
Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Ismene listens patiently as the Judge makes her offer. She suspected this is another instance in which her pedantic tendencies were not going to be appreciated, but her devotion to the precision of proper speech was not to be restrained. "Actually, a payment of 100 platinum apiece would match the Professor's bequest. Not double it. But I digress... you said we should register as 'volunteer defenders'? Is this a normal occurrence here? I cannot help but be baffled that a vocation as serious as criminal investigation is handled by unaccredited volunteers..." She blinks her magnified eyes owlishly behind her lenses in her bewilderment.

"Questions, yes. The Beast was apprehended on charges of robbery then? Was this person caught at the scene of the crime? In possession of stolen property? Is burning alive a common sentence for theft here?"

"Not to be indelicate, but who or what is The Beast? You used the word "it"... is that the defendant's preferred pronoun? Is 'The Beast' a figurative name or literal? A lycanthrope, possibly?"

Knowledge(Geography): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Ismene's mouth twists slightly at the disparity between the renovated districts and the neglected slums, still disappointing if not surprising.

She blanches slightly at Theodore's misstep with the Judge but relaxes at Quinn's smooth recovery at the situation. "Yes, we've just spent some time in Ravengro, helping dear Kendra with some final business on the Professor's behalf. Did you know him well? We were all quite shaken by his passing." She remarks sadly.

"My apologies, my lady," replies Kaleb Hesse. "I have no formal training in the art of rhetoric. Merely observation, both in the spoken form and the written.

I have heard a few tales of the Beast of Lepidstadt, but I would wish to see it for myself. Not all that seem beastly are so in truth."

Ismene laughs with a distinctly unladylike snort. "Likely you're just being polite, but rest assured, I'm no noble Lady. Though I suppose there is some advantage to possessing a background and parentage that is utterly unknowable. I could be some long lost scion cast to the winds to prevent my being smothered in my crib. Or I might simply be a bastard born to a lowly beggar who died tragically in childbirth. I wonder if existing in such an uncertain state makes me simultaneously all of the above. Schrödinger's Orphan, as it were. In any case, you may call me Ismene or Miss Albus as you prefer."

She shares her own humble beginnings with the troupe at large as well as her passion for academia, offering her service as a tutor to anyone who would like such as they travel together. If no one takes her up on the offer, she will spend some time tinkering with her lab and happily sleep in the provided wagon.

"We do not often travel with strangers," says Kaleb.

"But my troupe, I will confess, is fearful of what other horrors may lurk ahead.
Will you travel with us? We would ask you to scout the road ahead for difficulties or dangers. I fear we have little to offer in the way of wages, but we can make room so that you may use one of our wagons.
We are headed to Lepidstadt, you see. Travelers are making their way to to the city for the Trial of the Beast. Where there are crowds, we can make a living with our show."

"My condolences on your loss. I believe she was lured by feigned cries for help. I wonder if the spider were actually able to speak the common tongue or if it was merely mimicry, hmmm..." She shakes her head slightly, dismissing her more academic musings as she hands over Aleece's mushroom basket to her sisters.

Linguistics to Improve Attitude, cognatogen: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 = 32

She makes the effort to speak with those who feel like talking, likely the verbose Master Hesse. "You are quite the eloquent speaker. Do you have formal training in Oration? Perhaps we might trade pointers. Have you heard any tales of these potential horrors, or this Beast of Lepidstadt?"

Ismene shakes her head sadly. "Poor dear, she likely thought she was coming to someone's aid. Well, let's take her back to her people. I hate to bring them such ill tidings."

Ismene would like the potion.

Ismene slugs back her shield extract and draws another flask of acid.

Somewhat startled by the appearance of the creature, Ismene flings her Acid Flask, but aims poorly.

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Acid Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Miss?: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Since she can't use precise bombs discovery with normal splash weapons, would target the spider's square directly 10 ft in front of her to spare Tiff the splash, so a miss might still hit it...

"Tiff, if you can cast See Invisibility you will be able to see it coming. It has fast acting poison, so drink those antitoxins now." She advises and then shoots back her own.

Ismene smiles at Theodore's amusing reassurance. But the expression drops off her face when she sees what lies in the mud. Her mind racing from the cognatogen's enhancement, she grimaces in dismay as she hypothesizes about what they face.

Knowledge(Nature), cognatogen: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 4 = 19
Knowledge(Arcana), cognatogen: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 15 + 4 = 37

"Ohhh... dear. It is a very big spider. And if it is the sort of spider I suspect, we need to be on our guard. They pop right out of thin air to grab prey and pop back in again." She swaps Theodore's hand to her shoulder and keeps the acid in one hand while she grabs an antitoxin with the other.

If it doesn't attack immediately, she will pass these out to Theodore and Tiff, keeping one for herself. Sorry Quinn, but hopefully being mounted on a non-edible horse makes you a less likely target. >_<

Feeling a bit exposed, with an acid flask still in one hand, she steps back and reaches with her free one to grab Theodore's hand. "I don't like this. Stay together, yes?" Ismene silently theorizes that if Aleece's ghost were the angry sort, standing next to the exorcist was the safest place.

She will keep hold of him and move when he does.

Ismene moves up, drawing an acid flask, as she slots in behind Tiff and beside Luna. Her brow furrows as she readies to throw the flask at whatever foul monster has Aleece, as soon as she can see it.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Do we need to keep making these once we've gotten the spoiler?

Held Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Acid Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

If Tiff moves up, Ismene will move to where the arrow points instead.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Ismene's eyes narrow behind her lenses. "Wait... something's off..." She says low to her companions. She grabs her cognatogen and drinks it down before moving forward slowly.

She raises her voice and calls, "Aleece? Do you have the mushrooms?" If it were Aleece calling, she should know that she set her basket down.

Currently under effects of Cognatogen (40 mins)
AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+4 armor, +2 Dex, +2 natural, )