So leads to be followed up currently are Omast (Rodrik's state of mind), Brinya (hopeknife and relationship), and Sarah Morninghawk (receipt/hopeknife), the casting of Blood Biography and a longshot at our mysterious room renter with loads of coin. Anything else? I am off to Florida from the 10th to the 22nd. Please NPC me as needed.
At the Ramblehouse Raevon looks down at Cham, his features not displaying any hint at his thoughts. After an uncomfortable amount of time he hands the ledger over to Ish. You and Bronwynn can try and locate any guests who remain and see if they saw anyone in or around Rodrik's room the past three nights. Having not taken his eyes off of the proprietor he continues, As for this nameless guest, show me to his room. Tell me everything you can about him. And I mean everything this time. At the Longhouse So we have a hopeknife, but not the one from the receipt. Hopefully Brinya can clear some things up for us. At the Sanctuary Technically the take 10 and 20 rules apply to ability checks but really... ...don't concern yourself too much Ish. The presence of poison is more than sufficient to cast serious suspicion upon the case for suicide. Whether the poison was in itself lethal, or merely rendered Rodrik unable to defend himself, is largely immaterial at this point. We found nothing to indicate that Rodrik administered the poison to himself, so I am quite confident we are looking at foul play. Having a slight change of heart he adds, Of course, identifying the poison could come in handy as evidence should we have a suspect. They might have more of the substance in their possession, that we could match to, and incriminate them. Perhaps your acolyte Tyari, could try the spell and attempt to identify the poison?
At the Ramblehouse Raevon watches and listens to Cham as she speaks. When she finishes he looks her in the eyes and says softly but firmly, You seem nervous Cham. Are you being completely honest with me? I need you to tell me everything you might know about Rodrik's comings and going no matter how uncomfortable it might make you. sense motive (hunch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Rodrik has only stayed here the past three nights? Never before? Did he have a visitor either of the other nights? As for your guests? We will ask them ourselves as to whether they saw anything. Might I see your guest ledger please? Raeveon examines the knife and the receipt. Does this knife bear the engraving? Turning to Bronwynn he muses out loud, Why would Rodrik have a receipt for a hope knife engraved to himself? Or does the receipt belong to Brinya? What happened to the original knife? We'll ask Ish to question Brinya, and you can talk to Sara, about it. At the Longhouse Raevon shows the recovered knife to Kurst and his father and asks them if they have seen it before. At the Sanctuary The elven wizard nods slightly, I am sure you security is usually adequate. I thought it best not to burden you with round the clock security on the body. If foul play is to blame, the perpetrator managed to kill a prominent and skilled fighter in a crowded inn, without raising a disturbance and escape unseen. I am merely being cautious. When shown to the body, Raevon looks it over and remarks, No defensive wounds? Both wrists slit? How and why cut both? I would think it remarkably difficult to handle a knife with a slit wrist to cut the second. If he didn't cut his own wrists, how did the murderer catch him unaware? Surely even if the first cut was made whilst he slept he would have awoken and fought back. Unless he couldn't. Paralyzing magic? Drugged? Rendered unconscious? It is a long shot but Raevon examines the remains for magical auras. (cast detect magic) He then asks, Is someone able to cast detect poison upon Rodrik?
Earlier at the House of Wonders... Excellent, I will attempt to bring a bit of Rodrik's blood by tomorrow for you to cast upon. I will inquire of Tyari about casting the other spell but it may prove unnecessary if your spell works. At the Ramblehouse... Raevon looks at Cham and replies matter of factly, No determination of the cause of death has been made at this point, hence the investigation. Appearances can be deceiving, or intentionally misleading. As the proprietor shows them to the room in question, Raevon takes the opportunity to question her as well. Did Rodrik stay here often? Did he have anyone with him in his room last night? Any visitors at all? Did anything out of the ordinary happen here last night? Anything at all, no matter how small or inconsequential it may have seemed at the time. Is there anyone else who may have seen things last evening? A list of guests and visitors would be quite useful. When shown the room, the wizard takes a moment to take in the scene as a whole before moving to the bed and gathering up the linens. He then examines the room thoroughly, with Bronnwyn's help, starting with the cot, then the desk before moving on to the window and finally the door. He leaves nothing unturned. Removing that which can be and overturning everything to look every where possible. Take 20 for +9+2=31. I assume the door has a lock? Is the key present? Was the door locked when he was discovered? He is most concerned with evidence of someone gaining entry to the room other than Rodrik himself or indication that another was present at some point in the night. Are any of Rodrik's personal effects present? Before opening the desk Reavon notes out loud, If it were suicide, I would expect someone of Rodrik's ilk to pen a note. Was one found? Later, back at the Longhouse... Raevon returns to the Longhouse to examine Rodrik's usual quarters as well as his personal belongings with the same thoroughness as before. Later, at the Sanctuary... Raevon immediately seeks out Tyari to inquire about having speak with dead cast upon Rodrik.
At the House of Wonders Raevon looks at Agrit somewhat perplexed. You can scribe me the blood biography spell and cast speak with dead yourself? At the Longhouse Raevon replies to Kurst's last statement with a tone befitting the graveness of the situation. We will do our utmost to uncover the truth, whatever that may be, this I swear to you. Turning to address both Kurst and his companions he continues, Bronwynn and I will examine Rodrik's room. Nils and Ishan can question Brinya and Omast. We will examine the body tomorrow, and attempt to contact his soul, but in the meantime, I think it best that Rodrik's remains be kept under constant watch to protect against tampering. If he was murdered, the guilty party may take steps to ensure that we cannot get the answers we seek. Ugla and Bhox? Are you up to the task? Any other suggestions?
At the House of Wonders Raevon replies evenly, I have not heard anything official at this point but my deduction is that it is Rodrik yes. Getting right to business he continues, I am most interested in acquiring a spell of the third circle. It allows for the divination of spilt blood. (blood biography) I am also interested in the a divine spell that allows for parlay with a departed soul. (speak with dead) Might you be able to procure such scrolls? At the Longhouse The wizard bows and replies kindly, Of course Kurst. Anything we can do to help. Please accept my formal condolences to you and your family. I will, with utmost respect, need access to both Rodrik's body and the room in which he was found. The sooner the better. (Is the room he was found in his known/normal residence?) What, if any, resources are at our disposal? Please forgive my forthrightness, but I think it best if we start immediately. I hope you don't find offence in my questions but what, if any, investigations have already been performed? What was the manner of death? Has anyone attempted to speak with his soul via magic? Are any of his belongings missing? Anything that Rodrik has done lately that would indicate he was contemplating ending his life? Does he have any enemies, within, or outside of, Trunau? (Pause for an opportunity to respond :)
Prior to Kurst arriving... Apologies? For what Ish? I was merely asking if there was an obvious cause of death. Are you now saying that he killed himself? Currently... Raevon stands and gives Kurst a slight bow as he approaches the table. Of course. Anything I, or should I say, we can do to help. Given the half hour, Raevon makes directly to see Agrit at the House of Wonders before heading to the Longhouse for the meeting. Raevon will be asking for a complete list of magic scrolls that Agrit has for sale. If such a list does not exist, I can provide you with a list of spells Raevon may be looking to procure.
Raevon greets his niece warmly before taking a seat and nodding gravely at the others present. In response to Ugula, the wizard replies in a whisper as to not draw the attention of others in the room, Although it has yet to be confirmed, I suspect the dead man to be Rodrik Grath. Jagrin and Kurst were on the scene but no Rodrik. Their reactions, as witnessed by myself, reinforce my conclusion. Turning to Ish he inquires, Did you see or hear anything that might indicate how he died? What makes you think he was killed by another?
Raevon watches as a sombre Kurst trails the draped body. Jagrin and Kurst, but no Rodrik, he thinks to himself and reaches the logical conclusion as to the identity of the deceased. This is a tremendous loss indeed. Raevon bows reverently as the groups passes him by. My sincerest condolences Master Kurst. If there is anything I can do to assist please name it. Grath is the last name of Kurst, Jagrin and Rodrik.
GM Aphin wrote: Much in person 'discussion' has taken place. Bhox tracks down his friend Mort to borrow a pick-axe and chips a small bit off the rock face at a craggy spot. Hey now... what's this about? Sleeping with the DM to get special treatment? First he doesn't have to post up a bio, and now he gets to "discuss" things offline? I smell favouritism! :D
GM Aphin wrote: Sorry, while your knowledge is prodigious, indeed it seems you know everything, the answer is not in your skill set ;) What falls outside of all knowledge? :P It does seem a little silly that someone as knowledgeable as Raevon would have no idea whatsoever what the graffiti might be made of. He can't even tell the difference between chalk or paint?! o_O
Determining.... nothing? about the graffiti, Raevon rejoins the table when he sees Halgra there. Raevon doesn't even get a chance to ask Halgra any questions before she abruptly leaves. I guess everyone is too busy, or hasn't the time or inclination to discuss the graffiti. It seems it does not warrant any more consideration. With that the wizard lets the matter drop and proceeds to spend the rest of the evening in celebration like everyone else. No longer need to speak anyone else.
Weaving is a beautiful gift Ruby. I do hope you stick with it. Have you spent any time with Brinya? She would make an excellent mentor I would think. I would love to see one of your works when you have the time to show me. Sipping his own ginger beer, Raevon waits for the right opportunity to question the young lass about the graffiti, what if anything she might know or have heard about it. Stroking his chin he contemplates the issue. It seems extremely unlikely that someone would be able to paint such large symbols in such obvious places unobserved in a town as wary and alert as Trunau. How does one manage to make a symbol 10' by 30' on the side of a watch tower without anyone noticing? Specifically the town watch! I suspect magic is at play. Some sort of permanent illusion. Strong magic. It would also explain the difficulty Omast is having removing the offending marks. Who would capable of casting such a spell in Trunau? he wonders internally. Working on his hunch, Reavon attempts to detect magic upon the graffiti. What spell casters of known power reside within Trunau? Once this conversation has run its course, and depending on your response to the above, Raevon will excuse himself to go speak to Halgra, Tyari and Agrit.
Ah yes, the graffiti. I have noticed it now that you mention it. I hadn't paid it much attention to be honest. Silently, Raevon muses on what it might mean.
As everyone starts to drift off after the competition, Raevon offers to buy Ruby and Bronwynn a drink of their choosing. Come young ones, tell me a story. You should spoiler your reply Ish, as we are not privy to your conversation with Omast.
Raevon approached the contestants to offer his congratulations to both the victors and the "vanquished", saving his most effusive praise for young Ruby. As magnificent display of teamwork as I have ever seen! Bravo Ruby! Bronwynn elicited a smile and respectful nod from her proud uncle. Well done young lady! Speaking of the patrols Rodrik, anything new or interesting reported this past week? In response to Ish's inquiry, Raevon replies, You should absolutely join the patrols. Your skills would come in quite handy.
Raevon cheers along with the crowd in response to Halgra's welcome before joining and mingling in the crowd afterwards, taking in the comradery and food but avoiding the games of physical skill. As Rodrik takes the stage and sets up the contest, the wizardly elf watches with pride as his niece pushes her way to the forefront to help her dear friend Ruby. Catching Bronwynn's eye he smiles warmly at her.
Raevon and Bronwynn are relative newcomers to Trunau. Raevon moved them into the town after finding Bronwynn living in the wild after her parents (Raevon's brother) were killed years ago. Raevon seeks to find his missing family heirloom and to teach Bronwynn the ways of 'civilization'. Raevon and Bronnwyn are devoted to the patrols, volunteering to pull double duty whenever they can. Raevon spends his free time in research and frequenting Agrit's House of Wonders. Bronnwyn loves to hunt, with Raevon always accompanying her.
That's funny, I don't recall making a demand. I was asking IF he was going to make a bio. And I asked what his response was to your comment. Doesn't matter to me if he makes a bio. It is your requirement as the GM. I was just trying to get an idea as to whether this game was going to start sometime in the near future. :P (Jessica has been asking me as well.)
GM Aphin wrote:
I guess that leaves gnome bard for Mathew. ;)
Nils Dorgrin wrote: I always do.. grumbles the dwarf under his breath A check of your Paizo sheets would say otherwise. ;) Corbius Jank: arrows (20)
I eagerly await the day a PC says "Sorry guys, no can do with the bow. I only brought 20 arrows on this week long trek across the monster infested wilderness and I ran out of arrows yesterday afternoon." :D
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