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Sebastian looked at the men in front of him and shook his head, "I don't have time to explain. My friend is in real danger over there. With a changeling killer!" Taking the chance when the men turned their head to look at Phin, Sebastian feinted one way and went the other way, slipping past the men. A moment later and he was next to Phin, "Are you alright? Did you forget that that was a cold-hearted killer. An a very good one according to Erix." Sebastian peered over the edge to see where the changeling was going.
Accusing us! Hah! Two can play that game. "Don't believe her! She a changeling, a thief, and a murderer! So help me catch her or get out of the way!" Sebastian tied to convince the people to let him pass.
He then saw Phin cartwheel past the cart and followed suit. Not as graceful as the elf, the man managed to push and tumble past the worst of the rolling fruit.
Not losing a beat, he continued to give chase.
Sebastian saw Phin lithe form slip through the crowd and wanted to follow her lead. Besides, getting through crowds of people was becoming second nature as he sought the best spots in Sharn's attractions for his paying customers. But he didn't count on the burly supporters who had just witnessed how two people slipped by their manifestation. Sebastian's attempt was met with a sign across his body bringing him to a full stop. The investigator cursed, pushing the sign aside, and hoped on to the railings and chased after both Phin and changeling, "Keep her in your sights!" --------------------
Sebastian was about to knock the innkeeper over on his way to the window but thought better of it. He instead squeezed past him while keeping an eye on the fleeing changeling. Still, between his surprise and the flurry of motion, the innkeeper ended up on the floor. Sebastian knew that they were in a second story floor so the fall shouldn't be that bad. The changeling had done it! The changeling! He or she couldn't get away. That thought spurred the investigator on. He deftly wrapped an arm around the window sill while forcing his body through the window, feet first. Fully stretched out, the drop didn't seem that daunting and Sebastian let go of the window sill to land on the ground below. He was off running! ----------
And Fabian is absolutely right - I should have made the round's obstacles more clear from the onset. So feel free to modify your posts accordingly, Alua and Sebastian. OOC: OK, two more questions now that we know the obstacles for this first 'round'. Will you give us options, skills, and DCs? Like a chase? Obstacle 1: get past the inkeeper
Obstacle 2: get through window
And if above, who will do the rolling? OR Do you just want us to describe (and make up) the situation and you will assign success or failure based on our descriptions?
OOC: it's a chase scene. Yes, those are done in every rule set (even in your hated 5e set :)). So she acted first, dove through the window, and is no longer there. I think I missed that part. I think I stopped reading when 'she muttered a curse' and thought she was surprised. Got it now!
Then Sebastian was relieved because they had gotten a resolution to their case. The killer was a magic-wielding changeling. The sergeant would be proud. They would collect their money and be able to make a loan payment. Then Sebastian panicked. If that... changeling escaped them then there would be no money and no one would be proud. They had to catch her. All of his emotions and thought processes was enough to let the changeling take the lead. But there were four of them. And Phin was good at this sort of thing. And so was Erix. And he wasn't that bad either. The investigator yelled and dove through the window after the changeling, "Phin, Erix. After her!" -----------------
No need for initiatives. This isn't combat but rather a skill challenge of sorts.
“Oh, thank the Sovereigns! You are here about Adrina, right?”Phin looked around the half-empty common room and hoped that the Pendrong's business would be able to weather the murder storm that was dropped in their laps. "How long has Adrina worked for you?" The rogue looked towards the area where the inn's rooms were, "Does she live here like Borgo and Drummer did? Or does she live somewhere else? How long has she been missing?" Sebastian waited eagerly for answers and added his own questions, "How did she react to all the deaths in the neighborhood? Was she particularly attached to one of the deceased?"
"Tomorrow should be fine," Alua said with relief. After that build up, she thought he was going to say they could have it in a month. Sebastian nodded. He had given up on things he could not control, "Alua is right. Tomorrow will do just fine. Can you continue to give Roctar and Corlina 'lodging'? We'll go and talk to them and tell them what's happening. It's really their only choice if they want to stay alive while we try to catch the killer." Alua cocked her head to the side and said, "I wonder if that's our changeling. That would be a good cover - to work at the common hangout of your victims. We should go talk to Mr. Pendrong and see what we can learn about her." Sebastian nodded again, proud of the sound decisions being made. "I agree but let's talk to R&C before we go there." ---------
Sebastian was relieved to see that R&C still lived. He thought that there was no way to know if the sergeant was a changeling or not. He didn't think changelings could impersonate a warforged, but he really wasn't sure. He sighed and told the sergeant what they had found out so far and what their latest theory was. He told him of the motive for the killer and that it thought that everyone involved with the Peace Circus and that particular incident were murderers. Sebastian also stated that they were pretty sure that the killer was a changeling magic user. They strongly suspected that the last murder had been accomplished with the use of conjuration magic. He finally asked, "We are continually told that the day the dinosaurs went on a little rampage, there was no one killed. Yet our suspect continues to think and act out of revenge, as if someone dear to him or her someone was killed. Do you have any records of that day? Were there any changelings killed?"
Sebastian turned to Phin, "Getting the door opened was easy. You said it yourself. Changeling. Someone impersonated you and got Volin to open the door." He sighed, "Once inside, his guard could have been down thinking it was you." He added, "The appearing and disappearing dinos could be accomplished with a conjuration spell. So we're looking for a changeling magic user. Good luck with that." Sebastian continued, "What still baffles me is the motive. The killer thinks those in the Peace Circus are murderers but everyone is saying that they got off with some civil penalties. Nothing that would point to a murder." He gathered everyone around, "Let's go. We definitely don't want to be around when the Book gets here." "Phin, do you need help with anything? Let's go back to the Watch."
Sebastian shook his head in disbelief; he spoke his thoughts out loud to his companions, "The plan had been sound." He looked at Phin and Erix, "Either someone trailed Phin and Volin without Erix noticing or Volin had made himself known." "Lizards? Dinosaurs? Is our killer an animal lover and those were his pets that were executed?" He pleaded, "Talk to me..."
As the others examined the note, Alua said, "I think we should check on Volin. I think we should check on him right now." Sebastian shook his head, "Not a good idea. The killer knows where we are and probably knows that we are with R&C so we can't just leave them alone." He scratched the stubble in his chin, "I agree we need to check on Volin but we need to get R&C some protection when they are not with us." He looked at their 'guests', "I think you both ought to go to the Watch and stay there for a few hours while we are gone." He did not expect much resistance from them given the letter they just received, "Go ahead and everyone get ready. We'll all escort R&C to the Watch and then go check on Volin."
Sebastian smiled from ear to ear, "This is good! Very good!" He looked around, enthusiasm oozing out of him. "We now have confirmation about our next victims and motive." He shook his head and asked Roctar and Corlina, "Murderers? Anything else that we need to know about this alleged accusation? I don't mean to say that it's true but is there anything that you have done or participated in that someone could construe as a murder?"
OOC: I think Phin settled on Lower Memphis here.
And will you keep Volin where he is overnight, or will you collect him? Will you leave him there alone, or will either or both of the two stay with him? OOC: Just checking on him. Volin will be left there by himself during the night. Phin and Erix will go back with Sebastian and Alua (and R&C) at Svan's.
Phin did tell him she was coming, that she needed somewhere to sleep after all. Of course, you could just not go see him, but he might panic and do something someone will regret... OOC: No, let's have Phin and Erix go then.
And you are going to see Volin before nightfall? Phin and Erix both together again? What do you do with Volin, just bring him some food and told him to stay put until further notice? Need to be sure about this part before I dare advance time ;^) OOC: I'm not sure what was finally told to Volin. a) If we told him that we would check on him before the morning then Phin and Erix will go, bring him some food, and tell him to stay put until the morning. b) If we told him to stay put and that we would check on him in the morning then we will just that.
Thank you, that sounds like a plan (particularly as it comes from the boss) and will allow me to advance time a bit. Will write a post when I have few spare moments...
Sebastian shrugged, "Look, we'll all just stay here at Svan's apartment for the time being. Let's spend the night here and see what happens." He turned to Phin, "Volin should be safe at your place, and we can check on him in the morning." I want two people up on watch at all times. One by the door and another by the balcony/window. If he comes, we'll catch him. If not, we'll reshuffle tomorrow morning." He then munched on whatever Alua had brought to eat and readied himself to take the first watch..
Sebastian sighed as he remembered the sorry state of the security of the apartment. At least, they wouldn't leave the door unlocked. He took a quick order for food and tried to find someone to get them something to eat.
Sebastian nodded, "No, I think that's the best plan we have so far. Let's convince Roctar and Corlina to go Svans. We can all stay in the apartment." He looked at Erix, "We don't need permission. Svan had no relatives. We have the keys, and no one is going to mind." The investigator went inside to tell the couple what their plans were, hoping they would agree.
Sebastian asked again, "I hate breaking up the group, but it would make sense for Phin to take Volin to her place and have Erix trail Phin just in case Phin and Volin get attacked." He turned to Alua, "You and I should remain 'close', not sure where' to Roctar and Corlina." "Give me your thoughts."
Sebastian nodded at Alua's understanding of the situation, "I agree. It could not have been him. He could not pull this off in his current situation." He looked worried, "So we are pretty sure of the next targets. Can we do anything to protect them?" He added, "I hate using them for a trap but I think it's really, really worth considering..."
Alua could see that the painter was responding in a military style, but she was unable to go further with the inquiry. Stumbling back, she grabbed Erix's arm for support, and lent him a little burst of diplomacy. "Be his captain," she murmured to him. Sebastian liked that idea and nodded for Erix to play his part.
Yup, you were told he didn't have anything to do with the circus, but this might just be an example of Sebastian's interrogation technique! Hit the suspect with a curveball to catch him off guard. Anyway, well done and thank you, I'll get back to you tomorrow morning my time. Of course! That was it exactly! :) Sorry, I do need to ay more attention to the game but this inquisitive business in PBP is tough at times (at least for me). Game on!
Lucian’s attention to Sebastian was very much a subject of debate when the inquisitive began his retelling of events, but when he got to the murders Lucina did forget about his painting and fix his unnervingly absent gaze on Sebastian. The artist’s mouth twisted into a grin full of longing, the brushes falling from his mouth to the floor, instantly forgotten. ”Murder… I… good at… so many… blood…” he said, slowly and haltingly, falling into indistinct muttering between every other word in a way that made his speech mostly incomprehensible… assuming there was any reason to be found in what he attempted to say in the first place.
Sebastian looked about to his companions to see if he was missing something. He said, "You were part of the Peace Circus, right? Do you remember anything about the raptors incident?" He then slowly repeated his questions, "Do you understand that you could be in danger?" He added, "Do you know anything that could help us in keeping people safe and apprehend the culprit?"
"....eh?" Lucina muttered absently, as if only very mildly curious about your uninvited presence in his home. "Talk?" he said, tasting the words as if the concept was both novel and alien to him. Sebastian sighed and relaxed a bit as he saw why the painter was not responding. He continued wrinkling his nose, "Can you stop painting for a bit? We have something serious to talk about."
The investigator related the news about the murders and the common link they had found. "Do you understand that you could be in danger?" He added, "Do you know anything that could help us in keeping people safe and apprehend the culprit?"
While not as sensitive to the horrors of war as Alua, Sebastian's nose worked just as well as everyone else's. He involuntarily cringed and breathed through clenched teeth. With Erix next to him, the detective slowly approached, his rapier sheathed but his hand not too far from it. He continued shouting trying to get the man's attention...
The detective finally stood in front of the man's field of vision, hoping this would make him take notice. "Hello! Hello! We need to talk..."
Sebastian cocked his head as if listening and once more banged on the door to no avail. He noticed the door was open and there was someone or something inside. He signaled for the group to get ready for trouble and motioned for Erix to get up close to him. He asked, "Ready?" and slowly opened the door...
Sebastian tried to wrap things up as tidy as possible, "Well, consider yourself warned. There's a killer out there, trying to make some sort of amends and the only connection we have found is the Peace Circus. And you seem to be right in the middle of things."
Sebastian scratched his stubble of a beard, "Well, we seem to be right back where we started. We discard Volin as having any motive for the murders yet he is somewhat responsible for the accident. The killer will go after him for sure." He added, "Should we ask the Watch to keep an eye on him and Corlina and Rocstar?" Sebastian, "I guess we need to talk to Lucina next. Anything else I may have missed?"
Sebastian opened his mouth to speak but closed and nodded in appreciation as Alua took the lead. She's doing a good job." The investigator added, "We also know of an accident that happened with the dinosaurs that you brought on from the Talenta Plains. Did you bring them in? Did you train them? Do you know of anyone who was particularly affected by that incident?" Before Volin spoke, he quickly added, "Or is there any other reason that you think someone wants past personnel from the Peace Circus dead?"
Sebastian sighed and looked at his comrades. he silently mouthed a 'be careful' as he approached the man who matched Volin's description. He smiled, "Volin? We need to talk to you. We think you may be in danger." ---------
Sebastian looked at his colleagues, "So we have a connection: the Peace Circus and we have an event: dinos on the loose and hurting but not killing people." He shrugged, "Unless someone was really hurt then it appears that the event should not have been enough for someone to start getting revenge, not this kind of revenge. How about if someone's reputation or business was ruined? How about if our killer was in charge of obtaining the dinos or perhaps training them or perhaps in charge of overall security? Something like that." He added, "We need to talk to this Volin and find out more about the dino event and who might have been responsible or who's livelihood was perhaps ruined because of it." He looked at each in turn, "What are your thoughts?"
Sebastian listened while Roctar told his tale, "A circus eh? Well, there's our connection," he said smiling. He quickly frowned, "But that doesn't bode well for you. I trust you can keep you and your wife safe." He asked, "Was anyone hurt or maimed during the dinosaur attack? Is there anyone that you can think of that could hold a grudge against the circus or its performers?" tag? Sebastian turned to his comrades, "Well, it looks like we have two more people to talk to, the halfling Volin and the three-fingered Lucina."
Sorry, but that's enough vague hints for now ;^) I will take that post as directions is nothing else presents itself soon, and take to to the loving couple's apartment - the innkeeper can provide you with their address. Sebastian scratched his chin and mused out loud to his team, "I'm still thinking that the connection with markings and/or tattoos of our victims and the fact that the killer took the time to take them." He pointed to the missing piece on the warforged, "The victims all belonged to some sort of organization that 'wronged' the killer in some way. My first guess was a military unit and that the killer was a prisoner or perhaps they wronged the killer's loved ones. However, I don't think the victims have a military background. Do they?" He added, "Could the victims and the killer have spent time together in an orphanage? Could the victims have denied critical services (medical, food, etc.) to the killer?"
Sebastian nodded and patted the girl on her back, "Nice work. Now we have some sort of connection. All three victims were somehow known to each other in the past." He thought out loud, "How about if get the word out in the community and see if there's anyone else that also knew the three victims in the past? We can say that it's for their protection to come forth and talk to us. This is probably true."
Sebastian sighed at the remains of the warforged. You could kill a person fairly quietly, probably even a warforged, but how do you chop up something made out of wood and metal quietly? He was careful to try and not disturb the suspected 'murder' weapon or at least what appeared to have been used to dismember Drummer. Sebastian was looking for anything and everything but two things came to mind. Did Drummer also have some sort of marking or tattoo on his chest? The investigator would look for the appropriate piece where the others had their markings and see if there was anything there or if if something was there and was erased (scratched out?) somehow. Second, he knew warforged had three digits. So was the killer a warforged? Not likely because there was blood on that three-fingered hand? Or did Drummer put up a fight and managed to wound his killer? If the killer was wounded, did he dismember the warforged out of anger and spite. This was something not done with the previous victims. -------
Right... with Daen and Sebastian both taking a break, and Daryl vanished, we are down to 50% of players... I guess that means this game is on a break as well, until such a time as people want to play it T_T Hey, I did n't mean to stop the game. I hope the game hasn't stopped because of me. I will play along if you guys want to continue. I'm just generally feeling 'bleh' about Eberron and the games I was/am GMing/playing.
Sebastian shook his head and agreed with Phin, "Yes, same killer it would seem. We need to establish a connection between the victims so we have some sort of motive. Revenge for some past sin?" He turned to Alua, "The patch of skin removed, was it from the same place? Was it the same size? Is it a trophy of sorts?" He spoke out loud but looked at Erix, "I'm thinking the patch of skin was some sort of marking or tattoo. The only thing that comes to mind is a gang organization or an elite military unit. Don't they share tattoos and the like?"
Sebastian was glad that the Watch had leaned on them for these crimes. He nodded to the sergeant, "We'll take over here but please keep the premises secured." The investigator then gathered his crew, "We do the same thing we did with the first body. Alua, let someone else interview people for now; I need your medical expertise." He looked at Erix, "Stick close. Whoever is doing this will not like us snooping around." He turned to Daen and Daryl, "You two can be very helpful with the 'forged. Let's go take a look at the deceased and see what we can find." --------
Sebastian nodded at Alua and gestured with his hand as if he was writing down something. He hoped the girl had good sense of writing these things down. Two days and three people murdered was not a coincidence. As much as he wanted to rush to the Bluebird, they were already here and they may as well ask the baker a few questions. Sebastian politely asked to see the grumpy man. --------
When was the last time you saw Svan?
OOC: I think we all know by now that games are not played the same in PBP and tabletop format. Each have their own pros and cons. And I think that murder mysteries are hard to run in any format. Long story short is that I am also lost. I'm not even sure what to ask the 'angry baker'. :( I think someone (not me! :)) needs to start an 'NPC table' and a 'clues/theory table' that is accesible to all so we can refresh our memories before posting. Remember that a clue given to us an hour ago during a tabletop game may have been given to us days if not weeks ago in PBP. Thoughts?
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