Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Frank, B, and Proto! -
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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.
"Wroat? I’m not sure a journey there will help us here and now.”
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.
Wisdom Check DC 10: Based on what the other group reported, this is probably the apartment of the Bard Volin the same Elf that was the trainer of the Dinos that caused the Peace Circus chaos!
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 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
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?"
OK post up, four days later than I planned but such is RL!
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!
DM ONLY:
Corlina - Stealth & Perception
Stealth
Perception
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".
The Changeling is unlikely to have the tattoo as she was a spectator not a member of the Peace Circus, indeed, one of them could have been a changeling I suppose....
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District Drummer shakes his head at Erix's question, "Sadly no, I don't think anyone ever asked".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn As the two investigating Parties compare notes over dinner and eventually pie, both believe that the Changeling may well be the best suspect, she certainly has the motive. Whether she has the means or is even present in Sharn is unclear. Of course, as a humanoid race related to doppelgangers they share their shapeshifting qualities and capacity for disguise so she could be well... anyone.
Hmmm... I'm a bit at a loss for how to look for further leads now. The only thing that I can think of *maybe* looking into now is the changeling who lost their child. Don't worry, if the group ends up being stuck, I am sure I can find a way to move the plot along! :-)
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District Drummer nods to Gauntlet, "Thank you, I will". With that, the Party takes its leave.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Drummer responds in his monotone voice, "I don't know, that wasn't something I was involved in, but it was probably the local Watch in Breland. The dinosaurs were dangerous, people were hurt, a child died. I still thought that should not have shut us down, after all, how many were dying all over the Five Kingdoms due to the War? But that is all done now, nothing to be done about it".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Drummer look at Brennus, "Which decision? The closing of the circus or the tattoos? The Circus was forced to close. The tattoos were a symbol of camaraderie, they were also a symbol of neutrality, when we left Breland for other Countries during the war, if you had a tattoo, you would be left alone as an emissary of peace. It was useful, especially for me as 'Forged during the war were often looked on with malice".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Drummer seems unfazed by Brennus speaking, "No. Though he saved me when I needed saving and gave me a purpose, he and I no longer interacted once we both settled here. I believe that the pain of the Circus failure was too much for him to bear". Drummer points to the space on his chest where he has the exact same tattoo, though on him it is more of an engraving, "We all had these, odd that someone would cut his off. The Circus brought joy to so many for it to end in tragedy was..." he searches for the words but they don't come to him and he simply falls silent.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Gauntlet is able to find a clear path through, though initially appearing to be a mess, the basement is fairly well organized its just the contents are not easily stackable. Drummer's area is quite small, just enough room for a chair, a small table, two drums, and two pairs of drumsticks. "No, I do not know anyone who would wish to harm him. In my observations, there are only two individuals in the District capable of such violence, but neither has motivation to kill poor Svans. Kroga Brax the owner of Kroga's Bakery is a volatile ill tempered man. Lucian Cruzgar is a former soldier, he too is ill tempered and discusses his penchant for violence during the Last War with ever darker tones since his settling into the District".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Drummer is motionless but responds in a tone that is friendly enough, "Svans? Yes, I have heard of his death. I am saddended by the ceasing of his life function".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
The group was informed that the final member of the Circus present in Sharn is the Warforged named Drummer, who can be found living in the basement of the Bluebird Inn. As the day turns to night, the Inn is starting to fill up with people, but it's easy enough to find your way to the basement without being disrupted as to your reasons for doing so. The basement is as you would expect, a bit disorganized and a bit organized. The organized side is filled with items that the Inn needs to operate, the disorganized side is filled with garbage and other junk. Beyond that side, you can see the back of the head of a Warforged. There's a path to reach him. The area in which he dwells is rather small and you don't have very good line of sight to what's there. As you all fill in the basement he turns around and stands up. "Hello, can I help you?" He appears confused as to the presence of so many down here with him.
I am off tomorrow so I will get our first post, post new site up!
Supposedly the boards are down tomorrow through Wednesday. Let's stay here. RP as you wish, and I'll push the investigation forward when the site is back up and running. Looks like my first post back will be the full group interviewing Drummer.
Look at that, you split the party and no one died!
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
As Frank, B, and Erix step away from Roctar and Corlina's Residence, seeking to find a place to eat either a late lunch or an early dinner they run right into Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet. How convenient! Then again, the District isn't large in comparison to other districts within the City of Towers.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - University District, Upper Menthis, Morgrave University
The gnomish librarian gives curt words to Gauntlet for letting his bird fly about the library... Once the group settles to sit down and do research, they rather quickly, maybe two hours, find what they were seeking. Two articles from the Sharn Inquisitive of the event that happened about 3 years ago, about a year before the end of the Last War, are located.
Local authorities report that last nights Peace Circus performance, that band of loveable performers, suffered a terrible tragedy. During the greatest attraction of the show the last several months, Dancing Dinos, the shows trainer, Volin Krober, is reported to have lost control of the fan favorites Kaiwakit and Panch. The deinonychuses went on a rampage through the crowd. By the time the trainer and circus crew were able to subdue them, they severely injured several patrons and maimed or killed a changeling mother and her very young daughter. More news on this story as it unfolds.
The Local Breland Watch placed the beloved Peace Circus on temporary hiatus. Tragically, the young changeling was slain by the beloved dinosaurs and her young mother lost two fingers to the attack, while the rest of the crowd suffered lacerations, none appear to be dead or permanently injured based on local reports. It remains unclear whether this tragedy will result in any legal action or criminal charges from Breland authorities or the Corwn itself. --- Based on the Inquisitive records you find, this was the last report on the event. The group exits the Library, begrudgingly, heading back to Oakbridge to meet up with the rest of the team.
Now it's not going down till next week.... so I'll update now.
Let's pause here and pick things back up once the site overhaul is complete. I was hoping to get the Library research portion done but I've run out of time today and by the time I have time again, the site will already be down. My next post will be the Library post, I will be just handing over the info instead of making you make rolls to search, then in that same post, I will reunite the group to compare notes. It will be late afternoon IN Game at that point and the collective group can decide what to do next.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - University District, Upper Menthis, Morgrave University
The university itself fully occupies Dalannan Tower, atop which stands the domed Lareth Hall. The library sits in the uppermost story of Dalannan Tower, just beneath Lareth Hall. As you attempt to enter you are informed that while access is free to students and staff, visitors are charge 1 GP per day. The gnome librarian appears quite adamant about it, he pints to the sign that reads no exceptions.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence Erix and Frank (with Broulnindre) B doesn't hear much of any interest, these two just continue to bicker terribly. He screams she cries, he softens, she screams, and the cycle repeats itself. As you exit, Erix states he would like to grab a bite to eat before interviewing anyone else.
Updates tomorrow!
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.
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 - 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". Sense Motive DC 20:
He's holding back something here. "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".
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?"
The apartment appears to have at least three rooms. Telepathy would indeed be better!
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". Sense Motive DC 15:
You most decidedly believe she is lying... Roctar chuckles at Broulnindre's statement, then stops, "Vhat the heck did she say?"
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
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?"
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 - 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". Sense Motive DC 20:
You get the sense that he is not telling the full truth about the Circus, but that he's genuinely shocked about Svans death based upon his tone.
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 - 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!"
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