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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!"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
After a brief moment, the door opens and a half elf man with no shirt answers the door. He is fairly attractive and not yet showing his age, oddly, a bit sweaty as well. He smiles genially as he sees you all, "Good afternoon, can I help you?" DM ONLY:
Gauntlet Ratchet Brennus Ratchet & Brennus: You both believe you heard a door within this apartment close right as this door opened...
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
Erix, you hear a male voice, "... unacceptable, what sort of man eats runny eggs for lunch! What sort of wife makes them! An unappreciative one, that's who!" You hear a female voice sigh audibly, "Sorry Roctar, I was focused on something else". "Always on something else, but me always!" Sounds like a domestic dispute albeit a ridiculous one.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Volin's Residence
The travel back to Oakbridge District kills even more time out of the day but as your companions are here, you had to return anyway. Down the lifts and back to Oakbridge District you go. As you head towards the address, you realize that the streets in the District are even less crowded than they were last night, the locals appear a bit spooked it seems. Indeed Volin's building is a taller tower, right next to where Svans lived. Volin has the penthouse in this tower and as you enter his floor on the lift, you realize that his is the only residence up here. As you approach the door you hear the sound of music from within, the lute.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Roctar and Corlina's Residence
Borgo informs you that Corlina is married to Roctar. You head west down the street and over the bridge, marveling, as always, at the sight of the city far below. It is noticeable that you are the sole people on the bridge. It's a short walk to the residence shared by these two, only a few buildings across the bridge. First you pass through a large lobby of the building with a spacious and comfortable lounge area, quite the nice coffee bar actually and it appears that it could be a good quiet place to meet in the district in the future if need be. You take a lift to the fifth floor of this six floor tower. You find apartment 5 D, as you are about to knock you hear the sound of a man yelling from within...
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
He looks at Erix. "Anything else we want to ask Borgo? It seems there weren't magic disappearing acts beyond our case."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
Knowledge Local DC 20: Volin lives in an apartment tower fairly close to Svans, based on the time of day, he'd most likely be home now if he indeed works as a Bard at night.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
"I have one last question, do you believe that this killer is threatening the Arts community? Shall I alert my friends and acquaintances to be on guard? Also, please have the Watch notify me about the funeral, I would like to pay my respects despite our lack of great friendship I certainly respected him for his critical eye and his great knowledge of paintings and authors, that I shall miss".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
"Acts of invisibility? Nope, that wouldn't play out that well in front of a large crowd ya'know". The dwarf shrugs at Erix, "Maybe, was only a few years ago, no' tha' long ta' hold a grudge. If'n ya' have any other questions ya' can seek out Drummer er, Roctar, Volin, re Corlina they're all former Peace Circus performers as well. Maybe they know somethin' more'n I do or maybe they did talk ta' Svans an I jus' don't know it".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
"Onatar was the God that he revered, like many of us in the Arts. Associates?" He smiles, "Is your familiar asking a question as well?" He chuckles, "No, I am not aware of any associates that Svans may have had, he seemed to me to be a retired lifelong bachelor".
Updates tomorrow.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
He shrugs, "Neither I nor any other members of the Circus have, or I guess had, any relationship with him. I suppose deep down we all blamed him for what happened at the Circus. He was the Manager of the Circus so he should have been looking out for everyone, but he was too focused on his hobbies to take heed of danger. The Peace Circus, like any other Circus at the time, brought crude, vulgar, and often violent entertainment to Breland citizens, and sometimes other lands that the people could afford, ya'know a way to get away from yer cares fer a bit. We were mostly war orphans turned artists and showmen, we did what we could to spread hope and peace among the rural population of Breland, and sometimes other lands. Many disagreed with err pacifistic and anti war, sometimes anti government views. The problem tha' developed was also sort o' what made us stand out, the damned Dinos. Svans wanted to get a pair of trained Dinosachysaurusesess, err whatever there names was. He imported 'em from the Talenta Plains and brought in Volin Krober ta' train 'em up. It was a darned fantastic act ah've got ta' say. But one evening Volin lost control o' the darned things and the dinos went rogue and attacked the audience! By the time everything was put back into order, at least one person died and many were wounded. Tha' local municipality confiscated all the beasts, not jus the dinos, and fined us inta' bankruptcy. That was that, we scattered across Breland, I suppose it would have ended anyway as the War itself was just about ending but the way it ended just left a bad taste in tha' mouth ya know?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Upper Menthis
"I'm afraid I don't know anyone who would want Svans dead. There is some business that we had left to complete, I suppose I would need to discuss with the Watch retrieving my proceeds after this investigation is over. The only thing I would surmise is thieves who might want his art or perhaps his books, he had pieces of value in both collections. I'm not an investigator in Inquisitive but that's what I would look at if I were in charge of the investigation". He pauses, "Do you know if there will be a funeral? I didn't know him well but I would want to pay my respects to his family, one professional to another".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
She heads back t the kitchen and a few minutes later an elderly dwarf exits form the kitchen, he has full sleeve tattoos on his arms. His beard is well kempt and in a triple pony tail, presumably to keep the hair out of the dishes. He heads to the bar and pours his own beer and takes a seat at your table, "Trixie tells me yer wantin' to talk to me. Of all things about the Peace Circus! The Circus never even came near Sharn, what would the Watch want to know about it and might I say yer not lookin; like any Watch fellers I ever met before, not that I have had any run ins, might I add..."
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - (whoops, should hahve switched to) Upper Menthis
Brennus sees nothing unusual as he scan the room. Cassa nods, and motions you to a small room off to the left of the lobby. A few minutes later, Pyron ir'Clarn enters the room. He is a human male, approximately 5'7", and dressed in the latest male fashion trends in Sharn (colorful and baggy clothing, likely made from silk), he apers to be about 35 years old. "Good afternoon friend, I understand you are seeking me out related to a Watch matter?" He appears baffled by your presence.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
She giggles at Broulnindre's question, "No, but don't tell anyone or it'll ruin the mystique". Sha pauses in thought at Erix's question, "Yes, I do believe that Borgo, our chef was in the Circus, he's here now doing meal prep for the dinner hours, shall I ask him to come out and speak to you?
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
"You'll want the Bluebird Pie. Have you any suspects? I hear tell that it's a complete mystery, while Scans was a bit of a recluse personally, he had no enemies, he was always pleasant to anyone he ever interacted with".
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
The dwarf nods, "Yes, Pyron ir'Clarn is indeed here". He checks your credentials as assisting the Watch, he nods as the paperwork checks out. "Head on in, he's somewhere in there working on a show I assume". You head into the Art Temple and find a large lobby which is buzzing with a dozen or so people who are seated in different groups practicing dialogue based upon the fact that they are staring at papers as they read aloud. A woman approaches you, human female, dressed in a flowing gown decorated in flowers, as she approaches the types of flowers change every few seconds, it's quite the get up, her blonde hair is in a tight bun and her face shows her a bit past middle age but still fairly attractive, perhaps it's the make-up. "I daresay you are not here to deliver the set I was waiting for. If you got past Rufus, you clearly have a reason to be here. I am Cassa Faer, proprietor of Art Temple, what can I do for you?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
The book provides an encyclopedic knowledge of the Plains, an overview essentially. The portion of the book which is most read and dog eared is the section on Dinosaurs. Within one of those pages is a very old receipt for the purchase of two Dinosaurs by the Peace Circus. The Dinosaurs are named Kaiwakit and Panch both Deinonychus. There is also a note written on the receipt, "Volin Krober was recommended and should be hired to assist". --- You all head to Upper Menthis to seek out Pyron ir'Clarn, you drop in at the Watch post to speed up the process. You are informed that he spends much of his time at the Art Temple, which is located in the University District. You approach Art Temple and find a security guard at the door in a small ticket booth, the guard is a stout middle aged dwarf, "Afternoon folks, the building is closed to the public at the moment, can I assist you?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
The girls frowns, "Oh I heard about that horrible murder yes!" She gestures for you to follow her to a table where she seats you. As you sit she smiles, "Are you with the Watch?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District - Bluebird Inn
The three of you hit the Bluebird Inn, a decorated wooden fence surrounds this large building. A sign above the door proclaims the place to be the "Bluebird Inn". Although simple in design, there is certainly a rural charm to the Inn that nearly every other building in this city lacks. Perhaps as a holdover from the more modernized surroundings of the city or maybe built as a callback to simpler times? Regardless, it's different. Net to the building are stables for visitors to check in not only themselves but mounts. Some noise can be heard from the horses within, nothing out of the ordinary just horses being horses. You all head in to find the Inn rather empty save for one person eating an early lunch. There are two serving girls flitting about cleaning and prepping for later. The Taproom is sizeable, so large in fact that to one side is a small stage in the right corner of the room for performances. Once you are noticed, one of the girls approaches, "Are you looking to be seated for lunch?" She smiles sweetly.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
After a review of invoices versus inventory and a scan of the bookshelf to see if something was missing, Gauntlet concludes that nothing or at least nothing obvious was stolen.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
Frank's gesture is met with a hard stare and they vacate the line. The good news is that the man seemed pretty clear that it was flour so there's that...
One of the patrons you speak with outside mentions that Svans retired here from running a circus or being part of a circus, and in fact, other members of that troupe also settled here as well.
Posting up tonight, things are slowly getting righted but I keep falling into ridiculous pits of work :-(
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
Gauntlet cannot quite gauge the value of the books, but the value of the paintings probably total totals approximately 10,000 GP if sold to the correct buyers though three of the paintings have already been sold and are yet to be retrieved by their future owners. While Proto is able to pick up the scents, she is unable to track as the trail appears to have gone cold. Brennus recognizes the name of one local artist, Pyron ir'Clarn, who hails from Upper Menthis. The rest of the artists are probably not from Sharn as you don't recognize any names. Most of the books relate to art and art history. There is a book about traveling circus' and a book about the history of the Talenta Plains.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
Erix and Frank head to Kroga's Bakery, the smell of fresh bread and pastries makes their mouth water. This one-story building is painted in a bright yellow hue. An impressive assortment of cakes, breads, cookies, and other delicacies lies behind a wide glass window. A large, painted plate with the words "Kroga's Bakery - Three Generations of Experience" hangs above the entrance. The locals are out in force and the talk of the bakery is the death of Svans. Speculation is rampant about whether it was an accident, a murder, or a suicide. It seems that the clear evidence of his untimely death has been marred by gossip. You get to the counter after a 15 minute wait, an angry looing man in a stained white apron forces a smile, "Whadyoo want". You ask about the flour and he frowns, "You think my flour not good enough, you wanna use your own flour!?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
After some rest in the most logical locations possible, the splinter group heads back to Svans ir'Klimansor's abode to allow Proto to pick up scents. As you have a bit more time and a bit more daylight, you are able to spend more time looking through Svans personal effects. It seems like he conducted most of his business right here out of his apartment. He has a fairly extensive book collection and in his closet a number of paintings not including the ones that crowd the walls. After a few hours of looking through his art dealings, you don't see any irregularities or any reason why someone would want to murder him, at least not based upon what you are seeing. It is lunchtime before you are done with this work.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - Oakbridge District
First Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK –
Viduk's notes contain many of the answers to your questions. Svans ir'Klimansor (human male) is, or was, a successful art dealer in the city. He had some involvement with a circus many years ago prior to moving to Sharn. His apartment had several small bookshelves and rolled up art prints. He had no wife but he did date on occasion, the female encountered in the hallway had dated him on again and off again. He was generally well liked by his neighbors but had no close friends. Outside of his apartment and work he spent most of his time at the Bluebird Inn.
Viduk shrugs at the comment regarding the flour, "I have a sample that can be tested I can have those results by tomorrow". Krang responds to the statements regarding crime, "This is indeed a low crime sub district, most people here are working people and there aren't many places of business worth stealing from when compared to other locations within Sharn".
First Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – The Sergeant turns around and moves a painting of Sharn o the well to reveal a safe, after a few spins, it opens smoothly and he pulls out 10 small sacks of gold. He pushes it across his desk to Gauntlet. Viduk responds to a statement Erix made at the Warforged's first moment of arrival, "While a Speak with Dead spell would be handy, we don't have those resources in this District". Sergeant Krang nods, "This is the first murder in the District in a very long time, I cannot remember the last one so we don't have the need or quite frankly, the personnel to cast that spell. I can give you Viduk's notes and access to the body as we now have a verbal agreement as to your cost for the job".
Brennus: Neat power!
One being came and went. With your high Know Engineering you conclude that the apartment was unlocked as the locking mechanism does not appear to be tampered with. One Medium Humanoid entered, and moved through the place quickly, pausing at the space where the flour was discovered. Not only is the apartment not ransacked, nothing was disturbed or taken.
First Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Despite a further search by Brennus, there is no identifiable perp. It takes about an hour for the Warforged Watch member to get statements. As he is working, a few other Watch members, less senior arrive and collect the body. As the body is lifted, the group collectively sees something they didn't quite catch earlier. A small strip of skin is missing from his upper chest, its absolutely a recent wound. At the end of the hour the Watch member who finally identifies himself as Viduk travels with you to the Watchtower, Tower 4 to be precise. He along with another Watch member, Sergeant Krang, take your statements. Krang sighs as Viduk asks to have your group "deputized", "Well, generally the Watch likes to handle its own business, but as this is Viduk's case, I'll go with his gut. We don't really have an inquisitives budget, but I'll tell you what, I'll advance 100 gold now and another 100 if you can apprehend this villain. How does that sound?"
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