Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District - Inside Volin's Apartment Building
Erix
Within about a minute she is in the hallway, you watch her enter the lift. As the door closes, you race down (or teleport down I suppose) the stairs, you indeed do beat here down from the lift. She heads out, taking a moment to see who is in the street before stepping out, and you trail her as she walks down the street. She appears entirely unconcerned about being followed this time.
Being an observant fellow, you look up and you see what has got to be Brennus flying around I mean, you've seen few other Ravens within Sharn before, he flies by an open window and lets out a low gurgling croak...
Do you want to pause and see what Brennus is up to or keep tailing Corlina?
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Ratchet, Frank, B, and Proto - Roctar and Corlina's Apartment
Proto would need to make that survival check, I'll allow the other checks as Aid another assist rolls though! As Proto has the scent of Erix already (i presume) I'll make that DC 17. Note that you will be about 15 minutes behind where Brennus and Erix are currently as he flew straightaway and the rest of you will need to walk unless Proto has Fast Tracking.
"So, uh, to catch up those of us who might have been distracted when the plan was being made, these two were having an affair, she's leaving, Brennus is watching the guy up there, and... why are we doing this again?" Ratchet asked. "Do we think one of them is the next target, or do we think one of them is the murderer?"
Decent synopsis Ratchet BUT Roctar and Corlina's apartments are not close to Volin's apartment so you would not be able to observe what he is currently observing, sorry if that wasn't clear.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - On Wing in the Oakbridge District
Brennus
You fly straightaway to Volin's apartment. You wing by the penthouse, intent on looking into the windows, you certainly get an eye full! Standing by the door is Volin stark naked and he is smooching with Corlina!
You do not see Erix, of course that doesn't men that he's not here...
To be clear, these are separate rolls!
Roll 1 - Perception DC 25:
As you fly around the building, gaining a bit of altitude to glide past to take a second look, you see a figure on top of the tallest building adjacent to Volin's apartment. They are about to head into a door that gave them roof access.
Roll 2 - Perception DC 20:
On the tallest building adjacent to Volin's building, there is a single open window across from Volin's penthouse. It's conspicuous as it's the ONLY one open.
How exactly is this apartment complex laid out? I'm not too worried about staying ahead of her, but I'm curious if there's an alcove or corner or something I can duck into as she passes, so I can stay behind her.
Volin has the penthouse, so the lift leads to a small hall that leads to his door. There is a hall the other way that leads to roof access. You could hide there and then follow her down. Though if she does what she did last time, she will take the lift down (you could take the stairs down but you'd have to run pretty fast to potentially stay ahead of her), you're probably better off heading down now, taking an inconspicuous spot, and then tailing her once more.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Ratchet, Brennus, Frank, B, and Proto - Roctar and Corlina's Apartment
Parts of the two groups merge at the stake out of the married couples apartment.
Taking a liberty here Frank informs Ratchet and Brennus that Erix left to tail Corlina about and hour and a half to two hours ago. Roctar is home and has been home the entire time. He's received no visitors.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Mickey P's Humble Abode
Gauntlet
You separate from Ratchet and Brennus and head to Mickey P to ensure that the old man is ok.
You arrive and find him sleeping on his couch, only a few bottles of beer are at his feet, he is reading the Sharn Inquisitive so that's a good sign. He looks fairly serene snoring away!
Zero rest. It's about 6:30 pm (roughly) in game time. If the Party doesn't get any rest by much later this evening, some fatigue may begin to set in, but for now I am ignoring how tired you all probably are!
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Oakbridge District
Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet
You arrive back in Oakbridge District, you are aware that the other group is tailing Roctar and Corlina. The streets are still busy even though night has fallen, a single murder has some people on edge, but not enough on edge to keep people from stepping out.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Erix
You move to the door to hear better that which takes place. It's quite the earful! This is an affair, and a steamy one at that, after an hour they're still entangled...
"Wroat? I’m not sure a journey there will help us here and now.”
Wroat to Sharn would be a long way away. If she's in Wroat, then she's probably not a suspect, but that would take time for the group to confirm via travel there. Viduk could probably send a missive to the Watch in Wroat faster than you all could get there and back again. House Sivis probably has a service for that within Breland if the Watch cannot do it. Sivis' abilities would be something that Erix or Gauntlet would be aware of.
Would there be a tactical advantage to getting up onto the roof? I can probably get up there via some of my teleportation effects, just unsure if it would be beneficial or not. At least, ooc. In game, Erix should probably be a bit more knowledgeable about that sorta thing, lol.
A number of tactical considerations.
In the hallway you cannot see any comings and goings outside of the building, so if they were to sneak out, you would miss that.
Assuming she exits the way she entered, you would have to hustle down the stairs to stay ahead of her and that would require a few rolls to remian unseen and unheard.
But, inside you can hear them better if you listen at the door. On the roof you would only hear them if the window happens to be open.
On the ground, you will be able to see if they exit via the front entrance or a window, but you won't be able to hear anything they say.
Essentially, there's pluses and minuses to any choice you make here.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Erix
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 she doesn't take the lift 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.
Do you want to listen by the door or try and observe the penthouse from the outside the building or maybe try and access the roof somehow?
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 Central Watchtower
Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet
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.
Madelyt makes small talk with Gauntlet and Ratchet and seems to not pay much attention to Brennus, Brennus, do you attempt to snoop while inside, or just hang out?
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.
Is this the part where we are supposed to blend in? I thought that was for a stakeout. If we're being inconspicuous, Proto is parked in a nearby alley under a tarp. I thought Broulni might keep Proto company.
With alleyways and different levels of the District, you can blend in fairly well. Proto can absolutely be with B, but, if his Stealth isn't great then being some distance away with Frank might make more sense!
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet - Sharn Central Watchtower
The guard nods stiffly, both are Human, "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?"
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
BlueBird Inn
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".
Frank, B, and Erix - Roctar and Corlina's Apartment
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!
Do you follow? Does B alert Frank or ask him to hang behind and keep watching for Roctar?
Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet - Sharn Central Watchtower
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 - 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
All Together Now!
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
All Together Now!
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".
Gauntlet does not detect any signs of deceit, you get the sense that with Drummer, what you see, is what you get.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
All Together Now!
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
All Together Now!
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
All Together Now!
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
All Together Now!
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.
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.
"Seems like someone else is asking around about the murder, though I couldn't find out about who. The guys we spoke with seemed to think they were friends with us or maybe with the watch." Frank explains.
"It feels like someone wants to impersonate Svans if they're stealing tattoos." Frank adds with a shrug.
Remember that "other" group ended up being Gauntlet, Brennan, and Ratchet. Now how she knew about that, is a question not pursued at the time.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK - Sharn - Oakbridge District
All Together Now!
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.
Feel free to RP and share notes. Do you wish to actually go eat, if so, at the Bluebird Inn or find another place? Or do you wish to interview Drummer (despite Erix's rumbling tummy)? He's the last one left of the Peace Circus neither group has spoken to.
Second Day of Vult in the Year 998 YK – Sharn - University District, Upper Menthis, Morgrave University
Gauntlet, Brennus, and Ratchet
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.
TRAGEDY STRIKES PEACE CIRCUS!
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.
PEACE CIRCUS FUTURE IN DOUBT
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.
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.
Now it's not going down till next week.... so I'll update now.
