DM Robert - It Begins Tuesday September 19th, 2017 8:49:58 PM
The day passes uneventfully. The group seems content and yet somewhat on edge, there's a certain something in the air. Certainly Briadoc seems preoccupied turning what was supposed to be the chapel into a nursery. Micah and Zanderallen seem a little put off by this. Briadoc only shrugs and says, "If you're keeping me here I gots things to do. I could do them somewhere else, say Plateau City or somewhere else far off from here if you prefer. It's only a few pots." (well seems like there are 20 pots of various sizes). When asked about what he's growing he replies with "Oh this and that, some orchids, some herbs, this and that." One wonders where he got the seeds....did anyone ever search him?
A little after 5 Sid returns again with Elly to find out where the group is going to have dinner. As the group is discussing it, there comes a knocking, knocking at the warehouse door.
You fling open the door and to what do your wondering eyes appear...Rodrigo Diaz! He is panting and sweat drops from his face, his black hair is damp with perspiration. Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { you can see a few people in the street behind him looking your way, as if they saw him running through the streets and are wondering what's up}
Rodrigo is dressed in a plain set of leather armor and has his sword. He manages to rasp out. "needed, here." He hands a piece of paper to ..... first person to post The note says... Highlight to display spoiler: {"Micah, Shields, Urgently need your help. Please come to Rosebud Publishing, Merchant level, near Trade Street." it is signed, Lukas Smith, Sargent of the Guard.}
Sid (Andrew) HP: 34/34; AC: 17/15/13; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+10=19 ; Tuesday September 19th, 2017 9:25:03 PM
Sid takes the note and ushers him in, "Rod! Come in, come in!" Sid ushers him to a chair as Elly shuts the door, "Something to drink for the man! What's wrong?" Sid reads the note and then reads it out loud for everyone to hear, and hands the note to Micah.
=======================================
Perception: 19
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 d20+4=6 ; Tuesday September 19th, 2017 9:30:51 PM
After realizing who it is, the first thing he notices is Rodrigo is without his regular enchanted armor. Those thoughts are immediately dispelled when he reads the signature on the proffered note. His pulse races and he can feel the adrenaline build, but to avoid acting rashly he closes his eyes and offers a brief prayer to Domi, before responding.
"We must be off to the merchant level and ready for battle! Time is of the essence but let us not go ill prepared," he states with forced calm.
"Rodrigo, come in. While you get some water, tell us what this is about," he inquires while waving the note and ushering the mercenary to a nearby chair. He then passes the note to the nearest Shield and explains, "For those of you who do not know. The sergeant whose signature is on this note is my brother."
After handing Rodrigo a cup, he grabs his shield from where it was resting near the door and makes ready to leave.
====== Perception 6
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 Tuesday September 19th, 2017 10:55:49 PM
Lavinia had been propping her feet up on Sasha and reading a book when the man, Rodrigo she heard others say, arrived at the HQ. Seeing that everyone seems to know this guy she sits up and watches in curiosity. Hopefully someone will tell her who this guy is.
And what's this about Micah's brother? She has no idea but she's going to help whatever. She checks her shortswords are in place and motions for Sasha to follow. The panther, sensing the tension, is immediately on her feet and ready for action
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 19/14/16; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 Wednesday September 20th, 2017 9:51:08 AM
Stock launches himself to his feet when Rodrigo enters. The unease he felt earlier is finally clear.
...wasn't the cat then...
He feels the sense of urgency and rushes to his room on the third floor. He hastily dons his armor, grabs his heavy flail and pack and is back and ready to go. When he gets back down to the main floor, he has parts of his shirt sticking out around his breastplate and some straps loose still but he is at least protected. He is smiling grimly, white teeth contrasting with his tanned skin. "Micah - I don't think we've ever talked about your brother being in the guard...and I mean no disrespect but my experience with them is pretty...mixed. They usually mean well but can be rather rigid. I assume we can trust your brother in whatever he asks of us?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hastily donned breastplate takes 1 minute but forces me to take an additional -1 penalty AC and Armor check penalty...Statline is updated.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] Wednesday September 20th, 2017 11:46:44 AM
Emily jumps when the door slams open and the hair on her back rises. She relaxes when there is not an immediate attack. Dorbin looks from Sid to Micah and says, "Well let's go, then!"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 d20+4=17 ; Wednesday September 20th, 2017 2:09:23 PM
Suddenly changing from peaceful talk to hurried action, Zander jumps up at the appearance of Rodrigo. With his thoughts turning to action he loses control od his glammered armor suddenly switching from plain clothes to gleaming full plate in an instant. Seeing the people staring outside he has more immediate concerns as he chases after Stock. "Micah yell up if seconds matter. If a minute or two won't hurt I'm going to help Stock get properly equipped." Zander assists Stock in donning his armor, the extent based on news from Micah. Coming back down with Stock, Zander is ready to go. ------ Perception 17 If no yell from Micah, Zander can aid Stock in fully donning his armor in 2 minutes (ignoring all protests from Stock) If Micah yells them he assists in hastily donning.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 d20+7=20 ; Wednesday September 20th, 2017 3:40:26 PM
Bartomus had made sketches of the project he had in mind and then gave some thought on how to incorporate that into a small storage chest. He was not cabinet maker, but he felt that he could ask for additional help from others in the Shields or craftsmen he knew about the Float. He sketched out a small multi-drawer filled cabinet, more akin to a spice cabinet, and took the sketch with him down to the main floor.
He came down and realized that the conversation was about dinner and where to eat. He hadn't thought about it, but he hadn't eaten most of the afternoon, and he was hungry. As he was about to recommend a night at the Ghost, there was a loud pounding at the front door that Sid answered. A haggered man was let in and it was obvious that he had been running, further accentuated by the gaggle of folks out in the roadway looking at the Shield's headquarters.
When he heard the call to arms by Micah, Bartomus simply turned about and walked back up to his room. He grabbed his glave, the sling bullet pouch and fastened it to the broad black leather belt that he was already wearing. He grabbed the grubby linen shirt with one hand as he took off the clean, intact one with his other hand. "No need to ruin another one of these, need to find something a bit more protective," he said to no one but himself.
He picked up his dagger, turned back towards the stairs and walked down to join the others. He sheathed the dagger and fasteed it to the same belt. "So, another mission, amongst the Merchants this time. Money, commerce, and the need for weapons, something is up." =============== Perception - 20
Sid (Andrew) HP: 34/34; AC: 17/15/13; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Wednesday September 20th, 2017 6:10:29 PM
"Elly love, I'm sorry, but it looks like dinner is going to have to wait," Sid adds.
DM Robert - "...I mean no disrespect but my experience with them is pretty...mixed." Wednesday September 20th, 2017 8:27:20 PM
Rodrigo takes the water and drinks deeply. "Much obliged. Well Sergent Lukas has got himself into a bit of a pickle, not of his own making of course. It seems that one of the owners of Rosebud Publishing has committed suicide." Rodrigo rises from the chair that was thrust upon him. "What probably is not spoken about too much, unless you are of rank in the guard, is that nobles on the float, do not commit suicide. Ever. Bad publicity. So what is going to happen is that they, and by that I mean the upper crust that run things, is that a murder was committed. It's Lukas's bad luck to have had it happen on his watch, that means he takes responsibility for having let a murderer slip through his fingers....or if he's unscrupulous, of picking someone to blame the murder on. Either way his career could hang in the balance."
Rodrigo moves toward the door. "We'd best get going. I can explain more on the way if you have questions."
Knowledge local 15 #1 Highlight to display spoiler: {He's right, you have never heard of any noble of the float committing suicides.....several have been murdered over the years.}
Knowledge Local 15 # 2 Highlight to display spoiler: { anytime nobility is involved in a crime the guard often try to find others to lead the investigation, that makes for an easy scrap-goat in case something goes wrong.}
Knowledge local 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Rosebud Publishing prints a variety of books fiction, history, esoteric magic stuff, etc. Basically whatever the publisher think will sell. They distribute to the float but throughout the Wold. They also publish a weekly broadsheet (newspaper) of events and news of the Float.}
DM stuff - this module will run slightly different than what you are used to. Because it is a murder mystery I am not going to pre post knowledge rolls with the spoiler caption. Rather, if there's something you are interested in post what you are trying to find out and the appropriate roll. This could be either Knowledge based rolls, Perception checks (here's a clue, a magnifying glass gives a +2 to perception checks), Sense motive, etc. You are the detectives. The question is what sort of detective will you be remembered as...Sherlock Holmes, Sam Spade, or Inspector Clouseau.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm Wednesday September 20th, 2017 9:20:52 PM
Stohp, checking in on Braidoc, looks about at the potted seedlings and glowers in suspicion. "I didn't buy you seeds. What are you planting? So help me if you are continuing your experiments you will wish Crimson got you."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 d20+4=8 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=13 ; Wednesday September 20th, 2017 10:25:40 PM
Bartomus listened as the man talked and remembered something. "Micah, I realize the Sergeant is your brother, but the few investigations done by folks like us, from the history I remember reading, ended up with the ones blamed for things."
He shrugged and looked at Micah. "I am not saying we don't do something, I am saying that we realize that us helping your brother will notch up the risks of what we are doing."
"Rodrigo, you said the person committed suicide, why did you all believe that? How did they die?" Bartomus asked ====== Knowledge Local/Float, 8, 17, and 13 - reveal 2nd
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 Thursday September 21st, 2017 10:49:00 AM "Gah Zanderallen...not like that. I can do it. I really can." He doesn't actually slap away Zanderallen's hand as the Paladin helps to sort out his armor but he does look almost embarassed that he needs help. When he hears Rodrigo's story, he says, "He's already dead then? Maybe I don't need this after all. I don't see a problem helping here but, I must say I don't think any of us is particularly suited to investigating a murder..."
He waits a moment, looking around at the way the HQ was finished for them and then says, "At any rate, of course we'll help how we can...What do you know about the stiff or his business anyway?"
----------- Statline is updated again with Z's help with Stock's armor. No Knowledge Local...wishing I had more than Knowledge Nature right about now.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] d20+9=16 ; d20+14=30 ; Thursday September 21st, 2017 11:43:15 AM
Dorbin remains in silent contemplation as he hears the news and realizes the group is likely going to be in trouble. If they show up, they might get the murder pinned on them if they can't find another way to prove the suicide or find another murderer.
OOC: Trying out knowledge, history (16) and linguistics (30) to see if Dorbin knows any more about this publishing company. Who owns it, how long it has been around, their overall reputation.
Sid (Andrew) HP: 34/34; AC: 17/15/13; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+12=13 ; d20+12=22 ; d20+12=14 ; Thursday September 21st, 2017 1:10:19 PM
Sid says some quiets things to Elly, kisses her hitches up his haversack. "Well then what are we waiting for!" He follows the procession out when they are ready.
==============================================
((All I need is a 3, right this should be easy))
Knoweledge(Local): Nat 1
Knoweledge(Local): 22
Knoweledge(Local): 14
((Sighs, yep, there we are.))
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 d20+5=10 ; Thursday September 21st, 2017 1:29:28 PM
When Micah hears Rodrigo's explanation, he relaxes, but only slightly.
"Lukas did say urgent, but it appears a little time for fully preparing may be prudent. And by preparing, I mean equipping fully expecting battle. Stohp, Zander, how many times do you recall being ambushed in the streets since we started the Shields?"
"Stock, the unreliable nature of the guard is one of the reasons my brother joined them in hopes he could bring more honor to the role. I hear the concerns that we could be the scapegoats. In fact, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that this is a move by Crimson, to accomplish exactly that or to lure us out of the Fence where we might be more vulnerable. Hence the arms and armor.
"I realize now that I was a bit hasty in my call to arms, as this is a personal matter to me. Your response is truly touching."
He pauses a moment, then shouts in his loudest voice, "Briadoc! Come down here!"
When Briadoc arrives, Micah nods in his direction, " I apologize for being so abrupt, but we have a bit of a crisis here. Do you know anything about any goings on regarding the Rosebud publishing company? Also, I have noticed you have been fairly industrious since your arrival. Would you perchance have and special concoctions or herbs that would be of use in solving a murder mystery?"
======== knowledge history or nobility to ascertain more about past non-suicides
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 Thursday September 21st, 2017 3:52:03 PM "You think this is bad, you should come help Micah and me put on our armor sometime. Makes you feel like a king having someone dress you." Coming back downstairs to hear what's going on he feels a little let down. "Well doesn't sound like they're in need of immediate head bashing, but never hurts to be prepared. I think I need more hands to count street ambushes with."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm Thursday September 21st, 2017 8:47:18 PM
Stohp follows Briadoc out, still glowering. She is slightly diverted by MIcah's question and decides to wait for Briadoc's answer before sharing her discovery.
DM Robert - "Well doesn't sound like they're in need of immediate head bashing, but never hurts to be prepared.." d20+10=20 ; d20+5=6 ; Thursday September 21st, 2017 9:13:26 PM
Briadoc looks stunned by the accusations. He tells Stohp "Yes I have seeds, a variety of orchids, some herbs, and some roses. If you must know I'm endeavoring to cross breed and create a new variety of orchid, I think I'll try for black. Yes a Black Orchid, and I will have created, I shall become famous while cooped up in this brownstone. I think I need some beer." When Micah address him he is stunned. "I have not murdered anyone. I'm a simply botanist, a hungry one, do you have some beer and perhaps a sausage? Herbs do not kill people. Orchids do not kill people, well okay if you had a really bad allergy then an orchid could kill you, but it would require someone to prepare the stamen or perhaps the flowers themselves..." His head cocks upward, clearly he is trying to think about how this could be done.
Rodrigo smiles at the little guy. "New recruit?" He asks. "Well I'm not for sure on the whose and the what's. I was in the Rosebud book shop looking for some reading material." He looks around daring anyone to say anything. "What's wrong with reading a good book at night?" He then continues. "As I was saying, there were some shouts of murder and such, the guard came running through. I followed a bit but could not really get up to third floor. Still I was hanging around the stairs with some of those reporters, they weren't being let in either. When Joseph came out and said Hey Lieu, I mean Rodrigo, could you take this note to the Silver Shields down on the Fence level. Joseph is a corporal in the guard, I known him back a ways. So anyway, since I owed you I beat feet down here as quick as I could."
Rodrigo gets another drink of water and continues. "Let's see Rosebud Publishing prints a variety of books fiction, history, esoteric magic stuff, etc. Basically whatever the publisher think will sell. They distribute to the float but throughout the Wold. They also publish a weekly broadsheet (newspaper) of events and news of the Float."
Dorbin nods when Rodrigo speaks about the publishing house. He remembers hearing about them. Print quite the eclectic list.
He pauses again thinking. "Can't say I'm familiar with nobility enough to really know who the owners of Rosebud Publishing are."
Bartomus and Sid both advise that the group be cautious. Dealing with murder and the guard can turn sideways quickly.
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 Thursday September 21st, 2017 9:43:13 PM
(I don't think Vinnie would have any local knowledge so I'm not even gonna roll for that) "A murder mystery then? Cor you lot never said we dealt with that kid of stuff. Sasha and I may not know much about fancy pants noble types but we're pretty good trackers if I do say so myself. Take us to the crime scene and Sasha and I will sho what we can do."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 Thursday September 21st, 2017 11:56:46 PM "Bookstore? Third floor?" Bartomus said trying to piece together what they were walking into. "Micah, suspect we don't all want to go rushing into the building if there are reporters and such about. Might give those reporters way too much to write about."
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 Friday September 22nd, 2017 9:26:00 AM "Let's go people. There may already be a body but we should probably try to get there before another one hits the floor." Stock leads the procession out of the warehouse.
After a short way, he turns to Rodrigo and says, "I'm sorry Rod, did you mention how the supposed suicide happened?"
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] Friday September 22nd, 2017 11:52:09 AM
Dorbin nods to Bart and says, "Indeed, we should figure out how we want to play this. We should either show up with our shields, announcing to the wold that we're on the job; or we should sneak in and not let anyone else know we're there..."
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 Friday September 22nd, 2017 1:15:06 PM "Good suggestion, Bart," agrees Micah. "Let us work on a plan as we head that way. Everyone ready to move out?' he asks as he starts to do so himself.
"I think, as a member of clergy I, could easily justify approaching and entering, unless my relationship to the sergeant is revealed, that might not attract too much attention. Lavinia, your skills might be good to have on the crime scene, but Sasha would have to hang back. Perhaps you could go masquerade as my assistant," Micah proposes as they travel.
"Dorbin," he inquires, "do you have the spell message prepared? If so it would be handy to cast on me and whoever else joins me. So we can keep the main group informed and call you in should the need arise."
Sid (Andrew) HP: 34/34; AC: 17/15/13; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+4=24 ; d20+10=23 ; Friday September 22nd, 2017 2:08:54 PM
Sid looks at Rod closely before they go, not caring anything about nobility in general. He wants to trust him, but as they are going into a scene that will be confused and frustrated with possible bureaucracy, he decides to get in the mood of observant wallflower.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 d20+5=14 ; Friday September 22nd, 2017 3:19:36 PM
Coming down and hearing who is dead, Zander thinks back to his lessons while they march out the door. Book learning was never his strong suit but he remembers some of the noble families. Know:Nobility 14
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] Friday September 22nd, 2017 4:12:53 PM
Dorbin replies to Micah, "Sorry, but I do not have that one ready today."
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 Friday September 22nd, 2017 6:53:59 PM
Lavinia frowns a bit but agrees. "Much as I love Sasha I know she can frighten people a bit. Still my sense of smell isn't nearly as good as hers so for the best tracking we'll need something from the crime scene, or we'll need to sneak her in somehow."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm Friday September 22nd, 2017 8:08:12 PM
Stohp glares down at the tiny herbalist for a moment longer before taking a deep breath and trying to calm down. "... I'm sorry I yelled at you. I saw Crimson's plant people slaughter nearly everyone in the Trash, so I'm a bit edgy when it comes to strange plants."
Regardless of what he's growing it won't sprout in a day. She'll just have to make sure to keep an eye on him. Perhaps she can get Bart or some other herbalist to check in on him, ensure he is not furthering his mad experiments.
Once she's made her peace with him she heads out to see what the commotion is. "What's up guys?"
DM Robert - "What's up guys?" Friday September 22nd, 2017 9:29:19 PM "Sorry I don't know any of the particulars. Like I said I really didn't go up there. I can tell you most of the workers were gone. I guess they had Friday afternoon off." Rodrigo answers Stock.
The band gets ready to set out. Sid eyes Rodrigo but gets only the sense that Rodrigo has told you what he knows.
Bartomus worries about reporters on scene.
Micah tries to consider useful spells, unfortunately Dorbin does not have the spell requested.
Lavinia is sure Sasha can smell out the murderer.
Zanderallen ponders nobility, alas he realizes he doesn't have much to go on.
Stohp apologies to Briadoc and hurries to catch up with everyone.
Rosebud publishing Actually just looking at the merchant level it will be located between Trade Street and Road to the Top....so change the note to read that, not Wall Street... map
Rosebud Publishing is a large square building 300 feet on a side. There are other buildings/business on the east and west facing. The back leads into another street. The building seems massive, you would think 4 stories tall maybe. There is one set of double doors on the front of the building, to the left are two windows peering inside you see what looks like a book shop. In fact it is (A1 is the book store you can look in the windows and see a young man looking back out at you.)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 Friday September 22nd, 2017 10:13:20 PM "Well, now, do you want us to just walk about to see what we have around this place, Micah?"Bartomus asked as the came to Rosebud Publishing and held back a bit from the main building and group. He waited for Strohp as she came into sight, "Well, there you are, I was thinking we might check one of the new shops this way."
He jestered to the area past the shop corner on the east of the building.
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 Monday September 25th, 2017 10:32:13 AM
As they walk up to the building, Stock is still squirming a bit, adjusting his armor. "Micah, if you don't mind I'll stick with you and pretend to be your bodyguard...come to think of it, I'm not really pretending."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] d20+13=22 ; d20+14=16 ; Monday September 25th, 2017 12:36:26 PM
Dorbin will spot the book store right off and head over there. He will walk in and check out the books and ask the fellow there what's going on.
OOC: Dorbin doesn't have gather information, but he knows books and can talk the talk there with profession, librarian and linguistics, if that will help in any way to actually gather information and make the fellow there comfortable talking to him (Librarian: 22, Linguistics: 16).
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 Monday September 25th, 2017 4:09:17 PM
Micah nods to Bartomus' and Stock's suggestions. He gives the stalwart dwarf an approving look before replying, "That will be an easy story to sell, I think."
After giving the others a while to check out the area Micah, Stock, and Vinnie approach the Rosebud. If given the chance he will try to enter without hesitation, holding his holy symbol up in an attempt to avert any challenges to his entrance.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 d20+13=20 ; Monday September 25th, 2017 4:39:38 PM
Wanting to be less alarming Zander takes a moment to step out of sight and will his armor to look like regular clothes. Maybe something a well to do mercenary might wear to go with the fact that he is still armed. Once appareled he heads into the book store and tries to track down the young man looking out the window. "Hello fellow. Any idea what's going on here? Just saw some cleric barge in like he owns the place. And early there seemed to be a commotion on the street." ------------------- Diplomacy 20
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 Monday September 25th, 2017 8:54:21 PM
Bartomus whispered to Stohp when she approached, "murder or suicide here of a noble, seems that Micah's brother is the investigator and wants the Shields to help. Something isn't right Stoph, suggest that we walk about the other side of the building to see if anyone tries to slip out that way."
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 Monday September 25th, 2017 8:55:41 PM
As they approach the building Lavinia turns to Sasha, who has been following as usual up to this point.
"Ok Sasha, I'm going to need you to stay behind for a bit, ok? Look don't give me those eyes you look very intimidating to most people and you dont fit in buildings very well. You don't even like buildings much. Look, go hang out with Dorbin, he likes cats." Sasha continues to look sad for a moment before nudging her head against Lavinia. Lavinia gives her a little kiss on the panther's forehead before gently pushing her in the direction of the bookstore.
"Look he just went into that building go see if he needs help" As the panther walks off Lavinia turns back to Micah and Stock and her demeanour begins to change. Her face at once turns serious and she holds herself in a much less relaxed position. She looks much less like an excited child and much more like a scarred veteran of a hunter. The change is a little unnerving.
DM Robert - "Hello fellow. Any idea what's going on here?" Monday September 25th, 2017 9:47:54 PM map
Bartomus tries to get Stohp to go with him to check out the surrounding shops. merchant level
There is a place called Critaceous' Certified Curios and Merabor's Infirmary (Shrine of Flower) nearby. The Curio shop is closed as it is after 5 on Friday. It does show that it has hours tomorrow. The Infirmary is mostly empty. A young female greets you at the door. "Hello, please be seated and fill out these forms. It's standard HIPA disclosure. This form is for you to list your symptoms and ailments, and any medications you are on. This form gives us leave to provide healing for you in the absence of your own physician. THIS form states that you agree to pay all costs over your insurance." She pauses. "There may be a slight wait, the healer is currently occupied."
Sasha cocks his head at Lavinia, because Dorbin has entered the building with everyone else. Please examine the map. The bookstore is A2.
Micah, Stock, and whoever, (Rodrigo seems to be tagging along still) enter... A1 - entering the wooden double doors, you see another set of double doors 25 feet in front of you. To the left (west) you note a single glass door. To the right a massive staircase leads all the way to the top floor. You can see there are two landings, so it is a three story building on the inside. You can see three doorways under the stairs. There is a guard standing at the base of the stairs. He see's your party and starts to salute but then stops. "Would you be the Silver Shields? Please go up to the third floor. Sergent Smith is waiting for you up there."
Dorbin enters A2, followed closely by Zanderallen. A2 - Rosebud book store. The walls are lined with wooden shelves featuring multiple copies of various books Rosebud has published. The same is true of two free standing wooden bookshelves. The tables near the center display an impressive tower of the most recent publication. "Heraldry, and it's Hidden Meanings. By Daniel Brown." There is a lone table in the south west corner. On this is last week’s broadsheet - The Weekly Bugle. The clerk greets you. "Hello! The shop's technically closed but the guard said no one could leave. So I guess you're welcome to browse. Please let me know if there is anything you're interested in. oh dang, I ended that sentence on a preposition, I really must work on that." His name tag says Aramis. "Oh yeah, gee that guy must be important. Not sure what's really going on here. There were some shouts from upstairs and then the local guards came storming in, then there was a bunch of guards...well okay one or two running in and out, then a whole bunch more guards came in."
We are not working in rounds here. IF you want to talk to the guard and proceed upward then put that in your turn. If you want to try to make side trips to explore rooms you may...or may not be able to.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm d20+4=6 ; d20+12=22 ; Tuesday September 26th, 2017 7:53:53 AM
Stohp nods to Bart's suggestion and circles the building. Once there she tries to find some out-of-the-way location to keep an eye on the back door of the book store. (6 stealth, 22 perception).
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 d20+4=11 ; Tuesday September 26th, 2017 9:20:02 AM
Bartomus walked along with Stohp and headed around the building towards its northside. He had been in his portion of the Float in the past, but it wasn't one that he was most familiar with. He looked about and scanned the side street and when they came to what looked like the back of the building, he scanned the area as well.
========== Knowledge Float/local - 11
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 d20+7=9 ; Tuesday September 26th, 2017 9:20:45 AM
Highlight to display spoiler: { Forgot the perception check, but um never mind. }
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 d20+1=21 ; Tuesday September 26th, 2017 11:29:17 AM
Stock nods to the guard as he passes. As they get out of earshot he whispers, "I wonder how many people recognize who and what we are? That guy certainly did...maybe we will be able to call the rest of the group up here after all..."
When they finally do find Micah's brother: Stock watches the brothers greet each other closely. He introduces himself and very carefully pays attention to everything Sgt. Smith says.
============== Sense Motive 21
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] Tuesday September 26th, 2017 11:55:48 AM
Dorbin picks up a broadsheet and looks at some books. He tries to continue the conversation with the fellow, "So who lives over there? How long have you worked here? Do you like this bookstore? What books can you suggest?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 d20+13=31 ; d20+5=14 ; Tuesday September 26th, 2017 3:14:59 PM
Noticing the center display Zander continues talking to the clerk hoping to maybe use him to brush up on his knowledge on the nobles of the float. Moving to the center display and motioning towards a book, "That's a real shame you being stuck here. But the guard must have a good reason. I've always loved heraldry, any good nuggets in this book? Have you read it? Ever mention anything about a noble connected to the color crimson? Heard an urban legend once and always wanted to look it up." If Aramis is knowledgeable and open Zander continues to pump him for information about nobles, both crimson and the publisher. Failing that he will try to borrow a copy to peruse with Dorbin. ----------------- Diplomacy 31 Know: Nobility 14
Sid (Andrew) HP: 34/34; AC: 17/15/13; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+12=13 ; d20+12=14 ; Tuesday September 26th, 2017 5:48:14 PM
Sid quietly holds back, letting the flow of the group swallow his movements making him virtually impossible to see. He takes one step towards the glass and his foot rolls out from underneath him. He yells and, hopefully, tumbles in the direction of his fall, keeping his ankle from being sprained or broken. Splayed out on the floor he moans a bit and tries to get up, "You know, I like books, let's just look at the books."
============================
Stealth: Nat 1
Acrobatics: 14(rolled a 2 that time. Whoo!)
DM Robert - "I wonder how many people recognize who and what we are?" Tuesday September 26th, 2017 9:12:23 PM
Bartomus and Stohp back out of the shire to Flower and continue their survey the neighborhood. It is pretty respectable place, filled with a variety of businesses, all closed. You note that these places are business where the owner does not live above the business. At the back of the publishing house you see a large wooden double doors. You notice a small sign embedded in the door. "All deliveries must be made between 9 am and 4 pm". There is a large brass knocker on one door. There is also a fire-escape. The fire escape goes up to the second floor where there is a landing and a window, there is also a landing and another window on the third floor. You can see a few more windows on what you assume is the second and third floor. From the spacing you think they may have some rather tall floors (about 15 feet or more between floors).
Dorbin questions the clerk, Aramis. "So who lives over there? Aramis looks a little bewildered, "Lives over where? Dorbin asks, "How long have you worked here? Aramis replies "Eight months, sir." Dorbin contiues, "Do you like this bookstore? Aramis beams, "I love books, someday I'll be writing them." Dorbin is relentless, "What books can you suggest?" Aramis replies, "Well if you love conspiracy based mysteries filled with murder, albino assassins, and more, then you just have to get Dan Brown's newest book Heraldry, and it's Hidden Meanings!"
Zanderallen piles on the questions. "That's a real shame you being stuck here. But the guard must have a good reason." Aramis nods, "I don't mind. I'm taking notes. I might be able to create some sort of guard procedural novel with what's going on." Zanderallen asks, "I've always loved heraldry, any good nuggets in this book? Have you read it? Ever mention anything about a noble connected to the color crimson? Heard an urban legend once and always wanted to look it up." Aramis pauses to thinks, "Not much really about heraldry in the book, it's more the basis of some plot hooks. I read it, it's pretty good if you're into conspiracy theory stuff. Never heard anything about a noble connected to crimson, that's probably not the color heraldry would call it, maybe red, rose, scarlet or something like that, crimson is more like blood, that's sort of negative, like the bar sinister in a heraldry symbol, means something like one of the ancestors was a bastard, or did something wrong."
Sid falls flat on his face and the guard at the bottom of the stairs barely contains a snicker. He reaches out and helps Sid up. "Better be careful there little feller." he says.
Stock whispers to Micah, but Micah seems strangely silent, perhaps lost in thought.
As you pass by the second floor doors...Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {female voice "The press has a right to know!" male voice sounds a little worn out, "Look your own boss said to stay put for now and stop mucking about, so stay put. And don't be trying to go into there either."}
You arrive at the third floor landing and enter the double doors.The third floor opens into a large open office type concept. You see two L shaped desks in front of you and a doorway to the west. On the door it reads “Art Department”. A ways into the room you can see another guard, he is pacing (he is in the area between C6 and C7). He looks up when you enter and motions you forward. He appears to be in his late 20's maybe early 30's.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm d20+12=29 ; Tuesday September 26th, 2017 9:59:16 PM
Stohp sits and quietly watches the building for a bit. She's momentarily distracted by a furtive looking character in a funny hat, but he turned out to just looking for an address down the street.
While she's waiting and watching she looks for anyone else doing the same (perception 29). If the guard has already got someone watching the back door then there is little point in her and Bart sticking around.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 Wednesday September 27th, 2017 12:44:36 AM "Well, not sure we want to go up the fire escape, but we probably should ask one of our more nimble Shields to check out the landings, just in case," he said to Stohp. "Should we try the back door and see what is in this area?"
Bartomus walked up and tried the door. He shrugged and and tried the knocker. "Let's see if we can get in this way."
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 d20+8=22 ; d20+8=23 ; Wednesday September 27th, 2017 10:00:40 AM
Stock hears the commotion as they pass the door. A pensive look crosses his face and he whispers what he heard to Vinnie and Micah. He sees the guard ahead and also scans the rest of the room for any other people milling about.
He is still prepared to take close note of Micah's brother when they finally meet him. =========== Perception (spoiler) 22 Perception 23
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] Wednesday September 27th, 2017 11:51:53 AM
Dorbin replies, "Oh, that does sound like a good book. I would certainly like to purchase a copy."
He continues the conversation with, "You plan to write a book? About what, do you know? Are you a good writer now?"
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 Wednesday September 27th, 2017 12:39:25 PM
OOC: I thought the bookstore and the publishing house were two separate buildings whoops. Sasha will still go with Dorbin though
Lavinia heads towards the guard when he motions towards them, but waits for Micah to make introductions
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 d20+4=19 ; Wednesday September 27th, 2017 1:22:31 PM
Micah is a bit unnerved by the fact that the Silver Shields involvement has been circulated. He realizes that Lukas must really feel in peril to commit the group without prior agreement.
Having heard it as well, he nods as Stock describes the overheard conversation. "The soup is going to get thick real fast, I fear," he whispers to his two associates.
He responds to the guard's summons, "Micah Smith and associates," he says with a nod to the others and a slight bow to the guard. "I believe we are expected."
He then leads in conspiratorially and queries in a whisper, "We have no idea what is going on here. Can you fill us in, unofficially, of course?"
========== perception 19
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 d20+13=21 ; d20+11=21 ; Wednesday September 27th, 2017 4:45:17 PM
For lack of any other pursuits Zander continues to pump Aramis for information. Working with Dorbin to mix in casual questions with more probing questions. "Interesting. Are there a lot of conspiracy theories surrounding the nobility of the Float? What do you know about some of the other businesses in this building? I heard there was a publishing business, Rosebud Publishing? Do you sell any of their books? Have you ever met the owners?" Not wanting to make the guy feel under the gun Zander works his questions around other small talk and general conversation. ------------------------- Diplomacy 21 Sense Motive 21 (Trying to get a read on Aramis)
Sid (Andrew) HP: 34/34; AC: 17/15/13; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+10=17 ; Wednesday September 27th, 2017 5:57:45 PM
Sid smiles embarrassedly up at the guard, "Thanks, I've always been a bit of a klutz. You'd think I'd be used to it by now." While going through the bookshop he browses a bit before following the rest up to the third floor.
=======================================
Perception: 17
DM Robert - "I wonder how many people recognize who and what we are?" Wednesday September 27th, 2017 9:41:51 PM
Bartomus takes the knocker at the back door and knocks. However, long you wait...nothing happens.
Stohp stays on the lookout, and notes some lights at the upper window of the fire-escape and the second floor window at the fire-escape though those are very dim as though seen through heavy curtains.
Dorbin inquires about the book. Aramis replies, "Only 9 gold pieces sir."
Dorbin follows up with more questions. Aramis ponders. "I'm not sure, I have not really written anything yet. I'm waiting for some breakout idea."
Aramis turns to address Zanderallen. "Oh, that's not the setting, it's more a wold wide conspiracy, locations in Plateau City, Bone Town, you know important places." He pauses to laugh at Zanderallen. "Sorry sir, but geez, this whole building is Rosebud Publishing. They do the printing back there" thumbs toward the north, "the Weekly Bugle is on the second floor, and the main offices are on the top floor. We only sell Rosebud books here, that's why we're the Rosebud Book store. You see we have exclusive rights on first print runs. Of course we ship out to cities wold wide."[/b]
Sid walks into the book store with Sasha. Aramis screams and jumps for the counter (at the front of the store where the cash register is). "Don't you need a leash for that thing!"Not sure what you are looking to perceive...?
Stock lets the other's know what he overheard at the second floor landing.
Micah formerly introduces his friends to ... his brother. Micah is taken aback, slightly Lucas is looking worn, there are dark lines under his eyes. "Thanks for coming Micah. I'm in a pickle. It looks like one of the owner's of Rosebud publishing has killed himself. But it doesn't add up. His secretary keeps demanding it was murder. But the door was locked when we got here, we had to force it open. We found Lord Arlen hanging by a rope in his office. We cut him down and sent for a healer. But the priest of Flower that showed up said it was too late, he didn't have anything that could bring him back. You were always the smart one. I need help. I'm not sure how much you know about politics in the Float, but it's bad. Nobles don't commit suicide. I'm going to catch the blame for this unless you can figure out what's going on. I promise I won't involve you or the shields if you can't figure it out, I'll fall on my own sword if it comes to that. I've called in some guards I can trust. I've got everyone that was here when we arrived on the second floor, Corporal's Bardel and Walker are keeping an eye on them. Fortunately being Friday, many of the staff have already left by the time the party arrives. Lord Arlen allows..allowed... an extra long weekend during the summer months."
He pauses to breath "I've kept the priest of Flower in the room with Lord Arlen's body, and private Pluto is making sure nothing is disturbed. Oh and private Jones is at the bottom of the stairs, keeping an eye on the main door and the bookstore fellow."
He wrings his hands, "I'm not sure what how to proceed. We don't do much actual investigation in the guard, it mostly look tuff and enforce the law when we see wrong being done. They've never much developed any kind of investigation wing, guess because only grunts like me join the guard, I mean why would a wizard or cleric or what not want to join the guard, the pay's not great and neither are the hours. But I know we can get things turned around in the guard if we can get some real investigation going and not just arresting the ususal suspects and who ever we're ordered to round up." He pauses, "Sorry don't mean to bring out the troubles I'm having on you. But please help." He looks imploringly at each of you.
Rodrigo lowers his head. Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { you can hear him faintly praying, "a fine man, in over his head, oh gods of Wold please give him the strength and help to work through this or he will end up like me."}
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm Wednesday September 27th, 2017 10:40:42 PM
Stohp continues her stake-out, sitting and watching. She's starting to feel a little silly, she should have learned what the situation was before coming out here.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 d20+7=8 ; Wednesday September 27th, 2017 11:06:58 PM
Bartomus walked back and looked up at the fire escape. He looked up at the escape. But, it simply looked like an escape. "Well Stohp, I suspect that we won't find anything here. But, not sure how we would look climbing about here. What do you think?"
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] Thursday September 28th, 2017 11:47:35 AM
Dorbin purchases the book and starts glancing through it while the questioning and talking continue.
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 d20+4=19 ; Thursday September 28th, 2017 12:58:58 PM
Micah processes what he has heard then requests, "Please send someone to fetch the others. No point in subtlety now. Of course we will help you." He pauses for a moment, "Might as well take us to the office and bring the others in there when they arrive."
Before he leaves his current room, Micah casts detect magic and makes a scan of each room before proceeding to the next.
======= Perception missed it by....
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 Thursday September 28th, 2017 2:25:18 PM
Coming to the realization that this line of questioning isn't leading anywhere Zander welcomes the guard that comes to get him. Hearing what happened he speaks up, out of earshot of any of the guards except Lucas. "Good to see you Lucas, sorry that it's under these circumstances. Has anyone checked the body for poison or lingering magic? We just got back from a raid of a facility making mind control plant drugs. Even if Lord Arlen physically hung himself he might have been influenced by something."
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 d20+8=28 ; Thursday September 28th, 2017 4:55:36 PM
Stock gives Lucas a long look "What do you know about this guy Arlen? Any known business or personal grudges? Besides running Rosebud, is he a part of any organizations? Was there a chair or desk or anything near his body that he could have climbed on to hang himself?"
In general Stock doesn't think much of the nobility and their ways. Very few of them have, in his experience, took their responsibilities with regards to the commoners very seriously. Arlen's relationship with his employees would have to be reviewed.
Convenient that the guy sent a lot of the staff home before he kicked the bucket. I guess it could be that the killer knew this and made it easier for him to make a get away.
=========== Perception 28
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 d20+12=29 ; Thursday September 28th, 2017 8:22:06 PM
Sasha cocks her head and looks at Aramis in confusion.
Lavinia steps up to Lucas and offers a hand in greeting. "Lavinia Thorngage at your service. I'm a tracker and hunter by trade and if theres anything to be discovered in that room I'll be the one to find it." She glances downstairs to where she left Sasha "If you'll please, my tracking companion is just downstairs and if you'll let her join me I promise we'll solve this mystery in no time"
DM Robert - "I wonder how many people recognize who and what we are?" d20+3=13 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+7=18 ; Thursday September 28th, 2017 8:44:46 PM map
OOC please put in your post spells that are up, so like detect magic can essentially be up unlimited, but keep it somewhere in the post to help keep me honest.
Lavinia hears what Rodrigo mumbled but clearly has no context for its meaning.
Stock clearly hears what Rodrigo said, will he share it? For now he keeps it under his hat. He asks about Lord Arlen. Lukas thinks for a moment and then shakes his head. "Maybe some of the other employees could answer those questions, I understand the company is a partnership, another noble named Sir Stephan Imbry. I believe the partner is downstairs with the others. You've heard of him I presume? Sir Stephan Imbry was once a sub-commander in the Float army. He rose to fame briefly some 20 years ago when he thwarted an attempt by a group of thieves to take over the lower levels"
Rodrigo snaps his fingers and says, "Lord Arlen, yeah I know that name. He's a minor lord on the Float. One that actually works, well I guess worked for a living. He's known to have extreme temper, short 5 foot, 165 pounds, 55 years old. He was known to have a driving, fanatical, energy that made him both feared and respected in his field. That's all I can remember."
Micah takes a [u[quick[/u] look around...(since you're not declaring you are specifically searching an area... C3 and C4 are L shaped desks. They appear to have various work documents on them, but are fairly tidy.
C5 - This appears to be some sort of break-room. There is a sink with a hand pump on the cabinets to the south. There is a pot bellied stove nearby (the circle). There are two tables for eating.
C6 Probably a secretary's desk and some chairs.
C7 Another probable secretaries desk. You note there are more chairs in the area. The desk appears to be orderly, there are two journal/maybe appointment book like things on the desk.
C9 - Arlen’s office. The room is 30 by 35. There is one window in the room (a standard double hung type. It is high and narrow, going from 3 feet from the floor at the bottom, to 9 feet from the floor at the top), Micah notes that the window radiates magic behind the desk. It is open 6 inches at the bottom and 3 at the top (to provide air flow). There are drapes on the window partially covering both sides. Directly in front of you lies Arlen’s body, there is a rope around his neck, there is rope hanging from the rafter above and behind the body (the rafter the rope is hanging from is about 12 feet from the north wall so about 5 feet behind Arlen’s body, human), he’s been cut down from where he hanged. There is an overturned wooden chair nearby. His body is about 10 feet in front of the desk. The desk is 7 feet long and 3 feet wide, it appears to be made of mahagony. On the desk you note several papers, pens in ink wells, there is also a silver tea pot. On the east wall is a bookshelf holding a variety of rare books, on the west wall is a large velvet couch. It looks well used. In front of the couch is a low wooden ottoman that has a ceramic cup on it. There is a priest of Flower by the door. He looks mournful.
When Micah, Stock, and Lavinia enter Lukas sends the guard to fetch your compatriots.
Sid, Dorbin, Sasha, and Zanderallen come quickly up the stairs. Lukas shakes his head at Zanderallen's questions. "Unfortunately as I was telling Micah, the guard is not well equipped for investigations, we have no wizards and such to cast detect magic or detect poison. I'm sure it would be quite productive, I hope to save up enough money to purchase a magical device of some kind that could do that."
At long last the door to the back of the warehouse opens. Bartamus and Stohp see a female guard there. "Were you knocking. Please present proof of your status." The two quickly realize they are probably being asked what they are doing here, and present their credentials as Silver Shields. "Very well, please come this way, your leader has summoned everyone to the third floor."
Bartamus and Stohp pass through A3 - The printing room. Even with work done a few hours ago the smell of ink is still heavy in the air. There 36 printing presses in this room, all hand operated but able to print on two sides at once. Near each printer is an impressive wheel and pulley system that stretches rope from floor to ceiling. You can see that there are sheets of paper attached to these ropes. Knowledge engineering 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {- Upon closer inspection you determine that as each printer prints a page it is hung on the rope and pulled upward a few feet (leaving room for the next sheet). With this system each printer can print up to 15 pages and allow the pages to dry before being collected.} Near the back wall are wooden double doors. Each printer seems to have a pullout tray/table where typesetting is done. There are drawers underneath each printer with letters. Initial setup of a print job is probably long and tedious.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 d20=7 ; Thursday September 28th, 2017 9:05:34 PM
Bartomus walked past one of the presses, then paused to look to see if he could read any of the print visible on the press or the papers. None of it seemed anything he could understand. He continued onward through the press room.
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 d20+1=10 ; d20+8=28 ; Friday September 29th, 2017 9:49:35 AM "Come on Vinnie, let's go take a look at the vic..."
Stock walks back to Arlen's office, assuming the others will follow. He greets the priest cordially and then continues into the room. "You any good at checking bodies for cause of death, Vinnie?"
Stock kneels down and begins checking Lord Arlen's body...
He then stands up and walks over to the desk, looking through anything he finds on the desk.
======== If Vinnie examines the body, Stock will Aid her with Heal 10 Otherwise, he does his best to examine the body by himself with Heal 10 Perception 28 on the desk/papers on the desk
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] d20+14=29 ; d20+6=11 ; Friday September 29th, 2017 12:08:54 PM
Dorbin makes his way up the stairs, stashing his newly purchased book in a pocket of his robes. When the arrive at the room with the body, he sees Stock go over to the papers on the desk and he heads that way as well. He will look over the papers, especially to see if anything looks different from the other papers (different handwriting, writing, etc.)(Linguistics: 29, Perception: 11).
Micah notes the window is radiating magic and goes over to look more closely while his companions check out the body. Unable to tell anything more than that it radiates magic, he beckons Dorbin over and asks, "Can you tell anything about the enchantment on this window? I can tell it is enchanted, but this is more your area of expertise."
While Dorbin is evaluating that, he joins the others at the victim. He takes his time to look for magical auras. After finishing that inspection he then examines his mouth and throat to assess the body's physical ability to speak.
======= Knowledge Arcana on window: 11 Heal 12 to aid Vinnie with inspecting the body. Extra Knowledge arcana should an aura be on the body:
With other areas being investigated Zanderallen goes over to the teapot. He checks to see if it's full and looks for cups that had tea in them, especially on the desk to see if Lord Arlen seems to have drunken any recently. Using his very limited herb lore from his healing classes he tries to identify what kind of tea and with a little smell and taste see if their are any foreign flavors if he's familiar with it. Then on a whim he concentrates and sweeps the office for sources of evil, focusing on the body especially. "We should check to see what was printing. Maybe somebody was trying to stop something from being published. Look if any of the papers have been gone through." --------------------------------------- Heal 15 Int Check (Alchemy/tea identification) : 8 Know: Nobility (on Sir Stephan Imbry) : 21
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 d20+1=18 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+12=26 ; Friday September 29th, 2017 7:18:00 PM
Lavinia will step into the room and assess it as a whole, seeing if theres been any sign of struggle. She'll ask Sasha to sniff out the cup and see if theres anything particularly strange about it.
Lavinia herself will investigate the body to see if theres anything off about it other than being dead and then look around the room.
=================== I'm more than 80%drunk so apologies for bad spelling, I'm relying on google chrome Sasha Scent = 19 Lavinia Heal = 13 Lavinia Perception = 26
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm d20+9=18 ; Friday September 29th, 2017 8:39:16 PM
Stohp quickly discovers that she is terrible at stake outs. Boredom sets in, making it hard to stay attentive, and she realizes that she should have at least gotten a basic idea of the situation before going out here. Fortunately someone comes to fetch them and she can abandon it.
Once inside everyone starts looking around at various things that interest them. She's a bit at a loss as to what to do for a moment before an idea occurs. "Stock, maybe I've read to many murder mysteries but I've heard that rich folk like to make hidden passages. Wanna give the place a once over, figure out if any room is uncounted for? At the very least we might find a hidden safe."
The idea is for the pair of them to measure the dimensions of the building then compare that to those of all the rooms and thickness of the walls. If it all adds up then that means that there are no rooms that the group can't access, but if they come up short then there is space, and rooms, that are hidden. It will take a while to do though, so Stohp gets started regardless of Stock's response (carpentry 18)
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 d20+7=25 ; Saturday September 30th, 2017 1:32:27 AM "Printing, yea Micah they have like dozens of presses down there in the back of the first floor. Couldn't get a sense of what they were actually printing though." Bartomus interjected as he came along after Stohp.
He nodded at Stohp's idea and began looking about the room more closely for something along the floor or ceiling that might indicate a poorly matched or aligned wall or door that was not readily visible. ======== perception 25
DM Robert - "I wonder how many people recognize who and what we are?" Saturday September 30th, 2017 11:07:10 AM map
Bartomus and Stohp conceive that there may be secret passages about. However, after several minutes of looking and checking measurements it is quickly evident that while a large building (300 by 300 feet) there is simply no economy in building a secret passage or room into a place of business. Unless of course you were to run an illegal business, which publishing is not, and often not always profitable in the first place. All rooms are lit with hanging globes that have Continual Flame cast on them.
(You may choose to explore any room or floor, just let me know your room/map co-ordinates for details on that room.)
Sasha, not being trained as a drug sniffing animal, sniffs but is really not sure what to make of anything.
Examining the body. Micah now sees that Arlen's body radiates magic, from a ring and a broach or amulet. Unfortunately you can not identify what One check failed on the body but 2 items, I will allow a second spell craft but you have to specify on what item
Heal check: 10 CHECK = Judging by the color of his face, the likely cause of death was suffocation, a result of the hanging. Arlen’s throat has been crushed, but his neck has not been broken. The rope has left rope has left cruel marks and deeply embedded itself in his neck. His neck is not broken. Strangling involves one or several mechanisms that interfere with the normal flow of oxygen into the brain: Compression of the carotid arteries or jugular veins—causing cerebral ischemia, Compression of the laryngopharynx, larynx, or trachea—causing asphyxia, Stimulation of the carotid sinus reflex—causing bradycardia, hypotension, or both.
Perceptions 25CHECK = Arlen was a small man, 5 foot, 165 pounds. The top button of his shirt is open. There are black ink marks on the tips of his fingers His clothing is somewhat dusty/dirty. There are no rope fibers under his fingers. You also find a set of keys.
Zanderallen (giving him the bonus of others on aid) Heal check: 20 check = It takes a lot of force to crush a neck to this degree.Your findings do not seem to correlate with just strangling from stepping off a chair. A long drop (4-6 feet depending on person) would break the neck. A short drop would show evidence of slow strangulation and while leaving marks on the neck, should not have left the deep marks you find.
Room - the rope is still partially hanging over the beam above (it was cut to get Arlen down). It stretches over the beam and then goes down to a steam radiator just under the window where it is tied. You note the window is double hung (meaning it can open from the top or bottom). It is very tall, about 10 feet so it goes almost to the ceiling. It is open 4 inches at the top and bottom.
Dorbin is engrossed with what he found on the top of the luxurious desk. on the desk is a manuscript of a novel called “A Knight of the Armies” There are numerous markups on throughout the pages. (Linguistics 20 CHECK- actually the mark ups do make it a better book). The markup ink is a light blue, that matches the ink on the desk (and Arlen's fingers).
Stock looks over the desk but finds it locked. Having made a good perception check and being a carpenter, Stock notices that Arlen's chair is 6 inches higher than normal, likewise there is a 6 inch foot stool under the desk. Probably to give a short man the advantage when talking with clients seated on the other side of the desk. The chair itself has 4 deep depressions still showing in the corners of the (butt) cushion.
Zanderallen examines the tea pot, there is still some tea in it, now cold. He doesn't know what to make of the tea (failed alchemy). Knowledge Noble CHECK = Sir Stephan Imbry - business partner, 47 years old, has money, Chief Editor, six foot four, above average in build. Human. Has a minor knighthood (for services rendered, not hereditary) - Stephan was once a sub-commander in the Float army. He rose to fame briefly some 20 years ago when he thwarted an attempt by a group of thieves to take over the lower levels.
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 d20+5=7 ; Sunday October 1st, 2017 3:18:06 PM
Noticing the two magical items on the body, he tries to discern what they are. After a moments concentration, he calls out "Dorbin, there are a couple of magical auras on magic items here, too. Again I think you might be better suited for identifying them."
Having discussed the injuries with Zanderallen and the others, he moves over the radiator and makes a careful inspection of the window and radiator.
[OOC: assuming the others share their discoveries.]
======= I was using wrong adder for identify. Unfortunately, even with +9 rather than +5, Micah doesn't learn anything.
Perception: 25 (Take 20 on radiator and window. Looking for signs that someone else tied the rope or exited this way.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm Sunday October 1st, 2017 6:59:18 PM
Stohp finishes her examination and shrugs. "So much for murder mystery novels providing insight."
After a few moments thinking she goes off to find Micah's brother and ask him a few questions. Sooner or later they'll need to interview everyone who was on the premises, as well as people who knew the victim or might have motive. She asks the guard if they have asked anyone questions yet and, if so, what did they learn. She also tries to get a complete list of everyone being held in the building. She'll write it down so they can all keep track of them.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] d20+12=17 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=18 ; Monday October 2nd, 2017 12:07:44 PM
Dorbin quietly heads over to the window and looks it over carefully. When Micah calls him over to the body, he checks out the items, trying not to look at the face of the body.
OOC: Checking on window: Knowledge, Arcana: 17, Spellcraft: 13 Checking on ring: Spellcraft: 21 Checking on amulet: Spellcraft: 18
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 Monday October 2nd, 2017 2:45:19 PM
Stock finishes checking out the desk and walks over to the Priest of Flower.
"I understand that you tried to resuscitate this guy...what else can you tell me about what you found here?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 Monday October 2nd, 2017 4:30:28 PM "Interesting. These wounds on the neck don't match up with a fall from that chair. Dorbin you said the book was marked up? Is it finished? Because if I was going to hang myself I don't think I would do it in the middle of editing a manuscript. The mental state just doesn't add up. Can someone good at climbing take a look at the window. Look for marks that someone climbed in or out. Where are all the keys to this office. If this was murder and the murderer didn't leave through the window they would have had to have a key to lock the office behind them. I'm going to go start interviewing people. My people skills are much better than my powers of perception. Lucas, who was the last person to see Lord Arlen alive? I'd like to talk to them, and everyone else who had access to the office." Looking around for an office he can use for interviews Zander starts mentally preparing for the process as the persons of interest are being found.
DM Robert - "I understand that you tried to resuscitate this guy...what else can you tell me about what you found here?" Monday October 2nd, 2017 9:13:57 PM map
Micah looks over the window area. There is one window in the room (a standard double hung type. It is high and narrow, going from 3 feet from the floor at the bottom, to 8 feet from the floor at the top), behind the desk. It is open 4 inches at the bottom and 4 at the top (to provide air flow). There are drapes on the window partially covering both sides. (Perception 20 CHECK- you can tell that nothing has disturbed the drapes recently, there is still evidence of dust and cobwebs at the top. There are several layers of varnish on the window frame in this position resulting in the window being quite stuck in this position.)
Dorbin studies the window and determines there is some form of transmutation aura going on but he is not sure what. Unfortunately he cannot determine what the ring and amulet are, the ring radiates evocation, and the amulet radiates abjoration.
Stock questions the cleric of Flower. "oh hello, terrible tragedy. My name is Orvil Twill. I tried to cast a cure light wounds on him, but I'm afraid he is gone off to Lord Gargul already. I really didn't do much else, not my place, we just run a simply little hospital up here, you know treat various worker's comp injuries, the occasional cold or flue."
Lucas comes up, you can see that he has a notebook out and has been taking notes on what you've been doing so far. "Yes, everyone, most everyone is on the second floor in the library. There's Lord Stephan, Barbara Daneel-Lord Arlen's secretary, Nathan Wober and Franklin Andray clerks for the editors, Ernesto Norman is a writer, that was leaving as we came up, so we detained him. There's Aramis Dartmouth - clerk in the bookstore, Henry Higgins Holbert - Editor of The Weekly Bugle, and Pepper Plate a reporter for The Weekly Bugle. There are some empty rooms everywhere right now because everyone has gone home for the weekend."
Lucas continues, "We were summoned by yells of help and murder by one of the clerks, Wobler I think. He'd run out and was standing in the street. The doors were locked when we got here and everyone was gathered around it trying to get it open but the door was locked. We broke down the door to get to the body. We saw him hanging from the rafter and immediately cut it down and laid the body down. I sent Corporal Bardel to get a cleric. We tried to keep things like they were and herded everyone back out of the office. That secretary lady kept crying that it was murder. Sir Stephan said it was obviously suicide. I thought it looked like suicide but you know how that goes down with nobles in the Float, so I thought who could help me sort this out, and I thought of you guys."
"I tried to look around a things but we don't have a ladder or anything to get to the rafter."
Zanderallen assumes the keys are for things in the office, nothing has been tried.
Stohp comes back into the room after quickly eyeballing the layout. She has determined that there are no secret rooms to be seen. However, because she was do a VERY quick once over, she really didn't examine the contents of any rooms, and some doors were locked. She did peek into the Privy's, very nice, someone believes in the best in porcelain and tile.
Lavinia (Carissa) HP:45/45 AC:20/16/15 CMB:5 CMD:20 Sasha HP:21/21 AC:19 d20+12=17 ; d20=4 ; d20+5=16 ; Monday October 2nd, 2017 10:40:05 PM
Sasha sniffs at the tea. It seems to smell like tea. She's not sure what Lavinias looking for. She resists lapping it up even though she's thirsty.
Lavinia looks at the body then looks up at the rafters where the rope was hung from. She's at first checking heights, seeing Miachs assessment that the height wasn't great enough to cause that damage. Hmm... Lavinia looks at the rope tied to the radiator. She looks at the quality and type of rope used trying to assess where it could have come from and checking the knot used. She wonders what kind of knots a noble type would know. It would take a decent one to hold a body up.
As she assesses the rope by the radiator she calls to Sasha. "Sasha darling could you sniff this for me. Does it smell like the noble guy tied this himself?"
================================== Survival=17 (if applicable) to see the types of knots used, based on the idea Lavinia would use knots in her ranger lifestyle Where the rope might come from=4 (no idea on the kind of check needed none of the knowledge seemed appropriate. So straight intelligence. Lavinia has none. Sasha scent=16 to see if she can smell the noble on the rope that's tied to the radiator
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 34/34 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+7;Heal+8 Monday October 2nd, 2017 10:54:24 PM "Maybe we could talk with this Wobler and see why he thought it was murder, enough to come screaming out of the building to tell that to the whole world." Bartomus asked Lucas. "I am sure you all have tlked to the clerk, but I am wondering if we might do so to see if we can find any lead here."
Stock (JonM) HP: 56/56 AC: 20/14/17; CMB: 8; CMD: 21 d20+1=5 ; Tuesday October 3rd, 2017 2:15:13 PM
Stock takes a long look at the cleric. "Hmm...Well, Mr. Twill, can you perhaps tell us who called you to come to the scene? Can you remember another case of a noble suicide?"
======= Sense Motive 5
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:35/35 CMD:14] d20+14=31 ; Tuesday October 3rd, 2017 2:52:07 PM
Dorbin explains what he has found and heads back over to the window. He engrosses himself in looking at the window and the auras there. He pulls out a small book and makes some notes and refers to some pages, carefully examining the pages and searching them.
OOC: Taking 1 minute to use field manual to see if he can discover any more about the magic on the window with Knowledge, Arcana: 31.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 48/48 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 19 d20+13=30 ; d20+11=26 ; Tuesday October 3rd, 2017 3:05:53 PM (OOC: I plan on talking to everyone that was in the building. Mostly the same questions but answers might lead to additional questions. I don't know how many people you want to handle in a post or how many diplomacy and sense motives checks I need to roll, I'll start with one and go from there.)
"Alright, I'll start with Lord Stephan." Commandeering one of the unused offices Zander begins interviewing every that was in the building in the order Lucas listed them. "Sir Stephan, I am sorry we meet under these circumstances but it is an honor to meet you. Now if you don't mind we've been called in to investigate Lord Arlen's death and I have some questions I'd like to ask." Using his best tact and charm Zander navigates the tricky business of a murder interview, reading his interviewee like a book.
1. When and where was the last time you saw Lord Arlen? 2. Who was the last person you saw enter Lord Arlen's office and when? 3. Had you noticed an change in Lord Arlen's recent behaviour? 4. What was Lord Arlen working on? 5. Is there any reason you can think of why somebody would want to stop that publication? 6. With Lord Arlen's death who inherits his share of Rosebud Publishing? 7. Do you know how Lord Arlen's office was set up? If so could you tell me if anything is out of place or missing or new? 8.(Mostly for Barbara and Wobler) What caused you to say this was a murder? ------------------- Diplomacy 30 Sense Motive 26
Micah (John) HP: 46/46 AC: 23/12/23 CMD:17 Tuesday October 3rd, 2017 3:11:43 PM
Micah shares what he observes about the window.
When Sasha approaches to investigate the radiator, he is surprised to discover that her presence seems normal to him. Instead of being startled by her approach, he grins and comments to Lavinia, "Nice thinking."
Something Lukas says raises a question which he shares aloud, "If Wobler was outside the office and the doors were locked so that he could not know what was happening inside, what would cause him to cry 'murder'?"
Sid (Andrew) HP: 34/34; AC: 17/15/13; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+9=10 ; d20+10=26 ; d3=1 ; Tuesday October 3rd, 2017 6:17:02 PM
Sid starts looking around the office. He glances at the manuscript Dorbin found, but doesn't see anything interesting but a publication he would want to read later. He does try to find the name of the author however. He then looks over the desk for locked drawers and secret compartments.
==========================================
Perception: 26
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 38/38hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple, disarm Tuesday October 3rd, 2017 7:57:31 PM
Stohp has the exact same thought as Micah, though he voices it slightly faster. "Agreed. We'd better to talk to this Wobler character. Something is decidedly wrong with that picture."
LOG ON