The Nature of Things -- Jim C Wednesday January 18th, 2012 7:11:11 PM Blow if you will, fall wind--the flowers have all faded.
--Gansan, 1895
As he travels down the beautiful streets of Hook City, the cleric of Gargul starts to note a slight feeling of being watched, or is it just his nerves? Nearby a pair of women are talking openly, maybe thinking the Minotaur doesn't understand common speak, "I don't understand it, mother would buy Winterfest gifts for Kaylee every year, wrap them and put them in the closet and she had died years ago--I just don't understand." The other woman nodded but said nothing--the sad expression on her face and the resemblance to the other woman probably meant they were sisters and she knew full well the history of their mother's dire attempt to forget the past and hold on to those memories and never let them go.
Taking a side street that eventually turns into a familiar alleyway, Bosk arrives to find Heather Brody's abode cordoned off and the alleyway filled with city guard and detectives (wizards). He is questioned and since none of Heather's family is present and in fact are missing, Bosk is asked to identify Heather. She looks to have been tied to a chair, badly beaten and her throat cut. Bosk can learn little else while he's there so as to not contaminate the crime scene, but his strong link to Gargul gives him the impression that Heather's spirit is still somewhere in the apartment. He will need to return later, after the "police" have left, to investigate he thinks, but just then he is approached by the lead investigator, Inspector Aulander and his assistant, Sergeant Capon. Asked whether he was the same Bosk that helped Hook City some time ago, and after learning he was, The Inspector wonders if he may speak to you later, in the company of the other Iron Adventurers, or at least, send a missive explaining his proposal, which he cannot do now as time is rushed and he has another crime scene he must attend too. Taking his leave and promising to visit or send something later, the crime scene is once more closed off and all passersby and gawkers escorted out into the main street.
Sometime later at the Iron Tower, Bosk returns to find a courier has already delivered a hastily scribbled sealed letter made to his attention:
Good sir Bosk,
I wanted to write this down and get it to you before I lost my train of thought as I got five new cases today. If you can help me take care of this one, I will put in a requisition to make you both "Friends of the yard" and "An official Protectors" group at large until you choose to find some clients to protect on a regular basis, if that is your desire. Your help would be greatly appreciated and I have enclosed a temporary Letter of Marque for your group to act in this fashion. I hope to hear from you soon, and good hunting!
Inspector Aulander
Bosk AC: 24/13/22 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Wednesday January 18th, 2012 9:21:35 PM
As Bosk walks to Heather's he over hears snippets of some women's conversation and tries to recall all that he can about Winterfest, but his concentration is soon shaken when he discover's the scene at the Kon's. The cleric is about to turn around to come back later when he is approached by the "police" and asked to assist in identifying the body. He eagerly helps when the investigator asks him to identify Heather's body, hoping to get as much information as he can in the process. As he does so, the cleric senses Heather's spirit and can tell it is still in the building, a fact he keeps to himself. Bosk also readily agrees to meet with the inspector
Upon leaving, as soon as he is able, Bosk calls upon the power of The Edge, a special gift given to him and a few other members of the IA by Heather. Using it he contacts Heather's spirit (conversation can last 6 mins) and asks her to explain to him exactly what happened, who committed the act, and why. He also asks her where her family is, if they are safe, and what he can do to put her spirit at rest. Then, for the first time since becoming an Avenger, he decides to call upon the powers of Jancassis and marks the perpetrators of this crime for a special revenge, and asks Heather if she knows where he might be able to find blood, hair, or some other item able to be used as a focus for casting Nemesis Insight and Detect Victim. If he still has time left he will ask Heather if there is anything in her place he should remove or protect, such as poison or sacred religious items she had as Kon of the Edge.
On the way back to the tower Bosk stops by the catacombs for a few scrolls he may need when he returns to Heathers. Upon his arrival back home he discovers the note and explains to the new guys who Heather was and tells the group what he learned.
Actions: ---------------------- Knowledge Local to determine what Winterfest is = 10 (Untrained skill, capped at 10) Question Heather using the power of the edge (DM gift), (Heather has told Bosk her full real name specifically for using this power on her spirit)
DM Sanity Info -------------------- Power of the Edge: They can read the spirit of any one creature, once. If they know the creatures real name, the duration of the conversation is much extended. The questions will be answered by the spirit in a neutral manner, despite the alignment of the creature and ones weakness can be discovered as well as other things, but the spirits knowledge is limited to what the creature being read would know normally. (Six rounds or six minutes if the creatures true name is known.)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 d20+11=25 ; Wednesday January 18th, 2012 9:52:10 PM
Restlin smiles widely at Beltrin's compliment. "Of course! You have but to ask!"
He goes about his business until he hears the door knock, bids welcome to the courier, and assures him Bosk will get it upon his return.
When he hears Bosk's tell-tale hooved feet enter the tower, he heads downstairs whistling a little tune. "Message for you, sir!" he quips as he slings the missive towards the minotaur (completely oblivious to Bosk's likely downtrodden mood).
His face falls when he hears news of Heather's death. "Wait, Heather Brody? That nice crazy lady who let us play in the Edge? She deserved better than what she got." He looks around to his companions. "I know a few of you never met Heather, but this is the kind of thing we need to get to the bottom of." He anxiously awaits news of what Bosk learned from Heather's spirit...
*** Knowledge, Local: 25 - If this is high enough, Restlin will fill in Bosk and any other Hook City newcomers to what Winterfest is.
Bosky bosk bosk -- Jim C Wednesday January 18th, 2012 11:06:36 PM
Bosk thinks hard, as hard as he can about Winterfest and it's something that mostly humans do, a celebration during Winter solstice where gifts are exchanged.
When he tries to use the power of the Edge, nothing happens. He's not sure why, but there's something stopping it cold.
Bosk AC: 24/13/22 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Wednesday January 18th, 2012 11:21:23 PM
ooc: Did this use up the gift, or does it remain unspent?
DM Jim: unspent
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Wednesday January 18th, 2012 11:24:46 PM
Beriothian looks up from the book he is reading. You get a message Bosk? What's it say?
Bosk AC: 24/13/22 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Wednesday January 18th, 2012 11:38:33 PM I spoke to the investigator about Heather's murder. He sent me a temporary Letter of Marque to allow of to investigate the murder, and for doing so he will put in a requisition to make us both "Friends of the yard" and "An official Protectors" group at large until you choose to find some clients to protect on a regular basis, if we desire.
Bosk AC: 24/13/22 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Thursday January 19th, 2012 10:07:34 AM
ooc: Does Bosk still feel as though he is being watched?
DM Jim: did I state you still felt being watched? No :)
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Thursday January 19th, 2012 12:56:40 PM "It seems that you've decided we will investigate this killing. Of that I have no problem, but what exactly do the possible rewards gain us?"
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Thursday January 19th, 2012 1:22:01 PM
Zeoll listens and observes carefully.
[OOC: More to come!]
Bosk AC: 24/13/22 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Thursday January 19th, 2012 2:44:45 PM Being made both "Friends of the yard" and "An official Protectors" group is the only award I know of, but that is a huge deal in itself. I wouldn't be surprised if we get paid for solving the case and bringing in the murderer, but I cannot promise anything. Either way, she was a friend to the Iron Adventurer's and I'll be taking the case. I would appreciate it if you all would help me.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) d20+31=34 ; Thursday January 19th, 2012 3:53:41 PM
Zeoll is glad to help and would do so anyway for Heather. The bennies offered by this Inspector are totally fine too.
==========
OOC: Yes, I still have to update my PC sheet, sorry!
OOC: DM Jim, what was the result of Zeoll's Identify spell on the Evil Poker? I thought I had rolled a Spellcraft to do so, but now I'm not seeing that I did. Let me roll, with a +10 for the Identify spell, a +10 for Natural Divination, and a +2 bardic bonus to ID items. Roll: 34.
OOC: I checked to see if there is a penalty for Identifying items based on opposition schools, and there is not. However, there is a -4 penalty to craft items made with oppo schools! So Zeoll's 37s rolled to craft his two newest items were really 34s. That makes no difference, however, whew!
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Thursday January 19th, 2012 4:09:27 PM
Having spent the last three days enchanting Bosk's wonderous steelgrass equipment, Yondrim had turned his attention this morning to a different craft: cooking. With bacon. He'd made the group batch of piragi, a savory bacon and onion filled bread roll
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Thursday January 19th, 2012 4:14:07 PM
That were just coming out of the baking hearth when Bosk arrived. the centaur walks over to the gather group munching on a handful of the turnovers as he listens. "I will help... Could this be related to the bodies she allowed to be taken? a relative?"
Bend to my will -- Jim C Thursday January 19th, 2012 7:16:13 PM
Zeoll, looking much worse for wear after after identifying the evil brand, comes to the conclusion that he does not want to touch it anymore. The life drain on him is painful and brings back old memories, memories he wished to forget. However, he did learn some facts about the item in question. It is evil, pure evil. Anyone branded by it turns lawful evil, no save, and treats the brander as a close ally. It also imbues a contingency spell that activates upon the death of the bearer, exploding the branded into a shower of acid and gore. You must be evil to invoke these powers and if you are not, you incur a -1 negative character level while you are in physical possession of the item.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Thursday January 19th, 2012 7:41:22 PM
"Holy Domi!" exclaims Zeoll. "If only such an item could be turrned to Good! It would prrobably take a Wish orr a Mirracle. But failing that, perrhaps we should destrroy it?"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Thursday January 19th, 2012 8:00:49 PM
Beriothian looks up from his book and turns to Zeoll. I don't think we are going to find a way to make an item good that causes people to explode. Can you tell if this is some ancient artifact, or is this terrible device something that could be recreated?
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells Thursday January 19th, 2012 8:53:21 PM "I didn't know her for long, but Heather was a good friend of the Iron Adventurers, irrespective of reward, we should track down her killer."
When Zeoll presents his findings on the branding iron, Beltrin winces, thinking of the pain the liontaur must have gone through to wring its secrets. "I think that we need to keep it as a safeguard against De Rais until we have time to deal with him. The authorities may come looking for us and this is compelling evidence that we entered his domicile to provide assistance to someone in pain. I wonder if the children of our tower can tell us anything about it?"
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Thursday January 19th, 2012 8:56:19 PM
Restlin bites into a piragi and decides the centaur is his new favorite person.
"Twully, we ah beset on ahl sahes bah evul," the wizard manages between bites. He swallows and washes it down before continuing. "Something like that may be better off in the hands of our friend the Magistrate...on the condition that he not ask how we acquired it, of course."
"Anyway, the ghosts will take care of De Rais now. We should concern ourselves with Heather Brody's killer. I say we take a moment to reflect on the irony of the fact that we're being granted law-enforcement powers in light of our recent adventures, then accept them and go earn our chits."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Thursday January 19th, 2012 8:58:50 PM
Alexi safors Yondrins cooking over the next few days and it brings back memories of another friend of his that was a cook, out on the grassy plains. Yondrin, though, has the advantage of having all ingredients at hand, his other friend had to make do what the dry plains had to offer.
Upon learning the evil effects of the branding iron, Alexi exclaims, "I'd willingly take the hurt it does when using it just to use it against that scum De Rais and then make him blow up in acid gore!"
Alexi grimmaces when the sad story of their friend Heather is told. "It would appear that the more civilized places hold the most barbaric of people."
"I'll continue to serve the Iron Adventurers until my dept is paid. After that, if you still hold up to honorable ideals and will still have me, I'll stay on. A thorough investigation of her place may reveal a hair or other small item belonging to the perpetrators. An inquiry into her acquaintances, business dealings, neighbors, and such may bring forth a suspect or two."
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Thursday January 19th, 2012 9:00:11 PM "Well, that explains the chain of explosions as the children died. What I can't explain is why they exploded one after the other, when only the one was hurt. As to helping out finding a killer, I'm all for it, even though I never knew the one whom was killed."
DM Jim: When the first died, it killed another in the blast, rinse and repeat.
Bosk AC: 24/13/22 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Friday January 20th, 2012 11:09:53 AM Lets not be too hasty. That brand is evil, but that doesn't mean it cannot be used for good. Suppose the guy had another one or others he branded come after us. Do we want to have to fight more women and children when there is a chance we could brand them again to make them allies? Then we could get them to willingly follow us to get the help they need. I also worry that the guy we followed to the house may have been branded, it would explain a lot.
I know he's not evil, but Beri is skilled with magic items and can often fool them into thinking he has a different alignment.
Where to? -- Jim C Friday January 20th, 2012 12:06:08 PM
Will the group be traveling to Heather Brody's, or are you still deciding?
Bosk AC: 24/13/22 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Friday January 20th, 2012 12:27:52 PM
With the temporary Letter of Marque in hand Bosk turns towards the door. Now that we have this and it is official, I am going to investigate the scene. Whose coming with me?
The cleric waits a second for a response and heads to Heather's.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Friday January 20th, 2012 2:02:13 PM
Restlin grabs another bacon onion thingy, then heads after Bosk.
...then he rushes in, grabs another, and once again runs out the door.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Friday January 20th, 2012 2:41:28 PM
Zeoll follows the crowd to the scene of the crime, munching on a bacon roll.
"Thanks!" he tells the centaur cook. "You'rre hirred!"
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Friday January 20th, 2012 2:48:36 PM
Zane grabs a couple of the stuffed biscuits and is ready to follow Bosk. He doesn't say anything, but then again he does have his mouth full of food.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Friday January 20th, 2012 7:07:56 PM
Yonfrim gives a big smile as everyone tries his fare and moves off with the rest of the group to the Kon's house.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Friday January 20th, 2012 7:31:38 PM Hey, save a few for me! Whatever was just baked smells incredible. Beriothian grabs some as well as the head out the door. As for using that evil device, it's not a particularly easy task to use an item that requires one to be evil. Even with my extensive studies into emulating the characteristics of others I could probably only pull it off a quarter of the time, and I would hate to think of what this thing could do to me if my wasn't able to stay in a dark enough place while using it. That said, once I had myself in the proper mindset I would have a good hour to make use of the poker. Even if I could be successful every time, though, I can't imagine there being a good enough reason to justify my use of such a terrible item to create an army of evil minions... though I could be tempted to make an exception for the fiend responsible for the brutal murder of our friend.
Heathers -- Jim C Friday January 20th, 2012 9:24:02 PM
Leaving the evil brand behind in the tower, for mere possession of it--even in a backpack, drains the lifeforce of the one carrying it. As the group travels down the main road, they once again take in the beautiful clean sights of Hook City. The clean air, the open skies above devoid of all clouds and wildlife. There aren't even any flies in Hook City, you would think there would be, and perhaps there are down in Labortown, but otherwise, no sign of them whatsoever. The faint buzz of the magical weather control tower in the center of the rich side of town remains constant, day and night, and after a while the noise just blends into the background and is forgotten.
As they near Heather's apartment, Bosk gets thet funny feeling again--that feeling he's being watched. He looks around and notices a couple sitting on a bench nearby speaking about something perplexing the young man, "It's not that I don't like her anymore, I just don't feel like hanging out with her. I feel like, well, she lied to me." The other person, a woman in her early 20's, looks confused and a little surprised so the man continues, "She said he didn't want to go out on a date with me because her parents would get mad and because she just wasn't ready. I was fine with that, but not less than a week passes and I find out she's dating some guy she just met. She said he was special, well, that made me upset. It meant I was either not special, or she just wasn't interested in dating me, specifically, but didn't have the guts to tell me. I mean, we're good friends, I wish she was just honest with me from the start. I just don't understand it."
Leaving the couple to continue their conversation in private, the IA continues on and arrives at their destination. There is a yellow ribbon attached to the door frame of Heathers apartment, but with the Letter of Marque in Bosk's possession, he and those with him would be allowed entrance into the crime scene without a problem. The door was unlocked; as the group entered, they noted the furnishings were new and different in style from Heather's previous abode in Mudtown--obviously the payment she received a while back was used well in purchasing some finer interior decorations than she had before. It looked to be a one bedroom apartment with a fire place and galley style kitchen; well appointed with a leather sofa, burl ironwood coffee table and matching dining table, two wingback chairs, sideboard, bloodstained rug with a dining chair in the center of the stain--circled by cut ropes. The bedroom held a massive canopy bed made of mahogany, a sitting area with chair and makeup table, and an ensuite bathroom crafted mostly of travertine tile.
Please make a perception roll and any other skill rolls you may feel are applicable.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 d20+5=8 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+1=7 ; Friday January 20th, 2012 10:29:23 PM
Alexi follows along, the city still very new to him. He takes note of the streets they travel, espcially since they'll have to be coming back.
Catching the bit of conversation between the guy and girl, he immediately suspects the other girl was enspelled by the new boyfriend. Would a suggestion from a total stranger be acceptable or the opposite her in this strange city? He shruggs, So what, what do I have to loose? he thinks.
As the fighter passes by the two, he whispers, "Perhaps she's Enspelled?" without even looking at the two and moves on.
At Heather's Place, before they enter, Alexi suggests, "Don't touch anything you don't have to." Once inside, he gets down on his hands and knees starts looking for hairs, furs, scuff marks that might indicate a scuffle.
Perception +5= 8 Swim +7 = 18 Handle hairs +10 = 19 Intimidate ants +10 = 14 Crawl on Knees with Panache +1=7
OOC: sorry about that, just wanted to warn up the dice and be ready for the combat that's bound to come. :)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 d20+1=18 ; Saturday January 21st, 2012 8:17:18 AM
Restlin completely ignores the drama en route to Heather's.
Upon arrival, he takes a moment to cast detect magic before he starts snooping around. Detectiving isn't his strong-suit, so he does focus mainly on anything detected.
***
Perception: 18
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20+10=26 ; Saturday January 21st, 2012 8:45:45 AM
Yondrim is too caught up looking to the sights of Hook City to notice much of the couples drama. He'd been to the city before, but only briefly as a guard and had no really had time to explore to take it all in. And now he got to do so as while investigating a grisly murder.
Once at the house, he'll take a look around with the others with his normal senses before casting Detect Magic and sweeping the apartment with that as well.
Perception: 26
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells d20+7=25 ; d20+7=20 ; Saturday January 21st, 2012 5:46:43 PM
Before they set out Bosk casts Toro's Try (Minotaur Version) and Guidance, just in case someone does not does not want him investigating the murder. Ever since leaving the house the cleric has felt distant and emotionless. Falling back on his training as an Avenger, he focuses the anger he has of the Kon's death and channels it to the task at hand. Perhaps this was making him paranoid or making his senses particularly acute, because once again he gets the distinct impression that he is being watched and overhears snippets of an odd conversation. Immediately he checks to see if he is fact the being watched (perception = 27). Like anyone hearing the lover's tale, he wants to help, but isn't sure it is his place. He even cringes when Alexi suggests the girl was enspelled, thinking that comment was better left unsaid. The most obvious scenario in the cleric's mind is that the girl was trying to let the boy down gently and to not hurt his feelings.
As Bosk enters the house he renews his cantrips and scans the area for clues and danger and wonder's if he will still be able to sense Heather's presence. This looks to be a one bedroom apartment, Heather's family must be in Mudtown, if they are still around. We should probably check there next, if we cannot find anything out here. I also need to find where they took Heather's body. If I cannot speak to her spirit directly, in the morning I can prepare a spell and ask her corpse a few questions. Also, let me know of anywhere you see blood, dry or fresh. You can put it in a vial or container for me, but don't clean it up. I have use for it. Bosk then cuts off a piece of the rug with dried blood on it and places it in a small bag that he stores in his bag of holdings. He then goes upstairs, where he previously felt Heather's spirit....
Actions ----------------------------- Cast guidance and Toro's Try (Minotaur Version) Perception when feeling like he is being watched = 25 Perception entering the house = 20 Collect Heather's blood, and anyone else's he finds. Look upstairs for "Heather"
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 d20+11=24 ; Saturday January 21st, 2012 7:14:37 PM
Zane follows the rest into the home, and he carefully watches where he steps. His first area to check is in the kitchen. He want's to see what she ate last, and then see if it might have been a fatal choice. He takes his time and remains careful through out his search.
Search kitchen 24
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 d20+12=17 ; Saturday January 21st, 2012 9:20:15 PM
Beriothian enters the apartment and looks around. The whole situation feels off, Heather was not the type of person who would have left Mud Town of her own will, she would have preferred to be in the impoverished town where she could tend to the needy at all hours of the day. The furnishing is also far more grandiose than the spartan furnishing the woman would have chosen for herself, though whoever provided the apartment likely pre-furnished it for her as well. Perhaps the most peculiar thing is that Heather does not appear to have been staying with the rest of her family. Did she know she was in danger and leave them behind to protect them?
The rogue looks around for clues to who the murder is and as to why Heather was staying within the walls of Hook City. He pays special attention for any letters or notes that could provide a clearer picture of what Heather had been doing on the days leading up to her death.
Perception = 17 (19 for traps)
Heathers -- Jim C Monday January 23rd, 2012 1:02:40 PM
waiting on Zeoll and Beltrin...
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) d20+7=23 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+17=28 ; Monday January 23rd, 2012 1:07:32 PM
On the way through the city, Zeoll's keen ears prick up at the overheard conversation. He ponders Alexi's question a moment, wondering if there seems to be any enchantment magic at work, a subject on which he is an expert. Sense Motive check 23 woot!
If there is any sign of enchantment, charm, and compulsion, he will stop and advise the speakers of that before heading on.
Zeoll urges his friends to stop before entering, and let him search the scene from afar before disturbing things. He casts Sift (a new APG cantrip), Detect Magic, Taur's Try, and Heroism before making his checks -- now thankfully aided by his Int headband that gives him some ranks in Perception as well as his Lens of Searching!
Perception from afar: 29.
Then he moves closer and looks around again: 28.
He reports his findings, if any, to his friends.
Thanks for waiting, Jim!
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells d20+9=19 ; d20+14=19 ; d20+10=13 ; Monday January 23rd, 2012 10:02:39 PM
Beltrin sighs as he overhears the couple's conversation. After they have receded into the bustle of the city, he remarks under his breath "That'll end in no good, mark my words... heck, that poor fellow might end up like me."
Upon reaching the apartment, he casts detect magic and looks around the apartment. He also tries to see if he can remember anything notable about the area where Heather had chosen to make his abode.
---------------------------- Perception: 19 Spellcraft (if there are any magical dweomers to analyze): 19 Knowledge (Local): 13
Thanks for waiting, sorry for being late!
Searching -- Jim C Tuesday January 24th, 2012 12:38:05 PM
His face to the floor, Alexi tries to determine if a scuffle occurred and it well may have. Tiny little dots race across the hardwood floor and careen under the rug where Heather's last moments were. Lifting up the rug, Alexi can see that whomever was here, wore spurs, took a spill and left a large gouge in the floor.
Detecting magic, Restlin finds the place completely devoid of it. There is none to be found, not even any residual effects--which is most peculiar in such a magically dependent city.
Once Yondrim enters the apartment, it becomes a bit more crowded. These apartments, like most buildings in human prevalent towns and cities, cater to smaller creatures and once again the centaur found himself squeezing past others so as to not bump anyone or anything. With his detect magic spell in force, he also finds no magic in the apartment--then realizes he also finds no magic on anyone in the apartment either. Magic swords do not register, nothing registers as magic as it should--even Restlin and his spell in progress.
After finishing his spells, Bosk heads into the apartment, now it's really tight in here. He still has that feeling that he's being watched--is it just paranoia? He remembers what he heard once, "Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean someone isn't out to get me." He can't shake that feeling as he looks about the apartment. Taking a sample of the bloodstained rug, the minotaur cleric of Gargul begins to head upstairs, but there's something in the corner of his eye-- that something, like a shadow, a figure moving in step with you, then you have to turn and look. He see's her. Heather stands there badly beaten, throat cut, a pained and sorrowful look on her face. Her right arm extended and she pointed; Bosk looked to see where she was pointing and it was the bottom of the sideboard in the main room. When he looked back, she was gone. Going to the sideboard and looking down at it, he saw nothing. But when he got down on his knees and looked under the sideboard, he saw a small glass bead. Carefully grasping it, he brought it closer and saw that it was an intricately crafted bead--not many in Hook City could make such a bead.
With Zane entering the apartment, it was standing room only. Luckily there was room in the kitchen and once in there he could breath a bit better. Looking about he noted that she had a liking for BLT's as the ingredients of such were the only things she had around and not much of anything else, except for some orange zinger tea.
Beri moves gracefully between all the people and furniture in the room, like a silent black cat--except he wasn't black or a cat. Searching through her mail he found nothing out of the ordinary, then a open single letter with no return address peaked his curiosity. Opening the letter he found this simple statement withing: It's as you believed, Lowd is here.
Having urged his friends to wait until he could cast a spell or two to sift the room magically, Zeoll was a little late in voicing his wishes and finishes his spell just as the sixth person in their group enters the apartment. Looking about the best he can as there is very little room inside the apartment now, he finds nothing else save a bit of hair on the bloodstained rug--light brown in color, which was not Heather's hair color.
Beltrin, the last to take a look around confirms what the others with detect magic have stated. No magical effects seem to register in the room and he cannot seem to pinpoint where the source of the magical dampening is coming from.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Tuesday January 24th, 2012 1:09:03 PM
Alexi studies the spur marks very carefully. Well, as carefully as one can while being bumped and booted. Once a centaur stradles him and he pauses a moment then reminds himself he's a centaur, not a wild horse, even if the smell is similar...
Alexi is a cavalryman, almost born in the saddle. He knows that city dwellers or the casual rider will have different spurs than a military man and that every style of spur makes different marks depending on the length and spacing of the spikes.
Is this the marks of a cruel mercenary, or that of an uperclass sophisticate, or the common issue? he wonders.
He takes one of his spurs out of his backpack and carefully compares a mark he makes with it with the marks on the floor.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 d20+5=17 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2012 1:12:26 PM
OOC: forgot to roll something for that. DM, I have no idea what skill this would fall under, Perception or Knowledge (Spurs). Perception +5 (determine what style of spur, if possible, made the marks) = 17 Knowledge (any) +3 = 15
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells d20+6=22 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2012 2:02:27 PM
Bosk gets more and more paranoid as he searches the house, something was not right. The groups spells were not working properly and he constantly felt like he was being watched. After seeing Heather the cleric decides not to investigate the sideboard right away. Instead he casts see invisibility to see if Heather is still present, and just as importantly, to see if there is anyone else in the room watching him (This would allow him to see invisible and ethereal creatures, if he sees an invisible person he will yell to inform the group). If he sees no one he will wait a several minutes before examining the area with the bead, trying to estimate it to be about 20 minutes since he first felt like he was being watched, before they had reached Heather's. Once he is done, he will use a scroll to detect poison, hoping to find anything that Heather may have used in her cures.
He thinks to himself, "Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean someone isn't out to get me. Thinking everything is a trap is likely the only reason I'm still alive."
Actions -------------- Act Paranoid: Cast See Invisibility (lvl 1 domain spell) Perception = 22 Wait until 20 minutes had passed since he first felt he was being watched Use scroll to cast detect poison Collect the bead and the hair Zeoll found.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Tuesday January 24th, 2012 7:08:19 PM
Beriothian dodges and weaves among the massive taurs, making his way back through the front door where he can move freely. He peers back into the house and watches the others finish up with their respective tasks. I think I've done just about all I can in there without getting crushed. So, as of right now are clues are spur marks and a bead. Not a whole lot for us to go on. Oh, and it turns out that shortly before her death Heather received a confirmation to her suspicions that someone named Lowd was in town.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20+20=38 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2012 8:55:24 PM
"Strange.. there's no magic.. even on us where there should be or at least it isn't showing... Hmm." the centaur things before making his way out onto the street to give the others more room. While he's waiting he lets himself fall into a trance, thinking back on his magical studies for an idea as to what might have caused the detect magic to fail or be suppressed.
~~~~
Focused Trance: Take 4 rounds, +20 on Int roll
I'm not sure if it would be knowledge Spellcraft or Knowledge(Arcana) for this particular roll... If Spellcraft it's a 48, if Knowledge Arcana it's a 43
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 d20+13=19 ; d20+11=23 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2012 9:58:51 PM
Bosk once stared down a zombie apocalypse and said it should be afraid of him, so when he starts getting fidgety it worries Restlin just a bit. He also notices the magic dampening field and decides to run a little experiment. First, he casts prestidigitation and magics away the halitosis brought on by the entirety of the Iron Adventurers eating pirigi before cramming themselves into a Mudtown hovel. Then, he exits the house and tries to find the edge of the dampening field. In a city like Hook City, finding where the magic begins should be a piece of cake.
Once he's found the boarder, he'll try to figure out where the middle is and look for something that could be causing it.
He also takes a moment to figure out if this Lowd fellow is someone he's heard of.
***
Spellcraft to find the edge of the dampening field & figure out where it could be coming from: 19 Knowledge, Local to figure out who Lowd is: 23
Also, I'm moving tomorrow through Friday, have an interview for my student of the year thing Thursday, and have my daughter's 2nd birthday party to throw on Friday, assuming she's home from the hospital in time to attend. I'll be posting daily, but it may be brief. I promise a nice, long, Restlinly post over the weekend while I'm relaxing at work.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Tuesday January 24th, 2012 10:17:45 PM
ooc: All life hangs by a thread, I am that thread!
I may be paranoid, but I'm not afraid!
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells d20+14=24 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2012 10:21:50 PM
Recognizing the spell that Bosk casts, Beltrin raises an eyebrow "You think something invisible could have squeezed in here with all of us?" Seeing the hair and the bead that the others have discovered, he remarks "Hmm... perhaps we could use this with some divination spells to get some more information about the killers?"
----------------------------- Spellcraft 24
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Tuesday January 24th, 2012 10:45:04 PM
ooc: thats Bosk's plan, but I plan to do it at the tower sincer there is somethig affecting our spells and I feel watched.
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 d20+11=16 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2012 11:20:27 PM "I'll let you all leave first, I don't want to squeeze my way out the way I did on entering." Zane will do similar as Bosk, he'll cast Detect Magic and also look around again. He'll also do a quick scan of the kitchen again.
Perception roll 16
Spell Info:
Level----- 0 1 Available- * 4 Cast------ * 0
(*= unlimited)
Zane's Spells in effect:
Others spells and effects on Zane:
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) d20+15=28 ; d20+17=26 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2012 6:44:43 AM
Zeoll delivers the hair he finds to Bosk. "Maybe your Avenger magic can make use of this," he says, after smelling it.
"It's getting too crrowded in herre," he says.
With his Detect Magic still going, he leaves the room and circles the building. Using his own items for reference, he sees where the nondetection-area ends. Outside, he sniffs for that scent and looks for anything that might help explain things around the perimeter.
Survival check to track by scent: 28
Perception check to look for clues outside: 26
Searching -- Jim C Wednesday January 25th, 2012 12:12:33 PM
Taking the meager clues they've found, the group continues to search but find nothing new. No idea who Lowd is, or what he is and Restlin eventually determines the magic suppression field is limited solely to the apartment--finding it's epicenter through simple geometry finds only an end table with nothing in it.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Wednesday January 25th, 2012 1:38:39 PM
Restlin scratches his head, picks up the end table, and walks outside. If it's a magic end table of magical dampening, he'll sneak it into Beltrin's room tonight.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Wednesday January 25th, 2012 7:47:54 PM
Beriothian scratches his head and decides to ask the advice of the more magically inclined in the group. I've never been any good at all this spell stuff. If there is an actual item that is causing this suppression spell would destroying the item break the spell? Do you happen to know if Heather herself had the ability to create such a spell?
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Wednesday January 25th, 2012 9:51:11 PM
The magic dampening does not affect Alexi's investigations any. Although the spur marks are too vague to discern any specific type, he does think that he can determing the stride of who wore them by measuring the distance from one set of marks to the next. Taking several measurements that way, he can make a good guess at the length of the stride, and thus the hight of the person who made it.
At least that would narrow down their list of possibilities somewhat.
OOC: specificially, if should be easy to see if the stride is hafling, dwarf, human, or larger.
DM Jim: there is only the one single line of them that end in a gouge, indicating lost footing or a slip. Spurs don't usually hit the floor when you walk.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells Thursday January 26th, 2012 2:04:27 AM "I didn't know her that well, but I don't think Heather had the ability to create something like this. In fact, I'm hard pressed to say what this effect even is. I'm not sure if we can find out anything else here, maybe we should continue our search for this Lowd character elsewhere?"
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) d20+18=20 ; Thursday January 26th, 2012 12:06:20 PM
Zeoll suggests that taking a few hours out to gather information on "Lowd" may be a good idea. If no one objects, that's what he'll do.
Diplomacy used to Gather Info: 20.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Thursday January 26th, 2012 12:30:27 PM I think I have learned all I can here. Unless Restlin can take care of the magic field, I say we head out. We should probably check Heather's old place and look for her family. I would also like to learn where Heather's body was taken.
Bosk tries to stay out of the way until the other are ready or the magic is dispelled.
ooc: sorry for the late post. my internet connection died and now is only at .07mb
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Thursday January 26th, 2012 6:17:41 PM "I'm still mostly new here, I barely know where our tower is let alone someone I've never heard of before. I assume we'll have to ask around, but that will probably alert the person we are looking for." Zane heads back to the tower with those who go there, he'll go somewhere else if someone else suggests it, the only place he offers to ask around at it the WLA training and guild hall.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Thursday January 26th, 2012 8:45:59 PM
OOC: I was surprised that they even made a line. However, since they did, does this 'line' have a pattern of gaps or is are the marks fairly evenly spaced all the way to the gauge?
DM Jim: evenly spaced.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Thursday January 26th, 2012 8:51:27 PM
OOC: wait, only .07mb? my first 'internet speed' was 300 baud. Anyone here old enough to know what that is? :)
Leaving -- Jim C Thursday January 26th, 2012 10:31:26 PM
Deciding to go gather some information, Zeoll heads out since no one objects. The rest also leave the apartment, but aren't sure of where to go. Restlin has a very nice end table in his grasp, the color matches his eyes.
Let me know where you're going, each of you.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Thursday January 26th, 2012 11:37:54 PM
Before the group leaves Bosk mentions to them that he has been feeling like he was being watched. It may have been Heather's spirit, but I can't say for sure. It might be best to assume for now that someone is keeping an eye on us.
Bosk's first stop will be to check in with the inspector and see if he can learn where Heather's body was brought. His goal is to find a way to take custody of it or keep it safe until the morning when he can cast Speak with Dead. He will also cast Blood Biography on Heather's blood to learn:
Who are you? (The name by which the creature is most commonly known) What are you? (Gender, race, profession/role) How was your blood shed? (Brief outline of the events that caused its wound, to the best of the victim's knowledge) When was your blood shed?
If there is still time he will try to visit Heather's family.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells d20+10=16 ; d20+2=5 ; Friday January 27th, 2012 1:57:33 AM "Hopefully they're willing to let us have some time with Heather's body. I'm going to try to see if I can find someone versed in scrying that might be willing to help us for a fee." Beltrin figures that it shouldn't be too hard to find someone that can cast Scrying in Hook City. He tries to locate someone and negotiate a reasonable price.
If he has time, he'll join Bosk in visiting Heather's family afterwards.
Knowledge (Local) to find a spellcaster: 16 Diplomacy to negotiate a price: 5
Looks like Beltrin might get fleeced....
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 d20+5=14 ; Friday January 27th, 2012 7:04:47 PM
Something about Bosk's mention of Heather's spirit reminds Beri of Heather's history. You know, Heather wasn't a follower of the gods of the Wold, perhaps someone with knowledge of the Edge would have an idea of how we can communicate with her spirit, or at least put it to rest. Perhaps her siblings would have an idea. We should probably stop by soon anyway to offer our condolences and hear why she moved into Hook City.
knowledge (relegion) = d20+5=14 ;
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Friday January 27th, 2012 9:02:58 PM
ooc: From previous inquiry, there are no other followers of the Edge or Kons in Hook City or Mudtown and no tempels. Obviously new followers may have come, but we don't know anyone.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20+9=12 ; d20+12=19 ; Friday January 27th, 2012 9:37:36 PM
Having grown up and traveled the southern continent, one would think Yondrim would know something of the Edge.. but not too much more than common knowledge it would seem, at least as far as the death rites go (Knowledge(Religion): 12)
The centaur will go to Mud Town though to look for information on someone named Lowd. He's spent far more time there among the mercenary camps than in the city proper itself and would likely do better.
Diplomacy to Gather Info: 19
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 d20-1=4 ; d20+11=16 ; Saturday January 28th, 2012 12:23:24 AM
Zane will make his way towards the WLA training center and guild hall. Knowing he's not exactly the most diplomatic, he still ask around once he gets there. But then again, having someone follow him home might not be so bad, the others should be there to help him, and then they can question the follower, if there is one.
Diplomacy 4 (at least it's not a 0) Perception 16
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 d20+8=21 ; Sunday January 29th, 2012 8:27:04 AM
OOC: Hello fellow Hookers! I missed you all...
***
Before he leaves, Restlin turns around, gently puts down his new end table, and casts Dispel Magic on the general area the magic dampening field was in (Restlin is casting this outside it's area of effect).
If this succeeds in getting rid of the field, he'll let the gang know and head back in to investigate. If not, he and his end table will accompany Zane to the WLA.
*** Dispel check: 21 (d20+6+2 for my magic dweller trait while in Hook City). This will dispel the most powerful spell cast at caster level 10 or below that's present.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Sunday January 29th, 2012 5:25:20 PM
Alexi gather's himself up and follows the group outside.
Parts unknown -- Jim C Sunday January 29th, 2012 10:49:46 PM
Bosk heads out and makes a brief visit to Inspector Aulander who is very busy, but takes the time to talk to Bosk and thank him for accepting the Marque. He also tells the cleric of Gargul that all bodies are taken to the city morgue where they are processed and Heather's body should still be there.
Beltrin strikes out to find someone to do some scrying for him. The Catacombs is the best place, but not the cheapest. He does manage to find a diviner that can cast the spells he wants and for real cheap.
Beri thinks back to when they dealt with Heather and suggests they also go to see her family.
The newcomer to the group, Yondrim, makes himself useful and starts asking about the taverns and other places that a fellow may go to, to learn about this Lowd person--but he finds nothing about him or her.
Zane heads out to the WLA and inquires there for some information and is asked if he wishes to hire a bard to gather said information, or perhaps a spellcaster to cast a divination spell. Prices are 25% less for WLA members.
Restlin attempts to dispel the magic suppression field inside the apartment, but with no success. He and his endtable head back to the tower.
Alexi just follows the majority of the group back to the tower.
Later that night after Bosks return, those that wanted to head out to Mudtown and see Heather's family, do so. When they arrive they find the family gone. Inquiring with the neighbors, the group finds that before Heather moved to Hook City, her family moved--whereabouts unknown.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Tuesday January 31st, 2012 3:28:09 PM
"Well friends...here we are. Stymied at every turn but not yet ready to give up! Heather would have done the sam...actually, she probably wouldn't have. Who knows what Heather would have done if we had been killed. That lady was out there, wasn't she? If she's dead, her spirit may be at the Edge. Those of us old-timers who were around when she took us there may be able to head back and find some information."
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Tuesday January 31st, 2012 7:17:27 PM
"No one in Mudtown that I spoke to knew anyone named Lowd... or at least were willing to admit to it. I think our best bet may lie with what Bosk found at the apartment." Yondrim says to the group as they're back at the Iron Tower.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Tuesday January 31st, 2012 8:23:27 PM Well, so much for that idea. I suppose regrouping at the tower is the best idea for now. The rogue heads back, hoping that Heather's family made it safely to where ever they left for.
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 d20+11=28 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2012 1:46:49 PM
Zane heads back to the tower, not giving the WLA either a yes or no, for now. He makes his way back, casually checking to see if he has a tail.
Perception 28
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) d20+31=33 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2012 6:15:23 PM
With no insult intended to good Yondrin's attempts, Zeoll decides to do some investigating of his own. He invites Yondrin to come with him (aid another?).
Zeoll first visits his rooftop garden, sprinkling breadcrumbs in odd patterns. He spends ten minute watching birds fly overhead, especially noting any who land to eat the crumbs. With the patterns of Mother Wold to guide him, he is ready to gather information and search Mudtown and Hook City for any hint of a fellow, creature, thing, or power named "Lowd."
Zeoll has 6 ranks in diplomacy, +7 from charisma, +3 as a class skill, +3 from his circlet of persuasion, +2 from heroism, and +10 from Natural Divination, for a +31 total, plus maybe aid another. He rolls a 33 total. Not his best effort, to be sure, but maybe good enough!
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20=16 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2012 7:53:43 PM
Yondrim makes his way to the roof with Zeoll, only cursing the stairs a few times on the way up and watches the liontaur watch the birds in silence. Once the divination is through he says,"You're a strange one, Zeoll. I thought for sure you were luring the birds down to serve as dinner."
He accompanies him back to Mudtown though to assist when possible.
Aid Another: 16
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 d20+1=17 ; Wednesday February 1st, 2012 9:05:05 PM
Alexi decides to try the Catacombs for information on this Lowd fella. "Mudtown may not want to divulge anything about this guy, but if he visited the Catacombs, they'll not be as squittyish there," he states.
Dipl +1 = 17
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells Thursday February 2nd, 2012 1:33:49 AM
Upon returning to the tower, Beltrin informs the others that if the Iron Adventurers are willing to drop some cash, they might be able to find something out by hiring the diviner he found. Or perhaps this might be a fitting use for their granted questions of the Edge.
Lowd -- Jim C Thursday February 2nd, 2012 1:55:42 AM
Studying the skies, Zeoll intently tries to divine what the meaning of the patterns are as he concentrates on the person known as Lowd. Suddenly a blackbird smacks him in the head and falls to the ground, dead. It can have only one meaning. Assassin.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Thursday February 2nd, 2012 3:46:50 PM
Oooh! Zeoll tells his friends what he divines.
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Thursday February 2nd, 2012 6:23:27 PM
Getting back to the group's tower, Zane heads inside. To whomever he meets first, "The WLA says that they supply Bard's for a discounted cost if we wish to hire one, but I figured we got a so of Bard of our own I told them I'd have to think it over." Zane then finds something to eat, it hasn't been a terribly busy day so far, but then again you never knew when it would get busy. From his own experience it usually got busy at the most unopertoon time, and if he could get in a meal right now, it was one less thing to worry over.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Thursday February 2nd, 2012 7:03:12 PM
Beriothian wonders briefly if the stench of Mud Town is what caused the bird to crash into Zeoll and die, but he trusts Zeoll knows an omen when he sees one.
BTW, ooc: One of the tasks of the WLA is to gather local information, which it disseminate to members if it isn't sensitive. Does asking us to pay imply that the information is sensitive, or simply that they don't know anything about the man?
DM Jim: if the person isn't of name level, basically 15th and above, it is very unlikely they are well known unless they're a public figure like a politician, etc...
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Thursday February 2nd, 2012 10:11:38 PM
"I think finding this particular assassin may not be the best move...I mean it would be really helpful if we could find him, but assassins put a lot of work into not being found. We should try to find out who wanted her dead, and that means finding her family.
"Honestly, they're a really fun bunch anyway. We should find them even if they can't help us find Heather's murderer."
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Friday February 3rd, 2012 12:00:20 AM
ooc: What were the results of Bosk.'s Blood Biography spell?
Tomorrow I plan to ask Heather a few questions, any suggestions? I plan to ask her who Lowd is, why he killed her, and where we can find him and her family. If there is time I will also ask who else is in danger.
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Friday February 3rd, 2012 10:17:27 AM "What are you supposed to ask a dead woman, surely not how old she was, women hate that. We also already know the first question usually asked when meeting someone.... How are you?, that's obvious... She's dead." Zane while not usually one for smart ass quips, hoped that it would lighten the mood a little. Talking about a dead person as if she still lived, bothered him slightly, but the after life was not his specialty.
Blood biography -- Jim C Friday February 3rd, 2012 12:31:04 PM
Taking out the scrap of paper with the answers he sought before, Bosk looks them over and reads the four lines.
Heather Amelia Brody
Human, Kon of the Edge
By an Issanti blade
Yesterday afternoon
Moving on -- Jim C Friday February 3rd, 2012 12:32:06 PM
Shall we skip past the night and into morning to visit the morgue, or head out at midnight when the stars are aligned and it's really dark and creepy out?
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Friday February 3rd, 2012 4:32:47 PM
Zeoll is not creeped out by the stars or the night. Most nights he sleeps on the roof, looking up at those stars. But he has no business in the dark tonight. The morning works just fine for him.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Friday February 3rd, 2012 9:36:10 PM
Mornings work for Restlin. Perhaps more pirigi are to be had...
"I trust ya to figure out questions, Bosk. 'Who killed you,' is a good starting place. Just go from there."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Friday February 3rd, 2012 10:09:05 PM What, you think that if we head out at night we will find our selves confronting an army of the undead. What are the odds of that happening... again... three times... on second thought morning sounds good.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Friday February 3rd, 2012 11:49:09 PM
Bosk is also in favor of heading out on the morning, as he need to wait to morning to prepare the required spell.
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Saturday February 4th, 2012 12:49:25 AM "Hey, it was mid-day that last time. Of course that was my first adventure with you all. I've always found the night comforting... except when the Wold wanted to kill you with a storm at sea,and then the night was like a nightmare from your worst dreams." Zane is obviously not making a decision, letting the others choose, because he felt you took what life threw at you. You either survived or you didn't....
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Saturday February 4th, 2012 11:48:55 AM I have nothing against the night, but in this city government buildings close at night and I cannot prepare my spell to question Heather until morning anyways. If anyone has a reason to head somewhere tonight I'm all ears.
Also, I have an idea for another question I want to ask the group about. Do we want to try to bring Heather back from the dead? I still have two scrolls and a chit of raise dead thanks to our trip to visit Gargul, but those our group items, I would need you all to agree.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Saturday February 4th, 2012 4:48:09 PM
"I am fine with the morning as well. No need to disturb the good folks at the morgue at night." Yondrim gives his opinion before weighing it on Bosk' questio about Raising Dead as well. "It's the choice of the departed whether or not to return... and she did not seem to leave the realm of the living on her own terms. I would think we should at least try to Raise her."
In the sweet morning time -- Jim C Saturday February 4th, 2012 5:33:26 PM
After a well rested night in the safety of the Iron Tower, the group heads off towards the morgue--guided by the directions given to Bosk by Inspector Aulander. It's not long before they arrive at a non-descript building. There is no sign in common, just a symbol over the doorway resembling a high woldian glyph, in a stylized manner, so as to fit the neighborhood. The exact meaning one could surmise was "Journey's End".
Entering it they find a sterile atmosphere to the small parlour, rather spartan and devoid of any furnishings other than a desk, filing cabinets and a door 10' behind the desk. In the chair behind the desk sits a man in his late 70's, pale with white hair, dressed in a white lab coat. When he looks up he squinces his face and asks, "Can I help you? Are you lost?"
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Sunday February 5th, 2012 9:50:11 PM
Bosk shows the man his official Marque and smiles. We are here on official city business under the direction of Inspector Aulander. We are investigating the murder of Heather Amelia Brody. We have need to ask her a few questions about the events of the night in question and need to see her body.
City Morgue -- Jim C Sunday February 5th, 2012 10:28:55 PM "Ask her..." stopping midsentence, the morgue attendant looked over the papers to make sure they weren't forged, and when satisfied motioned to the group to follow him into the back. The large door opened into a larger hallway with various rooms adjacent to it--it was also very cool down here, almost chilly. Walking into one of the large rooms off the main corridor, the attendent went to a clipboard, found the name of the body in question, then went over to one of the many lockers lining the wall. Opening the metal door, he slid out a long metal tray with the body of Heather Brody draped in a white cotton cover. Pulling it back to reveal her face, Heather lay there motionless, her face pallid, but bruised and her throat deeply cut. "I'll be up front if you need anything." With that said, the attendant left.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Monday February 6th, 2012 10:14:08 AM
Restlin shakes his head sadly, "Tragic, really. Anyway, let's get crackin'. I've never seen a corpse talk before, so this should be neat...well, those zombies made that 'aaaaahhhhhhhhhh' sound, but that hardly counts." He impatiently waits for Bosk to get to speaking.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Monday February 6th, 2012 2:21:16 PM
In the morning, Zeoll preps his Cradled spells: 0 level: Silent Image, Faerie Fire 1st level: Deep Sleep, Heroism, Suggestion, Locate Object 2nd level: Divination, Hold Person
At the morgue, Zeoll looks sadly at Heather's body. He waits for Bosk to do his own magic, and tells his friends, that if any questions are left unanswered, he will attempt a Divination.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Monday February 6th, 2012 2:45:28 PM To be honest, I have never seen such a thing either. This will be my first time casting the spell. I'm not sure how it will sound with her throat slit, but it magic and as long as she has a mouth the spell should work. But before I begin, we should check to make sure there are no magic dampening spells here, like there was in her apartment.
Bosk then casts detect magic and searches the area and Heather herself for any magical spells, curses, etc. If everything seems in order and he has no reason to believe the spell will fail he will then cast Speak with Dead on Heather
(Bosk can ask up to 12 questions and speak to heather for up to 6 minutes) The first questions he will ask are:
Can I Raise you from the Dead? Who killed you? (Just to confirm it was Lowd) Who is Lowd? (If not specified in the previous answer) Why were you killed? Where we can find you killer? Where can we find your family? Who else is in danger? Where should we go to get more information?
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells d20+14=30 ; Monday February 6th, 2012 3:07:33 PM
ooc: Between last night and this morning Bosk will dedicate the time needed to finish crafting Zeoll's eyes of the eagle (+5 added to decrease the crafting time.) When the time comes, the cleric will ask Zeoll for a little help with the clairvoyance attribute of the item.
Spell craft check = 30 Check needed to succeed = 18 (23 if Zeoll is unable to help) Result = Success
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Monday February 6th, 2012 6:07:00 PM "I've found Magic gets around rules like using air to speak. Although this is beyond my abilities what you're planning on doing here. Most of my magic is of the enhancement type, focused upon making myself bigger and tougher. I'll just stand over here along the wall and let you be about your business." With that, Zane does indeed take a step back, hopefully out of the way and watches as spells are being cast, questions asked and possibly even answered by the dead woman.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Monday February 6th, 2012 6:11:05 PM
Of course, Zeoll will help Bosk! Are you kidding? In fact, he is really quite grateful!
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Monday February 6th, 2012 7:56:02 PM Bosk, don't take this the wrong way but the powers Gargul has blessed you with to talk to the dead is a little unnerving now that I'm about to see it first hand.
Even in death... -- Jim C d20+25=27 ; Monday February 6th, 2012 9:04:04 PM
Bosk casts detect magic and finds nothing on Heather--he also does a cursory glance at his mates and find that they do posess magic, so the spell is working, or is it? Calling upon the divine powers to speak with the dead, Bosk concentrates intently on getting the spell right, as he feels something is hindering him. Once completed, Heather's eye's snap open and she begins to convulse. Several in the group take a step back as fear of her exploding into a million pieces like the children did, come to mind. But almost as soon as the convulsions started, they stop. Her mouth moves wordlessly, then her eyes close and the spell fades. Even in death, she cannot speak.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Monday February 6th, 2012 9:36:05 PM
"That's it? I don't know about you guys, but I'm tired of the dead not cooperating. You'd think having a cleric of Gargul on our side would mean something. Any idea why that didn't work, big guy?"
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Monday February 6th, 2012 9:36:40 PM
Alexi, observing from the door where he is keeping watch, comments, "Looks like whoever killed her has allies on the other side to keep what we are trying to do from working. To bad we can't go ask Gargul himself permission to bring her back. I've done that once and it worked. Although I don't think Gargul took to me very well, heheh."
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells Monday February 6th, 2012 10:45:51 PM "Hmm.... perhaps her soul is beyond the reach of Gargul? I'm not sure what happens to the worshipers of the Edge when they pass on. Perhaps the Edge would favor us with an answer? I can think of no better use for our gift than to bring to justice Heather's killers."
"Of course, we should probably talk to her family first. It would help us pick the right questions to ask."
Unless any of the others have ideas, interviewing the family members sounds like a logical next stop.
------------------------------------------------
Beltrin is referring to this gift previously bestowed upon some of the Iron Adventurers:
Each of the party members now can do either one of these options, whenever they want.
They can read the spirit of any one creature, once. If they know the creatures real name, the duration of the conversation is much extended. The questions will be answered by the spirit in a neutral manner, despite the alignment of the creature and ones weakness can be discovered as well as other things, but the spirits knowledge is limited to what the creature being read would know normally. (Six rounds or six minutes if the creatures true name is known.)
OR
The characters spirit will transcend their body and travel to The Edge in a flash of an instant. There, they can over look the cosmos of time and balance and ask any one question, as profound or mundane as they desire and receive an immediate answer, that is as correct as possible, depending on how the question was asked.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Monday February 6th, 2012 10:46:25 PM I think Alexi is right. Both The Edge and a cleric of Gargul were unable to contact Heather. Whoever did this was more than some blood thirst thug, and since there is not magic on the body you may be right that there is something on another plane that is causing us problems.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Monday February 6th, 2012 10:47:31 PM
ooc: I think Bosk already used the gift of The Edge to try to talk to Heather and was completely blocked out.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells d20+6=25 ; Monday February 6th, 2012 11:46:02 PM
Bosk curses under his breath. Whoever did this was obviously a professional and knew what they were doing. I'm not even sure what he could have done... The cleric examines the body for clues and looks for items like quieting pins that may have hindered his spell. If the assassin went through all this trouble, I'm willing to bet that he took measure's to prevent us from raising her from the dead as well. Unsure of his next step, the cleric casts Gentle Repose on the Kon's body. This will keep her body preserved for six days, at which time I will either need to resurrect her or cast the spell again. With luck I can buy us enough time to figure this out. Bosk will then speak to the morgue operator and explains that there is a desire to bring the slain woman back to life and that her testimony may be needed at trial against her murder. Are you able to store her body safely here until that time, or would it be better if we brought it with us so we can guard it? If the group can bring the body with them, the cleric will wrap the remains in his bedding and then wrap the bedding with his 14ft scarf blessed with the permanent clean cantrip cast on it. He will then place the bundle in his bag of holdings. Between that and the Gentle Repose spell any unpleasantness associated with transporting the body should be greatly diminished.
Perception = 25
A signature required -- Jim C Tuesday February 7th, 2012 1:25:45 AM
After casting Gentle Repose on the body and still seeing no aura of magic on her, or any "quieting pins or some such (I figure detect magic is still in effect), Bosk speaks to the attendant, who in no uncertain terms says that the body can only be resurrected if so indicated in a will, by the immediate family, or by the order of the court. Also, the body cannot be removed from the morgue unless by those same three stipulations. If the body isn't claimed in any manner by the prescribed methods previously stated, it will be cremated within 3 business days. Today is day 1.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Tuesday February 7th, 2012 6:38:39 AM
Zeoll will cast his Divination spell. Usually, his chance of success is 73%, but I'll let DM Jim roll it in case there are strange powers at work!
The spell works by offering advice "concerning a specific goal, event, or activity that is to occur within 1 week." The goal Zeoll has in mind is to find the assassin known as Lowd. Maybe he divination will give a clue to how to achieve that goal.
==========
Recent changes to Zeoll's PC sheet that still have to be made:
-- added 14,914.8 gp and two red chits. -- completed three item upgrades -- removed two hero points and added three -- added 1403 xp plus 30x3 for hero points -- spent 25 gp on a Divination
Question for James: Is that the right loot total? I seem to recall it was revised down, but I can't find the post about that.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20+5=16 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2012 8:01:37 AM
"Quite the efficient bureaucratic machine they have in this city, isn't it?" Yondrim comments after Bosk speaks with the morgue clerk about removing the body.
"If Zeoll's divination does not find anything perhaps we need to start looking elsewhere... if someone in the city wanted to hire an assassin, where would they go?"
Knowledge: Local 16, bleh
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Tuesday February 7th, 2012 11:04:18 AM As far as hiring an assassin within the city, there is only one person I know to contact that may have any information. A young Rogue named Twice whom we helped about a month back. Unfortunately, from the sound of the letter, I assume the assassin came here from a distance. He is most likely not from around here, but Twice may be able to get us some information.
I think our best course of action is to investigate the bead I found and to try to locate Heather's family.
After the group leaves Bosk toys with the idea of using the sculpt corpse spell to create a duplicate corpse to look like Heathers and then switching the two, but decides that it would be better not to do so without her families permission.
ooc: Did Bosk have time to visit Heather between modules to deal with the poison, and if so what were the results?
Dm Jim: Sorry, no.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Tuesday February 7th, 2012 12:02:00 PM Lets think about this a minute. What clues do we have?
1) He wears spurs. Most likely he has a horse or other mount.
2) The glass bead Heather guided me to, it must be important.
3) The hair. This can tell us the killer's race and hair color. I could use that to locate other victims with the detect victim spell. Possibly I can use it to locate Heather's family.
4) A letter with the killer's name. Heather knew who was after her. Most likely this means it was personal ot that the killer had a reputation.
5) He used an issanti blade. Perhaps this can tell us something of where he came from? We could also try to find him with a locate item spell targeting the blade or beads.
Anything I'm missing?
Divination -- Jim C Tuesday February 7th, 2012 12:10:05 PM
Casting his spell, Zeoll receives a single phrase, Get a bead on the killer.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) d20+9=18 ; d20+16=19 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2012 1:04:28 PM
After Zeoll recounts the result of the divination, he notes that he has a Locate Object spell, and can try to find other beads like the one that the party possesses.
Maybe the killer was wearing the necklace, and Heather managed to break it, and the beads went everywhere, and the killer thought he picked them all up, but missed one. And maybe if we can Locate Object on the beads mates, it would help us find the killer.
Problem with that plan: the spell lasts only three minutes, and has a radius of only 500 feet. So we have to have a decent idea of a general area to search before we go a-Locating.
"The idea of asking Twice forr advice is a grreat one," Zeoll tells Bosk. "It can't hurrt to ask him forr info on this Lowd fellow in parrticularr orr forr wherre to searrch forr an assassin in generral. Rrememberr that Heatherr helped Twice too, sorrt of, and he might feel glad to help us find herr killerr. Considerring the amount of her family's ale he drrank!"
Zeoll tries to recall the way to Mistress Marta's School for Young Ladies. Marta is Twice's mother, of course. Knowledge Local: 18. That should be good enough considering we've been there, but if not, Zeoll reaches into his memory (Memory Domain Power) and rerolls for a 19. Anyone want to aid another to push that over 20?
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Tuesday February 7th, 2012 1:23:59 PM
Bosk looks at the bead again and remembers his first thought. -not many in Hook City could make such a bead. It might be worth looking into who crafts and sells items like this. If they didn't make it here may be able to tell us who did. Master craftsmen often know eachother's work.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells d20+10=25 ; Tuesday February 7th, 2012 2:30:22 PM
Hearing Zeoll muttering about Mistress Marta's, Beltrin racks his brain to see if he can give him any pointers:
Knowledge (Local) Aid Another: 25 (should've just kept it myself, oh well)
OOC: Oops, must have missed the part about Bosk trying the Edge already.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Tuesday February 7th, 2012 3:07:02 PM
We've been to Marta's several times before, stayed there as guests, and had a party there. I would guess that we know where it is and how to get there.
All's quiet -- Jim C Tuesday February 7th, 2012 7:26:39 PM
It's not hard at all to recall where Mistress Marta's residence was, in fact, it was along the way to the Iron Tower, so finding it again was a cinch. Once there, and after knocking on the gate several times, there was no answer. The street was quiet, the air was pristine as always due to the magical cleansing. A minute passed by and still no answer to the the groups call.
Bosk once again has that feeling he's being watched.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Tuesday February 7th, 2012 9:15:10 PM
"Well, if he is an Outsider assassin, the local assassin guild won't take kindly to an outsider freelancing in Hook City. So if all else fails, we can try that angle," Alexi adds to the conversation.
'AND, if he is an Outsider, how'd he get here? Did he come through the gates and pay a fee or did he come here magically?" Alexi wonders outloud.
Alexi pays attention to the directions to Mistress Marta's. Once there, he sighs, "Here we go again..."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Tuesday February 7th, 2012 9:46:37 PM I don't think this is simple an assassination. An professional assassin likely would have killed her in Mud Town where brutal murder is considered death by natural causes. Plus, your typical assassin only worries about what happens on this plane, most don't have the skills to hold back a spirit.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20+25=26 ; Wednesday February 8th, 2012 10:08:27 AM
"What if her spirit is still here? Would speak with the dead work if her spirit was still roaming the streets? Or, perhaps, in her house. Whatever is causing the magic dampening field on the apartment may be suppressing her spirit as well" Yondrim theorizes on their way through the streets.
"It seems our only true lead is that bead. May I examine it? Perhaps I've seen something similar and we can look towards the source of the beads?"
Using Lore Trance ability for +20 to knowledge roll:
Not sure what knowledge roll it would be to recognize a bead All Knowledges other than Nobility, Planes, Religion and Engineering: 26 Knowledge Religion would be: 30 Planes Religon and Engineering untrained, pass DC 10 for common knowledge.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Wednesday February 8th, 2012 11:55:11 AM
Restlin, who joined up with the IA just as their dealings with Heather and co. were coming to an end, feels a bit out of sorts.
"If we're not able to figure out where this bead comes from, surely the wizards at the WLA will be able to lend a hand..."
Beady eyes -- Jim C Wednesday February 8th, 2012 12:00:59 PM
Yondrim looks long and hard and racks his brain as he examines the bead and thinks that maybe someone in Labortown, off the docks, would be the ones to talk too--since the bead is not perfect and looks to be handmade, something a fine merchant in Hook City proper wouldn't sell since magic can create perfect beads of such intricate design.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Wednesday February 8th, 2012 12:19:33 PM
Upon feeling watched Bosk casts detect evil and scans the area.
Evil, come out and play aka if you go looking for trouble, you'll probably find it -- Jim C Wednesday February 8th, 2012 1:01:50 PM
Scanning the area for evil, Bosk finds a faint presence on the edge of his spells range within the locked compound of Mistress Marta.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Wednesday February 8th, 2012 7:26:38 PM Bosk, is something wrong? I don't like that looks on your face.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Wednesday February 8th, 2012 8:29:19 PM I feel a faint presence of an evil aura on the edge of my spells range. I'm not sure what it is, but it is somewhere within the locked compound of Mistress Marta. I suppose it could be Twice, I've never checked his aura before. Still, it seems odd for the building to be locked. That is what really worries me. The building is both a finishing school and brothel for young women, catering to both the upbringing of the aristocracy of Hook City and providing training for women with loose morals. You can't run a brothel without letting customers in.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Wednesday February 8th, 2012 9:42:20 PM
"Well heck, since when does a locked door stop the Iron Adventurers? Are we going in or not?"
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Wednesday February 8th, 2012 10:38:34 PM
Debate over the state of Heather's spirit brings Alexi to think outloud. "You know, if her throat was cut, it stands to reason why the body couldn't speak. I've never seen healing on a corps, but it seems to me that if we heal the vocal cords, we might have success next time we try."
Alerted to something evil inside the compound, Alexi chuckles, "Considering the amount of evil rampant in this city, I'm surprised that you only detect evil from one source. But since it's in there, and for some reason we get in trouble for breaking in after it, we can always claim we were pursuing Heather's murderer. So what if we hit the wrong address..."
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Thursday February 9th, 2012 12:11:57 AM The spell works with magic. Technically I only require a mouth, but having more of a body will yield more complete answers. The Power of the edge doesn't even need a body, dead or alive. I can only assume the assassin did something to impede the spell. Either way, the spell cannot be retried for another week, so healing the corpse throat is out of the question.
The weather -- Jim C Thursday February 9th, 2012 10:35:38 AM
As always, it's a beautiful morning that will proceed into a beautiful afternoon and so on, day after day. The hum of the weather tower ever present against a backdrop of splendid blue skies.
Waiting on a group action
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 d20+8=28 ; Thursday February 9th, 2012 4:09:53 PM "With the magic, I'm betting that someone or something has bound the soul somewhere. That is probably the only thing that would prevent either of your choices from working." (Know Arcana 28 (nat 20))
DM Jim: Pretty good guess.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Thursday February 9th, 2012 6:51:20 PM
Restlin blinks. "Of course...that makes perfect sense." He shakes his head to clear away the thought before continuing. "Of course, that doesn't change the matter at hand. This is where I met most of you; it would be a shame to not go in and make sure everything's ok."
Restlin motions with his thumb towards the door to indicate they should probably get a move on.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Thursday February 9th, 2012 7:05:57 PM Perhaps my lack of magical knowledge is causing me to overlook something, but if we know there is something lurking at the outer edge of Bosk's spell range wouldn't that be the best place to start investigating? Preferable before whoever or whatever it is vanishes again.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Thursday February 9th, 2012 10:17:06 PM My first thought was that her spell must be bound, but that wouldn't explain why I saw her spirit upstairs. I suppose it easily be due to some power of The Edge. As far as I know, she is the only one in this part of the continent that knows about that stuff.
I agree with Beri, we should investigate this aura further. Besides, we actually have reason to be here. I have business with Twice, should we find him, and Mistress Marta offered us a job if we wanted to find a troubadour to help Twice get his life in order.
ooc: Bosk will keep he spell active
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Thursday February 9th, 2012 10:17:54 PM
Smarter than your average bear.. (using a tablet to post, very interesting)
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Friday February 10th, 2012 11:40:11 AM So is everyone in favor of investigating?
If so, Bosk will lead the group, despite the ominous warning in the L&B.
The gate -- Jim C Friday February 10th, 2012 12:24:34 PM
...is locked and the wall surrounding the compound is 15' high.
Strength checks if you try to break it down (four people can fit).
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells d20+8=23 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+8=27 ; Friday February 10th, 2012 1:37:08 PM "Well, this time we're on the right side of the law, right? Don't we have some sort of blessing from the investigators of Heather's murder? This wall doesn't look too bad, I'll see if I can shimmy over and open the gate from the other side." Beltrin takes a quick glance around the street for any potential onlookers and then tries to climb over the wall when no one is looking.
I assume that's enough to either get Beltrin over the wall or convince him that it's beyond his abilities.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 d20+20=24 ; Friday February 10th, 2012 1:51:25 PM These Hook City locks always seem to give even a knowledgeable locksmith like me problems, but lets see if I can get us in without causing any property damage.
Disable Device = 24 (aid another will put me over 25, hint hint)
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20=12 ; Friday February 10th, 2012 2:00:41 PM
Yondrim moves next to the door and draws his falcata, the dull gray metal of the rare metal blade glinting softly in the light and taps the unsharped edge against the door. "If Beri fails, I have got a key right here." Aid Another: 12..
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20=12 ; Friday February 10th, 2012 2:01:50 PM
oOC: threatening computers with physical violence seems to help them work, so why not locks?
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Friday February 10th, 2012 3:49:36 PM Before be go beating down the gate and picking locks, I have an easier method. In by bag of holdings I have both large sized and regular and 50ft of rope. In addition, the gate is only 15ft up, I can reach the top without a ladder. Why don't we just hop the fence? Besides, I don't have any spells to fix the gate if we break it.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Friday February 10th, 2012 9:37:49 PM
Restlin takes Bosk's rope and motions for Bosk to boost him up. Once towering over the wall, Restlin tosses the rope over and casts Rope Trick on it. Once it's within his reach, he climbs down...
"That will last a good 6 hours in case we need to run out of here in a hurry. Based on our track record, I'd say that's likely..."
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Friday February 10th, 2012 9:49:42 PM
Alexi finally gets the idea thatt the group is wizening up. With a minotaur's hight, boosting one up to the top of the wall should be a piece of cake. The Rope Trick is a flair of genius.
If the gate is opened by the lock-pick, he quickly slips in and stands to the left of the door, weapon and shield ready.
If the gate is not opened, he goes over the wall next, shimmies down the rope, then stands ready to protect the next ones down.
Inner courtyard -- Jim C Friday February 10th, 2012 11:58:30 PM
Restlin scampers to the top of the wall with Bosks help and casts his rope trick just as Beri pries loose the inner bar that was keeping the gate held. Everyone walks or climbs inside. The garden in the inner courtyard seems untouched. About 50' away is the front doors to the main house. As Bosk moves forward, his sense of evil doesn't move, so he surmises it's stationary and lays just beyond the front doors.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Saturday February 11th, 2012 11:13:35 AM
ooc: do we want to knock first, or break in?
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Saturday February 11th, 2012 12:48:23 PM
OOC: Maybe knock really hard to do both?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Saturday February 11th, 2012 1:01:15 PM
OOC: Case the joint, check in the windows, then decide...
Restlin dusts himself off just as Beri unlocks the door. He shakes his head as the rest of the Iron Adventurers stroll on through. He casually casts invisibility on Beri. "We should scope this place out & peek in some windows. Sounds like a job for Beriothian to me!"
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 d20+12=25 ; Saturday February 11th, 2012 1:32:10 PM "It never hurts to check, I'd hate to blindly run into an ambush." Beriothian looks around to see if there is a window to show what's waiting for them inside, makes sure the door isn't trapped, and a host of other very clever things that nobody notices since he is invisible.
Perception = 25 (27 for traps)
Frosted Windows -- Jim C Saturday February 11th, 2012 2:03:44 PM
Those windows that do exist on the outer part of the building are panes of frosted glass made to resemble the style of architecture from a different region (think japanese style rice paper doors, instead the paper has been replaced by glass).
However, even not being able to see through the doors and window panes, it's evident something is covering the inside of the door in thin splashes where the glass shows--something like paint, maybe.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Saturday February 11th, 2012 3:03:08 PM
Yondrim waits outside the door, sword still out, but resting easily against his shoulder as he waits.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Saturday February 11th, 2012 3:36:49 PM
Beriothian describes what he sees to the group. These messy splashes are definitely not normal for a building that teaches etiquette and refinement. Beri's mind goes back to the night the party entered a fire-bomb trapped home in Mud Town and wonders whether it could be oil on the inside.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Saturday February 11th, 2012 6:58:02 PM
OOC: Alexi's never been here, so please describe the building. How many floors? Dimensions? Other doors? How many windows on first floor, second, third...? What's in the courtyard?
IC: Alexi suggests detecting for traps on the door and windows. "Look, I'm sure the owner would have put up some protections, so it doesn't hurt to look for some form of magical or mechanical traps."
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 d20+14=22 ; Saturday February 11th, 2012 8:11:48 PM
While the group discusses on the best way to proceed Beri takes a moment to check the door for possible traps.
check for traps = 22
Trapped door -- Jim C Sunday February 12th, 2012 4:45:38 AM
Beri expertly examines the door for any traps and finds none.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Sunday February 12th, 2012 8:01:22 AM
Restlin will do a quick [i]detect magic[i] to scan for potential magical traps. Assuming he finds none...
"Is there a back door to this place? Waltzing in the front didn't do us any favors last time."
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Sunday February 12th, 2012 10:51:04 AM
Bosk continues focusing on his spell.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Monday February 13th, 2012 8:59:16 AM
OOC: Deep apologies for being awol, my friends. Computer woes hit me hard, but now I'm back.
Zeoll enters with the centaur, saying, "Yondrim, I do not know you well enough yet. What is it you can do, again? What is your specialty? And have I explained my own meager powers sufficiently to you? It is the least I can do for a fellow Taur." He speaks in Tauric (a language in which he has no accent), unless the centaur does not know the language, in which case he switches to Common.
The liontaur is glad the party has been authorized as deputies so that they won't get in too much trouble for entering uninvited.
At the door, Zeoll tries the door to see if it is locked.
"Has anyone checked to see if it is open?"
Inside -- Jim C Monday February 13th, 2012 10:14:13 AM
Asking if anyone has tried to open the front door, Zeoll slides it open. Inside it is a slaughterhouse; bodies lay strewn all over the front parlour; blood spray coats every wall, including the frosted glass panes of the doors and windows. The once expensive handwoven rugs that covered the hardwood floors are deep red, soaked with the blood of approximately thirty bodies that lay dead in the room.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Monday February 13th, 2012 10:57:57 AM
"It seems that frriendship with the Irron Adventurrerrs may be a suprremely fatal disease," Zeoll muses.
"Perrhaps we should trry to befrriend ourr worrst enemies," he chuckles.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 Monday February 13th, 2012 11:01:36 AM Holy hell! Restlin shouts before casting mage armor on himself and heading inside...hopefully following someone less squishy and handsome. He'll keep Vera at the ready in case she's needed.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells Monday February 13th, 2012 1:37:42 PM
ooc: Is the aura detected by Bosk's spell detecting the pile of bodies, something smaller, such as a specific body, or something all together different?
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Monday February 13th, 2012 4:11:48 PM
Less squishy and yet handsome, Yondrim will move to stand in front of the door, looking in first horror and then growing anger at the bloody scene before them. "Bosk.. is the evil still here?" he asks before casting Shield of Faith on himself.
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Monday February 13th, 2012 4:25:54 PM
Zane agrees with the precaution of casting spells and also casts mage armor upon himself.
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 d20+5=6 ; Monday February 13th, 2012 5:24:41 PM
Alexi warns, "It is not wise to enter through here. There's nothing we can do for what's in there now and nothing good will come with us accidentally getting any of this blood on our boots or clothes. Was there a back way in? I'll go look for it and see if that path has better options. Join me whoever wishes."
Alexi carefully heads around the building, sword ready, looking at the windows and the ground right outside each window, for signs of entry or exit (ie. blood stains, boot scratches, spur marks, foot marks on the ground, etc).
Perception +5 = 6 pfftt.
Trace of evil -- Jim C Monday February 13th, 2012 6:55:30 PM
Bosk pinpoints the source of evil to be a small broken remnant of a wavy dagger that seems to have been sundered by one of the dead guards--which number about four from the manner of their dress.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Monday February 13th, 2012 7:32:53 PM Umm, Bosk what exactly does that letter you received give us permission to do? We definitely need to contact the authorities ASAP, but do we have the authority to investigate while waiting for them? I would hate to be thrown in jail again for disturbing a crime scene.
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells d20+6=24 ; d20+6=24 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 12:07:32 AM
Bosk quickly points the dagger out to the group and tells them what he can about their legal authority, which is admittedly little (perhaps someone could roll a local knowledge check).
We have come this far, I think our best bet is to look for clues as to what happened here. We should also check to see if anyone may still be clinging to life. Also, keep an eye out in case the attacker is still here.
Perception check = 24 to look for clues, survivors and things of interest Perception check to look for traps = 24
ooc: Is the broken dagger an issanti blade? Does the scene appear to be fresh?
The scene -- Jim C Tuesday February 14th, 2012 2:34:07 AM
Bosk wonders if the piece of blade lying on the floor is an Issanti blade, but since he's never seen one, he wouldn't know.
Looking about, he and the rest surmise whatever happened here, it was a day or more ago. Only the magical cleansing of the Hook City weather tower kept the stench at bay outside the home. With the front doors open now, the smell becomes stronger and like always, there is an absence of flies in the air.
Around back, Alexi comes to a gated wall blocking off the rear of the house--which usually has a garden, pool or outdoor living area. The gate is locked.
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells d20+9=21 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+14=15 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 2:42:12 AM "I agree, we would be remiss in our duties not to investigate the scene while we're here." Beltrin casts detect magic and examines first the dagger that Bosk found and then the rest of the area.
---------------- Perception: 21 Knowledge (Arcana): 12 (nat. 1) (if applicable from detect magic, to identify magical school) Spellcraft: 15 (nat. 1) (if applicable from detect magic, to identify magical item)
For a wizard-in-training, Beltrin sure isn't very good at analyzing magical auras... maybe he should go back to being a barbarian...
Magic, what magic? -- Jim C Tuesday February 14th, 2012 2:53:19 AM
Beltrin finds that this place too dampens the use of detection spells--strange that.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 d20+12=16 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 7:18:59 AM
Beri starts to examining the bloody room for clues by hand, doing his best not to disturb anything for when the authorities arrive. perception = 16
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: 14/12/12 CMD: 15 HP:43/43 (Spells) - Wand charges: 41 d20+11=14 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 8:18:50 AM
Restlin's detect magic would still be up, so he'd likely notice the dampening as well. He checks to see if his mage armor is still up and running.
"Did anyone prepare an image spell? We could use one to call the Hook City officials here like we did with that zombie invasion. Remember the good'ol days when the bad guys were right there just begging to be killed?"
Restlin will ponder what he knows about Hook City laws to figure out how far they can take this investigation on their own (Knowledge, local: 14). He'll report his decision to Bosk. Who's dead, anyway? Four guards and a boat load of prostitutes? Is Marta anywhere?
Then, assuming there's time and they're not in combat rounds, he'll head outside and see if the dampening is limited to the inside of the building.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Tuesday February 14th, 2012 8:36:42 AM
"Zeoll, can you see any footprints in the blood that we might be able to track out of the building? At least let us know how whoever did this left." Yondrim asks the furry taur before sheathing his sword and looking towards the street. "I'll find a guard to report this."
The centaur then turns from the building and gallops off to find a guard to report the grisly scene before returning.
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- d20+9=21 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 8:38:32 AM
Yondrim also takes a peek at the wavy, evil dagger, trying to discern if it has any religious significance. Knowledge(Religion) 21
Zane Stormfront AC 21 CMD 22 HP 48/50 Tuesday February 14th, 2012 11:23:14 AM
Zane, not one who really is into investigations, lets his friends do their thing. He decides to find the edge of this anti-magic zone. He'll try casting detect magic, if it fails, he'll take a step further away and try it again. He'll repeat as needed until the spell goes off.
Spell Info:
Level----- 0 1 Available- * 4 Cast------ * 3
(*= unlimited)
Zane's Spells in effect:
Mage Armor 3 hours
Others spells and effects on Zane:
Looking around -- Jim C Tuesday February 14th, 2012 12:18:49 PM
Beri gingerly looks around, Restlin determines that the dampening area is once more confined to the inside of the building because as soon as he exits it, his mage armor is once more detectable.
Yondrim rushes off at top speed to find some city guard as he ponders the significance of the broken blade--of which he knows nothing of.
Zane also confirms the magical dampening area is confined to the interior of the building.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) d20+15=26 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+13=21 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 1:58:19 PM
"Grreat idea, Yondrrim! Let me look arround for trracks." Zeoll casts a Taur's Try (centaur form), then looks around.
He also uses his knowledge and survival skills to try to determine how fresh the blood is ... that is, the time at which this massacre took place. He also looks to see if Mistress Marta or her son Twice is among the victims.
Survival to track is +15 including Taur's Try: 26
If his looking at the tracks lead him to suspect there might just be an invisible creature in the area (for example, tracks that end abruptly), he will cast his Faerie Fire spell at that area.
Perception to search: 26
He uses his Sift cantrip to search without walking in blood or disturbing the scene (reduce the Perception check by five on Sifted checks). Note that Sift can find hidden doors and objects, but not creatures -- but corpses are not creatures.
Knowledge Nature to tell time of death: 21
DM Sanity Info:
Cradled Spells (underlined = cast): 0 level: Silent Image, Faerie Fire 1st level: Deep Sleep, Heroism, Suggestion, Locate Object; Comp Lang 2nd level: Divination, Hold Person; Memory Lapse
Bard Spells: Level 1: 0 of 6 cast Level 2: 0 of 4 cast
Bard Performance: used 0 of 17 rounds Natural Divination: used 0 of 2 Memory Subdomain recall attempts: used 1 of 9
Spells currently active: Taur's Try (centaur)
Bosk AC: 25/13/23 CMD:21 HP 55 of 55 Spells d20+14=22 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=22 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 2:16:27 PM
Bosk takes a moment to ponder what the most likely cause of the magical dampening is and if it is likely to be lifted through either a dispel magic or dispel curse spell. He also looks for blood that looks like it bay have come from the wielder of the dagger.
Does anyone see Twice or Marta among the bodies? If they managed to escape the carnage and are still alive they might be able to give us a little more information.
Spellcraft to learn about the magic dampening field = 22 Acrobatics to avoid stepping on anyone / anything = 25 Perception checks = 10, 22
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Tuesday February 14th, 2012 2:52:20 PM
Stopped by the wall and locked gate, Alexi calls to the group for a lock-picker, or a taller friend so he can climb upon his back and get a boost to go over the wall.
OOC: how high is this wall? Also, you've not described the building yet. Windows? Alexi can try to open windows as he heads to the back but he has to know if there are any.
How many floors? Shape of building? Type of ground (cobble stone, flagstone, brick, dirt, sand, etc).? These things should be easily noticed, even with a Perception of 6. :}
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Tuesday February 14th, 2012 7:04:18 PM
Beri calls out to Alexi who got left behind. We're in here. Just push on the gate, it's already open.
DM Jim: Alexi is at a gate around the side of the building, not the front gate to the compound
Beltrin (Keith) AC: 18/15/18 HP: 56/56 CMD: 20 Spells d20+9=26 ; d20+9=17 ; Tuesday February 14th, 2012 8:48:22 PM I think he went around back for some reason... I'll go let him in Disturbed not only by the carnage inside, but the magical dampening, Beltrin makes his way to the rear of the house to let Alexi in. He takes a moment to look around each room as he goes.
---------------------------- Perception: 26, 17 to look for clues and see if Twice or Marta's bodies are among the dead.
Zeoll (HP35 of 35, AC22, CMD17) Wednesday February 15th, 2012 2:01:00 PM
Lookin' for tracks and checkin' in!
Yondrim (Jon) 65/65 HP AC 20/14/16 CMD 19 DR 1/- Wednesday February 15th, 2012 2:51:39 PM
Yondrim does his best not to trample anyone on his quest to find a guard before turning to the slaughter house.
OOC: On a side note, I watched the first episode of the new season of Spartacus where they raid a.. similar establishment and got a nice mental image of the scene.
Beriothian (Will)-- AC:22/16/16 HP:57/57 CMD = 22 Wednesday February 15th, 2012 8:10:04 PM
ooc: I thought that might be the case at first, but I couldn't figure out why Alexi would stop looking for a way in half way around (or why he would climb the fence when he would still half to walk around the house to get in).
Alexi AC 25 Tch 12 Ffted 22 HP 62/66 CMD 22 Wednesday February 15th, 2012 9:19:36 PM
OOC: the whole idea was not to disturb anything inside until the 'officials' got there. So he was looking for a way in from the back, and also to see if that was the exit for the culprint.
IC: Alexi patiently waits...
Tromping about -- Jim C Wednesday February 15th, 2012 10:49:19 PM
Casting a spell, Zeoll looks about as carefully as he can through the powers of the low powered spell. What he see's is dried blood and plenty of it--perhaps a day old, about the same time when Heather Brody was killed.
Bosk thinks about the dampening field and thinks that perhaps a dispel magic would work, but doesn't that fly in the face of reason and logic? How could something that hides magic and is hidden itself, be dispelled, and if it was, who would know? Gingerly stepping through the mass of bodies, he feels a squish here, a slorp there as his large hooves make perfect hoofprints in the carpet of blood under him.
Standing by a side gate, Alexi ponders the architecture of the building. It was like most buildings in this area, but this one was inside a walled compound and the back area walled off, which was unusual. Two stories high and sporting frosted glass multi-pane windows all-around the upper level, Alexi continued to examine the grass covered pathway he was on--perhaps he was going to try out for a home decorating, or landscaping job, so intense was his interest in his present surroundings.
Beltrin, eager to let Alexi in from the back of the house, walks through the scene of the crime, right past Bosk as he's trying as carefully as he can to not do what Beltrin was achieving with ease--tracking right through the evidence, if there was any. Reaching the back of the room, there is a similar frost glass multi-paned door before him and after opening it, see's more bodies--about twenty this time, all in the same state as those in the front parlour.
In the second room, there is no sight of Mistress Marta or Twice. There are large double doors to the rear garden and stairs to either side of the large room to the upstairs. There is also a door to the right of the new room that if memory serves, leads to the kitchen.
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