As I have already told you, the diary of our ancestor lays out the events and suspicions surrounding Alamnal across generations. These scholars who stand with me can elaborate further if that is what you require. As for the attack upon us perhaps the Duke will have a different opinion on whether it was a forgery or something far more deliberate.
These records cast doubt on the very foundation of your title more strongly than the accusations laid against me. The longer you focus on these charges, meant to distract and discredit me, the more fragile your own legitimacy becomes. If I were to die today, know that the temple of Tyr and the Duke-whom you serve as vassal- have already seen and read these testimonies. Truth has a way of enduring, whether we stand to face it or not.
I ask you not for blind faith, but for reason. Allow these experts access to the crypts there is more to be learned there. If you truly seek the truth, then let it be uncovered
"What can you hope to find in the crypts?" Alamnal asks credulously. Too late he adds, "My lord."
A commotion is heard at the front of the house. There is a crashing of a door open and booted feet can be heard in the foyer. Garrod turns to open the door to investigate and is blows open, into him. He is knocked off balance, catching himself on a nearby chair. You can see the anger boil up in his face until he sees the three Knights of the Purple Dragon enter the room. Behind him is another in Purple Dragon dress, but seems to be other than a Knight. Garrent sees his colleagues enter and bows in the presence of the non-knight.
"Count Ravenshield, by order of the Duke, I am Dimitris Greenlee, Inquisitor of the Purple Knights. I am sent to ascertain certain information about your ancestors and the drow elf, Alamnal. Do you submit to this search?," the now identified non-knight states. Garrent leans in to Hoid, "I sent for backup."
Gammal is taken aback by the sudden entrance of the Knights. "My lord, you are not required to submit. You can protest and...," Alamnal counsels him. He is brushed back by Gammal's raised hand. "That will only delay this search. And anger the Duke," he responds to Alamnal. "You seem particularly unclever this day old friend."
Gammal stands and addresses the Purple Dragons, "Very well. How do you propose to proceed?"
Dimitris nods with a smile, "I am instructed to allow your brother Trolkarl Ravenshield to direct my search. My capabilities of Divination are strong." He turns to Trolkarl, "How do you suggest we start?"
I think any divination regarding the recently found note and its origin may be a prudent start. But again, the experts may have other ideas on approach
Gaius says quietly to Trolkarl, “What about questioning your grandfather’s spirit? The note is a distraction. His treachery involving my grandfather is the central issue.”
The large group of people move down to the crypts of the manor. A nearby stairwell leads to a room below. Through a door and you find a chapel dedicated to several deities of the pantheon. (Tyr is not among them). There is a small area of crypts beyond. There are many statues of ancestors of the Ravenstone family in the niches of the crypts. Ossuaries are kept in the wall behind the statue of each of the ancestors there with their spouse. In the NE corner are a jumble of statues of Hartstone ancestors. Their ossuaries were removed and taken to the new Harthall when the Hartstones were evicted from the manor. One of the niches in the SE corner has been closed off with a masonry wall.
Dimitris then asks, "How are we to investigate here?"
Alamnal interjects, "There is nothing to learn here, Inquisitor. All is a waste of your time."
Gammal seems to be lost in thought, his attention is elsewhere.
Dimitris seemingly ignores Alamnal and waits for direction from The Company.
Kragen speaking to Trolkarl and Gaius as we head to the crypts "I am prepared to confer with your ancestors however Tyr's powers do have limitations. Those that have long passed may not be able to speak, however they are able to use what earthly remains they have to provide clues we can follow.", "If this is the chosen method, steal yourselves and perpare your questions carefully."
"I am also able to ask Tyr to for guidance on a specific action or path, in which he will provide a signal on it's merit." (Augury)
Hoid addresses the inquisitor, “Inquisitor Greenlee, can you explain what investigative powers you posses? That might help my scholarly compatriots make a recommendation how to proceed.”
Hoid addresses the inquisitor, “Inquisitor Greenlee, can you explain what investigative powers you posses? That might help my scholarly compatriots make a recommendation how to proceed.”
"Of course," Dimitris responds to Hoid. "I am able to communicate with the spirit of the deceased individual through a limited series of 5 questions. The spirit has only the knowledge of the deceased prior to their deaths. It is not bound to answer truthfully, either." He looks among the group, "If the deceased views the questioner as hostile to them or their interests in life, little knowledge can be expected to be gained. It is best to have the questioner to be someone the deceased will look favorably upon. I can perform the incantation and another ask the questions." He offers Hoid a smile, then adds, "And this can only be done once. An interval of time must pass that is variable per deceased before additional questions can be asked."
Starker: “Though perhaps not suited to standing in the thick of things during battle. I do have a few useful talents. For instance, I can quote from memory passages, like these from Harlandil’s diary, passages that suggest whom we should question and what we should ask:
”6 months prior to the attempted poisoning of the old Duke - ‘Alamnal has become a valuable customer. He is purchasing nearly all of the excess wine we can produce. He has also become interested in our family's position within Cormyr. This is curious for an outsider. My father is not a fan of him, but does not mind the extra coin flowing into the coffers.’
“Only 2 months after Harlandil’s father displayed discomfort with Almanal he dies: - ‘Father has died today. One of the liegemen was slow with the spear and the boar became the hunter. No priest was on hand. Owlbears followed the scent of blood and not only father, but Commin, Trolcandil and Yerstin (his cousins) all are to be buried. Crandil has thankfully come home from this ill-fated hunt. Now I must lead the house though feel quite unprepared. Fortunately, Alamnal was here on a purchase trip. He has agreed to stay on to help in any way he can.’
“The entry right after the attempted poisoning is interesting: ‘Hartstone has attempted to poison the Duke, Gelingas!It is out of the blue for such a thing. My liegeman Mattin was witness to him dosing the Duke's wine. Hartstone has proclaimed his innocence, but with an eye witness and poison found in the wine his protests fell on deaf ears. He is to be hanged. The Duke has stripped them of earldom and awarded it to me!’
“Finally, shortly before Harlandil’s death: ‘My time draws near. Nimnal and his secrets will take lead of the family when I die. His work in the crypts is complete and now he has a private area to work without being interrupted. My father would certainly not be happy to know his right hand is the key to such secrecy! I would like to see his son Garlin grow to be a man. But, he does not favor me and spends his time elsewhere. Alamnal returns soon. He has counseled not to reveal anything of the poisoning of the Duke to Nimnal. He believes my son may become overly inquisitive and asking questions of those who should be left sleeping.’
”So, a few lines of inquiry suggest themselves:
0)Ask Nimnal what questions he would have asked of whom had he learned of the circumstances of the poisoning.
1) Hearing from Harlandil’s father, who had became cool to Almanal, the actual details of his death and concrrns about Almanal. Note that Almanal was within the licality when the death occurred.
2) Asking Crandil if he can tell us anything if Harlandil’s father’s death and Almanal’s involvement (note Almanal was in the locality).
3) Asking Gaius’ ancestor if he did actually attempt to poison the Duke
4) If Mattin’s corpse can be found a description of not the appearance of the poisoner (for Almanal is recorded as possessing a cap that allows him to appear as and imitate the voice of someone else) but rather the actions/motions themselves.
“But these are merely my memories and musings. I offer them for what they are worth, but defer to Gaius and Trokarl.”
To Inquisitor Greenlee "Tyr has also granted me powers to confer with those deceased, we have several methods amongst us." nods respectfully
To Trolkarl "Master Starkers conclusions and line of questioning seem sound." Cocks his head thinking for a moment. "Your Brother, whom you purportedly murdered, is he buried in the crypts? If so, a direct line of questions to his spirit about his murderer may be the most direct approach?"
"I would also recommend that we discern what hides behind that wall there that has been added. I suspect it may be the area in which Nimnal was conducting his secret activities and what clues lie within?" Points to the SE area of the crypts which has been closed off
"Additionally, i can ask Tyr to provide guidance on our approaches to discern the truth here."
Grammal addresses Kragen’s concern about the masonry wall, “That was required several months ago to shore up a deteriorating ceiling and wall. Alamnal arranged for that work.”
Trolkarl exhales, his shoulders easing slightly as he looks around at the gathered company. Smiling at hearing Starkers insights
Starker, your mind is as sharp as Hoid's blade, and your recollection of these passages is a gift.
Turning to face the crypt of Nimnal, he shifts from a smile to a resolute expression.
This crypt holds more than bones— it holds the answers. My ancestor, Nimnal Ravenshield, was no ordinary scholar. He was a wizard of great skill, who I have heard also sought to commune with the dead. He left behind the vast library of this manor. But in his final days. He had a bitter confrontation with Alamnal—an argument so fierce that soon after, he left for the standing stones to perform a great ritual. He and his men never returned.
If Nimnal had discovered anything of importance before his disappearance, this is our chance to find it. His work was secretive, but now, these questions may bring our generation to the truth. If Gaius is in agreement, then let us proceed as you suggest. We may only have five questions, but now, I feel we are asking the right ones.
Hoid clears his throat, “I beg to differ. That wall is not constructed to shore up the ceiling and wall. If that is what Alamnal told you, he is either ignorant or a liar.”
As I have already told you, the diary of our ancestor lays out the events and suspicions surrounding Alamnal across generations. These scholars who stand with me can elaborate further if that is what you require. As for the attack upon us perhaps the Duke will have a different opinion on whether it was a forgery or something far more deliberate.
These records cast doubt on the very foundation of your title more strongly than the accusations laid against me. The longer you focus on these charges, meant to distract and discredit me, the more fragile your own legitimacy becomes. If I were to die today, know that the temple of Tyr and the Duke-whom you serve as vassal- have already seen and read these testimonies. Truth has a way of enduring, whether we stand to face it or not.
I ask you not for blind faith, but for reason. Allow these experts access to the crypts there is more to be learned there. If you truly seek the truth, then let it be uncovered
"What can you hope to find in the crypts?" Alamnal asks credulously. Too late he adds, "My lord."
A commotion is heard at the front of the house. There is a crashing of a door open and booted feet can be heard in the foyer. Garrod turns to open the door to investigate and is blows open, into him. He is knocked off balance, catching himself on a nearby chair. You can see the anger boil up in his face until he sees the three Knights of the Purple Dragon enter the room. Behind him is another in Purple Dragon dress, but seems to be other than a Knight. Garrent sees his colleagues enter and bows in the presence of the non-knight.
"Count Ravenshield, by order of the Duke, I am Dimitris Greenlee, Inquisitor of the Purple Knights. I am sent to ascertain certain information about your ancestors and the drow elf, Alamnal. Do you submit to this search?," the now identified non-knight states. Garrent leans in to Hoid, "I sent for backup."
Gammal is taken aback by the sudden entrance of the Knights. "My lord, you are not required to submit. You can protest and...," Alamnal counsels him. He is brushed back by Gammal's raised hand. "That will only delay this search. And anger the Duke," he responds to Alamnal. "You seem particularly unclever this day old friend."
Gammal stands and addresses the Purple Dragons, "Very well. How do you propose to proceed?"
Dimitris nods with a smile, "I am instructed to allow your brother Trolkarl Ravenshield to direct my search. My capabilities of Divination are strong." He turns to Trolkarl, "How do you suggest we start?"
I defer to the expertise of my friends on how to best approach this in a dignified and comprehensive manner.
I think any divination regarding the recently found note and its origin may be a prudent start. But again, the experts may have other ideas on approach
Gaius says quietly to Trolkarl, “What about questioning your grandfather’s spirit? The note is a distraction. His treachery involving my grandfather is the central issue.”
Very well. Let’s begin in the crypts to get to the heart of the matter
The large group of people move down to the crypts of the manor. A nearby stairwell leads to a room below. Through a door and you find a chapel dedicated to several deities of the pantheon. (Tyr is not among them). There is a small area of crypts beyond. There are many statues of ancestors of the Ravenstone family in the niches of the crypts. Ossuaries are kept in the wall behind the statue of each of the ancestors there with their spouse. In the NE corner are a jumble of statues of Hartstone ancestors. Their ossuaries were removed and taken to the new Harthall when the Hartstones were evicted from the manor. One of the niches in the SE corner has been closed off with a masonry wall.
Dimitris then asks, "How are we to investigate here?"
Alamnal interjects, "There is nothing to learn here, Inquisitor. All is a waste of your time."
Gammal seems to be lost in thought, his attention is elsewhere.
Dimitris seemingly ignores Alamnal and waits for direction from The Company.
Manor Crypts
Kragen speaking to Trolkarl and Gaius as we head to the crypts "I am prepared to confer with your ancestors however Tyr's powers do have limitations. Those that have long passed may not be able to speak, however they are able to use what earthly remains they have to provide clues we can follow.", "If this is the chosen method, steal yourselves and perpare your questions carefully."
"I am also able to ask Tyr to for guidance on a specific action or path, in which he will provide a signal on it's merit." (Augury)
In response to Garrent, Hoid says, “I had considered your plan. I am glad you acted where I did not.”
Hoid’s best use here is acting as the door man, not investigator, so he will do his best to keep himself between the exit and Alamnal.
Hoid addresses the inquisitor, “Inquisitor Greenlee, can you explain what investigative powers you posses? That might help my scholarly compatriots make a recommendation how to proceed.”
"Of course," Dimitris responds to Hoid. "I am able to communicate with the spirit of the deceased individual through a limited series of 5 questions. The spirit has only the knowledge of the deceased prior to their deaths. It is not bound to answer truthfully, either." He looks among the group, "If the deceased views the questioner as hostile to them or their interests in life, little knowledge can be expected to be gained. It is best to have the questioner to be someone the deceased will look favorably upon. I can perform the incantation and another ask the questions." He offers Hoid a smile, then adds, "And this can only be done once. An interval of time must pass that is variable per deceased before additional questions can be asked."
Starker: “Though perhaps not suited to standing in the thick of things during battle. I do have a few useful talents. For instance, I can quote from memory passages, like these from Harlandil’s diary, passages that suggest whom we should question and what we should ask:
”6 months prior to the attempted poisoning of the old Duke - ‘Alamnal has become a valuable customer. He is purchasing nearly all of the excess wine we can produce. He has also become interested in our family's position within Cormyr. This is curious for an outsider. My father is not a fan of him, but does not mind the extra coin flowing into the coffers.’
“Only 2 months after Harlandil’s father displayed discomfort with Almanal he dies: - ‘Father has died today. One of the liegemen was slow with the spear and the boar became the hunter. No priest was on hand. Owlbears followed the scent of blood and not only father, but Commin, Trolcandil and Yerstin (his cousins) all are to be buried. Crandil has thankfully come home from this ill-fated hunt. Now I must lead the house though feel quite unprepared. Fortunately, Alamnal was here on a purchase trip. He has agreed to stay on to help in any way he can.’
“The entry right after the attempted poisoning is interesting: ‘Hartstone has attempted to poison the Duke, Gelingas! It is out of the blue for such a thing. My liegeman Mattin was witness to him dosing the Duke's wine. Hartstone has proclaimed his innocence, but with an eye witness and poison found in the wine his protests fell on deaf ears. He is to be hanged. The Duke has stripped them of earldom and awarded it to me!’
“Finally, shortly before Harlandil’s death: ‘My time draws near. Nimnal and his secrets will take lead of the family when I die. His work in the crypts is complete and now he has a private area to work without being interrupted. My father would certainly not be happy to know his right hand is the key to such secrecy! I would like to see his son Garlin grow to be a man. But, he does not favor me and spends his time elsewhere. Alamnal returns soon. He has counseled not to reveal anything of the poisoning of the Duke to Nimnal. He believes my son may become overly inquisitive and asking questions of those who should be left sleeping.’
”So, a few lines of inquiry suggest themselves:
0)Ask Nimnal what questions he would have asked of whom had he learned of the circumstances of the poisoning.
1) Hearing from Harlandil’s father, who had became cool to Almanal, the actual details of his death and concrrns about Almanal. Note that Almanal was within the licality when the death occurred.
2) Asking Crandil if he can tell us anything if Harlandil’s father’s death and Almanal’s involvement (note Almanal was in the locality).
3) Asking Gaius’ ancestor if he did actually attempt to poison the Duke
4) If Mattin’s corpse can be found a description of not the appearance of the poisoner (for Almanal is recorded as possessing a cap that allows him to appear as and imitate the voice of someone else) but rather the actions/motions themselves.
“But these are merely my memories and musings. I offer them for what they are worth, but defer to Gaius and Trokarl.”
Starker to Chadwick and Dimitris: “Would the dead be affected by the Zone of Truth?”
The dead are not affected by this.
To Inquisitor Greenlee "Tyr has also granted me powers to confer with those deceased, we have several methods amongst us." nods respectfully
To Trolkarl "Master Starkers conclusions and line of questioning seem sound." Cocks his head thinking for a moment. "Your Brother, whom you purportedly murdered, is he buried in the crypts? If so, a direct line of questions to his spirit about his murderer may be the most direct approach?"
"I would also recommend that we discern what hides behind that wall there that has been added. I suspect it may be the area in which Nimnal was conducting his secret activities and what clues lie within?" Points to the SE area of the crypts which has been closed off
"Additionally, i can ask Tyr to provide guidance on our approaches to discern the truth here."
Grammal addresses Kragen’s concern about the masonry wall, “That was required several months ago to shore up a deteriorating ceiling and wall. Alamnal arranged for that work.”
Alamnal merely nods in agreement.
Trolkarl exhales, his shoulders easing slightly as he looks around at the gathered company. Smiling at hearing Starkers insights
Starker, your mind is as sharp as Hoid's blade, and your recollection of these passages is a gift.
Turning to face the crypt of Nimnal, he shifts from a smile to a resolute expression.
This crypt holds more than bones— it holds the answers. My ancestor, Nimnal Ravenshield, was no ordinary scholar. He was a wizard of great skill, who I have heard also sought to commune with the dead. He left behind the vast library of this manor. But in his final days. He had a bitter confrontation with Alamnal—an argument so fierce that soon after, he left for the standing stones to perform a great ritual. He and his men never returned.
If Nimnal had discovered anything of importance before his disappearance, this is our chance to find it. His work was secretive, but now, these questions may bring our generation to the truth. If Gaius is in agreement, then let us proceed as you suggest. We may only have five questions, but now, I feel we are asking the right ones.
Hoid clears his throat, “I beg to differ. That wall is not constructed to shore up the ceiling and wall. If that is what Alamnal told you, he is either ignorant or a liar.”
Alamnal glares at Hoid as he moves to the rear of the room to clear the way for others to approach the niches in the crypt.
“Brother has the right of it, that is no load bearing wall!!” Scowls at the wall and then at Alamnal