With a glance about at the assembled party - and seeing no signs of any questions forthcoming - the young healer addresses the bereaved father, "I am afraid I have been kept busy in my laboratory of late and so may not have been informed, but it could help to know before we discuss the newer details: has any progress been made in the investigation, have you heard? Are there any suspects?"
Balasar's uncle shakes his head, "Nothing I have heard. Kriv... refuses to take this matter to the city guard," a note of frustration leaks into his voice, "He claims that moving too quickly will give our enemies an advantage, but a week has passed and we're no closer to finding a scrap of evidence. As if they'd be stupid or arrogant enough to remain on the property..."
Small flames jet from the side of his mouth, then he seems to catch his words and shrinks in on himself, "Forgive me, madame. I forgot myself and my disagreements with my brother should not be shared so publicly."
My companions and I arrived just today, in time for a cleric-assisted consultation that has opened an avenue of investigation. Apparently Thaan was waiting to meet with you at the time of his murder; he wanted to discuss strange happenings he had noticed of late. Apparently he had detected inexplicable, peculiar behavior among the servants. Do you have any idea what he might have noticed, or would that have been the first time he raised the topic?
"This is news to me," Soh's eyes widen and a bit of life seems to come back into them, "But all maunthrek (those who speak Draconic recognize this as "human") behavior strikes me as odd. Th-my son, was captain of the guard though. Observation and paranoia were his his constant companions, and he'd have more cause to track the servant's patterns than I would. Perhaps... he confided in one of his lieutenants? I can arrange a meeting after dinner, if you'd like. If the staff are involved, asking any questions directly to them may spook the conspirators."
What Thaan had observed went beyond any oddness inherent in human behavior. He referred to servants being in places they should not be, and speaking words they should not know.
In any event, I think a private meeting after dinner would be an excellent idea. I agree that discretion is important to minimize the risk of spooking the conspirators. Whatever Thaan was on to, the sooner we track it down, the better. I can think of no better way to honor his memory and to avenge his death than to finish what he started and bring to light whatever it is that he found.
"I will make the arrangements. For now, I believe it's time for your friends to meet the rest of the family. Most of the serving staff should be occupied with the preparations, so I cannot think of a better time to reach out to the... interim Captain. Everyone should be gathering in the dining hall as we speak. Make your way there, and I'll join you shortly."
With that, Soh rings a small bell. Within a minute, a slight female servant knocks on the door and offers to escort the party to the dining hall.
Balasar assents and leads the party in following the servant to the dining hall. Along the way, he makes a perception check to see if he can detect any of the behavior Thaan referenced during the party's transit to the dining room.
Evidently, there have been some staffing changes in his absence. Balasar does not recognize this particular servant, and as such finds it difficult to determine if anything is off at a casual glance. Instead of mannerisms, he finds himself observing how she goes about her assigned duty. The servant herself is poised, graceful, and takes pains to ensure that her pace conveys the group speedily to the dining hall without causing them to feel rushed. All in all, she conducts herself as a consummate professional as she walks down the smaller "servant's path" cut into the stairs next to the larger ones built to accommodate Dragonborn traffic.
She leads the group down the stairs, past a great many portraits, tapestries, weapons, and even a strange looking cloak set on the walls (Knowledge History check for anyone who is not Balasar). During the transit, the party only sees one other servant, a male human tending to a yellow rose bush set in a planter pot of strange, but elegant make. Many similar planter pots line the hallways by the windows (As with the decorations, these are known to Balasar, but not to his companions without a knowledge history roll).
Past all of these, the group is lead out into a massive dining hall. The table is still bare, and the whole family has been assembled. Closest to the entrance sits Delmirev Thava, Balasar's mother. On her right hand Karash and Gisi sit close together, saying little but holding each other's hand tightly under the table. On her left sits Balasar's little sister, Pooja; an extraordinarily tall female dragonborn. Toward the end of the table, Rajan holds a private but heated discussion with Balasar's father, Kriv. On seeing them, the Dragonborn partiarch makes a few final comments to Rajan and stands. Following his lead, the rest of the table does likewise.
"I bid you all welcome, and thank you for coming to us in our time of need. I am Kriv, lord of this estate and your glad host. Come and take your place at my table."
Kriv seems to hesitate for a moment while making eye contact with Balasar, then gestures to his left hand side, opposite Rajan's seat.
She leads the group down the stairs, past a great many portraits, tapestries, weapons, and even a strange looking cloak set on the walls (Knowledge History check for anyone who is not Balasar).
Kriv leans in, "It is good to see you, well, and in fine company. I worry that we'll need all the discreet help we can get. You trust these friend of yours?"
"Ah, the monk..." Karash says after peering at you for a moment, "I'm glad to see you again,"
His eyes harden, "Gisi and I have few enough friends and allies here as it is. Now that my uncle has trapped us all, I'll at least be in good company."
Gisi pats him on the shoulder, "It's hardly as bad as all that, dear. I know you feel caged, but I see the wisdom in his decision."
Kriv leans in, "It is good to see you, well, and in fine company. I worry that we'll need all the discreet help we can get. You trust these friend of yours?"
Balasar replies quietly: It is good to see you also. My friends and I have fought side by side in multiple battles; they've never deserted me or let me down, and have given me no cause to question their discretion. They've earned my trust.
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Soh nods, "Aye, ask your questions, and I'll do what I can."
The dragonborn leads the party into his room which, while clean, smells of strong vinegar.
Lisette's nose twitches at the smell of vinegar.
With a glance about at the assembled party - and seeing no signs of any questions forthcoming - the young healer addresses the bereaved father, "I am afraid I have been kept busy in my laboratory of late and so may not have been informed, but it could help to know before we discuss the newer details: has any progress been made in the investigation, have you heard? Are there any suspects?"
Balasar's uncle shakes his head, "Nothing I have heard. Kriv... refuses to take this matter to the city guard," a note of frustration leaks into his voice, "He claims that moving too quickly will give our enemies an advantage, but a week has passed and we're no closer to finding a scrap of evidence. As if they'd be stupid or arrogant enough to remain on the property..."
Small flames jet from the side of his mouth, then he seems to catch his words and shrinks in on himself, "Forgive me, madame. I forgot myself and my disagreements with my brother should not be shared so publicly."
Perception check to ensure that no servants or non-party members are within earshot: 23
As near as Balasar can tell, no one is nearby or listening in.
Gong does the same: Perception 13
As near as Balasar OR GONG can tell, no one is nearby or listening in.
My companions and I arrived just today, in time for a cleric-assisted consultation that has opened an avenue of investigation. Apparently Thaan was waiting to meet with you at the time of his murder; he wanted to discuss strange happenings he had noticed of late. Apparently he had detected inexplicable, peculiar behavior among the servants. Do you have any idea what he might have noticed, or would that have been the first time he raised the topic?
"This is news to me," Soh's eyes widen and a bit of life seems to come back into them, "But all maunthrek (those who speak Draconic recognize this as "human") behavior strikes me as odd. Th-my son, was captain of the guard though. Observation and paranoia were his his constant companions, and he'd have more cause to track the servant's patterns than I would. Perhaps... he confided in one of his lieutenants? I can arrange a meeting after dinner, if you'd like. If the staff are involved, asking any questions directly to them may spook the conspirators."
What Thaan had observed went beyond any oddness inherent in human behavior. He referred to servants being in places they should not be, and speaking words they should not know.
In any event, I think a private meeting after dinner would be an excellent idea. I agree that discretion is important to minimize the risk of spooking the conspirators. Whatever Thaan was on to, the sooner we track it down, the better. I can think of no better way to honor his memory and to avenge his death than to finish what he started and bring to light whatever it is that he found.
"I will make the arrangements. For now, I believe it's time for your friends to meet the rest of the family. Most of the serving staff should be occupied with the preparations, so I cannot think of a better time to reach out to the... interim Captain. Everyone should be gathering in the dining hall as we speak. Make your way there, and I'll join you shortly."
With that, Soh rings a small bell. Within a minute, a slight female servant knocks on the door and offers to escort the party to the dining hall.
Balasar assents and leads the party in following the servant to the dining hall. Along the way, he makes a perception check to see if he can detect any of the behavior Thaan referenced during the party's transit to the dining room.
Perception: 22
Evidently, there have been some staffing changes in his absence. Balasar does not recognize this particular servant, and as such finds it difficult to determine if anything is off at a casual glance. Instead of mannerisms, he finds himself observing how she goes about her assigned duty. The servant herself is poised, graceful, and takes pains to ensure that her pace conveys the group speedily to the dining hall without causing them to feel rushed. All in all, she conducts herself as a consummate professional as she walks down the smaller "servant's path" cut into the stairs next to the larger ones built to accommodate Dragonborn traffic.
She leads the group down the stairs, past a great many portraits, tapestries, weapons, and even a strange looking cloak set on the walls (Knowledge History check for anyone who is not Balasar). During the transit, the party only sees one other servant, a male human tending to a yellow rose bush set in a planter pot of strange, but elegant make. Many similar planter pots line the hallways by the windows (As with the decorations, these are known to Balasar, but not to his companions without a knowledge history roll).
Past all of these, the group is lead out into a massive dining hall. The table is still bare, and the whole family has been assembled. Closest to the entrance sits Delmirev Thava, Balasar's mother. On her right hand Karash and Gisi sit close together, saying little but holding each other's hand tightly under the table. On her left sits Balasar's little sister, Pooja; an extraordinarily tall female dragonborn. Toward the end of the table, Rajan holds a private but heated discussion with Balasar's father, Kriv. On seeing them, the Dragonborn partiarch makes a few final comments to Rajan and stands. Following his lead, the rest of the table does likewise.
"I bid you all welcome, and thank you for coming to us in our time of need. I am Kriv, lord of this estate and your glad host. Come and take your place at my table."
Kriv seems to hesitate for a moment while making eye contact with Balasar, then gestures to his left hand side, opposite Rajan's seat.
Knowledge check for Gong: 9
Insight check: 19
Balasar takes the position that Kriv has indicated.
Gong will take a seat by Karash and Gisi.
Kriv leans in, "It is good to see you, well, and in fine company. I worry that we'll need all the discreet help we can get. You trust these friend of yours?"
"Ah, the monk..." Karash says after peering at you for a moment, "I'm glad to see you again,"
His eyes harden, "Gisi and I have few enough friends and allies here as it is. Now that my uncle has trapped us all, I'll at least be in good company."
Gisi pats him on the shoulder, "It's hardly as bad as all that, dear. I know you feel caged, but I see the wisdom in his decision."
Balasar replies quietly: It is good to see you also. My friends and I have fought side by side in multiple battles; they've never deserted me or let me down, and have given me no cause to question their discretion. They've earned my trust.