It was a clear if cold morning and the streets of the Castle Ward were still awakening. There was movement in the bakeries for at the time many went in search of bread to break their fast. Apothecaries started opening and in the Dock Ward fishers and stackers should be on the move already. A day like any other, really, if not by the summon you received the day before from your guildmaster.
The City Guard, under command of the Lords, requested your presence in Castle Waterdeep. Requested, as if. You knew the true meaning of the words. One does not refuse a call from the Masked Lords. Not if they want to keep their peace.
At the portcullis of the palace you are stopped by soldiers in full plate. Two men clad in polished metal, spears at their hands and swords at their hips. They ask, rather dryly, what business brought there. You answer promptly, giving your name and reason. One of them retread behind the gates, returning shortly after with another man, this one donning the green and yellow tunic of the Watch.
You follow the patrolman across the barracks, a group of austere stone buildings without a thing in the way of decoration. Didn’t take long for your journey to end in a classroom not too distant from the training grounds. There stood a bald half-orc, about six feet tall, with thick brows and gray whiskers. He carried a scar over an eye and had a tired expression. His arms were well guarded, one of them covered by an ashen fur. Under his opened blue gamberson a heavy mail could be spotted.
“Good morning.” He said quietly as you entered. “We’ll start soon.”
He repeated the same words to everyone who arrived. Five in total.
“I am Captain Araumur Ironwood." He started getting behind the professor’s desk. “You have been called here by your serene graces the Lords of Waterdeep to lend your service in the pursue of a criminal.” He then casted his eyes upon every one of the presents, measuring them. “Understand that what you will hear from now on is confidential information and failure in upholding its secrecy will be considered treason against this city.” Meaning that whoever talked too much would be hunted and executed. “Ten days ago Mira Estelmer, a girl of eight years, was found dead in her room. Blood vomited over her bed. The family’s healer found she was missing her entrails. Four days later Eric Hawkwinter, a boy of nine, was found in the same circumstances. Two days ago it was the time of Jacob Gundwynd, five years old. The Blackstaff was called but even her couldn’t find any trace of magic in the bodies, leading us to conclude the culprit has physically inflicted whatever took the kids. They were all of noble birth, so the Lords took it as an indirect attack and decided to deploy eyes from the guilds into searching.” And so, the strongest on the city were certain to be all deployed. “We believe that only the Xanathar or the Zentharim could have access to a substance capable of this kind of damage, so we are putting you on the lookout for any activity from them. Aside from that you can check the Gundwynd boy in the family’s mansion if you want, not that I think it’ll make any difference. We don’t expect you to find the culprit, but if you do you can expect to be rewarded in favor and platinum.”
Ironwood studies the group once again. This time expecting for your questions. It was clear he didn’t expect you to solve the mystery, but he would have one thing less to worry about if you did.
Anyone who wishes to know more details about the children’s families can make a History check. DC 10 to recall information about House Hawkwinter. DC12 to recall information about House Estelmer. DC 15 to recall information about House Gundwynd. You need to roll only once (i.e. if you roll 15 you get information about the three houses, if you roll 12 about Estelmer and Hawkwinter).
Anyone with proficiency in the Medicine skill can make a Medicine check DC 16 to try and remember any substance than could cause the death of the children.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Amadi glanced at the armor the city guard wore. He knew the work having built sets for them after becoming a journeyman blacksmith. It was Captain Araumur Ironwood's armor that better caught his attention. He recognized the work of one of the masters of the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, & Finesmiths. Better than anything he had made. One day his work would be that of a master.
He broke his attention from studying the captain's armor and looked around at the others that had gathered.
In turn you study the man that stands with you.
He is human, broad shouldered and well muscled and looks to be in his late 20's. He is a little over 6 feet in height. The acrid smell of cold cut steel that is blended with the sweet smell of red hot iron tells you he is a blacksmith. Years of work at a forge has darkened his skin. He has dark hair and dark eyes.
He wears plate armor that is dark gray with strange runes on the chest piece. Under a cloak you see a shield hangs on his back but you cannot see any insignia on it as it is covered. At his belt hangs a warhammer, runes etched on its head.
He wears a gray cloak with a single blue star on the left shoulder. This marks him as a full member of the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, & Finesmiths.
"I am Amadi Shadeflame. Master Hallthor Duzmund bid me represent the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, & Finesmiths in this matter. I confess I do not understand my role in this. It would seem to me that the Grey Hands would be a better fit for this investigation. But if the Masked Lords have requested us, so be it. I will give nothing but my best, there is no other way."
He tried to recall what he knew of the families involved.
A hand is raised from someone seated to the side of the room but near the front. “Excusa, I am a Sylvio, a Sylvio Scarpaldi, I am not from a this city, yes? I am a uhm.. not familiar with a the lords of this a city. Dida the lords ask a for us specifically, or dida the guild just asend us on a their own a?”
”I will of course do a my duty for the guilda and help the poor noble a familias of the little children.”
The elf speaks with an Outland accent. It sounds familiar and isn’t too hard to follow but he adds a lot of Ah sounds after words and the i sounds a lot like an e.
He is very slight and thin, with long black hair and dark brown eyes. He wears studded leather armor and over it a cloak that shimmers and the colors shift uneasily if it moves. It seems to be brown like a tree in one light but then it moves and it looks more blue like deep water, and then again it shows a shade of green that looks like brush or foliage. Attached to his cloak is a pin that shows a white crown cut gem, pointed downward, the sigil of the Jeweler’s guild but he doesn’t yet wear the robes or the hat signifying full membership. Hanging from his belt is a scimitar on his left and a short sword sheathed on his right.
He smiles an easy smile and seems to be totally relaxed as he leans back in his chair. Though his eyes are tense as he awaits the answer to his question. As he looks about the room he sees Sunny the Tortle and nods back in recognition and thinks to himself, the guild sent two of us? Why?
A broad-shouldered and stoutly built worker, packed with a strength earned from years of hard labor, stands against the wall. He has piercing blue eyes, but his most eye-catching feature is his slate grey skin, rough and pebbly in spots, that gives away his genie heritage. He wears common clothes that are sweat-stained and covered with dust, mud, clay and gods know what else. His bald head is covered with a leather skull cap decorated with the red and orange feathers marking him a member of the Dungsweeper’s Guild, as if the smell doesn’t already. A simple maul with a weathered and splintered handle that looks like it has seen equal duty splitting skulls or crushing rocks sits on the floor next to him.
“Kids die alone, cold, and hungry in the streets every day without a second thought. A little lordling dies and the city is up in arms”although as he looks around the room, he doubts they are the best the city has to offer. He searches his memory for any knowledge on the family names, some stories make their way around the streets.
History 3
He nods to the others. “They call me Sweeps. My guildmaster loans me out from time to time, but usually the jobs are more ..hands on in nature.”He turns back to the Captain “Still, I can keep a lookout for these two. What should we do if we find them?” He cracks his knuckles, he had run into a few of Xanathar’s thugs in the past.
(edit: Yep, that's about what I expect a dungsweeper to know!)
Sunny is a bright green and blue colored Tortle, her reptilian skin making it difficult to tell what age she is as she appears precisely like an upright tortoise. Old belts and harnesses attach her gear of packs and sheathed weapons, a long bow attached to a side portion of her shell with a quiver of arrows shows signs of many years of use. She wears a deep purple scarf with a triangular, crown-cut white gem, point downward, that shows about breast level and a purple hat with white plumes on her head. The markings of the Jeweler's Guild.
It is said that a Tortle can put their entire body inside their shell in a moment, which looks entirely possible by the size of her brilliantly blue shell. Her underbelly side is a lighter mossy blue green. Her eyes a bright yellow. She stands 5'10 of solid tortoise, not an ounce of excess weight showing anywhere. But by her careful movement, she seems all too aware of the denseness of her body
Sitting obediently beside her is Chewy, a beautiful golden Mastiff (think Hooch/french mastiff) that seems eager to please its master. The beast is armored in Scale adapted to its body
As she stands to the side to hear of the atrocities that have befallen the nobles' children (the classroom seating awkward for her shape) her bright and cheerful demeanor gradually sags to one of deep sadness, even horror. Though hard to read the expressions of a tortle, her withered posture makes her look almost a little deflated. Chewy sensing her change in mood scoots towards her and nuzzles her leg. She pats the beast reassuringly and looks back to the Captain.
Hearing Sweeps frustrated comment regarding the many children that indeed die on the streets daily, she agrees at the unfairness of it all, but the rewards from the nobles may go far in helping future children when she shares it. Never enough though she thinks, its never enough.
Seeing a familiar face in Sylvio she gives a brief nod of greeting.
To the Captain she says, "I will do all that I can to find who is responsible. An injustice to a child is an injustice to us all. I have spent quite a bit of time studying with the elders of my people the arts of the physician and would like to see the boy please as soon as possible following this meeting? And what of the bodies of the other children? It is important to respect the wishes of the families of course, but sometimes a body can say much for the dead in the clues that it holds."
Internally she tries to recall all she can of the families mentioned and of what could have possibly caused the ailments described. history22medicine22
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A slightly-built male human sits at the front of the classroom, listening intently to the briefing from Captain Ironwood. He wears robes of black, grey and white bands under plates of new-looking studded leather armour, under which he shuffles a little awkwardly as if getting used to the sensation.
During the brief he turns to take in his newly-assigned teammates and you see that his appearance is slightly startling. Blond hair frames a pale face which almost glows, but most distinctly of all his irises are a glowing golden colour, unheard of in a human and hinting at a celestial influence.
When the briefing has finished, the slender man, early to mid-twenties, stands and turns to join the group discussion. You notice that his robes carry the large white diamond symbol of the Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians, healers of the city’s rich and noble folk, although he is missing the adornments of a full member – maybe an apprentice?
Rubbing eyes that are welling up with emotion from the graphic descriptions of the victims, the young man speaks in a light voice that is almost melodic: “This is a terrible crime indeed and I pledge I shall not rest until we have secured safety for the children of this city. I assume that my worth will be most seen in the investigation of crime scenes, although I will be honoured to maintain your own wellbeing during our time together. I am Gabriel”
(Skill checks to determine Gabriel’s knowledge, although Sunny seems to have everything covered! Medicine 15 and History 6 )
As you hear Ironwood attentively, Amadi, Gabriel and Sunny, you recognize the surname of the children. House Estelmer is well-known for their investments in the college of New Olamn and work in heraldry, sage-lore and printing. House Hawkwinter is famed as a warrior clan, with a long lineage of soldiers, guardsmen and garrison commanders. Last but not least, House Gundwynd is known for being one of the noble families that controls the trade between Waterdeep and Skullport, as well as for founding and commanding the Black Boar mercenary band. Word in the streets is that they specialize in selling flying mounts, particularly hipogriffs. Sweeps, unfortunately, fail to remember any of this information.
Sunny’s attention turns from the rich families to the description of what happened to the children. You know about poisons and that the most powerful ones can burn through flesh. Things like Midnight Tears, Purple Worm or Wyvern poison, but nothing like that would do damage to an isolated area of the body. You would say this is magic, dark magic, but the Captain said that the Blackstaff herself, the greatest mage in all of the city, didn’t find any trace of the arcane. The only remaining alternative would be a new toxin.
“The Lords have the guilds at large put into action.” Araumur said looking at Slyvio, then turning to Amaldi. “You weren’t specifically called. You aren’t even the only group that will be put at service for this case. Your role is to look around for information concerning the unregistered commerce of substances that may have caused the death of the children.” Meaning the Lords were determined to catch the criminal. Very determined. “The Gundwynds have a villa in the Sea Ward, at the corner of Vondil Street and Mendever Street. If you go there just say you’re with the Watch and investigating what happened with the child. The body should still be there. And you, boy,” He points to Sweeps, “think better on words or you may end not leaving the place alive.”
Notes
Good roll. Gruba lost the medicine for 1, oof. As soon as Araumur called Sweeps "boy" I imagined the half-orc with the voice of Kratos.
@Althax, roll an Investigation check. DC 12.
You can share the information your History checks revealed at your own discretion.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
23 investigation
Sylvio nods and leans back into his chair more as Araumur explains how they were summoned or chosen. A bit of tension seems to leave as he settles back into the chair. “A how dida someone get into the bedroom ofa the children? Nobles a like to locka their doors, no? Wasa there abroken windows or a force ona the doors?”
Amadi shares what he knows of the families involved. "House Hawkwinter is a regular customer of our guild. My guild also builds the custom-designed locks of merchants and nobles. I can examine what the Gundwynd family mansion has for locks. Perhaps a clue will be found there. If physical entry was made I am sure I will be able to tell."
“Those were some of the first things we looked for.” Araumur answered briefily shaking his head. “No broken glass, no forced locks, not even scratches on a door. Not in any of the three properties. We brought the best specialists in the city to check that. In the three cases we talked with the family and vila’s staff, checked everyone’s schedules and there was not even a strange figure around.”
As the Captain spoke he managed to look even more tired, as if he had told the same thing many times before. Maybe to himself, even. But you, Sylvio, notice something more in his words. Earlier Ironwood spoke of the confidentiality of the investigation, but also that teams of members from the guilds would be putting in the field to look into what could only be described as the contraband of some kind of poison. A sudden influx of people making similar questions would practically scream what the City Watch searching. But maybe that was the intention, a way to put a price on the right kind of information without informing the public, without causing apprehension.
“You can ask the Gundwynds to look either way, if you want.” The half-orc said to Amadi, with no confidence that it would make any difference. “But it will be their decision to let you look around or not.”
Sunny speaks up, "This sounds like a new toxin as Midnight Tears, Purple Worm and Wyvern poison are strong toxins but could not do isolated damage such as this. As no arcane source was found. It must be something new. I will make haste to the Villa in The Sea Ward to discover what I can. If I were to make my immediate suspicions known, it seems that it must be something ingested to get that far into the digestive system before having effect. Likely something only children would eat or drink? Is it possible they've all been given a gift or had a visit from someone bearing gifts for the children? It's probably already been considered, but I must bring it up."
“Magic a... arcana... these are a things that I do not a understand. Is it a possible thata some different type of magic exists that a this... blackstaffa does not detect?” And Sylvio looks around the room directing the question to everyone, including Araumur.
Then something additionally occurs to Sunny, "Noone has made any demands or claimed responsibility?" She asks thoughtfully. "What purpose could the killings have?"
Sweeps just looks back at the Captain and shrugs his shoulders. Just because the Captain doesn’t want to hear it doesn’t make it not true. Still, he knows better than to get into an argument with the Watch. He follows the rest of the conversation closely.
“Right then, sounds like we need to make for the Sea Ward. Let you two healing types look around the body for clues” he points to Sunny and Gabriel “and the others take another look around the locks. We could also talk to the staff. Maybe they will share something with us they wouldn't with the Watch. I know a shortcut, can get us there quick. Names don’t ring a bell, but I mucked out plenty of stables in the area. We’ll find them”
Feature: City Secrets
You know the secret patterns and flow to cities and can find passages through the urban sprawl that others would miss. When you are not in combat, you (and companions you lead) can travel between any two locations in the city twice as fast as your speed would normally allow
Turning toward the others “Right then, anything else we need before we go?”
“A Sweeps, let’s-a not be in a such a rush-a. The good-a captain is a very-a busy, so-a let’s ask-a any a questions while we-a can. We may not-a get another chance-a.” And he gestures towards the captain as he speaks.
“Our dear Archamage was the first one to consider the possibility of this being some sort of spellcraft she doesn’t know, but honestly, if this is the case then I doubt someone in this city have any idea of what took those kids.” He says addressing the elf just before turning to the Tortle. “Every piece of food in those houses had Detect Poison and Disease cast in them. Everyone in contact with the children was questioned in a Zone of Truth and we make sure to test if they could lie.” Even someone unfamiliar with magic would know by Ironwood voice tone that it was enough to eliminate any chance of the victims receiving whatever killed them as a gift. At least in the eyes of the Watch. "They received no gift and there was no poison or sickness in any of the villas.”
Sylvio’s word then caught his attention. Was the man being diplomatic or just a flatterer? Either didn’t matter. As long as they played their part to close the case Araumur couldn’t care less about any of them. Not until he had some time to rest.
“If you still have any questions I recommend you that fast. The next group should start arriving soon. Oh, and any new information you manage to gather you should deliver in the palace. Myself or another Captain will make sure to register everything.”
Notes
Don't mind the spoiler. Just a first-time DM rolling a die for... Reasons.
"No physical evidence, no magical evidence, and the best the City of Splendours has to offer have already investigated and found nothing. Can I presume no known connection between the families, no known business dealings together? Are there any known suspicions that these families are involved in illegal activity or is even suggesting such a thing offensive? Why would the Zhentarim or Xanather be suspected unless these were messages to these families for some reason? There is a connection somehow." Amadi says.
“A.... I’m a-sorry, I ask-a many a-questions. Were-a the friends of-a the children questioned in-a this zone-a of truth? Sometimes a-children say things to-a friends that-a they are scared to tell-a an adult, yes?” He pauses and then continues for one last question.
”And-a one-a more question from-a Sylvio... Did-a anyone say that the a-children acted... ehhh strangely in-a the days a-leading up-a to the killings?”
Gabriel listens intently to all the information being discussed and theories being put about. His new colleagues have started to probe some excellent leads; relationships between the families, reasons for Xanathar and the Zhentarim being suspected, likelihood that the poison was planted on a food preferred by children.
The healer has an idea of his own, and voices it cautiously: "House Estelmer - Sage-lore and heraldry; House Hawkwinter - Soldiers and guards; Gundwynd - Mercenaries and, allegedly, flying beasts - could this be an attempt to weaken the city militarily?"
He turns this over in his head, as well as the other theories. It is true that the finest have already tried, but..."I think we need to see this crime scene. I suggest we start with the Gundwynd estate, maybe something got missed"
First-timeDM: Kono Makkiu da.Test subjectsPlayers: GrubaMcD, Jynne, Paladin54, Althax, LAXGunner.Disclaimer: Grim-dark game and yes, it was a JoJo reference.
It was a clear if cold morning and the streets of the Castle Ward were still awakening. There was movement in the bakeries for at the time many went in search of bread to break their fast. Apothecaries started opening and in the Dock Ward fishers and stackers should be on the move already. A day like any other, really, if not by the summon you received the day before from your guildmaster.
The City Guard, under command of the Lords, requested your presence in Castle Waterdeep. Requested, as if. You knew the true meaning of the words. One does not refuse a call from the Masked Lords. Not if they want to keep their peace.
At the portcullis of the palace you are stopped by soldiers in full plate. Two men clad in polished metal, spears at their hands and swords at their hips. They ask, rather dryly, what business brought there. You answer promptly, giving your name and reason. One of them retread behind the gates, returning shortly after with another man, this one donning the green and yellow tunic of the Watch.
You follow the patrolman across the barracks, a group of austere stone buildings without a thing in the way of decoration. Didn’t take long for your journey to end in a classroom not too distant from the training grounds. There stood a bald half-orc, about six feet tall, with thick brows and gray whiskers. He carried a scar over an eye and had a tired expression. His arms were well guarded, one of them covered by an ashen fur. Under his opened blue gamberson a heavy mail could be spotted.
“Good morning.” He said quietly as you entered. “We’ll start soon.”
He repeated the same words to everyone who arrived. Five in total.
“I am Captain Araumur Ironwood." He started getting behind the professor’s desk. “You have been called here by your serene graces the Lords of Waterdeep to lend your service in the pursue of a criminal.” He then casted his eyes upon every one of the presents, measuring them. “Understand that what you will hear from now on is confidential information and failure in upholding its secrecy will be considered treason against this city.” Meaning that whoever talked too much would be hunted and executed. “Ten days ago Mira Estelmer, a girl of eight years, was found dead in her room. Blood vomited over her bed. The family’s healer found she was missing her entrails. Four days later Eric Hawkwinter, a boy of nine, was found in the same circumstances. Two days ago it was the time of Jacob Gundwynd, five years old. The Blackstaff was called but even her couldn’t find any trace of magic in the bodies, leading us to conclude the culprit has physically inflicted whatever took the kids. They were all of noble birth, so the Lords took it as an indirect attack and decided to deploy eyes from the guilds into searching.” And so, the strongest on the city were certain to be all deployed. “We believe that only the Xanathar or the Zentharim could have access to a substance capable of this kind of damage, so we are putting you on the lookout for any activity from them. Aside from that you can check the Gundwynd boy in the family’s mansion if you want, not that I think it’ll make any difference. We don’t expect you to find the culprit, but if you do you can expect to be rewarded in favor and platinum.”
Ironwood studies the group once again. This time expecting for your questions. It was clear he didn’t expect you to solve the mystery, but he would have one thing less to worry about if you did.
Notes
@ Everyone
Make a first post describing your characters. Keep the secrets you feel you must, discuss your next steps if want, maybe interact with Aramur. The stage is yours. By the way, this is our half-orc captain: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/cf/54/5a/cf545a7d8009c829176763b2a42762c9.jpg
Amadi glanced at the armor the city guard wore. He knew the work having built sets for them after becoming a journeyman blacksmith. It was Captain Araumur Ironwood's armor that better caught his attention. He recognized the work of one of the masters of the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, & Finesmiths. Better than anything he had made. One day his work would be that of a master.
He broke his attention from studying the captain's armor and looked around at the others that had gathered.
In turn you study the man that stands with you.
He is human, broad shouldered and well muscled and looks to be in his late 20's. He is a little over 6 feet in height. The acrid smell of cold cut steel that is blended with the sweet smell of red hot iron tells you he is a blacksmith. Years of work at a forge has darkened his skin. He has dark hair and dark eyes.
He wears plate armor that is dark gray with strange runes on the chest piece. Under a cloak you see a shield hangs on his back but you cannot see any insignia on it as it is covered. At his belt hangs a warhammer, runes etched on its head.
He wears a gray cloak with a single blue star on the left shoulder. This marks him as a full member of the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, & Finesmiths.
"I am Amadi Shadeflame. Master Hallthor Duzmund bid me represent the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, & Finesmiths in this matter. I confess I do not understand my role in this. It would seem to me that the Grey Hands would be a better fit for this investigation. But if the Masked Lords have requested us, so be it. I will give nothing but my best, there is no other way."
He tried to recall what he knew of the families involved.
History 16
A hand is raised from someone seated to the side of the room but near the front. “Excusa, I am a Sylvio, a Sylvio Scarpaldi, I am not from a this city, yes? I am a uhm.. not familiar with a the lords of this a city. Dida the lords ask a for us specifically, or dida the guild just asend us on a their own a?”
”I will of course do a my duty for the guilda and help the poor noble a familias of the little children.”
The elf speaks with an Outland accent. It sounds familiar and isn’t too hard to follow but he adds a lot of Ah sounds after words and the i sounds a lot like an e.
He is very slight and thin, with long black hair and dark brown eyes. He wears studded leather armor and over it a cloak that shimmers and the colors shift uneasily if it moves. It seems to be brown like a tree in one light but then it moves and it looks more blue like deep water, and then again it shows a shade of green that looks like brush or foliage. Attached to his cloak is a pin that shows a white crown cut gem, pointed downward, the sigil of the Jeweler’s guild but he doesn’t yet wear the robes or the hat signifying full membership. Hanging from his belt is a scimitar on his left and a short sword sheathed on his right.
He smiles an easy smile and seems to be totally relaxed as he leans back in his chair. Though his eyes are tense as he awaits the answer to his question. As he looks about the room he sees Sunny the Tortle and nods back in recognition and thinks to himself, the guild sent two of us? Why?
Noob
A broad-shouldered and stoutly built worker, packed with a strength earned from years of hard labor, stands against the wall. He has piercing blue eyes, but his most eye-catching feature is his slate grey skin, rough and pebbly in spots, that gives away his genie heritage. He wears common clothes that are sweat-stained and covered with dust, mud, clay and gods know what else. His bald head is covered with a leather skull cap decorated with the red and orange feathers marking him a member of the Dungsweeper’s Guild, as if the smell doesn’t already. A simple maul with a weathered and splintered handle that looks like it has seen equal duty splitting skulls or crushing rocks sits on the floor next to him.
“Kids die alone, cold, and hungry in the streets every day without a second thought. A little lordling dies and the city is up in arms” although as he looks around the room, he doubts they are the best the city has to offer. He searches his memory for any knowledge on the family names, some stories make their way around the streets.
History 3
He nods to the others. “They call me Sweeps. My guildmaster loans me out from time to time, but usually the jobs are more ..hands on in nature.” He turns back to the Captain “Still, I can keep a lookout for these two. What should we do if we find them?” He cracks his knuckles, he had run into a few of Xanathar’s thugs in the past.
(edit: Yep, that's about what I expect a dungsweeper to know!)
Sunny is a bright green and blue colored Tortle, her reptilian skin making it difficult to tell what age she is as she appears precisely like an upright tortoise. Old belts and harnesses attach her gear of packs and sheathed weapons, a long bow attached to a side portion of her shell with a quiver of arrows shows signs of many years of use. She wears a deep purple scarf with a triangular, crown-cut white gem, point downward, that shows about breast level and a purple hat with white plumes on her head. The markings of the Jeweler's Guild.
It is said that a Tortle can put their entire body inside their shell in a moment, which looks entirely possible by the size of her brilliantly blue shell. Her underbelly side is a lighter mossy blue green. Her eyes a bright yellow. She stands 5'10 of solid tortoise, not an ounce of excess weight showing anywhere. But by her careful movement, she seems all too aware of the denseness of her body
Sitting obediently beside her is Chewy, a beautiful golden Mastiff (think Hooch/french mastiff) that seems eager to please its master. The beast is armored in Scale adapted to its body
As she stands to the side to hear of the atrocities that have befallen the nobles' children (the classroom seating awkward for her shape) her bright and cheerful demeanor gradually sags to one of deep sadness, even horror. Though hard to read the expressions of a tortle, her withered posture makes her look almost a little deflated. Chewy sensing her change in mood scoots towards her and nuzzles her leg. She pats the beast reassuringly and looks back to the Captain.
Hearing Sweeps frustrated comment regarding the many children that indeed die on the streets daily, she agrees at the unfairness of it all, but the rewards from the nobles may go far in helping future children when she shares it. Never enough though she thinks, its never enough.
Seeing a familiar face in Sylvio she gives a brief nod of greeting.
To the Captain she says, "I will do all that I can to find who is responsible. An injustice to a child is an injustice to us all. I have spent quite a bit of time studying with the elders of my people the arts of the physician and would like to see the boy please as soon as possible following this meeting? And what of the bodies of the other children? It is important to respect the wishes of the families of course, but sometimes a body can say much for the dead in the clues that it holds."
Internally she tries to recall all she can of the families mentioned and of what could have possibly caused the ailments described. history 22 medicine 22
A slightly-built male human sits at the front of the classroom, listening intently to the briefing from Captain Ironwood. He wears robes of black, grey and white bands under plates of new-looking studded leather armour, under which he shuffles a little awkwardly as if getting used to the sensation.
During the brief he turns to take in his newly-assigned teammates and you see that his appearance is slightly startling. Blond hair frames a pale face which almost glows, but most distinctly of all his irises are a glowing golden colour, unheard of in a human and hinting at a celestial influence.
When the briefing has finished, the slender man, early to mid-twenties, stands and turns to join the group discussion. You notice that his robes carry the large white diamond symbol of the Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians, healers of the city’s rich and noble folk, although he is missing the adornments of a full member – maybe an apprentice?
Rubbing eyes that are welling up with emotion from the graphic descriptions of the victims, the young man speaks in a light voice that is almost melodic: “This is a terrible crime indeed and I pledge I shall not rest until we have secured safety for the children of this city. I assume that my worth will be most seen in the investigation of crime scenes, although I will be honoured to maintain your own wellbeing during our time together. I am Gabriel”
(Skill checks to determine Gabriel’s knowledge, although Sunny seems to have everything covered! Medicine 15 and History 6 )
As you hear Ironwood attentively, Amadi, Gabriel and Sunny, you recognize the surname of the children. House Estelmer is well-known for their investments in the college of New Olamn and work in heraldry, sage-lore and printing. House Hawkwinter is famed as a warrior clan, with a long lineage of soldiers, guardsmen and garrison commanders. Last but not least, House Gundwynd is known for being one of the noble families that controls the trade between Waterdeep and Skullport, as well as for founding and commanding the Black Boar mercenary band. Word in the streets is that they specialize in selling flying mounts, particularly hipogriffs. Sweeps, unfortunately, fail to remember any of this information.
Sunny’s attention turns from the rich families to the description of what happened to the children. You know about poisons and that the most powerful ones can burn through flesh. Things like Midnight Tears, Purple Worm or Wyvern poison, but nothing like that would do damage to an isolated area of the body. You would say this is magic, dark magic, but the Captain said that the Blackstaff herself, the greatest mage in all of the city, didn’t find any trace of the arcane. The only remaining alternative would be a new toxin.
“The Lords have the guilds at large put into action.” Araumur said looking at Slyvio, then turning to Amaldi. “You weren’t specifically called. You aren’t even the only group that will be put at service for this case. Your role is to look around for information concerning the unregistered commerce of substances that may have caused the death of the children.” Meaning the Lords were determined to catch the criminal. Very determined. “The Gundwynds have a villa in the Sea Ward, at the corner of Vondil Street and Mendever Street. If you go there just say you’re with the Watch and investigating what happened with the child. The body should still be there. And you, boy,” He points to Sweeps, “think better on words or you may end not leaving the place alive.”
Notes
Good roll. Gruba lost the medicine for 1, oof. As soon as Araumur called Sweeps "boy" I imagined the half-orc with the voice of Kratos.23 investigation
Sylvio nods and leans back into his chair more as Araumur explains how they were summoned or chosen. A bit of tension seems to leave as he settles back into the chair. “A how dida someone get into the bedroom ofa the children? Nobles a like to locka their doors, no? Wasa there abroken windows or a force ona the doors?”
Noob
Amadi shares what he knows of the families involved. "House Hawkwinter is a regular customer of our guild. My guild also builds the custom-designed locks of merchants and nobles. I can examine what the Gundwynd family mansion has for locks. Perhaps a clue will be found there. If physical entry was made I am sure I will be able to tell."
“Those were some of the first things we looked for.” Araumur answered briefily shaking his head. “No broken glass, no forced locks, not even scratches on a door. Not in any of the three properties. We brought the best specialists in the city to check that. In the three cases we talked with the family and vila’s staff, checked everyone’s schedules and there was not even a strange figure around.”
As the Captain spoke he managed to look even more tired, as if he had told the same thing many times before. Maybe to himself, even. But you, Sylvio, notice something more in his words. Earlier Ironwood spoke of the confidentiality of the investigation, but also that teams of members from the guilds would be putting in the field to look into what could only be described as the contraband of some kind of poison. A sudden influx of people making similar questions would practically scream what the City Watch searching. But maybe that was the intention, a way to put a price on the right kind of information without informing the public, without causing apprehension.
“You can ask the Gundwynds to look either way, if you want.” The half-orc said to Amadi, with no confidence that it would make any difference. “But it will be their decision to let you look around or not.”
Notes
All seems to be fine.
Sunny speaks up, "This sounds like a new toxin as Midnight Tears, Purple Worm and Wyvern poison are strong toxins but could not do isolated damage such as this. As no arcane source was found. It must be something new. I will make haste to the Villa in The Sea Ward to discover what I can. If I were to make my immediate suspicions known, it seems that it must be something ingested to get that far into the digestive system before having effect. Likely something only children would eat or drink? Is it possible they've all been given a gift or had a visit from someone bearing gifts for the children? It's probably already been considered, but I must bring it up."
“Magic a... arcana... these are a things that I do not a understand. Is it a possible thata some different type of magic exists that a this... blackstaffa does not detect?” And Sylvio looks around the room directing the question to everyone, including Araumur.
Noob
Then something additionally occurs to Sunny, "Noone has made any demands or claimed responsibility?" She asks thoughtfully. "What purpose could the killings have?"
Sweeps just looks back at the Captain and shrugs his shoulders. Just because the Captain doesn’t want to hear it doesn’t make it not true. Still, he knows better than to get into an argument with the Watch. He follows the rest of the conversation closely.
“Right then, sounds like we need to make for the Sea Ward. Let you two healing types look around the body for clues” he points to Sunny and Gabriel “and the others take another look around the locks. We could also talk to the staff. Maybe they will share something with us they wouldn't with the Watch. I know a shortcut, can get us there quick. Names don’t ring a bell, but I mucked out plenty of stables in the area. We’ll find them”
You know the secret patterns and flow to cities and can find passages through the urban sprawl that others would miss. When you are not in combat, you (and companions you lead) can travel between any two locations in the city twice as fast as your speed would normally allow
Turning toward the others “Right then, anything else we need before we go?”
“A Sweeps, let’s-a not be in a such a rush-a. The good-a captain is a very-a busy, so-a let’s ask-a any a questions while we-a can. We may not-a get another chance-a.” And he gestures towards the captain as he speaks.
Noob
“Our dear Archamage was the first one to consider the possibility of this being some sort of spellcraft she doesn’t know, but honestly, if this is the case then I doubt someone in this city have any idea of what took those kids.” He says addressing the elf just before turning to the Tortle. “Every piece of food in those houses had Detect Poison and Disease cast in them. Everyone in contact with the children was questioned in a Zone of Truth and we make sure to test if they could lie.” Even someone unfamiliar with magic would know by Ironwood voice tone that it was enough to eliminate any chance of the victims receiving whatever killed them as a gift. At least in the eyes of the Watch. "They received no gift and there was no poison or sickness in any of the villas.”
Sylvio’s word then caught his attention. Was the man being diplomatic or just a flatterer? Either didn’t matter. As long as they played their part to close the case Araumur couldn’t care less about any of them. Not until he had some time to rest.
“If you still have any questions I recommend you that fast. The next group should start arriving soon. Oh, and any new information you manage to gather you should deliver in the palace. Myself or another Captain will make sure to register everything.”
Notes
Don't mind the spoiler. Just a first-time DM rolling a die for... Reasons.
"No physical evidence, no magical evidence, and the best the City of Splendours has to offer have already investigated and found nothing. Can I presume no known connection between the families, no known business dealings together? Are there any known suspicions that these families are involved in illegal activity or is even suggesting such a thing offensive? Why would the Zhentarim or Xanather be suspected unless these were messages to these families for some reason? There is a connection somehow." Amadi says.
“A.... I’m a-sorry, I ask-a many a-questions. Were-a the friends of-a the children questioned in-a this zone-a of truth? Sometimes a-children say things to-a friends that-a they are scared to tell-a an adult, yes?” He pauses and then continues for one last question.
”And-a one-a more question from-a Sylvio... Did-a anyone say that the a-children acted... ehhh strangely in-a the days a-leading up-a to the killings?”
Noob
Gabriel listens intently to all the information being discussed and theories being put about. His new colleagues have started to probe some excellent leads; relationships between the families, reasons for Xanathar and the Zhentarim being suspected, likelihood that the poison was planted on a food preferred by children.
The healer has an idea of his own, and voices it cautiously: "House Estelmer - Sage-lore and heraldry; House Hawkwinter - Soldiers and guards; Gundwynd - Mercenaries and, allegedly, flying beasts - could this be an attempt to weaken the city militarily?"
He turns this over in his head, as well as the other theories. It is true that the finest have already tried, but..."I think we need to see this crime scene. I suggest we start with the Gundwynd estate, maybe something got missed"
Sylvio nods in agreement with Gabriel’s comments. “Yes, Sylvio must-a vista the scene of the crime.”
Noob