"Well, I'm not sure the Matreous you would know is responsible for this but someone looking like him left in a hurry and tried to be secret about it. We also found Fistandia's necklace in his room. He could be possessed, dominated or corrupted somehow, maybe even by an Intellect Devourer. There could also be some other entity taking his form."Ludolf explains plainly to Bookwyrm, then continuing to read the death report on Davy together with Daventry. "You keep surprising us with your knowledge into so many diverse fields." Ludolf says with a smile as Daventry comments on the missing tongue. "If I had to guess the tongue was simply removed to impede our attempts to get information from Davy in the afterlife. The cause of death makes me think about that magic you mentioned the Man in Black used to kill the raven lady with when you first met him. The tongue would have been removed post mortem I think, maybe it would be less bloody as the heart would have stopped. What du you think?" He says smiling at Daventry again.
Looking at the report Pardot finishes his drink and places his glass back on the table hoping for a refill. He then says, "Quite ghastly really. He died clearly in a great amount of fear. Perhaps because of the fear even...
Daventry nods, though concern crosses her face. "There are two reasons to remove someone's tongue if you're a right bastard. Well, three if we haven't fully discounted the Man in Black scares people to death to eat their tongues. Either someone's spoken blasphemy but not warranted death, so you cut it and leave 'em alive as a message to all they come across... or you send an equal message in death that snitches are silenced." She sighs. "Since he's dead and, honestly, no one should expect our group to be able to sniff out a spirit remnant... myself included until a halfhour ago... I'd expect the latter... I'd imagine someone casting magic to actually speak with the dead wouldn't be stopped, though that kind of spell isn't really my thing."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I was wondering about that Daventry. I would love to hear the story of how you managed that, someday when we have more time," Triäsa says. She tries to recall any creatures or particular sorts of spells that would leave the victim with their tongue cut out. Especially bloodlessly. (Not sure what skill to apply - maybe Nature for creatures and Arcana for spells? Added advantage, but can use 1st roll if advantage doesn't apply. Nature: 20, Arcana: 23)
You are not aware of any spell that would have that specific affect on tongue. Similarly you are not aware of creatures with that particular....fetish?
You suspect Ludolf and Daventry are correct in their assumptons. If the tongue was removed after heart stopped, the bleeding would be minimal though not gone and it would foil most attempts to communicate with the dead.
"Now is there anything else I can help you all with? I do have alot of work to attend to though if I can assist in your investigation further please just ask."The dragonborn seems anxious to get back to his tasks but is making a clear effort to not be rude. It appears to Pardot he holds a bit of respect for all of you all is trying hard to meet your needs.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I just have a last question. It seems that Davy's ghost seemed to react poorly to your name when questioned." Triäsa looks over at Daventry and Pardot for confirmation. "It doesn't seem like you had much contact with him to warrant such a reaction. Do you have any idea what could have caused this?"
She keeps a very close eye on Bookwyrm to see what his reaction is to the question. (Insight: 15)
"If the young man had any sort of animosity toward me I couldn't even begin to hazard a guess as to why, as I said I barely talked to the boy." Bookwyrm seems a bit dismissive of the question. Triäsa isn't sure if he is avoiding it or finds it silly and not worth much thought. Ludolf and Pardot have no reason to doubt he is being truthful.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"I fear then venerable Bookwyrm that some evil being might have assumed your appearance when dealing with Davy, maybe even whatever killed him. We will intrude on you no more now First Reader, but know that our plan is to solve Candlekeep's supply problem and then to continue to Waterdeep to try to pick up the trail of our book thief."Ludolf says calmly, then ready to start looking into the name of Maria Yellowcrest.
Daventry nods at Ludolf's final comments, and bids her own farewell to Bookwyrm.
She will set off to gather research on the village of Gripli. Namely, nautical maps, land maps, recent history, and maybe if there is anything interesting in the more distant history of the island.
Investigation: 17
She'll also set out to pack for a sea voyage and get her duelist outfit ready, being far more appropriate for working on a ship then her fun armored dress.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ludolf would, as announced earlier, take a brisk walk around the Court of Air, spend some time in the bath house and then try to further research the name of Yellowcrest. History: 16 Lucky reroll: 24
"Thank you for your time Bookwyrm. As always, we appreciate your help." Triäsa heads out with the others. Once outside she says, "Perhaps I should give Matreous' chambers another look. Maybe there are more clues as to where he went. Or more insight into what he might be up to."
Pardot drinks his second glass of whiskey, and then looks to the others, saying, "I will join as well. Tomorrow I'll be busy with the farms, but until then I should see what I can to help put poor Davy to rest... And hopefully there is a mistake and Matreous had nothing to do with it."
"Sure, we can all go," Triäsa says. "More eyes, more chances to note something. I would like to take a look at what he was researching. Maybe find what he was doing right before." She pauses a moment. "There are records on what books he might have recently obtained from the library, is there not? Or as an Avowed can he just grab books for himself with nobody else knowing?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Good question, let's look into that on our way, ask one of the avowed about those procedures." Ludolf says with a nod, following along to Matreous quarters.
(Hope all you States side had a nice holiday. Lots of traveling on my end but back to "work" now!)
Fistandia pipes up at your questions, "The Avowed have full access to the general collection. They can check out books at will but there is a system to record who takes what just to make sure everyone knows who has what. Standard library science!" She then seems to think for a bit. "That being said it can be a little difficult to figure out who has what books. There is no central book keeping system, the library is just too large. Each 'sub-library' keeps their own records."
Walking through the Court of Air talking as you go you make your way back to the Inner Ward and back to Exaltation. It takes a while but asking around you are eventually directed through the halls to an upper level where you find Matreous's home. This floor is a bit different than the others. The doors are large, heavy oak and spaced out a much greater distance than other floors. A deep red carpet lines the floors and the hallway is lit by a comforting but dim magical candlelight. There is an feeling of prestige and elegance that was lacking on the other floors. Clearly this floor is home to more senior Avowed.
The door to Matreous' home is locked. Naturally you knock but you receive no answer.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"Well, it seems that tracking down books Matreous took might be difficult. We will just have to see if we find something when we investigate his rooms," Triäsa says. She follows with the others until they locate the door to his home.
Examining the locked door, she suggests, "As part of an official Candlekeep investigation, I am certain it would be acceptable to break inside." She pauses a moment. "Unfortunately, that is not a skill I have ever learned. Although perhaps I should one of these days."
"Well, I'm not sure the Matreous you would know is responsible for this but someone looking like him left in a hurry and tried to be secret about it. We also found Fistandia's necklace in his room. He could be possessed, dominated or corrupted somehow, maybe even by an Intellect Devourer. There could also be some other entity taking his form." Ludolf explains plainly to Bookwyrm, then continuing to read the death report on Davy together with Daventry. "You keep surprising us with your knowledge into so many diverse fields." Ludolf says with a smile as Daventry comments on the missing tongue. "If I had to guess the tongue was simply removed to impede our attempts to get information from Davy in the afterlife. The cause of death makes me think about that magic you mentioned the Man in Black used to kill the raven lady with when you first met him. The tongue would have been removed post mortem I think, maybe it would be less bloody as the heart would have stopped. What du you think?" He says smiling at Daventry again.
Looking at the report Pardot finishes his drink and places his glass back on the table hoping for a refill. He then says, "Quite ghastly really. He died clearly in a great amount of fear. Perhaps because of the fear even...
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Daventry nods, though concern crosses her face. "There are two reasons to remove someone's tongue if you're a right bastard. Well, three if we haven't fully discounted the Man in Black scares people to death to eat their tongues. Either someone's spoken blasphemy but not warranted death, so you cut it and leave 'em alive as a message to all they come across... or you send an equal message in death that snitches are silenced." She sighs. "Since he's dead and, honestly, no one should expect our group to be able to sniff out a spirit remnant... myself included until a halfhour ago... I'd expect the latter... I'd imagine someone casting magic to actually speak with the dead wouldn't be stopped, though that kind of spell isn't really my thing."
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
"I was wondering about that Daventry. I would love to hear the story of how you managed that, someday when we have more time," Triäsa says. She tries to recall any creatures or particular sorts of spells that would leave the victim with their tongue cut out. Especially bloodlessly. (Not sure what skill to apply - maybe Nature for creatures and Arcana for spells? Added advantage, but can use 1st roll if advantage doesn't apply. Nature: 20, Arcana: 23)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
You are not aware of any spell that would have that specific affect on tongue. Similarly you are not aware of creatures with that particular....fetish?
You suspect Ludolf and Daventry are correct in their assumptons. If the tongue was removed after heart stopped, the bleeding would be minimal though not gone and it would foil most attempts to communicate with the dead.
"Now is there anything else I can help you all with? I do have alot of work to attend to though if I can assist in your investigation further please just ask." The dragonborn seems anxious to get back to his tasks but is making a clear effort to not be rude. It appears to Pardot he holds a bit of respect for all of you all is trying hard to meet your needs.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"I just have a last question. It seems that Davy's ghost seemed to react poorly to your name when questioned." Triäsa looks over at Daventry and Pardot for confirmation. "It doesn't seem like you had much contact with him to warrant such a reaction. Do you have any idea what could have caused this?"
She keeps a very close eye on Bookwyrm to see what his reaction is to the question. (Insight: 15)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Ludolf nods in agreement with Triäsa's question, smiling politely but studying the dragonborn intently for his reaction.
Insight: 18
"If the young man had any sort of animosity toward me I couldn't even begin to hazard a guess as to why, as I said I barely talked to the boy." Bookwyrm seems a bit dismissive of the question. Triäsa isn't sure if he is avoiding it or finds it silly and not worth much thought. Ludolf and Pardot have no reason to doubt he is being truthful.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"I fear then venerable Bookwyrm that some evil being might have assumed your appearance when dealing with Davy, maybe even whatever killed him. We will intrude on you no more now First Reader, but know that our plan is to solve Candlekeep's supply problem and then to continue to Waterdeep to try to pick up the trail of our book thief." Ludolf says calmly, then ready to start looking into the name of Maria Yellowcrest.
Daventry nods at Ludolf's final comments, and bids her own farewell to Bookwyrm.
She will set off to gather research on the village of Gripli. Namely, nautical maps, land maps, recent history, and maybe if there is anything interesting in the more distant history of the island.
Investigation: 17
She'll also set out to pack for a sea voyage and get her duelist outfit ready, being far more appropriate for working on a ship then her fun armored dress.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ludolf would, as announced earlier, take a brisk walk around the Court of Air, spend some time in the bath house and then try to further research the name of Yellowcrest.
History: 16 Lucky reroll: 24
"Thank you for your time Bookwyrm. As always, we appreciate your help." Triäsa heads out with the others. Once outside she says, "Perhaps I should give Matreous' chambers another look. Maybe there are more clues as to where he went. Or more insight into what he might be up to."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Good idea, do you want me to come with you Triäsa?" Ludolf says as they are about to part ways.
Pardot drinks his second glass of whiskey, and then looks to the others, saying, "I will join as well. Tomorrow I'll be busy with the farms, but until then I should see what I can to help put poor Davy to rest... And hopefully there is a mistake and Matreous had nothing to do with it."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Sure, we can all go," Triäsa says. "More eyes, more chances to note something. I would like to take a look at what he was researching. Maybe find what he was doing right before." She pauses a moment. "There are records on what books he might have recently obtained from the library, is there not? Or as an Avowed can he just grab books for himself with nobody else knowing?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Good question, let's look into that on our way, ask one of the avowed about those procedures." Ludolf says with a nod, following along to Matreous quarters.
Perception to find someone to ask: 15
(Hope all you States side had a nice holiday. Lots of traveling on my end but back to "work" now!)
Fistandia pipes up at your questions, "The Avowed have full access to the general collection. They can check out books at will but there is a system to record who takes what just to make sure everyone knows who has what. Standard library science!" She then seems to think for a bit. "That being said it can be a little difficult to figure out who has what books. There is no central book keeping system, the library is just too large. Each 'sub-library' keeps their own records."
Walking through the Court of Air talking as you go you make your way back to the Inner Ward and back to Exaltation. It takes a while but asking around you are eventually directed through the halls to an upper level where you find Matreous's home. This floor is a bit different than the others. The doors are large, heavy oak and spaced out a much greater distance than other floors. A deep red carpet lines the floors and the hallway is lit by a comforting but dim magical candlelight. There is an feeling of prestige and elegance that was lacking on the other floors. Clearly this floor is home to more senior Avowed.
The door to Matreous' home is locked. Naturally you knock but you receive no answer.
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
"Well, it seems that tracking down books Matreous took might be difficult. We will just have to see if we find something when we investigate his rooms," Triäsa says. She follows with the others until they locate the door to his home.
Examining the locked door, she suggests, "As part of an official Candlekeep investigation, I am certain it would be acceptable to break inside." She pauses a moment. "Unfortunately, that is not a skill I have ever learned. Although perhaps I should one of these days."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Daventry nods, and takes out her tools. "A more noble need for a less noble tool. We have to know what he's been into."
Thieves' Tools (w/ guidance): 18+1
Perception (traps?): 9
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Ludolf simply nods, waiting as Daventry uses her less noble but perfectly justified tools to get them inside Matreous quarters.