(No roll required, and I'm gonna say that Zanibi and Truador notice this as well: the last two-ish pages of the diary, after the last entry, have been cut out of the notebook.
"Well... she said she felt real guilty about their deaths. Stressed, too. She mentioned having talked to one of the suspects beforehand as she was working, and thought that somehow she was the reason they were found out in the first place." Valrel coughs again, clearing his throat for a few seconds after. "I remember feeling real sorry for her. It's a sad life to live, if you believe you're responsible for the death of your parents. We looked into it, but it didn't lead anywhere, thank goodness. We didn't talk much during the investigation after that."
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
"I see, well thank you for your help Mr. Rondro, you have been very helpful to our investigation."Inquisitive said politely, looking at Amy and Marvin beside him to see if any of them had more questions.
"Shit." is the only word that comes out of his mouth as he pauses on his way to about to leave. Nyral then points out the cut out pages to his companions. "Someone cut out the pages I was looking for. I think this is pretty solid evidence in itself. I was expecting to find information about that finger, the family connection and more. I highly doubt Calda took the time to carefully cut them out. At most, she might tear them out in anger right? I guess she could be trying to hide something herself. My money is on someone broke in and stole it but also tried to hide it. If I wasn't specifically looking for information regarding her thoughts on the music box it would of easily been missed. Lets check the waste baskets to see if there's any crumpled up pieces of paper just in case. She was sick when she broke the music box. She wasn't leaving the house so if she tossed it it'll be there if its not... I think we can confirm the killer is tied to some past event tied to the finger and something her parents were involved in." Nyral then heads to use mage hand to check the waste baskets in the bedroom for what he seeks.
You don't find the paper in any of the wastebaskets. A lot of tissue, and some crumpled up and discarded sketches, but none of the paper material in the trash pails matches that of the notebook.
Group 2: Inquisitive, Amy, Marvin
"Of course. Such a shame she died, she was a wonderful soul. Can I ask how did it happened?"
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
"You can, but there isn't much we can say at this moment I'm afraid other than that she seems to have died in her sleep due to blood loss and failure of body functions. We are quite certain someone have done something to her though, possibly someone holding a grudge over something, like holding her responsible for the deaths of her parents, but we are far from sure on this."Inquistive answers, waiting to see if Amy and Marvin beside him to see if any of them had more questions.
"I see." Valrel goes quiet on the other side of the line for some seconds. "I have to go, I'm sorry. Listen, if you need anything at all, I'd be glad to drive over and help. I hope the investigation goes well."
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Not getting any reactions from his associates Inquistive put the phone to his ear. "Thank you Mr. Rondro for your offer and your time, we may get back to you later." He said in a polite tone and hung up the phone. "Back to the Lazy Peacock then."The tiefling said to Marvin and Amy, starting to make his way back to their inn.
(ooc: Nope, even later. Think Ford Taunus G93As, and older, worn-down sedans. Depends on where you look. I'm imagining the setting is like pre-war 1940's in America, so combustion engines exist. Though trains are the more common form of transportation, some small towns like Esperal don't have railroads traveling through.)
Your two respective groups rendezvous at the Lazy Peacock at around mid-day. The sky has turned a refreshing shade of grey. A few farm dogs wander around the main street, but there aren't very many living things otherwise. The carnival at the end of the road is in full swing despite the clouds threatening rain overhead. The inn itself is much the same, there aren't very many sitting at the bar. Whether or not y'all choose to continue up to Nyral's room, Maggie is glad to let you know that the requested chalkboard is up in the room already.
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
When they travel back, Truador will stop on the street and approach the farm dogs. He will bend down to scratch them, and will start muttering to them.
DM:
Hello my friends, tell me, have you seen any suspicious people around here? Specifically a woman? A lot of good people have been killed, likely by magic. Do you know anything?
Once back at the Lazy Peacock Inquistive ordered a meal up to Nyral's luxurious room. As everyone had settled in the tiefling started to pace the room while reporting on the findings of his group. "We talked to a Sergeant Yul at the EPD and I can start by saying we will likely find both Calda's roommate Nym and Thaymoor's wife Tare here at the Inn, I suggest we speak to them both before continuing to the Carnival. Tare is apparently Esperals town librarian and could be able to also help us out if we will have any questions about the war." He started, stopping briefly by the window to look at the Carnival in the distance before continuing. "I put on the table for you to read an investigation report (post #333) a statement from a Cat Mossgrove who is some kind of manager at the Carnival (post # 349)and finally that box which holds Thaymoor's pillow. Apparently it was the EPD who took it. Perhaps Nyral and Zanibi will have a closer look to see if you can find traces of the Coachmare spell."
"We also talked to Thaymoor's therapist Andaren Rogers who a bit reluctably confirmed that Thaymoor had nightmares as a result from PTSD after surviving the war, the worst part being separated from his parents. Thaymoor and his wife apparently met up with another visiting couple recently, we should ask her about them. We also talked to Valrel Rondro, the investigator that handled the case of Elibyn's parents being murdered some 6 or 7 years ago. She was working at the time but had a terrible guilt over possibly helping the killer finding her parents."The tiefling stopped briefly again and looked over the others to make sure they were still listening. "I admit this is not much new, mostly confirmation of what we alredy suspected. I'm starting to doubt that there is one incident that ties the deaths together but nightmares over things being at least related to the war seems like a recurring theme."
Inquisitive looked to Amy and Marvin to see if they would like to add anything before finding a seat in a comfortable couch. "So, what can you tell us from the visit of Calda Tengrove's apartment?"He said, lookin at Zanibi, Nyral and Truador.
Checking to make sure they have gathered up all the clues they found Nyral will leave with his two companions and head out. On their way back to the Lazy Peacock Nyral seems a bit contemplative and quiet on the way. He looks towards the carnival as they pass it but otherwise seems focused on proceeding. He smiles at Truador as they pet them. The drow politely waiting then continuing on with the big dragonman. "You like dogs then? Probably no surprise, but I am a cat person myself. You have any pets growing up?"
When they get back into the tavern Nyral goes over to the bar to approach Maggie. He smiles at the news of the chalkboard and thanks her politely, "Thank you Maggie. I appreciate the help. I imagine business has been quite different with the carnival in town. How have you and Alisa been holding up since they showed in town?" After a bit more of polite banter with Maggie he will head to his room to setup for everyone showing up. Unsurprised to find the luxury room clean and with a nice chalkboard off to the side. Nyral moves the board just in time for others to show up. He sits and listens to Inquisitive give an explanation of what they have discovered and reads the investigation report and statement from Cat Mossgrove. Nyral also accesses his natural ability to see the flow of magic and looks at the pillow to see if the same familiar magical trace is there too. The entire time letting the detective do his thing. Once he ends his recap of their discovery Nyral looks to his two companions and shrugs as he gets up to present their own findings.
"First off, we already talked with Nym who we ran into at the apartment picking up his mail I think. He let us into the apartment where Calda died and answered a lot of questions for us. We also found a severed finger. that didn't belong to Calda or Nym." he pauses for dramatic effect but continues "Anyway, we found some key information I think. The finger was apparently inside a family heirloom. Before you ask, according to Nym she was but a baby or toddler when she left the country and her parents were supposedly from a neutral country that wasn't involved in the war. However, I'm not sure that is accurate. I think this whole thing is undoubtedly tied to their parents somehow. It's possible, and I'd say highly likely, her parents were hiding something from her. I say this because we managed to establish a timeline of when things happened. It was a few days before she died that she threw the music box. She has a lot of journals and diaries that she has been using for quite some time. We were unable to find entries in her journal about her thoughts on it. Looking closely we saw the last few pages of entries were carefully cut out. We did establish a couchmare spell on her pillow as well as nightmares, hallucinations and such before getting sick and then dying. We should try to keep an eye out for people suffering similar effects."
Three dogs whip their heads around to you, ears perked up, as you approach them and speak: A cream Great Pyrenees, a mottled Cattle Dog with a coat in various shades of grey, and a particularly angry-looking black Dachshund with tan feet. "Who is this guy? I don't---" the Dachshund growls, only to be rapidly interrupted by the Great Pyrenees. "Heeyy, Boots, just 'cause he can't understand us, doesn't mean we can be rude. Maybe he's the family of one of those people. Just try to show a little bit of respect." Boots only grumbles in response, and the Cattle Dog looks up to you with a smile. "Seems like a nice guy. Maybe him or that woman he's talking about are here to see the carnival. Oh, we should see if they've got some of those turkey legs there, you know the ones, that we can snag a bite of. I'm hungry."
"Well, Nyral, I'm holding up just fine. Alisa too, though she just started another book. Seems an interesting one, apparently, she won't get her nose outta it. Thanks for asking!" The half-orc nods in Inquisitive's direction with a smile, adding, "Of course, I'll bring that lunch right up."
Nyral:
You don't see anything off. You can tell she's being genuine and not holding anything back, which is normal for Maggie. When she mentions her sister's new reading habits, she seems a little concerned, but something tells you it's not in a way that should concern you.
If you were any more in a rush, you would've missed the small folded piece of paper Maggie slid in your direction. You didn't notice her move at all, but it's clear she left it for you. Before you open it you can tell what it's going to say: "Meet at 13. Come down and catch my attention when ready. No rush."
The decedent is a 56-year-old male found deceased in his bedroom by his wife.
Description of Incident:
On 05/35/3325 at 2217 hours, the undersigned received a call from EPD Officer Heightenhower. Officer Heightenhower was calling to report the death of Thaymoor Shadowdancer, T/M, DOB: 01/03/3269 at the Shadowdancer home, 7203 Rye St. Per Officer Heightenhower, the decedent's wife Tare Onshaneo-Shadowdancer C/N, DOB: 05/34/3268 was taking care of the extremely ill decedent for approx. 3 days. Officer Heightenhower had little details regarding circumstances or last seen time alive. The decedent was living with his wife, in their home (address stated above). Next-of-kin and medical history were unknown at the time of the initial call.
The undersigned informed Officer Heightenhower that Investigator Yul would be responding to the scene and the decedent would be transferred to PCH for an autopsy on 06/01/3325.
Investigator Yul reported that the Esperal Police Department is investigating the possibility that Thaymoor Shadowdancer was poisoned. Nothing has been confirmed at this time and the investigation is still ongoing.
Post #349:
The statement:
"I was doing the stage lay with my crew, because it was opening night. We always do it on opening night; it's almost like a good-luck ritual before we perform. Anyways, in the middle of the stage-lay one of the sound guys said he had to leave. Which never happens, no one leaves a stage lay, but he did. He was saying that he was feeling sick and seeing things. Hallucinations. I mean, he threw up and said he was fine afterwards, and we went on to have a great opening night, but he's been shaken up ever since."
It was taken three days ago, and there is a name at the bottom of the page: "Cat Mossgrove."
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Truador smiles at the dogs, the others can see him pull out three pieces of jerky and give one to each of the dogs.
“I can understand you my friends. Your hungry? Here.”
Truador’s frowns at Nyral, “Pets? No, I do not consider them anything less than family. I had many pack mates when I was younger. Most of them were of canine blood.”
Once they get to Nyral’s room, Truador will hold out the finger and say, “I found this.”
The Cattle Dog's first reaction isn't to your first comment, but to the jerky. "Ooh, food." While he immediately comes up to you, tail wagging, to eat the jerky you offer them, the other two are a little preoccupied with what you said. Boots is busy on the floor, saying things like, "You? Sure. Suurree," between bouts of barking laughter. "I've met my fair share of crazy and stupid people and children claiming to 'speak dog,' but normally I can tell who they are." Once again the Pyrenees tries to get Boots to calm down, shooting her a glare and baring his teeth a little. "What'd I just say? Be nice." He looks up at you, then to the jerky, then back at you. It hits him that you're being serious, and he leans forward a little. "You can actually understand us?" "Don’t be an idiot, Apollo---" "Shush." He sighs. "How can you understand us? You're one of those dragonborn people, by the looks of it."
Description of the finger:
Sinewy and grey, the finger has a plain gold band on the base, and the knuckles are so swollen it looks like can't be removed. It looks like a year to a few years old, and it's short and stubby. Humanoid.
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Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin'sFrom Dusk to Dawn Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
Zanibi nods in agreement to Nyral's description of what they found out from the exploration of Calda's apartment. "I think that covers most of it. You are right that we should keep our eyes open for anyone suffering similarly. It still would be nice to pin down some common thread amongst all of these."She tries to recall if there were any other significant items. "Hmm, sketches of some shadowy figure. She seemed to have paranoia later on. But that might have just been a response to being tried if she was having nightmares on not sleeping. However, I'm interested in this woman she mentioned in her journal. I do wonder if that one is real."
"Alright everyone, let's get some use of this chalkboard we have now."Inquisitive said, starting off with the victim's names and some short personal information, making sure not to disturb Marvin's important contribution to the investigation. "Please, go on and write the leads you have so far."He says, motioning again to the chalkboard. "So, either we have someone tracking down and killing people for some kind of revenge for sins comitted in the victim's past, the finger for instance might point in that direction, no pun intended. That theory will make it somewhat less likely there are more killings coming as our killer will have a finite list of names. It could still also be someone that is out to torture people with guilt and nightmares in general and in that case we will more likely see new murders so if we find a way to locate people with severe nightmares in Esperal it would be helpful. I would still lean toward the first explanation but if it is the latter, our killer would somehow have found these people. It is even possible they all came to this person for help with their nightmares at some point." He says, pacing the floor, again ending up by the window. "As you already have spoken to Nym I suggest we speak to Thaymoor's wife Tare and then move on to the carnival to talk to Cat Mossgrove after lunch. Thoughts?"
"Yes, I am one of those dragonborn people. There are two reasons I can understand you. One, I have wolf's blood in my vein's, just like you." He pets the dogs. "And two, I have this,"He pulls the pendent out of his shirt, and lets the dogs see it. "So you are Boots, Apollo, and what is your name?" He looks at the Cattle dog.
OOC: I'll let you decide if the others can see the pendant. Truador does have his back to them, but Nyral may see it.
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Group 1: Truador, Nyral, Zanibi
(No roll required, and I'm gonna say that Zanibi and Truador notice this as well: the last two-ish pages of the diary, after the last entry, have been cut out of the notebook.
Where are y'all going after this?)
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Group 2: Inquisitive, Marvin, Amy
"Well... she said she felt real guilty about their deaths. Stressed, too. She mentioned having talked to one of the suspects beforehand as she was working, and thought that somehow she was the reason they were found out in the first place." Valrel coughs again, clearing his throat for a few seconds after. "I remember feeling real sorry for her. It's a sad life to live, if you believe you're responsible for the death of your parents. We looked into it, but it didn't lead anywhere, thank goodness. We didn't talk much during the investigation after that."
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
"I see, well thank you for your help Mr. Rondro, you have been very helpful to our investigation." Inquisitive said politely, looking at Amy and Marvin beside him to see if any of them had more questions.
"Shit." is the only word that comes out of his mouth as he pauses on his way to about to leave. Nyral then points out the cut out pages to his companions. "Someone cut out the pages I was looking for. I think this is pretty solid evidence in itself. I was expecting to find information about that finger, the family connection and more. I highly doubt Calda took the time to carefully cut them out. At most, she might tear them out in anger right? I guess she could be trying to hide something herself. My money is on someone broke in and stole it but also tried to hide it. If I wasn't specifically looking for information regarding her thoughts on the music box it would of easily been missed. Lets check the waste baskets to see if there's any crumpled up pieces of paper just in case. She was sick when she broke the music box. She wasn't leaving the house so if she tossed it it'll be there if its not... I think we can confirm the killer is tied to some past event tied to the finger and something her parents were involved in." Nyral then heads to use mage hand to check the waste baskets in the bedroom for what he seeks.
Investigation: 19
Perception: 14
Group 1: Nyral, Truador, Zanibi
You don't find the paper in any of the wastebaskets. A lot of tissue, and some crumpled up and discarded sketches, but none of the paper material in the trash pails matches that of the notebook.
Group 2: Inquisitive, Amy, Marvin
"Of course. Such a shame she died, she was a wonderful soul. Can I ask how did it happened?"
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
"You can, but there isn't much we can say at this moment I'm afraid other than that she seems to have died in her sleep due to blood loss and failure of body functions. We are quite certain someone have done something to her though, possibly someone holding a grudge over something, like holding her responsible for the deaths of her parents, but we are far from sure on this." Inquistive answers, waiting to see if Amy and Marvin beside him to see if any of them had more questions.
Group 2: Inquisitive, Marvin, Amy
"I see." Valrel goes quiet on the other side of the line for some seconds. "I have to go, I'm sorry. Listen, if you need anything at all, I'd be glad to drive over and help. I hope the investigation goes well."
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Not getting any reactions from his associates Inquistive put the phone to his ear. "Thank you Mr. Rondro for your offer and your time, we may get back to you later." He said in a polite tone and hung up the phone. "Back to the Lazy Peacock then." The tiefling said to Marvin and Amy, starting to make his way back to their inn.
"Shall we make our way back to the tavern then," Truador asks is companions.
"Did he say drive?" Marvin ponders after accidentally saying that out loud. "Right" he points towards the exit "back to the tavern."
(OOC: When he said drive, does he mean like ride on a cart, or does dude have a model t. Do we have proper combustion vehicles in this setting?)
(ooc: Nope, even later. Think Ford Taunus G93As, and older, worn-down sedans. Depends on where you look. I'm imagining the setting is like pre-war 1940's in America, so combustion engines exist. Though trains are the more common form of transportation, some small towns like Esperal don't have railroads traveling through.)
Your two respective groups rendezvous at the Lazy Peacock at around mid-day. The sky has turned a refreshing shade of grey. A few farm dogs wander around the main street, but there aren't very many living things otherwise. The carnival at the end of the road is in full swing despite the clouds threatening rain overhead. The inn itself is much the same, there aren't very many sitting at the bar. Whether or not y'all choose to continue up to Nyral's room, Maggie is glad to let you know that the requested chalkboard is up in the room already.
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
When they travel back, Truador will stop on the street and approach the farm dogs. He will bend down to scratch them, and will start muttering to them.
DM:
Hello my friends, tell me, have you seen any suspicious people around here? Specifically a woman? A lot of good people have been killed, likely by magic. Do you know anything?
Once back at the Lazy Peacock Inquistive ordered a meal up to Nyral's luxurious room. As everyone had settled in the tiefling started to pace the room while reporting on the findings of his group. "We talked to a Sergeant Yul at the EPD and I can start by saying we will likely find both Calda's roommate Nym and Thaymoor's wife Tare here at the Inn, I suggest we speak to them both before continuing to the Carnival. Tare is apparently Esperals town librarian and could be able to also help us out if we will have any questions about the war." He started, stopping briefly by the window to look at the Carnival in the distance before continuing. "I put on the table for you to read an investigation report (post #333) a statement from a Cat Mossgrove who is some kind of manager at the Carnival (post # 349) and finally that box which holds Thaymoor's pillow. Apparently it was the EPD who took it. Perhaps Nyral and Zanibi will have a closer look to see if you can find traces of the Coachmare spell."
"We also talked to Thaymoor's therapist Andaren Rogers who a bit reluctably confirmed that Thaymoor had nightmares as a result from PTSD after surviving the war, the worst part being separated from his parents. Thaymoor and his wife apparently met up with another visiting couple recently, we should ask her about them. We also talked to Valrel Rondro, the investigator that handled the case of Elibyn's parents being murdered some 6 or 7 years ago. She was working at the time but had a terrible guilt over possibly helping the killer finding her parents." The tiefling stopped briefly again and looked over the others to make sure they were still listening. "I admit this is not much new, mostly confirmation of what we alredy suspected. I'm starting to doubt that there is one incident that ties the deaths together but nightmares over things being at least related to the war seems like a recurring theme."
Inquisitive looked to Amy and Marvin to see if they would like to add anything before finding a seat in a comfortable couch. "So, what can you tell us from the visit of Calda Tengrove's apartment?" He said, lookin at Zanibi, Nyral and Truador.
Checking to make sure they have gathered up all the clues they found Nyral will leave with his two companions and head out. On their way back to the Lazy Peacock Nyral seems a bit contemplative and quiet on the way. He looks towards the carnival as they pass it but otherwise seems focused on proceeding. He smiles at Truador as they pet them. The drow politely waiting then continuing on with the big dragonman. "You like dogs then? Probably no surprise, but I am a cat person myself. You have any pets growing up?"
When they get back into the tavern Nyral goes over to the bar to approach Maggie. He smiles at the news of the chalkboard and thanks her politely, "Thank you Maggie. I appreciate the help. I imagine business has been quite different with the carnival in town. How have you and Alisa been holding up since they showed in town?" After a bit more of polite banter with Maggie he will head to his room to setup for everyone showing up. Unsurprised to find the luxury room clean and with a nice chalkboard off to the side. Nyral moves the board just in time for others to show up. He sits and listens to Inquisitive give an explanation of what they have discovered and reads the investigation report and statement from Cat Mossgrove. Nyral also accesses his natural ability to see the flow of magic and looks at the pillow to see if the same familiar magical trace is there too. The entire time letting the detective do his thing. Once he ends his recap of their discovery Nyral looks to his two companions and shrugs as he gets up to present their own findings.
"First off, we already talked with Nym who we ran into at the apartment picking up his mail I think. He let us into the apartment where Calda died and answered a lot of questions for us. We also found a severed finger. that didn't belong to Calda or Nym." he pauses for dramatic effect but continues "Anyway, we found some key information I think. The finger was apparently inside a family heirloom. Before you ask, according to Nym she was but a baby or toddler when she left the country and her parents were supposedly from a neutral country that wasn't involved in the war. However, I'm not sure that is accurate. I think this whole thing is undoubtedly tied to their parents somehow. It's possible, and I'd say highly likely, her parents were hiding something from her. I say this because we managed to establish a timeline of when things happened. It was a few days before she died that she threw the music box. She has a lot of journals and diaries that she has been using for quite some time. We were unable to find entries in her journal about her thoughts on it. Looking closely we saw the last few pages of entries were carefully cut out. We did establish a couchmare spell on her pillow as well as nightmares, hallucinations and such before getting sick and then dying. We should try to keep an eye out for people suffering similar effects."
Truador:
Three dogs whip their heads around to you, ears perked up, as you approach them and speak: A cream Great Pyrenees, a mottled Cattle Dog with a coat in various shades of grey, and a particularly angry-looking black Dachshund with tan feet. "Who is this guy? I don't---" the Dachshund growls, only to be rapidly interrupted by the Great Pyrenees. "Heeyy, Boots, just 'cause he can't understand us, doesn't mean we can be rude. Maybe he's the family of one of those people. Just try to show a little bit of respect." Boots only grumbles in response, and the Cattle Dog looks up to you with a smile. "Seems like a nice guy. Maybe him or that woman he's talking about are here to see the carnival. Oh, we should see if they've got some of those turkey legs there, you know the ones, that we can snag a bite of. I'm hungry."
"Well, Nyral, I'm holding up just fine. Alisa too, though she just started another book. Seems an interesting one, apparently, she won't get her nose outta it. Thanks for asking!" The half-orc nods in Inquisitive's direction with a smile, adding, "Of course, I'll bring that lunch right up."
Nyral:
You don't see anything off. You can tell she's being genuine and not holding anything back, which is normal for Maggie. When she mentions her sister's new reading habits, she seems a little concerned, but something tells you it's not in a way that should concern you.
If you were any more in a rush, you would've missed the small folded piece of paper Maggie slid in your direction. You didn't notice her move at all, but it's clear she left it for you. Before you open it you can tell what it's going to say: "Meet at 13. Come down and catch my attention when ready. No rush."
Post #333:
Case Number: 13-7935
Investigator: Yul
Date of Death (mm/dd/yyyy): 05/35/3325
Today's Date (mm/dd/yyyy): 06/03/3325
Investigation Report
Decedent: Thaymoor Shadowdancer
Synopsis:
The decedent is a 56-year-old male found deceased in his bedroom by his wife.
Description of Incident:
On 05/35/3325 at 2217 hours, the undersigned received a call from EPD Officer Heightenhower. Officer Heightenhower was calling to report the death of Thaymoor Shadowdancer, T/M, DOB: 01/03/3269 at the Shadowdancer home, 7203 Rye St. Per Officer Heightenhower, the decedent's wife Tare Onshaneo-Shadowdancer C/N, DOB: 05/34/3268 was taking care of the extremely ill decedent for approx. 3 days. Officer Heightenhower had little details regarding circumstances or last seen time alive. The decedent was living with his wife, in their home (address stated above). Next-of-kin and medical history were unknown at the time of the initial call.
The undersigned informed Officer Heightenhower that Investigator Yul would be responding to the scene and the decedent would be transferred to PCH for an autopsy on 06/01/3325.
Investigator Yul reported that the Esperal Police Department is investigating the possibility that Thaymoor Shadowdancer was poisoned. Nothing has been confirmed at this time and the investigation is still ongoing.
Post #349:
The statement:
"I was doing the stage lay with my crew, because it was opening night. We always do it on opening night; it's almost like a good-luck ritual before we perform. Anyways, in the middle of the stage-lay one of the sound guys said he had to leave. Which never happens, no one leaves a stage lay, but he did. He was saying that he was feeling sick and seeing things. Hallucinations. I mean, he threw up and said he was fine afterwards, and we went on to have a great opening night, but he's been shaken up ever since."
It was taken three days ago, and there is a name at the bottom of the page: "Cat Mossgrove."
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Truador smiles at the dogs, the others can see him pull out three pieces of jerky and give one to each of the dogs.
“I can understand you my friends. Your hungry? Here.”
Truador’s frowns at Nyral, “Pets? No, I do not consider them anything less than family. I had many pack mates when I was younger. Most of them were of canine blood.”
Once they get to Nyral’s room, Truador will hold out the finger and say, “I found this.”
Truador:
The Cattle Dog's first reaction isn't to your first comment, but to the jerky. "Ooh, food." While he immediately comes up to you, tail wagging, to eat the jerky you offer them, the other two are a little preoccupied with what you said. Boots is busy on the floor, saying things like, "You? Sure. Suurree," between bouts of barking laughter. "I've met my fair share of crazy and stupid people and children claiming to 'speak dog,' but normally I can tell who they are." Once again the Pyrenees tries to get Boots to calm down, shooting her a glare and baring his teeth a little. "What'd I just say? Be nice." He looks up at you, then to the jerky, then back at you. It hits him that you're being serious, and he leans forward a little. "You can actually understand us?" "Don’t be an idiot, Apollo---" "Shush." He sighs. "How can you understand us? You're one of those dragonborn people, by the looks of it."
Description of the finger:
Sinewy and grey, the finger has a plain gold band on the base, and the knuckles are so swollen it looks like can't be removed. It looks like a year to a few years old, and it's short and stubby. Humanoid.
Jack, a Changeling Artificer/Bard/Cleric/Fighter/Rogue---RynnElocin's From Dusk to Dawn
Amon, a Fairy Arcane Trickster---ShieldHero_'s Fractum
I'M BACK
PFP credit goes to Mo Willems
Zanibi nods in agreement to Nyral's description of what they found out from the exploration of Calda's apartment. "I think that covers most of it. You are right that we should keep our eyes open for anyone suffering similarly. It still would be nice to pin down some common thread amongst all of these." She tries to recall if there were any other significant items. "Hmm, sketches of some shadowy figure. She seemed to have paranoia later on. But that might have just been a response to being tried if she was having nightmares on not sleeping. However, I'm interested in this woman she mentioned in her journal. I do wonder if that one is real."
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
"Alright everyone, let's get some use of this chalkboard we have now." Inquisitive said, starting off with the victim's names and some short personal information, making sure not to disturb Marvin's important contribution to the investigation. "Please, go on and write the leads you have so far." He says, motioning again to the chalkboard. "So, either we have someone tracking down and killing people for some kind of revenge for sins comitted in the victim's past, the finger for instance might point in that direction, no pun intended. That theory will make it somewhat less likely there are more killings coming as our killer will have a finite list of names. It could still also be someone that is out to torture people with guilt and nightmares in general and in that case we will more likely see new murders so if we find a way to locate people with severe nightmares in Esperal it would be helpful. I would still lean toward the first explanation but if it is the latter, our killer would somehow have found these people. It is even possible they all came to this person for help with their nightmares at some point." He says, pacing the floor, again ending up by the window. "As you already have spoken to Nym I suggest we speak to Thaymoor's wife Tare and then move on to the carnival to talk to Cat Mossgrove after lunch. Thoughts?"
Truador continues to smile at the dogs,
"Yes, I am one of those dragonborn people. There are two reasons I can understand you. One, I have wolf's blood in my vein's, just like you." He pets the dogs. "And two, I have this," He pulls the pendent out of his shirt, and lets the dogs see it. "So you are Boots, Apollo, and what is your name?" He looks at the Cattle dog.
OOC: I'll let you decide if the others can see the pendant. Truador does have his back to them, but Nyral may see it.