As Rethan reveals that Zoran doesn’t have the crown,, his first instinct is to dismiss this as some sort of trick, but when the butler confirms it and even suggests that Cyra doesn’t have it either, he has no choice but to believe it. What is visible of his eyes darkens as he turns to the butler and says “If Zoran truly doesn’t have it, then fine. If he wants to talk to us, we’ll talk”
Zalten takes the Dagger of Venom from Kashika, spinning the blade in his hand for a moment, admiring the blade as it moves. He’s not exactly an experienced weaponsmith, but some of his fellow clerics were capable of creating real masterpieces. Even still, they couldn’t manage anything close to the craftsmanship on display here. He examines the lines of gold running down the sides of it, and can just make out a thick, almost pitch black liquid inside of the gold. Clearly, this is more than just a simple weapon. Poisons are usually a bit out of his comfort zone, but given what he’s hearing at the moment, any tool is a welcome one
As they walk out, he whispers to Kashika: “I will be. That omen you got… I’m worried that wasn’t Zoran. If he knew you were coming, you’d think the butler would have reacted differently to seeing you.”
With that, he follows the butler wherever he leads them
Jumble frowned at the butler's response, but there wasn't much more he could do besides follow. Still, it was annoying that this had gone so far afield. Someone was playing games here, and Jumble was NOT a fan of such....
You follow the butler through the south door, room 6, and into room 8. This room appears to be an observatory. There is a desk in the center of the room, with various notes scattered across it, and a wide window at the far side. A large telescope sits in that window, pointed directly at Dusk. An a man, who appears to be an elf, paces back and forth between the desk and the telescope. He is tall and elegant, holding himself with an air of authority, though he clearly looks frustrated.
When the butler enters, he bows to the elven man, then moves to stand to the right of the door, allowing all of you to enter the room. As you do, the elven man turns to face you. He grins and looks over the group with a draconic golden gaze. "Ah, finally. Took you long enough didn't it?" He puts both hands down on his desk, smile fading, "Now, I'm sure you've figured out that I don't have the crown. Clearly, I succeeded in keeping this matter under the rug well enough that she hasn't found out, and your being here clearly shows that she isn't playing some frustrating game in not claiming it." He scoffs, "Uhg, to think I was considering that she my have gotten smart enough to come up with some plan to do away with me. Humph." His smiles bitterly, "Though this opens up a new can of beetles." He pulls his chair over to the desk and sits down, "I hope, that you are all smart enough to realize that neither Cyra nor I can send you home if you do not bring the crown to one of us. Unfortunately for you, it seems to have gone missing from my treasure room. So, the question is, will you keep looking for it, and who do you plan on taking giving it to if you do find it?" Intertwining his fingers, he leans forward, "I assure you, I will reward you with far more than a simple trip home if you find it for me."
Kashika matches the man's frustration on many levels. And it showed on her face. She allowed him to speak first, but with arms crossed, and with only 2 people in the room to keep an eye on, her normal meerkatting was less.
She was direct.. "w-was it you?" She said flatly. If and when the most obvious followup of 'was what, me?' Happened, she would add "The eyes. In my v-vision when I passed out. *was, it, you?!* her voice raising just a bit.
"I h-have been in this world several y-years. And never heard of a time when ONE of you didn't have the c-crown." She stood up taller.
"And why bother telling you who we will give the c-crown to? We could just lie and say 'you' and t-turn back on our word. And if we say my m- Cyra, then you would have no c-cause to help us. So what we say doesn't matter in the end.
But you claim to n-not have the crown. And you have champions already assembled before you w-eho made it into your castle. Whether you allowed it or not.
So just name us your champions, and should we return it t-to you, reward us." She said bluntly, flatly, and she hoped, convincingly.
Nygil blinks, deciding on a whim that he already likes this dragon better then the other one (probably has something to do with the fact that this one hasn't scared him out of his wits yet.) "Well, you already seem more reasonable then your sister," He gives a formal bow. "However, my companion here poses a good question...even if we are trustworthy, how do you know you can trust us?" He laughs, "But it doesn't really matter much to me. I know I'm trustworthy, and thats all that matters. So...any ideas as to the who, what, when, where, why, and how the crown disappeared?"
Zoran laughs, "What in the Abyss are you talking about child? I am no dream walker." He chuckles, "Good gracious, why would you just assume it was me? Haha, never mind. I do not need to know how the minds of you simple peasants work. But you are correct. Since my dear sister does not have the Iron Crown, this marks the first time in the history of it's existence that one of us does not posses it. Hmmmm, clearly whoever took it is unable to claim it, I do not see any benefit in waiting...."When Nigyl speaks up, he seems to lose himself in thought for a moment as he mutters, "Though, I do not understand how any citizen of the Lower Realm could have stolen it. They shouldn't be able to even touch it let alone take it. Hmmm, a rogue champion perhaps? But there aren't many failures around, and what motive would they have." He laughs and focuses back on the group, "Haha, I suppose that was a silly question. Of course you will return my crown. Cyra has only offered you safe passage home has she not? I on the other claw, offer you wealth to go with it." He smiles wickedly, "So, from what I can gather, the most likely suspect would be any failed champion not in your...party. If not? Well, then you are dealing with something else entirely."
At this point the butler speaks up in his monotone voice, "While those are possibilities sire, we should not count out your own subjects. No citizen can take the crown for the purpose of claiming it, but what if they had no intention of doing so? What if they simply want to cause chaos? Whoever has it has not claimed it, so I see this as a valid possibility."
"Hmmm, I suppose that is an option. But I still see no motive. Some outside force would still have to be pulling the strings."
Zoran sighs, "Yes, I have a few on record. I suppose I can show you their files." He slides his chair backwards and opens one of the drawers in the desk. Reaching in, he pulls out a folder and pushes it towards the group. "There aren't very many that I know of, but then again I can only keep track of the one's I summoned and those who openly announced their arrival."He taps his finger on the desk impatiently, "Now, would you get a move on? I do hate to be kept waiting."
Contents of the folder: Each has a portrait that goes with it.
Nygil looks thoughtful for a moment, "Hmm, your butler has a point. As for a motive...I can think of a few..." He opens his mouth as if to continue that line of speech before snapping it shut, seemingly thinking better of it.
Shrugging he says, "Oh, interesting. ...Well we don't have much of a lead, buuuutttt we'll see what we can do."He picks up the folder and flips through the pages, "Hmmm, In your opinion, who is the likeliest suspect on this list if you have to pick..." He frowns, staring for a moment at picture of the kobold. "Hmm... that kobold looks familiar.... He's a thief isn't he? Maybe we should have chased him after all." He sighs, then looks to Zoran again, "Anyways, if you have any clue as to which of these individuals would be the most likely suspect, it could really speed up this mission. If you don't know... well I guess we can start with the Kobold."
His eyes light up again, "Oh! And if its possible that one of your subjects could be the culprit... I would suspect it would be someone working within your manor here. Otherwise how else would this criminal have gained access to the crown in the first place? ...Unless it was someone who visited your waiting room and managed to find the same passage that we did... Do you leave the crown down there all the time?" He pauses, realizing that he's spoken a lot already. However, Zoran didn't seem too bothered about his earlier statements so he decides to continue anyways, "It would be useful to know who might have had access to that room...where you keep the crown. As well as when you leave the crown in that chamber. That knowledge could be significantly helpful in this search... also, when did you say the thing went missing? If it was recent, then we know the culprit can't be to far away. If not...well we'll have to look harder I suppose."
"I know this is a lot of questions. But I can see that you are eager to have this crown back, and my friends here are eager to get home. So I'm just doing my best to speed up the process for all of us."
Kashika hears his response to her inquiry and frowns. If it wasn't him... odds are it was Cyra, or perhaps someone in the party? Strange... she shook the forming webs from her mind, sharing in Nygils need for atleast a little more query.
"OK. T-then if it wasn't you, Zoran... then do you recognize this at all?"
She said forming the words and undulations for her mi or illusion, in a freeze frame of the point where the eyes were largest and most visible.
Kashika waiting to hear the response from the dragon as she looked over the pages.
Mumbling aloud... "Jane Doe... w-we don't know much about her, and she seems mysterious.... Whicket... maybe that one we saw but he r-ran... seems to like to get drunk.... can split up to all the taverns? Tamara.." she ponders for a moment. 'She had been with us, only to leave at the end... she was part of some criminal organization or something wasn't she? Maybe she went to Dawn with the crown... doubled back with us for safety... as none would suspect her to return...'
She wasn't going to say that out loud though. She'd tell the others later.
(The text I sure the apostrophes is inner thought.
The gamer instinct in me is telling me Tamara is the most likely, followed by whisker the kobold whisperer, and Jane doe. The others don't trigger my hmmmm sense.
Also thank you all for continuing to post. Helps keep my mind off things)
By now, Jumble's emotions had gone from annoyance to intrigue and finally to surprise and, of course, intense curiosity. Yes, apparently, the group had gone from a band of adventurers coerced into stealing some game token to a troupe of detectives solving a mystery at the behest of a dragon... to say that the would-be-wizard was somewhat excited about the twist of fate would have been a bit of an understatement.
Looking over a shoulder, the bard examined the images of the possible suspects, casting an illusion of each face as he studied them, to help with recalling them later without needing the pictures. A myriad of questions had already bubbled up inside him, but he kept his mouth shut... their new "client," as he now boldly thought of the great and mighty Zoran, seemed a bit impatient.
"Interesting," he murmured to himself as he stepped back from the file. Deciding to wait until the rest of the group suggested a course of action, Jumble suddenly remembered he was unarmed. "Thank you, Jack," he said as he retrieved his rapier.
Zalten stands back and observes the dragon king talk, attemping to think of anyone he could think of that would possibly do this. Another dragon perhaps? If there was one here, they'd probably have heard about it by now. He feels slight more at ease with Zoran's choice of a humanoid form than he did in Cyra's presence, though it fits in quite well with what he'd heard about the two. Zoran clearly has some serious tricks up his sleeve, but it seems right now that he's pretty dependent on them.
When they are given the dossier of faces, he looks at them and simply comments "Let's begin by finding the two that reside here in Dawn. It's certainly possible that Tamara could have something to do with it but... after she traveled all this way with us? I'm not sure. We can't rule it out. We'll have to find her as well"
He then turns to Zoran, an idea coming into his head. It's partially a genuine question, something he feels would be helpful for the group to know before setting out further on their quest, but it's also a critical piece of info for him to discern the feasability of certain important plans. He turns to the king and says the following, trying to stroke his ego as much as possible: "We'll be on our way shortly. Your offer is certainly far more generous than your sister's, so we'd be happy to retrieve the crown and bring it to you. My companions clearly have many questions, but I will not waste your time, for I assume you have much of great importance to handle. I only have a few questions. What exactly are the rules of the crown? Who can or can't hold it, and what exactly is the difference between having it and claiming it? It will be far easier to search for it if we know who would or wouldn't be able to have it in the first place"
Zoran is silent for a moment after all Nygil's blabbering. His tapping continuously speeding up until the elf falls silent. After one last tap, he replies, "No one has access to that room accept for Uzon here." He gestures to the butler, "The alarm spell on the door should have gone off if anyone entered that way. It's been missing for at least three days, maybe four. Whoever ventured in there must have been a magic user, or had been working with one in order to enter the room without setting off the alarm."He leans forward to point at some of the pictures. "As far as motivation goes, Tamara and Whicket would be my first guess. However, Tamara has been in Dusk for quite some time, so that puts the Kobold higher. The Kobold doesn't seem to be the brightest, but he has been pestering my guards about becoming my court bard or something ridiculous. That said, I could see him being a bit mad about it."
Uzon walks forward at that moment. Taking his hands out from behind his back, he reaches into his right sleeve and pulls out two neatly folded pieces of paper. He unfolds them and sets them next to the folder of failed champions. One of them is the black Minotaur Shurkan, the other is the female Lizardfolk. "These two have my attention." He says in his monotone voice. Pointing at the lizardfolk, he continues, "This one was a guard here for quite some time. She worked here for years without giving us any reason to doubt her loyalty, however..." He points at the date, "She went missing around the same time as the crown did." He looks at Shurkan, "This one is concerning simply because of how long he's been gone, that's plenty of time to plan the theft and orchestrate it. Not to mention the fact that he's one of those people who everyone knows of, but no one actually knows. He used to be seen around regularly and for him to just up and vanish is odd."
"But there's no motivation!" Zoran huffs, "Luen was a wonderful guard, she was well respected and utterly loyal. Why would she up and betray me?" He scoffs, "I know Kobold's are dumb, and this one's motivation would be ridiculous, but at least it's a reason!"
"I am simply stating the evidence my lord."
At that point, Kashika creates her illusion. This makes the King stop for a moment as he looks at it with a perplexed expression that is a bit hard to read as he looks from the illusion to Kashika, and back at the illusion. After a moment of silence, he speaks up, "Like I said before. Why would I recognize that? I am a dragon, but I am no dream walker. My eyes aren't even that color!" He speaks the truth, as his eyes are a golden-yellow shade, while the eyes in the illusion are a deep red-amber.
(You can roll insight on him if you want)
He glances back at the Kobold before looking at Zalten. "Oh all of those Champions are in Dawn right now. Accept maybe the Jane Doe, she is currently wanted after all, she's probably in hiding. Some of them just haven't accepted a citizenship yet, so they are listed as unclaimed." He sighs, "They are holding out hope of returning to their worlds." His grin returns as Zalten continues to speak. "Ah, I can tell who the smartest in this group is." He laces his fingers together again, "I suppose I can TRY to explain it to you. In short, citizens of this realm should not be able to hold the crown. However, there may be a loophole as Uzon said, though we do not know this for sure. The ability to hold the crown may be linked to a persons intentions. A citizen who wishes to claim the crown for their ruler, or themselves, would not be able to do so. That said, it is a possibility for a citizen to be able to take the crown if they have no intention of using it....or...." He shakes his head then continues. "As for the difference between claiming and having the crown. Well, that is a bit difficult to explain. As I said, no one has claimed the crown yet, meaning I am still the ruler of this realm. If someone else claims the crown, I will be able to tell. My power over my sister would be stripped, as would the other abilities I have as ruler. I cannot personally hunt the crown either...if my sister has claimed it anyways. After all the purpose of it is to keep the realm from experiencing a full out war."He says this with a bitter tone."I despise talking about that... Anyways, that is why we have to summon champions to do it for us, but you probably already know that. Did I put this simply enough for you to understand?"
Kashika thought about the wyrms words. And how the hell did she not think of it sooner... it had been so long since she had seen her In person, a d she hissed out "Cyra... you f-******* whoresmaid..."
The eyes had to have been Cyra... atleast that's the conclusion Kashika had came to. That realization, true or not... led to a new degree of power welling Inside the kobold.... newfound strength filling her veins.
Regardless, she watches Zoran, trying to determine if he is being false or otherwise evasive in his answer
Insight: 7
Though as the butler and Zoran bickered about who I could be, her eyes shifted to him, and a flash of suspicion lit her eyes.It was common in bards tales that the butler was responsible for harming their master in some way.
She added him to the list in her mind. Afterall.. he had appeared behind her with no effort...
At Zorans quip of everyone's intelligence, she found she was beginning to dislike him. Atleast cyra just threatened you, rather than degrading you. But the question he was referring to was one that hadn't occurred to her. She reluctantly accepted the jab.
Listening to it all, though she felt she had to jab Zoran back. "W-why would she betray you?" She says after the comment about Kobolds being dumb as a general statement.
"For the same reason you don't suspect your butler, or her." Kashika said, remembering one of her few Ling games... where she earned the trust of someone less than a joble, but we'll off and for too kind hearted. She both sought to teach him a lesson for his own good before someone robbed him more blind, and because she could eat for a month. In the end, she stole half of his savings, leaving a note that he needed to guard himself, lest someone crueler do worse.
Zoran lets out a loud laugh, "Ha! I'd like to see you say that to her face!" As Kashika watches him, she is unable to determine if the dragon king knew any more than he told her about the eyes in the darkness. When the kobold speaks up again, he falls silent, "Are you going to just repeat my questions now?"He starts but is interrupted by her second remark-to which he laughs again, "Actually no, it is not the same reason I do not suspect Uzon. You see, Uzon is magically bound to me through a contract he willingly signed. He couldn't betray me even if he wanted to...which he doesn't."
Uzon looks utterly emotionless as he remarks, "Besides that, If I did steal the crown, why would I still be here?"
"Exactly! ...though I suppose that does make Luen's case more suspicious..." He pauses, "Anyways, I think I've provided you all with enough information. Unless you have any more urgent questions, Uzon will escort you out."
(Anyone else could roll insight against Zoran as well if they wish)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nygil opens and then closes his mouth, slightly offended by the dragon's comment about intelligence. He'd thought his questions were all perfectly reasonable, but whatever. Everyone has their own opinion about what is most important it seems.
He gives Kashika a confused look when she continues to question the nature of this...vision she'd had? When had that happened anyways. Oh well.
Insight: 6
He shrugs, "Well alright then. Looks like our suspects are the kobold, the Jane Doe, the minotaur, and the former guard. I say we start by looking for the kobold since we actually saw him earlier. We don't have any leads on the other three so it makes sense to start where we might actually be able to pick up a trail."
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As Rethan reveals that Zoran doesn’t have the crown,, his first instinct is to dismiss this as some sort of trick, but when the butler confirms it and even suggests that Cyra doesn’t have it either, he has no choice but to believe it. What is visible of his eyes darkens as he turns to the butler and says “If Zoran truly doesn’t have it, then fine. If he wants to talk to us, we’ll talk”
Zalten takes the Dagger of Venom from Kashika, spinning the blade in his hand for a moment, admiring the blade as it moves. He’s not exactly an experienced weaponsmith, but some of his fellow clerics were capable of creating real masterpieces. Even still, they couldn’t manage anything close to the craftsmanship on display here. He examines the lines of gold running down the sides of it, and can just make out a thick, almost pitch black liquid inside of the gold. Clearly, this is more than just a simple weapon. Poisons are usually a bit out of his comfort zone, but given what he’s hearing at the moment, any tool is a welcome one
As they walk out, he whispers to Kashika: “I will be. That omen you got… I’m worried that wasn’t Zoran. If he knew you were coming, you’d think the butler would have reacted differently to seeing you.”
With that, he follows the butler wherever he leads them
Jumble frowned at the butler's response, but there wasn't much more he could do besides follow. Still, it was annoying that this had gone so far afield. Someone was playing games here, and Jumble was NOT a fan of such....
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
You follow the butler through the south door, room 6, and into room 8. This room appears to be an observatory. There is a desk in the center of the room, with various notes scattered across it, and a wide window at the far side. A large telescope sits in that window, pointed directly at Dusk. An a man, who appears to be an elf, paces back and forth between the desk and the telescope. He is tall and elegant, holding himself with an air of authority, though he clearly looks frustrated.
When the butler enters, he bows to the elven man, then moves to stand to the right of the door, allowing all of you to enter the room. As you do, the elven man turns to face you. He grins and looks over the group with a draconic golden gaze. "Ah, finally. Took you long enough didn't it?" He puts both hands down on his desk, smile fading, "Now, I'm sure you've figured out that I don't have the crown. Clearly, I succeeded in keeping this matter under the rug well enough that she hasn't found out, and your being here clearly shows that she isn't playing some frustrating game in not claiming it." He scoffs, "Uhg, to think I was considering that she my have gotten smart enough to come up with some plan to do away with me. Humph." His smiles bitterly, "Though this opens up a new can of beetles." He pulls his chair over to the desk and sits down, "I hope, that you are all smart enough to realize that neither Cyra nor I can send you home if you do not bring the crown to one of us. Unfortunately for you, it seems to have gone missing from my treasure room. So, the question is, will you keep looking for it, and who do you plan on taking giving it to if you do find it?" Intertwining his fingers, he leans forward, "I assure you, I will reward you with far more than a simple trip home if you find it for me."
Kashika matches the man's frustration on many levels. And it showed on her face. She allowed him to speak first, but with arms crossed, and with only 2 people in the room to keep an eye on, her normal meerkatting was less.
She was direct.. "w-was it you?" She said flatly. If and when the most obvious followup of 'was what, me?' Happened, she would add "The eyes. In my v-vision when I passed out. *was, it, you?!* her voice raising just a bit.
"I h-have been in this world several y-years. And never heard of a time when ONE of you didn't have the c-crown." She stood up taller.
"And why bother telling you who we will give the c-crown to? We could just lie and say 'you' and t-turn back on our word. And if we say my m- Cyra, then you would have no c-cause to help us. So what we say doesn't matter in the end.
But you claim to n-not have the crown. And you have champions already assembled before you w-eho made it into your castle. Whether you allowed it or not.
So just name us your champions, and should we return it t-to you, reward us." She said bluntly, flatly, and she hoped, convincingly.
(Looking up a roll)
Persuasion: Unable to parse dice roll.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Unable to parse dice roll.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Nygil blinks, deciding on a whim that he already likes this dragon better then the other one (probably has something to do with the fact that this one hasn't scared him out of his wits yet.) "Well, you already seem more reasonable then your sister," He gives a formal bow. "However, my companion here poses a good question...even if we are trustworthy, how do you know you can trust us?" He laughs, "But it doesn't really matter much to me. I know I'm trustworthy, and thats all that matters. So...any ideas as to the who, what, when, where, why, and how the crown disappeared?"
Zoran laughs, "What in the Abyss are you talking about child? I am no dream walker." He chuckles, "Good gracious, why would you just assume it was me? Haha, never mind. I do not need to know how the minds of you simple peasants work. But you are correct. Since my dear sister does not have the Iron Crown, this marks the first time in the history of it's existence that one of us does not posses it. Hmmmm, clearly whoever took it is unable to claim it, I do not see any benefit in waiting...." When Nigyl speaks up, he seems to lose himself in thought for a moment as he mutters, "Though, I do not understand how any citizen of the Lower Realm could have stolen it. They shouldn't be able to even touch it let alone take it. Hmmm, a rogue champion perhaps? But there aren't many failures around, and what motive would they have." He laughs and focuses back on the group, "Haha, I suppose that was a silly question. Of course you will return my crown. Cyra has only offered you safe passage home has she not? I on the other claw, offer you wealth to go with it." He smiles wickedly, "So, from what I can gather, the most likely suspect would be any failed champion not in your...party. If not? Well, then you are dealing with something else entirely."
At this point the butler speaks up in his monotone voice, "While those are possibilities sire, we should not count out your own subjects. No citizen can take the crown for the purpose of claiming it, but what if they had no intention of doing so? What if they simply want to cause chaos? Whoever has it has not claimed it, so I see this as a valid possibility."
"Hmmm, I suppose that is an option. But I still see no motive. Some outside force would still have to be pulling the strings."
Speaking up, Rethan asks of Zoran, "Do you know of any failed champions residing in the city that could have been involved?"
Zoran sighs, "Yes, I have a few on record. I suppose I can show you their files." He slides his chair backwards and opens one of the drawers in the desk. Reaching in, he pulls out a folder and pushes it towards the group. "There aren't very many that I know of, but then again I can only keep track of the one's I summoned and those who openly announced their arrival." He taps his finger on the desk impatiently, "Now, would you get a move on? I do hate to be kept waiting."
Contents of the folder: Each has a portrait that goes with it.
Name: Devona
Race: eladrin elf
Gender: Female
Citizenship: Unclaimed
Name: Jane Doe
Race: Dragonborn
Gender: Female
Citizenship: Unclaimed
Name: Timothy Ironhand
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Citizenship: Claimed in Dawn
Name: Whicket
Race: Kobold
Gender: Male
Citizenship: Unclaimed
Name: Katanah
Race: Wood Elf
Gender: Female
Citizenship: Claimed in Dawn
Name: Tamara
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Citizenship: Unclaimed
(You are all now level 6 by the way.)
Nygil looks thoughtful for a moment, "Hmm, your butler has a point. As for a motive...I can think of a few..." He opens his mouth as if to continue that line of speech before snapping it shut, seemingly thinking better of it.
Shrugging he says, "Oh, interesting. ...Well we don't have much of a lead, buuuutttt we'll see what we can do." He picks up the folder and flips through the pages, "Hmmm, In your opinion, who is the likeliest suspect on this list if you have to pick..." He frowns, staring for a moment at picture of the kobold. "Hmm... that kobold looks familiar.... He's a thief isn't he? Maybe we should have chased him after all." He sighs, then looks to Zoran again, "Anyways, if you have any clue as to which of these individuals would be the most likely suspect, it could really speed up this mission. If you don't know... well I guess we can start with the Kobold."
His eyes light up again, "Oh! And if its possible that one of your subjects could be the culprit... I would suspect it would be someone working within your manor here. Otherwise how else would this criminal have gained access to the crown in the first place? ...Unless it was someone who visited your waiting room and managed to find the same passage that we did... Do you leave the crown down there all the time?" He pauses, realizing that he's spoken a lot already. However, Zoran didn't seem too bothered about his earlier statements so he decides to continue anyways, "It would be useful to know who might have had access to that room...where you keep the crown. As well as when you leave the crown in that chamber. That knowledge could be significantly helpful in this search... also, when did you say the thing went missing? If it was recent, then we know the culprit can't be to far away. If not...well we'll have to look harder I suppose."
"I know this is a lot of questions. But I can see that you are eager to have this crown back, and my friends here are eager to get home. So I'm just doing my best to speed up the process for all of us."
Kashika hears his response to her inquiry and frowns. If it wasn't him... odds are it was Cyra, or perhaps someone in the party? Strange... she shook the forming webs from her mind, sharing in Nygils need for atleast a little more query.
"OK. T-then if it wasn't you, Zoran... then do you recognize this at all?"
She said forming the words and undulations for her mi or illusion, in a freeze frame of the point where the eyes were largest and most visible.
Kashika waiting to hear the response from the dragon as she looked over the pages.
Mumbling aloud... "Jane Doe... w-we don't know much about her, and she seems mysterious.... Whicket... maybe that one we saw but he r-ran... seems to like to get drunk.... can split up to all the taverns? Tamara.." she ponders for a moment. 'She had been with us, only to leave at the end... she was part of some criminal organization or something wasn't she? Maybe she went to Dawn with the crown... doubled back with us for safety... as none would suspect her to return...'
She wasn't going to say that out loud though. She'd tell the others later.
(The text I sure the apostrophes is inner thought.
The gamer instinct in me is telling me Tamara is the most likely, followed by whisker the kobold whisperer, and Jane doe. The others don't trigger my hmmmm sense.
Also thank you all for continuing to post. Helps keep my mind off things)
Also kashikas persuade rollnwould be 18. 12 +6
Occassional Dungeon Master.
By now, Jumble's emotions had gone from annoyance to intrigue and finally to surprise and, of course, intense curiosity. Yes, apparently, the group had gone from a band of adventurers coerced into stealing some game token to a troupe of detectives solving a mystery at the behest of a dragon... to say that the would-be-wizard was somewhat excited about the twist of fate would have been a bit of an understatement.
Looking over a shoulder, the bard examined the images of the possible suspects, casting an illusion of each face as he studied them, to help with recalling them later without needing the pictures. A myriad of questions had already bubbled up inside him, but he kept his mouth shut... their new "client," as he now boldly thought of the great and mighty Zoran, seemed a bit impatient.
"Interesting," he murmured to himself as he stepped back from the file. Deciding to wait until the rest of the group suggested a course of action, Jumble suddenly remembered he was unarmed. "Thank you, Jack," he said as he retrieved his rapier.
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Zalten stands back and observes the dragon king talk, attemping to think of anyone he could think of that would possibly do this. Another dragon perhaps? If there was one here, they'd probably have heard about it by now. He feels slight more at ease with Zoran's choice of a humanoid form than he did in Cyra's presence, though it fits in quite well with what he'd heard about the two. Zoran clearly has some serious tricks up his sleeve, but it seems right now that he's pretty dependent on them.
When they are given the dossier of faces, he looks at them and simply comments "Let's begin by finding the two that reside here in Dawn. It's certainly possible that Tamara could have something to do with it but... after she traveled all this way with us? I'm not sure. We can't rule it out. We'll have to find her as well"
He then turns to Zoran, an idea coming into his head. It's partially a genuine question, something he feels would be helpful for the group to know before setting out further on their quest, but it's also a critical piece of info for him to discern the feasability of certain important plans. He turns to the king and says the following, trying to stroke his ego as much as possible: "We'll be on our way shortly. Your offer is certainly far more generous than your sister's, so we'd be happy to retrieve the crown and bring it to you. My companions clearly have many questions, but I will not waste your time, for I assume you have much of great importance to handle. I only have a few questions. What exactly are the rules of the crown? Who can or can't hold it, and what exactly is the difference between having it and claiming it? It will be far easier to search for it if we know who would or wouldn't be able to have it in the first place"
Zoran is silent for a moment after all Nygil's blabbering. His tapping continuously speeding up until the elf falls silent. After one last tap, he replies, "No one has access to that room accept for Uzon here." He gestures to the butler, "The alarm spell on the door should have gone off if anyone entered that way. It's been missing for at least three days, maybe four. Whoever ventured in there must have been a magic user, or had been working with one in order to enter the room without setting off the alarm." He leans forward to point at some of the pictures. "As far as motivation goes, Tamara and Whicket would be my first guess. However, Tamara has been in Dusk for quite some time, so that puts the Kobold higher. The Kobold doesn't seem to be the brightest, but he has been pestering my guards about becoming my court bard or something ridiculous. That said, I could see him being a bit mad about it."
Uzon walks forward at that moment. Taking his hands out from behind his back, he reaches into his right sleeve and pulls out two neatly folded pieces of paper. He unfolds them and sets them next to the folder of failed champions. One of them is the black Minotaur Shurkan, the other is the female Lizardfolk. "These two have my attention." He says in his monotone voice. Pointing at the lizardfolk, he continues, "This one was a guard here for quite some time. She worked here for years without giving us any reason to doubt her loyalty, however..." He points at the date, "She went missing around the same time as the crown did." He looks at Shurkan, "This one is concerning simply because of how long he's been gone, that's plenty of time to plan the theft and orchestrate it. Not to mention the fact that he's one of those people who everyone knows of, but no one actually knows. He used to be seen around regularly and for him to just up and vanish is odd."
"But there's no motivation!" Zoran huffs, "Luen was a wonderful guard, she was well respected and utterly loyal. Why would she up and betray me?" He scoffs, "I know Kobold's are dumb, and this one's motivation would be ridiculous, but at least it's a reason!"
"I am simply stating the evidence my lord."
At that point, Kashika creates her illusion. This makes the King stop for a moment as he looks at it with a perplexed expression that is a bit hard to read as he looks from the illusion to Kashika, and back at the illusion. After a moment of silence, he speaks up, "Like I said before. Why would I recognize that? I am a dragon, but I am no dream walker. My eyes aren't even that color!" He speaks the truth, as his eyes are a golden-yellow shade, while the eyes in the illusion are a deep red-amber.
(You can roll insight on him if you want)
He glances back at the Kobold before looking at Zalten. "Oh all of those Champions are in Dawn right now. Accept maybe the Jane Doe, she is currently wanted after all, she's probably in hiding. Some of them just haven't accepted a citizenship yet, so they are listed as unclaimed." He sighs, "They are holding out hope of returning to their worlds." His grin returns as Zalten continues to speak. "Ah, I can tell who the smartest in this group is." He laces his fingers together again, "I suppose I can TRY to explain it to you. In short, citizens of this realm should not be able to hold the crown. However, there may be a loophole as Uzon said, though we do not know this for sure. The ability to hold the crown may be linked to a persons intentions. A citizen who wishes to claim the crown for their ruler, or themselves, would not be able to do so. That said, it is a possibility for a citizen to be able to take the crown if they have no intention of using it....or...." He shakes his head then continues. "As for the difference between claiming and having the crown. Well, that is a bit difficult to explain. As I said, no one has claimed the crown yet, meaning I am still the ruler of this realm. If someone else claims the crown, I will be able to tell. My power over my sister would be stripped, as would the other abilities I have as ruler. I cannot personally hunt the crown either...if my sister has claimed it anyways. After all the purpose of it is to keep the realm from experiencing a full out war." He says this with a bitter tone."I despise talking about that... Anyways, that is why we have to summon champions to do it for us, but you probably already know that. Did I put this simply enough for you to understand?"
Kashika thought about the wyrms words. And how the hell did she not think of it sooner... it had been so long since she had seen her In person, a d she hissed out "Cyra... you f-******* whoresmaid..."
The eyes had to have been Cyra... atleast that's the conclusion Kashika had came to. That realization, true or not... led to a new degree of power welling Inside the kobold.... newfound strength filling her veins.
Regardless, she watches Zoran, trying to determine if he is being false or otherwise evasive in his answer
Insight: 7
Though as the butler and Zoran bickered about who I could be, her eyes shifted to him, and a flash of suspicion lit her eyes.It was common in bards tales that the butler was responsible for harming their master in some way.
She added him to the list in her mind. Afterall.. he had appeared behind her with no effort...
At Zorans quip of everyone's intelligence, she found she was beginning to dislike him. Atleast cyra just threatened you, rather than degrading you. But the question he was referring to was one that hadn't occurred to her. She reluctantly accepted the jab.
Listening to it all, though she felt she had to jab Zoran back. "W-why would she betray you?" She says after the comment about Kobolds being dumb as a general statement.
"For the same reason you don't suspect your butler, or her." Kashika said, remembering one of her few Ling games... where she earned the trust of someone less than a joble, but we'll off and for too kind hearted. She both sought to teach him a lesson for his own good before someone robbed him more blind, and because she could eat for a month. In the end, she stole half of his savings, leaving a note that he needed to guard himself, lest someone crueler do worse.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Zoran lets out a loud laugh, "Ha! I'd like to see you say that to her face!" As Kashika watches him, she is unable to determine if the dragon king knew any more than he told her about the eyes in the darkness. When the kobold speaks up again, he falls silent, "Are you going to just repeat my questions now?" He starts but is interrupted by her second remark-to which he laughs again, "Actually no, it is not the same reason I do not suspect Uzon. You see, Uzon is magically bound to me through a contract he willingly signed. He couldn't betray me even if he wanted to...which he doesn't."
Uzon looks utterly emotionless as he remarks, "Besides that, If I did steal the crown, why would I still be here?"
"Exactly! ...though I suppose that does make Luen's case more suspicious..." He pauses, "Anyways, I think I've provided you all with enough information. Unless you have any more urgent questions, Uzon will escort you out."
(Anyone else could roll insight against Zoran as well if they wish)
(( Jumble's Insight Check: 18 ))
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
((
Seriously? Let's try one more time- 14 EDIT: And NOW the first roll appears.... ))Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Nygil opens and then closes his mouth, slightly offended by the dragon's comment about intelligence. He'd thought his questions were all perfectly reasonable, but whatever. Everyone has their own opinion about what is most important it seems.
He gives Kashika a confused look when she continues to question the nature of this...vision she'd had? When had that happened anyways. Oh well.
Insight: 6
He shrugs, "Well alright then. Looks like our suspects are the kobold, the Jane Doe, the minotaur, and the former guard. I say we start by looking for the kobold since we actually saw him earlier. We don't have any leads on the other three so it makes sense to start where we might actually be able to pick up a trail."