Aside, to Starker, “Murder has such negative connotations. Eliminate, or even execute, would be more socially acceptable, and thus less likely to have negative consequences. From one scholar to another.”
Kragen frowns deeply and shakes his head at Starker while Hoid pulls him aside.
"The scales will balance and this Alamnal will answer for his transgressions on House Ravenshield. However, as Chadwick has indicated, our approach will follow regional laws in doing so."
All interesting ideas. We should expect the local herald to be loyal to the crown and uphold justice. But knowing the depths of corruption here, I am not sure starting with that route is low risk.
Gaius notified me using the sending stone that he would arrive in Daerlun in three days. We are asked to meet at a place called the Hungry Hippocampus. Perhaps he can share thoughts on the direct approach and finding allies using the zone of truth.
Starker to Hoid:”Thank you. I am astonished at how my practical, efficient, suggestions are often not followed. I had not considered that my way of phrasing them might influence how others respond.”
Starker to all:”My solution involved sending three fireballs in rapid succession into his room while he was sleeping. That would certainly eliminate him. I do see, however, that we may need to get him to confess to his crimes in public. Perhaps then I could execute him.
”In this matter, I will be guided by Trokarl’s preferences.”
Haste is made on the road to Daerlun and the Duke. Travel on this road is fairly easy as it is patrolled regularly by Ravenshield house guards and Purple Dragon patrols by the crown. You are able to see the Ravenshield men and Trolkarl keeps a low profile successfully at those times. Only one short night is spent at an inn to refresh the mounts as best you can as well as yourselves. Despite much looking over shoulders, nothing seems to come of your quick departure from Ravenshield Manor.
The looming walls of Daerlun rise from the horizon and you arrive in the late afternoon of the second day.
Let’s find an inn, perhaps the hungry hippogriff or the like, and discuss with Gaius (Baltar and his imaginary blond friend) and Trolkarl how they want to proceed with the newly found information.
Is there more reading to be done before approaching the authorities?
"An excellent idea, Hoid," Gaius responds. "I know not of this friend of mine you speak of, but I am very interested in learning all that I can from this diary," he looks about the group. "Before we move to confront anyone we should know exactly what we have. High time is no time for deciding if we should find a helping hand."
"An excellent idea, Hoid," Gaius responds. "I know not of this friend of mine you speak of, but I am very interested in learning all that I can from this diary," he looks about the group. "Before we move to confront anyone we should know exactly what we have. High time is no time for deciding if we should find a helping hand."
Why don't you use it? Try not to lose it? Buy time, don't lose it?
"An excellent idea, Hoid," Gaius responds. "I know not of this friend of mine you speak of, but I am very interested in learning all that I can from this diary," he looks about the group. "Before we move to confront anyone we should know exactly what we have. High time is no time for deciding if we should find a helping hand."
Why don't you use it? Try not to lose it? Buy time, don't lose it?
Chadwick assists too, by getting snacks and drinks.
He does have history as a proficiency so he tries to help, but gets a natural one so probably wastes everyone's time by recounting folksy lore from his village.
Hours are spent poring over the diary. Two days go by as Gaius, Trolkarl and Starker compare notes and reread passages. Harlandil makes several references to the events of the betrayal in his diary:
12 months prior - Met an interesting drow elf today, Alamnal Deepwalker. He introduced himself at the inn as a wine merchant. We spoke about our production and possibly sourcing wine for him. But, I cannot help believe that there is more to him.
6 months prior - Alamnal has become a valuable customer. He is purchasing nearly all of the excess wine we can produce. He has also become interested in our family's position within Cormyr. This is curious for an outsider. My father is not a fan of him, but does not mind the extra coin flowing into the coffers.
4 months prior - Father has died today. One of the liegemen was slow with the spear and the boar became the hunter. No priest was on hand. Owlbears followed the scent of blood and not only father, but Commin, Trolcandil and Yerstin (his cousins) all are to be buried. Crandil has thankfully come home from this ill-fated hunt. Now I must lead the house though feel quite unprepared. Fortunately, Alamnal was here on a purchase trip. He has agreed to stay on to help in any way he can.
2 months prior - Alamnal has been an unexpected boon. First he has made our wine profitable and now he has taken his time to offer the wisdom of his years. He is 175 years old this year, 152 more than me! His knowledge of how to interact with others and political advice have been most valuable, "Nothing new under Toril!" he claims.
Betrayal - Hartstone has attempted to poison the Duke, Gelingas! It is out of the blue for such a thing. My liegeman Mattin was witness to him dosing the Duke's wine. Hartstone has proclaimed his innocence, but with an eye witness and poison found in the wine his protests fell on deaf ears. He is to be hanged. The Duke has stripped them of earldom and awarded it to me! A reward for the loyalty of House Ravenshield. We move to Harthall.....Ravenshield Manor next week.
4 years after - Alamnal has played a cruel joke upon me today. He arrived to my hunting camp appearing as my father, "Let's go show that boar what I think of him now!," he roared entering the camp. None found it funny. I was incensed. Alamnal revealed a magical cap he possessed that allowed him to appear as any he would like. I told him not to do such a thing again in my presence.
5 years after - Alamnal has returned. His anger at my lack of appreciating his joke at the hunt camp has subsided. I have missed his advice. We struggle to keep the harvests going. The people are unhappy with the Hartstones being replaced. It is difficult.
1 year before his death - My time draws near. Nimnal and his secrets will take lead of the family when I die. His work in the crypts is complete and now he has a private area to work without being interrupted. My father would certainly not be happy to know his right hand is the key to such secrecy! I would like to see his son Garlin grow to be a man. But, he does not favor me and spends his time elsewhere. Alamnal returns soon. He has counseled not to reveal anything of the poisoning of the Duke to Nimnal. He believes my son may become overly inquisitive and asking questions of those who should be left sleeping.
((My conclusion: dirty drow used the cap to impersonate Hartstone. I suspect the owlbears were his doing also. We also should question whether the dirty drow is impersonating someone while he is allegedly gone.))
Starker:”I am convinced that Alamnal is guilty. However, there is not enough evidence here to convince the Duke to take action. As far as I am concerned, we can proceed with (pauses) executing Alamnal even without the Duke’s passing sentence. The world would be a tidier place and I would sleep more peacefully.
”If more proof were desired or insisted upon, we would need to talk to Mattin if he is still alive, exhume the body of Harlandil and cut off his right arm. We need to go to the crypts and seek information on Nimnal, his works and his secrets.
”It might be best were I to return to the Manor quickly and see if I can be admitted to the crypts to find images to use in illustrating my manuscript. If my absence were questioned I could claim that I was made aware if an possible opportunity to interview the Duke about the Ravenshield Way and felt I needed to hurry to take advantage.
”Or Chadwick and Kragen could turn Trokarl in for the reward and we could watch with interest what eventuates and take what actions seem prudent.
If we were to return we risk losing the bit of evidence we have now. We need to get this to the Dukes hands. I fear this could be lost. Or caught in flames…unexpectedly…. due to circumstances we occasionally find ourselves in. That would make things much more challenging
But Starker is right, entering the crypts to bring conclusive evidence may be better. And everyone would be safer without this drow.
Are there any other thoughts?
Is there an easy way to accomplish both getting the book to the duke, not being detained, and returning to the manor? All very quickly
"In what you have gleaned from the tomb, it appears there is no definitive evidence that the Hartstones were blackmailed into poisoning the Duke. There does seem to be some notes which we may provide clues that Alamnal was the perpetrator of the ruse however its subjective on interpretation of the reading.", "I do not believe the notes documented in this provide enough evidence to implicate anyone. However there are some key comments in which we could continue to investigate to build a case."
"Here are some things we may want to follow up on."
"Should we attempt to find the Liegeman Mattin and question (in some way discreetly) the event?". " We would need to do so carefully as not to alert your Brother or Alamnal, maybe an opportunity for Clairvoyance?"
"Should we investigate Alamnal's wine dealings in an attempt to find more out about him and his doings?"
"The passage regarding Nimnal is intriguing and hints to the Crypts having some alternative use? Could this lead to additional evidence of the betrayal?"
"At this point, signs indicate that Alamnal may be taking advantage or manipulating House Ravenshield to his good fortune, however it does not provide justification for removing his head." Frowns at Starker
"My friend, i don't think you have enough to clear your good name, restore House Hartstone or find out what became of your little brother. However, more investigation may provide the evidence you need and it may be lying in the Crypts?", "I am not fond of breaking laws to justify a means however this journal may provide enough evidence to warrant further uses of our abilities to uncover the truth."
"I support your next move."
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Aside, to Starker, “Murder has such negative connotations. Eliminate, or even execute, would be more socially acceptable, and thus less likely to have negative consequences. From one scholar to another.”
Kragen frowns deeply and shakes his head at Starker while Hoid pulls him aside.
"The scales will balance and this Alamnal will answer for his transgressions on House Ravenshield. However, as Chadwick has indicated, our approach will follow regional laws in doing so."
All interesting ideas. We should expect the local herald to be loyal to the crown and uphold justice. But knowing the depths of corruption here, I am not sure starting with that route is low risk.
Gaius notified me using the sending stone that he would arrive in Daerlun in three days. We are asked to meet at a place called the Hungry Hippocampus. Perhaps he can share thoughts on the direct approach and finding allies using the zone of truth.
"Hippocampus?" Is that like those things with the guns we saw the other day?
Anyway, let's head there and get some rooms."
Starker to Hoid:”Thank you. I am astonished at how my practical, efficient, suggestions are often not followed. I had not considered that my way of phrasing them might influence how others respond.”
Starker to all:”My solution involved sending three fireballs in rapid succession into his room while he was sleeping. That would certainly eliminate him. I do see, however, that we may need to get him to confess to his crimes in public. Perhaps then I could execute him.
”In this matter, I will be guided by Trokarl’s preferences.”
Haste is made on the road to Daerlun and the Duke. Travel on this road is fairly easy as it is patrolled regularly by Ravenshield house guards and Purple Dragon patrols by the crown. You are able to see the Ravenshield men and Trolkarl keeps a low profile successfully at those times. Only one short night is spent at an inn to refresh the mounts as best you can as well as yourselves. Despite much looking over shoulders, nothing seems to come of your quick departure from Ravenshield Manor.
The looming walls of Daerlun rise from the horizon and you arrive in the late afternoon of the second day.
Let’s find an inn, perhaps the hungry hippogriff or the like, and discuss with Gaius (Baltar and his imaginary blond friend) and Trolkarl how they want to proceed with the newly found information.
Is there more reading to be done before approaching the authorities?
"An excellent idea, Hoid," Gaius responds. "I know not of this friend of mine you speak of, but I am very interested in learning all that I can from this diary," he looks about the group. "Before we move to confront anyone we should know exactly what we have. High time is no time for deciding if we should find a helping hand."
Why don't you use it? Try not to lose it? Buy time, don't lose it?
((thank you))
Maybe just paranoia, but perhaps we should stay at a different inn just in case we're being followed.
Starker will offer to assist Gaius and Trokarl as they study the book.
(Maybe this gives them a ‘+’ to their investigation rolls? If a separate roll from Starker is needed here it is:
Investigation = 19
History = 12)
Starker to Gneuman/Ajax in Draconic:”Perhaps Ajax might fly high to warn us of any signifcant body of armed pursuers coming from Trokarl’s hone town?”
Gaius also sets himself to reading the diary.
Investigation check = 24
History = 13
Trolkarl provides background details to Starker and Gaius from his familiarity with the region and his family.
History: 22
Chadwick assists too, by getting snacks and drinks.
He does have history as a proficiency so he tries to help, but gets a natural one so probably wastes everyone's time by recounting folksy lore from his village.
Hours are spent poring over the diary. Two days go by as Gaius, Trolkarl and Starker compare notes and reread passages. Harlandil makes several references to the events of the betrayal in his diary:
12 months prior - Met an interesting drow elf today, Alamnal Deepwalker. He introduced himself at the inn as a wine merchant. We spoke about our production and possibly sourcing wine for him. But, I cannot help believe that there is more to him.
6 months prior - Alamnal has become a valuable customer. He is purchasing nearly all of the excess wine we can produce. He has also become interested in our family's position within Cormyr. This is curious for an outsider. My father is not a fan of him, but does not mind the extra coin flowing into the coffers.
4 months prior - Father has died today. One of the liegemen was slow with the spear and the boar became the hunter. No priest was on hand. Owlbears followed the scent of blood and not only father, but Commin, Trolcandil and Yerstin (his cousins) all are to be buried. Crandil has thankfully come home from this ill-fated hunt. Now I must lead the house though feel quite unprepared. Fortunately, Alamnal was here on a purchase trip. He has agreed to stay on to help in any way he can.
2 months prior - Alamnal has been an unexpected boon. First he has made our wine profitable and now he has taken his time to offer the wisdom of his years. He is 175 years old this year, 152 more than me! His knowledge of how to interact with others and political advice have been most valuable, "Nothing new under Toril!" he claims.
Betrayal - Hartstone has attempted to poison the Duke, Gelingas! It is out of the blue for such a thing. My liegeman Mattin was witness to him dosing the Duke's wine. Hartstone has proclaimed his innocence, but with an eye witness and poison found in the wine his protests fell on deaf ears. He is to be hanged. The Duke has stripped them of earldom and awarded it to me! A reward for the loyalty of House Ravenshield. We move to
Harthall.....Ravenshield Manor next week.4 years after - Alamnal has played a cruel joke upon me today. He arrived to my hunting camp appearing as my father, "Let's go show that boar what I think of him now!," he roared entering the camp. None found it funny. I was incensed. Alamnal revealed a magical cap he possessed that allowed him to appear as any he would like. I told him not to do such a thing again in my presence.
5 years after - Alamnal has returned. His anger at my lack of appreciating his joke at the hunt camp has subsided. I have missed his advice. We struggle to keep the harvests going. The people are unhappy with the Hartstones being replaced. It is difficult.
1 year before his death - My time draws near. Nimnal and his secrets will take lead of the family when I die. His work in the crypts is complete and now he has a private area to work without being interrupted. My father would certainly not be happy to know his right hand is the key to such secrecy! I would like to see his son Garlin grow to be a man. But, he does not favor me and spends his time elsewhere. Alamnal returns soon. He has counseled not to reveal anything of the poisoning of the Duke to Nimnal. He believes my son may become overly inquisitive and asking questions of those who should be left sleeping.
((My conclusion: dirty drow used the cap to impersonate Hartstone. I suspect the owlbears were his doing also. We also should question whether the dirty drow is impersonating someone while he is allegedly gone.))
Starker:”I am convinced that Alamnal is guilty. However, there is not enough evidence here to convince the Duke to take action. As far as I am concerned, we can proceed with (pauses) executing Alamnal even without the Duke’s passing sentence. The world would be a tidier place and I would sleep more peacefully.
”If more proof were desired or insisted upon, we would need to talk to Mattin if he is still alive, exhume the body of Harlandil and cut off his right arm. We need to go to the crypts and seek information on Nimnal, his works and his secrets.
”It might be best were I to return to the Manor quickly and see if I can be admitted to the crypts to find images to use in illustrating my manuscript. If my absence were questioned I could claim that I was made aware if an possible opportunity to interview the Duke about the Ravenshield Way and felt I needed to hurry to take advantage.
”Or Chadwick and Kragen could turn Trokarl in for the reward and we could watch with interest what eventuates and take what actions seem prudent.
“Friend Trokarl, how would you like to proceed?”
If we were to return we risk losing the bit of evidence we have now. We need to get this to the Dukes hands. I fear this could be lost. Or caught in flames…unexpectedly…. due to circumstances we occasionally find ourselves in. That would make things much more challenging
But Starker is right, entering the crypts to bring conclusive evidence may be better. And everyone would be safer without this drow.
Are there any other thoughts?
Is there an easy way to accomplish both getting the book to the duke, not being detained, and returning to the manor? All very quickly
"In what you have gleaned from the tomb, it appears there is no definitive evidence that the Hartstones were blackmailed into poisoning the Duke. There does seem to be some notes which we may provide clues that Alamnal was the perpetrator of the ruse however its subjective on interpretation of the reading.", "I do not believe the notes documented in this provide enough evidence to implicate anyone. However there are some key comments in which we could continue to investigate to build a case."
"Here are some things we may want to follow up on."
"Should we attempt to find the Liegeman Mattin and question (in some way discreetly) the event?". " We would need to do so carefully as not to alert your Brother or Alamnal, maybe an opportunity for Clairvoyance?"
"Should we investigate Alamnal's wine dealings in an attempt to find more out about him and his doings?"
"The passage regarding Nimnal is intriguing and hints to the Crypts having some alternative use? Could this lead to additional evidence of the betrayal?"
"At this point, signs indicate that Alamnal may be taking advantage or manipulating House Ravenshield to his good fortune, however it does not provide justification for removing his head." Frowns at Starker
"My friend, i don't think you have enough to clear your good name, restore House Hartstone or find out what became of your little brother. However, more investigation may provide the evidence you need and it may be lying in the Crypts?", "I am not fond of breaking laws to justify a means however this journal may provide enough evidence to warrant further uses of our abilities to uncover the truth."
"I support your next move."