Starker:”Certainly the book needs to stay far away from Ravenshield Manor. Perhaps Gaius or Trokarl have a trusted friend here or nearby? Or we could bury it under a rock out in the woods? Or we could send Gohumbee with it to the Duke?”
Starker:”Trokarl, I have been looking at the sketches of the Manor we developed based on your recollections. I am struck by the odd distribution of what I assume are funerary monuments: some nooks with one, some none, and one with six? Do you know what lays behind such seemingly a hapgazard, chaotic [shudders] arrangement? Could you tell us whom each statue commemorates?”
Regarding the chaotic arrangements, I believe when the Ravenshields moved into the manor, then Harthall, they moved the burial remains of the Hartstone family out of the crypts. The Hartstones remains were then jumbled into one of the corner niches.
Unless there are suggestions for another approach, I believe we should return. Chadwick can try to reconnect with the guards for any news when we return.
I suspect things will be more difficult when/if we return. Although we don’t have hard evidence, I think we should consider approaching the authorities (duke?) with what we have to get and idea of what additional evidence we need.
Or we can decide whether it is time to find 18 seconds for Starker.
“I will support either approach. However I do not believe the response from the Duke will be favorable however Trolkarl can try? The risk with engaging the Duke with little evidence is that he will execute the warrant for his arrest and he/we will have little evidence to secure his release?”
“I do believe there are enough clues to indicate something nefarious was a foot and needs more investigation at the Manor. Not to mention Trolkarl missing brother, which he is framed with killing.”
"I foresee things getting messy when we return. Fighting, trying to subdue guards, property damage etc. But I think going to the Duke with only circumstantial evidence would have worse results.
Gaius listens to all of you and adds, "If we return, anything we do will be vigilantism. The only authority over Earl Ravenshield we can bring is that of the Duke's. Anyone we injure, or kill, any destruction we cause will only lend credence to the accusations of Trolkarl being the fratricide he is accused of being." He seems to be deflated as he says these things to you. "I had hoped for more damning evidence in the diary, not just shadows and innuendo."
We seek the temple of Tyr here in Daerlun and request Kragen and Chadwick to secure an audience with the highest authority they can arrange. I will submit myself to their justice, including a Zone of Truth or any other means they deem appropriate, to prove my innocence beyond question. Should the church decline to be involved in a political matter, I will happily testify to the moral concerns of the people rather than any personal political motive on my part.
We then request two official documents from the temple, reflecting their judgment.
The first, along with the diary, will be delivered to the Duke by trusted agents of the church. The trusted agents of the church that will do the delivery should be well-vetted by Kragen.
The second, I will take personally to my brother. Ideally, this letter will prompt him to validate the church’s findings and grant access to the crypts. If, however, he reacts otherwise, we will make it known that the Duke has already received the same evidence and statement from the temple. Perhaps also stopping and showing the proclamation to a few of the guards and locals in the village before going directly to my brother as a contingency for additional support.
Your feedback is welcome, and I especially value the insights of Kragen and Chadwick as experts on the justice of Tyr. Let's consider every possibility to ensure our actions are just and lead to a better situation for the people of this land.
Trolkarl, your plan is wise and well thought out. My hope is that the church will take this case, especially given that magnitude of the events involved. I don't think I could bring myself to conduct more lawless activities, the ones we have taken already weigh heavily on me.
"Trolkarl, thank you for putting the people before oneself, it shows your true character!" smiles warmly at Trolkarl
"That is an extremely logical and thoughtful approach, leveraging the Church as an unbiased yet powerful political advocate, i apologize i had not thought of that option!" frowns and looks to the ground with shame
"Yes, i think the Church would provide an unbiased perspective and be open to adjudicate on your situation. If proven truthful, they should be willing to provide a powerful character witness statement. I can see a path here to right the situation and remove need for unnecessary bloodshed." looks to Starker and frowns
"I will head to the Church and advocate for Tyr to provide judgement, let the Scales balance upon the weight of the truth!"
Looking to Chadwick "Care to join me my fine haired friend?!"
Kragen turns and heads out of the Hungry Hippocampus, with determination and purpose. Heading towards the temple of Tyr.
Starker frowns at the word ‘unnecessary’ and then shrugs. “As I said, I will be guided by Trokarl’s preferences in this until his goal is achieved. This is an interesting, if somehat convoluted approach, one I look forward to observing as I would the antics of an disturbed anthill or the stately progress of a formal dance in a kindergarten. Pray let me know when and how I might be of assistance”
The temple of Tyr is located in a Temple District within the towering walls of Daerlun. It is a small citadel with an area for worship in the front portion and barracks and a small training field held within single story walls of its own. An acolyte greets Kragen and Chadwick at the door, "Rejoice, brothers! The house of the Justice Bringer welcomes you."
Another possible approach for evidence would be to cast Speak with Dead if we can find relevant corpses in an appropriate condition. For example, Trolkarl’s (likely) dead brother could attest to his murderer.
"Well met Brother. Thank you, it is good to be back where the Scales balance!"
"We seek guidance and some assistance, that we believe only the Master Priest can provide. By chance, may we request an audience with the head of Temple?"
"I am happy to be of service, brother. Please let me introduce you to Gelthane. Perhaps he can assist you," he replies and leads you into the temple. You are led through the chapel and down a hallway towards the main citadel building. You pass through great wooden, iron-bound doors and into the courtyard. There are men-at-arms practicing there as well as others reading. To the right is a bench with a middle-aged man sitting and watching the practicing men. The acolyte leads you to him and bows, "Brother Gelthane. Traveling brothers have arrived and seek assistance." The man turns to nod at the acolyte, "Thank you, Semmal." He then turns to you and stands, "I am Gelthane, Prelate of Tyr. How can I assist you, brothers?"
(( Prelate - a middle rank in the hierarchy of the church ))
Bowing to Semmal "Thank you Brother Semmal, for providing assistance. May the scales always balance."
Bowing to Gelthane. "Well met Brother Gelthane, please stay seated." motions back to the bench. "My name is Kragen Gravelbeard, of Clan Delhalls of the Vaasa Mountain Dwarves.","This is our Brother Chadwick Leroy Jenkins, Paladin of Tyr." gestures grandily to Chadwick. "May we sit and discuss an important matter that we seek assistance with?" Waits to be invited to sit.
After sitting, Kragen begins "We appreciate your discretion in the this matter and seek Tyr's judgement to help find the path to truth and justice", Brother Chadwick and I have a Friend, Trolkarl Ravenshield, who we believe has been wrongly accused of a crime in this region, the murder of his younger brother. He comes from a noble house, House Ravenshield, north of Daelrun that came to power at the misfortune of another house, House Hartstone. Our Friend seeks to prove his innocence, however he does not, as yet, have enough evidence to do so. We have information that could lead us to more concrete evidence, which he would bring to the Duke, however it would require more martial means, which he seeks to avoid." Pauses before continuing
"To avoid conflict and innocent bloodshed, we seek Tyr's judgement and propose the Temple adjudicate this matter via Tyr's divine countenance. Trolkarl wishes to submit himself to the Temple, provide current evidence he has gathered and be questioned under Tyr's powers of true seeing (zone of truth). If Tyr judges him innocent, he asks the following. 2 copies of the results of Adjudication, one sent to the Duke, in which I will deliver. The other copy, he will take directly to his Brother, who resides at the head of his house."
"Additionally, Chadwick and I intend to provide character witness for Trolkarl and submit ourselves to Tyr's judgement."
"If he is found false, he will submit himself to the local authorities and accept his fate."
Gelthane listens as Kragen explains the position you find yourselves in. He nods in agreement with the desire to avoid unnecessary violence or bloodshed. Once Kragen finishes he sits to think for a moment before replying, "Brother Kragen. Brother Chadwick. These are grave concerns regarding your friend Trolkarl Ravenshield. If I may ask, what is the nature of the evidence that he has to provide supporting his innocence?"
"Fair question Brother Gelthane. Obviously, Trolkarl and his story of betrayal and the events that led to House Ravenshield ascension."
"He also has become familiar with his House rival, Gaius Hartstone, in which we are currently traveling with. Whom sought Trolkarl's capture and eventually became mutual associates in their quest to expose the truth and right the wrongs to both House's. After having the Laird of the Dwarves of Granitestead adjudicate the Gaius's dispute, Trolkarl was deemed true of heart. Gaius has provided additional evidence from House Hartstone's perspective that has continued to link nefarious events."
"Additionally, Trolkarl has in his possession, a journal chronicling events in is House history. This journal has both mundane entries and entries that provide clues as to the events that saw House Ravenshield ascend to the Earldom and the events that led to the demise of House Hartstone."
"Clues have led us to believe that one individual, a wine merchant Drow named Alamnal, has gained the Houses confidence and orchestrated events that led to House Hartstone being accused of poisining the Duke, Trolkarl being accused of murdering his brother and House Ravenshield being bequeathed the regional Earl."
"Chadwick and I are willing to provide more specific evidence that we have been privy too however, might i suggest, to ensure impartiality, that all parties be interrogated separately and under Tyr's divine power of Truth Seeing". "We are ready to provide written character witness."
"To be more specific, here is evidence we have gathered."
Starker:”Certainly the book needs to stay far away from Ravenshield Manor. Perhaps Gaius or Trokarl have a trusted friend here or nearby? Or we could bury it under a rock out in the woods? Or we could send Gohumbee with it to the Duke?”
Starker:”Trokarl, I have been looking at the sketches of the Manor we developed based on your recollections. I am struck by the odd distribution of what I assume are funerary monuments: some nooks with one, some none, and one with six? Do you know what lays behind such seemingly a hapgazard, chaotic [shudders] arrangement? Could you tell us whom each statue commemorates?”
Time Line
Day 0 - Burgled Ravenshield Manor and stole a diary from the secret room of the private library.
Day 1 - Traveled to Daerlun
Day 2 - Arrived in Daerlun in the evening. Took up residence at the Hungry Hippocampus. Began reading the diary.
Day 3 & 4 - Continued study of the diary. Obtained bits of useful information.
Day 5 - Present Day.
Regarding the chaotic arrangements, I believe when the Ravenshields moved into the manor, then Harthall, they moved the burial remains of the Hartstone family out of the crypts. The Hartstones remains were then jumbled into one of the corner niches.
Unless there are suggestions for another approach, I believe we should return. Chadwick can try to reconnect with the guards for any news when we return.
I suspect things will be more difficult when/if we return. Although we don’t have hard evidence, I think we should consider approaching the authorities (duke?) with what we have to get and idea of what additional evidence we need.
Or we can decide whether it is time to find 18 seconds for Starker.
“I will support either approach. However I do not believe the response from the Duke will be favorable however Trolkarl can try? The risk with engaging the Duke with little evidence is that he will execute the warrant for his arrest and he/we will have little evidence to secure his release?”
“I do believe there are enough clues to indicate something nefarious was a foot and needs more investigation at the Manor. Not to mention Trolkarl missing brother, which he is framed with killing.”
"I foresee things getting messy when we return. Fighting, trying to subdue guards, property damage etc. But I think going to the Duke with only circumstantial evidence would have worse results.
Anyone have invisibility?"
Starker:”I do. For up to an hour I can make one or two of us invisible (provided I can maintain concentration).”
Gaius listens to all of you and adds, "If we return, anything we do will be vigilantism. The only authority over Earl Ravenshield we can bring is that of the Duke's. Anyone we injure, or kill, any destruction we cause will only lend credence to the accusations of Trolkarl being the fratricide he is accused of being." He seems to be deflated as he says these things to you. "I had hoped for more damning evidence in the diary, not just shadows and innuendo."
Very well. Here’s what I propose to avoid killing
We seek the temple of Tyr here in Daerlun and request Kragen and Chadwick to secure an audience with the highest authority they can arrange. I will submit myself to their justice, including a Zone of Truth or any other means they deem appropriate, to prove my innocence beyond question. Should the church decline to be involved in a political matter, I will happily testify to the moral concerns of the people rather than any personal political motive on my part.
We then request two official documents from the temple, reflecting their judgment.
The first, along with the diary, will be delivered to the Duke by trusted agents of the church. The trusted agents of the church that will do the delivery should be well-vetted by Kragen.
The second, I will take personally to my brother. Ideally, this letter will prompt him to validate the church’s findings and grant access to the crypts. If, however, he reacts otherwise, we will make it known that the Duke has already received the same evidence and statement from the temple. Perhaps also stopping and showing the proclamation to a few of the guards and locals in the village before going directly to my brother as a contingency for additional support.
Your feedback is welcome, and I especially value the insights of Kragen and Chadwick as experts on the justice of Tyr. Let's consider every possibility to ensure our actions are just and lead to a better situation for the people of this land.
Trolkarl, your plan is wise and well thought out. My hope is that the church will take this case, especially given that magnitude of the events involved. I don't think I could bring myself to conduct more lawless activities, the ones we have taken already weigh heavily on me.
"Trolkarl, thank you for putting the people before oneself, it shows your true character!" smiles warmly at Trolkarl
"That is an extremely logical and thoughtful approach, leveraging the Church as an unbiased yet powerful political advocate, i apologize i had not thought of that option!" frowns and looks to the ground with shame
"Yes, i think the Church would provide an unbiased perspective and be open to adjudicate on your situation. If proven truthful, they should be willing to provide a powerful character witness statement. I can see a path here to right the situation and remove need for unnecessary bloodshed." looks to Starker and frowns
"I will head to the Church and advocate for Tyr to provide judgement, let the Scales balance upon the weight of the truth!"
Looking to Chadwick "Care to join me my fine haired friend?!"
Kragen turns and heads out of the Hungry Hippocampus, with determination and purpose. Heading towards the temple of Tyr.
Starker frowns at the word ‘unnecessary’ and then shrugs. “As I said, I will be guided by Trokarl’s preferences in this until his goal is achieved. This is an interesting, if somehat convoluted approach, one I look forward to observing as I would the antics of an disturbed anthill or the stately progress of a formal dance in a kindergarten. Pray let me know when and how I might be of assistance”
The temple of Tyr is located in a Temple District within the towering walls of Daerlun. It is a small citadel with an area for worship in the front portion and barracks and a small training field held within single story walls of its own. An acolyte greets Kragen and Chadwick at the door, "Rejoice, brothers! The house of the Justice Bringer welcomes you."
(Late to the discussion)
Another possible approach for evidence would be to cast Speak with Dead if we can find relevant corpses in an appropriate condition. For example, Trolkarl’s (likely) dead brother could attest to his murderer.
"Well met Brother. Thank you, it is good to be back where the Scales balance!"
"We seek guidance and some assistance, that we believe only the Master Priest can provide. By chance, may we request an audience with the head of Temple?"
"I am happy to be of service, brother. Please let me introduce you to Gelthane. Perhaps he can assist you," he replies and leads you into the temple. You are led through the chapel and down a hallway towards the main citadel building. You pass through great wooden, iron-bound doors and into the courtyard. There are men-at-arms practicing there as well as others reading. To the right is a bench with a middle-aged man sitting and watching the practicing men. The acolyte leads you to him and bows, "Brother Gelthane. Traveling brothers have arrived and seek assistance." The man turns to nod at the acolyte, "Thank you, Semmal." He then turns to you and stands, "I am Gelthane, Prelate of Tyr. How can I assist you, brothers?"
(( Prelate - a middle rank in the hierarchy of the church ))
Bowing to Semmal "Thank you Brother Semmal, for providing assistance. May the scales always balance."
Bowing to Gelthane. "Well met Brother Gelthane, please stay seated." motions back to the bench. "My name is Kragen Gravelbeard, of Clan Delhalls of the Vaasa Mountain Dwarves.", "This is our Brother Chadwick Leroy Jenkins, Paladin of Tyr." gestures grandily to Chadwick. "May we sit and discuss an important matter that we seek assistance with?" Waits to be invited to sit.
After sitting, Kragen begins "We appreciate your discretion in the this matter and seek Tyr's judgement to help find the path to truth and justice", Brother Chadwick and I have a Friend, Trolkarl Ravenshield, who we believe has been wrongly accused of a crime in this region, the murder of his younger brother. He comes from a noble house, House Ravenshield, north of Daelrun that came to power at the misfortune of another house, House Hartstone. Our Friend seeks to prove his innocence, however he does not, as yet, have enough evidence to do so. We have information that could lead us to more concrete evidence, which he would bring to the Duke, however it would require more martial means, which he seeks to avoid." Pauses before continuing
"To avoid conflict and innocent bloodshed, we seek Tyr's judgement and propose the Temple adjudicate this matter via Tyr's divine countenance. Trolkarl wishes to submit himself to the Temple, provide current evidence he has gathered and be questioned under Tyr's powers of true seeing (zone of truth). If Tyr judges him innocent, he asks the following. 2 copies of the results of Adjudication, one sent to the Duke, in which I will deliver. The other copy, he will take directly to his Brother, who resides at the head of his house."
"Additionally, Chadwick and I intend to provide character witness for Trolkarl and submit ourselves to Tyr's judgement."
"If he is found false, he will submit himself to the local authorities and accept his fate."
Exhales in anticipation of the response
Gelthane listens as Kragen explains the position you find yourselves in. He nods in agreement with the desire to avoid unnecessary violence or bloodshed. Once Kragen finishes he sits to think for a moment before replying, "Brother Kragen. Brother Chadwick. These are grave concerns regarding your friend Trolkarl Ravenshield. If I may ask, what is the nature of the evidence that he has to provide supporting his innocence?"
"Fair question Brother Gelthane. Obviously, Trolkarl and his story of betrayal and the events that led to House Ravenshield ascension."
"He also has become familiar with his House rival, Gaius Hartstone, in which we are currently traveling with. Whom sought Trolkarl's capture and eventually became mutual associates in their quest to expose the truth and right the wrongs to both House's. After having the Laird of the Dwarves of Granitestead adjudicate the Gaius's dispute, Trolkarl was deemed true of heart. Gaius has provided additional evidence from House Hartstone's perspective that has continued to link nefarious events."
"Additionally, Trolkarl has in his possession, a journal chronicling events in is House history. This journal has both mundane entries and entries that provide clues as to the events that saw House Ravenshield ascend to the Earldom and the events that led to the demise of House Hartstone."
"Clues have led us to believe that one individual, a wine merchant Drow named Alamnal, has gained the Houses confidence and orchestrated events that led to House Hartstone being accused of poisining the Duke, Trolkarl being accused of murdering his brother and House Ravenshield being bequeathed the regional Earl."
"Chadwick and I are willing to provide more specific evidence that we have been privy too however, might i suggest, to ensure impartiality, that all parties be interrogated separately and under Tyr's divine power of Truth Seeing". "We are ready to provide written character witness."
"To be more specific, here is evidence we have gathered."
...