"I hope so. I am trying to identify who this gnome was, and why he wanted to reach this tavern. Those two points should hopefully make the other evidence make more sense, as well as provide the required leads to continue the investigation."
Sehaethas answers politely, "I was in the middle preparing breakfast, so I didn't see anything myself. Still, a blast outside got me curious, so I did my own looking and questioning, although I was careful not to touch any of the bodies. I didn't recognize the gnome, but he does seem to be the center of the blast, and was likely the target. The dried waste on his boots and cloak looks like he spent time in the sewers recently. Has a small pouch that looks to contain gemstones, but I did not touch it to confirm."
"I also talked to those who did see something. Fala, who owns that shop <points> saw a clocked man take something from the dead gnome and then limping away. He said that this man was also badly burnt, and kept looking over his shoulder as he was afraid of something was following him. He was heading towards the Bent Nail. My guess is that he was traveling with the gnome and also got caught in the blast, but was tough enough to survive it. And that the gnome was carrying something more valuable than a bag of gems."
"As to what did the attack, that lady <points> had just come out of the Tiger's Eye. She described a man shaped puppet on the roof top, throwing something into the crowd below. My guess it was a fireball item such as from a necklace of fireballs."
{While Sehaethas is good enough to cooperate with the guards, he isn't good enough to mention the remains of the necklace of fireballs. }
"Hmm, I see." and he takes notes of what you said. You do notice he doesn't seem surprised by the mention of an additional person in the blast. "I hope you take no offense but I will need to ask them again to make sure you recalled what they saw correctly, and see if they might remember anything they didn't mention to you. As well as asking others who either you didn't suspect to see anything, or who didn't talk to you. They have no incentive to talk to you but not talking to us could land them in a lot of trouble."
From what you understand, if the boy happens to mention that he gave you the necklace, you could get in trouble. Although you have not withheld the information, you are withholding evidence. So the question is, are you willling to take the risk (or do something to reduce the risk)
"Hmm, I see." and he takes notes of what you said. You do notice he doesn't seem surprised by the mention of an additional person in the blast. "I hope you take no offense but I will need to ask them again to make sure you recalled what they saw correctly, and see if they might remember anything they didn't mention to you. As well as asking others who either you didn't suspect to see anything, or who didn't talk to you. They have no incentive to talk to you but not talking to us could land them in a lot of trouble."
From what you understand, if the boy happens to mention that he gave you the necklace, you could get in trouble. Although you have not withheld the information, you are withholding evidence. So the question is, are you willling to take the risk (or do something to reduce the risk)
Sehaethas replies. "Of course, that's why I pointed them out to you." Thinking about the possible ramifications of them questioning the boy, which seems likely, he continued, "Also the boy over there <points> was friends with the halfling musicians. After ducking behind a barrow from the blast, he heard something plop into the barrow. he retrieved this, <pulls out broken necklace> which seems to be a necklace of fireballs with a broken clasp."
He was glad that Kylaski wasn't popping out in the middle of talking to the guard. Perhaps she was finally learning discretion.
{He's showing the necklace, hoping he'll be able to keep it, but will give it to the guard if he insists.}
"That would explain some or the other witness statements. And my deductions from the crime scene do not contradict anything you have said. I will need to take that as evidence to ensure it does match the magical reisude from the scene. Then I will leave you in peace. We should have everything wrapped up here in about an hour and you will be free to get on with your day. If the other owner comes back and has any knowledge of the gnome, please let us know. "
And with that (after taking the necklace) they both leave to continue investigating. You are free to decide what you wish to do next. Also, are any of you locals, or would have visited during the Day of Wonders parade in the autumn. (a parade of inventions)?
Damros goes inside and walks to the bar. "Lif, any idea why a gnome might be killed for trying to come here? Were you running some money making deal on the side?"
He turns to look around the room, "Oh.. and we got lucky. The explosion did not touch the outside wall and all the window panels are still intact."
+++++
Once everyone comes back inside, Damros will have moved over to their designated 'drink and talk' table. "Any ideas what just happened? Think one of our new patrons like the Harpers or those others... might have a clue why a gnome was fireballed just outside the tavern? Or are we stirring up a hornet's nest poking our nose into something?"
Sehaethas answers, "I think the gnome was just passing by and just happened to get ambushed in front of our place. Someone that was probably traveling with him survived and too something off the gnomes body before heading towards the Bent Nail. I'm inclined to go looking for him and see if we can get more of the story. Anyone want to come with?"
Sehaethas then raised his hand and said in Kylaski's voice, "Me! Me!"
Sehaethas put down his hand, sighed, and said "Of course you're coming with me!"
"A motley band of adventurers trails a limping figure through the winding streets of Waterdeep, the City of Slendor. Their plucky warlock led the way, his keen eyesight discerning faint footprints on the cobblestones. The glint of a silver piece, dropped by the limping figure, caught Sehaethas' attention, the group's nimble bard, confirming their target's path. As they approached the Bent Nail, a tavern of ill repute, they slowed their pace as..."
"Why are you making a running commentary, Damros? Sehaethas knows where the limping person went; it is no mystery."
"Just trying to liven up the morning as we prepare to journey out into the deadly streets."
"... seems our quarry found solace at The Bent Nail," muttered Skye, the roguelok, her hand instinctively going to the item she kept stashed in her waistband. Inside the tavern, the limping figure huddled in a dark corner, a steaming mug of ale before them."
The narration stopped when Lif, the spectral barkeep, levitated a mug of water over Damros' head and upended it. "Okay, Okay. I get the message!" He casually caught the rag Lif tossed his way to mop himself and the floor dry.
"We really SHOULD get going if we want to have any hope of catching this person at the Bent Nail. He might slink out the back and we will never discover who it might be."
You make your way to the Bent Nail and at this time of morning, it is quite empty. The majority of people there are actually those who just tried to get off the streets and have a drink while the exits are blocked. You ask around and it's quite clear that this person you are hoping to find is not here. In fact it seems like they never came in. No one inside has seen anyone matching the description you had, nor have they seen anyone leaving. The barkeep confirms this that in the immediate aftermath of the blast, no one came inside. It was only once the guard had arrived and they couldn't leave that new customers came in.
Skye finds her hand twitching towards her belt pouch, but Damros’s words, so fresh, stymie her habit and she stops mid-movement in an awkward jerk.
“So you don’t know nuffin, right? What about those guards — did they question you? What did they ask you, might be that the questions they asked gave away some of the answers they already had.”
(yep. I jumped ahead to being there. There wasn't anything important to learn other than the fact that the although he was seen going in that direction, he didn't go in and instead must have gone round and exited before the guard got here. So I didn't want to waste time discussing who would go)
Skye, they seem a bit taken aback by the questions, and answer that the guards just took statements of what they saw. Nothing was asked about someone coming this way. But it does look like Barnibus (the mage investigator) is talking to the witness who said about the man coming this way (can't remember off the top of my head if that was Fala or the noble lady) so will probably be over shortly to ask about it.
Damros looks about the nearly empty tavern, "Definitely not how I described things in my narrative. Reality can be so disappointing." Sighing, he moves over to the darkest corner and waits to see what transpires.
The mage comes over, and sees Damros (and any others of you who stayed), raises an eyebrow but says nothing (yet). He starts asking the others here about the same person you did. "Did any of you see a cloaked human with burns flee here? They are a key part of the investigation who was caught in the crossfire. They were persuring the gnome alongside two others, and were the only survivor of the blast."
After receiving no information about the man, he comes over to Damros (and any others). He makes direct eye contact before saying "Leave the investigation to us. You don't want to add any confounding variables."
Damros straightens and holds up his hands, "Message received. We do not wish to get on the wrong side of the city guard or YOUR investigations."
Damros takes a single step to move toward the door when he stops and turns around to address the mage, Barnibus. "It would be appreciated if, once you have concluded your investigations, you might give us a rundown of what is discovered. We are curious why anyone would be fireballed in the middle of the street... and why it LOOKED as if the gnome might have been coming to our home. Just curious... and concerned."
The midday sun beats down on the broad, bustling streets of Waterdeep as the group make their way back to the familiar comfort of 'home' - their slowly rennovating tavern. The sounds of the city, a vibrant symphony of life, filled the air: the clang of the blacksmith's hammer echoing from the Trades Ward, the distant cries of vendors hawking their wares in the market, the gentle splash of water against the ships in the harbor, and the chatter of countless tongues from across Faerûn, blending into a cheerful din.
As a group, we navigate the throng, stepping around a group of merchants haggling over a shipment of exotic spices, the scent of which mingles with the rich aroma of baking bread and roasting meats from a nearby eatery. A hint of something less pleasant, the underlying scent of a large, busy city, mingled with the more agreeable aromas, reminding you of the city's less glamorous realities. Yet, in Waterdeep, even the less desirable aspects were part of its charm.
As Damros nears 'home', the hustle and bustle of the area is changed - due to the incident this morning. The street is not filled with shoppers and sellers; few are on the street at all. An explosion mid street tends to scare off the locals... at least for a day or so.
"I hope so. I am trying to identify who this gnome was, and why he wanted to reach this tavern. Those two points should hopefully make the other evidence make more sense, as well as provide the required leads to continue the investigation."
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Sehaethas answers politely, "I was in the middle preparing breakfast, so I didn't see anything myself. Still, a blast outside got me curious, so I did my own looking and questioning, although I was careful not to touch any of the bodies. I didn't recognize the gnome, but he does seem to be the center of the blast, and was likely the target. The dried waste on his boots and cloak looks like he spent time in the sewers recently. Has a small pouch that looks to contain gemstones, but I did not touch it to confirm."
"I also talked to those who did see something. Fala, who owns that shop <points> saw a clocked man take something from the dead gnome and then limping away. He said that this man was also badly burnt, and kept looking over his shoulder as he was afraid of something was following him. He was heading towards the Bent Nail. My guess is that he was traveling with the gnome and also got caught in the blast, but was tough enough to survive it. And that the gnome was carrying something more valuable than a bag of gems."
"As to what did the attack, that lady <points> had just come out of the Tiger's Eye. She described a man shaped puppet on the roof top, throwing something into the crowd below. My guess it was a fireball item such as from a necklace of fireballs."
{While Sehaethas is good enough to cooperate with the guards, he isn't good enough to mention the remains of the necklace of fireballs. }
"Hmm, I see." and he takes notes of what you said. You do notice he doesn't seem surprised by the mention of an additional person in the blast. "I hope you take no offense but I will need to ask them again to make sure you recalled what they saw correctly, and see if they might remember anything they didn't mention to you. As well as asking others who either you didn't suspect to see anything, or who didn't talk to you. They have no incentive to talk to you but not talking to us could land them in a lot of trouble."
From what you understand, if the boy happens to mention that he gave you the necklace, you could get in trouble. Although you have not withheld the information, you are withholding evidence. So the question is, are you willling to take the risk (or do something to reduce the risk)
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Damros slowly walks up behind Sehaethas, "Did I miss a notice of a meeting on the front stoop?"
Sehaethas replies. "Of course, that's why I pointed them out to you." Thinking about the possible ramifications of them questioning the boy, which seems likely, he continued, "Also the boy over there <points> was friends with the halfling musicians. After ducking behind a barrow from the blast, he heard something plop into the barrow. he retrieved this, <pulls out broken necklace> which seems to be a necklace of fireballs with a broken clasp."
He was glad that Kylaski wasn't popping out in the middle of talking to the guard. Perhaps she was finally learning discretion.
{He's showing the necklace, hoping he'll be able to keep it, but will give it to the guard if he insists.}
"That would explain some or the other witness statements. And my deductions from the crime scene do not contradict anything you have said. I will need to take that as evidence to ensure it does match the magical reisude from the scene. Then I will leave you in peace. We should have everything wrapped up here in about an hour and you will be free to get on with your day. If the other owner comes back and has any knowledge of the gnome, please let us know. "
And with that (after taking the necklace) they both leave to continue investigating. You are free to decide what you wish to do next. Also, are any of you locals, or would have visited during the Day of Wonders parade in the autumn. (a parade of inventions)?
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Damros goes inside and walks to the bar. "Lif, any idea why a gnome might be killed for trying to come here? Were you running some money making deal on the side?"
He turns to look around the room, "Oh.. and we got lucky. The explosion did not touch the outside wall and all the window panels are still intact."
+++++
Once everyone comes back inside, Damros will have moved over to their designated 'drink and talk' table. "Any ideas what just happened? Think one of our new patrons like the Harpers or those others... might have a clue why a gnome was fireballed just outside the tavern? Or are we stirring up a hornet's nest poking our nose into something?"
Sehaethas answers, "I think the gnome was just passing by and just happened to get ambushed in front of our place. Someone that was probably traveling with him survived and too something off the gnomes body before heading towards the Bent Nail. I'm inclined to go looking for him and see if we can get more of the story. Anyone want to come with?"
Sehaethas then raised his hand and said in Kylaski's voice, "Me! Me!"
Sehaethas put down his hand, sighed, and said "Of course you're coming with me!"
You make your way to the Bent Nail and at this time of morning, it is quite empty. The majority of people there are actually those who just tried to get off the streets and have a drink while the exits are blocked. You ask around and it's quite clear that this person you are hoping to find is not here. In fact it seems like they never came in. No one inside has seen anyone matching the description you had, nor have they seen anyone leaving. The barkeep confirms this that in the immediate aftermath of the blast, no one came inside. It was only once the guard had arrived and they couldn't leave that new customers came in.
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Skye finds her hand twitching towards her belt pouch, but Damros’s words, so fresh, stymie her habit and she stops mid-movement in an awkward jerk.
“So you don’t know nuffin, right? What about those guards — did they question you? What did they ask you, might be that the questions they asked gave away some of the answers they already had.”
Anyone else coming along as Sehaethas heads for the Bent Nail?
((I think we’re already there?))
(yep. I jumped ahead to being there. There wasn't anything important to learn other than the fact that the although he was seen going in that direction, he didn't go in and instead must have gone round and exited before the guard got here. So I didn't want to waste time discussing who would go)
Skye, they seem a bit taken aback by the questions, and answer that the guards just took statements of what they saw. Nothing was asked about someone coming this way. But it does look like Barnibus (the mage investigator) is talking to the witness who said about the man coming this way (can't remember off the top of my head if that was Fala or the noble lady) so will probably be over shortly to ask about it.
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Damros looks about the nearly empty tavern, "Definitely not how I described things in my narrative. Reality can be so disappointing." Sighing, he moves over to the darkest corner and waits to see what transpires.
Perception Check: 15
The mage comes over, and sees Damros (and any others of you who stayed), raises an eyebrow but says nothing (yet). He starts asking the others here about the same person you did. "Did any of you see a cloaked human with burns flee here? They are a key part of the investigation who was caught in the crossfire. They were persuring the gnome alongside two others, and were the only survivor of the blast."
After receiving no information about the man, he comes over to Damros (and any others). He makes direct eye contact before saying "Leave the investigation to us. You don't want to add any confounding variables."
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Damros straightens and holds up his hands, "Message received. We do not wish to get on the wrong side of the city guard or YOUR investigations."
Damros takes a single step to move toward the door when he stops and turns around to address the mage, Barnibus. "It would be appreciated if, once you have concluded your investigations, you might give us a rundown of what is discovered. We are curious why anyone would be fireballed in the middle of the street... and why it LOOKED as if the gnome might have been coming to our home. Just curious... and concerned."
Persuasion: 15
Sehaethas nods in agreement, "Sorry if I got in the way, I was just curious as to why there was a fireball outside our business and home."
Sehaethas says, "I hope our customers come back by the time we open."