This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Balasar smiles ruefully. Forgive my indiscretion, Clearwater; the box caught my eye and my curiosity got the better of me.
Balasar examines the weapons more closely. These are magnificent! How did you come across them?
Balasar will make a Perception check to see what details stand out to him about the weapons. He will also make a History check to see if anything about the weapons matches up with or brings to mind anything from his education about the Underdark or his family's past. He is also seeking to remember if he has seen these specific weapons, or similar weapons, anywhere before.
Perception: 11
History: 17
History again, just in case Balasar's upbringing and education give him advantage on the check: 15
Balasar smiles ruefully. Forgive my indiscretion, Clearwater; the box caught my eye and my curiosity got the better of me.
Balasar examines the weapons more closely. These are magnificent! How did you come across them?
Balasar will make a Perception check to see what details stand out to him about the weapons. He will also make a History check to see if anything about the weapons matches up with or brings to mind anything from his education about the Underdark or his family's past. He is also seeking to remember if he has seen these specific weapons, or similar weapons, anywhere before.
Perception: 20
History: 13
History again, just in case Balasar's upbringing and education give him advantage on the check: 21
Balasar has not seen these exact weapons before, but he has seen their like in the Delmirev collection as war trophies. They are very clearly Drow kit by their appearance, with blades of black metal that shine green in the candle light, and etched with silver webs that run the length of both sword and dagger all the way to spider-shaped pommels. Exquisitely made by the standards of most races, these are officer-grade to Balasar's experienced eye; Well made and high quality, but not excessively so. Just by looking at them, Balasar cannot determine a great deal about their properties, but he catches a strange smelling oil as he leans in to examine them. Whatever it was has been freshly applied. Both weapons are in excellent condition, but as Drow are infamous for employing enchanted items with great frequency that is not in and of itself too strange.
Balasar does recall that Drow weapons are often strangely enchanted so that prolonged exposure to sunlight will unwind the spells they hold and leave them mundane (though masterfully made) implements of war. For these to retain their enchantments from the Nightseige to now (if indeed they do), Clearwater would have had to keep them especially well protected from the light.
Balasar leans in and examines the weapons closely, with an attentive and appreciate eye.
These are magnificent specimens, Clearwater! Surely there must be a story of how you came across them? And how have you kept them so well preserved? I had thought myself reasonably knowledgeable in such matters, but I can't place the scent of the oil you've used on them.
Lisette scrutinizes Clearwater's movements with the practiced eye of a healer. (Diagnostic medicine check: 17 )
Given her more recent contact with the Majordomo, coupled with her medical training, Lisette can tell that Clearwater is not moving like the old man he is. Even his slight limp appears to have vanished.
Throughout this exchange, Lisette has been staring at Clearwater with the look of one attempting to sort through a puzzle. However, before leaving, she approaches the man, gently resting a hand on his upper arm in a gesture which seems to ask for him to wait. Quietly, she says to him, "You seem to be moving with a renewed vigor and energy - perhaps even with less pain, is this not so?"
With a kindly smile, Lisette nods, "I am glad to hear it. I will not keep you from your sleep - I hope you rest well, good Clearwater."
Returning to the party, Lisette closes the Majordomo's door behind her and, as she turns to face the group, her quiet smile almost immediately vanishes to be replaced by a gravely serious expression. In a soft voice that seems oddly light and calm given the arrangement of her features, the young healer addresses Balasar, though she takes in the party with a steely look that seems to say don't argue, "Though I know it is getting on into the evening, before you are retiring might I convince you all to join me for a cup of Bal's favorite tea? It should help you to sleep and, I must confess, the events surrounding the murder have me somewhat uneasy - I could do with some company and - oh, how is the phrase? - uh, chit-chat, yes? Yes, a little chit-chat to get to know you all before I could be able to sleep. You will join me, I hope?"
With these last words, Lisette nods her head in encouragement, her expression and gaze unchanged. Without waiting for any replies, she begins to walk briskly down the hall, apparently planning to return to her quarters where the party first encountered her.
Balasar follows Lisette without hesitation and gestures for the party to do the same; he had already been planning to see if they could join her in her quarters next for some discussion.
Gesturing everyone to a variety of seats scattered about the lab, Lisette gives orders to her assistant to begin brewing enough tea for all present. Afterward, turns to regard first Wendell and then the rest of the party. "One moment, please. What I have to share demands certain... precautions."
After finishing the first spell, Lisette pauses, her eyes closed, and appears to concentrate for a moment before begining on a second, longer spell. As she finishes, her eyes begin to glow with arcane light and she casts her gaze about the room in a full circle. Nodding, apparently to herself, in approval, the young woman joins the group, sitting in a chair of her own.
Pursing her lips in a delicate frown, the normally cheerful healer glances about the party with a remarkably somber expression. "I think it is best to begin with the most important thing I have to tell you, but I must caution that you will have to keep your surprise and questions to a minimum as I will have very few answers beyond what I am about to tell you."
With a breath, she continues, "That being we just spoke with - I do not believe that was Clarence Clearwater or, if it was, something very bad has happened to him. Clarence has been suffering from a limp, as well as numerous aches and pains, for several years due to his age. There is only so much that a healer can accomplish and turning back the ravages of time on a body is not among them. Because of this, I was suspicious about his lack of a limp and the fluidity of his motions. When I asked about this - you may have heard - he dismissed it as an effect of my treatments. But this cannot be so; the herbs which I have supplied to him do little more than minimize the pain - they are not capable of removing its source. But, more than this, when I touched his arm - touched the sleeve of his tunic - I was touching flesh. Whether it was an illusion or flesh shaped by magic to look like clothing, I cannot say, but, in either case, the thing should not have been as it was. Furthermore, the musculature of his arm was far greater than it should have been."
Again, she pauses for a breath. "I very much fear that something has replaced or drastically altered Clarence."
Balasar nods, with less apparent surprise than might be expected. That is consistent with my own observations. The Clearwater I know is generally not known for his powers of observation, and would not have noticed my interest in that box under his bed. One's senses do not generally grow more keen as one ages. Furthermore, the presence of the Drow weaponry in his chambers gives me cause for concern; as eager as he seemed to be to display the weapons, I find it strange that this is my first time seeing them.
I also could not place the scent of the oil that was coating them, despite growing up with and helping care for the family trophies from the Nightsiege. I fear we may be facing some fresh intrusion from the realms far beneath the earth. His attempts to cast suspicion on those who should be most trustworthy also seemed strange to me. Clearwater's visage would be the perfect cover to allow an intruder to move about relatively unnoticed within the house, and would explain the traceless getaway of Thaan's assassin. The cook's peculiar obsession with the flavor of brains does not exactly help my unease. Could you tell if he is who he appears to be, or if the same thing that has happened to Clearwater has happened to him? It would be helpful to know if we are dealing with the influence of a single creature or a group of creatures.
With an inward look to her face, Lisette nods slowly. "I do have magics which could aid in this, though perhaps I should let others speak before any further steps are planned."
"I have prepared spells to compel sleep and restrain movement," Wendell adds, "If he proves aggressive or runs, I might be able to stop him. Fluss is also ready to assist if we need a discreet pair of eyes and ears."
Balasar sips his tea and nods thoughtfully. It would also be good to know how many members of the household are under the influence of whatever is at work here.
Or perhaps... perhaps we do not have time for such reconnaissance? Perhaps this is a situation that calls for swift action, before another is slain? Or would rushing in with too little information simply make things worse? Whatever is at play, we don't know the motivation, either for being here or for Thaan's death. Perhaps Thaan's death was one of the goals, or perhaps he simply... got in the way... learned too much... noticed what was wrong.
He surveys the room for a moment. What are your thoughts? Do any of you have any idea what we may be up against? How do you think we should proceed?
After a moment of silence, Lisette adds, "I do have spells that could allow for the subtle reading of surface thoughts, as well as the less gentle probing of deeper ones. However, the more indepth version cannot be disguised - if I were to use the spell, and if the subject of the spell were to have something worth hiding - even killing to hide - it might be best that he or she were properly restrained first."
Wendell nods, "That works out nicely then. Balasar, I've not seen any elves on staff. Is that correct? I don't want to waste spells on accident, and Sleep has some unfortunate exceptions woven into it."
Balasar shakes his head. No, there are no elves on staff. As a general matter, High Hills is populated by humans, and, aside from my own family, the arrival or presence of a member of any of the other races is generally a noteworthy event.
An idea appears to strike Balasar, and he shifts his focus to Lisette. This strikes me as unlikely, given the lengths our unknown opponent appears to have gone to, but do you recall hearing word of any non-human visitors or travelers passing through during the past couple of months?
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Balasar smiles ruefully. Forgive my indiscretion, Clearwater; the box caught my eye and my curiosity got the better of me.
Balasar examines the weapons more closely. These are magnificent! How did you come across them?
Balasar will make a Perception check to see what details stand out to him about the weapons. He will also make a History check to see if anything about the weapons matches up with or brings to mind anything from his education about the Underdark or his family's past. He is also seeking to remember if he has seen these specific weapons, or similar weapons, anywhere before.
Perception: 11
History: 17
History again, just in case Balasar's upbringing and education give him advantage on the check: 15
Balasar has not seen these exact weapons before, but he has seen their like in the Delmirev collection as war trophies. They are very clearly Drow kit by their appearance, with blades of black metal that shine green in the candle light, and etched with silver webs that run the length of both sword and dagger all the way to spider-shaped pommels. Exquisitely made by the standards of most races, these are officer-grade to Balasar's experienced eye; Well made and high quality, but not excessively so. Just by looking at them, Balasar cannot determine a great deal about their properties, but he catches a strange smelling oil as he leans in to examine them. Whatever it was has been freshly applied. Both weapons are in excellent condition, but as Drow are infamous for employing enchanted items with great frequency that is not in and of itself too strange.
Balasar does recall that Drow weapons are often strangely enchanted so that prolonged exposure to sunlight will unwind the spells they hold and leave them mundane (though masterfully made) implements of war. For these to retain their enchantments from the Nightseige to now (if indeed they do), Clearwater would have had to keep them especially well protected from the light.
Balasar leans in and examines the weapons closely, with an attentive and appreciate eye.
These are magnificent specimens, Clearwater! Surely there must be a story of how you came across them? And how have you kept them so well preserved? I had thought myself reasonably knowledgeable in such matters, but I can't place the scent of the oil you've used on them.
Clearwater laughs, "Tales enough to make yer head spin, I'm sure. Sadly, it's getting late and I'm getting old. Let's continue this tomorrow, eh?"
Throughout this exchange, Lisette has been staring at Clearwater with the look of one attempting to sort through a puzzle. However, before leaving, she approaches the man, gently resting a hand on his upper arm in a gesture which seems to ask for him to wait. Quietly, she says to him, "You seem to be moving with a renewed vigor and energy - perhaps even with less pain, is this not so?"
Clearwater smiles, "Seems the herbs you've been giving me have finally started doing their job. Hat's off to you, lass."
With a kindly smile, Lisette nods, "I am glad to hear it. I will not keep you from your sleep - I hope you rest well, good Clearwater."
Returning to the party, Lisette closes the Majordomo's door behind her and, as she turns to face the group, her quiet smile almost immediately vanishes to be replaced by a gravely serious expression. In a soft voice that seems oddly light and calm given the arrangement of her features, the young healer addresses Balasar, though she takes in the party with a steely look that seems to say don't argue, "Though I know it is getting on into the evening, before you are retiring might I convince you all to join me for a cup of Bal's favorite tea? It should help you to sleep and, I must confess, the events surrounding the murder have me somewhat uneasy - I could do with some company and - oh, how is the phrase? - uh, chit-chat, yes? Yes, a little chit-chat to get to know you all before I could be able to sleep. You will join me, I hope?"
With these last words, Lisette nods her head in encouragement, her expression and gaze unchanged. Without waiting for any replies, she begins to walk briskly down the hall, apparently planning to return to her quarters where the party first encountered her.
Balasar follows Lisette without hesitation and gestures for the party to do the same; he had already been planning to see if they could join her in her quarters next for some discussion.
Gong grunts in assent and follows stoically.
When the group arrives in Lisette's chambers, Wendell asks, "What's this about?"
Gesturing everyone to a variety of seats scattered about the lab, Lisette gives orders to her assistant to begin brewing enough tea for all present. Afterward, turns to regard first Wendell and then the rest of the party. "One moment, please. What I have to share demands certain... precautions."
Lisette casts a spell.
After finishing the first spell, Lisette pauses, her eyes closed, and appears to concentrate for a moment before begining on a second, longer spell. As she finishes, her eyes begin to glow with arcane light and she casts her gaze about the room in a full circle. Nodding, apparently to herself, in approval, the young woman joins the group, sitting in a chair of her own.
Pursing her lips in a delicate frown, the normally cheerful healer glances about the party with a remarkably somber expression. "I think it is best to begin with the most important thing I have to tell you, but I must caution that you will have to keep your surprise and questions to a minimum as I will have very few answers beyond what I am about to tell you."
With a breath, she continues, "That being we just spoke with - I do not believe that was Clarence Clearwater or, if it was, something very bad has happened to him. Clarence has been suffering from a limp, as well as numerous aches and pains, for several years due to his age. There is only so much that a healer can accomplish and turning back the ravages of time on a body is not among them. Because of this, I was suspicious about his lack of a limp and the fluidity of his motions. When I asked about this - you may have heard - he dismissed it as an effect of my treatments. But this cannot be so; the herbs which I have supplied to him do little more than minimize the pain - they are not capable of removing its source. But, more than this, when I touched his arm - touched the sleeve of his tunic - I was touching flesh. Whether it was an illusion or flesh shaped by magic to look like clothing, I cannot say, but, in either case, the thing should not have been as it was. Furthermore, the musculature of his arm was far greater than it should have been."
Again, she pauses for a breath. "I very much fear that something has replaced or drastically altered Clarence."
Balasar nods, with less apparent surprise than might be expected. That is consistent with my own observations. The Clearwater I know is generally not known for his powers of observation, and would not have noticed my interest in that box under his bed. One's senses do not generally grow more keen as one ages. Furthermore, the presence of the Drow weaponry in his chambers gives me cause for concern; as eager as he seemed to be to display the weapons, I find it strange that this is my first time seeing them.
I also could not place the scent of the oil that was coating them, despite growing up with and helping care for the family trophies from the Nightsiege. I fear we may be facing some fresh intrusion from the realms far beneath the earth. His attempts to cast suspicion on those who should be most trustworthy also seemed strange to me. Clearwater's visage would be the perfect cover to allow an intruder to move about relatively unnoticed within the house, and would explain the traceless getaway of Thaan's assassin. The cook's peculiar obsession with the flavor of brains does not exactly help my unease. Could you tell if he is who he appears to be, or if the same thing that has happened to Clearwater has happened to him? It would be helpful to know if we are dealing with the influence of a single creature or a group of creatures.
With an inward look to her face, Lisette nods slowly. "I do have magics which could aid in this, though perhaps I should let others speak before any further steps are planned."
"I have prepared spells to compel sleep and restrain movement," Wendell adds, "If he proves aggressive or runs, I might be able to stop him. Fluss is also ready to assist if we need a discreet pair of eyes and ears."
Balasar sips his tea and nods thoughtfully. It would also be good to know how many members of the household are under the influence of whatever is at work here.
Or perhaps... perhaps we do not have time for such reconnaissance? Perhaps this is a situation that calls for swift action, before another is slain? Or would rushing in with too little information simply make things worse? Whatever is at play, we don't know the motivation, either for being here or for Thaan's death. Perhaps Thaan's death was one of the goals, or perhaps he simply... got in the way... learned too much... noticed what was wrong.
He surveys the room for a moment. What are your thoughts? Do any of you have any idea what we may be up against? How do you think we should proceed?
After a moment of silence, Lisette adds, "I do have spells that could allow for the subtle reading of surface thoughts, as well as the less gentle probing of deeper ones. However, the more indepth version cannot be disguised - if I were to use the spell, and if the subject of the spell were to have something worth hiding - even killing to hide - it might be best that he or she were properly restrained first."
Wendell nods, "That works out nicely then. Balasar, I've not seen any elves on staff. Is that correct? I don't want to waste spells on accident, and Sleep has some unfortunate exceptions woven into it."
Balasar shakes his head. No, there are no elves on staff. As a general matter, High Hills is populated by humans, and, aside from my own family, the arrival or presence of a member of any of the other races is generally a noteworthy event.
An idea appears to strike Balasar, and he shifts his focus to Lisette. This strikes me as unlikely, given the lengths our unknown opponent appears to have gone to, but do you recall hearing word of any non-human visitors or travelers passing through during the past couple of months?