Jorin listens to Drusk and Hildigrim sum things up and offers, "Let us go to the manor and see what we can find there. Sarah may not be the only restless soul, and others could be in the manor, so the new owners may want or need help with that."
Quillary looks pleased with that approach. "Best get that resolved, then we can move on to these other lines of inquiry." Has she been reading detective broadsheets?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
The party (minus Pascal working in the Bistro) heads to the manor on Delzorin Street in the North Ward.
The crowd on the streets in this area are definitely affluent. Drusk and Jorin are barely acceptable in their traveler's clothes, but Hildigrim is sticking out with his common clothes. You notice that Quillary isn't getting any odd looks, then realize that her magic leather armor now has the appearance of fine clothes befitting of gentry.
You arrive at the estate. The manor is an impressive sight, even after spending weeks living in the (former) Trollskull Manor. This building has been kept in pristine condition.
You knock at the front door, which is opened by an well-dressed, short, balding human with a warm smile and a fine mustache. After looking over the 4 party members, he states "I am the butler Arnulf. Give your greetings, and what purpose brings you to Falgarst Manor."
Notes: Falgarst are the family that moved in after Yellowcrest left. With Pascal not around, Jorin has by far the best Persuasion. Drusk has goofy social skills, Quillary is dressed to the nines but still wearing a cat's skull, and Hildigrim looks like a hobo in comparison to everyone else. Have fun with that. :-)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Does Hildigrim notice he's underdressed or feel out of place? Insight at disadvantage: 6 — Nope!
Hildigrim gives a low bow to the butler. Upon rising, the chatterbox introduces the party. "My name is Hildigrim Goodbody. These are my associates, Quillary, Jorin of the Bodt and Drusk. We are the owners of the Road's End. Your Lord and Lady visited our establishment recently. We would like to speak with them if they are available. It concerns the Yellowcrests."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Quillary looks the butler over with interest, using a combination of her amazing powers of perception and her keen understanding of human nature (ha!) to discover if this man is content with his position, if the family we works for are well off, and what his reaction to the mention of Lord Yellowcrest is…
Insight: 19
Perception: 19 or if you insist (as I would) on Investigation, instead: 8
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
With Pascal not around, Jorin has by far the best Persuasion. Drusk has goofy social skills, Quillary is dressed to the nines but still wearing a cat's skull, and Hildigrim looks like a hobo in comparison to everyone else. Have fun with that. :-)
[Samuel L Jackson] Hold on to your butts [/Samuel L Jackson]
As the group crosses into the wealthy area, and Quillary’s armor takes on its fine-clothes appearance, Jorin claps her on the shoulder saying, “Oh, well hello there, my lady.” With a cheerful laugh.
When the manor door opens, Jorin pauses for a just a moment, long enough for Hildi to start speaking. He will stand, silent for the moment, giving his best body guard type impression as Hildi speaks.
"The Falgarst family is currently away on business matters. If you wish to speak with them, you will need to make an appointment.
"I don't remember any dealings, personal or business with a family named Yellowcrest, so I hope you aren't wasting their time... "Ah, do you mean the family that lived here many years ago? Nasty events, horrible tragedy, so long ago. But I don't see why that would concern the Lord and Lady Falgarst."
You get the impression (insight) that Arnulf is being honest that he hasn't heard the Yellowcrest name in a long time. He is being polite, but doesn't see why a meeting with the Lord and Lady would be necessary. But Quillary and Jorin also seem to notice something else. (The party knows each other well enough to tell that they picked up on something, even though you don't know what they are thinking.)
For Quillary only:
Arnulf has the air of a restrained butler, but he definitely perked up when he remembered the Yellowcrest tragedy. It isn't malicious. More like excitement from gossip and scandal, kind of like the researcher that Hildigrim and Drusk met yesterday. The Falgarst may not be interested in hearing more about the Yellowcrest, but his curiosity has been scratched.
For Jorin only:
At first you wonder if he has been poisoned, due to his reactions being slightly slow and clumsy. But then you smell the fermented grapes when he breathes out. Wine this early in the day is a bit peculiar, but you don't know the man.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Quillary narrows her eyes. "It would not concern them, except to know that their home is tied to the grim deaths and lasting everlives of a mother and her children..." She raises an eyebrow. "Their ghosts," she explains after a moment. "We are here about their ghosts."
(She's a blunt instrument, is our Quillary.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Arnulf is flustered, but still speaks calmly. "There have been no reports of any ghosts in this manor, so I don't know what you are expecting."
(A bit of fear at the mention of dangerous undead, and a bit of excitement at this unusual conversation.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
"Let's give the good man a moment," Hildigrim says to Quillary, "before we start making demands. He has an obligation to his family, and if they aren't home, I'm sure he's going to be very reticent to just let us in without just cause." Hildi clears his throat. "Allow me to explain. We were recently visited by a ghost — the ghost of one of the employees of the Yellowcrest family. Though we have had a little trouble communicating, as you can imagine, we have come to understand that she and others of the Yellowcrest household are being kept from entering the afterlife because of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding their deaths. Their murders. Now," he says, looking a bit concerned, "this ghost has been atypically calm and cooperative so far. However, I imagine the longer she is made to wait for a resolution, it is possible she may begin to take out her frustrations on those who impede her eternal rest. And as this house is where she was murdered ... it only stands to reason she would return ... here ... " He trails off, letting the warning linger in the air.
Jorin adds, "Talk of spirits and sorcery is unsettling to even one such as myself. I can tell you are man of honor and one who enjoys the company of spirits of another kind, something else we have in common. Perhaps you and I could share a bottle of whatever you're drinking, while my companions look in the basement?"
(Soon, I'll need a Persuasion roll, when you have something specific you want Arnulf to say. So far, you are strangers making strange demands.)
"Before buying this manor, the previous owner had the place in the basement where the murders happened was demolished and paved over. Clerics hired by Lady Falgarst have blessed the area, to make sure no lingering curses were around. There is nothing to see in the basement. And no ghosts around here. They usually linger around the bodies of the deceased, or some important personal item, right? Nothing you've said so far concerns the Falgarst family.
"Still... You say you've been in contact beyond the veil with one of the murder victims? Humm... oh dear... But maybe you should come to the reception room, and you can tell me more, just in case there is something to worry the family."
The other servants are doing their regular tasks, cleaning and cooking and organizing. Arnulf leads you to the reception room. There is a single glass with a trace of wine in it, next to 4 wine bottles (one empty, one half, and two unopened). After you are seated, he goes over to a shelf to get 4 more glasses. "It is unpleasant, but why don't you tell me more of the sordid, unseemly details of this ghost story."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Quillary looks at the other servants with interest. "Any of the others in service in those days? A gardener perhaps?"
Arnulf puts a modest amount of wine in each of your glasses, and a more generous amount to refill his glass.
"Besides the mother and 3 children, the 4 servants at the manor were also murdered. Any other servants would not had any interaction with Yellowcrests, and were temporary hires."
Seeing that his glass is already empty, Arnulf fills it up again.
(At this point, I'll need a Persuasion roll, and/or some kind of inducement to make him concentrate more.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildi's persuasion is pretty bad, so I'll let someone else roll that. However, I will roll insight to try to get a bead on why Amulf is imbibing so heavily.
Hildi's persuasion is pretty bad, so I'll let someone else roll that. However, I will roll insight to try to get a bead on why Amulf is imbibing so heavily. 23
"When the cat's away, the mice will play."
He is not depressed or anything. Just really likes the fermented grape. And since the workload is light today with the family away, he sees an opportunity to sample some quality vintage from the Falgarst cellar.
Since Drusk is well into his brewer's training, he could probably give advice on wines or best ways to sample. If you (anyone in the party) can work that into your conversation, consider that as Help for Persuasion.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM) Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy) DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Jorin listens to Drusk and Hildigrim sum things up and offers, "Let us go to the manor and see what we can find there. Sarah may not be the only restless soul, and others could be in the manor, so the new owners may want or need help with that."
Quillary looks pleased with that approach. "Best get that resolved, then we can move on to these other lines of inquiry." Has she been reading detective broadsheets?
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
The party (minus Pascal working in the Bistro) heads to the manor on Delzorin Street in the North Ward.
The crowd on the streets in this area are definitely affluent.
Drusk and Jorin are barely acceptable in their traveler's clothes, but Hildigrim is sticking out with his common clothes.
You notice that Quillary isn't getting any odd looks, then realize that her magic leather armor now has the appearance of fine clothes befitting of gentry.
You arrive at the estate. The manor is an impressive sight, even after spending weeks living in the (former) Trollskull Manor. This building has been kept in pristine condition.
You knock at the front door, which is opened by an well-dressed, short, balding human with a warm smile and a fine mustache.
After looking over the 4 party members, he states "I am the butler Arnulf. Give your greetings, and what purpose brings you to Falgarst Manor."
Notes:
Falgarst are the family that moved in after Yellowcrest left.
With Pascal not around, Jorin has by far the best Persuasion. Drusk has goofy social skills, Quillary is dressed to the nines but still wearing a cat's skull, and Hildigrim looks like a hobo in comparison to everyone else. Have fun with that. :-)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
(Quillary is also very blunt, so we have a limited amount of time before she butts in.)
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Does Hildigrim notice he's underdressed or feel out of place? Insight at disadvantage: 6 — Nope!
Hildigrim gives a low bow to the butler. Upon rising, the chatterbox introduces the party. "My name is Hildigrim Goodbody. These are my associates, Quillary, Jorin of the Bodt and Drusk. We are the owners of the Road's End. Your Lord and Lady visited our establishment recently. We would like to speak with them if they are available. It concerns the Yellowcrests."
Quillary looks the butler over with interest, using a combination of her amazing powers of perception and her keen understanding of human nature (ha!) to discover if this man is content with his position, if the family we works for are well off, and what his reaction to the mention of Lord Yellowcrest is…
Insight: 19
Perception: 19
or if you insist (as I would) on Investigation, instead: 8
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
[Samuel L Jackson] Hold on to your butts [/Samuel L Jackson]
As the group crosses into the wealthy area, and Quillary’s armor takes on its fine-clothes appearance, Jorin claps her on the shoulder saying, “Oh, well hello there, my lady.” With a cheerful laugh.
When the manor door opens, Jorin pauses for a just a moment, long enough for Hildi to start speaking. He will stand, silent for the moment, giving his best body guard type impression as Hildi speaks.
"The Falgarst family is currently away on business matters. If you wish to speak with them, you will need to make an appointment.
"I don't remember any dealings, personal or business with a family named Yellowcrest, so I hope you aren't wasting their time...
"Ah, do you mean the family that lived here many years ago? Nasty events, horrible tragedy, so long ago. But I don't see why that would concern the Lord and Lady Falgarst."
You get the impression (insight) that Arnulf is being honest that he hasn't heard the Yellowcrest name in a long time.
He is being polite, but doesn't see why a meeting with the Lord and Lady would be necessary.
But Quillary and Jorin also seem to notice something else.
(The party knows each other well enough to tell that they picked up on something, even though you don't know what they are thinking.)
For Quillary only:
Arnulf has the air of a restrained butler, but he definitely perked up when he remembered the Yellowcrest tragedy.
It isn't malicious. More like excitement from gossip and scandal, kind of like the researcher that Hildigrim and Drusk met yesterday.
The Falgarst may not be interested in hearing more about the Yellowcrest, but his curiosity has been scratched.
For Jorin only:
At first you wonder if he has been poisoned, due to his reactions being slightly slow and clumsy.
But then you smell the fermented grapes when he breathes out.
Wine this early in the day is a bit peculiar, but you don't know the man.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Quillary narrows her eyes. "It would not concern them, except to know that their home is tied to the grim deaths and lasting everlives of a mother and her children..." She raises an eyebrow. "Their ghosts," she explains after a moment. "We are here about their ghosts."
(She's a blunt instrument, is our Quillary.)
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Arnulf is flustered, but still speaks calmly. "There have been no reports of any ghosts in this manor, so I don't know what you are expecting."
(A bit of fear at the mention of dangerous undead, and a bit of excitement at this unusual conversation.)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
“We would see the basement,” Quillary announces. “Where the atrocities may have been committed.”
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
"Let's give the good man a moment," Hildigrim says to Quillary, "before we start making demands. He has an obligation to his family, and if they aren't home, I'm sure he's going to be very reticent to just let us in without just cause." Hildi clears his throat. "Allow me to explain. We were recently visited by a ghost — the ghost of one of the employees of the Yellowcrest family. Though we have had a little trouble communicating, as you can imagine, we have come to understand that she and others of the Yellowcrest household are being kept from entering the afterlife because of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding their deaths. Their murders. Now," he says, looking a bit concerned, "this ghost has been atypically calm and cooperative so far. However, I imagine the longer she is made to wait for a resolution, it is possible she may begin to take out her frustrations on those who impede her eternal rest. And as this house is where she was murdered ... it only stands to reason she would return ... here ... " He trails off, letting the warning linger in the air.
Jorin adds, "Talk of spirits and sorcery is unsettling to even one such as myself. I can tell you are man of honor and one who enjoys the company of spirits of another kind, something else we have in common. Perhaps you and I could share a bottle of whatever you're drinking, while my companions look in the basement?"
(Soon, I'll need a Persuasion roll, when you have something specific you want Arnulf to say. So far, you are strangers making strange demands.)
"Before buying this manor, the previous owner had the place in the basement where the murders happened was demolished and paved over. Clerics hired by Lady Falgarst have blessed the area, to make sure no lingering curses were around. There is nothing to see in the basement.
And no ghosts around here. They usually linger around the bodies of the deceased, or some important personal item, right? Nothing you've said so far concerns the Falgarst family.
"Still... You say you've been in contact beyond the veil with one of the murder victims? Humm... oh dear... But maybe you should come to the reception room, and you can tell me more, just in case there is something to worry the family."
The other servants are doing their regular tasks, cleaning and cooking and organizing.
Arnulf leads you to the reception room. There is a single glass with a trace of wine in it, next to 4 wine bottles (one empty, one half, and two unopened). After you are seated, he goes over to a shelf to get 4 more glasses. "It is unpleasant, but why don't you tell me more of the sordid, unseemly details of this ghost story."
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Quillary looks at the other servants with interest. "Any of the others in service in those days? A gardener perhaps?"
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Arnulf puts a modest amount of wine in each of your glasses, and a more generous amount to refill his glass.
"Besides the mother and 3 children, the 4 servants at the manor were also murdered. Any other servants would not had any interaction with Yellowcrests, and were temporary hires."
Seeing that his glass is already empty, Arnulf fills it up again.
(At this point, I'll need a Persuasion roll, and/or some kind of inducement to make him concentrate more.)
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Hildi's persuasion is pretty bad, so I'll let someone else roll that. However, I will roll insight to try to get a bead on why Amulf is imbibing so heavily.
23
(Quillary with her +0 is not the one we want persuading him.)
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
"When the cat's away, the mice will play."
He is not depressed or anything.
Just really likes the fermented grape.
And since the workload is light today with the family away, he sees an opportunity to sample some quality vintage from the Falgarst cellar.
Since Drusk is well into his brewer's training, he could probably give advice on wines or best ways to sample.
If you (anyone in the party) can work that into your conversation, consider that as Help for Persuasion.
Beegred Thornpost - Lvl 8 Halfling Ranger - Out of the Abyss by Kerrec
Drusk - Lvl 8 Half-Orc Life Cleric - The Long Road: Dragon Heist by Mingofaust (player & current DM)
Hunferho Aelorothi - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Bard/Rogue - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus (by Pokepaladdy)
DM - Frontier City of Nunkreet (ended)
Jorin has a silver tongue or is quite handsome or is perhaps very scary, but either +4 baby!
Persuasion: 10