After the last crocodile fell, Mazin will close his eyes, take in a deep breath, and release it slowly in a low growl as he releases his rage. He looks down to his hands. Not yet. Just as Daruk told him, it would take time before a Spirit Animal chose him. He would feel the spirit of his totem animal come into him and aid him.
Mazin shakes his head, and looks around at the others. He should probably assist as well. He'll head over to the crocodiles and look around as he goes. If someone dragged or threw the animal here, there must be some kind of tracks or drag marks. survival9.
He will investigation14 the bodies of the crocodiles, as well.
'Searching the area, Mazin finds little sign of passage that doesn't belong to the crocodiles or his companions. Ultimately, the goliath is unable to add anything to what Altani reveals about area, and so decides to investigate the bodies of the slain beasts. The massive jaws and inch long teeth of the creatures are impressive, as are the thick and tough crocodile hides. Apart from the wounds inflicted by your group, Mazin is unable to see any scars or previous injuries upon the beasts. Pulling jaws apart and even going so far as to open up the large creatures' bellies with a handaxe, the barbarian is unable to find anything beyond the gruesome remains of fish, eel and small marsh game. Mazin notices Thurk grimacing as the goliath cuts one of the reptiles open, to which the forthright lizardman explains,'
"My people once considered the marsh crocodiles sacred beasts. Some still do, particularly among those who reject the Alliance and keep to the old ways. Some of the giant crocs, which grow to half again and sometimes twice the size of these, are revered as divine servants of Semuanya. You are a mighty and strong warrior, giant-kin, but even you would not want to encounter one of those beasts."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
'Wazzock shakes her head and stands over Exbrin, her bright armor shining softly in the lantern light,' "None of the wounds on his body are consistent with claw or tooth. These wounds are made by dagger, by sword and by spear. And if what Altani says holds true, then Exbrin was murdered and thrown here. I can only imagine that whoever did this meant to cover their misdeeds."
'Casting a final look around to see if there's anything more to be learned, Wazzock wonders at who might do such a thing. It seemed too barbaric for townsfolk, too deceptive for orc warbands... she scratches her head and shrugs.' "Maybe, but I also wonder whether the tracks that Altani located might hold some clue."
Altani nods at Wazzocks words, "Yes this was a murder. One can only imagine that the others have been as well."
"It would be good to talk to Jona but seeing we are already out here, I believe we should at least cross the bridge and check the Drake Farmstead. Thurk said it was not far, just on the other side of the river. But we should be on our guard. Those that did this may not be far."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
Cinder, while the others search the area, grabs one of the teeth of the crocodile she killed, and breaks it off to put in her bag. Idly tapping her hand on her spear before replacing it in the strap across her back she’ll go and wash her hands in the river to clean them of the fight. Then she’ll turn to the group and wait for them to finish discussing so they can continue onwards towards where they were going.
"Well, is there anything else to learn here, or should we go talk to Jona and find out when the last time anyone saw Exbrin was?"
'Hearing another *roar* echo in the darkness, this one a little louder and closer than before, Thurk nods grimly at Kestrell's words as he gently and respectfully lifts his dead friend over one large muscled shoulder.'
'Wazzock shakes her head and stands over Exbrin, her bright armor shining softly in the lantern light,' "None of the wounds on his body are consistent with claw or tooth. These wounds are made by dagger, by sword and by spear. And if what Altani says holds true, then Exbrin was murdered and thrown here. I can only imagine that whoever did this meant to cover their misdeeds."
'Casting a final look around to see if there's anything more to be learned, Wazzock wonders at who might do such a thing. It seemed too barbaric for townsfolk, too deceptive for orc warbands... she scratches her head and shrugs.' "Maybe, but I also wonder whether the tracks that Altani located might hold some clue."
'Shouldering his macabre burden, Thurk frowns at Wazzock's seeming confirmation of foul play, but nods as all the accumulated information seems to add up for the disturbed smith. Growling out the words with a distinct note of anger in his voice,'
"If what you say is true, and I'm beginning to think that it is, then someone will pay for this injustice!"
'The lizardman is turning away from the river to walk back towards the road, as Wazzock takes a final search around the area where Exbrin's body had just lain... and notices something tiny fall from the corpse back into the long grass. Kneeling down to search about more thoroughly, the half-orc cleric eventually finds a small tooth loose upon the ground, though as the lantern light diminishes with the departing smith, Wazzock cannot tell much of anything about the tooth.'
Altani nods at Wazzocks words, "Yes this was a murder. One can only imagine that the others have been as well."
"It would be good to talk to Jona but seeing we are already out here, I believe we should at least cross the bridge and check the Drake Farmstead. Thurk said it was not far, just on the other side of the river. But we should be on our guard. Those that did this may not be far."
'Thurk stares grimly at Altani for a moment when the centaur reaffirms Wazzock's evaluation of the evidence, then glances across the bridge at the mostly dark farmhouse, before looking down the road that leads back into town. Finally, gazing around at you all with his slain friend over one shoulder, the smith says with some decisiveness on the matter, at least as far as he seems to be concerned,'
"As I said, if this is murder, then the murderer will, MUST, face justice for their foul deeds. Jona will be securely asleep at Corsib's home now, as the hour is late. Any questions for the boy can wait till sunrise, though i'll first have to break the hard news to the lad.
As for Drakes, they're tough old gnomes, third generation fox and weasel trappers, and will likely be asleep at this hour, early to rise as they do. I suppose that it can't hurt to make a quick trip over the bridge and back just to see that all looks in order, but it might be best to leave off speaking to them and looking around more until the sun shines overhead."
'With that all said and done, the lizardman smith leads you up to and across the ten foot wide, fifty foot long stone bridge to a large and well maintained two storey farmhouse. A sole dimly lit lantern hangs from a lamp post past the bridge, roughtly fifteen from the small wooden stair that leads up to a stout pine door, while a single darkened window sits at on the ground level at the front of the home. You all make three observations as you glance around the front yard area of the home; firstly, that there are no signs of violence or any other kind of disturbance, secondly, that the house has a large revolving water wheel of some description on its Southside, the *sloshing* watery sound of which almost obscures the third obeservation - that you hear the very faint sound of music coming from within the building.
Also hearing the music, Thurk seems reasured by the sound, even breaking a thin smile, despite his sobering burden. Looking around the yard until he appears satisfied that nothing untoward occurred here, the burly smith turns back to head across the bridge towards town, saying,'
"Well, I'm satisfied that nothing is amiss here, though I'd be willing to come back out tomorrow to speak with Narr and Genliss. Or some of you could, if you would be willing to continue looking into this matter on our... on my behalf, that is?" I know that you are not locals here, and owe me and mine nothing, but I would be willing to compensate you for your efforts."
[OOC] Thurk is now going back to town, stopping only at the old cemetary to leave Exbrin's body in the keeping off the town's resident priest, which the smith requests to do privately. Before he does this, he thanks you all again for your efforts tonight, then bids you all goodnight and promises to drop in early to the Marsh Oak to speak with you all.
[OOG] Assuming that you all head back to town (which you don't have to, of course), feel free to either have your PCs speak further with Thurk along the way or head directly to the Marsh Oak to rest for the night.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Cinder, while the others search the area, grabs one of the teeth of the crocodile she killed, and breaks it off to put in her bag. Idly tapping her hand on her spear before replacing it in the strap across her back she’ll go and wash her hands in the river to clean them of the fight. Then she’ll turn to the group and wait for them to finish discussing so they can continue onwards towards where they were going.
[OOC] Not a problem. Cinder now has a crocodile tooth from the beast that she dealt the killing blow to.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
"What are you talking about going back? We just found the body of a murder victim right across the river from their house. We need to ask the owners about it right now before they forget anything."
'Kestrell, standing 15' from the house uses Mage Hand to knock loudly on the front door.'
'Searching the area, Mazin finds little sign of passage that doesn't belong to the crocodiles or his companions. Ultimately, the goliath is unable to add anything to what Altani reveals about area, and so decides to investigate the bodies of the slain beasts. The massive jaws and inch long teeth of the creatures are impressive, as are the thick and tough crocodile hides. Apart from the wounds inflicted by your group, Mazin is unable to see any scars or previous injuries upon the beasts. Pulling jaws apart and even going so far as to open up the large creatures' bellies with a handaxe, the barbarian is unable to find anything beyond the gruesome remains of fish, eel and small marsh game. Mazin notices Thurk grimacing as the goliath cuts one of the reptiles open, to which the forthright lizardman explains,'
"My people once considered the marsh crocodiles sacred beasts. Some still do, particularly among those who reject the Alliance and keep to the old ways. Some of the giant crocs, which grow to half again and sometimes twice the size of these, are revered as divine servants of Semuanya. You are a mighty and strong warrior, giant-kin, but even you would not want to encounter one of those beasts."
Mazin looks up as Thurk speaks to him, with his arm elbow deep into a crocodile. He looks down, and slowly removes his arm. "Ah, I'm very sorry. I did not know. I meant no disrespect."
He follows the group to Drake's farmstead. "What is that music?" As Kestrell magically knocks on the door, Mazin chuckles "Ha, I supposed I could just ask the owners!"
Mazin looks up as Thurk speaks to him, with his arm elbow deep into a crocodile. He looks down, and slowly removes his arm. "Ah, I'm very sorry. I did not know. I meant no disrespect."
'Thurk merely nods at Mazin, his reptilian face showing no judgement or animosity, saying,'
"It is fine. Our ways are not your ways. The Heartstar Alliance is made up of many peoples, who all have their own different beliefs and customs. Those of us who choose to live within the Kingdom must understand and accept this."
[OOC] Mazin may make an insight check vs DC 10 and read the below spoiler with a score of 10 or more:
'Thurk's words seem practiced, but genuine, despite the lingering sense of doubt or perhaps sadness in his voice.'
(Does the farmhouse have any windows or shutters we can look in from?)
"The music is odd if they are asleep. Someone must be awake"
'Examining the house, Altani takes a closer look at the darkened front ground floor window. While no shutters sit on the outside, thick curtains look to be drawn within, closing off any view of the room beyond. Affixed to the outside wall and running down and across the glass windows, which look to open inwards, is a stylistic laticework of iron bars, skillfully forged to depict streams, flowers and harmless fauna such as rabbits and deer.
Hearing the centaur's words as he turns away from the house, Thurk scans the dark riverbanks and rolling moorlands around the house, before answering in a hushed tone,'
"Odd it is, indeed. Nar's uncle Bimfudd is a bit that way himself. Built that strange water wheel on the house there, though, and a few other things besides. Genliss once told me the old man keeps the music playing all day, every day. Nights too. Apparently it helps him to think, and sleep. Least that's what the goodwoman told me."
"What are you talking about going back? We just found the body of a murder victim right across the river from their house. We need to ask the owners about it right now before they forget anything."
'Beginning his walk towards the bridge and back into town, the burly smith shifts the weight of his dead friend from one shoulder to the other, and without looking back at Kestrell says in a weary tone,'
"Do as you will. You all offered aid freely, so i'll not gainsay you.
But asleep they'll be... at least I'll wager that Nar and Genliss will be. It looks like there hasn't been any disturbance at the house. And if they'd noticed anything, then they would have gone to town to speak of it with the Alcalde, the Magistrate or the Silverstars. Or they'd be out here with us now.
Me, I'm going to take Exbrin here to rest with old man Baunterfrein at The Chapel, then swing by Corsib's on my way home... just to be sure that all is well there. Hopefully I will see you all early, before I break the news to Jona and make my report to Magistrate Arneu."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
'Wazzock nods with a somber expression,' "Some of us should accompany you back to town. If it's lizardfolk being targeted, it would be wiser if you did not travel alone. Personally I'd like to enjoy the solace of a good night's rest. The wasp's poison still aches in my bones." 'Wazzock stretches her long arms wide, letting out a big yawn.'
"If you'd like I can accompany you to deliver the sad news, but I understand if it's best for me to keep my distance, your folk not being trusting of those with orcblood and that. In any case, I'll help you get to the bottom of this." 'She pulls out the small tooth and gives it a hard look,' "One way or another."
'Kestrell, standing 15' from the house uses Mage Hand to knock loudly on the front door.'
'Kestrell's spectral mage hand drifts forward to *bang-bang-BANG* upon the iron-banded solid oak door, and the reverberating sound carries through the midnight stillness and back out onto the river. However, awaiting a response from within, the only movement that the sorcerer and his companions see is the flickering of winged bugs weaving and zipping around the dim hanging lantern fifteen feet from the large home's front door. After a moment of listening to the symphony of the marsh crickets and frogs, the half-elven magic user commands his conjured appendage to *bang-bang-BANG*. Again the loud *hammering* sound carries through the night, though this time the echo of a distant *roar* answers, whether coincidentally or in response you cannot tell.
Following another pause, Kestrell is wondering whether to continue with his efforts or perhaps abandon further investigation until the morning when a clearly agitated elderly voice calls out impatiently from around the nearby Northside of the house,'
"Ehh? Who's out here in the middle of the bloomin' night causing all this racket then? Who or whatever you are, you'd best have a darned good reason for disturbin' my rest!"
'From around the corner of the house a night-cap wearing hunched old gnome emerges. The elderly man is dressed in a heavy purple fur-lined robe and fluffy sky-blue slippers, with a [Tooltip Not Found] set before one brown eye and two wands clutched in hand. The wand in his left hand gives off a broad, unfocused but very bright light that casts shadows behind everyone gathered in the house's front yard. The second wand hovers unused, the tip moving back and forth in the direction of your forms.'
[OOC] The old gnome is 25' from the closest of your group, being Kestrell and Altani. He is approximately 35' from everyone else.
Anyone who wants to can make a perception and/or insight and/or investigation check (DCs all 15) can read the relevants spoilers below with the requisite scores:
Insight DC 15
'The old gnome is clearly annoyed at being disturbed unexpectedly and at such a late hour. However, despite his obviously advanced age and being alone, he does not appear afraid, merely cantankerous.'
Perception DC 15
'Despite the harshness of the wand's bright light, you notice the man's hands appear steady and his posture confident. Somehow you manage to make out that the light emiting wand on the left appears made of a white or bleached wood, while the as yet unused wand in his right hand is black in colour, with some carving and a purple gem at its tip.'
Investigation DC 15
'At first, you think that it's just confusion from the juxtaposed darkness and magical light, but something about the old gnome's tread and stance upon the ground seems somewhat incogruous, which causes you to examine the scene even more intently. You then notice that the image of the elderly man appears somewhat indistinct, and the voice seems to carry from further back beyond the corner of the house.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
'Almost ready to give up, Kestrell was relieved when the gnome came around the corner of the house.'
"Hello, and sorry to disturb you at this hour. My colleagues and I were helping Thurk to investigate reports of a body by the river and we discovered the poor soul right across the river..."
'Kestrell waves his hand behind him toward the river.'
"It appears that the body had been murdered. We were concerned for your safety, so came to check up on you. Have you noticed anything unusual tonight, or hear anything strange?"
[OOC] Persuasion to attempt to apologize for the disturbance: 18
'Wazzock nods with a somber expression,' "Some of us should accompany you back to town. If it's lizardfolk being targeted, it would be wiser if you did not travel alone. Personally I'd like to enjoy the solace of a good night's rest. The wasp's poison still aches in my bones." 'Wazzock stretches her long arms wide, letting out a big yawn.'
"If you'd like I can accompany you to deliver the sad news, but I understand if it's best for me to keep my distance, your folk not being trusting of those with orcblood and that. In any case, I'll help you get to the bottom of this." 'She pulls out the small tooth and gives it a hard look,' "One way or another."
'Thurk nods at the wisdom of Wazzock's words, indicating with a open handed gesture that the half-orc is welcome to join him on his trek back to town. The walk back across the bridge is silent, but about halfway between the river and the sharpened-log palisade of the town, Thurk mutters quietly, never taking his eyes from the steadily approaching torchlight of Ambersilt's wall,'
"Thank you for your aid... and for your company, tusk-war... Wazzock. I heard of the aid that you rendered Myren earlier today and I have faced such creatures before myself. Your deeds this day do your ancestors proud.
I will come to speak with you and the others early, as promised. Then, whoever wishes to may accompany me to speak with Jona and the Alcalde both may do so, though I will first break the difficult news of his fathers death to Exbrin's son alone."
But first I shall leave my old huntmate with the Doomguide. Though Baunterfrein is not one of our kind, he will care for Exbrin's body until the time for burial. I would do this in private."
'Having called out a greeting in his own tongue to a watchful lizardfolk Silverstar before banging upon the palisade gate to gain you both entry to the crudely walled town, Thurk says his final sentence with a nod of farewell as he turns away from the main road into town, the resolute smith instead walking a smaller path that meanders Westward towards an old greystone chapel and what appears to be town's graveyard.
Studying her find within the safe and better lit confines of the town wall, Wazzock can see that the small tooth appears to be a dog's tooth, not disimilar to those of the old hunting hound that her father had kept.'
[OOC] The insight and perception check results were insufficient for Wazzock to discern much about Thurk's attitudes towards her or her words, and likewise not enough to perceive anything on the walk back that she handn't already heard or seen on the trip out - the sounds of wild-life and the marshy flat-lands, winding streams and the odd copse of trees.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
'Wazzock nods to Thurk,' "Orcs have caused much suffering, I know this, and there's all the more tension between our two peoples. Therefore I also offer you my gratitude, for your open mindedness, and your willingness to accept my aid. It is my great hope that one day, Clan Wazzock will be remembered for great deeds, and for doing what is right instead of merely perpetuating the endless cycle of violence that the other clans so covet."
'Having said her words of parting, Wazzock turns the canine tooth over between her fingers, then stashes it in a pouch on her belt. She wanders back to the Marsh Oak to find her room to rest.'
Mazin looks up as Thurk speaks to him, with his arm elbow deep into a crocodile. He looks down, and slowly removes his arm. "Ah, I'm very sorry. I did not know. I meant no disrespect."
'Thurk merely nods at Mazin, his reptilian face showing no judgement or animosity, saying,'
"It is fine. Our ways are not your ways. The Heartstar Alliance is made up of many peoples, who all have their own different beliefs and customs. Those of us who choose to live within the Kingdom must understand and accept this."
Mazin looks sad at Thurk's words. He will have to make it up to him.
'Wazzock nods with a somber expression,' "Some of us should accompany you back to town. If it's lizardfolk being targeted, it would be wiser if you did not travel alone. Personally I'd like to enjoy the solace of a good night's rest. The wasp's poison still aches in my bones." 'Wazzock stretches her long arms wide, letting out a big yawn.'
"If you'd like I can accompany you to deliver the sad news, but I understand if it's best for me to keep my distance, your folk not being trusting of those with orcblood and that. In any case, I'll help you get to the bottom of this." 'She pulls out the small tooth and gives it a hard look,' "One way or another."
Mazin will turn away from the farmstead and head back with Thurk and Wazzock. Her words were true, it was not safe to go back alone. He will make a quick stop back at the crocodiles, bow to each of them and pull a tooth from each.
After Thurk leaves, he will say to Wazzock in Orcish " Your words were very thoughtful tonight. I thought all worshipers of Gruumsh were bloodthirsty and loved violence?"
'Wazzock shrugs, walking as she explains' "I only met my mother a handful of times, but my father always described her and her tribe as peaceful nomads. I sought them out when I came of age, but by the time I found their camp, they had been wiped out, and by other orc marauders near as I can tell. I salvaged this shield, and reliquary, and the clan Wazzock holy scripts and have read through them time and time again and the Gruumsh that I know is not a mindless bloodthirsty murderer. Instead he is warrior and a strategist whose primary goal is the survival of Orc kind. In my opinion, the best road to survival is to work together with each other and with other races. I do not proclaim to know the will of the gods, but my faith has taken me this far. Call me naive, or idealistic, but it's my preference to believe the best in everyone and give them the chance to rise to the challenge."
Cinder follows along behind Thurk and Wazzock as they speak in some language she doesn’t know, yawning as she looks forward to a warm bed soon. She is still vigilant though, her time on the road making her wary for thieves.
'Searching the area, Mazin finds little sign of passage that doesn't belong to the crocodiles or his companions. Ultimately, the goliath is unable to add anything to what Altani reveals about area, and so decides to investigate the bodies of the slain beasts. The massive jaws and inch long teeth of the creatures are impressive, as are the thick and tough crocodile hides. Apart from the wounds inflicted by your group, Mazin is unable to see any scars or previous injuries upon the beasts. Pulling jaws apart and even going so far as to open up the large creatures' bellies with a handaxe, the barbarian is unable to find anything beyond the gruesome remains of fish, eel and small marsh game. Mazin notices Thurk grimacing as the goliath cuts one of the reptiles open, to which the forthright lizardman explains,'
"My people once considered the marsh crocodiles sacred beasts. Some still do, particularly among those who reject the Alliance and keep to the old ways. Some of the giant crocs, which grow to half again and sometimes twice the size of these, are revered as divine servants of Semuanya. You are a mighty and strong warrior, giant-kin, but even you would not want to encounter one of those beasts."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
"Well, is there anything else to learn here, or should we go talk to Jona and find out when the last time anyone saw Exbrin was?"
'Wazzock shakes her head and stands over Exbrin, her bright armor shining softly in the lantern light,' "None of the wounds on his body are consistent with claw or tooth. These wounds are made by dagger, by sword and by spear. And if what Altani says holds true, then Exbrin was murdered and thrown here. I can only imagine that whoever did this meant to cover their misdeeds."
'Casting a final look around to see if there's anything more to be learned, Wazzock wonders at who might do such a thing. It seemed too barbaric for townsfolk, too deceptive for orc warbands... she scratches her head and shrugs.' "Maybe, but I also wonder whether the tracks that Altani located might hold some clue."
investigation : 16
~♡~
Altani nods at Wazzocks words, "Yes this was a murder. One can only imagine that the others have been as well."
"It would be good to talk to Jona but seeing we are already out here, I believe we should at least cross the bridge and check the Drake Farmstead. Thurk said it was not far, just on the other side of the river. But we should be on our guard. Those that did this may not be far."
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
Cinder, while the others search the area, grabs one of the teeth of the crocodile she killed, and breaks it off to put in her bag. Idly tapping her hand on her spear before replacing it in the strap across her back she’ll go and wash her hands in the river to clean them of the fight. Then she’ll turn to the group and wait for them to finish discussing so they can continue onwards towards where they were going.
'Hearing another *roar* echo in the darkness, this one a little louder and closer than before, Thurk nods grimly at Kestrell's words as he gently and respectfully lifts his dead friend over one large muscled shoulder.'
'Shouldering his macabre burden, Thurk frowns at Wazzock's seeming confirmation of foul play, but nods as all the accumulated information seems to add up for the disturbed smith. Growling out the words with a distinct note of anger in his voice,'
"If what you say is true, and I'm beginning to think that it is, then someone will pay for this injustice!"
'The lizardman is turning away from the river to walk back towards the road, as Wazzock takes a final search around the area where Exbrin's body had just lain... and notices something tiny fall from the corpse back into the long grass. Kneeling down to search about more thoroughly, the half-orc cleric eventually finds a small tooth loose upon the ground, though as the lantern light diminishes with the departing smith, Wazzock cannot tell much of anything about the tooth.'
[OOC] Wazzock has found a small tooth.
'Thurk stares grimly at Altani for a moment when the centaur reaffirms Wazzock's evaluation of the evidence, then glances across the bridge at the mostly dark farmhouse, before looking down the road that leads back into town. Finally, gazing around at you all with his slain friend over one shoulder, the smith says with some decisiveness on the matter, at least as far as he seems to be concerned,'
"As I said, if this is murder, then the murderer will, MUST, face justice for their foul deeds. Jona will be securely asleep at Corsib's home now, as the hour is late. Any questions for the boy can wait till sunrise, though i'll first have to break the hard news to the lad.
As for Drakes, they're tough old gnomes, third generation fox and weasel trappers, and will likely be asleep at this hour, early to rise as they do. I suppose that it can't hurt to make a quick trip over the bridge and back just to see that all looks in order, but it might be best to leave off speaking to them and looking around more until the sun shines overhead."
'With that all said and done, the lizardman smith leads you up to and across the ten foot wide, fifty foot long stone bridge to a large and well maintained two storey farmhouse. A sole dimly lit lantern hangs from a lamp post past the bridge, roughtly fifteen from the small wooden stair that leads up to a stout pine door, while a single darkened window sits at on the ground level at the front of the home. You all make three observations as you glance around the front yard area of the home; firstly, that there are no signs of violence or any other kind of disturbance, secondly, that the house has a large revolving water wheel of some description on its Southside, the *sloshing* watery sound of which almost obscures the third obeservation - that you hear the very faint sound of music coming from within the building.
Also hearing the music, Thurk seems reasured by the sound, even breaking a thin smile, despite his sobering burden. Looking around the yard until he appears satisfied that nothing untoward occurred here, the burly smith turns back to head across the bridge towards town, saying,'
"Well, I'm satisfied that nothing is amiss here, though I'd be willing to come back out tomorrow to speak with Narr and Genliss. Or some of you could, if you would be willing to continue looking into this matter on our... on my behalf, that is?" I know that you are not locals here, and owe me and mine nothing, but I would be willing to compensate you for your efforts."
[OOC] Thurk is now going back to town, stopping only at the old cemetary to leave Exbrin's body in the keeping off the town's resident priest, which the smith requests to do privately. Before he does this, he thanks you all again for your efforts tonight, then bids you all goodnight and promises to drop in early to the Marsh Oak to speak with you all.
[OOG] Assuming that you all head back to town (which you don't have to, of course), feel free to either have your PCs speak further with Thurk along the way or head directly to the Marsh Oak to rest for the night.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
[OOC] Not a problem. Cinder now has a crocodile tooth from the beast that she dealt the killing blow to.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
"What are you talking about going back? We just found the body of a murder victim right across the river from their house. We need to ask the owners about it right now before they forget anything."
'Kestrell, standing 15' from the house uses Mage Hand to knock loudly on the front door.'
Mazin looks up as Thurk speaks to him, with his arm elbow deep into a crocodile. He looks down, and slowly removes his arm. "Ah, I'm very sorry. I did not know. I meant no disrespect."
He follows the group to Drake's farmstead. "What is that music?" As Kestrell magically knocks on the door, Mazin chuckles "Ha, I supposed I could just ask the owners!"
(Does the farmhouse have any windows or shutters we can look in from?)
"The music is odd if they are asleep. Someone must be awake"
Yevna Galanodel - Wood Elf | Level 8 | Druid/Circle of Spores 6 - Ranger 2 - Ravnica
Nyx - Satyr | Level 9 | Rouge/Swashbuckler 5 - Bard/Collage of Lore 4 - Lost Mine of Phandelver/Storm King's Thunder
'Thurk merely nods at Mazin, his reptilian face showing no judgement or animosity, saying,'
"It is fine. Our ways are not your ways. The Heartstar Alliance is made up of many peoples, who all have their own different beliefs and customs. Those of us who choose to live within the Kingdom must understand and accept this."
[OOC] Mazin may make an insight check vs DC 10 and read the below spoiler with a score of 10 or more:
'Thurk's words seem practiced, but genuine, despite the lingering sense of doubt or perhaps sadness in his voice.'
'Examining the house, Altani takes a closer look at the darkened front ground floor window. While no shutters sit on the outside, thick curtains look to be drawn within, closing off any view of the room beyond. Affixed to the outside wall and running down and across the glass windows, which look to open inwards, is a stylistic laticework of iron bars, skillfully forged to depict streams, flowers and harmless fauna such as rabbits and deer.
Hearing the centaur's words as he turns away from the house, Thurk scans the dark riverbanks and rolling moorlands around the house, before answering in a hushed tone,'
"Odd it is, indeed. Nar's uncle Bimfudd is a bit that way himself. Built that strange water wheel on the house there, though, and a few other things besides. Genliss once told me the old man keeps the music playing all day, every day. Nights too. Apparently it helps him to think, and sleep. Least that's what the goodwoman told me."
'Beginning his walk towards the bridge and back into town, the burly smith shifts the weight of his dead friend from one shoulder to the other, and without looking back at Kestrell says in a weary tone,'
"Do as you will. You all offered aid freely, so i'll not gainsay you.
But asleep they'll be... at least I'll wager that Nar and Genliss will be. It looks like there hasn't been any disturbance at the house. And if they'd noticed anything, then they would have gone to town to speak of it with the Alcalde, the Magistrate or the Silverstars. Or they'd be out here with us now.
Me, I'm going to take Exbrin here to rest with old man Baunterfrein at The Chapel, then swing by Corsib's on my way home... just to be sure that all is well there. Hopefully I will see you all early, before I break the news to Jona and make my report to Magistrate Arneu."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Wazzock nods with a somber expression,' "Some of us should accompany you back to town. If it's lizardfolk being targeted, it would be wiser if you did not travel alone. Personally I'd like to enjoy the solace of a good night's rest. The wasp's poison still aches in my bones." 'Wazzock stretches her long arms wide, letting out a big yawn.'
"If you'd like I can accompany you to deliver the sad news, but I understand if it's best for me to keep my distance, your folk not being trusting of those with orcblood and that. In any case, I'll help you get to the bottom of this." 'She pulls out the small tooth and gives it a hard look,' "One way or another."
insight : 21
perception : 7
investigation : 5
~♡~
'Kestrell's spectral mage hand drifts forward to *bang-bang-BANG* upon the iron-banded solid oak door, and the reverberating sound carries through the midnight stillness and back out onto the river. However, awaiting a response from within, the only movement that the sorcerer and his companions see is the flickering of winged bugs weaving and zipping around the dim hanging lantern fifteen feet from the large home's front door. After a moment of listening to the symphony of the marsh crickets and frogs, the half-elven magic user commands his conjured appendage to *bang-bang-BANG*. Again the loud *hammering* sound carries through the night, though this time the echo of a distant *roar* answers, whether coincidentally or in response you cannot tell.
Following another pause, Kestrell is wondering whether to continue with his efforts or perhaps abandon further investigation until the morning when a clearly agitated elderly voice calls out impatiently from around the nearby Northside of the house,'
"Ehh? Who's out here in the middle of the bloomin' night causing all this racket then? Who or whatever you are, you'd best have a darned good reason for disturbin' my rest!"
'From around the corner of the house a night-cap wearing hunched old gnome emerges. The elderly man is dressed in a heavy purple fur-lined robe and fluffy sky-blue slippers, with a [Tooltip Not Found] set before one brown eye and two wands clutched in hand. The wand in his left hand gives off a broad, unfocused but very bright light that casts shadows behind everyone gathered in the house's front yard. The second wand hovers unused, the tip moving back and forth in the direction of your forms.'
[OOC] The old gnome is 25' from the closest of your group, being Kestrell and Altani. He is approximately 35' from everyone else.
Anyone who wants to can make a perception and/or insight and/or investigation check (DCs all 15) can read the relevants spoilers below with the requisite scores:
Insight DC 15
'The old gnome is clearly annoyed at being disturbed unexpectedly and at such a late hour. However, despite his obviously advanced age and being alone, he does not appear afraid, merely cantankerous.'
Perception DC 15
'Despite the harshness of the wand's bright light, you notice the man's hands appear steady and his posture confident. Somehow you manage to make out that the light emiting wand on the left appears made of a white or bleached wood, while the as yet unused wand in his right hand is black in colour, with some carving and a purple gem at its tip.'
Investigation DC 15
'At first, you think that it's just confusion from the juxtaposed darkness and magical light, but something about the old gnome's tread and stance upon the ground seems somewhat incogruous, which causes you to examine the scene even more intently. You then notice that the image of the elderly man appears somewhat indistinct, and the voice seems to carry from further back beyond the corner of the house.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Almost ready to give up, Kestrell was relieved when the gnome came around the corner of the house.'
"Hello, and sorry to disturb you at this hour. My colleagues and I were helping Thurk to investigate reports of a body by the river and we discovered the poor soul right across the river..."
'Kestrell waves his hand behind him toward the river.'
"It appears that the body had been murdered. We were concerned for your safety, so came to check up on you. Have you noticed anything unusual tonight, or hear anything strange?"
[OOC] Persuasion to attempt to apologize for the disturbance: 18
'Thurk nods at the wisdom of Wazzock's words, indicating with a open handed gesture that the half-orc is welcome to join him on his trek back to town. The walk back across the bridge is silent, but about halfway between the river and the sharpened-log palisade of the town, Thurk mutters quietly, never taking his eyes from the steadily approaching torchlight of Ambersilt's wall,'
"Thank you for your aid... and for your company, tusk-war... Wazzock. I heard of the aid that you rendered Myren earlier today and I have faced such creatures before myself. Your deeds this day do your ancestors proud.
I will come to speak with you and the others early, as promised. Then, whoever wishes to may accompany me to speak with Jona and the Alcalde both may do so, though I will first break the difficult news of his fathers death to Exbrin's son alone."
But first I shall leave my old huntmate with the Doomguide. Though Baunterfrein is not one of our kind, he will care for Exbrin's body until the time for burial. I would do this in private."
'Having called out a greeting in his own tongue to a watchful lizardfolk Silverstar before banging upon the palisade gate to gain you both entry to the crudely walled town, Thurk says his final sentence with a nod of farewell as he turns away from the main road into town, the resolute smith instead walking a smaller path that meanders Westward towards an old greystone chapel and what appears to be town's graveyard.
Studying her find within the safe and better lit confines of the town wall, Wazzock can see that the small tooth appears to be a dog's tooth, not disimilar to those of the old hunting hound that her father had kept.'
[OOC] The insight and perception check results were insufficient for Wazzock to discern much about Thurk's attitudes towards her or her words, and likewise not enough to perceive anything on the walk back that she handn't already heard or seen on the trip out - the sounds of wild-life and the marshy flat-lands, winding streams and the odd copse of trees.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Wazzock nods to Thurk,' "Orcs have caused much suffering, I know this, and there's all the more tension between our two peoples. Therefore I also offer you my gratitude, for your open mindedness, and your willingness to accept my aid. It is my great hope that one day, Clan Wazzock will be remembered for great deeds, and for doing what is right instead of merely perpetuating the endless cycle of violence that the other clans so covet."
'Having said her words of parting, Wazzock turns the canine tooth over between her fingers, then stashes it in a pouch on her belt. She wanders back to the Marsh Oak to find her room to rest.'
~♡~
Mazin looks sad at Thurk's words. He will have to make it up to him.
Mazin will turn away from the farmstead and head back with Thurk and Wazzock. Her words were true, it was not safe to go back alone. He will make a quick stop back at the crocodiles, bow to each of them and pull a tooth from each.
After Thurk leaves, he will say to Wazzock in Orcish " Your words were very thoughtful tonight. I thought all worshipers of Gruumsh were bloodthirsty and loved violence?"
'Wazzock shrugs, walking as she explains' "I only met my mother a handful of times, but my father always described her and her tribe as peaceful nomads. I sought them out when I came of age, but by the time I found their camp, they had been wiped out, and by other orc marauders near as I can tell. I salvaged this shield, and reliquary, and the clan Wazzock holy scripts and have read through them time and time again and the Gruumsh that I know is not a mindless bloodthirsty murderer. Instead he is warrior and a strategist whose primary goal is the survival of Orc kind. In my opinion, the best road to survival is to work together with each other and with other races. I do not proclaim to know the will of the gods, but my faith has taken me this far. Call me naive, or idealistic, but it's my preference to believe the best in everyone and give them the chance to rise to the challenge."
~♡~
Cinder follows along behind Thurk and Wazzock as they speak in some language she doesn’t know, yawning as she looks forward to a warm bed soon. She is still vigilant though, her time on the road making her wary for thieves.
Alwin blinks looking at the gnome - something in the back of his mind was ticking and thinking back to the lessons and books he read of magic.
[OOC] Arcana check to see if it's an illusion or some type of magic: 21
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9