After thoroughly investigating Arrow's Oddities and not finding any additional information, the newly formed party begins their trek to The Diamond House using the directions from Braun.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
The party travels north to find The Diamond House, about 15 miles north of Knotside. As you approach, the landscape is well maintained and has a variety of plants, trees, and herbs not native to this area. The cobblestone walkway leads you directly up to the front door of the mansion, three stories of perfectly chiseled stone with accents of granite and obsidian makes the mansion stand out.
Just as you're about to knock, the door opens abruptly. A blonde-haired human woman in her early forties dressed in servant's attire gasps, "Oh, thank God. I wasn't sure that you were going to make it. I'm the one who sent for you. I'm Roze. Please come in."
Roze leads you into the mansion. The inside of the house looks much different than the outside. There is large pieces of art work thrown from the walls, slashed and damaged. Porcelain columns that held vases and other artifacts crumbled on the ground, objects they held scattered and damaged across the floor. There are three other servants who seems to be cleaning up the mess as Roze walks you through the first floor. "The burglars broke nearly everything in the home," she says, leading you into what-looks-like a large study and library. "It's so strange, it doesn't look like they took anything, but did seem to have a lot of interest in the master's bookshelf." She motions to a large wall. The shelves have been torn away and only a handful of books remain, stacked near an armchair. "They also broke into the master's desk, they only draw they opened was where he kept his journal." Roze points to the large mahogany desk. The drawer has been torn away and lays empty a few feet away from the desk. "But alas, they couldn't take the journal...as master mailed it off about a year ago. Said something along the lines of sending information about....heart? Some lost city? Master frequently mumbled when speaking to us, sometimes we don't quite catch the whole conversation."
Roze allows you free rain of the estate and will answer your questions as the other servants are occupied, but reminds you that the burglars seemed to have high interest in the library/study.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Looking at the damage to house, Mackenzie's first concern is for the residents, so after Roze introduces herself and has finished talking he will reply "Well met milady, I am Mackenzie.....it seems we are too late to prevent anything, so the investigation can wait" at least for Mackenzie "is anyone hurt and in need of aid?"
OOC: I would imagine that Mackenzie is not going to add a lot to any investigation of the room, but perhaps we should be looking for any hidden rooms, perhaps behind the bookcase? Or see if anyone in the household has overheard more about where Mr Diamond might be and what the journal is to be considered so important....
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
As they enter the mansion Renee lets out a whistle. "Man they really did a number on this place. Well it's obvious burglary isn't something they do much. I am not that great but I tell ya I coulda done a better job of it." Then remembering her companions adds, "Not that I am on the business of all that, anymore." Hearing Rose mention the journal Renee turns to her. "He mailed it? Odd. Ya know where?" As she asks Renee will investigate the room for anything that seems out of place, for a room that has been ransacked at least.
Investigation 23
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
You Keep Using That Word, I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Roze, I'm Heilamin, pleased to meet you, but regret doing so under such negative circumstances. Did Mr. Diamond leave any method or information on how he might be reached or contacted? He wouldn't happen to have any maps that happened to survive the burglary? Anybody catch a glimpse of what the culprits looked like? I apologize for so many questions, we're only trying to help."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Roze, my name is Modron Yamo and like my friends have said we are so sorry for the difficulties. I wish I were here to help before the damage was done. I am interested in the same questions that have been asked by my companions and also when was the last time you saw Mr. Diamond? Was he here when the attack took place?" Modron will add advantage to Renee's investigation: 11
Roze explains that Arrow Diamond has been on an expedition for almost a year now. "Come to think of it, he left shortly after mailing his journal off. So tomorrow it would have been a year since he left. It is not odd of him to be gone this long, and his accounts keep us paid and the estate maintained. But at his age, I am not sure if this expedition is too long or not...I am sure he will return any day now!"
Renee examines the bookshelf. As Roze mentioned, many of the books are been taken from the shelves, and many more are flung about the library on the floor. No shelf was left untouched and it is hard to determine a motive or pattern. Some of the books you find on the ground are standard lore of the world, dictionaries of different languages, one that stands out to you is a large black bond book titled The Obsidian Plain.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
"I will be honest with you...none of us, including Moop, weren't here when the robbery happened. Master would have frowned upon it...but we all traveled to Riverside for a night out and drinks. In Master's extended travels, staying at the house all day and night can be....well, dull. We met with friends in Riverside and had some drinks and decided to stay the night. When we awoke at the inn, Moop was gone. We assumed he got an early start to the house. When we all returned, the house was in the shape it was. We returned just yesterday morning, which is when I sent word for the guild to send someone right away. I am glad they were able to send you all so quickly!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
"Ah yes, the journal. Master sent it off last year. Sent it to the Glass....library? No....the Hand of Glass? I am sorry, my mind is frazzled with everything that has happened." Roze takes a few moments, you can tell she is trying to remember the location. "Oh, I think the address may be in Master's contacts book. He only keeps the important ones in his book, I am sure that will refresh my memory! It would be in his bedroom if you want to bring it to me."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Roze shows you a blank space on the wall. "The only map not within books was kept on the wall. That used to be a framed map of the island Eslath. Master has had quite an interest in the island over the last few years. Though, he never traveled. It is a dangerous island you see, covered in jungle and a mysterious tribe of people...at least according to him."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Roze thanks MacKenzie. "No dear, we are all fine. We are worried about Moop though. It is odd for him to be gone this long. Normally I am second in charge for the Arrow House. I normally manage the landscape and kitchen duties...but since Moop hasn't returned to the house, I have had to handle everything! Moop is better at this than I...I hope he returns soon."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Renee, you also examine the desk. The desk is sturdy and well made. It was not easy to pry the drawer of the desk open. On the bottom of the desk and the draw, now lying on the ground, itself...you notice claw marks...almost as if it was open with brute force by something with sharp claws. Other than that, the draw is empty other than blank parchment and quills. The other smaller draws are unlocked, but seems mostly untouched. The other drawers hold standard desk material, ink bottles, quills, parchment, previous year ledgers.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Modron takes a somber tone and proceeds to explain to Renee that Moop was killed in the city. He tells the full story and tries to be kind in the telling. He motions to Loom "You could show the medallion that Moop was carrying to Renee and see if she recognizes it."
As Renee & Modron spend time investigating thoroughly, Mackenzie makes himself useful and follows suit picking up larger items that have been toppled, and also asks Roze for directions to the master bedroom to retrieve the contact list book from the master bedroom and as he goes will keep his eyes open for anything unusual
OOC: I assume this interaction happens prior to Mackenzie heading off to find the contact book...
A little surprised at Brazzak's question and introduction (it being the second time he has introduced himself) "Indeed you are...we met at Grovalder's shop earlier....do you not recall? Anyway...tis no great matter...well met Brazzak. Care to come locate Mr Diamonds contact book? Two sets of eyes are much better than one..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Renee picks up the Obsidian Plain book. Obsidian Before she can look at it throughly,s the medallion is handed to her. "Well, ain't this fancy," Renee says as she examines the medallion.
Renee you are given the medallion that Moop gave the party in the Swordsman before he was killed by the Smoking Mirror. You do not recognize the language written on the rim of the medallion, Modron says the lettering reads "This is the Herald's Key. It opens the door to the Shunned City of Hearth". It looks ancient and the slotted holes seem random and may not be from age, as it hasn't deteriorated the rest of the medallion.
Brazzak and Mackenzie, after helping clear some of the bigger rubble (Both Mackenzie and Brazzak take a point of inspiration!), head to Arrow Diamond's bedroom. It is a simple bedroom with a large portrait of Mr. Diamond hanging on the wall, a bed, and a night stand. There is a single fur line reading chair, but no books in sight. It is possible Arrow Diamond did not spend much time in this room. On the nightstand sits a small book. You open the book and on the inside reads Arrow Diamonds Book of Contacts: Property of Arrow Diamond and is signed with the large signature of Arrow Diamond...you get the idea he really likes to sign his autograph.
Modron explains what happened that morning with Moop. Roze looks stunned, frozen in place. A few moments pass before she even looks Modron in the eye. "Moop is....gone? I.....I.....if you all don't have any other questions for me at the moment, I would like a few minutes to gather....Moop.....oh, poor Moop...." Roze steps away for a moment to try and compose herself.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mackenzie smiles "Looks like this is what we were after.....let's head back to the others" and he begins to exit before turning to look at the picture saying "I wonder....say Brazzak can you give me a hand", and on impulse heads over to it and takes the portrait down and turns it around, looking to see if the owner is that self absorbed that he would use it as a hiding place for anything else (not that Mackenzie would steal anything).
Investigation4 <- and if you allow Advantage for Brazzak's assistance, alternative roll 17
If he doesn't find anything there then he replaces the portrait and heads back to the study with the book and hands it to Renee "Hey Renee....where's Roze.....never mind, take a look at this and see if there is anything interesting in it"
OOC: Bollocks - Mackenzie really is shite at finding stuff - I hope this run of rolls doesn't continue into any combat.....the way he just rolled will likely end up with him putting a fist through the canvas.....
After thoroughly investigating Arrow's Oddities and not finding any additional information, the newly formed party begins their trek to The Diamond House using the directions from Braun.
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
The party travels north to find The Diamond House, about 15 miles north of Knotside. As you approach, the landscape is well maintained and has a variety of plants, trees, and herbs not native to this area. The cobblestone walkway leads you directly up to the front door of the mansion, three stories of perfectly chiseled stone with accents of granite and obsidian makes the mansion stand out.
Just as you're about to knock, the door opens abruptly. A blonde-haired human woman in her early forties dressed in servant's attire gasps, "Oh, thank God. I wasn't sure that you were going to make it. I'm the one who sent for you. I'm Roze. Please come in."
Roze leads you into the mansion. The inside of the house looks much different than the outside. There is large pieces of art work thrown from the walls, slashed and damaged. Porcelain columns that held vases and other artifacts crumbled on the ground, objects they held scattered and damaged across the floor. There are three other servants who seems to be cleaning up the mess as Roze walks you through the first floor. "The burglars broke nearly everything in the home," she says, leading you into what-looks-like a large study and library. "It's so strange, it doesn't look like they took anything, but did seem to have a lot of interest in the master's bookshelf." She motions to a large wall. The shelves have been torn away and only a handful of books remain, stacked near an armchair. "They also broke into the master's desk, they only draw they opened was where he kept his journal." Roze points to the large mahogany desk. The drawer has been torn away and lays empty a few feet away from the desk. "But alas, they couldn't take the journal...as master mailed it off about a year ago. Said something along the lines of sending information about....heart? Some lost city? Master frequently mumbled when speaking to us, sometimes we don't quite catch the whole conversation."
Roze allows you free rain of the estate and will answer your questions as the other servants are occupied, but reminds you that the burglars seemed to have high interest in the library/study.
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Looking at the damage to house, Mackenzie's first concern is for the residents, so after Roze introduces herself and has finished talking he will reply "Well met milady, I am Mackenzie.....it seems we are too late to prevent anything, so the investigation can wait" at least for Mackenzie "is anyone hurt and in need of aid?"
OOC: I would imagine that Mackenzie is not going to add a lot to any investigation of the room, but perhaps we should be looking for any hidden rooms, perhaps behind the bookcase? Or see if anyone in the household has overheard more about where Mr Diamond might be and what the journal is to be considered so important....
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
As they enter the mansion Renee lets out a whistle. "Man they really did a number on this place. Well it's obvious burglary isn't something they do much. I am not that great but I tell ya I coulda done a better job of it." Then remembering her companions adds, "Not that I am on the business of all that, anymore." Hearing Rose mention the journal Renee turns to her. "He mailed it? Odd. Ya know where?" As she asks Renee will investigate the room for anything that seems out of place, for a room that has been ransacked at least.
Investigation 23
You Keep Using That Word, I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means
"Roze, I'm Heilamin, pleased to meet you, but regret doing so under such negative circumstances. Did Mr. Diamond leave any method or information on how he might be reached or contacted? He wouldn't happen to have any maps that happened to survive the burglary? Anybody catch a glimpse of what the culprits looked like? I apologize for so many questions, we're only trying to help."
Persuasion: 14
"Roze, my name is Modron Yamo and like my friends have said we are so sorry for the difficulties. I wish I were here to help before the damage was done. I am interested in the same questions that have been asked by my companions and also when was the last time you saw Mr. Diamond? Was he here when the attack took place?" Modron will add advantage to Renee's investigation: 11
Lot's of stuff ...
Brazzak begins helpfully cleaning up, easily hefting large chunks of rubble.
DCI: 3319125026
Where is Mr. Diamond?
Roze explains that Arrow Diamond has been on an expedition for almost a year now. "Come to think of it, he left shortly after mailing his journal off. So tomorrow it would have been a year since he left. It is not odd of him to be gone this long, and his accounts keep us paid and the estate maintained. But at his age, I am not sure if this expedition is too long or not...I am sure he will return any day now!"
Renee examines the bookshelf. As Roze mentioned, many of the books are been taken from the shelves, and many more are flung about the library on the floor. No shelf was left untouched and it is hard to determine a motive or pattern. Some of the books you find on the ground are standard lore of the world, dictionaries of different languages, one that stands out to you is a large black bond book titled The Obsidian Plain.
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Did you see the culprits?
"I will be honest with you...none of us, including Moop, weren't here when the robbery happened. Master would have frowned upon it...but we all traveled to Riverside for a night out and drinks. In Master's extended travels, staying at the house all day and night can be....well, dull. We met with friends in Riverside and had some drinks and decided to stay the night. When we awoke at the inn, Moop was gone. We assumed he got an early start to the house. When we all returned, the house was in the shape it was. We returned just yesterday morning, which is when I sent word for the guild to send someone right away. I am glad they were able to send you all so quickly!"
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Where was the journal sent?
"Ah yes, the journal. Master sent it off last year. Sent it to the Glass....library? No....the Hand of Glass? I am sorry, my mind is frazzled with everything that has happened." Roze takes a few moments, you can tell she is trying to remember the location. "Oh, I think the address may be in Master's contacts book. He only keeps the important ones in his book, I am sure that will refresh my memory! It would be in his bedroom if you want to bring it to me."
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Any maps survive the burglary?
Roze shows you a blank space on the wall. "The only map not within books was kept on the wall. That used to be a framed map of the island Eslath. Master has had quite an interest in the island over the last few years. Though, he never traveled. It is a dangerous island you see, covered in jungle and a mysterious tribe of people...at least according to him."
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Does anyone need aid?
Roze thanks MacKenzie. "No dear, we are all fine. We are worried about Moop though. It is odd for him to be gone this long. Normally I am second in charge for the Arrow House. I normally manage the landscape and kitchen duties...but since Moop hasn't returned to the house, I have had to handle everything! Moop is better at this than I...I hope he returns soon."
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Renee, you also examine the desk. The desk is sturdy and well made. It was not easy to pry the drawer of the desk open. On the bottom of the desk and the draw, now lying on the ground, itself...you notice claw marks...almost as if it was open with brute force by something with sharp claws. Other than that, the draw is empty other than blank parchment and quills. The other smaller draws are unlocked, but seems mostly untouched. The other drawers hold standard desk material, ink bottles, quills, parchment, previous year ledgers.
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Modron takes a somber tone and proceeds to explain to Renee that Moop was killed in the city. He tells the full story and tries to be kind in the telling. He motions to Loom "You could show the medallion that Moop was carrying to Renee and see if she recognizes it."
Lot's of stuff ...
As Renee & Modron spend time investigating thoroughly, Mackenzie makes himself useful and follows suit picking up larger items that have been toppled, and also asks Roze for directions to the master bedroom to retrieve the contact list book from the master bedroom and as he goes will keep his eyes open for anything unusual
Perception 6
Investigation 9
OOC: I did say he would not contribute much in the whole investigation.......
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
As Mackenzie and Brazzak lift a particularly heavy shelf back into place together, the dragonborn says
"Mighty helpful of ya. Thanks! Mackenzie was it? I'm Brazzak. Brazzak Ginth. Pleased ta meetcha."
DCI: 3319125026
OOC: I assume this interaction happens prior to Mackenzie heading off to find the contact book...
A little surprised at Brazzak's question and introduction (it being the second time he has introduced himself) "Indeed you are...we met at Grovalder's shop earlier....do you not recall? Anyway...tis no great matter...well met Brazzak. Care to come locate Mr Diamonds contact book? Two sets of eyes are much better than one..."
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Renee picks up the Obsidian Plain book. Obsidian Before she can look at it throughly,s the medallion is handed to her. "Well, ain't this fancy," Renee says as she examines the medallion.
(Not sure which is needed to look it over so... )
Investigation: 9
Arcana/Religion (they're the same): 13
You Keep Using That Word, I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means
Renee you are given the medallion that Moop gave the party in the Swordsman before he was killed by the Smoking Mirror. You do not recognize the language written on the rim of the medallion, Modron says the lettering reads "This is the Herald's Key. It opens the door to the Shunned City of Hearth". It looks ancient and the slotted holes seem random and may not be from age, as it hasn't deteriorated the rest of the medallion.
Brazzak and Mackenzie, after helping clear some of the bigger rubble (Both Mackenzie and Brazzak take a point of inspiration!), head to Arrow Diamond's bedroom. It is a simple bedroom with a large portrait of Mr. Diamond hanging on the wall, a bed, and a night stand. There is a single fur line reading chair, but no books in sight. It is possible Arrow Diamond did not spend much time in this room. On the nightstand sits a small book. You open the book and on the inside reads Arrow Diamonds Book of Contacts: Property of Arrow Diamond and is signed with the large signature of Arrow Diamond...you get the idea he really likes to sign his autograph.
Modron explains what happened that morning with Moop. Roze looks stunned, frozen in place. A few moments pass before she even looks Modron in the eye. "Moop is....gone? I.....I.....if you all don't have any other questions for me at the moment, I would like a few minutes to gather....Moop.....oh, poor Moop...." Roze steps away for a moment to try and compose herself.
DM - A Quest for the Shunned City (Groups 1 and 2)
Mackenzie smiles "Looks like this is what we were after.....let's head back to the others" and he begins to exit before turning to look at the picture saying "I wonder....say Brazzak can you give me a hand", and on impulse heads over to it and takes the portrait down and turns it around, looking to see if the owner is that self absorbed that he would use it as a hiding place for anything else (not that Mackenzie would steal anything).
Investigation 4 <- and if you allow Advantage for Brazzak's assistance, alternative roll 17
If he doesn't find anything there then he replaces the portrait and heads back to the study with the book and hands it to Renee "Hey Renee....where's Roze.....never mind, take a look at this and see if there is anything interesting in it"
OOC: Bollocks - Mackenzie really is shite at finding stuff - I hope this run of rolls doesn't continue into any combat.....the way he just rolled will likely end up with him putting a fist through the canvas.....
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;