Heroica RPG- Quest #83: Four's Company

[Kintobor]

Avalanche peers at the cork. Hmm...seems like the sleeping drug was applied to the cups themselves rather than the original bottle of wine. Avalanche shifts Conner Strong's limp corpse and checks the body and the area around it.

OOC: Can you keep Murky Pearls and add them to your inventory? If so, what use are they?

Avalanche replied to Arasmyth, "I had that idea at the beginning, but it seems unlikely that he'd burn and then hang himself. It could be that he had an accomplice- a sorcerer- who killed him to leave no witnesses after they had drugged and then finished off the others." He then heard Heckz's comment. "The stuff is full of darned sleeping drugs!" he yelled furiously. Grabbing the bottle, he threw it across the room; it consequently shattered.

OOC: The Murky Pearls are classified as evidence. As well, before we carry on, smashing the bottle will effectively destroy it, therefore removing it as evidence. Any evidence destroyed or removed cannot be used to counter act witness or suspect testimonies. Are you sure you wish to destroy the bottle?

Looking about Rick's Corpse, Avalanche only finds a small pool of blood.

Edited October 7, 2013 by Kintobor

[Kadabra]

I think that's what happened, actually. I'm pretty sure it was a suicide. Germaine probably did something bad he wanted to atone for and was planning suicide, and he probably knew that these three had also committed crimes - probably crimes that couldn't be traced back to them. He took out all three of them, then faked his own murder. Probably went for the burning when he had trouble hanging himself or strangling himself with a garrote.

[Kintobor]

"Suicide seems likely, but the issue still remains how he burnt himself afterwards. I highly doubt he had a flammable in his pocket. He'd also have to jump in order for the noose to effectively work."

Having given Arasmyth some advice, Paolo moves into and looks about the armoury.

Edited November 8, 2013 by Kintobor

[Purpearljellyblob]

OOC: The Murky Pearls are classified as evidence. As well, before we carry on, smashing the bottle will effectively destroy it, therefore removing it as evidence. Any evidence destroyed or removed cannot be used to counter act witness or suspect testimonies. Are you sure you wish to destroy the bottle?

"Let's not destroy the bottle, shall we?"

Purpearl thinks the Murky Pearl is certainly suspicious. She suspects that the Murky Pearl is some sort of a bomb that might ignite when something is added to/triggered through the drilled hole. Purpearl decides to double check the corpses since Rick Richards had the Murky Pearl on him. She investigates Marcus Sassina and Connor Strong and the area around it . She also notices that Marcus' sword had been drawn, perhaps he noticed something was fishy before being stabbed. Purpearl subsequently investigates Marcus' sword and the stools around the table in the front room. She also looks at the maps and notices on the wall for anything suspicious.

Purpearl looks into the backroom and noticed a small piece of wood on top of the crate and decides to investigate it for any boot markings .

"Well, there is only one way to find out if the bottle contains any sleeping agent. Heckz, get ready to use your remedy please. " And Purpearl downs a mouthful.

Edited October 8, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob

[Kadabra]

If it was pre-meditated I don't see why he wouldn't have thought to bring something to off himself with.

[Kintobor]

Investigating the areas around the Marcus and Connor, Purpearl finds yet another two Murky Pearls. Other than that, the only thing she finds is more blood. Investigating Marcus's sword, Purpearl finds that he's gripped onto it firmly. The sword has the same Hinckwell Insignia as all the other swords do on it's hilt, but other than that, there's nothing particularly special about it. Sifting about the chairs and stools, Purpearl finds, yet again, a Murky Pearl. The notices on the wall appear to be a condensed Code of Conduct, and a map of Uland. Looking at the crates lid, Purpearl doesn't find any signs that it would have been stood on.

Purpearl readies her pride as she takes a swig of the liquid pride. Swishing it in her mouth, it goes down fine, but leaves a funny after taste. She seems fine for now.

Murky Pearl x5- A Murky Pearl bead. There's a hole drilled into it. Five have been found in the front room.

Sassina's Sword- Found clutched tightly in Sassina's hands. It's a standard Hinckell issue blade

Code of Conduct- "All guards will be prompt in their arrival to their position. All guards will be dutiful, and listen to their superiors. All guards will act politely, and courteously to others, whether they be commoners, or noblemen. All guards will have their uniform and weapon spotless and clean. All guards will be alert and sober, no matter the hour. All guards will capture and report any individuals who they deem suspicious. If any of these codes are broken, the penalty is dismal from the guard."

Map of Uland- a map showing off Uland's towns and roads.

-The Party-

Avalanche (Dragonfire)

29 years old male yeti Barbarian

Level 1

Power: 4 (1+3)

Health: 8/8

Gold: 3

Equipment: Earthshaker (WP:3)

Inventory: Potion, Bottle of Mead, Smoke Bomb, Venom

Purpearl Berthadhiell (Purpearljellyblob)

180 Years Old Female Elven Mage

Level 1

Power: 4 (1+3)

Health: 5/5 (5)

Ether: 5/5 (5)

Gold: 5

Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3)

Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Potion, Bedroll

Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su)

32 year old male Mage.

Level 13 1/2 *Immune to Sealed*

Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5))

Defense: 3

Health: 17/17 (5+12)

Ether: 23/23 (5+12+1+5)

Gold: 39

Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, Immune to Sealed

Inventory: Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Grand Potion x2, Ether Core, Remedy x2, Elixir, Smelling Salts, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Shovel, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops)

Arasmyth RuGard (played by Kadabra) *Party Leader*

214 Year Old Elven Evoker

Level 15.5

Power: 24 (15+9)

Defense: 3

Health: 22/22

Ether: 20/20

Gold: 82

Equipment: Suume (Bow, WP:8 9, Wind and Lightning Elemental), Robe of the Elven Warlock (SP:3), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to bows/crossbows), Murderer's Dagger (WP:4, dagger. Stolen from the crime scene, no longer considered evidence unless returned)

Artefacts:

Gemstones: Topaz

Scrolls: Scroll of Sealing

Consumables: Potion, Grand Tonic, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb

Summon: Sera, Angel of Wrath (Lightning elemental)

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche refrains from smashing the bottle but is shocked when he sees Purpearl drink from it. He sighs in relief when nothing immediate happens. He investigates the sword found in Marcus Sassina's hands and then investigates the documents in the back room.

[Kintobor]

Looking at the sword in Sassina's hands, Avalanche finds no blood on the blade. It's gripped firmly in his hands. Investigating the stack of documents, Avalanche can deduce they're stock intake, showing what's been purchased and stored in the armoury for the past several years.

As the group continues to investigate the scene, a loud thud emits from the area near the door. The group turns to find Purpearl fast asleep on the ground. The wine was most definitely spiked.

"Well, that solves the sleeping agent issue, even if the test was a little crude. Will someone wake her up and make sure she's okay, please?"

Bottle of Falana Wine- A bottle of Charisian wine. The cork has been taken off. A sleeping agent was slipped inside.

-The Party-

Avalanche (Dragonfire)

29 years old male yeti Barbarian

Level 1

Power: 4 (1+3)

Health: 8/8

Gold: 3

Equipment: Earthshaker (WP:3)

Inventory: Potion, Bottle of Mead, Smoke Bomb, Venom

Purpearl Berthadhiell (Purpearljellyblob) *Fast Asleep*

180 Years Old Female Elven Mage

Level 1

Power: 4 (1+3)

Health: 5/5 (5)

Ether: 5/5 (5)

Gold: 5

Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3)

Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Potion, Bedroll

Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su)

32 year old male Mage.

Level 13 1/2 *Immune to Sealed*

Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5))

Defense: 3

Health: 17/17 (5+12)

Ether: 23/23 (5+12+1+5)

Gold: 39

Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, Immune to Sealed

Inventory: Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Grand Potion x2, Ether Core, Remedy x2, Elixir, Smelling Salts, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Shovel, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops)

Arasmyth RuGard (played by Kadabra) *Party Leader*

214 Year Old Elven Evoker

Level 15.5

Power: 24 (15+9)

Defense: 3

Health: 22/22

Ether: 20/20

Gold: 82

Equipment: Suume (Bow, WP:8 9, Wind and Lightning Elemental), Robe of the Elven Warlock (SP:3), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to bows/crossbows), Murderer's Dagger (WP:4, dagger. Stolen from the crime scene, no longer considered evidence unless returned)

Artefacts:

Gemstones: Topaz

Scrolls: Scroll of Sealing

Consumables: Potion, Grand Tonic, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb

Summon: Sera, Angel of Wrath (Lightning elemental)

Edited November 8, 2013 by Kintobor

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche nudges Heckz. "You have the Remedy. Use it on her!"

He then pads into the storeroom, looking around for clues. He investigates the rotting floorboards and then peers at all the walls.

[Cutcobra]

"I was about to do it, but please don't get to close to me, I'm still not sure about the lice you possibly have." Heckz uses a remedy on Purpearl. After that he investigates the bucket in the storeroom and the yeti's hair in case of lice.

[Dragonfire]

"Well go on, investigate my fur! You won't find anything!" challenges Avalanche.

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl's eyelids and fingers started to twitch slightly after Heckz used the remedy on her. Her eyes begin to peel open, but everything is still a blur. "Thanks Heckz for the remedy" smiles Purpearl as she rubs her temple with her left hand.

Trying to recall what had happened before her sudden blackout, Purpearl turns her head towards the woven basket. "It doesn't seem to belong to the guardhouse, any idea where that woven basket might come from? Maybe we can find out the source of those Murky Pearls." Purpearl grabs a Murky Pearl and shakes it, "I wonder if we can identify the liquid in this Murky Pearl" and tries to pour the liquid out of the drilled hole.

Edited October 9, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob

[Kintobor]

Avalanche nudges Heckz. "You have the Remedy. Use it on her!"

He then pads into the storeroom, looking around for clues. He investigates the rotting floorboards and then peers at all the walls.

Avalanche looks about the back room in a manner a home inspector would a house. Looking about the floor boards, Avalanche finds a small bottle. Swishing the last drops of the content inside, Avalanche notices a red, gooey substance. Avalanche finds nothing but cobwebs on the walls.

Small Glass Container- A glass container with enough volume to drench someone with a fluid. There's small traces of a red, gooey substance.

"I was about to do it, but please don't get to close to me, I'm still not sure about the lice you possibly have." Heckz uses a remedy on Purpearl. After that he investigates the bucket in the storeroom and the yeti's hair in case of lice.

Looking into the bucket, Heckz notices a small puddle of water in it.

Bucket- A wooden bucket found with a small amount of water in it. Found in the storeroom.

Purpearl's eyelids and fingers started to twitch slightly after Heckz used the remedy on her. Her eyes begin to peel open, but everything is still a blur. "Thanks Heckz for the remedy" smiles Purpearl as she rubs her temple with her left hand.

Trying to recall what had happened before her sudden blackout, Purpearl turns her head towards the woven basket. "It doesn't seem to belong to the guardhouse, any idea where that woven basket might come from? Maybe we can find out the source of those Murky Pearls." Purpearl grabs a Murky Pearl and shakes it, "I wonder if we can identify the liquid in this Murky Pearl" and tries to pour the liquid out of the drilled hole.

Falner looks up from Sassina's corpse to Purpearl as she rubs her sleepy eyes.

"The basket? Most likely from the Villa's kitchen. Abigail brought the food down in it most likely."

Falner gets up and motions for Purpearl to show him her collection of pearls. He holds them up to the light and examines them.

"Hmm. I'd just say that the swirly, murky liquid effect is more or less a property the pearl has, there's no liquid actually in here. Consider this, Purpearl, why would one drill holes into pearls? Sometimes the obvious gets overlooked in favour of the bizarre. Like that time on the highway of..."

Falner goes into another one of his rambles.

[Kadabra]

I'd bet that that's the flammable.

[Purpearljellyblob]

"The pearls make up a necklace that most likely belongs to Abigail. It was probably slashed apart by Marcus' sword and that explains the scattering of those pearls all over the front room. If that is the case, Abigail is most likely the attacker, and a really skilled one."

I theorise that Abigail delivered the basket of food and wine from the Villa to the guardhouse. She placed the basket beside the chest and served the 3 guards in the front room, she opened the bottle of wine and sneaked the sleeping agent into the wine. The 3 guards soon gathered around the table and started pouring the wine and drinking from the golden cups. Connor was the first to sit down and started drinking. Abigail moved on to lock the doors and struck Connor on the head, instantly killing him. Marcus saw what had happened and drew his sword at Abigail's neck. Abigail quickly dodged and made a quick swift manoeuvre behind Marcus but the sword slashed Abigail's necklace in the process, scattering of pearls across the room. Abigail drew her concealed dagger and stabbed Marcus from the back, instantly killing him. Rick saw all that had happened and tried to move around the table. Before Rick could do anything, he dropped onto the floor, falling fast asleep. Abigail drew her sword and slashed Rick's neck. Abigail moved into the back room and strangled Alan with the rope, successfully killing him. Abigail tried to fake Alan's death as a suicide by attempting to hang him, but she wasn't tall enough to do it. So she poured the red, gooey substance from the glass container all over Alan and lit him on fire, successfully combusting Alan.

Now comes the part as to how Abigail escaped the crime scene. Either she teleported away using magic or there is a secret pathway in this guardhouse.

"To prove/disprove this theory, we will need someone from the Villa that can confirm that these pearls belong to Abigail. And that red, gooey substance, I suppose it might be flammable. Shall I cast a fire spell on a small portion of that red, gooey substance and see if it combusts and changes colour?"

Purpearl kneels down, and runs her hands across the floors of the front room near where Connor's corpse lay and investigates the floors of the front room for any secret passageway.

Edited October 9, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob

[Dragonfire]

"That's a good thesis!" Avalanche congratulates Purpearl, "Although I didn't suspect Abigail initially. I think that has a good chance of being the correct answer." He pauses for a minute, "Well, there's only one way to find out, and you don't need to waste ether casting spells." He picks up the small bottle of liquid that he had found and pours a small amount on the floor, leaving the rest in the bottle for evidence. Pulling a flaming torch from its bracket on the wall, the yeti touches the flame to the pool of liquid.

Edited October 9, 2013 by Dragonfire

[Kintobor]

"The pearls make up a necklace that most likely belongs to Abigail. It was probably slashed apart by Marcus' sword and that explains the scattering of those pearls all over the front room. If that is the case, Abigail is most likely the attacker, and a really skilled one."

I theorise that Abigail delivered the basket of food and wine from the Villa to the guardhouse. She placed the basket beside the chest and served the 3 guards in the front room, she opened the bottle of wine and sneaked the sleeping agent into the wine. The 3 guards soon gathered around the table and started pouring the wine and drinking from the golden cups. Connor was the first to sit down and started drinking. Abigail moved on to lock the doors and struck Connor on the head, instantly killing him. Marcus saw what had happened and drew his sword at Abigail's neck. Abigail quickly dodged and made a quick swift manoeuvre behind Marcus but the sword slashed Abigail's necklace in the process, scattering of pearls across the room. Abigail drew her concealed dagger and stabbed Marcus from the back, instantly killing him. Rick saw all that had happened and tried to move around the table. Before Rick could do anything, he dropped onto the floor, falling fast asleep. Abigail drew her sword and slashed Rick's neck. Abigail moved into the back room and strangled Alan with the rope, successfully killing him. Abigail tried to fake Alan's death as a suicide by attempting to hang him, but she wasn't tall enough to do it. So she poured the red, gooey substance from the glass container all over Alan and lit him on fire, successfully combusting Alan.

Now comes the part as to how Abigail escaped the crime scene. Either she teleported away using magic or there is a secret pathway in this guardhouse.

"To prove/disprove this theory, we will need someone from the Villa that can confirm that these pearls belong to Abigail. And that red, gooey substance, I suppose it might be flammable. Shall I cast a fire spell on a small portion of that red, gooey substance and see if it combusts and changes colour?"

Purpearl kneels down, and runs her hands across the floors of the front room near where Connor's corpse lay and investigates the floors of the front room for any secret passageway.

"I don't think talking to them is possible.They've been let off early today. Quite a few of the staff felt uneasy after last nights incident, so her ladyship allowed them to leave early today. However, your theory is an interesting one, one that does make some sense. However, that door still proves a problem. How did she manage to leave a room locked from the inside?"

Kneeling on the ground and rubbing her fingers along the cold stone floor, Purpearl finds no evidence of a secret passage.

"That's a good thesis!" Avalanche congratulates Purpearl, "Although I didn't suspect Abigail initially. I think that has a good chance of being the correct answer." He pauses for a minute, "Well, there's only one way to find out, and you don't need to waste ether casting spells." He picks up the small bottle of liquid that he had found and pours a small amount on the floor, leaving the rest in the bottle for evidence. Pulling a flaming torch from its bracket on the wall, the yeti touches the flame to the pool of liquid.

Placing the jar to the flame, Avalanche attempts not to catch on fire as he examines the liquid to see it's reaction. The liquid violently heats up and bubbles, catching Avalanche by surprise and slightly burning him. He nearly drops the bottle onto the floor.

"Alchemist's Fire, no doubt. Instantly ignites anything it touches, and violently reacts to heat. A group of Alchemist's invented it, and so that's how it got it's name."

Small Glass Container- A glass container with enough volume to drench someone with a fluid. There's small traces of Alchemist's Fire, a flammable substance, inside.

-The Party-

Avalanche (Dragonfire)

29 years old male yeti Barbarian

Level 1

Power: 4 (1+3)

Health: 8/8

Gold: 3

Equipment: Earthshaker (WP:3)

Inventory: Potion, Bottle of Mead, Smoke Bomb, Venom

Purpearl Berthadhiell (Purpearljellyblob) *Fast Asleep*

180 Years Old Female Elven Mage

Level 1

Power: 4 (1+3)

Health: 5/5 (5)

Ether: 5/5 (5)

Gold: 5

Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3)

Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Potion, Bedroll

Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su)

32 year old male Mage.

Level 13 1/2 *Immune to Sealed*

Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5))

Defense: 3

Health: 17/17 (5+12)

Ether: 23/23 (5+12+1+5)

Gold: 39

Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, Immune to Sealed

Inventory: Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Grand Potion x2, Ether Core, Remedy x2, Elixir, Smelling Salts, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Shovel, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops)

Arasmyth RuGard (played by Kadabra) *Party Leader*

214 Year Old Elven Evoker

Level 15.5

Power: 24 (15+9)

Defense: 3

Health: 22/22

Ether: 20/20

Gold: 82

Equipment: Suume (Bow, WP:8 9, Wind and Lightning Elemental), Robe of the Elven Warlock (SP:3), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to bows/crossbows), Murderer's Dagger (WP:4, dagger. Stolen from the crime scene, no longer considered evidence unless returned)

Artefacts:

Gemstones: Topaz

Scrolls: Scroll of Sealing

Consumables: Potion, Grand Tonic, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb

Summon: Sera, Angel of Wrath (Lightning elemental)

As the party speculates on the new lead, a town watch guard stumbles into the room, obviously exhausted. He meanders over to Paolo and begins to speak to him in a hushed voice. Paolo dismisses him and looks at the party and Falner.

"The guard just ran from the Way's End District. Apparently the Syndicate found Abigail hiding in the Way's End Cemetery. I just hope Father McCreary didn't get his robes in a rut: his fuse is known for being rather short if you get on his wrong side. That and he's been dealing with a lot lately within the grounds. The last thing he needs is a potential killer wandering about killing people. From what I hear the cemetery's full enough as is."

Paolo straightens his uniform, then suddenly pivots on his heels and leans out the door, megaphone in hand.

"HEAD STRAIGHT TO HQ!! INFORM SEREVAN OF THE SUSPECTS CAPTURE, AND TO SET UP AN INTERROGATION ROOM FOR US!!"

He leans back in, keeping the megaphone up.

"LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU'RE READY TO LEAVE. WE'RE IN NO RUSH!"

Falner covers his hears to the best of his abilities.

Edited November 8, 2013 by Kintobor

[Kadabra]

Ready. Arasmyth runs a hand through his hair as he stands up from kneeling beside Germaine's corpse. Alchemist's fire, bah. Figures it would be alchemist's who would come up with something so easily misused. Disappoints me that those magic-user wannabes have gone from harmless and fruitless dilly-dallying with turning lead to gold and immortality all the way to murder implements, but you can't expect more from them. The Ji Pei, on the other hand, are doing technology right. Ether powered is the only way to go.

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche yelps and rubs his foot on the ground to ease the pain. At least I proved that the liquid is flammable, he says to himself. He says confidently, "I am Ready to leave."

OOC: Do we bring the evidence along with us?

[Purpearljellyblob]

Purpearl is ready to leave too.

[Cutcobra]

"Let's go."

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche waits for the lieutenant to give the party their orders.

Edited October 10, 2013 by Dragonfire

[Kintobor]

"The evidence has all been recorded, correct? Good. Now then, let's make our way to the barracks, shall we?"

"Indeed. Seeing as how some of you may never have been to the headquarters, I'll lead the way. Come heroes, I think we're close to cracking this case."

Paolo leads the party out of the gatehouse and into the bustling streets of Eubric, the Ever-Changing City. It was midday as the party made their through various streets filled with stalls, people and carts. It seemed they had some time until they reached the headquarters, so now would be an interesting time to catch up with each other.

Edited November 8, 2013 by Kintobor

[Dragonfire]

Avalanche is walking beside Purpearl. "How does it feel to be on your first quest?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

The streets of Eubric are filled with stalls and carts selling all kinds of wares, food and accessories. "I have never been to this part of town before!" Purpearl's eyes lit up with joy as she admires the stuff on sale while trying to keep up with her party and Lt. Paolo.

Avalanche is walking beside Purpearl. "How does it feel to be on your first quest?"

"Hi Avalanche! It feels really good that we are making progress and I am excited!" smiles Purpearl. "How are you finding your stay at Heroica?"

Edited October 11, 2013 by Purpearljellyblob