Chapter 1: The Body

Yes, I don’t feel like we’re going to learn much more here. To the tavern, I say!

Aldezar

DrifterDwarf

Feb 2, 2025 1:22 pm

Aldezar had followed along with the others, but it appeared their investigation would end quickly.

"It certainly seems we have no information to proceed. I agree, poking into a gang's activities is a good way to find trouble."

Feb 2, 2025 6:05 pm

Zirah agrees as she follows. "Still, we might overhear some useful information. Perhaps there are other strange murders or other events that might be related."

WhtKnt

Feb 3, 2025 8:10 pm

As you might have guessed, the Merchant Heaven is an inn primarily catering to merchants. The taproom is not very busy at this time of day, but a few patrons are within. You can easily find a table.

Feb 4, 2025 9:28 am

Lunori grasped his crwth, casting a glance towards the bartender for a nod of approval before strumming a few melodic chords.

"Greetings, esteemed patrons. Known to many as 'Kitten,' I am a bard with tales to tell. Tonight, I shall weave a story of the ruthless Skullcrackers, a small yet fearsome gang whose mark is a cracked skull tattoo. Should any among you have knowledge of their deeds, I am prepared to reward you with a pint of the finest mead. Allow me to share the opening verse of this lament."

With a flick of his tail and a whisker-twitching grin, 'Kitten' began to play, his melody conjuring images of shadowy figures skulking through cobblestone alleys. With no time to compose anew, he adapted an obscure ballad of brigands, replacing names to fit the fearsome gang.

OOC:

I’m hoping the performance and the promise of a pint of mead will encourage people to share what they know. I'm not sure to know whih skill use to know if Lunori get information.
I assumed I'll get at least a pint free for my performance.

Rolls

Performance in the tavern - (1d20+8)

(9) + 8 = 17

Feb 4, 2025 6:58 pm

Madclergy Inactive for 1 months

Zirah is slightly chagrined by Lunori's choice of musical entertainment. She does what she can to smooth any ruffled feathers or looks of disturbance among the merchants.

"I know it is not the favored entertainment among such esteemed patrons, but he can be fairly entertaining even if his songs are off-topic or off-kilter. I think he once sang that rather bawdy ballad about the Maiden of Orchtris, in the midst of a monastery at that. Which just goes to show how the free flow of ideas contributes so much to the city's education and perhaps a richer sense of entertainment."

Zirah takes up a small role as a patroness, not attempting to push for information but doing what she can to put the other patrons of the Inn at ease should there be any disruption.

OOC:

Edit: lol, that should have been 19 with a take 10. Ah well, half-hearted effort is still an effort. I'll try not to post when I'm distracted with work.

Last edited February 5, 2025 1:38 am

Rolls

Bluff/Diplomacy (Take 10) - (15)

() + 15 = 15

Feb 4, 2025 8:59 pm

YullyBear says:

Feb 4, 2025 9:05 pm

Lunori's performance does not go unnoticed. Several patrons give curious glances, and a couple raise an inquisitive eyebrow, but no one comes forward to provide more information. Then, a well-dressed man enters the tavern in time to catch the end of the performance. His demeanor is serious, and he listens intently to the last lingering notes and lyrics. He takes a seat and catches the eye of Lunori and Zirah, motioning them to his table without a word or change in expression.

Lunori, you do earn a free pint for your performance.

Eril Whitebath II

Feb 4, 2025 9:33 pm

Eril watched the performance of the catfolk with interest. He wondered if they would draw out the interest he wanted, or the ire he didn't. Either way things were going to get interesting. He drank deeply from a pint he purchased from the bar maiden.

Aldezar

DrifterDwarf

Feb 4, 2025 9:38 pm

Aldezar listened while he had a casual ale. He really should be doing something more useful than sitting around waiting for something to happen. What did it matter if some gangers killed one of their own?

When Zirah and Lunori are summoned to another table, Aldezar remains seated where he is, keeping an eye on things but not wanting to spook a potential source of information.

Feb 4, 2025 11:27 pm

Lunori, the ever-charismatic catfolk bard, bowed gracefully before his audience, his tail flicking in satisfaction. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he grabbed his pint and sauntered over to the table where the mysterious man had beckoned him. As he approached, he mused to himself,

"Perhaps tonight, I shall uncover secrets about those scoundrels, and if not, at least I'll have a new song to sing. After all, there's never a dull moment for a bard!"

Breg Draelin

WhiteDwarf

Feb 5, 2025 12:07 am

Breg settles at a table with his friends. He tips his tankard to Lunori, enjoying fine bardic performance.

RtR NPCs

WhtKnt

Feb 5, 2025 2:00 am

Andolphus

"Are you the ones who saved the girl this morning from a pack of wild dogs?" The question is posed in low tones to prevent being overheard.

Feb 5, 2025 2:46 am

Zirah follows Lunori, eager to find out what information they can from the one interested in them. She casually makes her way over to the whisperer, trying not to seem particularly eager or to do anything else that might draw attention to them in the mostly empty tavern room.

She nods when she overhears the question asked of them. She answers in hushed tones. "All we heard was a scream, and we responded to aid. Other than that, we are still trying to determine what all we had uncovered."

Feb 5, 2025 7:06 am

Lunori confirm nodding his head as well.

Aldezar

DrifterDwarf

Feb 5, 2025 1:12 pm

Aldezar sips his drink and casually studies the man whispering to his associates...

OOC:

Slayer: Study Target - just in case :)

Andolphus

WhtKnt

Feb 7, 2025 9:36 pm

Andolphus

The man looks around conspiratorily and lowers his voice to just above a whisper. "The man who was killed was named Malkan Abberbaugh, and he was a city guardsman. I don't believe that he was killed by the dogs; I think that he was murdered. I knew Malkan fairly well, but when he joined up with the gang known as the Skullcrackers, he became... different... he was withdrawn, secretive, and distant. Another strange thing is the Skullcrackers themselves. It used to be that they prowled by night, choosing hapless victims for their brawls. Recently, though, the Skullcracker Fight Club has come out into the open. Fights are now prearranged and take place in the courtyard of the Macksis Villa. They’re well-organized and scheduled."

"As a friend of Malkan, I'd greatly appreciate anyone who might look into the events of his death. He seems hopeful.

Lunori "Kitten" Belround

Feb 7, 2025 10:07 pm

Lunori nods his head, his whiskers twitching with subtle amusement, and answers in a hushed, melodic voice.

"We have confirmed, as sure as a cat's whiskers, that he was slain beforehand. The dogs were sent to weave a tale of an animal attack, but we clever felines... and, of course, other folk know that animals do not pilfer jewelry. The culprit took a small necklace, leaving behind only the leather cord.

Do not fret, dear heart. We are on the scent, like a cat stalking its prey, and we shall not rest until we have the answers and these vile knaves are brought to justice.

Pray tell, what do you know of the Macksis estate and its lordly inhabitants?"

Feb 8, 2025 2:50 am