A New Barovia: Chapter One

[Ail]

Before leaving the militia HQ, Robert asks the guards what they have done with the corpses of the victims. He suggests they ask of them if they knew Vasili's sister, and what she lookedl like.

If the corpses of the other victims have been buried, he asks where and if anyone has been guarding the graves. He reasons that if the victims had relatives, they at least must have missed them and might inquire or check the graves. On the other hand, if the killer had ulterior motives, the graves might have been disturbed later.

So he asks all of this before returning to the inn.

At the inn, he checks the list and sees if the list of Krezkian demi-humans has addresses of the individuals. If so, are they in a relatively small area that can be quickly investigated?

[steveflam]

Before leaving the militia HQ, Robert asks the guards what they have done with the corpses of the victims. He suggests they ask of them if they knew Vasili's sister, and what she lookedl like.
If the corpses of the other victims have been buried, he asks where and if anyone has been guarding the graves. He reasons that if the victims had relatives, they at least must have missed them and might inquire or check the graves. On the other hand, if the killer had ulterior motives, the graves might have been disturbed later.

Robert doesn't learn much. The corpses disappeared from their graves not long after they were buried. Vassili has the corpse of his sister
with him. His sister Mariska was black haired, blue eyed and of average height. This Robert learns from Dmitri himself. None knew her personally but Dmitri saw her corpse.

At the inn, he checks the list and sees if the list of Krezkian demi-humans has addresses of the individuals. If so, are they in a relatively small area that can be quickly investigated?

There are actual addresses of demihumans in Krezk, the Mayor Azrael Dak is included in this list. The places in which they live, however, is not concentrated in one area. Gnomes live in one area, the Halflings in another. The dwarves inhabit yet another sector.

[Ail]

"Well, we can not simply go after everyone in Krezk that is a demi-human, knock at their door and say: «excuse me please, we would just like to chat with you for a while and make some tests... please, taste this. Oh, you don't like it? Shame... you see, we have reason to believe (1 in a 1000 chance actually) that you may be a werebadger and a serial killer. Please excuse us if we're wrong, you were just the next one on this list».

So... we have to narrow this down a lot more. Say what, can we try to link some individuals in these communities with the militia HQ somehow? Contacts that guards may have with them, or vice-versa.


OOC: that 1000 above was a wild guess. How many people would be in each community of Dwarves, Gnomes and Halflings? Plus, if each community is tightly concentrated, that is just as good

[VAN]

Adam gets the map and says:

"Thank you very much Quorin this is very helpful."

Then gets a silver piece and place it to the man's hand.

"Get a beer on me friend!"

When Robert tells them his idea Adam says:

"That's a good point Robert, but I think is better concentrate on the info about the were badgers first. Otherwise we can split and some of us go find info about the shapechangers and the rest try to narrow the list."

[Ail]

"Aye Adam, it's alright. And perhaps the bard can teach me a song or two"

he smiles.

[Ken of Ghastria]

"I always wonder how you can drink so much and have little effect. Maybe I should start giving you the Missus' brew that her husband Cornelius perfected for her. Unless you are like her and prefer a clear mind."

"Yes, indeed, a clear mind is preferable," says Khalfani to the barkeep, "especially when seeking answers. Thank you."

He speaks with the others, nodding as they compare notes. "Very well, then, let us see this bard. I am skeptical, but with our investigation so far leading to little more than frustration, perhaps it is time for the gods to smile upon us."

[kintire]

Marilee looks thoughtful

"If that creature has a source in the city guard, it might know about us by now. i think splitting up might prove... unwise. Lets see this bard together!"

[VAN]

Adam thinks for a moment Marilee's words:

"You have a point Marilee. I think we should start with Arselius since he is only 15 min away. If we don't get a satisfying answers we can go visit the other one as well."

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Yes, I fear that we cannot be sure of anyone in the City Guard right now," says Khalfani softly, after making sure that the barkeep or anyone else outside the group isn't eavesdropping. "Even Dmitri cannot be overlooked. He was the only member of the guard who apparently knew Vasili's sister, yes? So let us see this Arselius Knorth, Adam."

[VAN]

"I totally agree with you Khalfani, infact for now Dimitri is the 1st suspect because he is high rank officer, knew Vassili's sister and also made many questions. I still believe that this werebadger doesn't work alone and have someone inside Militia to help him. If everyone agrees we can go to Arselius right now."

[steveflam]

OOC: that 1000 above was a wild guess. How many people would be in each community of Dwarves, Gnomes and Halflings? Plus, if each community is tightly concentrated, that is just as good

OOC: It is closer to five thousand than one thousand, actually. Each community at that. From now on any OOC please put it in the OOC thread where OOC posts belong, ok? This is the game thread after all.

IC:
Leaving the Inn, you head east for Arselius' address. Along the way there are several citizens out and about in the early evening. It is sunny and a warm enjoyable day after all. most citizens recognize Khalfani and nod politely. It is a little after five p.m when you leave the Inn, by the way.

Soon enough, you have arrived at the address Quorrin gave you. It is an average looking building. There is a door to what looks like a shop.

[VAN]

Adam looks around while walking in order to check if they are followed. When they arrive at the house he gently knocks on the door.

[Ken of Ghastria]

As they walk along the street, Khalfani nods and smiles to those who acknowledge him. "Most of the people here are good," he says to his allies. "Holding on to such goodness is not easy when fear and confusion are their daily companions. I am proud that many of the residents consider me friend. I hope that we can eliminate at least one source of fear from their lives."

While Adam knocks on the door, the dark-skinned gnome mutters a few Akiri words under his breath as he looks at the entrance.*

___________________________________________
*Khalfani casts detect magic. Considering that the Big Bad seems to have been a step ahead of us so far, it seems wise to be cautious.

[Ail]

Robert follows in the group, deep in thought and not much talkative.

[BigBadQDaddy]

Thomas waits at the door with the others. A look of concern etched in his young features. They were missing something in regards to the missing records at the militia post. Suddenly his eyes light up. Mumbling to himself he begins, "We don't need a list of any and all demi-humans in the area. Just a list of those with access and knowledge to the militia's headquarters. How would a random citizen know where to look for the files without ransacking the place? And to know exactly were the appropriate files were kept amongst the other files. Not to mention the odds of a random citizen being educated enough to read..."