Fantasy World Creations

[spoiler]Mission Thread (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/mission-board-(ic)/(open)-skin-and-bones/msg8643/#msg8643)[/spoiler]


Onlookers continued to gather and watch as an investigatory group gathered. At first, due to the style of the announcement from the tiger-woman, the crowd almost thought the scene to be some sort of act, but as it became apparent that those gathering around the body were various members of the Guild of Galas'nor, the grim reality of the scene set in. Nearby town guard made rounds through the crowd to settle panicked individuals, and disperse those that should not be present, being children and elderly. But with Garrin's comment about questioning those present, the majority of the crowd was asked to remain.

The deceased was identified as Ethan Holstein, a local cobbler. The lady next to him is his now-widowed wife, Marianne Holstein. One of the guards reported to you after speaking with Marianne.

"Seems he'd gone out to drink at the Sword and Barrel tavern, as he usually did. Mrs. Holstein, who'd been home that evening, thought it strange that Ethan had not returned before midnight, but decided to head to sleep in the mean time, which she noted to be restless. When she woke up to find he was still not home in the morning, she began running around town asking of his whereabouts. Then she came across this gathering in the streets and, well, you saw from there."

Garrin bowed to the guard courteously. "Thank you for your trouble, it's nice to have some information to start the search." Garrin looked down at the widow, Marianne Holstein. "I apologize for your loss madam. We'll figure out what happened here." He gave her a short  bow as well, before he looked at the crowd that had gathered, then to his companions. "I'll go and start seeing if I can gather some information, I'll be sure to let you know if I find anything."

Garrin turned, sweeping his cloak around with him and walked off towards the crowd, hopeful that one among them would have some information that was useful. While asking about the situation, he'd also be searching to see if anything looked out of place or suspicious.  And if not, he could go and ask around the Sword and Barrel proper later.

[spoiler= Rolls for Perception & Gather Information.]
Perception: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+13 : 4 + 13, total 17[/blockquote]
Gather information: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 1 + 9, total 10[/blockquote]

After volunteering my services I figure it would be best to start asking the guards and people gathered around if they have any information that could help. I also decide to see if there is anything in the alleyways and on this street that could lead to a clue.

[spoiler]For talking to guards and towns people [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 8 + 3, total 11[/blockquote][/spoiler]
[spoiler]To look around for other evidence [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Garrin

You approached the first suspicious looking individual you could find, which looked to be a man from behind. But upon calling out to the man, it turned out to, in fact, be a strongly-built woman. And from there it all went downhill. The heightened nerves of everyone in the crowd only made them more defensive to their insecurities, and you ranted to about how the woman "wasn't so brutish as to look like a man". Soon, many of the nearby women, and even a few men, began pitching in on your fumble. Thus, you changed from the interrogator to the interrogated.

[info]You have a -2 to future interactions with this crowd for the remainder of this scene.[/info]

After finally making your way out of the mob around 20 minutes later, you decided it was best not to speak and instead focused on your sight and hearing by observing the crowd as a whole. There was one individual who seemed more disturbed than the rest, a man dressed in clerical garb. He had his hand to his mouth, biting on his thumb, with his eyes never leaving the victim.

Henon

Your initial investigation yielded no new information, and actually gave you less leads and ideas than you originally had. Everyone you spoke with said the man did not have any enemies, and was a kind, simple person. This led you to believe that this was not a personal killing, possibly even a random one.

Once you began to observe your surroundings, you slipped in a rock, faceplanted the ground, and got a little dust in your eyes. It takes you a while to recover, and you can still see and function fine, but your eyes are still watery and unclear for a while.

[info]-2 to your future perceptive checks for the scene.[/info]

As a few men she recognized faintly as fellow guild members stepped forward, Maeve nodded her acknowledgment of their joining the cause. It was a good thing they were guild members, as she would suspect them of joining if only to prevent her from finding out the true culprit if it were someone she did not recognize. Heck, she didn't really know these fellows well enough to strike them off her list, either. She would have to keep watch on them, just in case they tried to obstruct the one and only fist of tiger justice.

Another person she had to keep watch on was the wife. Just because she was the wife of a simple cobbler did not mean that she did not have the know how or the means to do such a terrible thing to him. Maybe she came from a more wealthy family or maybe she knew how to do this kind of stuff already or was learning it from someone. The possibilities were endless. Now was not the time to interrogate the woman, however. In a crowd such as this, she would only garner hatred towards herself by the crowds for 'picking on a grieving woman'. Instead, she would visit the woman's home later so that she could interrogate her in private. Until then...

"Could you set up a grruard at her home?" She asked the guard who had provided the information. "If it is someone who is out to get him and his family, it would be best if we had someone watch over her household for a few days at least." There, that way, the guards could tell her it was for her safety that they watch her and she would not suspect a thing.

That done, and seeing that her guild mates intended to inspect the scene of the crime and question the crowd of witnesses, Maeve decided to go on ahead to the tavern. As she usually stayed at the guild hall's tavern for her drink, the tiger woman had to ask one of the town guards for directions from their location to the Sword and Barrel. Unsure as to whether or not the cobbler would take alley ways or the main road only, she decided to take the main route and send the remaining guild mate who had not yet wandered into the crowd or nearby alleyways via the alternate route.

Turning to him, the first thing she noticed was his wolf. 'Friend? Wolf?' She thought as she eyed the wolf. She was not sure why he thought she was a friend of wolves. Perhaps he was trying to get on her good side. Under normal circumstances, he would not even have to try. That uniquely white hair was usually enough to catch her attention. This was not normal circumstances, though. As fun as flirting with hot men was, she had a job to do and no one here was exempt from her suspicions until proven innocent.

"It looks like those two will be team Crrrrrowd Control. Want to team up with me and be team Sword and Barrel?" The tigress winked at him before explaining her plan. She would go the one way, along the main road to the tavern and while on the way, she would keep watch for anything suspicious. He and his wolf friend would go the back way that included alleyways and also look for anything suspicious. They would meet up at the tavern, share what info they had gathered, and then proceed to question the tavern's inhabitants about the deceased.

[spoiler]I'll edit my post if Wolfrin decides not to continue in this mission. I'm going by the post he left in the mission thread.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Rolls for perception and gather information as Maeve travels to the tavern.]Perception: (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+5 : 12 + 5, total 17

Gathering Information: (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+2 : 8 + 2, total 10[/spoiler]

Before Maeve went running off, Garrin briefly spoke with her about his plans. After finishing with the crowd he would head over to the Sword and Barrel to reconvene, and share what he had learned. And hopefully she would have some information as well and they could get closer to figuring out what had happened.

After his blunder with the crowd, Garrin had noticed the priestly looking fellow, who also seemed quite nervous. He figured it would be best to try to talk to this particular individual, and attempted to approach him.

"Hello, sir. I'm with the Guild of Galas'nor and we're currently investigating the situation. I'd appreciate your cooperation by sharing any information you might know about the events that have taken place here." Garrin smiled, and bowed courteously to the man, hoping to ease his fears a bit.

[spoiler] Rolling Diplomacy to try to get this guy to talk, and Sense Motive to see if what he is saying is truthful.
Diplomacy(with minus 2 penalty): [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 13 + 7, total 20[/blockquote]
Sense Motive: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+11 : 2 + 11, total 13[/blockquote][/spoiler]

After picking myself of the ground and dusting myself off I think to myself embarrassingly , "I hope no one saw that." Rubbing my eyes I come to the realization that at this rate i wont find anything I should try to contact some of the other guild members in the area to see if they had better luck then I currently am having. Going back by the crowd I noticed someone who looked like a guild member I have seen around, bowing to what looks to be a clergy looking man. I decide it would be best to hang back and wait til this person is done with his conversation with the clergy man before trying to introduce and ask this guild member some questions.

The priest was surprised when the two of you approached him, obviously still shaken from what he's witnessed. Still, he was much calmer than others around you, which made him easier to deal with.

"Ah, yes, of course! My name is Christopher Varris. Usually I would not really speak of this, but I am a Khilite mortician of Shankhil. I had come hearing of a death, as my job revolves around easing a soul's journey after death, but there is nothing I can do here. I speak freely to you because I wish to warn you. This is necromancy; an old, powerful sort. I have no idea how it's come to Ternadan, but it is a fearful presence. And as the nature of necromancy is secretive and hungry, I don't believe this is the last one. I had hoped to be able to help by communing with the deceased, but I have no power here. Truly disturbing."

Christopher's eyes wandered back to the corpse forlornly, and you could see the helpless pain in his eyes. This man, as odd as his work may be, truly cared about life.

Garrin listened intently to Christopher's words. It was an interesting profession, something he hadn't seen before. But it wasn't the time to be distracted by the odd sights of the city. He didn't like the sound of necromancy, and he suspected that his fellow Guild members would be wary as well. "Christopher, I thank you for your cooperation. I don't like the sound of necromancy, but I suppose it is a problem that I'll have to get to the bottom of. Is there anything else you can tell us about this case, or anything you saw? Perhaps a clue to the whereabouts of the individual responsible for this. I understand that you are likely just as lost as we are, but anything at all that we haven't heard already might open the door to a new clue or witness."

[spoiler=More Diplomacy if needed.]
Diplomacy. [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Christopher shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I did not see anything. All I know is what I've observed fro what is here right now. The condition of the body is all I can speak of. I must get back to my duties, if you'll excuse me; if you feel I could be of more assistance with new evidence, you may find me at the Shrine to Shankhil in the northwestern quarter of the city. I wish you luck."

The man takes his leave of the scene, heading north, which you can assume meant to the shrine. As you continue questioning and observing the area, you find that there is not much more information coming your way. Your final conclusion is that there was no one who meant this man ill, and assumed that the murder was at random.

"Thank you again, Christopher. If I find any information that seems to be within the scope of your specialties, I will be sure to call upon you at that time." Garrin was disappointed that there wasn't any more information to be had, but it was understandable. The crowd arrived after the fact, as he had. The information about necromancy was still quite unsettling, but he would have to see if Maeve had learned anything at the tavern. Garrin turned and looked at the man from the guild. "I don't believe we've met but you're here to help as well. What's your take on this?"

"You are correct we have not met before names Henon. I was trying to see if I could find any clues in the near by area, sadly my search came up empty. It just feels so strange to me that something like this could happen and the man wouldn't have had someone after him or be involved in some sort of cult. Have you or anyone else you know of working on this, found anything out besides what the mortician told you? If so we should gather up and discuss what we have. Oh right and before I forget what is your name sir?  
I proceed to stick out my hand for a handshake at this point.

Garrin sized up Henon. He looked like he would be useful enough in this case. The man stuck his hand out with a handshake, and Garrin met his offer. "Well met. I'm Garrin Ravenhorst. I haven't heard anything useful outside of what Christopher had mentioned. Well, some folks said to check out the Sword and Barrel tavern, but one of our guild members has gone ahead. Perhaps it would be wise to regroup with them and share this bit of information about Necromancy, and see if she has found anything out on her end."

He wondered if Maeve had found anything useful at the tavern, if not they'd be fresh out of clues and that would make the investigation much more difficult.

Wolfrin mentally berated himself as he listened to the guardsman bring the group up to speed. Of course we should question the crowd before shooing them away, you basically just suggested we throw away possible leads! Use your head before you speak! Wolfrin looked at the older guild member Garrin as the man thanked the guard, nodding his own agreement with the sentiment. He was slightly taller then Wolfrin, sturdily built, and by the looks of the armor he was wearing a knight or warrior of some kind. The serious way the man held himself made Wolfrin think he'd be a good one to have in a fight.

When Garrin made his way off into the crowd to gather more information, Wolfrin turned his attention back to the corpse. There wasn't much to see really, just a mass of withered dry flesh, almost indistinguishable as a former human. Kind of like the meat father used to prepare before the winter. Before he could really begin to examine the corpse however, movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention. His eyes focused on a man in the crowd, picking himself up off the ground, looking around covertly at those nearby while brushing himself off. Chuckling to himself and turning away, someone tripping on their own feet not likely very important to the case at hand, he found the cat-woman looking at him once more.

"It looks like those two will be team Crrrrrowd Control. Want to team up with me and be team Sword and Barrel?"

"Glad to" Wolfrin responded before listening to her plan.

As Maeve walked off towards the tavern, Wolfrin bent back down next to the corpse, desperate to find something of use. The others had seemed to know just what to do next, where to look for clues, and who to question. Wolfrin was starting to wonder if he'd be more burden than benefit when he felt Buddy's shaggy fur brush up against his side. Ha! Ofcourse! The corpse may have been sucked dry, but maybe there's a scent buddy could track! And if not, we can always check the alleyway Maeve suggested! Wolfrin thought ecstatically. You saved me once again Bud, he thought as he reached down to pat the wolf's neck. Then he signaled to his companion to search the body for scents to track.

[spoiler]Buddy searches the body for a scent to track with his Scent ability. [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 1 + 7, total 8[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Wolfrin and Bud

Bud gets visibly sickened by sniffing the corpse, and ends up puking. It seems he'd accidentally stuck his snout against the putrid corpse, causing the scent to be overpowering. It would take a while for him to recover from the misstep.

[info]Bud has a -2 to Fortitude saves and Perception until after your investigation at the bar.[/info]

The Bar (Maeve and Wolfrin)
The Sword and Barrel tavern was just down the road, within view of the crime scene. From the outside, the establishment seemed welcoming and well kept, despite being on the smaller side. Upon entering, your impressions were confirmed; there was a sort of warmth to the place, even with the news floating around. It seemed as though rumors of the murder down the road had already reached the tavern, so the mood of the people themselves was a lot more gloomy. There were only a handful of customers, along with the three who ran the place. The barkeeper was in position behind the bar, with two servers busing tables and tending to the customers. The barkeeper was a built man, but with a bit of girth as well. It was obvious he was strong and that he wasn't such for just body building. Still, despite the intimidating build, he gave off a friendly air, with a welcoming smile. The two servers were both women. One was a comely young woman, you would guess in her mid-to-late 20s with fair skin and wavy, auburn, long hair. The other was an older, slightly bigger woman that seemed to have a similar air to her that the barkeeper had; judging from her interactions with the barkeeper, you would guess that they are married. Otherwise, customers were scattered around the premises, with varying temperaments.

[info]After initial investigations, Garrin and Henon may enter. I'll signal for it.[/info]

Wolfrin waited with bated breath as Buddy sniffed the carcass. His mind started going through all the possibilities, maybe Buddy would catch the scent of the killer, and lead him straight to the man, where an epic battle would ensue before the man was brought to justice. Or maybe Buddy would catch a scent and lead him to something innocuous like a melon cart, and he would have to figure out how melons played into the villains scheme. Even if he just smells the victim and leads me to the mans home, Wolfrin reasoned, I can still likely find some clue as to why this man would be murdered!

It was at that point he felt something splash on his boots. His new boots. "My brand new boots!" Staring down in horror at the vomit on his boots, he watched as Buddy moved a few steps away and repeated the process, emptying his stomach. It struck Wolfrin that perhaps there was poison on the body that Buddy had inhaled, but he quickly realized that wasn't very likely. The wife had held the corpse quite close as well. As Buddy came back by his side, far from the corpse and looking decidedly more unsteady, he reached out to pat the wolf's side.

"Ahh well Bud. So much for that idea huh?" With that Wolfrin stood and proceeded down the alley, Buddy lurching along beside him, still shaking his head over his poor new boots.

It didn't take long to reach The Sword and Barrel, the alley was slightly winding but short, and the trip was rather uneventful. Though he kept his eyes sharp he saw nothing of interest in the alley, other than the poor urchins huddling in corners. The poor never approached him, whether it was because of his manner of dress or the large white wolf at his side he couldn't say, but he found himself giving them coins anyways. Tossing the kids coins certainly didn't solve their problems, and he knew that it was more to ease his own conscience, but he did it nonetheless. Perhaps it would make their lives a little easier, at least.

Walking through the front door, he motioned Buddy to follow. He wasn't sure what he'd find here. He noticed Maeve off to one side, and made his way  over to her, eyes scanning the room and ears preened.

[spoiler]Perception roll to see if theres anything he notices out of the ordinary[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+10 : 12 + 10, total 22[/blockquote][/spoiler]

Wolfrin

The children rejoiced at your kind gesture, immediately divvying up the sum amongst themselves. They seemed excited, and you heard whispering of 'finally having a meal'. It seems the orphanage in town was too small an establishment. Thus this was a bittersweet sight to behold.

Your initial observations brought attention to a few of the patrons, there were a few that seemed oblivious to the happenings outside, enjoying their drink too much for it being morning. You thought that they might have even carried over from the night before. After all, it was obvious there were others that had, as they were collapsed into a table slumbering. That only accounted for around four customers, however. The remaining five that you saw were wearing expressions of varying degrees of sadness, grief, or anger. These were the souls that mourned Ethan Holstein's passing. You were sure of it, as most of their heads hung low. There was a couple, man and woman, sitting together having a slowly paced conversation, with plenty of silent pauses between words. Other than those two there were three sitting around alone, all men. One was a rather slim, serious looking half-elf, looking down into his drink with a grimace. Another, a stockier man with thinning hair, was gripping his head in both hands, elbows on the table, seemingly in a state of intense distress. Finally there was a gnome, examining the same coin with disinterest as he flipped it through his fingers.

As you scanned the room, the barmaid approaches. "Good morning and welcome! I'm Luiza, what can I do for you today?" She notes the guild emblem on both of you, reading your demeanor. Speaking in a lower tone, "Ah, is this about Ethan?"

You note that at the mention of Ethan's name, even in a whisper, some of the downward heads turn.

It seemed there was nothing out of the ordinary following the main road to the tavern, nothing that Maeve noticed anyways. Entering the tavern, she eyed the men nursing their drinks, her attention lingering on the few who seemed like they might have been there a while. The white-haired man and his wolf joined her not long after she had entered, but before she could ask if he had found anything, one of the barmaids approached.

"It is." The tigress confirmed. "Is there anyone here who was present while... Ethan was here last night? We would like to ask a few questions." Although she could not watch them all, Maeve tried to keep an eye on as many of the people for their reactions as possible.

[spoiler=Perception for sight.][blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 14 + 5, total 19[/blockquote][/spoiler]

[spoiler=Perception to see if Maeve picks up any interesting scents.][blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 16 + 5, total 21[/blockquote][/spoiler]

The tense mood in the tavern only thickened. Your arrival and announcement seemed to trigger various responses.

The gnome seemed eager to speak, his face portraying an intention to help.

The couple gave a humoring smile, showing appreciation in the gesture of your desire to help, but not seeming to have much to offer.

The portly man's expression did not change, even though he did focus on you instead of the table before him. His distressed demeanor remained a constant state.

The most unexpected was the half-elf's response. "Oh, happy day! The Guild of Galas'nor has come to aid the town!" His joyful tone quickly turned to a sneer. "Heh. As if. You lot will only make things worse. Selling falsely advertised goods, bringing us into the middle of some weird turkey feud multiple times, and even meddling with some strange wizard's goods. Your decisions there killed a man, remember that!?" The man was glaring in accusation at you both. "Simply by the fact that you're associated with Galas'nor tells me not to trust your methods. I've no information for you anyways, but I'll do my own investigation, so try not to get in my way. I was hoping they'd ask for more competent individuals than you Galas'nor quacks."

The room was stunned in silence as the half-elf departed from the bar, glowering the entire way. Luiza stepped forward, "Please try not to mind his comments. Lanthir's off balance since he was a personal friend of Ethan's, he's just taking out his frustration on you all. The bulk of those here now were close to Ethan as well, I'm sure they'll be happy to do what they can."

[info]Pick whoever you wish to talk with first. Garrin and Henon are free to enter the scene now, as well.[/info]

Garrin entered the tavern as the half-elf was spouting his piece. It certainly what he expected. He hadn't been around the guild long, but it would figure that some would have some resent for them. He knew well that not everyone could like you. He scanned the room and set his sights on a portly fellow. Waving to the other guild members as he passed he worked his way over to the table.

Hello sir, my name is Garrin Ravenhorst and I plan on working tirelessly to get to the bottom of this rather gruesome case. I'd like to ask you for your cooperation and sharing any information you may have about Ethan and his circumstances that may have led to him being targeted, or any other information you might find relevant to the case. He extended his hand for a handshake and gave a small bow.

[spoiler=Diplomacy check]
Diplomacy: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+9 : 19 + 9, total 28[/blockquote]
[/spoiler]

Garrin

As you introduced and extended your hand in greeting, the man shakily took it, but instead of managing a smile back, he seemed to shy away, almost as though he didn't wish to speak. It was then that Luiza stepped next to you.

"Please excuse him, he's not himself right now. Hasn't talked much since last night either. George here had seen Ethan off last night. He's the last person to see him alive last night...and was also first to see the corpse. But the shock of it has disturbed his mind, and has exaggerated much of what he remembers-"

"You're wrong!" George shouts suddenly before shrinking back again, taking everyone by surprise. "I saw it Luiza. That...who or whatever it was. It moved right past me...I swear I shouldn't be here right now." George was shaking again, avoiding eye contact by just staring at the table. "That wasn't human, nor elf, nor any of the normal sort. It was monstrous..."

There was a long silence, with no one moving, the mood of the room further disturbed, with everyone watching George.

Wolfrin was quiet. It was in his nature. He was far more comfortable sitting back and studying the interactions of others, or ignoring a conversation all together - that happened too, then he was being directly involved. That's why he surprised himself when he asked,

"Could you describe what you saw? In detail?"

George looks over at Wolfrin, continuing his vacant stare, with Luiza crossing her arms in disbelief. Finally, the man began to recount what he saw before dawn. "Ethan and I had been enjoying our evening after work as usual, along with Lanthir and the couple over there." George points to the couple that you had noticed conversing when you entered. "But last night we might have enjoyed ourselves a bit too much. The other three turned in while Ethan and I continued past midnight. Ethan had just struck a mighty deal with a client, along with his business partner over there, Farvyn." The gnome looked up disinterestedly, with an expression that said he'd already heard the tale.

"It was getting to be twilight when we were ushered out for the night to head home. I told Ethan to let me take care of the bill as a sort of well-wishing deal. After all, we'd been celebrating him. He left around 5 minutes earlier than I, as I was rounding up the tableware so we didn't leave a disaster behind us." George took a pause, hesitant to continue. Until now, he'd been speaking fondly, in a wistful manner, reminiscing about what seemed a great evening. His voice began to shake, "As I left to follow after Ethan and head home that I saw it. No more than 5 minutes after leaving the tavern here. not that I could see much. It was like a moving shadow, one that I could barely make out from its surroundings. I probably wouldn't have even noticed it if not for the eyes." He'd slowly began to hold his head in his hands, elbows on the table before him, his shaking continuing. "Those purple, fiery eyes. It was like I was staring into my own grave. The thing passed me, within a few feet, moving deeper into the city. I've never been so scared in my life. He stopped, obviously trying to suppress his tears of fear.

"Not long after I began running for my life in the opposite direction did I stumble across the corpse under the dim lamplight in the streets. I didn't know it was Ethan at the time. I only learned that when his wife declared it a short while ago..."

Maeve frowned at the half-elf as he went on and on about the guild. She had not realized that the guild had caused trouble such as that the man described. Of course, she was still new to the guild and did not know much about it or most of its members. She would have denied the man's words about the guild, but knew that if any of it were true, then she would only make herself look like a fool. Standing there next to her guild mate, she took in everything that he said. She would investigate his accusations later, after the current issue was dealt with.

Another half-elf, another one of her guild mates, entered at some point during the half-elf's rant. He immediately went to work asking questions of their witnesses, going straight for the man Maeve had wanted to ask questions of. The gnome, seeming eager to help, she was sure would hang around until she could get to him. The couple probably would as well if they had information to provide. This portly-looking man, however, may get up and leave as much as sit there and wait for them to finish talking with the others. Thus, it was important to talk with him first.

The tigress followed her guild mate. Although she did not wish to crowd the man, she did want to know what he had to say to her companion. Her eyes narrowed as she listened to his description of what happened. This was not right. It was not natural. It must be something to do with the undead, perhaps even a necromancer. She looked at the couple and then at the gnome to tell them that the words she was about to speak would also be for them.

"Do you know of anyone who dislikes Ethan or who Ethan may have had issues with personally or professionally?" She asked, making sure her voice was loud enough for all of the intended parties. She would ask Farvyn who this client was later, as well as request a list from of him their previous clients, just in case.

George looked toward Maeve as though she'd said something preposterous. "I don't think there was a mean bone in that man's body. Always wore a smile, and had a very gentle heart. The kind of man you'd be proud to have as a friend, which I still am. I can't see a reason for anyone to hate him." The rest of those present noticed that the guild members did not dismiss George's tale, instead asking further about intent. At that, everyone felt a chill up their spines, a dread which you could notably see in their facial expressions. It seems they had not personally seen the corpse as George had.

Luiza spoke up a moment later. "So...it's real? He wasn't just seeing things in a drunken stupor? Do any of you have an idea what it could be?" She began wringing the cleaning rag she had in her hand, which she'd been using to wipe down a table.

He could not see why someone would dislike Ethan, but Maeve could. Some people disliked people like Ethan for the very reason that so many others liked him or that he always wore a smile. It was usually a jealousy thing. These people must not have had to deal with people like those before. Strange, considering they lived in a city. But then, the city housed the Guild of Galas'nor, which was strange itself.

"There can only be one thing it could be." Maeve stated, completely serious. Regardless of what the others investigating this murder thought, Maeve could only believe that it was something related to a necromancer or the undead. "My archenemy."

"Unless we can find out how Ethan is related to a necromancers ire, I would recommend avoiding being outside during the night." She once again looked around at everyone in the room. Finishing her statement, she moved over to Farvyn.

"Since everyone seems to agree that no one could dislike him personally, we must make sure that it was not due a professional issue. We will need to see your list of clients so that we can speak with them."

The mention of a necromancer caused the whole room to stir. It certainly seemed to make sense, but it was hard to believe one would dare to hide in the city. Farvyn scrounged up a paper from his pack, having torn it from a notepad, and begins scribbling down some names.

"So far we only had a few clients, since we'd only just started doing business together." The gnome stated as he finished filling out the details. "Here are the three names. But I'm seriously doubting they had anything to do with this. We buy and sell ceramics, you see. Plates, pots, vases and the like. Sure, we've had a couple treasures come and go through our stock, we don't speak of the details publicly, so it not like competitors would know. Other than those three, we run a market stall in the town square. There's no way I could get you names from that. It's the general populace." He hands you the list, watching as you read over it, awaiting any questions you might have.

Maeve

This is the note you've been handed.

Quote
Garen Nolls, chef and owner of 'The Hyena's Den', a tavern.

Lara Biskup, owner of 'Maiden's Trinkets', an antique shop.

Petya Markov, artist and ceramic enthusiast.

Looking at the list, only one seemed to be the most likely suspect. The first two seemed to be merely regulars. They were citizens of the town and ran their own shops. Why would they put so much at risk by attacking an upstart businessman? A private collector, on the other hand, did not have to upkeep respectability like shopkeepers did. Still, Maeve would make sure all three were visited. It was never good to overlook someone just because they seemed normal.

"I assume these two are ones you regularly do business with?" Maeve pointed at the first two on the list, not saying names in case their client base was not public knowledge. "Would this client be the one who made the big deal?"

"A tavern main room may not be the best place to discuss all the questions that I have about your business and its clients. Is there someplace we can meet you to talk further?" She and her guild mates who had decided to participate in this investigation would also need to discuss what all they would do. They could split up again, with team Crrrrrowd Control continuing to question the others in the inn and her team going with the gnome to first ask questions and then go on to investigate the current list of suspects. From what she could tell, they seemed to be done at the tavern for now. If all of her comrades were satisfied here, then they could all go with the gnome and then split up to question the individuals on their list.