Ghostfoot's Tearing of the Weave IC

[razorback]

Savin lugs his way over to to the prisoner and says "If you want to search this out, I'll watch this... thing. I need a few moments to recover myself." weakly.

[DrK]

Krag leans on his staff breathing hard. My friends, well done. I had feared the worst there for a second and was worried that we may be off to see Kelemvor's garden!

Happy that the prisoners are secured he casts a simple cantrip, eyes attuned searching for any magics present. And joins Fintan sniffing and examining the potions and the trinkets.

Spoiler: skill checks

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Spellcraft (10d20)[16][16][19][20][8][5][15][1][6][14](120) all +7 as required

[Dexam]

Although still concerned about the wellbeing of the Captain, Temiryl realises that there is little she can do to aid further. With that in mind, she goes to collect her longsword and heads to the kitchen stairwell.

"I'm going to check upstairs," Temiryl informs the others. "Someone might want to keep an eye on that trapdoor in the other room."

Taking great care to check for traps or any other surprises, Temiryl heads slowly up the stairs with longsword in hand.

Spoiler: OOC

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Take 20 on Search check for a total of 30.

[Ghostfoot]

Krag starts investigating the various vials and substances as the rest of the party makes themselves busy. Of the various items only the potion vials radiate faint magic. Four of the vials are evidently potions of deflection but the others he is less certain about.

Spoiler: Potions

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• 4 x potion of shield of faith +2
• 5 x unidentified potion (conjuration)
• 4 x unidentified potion (transmutation)

The alchemical items cover quite an assortment of capsules and powders available from any capable and well-stocked alchemist.

Spoiler: Alchemies

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• 10 x flash pellets (CAd pg 118)
• 10 x catstink (CAd pg 118)
• 10 x lockslip grease (CAd pg 119)
• 10 x softfoot (CAd pg 119)
• 9 x quickfrost (CAd pg 122), for use with the weapon capsule retainer (CAd pg 121)
• 10 x ferrous aqua (CS pg 110)

As the dwarf sorts through the items Temiryl carefully makes her way upstairs. Mindful that there may be traps or other inhabitants she is very careful as she proceeds, and thankfully nothing untoward is encountered. The upper storey consists of a large study and a bedroom. A few books rest in a bookshelf in the study, and various numerical ledgers sit open on a writing desk, together with a green-tinted reading glass.

The bedchamber itself reeks of reeks of squalor. A fine bed with a canopy dominates the room, but it's former opulence has been largely destroyed as the linens have been twisted into some sort of filthy rat-nest in the center of it. A chest of drawers and wardrobe are similarly neglected with clothes spilling out onto the floor from each.

[Dexam]

With a look of disgust on her face, Temiryl mostly ignores the bedroom for now and instead concentrates on searching the study.

She starts by casting a spell to reveal the presence of any magical auras, checking both the study and the bedroom.

Then, taking the same great care for any potential traps or other nasty surprises, she examines the desk before moving on to the ledgers. Temiryl reads them firstly under plain sight and then under the green tinted reading glass.

Once that task is complete, she heads over to the bookshelf and starts looking over the books.

Spoiler: OOC

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Casting Detect Magic and taking 20 on any Search checks.

[DrK]

Krag looks through the strange alchemical supplies. Surprised that a were-rat would be interested in such things he looks to the rest of the group. "Strange. Why would a rat beast need such a fine lab? Do any of you have any idea?"

[redzimmer]

Fintan

"The cur might be an assassin. Their stock and trade is in poisons. We should get him to a trained questioner immediately," Fintan says.

[Ghostfoot]

Temiryl casts the cantrip and scans the rooms. Nothing comes to light in the study, but in the bedroom she detects multiple faint auras under the bed. Carefully looking underneath she spies a strongbox with a large lock on it.

Spoiler: auras

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• conjuration
• transmutation
• abjuration

Leaving the strongbox for now she turns back to the study and the desk. The ledgers seem to record the produce of the mill, showing the amount of grain taken in and the flour produced from it along with the mill's day-to-day expenses, and tallied by the mill owner, Cloten. The books in the bookshelf consist of a few generic histories of Cormyr and a number of old ledgers from previous years.

Interestingly, when the ledgers are observed through the green-tinted reading glass a new set of numbers appears. It seems that the mill master has been cheating the local farmers, skimming about 15% of the produce and selling it in nearby towns. More recent entries also show a number of one-off transactions that look like records of stolen property that has been obtained and disposed of - for example one of the entries records goods stolen from the Brass Wheel caravan and sold off. Another lists personal effects of value taken from the late Captain Cyrus Fletcher. Furthermore the secret ledger entries record that approximately half of the stolen proceeds have been used to source shipments of cold iron ore, which have been periodically delivered to a person named "Wingclipper" in Thunderstone, 20-odd miles away at the base of the Thunder Peaks. The most recent delivery was only a few days ago. Finally, there are brief notes relating to Sir Lysander Aulbes' investigations and whether to capture and ransom the knight or simply dispose of him. The payment to the orc gang is detailed.

[razorback]

"Lets get this offal out of here to and to a questioner. After that, what is our next move? Why would they be needing cold iron ore? I'm thinking a hike for a little talk may be in order once we are done here." Savin says as he stretches, reaching his full height, as he feels his strength returning.
"Once the healer his here and we can move the captain, we should go back to her jail but we should take caution on how we get back and who sees us as best we can. Best way to end rumors about our comings and goings is to keep them from starting."

[Dexam]

Temiryl takes the ledgers and green tinted lens from the study. Also, while holding her breath and touching the bedding and clothes as little as possible, she retrieves the strongbox. Everything is taken back down stairs, where she shows it to the others.

"If his actions weren't already enough to put his head in a noose, this evidence certainly is," Temiryl says. "I believe that this entry might be of particular interest to some of you?" She points to the details regarding the Brass Wheel caravan goods, recalling the half-overheard conversations from last night.

"The sourcing of raw cold iron, combined with the fact that he's carrying cold iron weaponry makes me wonder if he's dealing in arms; maybe to those orcish friends of his?"

Temiryl turns her attention to the locked strongbox. She checks it carefully for traps, then tries the key taken from the unconscious Cloten. If that doesn't work, she pulls out some bent wire and odd-looking tools from a pouch, and attempts to pick the lock.

Spoiler: OOC

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Once again taking 20 on any Search checks, and on the Open Locks check (if required). If a 23 doesn't work, help myself to Cloten's MW tools for another +2.

[u-b]

"Wait a second!" - Anthony casts Detect Magic, looks at the box and after some time nods* - "Alright, go on."

He takes the ledgers, the lens, and starts to reads, doing some sums while at it**.

Spoiler

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*This assumes the box has no auras on it (only in it), Anthony checks specifically for this.

**Taking 10 on accounting for a total of 11 to calculate total profits, in gp, per month, over last month and then back in time until the healing comes or something else happens. Also a knowledge check concerning typical local needs for cold iron equipment, places and habits of producing and processing the ore, typical buyers of finished equipment and uses of it: (1d20+5)[19]. Does the ledger say where the ore was from and where Brass Wheel goods were delivered to? Also, was any cold iron gear or metal ever obtained from "Wingclipper" by our guy?

[Ghostfoot]

Temiryl sets the strongbox down and checks it thoroughly with Anthony, finding no boobytraps or further magical auras. She tries the key and it clicks open easily enough. Inside is an assortment of further vials plus some large pouches of coins and gemstones:

• 5 x potion of shield of faith +2 - same as carried by Cloten
• 5 x unidentified potion (conjuration aura) - same as carried by Cloten
• 5 x unidentified potion (transmutation aura) - same as carried by Cloten
• 4 x unidentified vials (non-magical)
• 200gp
• 25pp
• 3 x bloodstones (not yet valued)

Meanwhile Anthony reviews the ledgers and checks his sums. it seems that the evil miller has been making a tidy profit through his theft and robberies. Several thousand gold have been appropriated over time, presumably enough to pay for a decent lifestyle, hire some goons, leave a cut for this 'Wingclipper" and still have some leftover in the strongbox here.

With respect to cold iron ore, Anthony does know that it is generally mined deep underground. He's not aware of any source near here, but given the rumoured extent of the Underdark it could be sourced from any number of regions. The ledgers don't state the sources specifically although the purchases all seem to be legitimate (and cold iron is a legal product found on sale throughout Faerun). Similarly the Brass Wheel goods seem to have been onsold to a variety of buyers in apparently normal transactions. The cold iron ore is indicated to have been delivered exclusively to the 'Wingclipper" person and there is a record of having received the cold iron rapier and arrows (which were found on the wererat) in return as a reward for supplying the cold iron. Cold iron weaponry is particularly effective against fey creatures.

[u-b]

"It seems they've made several thousands." - Anthony summarizes his finding to the party. - "About a match with everything found so far, assuming some shared and wasted."

"Go on and check down below. I'll just sit here and wait for the cleric."

=> Anyone.

[razorback]

Savin, feeling his strength returning, nods in agreement.
"I'll go. Anyone care to join me?"

[Dexam]

Temiryl shakes her head.

"Maybe in a moment. Let me have a look at these first; there might be something useful here, something that can help the captain." She indicates the assorted potion vials from the box and starts examining them in closer detail, hoping to determine their purpose.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spellcraft checks for the various potions:
5 x Conjuration: (5d20)[18][16][19][7][16](76)
5 x Transmutation: (5d20)[12][10][16][17][5](60)

All checks are +8; assuming DC 25 to identify a potion, a roll of 17 or better should succeed.

[Ghostfoot]

Savin pokes his head downstairs. Seeing nothing immediately dangerous he carefully wanders down to investigate. The stairs lead down to a 20ft by 25ft chamber, the bulk of which is taken up by a large millstone connected by shafts and gears to the waterwheel outside. A few chairs and a table strewn with playing cards sit in a corner where the hired help has obviously been loitering.

Meanwhile Temiryl takes another look at the potions. After quite a bit of experimenting she is able to ascertain the magical properties of the vials.

Spoiler: results

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Conjuration - Cure light wounds - 10 in total, including those on Cloten
Transmutation - Magic Fang - 9 in total, including those on Cloten

[u-b]

Anthony looks up at Temiryl.

"Huh? She's stable, and the cleric should be on his way. One might feel suddenly rich with all this, but still, a hundred gold to speed up things by twenty minutes better be somehow justified."

[DrK]

Krag looks at the miller's logbooks. Looking at the others he mutters gruffly - I suspect we had best be resting up and recovering before we hire a wagon and some beasts to pulls us to the Thunderstone. We should find this Wingclipper. He looks at the collection of alchemical supplies scattered around the room smiling as he rubs them between his fingers and starts to dissassemble the alchemical quick capsule. "Intriguing. Most intriguing. Would anyone mind if I took this and the associated frost capsules?"

[u-b]

"Assuming everyone gets one sixth, as measured by sell price, I have no preference with respect to composition of my share. You can, like, take them all, but they are intended to be used with dispenser." - Anthony nods at cold iron rapier with weapon capsule retainer - "And careful with this around the captain."

[redzimmer]

Fintan

Fintan shrugs with all the indifference he can muster.

"We had best get our wounded taken care of first, this may be a long journey ahead of us."

[Dexam]

Anthony looks up at Temiryl.

"Huh? She's stable, and the cleric should be on his way. One might feel suddenly rich with all this, but still, a hundred gold to speed up things by twenty minutes better be somehow justified."

Temiryl glares at Anthony.

"It has nothing to do with wealth, and everything to do with caring for a wounded ally - an ally who took most of the brunt of the attacks of that thing." She gestures at the unconscious wererat. "You might feel differently about 'just twenty minutes' if it were you lying here."

She briefly considers pouring one of the healing potions down the captain's throat regardless, but decides that it isn't worth the potential conflict with her new allies in this strange land. However, she does keep a potion close to hand, just in case more enemies appear before the healer does.

[redzimmer]

Fintan

Wanting to project the heroic image to the best of his ability, Fintan takes out a healing potion from his own backpack, unstoppers it and trickles it down the captain's throat.

"I will not stand and do nothing when a simple act can save a life. You will do well to remember this if we are to continue our working arrangement."

To tell the truth he forgot which of these people were in favour and who was opposed to healing the sucidal fool, he just wanted to play his part in the best way he could.

Spoiler: Potion

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CLW (1d8+1)[7]

[Ghostfoot]

As the magical liquid trickles into her mouth some colour returns to the Captain's pale face. Her eyelids flutter open and she gasps "My thanks, Fintan of Arabel". Propping herself up against the wall she surveys the carnage as her wolf nuzzles her affectionately.

"What a mess" she smirks. "Thank you all for your valiant assistance. Whatever Cloten was up to, and whatever he has become, it is good that we have put a stop to it here. My men will secure the mill and take the rat-shifter back to the cells for questioning. When you're ready, meet me back at the town hall. There's some rewards for you to collect, and you can brief me on what you've discovered here."

At that moment the young priest of Chauntea rushes in accompanied by two of the militia lads. After some brief ministrations they help Captain Ghini to her feet and they hobble off to recuperate. More men come in to cart the bound wererat off to the cells.

[razorback]

Savin walks upstairs and is greeted by the tenseness. Pausing for a moment to try an gauge it, he decides that to continue as if nothing is happening "Couldn't find anything down there but a more thorough look might be in order."

[u-b]

Anthony meets the glare with patience. Nods.

"Most likely. Nothing or some such."

As the priest came and went, Anthony mentally billed himself ten gold coins some time in the future, stood up and started packing the loot, using only right hand.

"Got that, Savin. Have your time, we're not in hurry."

Spoiler

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The plan from here on is to pack everything on the horse, go to the town hall, negotiate what part of the loot belongs to us. Might be it's 5/6, either of what was carried by the opponents or just of everything found, but Anthony wants more than a guess. Most likely no part of the title to the mill, but again, more than a guess is desired. No problem if Fintan tries to negotiate about any of that.

Will ask Sir Lysander Aulbes what he thinks about the ''Wingclipper", the owlbear in the forest, and what are his future plans.

Then will collect the reward(s), return stuff, split stuff and sell stuff. I'll do the bookkeeping. Negotiable prices or just the standard 50%?

[DrK]

Krag offers a hand to the captain and pulls her up. A nasty gang if I ever saw one. They seem to be getting cold iron. Do you have a fey problem in the local area?
.....

As the cart is packed Krag grins to his colleagues. A good haul of loot. We should head back to town to regroup and acquire some more suitable hear before we continue onto investigate in Thunderstone

Spoiler: town

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Is the plan a shopping trip in town then off to Thunderstone?

[Ghostfoot]

"No, no fey problem around here. There's all sorts of things deep in those woods, but the fey, if there are any, keep to themselves."

..............

Once you've had a chance to regroup and gather what items you wish, the party heads over to the militia barracks and town hall. Here Captain Ghini waits with Sir Lysander, she is looking much healthier after the ministrations of the priest having narrowly avoided death. In the cells several of her men stand guard with silvered weapons in hand. The injured wererat sits glowering in a cell, wrists and legs manacled with silver-laced bonds. It has now taken the form of a scowling middle-aged man, but knowing it's true nature you can't help but notice the rat-like features he bears.

"Welcome, friends. Thanks all for your aid. We have been 'talking' with the miller Cloten here. It seems he is guilty of numerous crimes. First, he has been stealing for many years from the good farmers of Hultail. I believe that you have the ledgers to prove this. With the proceeds of this crime he has been living a life of comfort at the expense of the poor folk of our town. He has also occasionally been been robbing caravans and travellers to further line his pockets as opportunity presents. He supplies stolen goods, in particular cold iron, to an individual named 'Wingclipper' whom apparently wishes to operate out of sight of the authorities. These goods flow through nearby Thunderstone, and our Cloten receives ample payment for these deliveries.

It seems in one of these transactions several months ago, trading stolen goods for ore in the capital, this deceitful and murderous man became afflicted with the curse of lycanthropy. That event transformed him from a wicked robber and thief to a callous and bloodthirsty killer. His bloodlust has driven him to murder travellers and indeed several townsfolk who got too close to him, poor Captain Cyrus among them. He needed to dispose of the bodies of the victims, and has been dumping them near the feral owlbear in the woods to cover his trail.

Here are your rewards for solving the murders and for solving the caravan robbery. Thunderstone is outside of my jurisdiction. The crown would be sure to look favorably upon you if you were to shed some light on any nefarious activities happening there. However we do still have the problem of the dangerous owlbear to deal with here. The creature is a menace and should be captured, put down or driven off. Sir Lysander here would normally be game for such a challenge, but alas he now has the matter of his slain retainers and their families to consider.

[u-b]

Anthony listens to everything Ghini has to say, then nods.

"Here are the latest ledgers and here's the glass that will allow you to read hidden text." - hands her the ledgers green-tinted reading glass - "I left the old ledgers at the mill, but what we have here is more than enough."

"We can deal with the owlbear when we are back from Thunderstone, after both of you are done with all the urgent business. The monster might be kept fed until that time and, with this little expense, hopefully will not cause any problem. Otherwise, if there is a pressure to deal with the matter right now, and we are on our own, I suppose my companions could say that some reward should be in order."

"By the way, can we have a letter to the mayor and the sheriff of Thunderstone, signed by both of you, that would describe what has happened here and also contain whatever else you have to say to the authorities there? Or maybe two such letters, just in case."

[Ghostfoot]

"My thanks, this information will be more than sufficient to prove the miller's guilt. We will warn the townsfolk away from the owlbear for the time being, and hope that it doesn't stray closer to the village. There is certainly a reward for relieving us of it's presence, and if it still remains a threat on your return perhaps you could assist us then.

A letter of explanation is a reasonable request. Here, this is a writ permitting you to bear arms within the Kingdom of Cormyr for the next three months. And here is a letter explaining the crimes committed here in Hultail and the links to Thunderstone. The notable authority figures in Thunderstone are Oversword Faril Laheralson and royal clerk Hurm Thiodor. Between you and I, don't expect too much from either. The Oversword is responsible for the local contingent of Purple Dragon guardsmen and they have their hands full with the orcs and goblins of the mountains. They don't look kindly on adventurers and sellswords and the troubles they can cause. The clerk is an excellent administrator, but wields no real authority. He can count and tax, but little more. Still, he would be well placed to offer thanks on behalf of the crown should you get any results of note.

Thunderstone is a day's travel by foot. You should reach it's gates by nightfall should you leave in the morning."

[Dexam]

"Thank you, Captain, for all your assistance in bringing the friend of my uncle to justice. I'm certain his soul will rest much more easily now. If there's anything more that I can do to help at any time, you need only ask."

Temiryl tentatively approaches the cell containing Cloten.

"This 'Wingclipper' person," she says. "Why are they so interested in cold iron? Why have you been trading it to them? Simple greed, or something more?"