OFD02 Investigate Pipers Corner

Violent death has become the topic of conversation among the usually gossipy inhabitants of Piper's Corner, and taproom detectives have held forth at great length on all aspects of the grisly matter. The Borough District Militia have been remarkably quiet about the whole affair, other than to say that the matter is 'in hand', which has further fuelled ill-informed and prejudiced speculation. Their working hypothesis is that the murders are a vendetta against the Theatre, and most of their efforts are directed this way. Other than general agreement that the killings are the work of a complete madman, and that new locks are the order of the day, little agreement exists and new suspicions have been added to old dislikes.

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Victims

While in the Blue Piper, you try to gather any information about the murder's and what may be known so far. In relation to what may be known, well there are plenty of theorists in the place all willing to give the expert advice.

Asking inn-keeper how many victims
Suilven roll for Investigation DC15 - success

There are 11 victims, including a bear.
12 or 13. Maybe lucky that there won't be any more.
The horrors of Piper's Corner has been going on for a few weeks now. They are almost always late at night (probably early in the morning), but they don't follow any consistent pattern. You are told that the murders have been these people. That is so far found.

1. Hurer Gardille, the son of a minor official in Borth. He was on his way back to his lodgings at the Ford Inn (5) from the Theatre (74).
2. Brendes Feergarl and his bear were in the employ of Augkusteen Hammardius, the actor-manager of Piper's Theatre. Their job was to entertain audiences before and after plays. They were both living in the stables of the theatre and Brendes kept himself to himself.
3. Juura Feergarl (no relation to Brendes) was the Master of Music at Piper's Theatre. He lived at the Blue Piper and liked his drink — local opinion had it that he was due to drown unless he fell from the minstrel's gallery of the theatre and brained himself first. Popular character, no enemies.
4. Gurrit, a linkboy. He was waiting to light the way home for theatre-goers when he was killed. Something of an urchin, nobody in Piper's Corner knows where he lived.
5. Breda and Shae were two dancers from Piper's Theatre, where they were currently lodged. Assumed that the girls were out with 'gentlemen friends'.
6. Dianel Oppes, a scribe and occasional employee of Luchael Alluminor, the bookseller. He tended to spend many of his hours slumped over his cup at the Blue Piper or working in the shop, where Luchael allowed him to sleep. A drunk and wastrel with considerable (wasted) talent as a pen-man.
7. Soe, another dancer from Piper's Theatre, was killed at the stage door as she was going to fetch a jug of ale for Augkusteen.
8. Burdock, ostensibly a street entertainer, playing the flute (very badly) for all those who would not throw him a copper or two.
9. Aybhe was the fourth dancer from Piper's Theatre to lose her life. Actually murdered on the stage of the theatre and left hanging from the minstrel's gallery.
10. And on the same night, Isbee, Rendoulf Breek's journeyman. His corpse was badly beaten.

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Rumours

Amongst the many items on the chat menu for the day in the Blue Piper Inn, you over hear the following.

In casual conversation and when questioned, NPCs will know 1-2 of the following rumours and items of misinformation which, in most cases, they will be only too pleased to share with the adventurers:

1. The victims visited the arena regularly and they all won a relatively large sum on a single chariot race (false).
2. All the victims had blue eyes and fair hair (partially true, the theatre dancers had dyed blonde hair and Diane' Oppes had white hair).
3. Mosaiche is a vampire. After all, she is never seen outside without her veil. (false).
4. Somebody in Piper's Corner is a werewolf (false, and the speaker will always refuse to name a specific somebody).
5. It's those two from Bereduth, never did trust outsiders. (partially true, as Sir Rubin is the murderer, but the accusation is based on prejudice rather than reason).
6. All the killings are the work of the Thieves' Guild (false).
7. All the killings are the work of the Knights Ocular (false, and this suspicion will only be voiced by the very drunk or very stupid).
8. Things have never been the same since Rendoulf Breeks and that foreign wife of his bought Djon's shop. (partially true, as Rendoulf/Angstear is the cause of all the mischief).
9. There is something not quite right about that boy Ellucasim. (true, he murdered Isbee and is infatuated with Mosaiche).
10. It must be political. The Borough Militia have been warned off by a high-and-mighty in the Punctilio (false).
11. There are five strangers at the Blue Piper, but they couldn't have anything to do with (true, see The Plot Thickens below).
12. Ordo or Crenafer are the killers. They have shocking tempers (false, although both are given to fits of rage).

Ordo or Crenafer are the killers. They both have shocking tempers.
All the killings are the work of the Thieves' Guild.
All the killings are the work of the Knights Ocular.
Things have never been the same since Rendoulf Breeks and that foreign wife of his bought Djon's shop.
There are five strangers at the Blue Piper.
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Mysterious Strangers staying at the Blue Piper Inn

There is casual talk in the neighbourhood. Five mysterious people have arrived in the area, and are staying at the Blue Piper Inn.

Ask about mysterious guests
Matrox roll for Persuasion DC15 - success

It's hard to get a description out of anyone, since few have actually seen them, but you manage to get suggestions of "Elven like" and "not as fair skinned" and "ethereal".
They have not been spotted in public without heavy cloaks and hoods, generally keeping to their rooms, saying little and apparently never eating or drinking. Their money is the right colour so they are left to their own devices.

So far, nobody has connected the appearance and habits of these strangers with those of Mosaiche, Rendoulf's wife. The connection is quite valid, as she and they are drow, dark elves.

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Search the location and businesses of Piper's Corner

While the rumours offer some opinion, you decide it's better to do some invetigation and fact checking for yourselves. You decide to search around the shops and businesses in Pipers Corner.
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Barbers & Wigmakers - 73

Alee and Hanar, and Nitily, the apprentice, run a small hairdressers and wigmakers. Alee bears a long scar running down his face. It's an old scar.

Ask questions Alee and Hanar, and Nitily?

"Not got time to chat" says Alee when approached, "Although, if you'd like to take a seat and have a shave or a trim, we can chat all you like." A sign indicates 2cp for a trim, and 1cp for a shave (ladies included!) "So what brings you to these parts? You the hired serial-killer killers?" he asks.
Suilven decides he could do with a bit of a shave, while Suzi can ask a few questions. They don't know a lot, just the gossip going around. "There's some weird folk who've arrived in Pipers Corner staying at the inn." and "Them murders seem to be brutal. Nothing stolen, just killing and mutilation". Beyond that, there's not much more that Alee can say.
"This scar here?" Alee points the blade he's holding at the side of his face. "This came from a bloke who got lucky, just before his luck ran out. Now, he carries a much larger scar, right through his belly!"

Blue Piper Inn - 63

Pere 'Pip' Aleknight, elderly innkeeper. Half-elf.

Ask questions Pere Aleknight?

While chatting to Pip, he explains that "...despite the gruesome murders, business is actually doing quite well. It has attracted the more macabre of City Leaguers to come and gawk, and possibly risk the journey home, with the chance of coming face to face, and even challenging the murdering best or man."
He adds, "And the killings have been absolutely brutal. Not sure why the District Militia can', or won't sort it out. Maybe it's just the demonic slaying that has them scared too."

Booksellers - 72

Luchaal Allumirior owns the shop, which he runs with his assistant, Micifer. The shop appears to be well organised, and predominantly sells musical scores and play manuscripts. But there is an obvious element of historical collections on the shelves too.

Ask questions Luchaal Allumirior?

Luchaal explains "I'm afraid we don't really socialise much, and therefore have little knowledge about these killings, but what gossip we are told by our daily visitors. The killings seems to be needless and pointless, with no other motive present but for the slaying as if it were sacrificial."
"From what I understand there has been no robbery linked to the killings, and the bodies have been left in a mutilated state. If I recall, a text from a book my esteemed colleague here transcribed referred to similar slayings."

Ask to see/hear the passage
Matrox roll Persuasion DC15 - success

Why certainly, it would be my pleasure. He disappears down the side of a bookcase, and returns blowing the dust from its edges. It is a relatively new book, but obviously has not been moved for a few years. He lays it down on a table, and starts to turn the pages. "This is an extract from the stupendously voluminous Words To A Visiting Prince, as written by Lacub, 239th Guildmaster of Luminaries." he explains.

'Know then, O'Prince, that in ages past the priests of Pharastus (may their very shadows writhe in torment) hunted across the lands, slaying and reaving the clerics of Tarmenel, and others of purity and goodness. Pharastus (who should not be named in jest) exulted in the deeds of his infidel followers, foul, unnatural and criminal as they were.
'Know further, O'Mighty Prince, that, at the last, men turned their hands and swords against the accursed ones. The hidden temples of Pharastus were cast down into the dirt, their disgusting congregations transported into mean slavery and the unclean priests slain. And henceforward the lands of men knew peace and prospered mightily under the enlightened rule of your forefathers.
'But also know, O'Wise and Puissant Visitor, that still the foul worship of Pharastus continues, hidden in darkness from the eyes of the just and noble....'

You're curious about Pharastus, and think Sir Rubin might help

Djon Radrasen's Apothecary - 62

The owner of this establishment greets you as you enter. "Greetings, greetings! Welcome to my humble establishment. What ailments or remedies do you require. Something for ahem.... say no more. A scratch, an itch, a boil maybe? Potions, ointments, soothing salves." He introduces himself as Rendoulf. He wears normal working clothes, a leather apron and green hose.
The shop obviously has quite an extensive stock of herbs, spices, preserves, simples, medicinal preparations, comfits, tonics and coloured waters. As well as a stock of small quantities of the commoner herbs needed as spell components by wizards.

Spot woman in background
Anyone roll Passive Perception DC10 - success

You notice a woman at the back of the shop, dressed in deep red silk robes, wearing a dark coloured yashmak, watching you.
Rendoulf notices you looking across at the woman. "Ah! My wife, Mosaiche. She is very shy and private, but a very talented apothecary. And our apprentice, Ellucasim."
You notice a young man working away at what looks like a small laboratory, brewing a light blue coloured potion.

Ask questions
He will respond slowly and suspiciously if asked about his wife or the apprentice.

"I'm sorry. Why are you asking these questions? Do you intend to intrude into my personal affairs?"
"Ah, medicine for Sir Hewd. That's what we're brewing at this very minute. It's a tonic for reducing the heat of the blood. "

Know the potion
Ben roll Medicine DC15 - success

You're not sure about the medicine. It doesn't look like a colour you'd normally associate with that affliction. Maybe better to ask another apothecary or herbalist what they think.
After leaving the apothecary, Ben decides to visit Mylitis Apothecary in Westmeet Square - 1.

Find out about the potion
Ben roll Investigation DC15 (automatic)

He describes the potion he saw being created and his suspicion that this was not a healing potion at all. Mylitis agrees, but does suggest the Rendoulf Breeks and his wife are very competent apothecaries so he understands, and maybe he has discovered some new formula.
Ben thanks him and returns to the party at the Blue Piper Inn.

Ask about Mosaiche around the square.
? roll Persuasion DC10

There is mixed reaction when mentioning the name Mosaiche. "Well, we don't really know who she is, or what. Can't see anything beyond her veil. Elven I think.". Some say, well she chooses her own gods to follow while others say can't trust what you can't see. Some hint at dark skin.

Piper's Theatre - 74

This theatre is small and intimate. There is an upper gallery and some seating near the back, otherwise there appears to be a standing room area in front of the stage. It's relatively quiet, with just a woman spreading saw-dust across the floor. Suddenly a voice bellows out. "The handsome and sophisticated theatre proprietor strides forth toward the collective group of intrepid investigators. He flicks his head one way and then the other, his golden locks swish elegantly. How may one be of assistance, my good fellows, the dashing gentleman requests. I hope thee have come to smite this terrible murderous beast that threatens us all". The matted hair of an ill fitting wig fails to swish in any direction, and certainly not elegantly.

What questions do you ask

He introduces himself as Augkusteen Hammardius, and continues to speak as if he is reciting not just the words from a production, but he also flamboyantly describes all the motions he makes, and the emotions he should be performing. As he speaks, a man appears next to him, with a face painted white and a dropping sad mouth. He doesn't talk, but responds to everything Augkusteen says, looking with stern focus directly at the person who speaks, and then turning abruptly when someone says anything. He then mimics the emotions and movements that are described. Augkusteen dismisses the clownish mime away, and ushers the party into his private office.
Augkusteen explains that he is genuinely worried about the performers, but doesn't believe there is a connection to his place. He has however paid for extra militia to be present at each of his performances. He's too busy stage managing anything to spot anyone suspicious in the crowd. All his performers insist the show must go on.
He tells them about the awful discovery by the cleaning lady of the latest gruesome murder where the his dancer was multiated and then hung. The hanging appears to have occurred afterward as there was blood all over the theatre floor. The cleaner not only had to suffer finding the body but also had to deal with the cleaning up too. He won't allow the party to ask the cleaner any questions as she is still in shock, and for what it's worth he has already told them everything that the cleaner knows.
Augkusteen isn't really sure if there is a connection with the blond hair, but maybe there is. He's sorry he unable to help further, and wishes the party a quick conclusion to the horrible affair.

The Stockbrokers - 64

Yond Karryson and his son Witsul are stockbrokers, trading in shares in various business ventures, specialising in maritime projects. Customers buy shares in the various projects, speculating on the potential return from their investments while the Karrysons take a tithe as commission. Jimes Panderly is their book keeper and junior partner.
They're not really helpful with the murder investigation. They seem to be more interested in selling you an investment.
As you leave, Jimes comes running out after you. "Wanna make a bet? Bet on the Arena races? Bet on who's the murderer? I'll take any bet. Best odds in town". You thank him for the opportunity, but decide to leave it for the moment.

Locals at Statue

Ask the locals about murders
Suzi roll for Persuasion DC10 - success

"Sorry, gotta go. Wife's calling!" and with that they all scurry off in various directions.
"Well there's bin lotsa killings. Brutal killings! Ain't that right Jaks?" one old man says. "Got mes very worrys you see. All of us, very worrys. Ain't that right Jaks?" he continues. "Keep's happening. Getting worse I reckon. Ain't that right Jaks?" A man off to the side nods furiously, but says nothing.
"Guess it's those foreigners. Always secretive. Those ones that turned up in their hooded cloaks an all. Guess it's probably them."

The Well

Looking down the well, you can make out a little reflection and some ripples. You lower the bucket down and pull it back up. It's filled with water.

Borth's Tailor and Cloth Merchants - 69

Niarris di Borth and his team produce fine garments, for both the theatre and the theatre goers.

Ask questions Niarris di Borth

"What? What do you want? You don't want a fitting? Eh?" he asks suspiciously, and evidently a little hard of hearing as he cups his hand to his ear. "Are you from the guild? No? I don't believe you. Now begone!" and he closes the door.

Convince him to open up again
? roll for Persuasion/Intimidation/Deception DC15

He not only slams the door, you hear the lock being set, and then a wooden beam put in place as a barricade.
"Hmm... I guess you don't really look like Guild enforcers. I'm just nervous. They're always trying to shut me down. Don't play by their rules. I play by the county Guild rules instead. Now what can I do for you, if you aren't here for a clothes fitting?"

Ask about murders?

"Well I guess I can't really help you much there, except to say what a waste of good cloth. Tearing all hose clothes up like that. Shredded I hear. Reckon something like a bear did it. I bet it was that bear that performs in the theatre that did it. That'll be right. Go and arrest the bear!"

Crimp's Bakery - 67

Jothre and his wife, Oupho, produce some of the best bakery and pie products in the City League.

Ask questions Jothre and his wife, Oupho

"Got some lovely pies for you today. Finest in the City League. 'Crimp's Special'. Fancy a little taste?"

Oupho will insist of the characters trying the pie, whether they agree to it or not. 1cp for 2 pies, 2cp for 5 pies.

"Murders? Awful business. Really awful? So glad my boys are ok. Always telling them to keep their wits about them. If it gets worse, our business could suffer."

Ask why?

"Pyclet and Mouphin sell our pies to the theatre goers during the intervals, and after the shows. " she will explain. "So what do you think of our pies then?" as she tries to take the conversation back to a possible sale. If you want to speak to the boys, you'll have to come back in the early evening and catch them while the performance is on. They'll be sound asleep just now.

Talk to Pyclet and Mouphin later.

"No one believes us. But we's saw it. We're fairly sure of it. One night, we'd just finished selling all the pies we had, when out of the shadows this big beast arose, and shuffled off down one of the alleys. It must have been 7-8, maybe 9 feet. It was hunched over, and making a gurgling noise. Blood dripping from its chin. I think it could have had fangs. Yeah, fangs I reckon.", we were so scared we hid immediately and waited for ages before we crept back home. Bolted the door we did."

Musical Instrument Makers - 70

Before entering this building, things look a little different. The windows are unwashed, several roof tiles have slipped leaving visible holes in the roof. The building looks a little dilapidated and uncared for. You walk in straight into the main workshop, which is piled with musical instruments of all kinds. An unkempt, scruffy man, maybe elven, maybe human, in stained minstrels garb sits working on a lyre. A cat wanders about the roof eyeing you suspiciously.

Ask him anything?

The man looks up at you. He has darkness all around his glazed eyes, and he seems to be mumbling something to you, while dribbling out of the side of his mouth. He pulls a dirty sleeve across his mouth, smearing the dribbling rather than cleaning it off.
"What do you want?" he drawls slowly. And then suddenly more aggressively "WHAT do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?"

Notice something not right
? roll Medicine DC15

His appearance and the glazed eyes suggest this person is a habitual drug user. Maybe once a craftsman, but now fallen foul as an abuser of substance.

Asked about murders?

"Murders?" he slurs. "What murders? Around these parts you say? Not heard anything about it. Ask the militia, they deal with that sort of stuff." and he continues to work on the carvings on the lyre. Which to be honest, look pretty impressive, considering his state.

Tardy's Blacksmith - 68

"Looks like you got yourself a nice little blade there" says a large, well built, and relatively handsome looking man, dressed in a smithy's apron, with beads of sweat sprinkled across his brow. In the background, another man seems to be sitting there with a growl on his face, while another very large man with a beaming smile pushes the belows up and down. The fire roars away. "Take a break Ordo" the man calls out. The smile vanishes from Ordo's face as he saunters off.
"Name's Iron Tardy, I'm the smithy in these parts. How can I help?"
"Reckon it's someone local. Someone big and violent. Those militia thugs that hang around the square all the time, suddenly seem incapable of doing anything. Suspicious that."

The Ink Shop - 66

This is a pretty small and less than imposing building. There are a couple of occupants within, and the proprietor introduces himself as Corvellas of Xir, along with his dwarven colleague Greer, who grinds colours.
"Welcome to my humble shop". After his introductions he explains that he is a master of fink ink production, and his inks are most sought after by master wizards and high priests and clergymen. Sendrennial the Puissant, Cerwyn Master of Magics, purchases his inks here I might add. You see we have quite a select clientele. Although I'm not sure about them all, Rendoulf Breeks, the apothecary, bought some very expensive inks too. I think he's writing his memoirs and believes the ink will write the words for him.

The Provisioners - 65

Duestine Scrannel sells every sort of fresh and preserved foodstuff that can be imagined during the morning.
As she explains, during the afternoon and evening she and her apprentice Melcorn sell cooling drinks, mulled ale and wine in winter, and snacks to those visiting Piper's Theatre. They also have what they regard as an amusing sideline in that they supply old fruit and vegetables to theatre critics.

The Silversmiths - 71

Mardic, Cardne and Pooreis Doit are members of the Guild of Silverworkers, producing silver work only on commission.

They don't really know much more than that.

Parent Plot

337-113 One Fine Day in the Middle of the Night