Aran listened quietly as the scholars waxed scholarly on things that were of little interest to him. While Zhorr's religious setup here was somewhat intriguing, the Ifrit came her for a purpose.

"Master, Zhorr, they call you. Thank you for having us. I'm Aran Kalisar, and I've come her in hopes of broadening my horizons and expanding my influence through and beyond Cheliash. I was informed you might be able to aid in such endeavors."

Zhorr ponders for a moment, then replies: "I might be able to help, yes. It won't be quite as easy to transfer my knowledge to you as it would be with others," - He smiles at Leonia as he says so - " but I have seen many things in my time, and I should still be able to provide assistance. First, however, I would have your word that you will not use my help to break the laws of the land. For a man in my position, it would be unwise to anger the gods, even more so than usual."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:56, Fri 13 Jan 2017.

Dakash had been pondering several things when the man was giving his answer to the initial question posed about allowing good deities to be worshipped. But the response he'd gotten was something new...and yet, it was an old, familiar trope: the leaders of the land were evil, but 'allowed' good cults to form in back alley shrines and hideouts. These were carefully monitored, even infiltrated, and used as focal points for exerting their influence on the populace...or, in more extreme cases, used as wells of information to hunt and assassinate their rivals, or anyone with plans to allow goodness to rise up and overtake the despotic rulers.

He came out of his reverie as the man made the comment about having seen many things in his time, and the blue warrior realized he'd absently [and wordlessly] taken the statue offered to him and been staring blankly at it for some time now.

"This really is..." he trailed off somewhat sheepishly, but also in obvious respect of the craftsmanship that had gone into the small thing. He wondered briefly if, despite being made from iron, it was brittle like porcelain. He would have to wrap it carefully if it were to take part in any of his overland journeys in the future.

"Many thanks, Zhorr. Is it customary for an exchange of gifts, or is my gratitude enough payment? I confess that you are right; I am a stranger to these lands."

Zhorr nods at Dakash and smiled: "The age-old question: how to repay a gift, how to reward a kindness, how to return a favor. Well, the truth is, there is a good chance that none of you is here by accident. Ever since Lia and I retired - for lack of a better word - we found that Fate likes to send trouble our way. Along with good candidate to take care of it."

He shakes his head and chuckles: "The gods' ways may be mysterious, but unpredictable they are not. Nor are they subtle."

A knock on the door interrupts him. A moment later, the door opens, revealing a young girl with green eyes (with a rather exotic shape), green hair, and slightly pointed ears, wearing... Nothing but a few strategically placed leaves, apparently.

"Sorry to interrupt but... Well, you know." Her accent is rather exotic as well. She smiles at the assembled guests and greets them: "Hi everyone. I'm Lia."

Zhorr rolls his eyes: "Speaking of not being subtle... Please meet my better half Lia. I assume something happened?"

Lia nods once in a strsngely precise way: "Ha-Yes. Maron is dead."

---

Take a chainmail bikini, cross it with an anime-style "nothing but leaves" poison Ivy costume, and remove leaves until you reach minimum decency. That's what Lia's outfit looks like.

Nature DC 17 will identify her as a Nymph.

Also, roll Perception.

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:33, Fri 13 Jan 2017.

Zhorr blinks. Twice. Then opens his mouth, closes it, and opens it again. Finally, he speaks: "I... Did not see that one coming. Maron? How?"

Lia shrugs; "Not know. Scarlet say: very blood, much gruesome."

Zhorr looks very much like he bit into a spoiled lemon: "Yeah, no. Your familiar is smarter than half the people in the village, I'm sure whatever she said was much more articulate, and not at all meant to make my brain hurt."

Lia pouts; "Fine... She said that she found the body at the far end of the field. Whatever killed him, ate most of the flesh and made a bloody mess of the body, but left no obvious bite marks on the bones. But! We can rebuild him-"

"Stop. Right there. Just... No."

He sighs and shakes his head: "Well, that's not unsettling at all, now, is it?" He turns to his guests and continues: "There is really no point in involving the local authorities: they would do little, and that little would probably be bad. Lia and I can no longer actively take an active role in this kind of situation... But I can appoint special advisors to help the village with various matters. Now, I offered my assistance to you all, and I will keep my promise regardless... But as I said the gods act in rather unsubtle ways, and it seems to me that they are making you an offer of their own. What do you think? Would you be willing to assist in finding whoever or whatever killed poor Maron Yeoman?"

---

Dakash! 27 perception? Well, you see straight through Lia's disguise: she is not an actual Nymph, she's just... Well, essentially cosplaying as one.

With expensive illusion magic, but still. She's a half-human of some description, probably a half-elf, and while you couldn't quite pinpoint her age you would guess that she's actually older than Zhorr.

At this point, Gron is still at the inn. He's a ranger, so Zhorr will ask Uldus to go and see if he could be convinced to lend a hand.

Just to clarify: Lia the character does not come from 21st century Earth and did not actually reference the doge meme or the six million dollar man. Consider those to be "translated for the reader's convenience" - the alternative was to make up something and then explain it.

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:12, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

Responding to Zhorr, Leonia says "Well, I was more interested in an abjuration effect granting protection closer to that of half- or full plate, but any research you could share, or work on with me, would be appreciated. As for solving this death, I'd be glad to help. I'd need to see the body first, but I already have a few ideas of what could cause that sort of corpse."

The 'leafy' woman had caught his eye, though to be sure, every red-blooded man who viewed such a sight would probably be interested, at the very least. Unfortunately, Dakash was not red-blooded...though he was indeed a man.

Doing his best not to stare, the big warrior took several opportunities to glance at the clothing and makeup of the woman - for that's what it was, in the end - just clever uses of fabric and cosmetics. Reflections showed the same thing from a different angle; this woman was not what she appeared (although that did not mean she was any less beautiful).

"So..." he said, bringing his mind and thoughts back to the present, "this woman must be of some importance to have us investigate her death. My condolences if she was a close friend or relative." He may have sounded a bit callous, but among his people, life was a gift to be treasured while it lasted and celebrated when it was over. He sometimes forgot that among other races, they were quite the opposite, and mourned the loss of their loved ones. Adding that he felt empathy for these people should, hopefully, cover that possibility.

Leonia slaps Dakash upside the head. "Dolt! Lia said 'whatever killed him'. Him! Does that sound like a woman to you?" Turning to Zhorr, she adds "Sorry about that. Sometimes he loses his focus when confronted with a beautiful woman. I get the feeling you two", indicating Zhorr and Lia, "always keep each other entertained. That's good for a long-term relationship."

Dakash seems genuinely confused. "Maron is a man's name?" He shrugs, unfazed by the tap to the head he's just received, and returns his attention to the man before him.

Zhorr smiles broadly at Lia: "What do you say, do we keep each other entertained?"

Lia opens her mouth to say something, then blushes slightly and seems to think better of it.

Zhorr shakes his head and turns to Leonia: "Forgive my beloved, she occasionally falls victim to one-track mindedness. Not that I would have it any other way... So, you were interested in force shields? As it happens, they are rather important for Magi, and I have a pretty good one... But it would take some work to make it accessible to a proper Wizard: it was one of the first spells I researched and I didn't really put too much thought into making it accessible at the time. I will look into it."

Then he sobers up: "But, back to more pressing concerns.  This is a small village, mostly farmers: Maron Yeoman is... Was, I suppose I should say... The head of the family with the largest fields. He was a respected member of the community, and I can't think of anybody who would wish him harm."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:01, Sun 15 Jan 2017.

Dakash ponders this for a moment. "Perhaps someone who wants his lands. Does...did Maron have any heirs or will his lands revert to control by the state? Or maybe someone wants to import what he made locally. Profit is always a good source of conflict, in my experience." He didn't like the direction his mind was heading, but there it was.

Aran frowns grimly as the news of murder is brought to the group's attention. Despite the bad news, he is somewhat distracted by it's bearer... if only briefly.

"I'm not much of an investigator, but I will do what I can to ensure justice is done. If you are deputizing us as investigators in this matter, I think we'll do well to begin with questioning the townsfolk... particularly with his heirs and other landowners who would benefit from his death. This Dakash fellow is of the right mind."

Leonia shakes her head in the negative. "I think you're both wrong. I'm thinking animal attack, possibly burrowing animal. Like giant ants or ankhegs. Won't know until we examine the body for ourselves. Might turn out you two are right after all, but questioning neighbors can wait until we've had a chance to examine the body and the crime scene" the scholar says.

"A farmer as successful as Maron ought to know if there's a predator on his lands, wouldn't you think?" He'd thought of a wild animal attack initially, too...bloody mess and partially eaten...but then, if it was an obvious animal mauling, what's the sense in conducting an investigation by outsiders? No, Zhorr had suspicions, and he wanted to see them either vindicated or laid to rest.

"And if it was just an accidental death, then we've got a short walk and we'll be back in time for more of that delicious alcohol." He smiled disarmingly, knowing Leonia would now hope that it *wasn't* a wild beast, so that Dakash wouldn't wake up at noon after a good night of drinking.

Aran Shrugs.

"Either way, we should quicken our steps and make way to the scene. While I enjoy this place as much as anyone, I'm pretty sure we have a limited amount of time before the trail gets cold."

Zhorr ponders on Dakash's words for a few moments before replying: "Well, I was thinking goblins, more than people: they tend to be a nuisance around these parts. While they have avoided us so far, they might have changed their tiny minds. I don't think somebody would want Maron dead: he has... Had.... Children, yes, and his firstborn stands to inherit, but he's in no hurry to: he's young, unmarried, and by all accounts loved his father very much. Still, he's now the leader of the family. Unless of course Maron is Raised. Not that the family could afford, even if we did have a cleric - which we do not."

Lia pipes in: "I can rebuil- Sorry. Reincarnate. I can reincarnate him. I'd have to do the Gentle Repose thing, at least while I collect all the materials, and maybe throw in a few hundred coins for the stuff I cannot grow myself. But then... Bam! New body. Better, stronger, faster! OK, stopping now." She adds meekily seeing Zhorr's scowl intensify.

He just shakes his head: "He'd hardly be better or stronger if you reincarnated him into, say, a svirfneblin. Also, legally speaking, a reincarnated person is not the same person. They are recognized as next of kin if nobody else stands to inherit, but that's it: he would essentially be his own bastard son. And, while you could make a case that Esta would be happy to have her husband back, again, legally he wouldn't even be her husband anymore. Even without considering the age gap that a reincarnation would create."

Pouting, Lia replies: "I could use the other reincarnate. Or the... Other other reincarnate. Then he'd be human...ish."

"And he'd still have most of those issues, plus you would need a lot longer to put together the materials... But we can discuss that later. For now, I think you should accompany our guests to the scene. If possible, without making a scene of your own." He gestures vaguely at her outfit.

Lia's pouting only intensifies: "Spoilsport."

A moment later, her Nymph disguise drops, revealing more elvish features, and then her non-clothes shimmer, revealing themselves as armor - still made of leaves, but actual, proper armor - rather than scraps of lingerie.

"You can still do the 'gentle repose thing', as you so eloquently put it. No harm in preserving the body for the future. Ask Uldus, would you please go along and provide assistance?" He asks the quiet Varana.

Uldus bows slightly before replying: "Of course, master."

---

No prizes for guessing Lia's class. And yes the easy reincarnates do mean that you have access to a "back in the game" option. Still, do please try not to die, it puts you on shaky legal footage and too many reincarnations might anger some deity or another. Also, if you ever strike a bargain with a devil reincarnate will no longer suffice.

OOC: Not sure what happened to Gron. We will proceed with the cast as-is. Unfortunately, that means I might have to drop a nast... I mean, a nice surprise I had for you. :P

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:10, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

The Yeoman field is... Well, a field. Tilled and sowed, for those who care.

Very much the same as every other field.

Except for the mostly-eaten corpse on one side of it, of course: most fiels don't have one of those.

It's hard to determine exactly what killed Maron, since the skin s completely gone, and with it most of the flesh.

The scene, however, is not quite as bloody as initially described. There is blood, yes, and it looks like Maron tried to flee from his attackers, whoever or whatever they were, but he didn't go very far.

Roll Perception and Heal. If you have a heightened sense of smell, add that bonus.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:15, Thu 19 Jan 2017.

Aran turned his nose up at the sight of the mostly-eaten corpse of the Maron fellow. While he was prepared for action, he was not, unfortunately, keen on making sense of anything that he saw.

15:36, Today: Aran Kalisar rolled 5 using 1d20.  Heal Check.
15:36, Today: Aran Kalisar rolled 7 using 1d20.  Perception check.

This close to the community, Dakash would normally have felt safe enough to stride out in his travelling clothes and take a gander at whatever it was that had occurred in the field. But, having heard about the state of the victim's corpse [even secondhand], he feels it is a much wiser move to put on his chainmail shirt and carry his weapons, in case the reason for Maron's death is still lurking in the area.

Plus, he's almost always up for a challenge.

"Looks like the man was alive long enough to know what was attacking him" he says as he walks the short distance from encounter to demise. He takes a knee occasionally, poking the ground or turning his head from a new vantage point, trying to get the most information possible.

"A shame I have not been blessed with the gift of spirit-speaking yet. Perhaps I will have to prove myself against a greater foe or challenge."



19:16, Today: Dakash Szagdala rolled 26 using 1d20+8.  perception.
19:15, Today: Dakash Szagdala rolled 15 using 1d20+8.  heal check.

Leonia has a serious mien on her face as she looks at the grisly scene. Reaching into her pack, she withdraws some vials and papers, as well as a pair of soft gloves. Donning the gloves, she examines the body, taking notes of the damage and locality of each wound. When her preliminary examination is done, she sprinkles some chemicals on the half-dissolved flesh, and notes the skin and fluid reactions. She makes notes in a small journal.


00:55, Yesterday: Leonia Sunstorm rolled 20 using 1d20+9.  Craft Alchemy . Checking for animal toxins and digestive acids.

13:05, Thu 19 Jan: Leonia Sunstorm rolled 19 using 1d20+10.  Perception .
13:05, Thu 19 Jan: Leonia Sunstorm rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Heal check.

Noting what his travelling partner is up to, Dakash points to the ground off to one side. "That's a bee. And another there, and more there. Will your test reveal if their stings were toxic enough to kill him? Obviously they aren't the reason for the...state of the body right now." He gestured at the dead man's corpse, pointing out that although the skin and most of the flesh have been removed - but not by conventional methods - the are no clear bite marks.

"That's either a dastardly magical spell, or someone...something...went to a great deal of trouble to take an unusual trophy." He sniffed at the air around where he was squatting, leaning over the body and sniffing again, but shaking his head.

"Can't quite place the smell. Might be a spell component. Might be the scent of the killer. A shame I can't summon a hunting dog to track it for us." He looked over at the obvious wizard that was Aran and raised an eyebrow.

"Actually... That's a wasp." Replies Lia, sounding worried. "And that species does feed on small animals. Their poison paralyzes the victim, and then the entire swarm feeds. Unless it's the mating seasonm in which case they just lay their eggs in the victim, so the larvae can feed after the eggs hatch. In those cases, it's advisable to burn the body rather  than just bury it. They don't usually go so far as to attack a human, however. This swarm was either very large or very very hungry."

She approaches the body carefully, and pulls out a wand: "Good thing I was already thinking about using Gentle Repose. It should also kill any larvae, or at least hibernate them. Would anybody like to do the honors? I am not particularly adept at using that particular spell."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:06, Sat 21 Jan 2017.

Leonia gingerly takes the wand from Lia. "Normally I wouldn't try this. Gentle Repose is Necromantic from an arcane standpoint. But if I can emulate a Cleric's mindset..." Leonia gestures, and the spell envelopes the body, warding its state and preventing decay.

Leonia rolls 22 on d20+9. Use Magic Device to operate wand.

"That had the chance of backlashing. I was lucky."

Aran furrows his brows as he allows his newfound companions to examine the scene. When Dakash looks over to him,  he shrugs.

"I hope you don't think I can summon hunting dogs... I'm not much one for summoning without the right equipment. But spells, I can look into. Can you describe the smell you can't make out for me? I'm afraid all I can smell is decay. If it's a spell component, I might be able to figure it out."

Lia pipes up: "If you want somebody with a good sense of smell, I could ask Scarlet. She's my familiar: cutest compsognathus you'll ever see, very smart, and with a great nose. I mean, assuming I can figure out where she's run off to. Bet you she's at the inn, making puppy eyes to Tessa for some meat."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:24, Mon 23 Jan 2017.