Did you investigate that symbol? I think you did. Let me look at that...

More as a meta-ooc point, you know that serial killers can only go so long before needing to kill again. He became desperate after being foiled by you and metaphorically torched the neighborhood. So, it may only be a matter of time, unless he left town (possible). Otherwise, he is lying low or operating in disguise. He might also be up to his old tricks (see what I did there?).

Ok, after review, the coins were stamped with the standard of Korosk, a bygone conqueror who operated around the Sword Coast and disappeared at the Spine of the World. You could enlist scholarly expertise regarding that, and/or do more historical research. (Independent research would require an investigation check, research with others would require the appropriate checks if you involve deceptions, persuasions, etc.).

If you leave town, you can go to the lord's estate (which there are already authorities that are going to be going there), or try to find out where the coins came from in the area.

You could also press your guard contact for more info, take more drastic measures to steal information from investigators or otherwise obtain it.

In reply to GM (msg # 176):

I think I did, too. It's been a minute.

Ok--I start working the money changers in town (starting with the shady ones, then moving to the large ones) telling them I'm willing to pay for information about anyone attempting to exchange letters of credit for coin, and that I'm willing to pay extra if they are able to a) hold the person attempting the exchange at the location until I arrive or b) give me reliable and confirmable proof of where they are staying.

I also use new graffiti to message the hookers in town something cryptically to the effect of: "He still prowls--Watch his hands!"

Finally, I ask Hal to let me know of any late-night or otherwise suspicious comings or goings through the gates and tell Hal my theory that the man is still within the walls, in disguise.

If that falls through, I would ask a shady money changer what he thought one of the coins was worth, telling him that I found it in an alley near where the zombie what have you went down.

Ok, roll me up a disguise check, a deception check, a sleight of hand check, 3 persuasion checks, and an investigation check. Roll with advantage on 2 of the persuasion checks, adv on the disguise check.

In reply to GM (msg # 179):

Not great:

15:42, Today: Fergan rolled 17 using 2d20 with rolls of 5,12.  Unmodified Adv. Persuasion #2.
15:41, Today: Fergan rolled 24 using 2d20 with rolls of 19,5.  Unmodified Adv. Persuasion #1.
15:41, Today: Fergan rolled 11 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 5.  Normal Persuasion.
15:41, Today: Fergan rolled 10 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 4.  Deception Check.
15:40, Today: Fergan rolled 13 using 2d20 with rolls of 9,4.  Unmod Adv. Disguise.

So that's:

Disguise: 15
Deception: 10
Normal Persuasion: 11
Adv. Persuasion #1: 25
Adv. Persuasion #2: 18

Dealing in letters of credit is a standard thing and they meet many people everyday that will turn in bank notes. A few money changers tell you they will make a note of people that turn ones in from the bank you name. In general they are loath to do anything that will affect their business. One of them says in a cockney accent,

"Ya see, what we 'ave 'ere, right, is what's called fiat currency, right? And it requires that the institution what wrote it, or bloke in some cases, 'as some baseline level of trust, got it? Well, but the geezer carrying them notes around can be the butcher, the baker, or candlestick maker, right? Well, that's beauty of them, right? Only thing better, is if you trade them in for these bits of metal, you get me? Right, well, people use them 'cause it requires even less trust than turnin' over notes. Some merchants will take bank notes as well, if they trust you or recognize the notes."

If you tell any of the more inquisitive money changers why you are asking they really get into the idea of catching a bad guy and ask you how they should contact you with information.

The electrum is worth book value (half a gold, right?) on average. Some people won't pay as much because it is not well known, and others will pay a little more because they have customers that would prefer it, like high fee credit cards. Nobody recognizes the symbols. Though one is interested to know where it was minted, believing that he knew most of the currencies of the realm.

In reply to GM (msg # 181):

I wouldn't have told any of the money changers why I was looking. I would, however, ask that they pass a message to Hal if any coins with those symbols come through again, telling them that I'll pay 1.5X spot value per coin if the information comes with a description of the person changing them or 2X if it comes with a description and a lead on where to locate the person that results in the person being found.

I telepathically start dropping visions of the symbol into the minds of hookers I see with a message from the Lady of Shadows persona that they should beware this sign. I add the symbol of a hand with a crude brand--Like, an image of the coin in a palm, the words "Beware this sign..." and then the coin fades to show a hand branded with the same symbol.

I now start trying to make my undisguised persona allegation-proof by trying to always be in company of others or conspicuously seen (common rooms, being in the theater, etc.) to establish an alibi for the next murder, as it is possible that the target and I are both moving through the city in similar ways and that I could easily be mistaken for him by the authorities.

In reply to Fergan (msg # 182):

Particularly at night.

Ok, you create a dragnet for this guy.

About a week goes by and you don't find anything or hear any word, except that whores are getting nervous between many reporting strange visitations and some word or a couple women going missing, which in and of itself is not unheard of, but given the graffiti and voices, has caused many to retreat indoors to shady establishments (in other words, they have taken to strategies employed more often during cold weather seasons [ironic in 'Neverwinter']).

In reply to GM (msg # 184):

If no additional coins have surfaced, I try to locate a coin collector to get the skinny on when/where/by whom they were minted, how common they are, whether they are still being minted, etc.

I do this in disguise.

In reply to Fergan (msg # 185):



Ok -- I begin by staking out the inn, trying to get a sense for who is a regular and who is not. I do this in the disguise of a beggar or invalid so that I don't arouse suspicion by my being there for a while. I am willing to give this a week. I make sure that I am not too offensive smelling, because I want to make it customary for me to arrive at the inn and pay for food with the alms I have received, which I do for each meal--meaning that I will have to seed my own cup with money if the begging is bad.

If I see the target enter (using the description given), I do not go in the first time unless the target is accompanied by someone, appears to meet someone, or something that otherwise looks out of the ordinary convinces me to alter the plan at the first appearance. My goal, at first, is to find the home of this person, so I would follow him from the inn (in secret, and with a separate disguise).

Once I have his residence, I would be more interested in following him than staking out the inn. However, I would also (once I can impersonate him) want to break into his house and look around.

If all this peters out, I will come to the inn and work the barkeep for information about who the man meets, if he has ever seen the mark, how long it has been since the man was last seen (if he hasn't been seen lately) etc.

Ok, you stake out the inn as described and see the man. He is well dressed, either a minor lord or rich merchant. He is not free with his money, but is not stingy either. It is clear that he visits the inn often and is recognized by the patrons and employees. He is courteous, but not jovial. His name is Darin. People there aren't sure what the source of his money is and he is not the type of man to talk about business. He is clearly slumming, but is good natured about it. You get the impression that he comes here for the simple pleasure of uncomplicated companionship (I don't mean that as a euphemism) and the medieval analog of a good, greasy burger. He has been coming here for years.

You follow him to a manor that is large for a house, but small for a mansion. It has a 8' tall wrought iron fence with large gates in the front and back, a paved path connects the two gates, running directly through the manor though a cover carriage-house style pass-through.

There is a guard at each gate. They both wear chainmail, of similar fashion, but are different enough, along with their personal choice of weapons to imply that they were not issued a standard set of arms and armor. Each wear a sash with a white and blue pattern, probably related to the coat of arms for this noble, or related in some way to the trade guild to which Darin belongs.

The gates are both shut after admitting Darin who arrived by hansom cab which passed through.

In reply to GM (msg # 187):

Ok. Change of plans. I attempt to befriend Darin when next he shows up at the inn. I will go in well-kept workman's clothes, paying extra attention to detail in putting dirt and grease under my nails, making my hands look calloused, and generally looking like I am somebody who practices a trade but is mindful of his appearances.

My backstory will be that I am currently a hired hand, looking for a trade to learn with which I can pick myself up by my bootstraps and make something of myself. If he asks what skills I possess, I tell him that I get along well with others, have a good attention to detail, and have learned how to spot unscrupulous employers by watching for things like lip licking and mouth covering as signs of dishonesty, or even coin shaving.

Roll a persuasion check and a deception check, both with advantage.

In reply to GM (msg # 189):

20 for each.

Darin says, "I like you (rolled 2 vs your persuasion). I like your gumption. But I think there's more to you than you're letting on (natural 20 insight). I can always use more talented and likable friends, but I need you to shoot straight with me. What is it that you really want?"

In reply to GM (msg # 191):

Should I roll insight to see if I am also being played?

In reply to Fergan (msg # 192):


13:22, Today: Fergan rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  Modified Insight.

See text.

In reply to GM (msg # 194):

In low tones

"I'm looking for information, but you seem like a nice enough chap that I'm looking for information that some people might find distasteful or dangerous. My search for that information has led me to you, after asking around in some interesting quarters. Chances are, I ask you one question and then I leave because, frankly, this is a long shot, but I have to run down every possible opportunity I can or else I will always wonder.

I fish about in my coin pouch, making a bit of clinking noise and not being discrete about my reaching for it, and try to pull a "standard" gold piece without Darin seeing specifically what I am pulling out. I lay my hand flat on the table with the coin underneath and, without looking away from him, say:

"I just need you to answer one question. Under my hand is a coin. I won't tell you any more about it, so don't ask. If you say you've never seen it before, I leave and you never see me again. If you have, then I think we could both benefit greatly from a longer conversation. Look quickly, because I am putting it away as soon as you answer."

I watch him the whole time for being nervous and then, when I lift the coin and it is "normal" I watch for signs of relief. If he shows neither nerves nor relief, I want to then say: "Well done. Here's the real coin." and show him the real one.

He watches the display with curiosity and no sign of nervousness, indicating it is a normal coin. When you show him the other coin, a look of recognition crosses his face, but not fear or nervousness. He says, "You must be an investigator, no? Well, I think I know what this is about. A friend, well, friend of a friend, really, came to me for help. You must have a contact who told you I have been exchanging his coins. But to tell you the truth, he has outstayed his welcome, putting my servants on edge. I have also heard rumors of some disturbances at his father's house.

"I will tell you what I know. He told me that he was staying at an inn which came under some curse, but that he was away when it happened. He fears that his proximity and survivorship will cast scandal on his house, so he wanted a place to lay low until he could contact his father and communicate with the authorities in a discrete manner.

"I do not wish to be involved in any scandal either, and do not wish to be investigated. If you can arrange that, I will have a longer conversation. Otherwise, all I know about coins like that is that I won some in a game of street dice, I cannot recall when or where."

In reply to GM (msg # 196):

I nod.

"Apologies for the subterfuge," I say sincerely. "You seemed trustworthy right away, but it is a dangerous world."

I describe the lordling and, if the description matches, I put the coin away and say:

"Your house guest is in my debt and I have come to collect. However, I believe he will resort to violence again--yes, again--if he finds out his location has been discovered.

While he is safe in your home and the investigation into the events at the inn--you have heard about those, correct?--anyway, while the investigation is on-going and he is safe at your home, I think you are all safe enough....though....let me ask you....have any of your servants quit or failed to show up for work unexpectedly?"

"In any event, I need to know his comings and goings, if he comes and goes, and where he finally leaves for when he leaves. I can try to get the investigation to wind down, which will hopefully entice him to leave your home. If you are able to create a reason for you to need to know where and how to contact him, we will use that information to apprehend him away from your residence and your name will be well out of it. If you cannot come up with a reason, we will need to come up with something else. Your confidentiality will be maintained as my informant--I guarantee it."

He frowns at your words. "You seem very sure about his guilt. At this point I only care to disentangle myself. If he is a danger to my servants, then I am willing to endure some scrutiny to be rid of him. No, none of them have gone missing or quit. He does not leave the premises, that I know of.

"I would like him to leave. I was close to telling him that his time at my house has come to an end, but you have harrowed up my fears. I would not like to wait any longer if it puts me or anyone else in my house in danger.

"What do you think of this: I will tell him that I will be leaving to my rural estate. The activity associated with packing and leaving should encourage his departure. If nothing else, I will not allow him to stay at my vacant house.

"Tell me, how dangerous is this man?"

In reply to GM (msg # 198):

"He is dangerous enough that my preferred course of action is to catch him unawares within your walls and to apprehend him with a show of overwhelming force. If you were not so averse to a public display, I would leave to bring assistance at once.

As it is, I'd like you to come with me to explain the circumstances to those who can help. If we were to use the ruse that you have proposed, I fear that he could be lost in the hustle and bustle of the departure, as he has already managed to escape a number of chaotic situations to this point. I believe he has some means of evading detection that is aided by chaos--perhaps a penchant for disguises or something similar.

Are you expected back by a certain hour? How long are you typically away from your home on this type of jaunt. We have to assume that he is on high-alert for abnormalities and will turn rabbit at the first sign of trouble, which your unusual absence would be."

My daily routine is not consistent. I attend to business as needed.

I will go with you to talk with whomever you'd like.